There’s an easy and entertaining way to strengthen your brain — and all you need is a pair of headphones.
No matter your age, it’s never too late to strengthen your brain. Thankfully, it’s never been easier to do so, with so much research on how to keep your noggin’ in tip-top shape and activities to aid in the process at your fingertips. But between all of life’s priorities, it’s tough to find the time to sit down and commit to completing the New York Times crossword puzzle daily. That’s why we’ve curated some of our favorite brain-boosting podcasts from iHeartPodcasts that don’t require a massive time commitment to stay sharp for decades to come. Whether you’re in the car, doing laundry, or even lazing on the sofa, listening to these podcasts is a surefire way to keep your mind active and entertained.
The Puzzler
It’s widely reported that engaging regularly in word and number puzzles keeps you sharp as you age, so playing a daily puzzle is a no-brainer. But if you’re getting sick of Wordle, there’s an easy and engaging new podcast to keep your brain buzzing. The Puzzler is a short podcast hosted by New York Times author and puzzle-fessional A.J. Jacobs, and is the perfect way to start your day. In each episode, Jacobs presents a series of short word puzzles to a celebrity guest; listeners play along by trying to solve the puzzle before Jacobs reveals the answer. (If you need a little extra time, hit pause and let your brain get to work.) Each episode is 10 minutes long or less, and so much fun that you’ll find yourself excitedly awaiting the next episode.
Nothing Much Happens
The title is self-explanatory: In this podcast, there’s not a lot going on. But that’s intentional — it’s meant to quiet the noise in your brain and help you drift off into a peaceful sleep. There’s nothing better for your brain than some good beauty rest, so skip the expensive white noise machines and melatonin, and allow Nothing Much Happens to lull you into a cozy slumber. Host Kathryn Nicolai’s voice is as soothing as a warm mug of Sleepytime tea, and her simple, calming stories are sure to give you the sweetest of dreams. You’ll wake up refreshed and ready to put that big brain of yours to good use.
Joy: A Podcast. Hosted by Craig Ferguson
There’s no arguing that finding joy will lead to a more fulfilling, and perhaps even healthier, life. But the places where people find joy vary widely: from faith to personal passions to relationships. In his new podcast Joy, comedian and actor Craig Ferguson is exploring how some of the happiest people he knows have found joy. Many of those Ferguson speaks with are close friends — like Tony Hawk, Kathie Lee Gifford, and Pete Holmes — so the conversations are intimate and unguarded. He delves deep into what makes each of his guests happy and provides insight into how listeners can apply these lessons to their own lives.
