

Soul Boom
Rainn Wilson
Soul Boom is a series of intimate conversations hosted by Rainn Wilson exploring meaningful and inspiring topics that tickle the mind, heart and soul. Never too precious, yet unafraid to touch on the profound, we digs into the core of the human experience: creativity, spirituality and psychology. Bringing to the conversation some of the most brilliant and heart-felt artists, thinkers and doers, Soul Boom guides the listener toward transformation on both a personal and societal level. Also, laughs.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 16min
Hasan Minhaj: Does Comedy Matter if the World is on Fire?
Hasan Minhaj, a comedian and writer known for his insightful and humorous takes on social issues, joins Rainn Wilson for a deep conversation. They delve into the purpose of comedy in challenging times, exploring how Hasan's immigrant background and faith shape his storytelling. The discussion highlights the significance of vulnerability in stand-up, the joys of Ramadan, and how community influences identity. They also address media consumption's role in understanding societal challenges, making for an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue.

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
Is Climate Change a Spiritual Crisis? (w/ Paul Hawken)
What if climate change isn’t just an environmental or economic issue, but a spiritual one? In this eye-opening conversation, Rainn Wilson and environmentalist Paul Hawken dive into the philosophy of regeneration—a revolutionary approach to healing the planet while revitalizing our sense of meaning and purpose. Paul explains why fear-based activism is failing, how indigenous wisdom offers a roadmap for sustainability, and why reconnecting to nature is the key to saving ourselves. They also discuss the hidden intelligence of plants, the role of community in social transformation, and what a 23-year-old in Tulsa can actually do to make a difference.Paul Hawken is a renowned environmentalist, entrepreneur, and author. His work focuses on practical, systemic solutions to climate change that integrate ecological, social, and economic renewal.Order Paul's new book Carbon: The Book of Life - https://amzn.to/4kY2Nr2MERCH OUT NOW! https://soulboom.com/storeGod-Shaped Hole Mug: https://bit.ly/GodShapedHoleMugSign up for our newsletter! https://soulboom.substack.comSUBSCRIBE to Soul Boom!! https://bit.ly/Subscribe2SoulBoomWatch our Clips: https://bit.ly/SoulBoomCLIPSWatch WISDOM DUMP: https://bit.ly/WISDOMDUMPFOLLOW US!Instagram: http://instagram.com/soulboomTikTok: http://tiktok.com/@soulboomSponsor Soul Boom: partnerships@voicingchange.mediaWork with Soul Boom: business@soulboom.comSend Fan Creations, Questions, Comments: hello@soulboom.comExecutive Produced by: Kartik ChainaniExecutive Produced by: Ford Bowers, Samah TokmachiCompanion ArtsProduction Supervisor: Mike O'BrienVoicing Change MediaTheme Music by: Marcos Moscat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 1min
How Spirituality Can Save Us from Global Chaos (w/ Payam Akhavan)
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.

Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
Rainn Tries Getting Rhett & Link Back in Church: Exploring Spiritual Deconstruction
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.

Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 15min
Faith After Doubt: Can Religion Evolve? (w/ Brian McLaren)
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.

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
Do Jews Believe in Souls? Ari Shaffir’s Crisis of Faith
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.

26 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 2min
Is Society Losing Its Soul? Nadia Bolz-Weber on Faith, Outrage, and Redemption
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.

31 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 11min
Alex O'Connor Explores the Mysteries of God
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.

17 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 25min
U.S. Surgeon General's Final Prescription: A Path to Fulfillment and Community
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.

12 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 35min
Why Are We All Sick? Healing From the Modern Health Crisis w/ Dr. Rangan Chatterjee
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.


