When it comes to relationship questions this is probably the toughest one - can you be friends with your ex?Is it the right decision? Well, it’s complicated.Today’s episode I’m going to share with your some of the studies, insights, and thoughts that are going to help you decide for yourself.

When it comes to relationship questions this is probably the toughest one - can you be friends with your ex?Is it the right decision? Well, it’s complicated.Today’s episode I’m going to share with your some of the studies, insights, and thoughts that are going to help you decide for yourself.

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.

Can You Be Friends with Your Ex? 3 Things to Think About Before You Do

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

If a breakup has ever left you feeling physically sick, emotionally lost, and not feeling like yourself, nothing is wrong with you. You’re grieving.

Today, Jay speaks directly to anyone navigating the quiet devastation of heartbreak, reminding them that nothing is “wrong” with them for feeling the way they do. He explains that breakups don’t just hurt emotionally, they activate the same neural pathways as physical pain and withdrawal. What you’re experiencing isn’t weakness or failure; it’s grief. Jay reframes the end of a relationship not simply as losing a person, but as losing a future you imagined, the routines your nervous system depended on, and the version of yourself that existed within that relationship.

Jay walks us through the five stages of breakup grief, showing how numbness is a form of protection, why the mind gets stuck in rumination after loss, and how anger can signal the return of self-respect. Rather than rushing to “move on,” he encourages simple practices like building small routines, writing down obsessive thoughts, setting boundaries, and resisting the highlight reel your mind creates that makes you only remember the good. The stages aren’t a straight line, but a map that helps you move through uncertainty with more grace and self-compassion.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to Rebuild Your Routine After a Breakup

How to Break the Cycle of Rumination

How to Express Anger in a Healthy Way

How to Set Boundaries That Protect Your Healing

How to Move Through Sadness Without Rushing It

How to Create Meaning After Loss

Be gentle with yourself in this season. Lean on the people who show up for you. Rebuild your routines slowly. One day, this chapter will no longer be the center of your story, it will be the turning point that makes you wiser, stronger, and more secure in who you are.

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

02:19 Biggest Mistake Made During a Break Up

02:34 You’re Actually Experiencing Grief 

07:40 Stage #1: Shock and Denial

10:12 2 Ways to Overcome the Shock

12:58 Stage #2: Bargaining and Obsession

17:45 Stage #3: Anger and Protest

21:49 Stage #4: Sadness and Depression

24:33 Stage #5: Acceptance and Meaning

26:24 This is How You Heal

If a breakup has ever left you feeling physically sick, emotionally lost, and not feeling like yourself, nothing is wrong with you. You&rsquo;re grieving.
Today, Jay speaks directly to anyone navigating the quiet devastation of heartbreak, reminding them that nothing is &ldquo;wrong&rdquo; with them for feeling the way they do. He explains that breakups don&rsquo;t just hurt emotionally, they activate the same neural pathways as physical pain and withdrawal. What you&rsquo;re experiencing isn&rsquo;t weakness or failure; it&rsquo;s grief. Jay reframes the end of a relationship not simply as losing a person, but as losing a future you imagined, the routines your nervous system depended on, and the version of yourself that existed within that relationship.
Jay walks us through the five stages of breakup grief, showing how numbness is a form of protection, why the mind gets stuck in rumination after loss, and how anger can signal the return of self-respect. Rather than rushing to &ldquo;move on,&rdquo; he encourages simple practices like building small routines, writing down obsessive thoughts, setting boundaries, and resisting the highlight reel your mind creates that makes you only remember the good. The stages aren&rsquo;t a straight line, but a map that helps you move through uncertainty with more grace and self-compassion.
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to Rebuild Your Routine After a Breakup
How to Break the Cycle of Rumination
How to Express Anger in a Healthy Way
How to Set Boundaries That Protect Your Healing
How to Move Through Sadness Without Rushing It
How to Create Meaning After Loss
Be gentle with yourself in this season. Lean on the people who show up for you. Rebuild your routines slowly. One day, this chapter will no longer be the center of your story, it will be the turning point that makes you wiser, stronger, and more secure in who you are.
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 <a href="https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe">here</a>.
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
02:19 Biggest Mistake Made During a Break Up
02:34 You&rsquo;re Actually Experiencing Grief&nbsp;
07:40 Stage #1: Shock and Denial
10:12 2 Ways to Overcome the Shock
12:58 Stage #2: Bargaining and Obsession
17:45 Stage #3: Anger and Protest
21:49 Stage #4: Sadness and Depression
24:33 Stage #5: Acceptance and Meaning
26:24 This is How You Heal

If You’re Going Through a Breakup, Listen To This

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/9605b310-c932-4126-b2ed-b40c00466867/transcript

Can You Be Friends with Your Ex? 3 Things to Think About Before You Do

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