Soul Boom

A man wrongfully incarcerated for over two decades due to a coerced confession, Jerome Dixon shares his harrowing story of enduring 25 hours of police interrogation without legal representation, resulting in a life-altering prison sentence at just 17. Despite his wrongful conviction, Jerome's journey of self-discovery, resilience, and advocacy shines through as he recounts how he survived 21 years...

In this already-classic early episode of Soul Boom, the iconic Serj Tankian (lead singer of System of a Down) joined us for a profound exploration of music's transformative power. Serj delves into how music can change hearts, minds, and potentially the world. He shares personal stories and insights on the unique relationship between music, spirituality, and activism, revealing how his own experien...

Andrew Yang joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom to delve into America’s political quagmire, questioning the deeply entrenched two-party system and exploring whether systemic change can lead us toward a more united, fair society. They discuss alternative models for democracy, like ranked-choice voting and community-driven leadership, while dissecting how corporate money and partisan competition fuel di...

Actor Penn Badgley (YOU, Gossip Girl) and therapist Dr. Nura Mowzoon join Rainn Wilson to explore how media and modern television distorts our understanding of love, relationships, and passion. Together, they dive into why people mistake conflict for passion, how media reinforces unhealthy romantic ideals, and the deeper psychological impacts of romantic media on young people. Penn also opens up a...

We've got a treat for you, Soul Boom fam! This week, listen to Rainn on Justin Baldoni's podcast, Man Enough: What is the crap that is no longer serving us? In true comedic fashion, award-winning actor, comedian and writer Rainn Wilson joins for an authentic conversation on workaholism, therapy, marriage, male friendships, and what his beloved character from The Office teaches us about being a man...

Justin Baldoni (It Ends With Us, Jane the Virgin) dives deep into the complexities of modern masculinity, spirituality, and the challenges of walking a spiritual path in the entertainment industry. He shares personal stories about overcoming ego, the impact of faith on his choices, and how vulnerability has shaped his journey as a father, husband, and creative. Justin and Rainn Wilson also explore...

We've got a treat for you, Soul Boom fam! Are you living your best life now? Not always? This is a podcast for you. Duke Professor Kate Bowler is an expert in the stories we tell about success and failure, suffering and happiness. She had Stage IV cancer. Then she didn’t. And since then, all she wants to do is talk to funny and wise people about how to live with the knowledge that, well, everythin...

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar joins Rainn Wilson to explore the essence of spirituality and its role in transforming personal and global peace. They discuss the distinction between religion and spirituality, the power of meditation, and how breathing techniques can help relieve anxiety and reconnect us with our inner joy. Gurudev shares profound insights into victimhood, conflict resolution, and th...

Olympian Alexi Pappas opens up to Rainn Wilson about how childhood trauma shaped her journey to the 2016 Olympics and beyond. She explores the complex relationship between emotional pain, perfectionism, and achievement, discussing post-Olympic depression and the unexpected pressures that follow reaching the pinnacle of success. Alexi shares personal stories about her mother's suicide and the role...

Rainn Wilson and Valarie Kaur explore the transformative power of "revolutionary love" and how it can heal a divided world. Valarie discusses the Sikh philosophy of oneness, the role of the ‘Sage Warrior,’ and the importance of love as a force for social change. The conversation dives into the courage required to love in times of fear, hate, and political division. Join them for a deep exploration...

Alua Arthur joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom to explore the transformative power of embracing mortality. They delve into how contemplating death can bring clarity and meaning to life, the cultural taboos around discussing death, and the importance of preparing for the end of life. Alua shares personal stories and insights, revealing how facing death can be a pathway to living more fully. Alua Arthu...

Dr. Lisa Miller joins Rainn Wilson to explore the intersection of spirituality and science, delving into the hardwired nature of human spirituality. They discuss the unique spiritual journey of Gen Z, the role of suffering in personal growth, and the profound ways in which consciousness might transcend the physical brain. Dr. Miller also shares groundbreaking research on how spirituality can prote...

Father Greg Boyle joins Rainn Wilson to delve into how spirituality and unshakable goodness can address the urgent crises facing today's society. They explore themes of tenderness, forgiveness, and the transformative power of viewing others through a lens of compassion. Father Boyle shares compelling insights from his work with gang members, illustrating how a re-imagined approach to divinity can...

Actor Bryan Cranston (Your Honor, Breaking Bad) and Rainn Wilson explore the complexities of Walter White’s character in Breaking Bad. Cranston delves into the evolution of the anti-hero in modern storytelling, the moral dilemmas that define Breaking Bad, and the seductive power of ego. The episode also touches on how these themes resonate in today's world, reflecting our society’s challenges and...

Actor Bryan Cranston (Your Honor, Breaking Bad) and Rainn Wilson dive deep into what it takes to build a character. They explore the morality of Breaking Bad's Walter White, exploring the fine line between ambition and ethical compromise. With insights from both the small screen and personal life, Cranston reflects on his iconic role and what it reveals about human nature. Rainn and Bryan reflect...

TikTok sensation Drew Afualo joins Rainn Wilson to delve into her unique approach to combating misogyny through humor and sarcasm. Drew shares her insights on dealing with online hate, the deep-seated issues of patriarchy, and the toxic culture of hyper-masculinity. They discuss the impact of social media on mental health and the importance of building real-life communities. Drew’s new book LOUD: ...

Douglas Rushkoff joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom to explore the deep, often hidden roots of the Internet and how its original promise was hijacked. Delve into the psychedelic origins of the web, the shift to an attention economy, and the challenges of building genuine community in a digital age. Discover Rushkoff's insights on how we can reclaim technology for human connection and spiritual growth...

Comedian Ronny Chieng (The Daily Show) joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom to delve into the complexities of cultural identity in a globalized world. They explore the intersection of humor and identity, discussing how comedy can act as a bridge between different cultures. Ronny shares personal experiences and insights on belonging, self-discovery, and the modern challenges of maintaining cultural root...

Jeff Kober joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom to delve into the profound questions of human existence. The two discuss how a deeper awareness of consciousness can transform your life, explore the dual nature of anxiety as both a teacher and a challenge, and learn the importance of finding beauty in everyday moments. Jeff shares personal stories and spiritual tools to help navigate the complexities of...

Whitney Cummings (2 Broke Girls, The Female Brain) joins Rainn Wilson on Soul Boom for an insightful and raw conversation about self-respect, vulnerability, and the role of trauma in personal growth. Whitney shares her journey of learning to like herself, the power of naming fears, and the surprising ways animals have contributed to her healing process. They delve into the complexities of people-p...

In this episode of Soul Boom, Rainn Wilson sits down with tech entrepreneur and philanthropist Payam Zamani. They explore Payam’s incredible journey from fleeing religious persecution in Iran for his Baháʼí faith to founding an incredibly successful tech company in the United States. Delving into themes of resilience, optimism, and the integration of spiritual principles in business, this conversa...

Join Rainn Wilson and Dr Joe Dispenza as they explore the profound connection between mind, body, and healing in this transformative episode of Soul Boom. Dr Joe delves into the science behind spontaneous healing, the power of belief, and how to change your emotional state to create lasting change. Rainn shares personal stories and insights, making this a must-watch for anyone interested in spirit...

Anne Lamott joins Rainn Wilson this week on Soul Boom for an enlightening conversation about the complexities of love, spiritual growth, and self-acceptance. Anne shares her insights on the journey of finding love later in life, the importance of community, and the transformative power of radical self-care. Their discussion delves into the profound impact of prayer, overcoming judgment, and the co...

Comedian Neal Brennan (Chappelle's Show, Crazy Good, Blocks, 3 Mics) joins Rainn Wilson to engage in a deep and revealing conversation exploring the aftermath of Chappelle's Show, the sacrifices Neal made for his craft, and the profound impact of mental health on his life and career. Neal opens up about his struggles with depression, the therapeutic role of comedy, and his journey toward self-acce...

Kate Bowler, renowned author and professor, joins Rainn Wilson to explore the complexities of American Christian traditions and the nature of suffering. Bowler delves into her personal journey with stage four cancer, her struggles with the American healthcare system, offering profound insights into faith, resilience, and the misconceptions of positive thinking. Together, they discuss the dichotomy...