5 Ways To Prepare For A Marriage and Not Just a Wedding (Even If You’re Married)

Can you remember the first time you felt truly in charge of your own decisions? What’s one thing you picked up from your family that you wish you could unlearn? In this heartfelt episode, Jay Shetty sits down with former First Lady Michelle Obama and her brother, coach and mentor Craig Robinson, for an intimate conversation centered around family, resilience, and the lasting impact of love and connection. Michelle and Craig reminisce about the powerful values instilled by their parents, a deep sense of independence and unwavering family loyalty. Even through financial struggles, their parents cultivated a home filled with trust and safety, making it clear that family would always be a source of strength. Memories of birthdays around the kitchen table, houses bustling with extended relatives, and the steady presence of grandparents and cousins all contributed to a lifelong sense of belonging and support that continues to influence their lives. As they journeyed into adulthood, both Michelle and Craig relied on therapy, genuine friendships, and a strong community to help them face life’s transitions, grief, and the many complexities of growing up. Michelle shares how seeking guidance and embracing self-reflection, especially during moments of change, has been central to her personal growth, demonstrating the value of openness, adaptability, and continuous learning throughout every stage of life. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Foster Family Unity During Tough Times How to Nurture Independence in Children How to Unlearn Limiting Beliefs from Your Upbringing How to Create Safe Spaces for Honest Conversations How to Teach Empathy Through Parenting How to Balance Protection and Freedom as a Parent How to Normalize Therapy and Emotional Support Their conversation is a moving testament to the impact of compassion, authenticity, and purposeful living, a reminder that life’s greatest challenges can be met with empathy, courage, and hope. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:00 The Kind of Love Only Siblings Understand 04:15 What was the First Secret You Shared With Each Other? 09:53 Raised To Be Independent Children In A Loving Community 14:55 How Different Generations Celebrate Birthdays 17:00 How to Unlearn Your Inner Fears 19:47 The Fear Of What Could Happen Can Hinder Personal Growth 25:28 What a Childhood Encounter with Police Taught Me About Bias 29:35 Being Judged By The Color Of Your Skin 31:54 Racism Is Still An Issue 34:07 How to Raise Resilient Children 35:59 Don't Make Assumptions Based On Your Emotions 38:17 Don't Let Negative Thoughts Dictate Your Actions 40:48 The Power Of Good Parenting 48:41 How To Prioritize Being A Parent While Chasing Your Dreams 52:08 Parents Aren't Responsible For Their Children's Happiness 58:07 Focus On Cultivating Independence in Your Children 01:02:24 What Is Your Form Of Therapy? 01:11:08 Are You Doing Enough? 01:16:10 How To Become A Good Parent 01:37 What Would Your Mother Be Most Proud Of? Episode Resources: Michelle Obama | Instagram Michelle Obama | Facebook Michelle Obama | YouTube Michelle Obama | Books Obama Foundation The Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times Craig Robinson | Instagram Craig Robinson | X IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig RobinsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

28 Apr 1h 26min

When was the last time you actually put yourself first, no matter what anyone else thought? Have you ever felt a wave of guilt just for trying to set boundaries and protect your peace? Today, Jay dives into a powerful idea: letting go of the responsibilities that were never really yours to begin with. So many of us carry the weight of other people’s expectations, emotions, and opinions — and it leaves us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and disconnected from ourselves. Jay unpacks how we often take on things like managing how others feel or trying to live up to impossible standards, and how doing that can block us from real freedom, creativity, and growth. Throughout the episode, Jay reinforces the message that boundaries are not selfish but necessary for healthy relationships and self-respect. He reminds us that our worth isn’t something we have to earn by meeting expectations or chasing approval. When we stop trying to control things that aren’t really ours to manage, life feels lighter, more real, and full of possibility. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Stop Absorbing Other People’s Emotions How to Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations How to Support Others Without Fixing Their Problems How to Maintain Your Own Emotional Balance How to Prioritize Your Well-Being Over Pleasing Others Remember, life becomes lighter when you let go of what was never yours to carry. No matter what challenges you face, trust that you are enough just as you are, and you have the strength to live authentically. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 00:47 Stop Carrying What’s Not Yours to Fix 02:34 #1: You’re Not Responsible for Other People’s Feelings 07:33 #2: You’re Not Responsible for How Other People See You 15:05 #3: You’re Not Responsible for Fixing Other People’s Problems 19:38 #4: You’re Not Responsible for Meeting Others’ Expectations 24:35 #5: You’re Not Responsible for How Other People Treat YouSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Apr 32min

What usually makes you feel anxious? How do you calm yourself when you’re worried? Today, Jay welcomes back for the third time, his good friend Humble the Poet. This time Jay and Humble unpack the rich wisdom from his latest book, Unlearned: 50 Simple Truths to Help Overthinkers Feel Less Stress and More Calm. Their candid, soulful dialogue offers a compassionate exploration of anxiety, emotional resilience, and personal growth. Humble begins by reframing anxiety not as a condition to be cured, but as a signal for deeper self awareness. Rather than diagnosing anxious feelings, he encourages listeners to build a new relationship with anxiety, one rooted in curiosity, compassion, and personal empowerment. Through engaging stories and honest reflections, Humble emphasizes that anxiety often arises when our minds overestimate threats and underestimate our own capabilities. Humble emphasizes that managing anxiety isn't about eliminating it, but about strengthening our ability to face it, while building resilience through consistent, courageous actions. Humble recounts his raw and personal experience of how familial expectations and childhood coping mechanisms continue to shape adult anxieties. Together, they talk through setting boundaries with loved ones, not as acts of rebellion, but as invitations for healthier relationships. Humble poignantly differentiates between true guilt and people-pleasing, and how the latter can sabotage our sense of self. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Reframe Anxiety as a Signal, Not a Problem How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt How to Turn Curiosity Into Courage How to Stop People-Pleasing and Start Honoring Yourself How to Get Comfortable With Uncertainty How to Find Belonging Instead of Forcing Fit-In Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in old patterns, or simply curious about how to manage anxiety differently, this episode is a compassionate and energizing guide to becoming “Unanxious”, one empowering truth at a time. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 03:03 Anxiety Doesn’t Need to Be Fixed But Understood 04:36 Understanding Anxiety Starts with Listening to Yourself 07:03 Curiosity is The Bravest Response to Fear 12:55 You Need to Get Comfortable with the Uncomfortable 15:04 You’re More Capable Than You Think 17:46 When Home Is Where Anxiety Begins 22:41 Get Clear With Your Boundaries First 25:47 Stop Abandoning Yourself to Be Liked 28:34 Supporting an Anxious Friend with Compassion 32:24 We All Have Different Seasons of Strength 35:59 You Feel Anxious, You Are Not Anxious 39:14 Perfectionism Is the Art of Spotting Flaws 43:58 No More Excuses, It’s Time to Show Up 48:21 Facing the Weight of Existential Anxiety 54:21 Go Where You’re Aligned, Not Just Accepted 56:46 A Broken Heart Can Still Be Wide Open 59:57 Let Go of Stress That Doesn’t Belong to You 01:04:11 Don’t Wish for Easy, Build for Resilience 01:06:11 Fall in Love with the Process 01:08:30 Change Is Not the Enemy, Avoidance Is Episode Resources: Humble the Poet | Website Humble the Poet | Instagram Humble the Poet | Facebook Humble the Poet | YouTube Humble the Poet | X Unanxious: 50 Simple Truths to Help Overthinkers Feel Less Stress and More CalmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

23 Apr 1h 12min

Do you ever feel like you're just going through the motions? Do you ever feel lonely even when you're around people? Today, Jay welcomes back the legendary Deepak Chopra after six years, to discuss the unexpected intersection of spirituality and artificial intelligence. Together they unpack the beautiful blend of ancient wisdom and cutting-edge innovation. Jay reflects on his first meeting with Deepak and how their bond has evolved over the years. The conversation quickly flows into one of the most fascinating questions of our time: Can AI actually support our spiritual growth, rather than distract from it? Deepak shares his insights on the mysteries of the universe, the unseen forces that shape our reality, and why he believes consciousness, not matter, is the foundation of everything. Jay and Deepak break down the fears surrounding AI, from misinformation to war, and why it’s so important for us to grow spiritually alongside our technology. They explore how storytelling, creativity, and love are deeply human qualities that no machine can replicate, and how we can use these gifts to shape a better, more compassionate world. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Ask AI Better Questions to Unlock Wisdom How to Use Technology to Support Emotional and Physical Healing How to Find Purpose Through the Art of Storytelling How to Train AI to Reflect Inclusivity and Diversity How to Embrace Consciousness as the Foundation of Reality How to Create a Sacred Relationship with Technology Deepak reminds us that the answers we’re looking for often begin with a better question. And with the right mindset, even the most advanced technology can become a tool for inner transformation and collective healing. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:41 What If the Universe Is Just a Giant Digital Simulation? 12:36 How to Train AI to Unlock Ancient and Hidden Knowledge 13:39 Blending AI and Spirituality to Understand Consciousness 18:23 Could AI Really Lead to Human Extinction? 22:34 What’s Actually Holding Humanity Back From Progress? 23:37 How the Human Brain Transformed Over Time 26:11 The 2 Things That Set Humans Apart From All Other Species 27:16 Can Technology Lead Us to True Peace and Prosperity? 28:10 Will AI Replace Our Jobs or Unlock Human Creativity? 30:46 Do You Think AI Can Ever Have a Soul? 31:45 The Gender and Racial Bias Hidden in AI Systems 32:33 How to Build More Inclusive and Equitable AI Models 33:32 Why a Shared Vision Can Solve Any Problem We Face 36:13 Would You Trust AI to Know You Personally? 36:57 How You can Use AI to Get Better Sleep 37:29 Can AI Actually Give You Good Relationship Advice? 38:07 How AI Can Help You Find and Nurture Love 38:29 Why Personal Growth Solutions Should Never Be Generic 39:41 Your DNA Holds the Footprints of Human History 42:33 Rethinking the Big Bang: What Science Still Can’t Explain 44:31 Is Everything You See Just a Projection? 47:48 Why Fear of the Unknown Limits Our Growth 48:52 Want Better Answers? Ask Better Questions 51:41 The True Secret to Longevity Isn’t What You Think 54:30 How Your Brain Turns Experience Into Reality 55:08 Why Consciousness Is Still Life’s Greatest Mystery 56:28 The First Question You Should Always Ask AI 58:38 How ChatGPT Can Spark Deeper, More Intelligent Questions Episode Resources: Deepak Chopra | Website Deepak Chopra | Instagram Deepak Chopra | TikTok Deepak Chopra | Facebook Deepak Chopra | YouTube Deepak Chopra | X Digital Dharma: How AI Can Elevate Spiritual Intelligence and Personal Well-BeingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

21 Apr 1h 4min

Do you ever feel stuck in the same dating patterns? Do you think your past relationship is still affecting you? Today, Jay unpacks the powerful and often hidden influence our past relationships have on our current dating pattern. Drawing from psychological research and personal reflection, Jay explores the concept of repetition compulsion—the unconscious tendency to recreate emotional patterns from our past, especially in romantic relationships. He reveals how our early attachments, particularly those with our parents and first loves, shape the way we love, what we fear, and even who we are drawn to. With compassion and clarity, Jay outlines the five key signs that your ex—or more accurately, your past relationship wounds—might still be holding the steering wheel in your current dating life. He then re-introduces the attachment theory, helping them identify their own attachment styles—whether anxious, avoidant, or secure—and how these styles play out in their romantic behaviors. His message is clear: you are not broken, you are patterned—and patterns can be changed. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Recognize When Your Past Is Sabotaging Your Love Life How to Break the Cycle of Repeating Unhealthy Relationship Patterns How to Tell the Difference Between Familiarity and Safety How to Avoid Self-Sabotaging Healthy Relationships How to Reparent Yourself and Meet Your Own Emotional Needs This episode is both a compassionate wake-up call and a hopeful guide for anyone seeking to build healthier, more fulfilling love. Whether you're recovering from a breakup or simply ready to stop repeating the past, this is the episode that could shift everything. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:16 How Past Relationships Shape Your Dating Future 02:39 We Recreate Familiar Emotional Patterns In New Relationships 09:18 Five Signs Your Past Relationship Is Affecting You 12:09 What Are The Different Types Of Attachment Styles? 22:35 The Path To Earned SecuritySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Apr 27min

Have you ever had a hard goodbye with someone you cared about? What’s one thing you wish you’d said to someone you lost? Today, Jay sits down with Kate Cassidy, partner to Liam Payne — internationally beloved artist and former One Direction member — who tragically passed away in October. Kate opens up about the profound impact of losing her partner, the weight of grief, and how she’s learning to move forward. From their chance meeting in Charleston while she was working as a waitress to the whirlwind of building a life together, Kate reflects on the joy, the challenges, and the deep emotional connection they shared. Kate expresses the emotional weight of being in the public eye, the toll of online criticism, and the realities of loving someone navigating mental health and addiction. She recounts the beauty in their every day routines, the balance they brought to each other’s lives, and the small, intimate moments that built the foundation of their relationship. Kate speaks candidly about the day she received the devastating news of Liam’s passing and the days that followed, marked by shock, numbness, and a grief unlike any other. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Support a Partner Struggling with Mental Health How to Handle Grief After Losing a Loved One How to Create Daily Routines That Support Healing How to Find Strength When You Feel Powerless How to Set Boundaries While Being a Caregiver How to Keep Moving Forward When Life Changes Overnight Kate's vulnerability is a powerful reminder that grief doesn’t follow a straight path — and that even in life’s most painful moments, there is space for love, learning, and hope. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:32 How is Kate Really Doing? 03:59 Kate Reveals Her Childhood Crush on Liam 07:19 The Moment They Met, The Connection Was Instant 09:40 The Beginning of Their Fairytale Romance 11:50 What It Takes to Build Real, Lasting Love 12:56 Staying Grounded Amidst Fame & Public Scrutiny 15:31 What Liam Taught Kate About Blocking Out the Noise 18:54 Liam’s Quiet Struggles With Mental Health 22:19 The Reality of Loving Someone Battling Addiction 30:05 How Kate Received the News That Would Change Her Life Forever 36:09 Kate Shares Her Final Heartfelt Goodbye With Liam 39:43 The Emotional Support That Got Her Through The First Days 44:05 No One Prepares You for This Kind of Loss 45:11 How Kate Learned to Breathe Again Through the Grief 54:44 Rebuilding Life After Loss One Day At a Time 56:39 Kate Reads a Love Letter From Liam 01:02:59 The Power of Collective Grief: How Liam’s Fans Helped Kate Feel Less Alone 01:06:52 Losing Someone Feels Like Losing a Part of Yourself 01:10:25 Why Talking About Your Grief Helps You Heal Episode Resources: Kate Cassidy | Instagram Kate Cassidy | TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

16 Apr 1h 11min

How often do you work out? What’s been the biggest challenge in your fitness journey so far? In today’s episode, Jay sits down with Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon and researcher specializing in active aging and longevity. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay feeling youthful as you age, lose stubborn fat, and improve your sleep,, this conversation is packed with life changing insights. Jay and Dr. Wright start by debunking the myth that aging is an inevitable decline. Dr. Wright explains how lifestyle choices in your 20s and 30s directly impact how you feel in your 40s, 50s, and beyond. They dive into how excess fat, especially around the belly, isn’t just about appearance—it’s a sign of inflammation that accelerates aging. Dr. Wright shares how movement, muscle mass, and diet play a crucial role in fat loss and energy levels. They also explore the powerful body-brain connection. Dr. Wright breaks down how physical activity releases key proteins that protect the brain from cognitive decline and diseases like dementia. Jay and Dr. Wright discuss how poor sleep can sabotage fat loss, slow down recovery, and disrupt hormones—leading to more cravings, weight gain, and reduced longevity. In this interview, you'll learn: How fat storage impacts aging and energy levels. The critical role of sleep in weight loss and brain function. How movement and muscle mass keep you youthful. How lifestyle choices in your 30s affect long-term health. Why fitness-based friendships can improve your health. If you want to stay sharp, maintain a healthy weight, and build lasting habits that help you thrive for decades, this episode gives you the tools to start now. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free Monk Mode newsletter. Subscribe here. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:43 Your Perception Of Aging Is A Myth 05:31 Develop Healthy Habits in Your 20s 10:07 Why Your Sleep Can Fall Apart in Midlife 16:58 Can You Restock Years Of Not Sleeping? 22:09 Sleep Deprivation is Sabotaging Your Weight Loss 26:45 The Weight Loss Formula That Actually Works 36:04 There Is A Difference Between Being Healthy & Fit 43:13 Fitness Is A Great Way To Connect 46:17 How To Lose Stubborn Belly Fat 55:30 The Body Brain Connection is Integral to 1:01:39 Don’t Make Excuses to Start Making Changes In Your Life 1:04:24 Mobility is One of the Most Important Skills for Aging Well 1:09:51 Break Free from Your Limiting Beliefs 1:17:15 Vonda Wright on Final 5 Episode Resources: Vonda Wright| Website Vonda Wright| YouTube Vonda Wright| Linkedin Vonda Wright| Instagram Vonda Wright| Facebook Vonda Wright| TiktokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

14 Apr 1h 26min

Do you find it hard to make new friends lately? Have your friendships changed as you've gotten older? Why does making new friends as an adult feel like running a marathon with no finish line? Today, Jay takes us on a thoughtful journey into the world of adult friendships — where connections aren’t forged on playgrounds or dorm rooms anymore, but instead in between meetings, family commitments, and the weight of life’s expectations. Jay peels back the layers of why forming new bonds can feel so exhausting as we grow older. He reveals how our changing priorities, unhealed wounds, and limited energy all shape how — and with whom — we connect. With warmth and wisdom, he invites us to explore what true friendship really looks like in adulthood, and why it’s less about quantity and more about alignment, presence, and purpose. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Let Go of Friendships That No Longer Serve You How to Stop Forcing Deep Bonds Too Quickly How to Approach Friendship with Curiosity Instead of Expectation How to Stay Open to New Relationships at Any Age How to Cultivate Meaningful Conversations that Matter Friendships don’t have to be instant to be real. Trust that the right connections will meet you when you show up as your authentic self. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there! What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:39 This Is The Core Traits Of Real Friends 05:55 Why Making Friends Gets Exhausting As We Age? 09:53 Age Makes You More Doubtful 13:01 With Age, You Become More Selective 17:28 Why Do We Do Things More When There’s Less Friction? 20:38 Be Honest And Tell The People You Want To Build Friendship With 23:58 Find Your Person at Work And Invest In Genuine FriendshipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11 Apr 25min