Joe Jonas ON: The Fear of Failing & How to Find Courage to Leave Your Comfort Zone

How do you find peace daily? What keeps you going in hard times? Today, Jay sits down with Madonna for a rare and intimate conversation that goes beyond her iconic career into the spiritual foundation that has carried her through life’s greatest challenges. For nearly 30 years, Madonna has walked a spiritual path that has shaped her resilience, fueled her creativity, and defined her sense of purpose. Madonna opens up about what first drew her to seek deeper meaning, the practices that became her lifeline, and why she believes spirituality has been the true key to her strength, longevity, and fulfillment. Together, Jay and Madonna dive into themes of transformation, the search for meaning in suffering, the freedom that comes with radical acceptance, and the power of forgiveness to heal our deepest wounds. Madonna shares the moments that tested her most, from loss and betrayal to near-death experiences, and how each challenge became an opening for growth when she chose to see it through the lens of purpose rather than punishment. In the second half of the conversation, Jay and Madonna are joined by her longtime Kabbalah teacher, Eitan, for a powerful exploration of spiritual wisdom in action. They discuss why our struggles and inner battles are essential for growth, and how to reframe challenges as opportunities to reveal greater light. Eitan offers practical tools, from pausing and embracing discomfort to practicing “certainty beyond logic,” to help us find strength in life’s most difficult moments. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Build a Spiritual Practice How to Find Meaning in Suffering How to Escape the Victim Mentality How to Practice Radical Acceptance How to Forgive and Let Go How to Manifest with Consciousness How to Teach Kids Spiritual Awareness How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others How to Discover Your Soul’s Purpose Every one of us will face moments of doubt, loss, or uncertainty, but those moments are not the end of our story, they are invitations to grow into something greater. The challenges we experience are not punishments but lessons, guiding us back to our true selves. 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. Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast Explore the deep spiritual study of Kabbalah with Madonna’s new course, ‘The Mystical Studies of the Zohar’ together with her teacher Eitan Yardeni at www.kabbalah.com What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 00:44 Beginning a Spiritual Journey 02:41 Choosing Your Spiritual Path 08:26 Breath, Yoga, and Inner Peace 17:40 Do You Need Spirituality to Be Successful? 20:29 Channeling Art Through Spirit 24:56 Transcending Trauma and Pain 27:56 Life Beyond Money and Material Success 30:30 Motherhood as a Spiritual Calling 33:07 The Gift of Being Different 35:54 Teaching Kids Spiritual Awareness 40:37 Showing Up Through the Struggle 42:37 Facing the Enemy Within 48:54 Escaping the Victim Mentality 50:23 How We Abandon Ourselves 54:36 Breaking Free From Self-Pity 56:16 Manifestation with Consciousness 01:01:24 Finding Strength in Community 01:05:53 The Weight of Words and Actions 01:08:57 Letting Go of Hate and Grudges 01:19:44 The Wisdom of Kabbalah 01:21:40 How Madonna Discovered Kabbalah 01:27:25 Unlocking the Secrets of Life Through Spirituality 01:30:55 The Inner Battle With Toxic Thoughts 01:38:02 A Mother’s Deepest Fear 01:40:09 Learning to Accept Help 01:42:02 Freeing Yourself from Harsh Judgment 01:46:31 Four Steps to Inner Strength 01:53:13 Practicing Trust Beyond Logic 01:56:35 Finding Lessons In Life’s Pain 02:02:12 Releasing the Need to Control 02:04:06 Raising Spiritually Grounded Children 02:07:08 Why Overgiving Hurts Kids 02:10:01 The Dangers of Instant Gratification 02:12:06 What Is Your Soul’s Purpose? Episode Resources: Madonna | Website Madonna | Instagram Madonna | Facebook Madonna | YouTube Madonna | X Madonna | FlickrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

29 Sep 2h 16min

Have you ever felt taken for granted by a friend? Do you find yourself always making the effort? Today, Jay dives into the delicate line between real and fake friendships, revealing the subtle cues that help us identify who truly has our best interests at heart. He explains that genuine friends honor your boundaries, celebrate your authenticity, and encourage your growth, while superficial friends may pressure you into compliance, keep score, gossip, or feel threatened by your success. Drawing on psychological insights around attachment styles, envy, and social debt, Jay highlights how friendship dynamics are less about labeling people as good or bad, and more about recognizing behaviors that either uplift or drain us. Jay reminds us that true friendship is grounded in honesty, generosity, and shared growth. Real friends don’t keep score, they celebrate your wins as their own and stand beside you through every change. Most importantly, Jay challenges us to reflect on how we show up for others, emphasizing that being a genuine friend requires patience, compassion, and courage. This conversation isn’t just about recognizing fake friends; it’s about becoming the kind of friend who makes others feel seen, valued, and safe. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Spot a Fake Friend How to Protect Your Boundaries How to Handle Envy in Friendships How to Know If You’re “Too Much” or “Not Enough” How to Build Friendships That Grow With You How to Be a Real Friend When we surround ourselves with people who celebrate our growth, and choose to show up for others in the same way, we build friendships that not only endure but also bring out the best in who we are meant to become. 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. Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:07 Are Your Friendships Genuine? 02:20 #1: Watch How They Handle Your Boundaries 08:50 #2: Are They Keeping Score? 12:39 #3: Share Your Good News and See How They React 17:48 #4: Do They Make You Feel Like You're ‘Too Much?’ 19:43 #5: Observe How They Talk About Others 23:04 #6: Do They Want the Best From You or For You?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

26 Sep 26min

Do you think fame makes people happy? Would you give up money for peace of mind? Today, Jay sits down with Emma Watson, actress, activist, and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, for a rare and deeply personal conversation. Beloved around the world as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter films, Emma has since become a powerful voice for gender equality and sustainability. In this exclusive interview, Emma reflects on her decision to step away from Hollywood and shares how time for study and self-discovery has allowed her to redefine success, find fulfillment, and reclaim her voice. Emma shares the challenges of growing up in the public eye, carrying enormous responsibility from such a young age, and the courage it took to step back from a thriving career to prioritize her health and personal growth. She reflects on how fame blurred the lines between who she was and the roles she played, and how learning to embrace vulnerability, discomfort, and imperfection has become central to her growth. Together, Jay and Emma explore the power of speaking truth with kindness, the importance of creating art from personal experience, and why building authentic relationships rooted in honesty and care matters more than any external achievement. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Be Honest With Yourself How to Learn From Discomfort How to Embrace Failure as a Starting Point How to Separate Who You Are From What You Do How to Build Truly Supportive Friendships How to Step Away While Staying True to Yourself How to Speak Truth With Kindness How to Live Aligned With Your Values Every day is a chance to pause, return to what matters most, and take even the smallest step toward living with honesty and purpose. You’re allowed to evolve, to begin again, and to create a life that feels whole and meaningful, one choice, one conversation, one 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. Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:35 Choosing to Show Up for Yourself 05:50 Designing a Life You Truly Enjoy 09:09 Admitting When Life is Challenging 11:06 Rediscovering the Joy of Learning 17:27 Why Discomfort Can Be Your Greatest Teacher 21:13 Taking Accountability With Grace and Courage 23:10 Sensitivity as Your Superpower 26:16 Lessons From a Nontraditional Childhood 30:38 Do You Still Need the Spotlight? 34:16 The Healing Power of Taking a Pause 41:38 Living Under Intense Public Pressure 44:55 Living Between Two Worlds 49:15 How Did You Become Hermione? 54:03 Separating Self From the Role You Play 57:54 The Hidden Cost of Never Slowing Down 01:07:40 Dating is Complicated For Everyone! 01:09:57 Revealing the Real You to Others 01:11:44 Emma’s One-Woman Play 01:20:08 What is Real Love? 01:26:27 Finding Love Beyond the Fantasy 01:32:35 Facing the Question: Why Are You Not Married Yet? 01:38:47 Trust Versus Telling the Truth 01:41:29 Choosing Partnership, Not Obligation 01:44:56 Asking Yourself the Hard Questions 01:48:25 How Fame Reshapes Everyday Life 01:51:44 What Did It Really Take to Step Away? 01:56:45 Learning to Trust Your Inner Voice 02:00:21 Loving Yourself Without Judgment 02:05:45 Finding Acceptance in Community 02:08:00 What Makes a Real Friend? 02:13:58 What Work Are You Avoiding? 02:32:20 Honoring the People Who Shape Us 02:44:01 Remembering Our Shared Humanity Episode Resources: Emma Watson | Instagram Emma Watson | FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

24 Sep 2h 38min

Do you ever feel lost? What usually helps you find your way back? Today, Jay sits down with @HealthyGamerGG (Dr. K), psychiatrist, meditation teacher, and author of How to Raise a Healthy Gamer, for an eye-opening conversation about why so many young people feel lost and disconnected in today’s world. Together, they uncover the hidden struggles millions face: loneliness, confusion, and the constant pressure of feeling “behind in life,” even when everything looks fine on the outside. Dr. K shares how shifting milestones and rising societal pressures have fueled an epidemic of uncertainty, leaving many to question their worth, direction, and identity. Together, Jay and Dr. examine how ego, technology, and external expectations shape the way we see ourselves. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and Eastern philosophy, Dr. K explains how the constant search for validation traps us in cycles of comparison and self-criticism. He offers practical tools for breaking free, learning to tell the difference between “thinking about yourself” and truly “paying attention to yourself,” observing emotions without attaching heavy meaning to them, and discovering peace in stillness. This conversation is a powerful reminder that the way out of overwhelm isn’t found in doing or achieving more, but in cultivating clarity and connection within. They dive into the challenges of masculinity, purpose, relationships, and the many forms of modern addiction, from pornography to overwork. Dr. K emphasizes that true healing begins with embracing discomfort, processing the emotions we’ve long avoided, and choosing our own values rather than living by society’s script. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Overcome a Quarter-Life Crisis How to Tell The Difference Between Identity and Identification How to Stop Feeling Behind in Life How to Pay Attention Instead of Overthinking How to Quiet the Ego’s Voice How to Process Painful Emotions Safely How to Build Healthier Relationships with Boundaries How to Reduce the Grip of Technology on Your Mind Growth doesn’t come from racing toward milestones or comparing yourself to others, but from learning to pause, pay attention, and listen to what’s happening within. Every challenge you face can be a doorway to deeper clarity, resilience, and peace. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:08 Are You Having a Quarter-Life Crisis? 06:58 Why You Really Feel Behind in Life 12:35 Thinking About Yourself vs. Paying Attention to Yourself 15:45 Discovering the True Source of Suffering 20:35 Why Chasing Growth Isn’t Real Growth 23:54 Remember You Always Have a Choice 28:50 How to Stop Living for Others’ Opinions 36:00 The Brain’s Natural Ability to Heal 37:29 Learning to Let Go of Ego 43:07 Living in a World Where People Feel Replaceable 46:06 Why Is Modern Dating So Difficult? 51:41 It’s Never Too Late to Turn Your Life Around 54:40 What is True Masculinity Today? 59:57 Common Challenges Women Face Today 01:06:45 Rising from Judgment to Understanding 01:14:04 How to Become a Better Partner 01:17:25 There’s Not Just One Path to Growth 01:28:55 How Emotions Shape Your Behavior 01:37:07 The Hidden Root of Pornography Addiction 01:39:50 The Harmful Effects of Pornography 01:41:46 Steps to Prevent Pornography Addiction 01:43:48 Making Better Choices That Lead to Purpose 01:48:44 Paying Attention Within to Find Clarity 01:51:46 Dissolving Ego Through Service 01:56:02 Dr. K on Final Five Episode Resources: Check out more from Dr.K on the HealthyGamerGG Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/6VaJwyS2KXxiXqR77jqzmP?si=2fbfbaece86441a4 Dr. K | Website Dr. K | YouTube Dr. K | Instagram Dr. K | X Dr. K | Twitch Dr. K | TikTok Dr. K | LinkedIn How to Raise a Healthy Gamer: End Power Struggles, Break Bad Screen Habits, and Transform Your Relationship with Your KidsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

22 Sep 2h 3min

What’s the biggest shift you wish you’d made sooner? What advice would you give your younger self before 30? In this special reflection, Jay opens up about the lessons he wishes he’d known before turning 30, insights that could have spared him time, energy, and unnecessary stress. Now, at 38, he shares eight counterintuitive truths from psychology and human behavior that have reshaped the way he lives, loves, and works. From realizing that people think about us far less than we imagine, to understanding that burnout comes more from a lack of meaning than from long hours, Jay invites us to reexamine the subtle habits and hidden fears that quietly drain our lives. These aren’t just ideas, they’re practical tools to help you stop overthinking, release old fears, and make choices that align with the life you truly want. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to Rely on Discipline Over Motivation How to See Most Fears as Echoes of the Past How to Use Belonging to Fuel Lasting Change How to Prevent Burnout by Finding Meaning How to Stop Your Brain From Distorting the Future Growth isn’t about waiting for the “right” moment—it’s about shifting how we see ourselves and the choices we make daily. The lessons Jay shares are powerful reminders that every season, good or bad, is temporary, and that true peace comes from living a life of meaning, not perfection. 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. Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 00:55 Are They Really Thinking About You? 04:26 Being Busy Doesn’t Always Mean Productive 07:33 Depth Over Breadth 11:04 Discipline Is Easier Than Motivation 14:14 Fear Is Just the Past on Repeat 18:27 You Are Who You Surround Yourself With 23:14 Are You Experiencing Burnout?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

19 Sep 32min

Do you feel like you need to prove yourself? Who do you think you’re trying to impress? Today, Jay sits down with his close friend Lilly Singh for a transformative and deeply honest in-person conversation at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House in Denver. Known for being a trailblazer in digital media and late-night television, Lilly reflects on the hidden challenges behind being “the first”, from navigating cultural expectations to battling loneliness and self-doubt. Lilly shares how much of her early success was driven by the need to prove her worth to others, and how she is now shifting toward proving herself right instead of chasing outside validation. Together, Jay and Lilly explore the inner voices we all carry, from the critic to the voice of compassion, emphasizing the importance of practicing daily self-care to balance high standards with grace. Lilly shares her personal rituals such as journaling, naming her inner voices, and reframing failure as growth, while Jay emphasizes the transformative power of reflecting on the past as proof of resilience. Together, they remind us that even in moments of pressure and imperfection, we are not defined by our accomplishments but by the person we are becoming. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Turn Failure Into Growth How to Quiet Your Inner Critic How to Practice Daily Self-Compassion How to Live with Your Inner Voices How to Stop Chasing Outside Validation Every challenge you’ve faced so far has proven that you are stronger than you think, and every step forward is a reminder that you are capable of creating a life that feels true to you. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 03:20 Growing Up Without Options 09:28 Realizing You Always Have a Choice 17:37 Committing to a Life of Growth 19:01 Learning to Stop Self-Blame 21:56 Breaking Free from Unrealistic Standards 27:55 Why Good Enough Is Enough 31:26 Living Alongside Self-Criticism 36:47 You Are More Than What You Do 41:32 Finding Strength in Past Resilience 44:42 Proving to Yourself You Can 48:25 Why Women Aren’t Taught About Their Bodies 52:40 Past, Present, and Future Reflections 59:39 Friendship That Stands the Test of Time Episode Resources: Lilly Singh | YouTube Lilly Singh | Instagram Lilly Singh | Facebook Lilly Singh | TikTok Lilly Singh | BooksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

17 Sep 1h 1min

Trigger Warning: Suicide & Self-Harm If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 (U.S.) or contact your local emergency services. Have you been feeling down lately? What’s been weighing on you the most? Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Matthew Nock, Harvard psychologist and one of the world’s foremost experts on suicide prevention, to unpack one of the most urgent and misunderstood issues of our time. Together, they dismantle common myths about suicide, revealing that it’s rarely about wanting life to end, but more often about escaping overwhelming pain. Drawing on decades of groundbreaking research, Matthew explains how suicidal thoughts take shape, why they don’t always lead to action, and how depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and social disconnection can shape someone’s experience. Jay and Matthew also look at how culture, gender, and age shape risk, uncovering why men are more likely to die by suicide, why adolescence is such a vulnerable stage, and how isolation later in life can intensify struggle. They examine the double edge of technology and AI, from the dangers of online bullying to the hopeful potential tools that can predict when someone may be most at risk. The conversation underscores the lifesaving power of open dialogue, especially between parents and children, while dispelling the myth that asking about suicide will put the idea in someone’s mind. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Talk About Suicide Without Fear How to Support a Friend in Crisis How to Spot Risk Factors in Adolescents How to Create a Safety Plan at Home How to Use Technology Safely for Mental Health How to Break the Stigma Around Suicide How to Strengthen Hope and Connection You are not alone, and your presence in this world carries more value than you may realize. Hold on to hope, and know that even in the darkest moments, there are pathways toward light, growth, and renewal. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 03:13 Why Mental Health Conversations Are Limited 04:24 Suicide Awareness Saves Lives! 05:09 Debunking the Biggest Myths About Suicide 06:02 What the Data Really Reveals About Suicide Rates 08:40 Understanding the Stages of Suicidal Thoughts 12:06 Who Is Most at Risk for Suicide? 16:55 How Men and Women Differ in Suicide Risk 18:30 Why Adolescence Brings Higher Risk 20:02 Should We Teach Suicide Awareness in Schools? 22:19 The Promise and Perils of AI in Mental Health 26:06 Why Good Intentions Aren’t Enough 27:36 Bullying Is Still a Serious Risk 30:03 Why Parents Should Talk About Suicide with Their Children 33:57 What If Kids Don’t Want to Talk About It? 36:40 What Steps Should You Take Next? 38:52 Why Men Are More Likely to Die by Suicide 42:06 Why Science Must Guide Suicide Prevention 44:02 New Mothers Experience With Suicidal Thoughts 46:01 Most Effective Therapies For Suicide Prevention 47:53 Do Suicide Survivors Regret Their Attempts? 49:23 How Mental Disorders Increase Risk 50:07 Can We Predict When Someone Will Act on a Suicidal Thought? 52:39 Predicting Who’s at Risk And When 54:00 The Shame Around Suicidal Thoughts 55:41 Careers Linked to Higher Suicide Risk 57:50 Losing a Close Friend to Suicide 59:41 How Do You Begin to Heal After a Loss? 01:01:29 The Impact of Losing Someone to Suicide 01:02:55 You Are Never a Burden 01:04:30 How to Use Social Media Safely and Responsibly 01:06:05 Suicide Is Rarely Sudden, It Builds Over Time 01:07:48 The Future of Suicide Prevention Episode Resources: Matthew Nock | X Nock LabSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

15 Sep 1h 11min

Do you find it hard to decide? What usually makes it hard for you? Today, Jay dives into two of the biggest roadblocks that keep us from living the life we want: overthinking and procrastination. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on a decision for weeks, second-guessing every choice, or waiting for the “perfect” moment to act, you’re not alone. Jay reminds us that chasing absolute certainty, readiness, or approval often leaves us standing still. The reality is, confidence comes from taking action, not the other way around, and real transformation rarely feels comfortable. Jay breaks down the seven steps to making smarter, faster, and more aligned decisions. You’ll learn to protect your mental energy by reducing decision fatigue, sort decisions so you stop treating small choices like life-or-death moments, and learn to trust your emotions before engaging logic. Jay introduces practical tools like the 10/10/10 game to shift your focus from short-term impulses to long-term clarity, regret simulations that guide you to choose integrity over fear, and identity questions that align your decisions with the person you want to become. Above all, Jay shows that the quickest way to reduce anxiety is not certainty, but action. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to Clear the Mental Clutter to Make Better Decisions How to Tell the Difference Between Big & Small Decisions How to Trust Your First Instinct Without Regret How to Stop Letting Fear Make Your Choices How to Stop Hesitating and Start Moving Forward No matter what decision is weighing on you right now, remember this: indecision is still a decision, and staying stuck costs more than trying and getting it wrong. Take the next step, not when you’re ready, but so you can be ready. 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. What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Stop Overthinking, Catch The Noise! 03:38 How Often Do You Make Decisions? 06:08 Tip: Make Big Decisions Early In The Day 07:23 Label Decisions Based On Importance 13:32 Feel First Then Think 16:20 Label Your Emotions & Decide With Clarity 17:54 10-10-10 Rule 18:57 Regret Simulation 20:27 The 3 Identity Questions 21:50 Decide Then Move ForwardSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

12 Sep 23min