The Fascinating World of Boredom & The Origins of Halloween Customs

Everyone knows what a placebo is. We have talked about the placebo effect on previous episodes. Most people probably think of it as applying to medication. However, I begin this episode by explaining how the placebo effect works with sleep. And the information could come in handy on those days you are feeling tired. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24417326/ I am sure you have felt bored at times – whether standing in line, waiting at the doctor’s office or just sitting around with nothing to do. So what is boredom? Does it serve a purpose? And what about that phrase, “I’m bored to death.” Could that actually happen? Joining me for a fascinating discussion on boredom is psychologist James Danckert, author of the book, Out of My Skull: The Psychology of Boredom (https://amzn.to/3ePmnsq). Listen and you will never look at boredom quite the same way again.  Phrases like “trick or treat” or “jack o’ lantern” – where do they come from? Why are pumpkins part of Halloween? When and how did monsters like Frankenstein, The Mummy, and Dracula become part of Halloween? They didn’t used to be. Listen as I discuss many of our modern customs, traditions and legends of Halloween with Lisa Morton, one of the foremost authorities on Halloween and author of the book Trick or Treat: The History of Halloween (https://amzn.to/3ePbery)  Some people are perfectionists. They are not perfect but they try to be. And that can be a problem. Listen as I explore some of the issues faced by perfectionists which seem like good reasons to stop trying to be so perfect. https://www.christinecarter.com/perfectionism PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS! Right now, get a FREE full custom 3D design of your new "Wow" kitchen at https://CabinetsToGo.com/SYSK ! Want hassle-free delicious meals delivered during the holidays? Head to https://Go.Factor75.com/something60 & use code something60 to get 60% off your first box! Go to https://CozyEarth.com/SOMETHING to SAVE 35% now!  All backed by a 100-Night Sleep Guarantee. We really like The Jordan Harbinger Show! Check out https://jordanharbinger.com/start OR search for it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen!  Cancel unnecessary subscriptions with Rocket Money today. Go to https://RocketMoney.com/something - Seriously, it could save you HUNDREDS of dollars per year! Indeed knows when you’re growing your own business, you have to make every dollar count. With Indeed, you only pay for quality applications that match your must-have job requirements. Visit https://Indeed.com/SOMETHING  to start hiring now! Did you know you could reduce the number of unwanted calls & emails with Online Privacy Protection from Discover? - And it's FREE! Just activate it in the Discover App. See terms & learn more at https://Discover.com/Online Along with alarms, fire extinguishers are essential. Make sure to place fire extinguishers on every level of your home and in common spaces like the kitchen and know how to use them. Visit https://firstalert.com/firepreventionmonth   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices