What usually holds you back from starting a conversation?
Can you remember a time you avoided someone out of fear of saying the wrong thing?
Jay sits down with behavioral researcher and bestselling author Vanessa Van Edwards for a powerful conversation that blends science, honesty, and so many surprising moments. Vanessa, who refers to herself as a “recovering awkward person,” shares how her biggest social struggles became the driving force behind her mission to crack the code on human connection.
Together, Jay and Vanessa dive into the fascinating world of charisma, exploring the 97 cues, from eye contact to tone of voice, that quietly shape how we’re seen and understood. Vanessa breaks down why so many of us feel overlooked or underestimated—and introduces “signal amplification bias,” a concept that explains why the signals you think you’re sending might not be landing the way you expect. Vanessa shows us how confidence isn’t always something you’re born with but something you can build, with intention and awareness.
The conversation goes even deeper as they unpack the tricky balance between warmth and competence, especially for women in the workplace, and how vulnerability isn’t a weakness, but often your greatest strength. They explore how to create those magic “me too” moments that form instant connections, spot the hidden red flags in communication, and let go of the need to be liked by everyone in order to be truly seen by the right people.
In this interview, you'll learn:
How to Make a Great First Impression Without Saying a Word
How to Break the Ice with a Simple “Hey”
How to Balance Warmth and Competence in Any Conversation
How to Create Connection Using “Me Too” Moments
How to Exit a Conversation Gracefully (Without Offending Anyone)
How to Spot a Liar Using Body Language and Micro-Expressions
How to Ask Better Questions That Spark Real Conversations
How to Recognize the Difference Between Charisma and Manipulation
Whether you struggle with social anxiety, want to level up your leadership presence, or are just tired of surface-level small talk, this episode is packed with practical tools and uplifting wisdom to help you connect with more authenticity and power.
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.
Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
00:51 From Awkward to Empowered: Overcoming Social Anxiety
02:43 How Do You Really Want People to See You?
06:44 Why Aren’t Your First Impressions Landing?
10:01 Why They’re Not Getting Your Signals (And What to Do About It)
13:33 Want to Be More Attractive? Try Being More Available
15:40 One Simple “Hey” That Can Spark a New Connection
19:16 Your Vibe Teaches People How to Treat You
22:06 Speak with Power: Unlock Your Full Vocal Power
23:47 3 Conversation Starters That Actually Work
29:49 Making Friends Doesn’t Have to Be Hard
31:17 Why Compliments Alone Don’t Build Connection
33:30 Break the Ice Without Sounding Like Everyone Else
38:36 Stop Trying to Be Interesting, Do This Instead
40:48 The Art of a Smooth and Respectful Exit
44:32 Use These Nonverbal Cues to Steer the Conversation
47:41 Spot Inauthentic Behavior Before It Costs You
54:28 Why People-Pleasing Feels Safer But Actually Holds You Back
57:48 How to Tell If Someone’s Lying (Without Saying a Word)
01:00:04 When Narcissists Feel Like the Most Charismatic People
01:03:46 Want to Really Get to Know Someone? Take a Road Trip
01:04:45 How Dopamine Makes You More Memorable
01:08:23 Every Answer Can Be a Gateway to Connection
01:10:51 How Asking Better Questions Inspires Growth
01:13:10 Discover Your Social Battery: Introvert, Extrovert, or Ambivert?
01:15:10 You Might Be an Ambivert and That’s a Superpower
01:19:07 The Two Ways Friendships Evolve Over Time
01:22:30 Choose Friends Who Inspire Awe
01:25:20 The Double Standard Faced by Highly Competent Women
01:33:09 Before You Make That Connection, Ask Yourself This
01:34:34 Life’s Too Short for Shallow Connections, Find Your People
01:36:29 Vanessa on Final Five
Episode Resources:
Vanessa Van Edwards | Website
Vanessa Van Edwards | Instagram
Vanessa Van Edwards | X
Vanessa Van Edwards | YouTube
Vanessa Van Edwards | TikTok
Vanessa Van Edwards | Facebook
Vanessa Van Edwards | LinkedIn
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What’s something that really helps you feel energized in the morning?
Do you ever give yourself a moment to reset during the day?
Today, Jay shares a powerful reminder, rest isn’t something you need to earn, it’s something you absolutely need. If you’ve ever felt guilty for taking a break or felt like you had to justify a vacation, this conversation challenges that mindset and offers a refreshing shift. Rest is not a luxury, it's the fuel for everything we do. Just like your phone needs to recharge, your body, mind, and soul require consistent, intentional recovery.
Jay offers simple, practical habits you can start using right away to feel more rested and centered. From scheduling micro-breaks throughout your day, trying out the box breathing method, to practicing the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to bring yourself back to the moment, these tools are small shifts that can make a big difference. You’ll also be encouraged to create tech-free spaces, embrace short daily walks in nature, and carve out intentional pauses in your schedule.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to Schedule Micro-Breaks Every 60–90 Minutes
How to Redefine Rest as a Need, Not a Reward
How to Release Guilt and Shame Around Taking Breaks
How to Hydrate and Refocus During Short Breaks
How to Reframe Rest as a Tool for Productivity and Creativity
Making space to breathe, reflect, and recover won’t just help you feel better, it will help you show up better, think clearer, and live more purposefully.
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.
Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
01:20 When Was The Last Time You Felt Truly Rested?
03:39 Regular Breaks Increase Productivity And Creativity
06:21 Rest Isn't Something You Earn, It’s Something You Need
07:53 #1: Set The Habit Of A Micro Break
11:15 #2: Practice Intentional Breathing Exercises
12:49 #3: Spend Time In A Mindfulness Practice
15:47 #4: Establish Tech-Free Zones in Your Home
18:55 Rest Is A Necessity, Not A Luxury
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Since the breakup, have there been moments when you actually felt calm, clear, or more like yourself?
When you imagine texting them, what are you secretly hoping they’ll say—or make you feel?
In this heartfelt and insightful compilation, Jay dives deep into the emotional landscape of breakups, offering a thoughtful and healing space for anyone navigating heartache. With his signature warmth and clarity, Jay brings together trusted voices in emotional wellness and relationships—Lori Gottlieb, Matthew Hussey, Stephan Speaks, Esther Perel, and Mel Robbins—each offering honest, thoughtful perspectives on what it really takes to move on after a relationship ends.
Together, they unpack the emotional aftermath of a breakup, from grief and confusion to self-doubt and the search for clarity. Whether you're dealing with the sting of rejection, stuck with unanswered questions, or scared to start over, this episode offers clear, grounded guidance that will leave you feeling both supported and uplifted. Without pressure, it offers a calm, compassionate space to work through the pain with presence, perspective, and hope.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to Stop Blaming Yourself After a Breakup
How to Know When It's Time to Let Go
How to Break Emotional Patterns in Relationships
How to Sit With Pain and Still Move Forward
How to Choose Peace Over the Past
This episode offers more than advice—it brings hope, the kind that encourages self-love, future growth, and a belief that better things are ahead.
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.
Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
02:19 Why Breakups Feel Like the Hardest Loss
09:19 “Why Wasn’t I Enough?” Understanding the Root of Self-Blame
20:21 Knowing When It’s Time to Let Go
25:15 Should You Try to Win Them Back?
28:43 Practical Steps to Letting Go After a Breakup
34:41 Do What’s Best For You to Heal
36:56 Everyone Handles a Breakup Differently and That’s Okay
39:30 Shifting Conflict Into Understanding
45:07 What Power Struggles in Relationships Really Mean
47:44 Why Breakups Make You Feel Unlovable
51:25 How to Release Control and Finally Find Peace
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever been seen in a way that didn’t feel true to who you are?
Who do you feel truly sees you for who you are?
Today, Jay sits down once again with the incredible Khloé Kardashian to talk about growth, healing, and what it really means to evolve on your own terms. It’s been six years since Khloé first sat down with Jay, and a lot has changed. Now in her 40s, Khloé reflects on the defining moments of her 30s, the clarity she’s found in this new chapter, and how her journey has shaped the woman she is today
In this honest and heartfelt conversation, Khloé opens up about what it really took to move through heartbreak, public judgment, and her own self-doubt. She shares how she learned to forgive herself, let go of shame, and step into a deeper sense of self-awareness. Khloé talks about navigating the pressures around motherhood, relationships, and success — and how therapy, journaling, and her unwavering faith helped her rediscover her worth and inner peace.
Jay and Khloé also dive into what it looks like to slow down, make room for solitude, and intentionally choose joy. She offers a glimpse into her daily routines, the spiritual practices that ground her, and how she’s creating a loving, mindful environment for her children, one rooted not in perfection, but in presence and authenticity.
In this interview, you'll learn:
How to Set Emotional Boundaries Without Losing Your Kindness
How to Forgive Yourself and Heal from Past Mistakes
How to Use Solitude as a Tool for Self-Discovery
How to Stop Comparing Your Journey to Others
How to Build Emotional Resilience After Betrayal
How to Raise Emotionally Aware and Grounded Children
How to Find Peace Through Faith and Daily Rituals
Through her candid storytelling and unwavering humility, Khloé offers hope, wisdom, and an empowering message of self-acceptance to anyone navigating their own inner 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.
Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
03:33 Aging Doesn’t Have to Be Scary
05:17 Visualizing Your Life in Your 40s
06:23 It’s Okay to Be Unsure
07:39 How Maturity Brings Stability
09:35 Why We’re Always Chasing More
12:09 The Truth About Success
13:55 Practice Self-Intentionality
16:42 Stop Letting Validation Control You
19:47 Balancing Accountability and Forgiveness
21:42 Learn to Be Patient with Yourself
23:10 Everyone Learns on Their Own Timeline
24:30 A Path to Self-Forgiveness
27:20 When You Might Be the Problem
29:24 You Are Not Your Mistakes
31:39 The Work Only You Can Do
36:00 Rewiring a Negative Mindset
38:18 Why Therapy Can Be Transformative
41:11 Finding the Courage to Trust Again
43:17 Getting Comfortable with Being Vulnerable
46:19 It’s Brave to Let Yourself Cry
48:28 Understanding Your Love Language
52:02 We All Love Differently
54:21 The Beauty of Giving Love
55:31 Reuniting with Lamar After 9 Years
59:51 Leaving What No Longer Serves You
01:03:46 Releasing Residual Negativity
01:05:15 Why We All Need Empathy
01:09:04 What I Want My Kids to Remember
01:11:35 Why Kids Don’t Need the Internet
01:14:24 Dating as a Mom in Your 40s
01:15:28 How to Date More Intentionally
01:17:31 Embracing Alone Time
01:19:05 Leaning Into the Discomfort
Episode Resources:
Khloé Kardashian | Instagram
Khloé Kardashian | X
Khloé Kardashian | YouTube
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have you ever caught yourself stuck in a spiral of negative thoughts?
Do you have a go-to way to reset when you’re feeling overwhelmed?
Today, Jay dives into one of the most common modern struggles: overthinking. Whether it's an unanswered text, a mistake at work, or uncertainty about your next step, our minds often trap us in loops of doubt, fear, and frustration. But what if the path to peace starts with a few spiritual truths?
In this episode, Jay shares timeless wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita and Buddhist teachings to help you finally stop spiraling and start releasing. He walks you through five powerful shifts—from learning how to emotionally declutter your space and mind, to embracing the truth that pain is part of life, but suffering is a choice. Jay also introduces practical rituals—like writing and discarding thoughts—that are scientifically proven to help you regulate difficult emotions.
With heartfelt insight, Jay explores how we can become friends with our own minds and stop rehearsing conversations and conflicts that never happen. He urges us to face the things we’re avoiding, take action instead of postponing, and learn the art of letting go with intention.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to Stop Thought Spirals Before They Take Over.
Why Writing Down Your Emotions Can Help You Let Go.
The Difference Between Pain and Suffering—and How to Reduce Both.
How Your Environment Impacts Your Mental State.
Why Speaking the Truth Sets You Free from Overthinking.
This episode is your invitation to choose presence over perfection and peace over pressure. Whether you're caught in a loop of overthinking or simply craving clarity, this conversation will bring you back to stillness.
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.
Join Jay for his first ever, On Purpose Live Tour! Tickets are on sale now. Hope to see you there!
What We Discussed:
00:00 Introduction
00:43 How to Let Go Gracefully
04:58 #1: How Writing Down Your Thoughts Calm Your Mind
09:00 #2: How to Start Decluttering Your Mind
15:23 #3: How Acceptance Lessens the Pain
20:11 #4: How to Have Difficult Conversations Real Time
21:30 #5: Don't Delay What Can Be Done Today
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.