Kendall Jenner on Purpose, Boundaries, and Finding Joy in Simplicity
In a rare, deeply personal interview, model, entrepreneur, and The Kardashians star Kendall Jenner sat down with Jay Shetty for his #1 health and wellness podcast, On Purpose. The conversation ranged from her lifelong bond with horses to setting boundaries in a high-pressure industry, processing grief, and redefining purpose beyond fame.
“I think I manifested this interview…”
Both Kendall and Jay opened up about how the interview felt destined. After crossing paths at a mutual friend’s party, Kendall mentioned wanting to speak with Jay during a casual chat with her social media manager—only for Jay to reach out shortly after.
I literally think I manifested this… It was the universe just putting it in perfect timing. — Kendall Jenner
Jay shared that he’d long admired Kendall’s vulnerability around mental health and purpose, making this one of the warmest, most natural conversations he’s ever had on the podcast.
A Life Shaped by Horses and Solitude
Kendall revealed that her connection to horses stretches back to her childhood in a tight-knit horse community.
I think I’ve spent many lifetimes with horses… I feel like a kid again when I’m with them.
She described riding, grooming, and simply “vibing” in the stall with her horse, Dylan, as a spiritual and grounding experience. This love for solitude and simplicity, she explained, has always been central to her well-being—even amid a highly social career.
I crave simple things… I love a simple day, a simple routine, and being around the people that I love.
Setting Boundaries in a High-Pressure Industry
Kendall reflected on the turning point in her mid-20s when she realized she was overworked and unhappy despite her success.
I knew that if I had gone any further, I was going to lose myself.
Against advice from people around her, she began saying “no” and prioritizing her happiness.
It takes a lot of courage… when you have everything and there’s everything to lose. — Jay Shetty
This shift allowed her to show up better for herself and others, and rediscover joy in everyday moments.
“It’s important to be happy”
Kendall emphasized that happiness must be an internal anchor, not dependent on others’ actions or opinions.
If your happiness depends on the actions of others, you’re at the mercy of things you can’t control.
She spoke about living from her “higher goddess”—a version of herself rooted in self-love, affirmation, and resilience against public narratives.
I know who I am… Everything else is just noise.
Grief, Virgil Abloh, and Shared Humanity
The conversation turned emotional as Kendall reflected on the loss of her close friend, designer Virgil Abloh.
Why is it always the best people?… He wasn’t a selfish bone in that man’s body.
She described the collective grief felt by those who knew him and those who admired him from afar, and how his generosity and positivity continue to inspire her.
Jay shared his own experiences of loss during the pandemic, noting how both he and Kendall found strength in honoring the qualities of those they lost.
When we talk about the beautiful qualities of the people that we lost, it gives me confidence that they want me to live it and embody it.
Redefining Purpose
When asked how her sense of purpose has evolved, Kendall said it’s shifted from career ambition to connection and service.
My purpose… is to spread love. I want people to feel love.
She described wanting to use her platform to bring positivity, especially in a digital landscape often dominated by negativity.
Inner Child Work and Self-Compassion
Kendall shared a powerful self-love practice: placing a childhood photo of herself on her bathroom mirror.
Every time I’m being mean to myself, I look at her and I’m like, ‘She’s dope and I love her.’
Jay connected this to a broader truth: kindness to oneself radiates outward.
The days I stopped judging myself, I stopped judging others.
Final Five: Quick Insights from Kendall
- What are you curious about right now?
Deepening her meditation practice, inspired by Michael Singer’s The Surrender Experiment. - What are you working on personally?
Boundaries, reducing overthinking, and letting go of control. - Favorite thing about founding 818 Tequila?
Being her own boss and expressing creativity. - Something you used to value but don’t anymore?
Validation. “I don’t care anymore.” - One law you’d make everyone follow?
“On Sunday, take half the day off your phone.”
Why This Conversation Matters
Kendall’s candor offers a reminder that even at the height of fame, the human challenges—burnout, grief, self-doubt, the search for meaning—are universal. Her journey underscores the power of boundaries, self-compassion, and choosing joy intentionally.
We’re all just having a human experience… We all need to be a little bit kinder to each other.
This recap is based on Kendall Jenner’s appearance on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast. For the full episode, click on the YouTube link at the top or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
