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.o...

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#ref41...

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/publica...

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/...

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-physica...

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-b...

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=Pop...

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-offend...

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 Cha...

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...

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-fore...

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.a...

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...

"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...

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...

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=10006298...

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...

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-qu...

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-t...

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/...

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.f5rU7fPTwkQfLTiNNrc...

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/...