Have you ever struggled with guilt or shame?

Why do you think self-forgiveness is so hard?

Today, Jay sits down with the incredibly talented and resilient Jelly Roll, a Grammy-nominated Nashville native who has captured hearts with his raw, soulful music. Rising from a troubled past marked by addiction, incarceration, and personal struggles, Jelly Roll has turned his life around through music, earning widespread acclaim for his deeply emotional lyrics and raw storytelling. With a top-three debut on the Billboard 200 and multiple awards to his name, His music resonates with those facing hardship, offering a message of hope, redemption, and healing.

Jelly Roll shares his powerful journey from a turbulent past—marked by addiction, incarceration, and emotional struggles—to becoming one of the most celebrated figures in country music today. Together, they explore topics like the impact of childhood trauma, battling demons, overcoming addiction, and the importance of love and healing in personal transformation.

Jelly Roll opens up about his rise to success, reflecting on how music has been a healing force not only for him but for the countless fans who resonate with his lyrics. From finding solace in Jay Shetty’s book Think Like a Monk during a dark time in his life to creating music that speaks directly to those who feel unseen, Jelly Roll's story is one of redemption, hope, and purpose.

In this interview, you'll learn

How to find purpose in your struggles

How to forgive yourself for past mistakes

How to overcome addiction through accountability

How to turn negative experiences into positive impact

How to create emotional resilience in tough times

How to find peace in moments of darkness

No matter where you are right now, it’s never too late to rewrite your story and create a life filled with meaning and growth. Keep pushing forward, and believe in your ability to rise.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jay Shetty

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

04:24 Rediscovering Purpose After Struggles

07:26 Coping with the Loss of a Father

10:34 How His Mother Sparked His Musical Journey

14:48 The Impact of Deep-Rooted Insecurities

17:25 Embracing Accountability for Personal Growth

19:51 The Barriers to Self-Forgiveness

21:08 Reflections on His Fifteen-Year-Old Self

24:26 Life Behind Bars as a Juvenile

28:47 The Fine Line Between Accountability and Self-Sabotage

32:56 Developing Emotional Awareness and Growth

37:21 The Reality of Food Addiction

40:34 Breaking the Chains of Addiction

42:22 Finding Someone Who Sees Your True Worth

49:45 Why Asking for Help Shows Strength, Not Weakness

54:12 Bringing Hope and Uplifting Spirits Through Prison Performances

01:02:13 Addressing Drug Addiction in His Congressional Speech

01:08:50 Understanding the True Victims of Drug Abuse

01:11:31 Breaking Free from Generational Curses

01:18:23 The Profound Impact of Music on His Life

01:25:57 Healing the Inner Child Through Faith

01:31:14 A Heartfelt Letter from His Brother

01:35:36 Fast Five with Jelly Roll

Episode Resources:

Jelly Roll | Website

Jelly Roll | Instagram

Jelly Roll | Facebook

Jelly Roll | YouTube

Jelly Roll | TikTok

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole Kidman (“Babygirl”)