Speed Puzzling
A story about the rapidly-growing community of those who complete puzzles as fast as they can.
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While some of us casually work on puzzles over days (or weeks) with family during holidays, some others of us complete puzzles in mere minutes.
These folks are called Puzzle People. And this 2-part story introduces you to them.
Along the way, you’ll meet a Guinness Book of World Record Holder (Tammy McLeod), professional puzzlers (Sarah Schuler), influencers (Karen Kavett), competitors, and even join Leslie as she tries to complete a puzzle as quickly as possible…kind of.
But this isn’t just a story about solving puzzles—it’s about how a global crisis sparked new traditions, deepened human connection, and turned an isolating activity into a foundation for community and belonging.
In a world that often feels fragmented, puzzling remains a reminder that we’re always finding ways to come together—piece by piece.
Episode 1 drops February 21st.
Photos from the St. Paul Winter Carnival contest:
Ready to start puzzling?
Visit Springbok-Puzzles.com and get 10% off your first Springbok order with code NICHEPUZZLE10
ABOUT THE SHOW:
Niche to Meet You is an investigative storytelling podcast about the little-known niche interests where folks are making meaning and fighting loneliness and isolation.
Created by Leslie Thompson, Niche to Meet You what happens when Mr. Rogers meets This American Life for a drink to talk about the latest Revisionist History episode. Our show has been selected by Apple editorial as a New & Noteworthy podcast, and we’ve been seen on on NPR, The Guardian, 1440 Newsletter, and more.
We’ve covered Warhammer 40,000, Wild Turkey Conservation, Vintage car radio restoration, Medieval armored combat, Dog agility, Rubik’s Speed Cubing, and Santa portrayal artistry.
Our infectious and sincere curiosity takes listeners into the world of each subculture, humanizing those involved and gleaning meaning for us who are listening. We feature important and relevant topics with a subtle touch, and tell hospitable stories that allow listeners to learn more while challenging their own assumptions.
Welcome in, it’ll be so...Niche to Meet You.