What’s the first step to making money with no savings?

How do you choose which opportunities to start with?

Today, Jay sits down with Codie Sanchez, a powerhouse entrepreneur, investor, and the mind behind Contrarian Thinking, a platform dedicated to empowering people to build real wealth through unconventional investments and small business ownership. Codie’s journey is anything but typical: she went from a middle-class background to finance jobs at Goldman Sachs and Vanguard, then pivoted into journalism, and finally found her calling by building wealth through owning small businesses.

Codie breaks down the idea that you don’t need groundbreaking ideas or tons of cash to get started, just a willingness to look beyond the obvious. From laundromats to vending machines, she explains how these “boring” businesses can actually be gold mines, offering steady and substantial returns that often get overlooked in today’s flashy, social media-driven vision of success.

Together, Jay and Codie dive into practical steps for starting your journey in business ownership. They discuss the essentials, how to make deals, manage risk, and recognize the right opportunities. Along the way, they debunk the myth that you need to be rich or have a finance degree to succeed. Instead, they focus on the importance of learning the language of money, cultivating grit, and keeping a curious mindset.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Take Control of Your Financial Future

How to Start Building Wealth Without a Big Idea

How to Identify Profitable Small Businesses

How to Build a Strong Relationship with Money

How to Turn Curiosity into Cash

How to Leverage Ownership for Financial Freedom

How to Find Under-the-Radar Investment Opportunities

You have the ability to create meaningful change, not only for yourself but for those around you, by building something that truly matters. Keep moving forward, and believe that financial freedom is within your reach.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

• 00:00 Intro

• 01:57 What Makes Rich People Rich?

• 04:40 The Reason Why People Don’t Talk About Money

• 06:30 Where Are We At Financially?

• 09:50 Misconceptions About What Makes Money

• 13:00 4-Step Process to Consistently Make Money

• 14:47 Academic Skills Don’t Translate to a Stable Career

• 17:44 Do You Need Money to Make Money?

• 23:06 The Key to Wealth is Taking Risks

• 26:48 We Can All Get Rich Together

• 32:52 Focus on the Foundation, not Tactics

• 35:28 You’ll Make Less Money if You Think You Will

• 36:57 Learn To Ask the Right Questions

• 43:57 The Best Mentorship Advice

• 49:06 You Can Make Money From Anything

• 52:33 The Richest People Started Small

• 54:19 What Core Business Skills You Should Invest In

• 01:00:16 Recognize Your Value to Get Better Deals

• 01:10:21 Every Business has a Value

• 01:13:49 Are You Bad at Math

• 01:17:47 Codie on Final Five

Episode Resources:

• Codie Sanchez | Website

• Codie Sanchez | YouTube

• Codie Sanchez | Instagram

• Codie Sanchez | Facebook

• Codie Sanchez | TikTok

• Codie Sanchez | LinkedIn

• Main Street Millionaire: How to Make Extraordinary Wealth Buying Ordinary Businesses

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes you feel confident about yourself?

How do you build your confidence when it’s low?

Today, Jay discusses a topic that's all too familiar - the constant barrage of unrealistic beauty standards. He challenges the notion of a singular "most beautiful woman in the world" and explores how societal expectations and media influence our perception of beauty.

Jay breaks down the historical and cultural factors that shape beauty standards, from the ancient Greek ideals of symmetry and proportion to the modern-day obsession with youth and perfection. He highlights the role of social media in perpetuating unrealistic beauty ideals and encourages listeners to question these norms and embrace their individuality.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to Embrace Individuality

How to Build Self-Love

How to Set Boundaries

How to Appreciate Uniqueness

How to Practice Mindfulness

By understanding the forces that shape our perception of beauty and cultivating self-love, we can live authentic, fulfilling lives. Remember, true beauty radiates from within.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

03:21 Different Ways We Think About Beauty

07:32 Definition of Beauty Through History

13:49 Beauty Standards of the West

16:11 What Do We Believe to be Beautiful About Ourselves?

17:05 3 Ways to Build Self Love

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What triggers envy for you?

How do you turn envy into action?

Today, in this eye-opening episode, Jay Jay sits down with the legendary Dr. Jordan B. Peterson, a psychologist, educator, and bestselling author. This conversation has been in the making for years, and it’s packed with deep insights on human development, identity, and how ancient wisdom ties into today’s challenges.

One of the standout moments is when Jordan talks about his upcoming book, We Who Wrestle With God. He takes listeners through the timeless stories of the Old Testament, explaining how they provide profound lessons on values, integrity, and personal growth. He also talks about the importance of always telling the truth and viewing life as an exploration of what’s possible.

Jay and Jordan discuss how easy it is for people to get trapped in “false adventures”—chasing immediate gratification or quick fixes that ultimately don’t fulfill. Jordan reminds us that real growth involves shedding old parts of ourselves to move forward and align with bigger, long-term goals.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Build a Life of Integrity

How to Turn Failure into Learning Opportunities

How to Stay True to Long-Term Goals

How to Practice Gratitude Daily

How to Recognize and Avoid Short-Sighted Decisions

How to Align Your Actions with Your Purpose

How to Balance Ambition and Ethical Living

This conversation highlights the power of facing challenges, learning from experiences, and staying aligned with long-term goals.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

• 00:00 Intro

• 1:24 How Technology Exacerbates Manipulation

• 08::13 Escaping A Limited Reality

• 09:41 Addressing Problems At The Root

• 13:55 The Effectiveness of Psychotherapy on Psychopaths

• 18:17 The Mindset of Predatory Psychopaths

• 21:03 Tips for Women to Protect Themselves from Manipulative People

• 24:16 PTSD And Its Impact

• 27:17 How Stories Shape Our Identity

• 37:06 Why Self-Consciousness Leads to Misery

• 40:03 The Difference Between Seeing and Thinking

• 47:54 The Importance of Long-Term Vision

• 52:56 The Dangers of Envy

• 55:28 Strategies to Overcome Envy

• 59:57 The Role of Pride and Arrogance in Personal Growth

• 1:05:14 The Art of Understanding Through Listening

• 1:09:04 Avoiding the Weaponization of Truth

• 1:10:45 How Short-Term Gratification Derails Progress

• 01:13:11 Setting Standards With Encouragement

• 01:16:31 Sources Of Hope Today

• 01:26:02 Jordan On Final 5

Episode Resources:

• Dr. Jordan B. Peterson | Website

• Dr. Jordan B. Peterson | YouTube

• Dr. Jordan B. Peterson | Instagram

• Dr. Jordan B. Peterson | Facebook

• Dr. Jordan B. Peterson | TikTok

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What drains your energy the most?

How do you deal with toxic behaviors?

Today, Jay tackles a topic we can all relate to – dealing with those challenging family members and coworkers who add a little extra stress to our lives, especially as the holiday season rolls around. If you’re already bracing yourself for gatherings with people who seem to bring more tension than joy, Jay’s got you covered. He dives into why certain people fall into negative or toxic patterns, breaking down types like the pessimist, the complainer, the eternal victim, the energy drainer, and the “just good enough” person. Jay’s perspective sheds light on how these behaviors aren’t really who they are at their core but are often habits born from past hurts or unmet needs.

Jay doesn’t just stop at explaining, though – he shares some really practical, relatable tips on how to navigate these tough dynamics without letting them throw you off balance. He talks about ways to respond with empathy, set emotional boundaries, and even gently redirect conversations when they start to drag you down.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to Handle Toxic Family Members at Gatherings

How to Protect Your Peace Around Negative People

How to Set Boundaries with Draining Coworkers

How to Turn Negative Conversations Around

How to Recognize Negative Patterns in Loved Ones

How to Stop Taking Toxic Comments Personally

You can’t always change someone else’s behavior, but you can protect your own joy and keep a positive outlook. So, as you head into those family gatherings or work meetings, just remember to stay grounded and prioritize your well-being – you deserve it!

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:24 How Do You Deal with Toxic People?

03:26 What Makes a Person Negative or Toxic?

04:34 Type 1: The Pessimist

06:06 Type 2: The Complainer

08:05 Type 3: The Eternal Victim

10:19 Type 4: The “Just Good Enough”

13:19 Some Toxic Behavior is Meant to Protect You

15:13 Tips and Strategies to Deal with Toxicity

17:12 Tip 1: Try to Understand Their Story

19:01 Tip 2: The Negativity Begins with Themselves

22:47 Tip 3: Respond with a Reflective Remark

24:05 Tip 4: Create Distance and Boundaries

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever felt stuck in a negative relationship cycle?

Have you ever struggled with setting boundaries in your relationships?

Today, Jay welcomes back a community favorite, the renowned psychotherapist, bestselling author, and podcast host Lori Gottlieb, for an insightful chat about love, relationships, and emotional growth. Lori, best known for her book Maybe You Should Talk to Someone and as co-host of the popular Dear Therapists podcast, brings her deep wisdom and practical advice that really hits home with listeners.

Lori shares how people often step into love with unrealistic expectations, thanks to social media and pop culture. She reminds us that while the spark of initial chemistry is thrilling, true, long-lasting love thrives on a deeper connection and genuine understanding. One of the highlights is Lori’s take on “idiot compassion” versus “wise compassion.” She breaks down how real compassion means looking at ourselves honestly, recognizing our patterns, and owning our part in the relationship. This is essential for anyone feeling trapped in negative cycles.

As the conversation unfolds, Jay and Lori dive into family dynamics, especially around in-laws and blending families. Lori offers practical tips on how to support your relationship while still showing respect for parents, pointing out that these challenges are usually a couple's issues, not just external ones.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Let Go of Unrealistic Expectations

How to Practice Wise Compassion

How to Break Negative Patterns

How to Handle Pressure to Rush Relationships

How to Prioritize Clear Communication

How to Avoid Pop Culture Relationship Pitfalls

How to Cultivate Emotional Resilience

Remember, true connection flourishes when we commit to growth, communicate openly, and remain empathetic to both ourselves and others. Every step taken toward understanding and compassion brings you closer to creating a life filled with genuine, lasting connections.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

• 00:00 Intro
• 02:29 What is Everyone Doing at My Age?
• 05:08 Why Doing Self Work Matters
• 08:40 Why You Need to Slow Down to Save Time
• 13:03 How Your Attachment Style Affects Your Relationship
• 17:03 First Date Impressions Aren’t Always Accurate
• 21:26 How Do You Define Real Human Connection?
• 24:33 Do You Fully Understand Your Partner?
• 28:24 Learn to Communicate Your Desires
• 31:26 This is What Happens When You Don’t Communicate
• 35:24 Why We’re Unreliable Narrators of Our Story
• 37:52 Be Consistent with Your Boundaries
• 42:36 We All Want to Be Liked
• 45:46 You’re Not Ready to Marry Yet
• 49:51 Practice Being Your True Self All the Time
• 52:36 The Blind Spots of Dating
• 57:08 The Truth About Future Tripping
• 01:00:10 How Do You Feel About the Other Person?
• 01:01:33 The 7-Year Mark of Marriages
• 01:03:50 Can Having Children Save a Marriage?
• 01:07:35 In-Law Issues is a Couple Issue
• 01:12:01 The Concept of Feeling Felt
• 01:16:50 How Long Can You Tolerate Disrespect from Your Partner?

Episode Resources:

• Lori Gottlieb | YouTube
• Lori Gottlieb | Instagram
• Lori Gottlieb | Website
• Dear Therapists Podcast
• Maybe You Should Talk to Someone

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever try focusing on just one thing at a time?

What’s one way you avoid distractions?

Today, Jay’s diving into a struggle we all know too well: distraction. If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling on your phone without even thinking about it, you’re definitely not alone. Jay breaks down why it’s so hard to stay focused in a world full of constant notifications and packed schedules. But this episode isn’t about making us feel guilty—instead, it’s about giving us simple, doable strategies to actually make focus easier.

Jay’s packed this episode with practical tips, like creating “no-phone zones” at home and setting tech-free times during the day to really be present. One of the standout strategies he shares is the Pomodoro Technique—working in short, focused bursts with breaks in between to keep your brain sharp and productive. Jay’s main message? Real productivity isn’t about doing more, faster—it’s about doing things better. He even shares some unique Ayurvedic advice, like chewing each bite 32 times (yes, really!) to emphasize how slowing down can improve our lives.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to Slow Down for Better Productivity

How to Stay Present in Conversations

How to Find Calm by Unplugging

How to Build Stronger Focus Habits

How to Reclaim Your Attention

By setting intentional boundaries, slowing down, and practicing mindfulness, we can take back our attention in a way that enhances productivity, deepens our relationships, and brings peace to our daily lives.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:46 Have You Been Feeling More Distracted?

04:03 What Research Says About the Decline in Focus

06:12 Majority of Us Can’t Multitask

09:00 Doing Things Slower Makes Better Progress

11:43 #1: The Pomodoro Technique

13:38 #2: No Tech Zones, No Tech Times

15:56 #3: Go For a Walk, Stay Off Your Phone

20:34 #4: Finish What You Start

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you handle negative self-talk?

What helps you overcome self-doubt?

Today, Jay sits down with Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys as she shares her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and holistic living. Alicia founded Keys SoulCare, a skincare line emphasizing holistic well-being, and is a co-founder of the initiative She Is the Music, advocating for gender equality in the music industry. The conversation sheds light into Alicia's evolution from a young girl with dreams to an icon balancing a multifaceted career. Jay and Alicia discuss the highs and lows of fame, navigating self-doubt, and the pressures of public life, providing listeners with valuable insights on managing stress and fostering a positive self-image.

Alicia reflects on her childhood fears and the challenges of finding self-worth, candidly revealing how these experiences shaped her. She emphasizes the importance of staying grounded through practices like affirmations, journaling, and mindful rituals—habits that help her stay true to herself amid a whirlwind career.

Jay and Alicia then talk about the beauty of affirmations and the importance of letting go of perfectionism, a journey that led Alicia to adopt a more holistic approach to life. In her partnership with husband Swizz Beatz, she finds a harmonious balance of "flow" and "design," where they support each other's growth and freedom. This dynamic extends to their parenting style, where they teach their children gratitude and self-acceptance while instilling a sense of humility and grace.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Embrace Your True Self

How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Fear

How to Find Confidence Within Yourself

How to Turn Negative Thoughts into Positivity

How to Discover Your Inner Strength

How to Set Boundaries for Self-Care

How to Be Kind to Yourself

How to Trust Your Own Choices

The journey through self-doubt, fears, and external pressures highlights the importance of staying grounded, trusting intuition, and letting go of the need to seek others' approval.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:54 What Would You Say to Your Younger Self?
• 05:34 When You Have the Need to Protect Yourself
• 09:02 From Being Doubtful to Becoming Curious
• 13:43 What Is Your Affirmation Today?
• 15:30 Stop Being Mean to Yourself
• 19:06 Finding the Will to Love Your Own Skin
• 26:49 Spend More Time with Yourself
• 32:14 The Gifts and the Gaps
• 36:19 What Have You Learned From Your Partner?
• 38:06 Having Healthy Conflict in Your Relationship
• 45:53 Finding Balance Between Control and Flow
• 47:51 The Love for Crystals
• 51:32 Losing the Ability to Trust Yourself
• 57:15 What Are Your Go-To Rituals to Feel Better?
• 01:00:08 Teach Your Children to Practice Gratitude
• 01:03:45 Allow Other People to Speak and Just Listen
• 01:05:22 Creating Safe Space for Children
• 01:09:35 Hell’s Kitchen on Broadway
• 01:15:19 Be Clear with Your Vision
• 01:22:12 How Have You Protected Yourself from Fame and Success?
• 01:26:32 Alicia in Final Five

Episode Resources:

• Alicia Keys | Website
• Alicia Keys | YouTube
• Alicia Keys | Instagram
• Alicia Keys | Facebook
• Alicia Keys | TikTok

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you open to just being friends with an ex?

Do you think they want the same kind of friendship?

Today, Jay’s diving into a question we've all probably wrestled with at some point: can you really stay friends with an ex? He kicks things off by laying down some ground rules, pointing out that not every ex is friendship material, especially if there was any toxicity or harm in the relationship. For those open to trying a platonic bond post-breakup, he highlights the real-life complexities and the level of emotional maturity it takes to make it work.

Jay also brings in some interesting science, sharing that studies show people stay connected with their exes for reasons like security, convenience, keeping things civil, or even unresolved feelings. But each of these reasons can get messy, and Jay explains that often, the urge to stay friends might have more to do with wanting a sense of safety or familiarity than with genuine friendship.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How to Decide if an Ex Deserves Friendship

How to Set Boundaries with an Ex

How to Manage Shared Friends Post-Breakup

How to Avoid Using Friendship to Win Them Back

How to Avoid Hurting Your Ex Twice

Sometimes, the boldest and most courageous thing you can do is to walk away, taking the lessons with you and leaving the rest behind. Focus on what makes you feel good and helps you build the life you truly want.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

00:52 Not Every Ex Deserves Friendship

04:36 Four Core Reasons People Stay Friends with Their Exes

09:30 Four Ways to Know Being Friends with an Ex Won’t Work

13:52 How to Start Being Friends with an Ex?

18:33 Friends and Family Can be Casualties of a Breakup

21:41 Establish New Rules of Engagement

22:50 Consider the Welfare of Children

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.