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

Today, Jay invites us to reconsider something we interact with every day but rarely use to its full potential. He challenges the way we see AI, not as a productivity shortcut, but as a powerful mirror for self-awareness. Instead of using it to draft emails or plan meals, Jay reframes it as a space for honest, structured conversations with ourselves, something many of us avoid.

Jay breaks down practical ways to use AI as a tool for inner growth, from conducting a brutally honest life audit to uncovering hidden patterns of self-sabotage. He explains how our minds often protect us from uncomfortable truths, keeping us stuck in cycles we don’t fully understand. When we put our thoughts into words, we create enough distance from our emotions to start seeing patterns we’ve been missing. This isn’t about replacing human connection, but about strengthening it by first learning how to understand ourselves more clearly, honestly, and compassionately.

In this episode you'll learn:

How to Use AI for Deep Self-Awareness

How to Turn AI Into Your Thinking Partner

How to Build Your Personal Operating System

How to Decode Your Emotional Triggers

You don’t have to fix everything overnight. You just have to begin. Because the moment you choose to understand yourself more deeply is the moment your life starts to change.

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 

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:01 The Most Powerful Way to Use AI

02:47 Why ChatGPT Isn’t Just a Search Engine

05:25 #1: Do a Brutally Honest Life Audit

08:13 #2: Decoding Your Self-Sabotage Patterns 

11:02 #3: Build Your Personal Operating System

13:44 #4: Practice the Hard Conversations First

17:08 #5: Build an Accountability System That Works

20:07 #6: Break Down Your Emotional Patterns in Real Time

23:00 #7: Write the Letter You Never Sent

Today, Jay invites us to reconsider something we interact with every day but rarely use to its full potential. He challenges the way we see AI, not as a productivity shortcut, but as a powerful mirror for self-awareness. Instead of using it to draft emails or plan meals, Jay reframes it as a space for honest, structured conversations with ourselves, something many of us avoid.
Jay breaks down practical ways to use AI as a tool for inner growth, from conducting a brutally honest life audit to uncovering hidden patterns of self-sabotage. He explains how our minds often protect us from uncomfortable truths, keeping us stuck in cycles we don&rsquo;t fully understand. When we put our thoughts into words, we create enough distance from our emotions to start seeing patterns we&rsquo;ve been missing. This isn&rsquo;t about replacing human connection, but about strengthening it by first learning how to understand ourselves more clearly, honestly, and compassionately.
In this episode you'll learn:
How to Use AI for Deep Self-Awareness
How to Turn AI Into Your Thinking Partner
How to Build Your Personal Operating System
How to Decode Your Emotional Triggers
You don&rsquo;t have to fix everything overnight. You just have to begin. Because the moment you choose to understand yourself more deeply is the moment your life starts to change.
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;
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
01:01 The Most Powerful Way to Use AI
02:47 Why ChatGPT Isn&rsquo;t Just a Search Engine
05:25 #1: Do a Brutally Honest Life Audit
08:13 #2: Decoding Your Self-Sabotage Patterns&nbsp;
11:02 #3: Build Your Personal Operating System
13:44 #4: Practice the Hard Conversations First
17:08 #5: Build an Accountability System That Works
20:07 #6: Break Down Your Emotional Patterns in Real Time
23:00 #7: Write the Letter You Never Sent

7 ChatGPT Prompts That Will Actually Change Your Life

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0cce22b1-9ddb-4adc-acdd-b41300680b7f/transcript

Friendship can feel effortless when we’re young, but as life grows busier and our paths begin to diverge, maintaining meaningful relationships becomes far more complex. Today, Jay brings together powerful conversations with a group of insightful guests to explore why adult friendships change and what it truly takes to build connections that last. Together, these perspectives reveal that friendship isn’t something that simply happens, it’s something we intentionally create and nurture over time. 

Mel Robbins explains why friendships often become harder after our twenties, describing the “great scattering” that happens when people move in different directions and life timelines begin to shift. Andrew Huberman explores the science behind connection and why simple habits like checking in with someone or asking deeper questions can help us feel more seen and understood. Robin Sharma reflects on the idea that a few truly meaningful friendships can be more powerful than a large social circle, encouraging us to focus on relationships that bring joy, growth, and mutual support. 

Trevor Noah shares how his closest friends help anchor him through the loneliness of touring and remind him who he is during difficult moments. Marianna Hewitt talks about the importance of protecting your energy and choosing friendships that leave you feeling energized rather than drained. Together, these conversations remind us that real friendships aren’t defined by how often we see someone, but by the depth of trust, acceptance, and connection we create with the people who truly matter. 

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to Build Meaningful Friendships as an Adult

How to Reach Out to Friends You’ve Lost Touch With

How to Build a Support System That Truly Lasts

How to Maintain Friendships Even When Life Gets Busy

How to Strengthen Your Circle With Small Daily Habits

Real friendships are built through small moments, checking in, being present, listening without judgment, and showing up during both the joyful and difficult times. When we make the effort to reach out, to be vulnerable, and to be present for the people around us, we create connections that can carry us through every stage of life.

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

01:50 Why is It So Hard To Make Friends as an Adult?

11:04 Understanding the Loneliness Crisis

22:04 Let Joy Guide Your Friendships

23:30 What Makes a Truly Great Friend?

25:58 How to Create Perfect Moments Together

29:52 Why Friendship Is a Choice

40:52 Recognizing Your Energy Drainers

44:28 Building Your Core Circle of Friends

46:36 Creating Healthy Social Circles

48:54 Mindful Eating When Socializing

51:03 Compromises That Strengthen Friendships

56:21 Being Raw and Real with Friends

Friendship can feel effortless when we&rsquo;re young, but as life grows busier and our paths begin to diverge, maintaining meaningful relationships becomes far more complex. Today, Jay brings together powerful conversations with a group of insightful guests to explore why adult friendships change and what it truly takes to build connections that last. Together, these perspectives reveal that friendship isn&rsquo;t something that simply happens, it&rsquo;s something we intentionally create and nurture over time.&nbsp;
Mel Robbins explains why friendships often become harder after our twenties, describing the &ldquo;great scattering&rdquo; that happens when people move in different directions and life timelines begin to shift. Andrew Huberman explores the science behind connection and why simple habits like checking in with someone or asking deeper questions can help us feel more seen and understood. Robin Sharma reflects on the idea that a few truly meaningful friendships can be more powerful than a large social circle, encouraging us to focus on relationships that bring joy, growth, and mutual support.&nbsp;
Trevor Noah shares how his closest friends help anchor him through the loneliness of touring and remind him who he is during difficult moments. Marianna Hewitt talks about the importance of protecting your energy and choosing friendships that leave you feeling energized rather than drained. Together, these conversations remind us that real friendships aren&rsquo;t defined by how often we see someone, but by the depth of trust, acceptance, and connection we create with the people who truly matter.&nbsp;
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to Build Meaningful Friendships as an Adult
How to Reach Out to Friends You&rsquo;ve Lost Touch With
How to Build a Support System That Truly Lasts
How to Maintain Friendships Even When Life Gets Busy
How to Strengthen Your Circle With Small Daily Habits
Real friendships are built through small moments, checking in, being present, listening without judgment, and showing up during both the joyful and difficult times. When we make the effort to reach out, to be vulnerable, and to be present for the people around us, we create connections that can carry us through every stage of life.
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> 
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
01:50 Why is It So Hard To Make Friends as an Adult?
11:04 Understanding the Loneliness Crisis
22:04 Let Joy Guide Your Friendships
23:30 What Makes a Truly Great Friend?
25:58 How to Create Perfect Moments Together
29:52 Why Friendship Is a Choice
40:52 Recognizing Your Energy Drainers
44:28 Building Your Core Circle of Friends
46:36 Creating Healthy Social Circles
48:54 Mindful Eating When Socializing
51:03 Compromises That Strengthen Friendships
56:21 Being Raw and Real with Friends

Jay’s Must-Listens: Making Friends as an Adult Is Hard! (8 Powerful Lessons on Building Friendships That Last)  Ft. Trevor Noah and Mel Robbins

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a51cbd45-0142-4ea4-a28e-b4110059471c/transcript

Today, Jay sits down with communication expert Jefferson Fisher to explore why the conversations we avoid often shape our lives the most. Drawing from his experience as a trial lawyer turned teacher, Jefferson shares a powerful truth: communication isn’t about winning arguments, it’s about building peace. When we learn to face difficult conversations head on with clarity, courage, and compassion we stop people-pleasing, reconnect with who we truly are, and create deeper, more honest relationships. Avoidance may feel safer in the moment, but it always comes at a cost.

Together, Jay and Jefferson unpack why so many conflicts spiral, not because of what’s said, but because of what’s heard. From romantic relationships to family dynamics, they reveal how most arguments are really about the need to feel understood, valued, and safe. Jefferson shares simple yes transformative tools, like asking “What did you hear?” or pausing to breathe before responding, that help slow heated moments and turn reaction into connection. He explains that true emotional intelligence is the ability to repair quickly, validate feelings without needing to agree, and choose understanding over defensiveness.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Face Difficult Conversations Without Fear

How to Say the Hard Thing Without Starting a Fight

How to Stay Calm When You Feel Triggered

How to Make Someone Feel Understood Without Agreeing

How to Repair a Conversation After You Mess Up

How to Slow Down Arguments Before They Escalate

How to Build Deeper Relationships Through Better Conversations

Every honest sentence, every pause to breathe, every moment you choose understanding over reaction is a step toward a more peaceful life. Growth doesn’t come from avoiding what’s hard, it comes from meeting it with intention, patience, and compassion.

Get your own copy of Jefferson’s latest book, The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More 

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. 

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

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:11 How Good Communication Creates a Life of Peace

02:14 Why Facing Difficult Conversations Changes Everything

04:53 Your Fear of Upsetting Others Is Valid

06:45 The Biggest Communication Mistake We All Make

09:45 Can You Actually Change Someone’s Mind?

12:31 How to Reach Someone Who Refuses to Communicate

16:17 Winning Arguments Should Never Be the Goal

19:43 What to Do When Your Partner Triggers You

21:21 The Patience Required to Create Real Connection

25:42 How Should I Respond to the Silent Treatment?

30:13 The Clearest Sign Someone Doesn’t Truly Care

32:10 When a Relationship May Be Beyond Repair

35:00 Why Radical Honesty Strengthens Relationships

38:03 When Your Partner Can’t Handle the Hard Conversations

41:31 The Small Moments Where Repair Gets Missed

44:20 Do You Feel Judged by Your Parents?

51:53 How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty

55:14 How to Stop Saying Things You Don’t Mean

58:04 Setting Boundaries That Actually Stick 

01:00:37 What to Do When a Coworker Keep Interrupting You

01:03:15 Overexplaining Undermines Your Confidence

01:06:06 Breaking the Us vs. Them Mentality

01:11:25 Jefferson on Final Five

Episode Resources:

Website | https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/  

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher/ 

YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXjnpu6lK0HoUyOMh2ZBwhQ 

TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson  

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

X | https://x.com/jefferson_fishr 

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

Today, Jay sits down with communication expert Jefferson Fisher to explore why the conversations we avoid often shape our lives the most. Drawing from his experience as a trial lawyer turned teacher, Jefferson shares a powerful truth: communication isn&rsquo;t about winning arguments, it&rsquo;s about building peace. When we learn to face difficult conversations head on with clarity, courage, and compassion we stop people-pleasing, reconnect with who we truly are, and create deeper, more honest relationships. Avoidance may feel safer in the moment, but it always comes at a cost.
Together, Jay and Jefferson unpack why so many conflicts spiral, not because of what&rsquo;s said, but because of what&rsquo;s heard. From romantic relationships to family dynamics, they reveal how most arguments are really about the need to feel understood, valued, and safe. Jefferson shares simple yes transformative tools, like asking &ldquo;What did you hear?&rdquo; or pausing to breathe before responding, that help slow heated moments and turn reaction into connection. He explains that true emotional intelligence is the ability to repair quickly, validate feelings without needing to agree, and choose understanding over defensiveness.
In this interview, you'll learn:
How to Face Difficult Conversations Without Fear
How to Say the Hard Thing Without Starting a Fight
How to Stay Calm When You Feel Triggered
How to Make Someone Feel Understood Without Agreeing
How to Repair a Conversation After You Mess Up
How to Slow Down Arguments Before They Escalate
How to Build Deeper Relationships Through Better Conversations
Every honest sentence, every pause to breathe, every moment you choose understanding over reaction is a step toward a more peaceful life. Growth doesn&rsquo;t come from avoiding what&rsquo;s hard, it comes from meeting it with intention, patience, and compassion.
Get your own copy of Jefferson&rsquo;s latest book, <a href="https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/462125/the-next-conversation-by-fisher-jefferson/9780241719886">The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More</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">here</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
01:11 How Good Communication Creates a Life of Peace
02:14 Why Facing Difficult Conversations Changes Everything
04:53 Your Fear of Upsetting Others Is Valid
06:45 The Biggest Communication Mistake We All Make
09:45 Can You Actually Change Someone&rsquo;s Mind?
12:31 How to Reach Someone Who Refuses to Communicate
16:17 Winning Arguments Should Never Be the Goal
19:43 What to Do When Your Partner Triggers You
21:21 The Patience Required to Create Real Connection
25:42 How Should I Respond to the Silent Treatment?
30:13 The Clearest Sign Someone Doesn&rsquo;t Truly Care
32:10 When a Relationship May Be Beyond Repair
35:00 Why Radical Honesty Strengthens Relationships
38:03 When Your Partner Can&rsquo;t Handle the Hard Conversations
41:31 The Small Moments Where Repair Gets Missed
44:20 Do You Feel Judged by Your Parents?
51:53 How to Say No Without Feeling Guilty
55:14 How to Stop Saying Things You Don&rsquo;t Mean
58:04 Setting Boundaries That Actually Stick&nbsp;
01:00:37 What to Do When a Coworker Keep Interrupting You
01:03:15 Overexplaining Undermines Your Confidence
01:06:06 Breaking the Us vs. Them Mentality
01:11:25 Jefferson on Final Five
Episode Resources:
Website | <a href="https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/">https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
Instagram | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher/">https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher/</a>&nbsp;
YouTube | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXjnpu6lK0HoUyOMh2ZBwhQ">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXjnpu6lK0HoUyOMh2ZBwhQ</a>&nbsp;
TikTok | <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson">https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
Facebook | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justaskjefferson/">https://www.facebook.com/justaskjefferson/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;
X | <a href="https://x.com/jefferson_fishr">https://x.com/jefferson_fishr</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffersonfisher/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffersonfisher/</a>

Jefferson Fisher: The #1 Communication Mistake People Make in Arguments (Do THIS Before You Respond to Instantly Lower Tension)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f0a7a117-76af-4709-9c2b-b40f00580fc5/transcript

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

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