On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Neuroscientist Emily McDonald: #1 Science-Based Hack to Rewire Your Brain to ACTUALLY Manifest the Life You Want

03 Nov 2025

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Do you believe the brain can be trained to manifest? Do you think it’s more about mindset or action? Today, Jay sits down with neuroscientist and creator Emily McDonald to explore how rewiring your brain can transform every area of your life. Emily shares how understanding the science behind your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can help you break free from cycles of fear, self-doubt, and procrastination. She explains that the brain’s natural instinct is to keep you safe, not help you grow, which is why so many people feel stuck even when they’re trying to move forward. Through relatable examples and neuroscience-backed tools, Emily reveals how awareness, intention, and identity shifts can create real and lasting change. Jay and Emily dive into the psychology of motivation, discussing why we often delay the things we care about most and how “cheap dopamine” from social media and instant gratification keeps us from deeper fulfillment. Emily explains how to retrain your brain to crave long-term rewards, not quick hits of pleasure, and how to use self-compassion and small wins to build momentum. Together, she and Jay unpack the science of manifestation, why it’s not about wishing for things to happen but about wiring your brain to become a match for the life you want. In this interview, you'll learn: How to Rewire Your Brain for Change How to Break Free from Feeling Stuck How to Overcome Fear of Success How to Stop Relying on Cheap Dopamine How to Build Motivation Through Self-Reward How to Attract Healthy Love by Becoming a Match for It True transformation doesn’t happen overnight, it begins the moment you decide to understand yourself more deeply. When you learn how your mind works, you realize that every setback, fear, and doubt isn’t a failure, it’s simply your brain trying to protect you. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe here. Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast What We Discuss: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Relationships Begin with Intention 02:39 When Your Identity Keeps You Stuck 05:42 The Power of the Labels You Use 08:17 Are You Afraid of Being Seen? 10:08 Label the Fears Holding You Back 12:12 Play Out Every Fear to the End 13:48 Stop Chasing Cheap Dopamine! 17:31 3 Ways to Naturally Boost Dopamine 22:29 The Power of Having Something to Look Forward To 25:22 The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything 27:00 Why Desperation Blocks Success 31:29 Discovering Your Deepest Core Value 32:56 The Power of Understanding Your Own Brain 39:41 Surround Yourself with Expansive Minds 43:07 The 3-Step Science Backed Manifestation Tool 47:39 Do You Believe in Divine Timing? 49:09 Turning Jealousy into Inspiration 51:51 Worthiness Begins with Self-Love 56:13 How to Overcome Limiting Beliefs 01:02:14 What Are You Building Within Yourself? 01:04:19 Let Go of the Need for Approval 01:09:53 Love Finds You When You Least Expect It 01:15:51 Emily on Final Five Episode Resources: Emily McDonald | Website Emily McDonald | YouTube Emily McDonald | Instagram Emily McDonald | TikTok Emily McDonald | LinkedInSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Neuroscientist Emily McDonald: #1 Science-Based Hack to Rewire Your Brain to ACTUALLY Manifest the Life You Want

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet

Other episodes from On Purpose with Jay Shetty

Rob Dial: Want to Actually Achieve Your Goals in 2026? Use THIS Action-Based Goal System to Get Back on Track (Even If You Fall Off!)

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ALEX WARREN: The Hidden Battles Behind His Historic Rise - Overcoming Self-Doubt, Healing Childhood Wounds & Learning to Finally Feel Enough

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