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The Age of Magical Overthinking: Why Our Minds Keep Doubling Down with Amanda Montell

Jan 13, 2026

Guest

Amanda Montell

Amanda Montell, a writer and podcaster specializing in language and psychology, delves into the intriguing concept of magical overthinking. She uncovers how cognitive biases shape our perceptions in today’s info-saturated world. Topics include shine theory, emphasizing collaboration, and the pitfalls of overconfidence bias. Amanda critically examines manifestation beliefs, revealing their ties to conspiracy thinking, while sharing personal anecdotes that highlight the complexities of decision-making in relationships. With humor and insight, she offers a fresh lens on navigating modern life.

01:03:27

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insights

INSIGHT

Gossip Often Mirrors The Traits You Criticize

Shit-talking to elevate yourself often backfires by spontaneously transferring traits to the speaker.
Research shows negative gossip can lower self-esteem and reflect the criticized qualities onto you.

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ADVICE

Turn Envy Into Connection

When envy arises, act: reach out, collaborate, or befriend the person who intimidates you.
Amanda Montell recommends 'shine theory' as an antidote to zero-sum social thinking.

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ADVICE

Act On Envy To Break The Spiral

If someone doesn't respond to your outreach, treat it as progress because you acted on envy.
Montell says sending a DM releases the mental spiral even when there's no reply.

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Zero-sum bias and the shit-talking hypothesis

02:54 • 7min

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Shine theory and collaboration over rivalry

09:38 • 6min

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Magical overthinking thesis

15:31 • 4min

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Explaining the two wolves parable

19:22 • 2min

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Overconfidence and the knowledge illusion

21:49 • 7min

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Manifestation as conspiratorial thinking

29:13 • 9min

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Desire for simple explanations

38:38 • 2min

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Practical help versus systemic issues

40:49 • 5min

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AA, cultish elements, and nuance

45:38 • 7min

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Sunk cost fallacy and toxic relationships

52:17 • 7min

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Personal recovery, nuance, and marriage

• Mentioned in 55 episodes

Cultish

The Language of Fanaticism

Amanda Montell

In 'Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism,' Amanda Montell argues that the key to manufacturing intense ideology, community, and us/them attitudes in cults and cult-like groups lies in the use of language. The book delves into the verbal elements that make these communities 'cultish,' including the redefinition of words, euphemisms, and other linguistic tricks. Montell analyzes various groups such as Jonestown, Scientology, NXIVM, and even modern entities like SoulCycle and social media influencers, highlighting how these groups use language to create a sense of belonging and loyalty. The book is praised for its engaging narrative, original research, and incisive analysis of the power of language in shaping human behavior.

#4427

• Mentioned in 10 episodes

The Knowledge Illusion

Stephen Sloman and Phil Fernbach

#7379

• Mentioned in 6 episodes

The Age of Magical Overthinking, Notes on Modern Irrationality

Notes on Modern Irrationality

Amanda Montell

Amanda Montell's "The Age of Magical Overthinking" delves into the pervasive influence of irrationality in modern life. The book explores how various forms of magical thinking, from astrology to conspiracy theories, shape our beliefs and behaviors. Montell examines the psychological and societal factors that contribute to our susceptibility to irrationality, analyzing the role of social media and the internet in amplifying these tendencies. She offers a critical perspective on the ways in which we construct narratives and explanations for the world around us. The book encourages readers to cultivate critical thinking skills and engage with the world in a more rational and informed manner.

#1611

• Mentioned in 23 episodes

Fluke

Chance, Chaos, and Why Everything We Do Matters

Brian Klaas

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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