Arthur Brooks: Is Happiness a Science?

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 continuous process of healing and personal development. Anne's latest book, 'Somehow: Thoughts on Love" is available now. Listen to it on Audible: Order it on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3VgBsV1 Thank you to our sponsors! Pique Tea (15% OFF!) : https://piquelife.com/soul Waking Up app (1st month free!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/ Sign up for our newsletter! https://soulboom.substack.com SUBSCRIBE to Soul Boom!! https://bit.ly/Subscribe2SoulBoom Watch our Clips: https://bit.ly/SoulBoomCLIPS Watch WISDOM DUMP: https://bit.ly/WISDOMDUMP Follow us! Instagram: http://instagram.com/soulboom TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@soulboom Sponsor Soul Boom: [email protected] Work with Soul Boom: [email protected] Send Fan Creations, Questions, Comments: [email protected] Produced by: Kartik Chainani Executive Produced by: Ford Bowers, Samah Tokmachi Spring Green Films Production Supervisor: Mike O'Brien Voicing Change Media Theme Music by: Marcos Moscat

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-acceptance. Tune in for an insightful discussion that blends humor, vulnerability, and philosophical reflections on creativity and resilience. Thank you to our sponsors! Hoka: https://bit.ly/HokaSoulBoom Waking Up app (1st month free!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/ Sign up for our newsletter! https://soulboom.substack.com SUBSCRIBE to Soul Boom!! https://bit.ly/Subscribe2SoulBoom Watch our Clips: https://bit.ly/SoulBoomCLIPS Watch WISDOM DUMP: https://bit.ly/WISDOMDUMP Follow us! Instagram: http://instagram.com/soulboom TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@soulboom Sponsor Soul Boom: [email protected] Work with Soul Boom: [email protected] Send Fan Creations, Questions, Comments: [email protected] Produced by: Kartik Chainani Executive Produced by: Ford Bowers, Samah Tokmachi Spring Green Films Production Supervisor: Mike O'Brien Voicing Change Media Theme Music by: Marcos Moscat

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 of American religious practices and the deep, often unspoken struggles that accompany a life of faith. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and authenticity. Thank you to our sponsors! Hoka: https://bit.ly/HokaSoulBoom Waking Up app (1st month free!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/ Sign up for our newsletter! https://soulboom.substack.com SUBSCRIBE to Soul Boom!! https://bit.ly/Subscribe2SoulBoom Watch our Clips: https://bit.ly/SoulBoomCLIPS Watch WISDOM DUMP: https://bit.ly/WISDOMDUMP Follow us! Instagram: http://instagram.com/soulboom TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@soulboom Sponsor Soul Boom: [email protected] Work with Soul Boom: [email protected] Send Fan Creations, Questions, Comments: [email protected] Produced by: Kartik Chainani Executive Produced by: Ford Bowers, Samah Tokmachi Spring Green Films Production Supervisor: Mike O'Brien Voicing Change Media Theme Music by: Marcos Moscat

Rainn sits down with the iconic Serj Tankian, lead vocalist of System of a Down, for a profound exploration of music's transformative power. In this episode of Soul Boom, 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 experiences have shaped his views. Don't miss this deep dive into the intersections of art, identity, and global change with one of rock's most distinctive voices. Thank you to our sponsors! Waking Up app (1st month free!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/ Sign up for our newsletter! https://soulboom.substack.com SUBSCRIBE to Soul Boom!! https://bit.ly/Subscribe2SoulBoom Watch our Clips: https://bit.ly/SoulBoomCLIPS Watch WISDOM DUMP: https://bit.ly/WISDOMDUMP Follow us! Instagram: http://instagram.com/soulboom TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@soulboom Sponsor Soul Boom: [email protected] Work with Soul Boom: [email protected] Send Fan Creations, Questions, Comments: [email protected] Produced by: Kartik Chainani Executive Produced by: Ford Bowers, Samah Tokmachi Spring Green Films Production Supervisor: Mike O'Brien Voicing Change Media Theme Music by: Marcos Moscat

Esteemed author and social scientist Arthur Brooks joins us to delve into the art of living a fulfilling life. Together, he and Rainn Wilson explore practical strategies for achieving happiness, the importance of relationships in personal growth, and the impact of societal values on individual well-being. Arthur Brooks shares insights from his latest research, offering listeners actionable advice on how to thrive in a complex world. Thank you to our sponsors! HOKA: https://bit.ly/HokaSoulBoom Waking Up app (1st month free!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/

Comedian and actor Bobby Lee (Tigerbelly & Bad Friends podcasts) joins Rainn Wilson for a profound conversation exploring spirituality, redemption, and the intricacies of human emotion. Bobby shares candidly about his personal struggles with addiction, the impact of significant life events on his sobriety, and his journey towards spiritual and emotional healing. Bobby discusses the false spiritual experience that performing onstage can often give him. The two delve into how different encounters with certain individuals throughout life can be transformative, offering both Bobby and listeners insights into the power of connection and recovery. This discussion not only highlights the challenges faced by those in the public eye but also illuminates the universal struggles and triumphs that resonate with us all. Thank you to our sponsors! Waking Up app (1st month free!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/

Dr. Thema Bryant (therapist, minister, and spoken word artist) and Rainn Wilson give their unique perspective on the duality of faith as both a lifeline and a source of deep trauma for different people. With her background as the former president of the American Psychological Association and her deep involvement in the arts, she explores how her diverse roles enhance her work in mental health and healing. The podcast uncovers Dr. Bryant’s journey to integrating her various talents but also addresses broader issues such as the impact of spirituality on psychological growth and the therapeutic potential of justice and acknowledgment in societal contexts. Thank you to our sponsors! Waking Up app (1st month free!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/

Angela Kinsey (The Office, Office Ladies) & Rainn Wilson reunite years after The Office to explore some of life’s biggest questions. The two talk about the recent deaths in their lives and how grief can breed gratitude. They also discuss finding true happiness, the power of mindfulness, and achieving a balanced work-life. Angela shares her unique insights on gratitude's role in personal success and the secrets to maintaining long-lasting friendships. Rainn and Angela also look back on their time on The Office and ponder what Dwight and Angela might be up to today at Schrute Farms, Dunder Mifflin and Beyond! If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help immediately. Help is available 24/7. CALL 988 Thank you to our sponsors! Waking Up app (1st month free!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/

Rainn Wilson chats with social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt ('The Anxious Generation', 'The Coddling of the American Mind') about the profound impacts of digital technology on society and mental health. They delve into the anxiety, challenges and transformations faced by Gen Z due to smartphones, Tik Tok and Instagram, exploring solutions to mitigate these effects and emphasizing the importance of reconnecting with community and spirituality. This episode offers crucial insights for anyone interested in understanding and improving our digital landscape. Tune in to uncover how we can navigate the complexities of a tech-dominated world and foster healthier, more connected communities.

Rainn sits down with comedian Rick Glassman (Take Your Shoes Off podcast, ABC's Not Dead Yet) to talk about God and spirituality’s place in comedy. Rick also shares how the revelation of his adult diagnosis of autism shed light on his unique approach to communication, both on and offstage. They also talk about mental health, human connection, the art of comedy, and more.