Rainn Wilson and Reza Aslan mix existential questions with guests to blend a ‘Metaphysical Milkshake’
Take your existential questions, invite actor Rainn Wilson and scholar Reza Aslan, throw some guests in the mix for roundtable discussions, and you’ve got a “Metaphysical Milkshake!” In this podcast, Rainn and Reza “go deep, get weird, and search for the meaning of life along the way.” The duo tackles life’s greatest questions on their podcast, one episode at a time, where no question is too existential and expert guests have plenty of profound ideas to share.
Rainn and Reza get along swimmingly, and both have inquisitive minds. They met up for breakfast hangs and had great conversations ranging from science to theology, philosophy to humanity, and everything in between. Rainn and Reza thought it would be an excellent idea to continue their conversations in podcast form, and “Metaphysical Milkshake” started in June 2021.
The questions on “Metaphysical Milkshake” go beyond universal starting points such as “Who am I? Why am I here? What’s my purpose?” With their fun approach to hosting, they answer the questions seriously, although they don’t take themselves too seriously in the episodes.
In episodes, we’ll hear author Malcolm Gladwell’s musings on “Why Must We Ruin Everything?” They pondered “How Do You Make People Care?” with labor activist Ai-Jen Poo, explored how to end poverty with Jeffrey Sachs, and debated music’s origins with musician Jason Isbell.
Comedian Tig Notaro chatted about why laughter is the best medicine and shared podcasting experiences from her shows, “Don’t Ask Tig” and “Tig and Cheryl: True Story.” Author Elizabeth Kolbert and the hosts attempted to answer, “Should We Have Dominion Over Nature?” Neuroscientist, actress, and podcaster Mayim Bialik discussed, “Is Religion Still Relevant?” NASA scientist Dr. Moogega Cooper wondered, “Should We Colonize Mars?” The hosts asked feminist scholar Liz Plank, “What Does It Mean to Be A Man?” Author and journalist Brooke Baldwin explored, “What Can Men Learn from Women?” The hosts welcomed death doula Alua Arthur to question, “How Do You Want to Die?” These are just a few of the many critical questions considered on “Metaphysical Milkshake.”
The show’s concept is technically a reboot from what sorts of interviews Rainn featured in a show by the same name, starting in 2012. If you’re a fan of The Office, you’ll recognize Rainn from his portrayal of Dwight Schrute. Reza is a producer, writer, commentator, professor, and scholar of theology. He has written Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth and produced shows The Leftovers and United States of Al. Prior to this podcast, Rainn started the media company SoulPancake as a platform to dig into life’s big questions.
The variety of weekly topics covered in this series with the help of fab guests are must-listens! Check out “Metaphysical Milkshake’s” YouTube channel for video versions of the podcast’s episodes. “Metaphysical Milkshake” is a KAST Media presentation.
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