What part of your past self do you feel most attached to?
What fears are holding you back from embracing who you are now?
On this extremely special episode of On Purpose, Jay sits down with global music sensation and dear friend, Shawn Mendes. Shawn is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter known for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. The two go in deep to Shawn’s newest album ‘Shawn.’ Shawn is an advocate for mental health awareness, openly sharing his personal struggles with anxiety and self-discovery.
For the first time, Shawn opens up about his struggles with anxiety and the difficult decision to cancel his world tour to focus on his mental health, sharing the weight of that moment and the liberating journey of prioritizing his well-being. He reflects on the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, the pressures of maintaining perfection, and how therapy, friendships, and embracing vulnerability helped him find balance and peace.
Shawn and Jay explore themes of love, relationships, and the intricacies of navigating public life while protecting private emotions. With heartfelt honesty, Shawn shares how he’s learned to diversify his life beyond music and embrace all forms of love, not just romantic, but the love that comes from connection and support from those around him.
In this interview, you'll learn:
How to prioritize mental health
How to embrace vulnerability
How to let go of perfectionism
How to accept love and support
How to build emotional resilience
How to be honest in relationships
Remember, the hardest decisions often lead to the most meaningful transformations. Take care of yourself, lean on those around you, and trust that, with time, you will find your way to peace and authenticity.
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
03:54 Clubhouse Studio’s Significance (Where the interview takes place!)
05:51 The Struggle of Asking for Help When Making Hard Life Decisions
07:48 Why Shawn Canceled His Tour
12:48 Tough Choices and Growth
15:10 Breakdowns Leading to Breakthroughs
17:09 Finding Shawns Own Authenticity in Music
21:08 The Power of Vulnerability and Expressing Emotional Truth
23:50 Letting Go of Ego to Heal
26:52 Learning to Accept Yourself Through Therapy
28:42 The Hardest Internal Question to Face
30:47 The Power of Listening Without Judgment
32:51 Learning How to Face Pain Instead of Running From It
38:18 Finding Emotional Balance of Extreme Emotions
40:00 Shawn Opens up About Grief and Guilt Over a Lost Friend
51:10 Healing Through Art and Music
55:26 Questioning ‘Forever’ in Love
59:09 Maintaining Love Under Pressure
01:02:16 The Importance of Over-Communication in Relationships
01:03:50 Why Partnership is More Than Just Love
01:07:27 How to Be Open to Love that is Not Just Romantic
01:13:38 How to Avoid Focusing on the Highs
01:15:45 Trusting Your Inner Voice and Learn How to Listen to Your Intuition
01:18:36 How to Surrender to Life Unfolding Naturally Without Forcing It
01:21:59 Surprise Note from Shawn’s Sister
01:33:09 Final Five with Shawn
Episode Resources:
Shawn Mendes | Website
Shawn Mendes | Instagram
Shawn Mendes | Facebook
Shawn Mendes | TikTok
Shawn Mendes | YouTube
Shawn Mendes | LinkedIn
Protocols: An Operating Manual for the Human Body
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty 
