The Overthinkers

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.