On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Today, Jay sits down with Malala Yousafzai to uncover the woman behind the global symbol of courage and education. From the very start, Jay sets the tone with an intention rooted in empathy, to help people not just know Malala, but understand her. Together, they revisit her extraordinary journey, from growing up in Pakistan’s Swat Valley under Taliban rule to surviving an assassination attempt at fifteen. Malala shares what it was like to wake up in a hospital far from home, and how she slowly began to realize that the world had already decided who she was before she could decide for herself. As the conversation unfolds, Malala opens up about the emotional aftermath of her survival, the years spent trying to live up to the image of bravery the world created for her while quietly struggling with fear, trauma, and loneliness. She reflects on how therapy helped her begin to process the pain she had long suppressed, and how rediscovering humor, friendship, and love became essential parts of her healing. Malala also talks about her marriage, her insecurities after the attack, and the importance of learning to love herself before fully believing that someone else could. Her honesty reveals a side rarely seen, that even those who inspire millions still wrestle with doubt and self-acceptance. Malala and Jay explore what courage truly means, not as a public act of heroism, but as a quiet, daily choice to keep going. She reflects on her mission to ensure education for every girl, the ongoing fight for women’s rights in Afghanistan, and how real change begins with local voices and global solidarity. Through her words, Malala reminds us that strength and softness can coexist, that healing is never linear, and that every person has the power to turn pain into purpose. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Stay Brave When You’re Afraid How to Heal From Trauma With Time and Therapy How to Find Yourself Beyond What the World Expects How to Rebuild Confidence After Losing It How to Create Change Through Education How to Love Yourself After Feeling Unworthy How to Redefine Courage in Everyday Life How to Keep Hope Alive in Dark Times How to Be the Voice for Those Who Can’t Speak No matter what you’ve been through, your story isn’t over, it’s still being written every single day. Healing doesn’t happen all at once, and courage isn’t about never breaking down; it’s about finding the strength to rise again, even when you feel unsure. 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].  Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast [https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast]  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 10:03 The Life Others Tried to Define for You 12:38 Winning the Nobel Peace Prize at 15 16:20 School as a Sanctuary for Children 21:00 When Education Becomes a Privilege 24:42 The Power of Having Someone Stand Up for You 25:45 Why Women Deserve Equal Opportunities to Thrive 27:52 Living Through the Violence of the Taliban 32:33 What Sparked the Activist Within 34:00 Choosing Courage Over Silence 37:25 Surviving the Taliban Attack 45:20 Fighting for Every Girl’s Right to Learn 48:45 When Trauma Returns Years Later 52:49 The Weight of Being a Symbol of Hope 55:45 Healing from Grief One Step at a Time 58:42 The Life-Changing Power of Therapy 01:03:36 Finding Real Friendship and Belonging 01:05:49 Becoming the Unexpected Relationship Guru 01:09:39 Learning to Love and Be Loved 01:20:50 Investing in the Future of Girls’ Education 01:23:39 Changing the Narrative for Equality 01:27:10 Empowering the Next Generation of Women 01:29:10 Thirteen Years After the Attack 01:31:50 The Heart of True Activism 01:34:30 Building Schools That Transform Lives 01:39:41 Malala on Final Five       01:49:45 Child Marriages Should Stop Episode Resources: Malala Yousafzai | Website [https://malala.org/] Malala Yousafzai | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/malalafund] Malala Yousafzai | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/MalalaFund] Malala Yousafzai | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@malalafund] Malala Yousafzai | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/MalalaFund] Malala Yousafzai | X [https://x.com/malala] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

How do you usually deal with stress? Does it help you feel better, or just distract you for a while? Today, Jay welcomes globally recognized nutritionist and corporate wellness strategist Mona Sharma to share her inspiring journey from corporate burnout to holistic healing. Mona opens up about her personal health struggles; two heart surgeries, chronic stress, and years of misalignment, that ultimately led her to rediscover the healing practices she grew up with in the ashram. Mona explains how returning to yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and mindful nutrition helped her reclaim her health and purpose, transforming her pain into a mission to guide others toward vitality. Together, Jay and Mona explore how true wellness goes beyond diets and quick fixes. Mona emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms, teaching us that healing requires nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and holistic nourishment. They discuss the link between stress and disease, how lifestyle choices shape gut health, and why our beliefs about our bodies matter just as much as the food we eat. Mona shares practical tools, from mindful eating and breathwork to habit stacking and visualization, that help people align with their deepest values while supporting long-term health. The conversation also highlights how modern science is finally catching up with ancient wisdom. Mona stresses the power of integrating Western medicine with Eastern practices to create a more complete vision of health. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Heal by Finding the Root Cause How to Regulate Your Nervous System Daily How to Transform Stress Into Resilience How to Build Healing Rituals That Last How to Improve Digestion Through Mindful Eating How to Start Your Day Without Sugar and Coffee How to Optimize Sleep for Deep Restoration True healing begins when we stop searching for quick fixes and start honoring the wisdom of our own bodies. Every symptom, every craving, every restless night is not a failure, it’s a message guiding us back to balance. 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].  Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast [https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast]  What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:54 Busting Common Health Myths 03:01 Healing by Finding the Root Cause 05:26 When Health Becomes Everything 11:37 What is The Root of All Disease? 13:37 A Regulated vs. Dysregulated Nervous System 17:56 How Stress Shapes Your Life 21:24 Building Resilience Against Stress 26:36 Morning Routines That Heal 28:36 Reconnecting with Your True Self 32:20 Learning to Listen to Your Body 34:19 How Stress Impacts Gut Health 38:11 Simple Fixes for Bloating 41:36 How Sugary Breakfasts Sabotage Your Energy 44:07 The Truth About Alcohol Intake 46:21 Healthy Alternatives to Coffee 48:20 Turning Habits into Rituals 50:47 Understanding the Causes of Brain Fog 53:12 Becoming the Healer of Your Life 56:40 Why Self-Care Starts in the Kitchen 01:01:49 Three Daily Pillars for Health 01:06:26 Mona on Final Five   Episode Resources: Mona Sharma | Website [https://www.monasharma.com/] Mona Sharma | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/monasharma/] Mona Sharma | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@mona.sharma.wellness] Mona Sharma | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/user/mona13799] Mona Sharma's Rooted Academy [https://www.monasharma.com/rooted] Complimentary guide available that Mona co-authored with Dr. Mark Hyman: 12 Wellness Tips to Awaken Your Best Health [https://www.monasharma.com/12tips] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 [https://store.cardib.com/] Cardi B | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxMAbVFmxKUVGAll0WVGpFw] Cardi B | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iamcardib/] Cardi B | X [https://x.com/iamcardib] Cardi B | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@iamcardib] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 [https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe].  Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast [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 [http://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 [https://www.madonna.com/] Madonna | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/madonna] Madonna | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/madonna] Madonna | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/madonna] Madonna | X [https://x.com/madonna] Madonna | Flickr [https://www.flickr.com/photos/madonnaphotos/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

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 [https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe].  Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast [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 [https://www.instagram.com/emmawatson] Emma Watson | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/emmawatson/] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.