Common Exclusive: ''I Was a Broken Kid, But This Mindset Shift Got me Grammy's!''

Do you struggle with self-doubt sometimes? What helped you get through a tough emotional season? Today, Jay sits down with award-winning rapper, actor, and activist Common for a deeply moving live conversation recorded at the legendary Chicago Theater. Known for his poetic lyrics and conscious artistry, Common opens up about his journey from a young boy on the South Side of Chicago to becoming an Academy Award, Emmy, and three-time Grammy winner. In this intimate conversation they explore the emotional and spiritual work behind his success. From heartbreak and rejection to healing and purpose, Common shares what it really took to become the man he is today. Common shares personal stories of growth and transformation, starting with his childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player and how he eventually found his voice through writing and music. He reflects on the moments that shaped his purpose, including the story of Emmett Till, which moved him to live with more intention. Common also opens up about the heartbreak that forced him to confront the ways he was dimming his light, and the daily spiritual practices that help him stay grounded today, like reading scripture, praying, practicing gratitude, and staying active. Jay and Common also dive into what it means to be vulnerable in hip-hop, why self-love is the foundation for every other kind of love, and how trusting the divine plan can turn disappointment into direction. They explore how trusting a bigger plan can help turn setbacks into clarity, and share personal insights on setting boundaries, building real friendships, and staying connected to your highest energy. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to Transform Pain into Purpose How to Stop Dimming Your Light in Relationships Why Vulnerability is a Superpower in Creativity How to Build Daily Practices for Spiritual Alignment How to Trust God’s Plan, Even When It’s Painful How to Attract Friendships that Match Your Frequency Whether you're moving through heartbreak, looking for direction, or trying to reconnect with your purpose, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your story matters and you're right where you need to be. With love and gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Live In Chicago 02:15 Common Before the Fame 06:11 Jay On His Childhood & Upbringing 06:44 Pain As A Catalyst for Creativity 09:01 Proximity To Greatness Is A Motivation 10:11 Living Our Dreams To The Fullest 13:49 How to Trust God's Plan 16:46 Trust That There’s a Bigger Plan 22:19 Transitioning Between Careers 30:15 Attracting & Building New Friendships 36:18 Everyday Routine For Body & Mind Care 40:40 A Poem From the Audience 43:21 My New Favourite Colour 48:49 Pushing Through Fear As A Motivator 53:33 Letting Go and Letting God 55:26 Common On Final Five Episode Resources: https://www.thinkcommon.com/ https://www.youtube.com/thinkcommon https://www.instagram.com/common/ https://x.com/common https://www.facebook.com/thinkcommon/ 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

CommonguestJay Shettyhost

Jul 23, 20251h 3mWatch on YouTube ↗

EPISODE INFO

Released: July 23, 2025
Duration: 1h 3m
Channel: Jay Shetty Podcast
Watch on YouTube: ▶ Open ↗

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Do you struggle with self-doubt sometimes? What helped you get through a tough emotional season? Today, Jay sits down with award-winning rapper, actor, and activist Common for a deeply moving live conversation recorded at the legendary Chicago Theater. Known for his poetic lyrics and conscious artistry, Common opens up about his journey from a young boy on the South Side of Chicago to becoming an Academy Award, Emmy, and three-time Grammy winner. In this intimate conversation they explore the emotional and spiritual work behind his success. From heartbreak and rejection to healing and purpose, Common shares what it really took to become the man he is today. Common shares personal stories of growth and transformation, starting with his childhood dream of becoming a professional basketball player and how he eventually found his voice through writing and music. He reflects on the moments that shaped his purpose, including the story of Emmett Till, which moved him to live with more intention. Common also opens up about the heartbreak that forced him to confront the ways he was dimming his light, and the daily spiritual practices that help him stay grounded today, like reading scripture, praying, practicing gratitude, and staying active. Jay and Common also dive into what it means to be vulnerable in hip-hop, why self-love is the foundation for every other kind of love, and how trusting the divine plan can turn disappointment into direction. They explore how trusting a bigger plan can help turn setbacks into clarity, and share personal insights on setting boundaries, building real friendships, and staying connected to your highest energy. In this interview, you’ll learn: How to Transform Pain into Purpose How to Stop Dimming Your Light in Relationships Why Vulnerability is a Superpower in Creativity How to Build Daily Practices for Spiritual Alignment How to Trust God’s Plan, Even When It’s Painful How to Attract Friendships that Match Your Frequency Whether you're moving through heartbreak, looking for direction, or trying to reconnect with your purpose, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your story matters and you're right where you need to be. With love and gratitude, Jay Shetty What We Discuss: 00:00 Introduction 01:13 Live In Chicago 02:15 Common Before the Fame 06:11 Jay On His Childhood & Upbringing 06:44 Pain As A Catalyst for Creativity 09:01 Proximity To Greatness Is A Motivation 10:11 Living Our Dreams To The Fullest 13:49 How to Trust God's Plan 16:46 Trust That There’s a Bigger Plan 22:19 Transitioning Between Careers 30:15 Attracting & Building New Friendships 36:18 Everyday Routine For Body & Mind Care 40:40 A Poem From the Audience 43:21 My New Favourite Colour 48:49 Pushing Through Fear As A Motivator 53:33 Letting Go and Letting God 55:26 Common On Final Five Episode Resources: https://www.thinkcommon.com/ https://www.youtube.com/thinkcommon https://www.instagram.com/common/ https://x.com/common https://www.facebook.com/thinkcommon/ 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

SPEAKERS

Common
guest
Chicago-born rapper, actor, and three-time Grammy-winning artist known for work including "Selma" and "Glory" with John Legend.
Jay Shetty
host
Podcast host and author behind "On Purpose," known for interviews and teachings rooted in his former monk background.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of Jay Shetty Podcast, featuring Common and Jay Shetty, Common Exclusive: ''I Was a Broken Kid, But This Mindset Shift Got me Grammy's!'' explores common on heartbreak, self-worth, and trusting God’s evolving plan forward Common describes how early exposure to Emmett Till’s story and proximity to Michael Jordan’s greatness shaped his purpose, positivity, and ambition as a kid in Chicago.

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