Magical Overthinkers

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.

Making friends as an adult can be confusing, awkward, and—let's be real—embarrassingly hard. Why is it that something that came so naturally on the playground feels like pulling teeth now? Is it just a symptom of getting older and more curmudgeonly, or does it reveal something deeper about our culture, our priorities, and even our fears? To help us untangle the magical overthinking of adult friendships, host Amanda Montell (@amanda_montell) is joined by Anna Goldfarb (@annagoldfarb), journalist and author of Modern Friendship. Together, they discuss why so many grown-ups feel friendless and what we can do to bounce back in a time when community is more important than ever. *Sends “friendship calendar invite.”Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to https://Zocdoc.com/MAGICAL to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Head over to https://Masterclass.com/MAGICAL for the current offer, up to 50% off.- 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.To watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/MagicalOverthinkersYouTube ; Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listeningIf you like the show, telling a friend about it would be amazing! You can text, DM, email, or send this link to a friend: https://bit.ly/MagicalOverthinkers  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Denise Montell, a cancer researcher at UC Santa Barbara and Amanda's mom, dives into the world of toxins that surround us in everyday life. They unravel the mysteries behind harmful chemicals in food and skincare, exploring how these affect our health and mental well-being. The conversation touches on practical lifestyle choices to minimize cancer risks, the real effects of industrialization, and the importance of making informed decisions about sunscreen and food. Plus, techniques to tackle the overwhelm of toxins are shared, helping to ease anxiety while staying educated.