The Age of Magical Overthinking | Amanda Montell (EP427)

Today’s guest says our minds are working overtime, trying to make sense of a world that feels increasingly chaotic - and we don’t even realize how much it’s affecting us. She’s spent years studying the words we use, the beliefs we cling to, and the subtle ways our brains search for certainty when life feels uncertain. And after examining everything from wellness trends to productivity culture to modern spirituality, she realized something eye-opening: many of the stories we tell ourselves to feel safe or in control are actually keeping us stuck.

Amanda Montell is a bestselling author, linguist, and host of the podcast Sounds Like a Cult. In her newest work, The Age of Magical Overthinking, she explores how cognitive biases and “magical thinking” quietly shape our decisions, relationships, and sense of self—especially in the information age.

In this episode, we talk about why our brains are drawn to certainty, how ideas like manifestation and hustle culture can become emotional shortcuts, and how to gently question the beliefs we’ve absorbed without shame. We explore how awareness - not perfection - is the key to clearer thinking, more intentional living, and a little more peace in the mental noise.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Checkout the podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.
• Clay Routledge
• Book: Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language
• Book: Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism
• Podcast: Magical Overthinkers
• Podcast: Sounds Like a Cult
• Album: Lily Allen - West End Girl
• Connect with Becca:
• Website
• Instagram
• Book: The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality
• Podcast: Sounds Like a Cult

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