Trigger Warning: Suicide & Self-Harm

If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call or text 988 (U.S.) or contact your local emergency services.

Have you been feeling down lately?

What’s been weighing on you the most?

Today, Jay sits down with Dr. Matthew Nock, Harvard psychologist and one of the world’s foremost experts on suicide prevention, to unpack one of the most urgent and misunderstood issues of our time. Together, they dismantle common myths about suicide, revealing that it’s rarely about wanting life to end, but more often about escaping overwhelming pain. Drawing on decades of groundbreaking research, Matthew explains how suicidal thoughts take shape, why they don’t always lead to action, and how depression, anxiety, impulsivity, and social disconnection can shape someone’s experience.

Jay and Matthew also look at how culture, gender, and age shape risk, uncovering why men are more likely to die by suicide, why adolescence is such a vulnerable stage, and how isolation later in life can intensify struggle. They examine the double edge of technology and AI, from the dangers of online bullying to the hopeful potential tools that can predict when someone may be most at risk. The conversation underscores the lifesaving power of open dialogue, especially between parents and children, while dispelling the myth that asking about suicide will put the idea in someone’s mind.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Talk About Suicide Without Fear

How to Support a Friend in Crisis

How to Spot Risk Factors in Adolescents

How to Create a Safety Plan at Home

How to Use Technology Safely for Mental Health

How to Break the Stigma Around Suicide

How to Strengthen Hope and Connection

You are not alone, and your presence in this world carries more value than you may realize. Hold on to hope, and know that even in the darkest moments, there are pathways toward light, growth, and renewal.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:45 Why Mental Health Conversations Are Limited

02:55 Suicide Awareness Saves Lives!

03:40 Debunking the Biggest Myths About Suicide

04:32 What the Data Really Reveals About Suicide Rates

07:12 Understanding the Stages of Suicidal Thoughts

10:31 Who Is Most at Risk for Suicide?

13:05 How Men and Women Differ in Suicide Risk

14:40 Why Adolescence Brings Higher Risk

16:12 Should We Teach Suicide Awareness in Schools?

18:29 The Promise and Perils of AI in Mental Health

22:18 Why Good Intentions Aren’t Enough

23:46 Bullying Is Still a Serious Risk

26:14 Why Parents Should Talk About Suicide with Their Children

30:07 What If Kids Don’t Want to Talk About It?

32:50 What Steps Should You Take Next?

35:04 Why Men Are More Likely to Die by Suicide

38:17 Why Science Must Guide Suicide Prevention

40:12 New Mothers Experience With Suicidal Thoughts

42:48 Most Effective Therapies For Suicide Prevention

44:04 How Mental Disorders Increase Risk

44:49 Can We Predict When Someone Will Act on a Suicidal Thought?

48:41 The Shame Around Suicidal Thoughts

50:24 Careers Linked to Higher Suicide Risk

52:31 Losing a Close Friend to Suicide

54:23 How Do You Begin to Heal After a Loss?

56:08 The Impact of Losing Someone to Suicide

57:37 Suicide Is Rarely Sudden, It Builds Over Time

58:48 You Are Never a Burden

01:00:51 Do Suicide Survivors Regret Their Attempts?

01:02:21 How to Use Social Media Safely and Responsibly

01:03:46 Predicting Who’s at Risk And When

01:07:04 The Future of Suicide Prevention

Episode Resources:

Matthew Nock | X

Nock Lab

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you find it hard to decide?

What usually makes it hard for you?

Today, Jay dives into two of the biggest roadblocks that keep us from living the life we want: overthinking and procrastination. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck on a decision for weeks, second-guessing every choice, or waiting for the “perfect” moment to act, you’re not alone. Jay reminds us that chasing absolute certainty, readiness, or approval often leaves us standing still. The reality is, confidence comes from taking action, not the other way around, and real transformation rarely feels comfortable.

Jay breaks down the seven steps to making smarter, faster, and more aligned decisions. You’ll learn to protect your mental energy by reducing decision fatigue, sort decisions so you stop treating small choices like life-or-death moments, and learn to trust your emotions before engaging logic. Jay introduces practical tools like the 10/10/10 game to shift your focus from short-term impulses to long-term clarity, regret simulations that guide you to choose integrity over fear, and identity questions that align your decisions with the person you want to become. Above all, Jay shows that the quickest way to reduce anxiety is not certainty, but action.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to Clear the Mental Clutter to Make Better Decisions

How to Tell the Difference Between Big & Small Decisions

How to Trust Your First Instinct Without Regret

How to Stop Letting Fear Make Your Choices

How to Stop Hesitating and Start Moving Forward

No matter what decision is weighing on you right now, remember this: indecision is still a decision, and staying stuck costs more than trying and getting it wrong. Take the next step, not when you’re ready, but so you can be ready.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

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What We Discuss:

00:00 Introduction

01:13 Stop Overthinking, Catch The Noise!

03:38 How Often Do You Make Decisions?

06:08 Tip: Make Big Decisions Early In The Day

07:23 Label Decisions Based On Importance

13:32 Feel First Then Think

16:20 Label Your Emotions & Decide With Clarity

17:54 10-10-10 Rule

18:57 Regret Simulation

20:27 The 3 Identity Questions

21:50 Decide Then Move Forward

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do you usually handle self-doubt?

How do you find your confidence again?

Today, Jay welcomes two-time U.S. Open Champion Aryna Sabalenka just days after her incredible victory. Aryna opens up about what it truly feels like to lift the trophy again, not only as a moment of triumph, but as a deep release after seasons of heartbreak and near misses. She reflects on the sting of falling short in Grand Slam finals and the heavy weight of being labeled the favorite, sharing how those setbacks forced her to grow into a calmer, more emotionally balanced competitor. Aryna’s honesty about pain, pressure, and resilience gives a rare glimpse into the mindset of a true champion.

The conversation dives deep into the mental battles that shape elite performances. Aryna opens up about her relationship with nerves, the self-talk that carries her through the grind of a Grand Slam, and the inner dialogue she’s learned to trust. Rather than resisting fear or doubt, she has learned to accept them, turning vulnerability into strength. Aryna also highlights the critical role of gratitude, choosing to see the pressure of competition as a privilege rather than a burden. Through stories of her father’s encouragement and his lasting influence, Aryna illustrates how her drive is not only for personal success, but also to honor his legacy.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Use Self-Talk to Stay Focused

How to Celebrate Your Wins Without Guilt

How to Balance Pressure With Gratitude

How to Keep Showing Up When It’s Hard

How to Surround Yourself With the Right People

How to Build Confidence Step by Step

Success isn’t only about reaching the finish line, it’s about the discipline of showing up, the courage to keep going when it’s difficult, and the willingness to celebrate even the small wins along the way.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

00:56 How Does It Feel To Win… Again?

01:46 Toughest Moments Up to This Point

02:31 Lessons Learned From Defeat

05:19 Preparing for the Pressure

07:21 Inside the Mind of a Champion

10:47 What is The Hardest Part of Being at the Top?

12:26 The Importance of Celebration

16:51 How Did You Find Tennis?

18:52 What Inspires You?

21:55 A Champion’s Morning Routine

25:59 Balancing Work and Personal Life

26:58 Fighting for Equality in Sports

29:13 The Role of Fashion in Confidence

30:54 Turning Grief Into Strength

36:01 How Do You Define Love?

37:15 Why Discipline Defines Success

39:55 Have You Ever Wanted to Give Up?

41:13 The Purpose of Hard Challenges

43:03 Unique Rituals and Habits

45:09 Who is Your Toughest Opponent?

47:05 The Power of Having the Right People by Your Side

53:02 Favorite Sports Beyond Tennis

54:09 Mastering Your Time

56:07 The Value of Rest and Recovery

58:06 Battle of the Sexes

01:00:26 Aryna on Final Five

Episode Resources:

Aryna Sabalenka | YouTube

Aryna Sabalenka | Instagram

Aryna Sabalenka | Facebook

Aryna Sabalenka | TikTok

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.