What part of your past self do you feel most attached to?

What fears are holding you back from embracing who you are now?

On this extremely special episode of On Purpose, Jay sits down with global music sensation and dear friend, Shawn Mendes. Shawn is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. The two go in deep to Shawn’s newest album ‘Shawn.’ Shawn is an advocate for mental health awareness, openly sharing his personal struggles with anxiety and self-discovery.

For the first time, Shawn opens up about his struggles with anxiety and the difficult decision to cancel his world tour to focus on his mental health, sharing the weight of that moment and the liberating journey of prioritizing his well-being. He reflects on the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, the pressures of maintaining perfection, and how therapy, friendships, and embracing vulnerability helped him find balance and peace.

Shawn and Jay explore themes of love, relationships, and the intricacies of navigating public life while protecting private emotions. With heartfelt honesty, Shawn shares how he’s learned to diversify his life beyond music and embrace all forms of love, not just romantic, but the love that comes from connection and support from those around him.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to prioritize mental health

How to embrace vulnerability

How to let go of perfectionism

How to accept love and support

How to build emotional resilience

How to be honest in relationships

Remember, the hardest decisions often lead to the most meaningful transformations. Take care of yourself, lean on those around you, and trust that, with time, you will find your way to peace and authenticity.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:54 Clubhouse Studio’s Significance (Where the interview takes place!)
• 05:51 The Struggle of Asking for Help When Making Hard Life Decisions
• 07:48 Why Shawn Canceled His Tour
• 12:48 Tough Choices and Growth
• 15:10 Breakdowns Leading to Breakthroughs
• 17:09 Finding Shawns Own Authenticity in Music
• 21:08 The Power of Vulnerability and Expressing Emotional Truth
• 23:50 Letting Go of Ego to Heal
• 26:52 Learning to Accept Yourself Through Therapy
• 28:42 The Hardest Internal Question to Face
• 30:47 The Power of Listening Without Judgment
• 32:51 Learning How to Face Pain Instead of Running From It
• 38:18 Finding Emotional Balance of Extreme Emotions
• 40:00 Shawn Opens up About Grief and Guilt Over a Lost Friend
• 51:10 Healing Through Art and Music
• 55:26 Questioning ‘Forever’ in Love
• 59:09 Maintaining Love Under Pressure
• 01:02:16 The Importance of Over-Communication in Relationships
• 01:03:50 Why Partnership is More Than Just Love
• 01:07:27 How to Be Open to Love that is Not Just Romantic
• 01:13:38 How to Avoid Focusing on the Highs
• 01:15:45 Trusting Your Inner Voice and Learn How to Listen to Your Intuition
• 01:18:36 How to Surrender to Life Unfolding Naturally Without Forcing It
• 01:21:59 Surprise Note from Shawn’s Sister
• 01:33:09 Final Five with Shawn

Episode Resources:

• Shawn Mendes | Website
• Shawn Mendes | Instagram
• Shawn Mendes | Facebook
• Shawn Mendes | TikTok
• Shawn Mendes | YouTube
• Shawn Mendes | LinkedIn
• Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who in your life challenges you the most?

Who sees more potential in you than you do?

Today, Jay unpacks the powerful idea that everyone we meet serves a distinct purpose in our lives, acting as mirrors, windows, or doors. Inspired by a concept shared by TikTok creators Kim Peretz and Stale Hope, Jay talks about how different people reflect our flaws, show us glimpses of our potential, and open new pathways to growth.

Jay explores the idea that some people mirror back our darkest and most uncomfortable traits, offering us valuable opportunities for self-awareness and growth. He emphasizes the challenge of accepting lessons from those we may not want to listen to, reminding us that the message is often more important than the messenger.

He introduces the concept of doors and keys—those who open paths and unlock parts of ourselves in the most perfect way. He discusses the importance of gratitude and recognizing the people who have helped us move forward, even if we may have forgotten them.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to accept difficult truths about yourself

How to recognize the people who reflect your potential

How to stay open to advice even when it’s hard to hear

How to appreciate the role others play in your personal journey

How to stay curious about what others see in you

As you navigate your journey, remember that every person you encounter has something to teach you, whether they act as a mirror, window, door, or key. You're not alone on this path.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

02:12 The Mirror, Window, and Door of Our Life

03:12 People Mirror Back to Us Our Flaws

11:14 People Are Like Windows, They See More Potential in You

18:07 Some People Open a Door or Path for Us

19:33 Some People Are Keys, They Unlock Parts for Us

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you usually handle stress in your life?

Have you ever tried anything to boost your dopamine levels?

Today, Jay welcomes back Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and professor at Stanford University, known for his insightful work on brain development, neuroplasticity, and the intricate connection between the brain and body. Together, they discuss the neuroscience of friendship, exploring how our deep-rooted need for safety and acceptance plays a pivotal role in our social interactions. They unravel the paradox of modern society, where people feel emotionally distant despite increasing online connections and followers.

Dr. Huberman highlights how our brain circuitry, which governs social bonding and connectedness, is tightly linked to our need for predictability and safety. He breaks down how these fundamental needs influence our relationships, both in early development and throughout adulthood, and how understanding these mechanisms can help combat the loneliness epidemic many experience today.

Jay and Andrew discuss practical tools like sending a simple daily “good morning” text, which may seem trivial but has profound implications for maintaining connection and combating feelings of isolation. They also explore the value of doing hard things, such as cold plunges and structured routines, which anchor our physiology and create a sense of predictability, crucial for mental resilience and creativity.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Build Predictability in Relationships

How to Activate Bonding Circuits in the Brain

How to Build Trust Through Consistency

How to Combat Loneliness with Regular Check-Ins

How to Ask Meaningful Questions to Deepen Relationships

How to Build a Reliable Circle of Friends

How to Balance Stress with Breathing Techniques

By embracing small yet powerful habits, we not only improve our own lives but also create a ripple effect of positive connection in the lives of those around us. Now is the time to prioritize real, human connection—and in doing so, enrich every aspect of your life.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

• 00:00 Intro
• 04:06 Safety and Acceptance
• 19:12 Healthy Friendships
• 29:39 Predictability
• 38:15 Breathing Protocol
• 51:32 Body Still, Mind Active
• 01:02:15 Tenacity and Willpower
• 01:13:06 Walls of Adrenaline
• 01:18:21 Limiting Cynicism
• 01:24:54 You Can’t Control Everything
• 01:34:29 The Human Narrative
• 01:43:15 Be Yourself

Episode Resources:

• Andrew Huberman | Website
• Andrew Huberman | Instagram
• Andrew Huberman | Facebook
• Andrew Huberman | TikTok
• Andrew Huberman | YouTube
• Andrew Huberman | LinkedIn
• Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.