The Journey of Jay Shetty
Jay Shetty is known for his unique ability to collect compelling stories from some of the world’s most famous individuals. From FaceTiming with Madonna to filming for Netflix with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and even a 48-hour trip to Byron Bay to speak with Chris Hemsworth, it’s clear that his journey has been filled with remarkable experiences.
For seven years, Shetty has hosted “On Purpose,” one of the most popular podcasts globally, with the mission of “making wisdom go viral.” Alongside this, he has authored books, received awards, launched businesses, and traveled the world. His latest live event, “This Changes Everything,” will be in Australia this November, focusing on the four major decisions that shape our lives.
Insights into the Art of Connection
When I met with Shetty over Zoom, I was curious about how he manages to get such high-profile interviews. Many of the people he speaks to on “On Purpose” are media veterans who are well-versed in the press. However, on his show, their walls often come down. For instance, he managed to secure Madonna’s first podcast interview.
Shetty’s secret lies in seeing the human behind the title or name. As we spoke, he was warm and inviting, treating me like an old friend. No wonder he’s a favorite among Hollywood’s elite.
This approach has led to numerous “woah” moments in his life. He shared, “I love the fact that I live a life where I’m constantly pinching myself that I’m in the room with someone that I could only ever have dreamed of getting to know.”
A Unique Interview Experience
One of these moments involved Madonna. Shetty recalled, “I remember speaking to Madonna’s manager, who’d said to me that she wanted to connect.” After months of regular FaceTime calls, they finally secured the interview, resulting in a four-hour chat about her spirituality, health scare, family issues, and more.
Last year, Shetty appeared on season two of “With Love, Meghan,” the Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix series, alongside his wife, Radhi Devlukia-Shetty. He joked, “I felt like a third wheel on Meghan and my wife’s date.” Despite this, filming for the glossy series was another story to add to his growing list.
The Secret to Success
Shetty knows a thing or two about success, not just as an individual but also by sitting across from others who are at the top of their fields each week. When asked about the secret to success, he shared, “The myth is that the people who made it, the people who become successful, the people who are happy, they had a perfect plan.”
He emphasized that you don’t need a perfect plan, just action. “When you take steps on that plan, new steps appear, new pathways emerge, new opportunities present themselves to you, and certain doors will shut as well.”
Upcoming Event in Australia
In November, Shetty will return to Australia for his second tour. For “This Changes Everything,” the focus is on the four decisions that shape our lives: how we feel about ourselves, what we do for work, who we choose to love, and finally, how we serve the world.
“I want you to come here, I want you to understand who you are and where you’re at, and recognize what you’re capable of, and I want you to leave this event making decisions, taking action, and actually seeing shifts in your life,” Shetty said.
The Power of Human Connection
While celebrity stories are the ones Shetty is most often asked about, he finds connecting directly with his audience at events to be the most fulfilling part of his work. He shared the story of Makayla Noble, a former champion cheerleader who suffered a severe spinal cord injury at 16.
Shetty met Noble backstage during a tour stop last year. She was vibrant and glowing, sharing how much she loved his work. People like Noble inspire him more than anyone else in the world.
A Special Connection with Australia
When Shetty last toured Australia in 2023, it was his favorite stop. He highlighted the banter of everyone in Australia, noting that people are hilarious and quick with their back-and-forth. He also mentioned the gratitude of the Australian audience, which moved him deeply.
“I would also say I’ve never met a more grateful audience. Whenever I was in Australia, any event I did, people would be thanking me. And I was like, ‘Wait, you’re thanking me for paying to come to my event?’ This is unbelievable!” Shetty said with a laugh.
