logo
episode-header-image
About this episode

The Minimalists are joined by Amanda Montell, author of The Age of Magical Overthinking, to discuss information overload, thought clutter, and much more.

Discussed in this episode:

What habits will help me avoid being overwhelmed by information clutter? (2:03)

How does overplanning prevent us from executing our plans? (30:42)

When does research get in the way of creativity? (32:42)

Does too much imagination suppress our intuition? (37:04)

In our current age of unlimited information, how has overthinking affected you? (41:05)

When is The Minimalists’ next live event? (45:04)

Listener tip: How one listener deals with book clutter. (47:22)

Listen to the full Maximal episode on Patreon: patreon.com/theminimalists

Detailed show notes: minimalists.com/podcast

Recorded at Earthing Studios.

Up next
Jul 7
498 | Nonsense
The Minimalists speak with Kapil Gupta about letting go of nonsense, the many ways humans waste their lives, what happens when you minimize ambition, and more. Discussed in this episode: What does it mean to “overcome the world”? (3:27) Why does Dr. Gupta have a disdain for smart ... Show More
54m 23s
Jun 30
497 | The Sacrifices
The Minimalists talk about the right amount of deprivation, sacrificing for others, obsession with books, education that aligns with minimalist principles, and more. Discussed in this episode: How much should I deprive myself for the sake of loving others? (2:05) When does it mak ... Show More
47m 13s
Jun 23
496 | Good Talk
The Minimalists talk about communicating with people who are unwilling to change their minds, the qualities of productive conversation, finding ways to be happy without knowing your purpose, a simple approach to getting divorced, the proper way to identify a narcissist, being a m ... Show More
40m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 8
311. How to stop ruminating
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. I ... Show More
48m 22s
Jul 7
311. How to stop ruminating
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. I ... Show More
51m 55s
Aug 2024
EP 481 Decluttering Your Mind: Strategies for Mental Clarity
The purpose of CelesteTheTherapist is to help shift the way you think. Many times, we get stuck in a negative cycle and struggle with getting out. Celeste will interview guests from different backgrounds who empower people in different capacities. Host: Celeste, Therapist from Bo ... Show More
36m 7s
Mar 2025
How To Stop Feeling Overwhelmed with Oliver Burkeman (re-release) #536
The average person has 4,000 weeks on earth. It doesn’t sound like much does it? You’re probably doing mental arithmetic right now trying to work out how many weeks you might have left. But if that sounds like a pessimistic start to this podcast, fear not. My guest today is Olive ... Show More
1h 47m
Mar 2025
How to Stop Overthinking: Rumination, OCD, and Breaking the Awareness Trap
Self-awareness is a good thing…right? In this episode, Forrest and Dr. Rick Hanson explore how we can stop overthinking and break the self-awareness trap: when knowing ourselves becomes an obstacle to change. They discuss the difference between reflection and rumination, the pitf ... Show More
1h 13m
Oct 2024
77. Mindset Mastery: Thoughts Are Not Facts
Just because you think it doesn't mean that it's true. 🤯 In this solo episode, Kristen revisits the foundational concept that thoughts are not facts, a topic that has significantly impacted her life and coaching practice. She explores how our thoughts shape our reality, the impo ... Show More
21m 33s
Feb 2025
417: The Real Reason You’re Overthinking Everything (And How to Fix It)
Plus, why overthinking is making you a prisoner of your past || Ooooh the curse of OVERTHINKING… we all do it, but do you know why? 👀 In this episode, Monica peels back the layers of what’s really happening when you can’t seem to stop spiraling. From surprising triggers to hidde ... Show More
40m 19s
Nov 2024
3394: Declutter Your Mind + Decrease Stress in 3 Easy Steps by Cara Harvey of A Purpose Driven Mom on Focused Thinking
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 3394:In this insightful piece, Cara Harvey shares simple, powerful strategies to calm the mind, reduce mental clutter, and l ... Show More
10m 20s
Oct 2024
Overthinking Is OUT, Letting Things Be Is IN
If you can’t stop overthinking, listen to this episode.  Last week I went on my first brand trip, and it was INCREDIBLE. The days leading up to the trip, I was so nervous and was thinking about every possible thing that could go wrong. It got to a point where I almost backed out ... Show More
27m 53s
May 25
3609: Does Brain Training Work? More Food For Thought by Dr. Jenny Brockis on Improving Cognitive Ability
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3609: Dr. Jenny Brockis challenges the sweeping conclusion that brain training is ineffective, calling attention to the fla ... Show More
12m 13s