Overthinking About Flirting

Overthinking About Flirting

From Magical Overthinkers by Amanda Montell & Studio71

March 18, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

Amanda and dating coach Francesca Hogi discuss the complexities and psychology of flirting.

Why does flirting feel so natural for some people and completely impossible for the rest of us? This week, Amanda is joined by dating coach and relationship expert Francesca Hogi (@dearfranny) to overthink the art and anxiety of flirting. Together they unpack why flirting often gets misunderstood as manipulation or performance, how modern dating apps have scrambled our instincts, and why genuine curiosity might be the most underrated flirting skill of all. From the fear of coming on too strong to the panic of missing signals entirely, they explore the psychology behind attraction and the subtle ways we communicate interest. A playful spiral about eye contact, mixed signals, and why flirting might actually be less about being charming and more about being present. - 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Amanda Montell

Guest: Francesca Hogi

Topics covered

  • flirting
  • dating
  • psychology
  • communication
  • attraction

Keywords

  • flirting
  • dating coach
  • relationship expert
  • modern dating
  • attraction psychology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Magical Overthinkers Club, Magical Overthinkers Substack, Instagram

Products: The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality

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