The Overthinkers: Recent Episodes
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson
A home for the creative intellectual. Exploring art, faith, and philosophy in thoughtful, engaging, and sometimes hysterical conversations. Host Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson with an array of unique and influential guests overthink EVERYTHING. Grab a drink and join the discussion!
One of the toughest questions religious people face is the question of "Divine Hiddenness". Simply put: if God is real and loves us, why isn't he more obvious? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes give their own perspective as overthinking Christians.
References and resources:
Divine hiddenness definition: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/divine-hiddenness/
Christian counterarguments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yO4-cSNIUAg&t=295s
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes
Has there been a vibe shift in American culture where we're tired of cynical stories and want more optimistic ones? Are we tired of deconstructing the culture and want to start repairing it? If so, why, and what do we do about it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with cultural theologian and author Paul Anleitner his new book: "Based on a True Story: Vibe Shifts, the End of Deconstruction, and the Reboot of Meaning"
Websites
Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes talk about their experiences of traveling and what they think its benefits are--and where it can go wrong.
References and resources
Travel and tourism are growing: https://wttc.org/news/global-travel-tourism-growth-to-outpace-wider-economy-by-1-5-times-over-the-next-decade
https://www.aei.org/commentary/passport-to-springfield/
American demographics of tourism: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/12/06/americans-who-have-traveled-internationally-stand-out-in-their-views-and-knowledge-of-foreign-affairs/
History of tourism: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479723019114?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Travel builds empathy:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-empathy/202210/pack-your-bags-and-travel-its-good-for-you
https://www.aei.org/commentary/passport-to-springfield/
https://qz.com/763433/want-your-children-to-grow-into-more-empathetic-adults-travel-with-them
Overtourism explained: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479723019114
Travel creates memories (particularly with others) and therefore more lasting happiness than possessions: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00472875211064631
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/buy-experiences-instead-of-possessions-to-build-social-connection
Instagramification of travel: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/economy/article/2025/05/10/tourism-in-the-age-of-tiktok-and-instagram-how-social-media-has-transformed-vacations_6741113_19.html
Wendell Berry on problems with travel: https://aleteia.org/2025/07/27/wendell-berry-and-what-it-means-to-love-a-place
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes
Why is there so much controversy about whether to use AI to make art--whether that's movies, images, or music? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with author and educator Dr. Kelsey Kramer McGinnes the benefits and drawbacks of using AI in or outside of the creative process.
References and resources
What is Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
https://academic.oup.com/nsr/article/12/5/nwaf050/8029900
Generative AI controversy in Christian music:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/solomon-ray-ai-christian-music-soul-singer/
Generative AI controversy in film:
https://religionunplugged.com/news/2026/6/11/the-old-stories-moses-groundbreaking-ai-filmmaking-is-artistically-underwhelming
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes
Kelsey Kramer McGinnes: https://www.kkramermcginnis.com
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes bring actor, producer, and health and fitness advocate Joshua Murray on the show to discuss the new phenomenon of "looksmaxxing". What is it? What makes it different from other health trends? And what is wrong with it? Nathan, Joseph, and Josh discuss, along with Josh's new film "Gym Rat".
References and resources
Looksmaxxing definitions and analysis:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/slang/looksmaxxing
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240326-inside-looksmaxxing-the-extreme-cosmetic-social-media-trend
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/looksmaxxing-may-point-to-deeper-body-image-issues-in-young-men-mental-health-expert-says
Social media causes looksmaxxing https://www.freyaindia.co.uk/p/how-social-media-feminised-us-all
Men falling behind drives looksmaxxing: https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/braden-eric-peters-clavicular-manosphere-looksmaxxing-masculine-ick-0h7hzhf0s
Websites
The Overthinkers.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes
Josh Murray: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3394219/
Millennials and Gen Z often feel more behind in life than previous generations did. They call this "milestone anxiety". But should we? And what should we do about it? Millennials Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss the ways they have--and continue to--feel behind and how they deal with it.
References and resources
Milestone anxiety: https://www.relate.org.uk/get-help/milestone-anxiety-rise-among-millennials-and-gen-z
Late bloomers: https://www.vox.com/advice/492291/late-bloomer-envy-milestones
Gen Z putting off milestones to buy a home: https://fortune.com/2025/11/10/gen-z-delaying-milestones-housing-affordability-crisis-no-single-fix
Religious and conservatives way more likely to be married and have kids: https://ifstudies.org/report-brief/the-ideological-fertility-divide
https://ifstudies.org/blog/americas-growing-religious-secular-fertility-divide
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.com
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/josephholmes
Everyone dreams of being a success. But how should we define success? Is it by external or internal standards? And what standards? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome Grammy-Winning musical artist Kevin Olusola and life coach Donovan Dee Donnell to discuss their new book "Designed to Succeed".
References and resources
Success definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/success
Why you should define success for yourself: https://www.stjohns.edu/news-media/johnnies-blog/how-do-you-define-success-tips-tricks
Problems with external success: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyday-resilience/202406/defining-success-on-your-own-terms
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes
Kevin Olusola: kevinolusola.com
Donovan Dee Donnell: donovandeedonnell.com
Book
Designed to Succeed: A Faith-Driven Blueprint to Building the Life You Were Created to Live: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0310370124/?bestFormat=true&k=designed%20to%20succeed%20kevin%20olusola&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k1_1_13_de&crid=25MYANYDQMPZ9&sprefix=kevin%20olusola
Why does home matter? And how do we make it one that people want to stay in? Dr. Christie Purifoy discusses her book "A House to Call Home" with Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson on The Overthinkers
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes
christiepurifoy.com
Support for the death penalty is going down in America. But is this a sign of moral progress or moral decay? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes debate this question with political theologian and ethicist Dr. J. Daryl Charles.
References and resources
American support for the death penality going down: https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/facts-and-research/religious-statements/opinion-polls-death-penalty-support-and-religion?
Religious-secular divide on the death penalty: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2021/06/15/unlike-other-u-s-religious-groups-most-atheists-and-agnostics-oppose-the-death-penalty/
Dr. J. Daryl Charles Recommended Resources
J. Daryl Charles, van den Haag, Ernest, “On Deterrence and the Death Penalty.” Journal of Criminal Law, Criminology and Police Science 60, no. 2 (1969): 141-47.
idem, “The Ultimate Punishment: A Defense”; accessible at the PBS “Frontline” website.
idem and John P. Conrad, The Death Penalty: A Debate. New York: Plenum Press, 1983.
J. Budziszewski, “Capital Punishment: The Case for Justice.” First Things (August 2004); accessible the First Things website
J. Daryl Charles, “Outrageous Atrocity or Moral Imperative?: The Ethics of Capital Punishment.” Studies in Christian Ethics 6, no. 3 (Fall 1993): 1-14.
idem, “Crime, the Christian, and Capital Justice.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 38, no. 3 (1995): 429-41.
idem, “Toward Restoring a Good Marriage: Reflections on the Contemporary Divorce of Love and Justice and Its Cultural Implications.” Journal of Church and State 55, no. 2 (2013): 367-83.
idem, “Capital Crime and Punishment: Reflections on Violating Human Sanctity.” Touchstone (September 2002): 29-35.
idem, “Lethal Rejection: Is Capital Punishment Barbaric, Uncivilized and Always Wrong?” Touchstone (September 2016): 30-36.
idem, “Capital Crimes and Capital Punishment.” Public Discourse (March 14, 2023); accessible at the Public Discourse website
idem, “Capital Crimes and Punishment.” Providence: A Journal of Christianity and American Foreign Policy (September 22, 2025); accessible at the Providence website
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkers.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes
Dr. J. Daryl Charles: https://crcd.net/fellow/j-daryl-charles-phd/
Why do we have such a love for cozy comfort stories--whether they're books, movies, TV, or video games? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes welcome back Keelia Clarkson to discuss this along with her new book: "Chapter One Again: A Novel", the first of the Avila Falls series.
References and resources
Searches for “cozy” and “comfort”: https://thecozyowlet.com/the-rise-of-cozy-reading-mystery-fantasy-and-more/
Why people watch “comfort shows”:
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/scripps_theses/1700/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/defining-memories/202212/play-and-repeat-why-we-watch-the-same-shows-over-and-over
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes
Keelia Clarkson: ivpress.com/keelia-clarkson
Chapter One Again: A Novel (Avila Falls Series): https://www.amazon.com/dp/151401372X/?bestFormat=true&k=chapter%20one%20again&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ser_k0_1_17_de&crid=1ESWQJCIVVVRV&sprefix=chapter%20one%20again
Why do we have so much division today? How do we rebuild relationships across the divide? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk with Christian author and apologist Justin Brierly about his new show "Uncommon Ground", where he tries to do just that.
References and resources
Increased US hatred for opposing political parties: https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2022/08/09/as-partisan-hostility-grows-signs-of-frustration-with-the-two-party-system/
Increased feeling of division in UK: https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/uks-sense-of-division-reaches-new-high-as-culture-war-tensions-grow-study-finds
Exposure can increase polarization: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1804840115
Don’t overstate political violence in US: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-the-u-s-in-a-new-era-of-political-violence-experts-say-its-complicated/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/josephholmes
Justin Brierley: justinbrierley.com
Are we shaped more by nature or nurture? Is biology or culture stronger in determining our choices? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss this topic, with Evolutionary psychologist Dr. Steve Stewart-Williams joining for the discussion, on this latest episode.
References and resources:
Defining nature vs nurture: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/nature-vs-nurture
Plato’s “inatism”: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/innatism
Aristotle and John Locke’s “tabula rasa”: https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/psychology/tabula-rasa
Does Christianity make your life better? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss their experience of faith.
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/josephholmes
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss the nature of "aesthetics"--appreciation for beauty and art--and why so many of us don't have the relationship with it we should.
References and resources
Aesthetics definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aesthetics
Aesthetics history and thought: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S136466132100067X
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes
Christians talk a lot about grace. But how does one define grace? And in an age where morality seems to be on the decline, how does one balance grace and faithfulness to what's right? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with author of "The Big Relief" and founder of Mockinbird Ministries, David Zahl.
References and resources:
Grace definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grace
Protestant Grace definition: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-is-grace
Catholic Grace definition: https://www.catholic.com/tract/grace-what-it-is-and-what-it-does
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjourneal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/josephholmes
David Zahl: christchurchcville.org/david-zahl
Lots of people have mixed to negative feelings about Hollywood. Christians in particular are often scared that Hollywood hates them and is out to propagandize against them. But is fear the right attitude to have towards Hollywood movies? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with Jeffrey Overstreet, Christian film critic and author of the new book "Lost and Found in the Cathedral of Cinema".
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/josephholmes
Jeffrey Overstreet: jeffreyoverstreet.com
It's been six years and 300 episodes of The Overthinkers! To celebrate, Joseph and Nathan discuss whether ignorance is bliss--and if by educating everyone these past six years we've been making the world a worse place!
References and resources
Definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ignorance%20is%20bliss
Ignorance is only bliss when someone else is being the adult taking care of the problems: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-headshrinkers-guide-to-the-galaxy/201108/is-ignorance-bliss
There’s only so much truth people can take: https://www.vox.com/the-gray-area/400281/is-ignorance-bliss
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/josephholmes
Everyone's talking about all the struggles Gen Z is having. But what does Gen Z think about what they're going through? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk with culture writer and author Freya India about her own experiences and research on her generation, as well as her new book "Girls: Gen Z and the Commodification of Everything".
References and resources
Comparing Gen Z to other generations: https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/generations-by-jean-m-twenge-review-and-reflections/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Freya India: freyaindia.co.uk/about
Everyone agrees that human trafficking is bad. But what wrong ideas about it do we have that make it harder to solve? Raleigh Sadler, founder and executive director of Let My People Go, author of Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking, and the host of MercyCast, explains.
References and resources
Trafficking - awareness and consensus: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250311402868/en/REPORT-Americans-Think-Human-Trafficking-Is-a-Major-Global-Problem-But-Overlook-Urgent-Realities?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Bipartisan nature of consensus: https://www.cambridge.org/core/blog/2018/09/17/the-politics-of-fighting-child-sex-trafficking-in-the-united-states/
Myths perpetuated by media: https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/sound-of-freedom-starts-streaming-survivors-speak-out-against-film-1234912709/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Raleigh Sadler: raleighsadler.com
One of the least popular Christian traditions is the idea that there will be no marriage--which means no sex--in heaven. But is that actually Biblical? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with returning Bible Scholar Dr. Dru Johnson.
References and resources
Various religious perspectives on marriage after death: https://hts.org.za/index.php/hts/article/view/10992/29458
Thomas Aquinas - Summa Theologica: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/summa-theologica-12488
NT WRight on marriage after resurrection: https://www.premierchristianity.com/will-i-be-married-in-heaven/17833.article
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: link.ree/JosephHolmes
Dr. Dru Johnson: drujohnson.com
Our society seems to be tearing itself apart. One potential culprit is identity politics. But what is identity politics? Sociologist Dr. George Yancey joins to talk about his new book "Identity Politics in the United States: An Exploration of Identity in Red, White, and Blue". He explains the movements' history, what's wrong with it, and what we can do instead.
References and resources:
Identity politics definition: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/identity-politics/
Ibram X Kendi on antiracism: https://www.penguin.co.uk/discover/articles/ibram-x-kendi-definition-of-antiracist
Mark lila on problems with identity politics: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2017/dec/21/mark-lilla-identity-politics-liberals
Review/Summary of Stephen Wolf’s Book:
https://shenviapologetics.com/of-gods-and-men-a-long-review-of-wolfes-case-for-christian-nationalism-part-i-book-summary/
https://shenviapologetics.com/of-gods-and-men-a-long-review-of-wolfes-case-for-christian-nationalism-part-iii-objections/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Dr. George Yancey: www.georgeyancey.com
Is indulging in fantasy books and movies keeping us children? Or is it something good for us that we need? Overthinkers producer Nathan Sherrer (Nathan A) joins Nathan Clarkson (Nathan 1) and Joseph Holmes (just Joseph) to discuss.
References and resources
Fantasy definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fantasy
Criticisms of Lord of the Rings: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20151215-did-tolkien-write-juvenile-trash
Arthur Brooks on fantasy: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/09/manifestation-positive-thinking-happiness/679695/
Beth Web defends fantasy: https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2007/apr/23/bridgingthegapswhyweneed
Fantasy builds empathy: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9714674/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Does the Bible prohibit women from any leadership positions in the church? The question has divided Christians for a long time, so Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes invite Bible scholar Dr. Preston Sprinkle to discuss.
References and resources:
Catholic view of female priests: https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/why-the-church-doesnt-ordain-women
Evangelical views of women in leadership (Piper Keller):
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/should-we-call-female-leaders-pastors
https://times12.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GenderEldersTimKathyKeller.pdf
NT Wright on women in leadership: https://ntwrightpage.com/2016/07/12/womens-service-in-the-church-the-biblical-basis/
Websites:
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Preston Sprinkle: prestonsprinkle.com
With the Oscars on the horizon, everyone's talking about awards. But should we try to win awards? Or are they a distraction from what our true priorities should be? Spencer Folmar of Hard Faith Films and the Hard Faith Film Festival joins Nathan and Joseph to discuss.
Definition of award: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/award
Christian artist Forrest Frank no longer accepting awards: https://cbn.com/news/entertainment/forrest-frank-says-he-will-no-longer-participate-awards-shows-shares-conviction
Hollywood actorTimothy Challamet wants to be great: https://www.imdb.com/news/ni65146405/
Why awards are meaningless: https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2023/2/23/23610516/awards-oscars-grammys-best-business-media
Actors who say awards don’t matter are lying: https://www.imdb.com/news/ni64429244/?ref_=hm_nw_tp_4
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Spencer Folmar: hardfaith.org
More and more people are defining themselves as "Spiritual But Not Religious". But what does that mean? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes interview academic and author Dr King-Ho Leung for answers.
References and resources
Spiritual definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiritual
Spirit definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spirit
Number of Americans spiritual but not religious: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2023/12/07/who-are-spiritual-but-not-religious-americans/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Dr. King Ho-Leung: www.kcl.ac.uk/people/king-ho-leung
How do you raise your kids such that they stay in your faith? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss with celebrated author and speaker Sally Clarkson--who raised four children who all stayed Christian, including Nathan--what she did and what other religious parents can do.
References and resources
The rise of the nones: https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/the-nones-have-hit-a-ceiling
People who stay in vs leave their childhood faith: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/12/15/why-do-some-americans-leave-their-religion-while-others-stay/
Majority of kids check out of their faith by 8th and 10th grades: https://ifstudies.org/blog/secularization-begins-at-home
Authoritative parenting vs authoritarian and permissive: https://ifstudies.org/blog/parenting-is-the-key-to-adolescent-mental-health
Fathers especially mattering for faith transmission: https://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/01/us/book-explores-ways-faith-is-kept-or-lost-over-generations.html?_r=0
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson. nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Sally Clarkson: sallyclarkson.com
One of the biggest reasons people aren't getting married is that they can't find the right person. But how do you find the right person? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with sociologist and researcher Dr. Wendy Wang.
References and resources:
Marriage rates dropping: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/america-marriage-decline/681518/
Is having a boyfriend embarassing? https://www.vogue.com/article/is-having-a-boyfriend-embarrassing-now
Majority want to marry but can’t find the right person: https://ifstudies.org/blog/why-americans-arent-getting-married-and-having-kids-and-how-to-fix-that
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: https://linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Wendy Wang: https://ifstudies.org/about-us/wendy-wang
Why are romance novels so popular? Particularly with women? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes ask actress and author Keelia Clarkson why they resonate, ahead of her own upcoming romance novel "Chapter One Again".
Romance movie’s popularity with women
https://oxfordre.com/literature/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190201098.001.0001/acrefore-9780190201098-e-415
https://www.theatlantic.com/books/2025/10/romance-fiction-genre-open-elite-popularity/684445/
https://www.shelf-awareness.com/issue.html?issue=5002#m67973
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Keelia Clarkson: keelia.me
Chapter One Again (Avila Falls Series): https://www.amazon.com/dp/151401372X
Is thinking we're good people or inherently sinful better for us? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss Nathan's new book "I'm the Worst: How Freedom is Found in Admitting Our Faults".
Sin - The Bible Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNOZ7ocLD74
Original Sin - BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/beliefs/originalsin_1.shtml
Doctrine of Sin - Roman Catholic Cathecism: https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_three/section_one/chapter_one/article_8/ii_the_definition_of_sin.html
Doctrine of Sin - Mockingbird: https://mbird.com/theology/hiding-in-plain-sight-the-lost-doctrine-of-sin/
Definition of sin - Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/what-is-sin-the-essence-and-root-of-all-sinning
Richard Dawkins thinks the doctrine of sin is “hideous”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f6Lar8Qp0E
Albert Ellis critiquing the doctrine of sin: https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0%2C33009%2C865989-2%2C00.html
Authoritative parenting vs authoritarian and permissive: https://ifstudies.org/blog/parenting-is-the-key-to-adolescent-mental-health
https://ifstudies.org/blog/do-your-political-beliefs-affect-your-parenting-
Serial killers are unmade, not made: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/10/what-makes-a-serial-killer
Most aggressive people are males at the age of two: https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/16/terrible-twos-who-stay-terrible/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Why is it important for all of us--but particularly Christians--to forgive others? And how do we do it without allowing evil to triumph? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss with author and educator Yana Jenay Conner, unpacking lessons from her book: Living Beyond Offense: Doing the Hard Work of Forgiveness God’s Way.
References and resources
Forgiveness definitions:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgive
https://www.apa.org/topics/forgiveness
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: https://linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Yana Jenay Conner: https://www.yanajenay.com/
What does it really mean to love our enemies? And how do we do it without allowing evil? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with author, apologist, and theoretical chemist Dr. Neil Shenvi.
References and resources:
Rabbi Shai Held on Christianity’s Loving Enemies: https://religionunplugged.com/news/2024/3/26/book-review-judaism-is-about-love-shatters-stereotypes-about-the-hebrew-bible
Nietzsche on “slave morality” in Christ’s teachings: https://bigthink.com/personal-growth/the-master-and-slave-moralities-what-nietzsche-really-meant/
Early Church Fathers on Nonviolence: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/nonviolence-in-the-ancient-church-and-christian-obedience/
New Advent: Augustine on will to love our enemies to change them to friends: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/170208.htm
Martin Luther King Jr. on Loving Your Enemies: https://www.plough.com/en/topics/life/forgiveness/love-your-enemies
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.com
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Neil Shenvi: https://shenviapologetics.com/
Neil Shenvi's new book: "Post Woke: Asserting a Christian Vision of Race, Gender, and Sexuality"
Nathan Clarkson's new book: "I'm the Worst: How Freedom is Found in Admitting Our Faults"
Joseph Holmes's new film: "Jim vs the Future"
It's a new year, and everyone wants to make positive life changes. So how do you make real ones that last? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss their own experience and the research on the topic.
References and resources
Americans are becoming less satisfied with their lives - record low of 44%: https://news.gallup.com/poll/655493/new-low-satisfied-personal-life.aspx
30% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/01/29/new-years-resolutions-who-makes-them-and-why/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Only 10% of Americans keep their resolutions: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-years-resolutions-tips-why-they-fail/
New years resolutions are global and historical: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/history-of-new-years-resolutions
How to stick with your resolutions. Actionable steps + accountability. https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/leadreadtoday/why-most-new-years-resolutions-fail
Small steps - knowing why you’re doing it: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/arthur-brooks-new-years-resolutions-happiness/
Fantasize about process, not results: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/09/manifestation-positive-thinking-happiness/679695/
Websites
Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.com
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Why do so many people choose to be religious? What draws people to embrace belief? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with filmmaker Rian Johnson, his new film "Wake Up Dead Man" and the themes of faith his movie brings up.
References and resources
Global religious population: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/06/09/how-the-global-religious-landscape-changed-from-2010-to-2020/
American religious population: https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/12/8/us-religious-decline-stalls-as-new-pew-data-shows-stabilization-even-among-young-adults
Jon Stewart on faith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSmrEVjQdG8
Arthur Brooks on faith: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policy-topics/public-leadership-management/happiness-may-be-decline-we-can-all
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmestudios.com
Rian Johnson: https://x.com/rianjohnson
The Bible--and the wider culture--agree: "It's better to give than to receive". But is that what the data says? And why would that be? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with insights from Dallas Jenkins, who discusses the DVD release of his film "The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever".
References and resources:
What happens to your brain when you give vs receive: https://www.apa.org/topics/mental-health/brain-gift-giving
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Dallas Jenkins: https://www.instagram.com/dallas.jenkins/?hl=en
Everyone talks about getting in the Christmas spirit. But what is the Christmas spirit? And how do you have it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
References and resources
Christmas spirit definition: https://www.facebook.com/fb.oed/posts/oed-wordoftheday-christmas-spirit-na-mood-or-attitude-appropriate-to-the-christm/1136215868511469/, https://www.oed.com/dictionary/christmas-spirit_n?linkId=300000019641113&fbclid=IwY2xjawN314hleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUSnNKSDY4UGRoSDI4WWFwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvA0QL5PLZnJNTCoP7-DaWOfA5jOZJH18DOtdASApamvn0lrpaHtACOMgfw0_aem_Ah8kEn_mj7ADGUERhyJgwA
Measuring the Christmas spirit: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stretching-theory/202212/now-you-can-measure-christmas-spirit?
A Christmas Carol Influence: https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/anthropology-in-practice/what-is-christmas-spirit/
Religious meaning of the Christmas spirit: https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/straight-paths/the-christmas-spirit/
Christmas Stress: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
What was the world like that CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien wrote their stories in? And how did their work change things? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with author and historian Dr. Joseph Loconte.
References and resources:
Tolkien and Lewis fantasy influence: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/cambridge-companion-to-fantasy-literature/tolkien-lewis-and-the-explosion-of-genre-fantasy/47A1D63A6D2D6F2553664D98F0F2EC1D
Lewis and Tolkien’s influence through their fantasy writing and school curriculum: https://aeon.co/essays/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-oxford-school-of-fantasy-literature?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Lewis and Tolkien influence on Christian thought leaders: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2000/04/books-of-century/
Lewis books sold: https://www.cslewis.com/us/about-cs-lewis/
Tolkien books sold: https://200.hc.com/stories/j-r-r-tolkien-and-the-trilogy/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Joseph Loconte: https://sagamoreinstitute.org/joseph-loconte/
We hear a lot about the importance of pursuing your dreams. But which dreams? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
References and resources:
Pew research: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/09/14/what-makes-for-a-fulfilling-life/#:~:text=When%20asked%20what%20it%20takes,Gender
Marriage matters more for happiness than career: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/17/opinion/marriage-happiness-career.html
Fantasizing about dreams kills goals, fantasizing about process helps achieve them: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/09/manifestation-positive-thinking-happiness/679695/
Most people do not achieve their goals: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2980864/
Nearly half of Americans very satisfied with their lives: https://news.gallup.com/poll/610133/less-half-americans-satisfied-own-lives.aspx
The changing definitions of “calling”: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/how-do-we-know-our-calling-with-dr-william-klein/id1510271421?i=1000684667698
Websites:
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.com
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Link to watch Joseph Holmes' debut feature film, "Jim vs the Future": https://linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Should we try to convert others to our beliefs? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome American film director Justin Lin (director of multiple Fast and Furious movies) to discuss his new film "Last Days" about the 26-year-old Christian missionary John Chau, who died trying to convert the North Sentinel Island people.
References and resources:
Conversion definition:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversion
https://www.oed.com/dictionary/conversion_n#8281191
Benefits of missionaries: https://www.christianitytoday.com/about/stories/the-unexpected-good-news-about-missionaries/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes
Justin Lin: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0510912/
Last Days film: https://www.lastdays-movie.com/
What are the Medieval virtues? How are they related to the seven deadly sins? And how can they help us today? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by scholar and author Dr. Grace Hamman to answer these very questions.
References and resources:
https://www.britannica.com/event/Middle-Ages
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Dr. Grace Hamman: https://gracehamman.com/
What are real-life exorcisms like? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson interview real-life exorcist Reverend Dan Todd on our latest episode.
References and resources
https://www.history.com/articles/exorcisms-christianity-gospels-movie
https://bigthink.com/thinking/history-of-exorcism/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Rev. Dan Todd: https://www.ourladyofdivinemercyac.net/about-us
Vampires have been a part of our mythology and pop culture for centuries. But why do they remain so popular? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
References and resources:
History of Vampires
https://www.history.com/articles/vampire-history
Blesses
Twilight (Movie)
Let the Right One In (Movie)
Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (Movie)
Curses
Vampire Diaries (TV Show)
Bram Stoker's Dracula (Movie)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournanl.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Do monsters, cryptids, and urban legends like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster exist? If so, how would we know for certain? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with hosts of the Campfire Files podcast: Colin Blackburn and Kara Russo.
References and resources
History of Bigfoot: https://www.history.com/articles/bigfoot-legend-newspaper
Belief in Bigfoot, aliens, and loch ness monster on rise: https://civicscience.com/u-s-belief-in-sasquatch-has-risen-since-2020/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkers.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Campfire Files: https://campfirefiles.podbean.com/
Everyone's talking about AI nowadays. Should we be scared of it? If so, what exactly should we be scared of? We bring on culture and social critic Boze Herrington to discuss.
References and resources
Plato’s Argument against writing: https://fs.blog/an-old-argument-against-writing/
Definition of AI: https://www.nasa.gov/what-is-artificial-intelligence/
AI is making us dumber
https://www.forbes.com/sites/dimitarmixmihov/2025/02/11/ai-is-making-you-dumber-microsoft-researchers-say/
https://time.com/7295195/ai-chatgpt-google-learning-school/
Blesses
The Lord of the Rings (book)
WALL-E (film)
Meagan (film)
Children of Men (film)
Curses
Companion (Movie)
The Creator (Movie)
Five Nights at Freddy's (Movie)
Addictive Children's Video Games/Roblox (games)
Websites
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Boze Herrington: @SketchesbyBoze (Twitter/X)
It seems like today we're more afraid than ever. So how do we handle these fears? And how do we help our children handle fears? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with legendary singer and filmmaker Steven Taylor--who's new scary family film "Sketch" has brought such questions into the spotlight.
References and resources
Why fear is so powerful:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-happy-life/202008/why-it-feels-the-end-the-world-even-when-its-not
How to overcome fear:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/unpacking-anxiety/202312/facing-your-fears
Why anxiety is rising:
https://www.afterbabel.com/p/mental-health-liberal-girls
“Sketch” controversy:
https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/8/28/on-religion-angel-studios-sparks-debate-with-scary-faith-film
Joseph Holmes’ review of “The Anxious Generation
https://lawliberty.org/book-review/what-the-smartphone-hath-wrought/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Most people feel like there's something wrong with our modern world. But what exactly is it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with writer and thinker Paul Kingsnorth, unpacking his new book "Against the Machine".
References and resources:
How cell phones made life worse:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/
Dropping confidence in US instititons:
https://news.gallup.com/poll/647303/confidence-institutions-mostly-flat-police.aspx
Blesses
Time Out of Joint (Book)
You are a Tree (Book)
Weapons (Movie)
The Master and his Emissary (Book)
Wounded By Love (Book)
Curses
Idiocracy (Movie)
Eddington (Movie)
AI (Technology)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Paul Kingsnorth: paulkingsnorth.net
What does it mean to be disenchanted? And why are so many people talking about the need to re-enchant the world? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss with special returning guest, author, editor, and culture writer Dr. Joy Clarkson.
References and resources:
Definition of disenchantment: https://www.britannica.com/topic/disenchantment-sociology
Against Re-Enchantment, By Joy Clarkson: https://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/supernatural/against-reenchantment
Blesses
The Truman Show (Movie)
Hallowe'en Party (Book)
That Hideous Strength (Book)
Piranesi (Book)
Curses
The Fourth Kind (Movie)
Death of a Unicorn (Movie)
The Sandman (TV Show)
La La Land (Movie)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
How can we know anything for certain? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome back author and academic Dr. Zak Schmoll to discuss the ever-pesky problem of epistemology.
References and resources:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/epistemology
Blesses
Foe (Book)
Biblical Knowing (Book)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Movie)
Interstellar (Movie)
The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Book)
Curses
Foe (Movie)
Zodiac (Curse)
Life of Pi (Curse)
The Multiverse (Trope)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Zak Schmoll: https://www.zacharydschmoll.com/
Is social media making us dumber? Is it making us worse? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes give social media a grade and give advice on how to be smarter about your use of your online socials.
References and resources:
Social media is making us dumber:
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/11/opinion/social-media-dumber-steven-pinker.html
https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/01/nicholas-carr-is-the-internet-making-us-stupid/681517/
Social media is (probably) not making us dumber:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/unique-everybody-else/201904/social-media-probably-isn-t-making-you-stupid
Blesses
New York Times Games (App)
Chess (App)
The Social Network (Movie)
Catfish (Documentary)
The Anxious Generation (Book)
Curses
The Circle (Movie)
The Social Dilemma (Documentary)
Social Media Bots
Social Media Friends
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Homelessness is something everyone agrees is a problem. Yet, no one seems to know how to solve it. Scholar, speaker, community activist and author of From Dropout to Doctorate Dr. Terrence Lester joins Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes to share his life story and data-driven solutions on how to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing this devastating life situation.
References and resources
Homelessness definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homeless
Homelessness stats: https://www.britannica.com/topic/homelessness
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Terrence Lester: https://terencelester.com/
Is the church not supportive enough of the arts? What would such support look like? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes talk to Brian Brown of the Anselm Society and Imagination Redeemed Podcast on this latest episode.
References and resources
Art definition: https://www.britannica.com/art/visual-arts
Banning theatrical portrayals of religion: https://lithub.com/why-was-shakespeare-wary-of-writing-about-religion/
Why the church should support the arts: https://thecollision.org/its-time-for-the-church-to-unleash-its-artists%EF%BF%BC/
Why the church should be balanced on the support of the arts: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/the-church-and-the-arts-some-common-ground-and-some-common-sense/
Blesses
Sistine Chapel (Art)
The Anselm Society (Organization)
The Hephzibah House (Organization)
Greenhouse (Organization)
Hollywood Prayer Network (Organization)
The Agony and the Ecstasy (Movie)
Handel’s Messiah (Music)
People Creating New Art in Dialogue with the Old Stuff (Artists at Spotify Playlist: anselmsociety.org/theoverthinkers)
Curses
The Hayes Code (Hollywood Code)
Babylon (Movie)
CCM Industrial Complex (Music Industry)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephhomlmesstudios.com
Brian Brown: anselmsociety.org/overthinkers
As more and more people are questioning the usefulness of higher education, it's worthwhile to ask: what is the purpose of education in the first place? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with educator and cultural apologist Annie Crawford.
References and resources:
What students want from college: https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/higher-ed-gamma/true-purpose-college-education
Why young people are abandoning college: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/why-more-americans-are-skipping-college
Historical development of modern education: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-understanding-the-historical-purposes-of-modern-schooling-matters-today/
CS Lewis on education: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/52604-education-without-values-as-useful-as-it-is-seems-rather
Martin Luther King Jr. on education: https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/purpose-education
Blesses
Educating the Wholehearted Child (Book)
Community (TV Show)
Rope (Movie)
Beauty for Truth's Sake (Book)
Beauty in the Word (Book)
Curses
Dead Poets Society (Movie)
Mona Lisa Smile (Movie)
AI/Chat GPT (Technology)
Websites:
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Annie Crawford: anniecrawford.net
Our culture, and our entire political system, is based on the idea that discussion and debate can change hearts and minds. But is that a lie? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss.
References and resources
Exposure to alternative viewpoints causes us to dig in our heels: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2018/04/actually-social-media-isn-t-an-echo-chamber/
Cognitive bias: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-baby-scientist/202406/changing-hearts-and-minds
Our mental map: https://www.turing.ac.uk/blog/facts-dont-change-minds-and-theres-data-prove-it
Persuade people through relationships: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/18/change-mind-evidence-arguing-social-relationships
Persuade people through better forms of debate: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/201811/proven-ways-change-someone-s-mind
https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-can-you-change-someone-s-mind-spoiler-facts-don-t-work-so-well-hugo-mercier
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Transhumanism is a growing topic of conversation and concern in the culture. But what exactly is it? And why is it so controversial? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarson discuss.
References and resources
Transhumanism Defintion: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/transhumanism
Transhumanism History: https://www.britannica.com/topic/transhumanism
Douthot/Tiel Convo: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/opinion/peter-thiel-antichrist-ross-douthat.html
Bless
Deus Ex (video game)
Abolition of Man (Book)
That Hideous Strength (Book)
Bless/curse
Fallout 4 (video game)
Curse
Mickey 17
Midnight Mass
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Josephholmesstudios.com
Summer is a time of rest. But what is rest and how do we rest well? When is too much rest and when is not enough?
References and resources:
The trend toward valuing rest more:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/01/05/brain-rest-breaks-vacation-benefits/
Benefits of rest:
https://hbr.org/2023/08/why-we-glorify-overwork-and-refuse-to-rest
https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2021/01/15/the-benefits-of-resting-and-how-to-unplug-in-a-busy-world/
https://time.com/6969761/how-to-rest-more-effectively/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-awesome-career/202306/the-critical-need-for-intentional-rest
You're not working hard enough: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDNAE73vEyX/?hl=en&__coig_challenged=1
Websites
Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.com
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Millennials and Gen Z love authenticity. But is authenticity all it's cracked up to be? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson investigate and give their takes.
References and resources:
Definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authentic
Definition and history: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/authenticity/
Present debates about authenticity: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/authenticity
Is authenticity overrated? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/return-stillness/201909/is-authenticity-overrated
https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbooksauthors/2022/11/22/authenticity-is-overrated-building-a-more-effective-leadership-style/
When do people feel most authentic? https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092656618302964
Blesses
We Are Not as Strong as We Think We Are (Song)
Ragamuffin (Movie)
The Life of Chuck (Movie)
Curses
Materialists (Movie)
How to Be Single (Movie)
Why are superheroes seemingly always so popular? And is that a good thing? We discuss with screenwriter, professor, and author Sean Gaffney.
References and resources
List of billion dollar superhero movies: https://deadline.com/gallery/highest-grossing-movies-all-time/mcdjuwo-uv042/
Superhero dominance of the 2010s: https://www.statsignificant.com/p/the-rise-and-fall-of-superhero-movies
Superheroes aren’t cinema: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/04/opinion/martin-scorsese-marvel.html
My reply to Scorsese: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/16/opinion/letters/martin-scorsese-movies.html
Superheroes as modern gods: https://www.wired.com/2011/07/grant-morrison-supergods/
Superheroes as Chivalric Romance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPH9K0x5fY4&ab_channel=PilgrimsPass
Superheroes as worship: https://anunexpectedjournal.com/superhero-movies-are-worship-not-theme-parks/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Sean Gaffney: https://gaffneyinkwell.com/
Why is it so hard to build community today and how do we do it anyway? We discuss with author and former governor John Kasich on our latest episode.
Resources and further reading
Rise in loneliness: https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/americans-no-friends/
Health costs of loneliness: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/loneliness-poses-health-risks-as-deadly-as-smoking-u-s-surgeon-general-says#:~:text=How%20do%20we%20design%20technology,15%20cigarettes%20daily%2C%20not%2012.
Interview with Ryan Burge: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/is-religion-in-decline-with-ryan-burge/id1510271421?i=1000705236657
Interview with Brad Wilcox: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/are-married-people-happier-with-dr-brad-wilcox/id1510271421?i=1000644150680
AI friends as a solution: https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-wants-you-to-make-ai-friends/491349#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways,the%20idea%20of%20AI%20friends.
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Everyone wants to be happy. But for so many, it seems so out of reach. What's the secret? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss on our latest episode.
References and resources
Definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness
Less than half of Americans are happy: https://news.gallup.com/poll/610133/less-half-americans-satisfied-own-lives.aspx
Philosophers on happiness: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2016/06/13-great-philosophers-on-the-secret-of-happiness/
Scientists on happiness: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/01/magazine/happiness-research-studies-relationships.html
Americans say career over committed relationship: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/02/14/more-than-half-of-americans-say-marriage-is-important-but-not-essential-to-leading-a-fulfilling-life/
Americans spending less time with friends: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/america-decline-hanging-out/677451/
Mental state or well-being: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/happiness/#MeaHap
Macronutrients of happiness: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/20/arthur-c-brooks-the-3-macronutrients-of-happiness.html
Global Flourishing Study: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/05/global-flourishing-study-good-life/
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
How do you deal with FOMO (the fear of missing out)? Why is this such a modern phenomenon, and what steps can you take to overcome it? Nathan and Joseph discuss their experiences on the latest episode.
References and resources: FOMO definition:https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/FOMO History and review of literature:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8283615/ Understanding of FOMO and advice for dealing with it: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomo Understanding JOMO:https://www.afterbabel.com/p/what-happened-to-fomo Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Today lots of people are turning against experts. But is this wise? What are the problems with relying on experts and what are the problems with rejecting them? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
References and resources
Expert definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expert
Trust in science has gone down: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2023/11/14/americans-trust-in-scientists-positive-views-of-science-continue-to-decline/#:~:text=As%20trust%20in%20scientists%20has,in%20ratings%20of%20scientists%20generally.
Why Americans don’t trust experts: https://www.vox.com/vox-conversations-podcast/23030205/vox-conversations-michael-lewis-against-the-rules-experts
Reasons not to trust the experts: https://medium.com/@theo.seeds/5-reasons-why-trusting-the-experts-is-dumb-b2faaed734f2
Blesses
The Actor's Handbook (Book)
Moneyball (Movie)
Curses
Jordan Peterson's Biblical Series (TV Series)
Sully (Movie)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
What is a victim mentality? How do you know you have it and how do you overcome it? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss.
References and resources
Victim mentality definition:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victim%20mentality
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-a-victim-mentality
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/putting-psyche-back-into-psychotherapy/202401/the-agony-and-ecstasy-of-victimhood
Why victim mentality is growing
https://www.afterbabel.com/p/mental-health-liberal-girls
Why victim mindset is a myth
https://medium.com/@mirawriter/why-victim-mindset-is-a-myth-655abf07f3aa
Victimhood defines our politics
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0065260124000169
Blesses
Thunderbolts (Movie)
Drop (Movie)
Curses
Self-diagnosis (Phenomenon)
Shadow of God (Movie)
Everyone who has ambitious goals has probably at some point dealt with impostor syndrome. So what is it? And how do we overcome it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with best-selling author, podcast host, and sought-after business coach Mary Marantz.
Further Reading
Imposter Syndrome definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impostor%20syndrome
Imposter Syndrome history: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/neuroscience-in-everyday-life/202308/the-history-of-imposter-syndrome
Blesses
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (Movie)
16 Personalities (Website)
Dear Evan Hansen (Broadway)
How to Train Your Dragon (Animated Movie)
Shrinking (TV Show)
Curses
Neon Demon (Movie)
Hitman (Movie)
1923 (TV Show)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Mary Marantz: https://marymarantz.com/
Most people have either struggled with an addiction or know someone who has. So how does one overcome addiction? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, and Episcopal priest Ian Morgan Cron to bring insight and empathy to this important topic.
Further reading
Addiction definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse data: https://nida.nih.gov/about-nida/legislative-activities/budget-information/fiscal-year-2024-budget-information-congressional-justification-national-institute-drug-abuse/ic-fact-sheet-2024
https://nida.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/2023/12/reported-drug-use-among-adolescents-continued-to-hold-below-pre-pandemic-levels-in-2023
Blesses
The Ragamuffin Gospel (Book)
The Fighter (Movie)
Unapologetic (Book)
Curse
Requiem For a Dream (Movie)
Doctor Sleep (Movie)
Succession (TV Show)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarksson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Ian Cron: https://ianmorgancron.com/
What is beauty? Does it matter? If so, why? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with bestselling author and podcaster Andew Klavan.
Further reading
Beauty definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beauty
Philosophers on beauty: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/beauty/
Modern people on beauty: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/07/opinion/andre-aciman-why-is-beauty-important.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/03/well/live/awe-wonder-dacher-keltner.html
Blesses
Christ at the Column (Painting)
Fahrenheit 451 (Book)
Ecclesiastes (Book in The Bible)
Mount Lincoln (Nature)
Come Sweet Death (Music)
Conclave (Movie)
Keelia Clarkson (Nathan’s wife)
Wildcat (Movie)
Ode on a Greecian Urn (Poem)
Ode to the West Wind (Poem)
Curses
Black Painints by Goya (Paintings)
Dead Poets Society (Movie)
Anything that is untrue
Websites
Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josepholmesstudios.com
Andrew Klavan: andrewklavan.com
What is shame? And how do we overcome it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with celebrated author Aimee Byrd her book "Saving Face" about her own journey of shame and healing.
Further reading:
Shame definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shame
Shame vs guilt: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/shame#:~:text=Shame%20can%20breed%20feelings%20of,can%20erode%20trust%20over%20time.
Is shame bad? https://brenebrown.com/articles/2013/01/15/shame-v-guilt/
Is shame good? https://www.vox.com/first-person/2019/4/18/18308346/shame-toxic-productive
Overcoming shame: https://www.gottman.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-shame/#:~:text=Instead%20of%20%E2%80%9Cbeing%20shame%2C%E2%80%9D,vulnerable%20stories%20in%20safe%20environments.
Blesses
The Soul of Shame (Book)
Godzilla Minus One (Movie)
The Mule (Movie)
Adolescence (TV Show)
TIll We Have Faces (Book)
Curses
White Lotus Season 3 (TV Show)
All Fours (Book)
Cabrini (Movie)
Yellowstone (TV Show)
Websites:
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josepholmesstudios.com
Aimee Byrd: https://aimeebyrd.com/
Is religion in decline or are we headed for a revival? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with America's leading political scientist Ryan Burge.
Further resources
Karl Marx thought religion would disappear: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2009/jun/29/marx-religion-philosophy-opium
Durkheim thought religion would decline/disappear: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0037768614560959?icid=int.sj-abstract.citing-articles.15#:~:text=While%20Durkheim%20held%2C%20as%20did,Pickering%2C%201984:%20445).
Declining religion around the world: https://www.worldvaluessurvey.org/WVSNewsShow.jsp?ID=433#:~:text=From%202007%20to%202020%2C%20an,place%20among%20the%20American%20public.
https://www.axios.com/2023/10/06/organized-religion-decline-agnostic-atheist-nonreligious
Religious populations having the most kids:https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/12/21/key-findings-from-the-global-religious-futures-project/
Religious in America have the most kids: https://ifstudies.org/blog/americas-growing-religious-secular-fertility-divide
Rise of “Nones” appears to have halted: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/26/us/christianity-us-religious-study-pew.html
Blesses
The Pitt (TV Show)
Small ChurchesThe American Religious Landscape (Book)Hacksaw Ridge (Movie)
Curses
The White Lotus (TV Show)The Righteous Gemstones (TV Show)God’s Not Dead (Movie)The Front Room (Movie)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.comRyan Burge: graphsaboutreligion.com
Why do people beome (and stay) Christians or any religion whatsoever? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome Nathan Sherrer on the show to discuss their testimonies and what they think that says about faith and belief in the world.
Links to more resources:
Reasons why people believe in God
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-pursuit-peace/201712/the-psychology-religion
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-apes/201808/why-do-people-believe-in-god
Intellectuals returning to faith:
https://www.thefp.com/p/how-intellectuals-found-god-ayaan-hirsi-ali-peter-thiel-jordan-peterson
Blesses
The World Ends with You (Video Game)
Mob Psycho 100 (Anime)
All Fired Up (Song)
Evidence for Chrisitanity (Book)
Mere Christianity (Book)
Blue Like Jazz (Book)
On Guard (Book)
Curses
Facing the Giants (Movie)
The Eternals (Movie)
Law of Attraction (Book)
The God Delusion (Book)
Website
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
What's The Devil really like according to the original Biblical writers who talked about him? We discuss with writer and filmmaker Jared Brock, author of the new book, "A Devil Called Lucifer".
Definitions of The Devil:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Satan
https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/history-of-the-devil
Christiian views of The Devil: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/satan-and-demons/
Blesses
Dardevil (TV Show)
Alan Wake 2 (Video Game)
The Screwtape Letters (Book)
Paradise Lost (Book)
Hellboy: The Crooked Man
Michael Hudson (Economist)
Friday Night Lights (TV Show)
Curse
The Devil’s Advocate (Movie)
Hazbin Hotel (TV Show)
Woe
Anyone who makes money from lending (Usery)
Websites
Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josepholmesstuidos.com
Jared Brock: jaredbrock.com
Everyone loves Jesus. But who was Jesus? Was he just a historical figure, or was he someone you can have a relationship with today? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with beloved author John Eldredge
Americans positive view of Jesus: https://www.barna.com/research/openness-to-jesus/
Americans belief in Jesus divinity: https://www.barna.com/research/what-do-americans-believe-about-jesus-5-popular-beliefs/
Bart Ehrman on Jesus: https://ehrmanblog.org/who-was-jesus/
Personal relationship with Jesus not in Bible: https://theologyintheraw.com/is-having-a-personal-relationship-with-jesus-a-biblical-concept/#:~:text=If%20by%20%E2%80%9Cpersonal%E2%80%9D%20you%20mean,%3B%20it's%20communal%2C%20not%20individualistic.
Blesses
The Miracle Maker (Movie)
The Jesus I Never Knew (Book)
The Chosen (TV Show)
Curses
Bad Atheist Arguments (Internet)
Magdelene (Movie)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.com
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
The Holy Spirit is a really important part of Christian theology. But he's also the least understood. What's the traditional Christian understanding of the Holy Spirit? And why does that matter? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite author and pastor Tyler Staton to discuss.
Link to more resources:
Catholic/Orthodox Split: https://www.britannica.com/event/East-West-Schism-1054
Argument for continuationism: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNuEImlg3yU&t=2764s&ab_channel=GavinOrtlund
Argument for cessasionism: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/cessationist/
Blesses
Disappointment with God (Book)
Believe Me (Movie)
Curses
Holy Ghost (Movie)
Noah (Movie)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Tyler Staton: https://www.tylerstaton.com/about
Culture wars seem to dominate life today. Should we participate in them, or abandon them? If we should engage with them, how and why? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
Links to resources
Definition of culture war: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/culture-war
James Davison Hunter on the culture war:
https://www.wbur.org/onpoint/2024/08/09/culture-wars-james-davison-hunter-politics
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/05/20/culture-war-politics-2021-democracy-analysis-489900
Blesses
Trial and Death of Socrates (Book)
The Other Two (TV Show)
Eye in the Sky (Movie)
Curses
The act of announcing to the world you’re taking a break for social media for lent
Captain America: Civil War (Movie)
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josepholmesstudios.com
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Walter Hickey about what the research says on how the media we consume really does--and does not--affect us and our lives.
Time people spend with TV/Media: https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2023/tops-of-2023-tv/
Sesame Street improves education outcomes: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2015/06/sesame-street-preschool-education/396056/
History of the Hayes Code: https://www.britannica.com/art/Hays-Code
Blesses
Bednobs and Broomsticks (Movie)
Spider-Man 2 (Movie)
You Are What You Watch (Book)
Through a Screen Darkly (Book)
The Truman Show (Movie)
FLow (Movie)
Curses
Heart Eyes (Movie)
La La Land (Movie)
The Show Recommended by the Algorithm
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Walter Hickey: https://walthickey.com/
We all love heroes. But not all heroes are created equal. What makes a hero that can stand the test of time and also make us better? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss.
Resource Links
Hero definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hero
Different cultural ideas of heroes: https://www.cam.ac.uk/system/files/heroes_teacher_resources_.pdf
Why Vince Gilligan thinks we need more heroes: https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/breaking-bad-creator-vince-gilligan-good-guys-walter-white-1236309604/
Blesses
Gotham Knights
Daredevil
The Incredibles
Chronicles of Narnia
Superman for All Seasons
Dune: Part Two
Curses
Captain America: Brave New World
The Boys
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Why are there so few religious movies when the majority of the world is religious? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome back filmmaker Spencer Folmar to discuss.
85.6% of world’s population is religious. 31.6% of world’s population are Christians (majority religion); unaffiliated 14.4%: https://www.statista.com/statistics/374704/share-of-global-population-by-religion/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20around%2031.6%20percent,of%20global%20populations%20as%20Hindu.
America’s religious/secular demographics: https://news.gallup.com/poll/511133/identify-religious-spiritual.aspx
Atheists 7% of World Population: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-secular-life/201510/how-many-atheists-are-there
History of faith and Hollywood:
https://www.njarts.net/hollywood-rarely-shows-much-faith-in-films-with-prominent-religious-themes/
https://faithlifetv.com/reel-redemption
Objections to Hollywood’s portrayal of Muslims:
https://variety.com/2022/film/news/usc-annenberg-inclusion-initiative-muslim-representation-study-1235362804/
Blesses
Calvary
First Reformed
House of David
Curses
Interstellar
Anora
Mother Teresa & Me
Bless/Curse
Conclave
First Reformed
Websites
Spencer Folmar: hardfaith.org
Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Nobody likes modern dating. But why is it so hard? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
Pew research on modern dating: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/08/20/nearly-half-of-u-s-adults-say-dating-has-gotten-harder-for-most-people-in-the-last-10-years/
Why Does Modern Dating Suck? https://www.vice.com/en/article/why-dating-sucks-we-asked-experts/
Majority want to get married: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/02/15/among-young-adults-without-children-men-are-more-likely-than-women-to-say-they-want-to-be-parents-someday/#:~:text=Among%20adults%20ages%2018%20to,they%20want%20to%20get%20married.
Global marriage rates dropping/women’s higher standards and men’s dropping performance: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/02/america-marriage-decline/681518/
Lack of church attendance driving singleness: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/04/happiness-recession-causing-sex-depression/586405/
Consumer mentality driving bad dating: https://www.freyaindia.co.uk/p/why-is-modern-dating-so-difficult
Why it’s hard to build community today: https://anunexpectedjournal.com/the-real-reason-you-dont-have-friends-and-how-to-fix-it/
Lies Hollywood teaches us about relationships: https://religionunplugged.com/news/2023/11/5/how-the-sexual-revolution-killed-the-hollywood-rom-com
Bless
500 Days of Summer
Curse
The Idea of You
Bless/Curse
How I Met Your Mother
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
How does the experience of hardship in our past affect our ability to have healthy relationships now? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with author and licensed counselor Tabitha Panariso to discuss.
Referenced resources
Definition of trauma: https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma#:~:text=Trauma%20is%20an%20emotional%20response,from%20Recovering%20emotionally%20from%20disaster
Attachment Theory: https://labs.psychology.illinois.edu/~rcfraley/attachment.htm
Millennials “reverse cognitive behavior therapy”: https://www.afterbabel.com/p/mental-health-liberal-girls
Gen Z’s “fear of taking part”: https://www.afterbabel.com/p/what-happened-to-fomo
Blesses
Scott Pilgrim vs the World (Movie)
The Fighter
Severance
Curses
Manchester By the Sea
Hollywood
Bless/Curse
Marriage Story
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Tabitha Panariso: https://substack.com/@tabithapanariso
Men and women have been involved in a "battle of the sexes" throughout history. What is the source of this conflict, and how do we solve it? We bring on cultural apologist Annie Crawford to discuss.
Growing Gender Divide: https://www.axios.com/2024/09/28/young-men-women-divided-politics-religion
Blesses
The Essential Difference (Book)
Much Ado About Nothing (Play/Kenneth Branagh Movie)
A Guide to Sex in the 21st Century (Books)
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (Movie)
CS Lewis's Ransom Trilogy (Books)
Pride and Prejudice (Book)
Curses
Men (Movie)
Playboy Magazine
The Quiet Man (Movie)
Battle of the Sex (Movie)
Anything that has to do with Andrew Tate
Websites
Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Annie Crawford: anniecrawford.net
The romance genre may be the most popular genre in the world. But is it harmful for us? Does it create unrealistic and harmful expectations? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes bring on author, actress and podcast host Keelia Clarkson to get some answers.
Links to sources
Popularity of the romance genre: https://www.snhu.edu/about-us/newsroom/liberal-arts/misconceptions-about-the-romance-genre
Popularity of Hallmark movies/problems with romance movies: https://olemiss.edu/news/2024/07/romantic-movies-perception/index.html
Popularity of Bridgerton: https://deadline.com/2024/07/bridgerton-season-3-netflix-most-popular-list-shonda-rhimes-1235999509/
People claim they don’t negatively compare their partners unlesss relationship “already rocky”:
https://www.latimes.com/health/la-xpm-2011-jul-07-la-heb-romance-novels-women-health-20110707-story.html
https://www.npr.org/2011/07/07/137675779/romance-fiction-and-womens-health-a-dose-of-skepticism
People who watch romance movies report greater relationship satisfaction: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/nurturing-resilience/202302/does-watching-romantic-movies-help-your-love-life-flourish
Defending romance novels: https://www.vulture.com/2019/02/why-you-should-be-reading-romance-novels.html
Why people love romances: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/love-them-or-leave-them/202406/this-is-your-brain-on-bridgerton
How the sexual revolution killed the hollywood rom com/how sleeping around to find true love doesn’t work: https://religionunplugged.com/news/2023/11/5/how-the-sexual-revolution-killed-the-hollywood-rom-com
Blesses
The Vow
Meet Cute
Five Feet Apart
Curses
Anyone But You
All Fours
An Affair to Remember
Websites
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Keelia Clarkson: wallflowerjournal.com
In honor of co-host Nathan Clarkson's new Western movie "Bright Sky", Nathan and Joseph discuss whether anyone is beyond redemption, and what that means.
Links to sources cited:
Summary of Thomas Aquinas’s Compilation of Answers to What is Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit (including St. Augustine): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tf8pin8x71Y
Psychologists emphasize the capacity to grow and change: https://psychcentral.com/blog/can-people-really-change#can-you-change-habits
Views of personality and neuroplasticity: https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/behavior/can-people-change-or-do-they-just-lie/
The “Beyond Redemption” narrative trope: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BeyondRedemption
The “Moral Event Horizon” which establishes a character as beyond moral redemption: https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/MoralEventHorizon
People who never change: https://medium.com/@justsomewriter/im-starting-to-truly-think-some-people-are-truly-beyond-saving-5379208baa06
US Office of Justice Programs - Some people are beyond modern science’s ability to rehabilitate: https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/can-everyone-be-rehabilitated#:~:text=There%20are%20persons%20beyond%20the,and%20deranged%20habits%20of%20gratification.
Criticism of abandoning rehabilitation efforts: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3762476/#:~:text=However%2C%20to%20the%20shock%20of,why%20this%20shift%20took%20place.
Blesses:
Red Dead Redemption 1 + 2 (Video Games)
Redeeming Love (Book)
Unforgiven (Movie)
Curses:
Yellowstone (TV Show)
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (Movie)
Websites
The Overthinkers
theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson:
nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes
josepholmesstudios.com
How do we know our calling in life? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes talk to Biblical scholar Dr. William Klein on the history of the word "calling" and how we might be all--religious and non-religious alike--using the word wrong.
Links to resources mentioned:
Calling Definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calling
More definitions of “calling”: https://www.christianitytoday.com/partners/nav-press/what-is-calling/
Forbes 20 Ways to Find Your Calling: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicahagy/2012/06/26/20-ways-to-find-your-calling/
Desire for calling: https://www.letu.edu/alumni/identify-your-calling.html
Oprah “Are You Listening to Your Life?”: https://www.oprah.com/omagazine/what-are-you-meant-to-be-doing-find-your-calling
“It’s Never Too Late to Find Your Calling”: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-at-any-age/202401/its-never-too-late-to-find-your-calling
Desiring God - How to Discern God’s Call: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-do-i-know-gods-calling-for-my-life
Relevant Magazine - “Is This My Calling or Just Something I Enjoy?”: https://relevantmagazine.com/life5/how-to-know-if-your-calling-is-really-from-god/
Academic perspectives on calling: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00187267221095759#bibr24-00187267221095759
Blesses
Hero of a Thousand Faces (Book)
Hero on a Mission (Book)
Sound of Hope (Movie)
Deadpool & Wolverine (Movie)
The Shock of Faith (Article)
Curses
Don’t Waste Your Life (Book)
The Hill (Movie)
Wish (Movie)
The Call (Book)
Websites
Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josepholmesstudios.com
Will Klein: https://denverseminary.edu/directory/klein-phd-william/
Many of us find it hard to read classic literature. But is there value in it worth pushing through anyway? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome author and podcast host of "Storytime for Grownups" Faith Moore to discuss how she grew to love great old books.
Educators find decline in reading classic literature in 70s: https://www.nytimes.com/1977/05/29/archives/decline-in-reading-of-the-classics-in-public-schools-causes-concern.html
Decline in reading from 1982 to 2002: https://www.arts.gov/sites/default/files/RaRExec_0.pdf
Literature Humanities Professors find fewer read classics in 2020s: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2024/11/the-elite-college-students-who-cant-read-books/679945/
Why teachers should assign more contemporary books: https://bookriot.com/assign-more-contemporary-books/
Why we focus too much on classics: https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2016/jul/13/stop-pushing-the-same-classic-books-on-children-and-trust-modern-writing
Blesses:
Penguin Classic
Picture of Dorian Gr
Anxious People
Great Expectations
David Copperfield
Jane Eyre (2006 TV Miniseries)
Curses:
Wuthering Heights
We Have Always Lived in a Castle
The Divine Comedy
The Madwoman in the Attic
Websites:
Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.com
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josepholmesstudios.com
Faith Moore: faithkmoore.com
How do you raise children to value their uniqueness while also growing in maturity? Sally Clarkson returns to the show to discuss with Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson the new book by Sally and Nathan: "Uniquely You"
Discrimination against left-handed people: https://www.press.jhu.edu/newsroom/stuttering-and-retraining-left-handed-children-mid-century-us#:~:text=By%20the%20second%20decade%20of%20the%20twentieth,retraining%20left%2Dhanders%20had%20negative%20consequences%2C%20especially%20stuttering.&text=Terman%20(1877%2D1956)%20concluded%20that%20a%20third%20to,attempts%20to%20transform%20left%2Dhanded%20children%20into%20right%2Dhanders.
Howard Gardener's Multiple Intelligences: https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/gardners-theory-of-multiple-intelligences.shtml
Mental illness vs neurodiversity debate: https://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/mental-disorder-or-neurodiversity
"Gentle Parenting" creates unhappy children: https://ifstudies.org/blog/do-your-political-beliefs-affect-your-parenting-
Blesses:
Finding Forrester (Movie)
A Wrinkle in Time (Book)
Anne of Green Gables (Book)
Curses:
A Wrinkle in Time (Movie)
Anti-Family Trends in Pixar Films (Movie)
Websites:
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Sally Clarkson: sallyclarkson.com
Buy "Uniquely You" today: https://www.amazon.com/Uniquely-You-Exploring-Extraordinarily-Distinctive/dp/0802432786/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FLcU4czIiBsDVW0-BpzfHq3dMhqKT9xdOS7adg1hFrVBwKbNFU303KovJtg_yaYhaHXp8OeXQ9FovH4JL_HdY8IkLJ5kIUGRiHccIXp0L3rMwN3ZroPoO7r0AhYIMfM2DsIz3LIU7UsJejV-zAC-nWCV4nSEE7tPq2oenPkJ9DWVwl6P364nvIjha3VvZCPK0oHEtGjRNtFQJh2Zi-KVcG_j2-xi2rLbGfYC-FDg_jU.Pi6PI6MI84yTG4gWtYRCTE_TobJhNqyCjBhcSXIE0Xs&dib_tag=se&keywords=uniquely+you&qid=1736131771&sr=8-1
In the first Overthinkers episode of the new season, Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss how to follow through on our goals. Studies show that most people who set goals in the new year don't follow through on them. How do you become the exception? Well, there's studies on that too! Joseph and Nathan go through some of the best strategies on the internet--and their own experience--to help set us all off on the right foot in the new year.
Podcast Sources:
Only 8 percent of adults achieve their goals: https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/how-high-school-students-can-set-and-accomplish-their-goals/#:~:text=But%20a%20recent%20survey%20by,the%20best%20versions%20of%20ourselves.
Only 6.5 percent of adults were still trying for their goals after 6 months: https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/new-study-shows-only-6-of-people-achieve-their-goals-and-reveals-their-secret-formula-1032687000
Less than half of Americans were very satisfied with their lives: https://www.newsweek.com/americans-are-less-satisfied-their-lives-1868560
Arthur Brooks on healthy vs unhealthy goal setting: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/03/how-follow-your-dreams-and-get-happier/618384/?fbclid=IwY2xjawGz3wBleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHdBtSJE1sCkpBIWT2jx47PxvsuteMDLMii2pVMQWWr1GLvABLiQ2q_y3uw_aem_BL6ZVahAoLk4Im8SvCoB1A
Rising rates of depression: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-changing-culture/201510/are-mental-health-issues-the-rise
Blesses and Curses:
Bless
Subliminal - Book
Transformers One - Movie
Curse
The Law of Attraction - Book
Reagan - Movie
Blink Twice - Movie
Websites:
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Lots of people are stressed out by being with family for the holidays. Some are even planning not to spend holidays with their family. But is that a good idea? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes give their tips on having a positive trip home for the holidays.
Links to outside references:
15 million long-distance travelers oer Christmas in 2023: https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/millions-americans-expected-to-travel-christmas-new-years-day-aaa/
How to survive going home for the holidays: https://www.vice.com/en/article/how-to-survive-going-home-for-the-holidays/
https://medium.com/youalberta/how-to-survive-home-for-the-holidays-99daba2e6e9f
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/empowerment-solutions/202212/home-for-the-holidays-how-not-to-get-triggered
Blesses:
Elf
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
Curses:
The Family Stone
Four Christmases
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
A Christmas Story
Everyone has deep desires. But what is our deepest desire? And how do we deal with the problem of satisfying that desire. Writer, award-winning folk musician, and spiritual director Strahan Coleman joins Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson to dive into what we want and how we can have it today.
Links to resources discussed in the episode:
Basics of Budhism: https://www.pbs.org/edens/thailand/buddhism.htm
The Stoics: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/stoicism/
Augustine and Desire: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/justin-taylor/an-analysis-of-one-of-the-greatest-sentences-ever-written/
Charlotte Fox's 12 Universal Desires:
https://healthforlifegr.com/examining-the-deepest-human-desires-charlotte-fox-weber/#:~:text=In%20her%20book%2C%20Charlotte%20Fox,have%20what%20we%20shouldn't.
8 Things People Desire But Can't Attain:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2016/05/24/the-top-8-things-people-desperately-desire-but-cant-seem-to-attain/
Blesses
Book - Georgia Douglas Johnson Poetry
Book - The Religious Sense
Movie - Deadpool and Wolverine
Book - Surprised By Joseph Holmes
Movie - The Book of Clarence
TV Shows - Agatha All Along
Thinker - Teresa of Avila
Thinker - St. John of the Cross
Book - The Cloud of Unknowing
TV Show - Bridgerton
Curses
Movie - Saturday Night
Movie - Joker: Folie à Deux
Good Cafes that serve terrible coffee
Overthinkers Team Contact and Websites:
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Strahan Coleman Links and Websites:
Thirsting: Quenching Our Soul's Deepest Desire: https://www.amazon.com/Thirsting-Quenching-Souls-Deepest-Desire/dp/0830785205
Beholding Prayer Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beholding-prayer/id1669562572
Commoners Communion: https://www.commonerscommunion.com/about
Are spiritual rhythms important in everyday life? Not just on Sundays? Joseph Holmes discusses with author and artist Douglas McKelvy his series "Every Moment Holy" about how to bring the sacred into ordinary life.
Referenced Links:
Barna Study - How liturgical are today’s American Christians? https://www.barna.com/research/liturgical-todays-christians/
Liturgy as an idol: https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/liturgy-word-god-enough/
Liturgy detached from theology: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2022/07/church-liturgy-trends-history-tradition-theology-popular/
Church makes you give more to charity: https://religionunplugged.com/news/2023/12/12/are-religious-areas-more-charitable
Frequent church attendance means better mental health: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/frequent-churchgoers-better-mental-health/
Blesses
Book - Desiring the Kingdom
Movie - Wildcat
Anime - Barakamon
Book - The Book of Common Prayer/The Daily Office
Book - Everything Sad is Untrue
Curses
Book - Living in Wonder
Book - The Daily Stoic
Overthinkers Team Contact and Websites:
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Douglas McKelvey and Every Moment Holy links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quothdouglas/?hl=en
Every Moment Holy Website: https://www.everymomentholy.com/about-the-series
Americans' number one fear is corrupt politicians. Why is that? And is that valid? We discuss fear of the government and propose solutions.
Links to Further Resources
Chapman University study of Americans’ greatest fears: https://www.chapman.edu/wilkinson/research-centers/babbie-center/survey-american-fears.aspx
Summary of implications for new US rankings in global corruption: https://foreignpolicy.com/2021/01/28/report-transparency-international-corruption-worst-decade-united-states/
Christopher Bader interview on Chapman University study: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/science/sociology-fear-uncertainty.html
Liberty of the Ancients vs the Moderns speech: https://fee.org/resources/the-liberty-of-ancients-compared-with-that-of-moderns/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwsoe5BhDiARIsAOXVoUvAN9dp6i3daV7OFgzeY5hfEwHv9JPJETxoenffgIjunKHUPd1SGBUaAj3NEALw_wcB
Federalist 51 - James Madison’s justification for our system of government in men’s natures: https://guides.loc.gov/federalist-papers/text-51-60
Blesses:
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Death of Stalin
Hamilton
Trial of the Chicago 7
Curses
The West Wing
Civil War
Don’t Look Up
Megalopolis
Overthinkers Team Contact and Websites:
The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Many Christians are worried about the phenomenon of "deconstruction". But what is "deconstruction" and is it something we should fear or embrace? Author and scholar Scot McKnight and musician and pastor Tommy Preson Phillips join to discuss their new book on deconstruction "The Invisible Jesus: A Book About Leaving the Church and Looking for Christ"
References and Resources:
Deconstruction Definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deconstruction
What Does Deconstruction Mean? https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-does-deconstruction-even-mean
How many people deconstruct? https://www.barna.com/trends/ex-christians-deconstructing/
Why We Should Not Redeem Deconstruction https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/redeem-reconstruction/
Five Reasons Young People are Deconstructing Their Faith: https://careynieuwhof.com/five-real-reasons-young-people-are-deconstructing-their-faith/
Deconstruction encounters from Pastors: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2022/07/deconstruction-faith-pastors-church-lifeway-survey/
Rise in family estrangement: https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/01/why-parents-and-kids-get-estranged/617612/
Rise of “everyone’s toxic”: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/09/toxic-person-tiktok-internet-slang-meaning/670599/
Millennials true religion: customizable beliefs, observation by Dr. Jean Twenge, author of Generations: https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/ad-fontes/generations-by-jean-m-twenge-review-and-reflections/
Blesses
WIldcat
The Great Dechurching
Mrs. Davis
Curses
First Reformed
Silence
Bonhoeffer (film)
Contact and Websites:
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Scot McKnight: https://scotmcknight.substack.com/
Tommy Preson Phillips: http://presonphillips.com/
Do we have a moral obligation to vote for the lesser of two evils? Do we have a moral obligation not to? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss in the lead up to the American presidential Election.
St. Francis advises voting for lesser of two evils, and why: https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/pope-francis-kamala-harris-donald-trump-rcna171092
History of American “Lesser of Two Evils” debates: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/lesser-of-two-evils-history-voting/
Reasons to not vote lesser of two evils:
https://www.cato.org/commentary/why-voting-lesser-two-evils-waste-vote
https://www.thedartmouth.com/article/2023/08/karty-the-lesser-of-two-evils-argument-needs-to-die
Americans disatisfied with choices: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/americans-dismayed-by-biden-trump-2024-rematch-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2024-01-25/
Federalist 51 - Why lesser of two evils thinking is built into American government:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Hamilton/01-04-02-0199#:~:text=If%20men%20were%20angels%2C%20no,on%20government%20would%20be%20necessary.
Blesses:
The Righteous Mind
Eye in the Sky
Lincoln
13 Days
Curses:
X/Twitter/Threads
God’s Not Dead: In God We Trust
Conclave
Contact and Websites:
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
What are Americans most afraid of? And what does that say about us? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss.
Top ten list for 2024:
https://www.chapman.edu/wilkinson/research-centers/babbie-center/survey-american-fears.aspx
Conversation around Americans fears: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/science/sociology-fear-uncertainty.html
Top ten list for 2014: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2014/10/30/clowns-are-twice-as-scary-to-democrats-as-they-are-to-republicans/
Blesses
The Village
Nope
Where's God When I'm Scared
It: Part One
Curses
Beau is Afraid
It: Part Two
Contact and Websites:
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
There's a rise in interest and practice of witchcraft among young people. Is that worth being concerned about? We discuss with journalist Mary Jackson.
Notes from the show:
Witchcraft definition:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/witchcraft
Witchcraft history:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/witchcraft
Mary Jackson's article on rise of witchcraft and its harms:
https://wng.org/articles/out-of-darkness-1713232697
More modern witchcraft trends
https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a42798881/magic-touch-witchcraft/
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/paganism-witchcraft-are-making-comeback-rcna54444
https://www.brandeis.edu/now/2021/september/wicca-berger-conversation.html#:~:text=It%20is%20estimated%20that%20there,approximately%20800%2C000%20Americans%20are%20Wiccans
Blesses
The Crucible
The Village
Talk to Me
The Screwtape Letters
Curses
The Witch
The Front Room
The Wicked Witch character
Contact and Websites:
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Mary Jackson at World Magazine: https://wng.org/authors/mary-jackson
Mary Jackson on X: https://x.com/mbjackson77
Do demons exist? If so, what are they like? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome New Testament Scholar, author, and demon-expert Dr. Joy Vaughan to help them navigate the world of supernatural evil on this latest episode of spooky month.
Further links:
Demon definition:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/demon
Demon history:
https://www.britannica.com/topic/angel-religion#ref410057
70% of Americans believe in The Devil:
https://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/4400922-americans-ghosts-aliens-devil-survey/
Modern day exorcism debate:
https://www.cnn.com/2017/08/04/health/exorcism-doctor/index.html
Mental health vs demonic possession in Middle Ages:
https://www.bu.edu/cas/demonic-obsession-a-different-look-at-mental-health-in-the-medieval-period/
Bless:
Movie - Interview with The Devil
Movie - The Deliverance
Book - Glimpses of The Devil
Books by Adam C. Blai
Curse
Movie - The Exorcist: Believer
Movie - The Exorcism
(Not curse - warning against) Spiritual Warfare Handbooks
Websites:
Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me
Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com
Dr. Joy Vaughan: https://www.asbury.edu/about/directory/joy-vaughan/
Everyone wants to overcome fear. But is fear ever something to embrace rather than reject? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss in their latest episode - the first of scary thinking month.
Links to referenced resources:
Fear Definition:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fear
Fear is one of our most powerful emotions:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/face-fear
Rise in anxiety:
https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/news-releases/annual-poll-adults-express-increasing-anxiousness#:~:text=Washington%2C%20D.C.,2023%20and%2032%25%20in%202022.
At least 60% have at least one unreasonable fear:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/fear
How to manage fear:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-overcome-anxiety-and-fear
How to cope with fear:
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-overcome-anxiety-and-fear
Overcome fear of failure:
https://hbr.org/2018/12/how-to-overcome-your-fear-of-failure?utm_medium=paidsearch&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=domcontent&utm_term=Non-Brand&tpcc=paidsearch.google.dsacontent&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw9Km3BhDjARIsAGUb4nwDJRKY-UqTLI2l-f2j_V2lDqJbzLPSBCH9F-rauYz0tIz42SGFOPUaAuUTEALw_wcB
Overcome fear of change:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-adaptive-mind/201809/how-overcome-the-fear-change
Fear and authoritarianism:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/jan/02/authoritarian-leaders-people-safe-voters
No fear in love:
https://www.biblegateway.com/verse/en/1%20John%204%3A18
Fear - Costs and Benefits:
https://healthcare.utah.edu/healthfeed/2022/10/fear-when-it-rational-and-when-it-unhealthy
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-fear-is-a-good-thing_b_8258746
Blesses:
Video Game: Outlast
Movie: A Quiet Place
Curses:
The Terrifier
Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Many people feel like they have to choose between science and faith. But do they really? What is the history of science and faith, and when did this supposed conflict start? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome author and scholar Dr. Spencer Klavan to discuss this topic and Klavan's new book on the subject "Light of the Mind, Light of the World.
Further Resources:
https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2015/10/22/science-and-religion-2/#:~:text=Some%2073%25%20of%20adults%20who,religion%20are%20often%20in%20conflict.
https://www.samharris.org/blog/science-must-destroy-religion
https://scienceforthechurch.org/2020/11/10/a-conversation-with-john-lennox/
Blesses
Summa Theologica
God's Undertaker
Netflix's The Three-Body Problem
Curses
The Theory of Everything
Freud's Last Session
MIxed Bless/Curse
Dark Matter
Who is therapy for? Is it only people with diagnosed mental illness? Or can anyone benefit? We discuss with mental health advocate Alyssa Plock.
Data and references:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2021/02/04/47-of-americans-believe-seeking-therapy-is-a-sign-of-weakness/
https://www.scrippsnews.com/health/75-of-americans-feel-health-care-system-handles-mental-health-worse-than-physical-poll-finds
https://kindbridge.com/mental-health/why-do-people-avoid-therapy/
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/08/psychotherapy-effective
Blesses:
Allender Center Podcast
The Place We Find Ourselves Podcast
The Sixth Sense
Ordinary People
Curses:
Shrinking
Split
Moon Knight
Extremes
Why do most people work a 9-5? And should we get rid of it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss in the latest episode of The Overthinkers.
Further reading:
History and the origin of the 9-5. https://hbr.org/2021/07/breaking-free-from-a-9-to-5-culture
Arguments against 9-5: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2021/07/25/working-9-to-5-is-an-antiquated-relic-from-the-past-and-should-be-stopped-right-now/
Remote workers aren’t as productive: https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2024-01-04/2024-year-employers-clamp-down-on-remote-work-not-so-fast#:~:text=It's%20true%20that%20widespread%20studies,be%20factors%20in%20the%20decline
Benefits of a 9-5: https://medium.com/@lester03g/5-reasons-why-its-good-to-work-9-5-d4c41df9a3ee#:~:text=Working%209%E2%80%935%20builds%20are,between%20work%20and%20personal%20life.
Some think the world is getting too many people to sustain the planet. Others warn that we don't have enough kids to care for the old people. Who's right? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite Economist Dr. Jared Pincin to discuss.
Info highlighted in episode:
World hits 8 billion people: https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2023/11/world-population-estimated-eight-billion.html#:~:text=Population%20Division%20estimates%20the%20world,billion%20on%20November%2015%2C%202022.
The overpopulation/underpopulation debate:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220905-is-the-world-overpopulated
https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/23436211/overpopulation-population-8-billion-people
Getting offended is very common today--particularly online. But is being offended off-limits for Christians? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss.
Definition of “Offended”: https://www.dictionary.com/browse/offended
Why Christians Shouldn’t Be Offended:
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/blessed-are-the-unoffendable
https://www.christianitytoday.com/karl-vaters/2016/december/im-offended-by-easily-offended-christians.html
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/scotty-smith/easily-offended-isnt-a-fruit-of-the-holy-spirit/
Christians and Charles Darwin's theory of evolution have often been at odds. But is that conflict justified? Dr. Dru Johnson, Biblical scholar and author of the book "What Hath Darwin to Do with Scripture?", walks Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson through the places where Darwin's work matches with the Biblical narrative--and where it diverges. And it's not always where you might think!
Bio of Charles Darwin: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-Darwin/Evolution-by-natural-selection-the-London-years-1836-42
We all want community today. But is community possible in a modern society that puts up so many barriers to it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by thinker and filmmaker Houston Coley to discuss.
Lack of friends today:
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/07/well/live/adult-friendships-number.html
https://nypost.com/2021/07/27/americans-have-fewer-friends-than-ever-before-study/
Health risks of loneliness:
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/nov/16/who-declares-loneliness-a-global-public-health-concern#:~:text=The%20World%20Health%20Organization%20(WHO,smoking%2015%20cigarettes%20a%20day.
Rising rates of depression correlating to loss of community:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/our-changing-culture/201510/are-mental-health-issues-the-rise
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpP7ESJ3hEQ
Joseph Holmes' review of "The Anxious Generation": https://lawliberty.org/book-review/what-the-smartphone-hath-wrought/
Is AI Dangerous? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes look at the evidence and discuss.
AI Definition: https://www.britannica.com/technology/artificial-intelligence
Why AI is Dangerous: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/heres-why-ai-may-be-extremely-dangerous-whether-its-conscious-or-not/
Why Experts Disagree: https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2024/3/13/24093357/ai-risk-extinction-forecasters-tetlock
Is watching the news necessary to stay informed, or bad for your mental health? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
Growing number of people avoiding the news: https://www.washingtonpost.com/media/2023/08/01/news-avoid-depressing/
Media confidence reaches new low: https://news.gallup.com/poll/512861/media-confidence-matches-2016-record-low.aspx
News mental health harms: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2022/11/strain-media-overload
Where and how often people get their news: https://www.statista.com/statistics/717651/most-popular-news-platforms/#:~:text=A%20survey%20on%20news%20consumption,content%20in%20the%20last%20year.
Frequency of news consuption: https://www.statista.com/statistics/946580/network-news-usage-frequency/#:~:text=The%20findings%20of%20a%20study,news%20on%20a%20daily%20basis.
Why You Should Quit the News: https://markmanson.net/why-you-should-quit-the-news
Benefits and harms of watching news: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/a-global-lens/202302/is-the-news-harming-or-helping-your-psychological-health
For an idea so often discussed and debated, tolerance is a relatively recent virtue. Why did it become so popular? And is it overrated? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss.
Merriam Webster definition of Tolerance: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tolerance
History of the virtue of tolerance: https://iep.utm.edu/tolerati/#H2
Popper’s Paradox of Tolerance: https://www.freiheit.org/mexico/limits-tolerance-poppers-paradox#:~:text=In%20practical%20terms%2C%20Popper%20tells,should%20be%20admitted%20without%20limits.
Criticism of Popper’s Paradox: https://markmanson.net/the-paradox-of-tolerance
Tolerance is Not a Virtue: https://www.equip.org/articles/is-tolerance-a-virtue/
"Nepo Babies" is a term that's grown in popularity in the 2020s. But what is it really about? And is it a problem? Nathan and Joseph discuss what Nepo Babies are, what they mean in the context of the modern world, and what we should do about it.
What is a Nepo Baby?: https://www.vulture.com/article/what-is-a-nepotism-baby.html
Nepo Baby Denials of Nepo-Babyness: https://balleralert.com/profiles/blogs/saweetie-shuts-down-nepo-baby-narrative
-i-worked-hard-for-everything/
Nepo Baby discourse is sexist: https://www.vulture.com/article/what-is-a-nepotism-baby.html
So many people do everything right and still feel like a failure in life. Why does that happen? And how do you fix it? We discuss.
1 in 4 men feel like failures: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/one-in-four-men-feel-like-failures-survey-finds/news-story/548fc822a127c3c71570351fb59661d2
What is adulting? https://time.com/4361866/adulting-definition-meaning/
What is a quarter-life crisis: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tessbrigham/2022/06/07/signs-youre-having-a-quarter-life-crisis-and-what-to-do-about-it/
Rising depression rates: https://news.gallup.com/poll/505745/depression-rates-reach-new-highs.aspx
What does it mean to "make a house a home" and why is focusing on the home making a comeback? Mrs. Sally Clarkson brings
Romanticize Your Life Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/should-you-romanticize-your-life-with-keelia-clarkson/id1510271421?i=1000640843163
Homesteading Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/should-we-move-to-a-cabin-in-the-woods/id1510271421?i=1000629895281
Industrial Revolution’s effect on the home: https://amazon.com/Toxic-War-Masculinity-Christianity-Reconciles/dp/0801075734
Rise in popularity of "work from home": https://www.usnews.com/news/economy/articles/2024-01-25/remote-work-has-radically-changed-the-economy-and-its-here-to-stay#:~:text=Today%2C%20remote%20work%20has%20declined,degree%20is%20close%20to%20half.
Health benefits of a healthy home: https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/mental-health-clean-home/
What is the difference between equity and equality? And which is more important? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
Equity vs Equality definitions:
Merriam Webster:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/equality-vs-equity-difference
George Washington University: https://onlinepublichealth.gwu.edu/resources/equity-vs-equality/
How does one reach this new generation with the truth of Christianity? We discuss with authors Daniel and Michael Blackaby.
Links for more info:
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/09/13/how-u-s-religious-composition-has-changed-in-recent-decades/
https://news.gallup.com/opinion/polling-matters/406544/slowdown-rise-religious-nones.aspx
https://religionunplugged.com/news/2023/10/24/the-great-dechurching-a-must-read-game-changer-on-church-decline
Nihilism is arguably the most influential philosophy today. But what is it? And what are its strengths and weaknesses? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
Definition of nihilism: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nihilism
History of nihilsim: https://iep.utm.edu/nihilism/
Dan Harmon on the meaning of life: https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/rick-and-morty-creator-dan-harmon-questions-the-meaning-of-life/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2MMiknhSIg8TtWV-1oAZdbIXpEpCTcTj1cj_EV47Keo4DNuxrCMDr4ltc_aem_AedPUaHDe4f2treHXcTmknQ_2xXCOdlxJJrNyqrf9gxfci9xB08OawZpTPA8sCIKQsEEmO4o10L7DKdrJDme73BH
“"Do I agree with Rick that nothing means anything? No I do not," Harmon said. "Because the knowledge that nothing matters, while accurate, gets you nowhere. The planet is dying, the sun is exploding, the universe is cooling, nothing's gonna matter; the further back you pull the more that truth will endure. But when you zoom in on Earth, when you zoom in to a family, when you zoom into a human brain and a childhood and experience, you see all these things that matter."
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes invite Producer and theologian Lou Giovino back on the show to discuss whether people are fundamentally good or evil, and what that means.
Links to further resources below.
Pope Francis Interview: https://x.com/60Minutes/status/1792337978313802225
Pope Francis Controversy: https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/may/20/pope-francis-tells-cbs-norah-odonnell-that-all-peo/
Are we born evil or good controversy: https://bigthink.com/thinking/are-we-born-evil/
Richard Dawkins on awfulness of original sin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QkZ8_mLCoA&ab_channel=AlexO%27Connor
Richard Trembly on violence of two-year-old males: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjUnWvP0A2E&ab_channel=JordanBPetersonClips
Psychology of serial killers: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/10/what-makes-a-serial-killer
Does mental illness not exist like some people suggest? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss why some people think mental illness is a myth and how to best love people in your life who struggle with mental health problems.
Links to resources for further overthinking:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mental%20illness(definition)
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/05/mental-health-survey
https://www.christianpost.com/news/john-macarthur-criticized-for-claiming-mental-illness-isnt-real.html (John McCarthur Story)
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness
(Percentage of people struggling with mental illness.)
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4409431/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7310534/ (scuicide ideation remains same across religious and non, but not attempts)
https://religionunplugged.com/news/2024/1/8/political-ideology-religious-attendance-and-mental-illness (rates of mental illness between religious/non conservative/liberal)
https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/what-does-an-ocd-brain-look-like/ (OCD brain scans)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4615598/ (Vagus Nerve)https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mental-illness/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374974 (can you cure mental illness)https://anthemofhope.org/ (Christian mental illness help)
What is the right balance between self sacrifice and self care? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss:
Links to further reading:
https://medium.com/@treadmilltreats/sacrificing-your-own-happiness-for-another-person-cc7abdc6907f
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/fulfillment-any-age/202012/how-much-are-you-willing-sacrifice-your-relationship
Why is the literary group started by CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien--The Inklings--still so popular to this day? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss with celebrated artist and author John Hendrix.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk to author and speaker Aimee Byrd about how a religious person can be hurt by their religious community and still retain their faith.
Link to Aimee's new book: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Our-Scars-Underground-Disillusionment-ebook/dp/B0CKMV7KSZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2Y78GY0Y0Q6CM&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.2g9EJek-Lr6o71G4nskD35Fh3mv78ZGrP0rWYtwp7fU.f5rU7fPTwkQfLTiNNrck414wBv_zljkMZX_KPVr6akk&dib_tag=se&keywords=aimee+byrd+the+hope+in+our+scars&qid=1715572564&sprefix=aimee+byrd%2Caps%2C232&sr=8-1
Links for further discussion from the episode:
https://www.npr.org/2024/01/24/1226371734/religious-nones-are-now-the-largest-single-group-in-the-u-s
https://www.breakpoint.org/why-conservative-christian-men-make-good-husbands/
https://www.wsj.com/articles/does-religion-make-people-more-ethical-11650468288
https://www.wsj.com/health/wellness/church-religion-mental-health-479d612a
Is it ever good to be patriotic? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite on Biblical Scholar, author, and podcast host, Dr. Preston Sprinkle to discuss when patriotism crosses the line into harm.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/patriotism-sociology
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/07/patriotism-nationalism-happiness/619325/
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2024/march-web-only/politics-bible-based-preston-sprinkle-exiles-review.html
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes tackle the topic of celebrity crushes. Are they harmless? Or potentially bad for you?
It's our 200th episode! We bring both Nathans back together to discuss how you can make (and keep) friends as an adult.
Links for more info:
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/americans-fewer-friends-survey-b1890794.html
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/researchers-find-strong-relationships-protect-long-term-health-and-happiness#:~:text=But%20the%20longest%20running%20study,healthy%20in%20the%20long%20term.
https://fortune.com/well/2023/06/15/loneliness-comparable-to-smoking-up-to-15-cigarettes-a-day/
Do miracles happen today? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk to Dr. Craig Keener, author of the book "Miracles Today", to discuss whether miracles are real and answer modern objections.
Link to more resources:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/miracle
So many creative people wrestle with whether to choose financial security, or their artistic dreams. But why should you have to choose? And how do you know what to choose? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss the trade-offs.
Links:
https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/what-is-financial-security/#:~:text=Quick%20Answer,clear%20of%20high%2Dinterest%20debt.
https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2004/12/05/part-2-findings-from-the-artist-callback-survey/
A growing number of people in The West are abandoning church, reinventing church, and saying we need to come back to church. But what even is church? We discuss with Anglican minister Father Astor on our latest episode.
Links to further resources:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/origin-nature-church/
https://www.catholic.com/audio/sp/the-true-meaning-of-the-word-church
https://www.simplycatholic.com/what-we-believe-what-is-the-church/
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/who-is-the-church
https://www.graphsaboutreligion.com/p/is-anyone-going-to-church-more-now#:~:text=The%20most%20recent%20estimate%20comes,MILLION%20between%202008%20and%202022.
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2018/08/01/why-americans-go-to-religious-services/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/americans-christians-dont-go-church-must/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/08/21/leaving-christianity-religion-church-community/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/church-increases-generosity/
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/psychiatry-needs-to-get-right-with-god/#:~:text=Yet%20the%20only%20group%20to,42%20percent%20one%20year%20ago.
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/review/the-toxic-war-on-masculinity/
Should you live more by reason or by faith? Two overthinking Christians--Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes--give their answer.
Link to resources:
https://academic.oup.com/book/38895/chapter-abstract/338046901?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome author and law professor Dr. John Inazu to discuss his new book "Learning to Disagree: The Surprising Path to Navigating Differences with Empathy and Respect", and how we can learn to live and love across difference in a very divided time.
Links to further reading:
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/06/19/public-highly-critical-of-state-of-political-discourse-in-the-u-s/
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2014/06/12/political-polarization-in-the-american-public/
https://academic.oup.com/psq/article/138/3/361/7192889
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/09/toxic-person-tiktok-internet-slang-meaning/670599/
https://www.economist.com/the-economist-explains/2021/10/05/is-political-polarisation-in-america-really-rising?utm_medium=cpc.adword.pd&utm_source=google&ppccampaignID=17210591673&ppcadID=&utm_campaign=a.22brand_pmax&utm_content=conversion.direct-response.anonymous&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxaCvBhBaEiwAvsLmWKutu5cpatSnt-JDHO96RsLTUPtJLvrNgYHhaeYekLLWeneAzOh1fxoCRqIQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
How do the metaphors we use to describe ourselves and our world shape us--for good and ill? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes bring back author Dr. Joy Clarkson to discuss the limits of how we describe ourselves in the modern world and what metaphors we should add to our vocabulary.
Some filmmakers are claiming that blockbusters are dumbing down audiences so that they can't appreciate better, more challenging movies. But is that true? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on film critic Jillian Schroeder to discuss on this latest episode.
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/04/opinion/martin-scorsese-marvel.html
https://variety.com/2019/film/news/martin-scorsese-marvel-theme-parks-1203360075/
https://www.flavorwire.com/492985/how-the-death-of-mid-budget-cinema-left-a-generation-of-iconic-filmmakers-mia
Many single people find themselves ashamed of their singleness. But is being single always a bad thing? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson--a single and a married man--discuss.
External links:
https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/more-americans-are-choosing-to-stay-single/
Everyone agrees that dating is more difficult and ever. So how do you find a spouse if you want one? Resident happily married couple Nathan and Keelia Clarkson tell their story to resident single Joseph Holmes and give great tips for all the singles out there on this latest episode.
https://www.forbes.com/health/dating/dating-statistics/#:~:text=Data%20from%20Pew%20Research%20Center%20has%20found%20that%2047%25%20of,survey%20by%20The%20Harris%20Poll.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2017/09/14/as-u-s-marriage-rate-hovers-at-50-education-gap-in-marital-status-widens
https://www.cnbc.com/video/2023/07/19/why-are-people-not-getting-married-anymore.html#:~:text=In%20the%20U.S.%2C%20marriage%20has,at%20the%20University%20of%20Virginia.
https://ifstudies.org/blog/money-is-not-the-main-reason-why-americans-who-desire-marriage-remain-single
More people are dating outside their faith today and fewer people are dating outside their politics. Is this a good thing? What should be a deal breaker when it comes to beliefs? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
As fewer people are getting married, many people are arguing that single people are happier than married people. But is that true? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson interview sociologist and author Dr. Brad Wilcox on this deeply relevant topic.
Nathan Clarrkson and Joseph Holmes take on one of the most popular pieces of advice today and unpack whether it's actually good advice--and when.
What is art and what is it for? And why does that question even matter? By request, Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson tackle with one of the most difficult questions yet.
Links to other resources:
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/art-definition/
https://www.britannica.com/art/visual-arts
Who are the most iconic and influential people of the past 20 years? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes put forward and explain the people who they think shaped the way we think about the world?
"Romanticize your life" is a social media trend that has swept the internet. But what does it mean? And is it problematic? Keelia Clarkson joins Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes to discuss.
Our culture constantly gives us mixed messages about whether we live our best life by dreaming big and chasing those dreams or by being content whatever our circumstances. So which is it? We discuss on our first episode of the new year!
Links to resources:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jodiecook/2020/06/01/dream-bigger/?fbclid=IwAR3ulZkJsYLXM0IQ1kFStJ3StW9J-J-B3i-V9QbZ9It8pUG7I21cvh7rtP4&sh=135b3ebe100e
https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/the-weight-ing-game/202206/what-are-we-teaching-children-about-their-life-s-dreams
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/201112/dont-dream-big%3famp
ttps://tifwe.org/three-reasons-you-shouldnt-be-content/
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/be-content-with-what-you-have
https://twitter.com/ChrisWillx/status/1668644275209248769
https://joycemeyer.org/everydayanswers/ea-teachings/how-to-be-content?fbclid=IwAR0eMLDSWEg7CR-IJE8urGCbDZI6JzbOGLGVItPUchqS1xoZYBkV_quRIo0
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-politicization-of-motherhood-1509144044
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/15/parenting/baby/fatherhood-mens-bodies.html
What is the true spirit of Christmas? How do we define it? We discuss this and more on 2023's annual Christmas episode.
https://www.history.com/topics/christmas/history-of-christmas
https://www.statista.com/topics/3216/national-holidays-in-the-us/#topicOverview
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/09/13/how-u-s-religious-composition-has-changed-in-recent-decades/
Is gratitude important? Surprisingly that's a controversial question. But even if it is important, how does one practice it? Joseph and Nathan discuss.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/11/24/gratitude-giving-thanks/
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-expressing-gratitude-improve-health#:~:text=Studies%20have%20shown%20that%20feeling,pain%20and%20risk%20of%20disease.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/08/well/mind/gratitude-health-benefits.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anger-in-the-age-entitlement/202202/why-americans-are-frustrated-entitled-and-judgmental
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-homework-myth/201807/the-overselling-gratitude
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-happy-life/202008/why-it-feels-the-end-the-world-even-when-its-not
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite on author and filmmaker Brock Heasley to discuss how to deal with suffering in a way that makes us better rather than worse. Along the way they discuss Brock Heasley's new faith-based sci-fi film "The Shift", and all three of our own journeys with profound suffering.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/meditation-modern-life/201410/the-three-ways-we-deal-or-not-suffering
So many people struggle with finding the balance between being nice and being honest. How do you find that balance? Nathan and Joseph break down their thoughts and their experiences with this very relevant issue, and of course, bring the data.
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2022/12/do-real-friends-tell-truth-confrontation/672437/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/childhood-emotional-neglect/202211/beware-brutal-honesty-it-may-be-sign-toxic-person
https://qz.com/work/1402692/researchers-find-we-routinely-overestimate-how-much-honesty-hurts
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/09/180919133003.htm
We live in a complex world that requires specialized knowledge in order to live in, whether it's science, medicine, technology, psychology, and whatever else. And yet, a growing number of people are losing trust in experts to give them reliable information in their areas of expertise. But is this lack of trust misplaced? And what is the alternative? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2022/02/15/americans-trust-in-scientists-other-groups-declines/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/09/06/teachers-trust-history-lgbtq-culture-war/
https://news.gallup.com/poll/403166/americans-trust-media-remains-near-record-low.aspx#:~:text=The%20percentage%20of%20Americans%20with%20a%20great%20deal%20or%20fair,has%20averaged%2042%25%20since%202004.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/508352/americans-confidence-higher-education-down-sharply.aspx
https://www.levelshealth.com/blog/how-and-why-the-food-pyramid-diet-recommendations-changed
With more and more people cutting out friends and family for being "toxic", Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss when we should or shouldn't make the decision to axe a relationship.
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/09/toxic-person-tiktok-internet-slang-meaning/670599/
https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/01/why-parents-and-kids-get-estranged/617612/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/advice-family-estrangement-politics_l_6369630ee4b0eb51ab13079a
https://jonathanhaidt.substack.com/p/mental-health-liberal-girls
Every culture and time has believed in witches and witchcraft, and each time and place has disagreed on whether they're evil or good. But is witchcraft real? And if so, is it harmful? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss and debate this topic just in time for Halloween!
Links to info on this topic:
https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/2022/10/15/witchcraft-meaning-types-history/8191168001/
https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/history-of-witches
https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/paganism-witchcraft-are-making-comeback-rcna54444
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/kat-von-d-gets-baptised-143221536.html?fr=yhssrp_catchall
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/feb/16/witchcraft-most-benign-silly-religion
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/03/witchcraft-juliet-diaz/605518/?fbclid=IwAR3q_nP1OlAylwclgXlQnhBFxWQ4BVc5ZQBBVR6tt6QswBhYWanqhlFeETc
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66992504
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-you-should-know-about-wicca-and-modern-witchcraft/
https://africa.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-to-understand-and-dispel-the-fear-of-witchcraft/
https://africa.thegospelcoalition.org/article/please-dont-meddle-with-witchcraft/
Is watching harmful things like violence or terror bad for us? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on film critic Tyler Smith to discuss.
Click the link below to donate to Tyler Smith's family during his time of illness.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-tyler-smith-and-family?member=21781955&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
Check out these links for further reading:
https://www.apa.org/pi/prevent-violence/resources/tv-violence#:~:text=While%20media%20violence%20exposure%20may%20have%20short-term%20effects,development%20of%20aggressive%20and%20violent%20behavior%20in%20adulthood.
https://fightthenewdrug.org/
https://www.history.com/news/kkk-birth-of-a-nation-film
https://faithlifetv.com/reel-redemption
A growing number of Christians are convinced that supposed alien sightings are actually demons in disguise. What evidence is there for that? Is it convincing? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson weigh in as spooky month continues!
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss the good and bad of true crime and how you know if your love of true crime might be problematic.
https://today.yougov.com/entertainment/articles/43762-half-of-americans-enjoy-true-crime-yougov-poll?redirect_from=%2Ftopics%2Fentertainment%2Farticles-reports%2F2022%2F09%2F14%2Fhalf-of-americans-enjoy-true-crime-yougov-poll
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/28/opinion/true-crime-petito.html
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/psychological-effects-of-watching-crime-shows/
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/psychologist-warns-watching-true-crime-30268448
Should we leave society and move to a cabin in the woods? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss whether packing up and leaving society is really the best solution to our problems.
CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien were giants of fantasy literature and Christian thought. So why haven't there been others like them since? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite cultural apologist Annie Crawford to discuss the conditions that created Lewis and Tolkien and how we can create those conditions again.
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes welcome on celebrated author Amanda Dykes to discuss why we seem so embarrassed to read fiction and why that's a mistake.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/sep/17/us-losing-appetite-for-reading-fiction-research-finds#:~:text=But%20novels%20and%20short%2Dstory,24%2Dyear%2Dolds%E2%80%9D.
https://news.gallup.com/poll/388541/americans-reading-fewer-books-past.aspx
https://markmanson.net/read-fiction
https://hbr.org/2020/03/the-case-for-reading-fiction
People tend to either think that pop culture is harmful or that it doesn't matter. But is pop culture more important than we think? And might it be a positive force for good? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on author and culture critic Dr. Daniel Blackaby to discuss.
Times of India
Are young people of a society more influenced by pop culture?
Rohit Chowdhury
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/areyoungpeopleofasocietymoreinfluencedabypopculture/are-young-people-of-a-society-more-influenced-by-pop-culture-50519/
New York Times
Americans Despair of Popular Culture
https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/20/movies/americans-despair-of-popular-culture.html
Welcome to the Era of Unapologetic Bad Taste
Judy Berman
https://time.com/6176272/bad-taste-pop-culture-summer-2022/
Why do men go to church so much less than women do? We bring on men's coach and filmmaker Jesse Dvorak to discuss why church isn't working for men and what to do about it.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2018/04/06/christian-women-in-the-u-s-are-more-religious-than-their-male-counterparts/
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes talk to writer and podcast host of "The Wallflower Journal" and "Dear Wallflower" about why women seem to be having an identity crisis that nobody is talking about.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4478054/
https://www.cnn.com/2016/06/08/health/women-anxiety-disorders/index.html
Everyone's talking about AI. Is it something we should be scared of? If so, what should we be scared of about it? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss.
https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence
https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/10/31/should-we-be-afraid-of-ai/?sh=2b90d8274331
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/06/youre-right-to-be-scared-of-ai-white-house-advisor-ivy-league-expert.html#:~:text=Among%20the%20other%20concerns%3A%20AI,countless%20human%20jobs%20to%20machines
It's one of the most famous paradoxes in history. But is it really that big a deal? And what's the answer? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson answer the omniscience paradox on this latest episode.
https://www.ibm.com/topics/artificial-intelligence
https://www.forbes.com/sites/cognitiveworld/2019/10/31/should-we-be-afraid-of-ai/?sh=2b90d8274331
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/05/06/youre-right-to-be-scared-of-ai-white-house-advisor-ivy-league-expert.html#:~:text=Among%20the%20other%20concerns%3A%20AI,countless%20human%20jobs%20to%20machines.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/weekly-standard/thiel-on-being-too-risk-adverse-whether-to-fear-ai-and-the-limits-of-globalization
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss how society defines success and how we could or should define it differently.
Dictionary
https://www.dictionary.com/browse/success
The moral consequences of teleological beliefs about the human species
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2023-92110-001?fbclid=IwAR0gIv8NdbnL9jl92aRi5K3_s1zB6xaRXND_MsX47o-bDC-1xRJTF-sv-k8
‘Is This It?’ When Success Isn’t Satisfying
https://www.wsj.com/articles/is-this-it-when-success-isnt-satisfying-6fbd62f1?mod=WSJ_ACQ_NA_META_US_CONTENT_DPA_PAID&fbclid=IwAR25IDvxHUlgl0Cb8k0FwcU68X1AbHsP09KRUAk9NqvBdGx9RjGiM-i0E_w
The Triumph of Coming in Third
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/06/winning-third-place-competition-effort-happiness/674489/
Teleology
https://www.britannica.com/topic/teleology
Salary Makes You Happier… to a certain point.
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/03/28/how-your-salary-affects-happiness.html#:~:text=Psychologists%20have%20long%20agreed%20more,even%20if%20your%20income%20increases.
Why do we feel uncomfortable with preachers having lots of money? Is there something wrong with pastors having expensive things? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes bring on Ben Kirby--author and man behind the viral "preachers and sneakers" account--on this latest episode.
History of prosperity gospel: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/what-you-should-know-about-the-prosperity-gospel/
Does The Bible have anything to say about conspiracy theories for the church? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on biblical scholar Dr. Dru Johnson to discuss.
https://www.businessinsider.com/pastors-quit-after-qanon-radicalize-congregation-2021-3
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-03-03/la-na-church-qanon-conspiracy-theories
https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2019/december/jesus-cares-about-your-conspiracy-theory.html
Forgiveness is one of the most most difficult values our culture aspires to. But what is it and how do we do it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by author and forgiveness expert Karen Laing on this latest episode.
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/forgiveness
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/forgiveness/#TheoForg
https://ndpr.nd.edu/reviews/before-forgiveness-the-origin-of-a-moral-idea/
Is beauty just in the eye of the beholder? Or is there some objectivity in what beauty is? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss the science and philosophy of beauty on this latest episode.
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/beauty/
https://www.philosophytalk.org/blog/beautiful-and-metaphysics-beauty#:~:text=The%20word%20%E2%80%9Cbeauty%E2%80%9D%20(and,It%20can%20work%20both%20ways.
The psychology of awe - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/natured-nurture/202207/the-awesome-psychology-awe
What is envy? Why do we all agree it's bad, and how do we overcome it? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss on this latest episode.
Article Links:
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/envy
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-files/201510/envy
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/anxiety-files/201511/coping-your-envy-turning-envy-its-head
Why don't Millennials and Zoomers feel like adults even though they are? Nathan Sherrer joins the show once again to discuss.
Articles mentioned in the episode:
https://time.com/4361866/adulting-definition-meaning/
https://www.npr.org/2022/06/11/1104056661/disney-adults
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2021/sep/23/economy-millennials-children-low-birthrate
https://aninjusticemag.com/understanding-our-queer-obsession-with-childish-things-9aede4c1f418
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/05/millennial-generation-financial-issues-income-homeowners/673485/
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/05/070501112023.htm?fbclid=IwAR3PHASAEgSzEFOHFzPt9XWHS-c3TJuwtl1Zi579Lg42nsPg-cmD4Q63Zno
What do we as a culture get wrong when it comes to discussing race? Are colorblind advocates and antiracism advocates missing something to have productive racial discussions? If not, why aren't we making any progress? Sociologist and author Dr. George Yancey joins Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson to discuss a new approach to racial conversations that he believes will help make real racial progress.
https://www.newsweek.com/race-relations-gotten-worse-1960s-30-percent-americans-say-poll-1078690
https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2021/08/12/deep-divisions-in-americans-views-of-nations-racial-history-and-how-to-address-it/
Are younger generations getting more sensitive? Or is that just a myth that older generations perpetuate? And if they are, why, and what can we do about it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
Some articles referenced in this show:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jerry-seinfeld-college-politically-correct-racism-sexism_n_7534978
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/kids-today-are-being-socialized-to-think-theyre-fragile-snowflakes/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvrMNDv6iYU&ab_channel=BigThink
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/jerry-seinfeld-politcally-correct-college-student_b_7540878
https://www.forbes.com/sites/vickiphillips/2023/01/24/gen-z-hopeless-or-hopeful/?sh=5e61f28910f9
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpP7ESJ3hEQ&t=2465s&ab_channel=ChrisWilliamson
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/03/the-nuclear-family-was-a-mistake/605536/
https://www.psypost.org/2023/05/over-emphasis-on-safety-means-kids-are-becoming-more-anxious-and-less-resilient-163240?utm_source=PsyPost+Newsletter&utm_campaign=0798682eac-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_a44dd6ef29-0798682eac-127478861
Abortion is one of the most controversial issues in America right now. Typically the controversy is framed as disagreements about whether to prioritize the needs of the child (if one believes the fetus is a child) or the mother. But a growing part of the debate is about whether abortion is even good for the mother. Author and scholar Dr. Erika Bachiochi joins Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson to discuss new paradigms by which to think about the dignity of women in society, and how abortion might make a true feminist society that much harder.
Ethics and Public Policy Center: We Must Acknowledge That Abortion Harms Women:
https://eppc.org/publication/we-must-acknowledge-that-abortion-harms-women/
https://www.nationalreview.com/2022/06/we-must-acknowledge-that-abortion-harms-women/
Lifesite News: Abortion is Bad For Women’s Health, Here’s Why
https://www.lifesitenews.com/opinion/why-abortion-is-bad-for-womens-health/
Can words change reality? Or are words just labels we put on things. We talk to translator and philosopher Matas Gelezauskas on this latest episode.
https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/7246-the-basic-tool-for-the-manipulation-of-reality-is-the#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20basic%20tool%20for%20the%20manipulation%20of%20reality%20is%20the,people%20who%20must%20use%20them.%E2%80%9D
https://psychcentral.com/blog/words-can-change-your-brain
https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-blue-and-how-do-we-see-color-2015-2
Is morality subjective or objective? If subjective, why do we intuitively think it's objective? If objective, why don't we agree on it? We invite cultural apologist Dr. Zak Schmoll to discuss on this latest episode.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/morality
https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/moral-relativism/
https://medium.com/writers-blokke/is-morality-subjective-or-objective-953193b78601
Gun violence is all too common in America. And conversations around them are all to commonly toxic. How do we think better about having conversations around guns? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes give it the old college try.
List of mass shootings: https://www.axios.com/2017/12/15/deadliest-mass-shootings-modern-us-history
General facts about guns in America: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/09/13/key-facts-about-americans-and-guns/
General facts about gun deaths in America: https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/
UK has twice the violent crime as US: https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2013/jun/24/blog-posting/social-media-post-says-uk-has-far-higher-violent-c/#:~:text=For%20England%20and%20Wales%2C%20we%20added%20together%20three,rate%20of%20775%20violent%20crimes%20per%20100%2C000%20people.
Australia/did not experience drops in gun deaths that could be attributed to their buybacks and bans https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/i-used-to-think-gun-control-was-the-answer-my-research-told-me-otherwise/2017/10/03/d33edca6-a851-11e7-92d1-58c702d2d975_story.html
90s Assault Weapons Ban didn’t work: https://www.propublica.org/article/fact-checking-feinstein-on-the-assault-weapons-ban
States with least gun control laws often have highest gun violence: https://www.statista.com/statistics/200445/reported-violent-crime-rate-in-the-us-states/
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/these-states-have-the-highest-rates-of-gun-violence-and-deaths#Heres-where-gun-violence-is-the-highest-in-the-U.S.
Gun control advocate and statistician Leah Libresco switches positions to be against it. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/i-used-to-think-gun-control-was-the-answer-my-research-told-me-otherwise/2017/10/03/d33edca6-a851-11e7-92d1-58c702d2d975_story.html
States like Vermont which have lowest gun violence also have lowest gun regulations: https://www.nationalreview.com/corner/vermont-safe-and-happy-and-armed-teeth-charles-c-w-cooke/
Gun sales went up during 2020 protests and riots: https://www.npr.org/2020/07/16/891608244/protests-and-pandemic-spark-record-gun-sales
Over half of gun deaths are suicide. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/
Mash shootings have gone from three per year in 2000 to 40 a year in 2020. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/02/03/what-the-data-says-about-gun-deaths-in-the-u-s/
Are guns used in self-defense?: https://www.npr.org/2018/04/13/602143823/how-often-do-people-use-guns-in-self-defense
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/firearms/fastfact.html
https://www.forbes.com/sites/paulhsieh/2018/04/30/that-time-the-cdc-asked-about-defensive-gun-uses/?sh=bd10946299aa
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/oct/5/guns-used-more-for-self-defense-than-crimes/
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-01-31/gun-defense-myth
Young people now more likely to do mass shootings. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/06/02/us/politics/mass-shootings-young-men-guns.html
Gun show loophole is kinda true, kinda not: https://www.businessinsider.com/gun-show-loophole-biden-remarks-spur-conservative-fact-checks-2021-4
Norway and Finland have similar rates of gun ownership but are among the safest places:
https://theconversation.com/us-shootings-norway-and-finland-have-similar-levels-of-gun-ownership-but-far-less-gun-crime-183933
Handgunst most commonly used for mass shootings: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2022/07/12/mass-shootings-weapons-legal-what-to-know/7814081001/
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss why the multiverse is everywhere in pop culture nowadays--from blockbusters to TV to even Oscar Best Picture winners--and what it says about modern society.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/multiverse
https://www.space.com/why-is-the-multiverse-so-popular-in-sci-fi
https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20220425-doctor-strange-and-the-historical-roots-of-the-multiverse
Vegans are widely both celebrated and made fun of in modern society. But what is veganism? Should we all be vegans? Writer, podcast host, and adjunct theology professor Jessica Schroeder joins Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes to discuss her vegan journey, and wrestle with the dietary, ethical and theological reasons one might advocate for veganism.
A Brief History of Veganism: https://time.com/3958070/history-of-veganism/
History of Veganism: https://genv.org/history-of-veganism/
Veganism Might Not Be the Most Sustainable Diet: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2022/08/meat-veganism-climate-change-agriculture-environment/671200/
Eden + Me: https://edenandme.com/
This Real Journey: http://thisrealjourney.com
Jessica's IG: https://www.instagram.com/jessicajschroeder/
@jessicajschroeder
The Proof podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-proof-with-simon-hill/id1367773989
How do you build a community of creatives who can change the world? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on Nathan Sherrer to discuss how world-shaping communities like CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien's The Inklings (and The Overthinkers?) got started and can be maintained.
LInks to articles referenced in the episode:
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/why-americans-are-lonelier-and-its-effects-on-our-health
https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/11/23/americans-alone-thanksgiving-friends/
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/02/america-social-recession-less-friends-sex-mental-health
Is religion on balance more good or bad for the world? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by religion reporter Meagan Saliashvili to discuss.
Everyone's talking about revivals today. But are revivals real? And if they are, are they overrated? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson give their unorthodox takes on this controversial episode.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2023/02/christianity-secularization-america-renewal-modernity/672948/
https://time.com/6258703/asbury-christian-revival-america-connection/
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/9-things-revivals-america/
https://hebraicthought.org/asbury-revival-biblically-informed-pentecostal/
https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2022/09/13/modeling-the-future-of-religion-in-america/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yk3EE3wxO0c&t=511s&ab_channel=PremierUnbelievable%3F
https://religionunplugged.com/news/2023/2/21/jesus-revolution-gives-an-unhelpful-vision-for-revival
Why is Jesus so popular that he is beloved by everyone, even those who aren't Christians or belong to rival faiths? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome back showrunner behind "The Chosen" Dallas Jenkins to discuss this question and many more.
What determines the quality of a movie? Or is all artistic quality subjective? We bring on defender of movie quality Kevin McCreary on The Overthinkers show.
Rogerebert.com’s Much More Than The Movies - The Best of Rogers Journals
https://www.rogerebert.com/features/much-more-than-movies-the-best-of-rogers-journal#:~:text=Roger%20writes%2C%20%E2%80%9CIf%20I%20have,That's%20what%20it%20does%20best.%E2%80%9D
What Makes A Film Great
By Simon Dillon
https://medium.com/fan-fare/what-makes-a-film-great-f208de3f03a5
In Depth Cine
https://www.indepthcine.com/videos/what-makes-a-movie-great
Dead Poet’s Society Is A Terrible Defense of The Humanities
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/02/-em-dead-poets-society-em-is-a-terrible-defense-of-the-humanities/283853/
In Defense of the Pritchard Scale
https://integraphy.co/in-defense-of-the-pritchard-scale/
There's a lot of debate around the topic of Christian/faith-based films. But what is even a Christian film? And have we artificially limited what a Chrisitan film can be? Christian filmmaker Ben "Ironside" Koppin joins The Overthinkers to discuss this important topic and encourage a better path forward for Christian filmmaking.
Are there lines artists shouldn't cross when it comes to the content they create? Can art be too violent? Too sexual? Is there a line where art can cause harm? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes welcome back award-winning director and producer Spencer Folmar to find that line in this latest episode.
Video Games Don’t Cause Violence
https://www.theguardian.com/games/2020/jul/22/playing-video-games-doesnt-lead-to-violent-behaviour-study-shows
Harms of Porn:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170926-is-porn-harmful-the-evidence-the-myths-and-the-unknowns
Harms of Movie Violence
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-baby-scientist/201801/violent-media-and-aggressive-behavior-in-children
https://oxfordre.com/criminology/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190264079.001.0001/acrefore-9780190264079-e-189;jsessionid=CF7391319EEDCB072410BB4C7AD9E649
Representation
https://www.vice.com/en/article/zmwq3x/why-diversity-on-screen-is-important-black-panther
How do you make movies that have a good message but are still entertaining? We bring on filmmaker Craig Lamar Brown to discuss.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss whether we are living in a dystopian society or if the world is really better than we think it is.
Check out Joseph Holmes' article in Relevant Magazine on this topic here:
https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/why-does-hollywood-think-we-live-in-a-dystopia/
What is "hook-up culture" and why is it so controversial? We chat with beloved author and podcast host Kat Harris about the good, the bad, and the ugly of casual sex in relationships.
References in episode:https://www.apa.org/monitor/2013/02/ce-cornerhttps://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/10/sexual-partners-and-marital-happiness/573493/?utm_campaign=the-atlantic&utm_content=true-anthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook&fbclid=IwAR3OlM7br8k2CKPpKDEdceYPmAHBqf221a5szkkFcl66MfeEWjuVwrFLgMw
If you're having relationship troubles, how do you know if you should break up with someone or stick it out? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson give their takes.
Articles mentioned in the episode:
ttps://www.google.com/amp/s/www.insider.com/why-do-breakups-hurt-so-much-2019-2%3famp
https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/08/20/key-takeaways-on-americans-views-of-and-experiences-with-dating-and-relationships/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/high-octane-women/201108/the-hidden-health-hazards-toxic-relationships
https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2021/10/05/rising-share-of-u-s-adults-are-living-without-a-spouse-or-partner/
Breaks up and divorces everywhere make young people despair of ever having a lasting relationship. Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes welcome back beloved author and speaker Sally Clarkson to discuss the real secrets to making a relationship last.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/marriage-rate-uk-latest-figures-lowest-record-ons-a9464706.html
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/04/happiness-recession-causing-sex-depression/586405/
Is it possible for men and women to be "just friends"? Or will sex always get in the way? We discuss with returning guest Keelia Clarkson on this latest episode:Articles and Data Referenced:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200109/can-men-and-women-be-friends
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/men-and-women-cant-be-just-friends/
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-opposite-sex-friendships-will-destroy-your-marriage_b_61087505e4b0497e670270c7
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/buddy-system/201204/opposite-sex-friendships-in-couples#:~:text=Men%20reported%20an%20average%20of%20five%20men%20and,than%20men%2C%20this%20was%20not%20born%20out%20here.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/can-men-and-women-really-just-be-friends_b_5631325
Why do so many creative people turn out to be mentally ill? Does being mentally ill make you more creative? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes give their hot takes on this live debate. Links to articles cited:
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20160225-does-mental-illness-enhance-creativity
https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/the-real-link-between-creativity-and-mental-illness/
https://www.insider.com/the-link-between-creativity-and-mental-health-2018-7
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-mJEZbHFLs&t=2999s&ab_channel=JordanBPeterson
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes are joined by author Dominic Done to discuss whether it's sinful to doubt God, or if it's actually a healthy thing.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faith
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/doubt
https://www.barna.com/research/two-thirds-christians-face-doubt/
People have a harder time today than ever making friends. So how does one make friends? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes sit down with author and speaker Dr. Joy Clarkson to unpack this deeply modern problem.
Articles referenced in this episode:https://www.americansurveycenter.org/research/the-state-of-american-friendship-change-challenges-and-loss/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/11/23/americans-alone-thanksgiving-friends/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/articles/200307/the-dangers-loneliness
"Adulting" is a tough hill to climb for Millenials and Gen Z. Most in these generations struggle with feeling like they are truly an adult. So what things does one need to do to really achieve adulthood? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss on this first episode of 2023.
Below are the list of things we advise you to do to be an adult, with the resources we mention in the episode.
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Workout three times a week
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According to the CDC (How much physical activity do adults need?), you should be exercising 150 hours a week, or 30 minutes a day for five days a week.
- https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
- CDC.Gov “Benefits of Physical activity”
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https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm
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Cook most of your own meals
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It’s tastier, it’s healthier, it’s cheaper. https://medium.com/@kevin18lee/3-reasons-why-you-should-cook-your-own-meals-1142ce292fad
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Eat healthily
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Read one book a month
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According to a Pew Research study, the typical American has read 5 books in the past 12 months, while 75% have read at least one book. The average is 12 or 14 if you include the avid bookworms.
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https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/01/06/three-in-ten-americans-now-read-e-books/
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Be financially independent
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Live below your means (be financially stable)
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Regularly build savings
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Work in your preferred field/get paid to do what you want to do
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Have good credit
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According to the Forbes article “What Is A Good Credit Score?” a good credit score is at least a 700.
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https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-score/what-is-a-good-credit-score/
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Have three close, long-term friends
-According to the Survey Center on American Life, Americans today have fewer friends and talk to them less often than they did 30 years ago. In 1990, less than one-third (27 percent) said they had three or fewer close friends, while today that number is close to half (49 percent).
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The Washington Post Piece, Americans Are Choosing To Be Alone
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Psychology Today’s The Dangers of Loneliness.
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Be in a long-term committed relationship (or have chosen willingly to be single)
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The Atlantic: “The Happiness Recession”
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https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/04/happiness-recession-causing-sex-depression/586405/
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Are hygienic (take showers, brush teeth, etc)
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Keep a relatively clean, organized living space
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According to Elite Daily, studies show that having a clean room makes you happier, sleep better, makes you more likely to exercise, and makes you feel positive and accomplished.
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https://www.elitedaily.com/wellness/cleaning-your-room-important-for-your-health/1466353
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Give a portion of your income or time to charitable causes
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Travel out of state (or country) once a year
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Get yearly medical checkups
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Get semi-regular counseling/therapy (mental health)
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Maintain familial relationships (if possible/healthy)
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The Atlantic: “A Shift in Family Values Is Fueling Estrangement”
- https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2021/01/why-parents-and-kids-get-estranged/617612/
- The Atlantic: “The Nuclear Family Was A Mistake”
- https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2020/03/the-nuclear-family-was-a-mistake/605536/
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss one of the surprisingly biggest controversies of the Christmas/Holiday season... should we say "Happy Holidays" or "Merry Christmas"? Where did this controversy start? Does it matter? And if so, why?
Fantasy dominates the entertainment landscape nowadays. But does all of this fantasy pull us away from reality in a way that's harmful? Louis Giovino joins Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes to discuss.
Holidays are a time most people are seeing family. But often time with your family can be stressful. How do you navigate difficult relationships with your family during the holidays? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by Alyssa Plock to help us all get the most out of the holiday season with our loved ones without losing our minds!
We all love museums. But many of the things in museums were stolen. Should they give the stuff they stole back? Dr. Bleattler joins Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes for a discussion of this real-life modern controversy on this latest episode.
Free speech is one of the most hot-button issues in the modern day. Why is free speech so important to us? And are there cases where it does more harm than good? Attorney David Campbell joins us for a deep and wide-ranging discussion on the virtues and potential limits of freedom of speech.
We talk about everything on this show--so why do we talk so much about politics? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes give their reasons.
One of the highest compliments we can give someone is to call them relatable. But should it be? Do we prize being relatable too much? Keelia Clarkson joins Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes to explain why our desire for "relatability" might be problematic.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson ask why our culture is so obsessed with serial killers. Why do women want to marry them and men want to be like them? Joseph and Nathan dip into the psychology and give some surprising answers.
Is Halloween The Devil's Holiday? Harmless fun? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson give their take as two millennial Christian men who grew up in Christian subculture.
If being frightened is so unpleasant, why do people seek out opportunities to be scared, like in ghost stories, horror movies, and skydiving? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss and come up with some potentially controversial answers.
Get ready for spooky storytime! Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on storyteller extraordinaire Alex Foley to push back on their skepticism at the existence of ghosts.
Why do humans fear something as inevitable as death? How do we overcome the anxiety and depression of facing our own mortality? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss the data, the philosophy, and the way forward.
Is fitness just for vanity or something we should aspire to? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes talk to fitness coach and actor Josh Murray about whether our physical health matters and if fitness is the right solution.
Should you base your decisions more on how you feel or how you think? Do we think too much or feel too much as a society? A strong thinker (Nathan Clarkson) and an overthinking feeler (Joseph Holmes) discuss on this latest episode.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson take on hustle culture and the anti-work movement and discuss what's toxic about both and how you know whether you're working too hard or not hard enough.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss why so many people believe conspiracy theories, and when they think it is and is not justified. They also reveal what their favorite conspiracy theories they believe are.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk about the importance of mentorship and how to both find and become a mentor with reclamation podcast host and Director of Leadership and Discipleship, Tony Miltenberger.
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes welcome Raymond Mercado on to discuss the unique experiences of having a brain that works differently than other people's and the good and bad that goes with it.
It's the biggest feud on the internet: introverts vs extroverts. Who's better? What do each bring to the table? Joseph Holmes (introvert) and Nathan Clarkson (extrovert) invite back Keelia Clarkson (introvert) to settle this debate once and for all!
Humor is fun, but is it also important? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss with comedian Bob Smiley how comedy may be one of the most important tools we have for discussing important ideas across disagreement in our divided times.
What does Hollywood get right and wrong about God when they try to talk about him and his followers? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes bring on journalist Cody Benjamin to discuss.
With artificial intelligence becoming more and more humanlike each year, will there ever come a time they will become so human they will need human rights? We discuss with author and theologian of the personhood of robots expert Joshua K. Smith.
If cults are so bad, why do so many people join them? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes dig into the psychology behind the appeal of cults on this latest episode.
What do Christians mean when they talk about "The Kingdom of God" or "The Kingdom of Heaven"? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes break down one of their favorite phrases and ideas in this latest episode.
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss whether patriotism can ever be a positive thing and, if it can, how you avoid it becoming a bad thing.
Most people throughout history have believed in some god or gods. But there's always been people who didn't. Why? Teacher and translator Matas Gelezauskas helps us understand how atheists think differently about the world and what we have in common.
What does The Bible really teach about heaven? Is it what we've been taught? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite Biblical scholar Dr. J. Richard Middleton for an inspiring discussion about what The Bible really teaches about the Christian hope for when we die.
By fan request -- Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on producer Nathan Sherrer and author Zahori Zapata to discuss why it's so hard to talk about racial topics, what's really going on, and what can be done about it. This is a big one, folks: don't miss it.
In what ways do Hollywood movies perpetuate bad messages about women? And what do those messages look like? And are they all from sexists or are some from feminists? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite the amazing Alyssa Plock on the latest episode of The Overthinkers. (Also, we review the new movie: Men. Check us out to see if it got a bless or curse from us.)
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss whether being rich in a world full of poverty is a good thing or a great act of selfishness.
How do we use social media without it badly affecting our mental and political health? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite social media powerhouse influencer Boze Herrington (of Sketches By Boze) on the show to discuss how he balances a strong online community with a healthy real life.
Everyone has an opinion today about whether you should have kids. Well, should you? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes talk about the different reasons for and against having kids and which of them they find most and least persuasive.
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes welcome back author and podcast host Sally Clarkson to discuss whether it's possible and healthy to be friends with your kids or if that prevents you from being a good parent. Check it out!
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome Nathan Sherrer back on the show to celebrate the two year anniversary and 100th episode of The Overthinkers by asking the question... why do people love podcasts anyway? This is a fun one.
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes welcome Blaine Eldredge on to discuss what it is about superheroes that appeals so strongly to men and whether that's a good thing.
How should we read The Bible? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite Bible Scholar Dr. Dru Johnson to discuss whether The Bible is meant to be read literally, figuratively, or some combination thereof. If it's not all literal, is it all still trustworthy? Don't miss this provocative episode.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by classical-school advocate Burk Ohbayashi to discuss what's wrong with the modern public education system and why classical education is a potentially better model.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss whether Christians should call Christianity a "religion" or a "relationship", and why it matters.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite Kevin McCreary back on the show to pick their favorite films in genres like Westerns, Superhero, Horror, and Faith-based films. Get ready for loads and loads of overthinking of everyone's favorite form of entertainment.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on Tanner Olson to explain why poetry is rising in popularity and what poetry offers the world that other forms of art don't. (Also, watch till the end for a hilariously intense back and forth about whether "The Dead Poets Society" is a good movie.)
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss one of the most difficult--and timely--questions in the history of philosophy: is war ever justified?
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson sit down to discuss why anxiety is on the rise and to give advice on how to deal with it, based on data and their own struggles.
Mature content warning
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite back author and podcast host Kat Harris to discuss whether porn is as bad as people say, and of so, why people are so drawn to it.
It's the season of Love and everyone's looking for their soulmate. But do soulmates exist? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss and dish some hard but hopeful truths.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by writer, actress, and creator of the new online women's magazine "The Wallflower Journal" (and wife of Nathan Clarkson) Keelia Clarkson to discuss what women are looking for in a man and what guys can do to get the girl.
Can positivity be toxic? How can you be positive without denying reality? Dr. Joy Clarkson joins Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson to discuss positivity, toxic positivity, grief, reality, and beauty.
Everyone online uses statistics to try to convince you to think like they do. But how do you know if you can trust the statistics they're using? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite the brilliant Dr. Phillip Williams to help make sense of this vital and complex world.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson tackle the ultimate of all philosophy questions: what is the meaning of life? What's our answer and how do we justify it? Check it out.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome podcaster extraordinaire and mental health advocate Zahori Zapata to discuss her harrowing journey toward taking charge of her mental health, the benefits of therapy, and how you know whether or not you should go to therapy yourself.
People always tell you to follow your dreams. But is that actually good advice? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson start the new year by deconstructing the good and bad of this common American refrain and what you could possibly do instead of "following your dreams".
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by Cru Content Strategist Marilette Sanchez to discuss whether Christmas is too materialistic and what parents can do to fight back against greed and entitlement in their kids during the holidays.
Parents disagree about what to teach their kids about Santa Claus. Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson--two non-parents--weigh in on their experiences going up and what they plan to teach their kids.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss how to set boundaries without losing intimacy in our personal relationships.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by Jonathan Graham of Mastermedia to discuss why it's so hard to build community and the different ways you can make it happen anyway.
Can you be friends with someone if you disagree on really important things, like politics and religion? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss whether the modern trend to replace family with friends--"the family you choose"--is a healthy trend and what unique benefits friends and family both give to you that the other can't provide.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with film critic Tyler Smith the various ways that horror films can teach us about faith, doubt, and life.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson make a deep dive into psychology to determine what we know about what causes someone to become a serial killer--and what we can do as a society to make that less likely to happen.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson continue their discussion of spooky for October subjects by discussing whether they think ghosts and haunted houses are real.
The Devil (or Satan, or Lucifer) is the most famous villain in history, religion, and fiction. But is he real? And if so, what's he like? Louis Giovino, the unofficial official senior fellow for history and theology at The Overthinkers, weighs in with regular co-hosts Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson.
What does it mean to be smart and how do you know you're smart? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss the idea of multiple intelligences and how to determine what you're particular smart at.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome Pastor and author Dr. Glenn Packiam to discuss why so many young people are leaving the church and what church leaders should do if they want to win them back.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson sit down to discuss their newest favorite philosophy obsession: stoicism. Why is stoicism so popular today--particularly among young men? What are its strengths and weaknesses? Is it an adequate replacement for Christianity? And what explains the particularly intense hatred people have for stoicism?
Check out this episode as Joseph and Nathan geek out over philosophy and give what might be the definitive guide to navigating the world of modern stoicism. You won't want to miss it.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by the creators of the new Christian comedy "Church People"--filmmaker Christopher Shawn Shaw and comedian Thor Ramsey--to discuss why Christians haven't achieved mainstream success in comedy. Are Christians just not as funny as non-Christians? Find out here.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined once again by Joy Carkson to discuss her and Nathan's new book, "The Clubhouse", why imagination is important, why people are afraid of it... oh, and why The Green Knight is so bad. (Yeah. We go there.)
Our world is dominated by screens--computer screens, TV screens, phone screens. Is that bad? Should we get rid of them, or how do we regulate them in our lives so they help us and don't harm us? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome back Nathan Sherrer to discuss.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss their experiences trying to make it as struggling artists and give advice on how others can do so in addition to discussing why so many artists struggle to make it.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson ask whether you or your kids should go to college, and give their answers based on their personal experience and research as a college grad and non-college grad respectively.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome Dr. Zak Schmoll, author of the new book Disability and The Problem of Evil, to discuss whether evil negates the ability to believe in a loving and powerful God.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson go on a long-ranging discussion about the nature of humans by asking whether people are more essentially good or bad.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss personality tests. Why are they popular? Can we trust them? And are they bad for us?
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by famous CS Lewis scholar Michael Ward (author of Planet Narnia and After Humanity) to discuss why CS Lewis remains so popular and what we can learn from his example.
Everyone likes to complain about Christian films, but how can they be better? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson speak with filmmaker and film festival host Mark Den Bleyker about what he's seen from festival submissions as the biggest things that could be done to improve the faith-based genre.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite author and media founder Jake Doberenz to discuss why our culture is so obsessed with identity and what the good and bad sides are of that.
Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes welcome back Nathan Sherrer to discuss why guys like sports and video games so much. Is that something we should be concerned about or celebrate? Or somewhere in between?
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with artist and entrepreneur Jonathan Pressley how artists can be more productive while avoiding burnout.
Antiheroes are everywhere in pop culture today, from Rick and Morty to Harley Quinn to Breaking Bad. Why are we drawn to antiheroes and is it a bad thing? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with their usual depth and humor.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite author Sarah Clarkson on the show to discuss why--in a world of movies, TV, theater and video games--reading still matters.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson sit down with Chris Pierdomenico of Dork Daily to discuss whether being a nerd is a positive thing or an unhealthy sign of immaturity.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss whether the world is getting better or worse, and what that means for how we engage with it.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with Journalist Meagan Clark what fake news is and how we can fight for news media integrity in the modern world.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson ask whether or not our society--far from not being empathetic enough--is putting us under pressure to care too much about others and doing damage to us as a result.
On this special one-year anniversary episode of The Overthinkers, Joseph Holmes, Nathan Clarkson, and Nathan Sherrer discuss the beginnings of the podcast and why they think the podcast is important.
Just in time for The Oscars, Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined once again by Kevin McCreary to discuss whether awards are even something that artists should care about.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with podcast host and author Kat Harris whether waiting for sex till your married is possible or worthwhile--and what the biggest problems are with how Americans discuss sex and abstinence.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with returning guest Louis Giovino whether Jesus's death was necessary to save humanity or just inevitable, and what implications that has.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome biblical scholar Preston Sprinkle on to discuss whether Hell exists and whether our ideas about it are informed by what scripture actually says or misunderstandings of it.
Nathan Sherrer joins Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson to discuss how modern pop culture portrays God, what it says about us--and where it goes wrong.
Does the multiverse exist? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss the likelihood we live in a multiverse and why the idea has become so popular in the modern imagination.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss, in light of awful revelations by some of our favorite artists, whether or not it's right--or even possible--to separate the art from the artist when evaluating a work of art.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson sit down with writer and actress Keelia Clarkson to discuss the different lies that Hollywood has taught us about sex and love--and how they can do better.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss whether or not physical attraction matters in dating, love, and marriage. And, if so, what does that mean for how we pursue relationships?
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome relationship and dating expert Kait Warman (host of The Heart of Dating podcast) on the show to discuss the best and worst advice out there on how to find love and what things might be holding you back.
Does our society not value mothers and motherhood? If so, how did we get here and how do we fix it? Sally Clarkson, author, speaker, and host of the show "At Home with Sally Clarkson and Friends" joins us to discuss this and more.
Can Christian films have R-rated content like sex, violence, and profanity? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk to the famous director of R-rated faith-based films, Spencer Folmar, about why he's passionate about making more adult-oriented faith-based films.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome back fellow Overthinker Nathan Sherrer to discuss Nathan Sherrer's new article about overthinking and whether whether "overthinking" is actually bad for you.
What is toxic masculinity and is the way our culture talks about it more helpful or hurtful? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk with the founder of The Masculinist newsletter, website, and podcast, Aaron Renn, to discuss this highly charged and controversial topic.
Visit Aaron Renn's website at https://themasculinist.com/
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on film composer and author Joel Clarkson to discuss film score composing and why music is so important to our humanity.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson open the new year by discussing whether or not there's any point to making New Year's Resolutions and what the best ways they've found to change their lives for the better.
This episode The Overthinkers overthink... each other! Join the whole Overthinkers team for a casual Christmas episode where everyone asks each other their favorite Christmas movies and says what they think that movie choice says about them.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk with special guest Sharonne Lanier about what special challenges there are being an actress of faith in both secular and faith-based films.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome back resident church and theology history buff Louis Giovino to discuss whether our modern Christmas traditions are more Christian or secular in origin, and whether or not that matters.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson sit down and tackle one of the biggest philosophical questions of all time--"does free will exist?"--and combine psychology, theology, and philosophy in a free-flowing discussion that goes as deep as any episode yet.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined again by fellow video game nerd Nathan Sherrer to discuss whether or not video games can be called "art" and why.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome back actress and writer Keelia Clarkson to discuss why so many people (particularly women) love the True Crime genre.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss how Christians should handle politics and if there's a way to lower political polarization.
Horror films are incredibly popular, but are they actually harmful to us? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss the good and bad sides of horror films and how you can tell the difference.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss why so many people believe in aliens and monsters--and the answers get pretty deep.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite Louis Giovino on the podcast to discuss what the catholic church really teaches about exorcisms and whether the kind depicted in Hollywood movies matches what seeming "real-life exorcisms" are like.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson interview Luke Barnett, Vincent Masciale, and Tanner Thompson about their new satire of Christian Films "Faith Based", and ask whether the reason for Christian comedies don't do well is that Christians can't laugh at themselves.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome returning guest Nathan Sherrer to discuss what's uniquely great about animation as an art form and why we still love watching them as adults.
People on the internet like to say "Get Woke, Go Broke". But is it true? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss this controversial internet meme and what it gets right and where it falls short.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with film critic and YouTube personality Kevin McCreary what the film critic adds the world. Do they help audiences and filmmakers? Or are they just bitter they can't make their own movie?
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by returning guest Nathan Sherrer to discuss why so many people believe we're living in a simulation.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk with Trevor Tyson of the "Trevor Talks" podcast about depictions of mental health and mental illness in pop culture and what storytellers can do better.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss the current popularity and controversial nature of superheroes and why they think that superheroes are important for our world.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by professor and film critic Alissa Wilkinson to discuss postmodernism in society and in art and the common ways people who talk about it misunderstand it.
Co-hosts Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson ask the question who is art primarily for: the artist who makes it, the audience who appreciates it, or someone else?
Co-hosts Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite very special guest, Dallas Jenkins, to discuss why it's so hard to make a good film about Jesus and how Dallas tried to solve those problems, as well as the problem of making good faith-based films in general, with his TV series "The Chosen".
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss what nostalgia is and whether our culture's current love for nostalgia is more of a good thing or bad thing.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk with special guest Boze Herrington about why we love mysteries so much and what that says about us as human beings.
Co-hosts Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson weigh in on the subject on all the internet's lips: "cancel culture". What is it and is it as bad as people say? Why or why not?
What are some of the best female characters in movies, books, and video games? And how do they subvert some of the problematic trends of portraying women in pop culture? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on special guest Joy Clarkson of the podcast "Speaking with Joy" to discuss these matters and more on this hilarious and insightful episode.
With recent months giving people a lot of time at home, Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson ask the question: is isolation good for artists? Or are there some dangers to watch out for?
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite on illustrious film critic and podcast host Tyler Smith to discuss the history of faith-based films and why they have such a mixed reputation.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss their homeschool upbringing and how the experience helped shape their creative lives.
Why does representation for minorities matter? Co-hosts Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson bring on special guest Nathan Sherrer to discuss black characters in movies and TV and what filmmakers can do better.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson get together to discuss whether Hollywood is primarily a force of good or evil in our culture.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by Louis Giovino from The Sheen Center to discuss the history of faith and art and whether or not we can reconcile these two often contentious forces in our culture.
From Rick and Morty to Depression Memes, Nihilism is huge in pop-culture today. Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss why, why it's a problem, and what can be done about it.
Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss are joined by special guest writer-actress Keelia Clarkson to discuss Keelia and Nathan's experiences as actors in an over-sexualized Hollywood, and whether or not there is a non-objectifying way to portray human sexuality in film and TV.
Co-hosts Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss Nathan's new book "Good Man" and explore how the depictions of men they grew up with in film and liturature--good and bad--shaped what kind of men they grew up to be.
On this premiere episode, Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss the history of the term "guilty pleasures" and whether or not they are something to feel guilty about.