Best Speed Puzzling Podcasts (2025)

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New Jigsaw Puzzle Piece Clicks: Noises to Crave 8:07

Play Pause

3h ago8:07

8:07

The sound of jigsaw puzzle piece clicks is the ultimate reward for your brain. It signals order. It signals success. In this episode of Puzzle Chat we explore the satisfying auditory side of the hobby. We discuss why that tiny snap releases dopamine and keeps you hunting for the next fit. Why your brain craves the instant feedback loop of a perfect…

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Heavyweight x Search Engine 39:13

4m ago39:13

39:13

As a very special holiday treat, we are sharing a story from one of our favorite podcasts, Heavyweight. Gregor's parents are pushing 90. Gregor wants to move them our of their big Victorian home. But they refuse. So, he's come up with a bold plan. Incognito Mode⁠, our ad-free, no-rerun, bonus episode feed. To learn more about listener data and our …

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No End in Sight? The Russo-Ukrainian War at the End of 2025 41:03

1d ago41:03

41:03

As the year comes to a close, Dara Massicot and Mike Kofman talk with Ryan about the state of play from diplomacy to the battlefield.

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🎅🏾🎅🏻🎅🏽🎅🏾 'Twas the Niche Before Christmas 6:22

7d ago6:22

6:22

From 2024 (but relevant always)...our favorite Santas read the famous poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas." Email us! Who are you? What's your niche? What do you like about this show? Find pictures from Leslie’s time with Santas here. Looking to give a tax-deductible gift? Consider giving to this project. More information here. TELL A FRIEND ABOUT US!…

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Select New Jigsaw Puzzles for 2026: A Dissectologist Offers Perspective 9:48

3d ago9:48

9:48

We all have a comfort zone. Maybe you only build landscapes. Maybe you strictly buy one brand. But 2026 is the year to shake things up. In this episode of Puzzle Chat we look at the hobby through the eyes of a true dissectologist. We explore why sticking to the same old images might be holding you back. We discuss why stepping into the unknown is t…

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The First Royal Marine to Become First Sea Lord 34:34

3d ago34:34

34:34

Gen. Sir Gwyn Jenkins visited Washington a few weeks ago and was kind enough to invite Ryan to the British Embassy for a nice chat about the U.S.-U.K. alliance, the threat landscape, his vision for delivering seapower, learning from Ukraine, acquisition reform, the future of the Royal Navy — which currently faces serious challenges but also key opp…

1
How to Reduce Jigsaw Puzzle Glare: Puzzle Lighting Ideas 10:40

6d ago10:40

10:40

Jigsaw Puzzle Glare turns a relaxing evening into a headache. If you find yourself bobbing your head just to see the difference between a dark blue piece and a black one, your lighting is wrong. In this episode of Puzzle Chat we fix your setup so you can stop squinting and start solving. Master the simple "side wash" angle to banish the shine insta…

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A Perfectly Average Anomaly 59:04

6d ago59:04

59:04

A man walks into an airport body scanner, and with eerie consistency, the machine flags the exact same part of his body. What could be going on? Search Engine investigates a Bermuda Triangle. Incognito Mode⁠, our ad-free, no-rerun, bonus episode feed. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/priva…

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🎅🏾 The Santas of Color Coalition & Santa Shed 15:38

11d ago15:38

15:38

A brand new Christmas vignette about one of our favorite characters in the Nicheverse. Thanks to the Nashville Banner for making it happen! Links I told you about: NPR's Morning Edition story The Full Santa 3-Part Series Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email me: [email protected] ABOUT US: Niche to Meet You is anthropological explorat…

1
New Direction: Career Pivots, Niche AI, and the Future of Pharma Sessions 17:10

7d ago17:10

17:10

In this special episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey steps behind the mic solo to share the evolving vision for the podcast and the personal career shift that inspired it. What began as a show centered on medical affairs is now broadening to reflect the realities of modern pharma: commercial strategy, analytics, AI, organizational chang…

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Gen. Brunson on Holding the Line on the Korean Peninsula 41:59

7d ago41:59

41:59

Gen. Xavier T. Brunson is a busy man. As the senior U.S. military leader on the Korean Peninsula, he has three jobs, commanding U.N. Command, South Korean-U.S. Combined Forces Command and U.S. Forces Korea. What all this boils down to is, if the balloon goes up with North Korea, or another adversary in the region, the forces under his command are e…

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Review of 2025: Papaya on top 56:46

7d ago56:46

56:46

Harry Benjamin, British racing driver Sam Bird and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson look back on the 2025 F1 season from McLaren’s Woking HQ. We reflect on some of the pivotal points this year, hearing from world champion Lando Norris and the team principal of the constructors’ champions, McLaren’s Andrea Stella.…

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Jigsaw Puzzle Piece Count New Year's Resolutions 2026: New Puzzle Box Goals 11:02

9d ago11:02

11:02

New Year’s resolutions don't have to be solitary struggles at the gym or boring budget spreadsheets. They can be collaborative, exciting, and fun for the whole house. In this episode of Puzzle Chat, we introduce a new kind of goal: The Jigsaw Piece Count Resolution. Instead of counting calories, we are counting cardboard connections to bring everyo…

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Unlocked: The State of Search Engine 2025 52:16

13d ago52:16

52:16

As a special, one-time holiday treat, we're sharing something we only usually offer on our premium feed, Incognito Mode. Our annual board meeting! We talk about what shopping a podcast has been like in this environment, our internal stats, and… Yes, Yes, No. Incognito Mode, our ad-free, no-rerun, bonus episode feed. To learn more about listener dat…

101
Getting Faster, Stronger, Ready: Sweden's Defense Minister on Reform and Resolve 25:30

14d ago25:30

25:30

Since joining NATO in 2024, Sweden has taken on a more prominent role in European security. Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson joined Ryan in Washington to discuss how Sweden is supporting Ukraine, rebuilding its own military with more resources, and pushing for a faster, more agile defense acquisition system.…

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Jigsaw Puzzle Tables: A Holiday Kitchen Table Turf War 9:00

17d ago9:00

9:00

It is holiday puzzling season, and everything feels perfect. Well, until someone needs the table. Be it a kitchen table, a living room table or a dining room table, it might currently be YOUR puzzle table. If you have ever guarded your jigsaw puzzle like a territorial housecat, this episode is for you. In this fun and relatable Puzzle Chat episode,…

1
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Review 32:11

18d ago32:11

32:11

Rosanna Tennant and Harry Benjamin are joined by 1996 world champion Damon Hill to reflect on the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Who would take the crown at Yas Marina Circuit as Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri went head-to-head? We hear from all three drivers as the 2025 season reaches its conclusion.…

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying Review 41:52

19d ago41:52

41:52

Who will be crowned the 2025 F1 champion? After Max Verstappen puts it on pole, Steve Crossman, Harry Benjamin, Rebecca Clancy and Rosanna Tennant look back at qualifying and assess how it shapes Sunday’s title decider. They hear from all three championship protagonists and discuss how the race might play out.…

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Our Nichest moments of all time. 28:26

25d ago28:26

28:26

The top 5 nic(h)est moments of all time AND a big ol update. Have feedback or just want to say hi? Email us: [email protected] EPISODE NOTES: Hear an update on the future of the show, and listen to Leslie talk about the top 5 nichest moments of all time on the show. Moments taken from: Stick Nation Wild Turkey Conservation Series Santa Seri…

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What's the best phone to do crimes on? (classic) 1:02:46

25d ago1:02:46

1:02:46

For years, the must-have phone for the discerning drug trafficker or hitman was a brand you may not have heard of: AN0M. Reporter Joseph Cox tells us the story of the AN0M phone, its sudden rise and shocking fall, and the shadowy group behind its invention. Joseph's new book: Dark Wire. Incognito Mode, our ad-free, no-rerun, bonus episode feed. To …

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview 1:01:32

21d ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Will it be Max? Will it be Lando? Or will it be Oscar? Steve Crossman and the BBC F1 team look ahead to the final race of the season, hearing from all three title contenders and asking who might have the edge. Plus, they reflect on what we learned from the trio as they faced the media on Thursday.By BBC Radio 5 Live

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Martin McLaughlin’s Four-Pillar Playbook to Launching Better, Faster, and Smarter 29:16

21d ago29:16

29:16

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey is joined by Martin McLaughlin, former Head of Launch and Business Excellence at Takeda, to share the frameworks and lessons that help pharma organizations align people, processes, performance, and technology for success. What You’ll Learn: How to break down the launch silo mentality plaguing…

1
Snow Day Puzzle Survival Kit: A Winter Necessity 11:34

24d ago11:34

11:34

Snow days aren’t just about staying inside. They’re an invitation to slow down, get cozy, and dive into puzzles. Whether it’s a thousand-piece jigsaw, a stack of crosswords, or riddles to share with the family, a snowy afternoon is the perfect backdrop for puzzling. In this festive episode of Puzzle Chat, we shares how to build the ultimate Snow Da…

1
How to talk (or not talk) politics at family holidays 38:53

28d ago38:53

38:53

This week, in honor of the holiday season — can you, should you change your family’s politics through holiday conversation. If so, how? A conversation with Ezra Klein. ⁠Support Search Engine! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://po…

1
Jigsaw Puzzle Texture Trends: Velvet, Wood, Eco-Friendly and More 10:08

1M ago10:08

10:08

It’s fall, and puzzlers everywhere are cozying up to something new: Texture! This season, it’s all about how puzzles feel. From velvet finishes to smooth wooden pieces and eco-friendly designs, these trending materials are changing the way we piece things together. New Trends of Puzzles Including: Why velvet puzzles feel extra cozy for fall nights …

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Colossus 2 46:31

1M ago46:31

46:31

In part two of our story about Elon Musk’s growing data center empire, we visit the battle between people in Memphis and xAI. And we try to understand a strange, untested assumption at the heart of the AI financing boom. Support Search Engine! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-polic…

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Colossus 1 45:18

1M ago45:18

45:18

Tech billionaires have made an enormous bet on AI, the biggest bet that tech has made on anything in a very long time. Reporter Sruthi Pinnamaneni goes on a journey – from Data Center Alley to the shadow of Colossus – to see what the money’s being spent on, and to learn what happens if things go wrong. Support Search Engine! To learn more about lis…

1
The Last Stand Dilemma in Ukraine 24:59

1M ago24:59

24:59

When should Ukraine commit more forces to a perhaps desperate stand to hold ground it will likely lose? And when is it the difficult but correct choice to preserve the force and pull back to the next defensive line? This is the real, agonizing strategic dilemma shaping the war, now highlighted in the fight for Pokrovsk. Distinguished strategist Law…

1
How to Share the Joy of Puzzling This Fall With Friends and Family 11:14

1M ago11:14

11:14

Fall is the perfect time to slow down, cozy up, and rediscover the simple joy of puzzling. This season, we’re not just bringing out our favorite puzzles. Nope it's time to be sharing the best puzzles! Whether it’s family at the table or friends dropping by, autumn is the perfect time to harvest your hobby and invite others to join in. In this episo…

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7 Tips: Secret Santa Puzzle Gifts and Exchange 9:05

1M ago9:05

9:05

The holidays are the perfect time for puzzles! Snowy days, cozy nights, and the joy of giving and receiving something that sparks fun. Imagine a holiday tradition where every gift is a puzzle, every reveal is a surprise, and every laugh is shared with friends and family. That’s the magic of a Secret Puzzle Santa Gift Exchange. In this festive episo…

301
Is Strategy Possible Now? Ever? 1:03:29

1M ago1:03:29

1:03:29

The American president has a ... different approach to strategy than his predecessors. To make sense of the extent American strategy can work and is working at the moment, Ryan was joined by Frank Hoffman, Justin Logan (Cato Institute), and Rebecca Friedman Lissner (Council on Foreign Relations). Join for the brilliant minds. Stay for the spicy tak…

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What Happens When Pharma Starts Listening? 27:16

2M ago27:16

27:16

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey is joined by Jens Øllgaard, Head of Customer Experience at Novo Nordisk, to discuss how forward-thinking pharma leaders are dismantling silos between medical and commercial teams, leveraging AI-driven insights, and fundamentally reimagining how field teams create value in an era of declining …

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Winter Puzzle Scents and Sounds: 5 Ways to Create Your Perfect Puzzle Setting 10:29

2M ago10:29

10:29

When the weather turns chilly, puzzling becomes more than a pastime. In the winter months it becomes a cozy ritual. In this heart-warming episode of Puzzle Chat, we share how to turn your winter puzzling sessions into a sensory experience you’ll look forward to all season long. From candlelight and calming music to the soft crackle of a fireplace, …

101
Chequered Flag Extra: Hamilton's Ferrari 'nightmare' & Ocon on life at Haas 33:05

1M ago33:05

33:05

Harry Benjamin and the BBC’s F1 correspondent Andrew Benson discuss the state of the championship battle and Ferrari’s struggles. Lewis Hamilton said his first season at Ferrari had been "a nightmare” while chairman John Elkann said the company's Formula 1 drivers "need to focus on driving and talk less”. Plus, Harry sits down for a chat with Haas …

1
An Anthropology of Gooners 47:04

1M ago47:04

47:04

A reporter spends a year diving into a subculture of young men online who unite around their extreme commitment to constant, unadulterated porn consumption. Why are they doing this, what is it doing to them, and what does their existence tell us about the internet we’re all stuck on? The Goon Squad by Daniel Kolitz for Harper’s Magazine Daniel’s Tw…

1
Black Friday Puzzle Deals : Find Sales, Discounts and Promo Codes 9:51

2M ago9:51

9:51

It is puzzle shopping season. Black Friday puzzle sales are here and the deals are everywhere. If you love puzzles or want to give a few as gifts, this is the time to grab discounts, promo codes, and special puzzle bundles that make every piece count. In this episode, we chat about: How to find real puzzle deals on Black Friday Why puzzle books and…

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A Conversation with Former Chairman, Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. 28:29

2M ago28:29

28:29

Gen. (ret.) CQ Brown, Jr. may have been removed from his post as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, but he isn't finished serving. He joined Ryan at War on the Rocks HQ to talk about how America can realize the true promise of its faltering defense industrial enterprise (the focus of a recent article he authored). Brown argues the playbook alre…

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Puzzle Advent Calendar Adventures: Holiday Countdown Fun 9:43

2M ago9:43

9:43

Counting down to the holidays has never been this fun! In this festive episode of Puzzle Chat, unwraps the joy of puzzle advent calendars and daily countdown challenges that turn December into a month of discovery. Whether you love jigsaws, riddles, or clever DIY ideas, this episode explores creative ways to make every day leading up to the holiday…

1
Holiday Puzzle Hacks for Tight Spaces 10:00

2M ago10:00

10:00

The holidays are here!!! And so are the guests, decorations, and overflowing tables! But that doesn’t mean you have to skip your favorite seasonal puzzling. In this cozy and creative episode of Puzzle Chat, we share clever holiday puzzle hacks for keeping the fun alive, even when space is limited. From pop-up puzzle zones to smart storage and décor…

1
America vs. China 1:00:15

2M ago1:00:15

1:00:15

People review everything, but they almost never review what it’s like to live in another country. Until now. We interview a writer who’s lived in China, covered China, and has had to choose between life here and there. What are the big misconceptions Americans have about China? How could America learn to build trains and bridges as fast as China do…

1
Congressman Himes on Venezuela, Latin America & a Disordered World 43:53

2M ago43:53

43:53

As ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Rep. Jim Himes of Connecticut has deep insights into national security. And he is concerned. He joined Ryan to share his thoughts on strikes on drug boats, the Trump administration's foreign policy in Latin America, the way the administration fails to work with Congress on m…

1
How Shionogi's VP Turns Data into Commercial Success 31:32

2M ago31:32

31:32

In this episode of Pharma Sessions, host Jonathan Kaskey is joined by Anindita (Ani) Sinha, Vice President of Commercial Operations at Shionogi, to unpack practical approaches to drive market success, from translating complex data into actionable field strategies to building effective cross-functional partnerships between commercial and medical tea…

1
Chequered Flag Extra: Aston Martin Special 19:51

2M ago19:51

19:51

Jennie Gow sits down for an in-depth conversation with Andy Cowell, the CEO and team principal of Aston Martin, to speak about his career, from the engine man at Mercedes to leading Aston through one of the most exciting periods in its history. From its new factory and wind tunnel to the signing of Adrian Newey, and working with drivers like Fernan…

1
How the Army Wants to Counter Drones 21:57

2M ago21:57

21:57

Army Chief Technology Officer Alex Miller joined Ryan at a live event to talk about what countering improvised explosive devices taught him about defeating drones, what the Army is learning from the southern border about emerging threats, and what he wants to see from industry. He makes the case for deeper collaboration between companies, sharper f…

1
Puzzle Zen: Let Santa Work While You Relax Away From Holiday Stress 10:47

2M ago10:47

10:47

Overview: The holidays are joyful… and a little chaotic. Between wrapping gifts, cooking feasts, and trying to do it all, it’s easy to lose your calm. In this peaceful (and relatable) episode of Puzzle Chat, we explore how puzzling can restore balance, quiet the noise, and bring a little Zen to your holiday season. Discover why puzzles are the perf…

1
Halloween Puzzles: Holiday Advent Calendars, Spooky Jigsaw Puzzle Parties 10:47

2M ago10:47

10:47

It’s spooky season — and puzzlers are celebrating in style! In this festive episode of Puzzle Chat, we share how Halloween jigsaw puzzles are becoming a fall favorite. From haunted mansions and pumpkin patches to the newest trend of Halloween countdown puzzle calendars, this episode explores all the creative ways to bring October fun to your puzzle…

1
Thanksgiving Jigsaw Puzzle Tradition: Turkey Day Gathering 10:06

2M ago10:06

10:06

Thanksgiving is about more than food! It's about spending time with family and friends. It’s about the moments in between all the chaos when you come together as one. The laughter before dinner, the quiet conversations afterward, and those cozy pauses that make the day memorable. In this special holiday episode of Puzzle Chat, we share how setting …