Leaf & Elfie: Curious Talks

What is boredom? Interview with cognitive neuroscientist, James Danckert

Season 1 Episode 5

Boredom. We've all experienced it from time to time, but what does it actually do? Can it make us angry? Make us depressed? Slowly kill us? Or does it serve a less clear and more positive function?

In this episode we speak to a Professor of Cognitive Neuroscientist and boredom 'expert', James Danckert who aims to answer these and many other boredom related questions in his research at the University of Waterloo. 

If you have ever wondered:

  • Do animals get bored?
  • How do I make people really, really bored?
  • Am I bored right now?
  • Could I die of boredom?  

Then this is the episode for you.

James is the co-author of a brilliant new book all about boredom 'Out of my Skull: The Psychology of Boredom'

For more information about James' work visit the University of Waterloo