Soul Boom

Stand-up comedian Roy Wood Jr., known for his sharp social commentary on The Daily Show, joins Rainn to tackle deep divisions in America. He shares insights on the role of comedy as a tool for truth and discusses the myths surrounding unity and healing. Roy reflects on his tough upbringing in Birmingham and how it shaped his hustle, as well as his journey in comedy through various low-paying jobs. They also debate whether the U.S. could thrive as smaller nations and ponder the impact of technology on jobs and society.

Mark Ruffalo, an Oscar-nominated actor and dedicated activist, returns to share his insights on marriage, spirituality, and family dynamics. He views marriage as 'soul work,' highlighting the courage in vulnerability and the role of therapy in nurturing relationships. Mark reflects on his father's Baha'i journey, emphasizing healing within families and the impact of growing up with diverse faiths. He discusses lessons learned from Native communities at Standing Rock, underscoring resilience and hope in activism.

Yung Pueblo (Diego Perez) is a writer and meditation practitioner known for his insightful approach to self-love and inner peace. In this conversation, he discusses the power of meditation in overcoming mental health challenges and the importance of embracing impermanence. He shares experiences from silent retreats and emphasizes that personal healing can lead to societal change. Diego also explores the themes of his new book, How to Love Better, urging listeners to cultivate kindness and compassion as essential tools for creating a brighter future.

Mark Ruffalo, award-nominated actor and climate justice advocate, dives deep into America's compassion crisis. He shares poignant reflections on losing his brother to gun violence and the urgent need to combat political violence with empathy. Mark advocates for recognizing our opponents as human beings, highlighting the role of frontline communities in climate activism through The Solutions Project. He discusses the importance of reframing disagreement and fostering compassion in these polarized times, ultimately envisioning a united, just future.

In this episode, bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert, known for "Eat, Pray, Love," delves into her journey through love addiction and grief. She shares poignant insights on heartbreak's similarities to substance abuse and discusses the concept of life as "Earth School" for spiritual growth. Elizabeth candidly reveals her own struggles with codependency and addiction while reflecting on her relationship with Raya, including the profound lessons learned in love and honesty. The conversation promotes the healing power of unconditional love and the importance of setting boundaries.

In this engaging conversation, Danny Rensch, a chess master and key figure in the online chess world, shares his powerful journey from growing up in the Church of Immortal Consciousness to building Chess.com. He candidly discusses the challenges of escaping a cult, the painful separation from his mother, and his path to healing. Danny also explores the resilience required to overcome spiritual manipulation and the importance of forgiveness in rebuilding life’s meaning after trauma.

Comedian Lil Rel Howery, known for his breakout role in 'Get Out,' opens up about overcoming grief and panic attacks following his mother's death. He shares a prophetic vision that foreshadowed his success and discusses how the Black church shaped his spiritual journey. Lil Rel emphasizes the healing power of stand-up comedy, likening it to medicine. The conversation also touches on the cultural impact of 'Get Out' and the need for comedy to be taken as seriously as drama in the entertainment industry.

Ryan Holiday, a prominent author known for his insights into Stoicism, joins Rainn Wilson to delve into the intersection of Stoicism and spirituality. They discuss how ancient practices provide modern solutions for anxiety and purpose. Highlighting themes of resilience and personal growth, they explore the transformative journey toward deeper virtues. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of journaling, radical acceptance, and the relevance of Stoicism in today’s complex world, making ancient wisdom accessible for younger generations.

Sri M, a Himalayan spiritual teacher and social reformer, dives deep into the realms of consciousness and the soul with Rainn Wilson. They discuss the connection between spirituality and service, emphasizing love and peace as core values across all traditions. Sri M reflects on the dilution of original spiritual experiences in organized religion and shares personal stories of transformation. He advocates for integrating spirituality into daily life while navigating modern challenges, promoting kindness and the importance of community in fostering mental well-being.

Adam Grant, a NYT bestselling author and organizational psychologist, dives deep into the myths surrounding confidence. He discusses how failure and perfectionism can mislead our perception of self-worth and emphasizes that passion isn’t something to find but rather to cultivate. Grant also reflects on generational shifts in mental health views and workplace expectations. Highlighting the power of reframing narratives, he encourages a more authentic approach to life, revealing that true motivation may come from a surprising source—serving others.