Soul Boom

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Daniel Amen, a renowned psychiatrist and brain-health expert, challenges the traditional view of mental illness by advocating for a focus on brain health. He shares insights from SPECT imaging that link brain function to disorders like depression and anxiety. Dr. Amen emphasizes the importance of tiny habits, such as daily reflections on whether choices honor one's creator, to reshape mental well-being. He also explores the effects of lifestyle on brain health and offers strategies for managing negativity and promoting resilience.

Grammy-winning R&B singer Miguel explores his roots and artistic evolution, blending soul, rock, and alternative sounds. He shares his journey from growing up Black-Mexican in gang-ridden LA to confronting deep-seated resentments through meditation and therapy. The conversation dives into the role of ego in Hollywood, the importance of owning your audience for creative peace, and the necessity for a spiritual revolution in a culture consumed by money. Miguel emphasizes art as a tool for social transformation and connection.

Julie McFadden, known as 'Hospice Nurse Julie', shares her unique insights as a hospice nurse who embraces spirituality and sobriety. She discusses the biology of dying, the comforting phenomena at deathbeds, and even a surprising tale of a patient who recovered unexpectedly. With humor and warmth, she highlights how confronting mortality can enhance our appreciation for life. Julie also reflects on common visions of deceased loved ones and pets as comforting experiences for the dying, making the topic of death surprisingly uplifting.

Petey USA, also known as Peter Martin, is a multifaceted singer-songwriter and comedian known for blending music and humor. In this engaging conversation, he explores spirituality, sharing how nature alleviates his fear of death and ignites his sense of awe. Petey candidly discusses his struggles with performance anxiety and self-worth, revealing how small daily choices transformed his life. He performs songs from his album, The Yips, illustrating the journey from personal hardships to finding meaning through creativity.

Valarie Kaur, a civil rights activist and founder of the Revolutionary Love Project, joins to discuss how to humanize our so-called political 'enemies.' She explores revolutionary love as a tool to combat dehumanization and protect democracy. Kaur emphasizes the importance of grief and compassion, even for those we disagree with, and shares insights from her bus tour that promotes communal courage. They also discuss the power of storytelling and everyday actions to foster understanding and expand our circles of care.

Shabnam Mogharabi, co-author of the Soul Boom Workbook and co-founder of SoulPancake, joins to share insights on spirituality and community. She discusses the impact of positive psychology and how it connects with ancient wisdom. Shabnam opens up about her own painful experiences and the lessons learned about resilience and intuition. They explore the beauty of everyday moments and how small actions can foster community change. With practical tools for navigating life's challenges, this conversation promises inspiration and a fresh perspective on gratitude.

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.