The Overthinkers

Vampires have been a part of our mythology and pop culture for centuries. But why do they remain so popular? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss. References and resources: History of Vampires https://www.history.com/articles/vampire-history Blesses Twilight (Movie) Let the Right One In (Movie) Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (Movie) Curses Vampire Diaries (TV Show) Bram Stoker's Dracula (Mo...

Do monsters, cryptids, and urban legends like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster exist? If so, how would we know for certain? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with hosts of the Campfire Files podcast: Colin Blackburn and Kara Russo.   References and resources History of Bigfoot: https://www.history.com/articles/bigfoot-legend-newspaper Belief in Bigfoot, aliens, and loch ness monster on ri...

Everyone's talking about AI nowadays. Should we be scared of it? If so, what exactly should we be scared of? We bring on culture and social critic Boze Herrington to discuss.  References and resources   Plato’s Argument against writing: https://fs.blog/an-old-argument-against-writing/ Definition of AI: https://www.nasa.gov/what-is-artificial-intelligence/ AI is making us dumber   https://www.forbe...

It seems like today we're more afraid than ever. So how do we handle these fears? And how do we help our children handle fears? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with legendary singer and filmmaker Steven Taylor--who's new scary family film "Sketch" has brought such questions into the spotlight. References and resources Why fear is so powerful: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-...

Most people feel like there's something wrong with our modern world. But what exactly is it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with writer and thinker Paul Kingsnorth, unpacking his new book "Against the Machine". References and resources: How cell phones made life worse: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/ Dropping confidence in...

What does it mean to be disenchanted? And why are so many people talking about the need to re-enchant the world? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss with special returning guest, author, editor, and culture writer Dr. Joy Clarkson. References and resources: Definition of disenchantment: https://www.britannica.com/topic/disenchantment-sociology Against Re-Enchantment, By Joy Clarkson: https:/...

How can we know anything for certain? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome back author and academic Dr. Zak Schmoll to discuss the ever-pesky problem of epistemology.  References and resources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/epistemology Blesses Foe (Book) Biblical Knowing (Book) Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (Movie) Interstellar (Movie) The Murder of Roger Ackroyd (Book) Curses Foe (M...

Is social media making us dumber? Is it making us worse? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes give social media a grade and give advice on how to be smarter about your use of your online socials. References and resources: Social media is making us dumber:   https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/05/social-media-democracy-trust-babel/629369/   https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/11/opinion/soci...

Homelessness is something everyone agrees is a problem. Yet, no one seems to know how to solve it. Scholar, speaker, community activist and author of From Dropout to Doctorate Dr. Terrence Lester joins Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes to share his life story and data-driven solutions on how to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing this devastating life situation. References and res...

Is the church not supportive enough of the arts? What would such support look like? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes talk to Brian Brown of the Anselm Society and Imagination Redeemed Podcast on this latest episode. References and resources   Art definition: https://www.britannica.com/art/visual-arts   Banning theatrical portrayals of religion: https://lithub.com/why-was-shakespeare-wary-of-writi...

As more and more people are questioning the usefulness of higher education, it's worthwhile to ask: what is the purpose of education in the first place? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with educator and cultural apologist Annie Crawford. References and resources: What students want from college: https://www.insidehighered.com/blogs/higher-ed-gamma/true-purpose-college-education Why young...

Our culture, and our entire political system, is based on the idea that discussion and debate can change hearts and minds. But is that a lie? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss. References and resources   Exposure to alternative viewpoints causes us to dig in our heels: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2018/04/actually-social-media-isn-t-an-echo-chamber/   Cognitive bias: https://www.psychol...

Transhumanism is a growing topic of conversation and concern in the culture. But what exactly is it? And why is it so controversial? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarson discuss. References and resources Transhumanism Defintion: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/transhumanism   Transhumanism History: https://www.britannica.com/topic/transhumanism   Douthot/Tiel Convo: https://www.ny...

Summer is a time of rest. But what is rest and how do we rest well? When is too much rest and when is not enough?  References and resources: The trend toward valuing rest more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/01/05/brain-rest-breaks-vacation-benefits/   Benefits of rest: https://hbr.org/2023/08/why-we-glorify-overwork-and-refuse-to-rest https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2021/01...

Millennials and Gen Z love authenticity. But is authenticity all it's cracked up to be? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson investigate and give their takes.   References and resources: Definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authentic   Definition and history: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/authenticity/   Present debates about authenticity: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/bas...

Why are superheroes seemingly always so popular? And is that a good thing? We discuss with screenwriter, professor, and author Sean Gaffney.   References and resources List of billion dollar superhero movies: https://deadline.com/gallery/highest-grossing-movies-all-time/mcdjuwo-uv042/ Superhero dominance of the 2010s: https://www.statsignificant.com/p/the-rise-and-fall-of-superhero-movies   Superh...

Why is it so hard to build community today and how do we do it anyway? We discuss with author and former governor John Kasich on our latest episode. Resources and further reading Rise in loneliness: https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/americans-no-friends/   Health costs of loneliness: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/loneliness-poses-health-risks-as-deadly-as-smoking-u-s-surgeon-general-says#:~:te...

Everyone wants to be happy. But for so many, it seems so out of reach. What's the secret? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss on our latest episode. References and resources Definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/happiness   Less than half of Americans are happy: https://news.gallup.com/poll/610133/less-half-americans-satisfied-own-lives.aspx   Philosophers on happiness: http...

How do you deal with FOMO (the fear of missing out)? Why is this such a modern phenomenon, and what steps can you take to overcome it? Nathan and Joseph discuss their experiences on the latest episode. References and resources:     FOMO definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/FOMO   History and review of literature: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8283615/   Understanding o...

Today lots of people are turning against experts. But is this wise? What are the problems with relying on experts and what are the problems with rejecting them? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss. References and resources   Expert definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expert   Trust in science has gone down: https://www.pewresearch.org/science/2023/11/14/americans-trust-in-...

What is a victim mentality? How do you know you have it and how do you overcome it? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss. References and resources   Victim mentality definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/victim%20mentality https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/what-is-a-victim-mentality https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/putting-psyche-back-into-psychotherapy/202401/the-ag...

Everyone who has ambitious goals has probably at some point dealt with impostor syndrome. So what is it? And how do we overcome it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with best-selling author, podcast host, and sought-after business coach Mary Marantz. Further Reading Imposter Syndrome definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impostor%20syndrome   Imposter Syndrome history: ht...

Most people have either struggled with an addiction or know someone who has. So how does one overcome addiction? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson invite bestselling author, psychotherapist, Enneagram teacher, and Episcopal priest Ian Morgan Cron to bring insight and empathy to this important topic. Further reading Addiction definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/addiction   Nation...

What is beauty? Does it matter? If so, why? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with bestselling author and podcaster Andew Klavan.  Further reading Beauty definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/beauty Philosophers on beauty: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/beauty/   Modern people on beauty: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/12/07/opinion/andre-aciman-why-is-beauty-...

What is shame? And how do we overcome it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with celebrated author Aimee Byrd her book "Saving Face" about her own journey of shame and healing. Further reading: Shame definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shame   Shame vs guilt: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/shame#:~:text=Shame%20can%20breed%20feelings%20of,can%20erode%20trust%2...