Ep. 282 - Is EVERYTHING a cult? Amanda Montell Unpacks Our Obsession
s everything a cult? Or are we just finally noticing how belief actually works?
This conversation cracked something open for me around why we get pulled into certain ideas, identities, and systems and why leaving them can feel way harder than joining. I’m sitting down withAmanda Montell, whose work sits at the intersection of cult psychology, language, and cultural influence. We talk about how words shape belief, how cognitive biases sneak into everyday life, and why so many of us are obsessed with cult stories right now. Fair warning: after this episode, you may start seeing cultish dynamics everywhere.Amanda is a linguist, New York Times bestselling author, and the voice behindSounds Like a CultandMagical Overthinkers. She has a rare gift for making complex psychological ideas feel accessible, funny, and deeply human without making anyone feel stupid for falling for them.
In this episode, we talk about::
Why we’re so captivated by cult stories and what we’re actually looking for
How language influences belief systems more than facts do
What “thought-terminating clichés” sound like in real life
Why smart people stay in systems they’ve outgrown
How the sunk cost fallacy shows up in careers, relationships, and identity
When something crosses from harmless into “watch your back”
Why pop culture, wellness, and even work can feel culty without looking extreme
Timestamps:
0:00 Is everything a cult?
2:45 Why we’re obsessed with cult stories
6:30 How language pulls us in
10:00 What cult psychology actually looks like
16:00 When the word ‘cult’ helps or hurts
26:30 Thought-terminating clichés explained
37:45 Sunk cost fallacy and reinvention
41:00 Lightning round: harmless vs culty
45:00 Final takeaways
Key Takeaways:
Cult psychology relies more on language than logic
Cognitive biases reward familiarity over truth
Leaving a belief system is often harder than joining one and that’s normal
Dig Deeper into Amanda Montell's world:
Podcasts:Sounds Like a Cult,Magical Overthinkers
Follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda_montell
Get into Allison Hare's world and be a culture changer:
Book a free podcast clarity call: https://allisonhare.com/freecall
For info on joining the podcast coaching cohort, send an email: [email protected] your podcast to be amazing? Book a free clarity call here: https://allisonhare.com/freecall
Rather watch on YouTube?
What kind of support would you like for your podcast growth and success?
Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit my website to continue this conversation about building the communities we desperately need.
Allison Hare's Links
Be sure to rate, review, and follow this podcast on your player and also, connect with me IRL for more goodness and life-changing stuff.
Schedule a FREE podcast clarity call with me - Your future audience is out there. Talk to them!
DOWNLOAD the free podcast equipment guide- No guesswork, no google rabbit holes, start recording today
Reb3l Dance Fitness - Try it at home! Free month with this link.
Feedback and Contact:: [email protected]
