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I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace.

I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

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.

Exhausted From Being a People Pleaser? Use THIS 0–10 Rule to Say “No” Without Guilt

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.

Jay’s Must-Listens: Are You Still Holding Onto Childhood Trauma? (Follow 3 Steps & FINALLY Heal) Ft. Gabor Mate & Oprah Winfrey

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.

MADONNA: For the First Time Ever

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.

Tired of One-Sided Friendships? (6 Signs to Know When To Walk Away)

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.

EMMA WATSON EXCLUSIVE: The Story She Has Not Shared Until Now

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. K: Feeling Lost in Your 20s or 30s? (THIS Mindset Shift Will Help You Find Direction & Purpose)

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.

8 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Turned 30

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.

Lilly Singh: Stop Trying to Prove Yourself to Everyone Else! (#1 Mindset Shift to Build REAL Confidence & Self-Worth)

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.

Harvard Psychologist Matthew Nock: 20% of People Experience Suicidal Thoughts! (Spot the Signs and Ask THESE Questions That Could Save a Life)

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 Forward

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Give Me 30 Minutes and You Will Never Struggle With a Decision Again

Four decades in film, television and theater, two New York Times bestsellers, multiple Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations, and a touring show - no one could accuse Rob Lowe of taking it easy. In this episode of On Purpose, Jay Shetty sits down with the iconic actor to talk about his life and new podcast.
 
 
 
Listen in to learn more about Rob Lowe’s journey from stardom to rock bottom and back again. 
 
 
 
 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob Lowe ON: How Tapping Into Spirituality Transforms Your Life & Following The Signs To Your Purpose

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