Magical Overthinkers

When life here on earth feels painful, we often look to the sky for comfort, answers, and escapism. Thinking about what’s out there can inspire so many forms of magical overthinking: awe, fantasy, paranoia, religiosity, even UFO conspiracy theories. This week’s thought spirals take us away from our planet’s problems and into outer space. There, we’re joined by astrophysicist and folklorist, Dr. Moiya McTier (@goastromo), who’s indulging host Amanda Montell’s (@amanda_montell) overthinkiest questions about aliens, deep space, science fiction, and how pondering the cosmos might actually be a cure for some of the digital age’s most frustrating irrationalities.- 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 audiobookTo 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

Alegra Kastens, an OCD specialist, dives into the chaotic world of crushes in the digital age, where social media and dating apps complicate infatuation. She discusses how neurodivergence influences romantic feelings, particularly the role of limerence and obsessive thoughts. The conversation reveals the emotional intensity of one-sided crushes and the societal pressures from observing others’ relationships. Practical grounding techniques are shared, equipping listeners to navigate their overthinking and embrace the complexities of modern love.

Dive into the wild world of celebrity worship, from Taylor Swift's intriguing scandals to the obsession with One Direction. Discover shocking stats that reveal how many youngsters idolize media figures over real-life role models. Unpack the emotional toll of high expectations on celebrities, especially women of color. Explore the paradox of fans demanding values from their idols and the blurred lines of celebrity activism. The discussion highlights the psychological roots and evolving dynamics of our relationship with fame, inviting a critical reflection on these contemporary obsessions.

Exploring the emotional turmoil of layoffs, the discussion dives into how job loss impacts our identities and self-worth. Personal narratives reveal the anxiety and complexities behind being laid off, contrasting cold corporate language with real human experiences. The stigma of unemployment, particularly age discrimination, is tackled head-on. Listeners are encouraged to embrace shared experiences and foster resilience through humor and creativity. The connection between job security and technological advancements adds another layer, inviting reflections on navigating an uncertain job market.

Delving into the perils of social media comparison, the podcast explores the psychological origins and impact on self-esteem. Guests share strategies to combat comparison, the evolution of creating content, and the challenges faced by parents in the digital era.

Co-author of a book on burnout, Amelia Nagoski, discusses societal clashes with the human spirit, stress response cycles, and quelling burnout's effects. Topics include burnout signs, stress bragging, managing burnout, gender roles in health, and misconceptions around self-care.

Exploring the origins and impact of imposter syndrome on high-achieving women, discussing systemic causes, societal pressures, and strategies for overcoming it. Dive into generational differences in experiencing imposter syndrome, remedies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and the importance of managing stress triggers. Join the Magical Overthinkers Club for more insights on navigating imposter syndrome and mental health challenges.

Diving into the polyamory vs. monogamy debate, the podcast explores societal norms and historical perspectives. The episode features philosophical insights, discussions on non-monogamous relationships in media, and challenges traditional relationship structures. Join the conversation on redefining love norms and the mental health benefits of knitting for overthinkers.

Exploring the rise of narcissism in American culture, host Amanda chats with psychologist Dr. Ramani to debunk myths and understand this phenomenon. They discuss the overuse and misunderstanding of the term, societal influences, and the complexities of treating narcissism. Dive into the world of narcissistic traits, navigating relationships with narcissistic individuals, and the importance of self-reflection and boundaries in dealing with this personality trait.

Are you an overthinker? Prone to thought spirals? Do you wonder why, despite living in the "Information Age," life only seems to be making less sense? From extreme celebrity worshippers to people with master’s degrees basing their real-life choices on Mercury’s whereabouts, there seems to be a lot of delulu out there these days. More than ever, in fact. Enter: This relatable, thought-provoking podcast for curious overthinkers. Every other week, tune in as host Amanda Montell, author of the New York Times bestselling book The Age of Magical Overthinking and host of the Sounds Like A Cult podcast, interviews a brilliant expert guest about a buzzy, confounding, anxiety-provoking topic. Think: narcissism, nostalgia, polyamory, social media comparison, "millennial cringe." Complete with heart-on-their-sleeve personal stories, thought-provoking conversations, and actionable takeaways for how chronically online listeners can get out of their own heads, this podcast is here to make some sense of the senseless. To help quiet the cacophony in our brains for a while. Or even hear a melody in it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices