Soul Boom

Do Jews Believe in Souls? Ari Shaffir’s Crisis of Faith

Feb 11, 2025

Comedian Ari Shaffir, known for his bold stand-up and insightful podcasts, joins Rainn Wilson for a candid chat about faith and mental health. They explore Ari’s shift from Orthodox Judaism to atheism, unpacking the complexities of belief and identity shaped by heritage. Ari shares his struggles with depression and the healing roles of therapy and humor. The duo also debates the impact of religion versus human constructs, all while weaving in laughter and thought-provoking insights on the mysterious nature of the soul.

01:07:09

Episode guests

Ari Shaffir

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Ari Shaffir reflects on his journey from Orthodox Judaism to atheism, contemplating the elusive nature of the soul and its implications for identity.

The podcast highlights how Jewish heritage, particularly the trauma of the Holocaust, influences personal narratives and the questioning of deeply held beliefs.

Humor is presented as a crucial tool for processing trauma, allowing comedians to reclaim painful narratives and foster dialogue about difficult subjects.

Deep dives

The Nature of the Soul

The concept of the soul is explored as a vital yet elusive aspect of human existence. It is discussed that while the soul is integral to life, it cannot be quantified or defined in traditional terms. The soul may represent the essence that leaves a body when death occurs, making it impossible to restore life without it. This leads to a deeper inquiry into what truly constitutes a 'life' and whether that essence is tied to religious beliefs or something more universal and abstract.

Intro

2min

Jewish Heritage: Comedy and Identity

12min

Navigating Mental Health Struggles and Breakups

3min

Navigating Mental Health: Medication, Depression, and Therapy

2min

Navigating Mental Health Challenges and Creative Insights

4min

Navigating Mental Health: Personal Journeys and Artistic Expression

13min

Humor and Humanity: Navigating Sensitivity

7min

Growing Up Grunge: Comedy and Travel Tales

14min

Exploring the Soul: Life, Death, and Spirituality

2min

10.

Exploring the Nature of the Soul and Consciousness

2min

11.

Exploring the Soul's Journey and the Search for Meaning

3min

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—or just another human-made construct. Ari hosts The Skeptic Tank podcast and his latest Netflix special America’s Sweetheart tackles taboo topics with his signature irreverence, following up his previous special YouTube special 'JEW,' which explored his Orthodox upbringing and departure from faith.

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