Turning Trauma into Olympic Glory w/ Alexi Pappas

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 behind bars and now champions juvenile justice reform. This conversation dives into the flaws of the criminal justice system, the power of personal transformation, and the urgent need for legislative change. Jerome Dixon is a justice reform advocate and vice-chairman of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition. Wrongfully imprisoned for 21 years, Jerome now dedicates his life to ensuring juveniles' rights in police interrogations. Thank you to our sponsors! Airbnb: http://airbnb.com/host Waking Up app (1st month FREE!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/ MERCH OUT NOW! https://soulboomstore.myshopify.com/ 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 Companion Arts Production Supervisor: Mike O'Brien Voicing Change Media Theme Music by: Marcos Moscat

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 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! Airbnb: http://airbnb.com/host Waking Up app (1st month FREE!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/ MERCH OUT NOW! https://soulboomstore.myshopify.com/ 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 Companion Arts Production Supervisor: Mike O'Brien Voicing Change Media Theme Music by: Marcos Moscat

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 divisive politics. Together, Rainn and Andrew contemplate an optimistic path forward, comparing today’s world to sci-fi futures and pondering how digital democracy and grassroots movements could reshape our government. Tune in as they tackle whether U.S. politics could be re-imagined for a fairer, inclusive America. Andrew Yang is a former presidential candidate, entrepreneur, and founder of the Forward Party, an initiative advocating for political reform and breaking through America’s two-party divide. With the 2024 election heating up, and candidates like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris at the center of the debate, Yang’s ideas offer a fresh perspective on achieving unity in a polarized nation. Thank you to our sponsors! Airbnb: http://airbnb.com/host Waking Up app (1st month FREE!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/ MERCH OUT NOW! https://soulboomstore.myshopify.com/ 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 Companion Arts Production Supervisor: Mike O'Brien Voicing Change Media Theme Music by: Marcos Moscat

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 about the unintended consequences of portraying toxic love on-screen and the complexities of attachment and commitment in real life. This conversation challenges popular narratives of love, highlighting the dangers of media-fueled misconceptions. Penn Badgley is an actor known for his roles in Gossip Girl and You, where he portrays characters that grapple with complex and often unhealthy romantic dynamics. Off-screen, he explores the intersection of spirituality, relationships, and media influence. Penn and Nura are touring colleges and universities to provide their Can We Talk? series of discussions with students. To have them come lead a discussion at your school, reach out below! Thank you to our sponsors! LMNT: http://drinklmnt.com/SoulBoom Waking Up app (1st month FREE!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/ MERCH OUT NOW! https://soulboomstore.myshopify.com/ 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 Companion Arts Production Supervisor: Mike O'Brien Voicing Change Media Theme Music by: Marcos Moscat

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. Rainn brings his humor and humility to an inspiring conversation on topics including: Workaholism as an expected and celebrated trait of masculinity Desiring acceptance and feeling excluded behind-the-scenes in Hollywood Family life, including parenting, couples’ therapy, and how Holiday, his wife of nearly 30 years, took the brunt of his entitlement Initiating conversation and connection in male friendships The Man Enough Podcast is hosted by Justin Baldoni, Liz Plank, and Jamey Heath. It is produced by Wayfarer Studios. 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

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 the concept of service to others and its transformative power in personal growth and well-being. Tune in to discover how Justin's unique perspective on life, purpose, and storytelling inspires a new way of thinking about manhood, joy, and connection. Justin Baldoni is an actor, director, and advocate for redefining masculinity in the modern era. Best known for his roles in television and his work as a filmmaker, Justin is also the creator of "Man Enough," a platform and podcast that challenges traditional gender norms and explores the complexities of being a man today. Thank you to our sponsors! Factor (50% OFF!): www.factormeals.com/soulboom50 LMNT: http://drinklmnt.com/SoulBoom Waking Up app (1st month FREE!): https://wakingup.com/soulboom Fetzer Institute: https://fetzer.org/ MERCH OUT NOW! https://soulboomstore.myshopify.com/ 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 Companion Arts Production Supervisor: Mike O'Brien Voicing Change Media Theme Music by: Marcos Moscat

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, everything happens. Sometimes we can fix our lives and sometimes can’t. So when self-help and self-care fall short, what do we need to turn instead? Rainn Wilson (Dwight Schrute of NBC’s The Office) says that what we need is a spiritual revolution. This conversation is rich and challenging and invites us all to think about the virtues we need to sustain a life and how we might cultivate these virtues not just for our own wellbeing but for that of the people around us. Spoiler alert: it has nothing to do with bubble baths or the latest cold plunge trend. Wouldn’t it be nice if it were that easy? To hear more of Everything Happens, head to https://lemonada.lnk.to/everythinghappensfd 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

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 the importance of living in the present moment. Together, they explore how spirituality can be a guiding force in solving some of the world's greatest challenges. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar is a humanitarian, spiritual leader and an ambassador of peace and human values. Through his life and work, Gurudev has inspired millions around the world with a vision of a stress-free, violence-free world. He has designed programs that provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life and has established nonprofit organizations that recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality, and religion. More Gurudev: https://www.instagram.com/gurudev Learn S.K.Y. Breath Meditation: https://www.artofliving.org Thank you to our sponsors! Factor (50% OFF!): www.factormeals.com/soulboom50 Pique Tea (15% OFF!): https://piquelife.com/SOUL 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

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 of sports in her healing, while offering insights into how visualization and resilience can help us navigate life’s challenges. This conversation dives deep into the human experience, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in mental health, high performance, and overcoming adversity. Thank you to our sponsors! Pique Tea (15% OFF!): https://piquelife.com/SOUL Squarespace: https://squarespace.com/soulboom 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 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 of spiritual revolution and practical ways to foster connection in today's world. Valarie Kaur is a civil rights activist, lawyer, author, and founder of the Revolutionary Love Project. She is known for her work advocating for social justice, interfaith harmony, and transformative love as a force for personal and societal change. Her book See No Stranger and her philosophy of "revolutionary love" inspire movements focused on healing divisions, fostering empathy, and building a more inclusive world. Thank you to our sponsors! Squarespace: https://squarespace.com/soulboom Factor (50% OFF!): www.factormeals.com/soulboom50 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