Portland podcaster and puzzle enthusiast explains what is speed puzzling

Think Out Loud

Portland podcaster and puzzle enthusiast explains what is speed puzzling

Clean

Published on Apr 24, 2026, 1:17:34 PM
Total time: 00:19:48

Episode Description

Over the pandemic, the sale of puzzles skyrocketed. And while people of all ages enjoy piecing together jigsaw puzzles as a more leisurely activity, others take it at a much more serious and at a competitive level. Speed puzzling is a competition where everyone is given the exact same puzzle and individuals, duos or teams work together to complete it the fastest. Last month, USA Jigsaw Nationals brought together puzzle lovers across the country to Atlanta to compete. Portlander Rob Shields was one of the attendees. He is a speed puzzling enthusiast as well as the host of "Piece Talks," a speed puzzling podcast. He joins us to share more on what he saw at the nationals and what makes speed puzzling so appealing.

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OPB's daily conversation covering news, politics, culture and the arts. Hosted By Dave Miller.