The Overthinkers

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 https://oxfordre.com/literature/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780190201098.001.0001/acrefore-9780190201098-e-415 https://www.theatlantic.com/books/2025/10/romance-fiction-genre-open-elite-popularity/684445/ https://www.shelf-awareness.com/issue.html?issue=5002#m67973 Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com Keelia Clarkson: keelia.me Chapter One Again (Avila Falls Series): https://www.amazon.com/dp/151401372X

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: https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/beliefs/originalsin_1.shtml Doctrine of Sin - Roman Catholic Cathecism: https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_three/section_one/chapter_one/article_8/ii_the_definition_of_sin.html Doctrine of Sin - Mockingbird: https://mbird.com/theology/hiding-in-plain-sight-the-lost-doctrine-of-sin/ Definition of sin - Desiring God: https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/what-is-sin-the-essence-and-root-of-all-sinning Richard Dawkins thinks the doctrine of sin is “hideous”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f6Lar8Qp0E Albert Ellis critiquing the doctrine of sin: https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0%2C33009%2C865989-2%2C00.html Authoritative parenting vs authoritarian and permissive: https://ifstudies.org/blog/parenting-is-the-key-to-adolescent-mental-health https://ifstudies.org/blog/do-your-political-beliefs-affect-your-parenting- Serial killers are unmade, not made: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/aug/10/what-makes-a-serial-killer Most aggressive people are males at the age of two: https://archive.nytimes.com/well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/16/terrible-twos-who-stay-terrible/ Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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 Work of Forgiveness God’s Way. References and resources Forgiveness definitions:  https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgive https://www.apa.org/topics/forgiveness Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: https://linktr.ee/JosephHolmes Yana Jenay Conner: https://www.yanajenay.com/  

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: https://religionunplugged.com/news/2024/3/26/book-review-judaism-is-about-love-shatters-stereotypes-about-the-hebrew-bible Nietzsche on “slave morality” in Christ’s teachings: https://bigthink.com/personal-growth/the-master-and-slave-moralities-what-nietzsche-really-meant/ Early Church Fathers on Nonviolence: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/nonviolence-in-the-ancient-church-and-christian-obedience/ New Advent: Augustine on will to love our enemies to change them to friends: https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/170208.htm Martin Luther King Jr. on Loving Your Enemies: https://www.plough.com/en/topics/life/forgiveness/love-your-enemies Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.com Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com Neil Shenvi: https://shenviapologetics.com/ Neil Shenvi's new book: "Post Woke: Asserting a Christian Vision of Race, Gender, and Sexuality" Nathan Clarkson's new book: "I'm the Worst: How Freedom is Found in Admitting Our Faults" Joseph Holmes's new film: "Jim vs the Future"

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 44%: https://news.gallup.com/poll/655493/new-low-satisfied-personal-life.aspx 30% of Americans make New Year’s Resolutions: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/01/29/new-years-resolutions-who-makes-them-and-why/?utm_source=chatgpt.com Only 10% of Americans keep their resolutions: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/new-years-resolutions-tips-why-they-fail/ New years resolutions are global and historical: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/history-of-new-years-resolutions How to stick with your resolutions. Actionable steps + accountability. https://fisher.osu.edu/blogs/leadreadtoday/why-most-new-years-resolutions-fail Small steps - knowing why you’re doing it: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/arthur-brooks-new-years-resolutions-happiness/ Fantasize about process, not results: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/09/manifestation-positive-thinking-happiness/679695/ Websites Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.com Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes

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: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2025/06/09/how-the-global-religious-landscape-changed-from-2010-to-2020/ American religious population: https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/12/8/us-religious-decline-stalls-as-new-pew-data-shows-stabilization-even-among-young-adults Jon Stewart on faith: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSmrEVjQdG8 Arthur Brooks on faith: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/faculty-research/policy-topics/public-leadership-management/happiness-may-be-decline-we-can-all Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmestudios.com Rian Johnson: https://x.com/rianjohnson

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".  References and resources: What happens to your brain when you give vs receive: https://www.apa.org/topics/mental-health/brain-gift-giving Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com Dallas Jenkins: https://www.instagram.com/dallas.jenkins/?hl=en

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: https://www.facebook.com/fb.oed/posts/oed-wordoftheday-christmas-spirit-na-mood-or-attitude-appropriate-to-the-christm/1136215868511469/, https://www.oed.com/dictionary/christmas-spirit_n?linkId=300000019641113&fbclid=IwY2xjawN314hleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUSnNKSDY4UGRoSDI4WWFwc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvA0QL5PLZnJNTCoP7-DaWOfA5jOZJH18DOtdASApamvn0lrpaHtACOMgfw0_aem_Ah8kEn_mj7ADGUERhyJgwA Measuring the Christmas spirit: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stretching-theory/202212/now-you-can-measure-christmas-spirit? A Christmas Carol Influence: https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/anthropology-in-practice/what-is-christmas-spirit/ Religious meaning of the Christmas spirit: https://ca.thegospelcoalition.org/columns/straight-paths/the-christmas-spirit/ Christmas Stress: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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: https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/abs/cambridge-companion-to-fantasy-literature/tolkien-lewis-and-the-explosion-of-genre-fantasy/47A1D63A6D2D6F2553664D98F0F2EC1D Lewis and Tolkien’s influence through their fantasy writing and school curriculum: https://aeon.co/essays/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-oxford-school-of-fantasy-literature?utm_source=chatgpt.com   Lewis and Tolkien influence on Christian thought leaders: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2000/04/books-of-century/   Lewis books sold: https://www.cslewis.com/us/about-cs-lewis/   Tolkien books sold: https://200.hc.com/stories/j-r-r-tolkien-and-the-trilogy/ Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes Joseph Loconte: https://sagamoreinstitute.org/joseph-loconte/

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   Marriage matters more for happiness than career: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/17/opinion/marriage-happiness-career.html   Fantasizing about dreams kills goals, fantasizing about process helps achieve them: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/09/manifestation-positive-thinking-happiness/679695/   Most people do not achieve their goals: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2980864/ Nearly half of Americans very satisfied with their lives: https://news.gallup.com/poll/610133/less-half-americans-satisfied-own-lives.aspx   The changing definitions of “calling”: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/how-do-we-know-our-calling-with-dr-william-klein/id1510271421?i=1000684667698 Websites: The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.com Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com Link to watch Joseph Holmes' debut feature film, "Jim vs the Future": https://linktr.ee/JosephHolmes

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 Sentinel Island people. References and resources: Conversion definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conversion https://www.oed.com/dictionary/conversion_n#8281191 Benefits of missionaries: https://www.christianitytoday.com/about/stories/the-unexpected-good-news-about-missionaries/ Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee/JosephHolmes Justin Lin: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0510912/ Last Days film: https://www.lastdays-movie.com/

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   Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com Dr. Grace Hamman: https://gracehamman.com/

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 Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com Rev. Dan Todd: https://www.ourladyofdivinemercyac.net/about-us

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 (Movie) Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournanl.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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 rise: https://civicscience.com/u-s-belief-in-sasquatch-has-risen-since-2020/ Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkers.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com Campfire Files: https://campfirefiles.podbean.com/

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.forbes.com/sites/dimitarmixmihov/2025/02/11/ai-is-making-you-dumber-microsoft-researchers-say/ https://time.com/7295195/ai-chatgpt-google-learning-school/ Blesses The Lord of the Rings (book) WALL-E (film) Meagan (film) Children of Men (film) Curses Companion (Movie) The Creator (Movie) Five Nights at Freddy's (Movie) Addictive Children's Video Games/Roblox (games)   Websites Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Boze Herrington: @SketchesbyBoze (Twitter/X)  

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-happy-life/202008/why-it-feels-the-end-the-world-even-when-its-not   How to overcome fear: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/unpacking-anxiety/202312/facing-your-fears   Why anxiety is rising: https://www.afterbabel.com/p/mental-health-liberal-girls   “Sketch” controversy: https://religionunplugged.com/news/2025/8/28/on-religion-angel-studios-sparks-debate-with-scary-faith-film Joseph Holmes’ review of “The Anxious Generation https://lawliberty.org/book-review/what-the-smartphone-hath-wrought/ Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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 US instititons:  https://news.gallup.com/poll/647303/confidence-institutions-mostly-flat-police.aspx Blesses Time Out of Joint (Book) You are a Tree (Book) Weapons (Movie) The Master and his Emissary (Book) Wounded By Love (Book)   Curses Idiocracy (Movie) Eddington (Movie) AI (Technology)  Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com Paul Kingsnorth: paulkingsnorth.net

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://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/supernatural/against-reenchantment Blesses The Truman Show (Movie) Hallowe'en Party (Book) That Hideous Strength (Book) Piranesi (Book) Curses The Fourth Kind (Movie) Death of a Unicorn (Movie) The Sandman (TV Show) La La Land (Movie)   Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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 (Movie) Zodiac (Curse) Life of Pi (Curse) The Multiverse (Trope) Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com Zak Schmoll: https://www.zacharydschmoll.com/