A.J. Jacobs, a bestselling author and self-proclaimed "human guinea pig," shares his unique insights on approaching life's challenges through a "puzzle mindset." He discusses how viewing problems as puzzles can enhance creativity and persistence, and even help during tough times. Jacobs reveals the joy of problem-solving and the importance of gratitude in personal growth. He also dives into intriguing aspects of the puzzle world, from his own gratitude project to the benefits of maintaining a calm mindset amidst chaos.

A.J. Jacobs, a New York Times bestselling author known for his humorous self-experimentation, shares his wild adventures in personal growth. He hilariously recounts his journey into radical honesty, emphasizes the importance of gratitude in everyday life, and explores how reframing global issues as puzzles could foster collaboration. His year of living biblically brought both insights and challenges, while his quest to make the largest family tree reveals the power of connection. Jacobs' engaging stories will leave you both entertained and inspired.

Link to preorder How Minds Change: www.davidmcraney.com/howmindschangehome Our guest in this episode is A.J. Jacobs, the the four-time New York Times bestselling author of The Year of Living Biblically, Thanks A Thousand, It’s All Relative, and The Know It All. His new book, The Puzzler, is a fun, weird, refreshingly scientific book all about the human brain's fascination with puzzles. Seriously, there’s all sorts of explorations in the book about neural pathways, behavioral routines, how we learn, what gets us into loops, and - this is true - a few attempts to solve the puzzle of our very existence.Show Notes at: www.youarenotsosmart.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/youarenotsosmart Twitter: www.twitter.com/notsmartblog Patreon: http://patreon.com/youarenotsosmart

A.J. Jacobs, the author of The Puzzler, delves into the intriguing world of puzzles and their significance beyond mere entertainment. He discusses the cultural impact of the Rubik's Cube, highlighting its role in shaping problem-solving skills. A.J. shares personal anecdotes on the therapeutic benefits of puzzles and their insights into life’s complexities. He also touches on concepts like apophenia, encouraging a 'puzzle mindset' to foster curiosity and collaboration in tackling life's challenges.

A.J. Jacobs, the author of "The Puzzler," dives into the fascinating world of puzzles and their reflections on life. He shares how solving everything from crosswords to jigsaw puzzles can transform perspectives and emphasize the importance of curiosity. Jacobs discusses the intricate design of puzzles and the creativity they inspire in communities. He also explores the psychological dimensions of problem-solving, advocating for embracing uncertainty. Personal anecdotes enrich the conversation, especially his touching experience with the New York Times crossword.