Soul Boom

Comedian Mike Birbiglia (The Good Life on Netflix) opens up about navigating his father’s stroke, his daughter’s spiritual education, and how meeting the Pope shaped his artistry. Along the way, Mike explores mental‑health honesty, delusional optimism in auditions, and why he believes live storytelling is almost sacred. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! ⁠⁠⁠Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital...

Kelly Corrigan (NYT bestselling author, PBS host) joins Rainn Wilson for an illuminating conversation on fear, moods, creativity, and the wisdom found in wonder. Kelly shares her experience with cancer, raising daughters, her evolving beliefs about God, and how staying in someone’s home reveals more about life than any philosophy book. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! 🐶 Ollie (60% OFF!) 👉 Take the onl...

Questlove (The Roots, Summer of Soul) joins Soul Boom for a deep and vulnerable conversation about creativity, trauma, spirituality, and self-reinvention. He opens up about his struggles with imposter syndrome, the weight of generational trauma, and how the pandemic forced him to rebuild his internal life through breathwork, affirmations, and metaphysical practice. Rainn and Questlove explore the...

Gary Gulman (HBO's The Great Depresh, Netflix’s Stand Up for Drummers) joins Rainn Wilson for a vulnerable, hilarious, and soul-searching conversation on faith, depression, and the strange beauty of being alive. From the darkest seasons of mental illness to his life-changing experience with electroconvulsive therapy, Gary opens up about what saved him, and how he still struggles with questions abo...

What if you’re not meant to find yourself, but to create yourself? In this Soul Boom episode, existential psychotherapist and bestselling author Sara Kuburic (It’s On Me) joins Rainn Wilson for a deep conversation about identity, self-loss, and the illusion of authenticity in the digital age. After diagnosing what makes The Office's Dwight Schrute so...unique, "The Millennial Therapist" (as she's...

Steve Burns (original host of Blue’s Clues, musician and writer) joins Rainn Wilson to unpack the surprising emotional and spiritual journey behind one of the most iconic figures in children’s TV. Steve opens up about facing depression at the peak of his fame, the haunting internet rumor that he had died, and the healing power of solitude, music, and deep listening. He discusses what it means to l...

Stephanie Ruhle (MSNBC anchor, host of The 11th Hour) joins Rainn Wilson for a raw, timely conversation on media distrust, social responsibility, and the power of human connection. From her journey on Wall Street to her pivot into journalism, Stephanie brings unique insight into how power, money, and narrative collide. THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Quince (FREE shipping & 365-day returns!) 👉 https:/...

Let's explore the mindset behind greatness. Patrick Mouratoglou is a world-famous tennish coach, known for his work with Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka. opens up about his childhood struggles with anxiety and how small daily victories led him to become one of the most sought-after coaches in sports. He reveals what it really took to help Serena Williams rediscover her fire, and why confidence isn...

What if the cure for our loneliness epidemic isn’t more screen time—but sacred dance floors, radical service, and remembering our ancestors? In this deep and energizing Soul Boom episode, Rainn Wilson sits down with Radha Agrawal, founder of Daybreaker and the Belong Center, to explore how ancient wisdom, intergenerational gatherings, and collective joy can rebuild our fractured world. This episod...

Hasan Minhaj (Off With His Head, The Patriot Act, Homecoming King) joins Rainn Wilson for a vulnerable and inspiring dive into the purpose of comedy, the search for meaning, and the power of storytelling. They explore Hasan's spiritual upbringing, his journey through stand-up and fame, and how his faith and Indian-American identity have shaped his worldview. From reflections on Ramadan to insights...

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...

World peace isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable. But will we get there through collective vision or after unimaginable catastrophes? Renowned human rights lawyer and former UN prosecutor Payam Akhavan joins us on Soul Boom to discuss the forces pulling the world apart, and those bringing us together. They dive deep into the existential crises of our time: climate change, rising nationalism, econom...

What happens when two lifelong best friends and former evangelical missionaries begin questioning everything they once believed? In this deeply personal episode, Rhett & Link (Good Mythical Morning, Wonderhole, Ear Biscuits) down with Rainn Wilson to discuss their spiritual deconstruction, their struggles with judgment, and how their perspectives on faith, God, and love have evolved. They dive int...

What happens when your faith no longer makes sense? Brian McLaren, author of Faith After Doubt and Life After Doom, joins Rainn Wilson for a deep dive into the personal and societal crises of faith that many are facing today. They explore the psychological impact of religious trauma, why so many struggle with the rigid dogma of organized religion, and how doubt can actually lead to a more profound...

Comedian Ari Shaffir (America's Sweetheart, JEW) joins Rainn Wilson for an unfiltered conversation about faith, comedy, and mental health. Known for his no-holds-barred stand-up, Ari shares his journey from being an Orthodox Jewish yeshiva student to an outspoken atheist. They dive into his personal battle with depression, how psychedelics shifted his perspective on existence, and why he believes...

Lutheran pastor and best-selling author Nadia Bolz-Weber joins Rainn Wilson to discuss why modern life feels so disconnected and overwhelming. They explore the paradoxes of faith, the crisis of community in America, and how the pursuit of comfort and convenience might be eroding our humanity. Nadia shares her radical insights on grace, forgiveness, and why she still believes in organized religion...

Alex O’Connor ( @CosmicSkeptic ), known for his nuanced critiques of religion and discussions on morality, reflects on why the Bible captivates him as an atheist, the historical resonance of Jesus, and the philosophical limits of materialism. Alex recently participated in a Jubilee debate that went viral, where his fascination with Christianity was put to the test (Jubilee's 1 Atheist vs. 25 Chris...

Dr. Vivek Murthy, the now former U.S. Surgeon General, joins Rainn Wilson in this powerful episode of Soul Boom to explore the loneliness epidemic and its profound effects on mental and physical health. They discuss the societal shift from community-centered values to hustle culture and the dangers of social media, offering practical ways to reconnect with ourselves and others. Dr. Murthy shares i...

Physician and author Dr. Rangan Chatterjee joins Rainn Wilson on the Soul Boom podcast to explore how modern life impacts our health and happiness. Dr. Chatterjee shares his holistic approach to addressing common struggles like anxiety, chronic illness, and stress by reconnecting with core values, embracing discomfort, and fostering compassion. He reflects on lessons from his personal journey, inc...

Let's explore the transformative power of shadow work! Rainn Wilson sits down with Keila Shaheen, the bestselling author of "The Shadow Work Journal." Keila shares her journey from a mental health crisis to creating a viral movement that has helped millions heal through journaling and self-reflection. Together, they dive into topics like generational trauma, the role of dreams in personal growth,...

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode will discuss the topic of suicide. Conversations about suicide can be troubling or overwhelming for some to listen to. If you, or someone you know, is thinking about suicide, please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Trained professionals are available 24/7 to provide support and guidance to help you. You can also call your local County Cr...

Rainn Wilson sits down with acclaimed journalist, author, and war correspondent Sebastian Junger to discuss his harrowing near-death experience, the mysteries of consciousness, and the human connection to mortality. Sebastian recounts his brush with death caused by a ruptured aneurysm and the profound vision of his late father that challenged his atheistic worldview. This episode is a powerful exp...

Rainn Wilson sits down with Rabbi Susan Goldberg to explore the enduring wisdom of Jewish tradition and its relevance to modern challenges. They discuss the dynamic nature of belief in God, the universal values that transcend religious boundaries, and practical ways to bring these spiritual virtues into our daily lives. Rabbi Susan shares the powerful concept of tikkun olam—repairing the world thr...

Actor Penn Badgley (YOU on Netflix, Gossip Girl) joins Rainn Wilson to dive into his lifelong search for meaning. Penn shares how his journey from being a child actor to playing the infamous Netflix villain Joe Goldberg, discussing the challenges of fame, toxic love, and Hollywood's misconceptions about happiness. They dive deep into the role of spirituality in navigating despair, societal change,...

Rainn Wilson sits down with Alex Banayan, author of The Third Door, to explore the intersection of grief, spiritual growth, and the mental health epidemic plaguing younger generations. Alex shares his transformative journey from despair to resilience, revealing how moments of pain can lead to profound self-discovery. The conversation delves into the effects of isolating technologies, dopamine addi...