On this episode of On Purpose, I sat down with Anna Akana. Anna is an American actress, filmmaker, musician, author, and comedian. She is most known for her massive presence on YouTube. 

Anna’s experience losing her 13-year-old sister to suicide when she 17 taught her that ultimately age is a gift that comes with wisdom. She's destigmatizing the way we feel about mental health issues & reminding us that we are not alone and your voice matters to at-least one person. Text Jay Shetty 310-997-4177

On this episode of On Purpose, I sat down with Anna Akana. Anna is an American actress, filmmaker, musician, author, and comedian. She is most known for her massive presence on YouTube. 
Anna’s experience losing her 13-year-old sister to suicide when she 17 taught her that ultimately age is a gift that comes with wisdom. She's destigmatizing the way we feel about mental health issues & reminding us that we are not alone and your voice matters to at-least one person. Text Jay Shetty 310-997-4177

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace.

I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace.
I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

My name is Jay Shetty, and my purpose is to make wisdom go viral. I’m fortunate to have fascinating conversations with the most insightful people in the world, and on my podcast, I’m sharing those conversations with you. New episodes Mondays and Fridays. Please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it. Live life today ON PURPOSE.

My name is Jay Shetty, and my purpose is to make wisdom go viral. I’m fortunate to have fascinating conversations with the most insightful people in the world, and on my podcast, I’m sharing those conversations with you. New episodes Mondays and Fridays. Please rate and review the podcast if you enjoy it. Live life today ON PURPOSE.

On this episode of On Purpose, I sat down with Anna Akana. Anna is an American actress, filmmaker, musician, author, and comedian. She is most known for her massive presence on YouTube. 

Anna’s experience losing her 13-year-old sister to suicide when she 17 taught her that ultimately age is a gift that comes with wisdom. She's destigmatizing the way we feel about mental health issues & reminding us that we are not alone and your voice matters to at-least one person. Text Jay Shetty 310-997-4177

Anna Akana: ON How To Trust Yourself More & The Importance Of Using Your Voice To Help Others

What if certainty is what’s actually keeping you stuck?

Today Jay sits down with philosopher and creator Alex O’Connor for a deeply thought-provoking conversation about consciousness, certainty, religion, and the questions that quietly shape the way we live. Alex opens up about growing up rebellious, struggling in school, and feeling disconnected from traditional systems before discovering philosophy and the search for truth. Together, they explore why so many people feel pressure to have life figured out too early, and why curiosity, self-awareness, and the willingness to question your beliefs may matter more than having all the answers.

Jay and Alex unpack the mysteries of the human mind, the illusion of self, the limits of science, and humanity’s fear of death. Drawing from neuroscience, philosophy, and Eastern traditions, Alex challenges the idea that life can be fully explained through logic alone, while reflecting on how uncertainty can lead to deeper understanding rather than fear. This episode is an invitation to think beyond labels and rigid beliefs, and a reminder that some of life’s most meaningful discoveries begin when we stop pretending we’re certain about everything.

In this episode you'll learn:

How to Find What You’re Truly Good At

How to Think Beyond Traditional Success

How to Question Your Deepest Beliefs

How to Balance Logic and Intuition

How to Stop Living on Autopilot

How to Become Comfortable With Uncertainty

Your doubts don’t make you weak, they make you human. And sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit you’re still learning, while continuing to search for truth, purpose, and peace along the way.

If you’re ready to question everything you thought you knew about consciousness, religion, truth, and what it means to be human, Alex O’Connor’s Within Reason podcast is where philosophy becomes deeply personal. Link here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/within-reason/id1458675168 

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe  

Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast 

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

00:19 What’s a Childhood Memory That Shaped You?

04:51 Why You Feel Stuck Even When You’re Trying

07:29 Everyone Has Something They’re Meant To Do 

14:15 What History Reveals About The Present

20:30 The Mystery of Consciousness

26:42 Inside the New Atheist Movement

31:20 Explaining Your Worldview to Others

45:35 The Limits of Science and Philosophy

56:24 What Makes a Good Life?

58:09 Are You Living by Your Beliefs?

01:14:54 Left Brain vs. Right Brain Thinking

01:17:53 Alex O’Connor’s Final Five

Episode Resources:

Website: https://www.alexoconnor.com/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicSkeptic 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CosmicSkeptic/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cosmicskeptic/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmicskeptic 

X: https://x.com/CosmicSkeptic

What if certainty is what&rsquo;s actually keeping you stuck?
Today Jay sits down with philosopher and creator Alex O&rsquo;Connor for a deeply thought-provoking conversation about consciousness, certainty, religion, and the questions that quietly shape the way we live. Alex opens up about growing up rebellious, struggling in school, and feeling disconnected from traditional systems before discovering philosophy and the search for truth. Together, they explore why so many people feel pressure to have life figured out too early, and why curiosity, self-awareness, and the willingness to question your beliefs may matter more than having all the answers.
Jay and Alex unpack the mysteries of the human mind, the illusion of self, the limits of science, and humanity&rsquo;s fear of death. Drawing from neuroscience, philosophy, and Eastern traditions, Alex challenges the idea that life can be fully explained through logic alone, while reflecting on how uncertainty can lead to deeper understanding rather than fear. This episode is an invitation to think beyond labels and rigid beliefs, and a reminder that some of life&rsquo;s most meaningful discoveries begin when we stop pretending we&rsquo;re certain about everything.
In this episode you'll learn:
How to Find What You&rsquo;re Truly Good At
How to Think Beyond Traditional Success
How to Question Your Deepest Beliefs
How to Balance Logic and Intuition
How to Stop Living on Autopilot
How to Become Comfortable With Uncertainty
Your doubts don&rsquo;t make you weak, they make you human. And sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit you&rsquo;re still learning, while continuing to search for truth, purpose, and peace along the way.
If you&rsquo;re ready to question everything you thought you knew about consciousness, religion, truth, and what it means to be human, Alex O&rsquo;Connor&rsquo;s Within Reason podcast is where philosophy becomes deeply personal. Link here: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/within-reason/id1458675168">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/within-reason/id1458675168</a>&nbsp;
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
JAY&rsquo;S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe <a href="https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe">https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe</a> &nbsp;
Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! <a href="https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast">https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast</a>&nbsp;
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
00:19 What&rsquo;s a Childhood Memory That Shaped You?
04:51 Why You Feel Stuck Even When You&rsquo;re Trying
07:29 Everyone Has Something They&rsquo;re Meant To Do&nbsp;
14:15 What History Reveals About The Present
20:30 The Mystery of Consciousness
26:42 Inside the New Atheist Movement
31:20 Explaining Your Worldview to Others
45:35 The Limits of Science and Philosophy
56:24 What Makes a Good Life?
58:09 Are You Living by Your Beliefs?
01:14:54 Left Brain vs. Right Brain Thinking
01:17:53 Alex O&rsquo;Connor&rsquo;s Final Five
Episode Resources:
Website: <a href="https://www.alexoconnor.com/">https://www.alexoconnor.com/</a>&nbsp;
YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicSkeptic">https://www.youtube.com/@CosmicSkeptic</a>&nbsp;
Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CosmicSkeptic/">https://www.facebook.com/CosmicSkeptic/</a>&nbsp;
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cosmicskeptic/">https://www.instagram.com/cosmicskeptic/</a>&nbsp;
TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmicskeptic">https://www.tiktok.com/@cosmicskeptic</a>&nbsp;
X: <a href="https://x.com/CosmicSkeptic">https://x.com/CosmicSkeptic</a>

Alex O’Connor: #1 Shift That Stops Endless Overthinking (FINALLY Get Unstuck)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f9c8c7ed-ab26-4f17-84c0-b4550026512d/transcript

Today, Jay breaks down seven mindset shifts that have fundamentally changed how he approaches pain, relationships, purpose, and growth. This isn’t surface-level inspiration. It’s the kind of perspective that stays with you, reshaping how you think in hard moments and how you show up every single day.

Jay challenges the idea that clarity comes before action, showing instead that purpose is built through movement, experimentation, and courage. Most people don’t fail because they lack discipline. They fail because their environment quietly shapes their habits, energy, and identity over time. From the stories we tell ourselves to the relationships we choose, Jay reveals how our internal narrative drives everything, from resilience to self-worth.

In this episode you'll learn:

How to Heal From the People Who Trigger You

How to Stop Waiting and Start Moving Forward

How to Build an Environment That Supports Growth

How to Recognize the Patterns Keeping You Stuck

How to Create Stronger Relationships Through Daily Habits

How to Practice Mindsets That Actually Change Your Life

The way you think shapes the way you live, and even the smallest shift in perspective can begin changing the direction of your life. You do not need to have everything figured out to move forward. You only need the courage to take one honest step today.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change 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 

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:20 #1: Pain Is Temporary, Don’t Let It Become Your Identity

04:57 #2: You Are Not Your Thoughts, You Are Your Response to Them

07:26 #3: The People Who Trigger You Are Your Greatest Teachers

11:29 #4: Clarity Comes From Action, Not Overthinking

14:44 #5: Your Environment Shapes Your Life More Than Motivation

18:59 #6: The Most Powerful Story You Tell Is the One About Yourself

22:12 #7: Real Love Is a Daily Choice, Not Just a Feeling

26:19 Mindsets Only Change Your Life When You Practice Them Daily

Today, Jay breaks down seven mindset shifts that have fundamentally changed how he approaches pain, relationships, purpose, and growth. This isn&rsquo;t surface-level inspiration. It&rsquo;s the kind of perspective that stays with you, reshaping how you think in hard moments and how you show up every single day.
Jay challenges the idea that clarity comes before action, showing instead that purpose is built through movement, experimentation, and courage. Most people don&rsquo;t fail because they lack discipline. They fail because their environment quietly shapes their habits, energy, and identity over time. From the stories we tell ourselves to the relationships we choose, Jay reveals how our internal narrative drives everything, from resilience to self-worth.
In this episode you'll learn:
How to Heal From the People Who Trigger You
How to Stop Waiting and Start Moving Forward
How to Build an Environment That Supports Growth
How to Recognize the Patterns Keeping You Stuck
How to Create Stronger Relationships Through Daily Habits
How to Practice Mindsets That Actually Change Your Life
The way you think shapes the way you live, and even the smallest shift in perspective can begin changing the direction of your life. You do not need to have everything figured out to move forward. You only need the courage to take one honest step today.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
JAY&rsquo;S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here: <a href="https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe">https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe</a>&nbsp;
Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! <a href="https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast">https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast</a>&nbsp;
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
01:20 #1: Pain Is Temporary, Don&rsquo;t Let It Become Your Identity
04:57 #2: You Are Not Your Thoughts, You Are Your Response to Them
07:26 #3: The People Who Trigger You Are Your Greatest Teachers
11:29 #4: Clarity Comes From Action, Not Overthinking
14:44 #5: Your Environment Shapes Your Life More Than Motivation
18:59 #6: The Most Powerful Story You Tell Is the One About Yourself
22:12 #7: Real Love Is a Daily Choice, Not Just a Feeling
26:19 Mindsets Only Change Your Life When You Practice Them Daily

7 Mindset Shifts That ACTUALLY Work (Finally Change How You Think, React & Show Up)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/480f684a-1be4-4acf-9bcb-b452003c4a4a/transcript

Today Jay sits down with one of the world’s most influential digital storytellers, Dhar Mann, for a raw conversation about failure, identity, and resilience. Dhar opens up about growing up feeling caught between two worlds, battling loneliness, depression, and self-doubt, and how those painful experiences ultimately shaped his purpose. Together, they explore how our deepest wounds often become the message we’re here to share, and why real healing begins when we stop hiding who we are.

Dhar also breaks down the mindset and systems that helped him turn his lowest moments into a global storytelling brand. He shares why success comes from repetition, failure, and emotional connection, not validation, and reveals the story behind the one video he almost didn’t post that changed everything.

In this episode you'll learn:

How to Keep Going After Rejection

How to Find Confidence Through Consistency

How to Build a Purpose-Driven Brand

How to Stop Hiding Your Struggles

How to Pivot When Life Changes

How to Choose the Right Partner

How to Create Success That Lasts

Some of the most meaningful breakthroughs happen after seasons of rejection, loneliness, and uncertainty. Keep showing up, keep believing in your growth, and keep taking the next step forward even when no one else can see the vision yet.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX

Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe  

Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast 

Check out Dhar’s new podcast, What Happens Next - https://www.youtube.com/@dharmannspodcast/featured



What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

03:01 The Hidden Cost of Childhood Pain

05:36 Growing Up Desperate to Belong

08:47 The Real Meaning of Belonging

11:17 The Hustle That Started It All

16:05 What Failure Teaches You That Success Never Will

18:57 Fear of Failing in Public

26:07 The 5-Step Formula for Success

27:25 Owning Your Story (Even When It’s Messy)

32:35 How to Make People Actually Trust You

41:42 The Systems That Actually Build Success

49:39 The Key To Connection

54:20 Turning Content Into Impact

55:52 The Moment Everything Fell Apart

01:06:12 Choosing the Wrong Partner Can Cost You Everything

01:10:39 What Love Teaches You That Success Can’t

01:14:44 Dhar on Final Five

01:18:52 The Story Behind What Happens Next?  

Episode Resources:

Website | https://www.dharmann.com/ 

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@dharmannspodcast/featured

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hK9fOxyy_TM8FJGXIyG8Q 

Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/dharmannofficial/ 

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dhar.mann/ 

LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharmann 

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@dhar.mann 

X | https://x.com/dharmann

Today Jay sits down with one of the world&rsquo;s most influential digital storytellers, Dhar Mann, for a raw conversation about failure, identity, and resilience. Dhar opens up about growing up feeling caught between two worlds, battling loneliness, depression, and self-doubt, and how those painful experiences ultimately shaped his purpose. Together, they explore how our deepest wounds often become the message we&rsquo;re here to share, and why real healing begins when we stop hiding who we are.
Dhar also breaks down the mindset and systems that helped him turn his lowest moments into a global storytelling brand. He shares why success comes from repetition, failure, and emotional connection, not validation, and reveals the story behind the one video he almost didn&rsquo;t post that changed everything.
In this episode you'll learn:
How to Keep Going After Rejection
How to Find Confidence Through Consistency
How to Build a Purpose-Driven Brand
How to Stop Hiding Your Struggles
How to Pivot When Life Changes
How to Choose the Right Partner
How to Create Success That Lasts
Some of the most meaningful breakthroughs happen after seasons of rejection, loneliness, and uncertainty. Keep showing up, keep believing in your growth, and keep taking the next step forward even when no one else can see the vision yet.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
JAY&rsquo;S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe <a href="https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe">https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe</a> &nbsp;
Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! <a href="https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast">https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast</a>&nbsp; Check out Dhar&rsquo;s new podcast, What Happens Next - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dharmannspodcast/featured">https://www.youtube.com/@dharmannspodcast/featured</a> 
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
03:01 The Hidden Cost of Childhood Pain
05:36 Growing Up Desperate to Belong
08:47 The Real Meaning of Belonging
11:17 The Hustle That Started It All
16:05 What Failure Teaches You That Success Never Will
18:57 Fear of Failing in Public
26:07 The 5-Step Formula for Success
27:25 Owning Your Story (Even When It&rsquo;s Messy)
32:35 How to Make People Actually Trust You
41:42 The Systems That Actually Build Success
49:39 The Key To Connection
54:20 Turning Content Into Impact
55:52 The Moment Everything Fell Apart
01:06:12 Choosing the Wrong Partner Can Cost You Everything
01:10:39 What Love Teaches You That Success Can&rsquo;t
01:14:44 Dhar on Final Five
01:18:52 The Story Behind What Happens Next?&nbsp;&nbsp;
Episode Resources:
Website | <a href="https://www.dharmann.com/">https://www.dharmann.com/</a>&nbsp; YouTube | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@dharmannspodcast/featured">https://www.youtube.com/@dharmannspodcast/featured</a> YouTube | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hK9fOxyy_TM8FJGXIyG8Q">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_hK9fOxyy_TM8FJGXIyG8Q</a>&nbsp;
Facebook | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dharmannofficial/">https://www.facebook.com/dharmannofficial/</a>&nbsp;
Instagram | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dhar.mann/">https://www.instagram.com/dhar.mann/</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharmann">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharmann</a>&nbsp;
TikTok | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@dhar.mann">https://www.tiktok.com/@dhar.mann</a>&nbsp;
X | <a href="https://x.com/dharmann">https://x.com/dharmann</a>

Dhar Mann: Not Where You Want to Be Yet? (Follow THIS 5-Step Framework to Stop Overthinking and Finally Take Action)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4d604e27-b9ee-425c-b412-b4500066d57d/transcript

Anna Akana: ON How To Trust Yourself More & The Importance Of Using Your Voice To Help Others

In 1 playlist(s)

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips