Podcast Summary: I Have ADHD Podcast

Host: Kristen Carder

Episode 387 BITESIZE | 2 Types of ADHD Boredom (And Why One Feels Like Panic)
Date: March 19, 2026

Episode Overview

In this bite-sized episode, Kristen Carder explores the nuanced experience of boredom for adults with ADHD. With an expert guest, the discussion breaks down the two primary types of ADHD boredom—apathetic and agitated—explaining why one form can feel downright panicky and how these experiences differ across ADHD subtypes. The conversation delves into the science behind boredom, shares authentic personal stories, and highlights the crucial concept of the "optimal stimulation zone," offering insights into why certain jobs and environments feel more engaging for ADHDers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Two Types of Boredom in ADHD (03:03)

• Apathetic Boredom:

  • Description: Low energy, disengaged, typified by lying on the couch, scrolling aimlessly, and feeling “blah.”
  • More common in: Inattentive ADHD types.
  • Quote [03:06]:

    “Apathetic boredom is kind of the like lying on the couch scrolling blah kind of boredom…nothing's appealing, nothing's interesting. I can't get engaged in anything.” – Guest

• Agitated Boredom:

  • Description: High-energy, restless, “trapped” sensation, often experienced in unstimulating but inescapable situations (e.g., boring meetings, waiting in line).
  • More common in: Hyperactive/impulsive ADHD types.
  • Quote [03:32]:

    “It's this like keyed up, ‘Oh my God, when is this going to end? I have to get out of here.’ There's often like a trapped feeling.” – Guest

  • Both types can be experienced by anyone, but ADHDers are more prone to specific kinds depending on their subtype.

2. Personal Experiences with Agitated Boredom (05:05)

• Parenthood Example: Kristen shares feeling agitated as a stay-at-home mom:

  • Quote [05:13]:

    “I loved my kids, I was choosing to stay home…yet I felt completely trapped by it and was on that agitation constantly.” – Kristen Carder

  • Guest affirms the reality for many parents and adds that societal judgment only adds more pain.

• Professional Example:

  • Kristen discusses working unengaging jobs pre-coaching, leading to restlessness and poor job performance.
  • Specific story: Teaching piano lessons became intolerable due to repetitive boredom.
  • Quote [06:45]:

    “That agitation of just like thirty minutes of a 7-year-old playing the same piano piece they have for the last three weeks…thirty minutes feels like seven years.” – Kristen Carder

3. The “Optimal Stimulation Zone” (09:28)

• The Science Behind Engagement:

  • Both neurotypical and ADHD brains need a “just right” level of stimulation to be engaged—a bell curve illustrates this relationship.
  • Neurotypical Brains: Enjoy a wide “sweet spot” for stimulation.
  • ADHD Brains: The optimal zone is much narrower and shifted higher—requires more stimulation to reach engagement but can quickly tip into overstimulation.
  • Quote [10:30]:

    “For an ADHD brain...it’s still a bell curve, but it’s like it’s been squished and also moved up a little bit…so [they’re] bored, bored, bored...Oop, now we got some engagement. Oh, now we went over and now we're too stimulated.” – Guest

• Consequences:

  • Understimulation is “the bad place” for ADHD brains (11:52).
  • Overstimulation is also a problem—a narrow “tightrope” to walk for feeling good and productive.

4. Why ADHDers Thrive in High-Stimulus Environments (12:11)

• Career Implications:

  • ADHDers often excel in roles with inherent urgency, novelty, or adrenaline (e.g., ER doctors, EMTs, chefs).
  • These environments help stay within the optimal stimulation zone.
  • Quote [13:03]:

    “The careers that ADHD thrive in often involve this element...this heightened stimulation on a regular basis.” – Guest

• Deadlines & Pressure:

  • High-pressure situations with deadlines keep the ADHD brain engaged and feeling good. This is why some thrive under pressure, but can falter with repetitive, low-stimulation tasks.

• Personal Anecdote: Kristen loves high-engagement activities like live interviews or group coaching but dreads low-stimulation tasks (e.g., writing emails).

  • Quote [14:47]:

    “Ask me to write an email...I don't want to. I can't. Please don't make me.” – Kristen Carder

5. Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Self-Judgment in Boredom:

  • Quote [05:55]:

    “The judgment, right? Here we are again with that extra layer of suffering…before we can even begin to think about how we can solve this.” – Guest

• On Hyperfocus and Motivation:

  • Quote [13:25]:

    “It’s where hyperfocus can turn on. But even if hyperfocus hasn’t turned on, it still feels good because the brain's engaged…and we have lots of dopamine going on.” – Guest

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:03] – Explanation of the two types of ADHD boredom
• [05:05] – Real-life examples of agitated boredom (parenthood, jobs, piano teaching)
• [09:28] – Introduction and explanation of the “optimal stimulation zone”
• [12:11] – Why certain high-stimulus careers suit ADHDers
• [13:45] – How engagement and hyperfocus feel for ADHDers

Episode Tone & Language

• Friendly, relatable, and encouraging: Kristen’s conversational, honest style includes humor and personal vulnerability.
• Both host and guest validate common struggles, acknowledging the pain caused by boredom and societal judgment while offering compassionate understanding.

Bottom Line

This episode offers a short but powerful look at why adults with ADHD experience boredom differently, emphasizing both the science and the lived reality. It normalizes impatience with “boring” activities, highlights why certain careers and environments are a better natural fit for ADHDers, and encourages self-compassion over self-judgment. Perfect for anyone seeking practical insight into their unique brain or looking to support a loved one with ADHD.