Best Puzzler Podcasts (2025)

1
Stefan Fatsis plays "Scrabble Scramble" 47:03

Play Pause

6d ago47:03

47:03

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: author of Word Freak: Heartbreak, Triumph, Genius, and Obsession in the World of Competitive Scrabble Players, Stefan Fatsis! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to He…

1
How We Met Robin Sparkles [with Cobie Smulders] | S2E9 "Slap Bet" 1:01:56

5d ago1:01:56

1:01:56

In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas revisit one of the most iconic episodes of How I Met Your Mother: Season 2, Episode 9, “Slap Bet,” with special guest Cobie Smulders. The conversation dives deep into the origin and impact of Robin Sparkles, from the wild writers’ room pitch to the massive, risky production of…

1
Yule Lads, Emos, and VIPs 33:17

9d ago33:17

33:17

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: Greg and A.J. get schooled on holiday traditions and celebrate National Emo Day. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join o…

1
Naughty Eponyms and Math Mania 32:54

11d ago32:54

32:54

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: A.J. & Greg present puzzling puzzles to each other. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join our growing puzzle community o…

1
Faith Salie plays "Salie's Saline (Part 2)" 47:18

13d ago47:18

47:18

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me! panelist and CBS Sunday Morning contributor, Faith Salie! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podc…

1
How To Play Xing Hai Shi Bu Xing | S2E8 “Atlantic City” 1:04:01

13d ago1:04:01

1:04:01

In this episode, Josh and Craig revisit Season 2, Episode 8: “Atlantic City,” written by Maria Ferrari, who started as a writer’s assistant before becoming a staff writer. They discuss the unusual challenge of writing a road-trip episode that takes the whole gang out of their usual sets and how that led to one of the longest rewrite nights of the e…

1
Pastini, Ratites, and Tudum 30:14

16d ago30:14

30:14

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: Greg invents new pasta, A.J. tests Greg on his onomatopoeic knowledge, and we read some listener mail! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your pod…

1
Preview: Dinner’s On Me with Guest Josh Radnor 5:16

17d ago5:16

5:16

Josh recently sat down with his friend Jesse Tyler Ferguson for an episode of Jesse's podcast "Dinner's On Me." Both Josh and Jesse were on hit sitcoms during a very particular moment in TV's metamorphosis, and they've both had on-going, evolving relationships with the characters they played on those shows. Here's a preview of their conversation...…

1
Hello Puzzlers Live! at the Mohonk Mountain House 30:34

18d ago30:34

30:34

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: a special live episode that was recorded at the annual Wonderful World of Words Weekend at Mohonk Mountain House! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you g…

1
Taffy Brodesser-Akner plays "Sorbet/Sorbette" 38:53

20d ago38:53

38:53

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: author of Fleishman is in Trouble and Long Island Compromise, Taffy Brodesser-Akner! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podc…

1
How We Met Ol' Swarley | S2E7 "Swarley" 1:05:43

20d ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Josh and Craig are joined by writer Greg Malins, who co-ran Friends before joining How I Met Your Mother for Season 2. They revisit the episode “Swarley” (aired December 8 2006), talking about how Greg helped shape the show’s tone, the accidental (or maybe subconscious) Friends dig in the coffee-shop cold open, and how the “Swarley” name was coined…

1
Episode 19: Voiced Glottal Stop 2k25 1:11:01

19d ago1:11:01

1:11:01

Wherein we are pro-winter until approximately February 15. Jump right to: 4:38 Linguistics Thing Of The Day: Allophones 26:50 Question 1: Why do we say “And you will be… (this person)?” when confirming identity? Why is it future tense? This cannot possibly be English. This cannot exist. Am I just wrong or is this one of those weird linguistic thing…

1
Starbies, Spun Foonerisms, and Strenuous Novels 32:46

23d ago32:46

32:46

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: Greg quizzes A.J. on retail slang, Andrea gives Greg a listener-submitted puzzle, and the group discuss lengthy novels. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever…

1
Happy National Green Bean Casserole Day 26:18

25d ago26:18

26:18

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: A.J. & Greg present puzzling puzzles to each other. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join our growing puzzle community o…

1
Matthew Broussard plays "Oh Owe Eau" 38:09

27d ago38:09

38:09

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: comedian Matthew Broussard! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join our growing puzzle community over on …

1
How We Broke Bad [with Bryan Cranston] | S2E6 "Aldrin Justice" 1:10:34

27d ago1:10:34

1:10:34

Season two, episode six of How We Made Your Mother features a special guest: the legendary Bryan Cranston, who joins Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas to revisit his first appearance as Hammond Druthers in “Aldrin Justice.” Cranston reflects on taking the role right after Malcolm in the Middle ended, how he almost didn’t get Breaking Bad if Fox had orde…

1
Blame Pretentious 15th Century Spellers 29:03

30d ago29:03

29:03

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: A.J. and Greg discuss silent letters and Greg brings in a Bonza-inspired puzzle. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join o…

1
Our Favorite Family-Friendly Puzzles for Thanksgiving 28:40

1M ago28:40

28:40

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: A.J. & Greg present puzzling puzzles to each other. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join our growing puzzle community o…

1
Stephen J. Dubner plays "Geekonomics" 39:31

1M ago39:31

39:31

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: Freakonomics author and podcaster Stephen J. Dubner! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join our growing …

1
Flashback: How We Birthed a Turkey | S1E9 "Belly Full of Turkey" 55:37

1M ago55:37

55:37

To celebrate Thanksgiving, we are flashing back to our Season 1 rewatch of “Belly Full of Turkey.” Josh and Craig reflect on Lily’s hilarious but heartfelt journey into Marshall’s giant Minnesota family, while Ted, Robin, and Barney navigate their own offbeat holiday at a food shelter (and later, a strip club). They discuss Alyson Hannigan’s stando…

1
Guess the Pun, World "Hello" Day, and Inside the Kryptos Scandal 33:09

1M ago33:09

33:09

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: A.J. and Greg discuss a scandal that has shaken the world of cryptography enthusiasts. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come …

1
Math Without Numbers and Words Without Letters 28:43

1M ago28:43

28:43

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: A.J. & Greg present puzzling puzzles to each other. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join our growing puzzle community o…

1
Michael Ian Black plays "Bored Games" 40:39

1M ago40:39

40:39

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: Have I Got News For You panelist Michael Ian Black! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join our growing p…

1
How We Got Ridonk [with Joe Manganiello] | S2E5 "World's Greatest Couple" 1:07:48

1M ago1:07:48

1:07:48

Season two, episode five of How We Made Your Mother dives into “World’s Greatest Couple,” where Lily moves in with Barney, and Marshall finds unexpected companionship with Brad—played by guest star Joe Manganiello, who joins Josh and Craig for the episode. The hosts break down how this fan-favorite storyline came together: Lily’s disastrous apartme…

1
Happy Family PJ Day 26:43

1M ago26:43

26:43

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: A.J. & Greg celebrate a very important holiday. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join our growing puzzle community over …

1
How We Met the Office Ladies [with Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey] 1:10:33

1M ago1:10:33

1:10:33

Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas welcome Jenna Fischer and Angela Kinsey of Office Ladies for an “extra-extra-special” crossover episode that celebrates the shared DNA between The Office and How I Met Your Mother. The four trade stories about auditioning, early career struggles, and the naïve confidence it took to chase a dream to Los Angeles. Jenna an…

1
Nautical Phrase Origins with A.J. & Greg 30:33

2M ago30:33

30:33

Hello, Puzzlers! Today: A.J. & Greg present puzzling puzzles to each other. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join our growing puzzle community o…

1
Dax Shepard and Monica Padman play "They're G-r-r-reat!" 45:07

2M ago45:07

45:07

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: the hosts of "Armchair Expert," Dax Shepard and Monica Padman! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to Hello, Puzzlers! wherever you get your podcasts! And come join ou…

1
How that Wasn't Ted | S2E4 "Ted Mosby: Architect" 1:08:38

2M ago1:08:38

1:08:38

In this episode of How We Made Your Mother, Josh Radnor and Craig Thomas revisit Season 2, Episode 4, “Ted Mosby: Architect,” which aired October 9, 2006. They reflect on the show’s use of music—like the Decemberists’ “Here I Dreamt I Was an Architect”—and how songs became part of Ted’s emotional language. They discuss the episode’s mystery structu…

1
"Threepeats" w/ A.J. & Greg 10:09

2M ago10:09

10:09

Hello, puzzlers! While we gear up for Season 3, enjoy this mini-episode to preview what we have in store for the upcoming year. And check out our newly launched Patreon! Come join our community for bonus episodes and other exclusive content! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, …

1
"Patreon Puzzles!" w/ A.J. & Greg [Teaser] 8:33

2M ago8:33

8:33

Hello, puzzlers! While we gear up for Season 3, enjoy this teaser for our newly launched Patreon! Come join our community for bonus episodes and other exclusive content! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals. Subscribe to…

1
How We Met Marshall's Calves | S2E3 "Brunch" 1:08:16

2M ago1:08:16

1:08:16

Season two, episode three of How We Made Your Mother takes on “Brunch,” the HIMYM episode that juggles family chaos, secrets, and spicy breakfast rolls. Josh and Craig reminisce about casting Michael Gross—yes, the dad from Family Ties—as Ted’s father, and how surreal that was for Josh, who grew up watching him on TV in Columbus, Ohio. They unpack …

1
"Cheerful Earful LIVE" w/ Chris Winterbauer 25:32

2M ago25:32

25:32

Hello, puzzlers! While we gear up for Season 3, enjoy this special bonus episode that we recorded at our live event at the NYC Cheerful Earful podcast festival with "What Went Wrong" host Chris Winterbauer! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as w…

1
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 10/29/2025 12:33

2M ago12:33

12:33

Contestant: Thomas Morgan, calling from Sherwood, ARBy American Public Media

1
How Marshall Met the Apocalyptic Wasteland | S2E2 "The Scorpion and the Toad" 54:50

2M ago54:50

54:50

Season two, episode two of How We Made Your Mother opens with a message from Brazil, and a story about growing up with HIMYM that sets the tone for a conversation about comfort, change, and creative courage. Josh and Craig discuss “The Scorpion and the Toad,” where Marshall tries to reenter the dating world with Barney as his wingman—only to be rep…

1
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 10/22/2025 15:48

2M ago15:48

15:48

Contestants: Scott Leaman and his AP Music Theory Class, calling from Tallahassee, FLBy American Public Media

1
How We Spent the Summer | S2E1 "Where Were We?" 1:05:41

2M ago1:05:41

1:05:41

Season two of How We Made Your Mother kicks off with a big announcement: the show has officially joined the Office Ladies Network, thanks to a friendship between Josh Radnor and Jenna Fischer. Josh and Craig reminisce about filming “Where Were We,” the How I Met Your Mother season two premiere, breaking down the challenge of picking up right after …

1
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 10/15/2025 12:02

2M ago12:02

12:02

Contestant: Jim Weeg, calling from Cedar Falls, IowaBy American Public Media

1
Season 2 Trailer 4:00

2M ago4:00

4:00

We're back! How We Made Your Mother returns for another season of rewatching the hit TV series How I Made Your Mother! Josh Radnor and series co-creator Craig Thomas will discuss all 22 episodes of Season 2, including classic episodes like “Ted Mosby: Architect,” “Swarley,” “Slap Bet,” and “Something Blue.” You like guests? We’ve got guests, includ…

1
"Looking Ahead to Season 3" w/ A.J. & Greg 19:56

3M ago19:56

19:56

Hello, Puzzlers! We've loved puzzling with all of you this past season. See you in Season 3! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals such as “Ask AI” and audio rebuses. Subscribe to The Puzzler podcast wherever you get your…

1
"Everyone Doesn't Belong" w/ A.J. & Greg 17:15

3M ago17:15

17:15

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: our very own Chief Puzzle Officer, Greg Pliska. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals such as “Ask AI” and audio rebuses. Subscribe to The Puzzler podcast wherever you get your pod…

1
"Argentina Fey" w/ A.J. & Greg 22:32

3M ago22:32

22:32

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: our very own Chief Puzzle Officer, Greg Pliska. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals such as “Ask AI” and audio rebuses. Subscribe to The Puzzler podcast wherever you get your pod…

1
Performance Today - Piano Puzzler 10/8/2025 16:42

3M ago16:42

16:42

By American Public Media

1
"No Puzzle" w/ Tim Ferriss 21:22

3M ago21:22

21:22

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek and creator of Coyote, a new action-packed card game, podcaster and lifestyle guru Tim Ferriss! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals suc…

1
"Coy Coyote" w/ Tim Ferriss 21:52

3M ago21:52

21:52

Hello, Puzzlers! Puzzling with us today: best-selling author of The 4-Hour Workweek and creator of Coyote, a new action-packed card game, podcaster and lifestyle guru Tim Ferriss! Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals suc…

1
"Flip Flop Flop Flip and Who What Why?" w/ A.J. & Greg 22:21

3M ago22:21

22:21

Want to see The Puzzler LIVE in NYC on Oct 7? Limited tickets available now! https://bit.ly/cheerfulpuzzler Hello, Puzzlers! It's back-to-school week! Puzzling with us today: our very own Chief Puzzle Officer, Greg Pliska. Join host A.J. Jacobs and his guests as they puzzle–and laugh–their way through new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and p…