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 into their past in the evangelical world, what made them step away, and whether they still believe in something beyond themselves.

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Wonderhole

Wonderhole combines docu-comedy, sketch comedy, original music, visual FX, and celebrity cameos. Rhett & Link, hosts of the most-watched daily show on the Internet, Good Mythical Morning, and founders of Mythical Entertainment, premiered the new comedy series in August on their original Rhett & Link YouTube Channel.

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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, harmonious spirituality. The conversation also tackles the intersection of fundamentalist theology, climate change, and capitalism—unpacking how our deepest beliefs shape the world we live in.

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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 the concept of a soul is a mystery. Plus, Rainn and Ari debate whether religion is a force for good—or just another human-made construct. Ari hosts The Skeptic Tank podcast and his latest Netflix special America’s Sweetheart tackles taboo topics with his signature irreverence, following up his previous special YouTube special 'JEW,' which explored his Orthodox upbringing and departure from faith.

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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 despite its flaws. Plus, they dive into the spiritual consequences of the algorithm-driven world we live in and why true healing requires something greater than ourselves.

Nadia Bolz-Weber is a Lutheran pastor, New York Times best-selling author, and the founder of House for All Sinners and Saints, a progressive church in Denver. Known for her unfiltered, no-nonsense approach to theology, she speaks and writes about faith, grace, addiction, and the power of community with raw honesty and humor.

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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 Christians). Together he and Rainn explore the mysteries of consciousness, the science behind near-death experiences, and whether love is just neurons firing or something more profound.

Alex O’Connor is a prominent atheist thinker, YouTuber, and philosopher known for his channel Cosmic Skeptic, where he explores questions of morality, religion, and consciousness. A graduate of theology and philosophy at Oxford, Alex has engaged millions in thoughtful debates on belief and the human experience.

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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 insights on the triad of fulfillment—relationships, purpose, and service—and why these are key to rebuilding community and finding meaning in modern life.

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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, including profound insights from Edith Eger and his mission to heal 100 million lives. This transformative conversation reveals practical tools to simplify health, deepen human connection, and create meaningful change in your life.

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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, and the intersection of mental health and spirituality.

Keila Shaheen is an entrepreneur, mental health advocate, and bestselling author of The Shadow Work Journal, which went viral on TikTok, selling over a million copies. She is also the founder of Zenfulnote, a mindfulness app, and a NAMI ambassador dedicated to promoting mental wellness and self-discovery.

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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 Crisis Line number, or call 911.

In this deeply personal episode, Bobbi Althoff, the viral podcast host and social media star, shares her remarkable journey through mental health struggles, faith, and motherhood. Bobbi shares how she survived a turbulent childhood, overcame suicidal thoughts, and found purpose through parenting and creativity. The conversation dives into the transformative power of humor, navigating the pressures of social media, and embracing imperfections to build a fulfilling life. A raw, insightful look at how vulnerability can lead to true strength.

Bobbi Althoff is a celebrated podcast host and social media personality known for her offbeat humor and candid conversations. Her podcast and viral content resonate with millions, blending awkwardness, sharp wit, and relatability.

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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 exploration of what it means to face mortality and find meaning in our fleeting existence. Whether you’re a spiritual seeker or a science enthusiast, this conversation will leave you questioning the nature of reality and your own place in it.

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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 through action and intent—and reveals how Shabbat fosters a sacred space for joy, gratitude, and love. Whether you're navigating the wilderness of life or seeking courage in despair, this episode offers profound insights for living with compassion, faith, and purpose.

Rabbi Susan Goldberg is a visionary spiritual leader and founder of Nefesh, a vibrant Jewish community in East Los Angeles rooted in universal values like compassion, courage, and faith. Through Nefesh, she blends ancient Jewish wisdom with modern practices, fostering a space where individuals and families can connect, grow, and live out their deepest values in meaningful and practical ways.

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