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

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Jan 13, 2026

Guest

Amanda Montell

Amanda Montell, a keen observer of language and culture, dives into the quirks of human thought. She dissects cognitive biases like shine theory and the sunk cost fallacy, revealing how they shape our relationships and decisions. With humor, she connects irrational beliefs about manifestation to conspiracy thinking. The conversation highlights storytelling's power in shaping our realities and how social media complicates our narratives. Amanda's insights offer a guide to navigating modern life with greater awareness and compassion.

01:03:27

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INSIGHT

Biases Clash With The Information Age

Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that once aided survival but now clash with the information age.
Becoming aware of them reduces confusion and judgment toward yourself and others.

insights

INSIGHT

Shit-Talk Often Backfires

Gossip and shit-talking can backfire via spontaneous trait transference, making speakers adopt critiqued traits.
Venting to elevate yourself often harms your reputation and self-image.

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ADVICE

Turn Envy Into Connection

If you feel envy toward someone, try befriending or collaborating with them instead of competing.
Reach out; taking action often releases the spiral even if you get no reply.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Parable of the Two Wolves and Binaries

02:08 • 58sec

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Practice Shapes Emotion and Catharsis Myth

03:06 • 2min

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Book Structure and Cognitive Bias Lens

04:52 • 3min

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Zero-Sum Bias and Social Currencies

07:32 • 1min

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Shine Theory: Befriending, Not Beating

08:40 • 4min

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Taking Action Eases Envy

12:41 • 2min

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Magical Overthinking Thesis

Cognitive Biases as 'Wisdom Teeth' or Spandrels

17:56 • 1min

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Learning Biases Brings Curiosity Not Judgment

19:23 • 1min

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Overconfidence Bias vs Dunning-Kruger

20:44 • 3min

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Knowledge Illusion and Collective Expertise

23:20 • 3min

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Humans as Narrative-Making Animals

26:04 • 2min

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Manifestation and Proportionality Bias

27:41 • 4min

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Conspirituality and Misattributed Causes

31:33 • 3min

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Meritocracy, Trauma Framing, and Exploitation

34:43 • 3min

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Biases That Favor Simple Answers

37:21 • 2min

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Value and Limits of Small, Evidence-Based Practices

39:40 • 2min

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Cults, Personal Stories, and Non-Replicability

41:15 • 3min

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AA, Culty Language, and Nuance

43:50 • 7min

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Sunk Cost Fallacy and Toxic Relationships

50:48 • 4min

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Narrative Preservation and Social Incentives

54:36 • 3min

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Personal Resolution and New Marriage

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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.

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• 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.

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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