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/WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.comRev. 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 Vampireshttps://www.history.com/articles/vampire-historyBlessesTwilight (Movie)Let the Right One In (Movie)Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (Movie)CursesVampire Diaries (TV Show)Bram Stoker's Dracula (Movie)WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournanl.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph 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/ WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkers.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.comCampfire 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/BlessesThe Lord of the Rings (book)WALL-E (film)Meagan (film)Children of Men (film) CursesCompanion (Movie)The Creator (Movie)Five Nights at Freddy's (Movie)Addictive Children's Video Games/Roblox (games)   WebsitesNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.comThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldBoze 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/ WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph 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.aspxBlesses 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) WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.comPaul 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-sociologyAgainst Re-Enchantment, By Joy Clarkson: https://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/supernatural/against-reenchantment   WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph 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/epistemologyBlesses 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)WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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/social-media-dumber-steven-pinker.html   https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/archive/2025/01/nicholas-carr-is-the-internet-making-us-stupid/681517/   Social media is (probably) not making us dumber:   https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/unique-everybody-else/201904/social-media-probably-isn-t-making-you-stupidBlessesNew York Times Games (App)Chess (App)The Social Network (Movie)Catfish (Documentary)The Anxious Generation (Book)CursesThe Circle (Movie)The Social Dilemma (Documentary)Social Media BotsSocial Media FriendsWebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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 resourcesHomelessness definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/homeless Homelessness stats: https://www.britannica.com/topic/homelessness   WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.comTerrence Lester: https://terencelester.com/

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-writing-about-religion/   Why the church should support the arts: https://thecollision.org/its-time-for-the-church-to-unleash-its-artists%EF%BF%BC/   Why the church should be balanced on the support of the arts: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kevin-deyoung/the-church-and-the-arts-some-common-ground-and-some-common-sense/   Blesses   Sistine Chapel (Art) The Anselm Society (Organization) The Hephzibah House (Organization) Greenhouse (Organization)Hollywood Prayer Network (Organization) The Agony and the Ecstasy (Movie) Handel’s Messiah (Music) People Creating New Art in Dialogue with the Old Stuff (Artists at Spotify Playlist: anselmsociety.org/theoverthinkers)   CursesThe Hayes Code (Hollywood Code) Babylon (Movie) CCM Industrial Complex (Music Industry)   WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephhomlmesstudios.comBrian Brown: anselmsociety.org/overthinkers

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 people are abandoning college: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/why-more-americans-are-skipping-collegeHistorical development of modern education: https://www.brookings.edu/articles/why-understanding-the-historical-purposes-of-modern-schooling-matters-today/ CS Lewis on education: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/52604-education-without-values-as-useful-as-it-is-seems-ratherMartin Luther King Jr. on education: https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/purpose-educationWebsites:Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.comAnnie Crawford: anniecrawford.net

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.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-baby-scientist/202406/changing-hearts-and-minds   Our mental map: https://www.turing.ac.uk/blog/facts-dont-change-minds-and-theres-data-prove-it   Persuade people through relationships: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/18/change-mind-evidence-arguing-social-relationships Persuade people through better forms of debate: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evidence-based-living/201811/proven-ways-change-someone-s-mind   https://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-can-you-change-someone-s-mind-spoiler-facts-don-t-work-so-well-hugo-mercierWebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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.nytimes.com/2025/06/26/opinion/peter-thiel-antichrist-ross-douthat.htmlBless Deus Ex (video game) Abolition of Man (Book) That Hideous Strength (Book)   Bless/curse    Fallout 4 (video game)   Curse   Mickey 17 Midnight MassWebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJosephholmesstudios.com

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/2021/01/15/the-benefits-of-resting-and-how-to-unplug-in-a-busy-world/ https://time.com/6969761/how-to-rest-more-effectively/ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-awesome-career/202306/the-critical-need-for-intentional-rest You're not working hard enough: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDNAE73vEyX/?hl=en&__coig_challenged=1WebsitesOverthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.comNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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/basics/authenticity   Is authenticity overrated? https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/return-stillness/201909/is-authenticity-overratedhttps://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbooksauthors/2022/11/22/authenticity-is-overrated-building-a-more-effective-leadership-style/   When do people feel most authentic? https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0092656618302964 BlessesWe Are Not as Strong as We Think We Are (Song)Ragamuffin (Movie)The Life of Chuck (Movie)CursesMaterialists (Movie)How to Be Single (Movie)

Why are superheroes seemingly always so popular? And is that a good thing? We discuss with screenwriter, professor, and author Sean Gaffney.   References and resourcesList 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   Superheroes aren’t cinema: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/04/opinion/martin-scorsese-marvel.html   My reply to Scorsese: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/16/opinion/letters/martin-scorsese-movies.html   Superheroes as modern gods: https://www.wired.com/2011/07/grant-morrison-supergods/   Superheroes as Chivalric Romance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPH9K0x5fY4&ab_channel=PilgrimsPass   Superheroes as worship: https://anunexpectedjournal.com/superhero-movies-are-worship-not-theme-parks/   WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.comSean Gaffney: https://gaffneyinkwell.com/

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#:~:text=How%20do%20we%20design%20technology,15%20cigarettes%20daily%2C%20not%2012.   Interview with Ryan Burge: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/is-religion-in-decline-with-ryan-burge/id1510271421?i=1000705236657   Interview with Brad Wilcox: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/are-married-people-happier-with-dr-brad-wilcox/id1510271421?i=1000644150680   AI friends as a solution: https://www.entrepreneur.com/business-news/meta-ceo-mark-zuckerberg-wants-you-to-make-ai-friends/491349#:~:text=Key%20Takeaways,the%20idea%20of%20AI%20friends. WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2016/06/13-great-philosophers-on-the-secret-of-happiness/   Scientists on happiness: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/01/magazine/happiness-research-studies-relationships.html   Americans say career over committed relationship: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2020/02/14/more-than-half-of-americans-say-marriage-is-important-but-not-essential-to-leading-a-fulfilling-life/   Americans spending less time with friends: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/02/america-decline-hanging-out/677451/   Mental state or well-being: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/happiness/#MeaHap   Macronutrients of happiness: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/04/20/arthur-c-brooks-the-3-macronutrients-of-happiness.html   Global Flourishing Study: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/05/global-flourishing-study-good-life/WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com

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 of FOMO and advice for dealing with it: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/understanding-fomo   Understanding JOMO: https://www.afterbabel.com/p/what-happened-to-fomo     WebsitesThe Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.worldNathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.meJoseph Holmes: josephholmesstudios.com