Why We Get Bored | Erin Westgate

Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Jan 19, 2026•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 529

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Episode description

Boredom feels unpleasant, but that may be the point. Psychologist Dr. Erin Westgate joins us to explain why boredom is a signal rather than a flaw, how meaning and attention shape it, and what it can teach us about work, burnout, and living a psychologically rich life.

Topics

[0:00] Intro and Speed Round with Erin Westgate

[8:05] Do we think for pleasure?

[13:11] Why men would rather shock themselves than be bored

[15:50] The MAC model

[25:23] Is boredom useful?

[29:07] Enjoyable vs. interesting experiences

[31:51] Can a boring life still be a good life?

[39:58] Boredom and burnout at work

[49:39] Is boredom good or bad?

[52:38] Designing better environments for bored people

[58:31] Desert island music