The Overthinkers

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)

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.

The Omnipotence Paradox

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/omnipotence/#IntrPrel

A God Problem

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/25/opinion/-philosophy-god-omniscience.html

The Rock God Can’t Lift: Actually, It’s NOT Complicated!

https://www.ncregister.com/blog/the-rock-god-can-t-lift-actually-it-s-not-complicated

The Omnipotence, Omniscience, and Omnipresence of God

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/omnipotence-omniscience-omnipresence-god/

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/

https://eppc.org/pro-life-principle-and-political-prudence/

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-corner

https://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.

1. Workout three times a week

• 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” 
• https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/pa-health/index.htm

2. Cook most of your own meals

- It’s tastier, it’s healthier, it’s cheaper. https://medium.com/@kevin18lee/3-reasons-why-you-should-cook-your-own-meals-1142ce292fad

3. Eat healthily 

4. Read one book a month

• 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. 
• https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/01/06/three-in-ten-americans-now-read-e-books/

5. Be financially independent

6. Live below your means (be financially stable)

7.  Regularly build savings 

8. Work in your preferred field/get paid to do what you want to do

9. Have good credit

• According to the Forbes article “What Is A Good Credit Score?” a good credit score is at least a 700.
• https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-score/what-is-a-good-credit-score/

10. 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).

- The Washington Post Piece, Americans Are Choosing To Be Alone

- Psychology Today’s The Dangers of Loneliness. 

11. Be in a long-term committed relationship (or have chosen willingly to be single)

• The Atlantic: “The Happiness Recession”
• https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/04/happiness-recession-causing-sex-depression/586405/

12. Are hygienic (take showers, brush teeth, etc)

13. Keep a relatively clean, organized living space

• 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. 
• https://www.elitedaily.com/wellness/cleaning-your-room-important-for-your-health/1466353

14. Give a portion of your income or time to charitable causes

15. Travel out of state (or country) once a year

16. Get yearly medical checkups

17. Get semi-regular counseling/therapy (mental health)

18. Maintain familial relationships (if possible/healthy)

• 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.