The transformation of Jay Shetty from the serenity of monasticism to becoming a global media presence is one to be told and retold as a story of purposeful change. Born on September 6, 1987, in London to Indian immigrants, Shetty grew up surrounded by the precepts of the Hare Krishna movement. Following his studies at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, he studied at City, University of London, where he had a defining meeting with monk Gauranga Das, which set his spiritual journey in motion. This followed him spending time in India, embracing monastic disciplines and learning ancient philosophies. Transitioning back to secular life, Shetty faced the challenge of integrating his spiritual insights into the modern world. He began creating content that distilled timeless wisdom into relatable narratives, quickly gaining traction online. His videos, characterized by their authenticity and depth, resonated with a global audience, amassing billions of views.
In 2019, Shetty hosted the podcast On Purpose, which quickly gained popularity as a top destination for mental health, relationships, and self-improvement discussions. With a lineup of guests including the likes of Michelle Obama and Tom Holland, the podcast has become a haven for listeners looking for thought-provoking discussions.
Outside of digital media, Shetty has written two popular books: Think Like a Monk (2020) and 8 Rules of Love (2023), both of which provide practical advice for living through life’s challenges. His entrepreneurial activities include co-founding Juni, an adaptogenic sparkling tea company, and being Chief Purpose Officer at Calm, a meditation and wellness app.
Shetty’s own life is just as motivational. Married to Radhi Devlukia since 2016, the pair has a relationship built on mutual development and shared morals. They have worked together on several ventures, including their tea company and appearances in the media, demonstrating a perfect example of healthy integration of professional and personal life.
Though Shetty’s ascension has not been controversy-free—scoffed at for elements of his monastic assertions and content proper attribution—he remains to captivate listeners globally with a message of mindful living and self-realization.
Jay Shetty’s transformation from monk to media titan is testament to a deep story: that through aligning life with purpose and authenticity, it is possible to bridge timeless wisdom with modern-day significance, empowering millions in the process.
