Rainn Wilson from The Office Delves into How Different Cultures Discover Happiness in His New Travel Series

You might recognize him as Dwight Schrute, the quirky character from the beloved series The Office, but in his new travel show, Emmy-nominated actor Rainn Wilson embraces his true self (still a bit goofy and humorous) as he embarks on a quest to uncover the keys to happiness around the world.

“I don’t want to be this cold. I want to drink hot chocolate. And I’m scared.” His signature quirky, self-mocking humor shines from the very first episode of the binge-worthy docu-travel series Rainn Wilson’s Geography of Bliss, premiering on Peacock on May 18th. The 57-year-old comedian kicks off his global search for happiness by diving into the frigid North Atlantic alongside two dozen local women during one of their weekly swims, just a few degrees south of the Arctic Circle.

His inaugural destination is Iceland, which placed third on the World Happiness Index for 2023. For the past decade, Iceland has consistently ranked among the top 5 countries in the U.N.-endorsed World Happiness Report, assessing happiness levels in over 150 nations (the U.S. has never reached the top 10). This year, the number one position was secured for the sixth consecutive year by another chilly Nordic favorite, Finland.

“The essence of the show isn’t about ‘Here’s a great place for you to move to find happiness.’ It’s about uncovering the secrets of happiness that we can learn from different cultures,” Wilson shares with Dinogo during a recent Zoom interview. Despite his fame and achievements, happiness has been a challenge for the actor over the years; he candidly discusses his battles with anxiety and depression throughout the series.

“It’s something the world craves. It’s something America desperately needs right now,” Wilson states. “We need to engage in discussions about what brings us joy, what fosters unity, and what gives our lives meaning. We can become quite arrogant, thinking we hold all the answers. Yet, there are countless insights waiting for us in other cultures.”

Although recognized for his comedic talents, Wilson’s spiritual exploration is not a new endeavor; from his latest book on spirituality, Soul Boom: Why We Need a Spiritual Revolution, to his work as a cofounder and podcaster for SoulPancake (designed to inspire heartfelt conversations about the essence of being human), he has always been intrigued by life's profound questions.

The docu-travel series is inspired by the New York Times best-selling book The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World. The 'grump,' or author, of this witty travel memoir is Eric Weiner (also a Dinogo writer), who serves as co-executive producer for the show.

How various cultures discover and interpret happiness

“There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for creating a happy nation or existing within one,” Weiner shares with Dinogo. However, he notes some shared traits, such as trust in government and a bond with nature. He cites the biophilia hypothesis, which suggests that humans experience the greatest happiness when they feel connected to other living beings.

This may clarify why experiencing the extremes of nature and relishing it while soaking naked in a geothermal pool (as Wilson does after a cold plunge in the sea) can evoke bliss in a remote place like Iceland.

However, each country has its own approach to happiness, according to Weiner. Iceland's resilience, stemming from its people's capacity to endure months of darkness, is rooted in a culture of neighborly cooperation and creative expression—Iceland has long been noted for having the highest number of writers per capita. (Travelers wishing to uncover Iceland’s secrets to happiness can join Weiner for a seven-day bliss tour of Iceland in October 2023).

On the other side of the globe in Thailand, the unique birthday custom of “making merit” or giving back is a significant source of joy and wellbeing, Wilson observes during his visit to the Southeast Asian nation in the series. “American culture is completely inverted on this. We believe that the path to happiness lies in accumulating more possessions, achieving higher social status, and attracting more attention, when in reality, the opposite holds true,” Wilson explains, delving deeper into this concept in the final episode when he returns to Los Angeles.

The series utilizes the book as a guide, but introduces its own distinct twists and surprises. While Weiner explores Moldova in the book, Wilson travels to Bulgaria in the show—both countries ranking low on the World Happiness Index. However, Weiner believes there’s much to learn from these less happy places. “I think Rainn developed a fondness for Bulgaria, much like I did for Moldova. Even 'unhappy places' can possess their own charm and joy,” he says.

Likewise, Ghana is another nation that scores lower on the happiness index overall, yet its capital, Accra, stands out as one of the top five most optimistic cities, thanks to its strong sense of community, effective governance, and emphasis on education, according to Wilson. In this West African country, the host meets inspiring women making a difference, including Miss Taxi, who founded an all-female taxi service in Accra, and Ghana’s 11-year-old female boxing champion (whom Wilson joins in the ring).

“It’s crucial to acknowledge that you can’t start a discussion about happiness without addressing income inequality,” Wilson notes, highlighting the poverty many face in Ghana. “You need to have a certain level of basic income before happiness can even be part of the conversation.” He adds, “It was heartwarming to witness the belief among Ghanaians that their future—and that of their children and grandchildren—will be even brighter.”

Insights for all travelers from Wilson’s adventures

What sets the travel show Geography of Bliss apart is its emphasis on Wilson’s discussions with local people about the essence of happiness. Echoing the spirit of Anthony Bourdain, who famously fostered connections over shared meals, Wilson’s docu-travel series tackles challenging subjects like mental health, social justice, and poverty. Yet, it also lightens the mood with humor, heartfelt moments, and playful joy—especially evident in the host's lively dance moves.

“To truly learn about happiness from various cultures, I need to approach it with humility and immerse myself in the lives of the locals, gaining insights directly from them about what works and what doesn’t,” Wilson explains.

This is a valuable lesson for all travelers, according to the host. Spending quality time engaging in conversations with locals and sharing meals enhances the significance of your travel experiences.

Wilson adds, “Those moments will linger with you for a lifetime, far more than simply playing pickleball at a resort or taking a brief tour of a historical site followed by a nice dinner.”

You might find a treasure to take home that brings you more joy than a mere plastic souvenir.

Rainn Wilson and the Geography of Bliss launches on May 18, 2023, exclusively on Peacock.