PODCAST · society
The Overthinkers
by Nathan Clarkson & Joseph Holmes
A place where you can have fun thinking deeply about all the big and beautiful questions of life complete with cutaways. Hosts Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson explore subjects of art, faith, philosophy, culture, and more with some of today’s leading and most influential minds and figures. So put your thinking caps and your laughing socks on and come on in!
Episodes
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Why is Everyone Acting Like an Expert Now? (With Dr. Dannagal G. Young)
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...
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When Should We Go No Contact with Our Families? (With Noelle Mering)
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...
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Why Do We Need Dark Stories? (With Josh Larsen)
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:...
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Why Do We Need Art? (With Dr. Merideth Hite Estevez)
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...
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Why Don't We Trust the Elites? (With Aaron Renn)
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:...
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Why Are We Addicted to Outrage?
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...
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Should Towns and Cities Be Walkable?
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...
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What Does Faith Have to Do with Creativity? (With Anne Miranda and Scott Magie)
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"....
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How Do You Make (and Keep) Lifelong Friends?
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...
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Why Does God Hide?
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...
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Are We Tired of Cynical Stories? (With Paul Anleitner)
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...
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Should We Travel?
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:...
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Should AI Ever Be Used for Art? (With Dr. Kelsey Kramer McGinnes)
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...
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What is Looksmaxxing? (With Josh Murray)
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...
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Why Do We Feel So Behind in Life?
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....
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How Should We Define Success? (With Grammy-Winning Kevin Olusola and Donovan Dee Donnell)
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...
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Why Does Home Matter? (With Dr. Christie Purifoy)
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...
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Is the Death Penalty Good or Bad? (With Dr. J. Daryl Charles)
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...
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Why Do We Love Cozy Stories? (With Keelia Clarkson)
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…
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How Do We Find Common Ground? (With Justin Brierley)
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…
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Are We Shaped More By Nature or Nurture? (With Dr. Steve Stewart-Williams)
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…
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Does Christianity Make Your Life Better?
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
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Why Do Aesthetics Matter?
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...
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Why Does Grace Matter? (With David Zahl)
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,...
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Should We Be Scared of Hollywood? (With Jeffrey Overstreet)
Lots of people have mixed to negative feelings about Hollywood. Christians in particular are often scared that Hollywood hates them and is out to propagandize against them. But is fear the right attitude to have towards Hollywood movies? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with Jeffrey...
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Is Ignorance Bliss? (300th Anniversary Episode)
It's been six years and 300 episodes of The Overthinkers! To celebrate, Joseph and Nathan discuss whether ignorance is bliss--and if by educating everyone these past six years we've been making the world a worse place! References and resources Definition:...
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What's Wrong with Gen Z? (With Freya India)
Everyone's talking about all the struggles Gen Z is having. But what does Gen Z think about what they're going through? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson talk with culture writer and author Freya India about her own experiences and research on her generation, as well as her new book "Girls: Gen Z...
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What's the Truth About Human Trafficking? (With Raleigh Sadler)
Everyone agrees that human trafficking is bad. But what wrong ideas about it do we have that make it harder to solve? Raleigh Sadler, founder and executive director of Let My People Go, author of Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking, and the host of MercyCast, explains. References and…
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Will There Be Marriage in Heaven? (With Dr. Dru Johnson)
One of the least popular Christian traditions is the idea that there will be no marriage--which means no sex--in heaven. But is that actually Biblical? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with returning Bible Scholar Dr. Dru Johnson. References and resources Various religious perspectives…
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What's Wrong with Identity Politics? (With Dr. George Yancey)
Our society seems to be tearing itself apart. One potential culprit is identity politics. But what is identity politics? Sociologist Dr. George Yancey joins to talk about his new book "Identity Politics in the United States: An Exploration of Identity in Red, White, and Blue". He explains the...
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Is Fantasy Bad for Us? (With Nathan Sherrer)
Is indulging in fantasy books and movies keeping us children? Or is it something good for us that we need? Overthinkers producer Nathan Sherrer (Nathan A) joins Nathan Clarkson (Nathan 1) and Joseph Holmes (just Joseph) to discuss. References and resources Fantasy definition:...
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Can Women Be Church Leaders? (With Dr. Preston Sprinkle)
Does the Bible prohibit women from any leadership positions in the church? The question has divided Christians for a long time, so Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes invite Bible scholar Dr. Preston Sprinkle to discuss. References and resources: Catholic view of female priests:...
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Should We Try to Win Awards? (With Spencer Folmar)
With the Oscars on the horizon, everyone's talking about awards. But should we try to win awards? Or are they a distraction from what our true priorities should be? Spencer Folmar of Hard Faith Films and the Hard Faith Film Festival joins Nathan and Joseph to discuss. Definition of award:...
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What Does it Meant to Be Spiritual? (With Dr. King-Ho Leung)
More and more people are defining themselves as "Spiritual But Not Religious". But what does that mean? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes interview academic and author Dr King-Ho Leung for answers. References and resources Spiritual definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spiritual...
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How Do You Keep Your Children in the Faith? (With Sally Clarkson)
How do you raise your kids such that they stay in your faith? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss with celebrated author and speaker Sally Clarkson--who raised four children who all stayed Christian, including Nathan--what she did and what other religious parents can do. References and...
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How Do You Find the Right Person to Marry? (With Dr. Wendy Wang)
One of the biggest reasons people aren't getting married is that they can't find the right person. But how do you find the right person? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with sociologist and researcher Dr. Wendy Wang. References and resources: Marriage rates dropping:...
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Why Do Women Love Romance Novels? (With Keelia Clarkson)
Why are romance novels so popular? Particularly with women? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes ask actress and author Keelia Clarkson why they resonate, ahead of her own upcoming romance novel "Chapter One Again". Romance movie’s popularity with women...
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Are We the Worst?
Is thinking we're good people or inherently sinful better for us? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss Nathan's new book "I'm the Worst: How Freedom is Found in Admitting Our Faults". Sin - The Bible Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNOZ7ocLD74 Original Sin - BBC:...
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Why Does Forgiveness Matter? (With Yana Jenay Conner)
Why is it important for all of us--but particularly Christians--to forgive others? And how do we do it without allowing evil to triumph? Nathan Clarkson and Joseph Holmes discuss with author and educator Yana Jenay Conner, unpacking lessons from her book: Living Beyond Offense: Doing the Hard…
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How Do You Love Your Enemies? (With Dr. Neil Shenvi)
What does it really mean to love our enemies? And how do we do it without allowing evil? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with author, apologist, and theoretical chemist Dr. Neil Shenvi. References and resources: Rabbi Shai Held on Christianity’s Loving Enemies:...
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How Do You Change Your Life?
It's a new year, and everyone wants to make positive life changes. So how do you make real ones that last? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss their own experience and the research on the topic. References and resources Americans are becoming less satisfied with their lives - record low of...
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What is the Appeal of Faith? (With Rian Johnson)
Why do so many people choose to be religious? What draws people to embrace belief? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with filmmaker Rian Johnson, his new film "Wake Up Dead Man" and the themes of faith his movie brings up. References and resources Global religious population:...
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Is Giving or Receiving Better? (With Dallas Jenkins)
The Bible--and the wider culture--agree: "It's better to give than to receive". But is that what the data says? And why would that be? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with insights from Dallas Jenkins, who discusses the DVD release of his film "The Best Christmas Pagaent Ever".…
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What is the Christmas Spirit?
Everyone talks about getting in the Christmas spirit. But what is the Christmas spirit? And how do you have it? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss. References and resources Christmas spirit definition:...
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How Did CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien Change the World? (With Dr. Joseph Loconte)
What was the world like that CS Lewis and JRR Tolkien wrote their stories in? And how did their work change things? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss with author and historian Dr. Joseph Loconte. References and resources: Tolkien and Lewis fantasy influence:...
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What Dreams Should You Pursue?
We hear a lot about the importance of pursuing your dreams. But which dreams? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson discuss. References and resources: Pew research: https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/09/14/what-makes-for-a-fulfilling-life/#:~:text=When%20asked%20what%20it%20takes,Gender...
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Should We Try to Convert Others? (With Justin Lin)
Should we try to convert others to our beliefs? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson welcome American film director Justin Lin (director of multiple Fast and Furious movies) to discuss his new film "Last Days" about the 26-year-old Christian missionary John Chau, who died trying to convert the North...
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What are the Medieval Virtues? (With Dr. Grace Hamman)
What are the Medieval virtues? How are they related to the seven deadly sins? And how can they help us today? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson are joined by scholar and author Dr. Grace Hamman to answer these very questions. References and resources: https://www.britannica.com/event/Middle-Ages...
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What are Exorcisms Really Like? (With Rev. Dan Todd)
What are real-life exorcisms like? Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson interview real-life exorcist Reverend Dan Todd on our latest episode. References and resources https://www.history.com/articles/exorcisms-christianity-gospels-movie https://bigthink.com/thinking/history-of-exorcism/ Websites The...
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Why Are Vampires So Popular?
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A place where you can have fun thinking deeply about all the big and beautiful questions of life complete with cutaways. Hosts Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson explore subjects of art, faith, philosophy, culture, and more with some of today’s leading and most influential minds and figures. So put your thinking caps and your laughing socks on and come on in!
HOSTED BY
Nathan Clarkson & Joseph Holmes
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Overthinkers have?
The Overthinkers currently has 324 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Overthinkers about?
A place where you can have fun thinking deeply about all the big and beautiful questions of life complete with cutaways. Hosts Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson explore subjects of art, faith, philosophy, culture, and more with some of today’s leading and most influential minds and figures. So put...
How often does The Overthinkers release new episodes?
The Overthinkers publishes regularly with 324 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Overthinkers?
You can listen to The Overthinkers on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Overthinkers?
The Overthinkers is created and hosted by Nathan Clarkson & Joseph Holmes.
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