Faith, Humor, and Mental Health

This chapter explores the intersection of faith and spirituality in the context of modern mental health challenges, highlighting their role in promoting individuality and acceptance. With light-hearted anecdotes and introspective storytelling, the conversation balances humor with deeper reflections on personal history and religious perspectives.

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What can faith teach us about happiness that science alone cannot? In this episode of Office Hours, I sit down with my friend, the actor and writer Rainn Wilson. Best known as Dwight Schrute on The Office, Rainn is also a writer and thinker who explores spirituality in his book Soul Boom and on his podcast of the same name. Together, we explore the Baháʼí faith and the lessons it offers for living a more meaningful life.

Rainn shares his journey from growing up in the faith to losing his way during the height of fame, to rediscovering purpose through recovery and spiritual practice.

In this episode, we explore:

• A case for studying religions beyond your own

• A brief history of the Baha’i faith and the core tenets that continue to guide millions of followers

• How worship in the Baha’i faith goes far beyond prayer, reaching into art, service, and more

• Why you should learn to surrender to something bigger than yourself

• How fame left Rainn emptier than ever

• Why trying to avoid suffering is a big mistake

• What is the wisest path to happiness

• And more!

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Brought to you by:

• AG1—Support whole body health around the clock. Get a free Welcome Kit, including a bottle of Vitamin D and 5 AG1 Travel Packs (a $76 value), when you subscribe.

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Where to find Rainn Wilson:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainnwilson/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rainnwilson/

• Newsletter: https://newsletter.soulboom.com/

• Podcast: https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/soulboom

• Website: https://www.soulboom.com/

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Where to find Arthur Brooks:

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://arthurbrooks.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

• X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/arthurbrooks⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/arthurcbrooks/⁠⁠⁠⁠