Working on a puzzle is the perfect way to unwind at the end of the workday or on the weekend. The perks of puzzling are endless: it boosts problem-solving skills, lets your mind wander, and promotes relaxation.
At Completing the Puzzle, we’re big fans of screen-free puzzle time. Instead of watching a distracting TV show while you work on a puzzle, there’s a better way to occupy your mind that won’t steal all your attention: listening to a podcast.
We’ve rounded up the best podcasts to listen to while you work on a puzzle. From history to comedy, there’s something for everyone. Give them a try and let us know which ones you get hooked on!
If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, you’ll love hearing the origin stories of top companies like Audible, Goodreads, Florentine Films, and more. Host Guy Raz interviews the founders of major organizations about their humble beginnings and pitfalls along the way to their success. Business owners can definitely learn a thing or two from these episodes.
Have you ever wanted to hear the stars of your favorite TV show break down episodes and give you the behind-the-scenes scoop on how they were made? That’s what Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey, stars of the American version of The Office, are doing on Office Ladies.
Every week, the ladies watch an episode of The Office and tell you all about filming it. They also interview other major players on the show, from creator Greg Daniels to co-star and writer Mindy Kaling.
If The Office isn’t your thing, there are tons of other podcasts that revolve around TV shows. For example:
For TV lovers who love unique behind-the-scenes fun facts about their favorite show, these podcasts are for you.
If you’re looking for a gripping episodic podcast that keeps you on the edge of your seat, check out The Trojan Horse Affair. This podcast is produced by Serial Productions and The New York Times, the same people who brought you S.Town and season one of Serial that followed the murder trial of Adnan Syed.
The Trojan Horse affair covers a British political scandal that rocked Birmingham in the early 2010s. Host Brian Reed and journalist Hamza Syed investigate the scandal and get to the bottom of the Islamophobic tensions that ensued throughout England.
For self-improvement fans, author Brene Brown covers it all in her Spotify podcast Unlocking Us. Each episode feels like an hour of therapy, whether she is solo or interviewing a guest about what makes them human.
Brene Brown has spent her career studying emotions like shame, joy, longing, and sorrow. The podcast explores the human condition and researches how to live courageous and connected lives. She interviews everyone from psychologists and activists to former President Barack Obama and superstar Dolly Parton. For listeners who don’t shy away from raw and real discussions, Unlocking Us is the perfect podcast to listen to while you work on your puzzle.
Looking for a laugh? When you listen to Smart Less, a podcast hosted by actors Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, you feel like you’re among friends. Each week, the hosts switch off by bringing on a surprise guest, who is usually another actor. The other two hosts do not know who is going to show up until they start recording, so the interviews are always off the cuff and natural.
If you want to hear how Ryan Reynolds left Canada on a whim to move to Hollywood, or hear about Tom Hanks' early days in sitcoms, this is your show. It’s perfect for fans who love actor interviews but want to hear them talk about topics they don’t usually get asked about on talk shows or press junkets.
For tech fans who want to keep up with the ever-changing tech landscape, Gadget Lab has you covered. The podcast breaks down what you need to know about the latest tech advancements, hacks, and news each week. From Peleton’s foray into body-tracking to the problems with facial recognition, this podcast gives you the inside perspective.
For history buffs who love off-the-wall stories, join author Malcolm Gladwell as he uncovers overlooked and misunderstood moments from days gone by. Gladwell explores lost stories, historic moments that were misrepresented, and more.
For example, a recent episode hacks the US News & Report algorithm to discover how it ranks the top colleges and universities every year. Revisionist History will challenge how you think about and view the past. Each episode pieces together a new puzzle, which is why it’s the perfect podcast to listen to while you complete your own puzzle.
Are you ready to get puzzling and podcasting? With a Completing the Puzzle membership, a puzzle rental subscription service, you always have a puzzle on deck to go with the latest episode of your favorite podcast.
Simply select your difficulty level and create a wishlist, and we’ll send you the perfect puzzle. When you’re done, send it back to us and we’ll send you a new one. Puzzle and podcast time is about to be your favorite part of the day.
Sign up for a Completing the Puzzle membership today and get 20% off your first month when you use code SPECIAL20.
