On Purpose with Jay Shetty

What’s the hardest part about letting go?

What helped you start healing after that?

Today, Jay sits down with Grammy Award–winning artist Cardi B for a rare and intimate conversation that reveals the woman behind the spotlight. From an early age, Cardi carried big dreams and an unshakable belief that she was meant for more. She opens up about the quiet moments she spent planning her future, the determination that pushed her beyond the challenges of her upbringing, and the resilience that continues to drive her today. Cardi reflects on how those experiences not only fueled her success but also shaped her greatest mission, creating a better life for her children.

Together, Jay and Cardi dive into the complex balance between success and struggle, from the weight of constant scrutiny to her most vulnerable battles with depression and the pain of being misunderstood. Cardi opens up about the loneliness she’s faced, the toll of public criticism, and how she found the strength to rise again when life felt overwhelming. Cardi reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood and career, the values she’s determined to instill in her children, and why building independence has been the key to protecting everything she’s worked so hard for.

Cardi also shares how her unwavering faith and deep connection with God have been the foundation of her resilience. She reminds us that real strength isn’t found in perfection, but in the decision to rise after every setback, to hold onto hope when the world doubts you, and to keep working relentlessly toward the life you envision.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Stay Strong Through Criticism

How to Keep Your Mental Health in Check

How to Balance Motherhood and Career

How to Find Your True Calling

How to Break Free From Your Environment

How to Use Faith to Overcome Struggles

How to Keep Working When Life Gets Hard

Every setback is an invitation to grow, every criticism a chance to reaffirm your worth, and every season of struggle is a reminder that brighter days are possible. Trust the path you’re on, lean into your resilience, and protect the vision you hold for your life, because it is always worth fighting for.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:21 An Early Passion for Reading

02:29 What Would You Do With One Day of Anonymity?

03:32 Dreaming, Planning, and Envisioning

07:03 Discovering Your True Calling

09:22 Where Do You Get Your Personality From?

10:29 Embracing Your Quiet Side

12:12 How Environment Shapes Growth

19:34 Defining Success On Your Own Terms 

22:30 Protecting Your Peace from Negativity

27:33 When Your Heart Isn’t Ready to Let Go

31:44 Overcoming Heartbreak and Loss

34:29 Time Heals All Wounds

36:48 Proving Your Hard Work Is Worth It 

42:05 Keep Believing in Yourself

45:40 Feeling Misunderstood

50:34 Balancing Work and Motherhood

52:40 Teaching Children Not to Be Lazy

57:14 Raising Disciplined and Strong Adults

01:00:08 The Little Things That Make You Happy

01:02:20 Redefining Love 

01:05:42 Am I the Drama?

01:09:02 Speaking Your Mind Without Fear

01:12:07 Age Brings Wisdom

01:14:33 Does Life Ever Get Easier?

01:17:36 The Power of Daily Prayer

01:20:18 Cardi on Final Five

Episode Resources:

Cardi B | Website

Cardi B | YouTube

Cardi B | Instagram

Cardi B | X

Cardi B | TikTok

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Do you say yes too often?

When was the last time you said no?

In this special live episode recorded at an iHeart event in New York City, Jay Shetty reflects on his journey from speaking to empty rooms to sharing ancient wisdom with millions around the world. He reveals how reframing adversity helps us face life’s “first arrows” without adding the extra pain of self-criticism, and the daily practices that keep him grounded through challenge. With powerful stories, from a Navy SEAL finding purpose through On Purpose while on deployment, to a young cheerleader who radiates joy despite paralysis, Jay shows how resilience and perspective can transform even our hardest moments into sources of strength and growth.

Jay breaks down what it really means to make “wisdom go viral” and why presence, not time, is the key to deeper connection. He shares the courage it takes to say no to protect your energy, how to keep your soul at the center in an AI-driven world, and the creativity that unlocks when seeing life through childlike eyes. This episode is your reminder to slow down, live with purpose, and let curiosity lead you toward greater connection and fulfillment.

In this conversation, you'll learn:

How to Reframe Adversity

How to Build Confidence from Hard Times

How to Protect Your Energy in Service

How to Say No Without Guilt

How to Think With Childlike Creativity

When we pause to reflect, reconnect with what truly matters, and choose to act with purpose, we not only uplift ourselves, we inspire others to do the same. Keep leaning into curiosity, resilience, and compassion, and you’ll find that the path ahead holds far more possibility than limitation.

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

02:48 It Started with Small, Empty Rooms

04:41 How Do You Approach Adversity?

07:48 The Reservoir of Joy

13:15 Making Wisdom Go Viral

17:25 Why Audio Feels Intimate

21:09 Navigating the Age of AI

25:54 Breaking Free from People Pleasing

31:58 Learning to Adapt When Life Shifts

35:38 Unlocking Creativity with the 30 Circles Test

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Is there something from childhood you still carry?

How do you think it still affects you today?

In this special compilation episode of On Purpose, Jay revisits some of the most transformative conversations on trauma, healing, and resilience. Featuring insights from Dr. Gabor Maté, John Legend, Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Bruce Perry, and Anitta, Jay uncovers how unaddressed wounds can quietly shape the way we live, and more importantly, how we can begin the journey toward understanding, growth, and true healing.

From Dr. Gabor Maté’s wisdom on the unseen toll of suppressing our authentic selves, to John Legend’s candid reflections on grief and loss, each conversation uncovers a unique layer of what it means to hold pain and still pursue growth. Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry invite us to shift the question from “What’s wrong with me?” to “What happened to me?”—a powerful reframe that transforms shame into compassion. Anita’s story of releasing inherited fears reminds us that even generational wounds can heal when we bring them into the light.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to Recognize Hidden Trauma

How to Grieve Without Losing Connection

How to Reframe “What’s Wrong” Into “What Happened”

How to Understand the Impact of Childhood Neglect

How to Transform Inherited Fears Into Strength

How to Begin Healing Through Awareness

Healing is never a straight line, but every step you take toward understanding yourself is a step toward freedom. When you give yourself permission to feel, reflect, and release, you begin to transform what once held you back into a source of strength to move forward. 

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

01:45 Choosing the Pain That Frees You

05:55 Free Yourself from Outside Opinions 

08:15 Trauma Is an Unhealed Wound

10:28 Learning to Carry Grief with Love

15:05 How Childhood Neglect Shapes Adulthood

18:29 Building a Grounded, Centered Self

20:40 The Power of Asking “What Happened to You?”

25:15 The Hidden Impact of Spanking Children

30:38 Maternal Stress Can Transfer to Children

35:47 Choosing to Break Generational Trauma

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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 | Flickr

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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.

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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 | Facebook

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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 Kids

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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.

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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 | Books

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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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 Lab

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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