On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Have you been pretending to be okay? Is there something you’ve been keeping inside? Today, Jay welcomes model, digital creator, and mother of three, Nara Smith, for an intimate conversation that blends vulnerability, wisdom, and humility. Known online for her serene ASMR-style cooking videos and elevated fashion-forward kitchen aesthetic, Nara opens up about the personal journey that shaped her—from her childhood in Germany to signing with IMG Models at just 14. Together, Jay and Nara explore the gap between her curated online image and her lived experience, touching on childhood influences, struggles with body image, and the courage it took to forge a creative career on her own terms.  Nara candidly opens up about the physical and emotional toll of working in the modeling industry at such a young age, the silent battles with her body through eczema and lupus, and how motherhood reshaped her priorities. She shares how cooking from scratch became a lifeline, first as a necessity to manage her health, then as a passion, and eventually as a business. As she and Jay reflect on marriage, communication, and the complexities of being modern, working mom, Nara’s groundedness and clarity shine through. Nara opens up about her love story with Lucky Blue Smith—their whirlwind but intentional path to marriage—and the beautifully messy reality of raising three kids. It’s a powerful reminder that real joy and purpose come from living true to yourself. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Balance Career, Motherhood, and Marriage How to Heal Through Food and From-Scratch Cooking How to Set Healthy Boundaries on Social Media How to Communicate Better in a Relationship How to Stay Grounded in a Fast-Paced World How to Know When You’ve Met the Right Partner How to Handle Online Criticism with Grace No matter where you are in your journey, whether you’re building a career, navigating relationships, chasing a dream, or simply trying to keep up with life’s daily demands, remember this: you don’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold to be worthy. 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 [https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe].  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 02:16 Blending a Love for Fashion and Cooking 04:44 The Grandmother Who Shaped Her Life 07:57 Starting a Modeling Career at 14 09:15 How to Put Confidence Before Comparison 10:02 Protecting Kids from the Dangers of the Online World  11:59 How Early Parental Trust Can Fuel Success 12:49 Why You Should Never Sacrifice Your Health 14:03 Finding Real Love in the Digital World 17:01 How Modern Dating Has Evolved 18:55 Making Young Marriage Work 21:51 The Power of Knowing What You Want 23:45 Building a Relationship on Shared Values 26:30 Marriage Is Both Collaboration and Compromise 29:45 Why Fast-Paced Dating Doesn’t Work 30:54 Working Together to Strengthen Your Relationship 33:31 Communication Is Key to Connection 35:56 Becoming a Parent on Your Own Timeline  38:29 Your Life, Your Choices 42:18 Own and Celebrate Your Path 44:05 Don’t Let People’s Projections Define You 47:32 What You See Online Isn’t the Whole Truth 50:02 Facing Online Negativity with Strength 52:05 Other’s Opinions Don’t Determine Your Worth 53:25 Choosing What to Share and What to Keep Private 56:10 How Food and Diet Can Transform Your Health 01:00:29 Finding Joy and Creativity in Cooking 01:01:24 How Her Online Persona Was Born 01:04:05 The Reality Behind the Content 01:06:48 Simple Daily Habits That Strengthen a Relationship 01:09:44 Tackling the Hard Stuff with Joy 01:13:04 Dressing for Confidence and Productivity 01:17:58 Living Life on Your Own Terms 01:20:23 Nara on Final Five   Episode Resources: Nara Smith | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@naraazizasmith] Nara Smith | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/naraaziza] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Do you ever feel like you're having the same fight over and over again? Why is it so hard to be in a relationship with someone who is different from you? Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Orna Guralnik — the world-renowned clinical psychologist, psychoanalyst, and lead therapist on the hit series Couples Therapy. Known for helping couples navigate the complexities of intimacy, conflict, and emotional patterns, Orna shares the real reason relationships break down — and what it actually takes to build something that lasts. Jay and Orna explore why couples often blame communication as the root of all their problems, when what’s really breaking them down runs much deeper. They explore how differences in values, backgrounds, and even childhood wounds create invisible barriers in love—and how we often try to solve them by changing the other person instead of turning inward. Orna shares how blame, defensiveness, and scorekeeping keep us stuck in toxic patterns, and what it looks like to show up with more honesty, humility, and curiosity. Together Jay and Orna unpack the rise of therapy language online—terms like “gaslighting” and “narcissist”—and how misusing them can shut down the kind of open dialogue relationships truly need. They also explore how issues around money, time, and intimacy often point to deeper struggles with power, identity, and emotional safety. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to Stop Trying to “Fix” Your Partner How to Recognize the Real Issue Beneath the Argument How to Make Conflict a Source of Connection How to Move from Blame to Responsibility How to Stay Grounded When Your Values Clash How to Build a Relationship That Grows with You Real love doesn’t ask us to become someone else — it asks us to grow into our most honest, grounded self. This episode is a reminder that healthy relationships aren’t about avoiding differences, but about learning how to navigate them with compassion. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:06 Why Couples Really Fight: The Common Core Conflicts   04:02 Facing “Otherness”: What Happens When Your Partner Is Different   06:07 Embracing Differences Without Losing Yourself   10:21 Building a Partnership of Equals During Conflict   16:48 Holding On to Your Value in a Relationship   19:39 Conflicting Loyalties: When Family and Love Collide   25:18 The Art of Working Through Relationship Struggles   30:01 Digging Deeper: Finding the Root of Your Disagreements   33:26 Escaping the Blame Trap in Your Relationship   37:24 Self-Centeredness vs. Shared Growth   43:07 Creating Emotional Safety for Your Partner   49:57 Letting Love In: Are You Truly Ready for Partnership?   55:33 How Men and Women Tend to Navigate Relationships Differently   57:02 Why It’s So Hard for Men to Open Up Emotionally   01:00:59 Listen Closely—People Reveal More Than You Think   01:03:20 When Parental Baggage Shapes Your Relationship   01:06:57 Signs of a Strong and Healthy Relationship   01:13:35 What Really Makes Someone a Bad Partner?   01:18:35 Are You in Love with a Narcissist?   01:22:12 The Money Struggles Behind Relationship Conflict   01:28:46 Intimacy and Desire: What Keeps Love Alive  01:33:25 Orna on Final Five  Episode Resources: Orna Guralnik | Website [https://www.ornaguralnik.com/about] Orna Guralnik | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/orna-guralnik] Orna Guralnik | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ornaguralnik] Orna Guralnik | Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.ornaguralnik] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Has anyone ever doubted something you were excited about? Have you ever felt judged for trying something different? Today, Jay opens up about one of the most painful yet common experiences: feeling unsupported, unseen, or misunderstood by the people closest to us. He unpacks the psychology behind why others often don’t believe in us, highlighting the “false consensus effect” and the tendency for others to anchor us to who we used to be. But Jay reminds us this isn’t a flaw in our vision, it’s a sign that we’re ahead of the curve.  Jay also dives deep into how true confidence is built—not before we begin, but because we begin. He shares why strangers may become your strongest supporters, how to use resistance as a tool for growth, and why failing in public can be a powerful connector. From the competence-confidence loop to the importance of staying grounded in purpose rather than revenge, Jay outlines seven transformational shifts that can help anyone move from self-doubt to self-trust. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Keep Going When No One Believes in You How to Stop Seeking Approval How to Build Confidence Through Action How to Handle Unsupportive Friends and Family How to Prove Yourself Right Instead of Proving Others Wrong No matter where you are in your journey, whether you’re just starting out, stuck in the middle, or feeling like giving up, remember this: you don’t need everyone to believe in you. You just need to believe in yourself enough to take the next step. 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 [https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe]. What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:50 #1: Stop Pitching, Start Proving 06:54 #2: Rejection is Often a Protection 11:59 #3: Use Doubt as a Focus Filter 16:33 #4: Strangers are More Likely to Support You 21:15 #5: Create Before You're Confident 25:20 #6: Make Failure Public Strategically 28:08 #7: Focus on Proving Yourself Right See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

What makes it hard for you to speak up? Do you ever say “yes” when you really want to say “no”? Today, Jay is joined by Africa Brooke, a globally recognized consultant, speaker, and writer specializing in self-censorship, integrity, and expression. Known for helping individuals and organizations navigate the complexities of honest communication in the digital age, Africa brings a deep, compassionate lens to today’s most pressing cultural dynamics. Together, she and Jay unpack the psychology of cancel culture, which she redefines as “collective sabotage”—a pattern driven by fear, shame, and the pressure to appear morally perfect. Africa challenges the idea of accountability, suggesting it’s often rooted in fear-based conformity, and highlights “self-censorship” as a hidden consequence of the current social climate. As the conversation unfolds, Africa opens up about a turning point in 2020—when she made a choice that didn’t align with her values just to gain social approval. That experience sparked her exploration of a “third perspective”, a path beyond binary thinking, where wisdom replaces performance and nuance replaces judgment. Jay and Africa discuss how social media pushes us to present a polished version of ourselves, and how fear can silence not just what we say, but who we really are. They break down the difference between performing out of fear and choosing your words with intention—reminding us that we’re not limited to staying silent or oversharing. Instead, encouraging us to speak from a place of self-awareness, integrity, and grounded confidence. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Speak Honestly Without the Fear of Judgment  How to Tell the Difference Between Self-Censorship and Intentionality  How to Navigate Conflict Without Abandoning Your Values How to Stop Performing for Social Media and Start Living Authentically How to Set Boundaries in a Respectful Way  How to Let Go of Binary Thinking and Find the Third Perspective Even when it’s uncomfortable, your voice matters, because it’s real. Give yourself permission to step out of fear, show up with grace, and make space for the kind of dialogue that moves us forward.  With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:36 How Cancel Culture Reflects Modern Day Tribalism 03:29 Is Expressing Your Truth Worth the Risk of Punishment? 06:03 Understanding the Fear of Self-Censorship vs. Careful Thinking 09:48 Letting Go of the Identity Others Expect From You 15:22 Finding Freedom in Honest Expression 18:32 How Empathy Begins With Letting Go of Judgement 21:50 Why We Struggle to Give Ourselves Grace 26:33 The Fear Behind Another Person’s Freedom to Speak 33:57 Do Your Values Match the Life You’re Actually Living? 40:34 You Don’t Have to Heal Everything at Once 45:17 How Negativity Bias Shapes Our Perception of the World 49:02 How Ego Blocks Curiosity in Everyday Moments 53:46 Why You’re Not Entitled to Silence Others 01:07:30 Blame and Shame Don’t Lead to Real Change 01:11:36 How to Truly Understand People You Disagree With 01:14:37 From Cancel Culture to Collective Sabotage 01:19:19 How Constant Apologies Undermine Your Voice 01:21:07 Why We Must Let Everyday Moments Breathe 01:25:15 Self-Expression Should Not Be a Performance for the Internet 01:29:33 Don’t Build an Audience That Won’t Let You Evolve 01:37:54 Are You Living a Truth You Never Chose? 01:42:51 Does One Narrative Define Your Whole Reality? 01:44:41 Is It Ever Justified to Cancel Someone? 01:48:00 How to Give Grace Without Losing Your Boundaries 01:52:43 Most of What Feels Urgent Today Won’t Matter Tomorrow 01:55:55 Africa on Final Five Episode Resources: Africa Brooke | Website [https://africabrooke.com/] Africa Brooke | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/africabrooke] Africa Brooke | LinkedIn [https://uk.linkedin.com/in/africabrooke101] Beyond the Self with Africa Brooke [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/beyond-the-self-with-africa-brooke/id1508176184] The Third Perspective: Brave Expression in the Age of Intolerance [https://www.amazon.com/Third-Perspective-Brave-Expression-Intolerance-ebook/dp/B0CH8486CS?ref_=ast_author_mpb] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Do you drink water from plastic bottles every day? Have you ever thought about how many chemicals you’re exposed to daily? Today, Jay welcomes back renowned longevity expert, board-certified surgeon, and founder of Next Health, Dr. Darshan Shah. Known for making complex health topics accessible, Dr. Shah returns with an urgent message about the hidden threats silently affecting our health every single day: environmental toxins. With over 25 years of experience in medicine and wellness innovation, Dr. Shah breaks down how over 150,000 manmade chemicals—many of which didn’t exist just decades ago—have entered modern life through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and even the products we apply to our skin. These toxins, including microplastics, heavy metals, and hormone-disrupting compounds, are contributing to chronic disease, inflammation, and accelerated aging. But rather than incite fear, this conversation delivers hope. Dr. Shah shares a practical roadmap for detoxing daily life—simple, affordable steps that can be taken immediately. He emphasizes the power of the body’s natural detox systems, particularly the liver, and how small changes made consistently can lead to transformative results over time. Together, Jay and Dr. Shah explore the deep connections between physical and mental health, the importance of tracking key biomarkers, and the role of lifestyle over genetics in preventing conditions like Alzheimer’s, heart disease, and cancer.  In this interview, you'll learn: How to Spot Early Signs of Toxin Buildup in Your Body How to Track the 10 Key Biomarkers That Predict Long-Term Health How to Strengthen Your Brain and Prevent Alzheimer’s with Simple Daily Habits How to Avoid Microplastics in Your Kitchen and Clothing How to Reduce Toxin Exposure in Your Air at Home How to Filter Your Drinking Water Safely and Affordably This episode serves as both a wake-up call and a guide, empowering audiences to live with greater awareness, vitality, and intention. It’s a masterclass in preventative health and conscious living, reminding everyone that the path to long-term wellness starts with simple, purposeful choices made today. 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 [https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe].  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:18 Why So Many People Are Getting Sick Today 02:14 The Hidden Toxins in Your Everyday Life 03:24 Are You Breathing in Dirty Air Without Knowing It? 08:22 Your Indoor Air Could Be More Toxic Than Outside 08:51 Why You Need to Filter Your Water (Now) 10:38 Stop Drinking Water from Plastic Bottles 13:21 Where Microplastics Are Hiding in Plain Sight 15:31 Heating Plastic? Here's What It's Doing to Your Food 16:40 Why Microplastics Are Still Unregulated 16:50 The Surprising Truth About Paper Coffee Cups 18:24 Is Organic Food Really Worth It? 20:32 How Convenience Culture Is Making You Sick 21:36 Why Eating Slowly Can Transform Your Health 23:16 Rethinking What Self-Care Really Means 24:13 How Toxins Enter Through Your Skin Every Day 27:46 How Often Should You Actually Wash Your Hair? 29:26 Is Your Environment Aging You Faster Than Your DNA? 30:25 Subtle Signs Your Body Is Full of Toxins 31:26 Your Body Already Knows How to Detox—Here’s How to Help It 32:21 Simplify Your Cleaning Routine and Avoid Harsh Chemicals 34:04 The Top 3 Causes of Death—and How to Avoid Them 36:17 Why Heart Disease Is Still the #1 Killer 37:59 The 4 Real Causes of Heart Disease (It’s Not Just Cholesterol) 38:53 What You Need to Know About Metabolic Disease 42:22 The Silent Damage of High Blood Pressure 45:53 How to Lower Blood Pressure Naturally and Easily 47:07 What Inflammation Is Really Doing to Your Body 48:24 Is Your Immune System Too Weak—or Too Busy? 49:42 How Antibiotics Could Be Hurting Your Gut and Immunity 52:21 The Cholesterol Numbers That Actually Matter 53:35 Why Healthy People Are Still Having Heart Attacks 54:23 How Much Do Genetics Really Influence Your Health? 56:29 Yes, You Can Now Test Early for Alzheimer’s 57:44 Simple Habits to Keep Your Brain Young and Sharp 01:01:30 Is Alzheimer’s Preventable? Here’s What the Science Says 01:02:55 How to Lower Your Risk of Cancer Starting Today 01:06:22 Why Being Proactive with Your Health Can Save Your Life 01:07:49 10 Biomarkers Everyone Should Be Tracking 01:12:00 The Hidden Link Between Mental and Physical Health Episode Resources: Darshan Sha | Website [https://www.drshah.com/] Darshan Sha | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@darshanshahmd] Darshan Sha | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd] Darshan Sha | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/darshanshahmd] Darshan Sha | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshanshahmd/] Darshan Sha | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/DarshanShahMD/] Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/extend-podcast-with-darshan-shah-md/id1773578243] Next Health [https://www.next-health.com/] https://www.drshah.com/biomarkers [https://www.drshah.com/biomarkers]  https://www.drshah.com/toxins [https://www.drshah.com/toxins] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.