Do you struggle with self-doubt sometimes?

What helped you get through a tough emotional season?

Today, Jay sits down with award-winning rapper, actor, and activist Common for a deeply moving live conversation recorded at the legendary Chicago Theater. Known for his poetic lyrics and conscious artistry, Common opens up about his journey from a young boy on the South Side of Chicago to becoming an Academy Award, Emmy, and three-time Grammy winner. In this intimate conversation they explore the emotional and spiritual work behind his success. From heartbreak and rejection to healing and purpose, Common shares what it really took to become the man he is today.

Common shares personal stories of growth and transformation, starting with his childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player and how he eventually found his voice through writing and music. He reflects on the moments that shaped his purpose, including the story of Emmett Till, which moved him to live with more intention. Common also opens up about the heartbreak that forced him to confront the ways he was dimming his light, and the daily spiritual practices that help him stay grounded today, like reading scripture, praying, practicing gratitude, and staying active.

Jay and Common also dive into what it means to be vulnerable in hip-hop, why self-love is the foundation for every other kind of love, and how trusting the divine plan can turn disappointment into direction. They explore how trusting a bigger plan can help turn setbacks into clarity, and share personal insights on setting boundaries, building real friendships, and staying connected to your highest energy.

In this interview, you’ll learn:

How to Transform Pain into Purpose

How to Stop Dimming Your Light in Relationships

Why Vulnerability is a Superpower in Creativity

How to Build Daily Practices for Spiritual Alignment

How to Trust God’s Plan, Even When It’s Painful

How to Attract Friendships that Match Your Frequency

Whether you're moving through heartbreak, looking for direction, or trying to reconnect with your purpose, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your story matters and you're right where you need to be.

With love and gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Live In Chicago

02:15 Common Before the Fame

06:11 Jay On His Childhood & Upbringing

06:44 Pain As A Catalyst for Creativity 

09:01 Proximity To Greatness Is A Motivation

10:11 Living Our Dreams To The Fullest

13:49 How to Trust God's Plan 

16:46 Trust That There’s a Bigger Plan

22:19 Transitioning Between Careers

30:15 Attracting & Building New Friendships 

36:18 Everyday Routine For Body & Mind Care 

40:40 A Poem From the Audience 

43:21 My New Favourite Colour

48:49 Pushing Through Fear As A Motivator

53:33 Letting Go and Letting God

55:26 Common On Final Five 

Episode Resources:

Common | Website

Common | YouTube

Common | Instagram

Common | X

Common | Facebook

Do you struggle with self-doubt sometimes?
What helped you get through a tough emotional season?
Today, Jay sits down with award-winning rapper, actor, and activist Common for a deeply moving live conversation recorded at the legendary Chicago Theater. Known for his poetic lyrics and conscious artistry, Common opens up about his journey from a young boy on the South Side of Chicago to becoming an Academy Award, Emmy, and three-time Grammy winner. In this intimate conversation they explore the emotional and spiritual work behind his success. From heartbreak and rejection to healing and purpose, Common shares what it really took to become the man he is today.
Common shares personal stories of growth and transformation, starting with his childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player and how he eventually found his voice through writing and music. He reflects on the moments that shaped his purpose, including the story of Emmett Till, which moved him to live with more intention. Common also opens up about the heartbreak that forced him to confront the ways he was dimming his light, and the daily spiritual practices that help him stay grounded today, like reading scripture, praying, practicing gratitude, and staying active.
Jay and Common also dive into what it means to be vulnerable in hip-hop, why self-love is the foundation for every other kind of love, and how trusting the divine plan can turn disappointment into direction. They explore how trusting a bigger plan can help turn setbacks into clarity, and share personal insights on setting boundaries, building real friendships, and staying connected to your highest energy.
In this interview, you&rsquo;ll learn:
How to Transform Pain into Purpose
How to Stop Dimming Your Light in Relationships
Why Vulnerability is a Superpower in Creativity
How to Build Daily Practices for Spiritual Alignment
How to Trust God&rsquo;s Plan, Even When It&rsquo;s Painful
How to Attract Friendships that Match Your Frequency
Whether you're moving through heartbreak, looking for direction, or trying to reconnect with your purpose, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your story matters and you're right where you need to be.
With love and gratitude,
Jay Shetty
What We Discuss:
00:00 Introduction
01:13 Live In Chicago
02:15 Common Before the Fame
06:11 Jay On His Childhood &amp; Upbringing
06:44 Pain As A Catalyst for Creativity&nbsp;
09:01 Proximity To Greatness Is A Motivation
10:11 Living Our Dreams To The Fullest
13:49 How to Trust God's Plan&nbsp;
16:46 Trust That There&rsquo;s a Bigger Plan
22:19 Transitioning Between Careers
30:15 Attracting &amp; Building New Friendships&nbsp;
36:18 Everyday Routine For Body &amp; Mind Care&nbsp;
40:40 A Poem From the Audience&nbsp;
43:21 My New Favourite Colour
48:49 Pushing Through Fear As A Motivator
53:33 Letting Go and Letting God
55:26 Common On Final Five&nbsp;
Episode Resources:
Common | <a href="https://www.thinkcommon.com/">Website</a>
Common | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/thinkcommon">YouTube</a>
Common | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/common/">Instagram</a>
Common | <a href="https://x.com/common">X</a>
Common | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thinkcommon/">Facebook</a>

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.

COMMON: The Untold Story of How Heartbreak, Rejection & Self-Doubt Almost Derailed His Success (And How He FINALLY Found His Purpose)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/48a5daa3-6722-4f94-867c-b32200300e25/transcript

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