Pressure, Career Expectations, and Public Criticism

What’s the hardest part about letting go?

What helped you start healing after that?

Today, Jay sits down with Grammy Award–winning artist Cardi B for a rare and intimate conversation that reveals the woman behind the spotlight. From an early age, Cardi carried big dreams and an unshakable belief that she was meant for more. She opens up about the quiet moments she spent planning her future, the determination that pushed her beyond the challenges of her upbringing, and the resilience that continues to drive her today. Cardi reflects on how those experiences not only fueled her success but also shaped her greatest mission, creating a better life for her children.

Together, Jay and Cardi dive into the complex balance between success and struggle, from the weight of constant scrutiny to her most vulnerable battles with depression and the pain of being misunderstood. Cardi opens up about the loneliness she’s faced, the toll of public criticism, and how she found the strength to rise again when life felt overwhelming. Cardi reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood and career, the values she’s determined to instill in her children, and why building independence has been the key to protecting everything she’s worked so hard for.

Cardi also shares how her unwavering faith and deep connection with God have been the foundation of her resilience. She reminds us that real strength isn’t found in perfection, but in the decision to rise after every setback, to hold onto hope when the world doubts you, and to keep working relentlessly toward the life you envision.

In this interview, you'll learn:

How to Stay Strong Through Criticism

How to Keep Your Mental Health in Check

How to Balance Motherhood and Career

How to Find Your True Calling

How to Break Free From Your Environment

How to Use Faith to Overcome Struggles

How to Keep Working When Life Gets Hard

Every setback is an invitation to grow, every criticism a chance to reaffirm your worth, and every season of struggle is a reminder that brighter days are possible. Trust the path you’re on, lean into your resilience, and protect the vision you hold for your life, because it is always worth fighting for.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

01:21 An Early Passion for Reading

02:29 What Would You Do With One Day of Anonymity?

03:32 Dreaming, Planning, and Envisioning

07:03 Discovering Your True Calling

09:22 Where Do You Get Your Personality From?

10:29 Embracing Your Quiet Side

12:12 How Environment Shapes Growth

19:34 Defining Success On Your Own Terms 

22:30 Protecting Your Peace from Negativity

27:33 When Your Heart Isn’t Ready to Let Go

31:44 Overcoming Heartbreak and Loss

34:29 Time Heals All Wounds

36:48 Proving Your Hard Work Is Worth It 

42:05 Keep Believing in Yourself

45:40 Feeling Misunderstood

50:34 Balancing Work and Motherhood

52:40 Teaching Children Not to Be Lazy

57:14 Raising Disciplined and Strong Adults

01:00:08 The Little Things That Make You Happy

01:02:20 Redefining Love 

01:05:42 Am I the Drama?

01:09:02 Speaking Your Mind Without Fear

01:12:07 Age Brings Wisdom

01:14:33 Does Life Ever Get Easier?

01:17:36 The Power of Daily Prayer

01:20:18 Cardi on Final Five

Episode Resources:

Cardi B | Website

Cardi B | YouTube

Cardi B | Instagram

Cardi B | X

Cardi B | TikTok

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