The Overthinkers

If there's one thing everyone in America seems to agree on its that they don't like Evangelicals. But why? And is that dislike valid. Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson interview journalist and author Bonnie Kristian about her new book "In Defense of Evangelicalism" References and Resources David Bebbington’s four-part definition of evangelicalism — conversionism, activism, biblicism, and crucicent...

Why do people fall for online conspiracy theories? Why does everyone speak with authority today as if they're an expert? Why do they dismiss real experts? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk to media psychology expert Dr. Dannagal Young. References and resources America and experts concerned about conspiracy theories and blame the internet: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9299316/ Soci...

Experts say family estrangement is on the rise, even as abuse is not. But why? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with author Noelle Mering the findings of her book "No Contact: How a Seductive Ideology Broke Families and Friendships and How We Can Repair Them" References and resources Family estrangement on the rise:  https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/24/family-estrangeme...

From Grimms fairy tales to 1984 to the Bible itself, humanity has always told dark stories. But why? What purpose do they serve? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with film critic, author, and co-host of the "Filmspotting" podcast Josh Larsen. Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes Josh Larsen: la...

Why do we love art so much? What purpose does art serve for humans? Or is art useless and maybe that's a good thing? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk to author Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez about her new book "Art is How God Loves Us" on The Overthinkers.  References and resources Does art have health benefits? https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/e1cc8536-773d-446f-9822-8ae376f41415/...

Why is there so much anti-elite sentiment in the world today? Is it the fault of the elites themselves, or cultural trends they can't control? Joseph Holems and Nathan Clarkson talk to culture critic and author Aaron Renn on their latest episode.  Defining elites:  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elite https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-soc-071811-145542? Ame...

Are we addicted to outrage? Why does everyone seem so angry? Is social media making us angrier or making us overperceive our anger? And if we are angrier, is that a good thing because we have so much to be angry about? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss the theories and science behind outrage culture on the latest episode of The Overthinkers. References and resources Do most Americans think...

There's a movement to make America's towns and cities more walkable and less car-dependent. But is that actually what's best for the people who live there? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss. Walkable cities definition and case: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wai4ub90stQ&t=832s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPbfdcvv0to&t=676s https://archive.strongtowns.org/journal/2023/2/14/why-...

There often feels like there's a conflict between creative people and religious people, and even between creativity and religion itself. But does there have to be? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk to Anne Miranda and Scott Magie, filmmakers behind the documentary series "Creative Icons". Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes:...

American culture is experiencing a decline in deep, lasting friendships. Why is this happening, and what can we do about it? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss based on their own experiences and what the data says. Friendship definition: https://www.apa.org/topics/friendship   Friendship decline: https://nypost.com/2025/02/24/opinion/friendship-in-america-is-in-freefall-and-its-killing-us/...

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.y...

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...

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: h...

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/n...

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...

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-a...

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 Wh...

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...

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-fantas...

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-gr...

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”: htt...

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:...

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/grac...