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.