logo
episode-header-image
Aug 2023
1h 9m

What Puzzles Can Teach Us About Life wit...

iHeartPodcasts
About this episode
Embark on a mind-expanding journey with author AJ Jacobs as he unravels the paradox of personal growth through puzzles! While challenging assumptions and finding joy in the process, A.J. explores the fascinating conflict between perseverance and giving up too easily and how this applies to solving actual puzzles and the puzzles of life. In this episode, you ... Show More
Up next
Today
Why Your Mind Builds a Case Against You and How to Push Back | Owen Fitzpatrick
Have you ever noticed how a low mood can make everything in your life look worse, even when nothing has changed? In this episode, Owen Fitzpatrick explores “inner propaganda”: the convincing stories our minds tell us that turn self-doubt and difficult emotions into seemingly unde ... Show More
1 h
Oct 30
How to Discover Yourself, One Decision at a Time | Sara Kuburic
In this episode, Dr. Sara Kuburic discusses how to discover yourself, one decision at a time. Questions like: Who are you beyond your job, your relationships, and the roles you fill? Drawing from her book, It’s on Me: Accept Hard Truths, Discover Yourself, and Change Your Life, S ... Show More
1 h
Oct 27
Why Doing More Is Keeping You Stuck and What to Do Instead | David Epstein
In this episode, David Epstein explores why doing more can leave us overwhelmed, and how the right constraints can help us focus and make meaningful progress. Drawing on his book, Inside the Box: How Constraints Make Us Better, David shares why unlimited freedom can be surprising ... Show More
1 h
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
How to Reframe Your "Problems" as "Puzzles" | A.J. Jacobs
tail spinning
1h 13m
Feb 2025
Why Life is like a Jigsaw Puzzle
In this engaging episode, Scott Smith explores the fascinating parallel between life and jigsaw puzzles. Unlike puzzles that come with a picture on the box and all the pieces inside, life doesn't provide us with such clear instructions. Scott shares personal stories about his gra ... Show More
11m 38s
Jun 2024
#25 - AJ Jacobs - The Power of Social Experimentation
<p>How literally should we take the US Constitution? What about the bible? Should we experiment with radical honesty with strangers? Those are just some of the questions human guinea pig A.J. Jacobs spends his life trying to answer. An author and journalist, he regularly immerse ... Show More
1h 39m
Jan 2024
The Puzzler Returns, Part One: Puzzles and Spies
For most people, puzzles are a fun, fascinating diversion. Yet throughout history, they've also played a crucial role in the great game of espionage. Join Ben, Noel and Max as they welcome their returning guest A.J. Jacobs, author and creator of The Puzzler podcast, to learn more ... Show More
44m 49s
Dec 2023
The Puzzler, Part One: The Crossword Moral Panic
This week, Ben, Noel and Max welcome special guest, the legendary author AJ Jacobs, to explore the world's strangest historical puzzle crazes. In part one of this two-part series, AJ regales the gang with the moral panic surrounding early crosswords, armchair treasure hunts and m ... Show More
32m 17s
Jul 2024
"A World of Wordles" w/ A.J. & Greg
Hello, Puzzlers! AJ has a new book out! You can order "The Year of Living Constitutionally" right now!. 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 favorit ... Show More
32m 17s
Aug 2024
Maybe You're Already There (Let Me Explain)
Today, John discusses the importance of seeing life through new lenses and the need for inner journeys to gain new perspectives. He also explores the idea of success, the impact of relationships and community on personal growth, and how to trust oneself and dream big. Follow John ... Show More
29m 48s