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
May 7, 2026 • 1h 11min
Gen Z Unpacks Toxic Internet Culture
Thomas Sullivan, co-creator of We Love You and optimistic author, and Andy Min, his creative partner blending philosophy and accessible spirituality, talk about friendship, loneliness, nature, and staying hopeful online. They unpack Gen Z culture, cringe and intergenerational vibes. The conversation explores tech’s mental health effects and practical ways to deepen connection.
13 snips
Apr 30, 2026 • 1h 16min
Why 'God' Is Not What You Think (And Neither Are You) | André Duqum
Andre Duqum, creator of Know Thyself, is a contemplative filmmaker exploring consciousness and spiritual inquiry. He talks about ontological integrity, how inner wholeness shapes action, and translating practice into daily life. They probe simulation ideas, awakening as experiential knowing, and practices like meditation, ceremony, and group work for cultivating awareness.
Apr 23, 2026 • 1h 16min
BJ Novak Outsmarts Rainn (Again)
B.J. Novak, writer, actor, and comedian known for The Office and his books, reflects on fame, anxiety, and spiritual growth. He revisits behind-the-scenes comedy, improv play, theater and clowning roots. Conversations touch on regret, gratitude, writing routines, and why soul and purpose matter in a fame-driven culture.
4 snips
Apr 20, 2026 • 1h 23min
Unpacking "Drugs" (w/ Pete Holmes, Ari Shaffir, Neal Brennan, Dr Joe & More)
Neal Brennan, comedian, writer and director known for stand-up and co-creating Chappelle's Show, shares deep personal work with ayahuasca, DMT and other psychedelics. He recounts transformative visions, shifts from atheism to sensing a central creative force, and how substances changed mood, creativity and relationships. The conversation also digs into risks, ritual vs. shortcuts, harm reduction and cultural co-option.
Apr 14, 2026 • 1h 5min
Andy Grammer's Spiritual Muse: The Sacred Side of Songwriting
Andy Grammer, pop singer-songwriter who rose from street busking to global hits, talks about songwriting as a spiritual practice rooted in his Baha'i-influenced upbringing. He shares stories of testing songs in public, mystical creative moments, service-driven projects like Kathy Grams, and performs a live song.
Apr 7, 2026 • 1h 14min
Reflecting w/ Bobby Lee, Trisha Paytas, Rick Glassman, Ed Helms, Angela Kinsey + More!
Ed Helms, actor and comedian best known from The Office, reflects on craft and camaraderie from the show. He talks about gratitude and career hindsight. Short, candid stories about improvisation, presence on set, and why the show’s awkward humor still lands.
35 snips
Mar 31, 2026 • 1h 14min
Arthur Brooks & Rainn Escape the Matrix & Find the Meaning of Life
Arthur Brooks, behavioral scientist and bestselling author on happiness and purpose, joins to unpack the modern meaning crisis. They probe how phones and tech shrink our capacity for awe. Short, practical fixes are offered like tech-free times, retreats, and service as paths back to purpose. Thoughtful, sharp, and surprisingly hopeful conversation.
Mar 24, 2026 • 1h 42min
How I Met Your Maker w/ Josh Radnor
Josh Radnor, actor-writer-director-musician best known as Ted Mosby, shares his spiritual explorations and creative shifts. He talks about theater as sacred, expanding into writing and directing, plant-medicine journeys, sobriety, new fatherhood, and the role of music in vulnerability. Short, reflective conversations weave through training, fame, and the search for deeper purpose.
68 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 1h 11min
The Secret to a Meaningful Life (w/ Bill Burnett & Dave Evans)
Dave Evans, design thinker who teaches reframing and practical prototyping for meaningful living, and Bill Burnett, design educator who applies human-centered design to life planning, discuss why people feel stuck. They tackle radical acceptance, reframing the passion myth, designing small moments of meaning, prototyping life choices, and standing in heartbreak with an open heart.
Mar 10, 2026 • 50min
Life Lessons for Gen Z & Millennials (w/ Chip Conley)
Chip Conley, hospitality entrepreneur and founder of the Modern Elder Academy, shares midlife wisdom and emotional intelligence drawn from decades of mentoring and teaching. He explores rites for transitions, daily rituals for steadiness, reframing illness and pain as teachers, cultivating awe and moral beauty, and practical tools for moving from anxiety to purposeful action.
