Cults, Personal Stories, and Non-Replicability

In this episode, Amanda Montell explores the age of magical overthinking and why our minds keep doubling down. She discusses how cognitive biases and irrational thinking shape our perceptions and behaviors in the information age. Amanda also explains shine theory, zero-sum and sunk cost biases, and the allure of manifestation and conspiracy thinking. Through personal stories and humor, Amanda and Eric discuss how understanding these mental patterns can help us navigate modern life more consciously and compassionately.

Exciting News!!!Coming in March 2026, my new book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠How a Little Becomes a Lot: The Art of Small Changes for a More Meaningful Life is now available for pre-orders!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Key Takeaways

• Exploration of cognitive biases and their impact on modern thinking.
• Discussion of irrational thinking in the information age.
• Examination of the parable of the two wolves and its implications for personal behavior.
• Analysis of the shine theory and its relevance to social dynamics, particularly among women.
• Insights into the sunk cost fallacy and its effects on decision-making in relationships.
• Critique of manifestation beliefs and their parallels to conspiracy thinking.
• The role of storytelling in human cognition and its influence on self-perception.
• The relationship between overconfidence bias and self-assessment.
• Challenges of navigating modern life with evolved cognitive shortcuts.
• The impact of social media on decision-making and personal narratives.

For full show notes,⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠!⁠

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Amanda Montell, check out these other episodes:

Why You Can’t Think Your Way Out of Overthinking with Adam Mastroianni

The Purpose of Emotions and Why We’re Not Wired for Happiness with Anders Hansen

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