On Purpose with Jay Shetty

When was the last time you felt truly at ease with someone? Do you feel that kind of ease often, or was it rare? In this special live episode recorded at the DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., Jay sits down with bestselling author and therapist Lori Gottlieb to explore the hidden dynamics that shape our relationships. Together, they unpack why so many of us feel the need to “perform” for love and how fear of rejection, perfectionism, and old emotional patterns can quietly erode connection. Lori shares how true intimacy begins with acceptance, not just of our partners, but of ourselves, and why showing up authentically is the only way to feel genuinely seen. Through humor, warmth, and real audience interactions, Jay and Lori dive into topics like vulnerability, emotional safety, and the balance between “me time” and “we time.” They share how to stop trying to fix or control your partner, how to communicate without defensiveness, and how to build relationships rooted in curiosity and compassion instead of criticism. This conversation is a reminder that love isn’t about finding someone who reads your mind, it’s about learning each other’s language, embracing imperfections, and creating a safe space where both people can grow. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Stop Performing for Love How to Create Emotional Safety in a Relationship How to Let Your Partner Be Vulnerable How to Build Connection Through Acceptance How to Communicate Without Getting Defensive How to Balance “Me Time” and “We Time” How to Love Without Trying to Fix Love is not a performance, it’s a practice. It’s built in the quiet moments when we choose to listen instead of defend, to understand instead of control, and to show up even when it feels uncomfortable. Every relationship, whether romantic or otherwise, becomes stronger when we replace judgment with curiosity and fear with honesty. 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 00:54 Earning Love Through Real Connection 03:16 Why You Should Speak Up Early 06:51 Creating a Safe Space for Vulnerability 11:20 Can You Love Someone Without Loving Yourself? 13:55 How Acceptance Strengthens Your Relationship 20:37 Compatibility vs. Chemistry: What Matters More? 25:07 Do Couples Need Individual Therapy Too? 28:05 A Live Couples Therapy Session 44:06 Communicate Clearly Not Through Assumptions 47:08 Healthy Ways to Approach Conflict 51:28 Understanding the Many Forms of Love 57:46 Are Both of Your Needs Being Met? 01:01:44 Learning to Embrace and Communicate Differences Episode Resources: Lori Gottlieb | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiIETTq2It3OzW8_WYRPTyQ] Lori Gottlieb | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lorigottlieb_author/] Lori Gottlieb | Website [https://lorigottlieb.com/] Dear Therapists Podcast [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-therapists-with-lori-gottlieb-and-guy-winch/id1523340696] Maybe You Should Talk to Someone [https://www.amazon.com/Maybe-Should-Talk-Someone-Journal/dp/0358667216?ref_=ast_author_dp] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Have you ever felt totally off but couldn’t explain why? Did you ever figure out what was causing it? Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Sara Szal, a Harvard- and MIT-trained physician, researcher, and bestselling author, to dive into a topic that affects everyone but rarely gets the attention it deserves: hormones. Together, they break down what hormones really are, how stress and daily habits can throw them off balance, and why understanding these powerful chemical messengers can completely transform the way we think about health. Dr. Sara shares how simple changes, from better sleep and mindful eating to managing stress, can help reset your body’s natural rhythm in just a few days. This is a conversation that beautifully bridges science and self-awareness, revealing just how deeply our biology and emotions are connected. Jay and Dr. Sara also explore one of today’s most misunderstood topics: women’s health and birth control. Dr. Sara explains how the pill, though widely used, can disrupt hormone balance, increase inflammation, and even affect fertility, insights many women never hear about. She breaks down what’s really happening inside the body and offers practical ways to restore balance through nutrition, testing, and natural alternatives. Together, they also discuss how emotional stress and relationships deeply influence hormonal health, and why learning to understand and manage your body’s signals is one of the most empowering steps you can take for your well-being. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Balance Your Hormones Naturally How to Manage Stress and Lower Cortisol  How to Reset Your Body in Just 3 Days How to Heal Fatigue by Listening to Your Body How to Transition Off Birth Control Safely How to Support Fertility and Hormone Health How to Regulate Before You React When you slow down, nourish yourself, and make small, consistent changes, you create space for balance to return. Health isn’t about perfection or control; it’s about awareness, alignment, and kindness toward yourself. 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 01:28 What Exactly Are Hormones? 02:30 What Causes Hormonal Imbalance? 04:02 How to Measure Stress Hormones 05:11 When You’re Running on Cortisol 06:01 The Truth About Insulin Resistance 07:45 How Hormones Differ in Men and Women 10:21 Why Measuring the Right Hormones Matters 11:30 Simple Ways to Rebalance Your Hormones 14:19 Why Estrogen and Progesterone Decline 20:19 Why You Should Start with Cortisol 22:19 Four Powerful Ways to Reduce Stress 24:17 How to Turn Stress into Strength 25:58 Breaking Free from Chronic Stress 27:52 Everyday Habits to Lower Cortisol 30:08 Feeling Low on Energy But Can’t Explain Why?  35:09 How to Decompress and Recenter Yourself 39:00 Do Men or Women Heal Faster After a Divorce? 41:37 Creating Healthy Emotional Distance 43:06 The Power of Boundaries in Healing 46:35 People-Pleasing: A Hidden Stress Response 49:06 The Biggest Hormonal Shifts in Life 53:09 What You Need to Know About Andropause 54:09 The Evolution of Birth Control 56:24 Painful Periods Are Not Normal! 57:23 Lifestyle Fixes for Acne and Hormone Health 59:09 The Hidden Long-Term Effects of the Pill 01:01:56 How to Reverse the Pill’s Impact 01:03:47 Does Birth Control Affect Fertility? 01:05:33 The Complexity and Simplicity of Hormones 01:08:31 How to Take Ownership of Your Health 01:09:36 Is Natural Birth Control Effective? 01:11:27 How to Make IUD Insertion Less Painful 01:14:05 Getting Pregnant After Birth Control 01:16:31 What Science Says About Cycle Syncing 01:18:06 How to Safely Transition Off the Pill 01:20:41 Where Science Meets Spirituality 01:25:49 Sara on Final Five Episode Resources: Dr Sara Szal | Website [https://saraszalmd.com/] Dr Sara Szal | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/saragottfriedmd?igsh=Mm1naDEyMDFsYTF3] Dr Sara Szal | YouTube [https://youtube.com/@drgottfried?si=_foJk1AOjcTHezcW] Dr Sara Szal | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/saraszalmd?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Do you ever get stuck in your thoughts? What do you usually overthink about? Today, Jay explores one of the most powerful, yet regularly overlooked, conversations we have every day: the one we have with ourselves. Too often, we become our own harshest critics, speaking to ourselves in ways we’d never speak to a friend. Jay reveals how self-criticism can disguise itself as control or accountability, when in truth, it’s a subtle form of self-sabotage that quietly erodes our confidence, creativity, and motivation. Jay reminds us that rest and reflection aren’t signs of weakness, they’re essential parts of real growth. He explains that progress is never a straight line, and that falling back, slowing down, or taking a break doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it simply means you’re human. His message is a gentle yet powerful invitation to stop tearing yourself down and start lifting yourself up, to trade shame for accountability, criticism for compassion, and restlessness for stillness. Through his words, Jay offers more than advice, he shares a roadmap for healing your relationship with yourself, embracing imperfection with grace, and finding peace in the quiet strength of self-acceptance. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Silence Your Inner Critic How to Talk to Yourself Like a Friend How to Rewire Your Brain for Positivity How to Rest Without Feeling Guilty How to Stop Letting Negativity Control You Healing begins the moment you choose kindness over criticism. Every mistake, setback, or pause is not the end of the journey, it’s part of becoming who you’re meant to be. 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: 01:02 Is Your inner Voice Blocking You? 02:16 #1: Self Criticism is Self Sabotage  06:32 #2: Negative Self Talk is Counterproductive 10:08 #3: Shaming Yourself Doesn't Build Accountability 13:28 #4: Your Brain is Wired to Focus on Mistakes 17:24 #5: Progress Isn't Linear 20:01 #6: Rest is Essential for Progress 22:35 #7: Self Kindness Builds Resilience See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

How do you know when you’re ready to commit? Do you think love alone is enough? Marriage isn’t a destination, it’s a daily practice. It’s the ongoing choice to show up, grow, and recommit to each other through every season of change. In this special compilation, Jay brings together powerful insights from Jada Pinkett Smith, relationship coach Sadia Khan, psychotherapist Lori Gottlieb, and his own reflections with Radhi. Together, they explore how lasting love isn’t built on fleeting chemistry, but on emotional resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to evolve, side by side. Jada shares how marriage can be a spiritual journey, where your partner reflects both your light and your flaws, guiding you toward unconditional love and deeper healing. Sadia reveals the often-overlooked truths about infidelity, self-control, and discipline, reminding us that love cannot thrive without trust. Lori highlights the power of honest communication, from setting boundaries with in-laws to having the tough conversations about money, marriage, and children before it’s too late. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Build Emotional Resilience in Marriage How to Heal and Grow Through Partnership How to Spot Signs of Emotional Distance How to Create Space for Emotional Openness How to Recommit as Your Partner Evolves Every relationship faces challenges, but those moments can become powerful opportunities for growth when met with compassion and openness. The true beauty of love lies in the willingness to listen, to learn, and to keep building something real, together. 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 01:28 The Cornerstone of Family Life 03:58 When Divorce Feels Like the Only Option 08:44 The Power of Unconditional Love 14:14 Valuing How People Show Up 18:13 Every Marriage Looks Different 20:14 Rethinking Traditional Marriage 24:13 Do Women or Men Get Cheated on More?  26:19 Choosing a Man with Self-Control 27:59 Why Sexual Discipline Matters 29:45 Don’t Ignore These Red Flags! 32:35 Staying Attuned to Your Partner 34:28 Talk About Marriage Before the Proposal 37:43 Why a Baby Won’t Fix a Marriage 40:41 When Your Partner Doesn’t Stand Up for You 46:36 Building a Safe Space for Connection See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Have you ever stayed in a relationship just to avoid being alone? Did staying make you feel better or worse over time? Today, Jay sits down with writer and relationship coach Quinlan Walther to explore what it truly means to build healthy, lasting relationships. Quinlan, known for her viral reflections on love and self-trust, explains the difference between wanting a relationship and being ready for one. She compares it to grocery shopping when you’re hungry, a reminder that desperation often drives us to make poor emotional choices. Together, they explore how self-awareness, emotional safety, and self-trust form the foundation for a genuine connection. Quinlan introduces her “Four C’s of Self-Trust”: curiosity, capacity, compassion, and commitment, a framework for strengthening one’s relationship with the self before seeking partnership. Jay and Quinlan confront the hard truths about modern love, how expectations, attachment wounds, and emotional burnout often distort our perception of what love should feel like. They explore the difference between chemistry and compatibility, reminding listeners that while excitement can spark a connection, it’s shared values and emotional maturity that sustain it. Quinlan emphasizes that relationships are not meant to fill our emptiness but to reflect our growth. Through stories and practical wisdom, she explains how the healthiest relationships allow space for vulnerability, accountability, and change, rather than perfection. Jay reflects on his own marriage, highlighting how communication, patience, and self-reflection create emotional safety and deepen love over time. In his interview, you'll learn: How to Know If You’re Ready for Love How to Build Self-Trust Before Dating How to Create Emotional Safety in Relationships How to Tell Chemistry from Compatibility How to Set Boundaries Without Guilt How to Heal After a Breakup How to Stop Repeating Unhealthy Patterns How to Grow Together Without Losing Yourself Real connection isn’t about finding someone to fix or complete us, it’s about growing into the version of ourselves that can give and receive love freely. Every heartbreak, disappointment, and moment of self-reflection brings us closer to understanding that love begins within. 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 01:24 Wanting vs. Being Ready for Love 04:07 The Four C’s of Self-Trust 06:41 Relationships Should Help You Grow 10:32 Building Stability and Emotional Safety 13:27 When Requests Become Unreasonable 15:15 Love Within Someone’s Capacity 17:57 Are You Exhausted From Dating?  22:05 Does the Spark Really Matter? 23:28 When Attraction Misleads You 25:16 Compatibility vs. Chemistry 27:52 How Black-and-White Thinking Hurts Love 31:10 Is Love Alone Ever Enough? 32:43 What True Commitment Looks Like 36:39 Learning to Show Up for Yourself 39:35 Healing Family Wounds and Finding Peace 42:19 Breaking the Criticism–Withdrawal Cycle 49:31 Your Partner Reflects How You Love Yourself 51:14 Dating is Discernment, Marriage is Devotion 55:16 Real Change Takes Time 58:10 Why Every Relationship Needs Boundaries 59:47 How to Set Healthy Boundaries 01:01:21 Stop Compromising Your Own Boundaries 01:02:42 Are Soulmates Real? 01:05:01 What Should Love Feel Like? 01:08:59 Do You Want a Partner or a Spouse? 01:13:11 How to Move On After a Breakup 01:16:47 You Are Not Hard to Love 01:19:32 The Lessons Hidden in a Heartbreak 01:21:40 Quinlan on Final Five Episode Resources: Quinlan Walther | Website [https://www.quinlanwalther.com/] Quinlan Walther | Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/quinlanwalther] Quinlan Walther | TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@quinlanwalther] Quinlan Walther | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@QuinlanWalther-d3u] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.