Crosswords without pencils?

April 21, 2007 10:34 AM

Anyone have reccomendations for audio brain-teasers?

I've been doing language tapes in my car, and I really like the aspect that is puzzle-ish, such as figuring out conjugations from prior examples and finding new word combinations to express a thought. But the actual language-learning is sort of exhausting and sometimes I just don't feel like doing another unit.

Are there any excellent audio puzzle podcasts or commercial audio puzzle collections people have liked? I enjoy crosswords and scrabble, but anagrams without visual stimulation are very difficult for me. I like, but don't love, the NPR puzzle shows. I've been playing bridge recently as well, and if I could find some kind of bridge instruction audiobook, I think I would really enjoy that, though I imagine without seeing a hand in front of you that might not be that feasible.

posted by mzurer to sports, hobbies, & recreation (8 comments total)

if you're the one driving, this sounds really dangerous to me
posted by noloveforned at 10:40 AM on April 21, 2007

(i say that as someone in grad school for cognitive psychology who is involved with studies on task performance with a cognitive or memory load.)
posted by noloveforned at 10:41 AM on April 21, 2007

I cannot vouch personally for this, but a quick search on Audible.com turned up "Word Smart, Genius Edition: Building a Phenomenal Vocabulary" and also a "part 2."

Not puzzles per se but if you like language learning, the product description describes it as fun and lively.

You mention that you are lukewarm about the NPR puzzle shows, but Audible also has their "Says You!" shows available as a subscription or you can cheaply download a show at a time for 67 cents (or 95c if you're not a member). I've never used their podcast subscription service so I don't know how it works.
posted by Alabaster at 11:35 AM on April 21, 2007

Wait...NPR has puzzle shows?
posted by DU at 12:36 PM on April 21, 2007

DU: I imagine the poster meant the puzzler segment of Car Talk, and the Will Shortz puzzle segment of Sunday Morning Edition (or whatever it's called).
posted by DarkForest at 12:55 PM on April 21, 2007

(NPR also has Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me, and the quiz portion of Whad'ya Know?.)
posted by mimi at 2:46 PM on April 21, 2007

Yes, what DarkForest and mimi said. More quiz-showy, but I actually would be interested in trivia audio programs as well...
posted by mzurer at 3:02 PM on April 21, 2007

And don't forget the NPR Sunday Puzzle.

If people did have good suggestions for the aforementioned trivia podcasts, I would like that.
posted by mmascolino at 3:44 PM on April 21, 2007