Soul Boom

In this enlightening conversation, Payam Akhavan, a renowned human rights lawyer and former UN prosecutor, discusses how spirituality can pave the way to global peace. He addresses pressing challenges like climate change and rising nationalism, advocating for a collective awakening rooted in empathy and authentic relationships. Akhavan shares personal stories of resilience from the Baha'i community, emphasizing the importance of justice and moral commitment. He inspires hope by highlighting small acts of kindness that can drive societal transformation.

Join Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, the beloved YouTubers behind Good Mythical Morning, as they chat with Rainn Wilson about their transformative journeys of spiritual deconstruction. They reflect on their past in evangelical Christianity, discussing how judgment shaped their beliefs and how they've learned to embrace empathy. The trio explores the intersection of faith, creativity, and personal growth, emphasizing the significance of independent truth-seeking and the role of love in their evolving spirituality.

Brian McLaren, an influential author known for exploring faith in modern times, joins Rainn Wilson to discuss the crisis of faith many experience today. They dive into the psychological impacts of religious trauma and the struggle with rigid dogma in organized religion. The conversation tackles how evolving doubt can lead to richer spiritual understanding and highlights the impact of fundamentalist beliefs on climate change and capitalism. Finally, McLaren shares his personal journey towards a broader love-driven spirituality, emphasizing compassion and interconnectedness.

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.

Nadia Bolz-Weber, a Lutheran pastor and best-selling author, joins Rainn Wilson to explore the disconnection of modern life. They discuss the crisis of community and how comfort-seeking may undermine our humanity. Nadia shares insights on grace and forgiveness, emphasizing the need for deeper connections amid a consumer-driven society. They also tackle the spiritual ramifications of social media and the algorithms shaping our desires, advocating for empathy and understanding in a fragmented world.

Alex O'Connor, a prominent atheist thinker and philosopher with a background in theology from Oxford, shares his unique perspectives on religion and consciousness. He discusses his intrigue with the Bible despite his atheism and reflects on Jesus' historical significance. Delving into love and consciousness, he questions whether our feelings are merely chemical reactions or something deeper. O'Connor also explores near-death experiences and their impact on belief, ultimately challenging materialistic views of existence.

Dr. Vivek Murthy, former U.S. Surgeon General and author of "Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World," discusses the loneliness epidemic and its grave impact on health. He highlights how social media exacerbates feelings of isolation and the urgent need for community connection. Murthy shares insights on fulfillment through relationships, purpose, and service, advocating for holistic health that integrates emotional and spiritual well-being. He emphasizes the power of small acts of kindness in rebuilding community and addressing societal challenges.

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a physician and author dedicated to holistic health, dives into the modern health crisis with Rainn Wilson. He emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with core values and embracing discomfort to combat anxiety and chronic illness. Dr. Chatterjee shares personal reflections on loss and the transformative power of mindset and compassion. He advocates for lifestyle changes over medications and encourages listeners to accept suffering as a pathway to a richer life. This enlightening conversation is filled with practical tools for improving well-being.

Keila Shaheen, bestselling author of "The Shadow Work Journal" and founder of the mindfulness app Zenfulnote, discusses her transformative journey through mental health challenges. She dives into shadow work's role in self-discovery, explaining concepts like the shadow self and generational trauma. Rainn Wilson and Keila explore the intersection of mental health and spirituality, especially post-pandemic. They also touch on the challenges of navigating mental health in the digital age, the healing power of journaling, and how facing fears can lead to personal growth.

Bobbi Althoff, a viral podcast host and social media personality, openly discusses her journey through mental health challenges and the transformative power of motherhood. She explores the importance of vulnerability, humor, and authenticity in healing from childhood trauma. The conversation addresses the pressures of co-parenting and parenting in a tech-driven world, emphasizing emotional availability and mindfulness. Bobbi also reflects on breaking generational cycles in her parenting while embracing her unique comedic voice.