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Amanda Montell

is a writer, linguist, and podcast host living in Los Angeles. She is the critically acclaimed author of three nonfiction books, Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism (2021), Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language (2019), and The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality (forthcoming April 9, 2024). She is also the creator and host of the hit podcast, Sounds Like A Cult. Amanda’s books have earned praise from The Washington Post, The Atlantic, Kirkus Reviews, and more. Cultish was named a best book of 2021 by NPR, was shortlisted for several prizes including the Goodreads Choice Awards and getAbstract International Book Award, and is currently in development for television. Sounds Like A Cult won “Best Emerging Podcast” at the 2023 iHeart Radio Podcast Awards and was named a best podcast of 2022 by Vulture, Esquire, Marie Claire, and others.

Amanda’s other writing has appeared in The New York Times, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere. Amanda was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and holds a degree in linguistics from NYU. Find her on Instagram @amanda_montell. (Photo credit: Kaitlyn Mikayla)