Best Podcasts to Listen to While Puzzling in 2025 🎧🧩

Whether you’re tackling a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle masterpiece or piecing together one of those difficult jigsaw puzzles that test your patience and skills, one thing is certain: puzzling is more than just a hobby – it’s an art form. But what’s the perfect companion to your next jigsaw puzzle? Podcasts! These audio gems keep your mind engaged while your hands are busy. From laugh-out-loud comedy to mind-expanding science, here are the best podcasts to accompany your puzzling sessions in 2025.

🧠 Learn Something New

Who says puzzling can’t be educational? These podcasts are packed with fascinating insights and knowledge. Perfect for feeding your curiosity while you work through those tricky edge pieces.

99% Invisible
Ever wondered about the hidden stories behind everyday design and architecture? This podcast delves into the unnoticed details that shape our world.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Design lovers and detail-oriented puzzlers.
Hidden Brain
Shankar Vedantam explores the unconscious patterns that drive human behaviour. It's a deep dive into psychology and storytelling that’ll make you see the world differently.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Curious minds.
TED Talks Daily
Get bite-sized inspiration and ideas from experts across every imaginable field. From AI to zoology, there's something for everyone.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Lifelong learners.
Networth and Chill – Vivian Tu
Vivian Tu, aka your Rich BFF, provides financial wisdom while exploring the mindsets and habits behind success stories.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Financially savvy puzzlers.

HerMoney – Jean Chatzky
Jean Chatzky’s real-life advice on navigating the financial world, especially for women, will keep your brain buzzing as you puzzle.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Money-minded puzzlers.
You’re Dead to Me
Historian Greg Jenner pairs up with a comedian each week to dive into historical topics with both humour and insight. It’s the perfect mix of education and entertainment, featuring plenty of female historians to boot!
  • 🎙️ Best for: History buffs with a sense of humour. 

😂 Laugh Along

Puzzling alone? Add some laughter to your session with these witty and engaging shows.

Dear Hank & John
Hank and John Green mix heartfelt advice with humour, plus updates on niche topics like Mars and football.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Quirky humour and heartwarming advice.
My Brother, My Brother and Me
This “advice show for the modern era” by the McElroy brothers is guaranteed to keep you giggling.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Light-hearted laughs.
Reply All
A deep (and hilarious) dive into internet culture and modern life.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Tech-savvy puzzlers.
How Did This Get Made?
If you love absurdist humour and off-the-wall discussions, this podcast is a must-listen. Hosts Paul Scheer, June Diane Raphael, and Jason Mantzoukas hilariously dissect cult films like Swordfish and Cellular while diving into the imagined mindset of their stars. With incredible chemistry and top-notch comedy guests, it’s the perfect puzzling companion.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Movie lovers and comedy fans.

📚 Get Lost in a Story

Love to immerse yourself in a good tale? These story-driven podcasts are the perfect backdrop to puzzling.

Wooden Overcoats
Follow the misadventures of the Funn family as they battle to save their funeral parlour from a charming rival. Quirky, hilarious, and utterly charming.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Fans of British humour.
Homecoming
A gripping, star-studded audio drama blending mystery, intrigue, and innovative storytelling.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Drama enthusiasts.
My Favourite Murder
True crime meets comedy in this wildly popular podcast. Karen and Georgia share fascinating cases with their trademark wit.
  • 🎙️ Best for: Murder mystery lovers.

    🧩 Play Along

    Who says podcasts can’t be interactive? These trivia-filled shows will have you guessing and laughing as you puzzle.

    Good Job, Brain!
    Part quiz show, part offbeat news — this podcast is brain food for trivia buffs.
    • 🎙️ Best for: Knowledge junkies.
    Ask Me Another
    A lively trivia show filled with puzzles, games, and music. Perfect for keeping your mind sharp while puzzling.
    • 🎙️ Best for: Trivia lovers.
    Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!
    NPR’s news quiz show is a laugh-filled way to stay informed.
    • 🎙️ Best for: Current events enthusiasts.

     

      ✨ More Top Picks for 2025

      Don’t miss these must-listen podcasts to expand your playlist and enhance your puzzling experience.

      Call Her Daddy – Alex Cooper
      Alex Cooper explores vulnerability and empowerment in bold, raw conversations.
      • 🎙️ Best for: Feminist discussions with flair.

      The Daily – New York Times
      A behind-the-scenes look at the biggest stories in news and reporting.
      • 🎙️ Best for: Staying informed while puzzling.
      Pivot – Kara Swisher & Scott Galloway
      Tech, business, and culture dissected by two of the sharpest minds in the game.
      • 🎙️ Best for: Thought-provoking puzzling sessions.
      Wiser Than Me – Julia Louis-Dreyfus
      The beloved actress chats with wise women for life lessons and heartfelt wisdom.
      • 🎙️ Best for: Inspirational storytelling.

        🎧 Why Podcasts are Perfect for Puzzling

        Podcasts are the ultimate multitasking medium. While your hands focus on assembling that beautiful jigsaw, your mind can explore new worlds, learn something fascinating, or simply relax with a good laugh. Plus, they’re portable and budget-friendly — the perfect pairing for puzzle enthusiasts! 🧩✨

        Ready to enhance your puzzling experience? Pick a podcast, grab your favourite jigsaw, and let the entertainment begin. Happy puzzling!

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