logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2015
39m 32s

225. Am I Boring You?

Freakonomics Radio + Stitcher
About this episode
Researchers are trying to figure out who gets bored - and why - and what it means for ourselves and the economy. But maybe there's an upside to boredom? 
Up next
Jul 31
683. In the New Space Race, Who Makes the Rules?
Governments started the space age. Now, billionaires and private firms are reinventing it. Guest host Steve Levitt explores what the past can teach us about a high-stakes future. (Part two of a two-part series.) SOURCES: Blaise Agüera y Arcas, vice president and fellow at Google, ... Show More
56m 27s
Jul 29
How Gary Gulman Turned Depression Into Comedy Gold | Better in Person
Gary and Stephen talk about creativity, recovery, getting fired, and holding grudges. They also get outside and play basketball, which is a big part of how Gary stays well. If you'd like to see the video version of Better in Person, watch it on YouTube or Apple Podcasts. Hosted b ... Show More
47m 6s
Jul 24
682. Should A.I. Move to Space?
At first it sounds ridiculous. But it might be inevitable. Guest host Steve Levitt talks to a team that hopes to push A.I. infrastructure off the planet. Part one of a two-part series.) SOURCES: Blaise Agüera y Arcas, vice president and fellow at Google, C.T.O. of technology and ... Show More
48m 18s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2016
Episode 23: Boredom
<p>We've all been there: bored in class, bored at work, bored in standstill traffic. But why do we find boredom so unbearable? And, if we hate being bored so much, why do we still take boring jobs? This week on Hidden Brain, we try to answer these questions and more — hopefully, ... Show More
19m 39s
Jan 2022
Why do we get bored?
<p>“I’m bored!” We can all relate to the uncomfortable - and at times unbearable - feeling of boredom. But what is it? Why does it happen? And could this frustrating, thumb-twiddling experience actually serve some evolutionary purpose? CrowdScience listener Brian started wonderin ... Show More
30m 27s
Jul 2023
Why do we get bored?
<p>“I’m bored!” We can all relate to the uncomfortable - and at times unbearable - feeling of boredom. But what is it? Why does it happen? And could this frustrating, thumb-twiddling experience actually serve some evolutionary purpose? </p><p>CrowdScience listener Brian started ... Show More
27m 13s
Aug 2023
Can boredom be good for you?
Boredom is something we all feel sometimes, when nothing seems fun or interesting. But have you ever wondered what’s actually going on in your brain when you feel that way? Can it ever be good for you to be bored? Molly and co-host Maisie explore how boredom can lead to creativit ... Show More
33m 39s
Jan 2025
Feeling Bored? That May Actually Motivate You
Boredom – it’s a state many of us try to avoid. But, in a world full of distractions, maybe it’s time to embrace boredom as a way to spark creativity and reclaim our attention. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with cognitive neuroscientist James Danckert to explore how boredom affects ... Show More
32m 47s
Apr 2024
Maybe You're Just Bored
This week, Michael shares a somewhat controversial insight into the driving force behind emotional drama and excessive busy-ness in our lives. (Spoiler alert - it might be something to do with boredom! :-) 
6m 28s
Nov 2016
Being Bored: The Importance of Doing Nothing
Is boredom under threat? There are more TV channels than we can count, Smartphones keep us engaged around the clock, and the constant white noise of social media coerces us to always 'interact'. In fact, there is so much to stimulate our everyday lives in this digital age that we ... Show More
58m 45s
May 2023
Boredom
One must imagine Sisyphus…bored. Take a break from boredom and listen to episode 78 of Overthink as David and Ellie guide you through the fabulously idle realm of this “bestial, indefinable affliction.” They discuss the peaceful highs and painful lows of their middle school summe ... Show More
58m 3s
Sep 2022
113. How Can You Improve Your Mental Endurance?
<p>Why do some activities tire your brain more than others? How exhausting is poverty? And could most of the world’s problems be solved with a sandwich?</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information ... Show More
34m 44s