Podcast Summary: The School of Greatness – How To Make Vulnerability Your Greatest Strength With Jay Glazer

Release Date: July 18, 2025 | Host: Lewis Howes | Guest: Jay Glazer

Introduction

In this powerful episode of The School of Greatness, host Lewis Howes sits down with renowned sports journalist and author Jay Glazer to explore the transformative power of vulnerability. Glazer shares his deeply personal journey battling depression and anxiety, and how embracing vulnerability has become his greatest strength. This conversation delves into mental health, resilience, and the importance of genuine connections.

Jay Glazer's Personal Struggles

Jay Glazer opens up about his long-standing battle with mental health issues, revealing that he has been experiencing panic attacks weekly since 2005.

Jay Glazer [02:31]: "You just told me before we started that you've had a panic attack since 2005. Until now. Every week."

Glazer explains how internal negative dialogues forced him to move forward instead of succumbing to despair.

Jay Glazer [07:27]: "It's got me to do all this great stuff so I can get some love from the outside in."

The Journey of Overcoming Mental Health Challenges

Glazer discusses his turning point—deciding to speak openly about his struggles to help others facing similar battles. This decision was inspired by feedback from others who felt isolated in their mental health struggles.

Jay Glazer [05:03]: "And he said, man, you're going to be a voice to get to the gray for a lot of us. Us, him included."

He emphasizes that acknowledging vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a pathway to strength and connection.

Strategies for Managing Mental Health

Glazer outlines three key strategies that have helped him manage his mental health:

1. Building a Team

   • Surrounding himself with supportive individuals, including friends, family, and colleagues.

   Jay Glazer [12:02]: "Have a team. Don't do it alone."

2. Being of Service

   • Helping others to shift focus away from his own struggles, which in turn fosters a sense of purpose and connection.

   Jay Glazer [13:14]: "Being of service... it's being of service. And I, in the book, I give several ways."

3. Laughter

   • Using humor as a tool to alleviate anxiety and panic attacks, turning challenging moments into opportunities for joy.

   Jay Glazer [15:03]: "The gray hates laughter. And I do see blue when I'm laughing."

The MVP Program and Its Impact

Glazer shares insights into his charity, MVP (Merging Vets and Players), which supports veterans and ex-athletes. He recounts inspiring stories of individuals like Andy Ward, who overcame homelessness and trauma through the program.

Jay Glazer [32:54]: "Josh Burris... he was listening to a session... He said, I'm donating a million dollars right now to MVP."

These stories highlight the profound impact of vulnerability and support in fostering healing and resilience.

Defining Greatness

When asked to define greatness, Glazer offers a heartfelt perspective:

Jay Glazer [73:06]: "Vulnerability is true strength."

He believes that true greatness lies in lifting others up rather than personal achievements.

Jay Glazer [75:51]: "Greatness is what you do for others. Greatness when you lift everybody else up, right?"

This definition underscores the episode's central theme: embracing vulnerability as a means to achieve collective greatness.

Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts

Glazer and Howes conclude with poignant reflections on the importance of vulnerability, self-love, and building supportive communities. Glazer encourages listeners to embrace their struggles and use them as catalysts for personal and communal growth.

Jay Glazer [75:51]: "Vulnerability is true strength. The secret of success is at work in the world and being loyal. And the last one would be love yourself up."

Conclusion

This episode of The School of Greatness is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability. Jay Glazer's candid discussion about his mental health journey serves as an inspiration for listeners to embrace their own struggles, seek support, and use their experiences to uplift others. Through building supportive teams, serving others, and finding moments of joy, Glazer exemplifies how vulnerability can indeed be one's greatest strength.

Key Takeaways:

• Vulnerability fosters genuine connections and strength.
• Building a supportive team is essential for mental well-being.
• Being of service to others can transform personal struggles into purposeful actions.
• Humor and laughter are powerful tools in managing anxiety and panic attacks.
• True greatness lies in uplifting others and contributing to the community.

For more insights and resources, visit The School of Greatness