Daily news podcasts are replacing the morning newspaper read, so why can’t a podcast become the daily crossword? Puzzle guru A.J. Jacobs is teaming up with iHeartPodcasts and Neuhaus Ideas to create a daily podcast that will test its listeners mental prowess. The series – titled The Puzzler – debuts with a year-long run of five-day-a-week episodes. It is based on Jacob’s book, “The Puzzler: One Man’s Quest to Solve the Most Baffling Puzzles Ever.”
The episodes, which are less than 10 minutes each, will showcase playful new spins on old favorites, like anagrams and palindromes, as well as quirky originals such as “Ask ChatGPT” and audio rebuses.
In addition to a daily puzzle, The Puzzler will also feature celebrity guests who will test their puzzle-solving abilities. Celebrities lined up so far include “Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings, CBS correspondent Mo Rocca, comedians Roy Wood, Jr. and Michael Ian Black, ESPN’s Mina Kimes, musician Lisa Loeb, and Stuff You Should Know podcast host Chuck Bryant.
“We are living in the golden age for puzzles and now you can get your daily puzzle nuggets delivered straight to your ears,” said Jacobs. “This podcast is for anyone who is curious and who wants to give their brain a treat.”
Jacobs, who is an editor at large at Esquire magazine, will frequently be joined by puzzle creator Greg Pliska. Pliska is a world-renowned puzzle creator whose work has been featured in the New York Times and on NPR, and who collaborated with Jacobs on the book “The Puzzler.”
The short-form podcast is being produced by Neuhaus Ideas, which was founded by longtime creative producer and development executive Adam Neuhaus. who recently served seven years as Senior Director of Development for ESPN Films. The series will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts.
“As a long-time fan of A.J. Jacobs and his unique brand of hilariously brainy entertainment, I’m thrilled to partner with him and his team to bring ‘The Puzzler’ into the world,” said iHeartPodcasts President Will Pearson in the announcement.