Magical Overthinkers

The decision to cut someone out of your life—whether a parent, a sibling, or a once-close friend—can feel both deeply necessary and impossibly fraught. But why does going no contact inspire so much shame, confusion, and second-guessing, especially when it’s often a tool for self-preservation? What does it really mean to choose absence over obligation?In this episode, host Amanda Montell (@amanda_montell) is joined by Jeanette Tran, a professor at Drake University who explores the complexities of estrangement through an unexpected lens: Shakespeare. Drawing from centuries-old drama, Jeanette helps us parse why going no contact still feels so taboo, how literature mirrors (and sometimes distorts) our ideas of family and forgiveness, and why choosing peace can be the most radical act of all.Further reading: Jeanette Tran’s essay “As more Americans go ‘no contact’ with their parents, they live out a dilemma at the heart of Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’” in The Conversation.  - Join the "Magical Overthinkers Club" by following the pod on Instagram @magicaloverthinkers.- To access early, ad-free episodes and more, subscribe to the Magical Overthinkers Substack.- Pick up a hard copy of Amanda's book The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, or listen to the audiobook.Thanks to Our Sponsors: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/MAGICAL to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://SHOPIFY.COM/magical Thrive all year with clean, easy meals from Green Chef. Go to https://GreenChef.com/magicalfree and use code magicalfree to get started with FREE Salads for two months plus 50% off your first box. No matter how you say it, don’t overpay for it. Shop plans at https://MINTMOBILE.com/magical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Explore the fascinating psychology of misinformation and the illusory truth effect, where familiarity can falsely equate with truth. Delve into the dubious origins of wedding myths and how cultural narratives shape our beliefs. Discover the intricate relationship between language and misinformation, alongside the comedy of human evolution that helps address serious issues. Personal anecdotes spice up discussions about modern anxieties, identity protection, and navigating digital spaces, all while underscoring the importance of critical thinking in today's information age.

Climate anxiety is nothing new, but lately, it feels like the volume has been cranked all the way up. Between record-breaking heat waves, apocalyptic air quality, and the general sense that our leaders are doing basically nothing to stop it, it’s hard not to spiral about the future of our planet. Are we completely doomed? Should we all be prepping for societal collapse? And how do we balance staying informed with not losing our minds? To help us navigate these thought spirals, host Amanda Montell (@amanda_montell) is joined by Dharna Noor (@thispartysux), a climate journalist who has spent years reporting on environmental policy and corporate accountability. Together, they discuss the myths and realities of climate activism, how to stay engaged without succumbing to total nihilism, and whether it’s still okay to enjoy iced coffee and long showers while the world burns.- Join the "Magical Overthinkers Club" by following the pod on Instagram @magicaloverthinkers.- To access early, ad-free episodes and more, subscribe to the Magical Overthinkers Substack.- Pick up a hard copy of Amanda's book The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, or listen to the audiobook.Thanks to Our Sponsors: Indoor cats and indoor humans agree - Pretty Litter helps my house smell fresh and clean. Go tohttps://PrettyLitter.com/magical to save 20% on your FIRST order and get a free cat toy. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://SHOPIFY.COM/magical Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/MAGICAL to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at https://MINTMOBILE.com/magical Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Weddings! They’re supposed to be the "happiest day of your life"... so why do they inspire so much stress, scrutiny, and existential dread? From the absurd cost to the vague standards of "tradition" to the social politics and not-so-subtly gendered pressure to make every detail deeply personal yet universally beloved, modern weddings are a minefield of overthinking. Should one cave to family expectations or take on the creative labor of reimagining the modern wedding from the ground up? Why does the term "bridezilla" feel like a trap? Is throwing a big shebang just consumerist narcissism? And why do we judge people so hard for how they choose to celebrate their partnership?To help untangle these nuptial-flavored thought spirals, host Amanda Montell (@amanda_montell) is joined by author, mental health advocate, and longtime wedding overthinker Allison Raskin (@allisonraskin), whose sharp, heartfelt takes on marriage make her the perfect guest for this topic. Together, they unpack the evolving culture of weddings and how to take control of your own matrimonial destiny.Further Reading: I Do (I Think): Conversations About Modern Marriage by Allison Raskin- Join the "Magical Overthinkers Club" by following the pod on Instagram @magicaloverthinkers.- To access early, ad-free episodes and more, subscribe to the Magical Overthinkers Substack.- Pick up a hard copy of Amanda's book The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, or listen to the audiobook.Thanks to Our Sponsors: Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/MAGICAL to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today. Go to https://GreenChef.com/magicalfree and use code magicalfree to get started with FREE Salads for two months plus 50% off your first box. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leah Thomas, an environmental author known for her advocacy on intersectionality and environmental justice, joins Amanda Montell to explore social media activism's complexities. They discuss the tension between performative acts and meaningful engagement, questioning the true impact of viral posts. The conversation touches on the evolution of activism since 2020, the burnout faced by young activists, and strategies for self-care amidst the online pressures. They advocate for authenticity in activism and emphasize the need to balance online presence with genuine community involvement.

Is gossip merely a frivolous pastime, or does it have deeper significance? This discussion unveils the dual nature of gossip—from ancient tales to contemporary social media dynamics. It questions whether our fascination with gossip reflects intelligence and examines how digital platforms shape its role in modern relationships. The conversation also touches on gender biases, paranoia in friendships, and how marginalized voices can leverage gossip for empowerment. Expect revelations on trust, community, and the often misunderstood power of shared stories.

Sharing another podcast we can’t get enough of: Your Mama’s Kitchen. It’s a show aboutcuisine and culture, ingredients and identities, and the meals and memoriesthat make us who we are. Host Michele Norris talks to Michelle Obama, GlennonDoyle, José Andrés and so many other guests about the complexities of familylife and how their earliest culinary experiences helped shape their personaland professional lives. And of course, each guest shares a recipe for afavorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story. In thisepisode, Late Show host Stephen Colbert and his wife Evie reminisce on theirromcom-worthy meet cute, they share the food they ate growing up in Charleston,North Carolina (hint: lots of seafood), and some of the cooking hiccups theyfaced as a new couple in their first kitchen. Plus, Stephen teaches us how tomake his version of his mama’s fudge – a recipe none of his siblings can agreeon. You can find more Your Mama’s Kitchen at https://lnk.to/yourmamaskitchenMA Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Join host Amanda Montell as she welcomes Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, a certified fertility awareness educator and author. They dive deep into the emotional turmoil surrounding fertility, addressing societal pressures and pervasive misinformation. Lisa sheds light on the importance of understanding menstrual cycles and how fertility awareness can empower women. They also confront myths about reproductive health, discuss the implications of hormonal birth control, and emphasize the need for open conversations about parenting choices. A thought-provoking listen!

In this insightful conversation, Patric Gagne, an author and former therapist, dives into the depths of people pleasing. Gagne, who candidly labels himself a sociopath, explores the fine line between genuine kindness and manipulation. He discusses the societal pressures fueling this behavior and shares how childhood experiences shape our need to keep others happy at the expense of our well-being. The duo also offers practical strategies for recognizing and overcoming unhealthy patterns, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and setting personal boundaries.

In this enlightening discussion, Daniel Space, an HR professional turned social media creator, dives into the common struggle of career jealousy. He shares insights on how social media fuels comparisons and offers practical advice for managing feelings of inadequacy. They explore the psychological roots of jealousy, linking it to societal expectations and personal values. Daniel also highlights the importance of self-recognition and finding fulfillment beyond conventional success, encouraging a shift towards personal growth and authentic self-expression.