CANNES — When Jay Shetty launched his hit podcast, “On Purpose,” in 2019, he had no idea it would become a safe haven for celebrities to feel “heard and understood.”
The multi-hyphenate reflected on his transformative interviews with the likes of Kendall Jenner and Tom Holland in an exclusive chat with Pvnew during the 2024 Cannes Lions festival.
“The most rewarding thing has been the conversations before and after the interview. It’s … getting to meet some of your heroes and being completely blown away, getting to meet people you didn’t know so much about and they completely poured their heart out,” Shetty, 36, shared Thursday at Stagwell’s Sport Beach.
“I think we’ve been very fortunate to have some of the most vulnerable, deep, meaningful conversations with individuals, and you get to see a side of them you’ve never seen before, and I think that’s what is most rewarding.”
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The bestselling author — who has interviewed everyone from Jenner and Holland to Anitta, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez for “On Purpose” — said he enjoys connecting with notable names “on a very, very human level” and learning more about them at their most vulnerable “without any mask” on.
Such was the case when Shetty chatted with reality star-model Jenner, 28, whose willingness to discuss her challenges with anxiety with him made headlines — and earned both parties online acclaim — in 2022.
“One of the ones that I was most excited about that had an amazing impact was with Kendall Jenner,” he told us, noting that she is “probably one of [his] favorite guests” of all time.
“It was amazing because I don’t think she’s done many podcasts before us, and when she opened up and was so kind and gracious with her time,” he elaborated.
“And I even remember before and after, it was like she was just so sweet to the whole team and absolutely wonderful to them.”
Shetty was also impressed by “Spider-Man” actor Holland, 28, who appeared on “On Purpose” in 2023, unpacking his sobriety journey and evolving relationship with the press.
“I think Tom’s openness on the podcast about his sobriety journey, about his personal journey with the media, with the press, was so strong of him and so powerful,” he raved to Pvnew, adding that he is jetting off to London this weekend to watch his pal perform in “Romeo & Juliet” on the West End.
“Everyone came up to me afterwards like, ‘He was just sitting so comfortable, hanging out,’” Shetty continued. “That’s credit to Tom for using the platform to share his message so beautifully and wonderfully.”
The newly appointed relationship adviser for Match told Pvnew that his exchanges with stars, during which they oftentimes divulge their most intimate thoughts and feelings, has been healing for all parties involved.
“I think when I see people be that vulnerable, that open, and also sometimes get into something that you didn’t even know you were anxious about, I think that is what I find most fascinating,” he explained.
“Sometimes … a guest will say something, and I’m like, ‘That’s exactly what I’m feeling.’ And I think that’s been powerful for us.”
Shetty created the podcast for people — including the famous faces he interviews — to feel validated.
“I want my community to feel seen, heard and understood,” he said. “And for the guest to feel seen, heard and understood.”
The entrepreneur — who has an astounding following of more than 50 million across social media platforms, with over 35 million monthly podcast downloads — has attracted a litany of A-list acolytes.
Shetty was delighted when pop star Shawn Mendes reached out to him via Instagram four years ago, letting the life coach know that his work was appreciated.
“Shawn and I became friends about four years ago. He read my first book, ‘Think Like a Monk,’ and we connected over that in the DMs, and we ended up building this beautiful friendship and relationship,” he detailed.
“We go on hikes every single week when we’re both in LA, and he’s such a sweet, sincere, genuine soul,” said the UK native, who now resides in Los Angeles. “And I’m a big fan of his music, always have been. So, he’s been a real joy to get to know.”
Shetty visited the South of France this week for several appearances at Cannes Lions — which convenes creators, media, marketing and advertising exes to network at parties, events and branded activations — including a Tuesday panel titled “The New Brand Currency: Why You Can’t Put a Price on Purpose” with iHeartMedia.
“I think it’s amazing, and I’ve seen so many other creators, whether they’ve travelled here with TikTok or Amazon, giving their perspectives,” he said of being asked to participate.
“I think it’s amazing to be involving creators in the conversation. I think creators have such a deep understanding of their community, their audience, their people, and so being able to advise how to connect with them and how to talk with them effectively is the best place to do that.”
