Soul Boom - podcast cover

Soul Boom

Rainn Wilsonsoulboom.com
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, we 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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Episodes

Pete Holmes' Obsession w/ Hell (BONUS!)

BONUS! Comedian Pete Holmes reveals why he became obsessed with hell and how the idea of eternal punishment forced him to question the version of Christianity he had inherited. He traces his journey from viewing God as a terrifying judge to discovering Joseph Campbell, Ram Dass, non-duality, and a radically different understanding of consciousness. Pete also shares his unforgettable Harry Potter analogy for why searching for physical evidence of God may be completely missing the point. SPONSORS!...

Jun 21, 202628 min

Why Pete Holmes Stopped Looking for God

Comedian Pete Holmes ( Silly Silly Fun Boy, Crashing ) returns to dig deep into Christianity, non-duality, consciousness, and what it means to find God after your faith falls apart. He opens up about divorce, depression, anxiety, sexual shame, and how the comedy community that inspired Crashing carried him through one of the lowest periods of his life. They also explore why “everything belongs,” how awareness can loosen anxiety, what Jesus teaches us about losing, and whether AI has become human...

Jun 18, 20261 hr 14 min

The Collapse of Christianity by David Bentley Hart (BONUS!)

Philosopher and theologian David Bentley Hart explains why Christianity must abandon political power, cultural domination and the mythology of “Christian civilization” to rediscover the radical compassion of Christ. He challenges common interpretations of Paul, faith and salvation before exploring Christology, divine manifestation and what it truly means to say that God became human. They also dive into Lewis Carroll’s spiritual absurdity, the childhood genius of Alice in Wonderland and the revo...

Jun 14, 202645 min

Let's Go To Hell w/ David Bentley Hart

A deep dive into hell, God, suffering, scripture, and why so many modern ideas about Christianity may be based on bad translation, bad theology, and political power. Philosopher and theologian David Bentley Hart challenges the idea of eternal damnation, explores universal salvation, and reframes God not as an angry ruler in the sky, but as infinite love, consciousness, beauty, and being itself. Why does evil exist? What do we do with innocent suffering? And can faith survive when our image of Go...

Jun 11, 20261 hr 4 min

Earth's Most Misunderstood Countries (w/ Drew Binsky)

Drew Binsky has visited every country in the world, but what did all that travel actually teach him about people, fear, poverty, faith, and the soul? We dig into Haiti, Iran, Afghanistan, China, the countries Americans ignore, and the surprising truth that people everywhere want the same basic things: love, family, safety, dignity, and connection. This is a conversation about misunderstood cultures, global suffering, spiritual universals, and why seeing the world up close may be the best antidot...

Jun 04, 202652 min

Nobody Cares About Climate Change

Christiana Figueres joins Rainn Wilson to dig deep into fossil fuels, climate change, eco anxiety, spirituality, self-love, and what it really means to become “stubbornly optimistic” in a collapsing world. From the Paris Climate Agreement to her own battle with suicidal thoughts, Christiana unpacks the connection between personal healing and planetary healing, and why humanity’s future depends on changing our relationship with nature and ourselves. This episode explores climate justice, renewabl...

May 21, 202659 min

Why We Make Ourselves Suffer: Breaking Addiction Down

Why do we keep feeding the habits, thoughts, and emotions that make us suffer? Eric Zimmer explores addiction, anxiety, depression, radical acceptance, Zen Buddhism, mindfulness, emotional healing, and the hidden psychology behind self-destruction. He explains the “good wolf vs bad wolf,” letting go of control, rewiring negative thought patterns, and finding inner peace through small daily choices. SPONSORS! 👇 ZipRecruiter 👉 https://ziprecruiter.com/soulboom Nutrafol 👉 (Promo code: SOULBOOM f...

May 14, 202654 min

Gen Z Unpacks Toxic Internet Culture

Philosophical and optimistic creators of We Love You , Andy Min and Thomas Sullivan, join us for a deep conversation about friendship, existential anxiety, loneliness, nature, spirituality, and what it means to stay hopeful online. We unpack Gen Z culture, the pressure of "aura," the mental health impact of social media, and why human connection may be the antidote to modern isolation. We also get into cringe culture and the battle between Gen Alpha, Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X and...Boomers. SPON...

May 07, 20261 hr 11 min

Why 'God' Is Not What You Think (And Neither Are You) | André Duqum

Andre Duqum (Know Thyself) joins us to unpack if everything you’re experiencing right now is happening inside your own mind. We explore consciousness, simulation theory, and the idea that separation is an illusion shaping human suffering. Let's unpack integrity, awareness, and how transforming your inner world may be the key to healing the chaos we see outside. SPONSORS 👇 Proton 👉 (protect your privacy for FREE!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://proton.me/soulboom⁠ Tiny Souls 👉 (promo: SOULBOOM20 for 20% OFF!) ...

Apr 30, 20261 hr 16 min

BJ Novak Outsmarts Rainn (Again)

B.J. Novak (The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Office) gets deeply reflective about fame, anxiety, and the hidden cost of success. From behind-the-scenes stories of The Office to honest reflections on regret, scarcity mindset, and spiritual growth. SPONSORS 👇 Proton 👉 (protect your privacy for FREE!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://proton.me/soulboom Cozy Earth 👉 Go to ⁠ cozyearth.com/SOULBOOM⁠ for up to 20% off! Quince 👉 https://quince.com/soulboom⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⏯️ SUBSCRIBE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Apr 23, 20261 hr 16 min

Unpacking "Drugs" (w/ Pete Holmes, Ari Shaffir, Neal Brennan, Dr Joe & More)

Are psychedelics & mind-altering substances like ayahuasca, DMT, psilocybin and ketamine a path to healing and spiritual awakening? Or a dangerous shortcut to enlightenment? Let's look back on how Neal Brennan, Pete Holmes, Reggie Watts, Josh Radnor, Arthur Brooks, and Dr. Joe Dispenza debate the benefits, risks, and meaning behind psychedelic experiences, from ego death to divine connection. We dig deep into consciousness, addiction, spirituality, and whether true transformation can come fr...

Apr 20, 20261 hr 23 min

Andy Grammer's Spiritual Muse: The Sacred Side of Songwriting

Musician Andy Grammer joins us to explore the spiritual practice of songwriting, the roots of creativity, and how serving others through art can transform both the artist and the audience. From busking on the streets for four years to writing global hits like Keep Your Head Up , Andy shares the surprising moments of failure, faith, and inspiration that shaped his journey. SPONSORS! 👇 Proton 👉 (protect your privacy for FREE!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://proton.me/soulboom ZipRecruiter 👉 (try it for FREE!) ...

Apr 14, 20261 hr 5 min

Reflecting w/ Bobby Lee, Trisha Paytas, Rick Glassman, Ed Helms, Angela Kinsey + More!

Celebrating 2 years of Soul Boom with favorite guests Alex O'Connor, Dr. Lisa Miller, Rick Glassman, Britt Hartley, Sara Kuburic, Trisha Paytas, Bobby Lee, Jeff Kober, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Ed Helms + Angela Kinsey. SPONSORS! 👇 Proton 👉 (protect your privacy for FREE!) ⁠⁠⁠ https://proton.me/soulboom Nutrafol 👉 (promo code: SOULBOOM) nutrafol.com Quince 👉 (FREE shipping + 365 day returns!) quince.com/soulboom Cozy Earth⁠⁠ 👉 (CODE: SOULBOOM for up to 20% OFF!) cozyearth.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Apr 07, 20261 hr 14 min

Arthur Brooks & Rainn Escape the Matrix & Find the Meaning of Life

Why does modern life feel emptier than ever, even with more technology, comfort, and success than any generation before us? Arthur Brooks (behavioral scientist, bestselling author) joins us to explore the growing meaning crisis, the neuroscience of purpose, and why our phones may be quietly rewiring our brains away from happiness. SPONSORS! 👇 Proton (protect your privacy for FREE!) 👉 ⁠⁠https://proton.me/soulboom Grow Therapy (sessions avg $21 w/ insurance!) 👉 growtherapy.com/soulboom ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Mar 31, 20261 hr 14 min

How I Met Your Maker w/ Josh Radnor

Actor Josh Radnor ( How I Met Your Mother ) unpacks the deeper spiritual questions that fame, success, and storytelling can’t answer. SPONSORS! 👇 Proton (protect your privacy for FREE!) 👉 ⁠proton.me/soulboom⁠ Nutrafol (Code: SOULBOOM for $10 off!) 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://nutrafol.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⏯️ SUBSCRIBE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👕 MERCH OUT NOW! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📩 SUBSTACK!⁠⁠⁠...

Mar 24, 20261 hr 42 min

The Secret to a Meaningful Life (w/ Bill Burnett & Dave Evans)

Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, co-authors of Designing Your Life , join us to unpack why so many people are feeling stuck, why the search for one perfect passion can be misleading, and how radical acceptance, reframing, and small moments of meaning can transform the human experience. SPONSORS! 👇 Proton (protect your privacy for FREE!) 👉 proton.me/soulboom Sundays for Dogs (50% OFF!) 👉 https://sundaysfordogs.com/soulboom50 OneSkin 👉 Get 15% off OneSkin with the code SOULBOOM at https://www.ones...

Mar 17, 20261 hr 11 min

Life Lessons for Gen Z & Millennials (w/ Chip Conley)

Why do we feel so anxious & alone in the modern world? Chip Conley unpacks how wisdom, meaning, and emotional insight can transform suffering into growth. SPONSORS! 👇 Nutrafol 👉 (Code: SOULBOOM for $10 off!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nutrafol.com⁠ Fetzer 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fetzer.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⏯️ SUBSCRIBE!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👕 MERCH OUT NOW! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📩 SUBSTACK!⁠...

Mar 10, 202650 min

Rainn Gets Roasted by Zach Anner

Comedian Zach Anner opens up about growing up with cerebral palsy, using comedy to build connection, and navigating panic attacks, loneliness, and the pressure to feel “normal.” He and Rainn reflect on their work together at SoulPancake and explore gratitude, prayer, accessibility, grief, and why love might be the entire point of being here. SPONSORS! 👇 Grow Therapy 👉 growtherapy.com/soulboom ZipRecruiter (try it free!) 👉 ziprecruiter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.com/soulboom Quince 👉 quince.com/soulboom Sundays fo...

Mar 03, 20261 hr 11 min

Proving God's Existence With Science (w/ Dave Desteno)

Is God real, and can science ever prove it? Psychologist Dave DeSteno joins us to unpack why the “Does God exist?” debate might miss the point, and what research actually shows about prayer, meditation, gratitude, forgiveness, and religious community. SPONSORS! 👇 OneSkin 👉 Get 15% off OneSkin with the code SOULBOOM at ⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/SOULBOOM⁠⁠ #oneskinpod ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Nutrafol 👉 (Code: SOULBOOM for $10 off!) ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nutrafol.com Fetzer 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.fetzer.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Feb 17, 20261 hr 6 min

Toxic Politics: America’s NEW Pandemic (w/ Mustafa Santiago Ali)

What if environmental justice is not just policy, but a spiritual responsibility? Dr. Mustafa Santiago Ali breaks down how toxic pollution, redlining, and disinvestment created unequal health and wealth outcomes and why grassroots community power is the only path from surviving to thriving. From PFAS and public health to the dismantling of EPA science and the sacredness of nature, this conversation connects climate justice, healing, and hope with real on the ground stories and solutions. SPONSOR...

Feb 10, 20261 hr 11 min

Gaza, Grief and Growth: Mo Amer on Palestine & Faith

Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer (Mo on Netflix) shares his family’s story through war, displacement, and survival, and speaks candidly about Gaza, generational trauma, and why real dialogue matters more than ever. From the spiritual discipline of patience to the role of comedy in carrying sorrow, this episode is a reminder that hope is not passive, it is practiced. SPONSORS! 👇 Grow Therapy 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://growtherapy.co/soulboom ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ZipRecruiter (try it FREE!) 👉 https://www.zipre...

Feb 03, 20261 hr 9 min

Does Manifesting Change God's Plan? (w/ Edwina Findley)

Let's unpack the most sacred questions of the human experience: how do you know when guidance is divine, and when it’s just desire, fear, or ego? Edwina Findley unravels manifesting vs. God’s plan, the difference between “my dream” and a true calling, and why service, struggle, and waiting seasons may matter more than vision boards. From miraculous signs and prophetic moments to doubt, discipline, and surrender, this episode is a deep dive into faith, purpose, and what it really means to trust t...

Jan 27, 20261 hr 6 min

Why Do I Overthink EVERYTHING? Re-Wiring Our Brains w/ Maya Shankar

Change rarely asks permission. Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar joins to unpack why we cling to certainty, how rumination traps us in mental spirals, and what it actually takes to build a self that can survive life’s curveballs. From identity loss and grief to moral beauty, compassion, and the psychology of “default options,” this conversation blends neuroscience, philosophy, and spiritual wisdom into practical tools for modern anxiety. Maya’s new book, The Other Side of Change 👉 https://a.co/d...

Jan 20, 20261 hr 10 min

Who Should Run the Government? (Reggie Watts Pt. 2)

AI, power trips, and what comes after late stage capitalism. Comedian Reggie Watts joins us to unpack how billionaires are trying to control the systems they built, why government is not a business, and how community and joy can outlast fear and shock tactics. We also debate psychedelics and ketamine, including the difference between sacred practice and shortcut culture, and how altered states can shape creativity, improv, and consciousness. Along the way they hit simulation theory, Star Trek’s ...

Jan 13, 20261 hr 11 min

Simulation Theory, A.I. Takeover and Dungeons & Dragons (w/ Reggie Watts)

Reggie Watts (comedian, musician) joins us to unpack simulation theory, psychedelics, AI, and Eastern mysticism. He and Rainn cover everything from Seattle's underground art scene to how John Hughes movies and existentialism shaped them. SPONSORS! 👇 Nutrafol (Code: SOULBOOM for $10 off!) 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://nutrafol.com Miracle Made (promo code: SOULBOOM for 20% OFF!) 👉 ⁠⁠⁠t rymiracle.com/SOULBOOM ⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code SOULBOOM for an extra 20% OFF and a free 3-piece towel set! Fetzer 👉 ⁠⁠http...

Jan 06, 202638 min

Can Dr. Amen's Brain Scans Predict Depression, Anxiety and Addiction?

Dr. Daniel Amen (brain health expert, psychiatrist and physician) wants to reframe “mental health” as brain health, and explain how brain imaging can reveal patterns behind depression, anxiety, addiction, and even chronic pain. They unpack automatic negative thoughts, negativity bias, and simple daily “tiny habits” that can reshape your brain and your life. Plus, Dr. Amen connects science with meaning, purpose, and spirituality, asking one powerful question: is what you’re doing right now good f...

Dec 18, 20251 hr 4 min

R&B Singer Miguel on Ego, Resentment & Hip-Hop Culture

SPONSORS! 👇 reMarkable 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://remarkable.com Miracle Made (promo code: SOULBOOM for 20% OFF!) 👉 ⁠trymiracle.com/SOULBOOM ⁠ and use promo code SOULBOOM for an extra 20% OFF and a free 3-piece towel set! Grow Therapy 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://growtherapy.co/SOULBOOM Green Chef (50% OFF + Free Shipping + 20% OFF next 2 boxes!) 👉 https://www.greenchef.com/50soulboom Fetzer 👉 https://www.fetzer.org R&B singer Miguel joins us to unpack soul music, resentment, meditation, and what a real...

Dec 11, 20251 hr 12 min

What Happens When We Die? (w/ Hospice Nurse Julie)

Hospice Nurse Julie sits down with Rainn to completely re-frame how we think about death, dying and what might come next. From the biology of how the body peacefully shuts down to mystical deathbed visions, guardian angel stories and “miracle pancakes,” she shares raw, hopeful and surprisingly funny lessons from years at the bedside. They dive into addiction, spirituality, fear, atheism, pets showing up at the end and how remembering our mortality can actually make life feel more precious and fr...

Dec 04, 202557 min

Petey USA Finds God In The Gray

SPONSORS! 👇 Uncommon Goods (15% OFF!) 👉 ⁠⁠⁠ https://www.uncommongoods.com/soulboom Nutrafol (Code: SOULBOOM for $10 off!) 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://nutrafol.com OneSkin 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 15% OFF OneSkin with the code SOULBOOM at ⁠ https://www.oneskin.co ⁠ reMarkable 👉 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://remarkable.com⁠ Miracle Made 👉 Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https: //trymiracle.com/SOULBOOM and use the code SOULBOOM to claim your FREE 3 PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF. Petey USA unpacks how h...

Nov 27, 20251 hr 19 min

How to Humanize Your Enemies (w/ Valarie Kaur)

How can we humanize our political "opponents" and stop viewing the world as "them vs. us?" Revolutionary love in practice. Valarie Kaur returns to unpack how we can transform grief into courageous action, and build a bigger we that resists dehumanization while defending democracy. We walk through tools like wonder, grief, listening across difference, and experiments with love on the frontlines and at home. Soul Boom Workbook (Out NOW!) 👉 https://a.co/d/dM5wTYM THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! OneSkin...

Nov 13, 202552 min
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