What part of your life feels off track right now?

Have you been listening more to your fear or your intuition?

Today, Jay explores what it means to lose control—and why that may be exactly where transformation begins. When plans fall apart and expectations go unmet, the mind defaults to self-blame and shame. But Jay offers a different perspective: perhaps this is not failure, but the unplanned beginning of something better.

Guided by his background in monkhood and supported by research from neuroscience and psychology, Jay introduces six transformative practices for navigating life’s plot twists with intention and grace. He explains how to distinguish between the loud voice of the inner critic and the quiet wisdom of intuition, why guilt and shame block growth, and how letting go of the illusion of control can create space for something far greater than imagined.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to Quiet Your Inner Critic

How to Reframe Failure as Redirection

How to Speak to Yourself with Kindness

How to Respond to Setbacks Instead of Resisting Them

How to Stay Grounded When the Plan Falls Apart

How to Let Curiosity Lead You Forward, Not Fear

Control isn’t about perfect plans, it’s about presence. And what seems like an ending might just be the beginning of a more meaningful path.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

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What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

00:43 Is Life Not Going According to Plan?

02:47 Step #1: Learn to Pause Your Active Inner Critic

11:03 Step #2: Let Go of the Control Illusion

20:39 Step #3: Reframe Failure as Redirection

22:19 Step #4: Use the Tiny Wins Framework

24:28 Step #5: Expect the Plot Twists

27:23 Step #6: Let Curiosity Lead You Forward

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you usually calm down?

Have you heard about breathing for anxiety relief?

Today, Jay welcomes back world-renowned breathwork pioneer and “Iceman” Wim Hof to explore how the human body and mind are capable of far more than we believe. Together, they dive into the origins of the Wim Hof Method and how it harnesses the transformative power of breath, cold exposure, and commitment to unlock profound healing, emotional resilience, and spiritual clarity.

Wim shares the emotional story of how his mother’s invocation at his birth and the tragic loss of his wife became catalysts for his life’s mission: to help others reconnect with their inner strength and soul purpose. He explains how breathwork and cold immersion can help regulate the nervous system, reduce inflammation, conquer anxiety, and even break through grief and trauma. Jay and Wim also discuss the simplicity of the method, its scientific validation, and how surrender and intention unlock states of consciousness once thought to be out of reach.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Reduce Inflammation Naturally with Breathing Techniques

How to Strengthen Your Immune System in Just 30 Minutes

How to Calm Anxiety Through Simple Daily Breathwork

How to Access Inner Peace by Controlling Your Breath

How to Unlock Your True Potential in Just One Week

You are far more powerful than you realize. Whether you're battling anxiety, feeling stuck, or simply looking to reconnect with yourself, the tools you need are already within you—your breath, your body, and your willingness to try.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

⁠Safety Disclaimer:

Don't do the Wim Hof breathing in a swimming pool, before going underwater, beneath the shower, or piloting any vehicle. Always practice sitting or lying down in a safe environment. Tinnitus symptoms may appear as a result of pushing too forcefully during the breathing exercise. If this happens, take a step back in your future practice – it's important to increase gradually, not forcefully!

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

00:41 Dedicating a Life to Wellness

05:04 The Benefits of the Wim Hof Method Explained

11:31 Unlocking the Untapped Power of Breath

13:45 Gaining Full Control Over Your Mind and Body

17:59 Cleansing the Body Through Proper Breathing

22:24 The Science-Backed Truth About Anxiety

24:11 Can Breathing Right Strengthen Immunity?

25:54 How Discomfort Training Builds Stress Resilience

28:22 Training the Body to Embrace Cold Plunges

31:37 The Origin Story of the Wim Hof Method

33:43 Finding Mental Clarity Through Cold Exposure

40:01 Simple Steps to Take Charge of Your Life

44:23 Exploring the Practice of Mantra Meditation

45:22 Defining and Strengthening Willpower

49:26 Overcoming Life’s Most Difficult Challenges

51:20 How to Self Soothe on Emotionally Tough Days

52:35 Revealing the Hidden Strength of the Body

54:21 How Ice Baths Can Benefit Society

55:49 The Role of Surrender in Facing Fear

58:22 Healing Grief Through Cold Plunge Practices

Episode Resources:

Wim Hof | Website

Wim Hof | Instagram

Wim Hof | X

Wim Hof | Facebook

Wim Hof | TikTok

Wim Hof | YouTube

The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human Potential

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you keeping this friendship out of habit or love?

If they weren’t in your life today, would you try to be friends again?

In this profoundly insightful episode of On Purpose, Jay Shetty sits down with Simon Sinek, renowned leadership expert, bestselling author, and host of the podcast, A Bit of Optimism. Jay and Simon share a deeply vulnerable and powerful conversation about what it truly means to be human in a world that’s more connected than ever, yet so emotionally disconnected. Together, they explore the foundational role of friendships, belonging, and purpose in building meaningful lives and relationships.

Jay opens up about his own transformation and the early influence of Simon’s book Start with Why, while Simon reflects on the personal journey behind his body of work, emphasizing that all leadership is, at its core, about human connection. They speak candidly about how burnout often stems from loneliness, the fragile nature of adult friendships, the difficulty many have in celebrating others’ success, and the healing power of emotional honesty in relationships. With wisdom, humor, and emotional clarity, Simon breaks down how we can show up more authentically for ourselves and for those we love—even when it’s uncomfortable.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to Support a Friend Without Trying to Fix Them

How to Know When It’s Time to Let a Friendship Go

How to Create Belonging When You Feel Disconnected

How to Celebrate a Friend’s Win Even When You’re Struggling

How to Communicate When You Don’t Know What to Say

How to Recognize Burnout as a Sign of Loneliness

This episode is a powerful reminder that being imperfect is what makes us human, and that real connection isn’t built on perfection, but on the willingness to be present, authentic, and compassionate.

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

02:26 How to Truly Connect with Others

03:45 The Universal Truth Behind All Human Problems

05:45 Why We All Really Just Want to Belong

09:33 Feeling Lonely? You’re Not Alone

12:10 Why Community is Disappearing & Why It Matters

18:33 Do Kids Really Need a Village?

22:17 Why We All Crave Safety

24:22 How to Find People Who Share Your Values

28:19 Understanding the Journey vs. the Goal

30:49 Knowing When to Persevere vs. Let Go

32:46 How to Know You've Outgrown a Friendship

35:22 Recognizing Why a Relationship Has Ended

38:08 Why Sincerity Beats Perfection Every Time

45:46 Learning to Trust Your Intuition

48:52 The Most Powerful Relationship Advice You'll Ever Hear

55:27 How to Share Your Wins With Friends Who Are Struggling

01:03:10 Stop Letting Insecurities Define Your Behavior

01:06:21 Can You Be Friends with People You Envy?

01:09:35 How to Respond to Skeptics with Grace

01:12:44 Your Worth Isn’t Measured by Numbers

01:15:45 Tune Into Your Needs, Not Others' Expectations

01:19:01 What Social Awkwardness Really Means

01:22:59 Real Communication Is About Understanding, Not Winning

01:29:44 Embracing Imperfection Is What Makes Us Human

01:31:40 Simon on Final Five

Episode Resources:

Simon Sinek | Website

Simon Sinek | Instagram

Simon Sinek | LinkedIn

Simon Sinek | X

Simon Sinek | Facebook

Simon Sinek | TikTok

Simon Sinek | YouTube

A Bit of Optimism

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.