SoulPancake co-creator, Rainn Wilson generates laughs, talks spirituality

Rainn Wilson left his audience in stitches on Monday night, but still managed to squeeze in the story of his journey with faith and how it related to the creation of the media powerhouse, SoulPancake. He presented his speech, “SoulPancake: Chew on Life’s Big Questions” as part of the final installment in this academic year’s Excellence in Leadership Series.

Wilson, known for his roles on television series such as “The Office” and “Six Feet Under” and films such as “The Rocker “and “Juno,” is also a successful philanthropist. As one-third of the creative team SoulPancake, he strives to make people think about and feel the world around them.

After a short introduction by Ball State President Paul Ferguson, Wilson stepped onto the stage with an arsenal of laugh-provoking comments ready to go. He spent some time interacting with the audience. He made a poorly executed “Chirp, chirp” symbol and said, “I thought it was like this. Like it’s pecking someone’s eye out.”

Wilson stated that he had been to many campuses where students and life were dull, but he enjoyed being on Ball State’s campus.

“This is very cool to be here, guys,” he said in between trading vocal jabs with audience members. “The people I’ve met here are so awesome. You guys are filled with vigor and life.” And after a few more jabs: “This is going to be the greatest night of your life.”

Wilson spoke about his childhood, growing up in the Baha’i faith and believing that there is only one god. A god that is called many things by many people, but is only one holistic being. He intertwined the faith’s tenants into the American notion that death is the end of existence, the end of being. In many other faiths, life as a human on Earth is only part of the equation, and death is a celebration of the life that was lived. The life continues on into another presence.

“In that next plane of existence, let’s meet up. Let’s have a big Q & A session,” Wilson said to his audience.

He used the basis of his faith growing up to illustrate the larger framework of his life, leading to acting and, eventually, SoulPancake. Throughout his transition from childhood to adulthood, he changed his mind on faith and beliefs. He rebelled against his parents.

“I was so pretentious and ridiculous. I dyed my hair black,” he said. “I forgot my eyebrows. They were even more ginger than this. Like baby carrots.”

Amid the jokes, Wilson was able to translate the greater message SoulPancake intends to provide. He commented on the time he spent reflecting on what he called the “God Decision,” his journey with faith.

As he started studying various religious books of the world – the Bible, the Quran, the Bhagavad Vita – he found solace in Native American legends that don’t personify a god, but view it as an eternal force that lives in animals, trees, the wind and is omnidirectional. These legends brought him full circle back to his roots in the Baha’i faith.

Wilson took some time to explain one of the central teachings of the Baha’i: an individual investigation of truth. To find for oneself what the truth of the world and universe is and what that truth means. That’s where SoulPancake comes in.

Defined as “our brain batter of art, culture, science, philosophy, spirituality and humor is designed to open your mind, challenge your friends and feel damn good,” SoulPancake aims to get people thinking and discussing "Life’s Big Questions."

According to the website, these questions are “those topics that we all think about but don’t always get a chance to talk about.” The topics range from death — one of Wilson’s self-proclaimed favorites — fears, secrets, love, faith and essentially anything related to being human.

Freshman broadcast journalism major Brittney Dean left Rainn Wilson's presentation giggly and wide-eyed.

“I love SoulPancake," she said. "I researched it forever; I delved into it for days. I feel like I know everything about it.”

Dean said she admired the way Wilson found the strength to go out on his own.

“I love how he told the story of going out on his own and doing his own thing. I’m trying to do that now," she said. 

“I realized, not long ago, that SoulPancake is the direct reflection of who I am as a person and the journey I’ve been on in my life,” Wilson said.

By presenting these questions and provoking conversation through videos, social experiments and books, Wilson intends to help people coax out the best life they can live, one day at a time, one moment at a time — whatever it takes. 

“I urge you all to live out a beautiful story,” Wilson said. “This is crucial for all of you, whatever kind of journey you’re going on.”

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