The Future of Boredown [LIVE] - What Happens When It Is Harder To Do Nothing? with Dr. Joanne Orlando and Dan Ilic (#48)
Release Date: 08/19/2025
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The Future of Boredown [LIVE] - What Happens When It Is Harder To Do Nothing? with Dr. Joanne Orlando and Dan Ilic (#48)
The Non-Obvious Show
Summary In this episode, the conversation explores the often-overlooked value of boredom in our hyper-connected world. The guests discuss how boredom can foster creativity, the impact of digital technology on our ability to be bored, and the societal implications of our relationship with boredom. They also delve into the future of boredom, suggesting it may become a sought-after experience as people seek to disconnect from constant stimulation. Takeaways Boredom is becoming a premium product as people seek to disconnect. Creativity often flourishes in moments of boredom. Digital...
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How Men Find Community and Build Empathy with Michael Tennant (#47)
The Non-Obvious Show
In this episode of The Non-Obvious Show, host Rohit Bhargava engages with Michael Tennant, an empathy expert and founder of Curiosity Lab, discussing the importance of emotional awareness, vulnerability, and community in fostering deeper connections. Tennant shares his personal journey through loss and the development of his card game, Actually Curious, aimed at promoting empathy. The conversation explores the role of men's groups in emotional leadership, the impact of societal changes on empathy, and practical methods for cultivating empathy in oneself and others. Takeaways...
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Insider Secrets On How We Shop and What We Eat with Paco Underhill (#46)
The Non-Obvious Show
In this episode, Paco Underhill, a pioneer in consumer behavior and retail anthropology, shares insights from his extensive research on how consumers shop and make decisions. He discusses the evolution of retail spaces, the impact of gender on shopping habits, and the role of technology in shaping consumer experiences. Underhill emphasizes the importance of observational research over traditional focus groups and highlights the shift towards experiential retail. He also reflects on his personal journey towards healthier eating and the broader implications of consumer choices. Takeaways...
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The Non-Obvious Show
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The Non-Obvious Show
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The Non-Obvious Show
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The Non-Obvious Show
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The Non-Obvious Show
Does your job meet your needs and if not, what changes can you make to ensure it’s a more fulfilling aspect of your life? Dr. Michelle Penelope King is a globally recognized expert on inequality and organizational culture, and the bestselling author of The Fix: How to Overcome the Invisible Barriers that are Holding Women Back at Work and How Work Works: The Subtle Science of Getting Ahead Without Losing Yourself. From speaking across the world to being the head of UN Women’s Global Innovation Coalition for Change, and being the founder of a global consultancy called The Culture Practice,...
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The Non-Obvious Show
What does status mean today? Executive producer, editor, and author Chuck Thompson explores this question and the evolution of status in his book The Status Revolution: The Improbable Story of How the Lowbrow Became the Highbrow. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Chuck Thompson discuss topics inspired by the book, including the neuroscience behind dopamine boosts from luxury consumerism, the new-found elite status of dog rescuers, and the debate of claiming privilege versus status.
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What You Don’t Know About Disability with Ashley Shew (#39)
The Non-Obvious Show
Is the future disabled? Ashley Shew, an associate professor of Science, Technology, and Society at Virginia Tech explores this question and writes for those who will become disabled in her book Against Technoableism: Rethinking Who Needs Improvement. In this episode, Rohit Bhargava and Ashley Shew discuss topics inspired by the book, including re-thinking who needs improvement, the five main tropes for disability narratives, de-cyborgafying, and the growth of opportunity for disabled people in space.
info_outlineSummary
In this episode, the conversation explores the often-overlooked value of boredom in our hyper-connected world. The guests discuss how boredom can foster creativity, the impact of digital technology on our ability to be bored, and the societal implications of our relationship with boredom. They also delve into the future of boredom, suggesting it may become a sought-after experience as people seek to disconnect from constant stimulation.
Takeaways
Boredom is becoming a premium product as people seek to disconnect.
Creativity often flourishes in moments of boredom.
Digital technology is diminishing our ability to be bored.
Boredom can lead to self-reflection and personal growth.
Mindfulness practices are often seen as more acceptable than boredom.
Boredom is linked to feelings of loneliness in the digital age.
Parents often feel pressured to fill their children's time to avoid boredom.
Boredom can inspire innovative ideas and projects.
The future may see a rise in digital detox camps and boredom retreats.
Understanding boredom can help us reclaim our time and attention.
Chapters
00:00 The Value of Boredom
02:59 Boredom and Creativity
10:00 Boredom in the Digital Age
19:29 Defining Boredom
24:06 Boredom and Loneliness
27:39 The Future of Boredom