Something You Should Know Can You Be Bored to Death? & Why Thrill Seekers Seek Thrills
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Aug 11, 2025 
James Danckert, a psychology professor and author of 'Out of My Skull,' explores the depths of boredom, discussing its nature, purpose, and surprising effects on mental health. He explains how boredom can serve as a motivational signal that prompts engagement. Meanwhile, Ken Carter, a board-certified clinical psychologist and author of 'Buzz!,' dives into the psyche of thrill-seekers, revealing their motivations and the physiological differences that drive their adrenaline-fueled pursuits. Together, they dissect the fine line between boredom and thrill-seeking behaviors.
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Belief Shapes How Tired You Feel
- Mike Carruthers explains that believing you slept well preserves cognitive performance even when you actually didn't.
- Your belief about sleep can shape how tired you feel and how well you perform the next day.
Boredom Reveals Missing Desires
- James Danckert frames boredom as a motivational signal that shows we want engagement but lack a clear desire.
- He cites Tolstoy: boredom reveals the
Reframing Work As A Personal Challenge
- James Danckert describes assembly-line workers reframing tasks by chasing personal bests to avoid boredom.
- That self-challenge turns objectively repetitive work into engaging, measurable goals.
