Shows
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 74: Naysan & Rainn (Full Circle)Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.
In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.
In this episode we come full circle to where the Baha'i Blogcast all began, with me and Baha'i Blog's co-founder and Blogcast producer, Naysan Naraqi. We're getting back together to wrap up our final episode, marking the end of this iteration of the Baha'i Blogcast as we kno...2023-05-2147 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 73: Elena MustakovaHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Dr. Elena Mustakova, an educator, social scientist and integral psychologist who believes that psychological and spiritual health are inseparable. We talk about why individuals betray themselves, and the relationship between the individual and their environment. We discuss fear, the potential pitfalls of ide...2022-01-131h 05
Ambassador to HumanityAmbassador to Humanity – Episode 3: The Journey WestWhen Abdu’l-Baha went West, the world changed, because he brought Baha’u’llah’s message of oneness and unity to all people.Credits:Narrated by Parisa Fitz-Henley and Rainn Wilsonwith contributions from Michael Day, Hooper Dunbar, Kathryn Jewett Hogensen, Nwandi Lawson, Moojan Momen, Anne Perry, Tim Perry, Robert Stockman, and Lesley Taherzadeh O’Mara; and historical reminiscences from Jean Bonn, Joseph Ioas, Monroe Ioas, Sylvia Paine Parmalee, Bahiyyih Randall-Winckler, Eva Swingle, Isabelle Windust, Shinji Yamamoto, and Aziz Yazdi featuring the voices of Valerie Atwood, Anthony Azizi, Beverley Evans Matthews, Nathan Rain...2021-12-1025 minAmbassador to HumanityAmbassador to Humanity – Episode Three: The Journey WestIn this third episode of the Ambassador to Humanity podcast we hear first-hand remembrances from those who met Abdu’l-Baha during his historic visit to the West, and learn how their encounters with this unique spiritual leader shaped the rest of their lives. To high and low alike, whether in large meeting halls or in private conversations, Abdu’l-Baha created an impression that transformed thousands of lives and significantly enhanced the size and prestige of Baha’u’llah’s Faith in the West.Credits:Narrated by Parisa Fitz-Henley and Rainn Wilson with contributions from Michael Da...2021-12-0825 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 72: Hoda Mahmoudi (In Honor of Abdu’l-Baha)Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu’l-Baha, I’m joined by Professor Hoda Mahmoudi who holds the Baha’i Chair for World Peace at the University of Maryland, USA. She tells me about moving to the US as a child a...2021-12-031h 04
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 71: Todd SteinbergHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined by my dear friend Todd Steinberg, who helped out in the early days of SoulPancake and runs a teddy bear company - yep that's right - teddy bears! Todd shares his journey to finding the Baha'i Faith and how grateful he is for...2021-10-281h 02
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 70: Sovaida Ma'ani EwingHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm joined by Sovaida Ma'ani Ewing, the founder of 'The Center for Peace and Global Governance' and a person of many talents. She's the author of a number of books, has worked as a lawyer for 20 years, is a 7th generation Baha'i, and she's...2021-09-281h 12
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 69: Rob Weinberg (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Baha'i author, Rob Weinberg from the UK. Rob talks about the remarkable life of Abdu'l-Baha and why he feels Abdu'l-Baha was an ambassador to humanity. We talk about Abdu'l...2021-09-041h 03
The Spirit of SuccessWriting, Theatre, & Education with Tom LysaghtHi! On the 6th and final episode of season 3 of The Spirit of Success, Tom Lysaght, the talented and beloved playwright, author, storyteller, and professor. Tom and I discuss what got him into playwriting, theatre, writing, and education, his book "Persian Passion: Of Gods and Gargoyles" and the research process, his off broadway play "Nobody Don't Like Yogi" and the story of Yogi Berra, what is the meaning of creativity and how he combines creativity and spirituality, some of the biggest challenges facing youth, what success means to him and the different elements that make up success, "El Teatro...2021-08-281h 10
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 68: Kathryn Hogenson (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts, I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Kathryn Hogenson, author, and attorney, who joins me in my home in California. She tells me how she became a Baha'i and about Ruhiyyih Khanum and her time at the...2021-08-151h 05
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 67: Penn BadgleyHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined by my dear Baha'i friend and award-winning actor, Penn Badgley, known for his role in many things including the TV series 'Gossip Girl' and 'You'. Penn tells me about his upbringing, his spiritual journey, and becoming a Baha'i. We talk about being...2021-07-291h 05
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 66: Michael O'NealHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined by my dear Baha'i friend, Michael O'Neal, the founder of 'Parent University', a community collaborative that supports families and encourages parent involvement and participation in the education of a community’s children and youth. Michael tells us how he became a Baha'i...2021-07-151h 24
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 65: Angelina Diliberto Allen (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Baha'i author, Angelina Diliberto Allen. Angelina shares how her family became Baha'is, some pioneering experiences, and how being in a chewing-gum commercial helped her and her twin sister go on...2021-06-291h 14
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 64: Bitahnii Wayne WilsonHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined by Bitahnii Wayne Wilson, a Navajo Baha'i from the remote community of Pine Springs on the Navajo Nation in Arizona. We talk about the service work he's doing in his community, Navajo traditions and prophecies, and how they relate to the Baha'i...2021-06-1356 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 63: Anne & Tim Perry (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by Anne and Tim Perry, the couple behind the fabulous documentary about Abdu'l-Baha's visit to North America called 'Luminous Journey'. They tell me how they became Baha'is, what inspired them t...2021-05-241h 02
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 62: Shahin Sobhani (In Honor of Abdu'l-Baha)Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this special episode in honor of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of Abdu'l-Baha, I'm joined by my good friend Shahin Sobhani, who among many other things, was the creator of 239days.com, a site dedicated to the time Abdu'l-Baha spent in North America. Shahin tells...2021-04-0259 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 61: Paul HanleyHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined by multi-award-winning writer, Paul Hanley, who has written thousands of articles and several books mainly about the environment, sustainable development, and agriculture. Paul tells us how he became a Baha'i, and about the extraordinary life of Richard St. Barbe Baker, the first...2021-03-111h 05
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 60: Nanabah BulmanHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined via zoom by the wonderful Nanabah Bulman, a Navajo Baha'i who's been actively engaged in service to her people, especially with the youth. Nanabah tells us about life on the reservation, and shares Navajo culture and beliefs, and what we can learn...2021-01-131h 22
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 59: The Spirituality of Climate ChangeHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I wanted to talk about climate change and issues relating to the environment, so I'm joined via Zoom by Arthur Dahl, Christine Muller, and Afsaneh Angelina Rafii. These three Baha'is have been passionately involved in environmentalism in some way, shape, or form, and we dis...2020-12-031h 07
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 58: Louis VentersHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined virtually by Dr. Louis Venters, an author and history professor who specializes in African American studies and the Baha'i Faith in South Carolina. Louis tells us how he became a Baha'i, and also explains how the Baha'i Faith became the second larges...2020-11-081h 16
To Mother with Andrea HopeCrisis and VictoryEp. 30: Baha'i mom and poet Andrea Hope shares her own challenges and reflections on the concept of crisis and victory highlighted in the Baha'i Faith. The resources for this episode are as follows:Letter from the Universal House of Justice, Ridvan 150:https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/the-universal-house-of-justice/messages/19930421_001/1#675541342Baha'i Blogcast - Rainn Wilson and Billy Roberts:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1H9b1eiSpgsRemember Who You Are from To Mother:https://www.etsy.com/listing/882399653/to-mother-poetry-by-andrea-hope-book-ofIf you'd like to support Andrea's Kickstarter...2020-10-3023 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 57: Juliet & NovinHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined virtually by Novin and Juliet who are based in the UK and are the founders of Oneworld Publications, an awesome boutique publisher that punches way above their weight with tons of awards to their name! We talk about working in the circus...2020-10-211h 03
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 56: William H. “Smitty” SmithHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined via zoom by Dr. William H. Smith, or “Smitty” as he's affectionately known. Smitty is the Founding Executive Director of the National Center for Race Amity, and he's truly lived an exceptional life. He talks to me about growing up during segregatio...2020-09-291h 21
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 55: Anisa & Doug WhiteHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined by Anisa and Doug White, a wonderful and dynamic indigenous Canadian couple who both work in the field of law. We discuss indigenous culture in North America and some of the challenges and experiences of their people. They tell me how they f...2020-09-071h 20
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 54: Sean Hinton (pt 2): Fathers, Loss, and Life's LessonsHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I catch up with Sean Hinton again (here's part 1 of our conversation in case you missed it: https://bit.ly/2YMdi8x), and sadly, this second conversation takes place after the passing of my father, Robert Wilson. Sean asks about my dad, and we tal...2020-08-291h 25
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 53: Sean Hinton (pt 1) The Story of becoming the Knight of Baha'u'llah for MongoliaHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined by Sean Hinton, the very first Baha'i to ever go to Mongolia, and therefore be given the title 'Knight of Baha'u'llah' (which you can learn more about in a link below). Sean currently lives in Oxford, England with his family. He traine...2020-08-281h 13
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 52: Dara FeldmanHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined by award-winning educator, author and speaker, Dara Feldman, who served as the Director of Education for the Virtues Project for seven years. We talk about food shaming, the power of the 12-step program, and all the ways the virtues can be incorp...2020-06-2856 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 51: Barbara & Radiance TalleyHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined by our very first mother and daughter duo, Barbara and Radiance Talley, living in Maryland, USA. Both Barbara and Radiance are poets, educators, writers, and passionate about tackling the issue of racism in the US. They tell me about the 'Arise: Pupil...2020-06-191h 24
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 50: Masud OlufaniHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.As anti-racism protests continue across the United States and in different parts of the world, in this episode I'm joined by Masud Olufani, an African-American multidisciplinary artist, activist, writer, and Baha'i, who hosts a podcast called 'America's Most Challenging Issue', aimed at tackling the subject of racism...2020-06-121h 21
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 49: Mahnaz Aflatooni JavidHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm joined by my dear friend Mahnaz Aflatooni Javid, CEO of the Mona Foundation, and one of its founding members. Mahnaz tells me the inspiration behind the Mona Foundation, and how a childhood car ride with her mom changed her life forever. She tells...2020-06-011h 16
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 48: A Declaration of the Bab Conversation with Dr. Nader SaiediHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this special episode, I speak with Dr. Nader Saiedi about the Declaration of the Bab, whose revitalizing message prepared the way for the coming of Baha’u’llah, the Founder of the Baha’i Faith. Watch the video version of this episode here: https://www.youtube.com...2020-05-201h 33
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 47: Mohammed AL SamawiHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm with Mohammad AL Samawi, an interfaith activist from Yemen and a best-selling author of 'The Fox Hunt', a page-turning book about his life and escape from Yemen. Mohammed tells me about his life in Yemen and the civil war there. He tells me how...2020-05-051h 01
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 46: A Ridvan Conversation with Tom PriceHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.As Baha'is and their friends around the world celebrate the 12-day Festival of Ridvan, I thought it would be nice to create a special episode about Ridvan and its significance, so I got online with my friend, Tom Price, to have a chat about this special time f...2020-04-2637 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 45: The Esmailizadeh SistersHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson. In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm in Los Angeles with four wonderful sisters who live down the road from me named Vadi, Nava, Nika, and Nura Esmailizadeh. Can't pronounce their last name? Don't worry, I still can't get it right and I've known the sisters and their parents for ov...2020-04-111h 21
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 44: A Coronavirus (COVID-19) Special with Dr. Robert Kim-FarleyHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.With the recent pandemic of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading globally, and as the situation continues to unfold, I thought it would be timely to get Dr. Robert Kim-Farley on the Baha'i Blogcast. Dr. Kim-Farley is an epidemiologist and a dear Baha'i friend who currently serves as a Prof...2020-03-161h 05
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 43: Rhett DiessnerHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm at my home in Los Angeles with my uncle, Rhett Diessner, a Professor of Psychology who has a special interest in aesthetics and beauty. We talk about moral reasoning, materialism, and how he became a Baha'i. We discuss the psychology of beauty, how th...2020-03-0659 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 42: Brukty TigabuHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where I interview Brukty Tigabu, a dear Baha'i friend from Ethiopia, and winner of the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award. As a school teacher, Brukty was concerned with the lack of early childhood educat...2020-02-081h 01
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 41: Halldor ThorgeirssonHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm in Reykjavik, Iceland with Halldor Thorgeirsson, the Chair of Iceland’s Climate Council, and retired Senior Director of the United Nations Climate Change Secretariat (UNFCCC). We talk about the environment, and Halldor teaches me about how Carbon Matter really matters. He tells me about...2020-01-161h 19
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 40: An Introduction to the Baha'i FaithHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In our 40th episode of the Baha'i Blogcast, we thought we'd do something a little different by sharing an audio version of an animation called 'An Introduction to the Baha'i Faith'. I worked on this animation with Baha'i Blog and our friends at BahaiTeachings.org and SwissV...2019-12-1724 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 39: Derik SmithHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I'm at my home in LA with Derik Smith, a professor in the Department of Literature at Claremont McKenna College in California, and his work focuses on African American literary culture, with a particular interest in poetry. We talk about African American poet and Ba...2019-11-181h 16
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 38: Tom LysaghtHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm in LA with playwright and author, Tom Lysaght. Tom and I talk about being a hippie and what it really meant. He tells me about the three books he took with him on his mystical journey around the world and how he became...2019-08-221h 19
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 37: Physics and Mysticism with Steven PhelpsHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.This is a special episode called "Physics and Mysticism", which we filmed on July 7, 2019 in front of a live audience at Foundation Hall at the Baha'i House of Worship in Chicago. It's a conversation with physicist, data scientist, philosopher and translator, Dr. Steven Phelps, who's also been o...2019-07-261h 48
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 36: Kamal SinclairHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I sit down with the multi-talented Kamal Sinclair, a dancer, percussionist, multi-media producer, and currently the Executive Director of 'Future Architects'. In this conversation we talk about being in 'Stomp', new technology and emerging media, the future of work, meeting Ruhiyyih Khanum, how art ge...2019-07-011h 17
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 35: Michael KarlbergHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm sitting in a cabin in the woods with Michael Karlberg, as we take part in a Baha'i-inspired retreat for youth in White Salmon, Washington called Windstock. Michael is a professor of Communication Studies at Western Washington University, and he's the author of 'Beyon...2019-06-041h 10
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 34: Judge Dorothy NelsonHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I visit the Honorable Judge Dorothy Nelson in her home in California. Judge Dorothy W. Nelson is a Senior United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and is an active member of the Baha'i Faith who se...2019-03-181h 16
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 33: JB EcklHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm at my home in Los Angeles talking with my dear friend and musician, JB Eckl. JB's worked on countless musical projects including The Badasht Project which he is widely known for in Baha'i circles. He tells me how he ended up in a rock...2019-01-271h 33
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 32: Moojan MomenHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm in Chelsea, England with Moojan Momen - medical doctor by day, academic by night! Moojan has authored dozens of books and papers on a variety of topics ranging from things like 'The Baha'i Faith and Hinduism', to 'The God of Baha'u'llah'. Moojan tells...2018-12-291h 05
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 31: Mam-Yassin Sarr & David FoxHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I have the delightful Mam-Yassin Sarr and her husband, David Fox, visiting me at my home in California. They are visiting me from The Gambia in West Africa, and they are the founders of Starfish International, a non-profit dedicated to educating and empowering girls...2018-11-301h 07
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 30: Omid DjaliliHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm in London, England with my dear friend, fellow actor and comedian, the hilarious Omid Djalili. Omid takes me on a ride full of stories and banter, where he tells me about his family and what it was like growing up in the UK as...2018-11-031h 14
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 29: Billy RobertsHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Billy Roberts, a dear friend who's a therapist by profession, and who has also served in a variety of capacities on a number of Baha'i Institutions. He was also behind an initiative called the 'Baha'i Black Mens Gathering', so in this conver...2018-07-281h 06
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 28: Linda Kavelin-PopovHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview the wonderful Linda Kavelin-Popov, a psychotherapist, award-winning writer, and one of the creators of the globally acclaimed 'Virtues Project', which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year! Linda tells me the story behind the Virtues Project, and why her and her husban...2018-07-071h 02
Cloud9Emmy-Winning Rainn Wilson, Tackles Life’s Big QuestionsThis special one-hour episode of Cloud9 features a reciprocal interview with Cloud9 host Shadi Toloui-Wallace and Baha’i Blogcast host Rainn Wilson. They interview each other about their respective podcasts, creative ambitions, lives and service.
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Visit us at: www.BahaiTeachings.org2018-06-271h 07
Cloud9Emmy-Winning Rainn Wilson, Tackles Life’s Big QuestionsThis special one-hour episode of Cloud9 features a reciprocal interview with Cloud9 host Shadi Toloui-Wallace and Baha’i Blogcast host Rainn Wilson. They interview each other about their respective podcasts, creative ambitions, lives and service.
SUBSCRIBE to our YOUTUBE channel to receive notifications about our latest videos: goo.gl/IaupVU
Follow us on SOUNDCLOUD: @bahaiteachings
Follow us on FACEBOOK: facebook.com/bahaiteachings.org
Follow us on TWITTER: twitter.com/bahai_teachings
Follow us on INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/bahaiteachings
Visit us at: www.BahaiTeachings.org2018-06-271h 07
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 27: Shadi Toloui-WallaceHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm joined by my dear friend, Shadi Toloui-Wallace, a singer and songwriter who also hosts her own podcast called 'Cloud 9'. We talk about striving to be coherent in our everyday lives while trying to be a professional artist, and the creation of Baha'i...2018-06-151h 04
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 26: Syda & KelseyHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm in Chicago again, and I'm joined by my friends Syda Segovia Taylor and Kelsey Taylor, an awesome couple who live here in the Chicago area. Syda works as a consultant in issues relating to social justice and Kelsey owns his own civil engine...2018-06-031h 11
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 25: Steve SarowitzHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm in Chicago, USA with Steve Sarowitz, founder of Paylocity.com, and the Executive Producer of 'The Gate: Dawn of the Baha'i Faith', a new documentary film that tells the story of the life of the Bab, His message, and the origins of the Ba...2018-05-0749 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 24: My essay 'Me and The Prophet'Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this particular episode I wanted to do something a little different, as right now, millions across the globe are celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha’i Faith, and I wanted to honor this very special occasion.Above our fron...2017-10-2332 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 23: Siamak HaririHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm in Toronto, Canada at the lovely home of award-winning architect Siamak Hariri. Siamak is the architect of the Baha'i House of Worship for South America, located in Santiago, Chile, and he talks to me about his family and how he was first drawn...2017-10-021h 05
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 22: Ruha BenjaminHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I sit down with Dr. Ruha Benjamin, a mother, a scholar, an author and associate professor in African American Studies at Princeton University, who writes and speaks about science and technology, race and inequality. Ruha and I talk about racist robots and the use of...2017-09-261h 06
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 21: Sara & John BartonHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I have an awesome conversation with my wonderful Christian neighbors Sara and John Barton. Sara is an author and likes writing poetry and hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, usually at the same time, and she serves as the University Chaplain at Pepperdine Univer...2017-09-041h 07
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 20: Nader SaiediHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I speak with Nader Saiedi, Taslimi Foundation Professor of Baha’i Studies in the department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at University of California. Born in Tehran, Iran, and having lived in the US since 1978, professor Saiedi tells me about his personal journey...2017-08-211h 22
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 19: Kevin LockeHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Kevin Locke, which in Lakota is "Tokaheya Inajin" meaning “First to Rise”. Both Lakota and Anishnabe, Kevin is a Native American Baha'i who is a world famous visionary Hoop Dancer, preeminent player of the Indigenous Northern Plains flute, traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador...2017-08-071h 01
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 18: Khalil Fong 方大同Hello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I speak with Hong Kong based Chinese soul-pop superstar Khalil Fong, otherwise known in Chinese as 方大同, which is "Fang Da Tong". Khalil has been very instrumental in bringing an eclectic mix of international styles of music to Chinese audiences, but especially Soul music and R'n'B. B...2017-07-1745 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 17: Mary & ClarkHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I'm in Toronto, Canada interviewing husband and wife Mary Darling and Clark Donnelly. Besides having more kids than I can ever keep track of, they have their own media company called WestWind Pictures, which aims to promote themes of beauty and unity. Among many o...2017-05-2157 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 16: Maziar BahariHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Maziar Bahari, an Iranian Canadian journalist, filmmaker and human rights activist who was imprisoned and tortured by the Iranian government for five months in 2009. After he was released, he wrote his memoir called "Then They Came for Me", which became a New Yo...2017-05-081h 02
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 15: Susan GammageHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview professional life coach Susan Gammage from Canada. We talk about how she became a Baha'i, why she became a life coach, and how she uses the Baha'i Writings in her work and everything she does. We delve deep into the idea of "si...2017-04-1651 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 14: Holiday & KathrynHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I sit down with my wife Holiday Reinhorn and dear friend Kathryn Adams to talk about LIDÈ, a not-for-profit educational initiative the three of us started. LIDÈ, which means both “Leader” and “Idea” in Haitian Kreyol, uses the arts and literacy to build resilience and e...2017-04-101h 14
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 13: Erika BatdorfHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Canadian multidisciplinary artist, performer and creator, Erika Batdorf. Erika's work has received numerous awards and been featured around the world. She was in California attending an SBCAST retreat, so I sat with her and had an amazing conversation about how science and ar...2017-04-0351 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 12: Michael PennHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview my Baha'i friend Michael Penn, a Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Psychology at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the US. We talk about how he became a Baha'i and the cool story of how he and his wife met; we dis...2017-03-261h 01
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 11: Luke SlottHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview the wonderful Luke Slott, a Baha'i singer and songwriter from Dublin, Ireland who has an equally wonderful head of hair. We talk about his musical background and how he became a Baha'i; how he first started composing music based on the Baha'i...2017-03-1355 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 10: Joy DeGruyHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Dr. Joy DeGruy, an internationally renowned researcher, educator, author and presenter living in the United States. We talk about how she became a Baha’i and her research and work creating and developing the concept of Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome. We also tal...2017-03-0655 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 9: Tom PriceHello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Tom Price, a Baha’i music composer, director and well-known public speaker currently living in Adelaide, Australia. We talk about his background, his travels, his experience doing music projects for global Baha'i events, and the fascinating story of how he became a Baha'i...2016-08-2352 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 8: Leyla & Ryan HaidarianHello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I interview my friends Leyla and Ryan Haidarian who live in Johannesburg, South Africa with their son. We talk about the unexpected way in which they moved to South Africa from Los Angeles, their media company which produces, distributes and develops financing for movies, tele...2016-08-1555 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 7: Steven PhelpsHello and welcome to the Baha’i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Dr. Steven Phelps, physicist, philosopher and translator who currently lives Oregon, USA. We talk about his experience growing up as a Baha’i, his studies in physics and philosophy, when his deepest beliefs were challenged, his move to the Baha’i World Cent...2016-08-081h 05
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 6: Andy Grammer & AijiaHello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Andy Grammer and his wife Aijia. We talk about how they met and what married life is like, the evolution of their careers, having a baby in the kitchen, trying to 'keep it real' in all that you do, tests and perseverance, song...2016-07-311h 04
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 5: Payam ZamaniHello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Payam Zamani, Iranian-born entrepreneur and philanthropist living in San Francisco. He tells me about his escape from Iran to the United States, his early religious experiences as a Baha'i, including the discrimination he experienced in Iran, his family's pioneering journeys in different coun...2016-07-2453 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 4: Layli Miller-MuroHello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode I interview Layli Miller-Muro, founder and Executive Director of the Tahirih Justice Centre, a non-profit which provides free legal services to women and girls who are fleeing human rights abuses. The organization which was founded in 1997 and serves nearly 19,000 women aims to promote a worl...2016-07-1744 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 3: Justin BaldoniHello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts, and minds, and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I interview my good friend, Baha'i actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni. Among many other things, Justin is currently starring in the hit TV show "Jane the Virgin", and in this podcast, we talk about being a new dad, personal hardships and putting your trust in G...2016-07-101h 09
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 2: Tierney SuttonHello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts and minds and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In this episode, I interview multi-award winning Jazz singer and legend, Tierney Sutton. Tierney has won and been nominated for countless awards, including six consecutive Grammy nominations for Best Jazz Vocal Album. Tierney and I talk about how she first got into music, became a Baha'i, why she...2016-07-0255 min
Baha'i Blogcast with Rainn WilsonEpisode 1: Naysan & RainnHello and welcome to the Baha'i Blogcast with me your host, Rainn Wilson.In this series of podcasts, I interview members of the Baha’i Faith and friends from all over the world about their hearts and minds and souls, their spiritual journeys, what they’re interested in, and what makes them tick.In our very first episode, we kick things off with the founder of Baha'i Blog Naysan Naraqi and I interviewing each other. We talk about Baha'i Blog, education for young girls in Haiti, world citizenship, being a Baha'i in Hollywood, books we're reading, and some of the thin...2016-06-2555 min