On Purpose with Jay Shetty · Podcast summary

⁠BENNY BLANCO: The Secret to Failing Your Way to Success

Benny Blanco, one of the most influential music producers of our generation, discusses his new book, "F*ck Failure," and shares profound insights on embracing failure, overcoming fear, and finding true success in life and relationships.

On Purpose with Jay Shetty · September 14, 2026 · 70-min episode · 4-min read

⁠BENNY BLANCO: The Secret to Failing Your Way to Success

Key takeaways

🧠Benny Blanco believes that failure is a necessary part of growth, and the more you're willing to fail, the more likely you are to succeed. He even describes having "amnesia to failure," waking up each day ready to try again.05:02
🚫Blanco emphasizes that the fear of embarrassment often holds people back more than the fear of failure itself. He encourages ignoring negative comments and focusing on your own journey.05:22
🪑Blanco's "stool" analogy highlights the importance of balancing three key pillars in life: career, family/loved ones, and health. Neglecting one area can cause your life to become unstable.18:04
✈️Blanco reveals his personal struggle with a fear of flying and how he's actively working to overcome it, taking small steps like a one-hour flight. This illustrates that personal growth is a continuous process.22:11
🚂Blanco advises against trying to do too much at once, suggesting focusing on one part of a task at a time to avoid feeling overwhelmed. He believes in starting the "train" and building momentum gradually.25:05
✍️Benny Blanco shares a story about encouraging Ed Sheeran to write from his own authentic experience, which led to the hit song "Love Yourself." This emphasizes that true connection comes from being yourself.35:05

Chapters

1:49Introduction to Benny Blanco and "F*ck Failure"
3:56Embracing Failure and Overcoming Embarrassment
10:38The Stool Analogy: Balancing Life's Pillars
14:50The Power of Authenticity and Taking Risks
36:37Overcoming Personal Challenges and Phobias
43:47The Journey of a Song: From Idea to Global Hit
54:57The Power of "No" and Time Management
1:35:05The Darkest Day: Battling Anxiety and Finding Balance
1:45:50The Legacy of a Life Well-Lived

The digest

Jay Shetty welcomes Benny Blanco, a Grammy-nominated music producer responsible for some of the biggest hits in the world, to discuss his new book, "F*ck Failure." Blanco, known for his work with artists like Ed Sheeran, Justin Bieber, and Selena Gomez, shares his unique perspective on failure, vulnerability, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life.

Embracing Failure as a Path to Success

Benny Blanco opens up about his philosophy on failure, stating that society often remembers people by their successes, not their failures. He argues that failure is an inevitable part of growth and learning. "Failure only sucks if you don't learn from what you failed at," Blanco asserts. He believes that the more one is willing to fail, the more likely they are to achieve success. Blanco even admits to having "amnesia to failure," waking up each day ready to try again, regardless of past setbacks. He encourages listeners to embrace mistakes as opportunities for adjustment and improvement, rather than dwelling on them.