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 and author Paul Anleitner his new book: "Based on a True Story: Vibe Shifts, the End of Deconstruction, and the Reboot of Meaning" Websites Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes

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: https://wttc.org/news/global-travel-tourism-growth-to-outpace-wider-economy-by-1-5-times-over-the-next-decade

https://www.aei.org/commentary/passport-to-springfield/ American demographics of tourism: https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/12/06/americans-who-have-traveled-internationally-stand-out-in-their-views-and-knowledge-of-foreign-affairs/

History of tourism: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479723019114?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Travel builds empathy:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/social-empathy/202210/pack-your-bags-and-travel-its-good-for-you

https://www.aei.org/commentary/passport-to-springfield/

https://qz.com/763433/want-your-children-to-grow-into-more-empathetic-adults-travel-with-them

Overtourism explained: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301479723019114

Travel creates memories (particularly with others) and therefore more lasting happiness than possessions: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/00472875211064631

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/buy-experiences-instead-of-possessions-to-build-social-connection

Instagramification of travel: https://www.lemonde.fr/en/economy/article/2025/05/10/tourism-in-the-age-of-tiktok-and-instagram-how-social-media-has-transformed-vacations_6741113_19.html

Wendell Berry on problems with travel: https://aleteia.org/2025/07/27/wendell-berry-and-what-it-means-to-love-a-place

Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes

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 resources What is Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI)? https://academic.oup.com/nsr/article/12/5/nwaf050/8029900 Generative AI controversy in Christian music: https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/11/solomon-ray-ai-christian-music-soul-singer/ Generative AI controversy in film:

https://religionunplugged.com/news/2026/6/11/the-old-stories-moses-groundbreaking-ai-filmmaking-is-artistically-underwhelming Websites The Overthinkers: theoverthinkersjournal.world Nathan Clarkson: nathanclarkson.me Joseph Holmes: linktr.ee.com/josephholmes Kelsey Kramer McGinnes: https://www.kkramermcginnis.com