Magical Overthinkers
Amanda Montell & Studio71
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.For advertising opportunities please email PodcastPartnerships@Studio71us.com We wanna make the podcast even better, help us learn how we can: https://bit.ly/2EcYbu4 Privacy Policy: https://www.studio71.com/terms-and-conditions-use/#Privacy%20Policy
Episodes
Mentioned books
Apr 1, 2026 • 51min
Overthinking About Doing Your Own Research
Dr. Harini Bhat, pharmacist-turned-science communicator behind Today I Learned Science, explains why “do your own research” often leads to confusion. They explore how social media snippets fool us, the limits of online expertise, and how algorithms and bias shape perceived knowledge. Practical media-literacy rules and the line between healthy skepticism and conspiratorial thinking are highlighted.
Mar 18, 2026 • 54min
Overthinking About Flirting
Francesca Hoagie, matchmaker-turned-relationship expert and author, shares practical flirting and dating advice. She reframes flirting as a learnable skill, explains how apps scramble instincts, and offers simple grounding and question-based practices. Expect playful takes on mixed signals, queer ambiguity, keeping spark in relationships, and why being present beats performance.
5 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 25min
Overthinking About Feeling Doomed
A solo deep-dive into the rise of “doom” language and why apocalyptic jokes have become everyday banter. Short detours through meme culture, gallows humor, and how algorithms normalize catastrophe. A look at political variations in doom slang and when casual fatalism might hinder real action.
4 snips
Feb 18, 2026 • 48min
Overthinking About Workaholism
Guy Winch, clinical psychologist and author of Mind Over Grind, explores why overworking feels noble and how burnout can look like success. He discusses signs of harmful overwork, why rest is true recovery, when work masks avoidance, and how to rebuild identity beyond productivity. Short, reflective, and unsettlingly relatable.
9 snips
Feb 4, 2026 • 48min
Overthinking About Being A Flake
Kate Lindsay, journalist and internet-culture writer behind Embedded and Slate’s ICYMI, explores why canceling plans became normalized. They trace how digital RSVPs, burnout, and convenience culture make opting out easier. Short conversations cover loneliness, moralizing solitude, when honesty about canceling hurts, and how chronic flakiness reshapes relationships.
Jan 21, 2026 • 46min
Overthinking About Confrontation
In this discussion, happiness researcher Sonja Lyubomirsky spills her insights on why confrontation often feels daunting, despite knowing we’re right. She shares her experiences with assertively addressing issues while balancing honesty and compassion. The duo delves into how healthy confrontation nurtures relationships and encourages vulnerability. Sonja also suggests starting small, practicing low-stakes confrontations, and emphasizes the importance of curiosity and listening in tough conversations. Tune in for a refreshing take on navigating conflict!
15 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 55min
Overthinking About Horniness
This week, Shan Boodram, an ASEC-certified sex educator and media presence, dives deep into the complexities of horniness. She explores how cultural factors and social media shape our desires and the feelings of shame that often accompany them. Discussion highlights include the impact of isolation on intimacy, the biological drivers of libido, and the ways different types of sex drives manifest. Shan also provides practical tips for aligning with one’s natural desires and navigating mismatched libidos in relationships.
15 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 22min
Overthinking About Nostalgia
As the year winds down, nostalgia takes center stage, evoking both sweetness and pain. Amanda reflects on the past year's highlights, revealing how we romanticize memories while grappling with their distortions. She introduces the concept of anticipatory nostalgia, showing how missing the present can inspire us to appreciate life more deeply. Engaging with cultural trends post-pandemic, Amanda offers strategies for intentionally crafting meaningful moments now. It's a bittersweet exploration of memory, gratitude, and the magic of our experiences.
13 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 46min
Overthinking About Ragebait
Lee C. Camp, a theologian and ethics professor known for his podcast No Small Endeavor, joins to explore the phenomenon of ragebait. They delve into how anger is weaponized for profit, creating a cycle of division and doomscrolling. Lee reflects on our addiction to outrage, the importance of discernment in anger, and finding constructive ways to engage online. He highlights the difference between short-term anger and love-driven social change, encouraging listeners to seek thoughtful content while avoiding the trap of algorithmic polarization.
Nov 12, 2025 • 47min
Overthinking About Crying
MJ Renshaw, a wellness educator and founder of The Being Method, dives deep into the fascinating world of crying. She shares her personal journey with emotional expression and its ties to her book, How to Cry. MJ discusses the biological basis of tears and the societal stigma surrounding them, clarifying that crying isn't manipulative but a natural human response. They explore the emotional benefits of crying, why it often emerges in conflicts, and the surprising post-cry glow. Plus, insights on how breathwork can help reconnect with our emotions.
