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...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 1Ep. 44
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—...
Feb 11, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 43
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 ...
Feb 04, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 42
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 ...
Jan 28, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 41
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...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 40
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...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Season 1Ep. 39
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...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 38
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...
Dec 17, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Rainn Wilson sits down with acclaimed journalist, author, and war correspondent Sebastian Junger to discuss his harrowing near-death experience, the mysteries of consciousness, and the human connection to mortality. Sebastian recounts his brush with death caused by a ruptured aneurysm and the profound vision of his late father that challenged his atheistic worldview. This episode is a powerful exploration of what it means to face mortality and find meaning in our fleeting existence. Whether you’...
Dec 10, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Rainn Wilson sits down with Rabbi Susan Goldberg to explore the enduring wisdom of Jewish tradition and its relevance to modern challenges. They discuss the dynamic nature of belief in God, the universal values that transcend religious boundaries, and practical ways to bring these spiritual virtues into our daily lives. Rabbi Susan shares the powerful concept of tikkun olam —repairing the world through action and intent—and reveals how Shabbat fosters a sacred space for joy, gratitude, and love....
Dec 03, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Actor Penn Badgley ( YOU on Netflix, Gossip Girl ) joins Rainn Wilson to dive into his lifelong search for meaning. Penn shares how his journey from being a child actor to playing the infamous Netflix villain Joe Goldberg, discussing the challenges of fame, toxic love, and Hollywood's misconceptions about happiness. They dive deep into the role of spirituality in navigating despair, societal change, and the lessons Penn learned through his Baha’i faith. This episode offers profound insights on l...
Nov 26, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Rainn Wilson sits down with Alex Banayan, author of The Third Door, to explore the intersection of grief, spiritual growth, and the mental health epidemic plaguing younger generations. Alex shares his transformative journey from despair to resilience, revealing how moments of pain can lead to profound self-discovery. The conversation delves into the effects of isolating technologies, dopamine addiction, and societal narratives of doom, offering insights into how to navigate a path toward hope an...
Nov 19, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 33
A man wrongfully incarcerated for over two decades due to a coerced confession, Jerome Dixon shares his harrowing story of enduring 25 hours of police interrogation without legal representation, resulting in a life-altering prison sentence at just 17. Despite his wrongful conviction, Jerome's journey of self-discovery, resilience, and advocacy shines through as he recounts how he survived 21 years behind bars and now champions juvenile justice reform. This conversation dives into the flaws of th...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 32
In this already-classic early episode of Soul Boom, the iconic Serj Tankian (lead singer of System of a Down) joined us for a profound exploration of music's transformative power. Serj delves into how music can change hearts, minds, and potentially the world. He shares personal stories and insights on the unique relationship between music, spirituality, and activism, revealing how his own experiences have shaped his views. Don't miss this deep dive into the intersections of art, identity, and gl...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Andrew Yang joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom to delve into America’s political quagmire, questioning the deeply entrenched two-party system and exploring whether systemic change can lead us toward a more united, fair society. They discuss alternative models for democracy, like ranked-choice voting and community-driven leadership, while dissecting how corporate money and partisan competition fuel divisive politics. Together, Rainn and Andrew contemplate an optimistic path forward, comparing today’...
Oct 29, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Actor Penn Badgley (YOU, Gossip Girl) and therapist Dr. Nura Mowzoon join Rainn Wilson to explore how media and modern television distorts our understanding of love, relationships, and passion. Together, they dive into why people mistake conflict for passion, how media reinforces unhealthy romantic ideals, and the deeper psychological impacts of romantic media on young people. Penn also opens up about the unintended consequences of portraying toxic love on-screen and the complexities of attachme...
Oct 22, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 29
We've got a treat for you, Soul Boom fam! This week, listen to Rainn on Justin Baldoni's podcast, Man Enough : What is the crap that is no longer serving us? In true comedic fashion, award-winning actor, comedian and writer Rainn Wilson joins for an authentic conversation on workaholism, therapy, marriage, male friendships, and what his beloved character from The Office teaches us about being a man. Rainn brings his humor and humility to an inspiring conversation on topics including: Workaholism...
Oct 15, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Justin Baldoni ( It Ends With Us, Jane the Virgin ) dives deep into the complexities of modern masculinity, spirituality, and the challenges of walking a spiritual path in the entertainment industry. He shares personal stories about overcoming ego, the impact of faith on his choices, and how vulnerability has shaped his journey as a father, husband, and creative. Justin and Rainn Wilson also explore the concept of service to others and its transformative power in personal growth and well-being. ...
Oct 08, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Season 1Ep. 27
We've got a treat for you, Soul Boom fam! Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everything happens. Sometimes we can fix our lives and sometimes can’t. So when self-help and self-care fall ...
Oct 01, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar joins Rainn Wilson to explore the essence of spirituality and its role in transforming personal and global peace. They discuss the distinction between religion and spirituality, the power of meditation, and how breathing techniques can help relieve anxiety and reconnect us with our inner joy. Gurudev shares profound insights into victimhood, conflict resolution, and the importance of living in the present moment. Together, they explore how spirituality can be a guidi...
Sep 24, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Olympian Alexi Pappas opens up to Rainn Wilson about how childhood trauma shaped her journey to the 2016 Olympics and beyond. She explores the complex relationship between emotional pain, perfectionism, and achievement, discussing post-Olympic depression and the unexpected pressures that follow reaching the pinnacle of success. Alexi shares personal stories about her mother's suicide and the role of sports in her healing, while offering insights into how visualization and resilience can help us ...
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Rainn Wilson and Valarie Kaur explore the transformative power of "revolutionary love" and how it can heal a divided world. Valarie discusses the Sikh philosophy of oneness, the role of the ‘Sage Warrior,’ and the importance of love as a force for social change. The conversation dives into the courage required to love in times of fear, hate, and political division. Join them for a deep exploration of spiritual revolution and practical ways to foster connection in today's world. Valarie Kaur is a...
Sep 10, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Alua Arthur joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom to explore the transformative power of embracing mortality. They delve into how contemplating death can bring clarity and meaning to life, the cultural taboos around discussing death, and the importance of preparing for the end of life. Alua shares personal stories and insights, revealing how facing death can be a pathway to living more fully. Alua Arthur is a death doula, attorney, and founder of Going with Grace, an end-of-life planning organization ...
Sep 03, 2024•59 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Dr. Lisa Miller joins Rainn Wilson to explore the intersection of spirituality and science, delving into the hardwired nature of human spirituality. They discuss the unique spiritual journey of Gen Z, the role of suffering in personal growth, and the profound ways in which consciousness might transcend the physical brain. Dr. Miller also shares groundbreaking research on how spirituality can protect against depression and even influence healing. Tune in for a deep conversation that challenges co...
Aug 27, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Father Greg Boyle joins Rainn Wilson to delve into how spirituality and unshakable goodness can address the urgent crises facing today's society. They explore themes of tenderness, forgiveness, and the transformative power of viewing others through a lens of compassion. Father Boyle shares compelling insights from his work with gang members, illustrating how a re-imagined approach to divinity can lead to personal and societal healing. This discussion is not just about theology; it's about applyi...
Aug 20, 2024•54 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Actor Bryan Cranston (Your Honor, Breaking Bad) and Rainn Wilson explore the complexities of Walter White’s character in Breaking Bad. Cranston delves into the evolution of the anti-hero in modern storytelling, the moral dilemmas that define Breaking Bad, and the seductive power of ego. The episode also touches on how these themes resonate in today's world, reflecting our society’s challenges and ethical struggles. This discussion is a must-watch for fans of Breaking Bad and those intrigued by t...
Aug 13, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Actor Bryan Cranston (Your Honor, Breaking Bad) and Rainn Wilson dive deep into what it takes to build a character. They explore the morality of Breaking Bad's Walter White, exploring the fine line between ambition and ethical compromise. With insights from both the small screen and personal life, Cranston reflects on his iconic role and what it reveals about human nature. Rainn and Bryan reflect on the impact their iconic characters, Dwight Schrute and Walter White, made on television history. ...
Aug 06, 2024•51 min•Season 1Ep. 18
TikTok sensation Drew Afualo joins Rainn Wilson to delve into her unique approach to combating misogyny through humor and sarcasm. Drew shares her insights on dealing with online hate, the deep-seated issues of patriarchy, and the toxic culture of hyper-masculinity. They discuss the impact of social media on mental health and the importance of building real-life communities. Drew’s new book LOUD: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve is available now at: https://drew-afualo.com Thank you...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr•Season 1Ep. 17
Douglas Rushkoff joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom to explore the deep, often hidden roots of the Internet and how its original promise was hijacked. Delve into the psychedelic origins of the web, the shift to an attention economy, and the challenges of building genuine community in a digital age. Discover Rushkoff's insights on how we can reclaim technology for human connection and spiritual growth. This thought-provoking conversation will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew abo...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Comedian Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show) joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom to delve into the complexities of cultural identity in a globalized world. They explore the intersection of humor and identity, discussing how comedy can act as a bridge between different cultures. Ronny shares personal experiences and insights on belonging, self-discovery, and the modern challenges of maintaining cultural roots. Thank you to our sponsors! Pique Tea (15% OFF!): https://piquelife.com/SOUL HOKA: https://bit.ly/...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 15
