Jay’s Must-Listens: The Step-by-Step Guide to Meditation ANYONE Can Do (Eliminate Anxiety & Rewire Your Nervous System)

How do you normally calm yourself when you’re overwhelmed? Have you ever tried meditation before? Today, Jay brings you a diverse exploration of meditation with some of today’s most insightful minds: Dr. Joe Dispenza, Big Sean, Michael Acton Smith, Vishen Lakhiani, and Sam Harris. From science to music, entrepreneurship to spirituality, each guest reveals how meditation has shaped their lives, and how you can use it as a powerful tool for focus, healing, and inner transformation. Together, they show us that meditation is far more than sitting in silence, it’s a pathway to healing, clarity, and growth. Whether it’s rewiring the nervous system, reprogramming the mind, or unlocking creativity and resilience, this conversation demonstrates the many ways meditation can ground you in the present and while also opening you to what’s possible. Whether you’re just beginning or returning with new intention, this episode is an invitation to reconnect with yourself. These insights remind us the practice isn’t about getting it “right,” but about consistency, curiosity, and compassion for yourself. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Reprogram Your Mind Through Meditation How to Turn Elevated Emotions Into Healing How to Build a Daily Meditation Routine That Sticks How to Heal Your Body by Training Your Mind Meditation isn’t about where you begin, it’s about the choice to begin at all. Each breath is a chance to return, reset, and remember the calm already within you. Wherever you are, restless, curious, or seeking clarity, meditation offers a doorway inward. 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 Intro 04:10 How Meditation Transforms Your Brain and Body 08:33 How Much Practice Do You Really Need? 14:39 There Is No Wrong Way to Meditate 18:30 How to Connect Deeply with Nature Through Meditation 22:17 Debunking the Biggest Myths About Meditation 24:21 What Is Active Meditation and How Does It Work? 28:45 Using Meditation to Elevate Your Everyday LifeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever doubted yourself? Has self-doubt ever held you back? Today, Jay welcomes back tennis legend Novak Djokovic for a deep and vulnerable conversation about what it truly takes to master both the external and internal journey to success. Novak reflects on the practices instilled in him from childhood: visualization, journaling, meditation, and even listening to classical music, that became the foundation of his holistic approach to self-care and peak performance. He shares how these early lessons influenced his career and his outlook on growth, spirituality, and resilience, helping him see tennis not just as a sport but as a path to becoming a better person. Together, Jay and Novak explore the hidden battles that come with chasing greatness, including the pressure of expectation, the tension between ego and humility, and the deep-rooted feelings of not being enough that fueled Novak’s drive from a young age. Novak opens up about the struggles of injury, criticism, and hostile environments, and how he learned to transform those moments into opportunities for growth. He emphasizes that even at the height of his career, the real work is internal, practicing surrender, emotional regulation, and presence; reminding us that success is as much about mastering the mind as it is about winning titles. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Build Mental Strength Like a Champion How to Turn Pain Into Purpose How to Practice Surrender and Let Go How to Use Visualization to Shape Your Future How to Find Balance Between Ego and Humility How to Recover From Setbacks With Resilience How to Create Daily Habits for Inner Peace Every challenge, setback, and victory is an opportunity to reflect, strengthen your resilience, and tap into the strength you already have. Remember, real success isn’t just about achievements, it’s about how you live, how you grow, and the impact you leave behind. 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 03:24 What It Really Takes to Achieve Success 06:40 How Tennis Taught Me to Evolve Off the Court 10:59 Even the Greatest Can Feel Inadequate  13:54 Wellness For Tennis Players 17:35 Setting New Goals After Reaching Peak Success 20:34 How Survival Shapes a Successful Mindset 28:51 The Power of Surrender and Letting Go 33:20 Emotions Are Necessary   38:06 Becoming the Legend You Once Admired 48:18 Living with Appreciation, Compassion, and Respect 51:10 How to Handle Failure with Grace 56:57 It's Okay to Be Bored 01:00:31 Not All Distractions Are Bad 01:02:05 Protecting Your Mindset from Social Media 01:04:01 The Pressure on Men to Hide Vulnerability 01:08:29 Finding Unity Through Sports 01:12:58 The Greatest Life Lessons from Sports 01:16:00 Overcoming the Worst Injury of His Career 01:23:17 Why Injury Is Every Athlete’s Greatest Enemy 01:29:43 What’s Next for Novak? 01:44:52 Novak on Final Five   Episode Resources: Novak Djokovic | Website Novak Djokovic | Instagram Novak Djokovic | Facebook Novak Djokovic | X Novak Djokovic | TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did anyone ever teach you about money when you were younger? What’s one money mistake you made in your 20s? Today, Jay shares the financial lessons he wishes he knew in his twenties. Insights that don’t just change how you handle money, but how you understand it. Jay reveals that most people aren’t actually bad with money, they were simply never taught how to build a healthy, secure relationship with it. Jay explains how these dynamics affect our financial habits, emphasizing that real financial security begins with mindset and choices, not income. From challenging inherited money beliefs to addressing debt with clarity rather than fear, this episode offers a roadmap to move from financial stress to financial stability. In this episode, you'll learn: How to Shift from Avoiding Money to Owning It How to Build a Secure Relationship with Money How to Invest in Knowledge Before Assets How to Break Free from Financial Programming How to Simplify Your Finances When Overwhelmed Wealth isn’t about looking rich, it’s about living with intention, respecting yourself, and aligning your money with purpose. 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 01:01 Is It Too Late to Learn Financial Literacy? 04:18 Myth: Money is the Root of All Evil 05:31 #1: It's About Good Decisions, Not Income 08:20 #2: You Can't Save What You Don't Have 11:26 #3: Buying More Won’t Build Wealth 17:14 #4: Don't Avoid Debt Education 18:25 #5: You're Not Lazy You’re Just Overwhelmed 19:56 #6: Where Did You Get Your Money Beliefs? 23:52 #7: Generosity Multiplies Wealth  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s one dream you really want to make real? Do you feel you’re wishing for it or working toward it? In this special live recording from The Met in Philadelphia, Jay sits down with Grammy-nominated artist Big Sean for a deeply vulnerable and inspiring conversation. Big Sean opens up about the battles he faced behind the spotlight, the depression, the pressure, and the moments he thought about giving up. His story shows the power of turning pain into growth through therapy, meditation, and faith. It’s a reminder that no matter what we achieve, we all face challenges that push us to heal, grow, and reconnect with who we really are. Sean reflects on the transformative lessons passed down from his family and how those shaped his understanding of resilience, self-belief, and manifestation. Together, he and Jay explore the difference between wishing and manifesting, showing how intention, attention, and action can turn your vision into reality. They dive into the importance of releasing the pressure to please others, the value of embracing both wins and losses, and how real confidence is built by how you rise up after setbacks. For Sean, the highs and lows are both essential parts of the journey, both carrying the power to shape us. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Turn Wishing Into Manifesting How to Find Purpose Beyond Your Career How to Heal Through Therapy and Vulnerability How to Support Your Children’s Dreams How to Pass On Wisdom to the Next Generation How to Transform Struggles Into Strength Wherever you are on your journey, your struggles are shaping your strength. The setbacks you’ve faced, the doubts you’ve carried, and the battles you’ve fought are not the end of your story, they are the beginning of a deeper transformation. 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 Intro 00:57 Don’t Be Controlled by What You Can’t Control  05:38 Why Losing Teaches You How to Win 06:44 What is the Difference Between Wishing and Manifesting? 09:11 How Do You Turn a Wish Into a Reality? 10:46 Creating Your Own Safe Space 13:21 The Moment You Realize It’s Time to Change 19:38 How to Discover Your True Purpose 24:42 Confidence Is Your Greatest Strength 28:18 The First Step to Building Lasting Confidence 33:25 Transforming Struggle Into Growth 37:20 Being Heard Without Fear of Judgment 43:08 We All Just Want to Be Seen  46:29 Past Present Future with Sean  Episode Resources: Big Sean | Website Big Sean | X Big Sean | Instagram  Big Sean | Tiktok  Big Sean | Youtube Big Sean | Facebook Go Higher: Five Practices for Purpose, Success, and Inner PeaceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you struggle to focus on simple tasks? Do you feel mentally “slowed down” during the day? Today, Jay welcomes back his dear friend and trailblazer in functional medicine, Dr. Mark Hyman. Mark Hyman, MD is the co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Function Health, the fastest growing health company in the U.S. In this extremely vulnerable conversation, Mark recounts his near-death experience after a severe spinal infection left him unable to walk and fighting for his life. Despite decades of living and teaching optimal health, he suddenly found himself dependent on others for even the simplest tasks. Over the course of five determined months, Mark applied the very principles he has championed for years: nutritional excellence, disciplined daily movement, and an unshakable mindset. Not only did he make a full recovery, but came back stronger than ever at the age of 65, proving that the body’s innate healing capacity can be reignited at any stage of life. The conversation explores the critical role mindset plays in recovery and underscores the often-overlooked connection between diet, lifestyle, and overall well-being. Mark explains how chronic illness is frequently driven by hidden inflammation, fueled by ultra-processed foods, sugar, and environmental toxins. He breaks down the science behind his 10-Day Detox, a simple yet powerful reset proven to dramatically reduce symptoms such as fatigue, pain, and digestive distress. The discussion also delves into the growing prevalence of autoimmune conditions, the hidden epidemic of nutrient deficiencies, and why personalized health data is essential for identifying risks before they become life-threatening. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Rebuild Your Health After a Major Setback How to Use Mindset as Your Greatest Healing Tool How to Reduce Inflammation Through Diet How to Spot the Early Signs of Autoimmune Disease How to Use Food as Medicine Every Day How to Take Small Daily Steps Toward Lifelong Wellness Healing isn’t instant, but each intentional choice, a nourishing meal, a mindful moment, a restful night, builds momentum toward changes far greater than expected. 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 Intro 01:33 Overcoming a Life-Threatening Health Crisis 05:39 What is the Key to Healing? 08:15 Breaking Free from Chronic Pain 09:52 The Powerful Tool That Can Reprogram Your Body 15:03 How Inflammation Silently Damages Your Health 18:51 The Hidden Dangers of Sugar Addiction 23:59 Transforming Health Through Functional Medicine 30:34 Why Autoimmune Diseases Are on the Rise 37:04 Signs Your Immune System Needs Help 40:51 Do You Have an Undiagnosed Autoimmune Condition? 42:41 A Simple 10-Day Reset for Your Body 48:06 The Secret to Healing: Treat the Root Cause 52:44 How AI Is Revolutionizing Healthcare 56:32 The Truth About the Chronic Disease Epidemic 57:55 Understanding How Your Body Really Works 59:02 Expanding Access to Quality Healthcare 01:00:56 The Case for Regulating Ultra-Processed Foods Episode Resources: Mark Hyman | Website Mark Hyman | Instagram Mark Hyman | Facebook Mark Hyman | YouTube Mark Hyman | X Mark Hyman | Pinterest Mark Hyman | Books Function HealthSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Jay reflects on the lessons about love he wishes he had known in his twenties. He examines how movies, media, and cultural narratives have long shaped unrealistic expectations about romance, often equating love with grand gestures, nonstop excitement, and fairy tale endings. Jay challenges these ideas, by showing that true love is not constant fireworks, but a balance of peace, stability, and passion. He explains how the thrill is often mistaken for attraction, and how the calm that comes from trust and consistency is actually the real foundation of a healthy relationship, even if often mistaken for boredom.   Jay also explores the critical role of self-awareness and boundaries in fostering meaningful relationships. He discusses how love without boundaries can cause you to lose yourself, and how repeating familiar emotional patterns from the past can keep you stuck in cycles that feel comfortable but are ultimately harmful. Through relatable examples, Jay highlights the importance of defining emotional non-negotiables, paying attention to how a partner handles boredom and conflict, and understanding the influence of attachment styles. Jay emphasizes that successful relationships are not about finding someone perfect, but about choosing a partner who is willing to heal, grow, and face challenges together.   In this episode, you'll learn: How to Set Boundaries Without Pushing Love Away How to Handle Conflict Without Ruining a Relationship How to Recognize the Difference Between Lust and Love How to Break Unhealthy Relationship Patterns How to Choose Patience and Healing in Relationships   Finding real love isn’t an end goal, it’s an ongoing journey you take with intention, compassion, and patience. It’s something you build over time through quiet moments, healthy boundaries, and a commitment to grow, both on your own and 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.   What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:13 Everything You Need to Know About Love 04:12 #1: Chemistry Does Not Equal Compatibility 09:19 #2: Love Without Boundaries is Self Abandonment 12:25 #3: How They Handle Boredom Tells You Everything 14:25 #4: Conflict Doesn't Ruin Relationships, Avoidance Does 16:44 #5: The Thrill is Temporary, Steady Love is Lasting 20:57 #6: How Does Your Partner's Attachment Style Affect You? 23:01 #7: What Feels Familiar Isn’t Always What’s RightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever failed at something you really wanted? What did that experience teach you about yourself? Today, Jay chats with late-night legend Jimmy Kimmel for an unforgettable live conversation at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Jimmy opens the episode playfully roasting Jay, showing off his signature, sharp wit right out of the gate. The laughs quickly give way to a candid, wide-ranging conversation about Jimmy’s  life, marked by gutsy decisions, constant reinvention, and moments of surprising vulnerability. Jimmy reflects on the emotional cost of self-expression, his early struggles with being misunderstood, and how persistence (and a healthy dose of delusion) helped him find his place in the world. Jimmy shares how anxiety has shaped his life, from growing up without much money to now being someone people rely on for support, advice, and even financial help. From outrageous pranks and career missteps to a touching tribute to his prank-loving Aunt Chippy, Jimmy constantly balances humor with disarming honesty. Jimmy also opens up about the challenges of becoming more emotionally available, how therapy has helped him grow, and how being a father, and now a grandfather, has reshaped his priorities and softened his edges. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Stay True to Yourself How to Use Humor as a Tool for Healing How to Keep a Lifelong Passion Alive How to Stay Grounded When Success Finds You How to Cope With Anxiety Through Creative Outlets How Helping Others is the Key to Healing Yourself It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being honest, showing up, and continuing to try. Whether through meaningful conversations, creative expression, or simply sharing space with others, healing and connection are always within reach. 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 Intro 04:44 Why is Putting Yourself Out There So Hard? 08:00 Discovering What Truly Drives You 09:19 The Origins of Jimmy’s Legendary Pranks 11:56 When the Pranks Never Stop 17:02 Failed Firings and Conversations That Went Sideways 18:30 Staying True to Your Creative Voice 21:42 Becoming a Grandfather for the First Time 25:55 Living With Anxiety: How It Shapes Family Life 27:29 Jimmy’s Take on Managing Anxiety 29:56 What It’s Like to Face Financial Pressure 31:17 How Jimmy Met the Love of His Life 32:31 Is Finding Love in LA Really That Hard? 33:17 The Secret to a Strong and Lasting Marriage 38:19 Why Talking About Your Feelings Is So Tough 39:16 What To Do When You’re Feeling Low 43:05 Jimmy on Final Five Episode Resources: Jimmy Kimmel | Instagram Jimmy Kimmel | Facebook Jimmy Kimmel | YouTube Jimmy Kimmel | X Jimmy Kimmel | TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What’s the hardest part of parenting for you? Do you think kids today are more anxious than before? Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Becky Kennedy, clinical psychologist, best-selling author, and founder of Good Inside, a global parenting and mental health platform. Named the “Millennial Parent Whisperer” by Time, Dr. Becky is known for her compassionate, practical approach to raising emotionally healthy children while maintaining strong, sturdy leadership as a parent. In this eye-opening conversation, Jay and Dr. Becky explore why modern parenting often swings between dismissing children’s emotions and letting them call the shots, sharing practical ways to find the balance in between. Dr. Becky shares why parenting is a skill you can actually learn, the surprising power of repairing after conflict, and how boundaries and validation work together to help kids feel safe, understood, and supported. Dr. Becky shares how to shift your mindset from “my kid is giving me a hard time” to “my kid is having a hard time,” creating a more compassionate approach to conflict and connection. She explains why constantly optimizing for happiness for your kids can actually create anxiety later in life, why letting kids struggle is key to building resilience, and how to release the heavy burden of “mom guilt” by recognizing which emotions are yours to carry and which belong to your child. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to Repair After Rupture and Strengthen Connection How to Set Boundaries Without Power Struggles How to Validate Feelings Without Over-Coddling How to Build Capable and Resilient Kids Why Not All “Mom Guilt” is Actually Guilt How to Balance Empathy with Leadership as a Parent Parenting isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about showing up, repairing when things go wrong, and modeling the emotional skills you want your children to have. As Dr. Becky reminds us, the most powerful thing you can give your kids is the confidence to face life’s challenges knowing they are both safe and valid. 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 Intro 02:49 Should Kids Dictate Parenting Styles? 06:03 Building Tolerance As A Skill 10:43 How To Overcome Mom Guilt 18:27 Becoming a Mom Shouldn't Be Endured Alone 21:50 What is the Best Parenting Strategy?  29:30 The First Step Of Repair  34:18 How to Reconcile with Your Kid 36:54 How to Reconcile with Your Kid 39:17 Your Kid is Just Having a Hard Time 42:04 The Myth Of Always Being Available 44:30 How Do You Set a True Boundary? 48:36 The Communication Skills Every Parent Needs 52:34 What is Your Job As A Parent? 56:48 Your Kid’s Feelings Are Valid  59:12 How Boundaries & Validation Make for Resilient Adults 01:00:40 Should you be Optimizing for Happiness In Childhood? 01:09:45 The Power of Patience & Time 01:12:56 Teaching Kids How To Build Tolerance 01:19:44 Fostering Independence  01:24:36 Teaching Children Self-Reliance  01:30:33 The Value Of Discipline 01:37:56 The Pressure Parents Experience  01:41:52 Independence Vs Dependence  01:50:46 The Fear Of Patterns Repeating Episode Resources: Dr. Becky Kennedy | Website Dr. Becky Kennedy | Instagram Dr. Becky Kennedy | Facebook Dr. Becky Kennedy | YouTube Dr. Becky Kennedy | LinkedIn Dr. Becky Kennedy | X Dr. Becky Kennedy | TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, Jay sits down with serial entrepreneur, investor, and powerhouse mom of four, Kim Perell. Known for building her first company from her kitchen table and later selling one for $235 million, Kim shares the raw, behind-the-scenes truth of what it takes to turn failure into fortune. The conversation centers around Kim’s latest book, Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire, and offers a heartfelt blueprint for anyone feeling stuck, unfulfilled, or uncertain about their next move.  Jay and Kim explore why perfectionism can sabotage progress, how fear often masks itself as procrastination, and why waiting to feel “fully qualified” often leads to missed opportunities. Kim introduces her 70% rule: a concept that encourages action over hesitation and reveals how taking small, imperfect steps helped her overcome self-doubt and build extraordinary businesses. The two also dive into the power of mentorship, the emotional toll of toxic relationships, and why surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial not just for professional growth, but for personal evolution. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Start a Business Before You Feel Ready How to Use the 70% Rule to Make Bold Decisions How to Find the Right Mentor and Build a Real Relationship How to Stand Out When Pitching Yourself  How to Know When It’s Time to Pivot Your Business How to Build a Winning Team Without Doing Everything Yourself How to Audit Your Inner Circle for Growth and Clarity Making mistakes doesn’t mean you’ve failed, it means you’re showing up, learning, and trying something new. No success story is smooth or simple, but all of them prove that progress is always possible. 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 Intro 02:57 How to Get Unstuck and Move Forward 04:17 When It’s Time to Pivot Your Career 05:50 Is Regret More Powerful Than Fear? 08:06 You Don’t Need To Be 100% Ready To Start 09:52 Are You Ever Really Ready? 11:29 Dream Big, But Start Where You Are 13:09 The Power of Believing in Your Vision 15:24 Be Delusionally Confident  16:29 How Mistakes Help You Iterate and Improve 18:30 How to Silence the People Who Doubt You 22:15 Teaching Kids to Embrace Failure 23:20 Rejection as Redirection  26:02 The Difference Between Innovating and Iterating 29:14 Build a Support System That Elevates You 31:51 How to Find Mentors Who Truly Guide You 33:55 Why Asking for Help Accelerates Growth 34:44 How Books Can Mentor You Too 38:21 The Four People Every Entrepreneur Needs 39:35 Why You Need the Right Peers Around You 41:58 Should You Start a Business with Family? 44:00 How to Audit Your Inner Circle 46:02 How Toxic People Drain Your Energy and Money 47:17 The Power of Taking Initiative  48:56 Don’t Let Your Past Limit Someone Else’s Future 51:19 How to Lead and Manage People Effectively 53:17 What Actually Gets You Hired Today? 57:51 Going the Extra Mile Sets You Apart 01:00:01 The Biggest Mistake Is Not Asking 01:04:03 Why So Many of Us Feel Unqualified 01:07:07 Pivoting Is the Secret to Success 01:10:13 How to Know When It’s Time to Pivot 01:11:53 Kim on Final Five  Episode Resources: Kim Perell | Website Kim Perell | Instagram Kim Perell | Facebook Kim Perell | YouTube Kim Perell | LinkedIn Kim Perell | X Kim Perell | TikTokSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt pressure to hide a part of who you are? What helps you feel safe enough to open up? Today, Jay chats with renowned celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton to share deeply personal parts of his life he’s never shared publicly. Known for creating iconic looks for stars like Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, and Ariana Grande, Chris has built a career around image and transformation. Chris bravely opens up about the journey that shaped him, pulling back the curtain on the private struggles behind his public success. From growing up in a working-class town in England, and discovering his passion for hair was a way to survive, to feel seen, and to express who he really was.  As the conversation unfolds, Chris opens up about the darkest night of his life. The moment he nearly ended his life, a breaking point born from decades of shame, fear, and the belief that being true to himself would hurt the people he loved most. What followed was not an overnight transformation, but a long, honest path toward healing. Chris speaks candidly about coming out as gay in his late twenties, the grief of ending a nine-year relationship with the mother of his children, and the fear of disappointing his kids.  Jay and Chris explore the power of redefining identity, letting go of what no longer serves us, and embracing the possibility of change at any stage in life. With the support of therapy, self-reflection, and a willingness to confront his pain, Chris began a new chapter, one rooted in alignment between his inner and outer world. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Embrace Your True Identity Without Shame How to Heal After Hiding Your Authentic Self How to Rebuild Private Pain in Public  How to Support Your Children Through Major Life Changes How to Start Over When Your Life No Longer Feels Aligned How to Find Peace Through Forgiveness and Self-Acceptance How to Recognize When It’s Time to Let Go and Move On No matter your past, your pain, or how long you’ve carried it, it’s never too late to begin again. The first step is being honest with yourself. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Find help and support If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org . In life-threatening situations, call 911. 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 Intro 03:13 Your Roots Don't Define Who You Can Become 06:19 Is It Safer to Hide Who You Really Are? 10:11 What It Actually Takes to Become the Best  14:32 Finding Yourself After an Identity Crisis 17:27 Letting Go of Shame to Be Your True Self 20:15 Accepting and Embracing Your Gender Identity 22:46 How to Come Out Without Hurting the People You Love 30:21 Choosing Inner Peace Over the Deepest Pain 33:10 Rebuilding Yourself After Grief and Collapse 36:40 Why the Right Guidance Can Change Everything 39:13 Struggling Doesn’t Mean You’re Weak 39:30 Forgiveness: Freeing Yourself from the Past 41:15 Sharing Your Story Could Save Someone Else 44:29 When a New Environment Heals Your Spirit 45:06 The Unexpected Call That Changed Everything 47:29 The Hair Appointment That Almost Ended His Career 52:23 How to Build Authentic Relationships in Your Industry 55:33 You Don’t Owe the Public an Explanation 59:09 Why Love Is Always Worth the Risk 01:01:48 Give Yourself Permission to Walk Away 01:05:35 How to Protect Your Peace in a Loud World 01:10:35 What Do You Really See in the Mirror? 01:12:28 Being the Father You Always Needed 01:19:01 Chris on Final Five Episode Resources: Chris Appleton | Instagram  Chris Appleton | YouTube Chris Appleton | TikTok   Chris is releasing his debut book, YOUR ROOTS DON’T DEFINE YOU: Transform Your Life. Create Your Comeback, on January 20, 2026. The book is available for pre-order now at the link HERESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.