What happens when success arrives before you truly know who you are. How do you learn to quiet the inner critic while becoming a better partner, parent, and person in the process?
Today, Jay sits down with Nick Jonas for an intimate conversation about identity, purpose, and the inner work that comes with growing up in the spotlight. Nick opens up about what it was really like starting his career so young, dealing with rejection early on and growing up with the pressure of being labeled “the shy, creative one.”
As the conversation unfolds, Nick shares how fatherhood, marriage, and health challenges have profoundly redefined his priorities. He reflects on the vulnerability of becoming a parent, the anxiety that comes with loving someone so deeply, and the grounding practices, movement, routine, and therapy that help him stay present. Through stories of his daughter’s early days, his evolving relationship with faith, and the inspiration behind his new music, Nick reveals how creativity became both a refuge and a mirror, allowing him to heal, grow, and speak more honestly than ever before.
Jay and Nick discuss what it truly means to be a good partner, a present parent, and a kinder version of yourself, especially when life feels overwhelming.
In this interview, you’ll learn:
How to Turn Life’s Hardest Seasons Into Creative Fuel
How to Stay Grounded When You’ve Lived Life in the Spotlight
How to Be a Present Partner Instead of a Defensive One
How to Navigate Anxiety Without Letting It Define You
How to Reconnect With the Fearless Version of Yourself
How to Build Emotional Resilience Through Routine and Movement
How to Show Up as a Better Parent by Healing Yourself First
Wherever you are in your journey, know that it’s okay to slow down, ask better questions, and choose compassion over criticism. You’re allowed to evolve, outgrow old labels, and rewrite the way you speak to yourself.
Nick Jonas’ new album, Sunday Best, out February 6th: https://nickjonas.lnk.to/SundayBest
With Love and Gratitude,
Jay Shetty
JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX
Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.
Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast
What We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
00:43 Who Is Nick Jonas Today?
02:23 Stepping Onto Broadway at Eight Years Old
04:22 What was It Really Like Growing Up in the Disney Spotlight?
05:59 Facing Financial Uncertainty as a Kid
09:13 Turning Deep Struggle Into Music
12:13 Finding Your Identity Beyond Labels
14:02 The Ongoing Journey of Self-Discovery
16:41 Why Early Exposure Became the Best Training Ground
18:43 Everyone Makes Mistakes
22:07 Recognizing and Quieting Your Inner Critic
29:15 Understanding the Unconditional Love of a Father
34:11 Staying Emotionally Strong for Your Family
38:11 The Moment He Fell for Priyanka Chopra
40:47 The Blending of Two Cultures
43:50 What His Wife Really Thinks
49:50 What Does it Mean to be a Good Husband?
52:56 Seeing the World Through a Child’s Eyes
56:16 The Fears That Come With Fatherhood
59:42 How Movement Helps Clear the Mind
01:02:00 Navigating Stressful Moments With Grace
01:06:10 Nick on Final Five
Episode Resources:
Nick Jonas | https://nickjonas.com/
Nick Jonas | https://www.instagram.com/nickjonas
Nick Jonas | https://www.tiktok.com/@nickjonas
Nick Jonas | https://www.youtube.com/user/NickJonasVEVO
Nick Jonas | https://x.com/nickjonas
Nick Jonas | https://www.facebook.com/nickjonas
Nick Jonas | https://nickjonas.tumblr.com/
Nick Jonas | https://www.snapchat.com/@jicknonas
https://www.instagram.com/jayshetty
https://www.facebook.com/jayshetty/
https://x.com/jayshetty
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shettyjay/
https://www.youtube.com/@JayShettyPodcast
http://jayshetty.me
