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
Aug 18
502 | The Uniform
The Minimalists talk about the practical issues with curating a simple wardrobe, letting go of troubling conversations, being eco-friendly on a budget, and much more. Discussed in this episode: What should I do if a simple wardrobe isn’t practical for me? (2:08) If you had to wea ... Show More
48m 11s
Aug 11
501 | Worst Education Advice
The Minimalists speak with educator Isaac Morehouse about fixing our broken education system, asking family members to stop buying excess stuff, arguing with the people we love, and much more. Discussed in this episode: What can we do about our systemically broken education syste ... Show More
49m 42s
Jul 28
500 | Accidental Wisdom
The Minimalists talk about the root cause of identity clutter, the best ways to celebrate while letting go, how to minimize the things you rarely use, some of our favorite memories from the last 500 episodes, and much more. Discussed in this episode: Why am I having trouble letti ... Show More
46m 18s
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
Jul 27
3682: Stop Overthinking by Ali Cornish of Everthrive on Mental Clarity and Purposeful Living
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 3682: Ali Cornish unpacks the paralyzing nature of overthinking and how it subtly sabotages progress and peace of mind. By ... Show More
10m 28s
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