Magical Overthinkers

Olga Khazan, a journalist and author at The Atlantic, joins Amanda Montell to unravel the complexities of personality. They dive into whether our identities are shaped by nature or nurture, and how personality frameworks like the Myers-Briggs can sometimes lead to overthinking. The discussion explores the fluidity of identity and whether we can truly change or merely adapt performance in different situations. Khazan shares insights from her book, emphasizing the intriguing possibility of transforming oneself beyond perceived limitations.

Why do we, against all logic, evidence, and bank account balances, still kind of believe that billionaires earned it? This week on Magical Overthinkers, host Amanda Montell (@amanda_montell) sits down with writer and cultural critic Dasia Sade (@dasiadoesit) to unravel the glittery, gaslight-y spell of billionaire worship in America: how it started, who profits from it, and what it’s doing to our collective sense of possibility (and sanity). From Calvinism to Musk, we trace how a stew of religious guilt, PR manipulation, and celebrity obsession shaped a culture where having a billion dollars feels aspirational instead of deeply dystopian. Plus: why most of us can’t actually comprehend how much a billion is, what billionaires are really doing with all that money, and what it might take to finally break the spell (spoiler: it’s not another Forbes profile). - 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. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://SHOPIFY.COM/magical⁠⁠ Check out the Fits Everybody Collection at ⁠https://www.skims.com/magical⁠ #skimspartner Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to⁠⁠ https://Zocdoc.com/MAGICAL⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today Get your summer savings and shop premium wireless plans at ⁠https://MINTMOBILE.com/magical⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ellie Anderson, a philosopher and college professor, delves into the complex nature of laziness alongside host Amanda Montell. They challenge societal norms, questioning if laziness is a moral failing or a response to capitalism. The discussion highlights how laziness intersects with class, mental health, and self-care. They advocate for a compassionate view, exploring the freedom found in embracing inactivity and the societal guilt tied to it. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to rethink laziness as a radical act of self-care and creativity.

Join journalist Elizabeth Greenwood, author of Everyday Intuition, as she explores the intricate relationship between intuition and anxiety. She reveals how to distinguish genuine gut feelings from anxious thoughts, weaving in personal experiences from her life, including significant moments like pregnancy. Elizabeth and host Amanda Montell discuss the neuroscience behind intuition, the importance of quiet reflection in decision-making, and practical tips to harness intuition without falling into overthinking traps. Trust your gut, but be aware!

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.