Episode
Boredom is Where You Meet Your Mind; DL Ep.34 with Dr. Richie Davidson and Dr. Cortland Dahl
- Podcast
- Dharma Lab
- Published
- Jun 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1429
- Processing state
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Summary
We now live in a world where boredom is almost optional. The moment there is a gap in the day, we can reach for a device and instantly distract ourselves. In this episode of Dharma Lab , Dr. Richard Davidson and Dr. Cortland Dahl explore boredom and restlessness from both a scientific and contemplative perspective. Richie explains why boredom often brings us face to face with the “default mode” of the brain, the self-referential narrative we carry around about who we are. Cort reflects on the physical, restless energy of boredom, and how meditation can turn that discomfort into an object of curiosity. They also offer a simple and powerful tool to bring more awareness into our day: the next time we feel the urge to escape boredom, we can pause, notice the urge, and let that moment become a practice. Watch on YouTube ; Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts . If these conversations are useful, please consider subscribing to our YouTube channel . Episode Companion Flashcards! In this episode 00:00:00 – Have we lost the ability to be bored? 00:00:58 – Why boredom matters 00:01:21 – “I could not sit still” 00:03:34 – Boredom and comfort with our own mind 00:04:19 – The default mode network 00:05:01 – Why awareness can feel uncomfortable at first 00:06:52 – The body’s role in restlessness 00:08:36 – Richie’s childhood outlet: the bicycle 00:11:12 – Why kids need to move 00:12:15 – Meditation as training for boredom 00:13:19 – Phones as an escape from discomfort 00:14:41 – The everyday practice of not checking your phone 00:16:25 – Turning the urge into a cue for awareness 00:18:44 – What does boredom actually feel like? 00:20:21 – Who is actually bored? 00:22:03 – Turning ordinary waiting into practice Written transcript for those who prefer to read 00:00:00 – Have we lost the…