Jay Shetty Biography: Inspiring Millions with Wisdom
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- July 6, 2025
Jay Shetty, born on September 6, 1987, in London, is a British-Indian author, podcaster, and former monk who inspires millions through his On Purpose podcast and best-selling books. With over 50 million followers, he blends ancient wisdom with modern insights. This Jay Shetty biography explores his early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, current influence, and lesser-known facts, showcasing his transformative journey.
Jay Shetty’s Early Life
A Shy Child in London
Born to a Gujarati mother and Tulu Bunt father, Jay Shetty grew up in Barnet, North London, with a younger sister. Raised in a Hindu family, he joined the Hare Krishna movement as a child. Bullied for his weight and introverted nature, Jay faced a rebellious phase, including school suspensions and substance use, which shaped his search for purpose.
Education and Spiritual Awakening
Jay attended Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, and graduated with a B.Sc. in Behavioral Science from Cass Business School in 2008. At 18, a talk by monk Gauranga Das sparked a spiritual shift. Consequently, he spent summers in India with the Hare Krishna movement, training in mindfulness and service, setting the stage for his monkhood.
Jay Shetty’s Career Growth
Life as a Monk
From 2010 to 2013, Jay Shetty lived as a Vedic monk, splitting time between Mumbai’s ISKCON ashram and Bhaktivedanta Manor in London. He meditated eight hours daily, embraced minimalism, and studied Eastern philosophies. This experience shaped his approach to sharing wisdom, though some reports question the extent of his time in India.
Transition to Media
In 2013, Jay returned to London and joined Accenture, coaching executives on digital strategy and social media. His videos caught Arianna Huffington’s eye, leading to a 2016 role at HuffPost in New York. There, he hosted #FollowTheReader, gaining millions of views. By 2017, he launched his own YouTube channel, marking his rise as a content creator.
Struggles and Down Phases
Early Life Challenges
Jay’s youth was turbulent. Losing two friends at 16—one to gang violence, another to a car accident—triggered a search for meaning. Additionally, his shyness and bullying experiences fueled self-doubt, making social integration tough during his rebellious phase.
Public Criticism and Controversy
In 2019, YouTuber Nicole Arbour accused Jay of plagiarizing quotes, leading him to edit 113 Instagram posts for proper attribution. Moreover, a 2024 Guardian investigation questioned his monkhood claims, alleging he spent more time filming in London than in India. These controversies, amplified on X, challenged his credibility but didn’t halt his growth.
Comeback and Rise to Fame
Despite setbacks, Jay soared. His 2019 podcast On Purpose hit 64 million downloads in its first year, becoming the world’s top health podcast by Forbes. His 2020 book Think Like a Monk and 2023’s 8 Rules of Love became New York Times bestsellers. Notably, officiating Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s 2022 wedding and interviewing President Joe Biden in 2023 cemented his fame.
Current Status and Influence
Global Influencer and Entrepreneur
As of June 2025, Jay Shetty has 14 million Instagram followers and a net worth of $30 million, earned through podcasts, books, and ventures like Juni Tea, co-founded with wife Radhi Devlukia-Shetty. As Calm’s Chief Purpose Officer, he shapes mental health initiatives. His Jay Shetty Certification School trains life coaches globally.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Jay lives in Los Angeles with Radhi, married since 2016. They chose to remain childless, focusing on purpose-driven work. He advocates mindfulness, resilience, and conscious capitalism, speaking at Google and Microsoft. Despite X debates over his authenticity, his relatable wisdom inspires millions.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Teen Struggles: Suspended from school for rebellion.
- Monk Life: Meditated 8 hours daily during his ashram years.
- Celebrity Ties: Officiated J.Lo and Ben Affleck’s wedding.
- Forbes Honor: Named in Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe (2017).
- Charity Work: Raised funds for COVID-19 relief in 2020.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jay Shetty |
| Born | September 6, 1987, London, UK |
| Profession | Author, Podcaster, Life Coach, Former Monk |
| Notable Work | On Purpose Podcast, Think Like a Monk, 8 Rules of Love |
| Spouse | Radhi Devlukia-Shetty (married 2016) |
| Net Worth | ~$30 million (2025) |
| Awards | Forbes 30 Under 30 (2017), Shorty Awards Best in Health & Wellness (2019) |
Conclusion
This Jay Shetty biography highlights a journey of transformation. From a troubled teen to a monk and global influencer, Jay Shetty overcame bullying, loss, and controversies to build a $30 million empire. His On Purpose podcast and best-selling books inspire millions, blending ancient wisdom with modern solutions for a purposeful life.
