Soul Boom is a series of intimate conversations hosted by Rainn Wilson exploring meaningful and inspiring topics that tickle the mind, heart and soul. Never too precious, yet unafraid to touch on the profound, Soul Boom digs into the core of the human experience: creativity, spirituality and psychology. Bringing to the conversation some of the most brilliant and heart-felt artists, thinkers and doers, Soul Boom guides the listener toward transformation on both a personal and societal level. Also, laughs.
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Ryan Holiday (The Daily Stoic) joins Rainn Wilson to connect Stoicism’s deepest roots to spirituality, from the Logos and justice to the common good and service. They explore how ancient practice becomes modern medicine for anxiety, purpose, and resilience, and why journaling and radical acceptance still work. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Fetzer 👉 https://www.stamps.com/soulboom ⏯️ SUBSCRIBE! 👕 MERCH OUT NOW! 📩 SU...
Sri M, Himalayan spiritual teacher and social reformer, joins Rainn Wilson to explore the mysteries of consciousness, the soul, and the universal search for meaning. Together they discuss how spirituality is inseparable from service, why love and peace lie at the heart of all traditions, and how to live a spiritual life while fully engaged in the modern world. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! GreenChef (50% OFF!) 👉 https://greenchef.com/50SOULBOOM Fetzer 👉 https://www.stamps.com/so...
Adam Grant (NYT bestselling author of Think Again and organizational psychologist at Wharton) joins us to unpack why everything we believe about confidence might be backward. From navigating failure and perfectionism to learning how to detach worth from work, Adam explores why passion isn’t something you “find,” how spirituality intersects with identity, and how reframing narratives can lead to a more meaningful life. Plus, the secret to motivation might not be what you think. THANK YOU TO OUR S...
When a high-achieving lawyer suddenly drops her corporate life for poetry and yoga, her words manage to reach millions online. Victoria Hutchins explores religious deconstruction, what it means to “make believe” in God again, and the soul-saving power of small joys. Victoria reads several of her most powerful poems and shares practical wisdom for those navigating anxiety, burnout, or existential crisis. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Fetzer 👉 https://www.stamps.com/soulboom ⏯️ S...
Ed Helms and Rainn Wilson revisit their time on "The Office," discussing the wisdom of "the good old days" quote and the regret of not fully appreciating the moment while striving for more. Ed shares his journey with an ADHD diagnosis, detailing its impact on his life and how therapy, particularly self-compassion, became a vital tool for understanding himself. The conversation also explores the dangers of social media's addictive algorithms, the importance of vulnerability, and Ed's new book and podcast, "SNAFU," which chronicles historical mishaps, including a surprising heroic act by Jimmy Carter.
If belief dies, can wonder survive? Britt Hartley (author of No Nonsense Spirituality) digs into her journey from devout Mormonism to mystic atheism, her deconstruction of religious dogma, and her experience of profound nihilism after losing belief in God. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Quince (FREE shipping!) 👉 https://www.quince.com/soulboom Fetzer 👉 https://fetzer.org MERCH OUT NOW! https://soulboom.com/store SUBSCRIBE to our SECOND channel: @SoulBoomPresents Sign up for our new...
Casey Neistat (YouTube creator, filmmaker, entrepreneur) joins Rainn Wilson to dive into the dangers of social media algorithms, the role of empathy in art, and how fatherhood reshaped Casey’s purpose. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/soulboom . Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Fetzer 👉 https://www.stamps.com/soulboom Bragg ( 20% OFF! CODE: SOULBOOM ) 👉 https://www.bragg.com ...
Comedian Pete Holmes ( I Am Not For Everyone ) joins Rainn Wilson LIVE to dive into the nature of God, spiritual awakening through psychedelics, and why ego isn’t the enemy...it might even be divine. They unpack the parable of the Prodigal Son, discuss mystical consciousness and atheism, and reflect on comedy’s role in revealing truth. Plus, Pete shares early jokes, voice memo rage, and his unique way of merging stand-up with sacred insight. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get a 4-week trial, free...
Terry Crews (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, White Chicks) opens up about addiction, masculinity, faith, and healing. He shares his journey through addiction, religious trauma, and the deep inner work required to rebuild his life and marriage. He shares how recovery helped him rediscover his soul, his artistry, and his definition of love and how public accountability set him free. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/soulboom . Thank...
Comedian Mike Birbiglia ( The Good Life on Netflix) opens up about navigating his father’s stroke, his daughter’s spiritual education, and how meeting the Pope shaped his artistry. Along the way, Mike explores mental‑health honesty, delusional optimism in auditions, and why he believes live storytelling is almost sacred. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/soulboom . Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show! Airbnb 👉 ...
Kelly Corrigan (NYT bestselling author, PBS host) joins Rainn Wilson for an illuminating conversation on fear, moods, creativity, and the wisdom found in wonder. Kelly shares her experience with cancer, raising daughters, her evolving beliefs about God, and how staying in someone’s home reveals more about life than any philosophy book. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! 🐶 Ollie (60% OFF!) 👉 Take the online quiz and introduce Ollie to your pet. Visit https://www.ollie.com/soulboom today for 60% OFF you...
Questlove (The Roots, Summer of Soul) joins Soul Boom for a deep and vulnerable conversation about creativity, trauma, spirituality, and self-reinvention. He opens up about his struggles with imposter syndrome, the weight of generational trauma, and how the pandemic forced him to rebuild his internal life through breathwork, affirmations, and metaphysical practice. Rainn and Questlove explore the power of boredom, the necessity of soul, and how success without healing can be hollow. THANK YOU TO...
Gary Gulman (HBO's The Great Depresh , Netflix’s Stand Up for Drummers ) joins Rainn Wilson for a vulnerable, hilarious, and soul-searching conversation on faith, depression, and the strange beauty of being alive. From the darkest seasons of mental illness to his life-changing experience with electroconvulsive therapy, Gary opens up about what saved him, and how he still struggles with questions about God and suffering. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Airbnb 👉 https://airbnb.com/host Masterclass...
What if you’re not meant to find yourself, but to create yourself? In this Soul Boom episode, existential psychotherapist and bestselling author Sara Kuburic ( It’s On Me ) joins Rainn Wilson for a deep conversation about identity, self-loss, and the illusion of authenticity in the digital age. After diagnosing what makes The Office 's Dwight Schrute so...unique, "The Millennial Therapist" (as she's known online) joins Rainn to explore how modern life disconnects us from our inner truth and how ...
Steve Burns (original host of Blue’s Clues , musician and writer) joins Rainn Wilson to unpack the surprising emotional and spiritual journey behind one of the most iconic figures in children’s TV. Steve opens up about facing depression at the peak of his fame, the haunting internet rumor that he had died, and the healing power of solitude, music, and deep listening. He discusses what it means to live with grace, redefine masculinity, and reconnect with the soul through nature, creativity, and c...
Stephanie Ruhle (MSNBC anchor, host of The 11th Hour ) joins Rainn Wilson for a raw, timely conversation on media distrust, social responsibility, and the power of human connection. From her journey on Wall Street to her pivot into journalism, Stephanie brings unique insight into how power, money, and narrative collide. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Quince (FREE shipping & 365-day returns!) 👉 https://quince.com/soulboom Airbnb 👉 https://airbnb.com/host SOUL BOOM LIVE IN LOS ANGELES 5/27! Tick...
Let's explore the mindset behind greatness. Patrick Mouratoglou is a world-famous tennish coach, known for his work with Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. opens up about his childhood struggles with anxiety and how small daily victories led him to become one of the most sought-after coaches in sports. He reveals what it really took to help Serena Williams rediscover her fire, and why confidence isn't built in a day, but in consistent, quiet effort. 👉 PRE-ORDER 'Champion Mindset' NOW ⏯️ SUBSCRIBE...
What if the cure for our loneliness epidemic isn’t more screen time—but sacred dance floors, radical service, and remembering our ancestors? In this deep and energizing Soul Boom episode, Rainn Wilson sits down with Radha Agrawal, founder of Daybreaker and the Belong Center, to explore how ancient wisdom, intergenerational gatherings, and collective joy can rebuild our fractured world. This episode is brought to you by... Airbnb: 👉 https://www.airbnb.com/host ⏯️ SUBSCRIBE! 👕 MERCH OUT NOW! 📩 ...
Hasan Minhaj (Off With His Head, The Patriot Act, Homecoming King) joins Rainn Wilson for a vulnerable and inspiring dive into the purpose of comedy, the search for meaning, and the power of storytelling. They explore Hasan's spiritual upbringing, his journey through stand-up and fame, and how his faith and Indian-American identity have shaped his worldview. From reflections on Ramadan to insights about art's true value, this episode is rich with heart, humor, and depth. Rainn and Hasan discuss ...
What if climate change isn’t just an environmental or economic issue, but a spiritual one? In this eye-opening conversation, Rainn Wilson and environmentalist Paul Hawken dive into the philosophy of regeneration—a revolutionary approach to healing the planet while revitalizing our sense of meaning and purpose. Paul explains why fear-based activism is failing, how indigenous wisdom offers a roadmap for sustainability, and why reconnecting to nature is the key to saving ourselves. They also discus...
World peace isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable. But will we get there through collective vision or after unimaginable catastrophes? Renowned human rights lawyer and former UN prosecutor Payam Akhavan joins us on Soul Boom to discuss the forces pulling the world apart, and those bringing us together. They dive deep into the existential crises of our time: climate change, rising nationalism, economic inequality, and the urgent need for a global spiritual awakening. MERCH OUT NOW! https://soulboom...
What happens when two lifelong best friends and former evangelical missionaries begin questioning everything they once believed? In this deeply personal episode, Rhett & Link (Good Mythical Morning, Wonderhole, Ear Biscuits) down with Rainn Wilson to discuss their spiritual deconstruction, their struggles with judgment, and how their perspectives on faith, God, and love have evolved. They dive into their past in the evangelical world, what made them step away, and whether they still believe ...
What happens when your faith no longer makes sense? Brian McLaren, author of Faith After Doubt and Life After Doom , joins Rainn Wilson for a deep dive into the personal and societal crises of faith that many are facing today. They explore the psychological impact of religious trauma, why so many struggle with the rigid dogma of organized religion, and how doubt can actually lead to a more profound, harmonious spirituality. The conversation also tackles the intersection of fundamentalist theolog...
Comedian Ari Shaffir (America's Sweetheart, JEW) joins Rainn Wilson for an unfiltered conversation about faith, comedy, and mental health. Known for his no-holds-barred stand-up, Ari shares his journey from being an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva student to an outspoken atheist. They dive into his personal battle with depression, how psychedelics shifted his perspective on existence, and why he believes the concept of a soul is a mystery. Plus, Rainn and Ari debate whether religion is a force for good—...
Lutheran pastor and best-selling author Nadia Bolz-Weber joins Rainn Wilson to discuss why modern life feels so disconnected and overwhelming. They explore the paradoxes of faith, the crisis of community in America, and how the pursuit of comfort and convenience might be eroding our humanity. Nadia shares her radical insights on grace, forgiveness, and why she still believes in organized religion despite its flaws. Plus, they dive into the spiritual consequences of the algorithm-driven world we ...
Alex O’Connor ( @CosmicSkeptic ), known for his nuanced critiques of religion and discussions on morality, reflects on why the Bible captivates him as an atheist, the historical resonance of Jesus, and the philosophical limits of materialism. Alex recently participated in a Jubilee debate that went viral, where his fascination with Christianity was put to the test (Jubilee's 1 Atheist vs. 25 Christians). Together he and Rainn explore the mysteries of consciousness, the science behind near-death ...
Dr. Vivek Murthy, the now former U.S. Surgeon General, joins Rainn Wilson in this powerful episode of Soul Boom to explore the loneliness epidemic and its profound effects on mental and physical health. They discuss the societal shift from community-centered values to hustle culture and the dangers of social media, offering practical ways to reconnect with ourselves and others. Dr. Murthy shares insights on the triad of fulfillment—relationships, purpose, and service—and why these are key to reb...
Physician and author Dr. Rangan Chatterjee joins Rainn Wilson on the Soul Boom podcast to explore how modern life impacts our health and happiness. Dr. Chatterjee shares his holistic approach to addressing common struggles like anxiety, chronic illness, and stress by reconnecting with core values, embracing discomfort, and fostering compassion. He reflects on lessons from his personal journey, including profound insights from Edith Eger and his mission to heal 100 million lives. This transformat...
Let's explore the transformative power of shadow work! Rainn Wilson sits down with Keila Shaheen, the bestselling author of "The Shadow Work Journal." Keila shares her journey from a mental health crisis to creating a viral movement that has helped millions heal through journaling and self-reflection. Together, they dive into topics like generational trauma, the role of dreams in personal growth, and the intersection of mental health and spirituality. Keila Shaheen is an entrepreneur, mental hea...
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode will discuss the topic of suicide. Conversations about suicide can be troubling or overwhelming for some to listen to. If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide, please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained professionals are available 24/7 to provide support and guidance to help you. You can also call your local County Crisis Line number, or call 911. In this deeply personal episode, Bobbi Althoff, the viral podcast...
