Jay Shetty is a British author, podcaster and former monk who turned three years in an ashram into one of the biggest personal-development brands on earth. His podcast On Purpose is among the most listened-to in the world, and his books Think Like a Monk and 8 Rules of Love have sold millions of copies in dozens of languages.
| Full Name | Jay Shetty |
| Born | 6 September 1987, Barnet, London, England |
| Age | 38 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Author, podcaster and life coach |
| Known For | On Purpose podcast; Think Like a Monk; 8 Rules of Love |
| Net Worth (est.) | Around $20 million (unofficial estimates vary widely) |
Early Life in London
Shetty was born in Barnet, North London, to Indian parents and grew up in a Hindu household shaped by his mother’s stories and temple visits. A self-described rebellious teenager, he lost friends in accidents and gang violence in his youth — experiences he says first pushed him toward questions about purpose. He studied behavioural science at Cass Business School in London and, following the conventional script, went into corporate work in digital strategy at Accenture after graduating.
The Monk Years
At 22, after hearing a monk speak at his university, Shetty made the decision that defined his brand: he left the corporate track to live as a Hindu monk, spending roughly three years between ashrams in India and the UK. The routine was austere — rising before dawn, meditating for hours, studying philosophy and serving others. He returned to London in debt and sleeping at his parents’ home, but convinced the ancient teachings could be translated for people with jobs, phones and anxieties like his own.
Viral Videos and a Media Company
Shetty began making short motivational videos in 2016; a role producing video content at HuffPost put his relationship and mindset clips in front of billions of viewers, and his own channels exploded. He built a media company around the audience, won early industry awards including a Streamy, and became a fixture on American talk shows. The production values were corporate, but the message was monastery-simple: stillness, gratitude, service and discipline, repackaged for the feed.
On Purpose and the Bestselling Books
In 2019 Shetty launched On Purpose, a long-form interview podcast whose guests have ranged from Kobe Bryant and Michelle Obama to neuroscientists and monks; it routinely tops health and wellness charts and anchors his touring and speaking business. His first book, Think Like a Monk (2020), debuted at number one on the New York Times bestseller list, and 8 Rules of Love (2023) repeated the feat while extending his reach into the relationship market. He has also built a life-coaching certification school and a wellness business empire with his wife.
Criticism and Scrutiny
Shetty’s rise has drawn fact-checking as well as fans. In 2019 he apologised after being accused of posting other people’s quotes without attribution, saying he would credit sources properly, and several posts were removed or edited. Journalists have also scrutinised details of his monk-era biography and the marketing of his coaching school. Shetty maintains his account of his life is accurate and has generally answered criticism by pointing to the work itself and its audience.
Jay Shetty Net Worth
Shetty’s net worth is commonly estimated at around $20 million, though published figures vary widely. His income spans book advances and royalties, podcast advertising, arena speaking tours, brand partnerships and his coaching and wellness businesses. As with all private-company fortunes, no audited figure exists, and estimates should be treated as approximations.
Personal Life
Shetty married Radhi Devlukia, a dietitian and plant-based cookery creator, in 2016; the couple collaborate across their wellness brands and are one of social media’s most visible partnerships. He remains based between the United States and the UK, still describes himself as a practising student of the philosophy he learned as a monk, and starts most public appearances the same way he started this career — by telling the story of the boy from Barnet who went looking for purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Jay Shetty?
He was born on 6 September 1987, making him 38 years old in 2026.
Was Jay Shetty really a monk?
Yes, by his widely reported account: after university and a short corporate career he spent about three years living as a Hindu monk in India and the UK before returning to London in his mid-twenties.
What is Jay Shetty’s podcast called?
On Purpose with Jay Shetty, launched in 2019, is one of the world’s most popular health and wellness podcasts.
What is Jay Shetty’s net worth?
Commonly estimated at around $20 million from books, podcasting, speaking and business ventures — an unofficial figure, as estimates vary widely.
Related Biographies
Andrew Huberman and Dave Portnoy — more profiles in our Entrepreneurs & Authors collection.
Sources
Net worth and salary figures are estimates based on publicly available sources and may change over time.
