Note: This episode was recorded in June 2023, prior to the SAG-AFTRA union declaring a strike.
Rainn Wilson describes himself as an actor and an artist, who writes some books about spirituality on the side. As well-known as Rainn is on the screen and stage, particularly for playing Dwight on the TV series “The Office,” we invited him on House Calls to talk about spirituality – specifically how spirituality can help us change the world for the better, from addressing global challenges like climate change, to creating more connection and community in our daily lives.
Rainn is looking for what he calls a “spiritual revolution”, in which we all give back to humanity with “loving kindness.” Join us as we talk about what that looks like and how we can all help make our world a more meaningfully connected place.
(02:38) How does Rainn Wilson want to be known?
(06:42) Are we experiencing a spiritual crisis?
(11:13) How can spirituality help fix today’s world?
(15:36) How has Rainn’s personal journey with spirituality evolved?
(20:25) What precipitated Rainn’s experience of loneliness and isolation as a young man?
(24:09) What would Rainn Wilson today tell his 20-year-old self about happiness?
(34:59) How can we connect and lead with love?
(41:00) Love, kindness, and loving kindness.
(55:06) How does Rainn prioritize people and community in his life?
(01:01:11) Which of Rainn Wilson’s many pets is a being most of us have probably never encountered?
We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas.
Rainn Wilson, Actor & Artist
Twitter: @rainnwilson
Instagram: @rainnwilson
Facebook: @rainnwilson
About Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson is an Emmy nominated and SAG award-winning actor, writer and producer best known for playing the role of Dwight Schrute on NBC's The Office, which garnered him three Emmy Award nominations.
Wilson’s book, “Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution” released on April 25th of this year. In this book, he explores the benefits spirituality gives us in creating solutions for an increasingly challenging world.
Wilson can be seen in “Rainn Wilson and The Geography of Bliss,” a six-part travel docuseries in which he travels around the world to discover the happiest places on Earth. The docuseries is based on Eric Weiner’s novel “The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World” and debuted on Peacock in May 2023.
Other movie and television credits include “WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story,” “Jerry & Marge Go Large,” “Dark Winds,” “An Idiot’s Guide to Climate Change,” “Star: Trek Discovery,” “Super,” “The Meg” and “Six Feet Under” among many others.
Wilson co-founded SoulPancake, a digital media company designed to celebrate humanity and champion creativity. He is the author of “The Bassoon King” and the New York Times Bestselling “SoulPancake: Chew on Life’s Big Questions.”
House Calls with Dr. Vivek Murthy