Jay Shetty is going on his first live podcast tour for his show ‘On Purpose.’
In an interview with PEOPLE, he reveals he connected with Shawn Mendes during the pandemic, and the two became fast friends.
The author also explains how he balances his busy schedule with his famous friends’ hectic calendars to “nourish” his relationships.
Jay Shetty and Shawn Mendes’ five-year friendship is still going strong.
The On Purpose host, 37, opened up to PEOPLE about one of his A-list friendships ahead of his first-ever live podcast tour. In 2020, Mendes, 26, read Shetty’s self-help book Think Like a Monk and reached out to the life coach. They spoke on Zoom “for ages” before ever meeting in person. Since then, they’ve maintained consistent communication.
“When Shawn’s in town, we meet every week,” Shetty says. “We’ll be on a hike together every week hanging out.”
Mendes appeared as a guest on a September 2024 episode of On Purpose, in which the pair delved into the musician stepping back from the public eye for two years. They also touched on the “Lost in Japan” singer’s relationship with ex Camila Cabello and his canceled Wonder World Tour.
Their bond came full circle when Shetty attended Mendes’ “beautiful” Friends and Family Tour at the tail end of 2024.
“It’s been amazing just watching him navigate what it means to be that successful that young, and that talented that young,” Shetty says. “He’s definitely a wise, old soul.”
As for balancing their friendship and busy schedules, Shetty says he tries to check in once a week. If they’re not in the same place, they’ll hop on a Zoom call once a month.
“Everyone is busy, but everyone prioritizes quality time,” Shetty explains. “Even if it’s a couple hours in the morning or the evening, that can be enough to really nourish a relationship, and so, you find a way.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Shetty’s calendar won’t be opening up anytime soon. The author, podcaster and life coach will embark on a 15-city tour where he’ll interview surprise celebrity guests in front of a live audience. Breaking the digital barrier between him and his listeners is “the most meaningful thing,” he says.
“I’m so grateful that people listen every week. I’m so thankful that people are so connected to the message and the fact that we get to share that energy in person,” Shetty continues. “I mean, the fact that people are feeling so moved listening in their headphones, the energy in the room is going to be incredible.”
Tickets to the On Purpose Live Tour are available now.
Read the original article on People
