Overthinking About Critical Thinking

Magical Overthinkers

Amanda Montell & Studio71

Education, Science, Society & Culture

4.3 • 636 Ratings

🗓️ 13 May 2026

⏱️ 41 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What does “thinking critically” actually mean and why is everyone so convinced they’re already good at it? This week, Amanda is joined by psychologist and author of Radical Thinking, Peter Lamont to explore how all of our beliefs are shaped by a limited slice of what we notice and how we interpret it, which means disagreement is inevitable. Peter reframes critical thinking as something quieter and more uncomfortable: recognizing the limits of your own perspective and being willing to engage with people who see the world differently. From the role of the internet and social media to why curiosity might matter more than certainty, this episode is a grounded spiral about attention, interpretation, and learning to question your own thinking before anyone else’s. Further Reading: Radical Thinking: How to See the Bigger Picture by Peter Lamont - 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 Amanda's book The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality, or listen to the audiobook. Thanks to our Sponsors: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://SHOPIFY.COM/magical If your glasses are overdue for a refresh, now is the time. Use code PODCAST15 for 15% off your first order at bit.ly/3OdtU5X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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1:13.3	don't sit on it. That's z-en-n-n-i.com slash podcast. Promocode podcast 15. Welcome to the magical
1:26.1	overthinkers podcast, a show for thought spirallers, exploring the subjects we can't stop overthinking about.
1:33.5	From confrontation to crushes.
1:36.9	If you ever get the feeling that despite living in the information age, the world only seems to be making less sense than you're in the right place.
1:45.4	This podcast is here to soften the clash between our innately irrational, mystical human brains
1:52.4	and the overwhelm of this time. I'm your host, Amanda Montel, author of The Age of Magical
1:59.0	Overthinking, and today, with the help of my very special guest,
2:02.6	Peter Lamont, a former professional magician turned psychology professor whose new paperback book,
	...

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