Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword on Steno.fm

Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

A short, fun and occasionally not unintentionally educational podcast in which two fans of the New York Times crossword describe their puzzle-solving travails.

S12 E82 · Mon, April 28, 2025
Sunday, April 27, 2025 - Look out, here comes BRIDEZILLA 😀
In crossword circles, a debut answer is one that has never appeared in the grid before -- and they tend to bet quite interesting. Today , for instance, we had 33A, Food-centric broadcasts originating in South Korea, MUKBANGS (sounds intriguing); 65D, Periods of abstinence from TV, news, social platforms, etc., MEDIAFASTS (sounds like a focused Dandelion Break); and 111A, Some large structures for pet owners, CATCONDOS. All great answers, cleverly clued, and part of an even greater crossword: we give it 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: The PENTAX 17, a film camera!! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E81 · Sun, April 27, 2025
Saturday, April 26, 2025 - Happy Canadian Election Day Eve Eve!!🙄
Today's crossword was a "relatively" straightforward Saturday crossword. Saturdays are always tough, and this was by no means a walk in the park, but neither was it a rope-free climb of El Capitan . There were a few surprising clues in the grid -- most notably 27A, "That's so relatable," in modern slang, MOOD -- a very modern clue for an ancient answer, which made its first appearance on New Year's Eve, 1944 . And right next to that we had the very witty 29A, Aquarius is one, perhaps surprisingly, AIRSIGN (nice!). And one that was a novelty (to Mike, at any rate: Jean, no doubt, is on their mailing list), 26A, ___ Dunn (brand of ceramic art and other housewares), RAE. We have more fascinating facts inside, so have a listen, and, as usual, please let us know what you think! Show note imagery: Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap", now in it's 73rd-ish year!! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E80 · Sat, April 26, 2025
Friday,April 25, 2025 - Nothing BLAND in today's grid (except, inevitably, BLAND 😉)
This was a nice Friday crossword by Adrian Johnson, a bit of a palette cleanser after yesterday's definitely crunchier-than-usual epic. We found some great clues in the puzzle, such as 34A, Passage in a mystery novel?, HIDDENSTAIRCASE (😀); 12D, Light touch from a decorator?, ACCENTLAMP (brilliant, especially when it's turned on 😎); and the very best of the best, 23D, Styles of music, HARRY (😀 😀). Show note imagery: Bahla Fort, OMAN, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E79 · Fri, April 25, 2025
Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Whew, this was a real brow-furler of a crossword!
This was a debut crossword by Kathleen Duncan -- congrats!! -- and it was a doozy . Jean managed to get through it in fairly good time, but Mike ran into the proverbial lexicographic abyss in the southwest corner, and managed to escape just in the NICK of time. To hear more about his harrowing escape, and Jean's easy sashay through the very same puzzle, have a listen to today's podcast, and, as always, please tell others about us on social media. Show note imagery: A SHEAF of paper, not to be confused with a SHEATH of ... paper We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E78 · Thu, April 24, 2025
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - Time for DINDIN 😀 🧑🏽‍🍼
One of the most enjoyable moments in NYTimes-crossword-solving, is when one is completely floored by an answer, only to discover, with a bit of research, that it is apparently the 5th most popular word of the year, and that you are the only person in a 10 mile radius who has not heard of it. We had such an experience in today's puzzle -- a fine effort by Brandon Koppy -- and we leave it to you, the listener, to determine which answer we are referring to. [Hint: it won't take you long to do so 😀] Show note imagery: The original IMACs We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E77 · Wed, April 23, 2025
Tuesday, April 22, 2025 - Here ye, here ye, announcing our Triplet Tuesday Contest winner!
We had a fine Tuesday crossword by a frequent contributor to the NYTimes, Alex Eaton-Salners. There are many perfectly good reasons why AE-S has had 73 puzzles published in the pantheon of crosswords, and they are all on display in today's work. So check it out, and, as always, let us know what you think. In other news, we have our latest Triplet Tuesday Contest winner, and very soon that winner will have ownership of a lovely bit of northeast Wisconsin swag, and a lovely t-shirt to boot. For those of you who entered but did not win, fear not! There will always be ... another TTC. Show note imagery: Sao Tomé and Príncipe We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E76 · Tue, April 22, 2025
Monday, April 21, 2025 - A crossword that's nothing to sneeze at!
This was Thomas van Geel's second NYTimes crossword, and it is an awesome example of an LOL theme. Have a listen, and you'll see what we mean. A reminder, this is your last day to enter last week's Triplet Tuesday Contest, and potentially win some magnificent swag. Just check out last Tuesday's episode, and then send your entry our way. Show note imagery: Mount DENALI We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E75 · Mon, April 21, 2025
Sunday, April 20, 2025 - ADVENTURE is out there (... and in the grid!)
Today's crossword was somewhat of a gently sloping foothill for Jean, and an Everest atop an Everest for Mike. The former made it through the crossword in a longer-than-usual-but-still-reasonable time frame, whereas for the latter it seemed that several civilizations rose, prospered, and fell, before he finally got the happy music. We've covered the theme in today's episode, but some of the (many) notable clues that did not make the cut include 103D, Support line?, ISECOND 😀; 71D, Blood line, VEIN (😀 😀); and 49A, Honcho, NABOB (also an excellent brand of coffee, sold primarily in Canada ☕️☕️☕️). Show note imagery: A delicious WHOOPIEPIE We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E74 · Sat, April 19, 2025
Friday, April 18, 2025 - BARBIECORE? That's nothing compared to ... wait for it ... crosswordcore™️!!!!
We are delighted to announce the purely coincidental arrival, on the same day that this fabulous crossword brought us BARBIECORE, of crosswordcore™ -- the rules of which are quite straightforward, and we are very pleased to be able to set forth, for the first time AFAWCT, right here: Rule 1: wear and/or decorate with any color you want, as long as it's black or white 😀 Rule 2: Other than rule 1, pretty much anything goes ... it is a rather laissez-faire core. The puzzle that inspired crosswordcore was a fine one - Jean breezed through it, Mike euphemistically took his time to contemplate and savor every clue and answer, so that he could truly appreciate the genius of this puzzle's constructors -- Greg Snitkin and Glenn Davis. Show note imagery: Either the map of a PLAYACTION, or possibly a physics diagram showing the interaction of subatomic particles (but we think the former). We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E73 · Fri, April 18, 2025
Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Let's see, there are FARRIERS and FURRIERS, but no FIRRIERS or FORRIERS ... that seems very UNFAIRIERS 🙄
Our cohosts took highly divergent paths towards victory on this crossword - Jean took the high road, and had a lovely time; Mike took the low road, and for his pains got repeatedly stuck in the mire. Still, there was a lot to ad mire in today's grid, and to find out what that was, check out today's episode. Show note imagery: The JETSONS! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E72 · Thu, April 17, 2025
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - Three cheers for the Rubber Ducks of AKRON, OH! 🐥
This was a slightly crunchier than usual Wednesday *, for one very good reason. We're not going to tell you that reason just yet, but we cerealously believe you'll like it once you hear it 😀😉🙄. Besides the terrific theme, we had numerous intriguing and occasionally perplexing clues, such as 18A, Flying Cloud and Royale, for two, REOS; 60A, "Nelson's blood", RUM; and the fun to say 33D, For sure, for short, DEF. Show note imagery: Fred and Barney, making a splash *the crossword, not the day: the day was merely averagely-crunchy. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E71 · Wed, April 16, 2025
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - It's a two-fer! An abfab crossword, *and* an abfab Triplet Tuesday Contest, huzzah!! 🎉
In today's episode, we have a two-fer. First, an awesome crossword , a debut by Per Bykodorov that is just brimming with microtome-sharp clues, and an LOL theme. But wait, there's more 😀 We have our latest Triplet Tuesday Contest, your chance to go (asynchronously) head-to-head against Jean to see who can grab the TTC ring. The rules are straightforward and brilliantly (ok, adequately ) explained, so have a listen, and then get your entry in by next Tuesday at 6 PM CDT (2300 Zulu time for those in other time zones), and good luck! Show note imagery: A LUNK alarm, often seen, but rarely heard, at Planet Fitness We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E70 · Tue, April 15, 2025
Monday, April 14, 2025 - Happy Tax Day Eve! 🙄
This was a very nice Monday crossword, and an NYTimes debut for both of its authors, Stacy Cooper and Ken Cohen. There were, of course, a variety of clues, some fun -- 51A, Roller coaster exclamation, WHEE 😀; some enlightening -- 65A, Elite group whose members include Steve Martin and Geena Davis, MENSA; and some particularly timely -- 30D, Org. that reviews W-9s, IRS. Show note imagery: a MOSCOWMULE, served in the traditional copper mug. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E69 · Mon, April 14, 2025
Sunday, April 13, 2025 - John Kugelman is an INSPO to us all 😀
This was a sweet Sunday crossword , with an unusual theme, unusual grid size (!), but the usual great clues that we expect from a Sunday NYTimes crossword. We've covered the biggies in today's episode, but we'd also like to note the "little" people, er, answers, without which this grid would be comically empty. For example, 32D, Prefix with bel, DECI (ha!); 87D, Items being replaced, OLDONES (duh!); and our favorite, 95D, Snatches, comic-book style, YOINKS (rah!). Remember our Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming up faster than a speeding bullet, so tune in Tuesday and see if you can capture the crown. Show note imagery: Famed actor and comedian Buster Keaton, next to someone with pronounced RINGLETs. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E68 · Sun, April 13, 2025
Saturday, April 12, 2025 - Time for some COMICRELIEF, and, good news! It's in the grid, and in the episode.
This was a very nice (i.e., quite tricky) Saturday crossword . Fortunately (for Mike), there were not a lot of pop culture references, and fortunately (for Jean), she knows things™️. This marks the third NYTimes crossword penned by Jesse Cohn, and we eagerly await his fourth. Besides this crossword, we also have our JAMCOTWA - Jean and Mike Crossword Of The Week Award - so download and check out this episode, to see who's the big winner. Also, don't forget to subscribe / follow this podcast, so you never miss an exciting installment! Show note imagery: WONDERWOMAN, ready to wring the truth out of someone with her golden lasso! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E67 · Sat, April 12, 2025
Friday, April 11, 2025 - Think your LensCrafters bill is high? Be glad you're not a SEASCALLOP 😀 🕶️
Today's crossword had OCEANS of great clues. To pick just three, we had 1A, Some pops, COCACOLAS (Mike's favorite beverage!); 12D, Fabulizes, SPINSAYARN (the answer was fine: the clue, divine ); and 34A, Vulgarian, BOOR (Vulgarian sounds Shakespearean, but, alas and alack, the bard never penned it). Show note imagery: A few of a SEASCALLOP's many eyes We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E66 · Fri, April 11, 2025
Thursday, April 10, 2025 - Hmmm... a Saturday crossword seems to have strayed into Thursday territory 😱
Both cohosts found this to be an exceptionally tough Thursday crossword -- but they are not complaining, as many of the clues were home runs, and the theme was a grand slam. Somehow, Adam Wagner -- the author of today's oeuvre (ably abetted by Will Shortz) -- always manages to produce great works. Deets inside, so have a listen, and let us know what you think! A reminder, our Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming up this Tuesday. If you haven't already, start practicing up (re-memorizing the OED, limbering up those fingers, etc., etc.). Show note imagery: A photo that needs absolutely no narration 😀 https://www.xwordinfo.com/Crossword?date=4/10/2025 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E65 · Thu, April 10, 2025
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - OLEATO!
This was an exceptionally memorable Wednesday crossword . The theme was inspired, but the rest of the puzzle was just chockfull of equally brilliant entries. We have all the deets inside, so we earnestly invite you to download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: RIP, TAN M&Ms We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E64 · Wed, April 09, 2025
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - ¡Ay, caramba!, it's the island of ARUBA 😀
Today's crossword was fun (absolutely!), fast (YMMV), and this episode has exactly the same characteristics! So have a listen, and remember, we're having our next Triplet Tuesday Contest next week, so listen to today's segment to get the format, start practicing, and start honing your acceptance speech (you know, just in case ...) Show note imagery: NACL (aka table salt) crystals, as seen in an electron microscope We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E63 · Tue, April 08, 2025
Monday, April 7, 2025 - RIP, ASH Ketchum
One of the best parts of doing the NYTimes Crossword is the thrill of learning something new. For example, today our hosts learned that ASH Ketchum is no longer the star of the Pokémon anime series, and sorely missed (at least in some quarters ). We have all the deets inside, as well as numerous amusing Easter eggs, so have a listen, and as always, remember that we thrive on feedback . Show note imagery: ASH Ketchum, in the flesh, ..., er, ink? We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E62 · Mon, April 07, 2025
Sunday, April 6, 2025 - No need to spin it - this crossword was abfab!
Kareem Ayas has put together an ingenious Sunday crossword , with a lot of layers - wheels within wheels, you might say, and as soon as you see the grid you'll understand exactly why that would be so apropos. We cover a lot of territory today, so grab your favorite beverage, hit play, and prepare to a) sip, and b) enjoy! Show note links: NILE green and various RAKE types available at Amazon Show note video: An EHRU , a Chinese two-stringed fiddle We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E61 · Sat, April 05, 2025
Saturday, April 5, 2025 - The toughest crossword of the week lives up to its billing
Saturdays are supposed to be the toughest crosswords of the week, and Rafael Musa definitely got the memo: the amount of misdirection in today's puzzle would have David Copperfield nodding approvingly. We've covered most of Mr. Musa's masterpieces in today's episode, but a few others worthy of note are the fabulous 8D, Gag order?, TMI (hah!); 35A, Time to give up, LENT (magnifico!); and the cryptic 23A, Human Geography and Calculus BC, for short, APS (we didn't realize that Calculus was that old, but anyhoo...). In addition to the crossword, we also are pleased to announce our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so check out today's episode to find out who took home the flag. Show note imagery: A coin from 1023-28 depicting OLAF the Stout, aka Saint Olaf We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E60 · Sat, April 05, 2025
Friday, April 4, 2025 - It's officially long answer Friday 😉
There were a lot of long answers in this crossword , but fortunately they were also very common phrases. Otherwise, this would've been a Saturday or perhaps an Impossiday™️ crossword. As it stands, this puzzle was a terrific Friday, and the reason why is no mystery: Karen Steinberg wrote it and Will Shortz edited it. Show note imagery: JETHRO Tull (the band, not the agriculturalist We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E59 · Fri, April 04, 2025
Thursday, April 3, 2025 - A *galaxy* of great clues 😉
Today's crossword was by Hanh Huynh. His Thursday crossword themes have always been brilliant, and we are pleased to announce that with today's puzzle his streak remains intact: may it live long and prosper! Show note imagery: BARQS Rootbeer We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E58 · Thu, April 03, 2025
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - CIAO - the *perfect* word when you've forgotten if you're coming or going 😀 😀
This was a highly pleasing mid-week crossword by Daniel Bodily. There were some NEAT clues (including 15A, "Sweet!", NEAT); clues with a lot of HEART (25A, Trick-taking card game, HEARTS); and clues that we got right away (51D, "Pronto!", STAT 😀). All told, a fine puzzle, and it is therefore with great pleasure that we award it a full 5 squares, on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: The Civilian Conservation Corp official (and very spiffy) logo We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E57 · Wed, April 02, 2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 - We're fools for today's crossword 🙄
Today's crossword was the perfect April 1st crossword -- as a Tuesday, it was not too difficult, but it was very meta, and very relatable, making for a great solve. We have Sande Milton (supervised, of course, by Will Shortz) to thank for this, his third crossword for the NYTimes. Beyond the crossword, we have our heavily trademarked and patented Triplet Tuesday™️ segment, so have a listen, and let us know how you did! Show note imagery: A Commodore AMIGA, with a whopping 256K of RAM! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E56 · Tue, April 01, 2025
Monday, March 31, 2025 - A grid that is obsessed with ZEST
OK, perhaps "obsessed" is a little over the top, because technically ZEST itself only showed up once , as per custom; but the clues and answers were still quite snappy. Our particular favorite? 46D, Producers of six-packs, SITUPS (nice!). We were also delighted to see 15A, King of the gods, in Egyptian myth, AMON. And while AMON may not translate as "God of Aliases", since AMON is aka AMUN, AMUNRA, AMONRA and AMUNRE, we would not be surprised if it did. For the deets, and some interesting listener mail, have a listen, and feel free to leave us a five star review wherever you are listening to this podcast. Show note imagery: Kobe Bryant, shooting a FADEAWAY. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E55 · Mon, March 31, 2025
Saturday, March 30, 2025 - Happy April Fool's Day Eve Eve 🤣🎉
Simeon Seigel tends to write crosswords just like this one - filled with clever and novel clues. We present, as exhibit A, ... 105A, Its southernmost point, Pamana Island, is more than 750 miles below the Equator, ASIA (amazing!) 106A, Group in "a pension fund", AEIOU (outstanding!) 40A, Returns a call, in a way, ECHOES (wow, wow, wo, wo, w, w, ...) In short, a fine crossword, we approve: 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: Dr. SEUSS (or, phonetically as he originally wanted it pronounced, SOYCE) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E54 · Sun, March 30, 2025
Saturday, March 29, 2025 - We're baaaaaack!
We have returned after a brief, unplanned hiatus, and welcoming us back were Christina Iverson and Jacob McDermott, who have prepared a delightful, and notably not-soul-crushingly-difficult Saturday crossword for us to inspect, dissect and discuss. Deets inside, so have a listen, and, as always, please tell others about us on social media. Show note imagery: A TUXEDOCAT, prowling about in search of its cape and top hat. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E53 · Wed, March 26, 2025
Tuesday, March 25, 2025 - So Long, and Thanks for All the Fishes
We'd give this crossword an APLUS, for no other reason than that it gave us an APLUS, as in 54D, Highest grade. But lest we be accused of grade inflation, we would like to submit as evidence 29A, "Old Man ___ at Cloud" (bit from "The Simpsons" that became an internet meme), YELLS (Will must really like The Simpsons 😀); 35D, X-ray ___ (novelty goggles), SPEX (we really, really want a pair of these); 58D, Whopper server? LIAR (😀 😀) Show note imagery: A who's who of old time comedians at The FRIARSCLUB, a New York landmark since ... forever. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E52 · Tue, March 25, 2025
Monday, March 24, 2025 - No ERRANT words in today's grid ... except for ERRANT 🙄
This was a nice debut by Victor Schmitt, yet another "cute n' clever" theme that definitely lives up to its name. (We note parenthetically that "Cute n' Clever" would be an awesome name for a pet store for Mensa cats, and if one ever comes into being, we hope to add it as an advertiser immediately 😀). Apart from the clues mentioned in today's episode, we'd like to note 55A, Arctic abodes, IGLOOS (following yesterday's huts and yurts, Will seems to be promoting a native-abode-arc of some sort); 65A, Fruit from a palm, which sounds like a magic trick but is indeed DATE; and 7D, Like seaweed or raw octopus, SLIMY (which managed to elicit a simultaneous "yuck" and "kudos" from your cohosts). Show note imagery: IGOR (left, as played by Bela Lugosi); check out today's episode to hear the electrifying background story. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E51 · Mon, March 24, 2025
Sunday, March 23, 2025 - This crossword will DONICELY!
Jean made short work of today's crossword , armed as she was with a PANOPLY of answers, whereas Mike, for whom PANOPLY was the only gimme in the grid, had to toil a wee bit longer -- and by a "wee bit", we really mean weeeeeeeeeeeee bit -- before he managed to get to the happy music. Show note imagery: TERRA Nova National Park, in Newfoundland, Canada We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E50 · Sun, March 23, 2025
Saturday, March 22, 2025 - In the grid, and in the nightmares of spelling bee-ers everywhere, PSILOCYBIN!
This was an excellent Saturday crossword -- with clue difficulty mostly ranging from scarily difficult to "you must be joking, Ms. Hoody". These sorts of puzzles make for a deeply satisfying solve (if you can), and no loss of face (if you cannot). Also, any crossword that manages to quietly work ICEPALACE, ICET, and SAMOVAR into the same grid clearly deserves some sort of praise, and here it is: a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Bravo! Also in today's episode: our choice for JAMCOTWA, the Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award. To find out who won, and why, please subscribe/like/follow, download, and, of course, enjoy! Show note imagery: An example of a Duchamp readymade , art based on ordinary products (such as this bicycle wheel) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E49 · Sat, March 22, 2025
Friday, March 21, 2025 - A crossword that SPARKLES!
This was a good, challenging, but ultimately doable -- provided you've had lots and lots of practice! -- Friday crossword . The clues were quite fresh, and apart from those mentioned on the podcast, we'd like to highlight 24D, Sports great who said "If the world were perfect, it wouldn't be", BERRA (😀); 40A, "Hot-diggity" or "Cool it", SLANG (of course!); and the fascinating 38D, Philippics, TIRADES (🧐). Be sure and check out the whole episode, because after the main event we have a great Fun Fact Friday™️ segment, covering everything you need to know about the AFLAC duck. Enjoy! Show note imagery: Actors about to do battle while wearing MOCAP suits. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E48 · Fri, March 21, 2025
Thursday, March 20, 2025 - Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!
The title probably could do with a few more "wows", as today's crossword by Daniel Grinberg clearly deserves to be in the pantheon of crossword masterpieces. Indeed, both cohosts feel that they will never forget where they were at the moment that they solved this crossword (Jean, couch; Mike, chair). For deets on why we are tossing so many laurels in Daniel Grinberg's direction, have a listen to today's podcast, where all will become clear. Show note imagery: What makes a SUBARU a SUBARU? According to their marketing people, Love (and possibly one or two designers and engineers, the ad campaign does not go into details). We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E47 · Thu, March 20, 2025
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - A classic, CLASSA, NYTimes crossword
This crossword was brilliant -- primarily because of the astronomical phenomenon that formed the heart of today's theme, visually dominated the grid, and was echoed in several other clues. For instance: 28D, Astrophysicist ___ deGrasse Tyson, NEIL; 17A, Thoroughly enjoyed oneself, HADABLAST; and one of Mike's favorite movies, 46D, 2019 sci-fi film whose name means "to the stars", ADASTRA. All in all, an illuminating crossword, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: A non-nautical schooner (second from the left) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E46 · Wed, March 19, 2025
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - 🎵 Tonight we're gonna party like it's twenty-twenty-five ♬ 😀
It was with great satisfaction that we welcome back to the grid Alan ALDA, who has not made too many appearances as of late, always glad to see a great ... whatever Alan ALDA is ... back in the saddle, so to speak. We also were glad to see SNL make an appearance, although since they were just mentioned yesterday, their appearance today is not nearly as momentous. Speaking of momentum (we weren't, but humor us), Jean tore through today's Triplet Tuesday segment, check out the deets herein, and, as always, drop us a line, we love feedback! Show note imagery: Le Café de Nuit, Place Lamartine, Arles, by -- as if the brushstrokes didn't give it away -- Vincent Van Gogh We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E45 · Tue, March 18, 2025
Monday, March 17, 2025 - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
There was no green in today's grid, as far as we could see, but there must've been a gleam in the eye of the cruciverbalist, Kathy Lowden, as she put this fine puzzle together. There was a lot of pop culture in the crossword, but that's because ... nope, no spoilers! Check out today's episode to find out why. Show note imagery: DOJA Cat, most definitely not in the St. Patrick's Day spirit We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E44 · Sun, March 16, 2025
Saturday, March 15, 2025 - It was a DARKNSTORMY crossword 🙄
Today's crossword was by Ryan McCarty, who specializes in spectacular Saturday crosswords like this one. The clues were challenging, and there was a lot of pop-culture -- Mike's bane, Jean's forté -- but fortunately there were enough non-pop-culture references so that Mike could prosper, and Jean didn't need 'em. In addition to the crossword, we have listener mail, including some from a former JAMCOTWA winner that involved a discussion of this week's JAMCOTWA winner: or as Robin would have it, holy-coincidences, Batman! Show notes imagery: BARRYKEOGHAN, movie / television star, seen here in Apple TV+'s Masters of the Air We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Sat, March 15, 2025
Friday, March 14, 2025 - A Perfect Friday Crossword ❤️
Brandon Koppy has a knack for writing magnificently deceptive clues, and his gifts are on full display in today's puzzle -- a tough but highly satisfying bit of work. We have all the deets inside, so check it out, as well as a fine Fun Fact Friday™️ segment. Show note imagery: SUGARRAY, creators of some awesome music! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E42 · Fri, March 14, 2025
Thursday, March 13, 2025 - ESSIE, the preferred nail polish for 9 out of 10 mythical Scottish loch monsters 🙄
The consensus at JAMDTNYTC HQ is that this was a terrific Thursday crossword , and a limbering up, as it were, in preparation for the grueling Friday and Saturday crosswords yet to come. We were pleased to see OCCAM make an appearance in the grid, as well as a smattering of frqtly. sn. txt. msg. abbrs., including DMED, OTOH, IRL and IPAS (ok, we're not sure about that last one, but the rest most definitely are frequently seen text message abbreviations). Show note imagery: ATOMICDOG We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E41 · Thu, March 13, 2025
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 - No, an ARTEMIS is *not* as good as an ARTEMILE 🙄
It takes just an askance glance at today's grid to know that something's up. Perhaps it's the suspicious symmetry, or the fact that several runs of gray squares seem to have been cut in half. That's because they were cut in half, an essential part of today's cutting edge theme. Now, not that we want to contribute to FOMO, but if you're wondering why that last sentence was absolutely riotous, you'll want to download, listen to, and bask in, today's equally riotous (well, ok, drolly amusing, esp. the bit about the [REDACTED: NO SPOILERS HERE]) podcast Show note imagery: A Royal ORB We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E40 · Wed, March 12, 2025
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 - An ERIE-ily good crossword!
This was a debut crossword by Jared Cappel, and it was a fine one. The theme was sharp, and surrounded by a bevy of equally keen non-themed clues: the result was, as previously noted, fine. A few clues that didn't make into the podcast, but worthy of shoutouts, include: 62A, Compliment on the green, NICEPUTT (fore!); 6D, "I.e.," spelled out, IDEST (Mike's favorite phrase!); and 44A, Perplex, BEMUSE (Jean's favorite answer). In addition to the crosswords, we have a terrific Triplet Tuesday segment, and a fascinating theory as to why Blenheim PALACE (62A) doesn't get more visitors. Show note imagery: Blenheim PALACE, in all its royal glory We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E39 · Tue, March 11, 2025
Monday, March 10, 2025 - A (LITTLE)LULU of a crossword!
One of Will Shortz's greatest innovations was the strategy of making Monday crosswords easy, then making them progressively harder throughout the week, with Saturday being quasi-impossible. [Sunday is often described as a "large Wednesday" in terms of difficulty.] And it's not like Will forgot his greatest innovation, but this was a trickier-than-usual Monday , which may (or may not) presage a challenging week ahead -- we'll let you know for sure on Saturday. In the meantime, we did enjoy this crossword -- a fine work by Patti Varol, and an opportunity to make our pitch for a Moby Dick / Peter Pan crossover -- look for it on AppleTV+ sometime in the near future (or possibly not 😀). Show note imagery: LITTLELULU ❤️❤️ We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E38 · Mon, March 10, 2025
Sunday, March 9, 2025 - Ah, the sweet aroma of newsprint and printer's ink
The doctor -- Dr. Michael Schlossberg, to be precise -- was in fine form today, taking a sentimental stroll through the history books. Jean made short work of today's puzzle, deftly drawing upon her apparently infinitely large collection of pop-culture references. Mike, meanwhile, has the advantage of being able to search through his collection much faster: it does not take long to peruse a list consisting of BTS, LADYGAGA, and ... well, that's it really. Deets inside, so have a listen, and as usual, we welcome feedback! Show-note imagery: 100 PESETAs We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E37 · Sun, March 09, 2025
Saturday, May 8, 2025 - Joe Deeney, the Houdini of crossword constructors 🙄😁
Joe Deeney has created a daunting looking Saturday grid -- there are oodles of 4-stack answers, and as an ADDEDBONUS, a pinwheel in the center with very few exits into the rest of the puzzle. The clues were definitely of Saturday calibre. As proof, consider 53D, Arabic man's name meaning "servant of God, ABDI; 30D, Scorching, HOTASHADES; 46A, Antonym of "iie" in Japanes, HAI; and the absolutely fabulous 50D, What's added to one to make zero?, NOTA. In short, a brilliant way to end our crossword solving week, well done, Joe! Show note imagery: From 16A, Bird whose name may be written with two diacritics called kahakos, NENE We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E36 · Sat, March 08, 2025
Friday, March 7, 2025 - MOVIEMAGIC, on the big screen, and in this tiny grid 😀
Today's crossword was a great mental workout, replete with fine, fabulously deceptive clues -- just the kind that you hope for on a Friday. For example, we had 36A, A real no-name, ANON (of course!); 32A, Darkens in the light, say, TANS (how enlightening); and 49A, Buttery topping for paratha, GHEE (oh, gee 🙄). Those were just a few of the terrific clues in the grid; for more, do check out today's episode! Show note imagery: MOONSTONE, which, name notwithstanding, comes from Sri Lanka and Southern India. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E35 · Fri, March 07, 2025
Thursday, March 6, 2025 - Three (Slightly Belated) Cheers for ALYRAISMAN! 🤸‍♀️
At least one of our cohosts wasn't quite on the same wavelength as today's constructor , Kiran Pandey: the clues and answers just felt a wee bit ... out of sync. Still, professional that they were (in terms of determination and ethics, not income), they managed to persevere and get to the happy music. We have all the deets inside, so please have a listen, and, as always, please encourage your friends and relations to do the same. Show note imagery: DOSA, an Indian crepe with chutney. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E34 · Thu, March 06, 2025
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - Happy ... Halloween??
This was a spookily fun crossword by Rebecca Goldstein, who we are fairly certain won the ORCA Constructor of the Year Award sometime in the not too distant past -- 2024, we read on the internet -- for creating crosswords just like today's. So, to see what it takes to become Constructor of the Year, check out Rebecca's latest and, of course, this episode! Show note imagery: BABKA, fun to say, even more fun to eat! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E33 · Wed, March 05, 2025
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - Announcing the discovery of the world's first Chameleon Word™️
This was a fine Tuesday-level crossword , the fourth (on the 4th!) for Hanh Huynh. The theme shone, the rest of the fill was quite good, and the end result was, as you will hear in today's episode, highly satisfying. In addition to our usual banter (including the accidental discovery of the world's first chameleon word™️), we also have our Triplet Tuesday™️ segment. This is your chance to test your wits against Jean's, but just know that if Triplet Tuesday ever becomes an olympic sport, Jean will be medalling, for sure. Show note imagery: OutKast, who advised their fans to shake their POLAROIDPICTURES. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E32 · Tue, March 04, 2025
Monday, March 3, 2025 - Vroom, vroom!
If you didn't know anything about today's constructor, you'd likely conclude, as did we, that this was a fine Monday crossword . But then, if you discovered that the constructor was 13 years old, you might be tempted to reflect that a) PRODIGY does not often show up in the grid, and b) it certainly applies to Harrison Walden, the aforementioned 13-year-old. In other developments, we have a few pieces of electronic communication to relate, clearing up questions of SAFETY and MADEMEN that were raised in yesterday's episode, so check that out, and, as always, please encourage your crossword-solving friends to have a listen. Show note imagery: The EURO, the answer to the elegantly phrased 15A, French or Italian bread? 😀 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Mon, March 03, 2025
Sunday, March 2, 2025 - Today's puzzle, brought to you in Crossword-Color™️🌈 🙄
Even a casual glance at today's grid will reveal that something's up - seven vertical colored lines that, unsurprisingly, play a huge role in today's theme. The cost of that theme was complexity, but both cohosts agreed that it was worth the effort, as the payoff was huge. Deets inside. A reminder that the NYTimes Crossword makes a great present, and helps keep those little grey cells at peak efficiency. To subscribe, just wander over to NYTimes.com/subscriptions/games , where operators (or, more likely, as it is 2025, bots) are standing by. Show note imagery: DILI, East Timor We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E30 · Sun, March 02, 2025
Saturday, March 1, 2025 - Hello, March!
March reputedly comes in like a lion, and today's crossword does the same -- parts of it are ferocious, and it seems to have lots of claws. OK, that last bit might not be true, but it certainly was a challenge, especially those clues in the northern areas of the crossword - above the equator, so to speak. But this was a Saturday, and so we expect challenging clues. It was also a Ryan Judge puzzle, and so we expect fabulous clues, and as even a quick listen to today's episode will reveal ... he does not disappoint. In other news, we've beaten the Oscar's to the punch by announcing our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner first. Check out today's crossword to find out exactly who that winner is, and why they deserve it. We'll publish their acceptance speech in due course 😀 Show note imagery: ATAHUALPA (or as Wikipedia would have it, the much easier to spell ATAHUALLPA 🙄) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E29 · Sat, March 01, 2025
Friday, February 28, 2025 - And now, a PAEAN to today's crossword
Michael Lieberman is an accomplished crossword constructor, having written 27 for the NYTimes. Today's oeuvre had some great clues, including 63A, People may visit them just for kicks, SHOESTORES (ha!); 27D, Like Olympic tracks, LANED (duh!); and 10D, "Enjoy the spread!", LETSEAT (yum!). All in all a great crossword, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: Jewell Loyd, A WNBA star Crossword tips link: An insightful column on how to write clues; if you read each tip backwards , an insightful column on how to find answers for various categories of clues. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Fri, February 28, 2025
Thursday, February 27, 2025 - David Steinberg is baaaaaaack! 🎉
It's been over a year since David Steinberg last graced the pages of the NYTimes crossword, and from our perspective it's been just over a year too long. David always crafts whip-smart puzzles, and today's is a perfect example . We have all the deets inside, so check it out! Also, as long as you're following our admonitions, we would be delighted if you could tell all your crossword-solving friends about us on social media. Show note imagery: For the record, this is a pair of JODHPURS currently for sale at Just Horse Riders -- it is not what's left of a person wearing a pair of JODHPURS after a horrific equestrian accident. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E27 · Thu, February 27, 2025
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - We long for more crosswords by Dan Caprera 😁
Both cohosts found today's crossword to be a wee bit crunchier than usual (to use a technical cruciverbial term meaning, loosely translated, "really, really hard" 😀). This was, no doubt, in service to a fantabulous theme that is slyly referred to in the episode title, and explored at length in today's podcast. Show note imagery: Need a WRAP? First, you're gonna need a soft tortilla ... We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E25 · Wed, February 26, 2025
Monday, February 24, 2025 - Rena Cohen is back, and better than ever!
Rena Cohen, who we just saw in the NYTimes crossword last month is back again , and she remains at the top of her game. For proof -- OK, for strong anecdotal evidence -- check out today's podcast. Bonus points if you can guess, in advance, which Spanish museum Mike was thoroughly unable to pronounce. Show note imagery: Dost thine eyes deceive thee? No, tis true, tis a Gumby on a Frisbee 😀 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E26 · Wed, February 26, 2025
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - We are DONEZO with today's crossword 😀
This marks Greg Snitkin's second NYTimes crossword , almost one year, to the day, since his debut. The crossword had some fun entries, including 63A, Call it an early night?, DUSK ; 46A, "Who's interested?", ANYONE; and the memorable 30A, Call after last call?, DRUNKDIAL. In today's episode, Jean tackles the theme, both cohosts take a trek through the grid, and then Mike does his best to not make a fool of himself in today's Triplet Tuesday segment. Enjoy! Show note imagery: Yup, that dolphin's definitely AQUA We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E24 · Mon, February 24, 2025
Sunday, February 23, 2025 - Nothing SPURIOUS about today's crossword, all clues have been triple-checked! The podcast though ... 😉
There were some very nice pairings in today's crossword: The oh-so-close 7D, Sound of a smooth-running engine, PURR, and 45D, Catherine ___, wife of Henry VIII, PARR 😀 The numerically related 89A, 11, literally, ONES, and 78D, 110, facetiously, ELEVENTY the homonymously-related 10D, Forget to finish writing a clue, mayb, ERR, and 53A, Word with lock or pocket, AIR and, as they say, much, much more So our hats are off to today's constructors -- Daniel Grinberg and Rafael Musa -- for crafting a PURRfect Sunday diversion. Show note imagery: ARABICA, the most popular coffee in the world, vs. Robusta, the runner up. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E23 · Sun, February 23, 2025
Saturday, February 22, 2025 - Happy Belated GALENTINESDAY 😀
Apologies for not wishing people a happy GALENTINESDAY earlier, but as one of our cohosts had never heard of the word until doing today's superb crossword , and the other deigned to mention it, it is only now, 8 days late but writing fast, that we are in a position to wish you and yours a happy GALENTINESDAY. We might've been late vis-a-vis GALENTINESDAY, but we are right on time when it comes to announcing our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner, and so to find out who that person is (hint: their initials are EA), have a listen to today's podcast. Show note imagery: A (relatively small) GREENANACONDA We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E22 · Sat, February 22, 2025
Friday, February 20, 2025 - Today's crossword is SWAK!
Today's episode explores Colin Adams' fifth NYTimes crossword , which is just as good as his other four, i.e., great! It was a tough but rewarding puzzle, requiring a lot of head scratching and memory palace exploration. In short, it was a perfect Friday! In honor of Friday, we're featuring our Fun Fact Friday™️ segment. We don't want to entirely spoil it, but let's just say this: if you think you know where the largest radioactive spill in US history took place ... you're probably wrong. Show note imagery: PALOMA Picasso, jewelry designer and daughter of some painter dude 😉 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E21 · Fri, February 21, 2025
Thursday, February 20, 2025 - Oh, *so* close
This was a debut crossword for Peter Gorman, and it was splendid. The theme was definitely unique -- we've seen none like it in recent memory -- and there were a number of excellent clues, including 61A, Hot spot, OVEN (cute!); 34A, Who said "A dress is a piece of ephemeral architecture", DIOR (profound!); and 57D, Locale depicted in Bosch's "The Garden of Earthly Delights", EDEN (we ❤️ Bosch!). Show note imagery: We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E20 · Thu, February 20, 2025
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - A FAB, crossword, way above PAR
Joe Deeney has gotten a reputation, here at JAMDTNYTC HQ, for crafting fun and lively crosswords, and we are pleased to report that his streak remains intact ! While it has often been conjectured that the proof is in the pudding, here it's in the podcast, so we enjoin you to subscribe, download, and check out our "case for the Deeney, er, defense"🙄. Show note imagery: SKYMALL catalog, in its heyday Game link: Squeezy , a brand new game by Jeff Chen We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E19 · Wed, February 19, 2025
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 - Erik Agard is back, huzzah!
Erik Agard is a fabulous crossword constructor, so it is a delight to see his name in the marquee, and even more delightful to tackle this crossword . The puzzle is packed with fun and educational clues, and the theme is LOL. Check out today's podcast to see what we mean. In addition to our analysis of today's puzzle, in honor of Tuesday we're running our Triplet Tuesday™️ segment, in which Jean ... uh, uh, no spoilers! Check out today's episode for all the deets! Show note imagery: CHURCHROCK, site of the largest radioactive spill in US history! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E18 · Tue, February 18, 2025
Monday, February 17, 2025 - Nothing MOROSE in this grid, except, er, MOROSE 😉
Today's crossword seemed a little crunchier than usual to at least one of our cohosts (hint: their initial is 'M'), due to a confluence of problematic clues in the southwest corner of the grid. Fortunately, thanks to their belief that all good Danish film directors are called LARS, said cohost was able to complete the crossword successfully. Deets within, so have a listen, and, as always, please tell others about us on "the socials". Show note imagery: IDINA Menzel, after a particularly taxing ocean crossing We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Mon, February 17, 2025
Sunday, February 16, 2025 - CHOCULA, SKORs, and DEEPFRIEDOREOS, so ... not the *healthiest* crossword ever 😉
This was a fun Sunday crossword by John Kugelman, even if 9 out of 10 cardiologists would recommend you eschew most of the foods in the grid. We've seen John's name in the marquee before, had a notion that good things were about to happen, and were not disappointed. Every themed answer made us smile if not lol, and the rest of the grid was filled with crisply-clued answers. Deets inside (as well as spoilers everywhere you look, so make sure you try the crossword first and then have a listen). Show note imagery: DEEPFRIEDOREOS, yum! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E16 · Sun, February 16, 2025
Saturday, February 15, 2025 - CERTS - no longer at your grocer's, but at least they're still in the grid 😋
This was a challenging puzzle -- as Saturday crosswords are engineered to be the toughest of the week -- but it also presented some DIVINE clues, including 24D, Places for subs, BENCH (delightful!); 21D, They cover top stories, INSULATIONS (ok, that was unexpected!); 28A, Things put into decks, TAPES (what are those again? 😀); and many, many more. Most of those we cover in today's podcast, and we also have a rare twofer for the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so have a listen, and please spread the word through your favorite social media sites. Show note imagery: Pool balls, including the solid red THREE We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E15 · Sat, February 15, 2025
Friday, February 14, 2025 - ♫ Love is in the air ♬ ... and in the grid ❤️!
While Friday crosswords are traditionally themeless, today's grid was rife with subtle, almost ninja-like Valentine's Day references. That's not to detract from the rest of the grid. We were fans of 51D, One-eyed "Futurama" character, LEELA (oh, please reboot that series!); 53D, One sporting a sporran, maybe, SCOT (okay, maybe we do subscribe to Popular Sporran, what about it? 😀 😀); 61A, "Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat" poet, ELIOT (sporran and Skimbleshanks in one grid? Heart be still!). tldr, this was a fabulous Friday crossword, and we lovingly bestow upon it 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: A Snellen chart, a key component of most EYETESTS. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E14 · Fri, February 14, 2025
Thursday, February 13, 2025 - This crossword *rocks* -- must be all that heavy metal 😉
This is Jim Burch's seventh NYTimes crossword. He seems to have taken up residence on the tougher side of the week, with all of his crosswords appearing on Thursday (2), Friday (4) or Saturday (1). This was on the easier side of the spectrum, but still a challenge: as always, YMMV depending on what's in your wheelhouse. Deets inside, as well as the resolution of the Great BELLLAP mystery! Show note imagery: Federal land in NEVADA (shown here in pink), takes up 84% of the state by area! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E13 · Thu, February 13, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - RAH, Sir Michael PALIN is in the grid!
One of our favorite comedians -- Sir Michael PALIN -- is in today's grid , and if you have not heard of him, don't walk, but run to your nearest video source and check out Monty Python , for some absolutely transcendent humor. Then, come back and check out today's podcast for some wry remarks, none of which involve breadstuffs of any kind 🙄 Show. note imagery: The castle of ARGOS, in, appropriately, the city of ARGOS, Greece. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E12 · Wed, February 12, 2025
Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - There were REAMS of good clues in today's crossword (spoiler alert: and no bad ones 😍)!
Like all good Tuesday crosswords, today's had some clues that might make you pause, like 34A, Assignments, POSTS (ah, those sorts of assignments); 17A, Emoji that means "I'm crazy about you!", HEARTEYES (😍); and the fun to say 50A, Betting setting, RENO. Speaking of which, we'll bet that you'll enjoy today's Triplet Tuesday segment, so without further ado, we will write no further, and let you get on with listening! Show note imagery: The original MUSCLEHEAD! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E11 · Tue, February 11, 2025
Monday, February 10, 2025 - The name's ANN, ... RAGGEDYANN 😁
This was an admirable Monday crossword by Emily Rourke, thanks in no small part to an ingenious theme about ... which we will say no more here, as we loathe spoilers as much as you undoubtedly do, dear listeners. However, we do have much to say about the theme in the actual podcast, aka spoiler-central. Show note imagery: TOA Skylark, by Percy Bysshe Shelley (whose middle name is the bane of would-be spelling bee champions since ... forever) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E10 · Mon, February 10, 2025
Sunday, February 9, 2025 - A REally Super Sunday (and, nope, that was *not* a typo)
Some sort of major sporting event was taking place today, but both cohosts (working independently, as is their wont) still found time to tackle this excellent crossword, and while each fumbled a few times along the way, they both eventually got to the "happy-music" zone, and performed the traditional "we finished the crossword" dance of celebration. Deets inside, and, we promise no more Super Bowl puns! Show note imagery: A CHURRO, a Mexican pastry We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E9 · Sun, February 09, 2025
Saturday, February 8, 2025 - A *perfect* Saturday crossword!
Alina Abidi has crafted a delightful Saturday crossword - tough but fair, with more terrific clues than you can shake a stick at (your mileage may vary depending on your physical prowess and the dimensions of said stick 😀🙄). Among the clues that we were particularly enthralled with were 1A, What may precede a blessing?, ACHOO (nice!); 6A, School whose mascot is Big Al the elephant, informally, BAMA (awesome!!); and 5D, Snap, crackle or pop, ONOMATOPOEIA (even more fun to say than it is to spell 😀). In addition to our take on the crossword, we've also picked our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner, so check it out, and let us know if you a) agree, b) disagree, or c) are neutral on the subject. Show note imagery: An irresistibly cute teacup dog (awwww!). We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E8 · Sat, February 08, 2025
Friday, February 7, 2025 - Have a sip of TEXASTEA 🫖
FORMULAIC might've been in the grid, but this Friday crossword was anything but, with 6 debut answers and a lot of decidedly non-conventional cluing throughout the puzzle. Besides those mentioned in the podcast, we enjoyed 16A, Material that goes on a foundation, POWDER, and the delicious 17A, What's holding up dessert?, CONE. In honor of Fun Fact Friday, we have a segment on a cartoon character who won an Academy Award twice, and was partially based on W.C. Fields. Find out who that is, and everything else you need to know about today's crossword, by hitting download and play (and, in between, feel free to hit subscribe/follow/add to library/ whatever , so you don't miss an episode!). Show note imagery: Go, MANU! (and if you ever decide to merge with FACTURING, you'll be unstoppable🙄) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Fri, February 07, 2025
Thursday, February 6, 2025 - This crossword's really making a STATEment 😀
This was a fine Thursday crossword by Aidan Deshong and Jacob Reed, most notable for its novel theme. In most Thursday crosswords, something unexpected happens in the grid -- maybe letters are doubled up, displaced, hidden in black squares, etc. But today it is the clues that are camouflaged: the answer is straightforward once you've decoded said clue. We have all the deets inside, so have a listen, and please tell others about us on social media. Show note imagery: It's ALPACA v. LLAMA, who will win?? ... Probably the textile industry 😀 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E6 · Thu, February 06, 2025
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - Today's forecast? 100% chance of a great (and wet 😀) crossword
Jean found today's crossword to be a bit on the crunchy side for a Wednesday, but Mike was able to tap into a vein of esoterica that made his solve much smoother. Both agreed that the theme was unique and witty, and there were no duds in the surrounding fill. In short, this crossword is definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: All hail the WAFFLEFRY, yum! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E5 · Wed, February 05, 2025
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - GEORGIA -- on our mind and in the grid!
This was a fun, fun crossword , due in large part to a theme that just radiates joy -- not enough that the EPA had to get involved, but enough that you'll definitely want to tackle the crossword, and then check out this podcast -- in that order! Show note imagery: Me and My Gal, a movie in which JAKE gets used a surprising number of times to denote the concept of something that's OK/fine/satisfactory. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E4 · Tue, February 04, 2025
Monday, February 3, 2025 - KENDO? Can do! 😀
This was a fine Monday crossword by Jack Scherban, and we're not just saying that because it referenced our phonetically favorite pirate, 60A, Captain Hook's right-hand man, SMEE, nor our favorite dessert, 37D, Black-and-white dessert that's sliced, OREOPIE. Rather, it was the theme, which brought back nostalgic memories (as well as a short-lived and, come to think of it, largely imaginary coughing spell 😉). Show note imagery: Thomas Stearns ELIOT, or, as he was known to his friends, T.S. ELIOT We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E3 · Mon, February 03, 2025
Sunday, February 2, 2025 - MRMACGOO, meet MRSDASH 😀
This was an extraordinary Sunday crossword, thanks to one of those "oh, I can't believe they did that!" themes that makes crossword solving such an utter delight. This delight came to us courtesy of Derrick Niederman (edited, as always, by Will Shortz), and we will be savoring it for a loooong time to come. To find out exactly why, and possibly how long is loooong, download today's episode (and don't forget to hit subscribe, so you never miss any future installments!). Show note imagery: The Short-Tempered Clavier, billed as "Preludes and Fugues in All the Major and Minor Keys Except for the Really Hard Ones", edited by Professor Peter Schickele. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Sun, February 02, 2025
Saturday, February 1, 2025 - Yup, thar be DIAMONDS in that thar grid! 🙄
This was a relatively straightforward Saturday: Jean got through it in record time, and posited that it was too straightforward. Mike knew better than to tempt fate, and so just nodded, noncommittally, on the diagonal -- neither yes, nor no. Besides the crossword, we are pleased to announce our latest JAMCOTWA -- Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award -- winner, and that would be ... easily discoverable, if you download today's episode, which we hope you will do posthaste! Show note imagery: Nirmal Purja, one of many NEPALIS who have scaled Mt. Everest We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E100 · Sat, February 01, 2025
Thursday, January 30, 2025 - A review of Edward Gibbon's little known work, The Rise and Fall of the NYTimes Thursday Crossword 😀 😀
Today's crossword had another one of those patented "NYTimes Clever Themes" this one courtesy of Joe Marquez. Jean latched onto it straight off, Mike took an order of magnitude longer before the light, belatedly, dawned. Still, better latte than Nespresso, as they say at Starbucks 🙄 Show note imagery: A FATCAT We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S12 E1 · Sat, February 01, 2025
Friday, January 31, 2025 - Hasta la vista, January
This is the last NYTimes crossword of the month, and we're going out on a high note , thanks to Adrian Johnson, who has crafted such an awesome crossword that if we had to pick the best clue we'd be sorely tempted to respond with "all of them". To hear why, check out today's podcast, where we go over some of our favorites. We also have a spot of equally awesome listener mail, so check that out as well. Show note imagery: a SMARTPILL, and the 3rd most likely cause for screaming at a doctor's office 😉 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E99 · Thu, January 30, 2025
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - No BADEGGS in this crossword!
This was a tricky Wednesday , thanks mainly to its clever theme (created by Sophia Maymudes, adroitly edited by Will Shortz). We have nothing but good things to say about it, although we are now on tenterhooks wondering what Thursday will bring. Just a reminder that our show notes always include a link to the wonderful website xwordinfo.com, where you can find a completed version of the day's crossword (i.e., a massive spoiler, but also massively useful), look up clues and answers, etc. If you're a cruciverbalist (and you're reading this, so you are!), you definitely owe it to yourself to check it out. Show note imagery: Some delicious EMPANADAS We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E98 · Wed, January 29, 2025
Tuesday, January 28, 2025 - ALL RISE! because, um, ALL RISE is in the grid 🙄😉
This was an intriguing Tuesday crossword by Dan Margolis -- his 5th in the NYTimes. The theme was delicious (literally), and indeed the grid was rife with food for thought, including 3D, Cookie with its name on it, OREO; 52D, _______ ghanouj, BABA; and 58D, _______ slaw, COLE. Yum! Also, today being Tuesday, we have another Triplet Tuesday™ segment, and this time Mike's in the hotseat. To find out how he did, all you need to do is (gently) hit subscribe / download / play. Show note imagery: Chickens ... on a roost. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E97 · Tue, January 28, 2025
Monday, January 27, 2025 - TAPAS and SWISSROLLs and BRIE? Great in a grid, not so great on a plate 😀
This was a clever Monday crossword from a clever constructor, Alexander Liebeskind, who seems to excel at Mondays. Both cohosts found today's puzzle a bit crunchier (tougher) than usual, but the entertainment value was higher than usual, so it's a wash. Deets inside, including a fascinating attempt to decode SMH that was, TBH, waaaaay off. Show note imagery: a SWISSROLL -- the Little Debbie edition We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E96 · Mon, January 27, 2025
Sunday, January 26, 2025 - Hop on the re-bus 🙄
Today's crossword was a rarity -- its themed clues had pictures 🖼️ that had to be interpreted 🧐, as they were part of a rebus. By "rebus", we don't mean the "multiple letters scrunched in one square" variety, encountered frequently on Thursdays. Rather, we mean the more traditional definition: a puzzle in which pictures and typography are used to sound out an answer. This made for a challenging. but entertaining Sunday: as always, deets within! Show note imagery: Some TAICHI practitioners We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E95 · Sun, January 26, 2025
Saturday, January 25, 2025 - Begone, you ARMRESTHOG, you!
Today's crossword , by Michael Lieberman, was a bear (not the growly kind, obviously, but one of the tougher-leaning Saturday NYTimes crosswords). It was an excellent mental workout, and the cluing really was deviously delicious, just the way we like it! For those of you just starting to solve NYTimes crosswords, just a reminder that the Saturday NYTimes puzzle is traditionally the most difficult crossword of the week, with difficulty ranging from "yikes" to "you have got to be kidding!". So if you had probs with this crossword, you were not alone! In addition to today's crossword, we also are pleased to announce the winner of this week's JAMCOTWA™ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), and it is ... discussed in today's episode! Show note imagery: Boating on the River Epte, by MONET We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E94 · Sat, January 25, 2025
™, January 24, 2025 - We'd like to AMEND our definition of EMEND 🧐
This was a fine Friday crossword , and not just because the FLINTSTONES were in the grid ❤️. Jean tore through it, Mike spent an inordinate amount of time sorting out the difference between AMEND and EMEND. But both eventually got it solved, and had oodles of fun doing so, as you can tell from today's episode. In addition to the crossword, we are honoring the arrival of Friday with another Fun Fact Friday™ segment, this time, honoring the most famous "modern stone-age family" ever, aka the FLINTSTONES. Show note imagery: OSIRIS, who does indeed have green skin We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E93 · Fri, January 24, 2025
Thursday, January 23, 2025 - Another epic from Natan Last & the JASA Crossword Class
It is always a treat to see Natan Last and the JASA Crossword Class in the marquee, because ... well, just take a look at today's crossword to see why: a theme guaranteed to put a smile on your face, and great cluing everywhere. For instance, 37D, Geologic formation from glacial melting, ICECAVE (OK, that's a thing); 28D, Canadian province where "Anne of Green Gables" is set: Abbr., PEI (one of our favorite provinces!); and a word that we long to work into casual conversation, 24D, Vulpine, SLY. Show note imagery: Scar, looking positively vulpine We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E92 · Thu, January 23, 2025
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 - Egad, this grid's got EGOT 😀
Today's crossword was looking sharp -- and not just because ARMANI was in the grid (but it helped). We liked the daunting open-endedness of 48A, "_____ intended!", NOPUN; appreciated the BROW knitting induced by 24A, Move slightly, BUDGE; and just the opportunity to say 7D, Italian anise-flavored liqueur, SAMBUCA. A great debut crossword by Landon Horton, in our estimation it deserves to peg the JAMCR meter with a full 5 squares. Finally, we've got listener mail! So, for those of you wondering how to pronounce Rummikub, the answer lies within! Show note imagery: TSAI Ing-wen, the former Taiwanese president. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E91 · Wed, January 22, 2025
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - A crossword that's firing on all CYLINDERs
This was a terrific Tuesday crossword by Dan Caprera, his 6th in the NYTimes. The clues were fun, fresh, and the theme was a wry one. Besides the clues covered in today's podcast, we'd like to give a shout out to 52A, ___ Jordan, a.k.a. the Green Lantern, HAL (we're just suckers for superheroes); 43A, Figure painted by Warhol, MAO (Will's definitely got a thing for this picture, this week); and 19D, Sit non-ergonomically, SLOUCH (oh, brilliant!). Show note imagery: A Rummikub TILE (and more -- the entire game, in fact) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E90 · Tue, January 21, 2025
Monday, January 20, 2025 - When AI's on the blink, time to break out the ol' Strunk & White!
Today's crossword was a debut for Katie Byl (pronounced "bill") and most definitely not a debut for Jeff Chen (pronounced "chen" 😀). Together they have crafted a perfect Monday puzzle, and only one of our cohosts found this to be slightly more daunting than usual for a Monday, for reasons entirely of his own making. Jean's favorite clue in today's crossword? 35D, Hair knots with a French name, CHIGNONS (a debut). Mike was partial (of course ) to 61A, "Biscuit" for cookie or "chips" for fries, BRITICISM. Cheerio! Show note imagery: Strunk & White, a fabulous STYLEGUIDE, still relevant and available . We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E89 · Mon, January 20, 2025
Sunday, January 19, 2025 - All rise, Strega NONA is in the grid!
For those of you who like mathematics and puns, Emily Sharp and Kunal Nabar have got your number, with this fine debut (for Emily) and debut-follow-up (for Kunal) crossword. The grid had a lot of great clues, including 117A, Social workspaces for some remote workers, CAFES (cute!); 109A, Like some parking and poetry, METERED (an echo of last Thursday's puzzle!); and 61D, One of the "holy trinity" ingredients in Indian cuisine, GINGER (yum!). We approve, and that's why we've given this puzzle 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: Sleipnir, ODIN's horse (and of course, ODIN being ODIN, it has double the usual complement of legs) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E88 · Sun, January 19, 2025
Saturday, January 18, 2025 - Three stacks of three answers apiece, gasp!
Today's crossword was remarkably daunting. The grid consisted of three stacks of three answers, each stack spanning the width of the crossword. Constructing this must've been a bear, but Scott McMahon pulled it off. [He also managed to work most of his last name into the grid, in 2D, Capital and second-largest city of Minorca, MAHON, a very nice touch.] Both cohosts found today's crossword to be a straightforward solve -- no verbal abysses here -- but just a real joy, and we eagerly await Scott McMahon's second NYTimes offering. Show note imagery: Minorca, just off the coast of Spain. If you're looking for its capital and second largest city, MAHON, you'll find it on the east coast. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E87 · Sat, January 18, 2025
Friday, January 17, 2025 - Look out, on the port side, it's the Jörmungandr!! 🦑
This was Willa Angel Chen Miller's second Friday crossword , and like the first one, this was a beaut! Jean found it easy going, Mike ... found it ... and then found his footing (eventually). The clues were sharp (54A, Bit of a subway station wall, TILE), enlightening (39A, First capital of Alaska, SITKA); and amusing (42D, Quarter back?, EAGLE 😀). A nice bit of work, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. In other news, we have some listener mail and a fascinating fact for Fun Fact Friday -- hint: it involves a middle-of-the-road city in a middle of the country state. All that's just waiting for you to download, subscribe, and listen up, so have at it! Show note imagery: BEHR, the most trusted name in paints (um, according to Behr.com 😀) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E86 · Fri, January 17, 2025
Thursday, January 16, 2025 - Oh, the irony, ATOM, WHIT and TSP in a *hugely* well-done crossword 😀
Rebecca Goldstein is a great crossword constructor. Adam Wagner is no slouch himself. Put them together and you get ... well, this crossword , a crafty puzzler with some delicious clung. We have all the deets inside, a few (possibly even useful 😀) tips for new listeners, and some awesome listener mail. Enjoy! Show note imagery: A slab of grenadilla, a black wood found in Africa, and why, when asked, "what, do you think OBOES grow on trees?", you could legitimately answer, kinda, sorta. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E85 · Thu, January 16, 2025
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - It's Higgins, Sir!
Today's crossword is by Parker Higgins, and it was a joy. We had a lot of fun -- some might argue too much, but not us! -- digging through the grid, as you'll discover when you check out today's episode. Show note imagery: A LUTE (left) and a LYRE (right) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E84 · Wed, January 15, 2025
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Today's crossword? WHATATREAT!
This was a very entertaining Tuesday crossword by Lance Enfinger, with some thought-provoking clues such as 40A, News of an alien landing, probably, HOAX (probably??); 51A, Response in a game of Battleship, HIT (inspired clue for a ho-hum -- no offense, HIT-fans -- word); 57D, Hamm of soccer fame, MIA. Besides the crossword, we have a tantalizing Triplet Tuesday™ segment, so for all that and more, check out today's episode. Show note imagery: A SITSKI! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E83 · Tue, January 14, 2025
Monday, January 13, 2025 - Didst thou enjoyth said crossword? We certainly didith 😀
We start off the work week with a fine debut crossword by Adam Levav -- congrats, Adam!! We particularly enjoyed this puzzle because the theme involved our favorite ENGLISH variant, MIDDLEENGLISH. Even though this was a Monday, there were a few debut answers -- 47A, Feel relief from anxiety, BREATHEEASY; 24A, High school or college seniors, usually, FOURTHYEARS; and 11D, Hangout events for two guy friends, BRODATES. We cover these, and much, much more, in today's episode. Show note imagery: The name's Kett, ETTA Kett We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E82 · Mon, January 13, 2025
Sunday, January 12, 2025 - Not puns are knot allowed ... or something like that 🙄
Today's crossword was by Jeffrey Martinovic, a mechanical engineering student at Western University in London, Ontario (go JW! -- yes, that's the name of their mascot, no word on whether they were trying to economize on signage when they chose it). And if Jeffrey is able to do mechanical engineering half as well as he constructs crosswords, then he's probably got a great position waiting for him upon graduation, because this is one fabulous puzzle. We have proof, inside, so have a listen, and, as always, let us know what you think! Show note imagery: A PITCREW, working for only a few seconds at a time We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E81 · Sun, January 12, 2025
Saturday, January 11, 2025 - Ryan McCarty dials it up to 12!!
Today's crossword was a Saturday crossword, and that means tough; it was also by Ryan McCarty, which means, tough bordering on impossible. But not unfair; the clues were deliciously difficult, but -- with practice, patience, a good memory, experience, and a little bit of luck -- doable. And it's for that reason that today's crossword is the winner of our JAMCOTWA!! (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Kudos, Ryan! Show note imagery: OCEANIA We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E80 · Sat, January 11, 2025
Friday, January 10, 2025 - Robert Logan hits out of the ballpark with crossword # 5!
This was an excellent Friday crossword - not particularly difficult, both cohosts got through it rather expeditiously - but the clues were just fabulous. We've gone through most of them in today's episode, so check that out. In addition, we have a Fun Fact Friday segment on Sergio Leone, so, make our day* and tell others people about us on "the socials" (aka social media). Show note imagery: Harry Chiti, who the METS once traded for himself!! *a Clint Eastwood reference, in case you missed it We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E79 · Fri, January 10, 2025
Thursday, January 9, 2025 - A NATO-themed crossword? Neato!! 😀 😀
This was a fun and challenging Thursday crossword by David P. Williams, his sixth for the NYTimes, deftly edited by the indomitable Will Shortz. The theme was very helpful, providing a distinct tactical advantage (which we discuss in today's episode). There were scads of thought-provoking clues throughout the puzzle, like 37A, Danger in a Wile E. Coyote cartoon, TNT; 36D, At the end of the day, ALLINALL; and 26D, Leader of Germany?, SOFTG 😀 (Hint for new solvers: clues that start with "leader of" or "head of" may be a sly reference to the first letter of the word to follow). Show note imagery: Yes, WELCHS does make grape soda We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E78 · Thu, January 09, 2025
Wednesday, January 8, 2024 - ARROYO, fun to say, fun to spell, *essential* to solving today's crossword!
Today's crossword , by Laura Dershewitz, was her third for the NYTimes, and it was grand . Both cohosts found it a little crunchier (i.e., tougher) than usual, Mike more so than Jean, stymied as he too often is by his arch nemeses -- pop culture references and Spanish. Jean was mainly temporarily at a loss at 64A, Papal vestment, ORALE. Both eventually got the puzzle solved, Jean reporting a decent time, Mike reporting ... a very large number. tldr: we liked the crossword, a lot -- check out the deets in today's episode. Show note imagery: An ARROYO , a dry creak or gulch. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E77 · Wed, January 08, 2025
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 - OOHBABY this was an awesome crossword! 😀
Dana Edwards has written two NYTimes crosswords, and both have been uniformly excellent. This one had an ingenious theme to it (not that his first was a slouch, but this one just had a little extra sparkle), and the clueing was particularly tricky (i.e., great!). There's simply no other way to describe 53D, Kind of place that's beside the point?, ONES (nice!); 54A, Random number generator, DIE (duh!); and 19A, Valley in which it's easy to get a cab, NAPA (brilliant!). It's also Tuesday, time for our Triplet Tuesday segment, and Jean gives a quick demo of why, when she's in the zone and in the grid, she is, in the words of Sia, unstoppable. Show note imagery: REO Speedwagon (the vehicle, not the band) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E76 · Tue, January 07, 2025
Monday, January 6, 2024 - Worried you'll forget what FOMO stands for? That's FOFFOMO 😀 😀
Rena Cohen has concocted a fine Monday crossword for your enjoyment, one that checks all the boxes: Cute theme? (check!) Not too hard (check, check!) Entertaining? (check, check, check!) In short, we won't be checking any doubts at the door, this is definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: BUSAN, South Korea We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E75 · Mon, January 06, 2025
Sunday, January 5, 2024 - Deep philosophical question here, did Batman ever have a BATPUP? 🧐
This was an excellent Sunday crossword by Kareem Ayas, the themed clues being particularly ingenious and amusing (deets inside). But Kareem didn't ease off the gas when constructing the rest of the puzzle, there were fabulous clues throughout the grid. Have a listen, and you'll see why we were so enthralled. Show note imagery: The 2023 DUCATI Panigale, a very fast (of course!) motorcycle We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E74 · Sun, January 05, 2025
Saturday, January 6, 2024 - A not-entirely-impossible Sam Ezersky Saturday spectacular!!
The name Sam Ezersky strikes fear (or at least mild anxiety) in the hearts of NYTimes crossword solvers everywhere, as he is known for his devilishly difficulty clues. Today's crossword was definitely tough -- 52D, Cook's offering with chips?, IMAC 😀; and 58A, Creature whose name means "forest person", ORANGUTAN come to mind (as do most of the other clues, tbh) -- but the crosses had a little more "give" to them than one might expect. The end result was a challenging and highly entertaining crossword, which is why we are awarding it this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award)! Congrats, Sam! Show note imagery: CHLOEZHAO, the second woman to win an Oscar for best director We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E73 · Sat, January 04, 2025
Friday, January 3, 2025 - A Colin Adams' crossword? Yup, we're ALLIN
This was Colin Adams' fourth NYTimes crossword in under a year, and, as we discuss in today's episode, he remains as proficient as he is prolific. Jean tore through this puzzle in no time flat, Mike tortuously clawed his way to the finish line, his usual Friday modus operandi. For our Fun Fact Friday segment, we take a quick look at a slow-talking comedian, so do have a listen, and then let us know what you think! Show note imagery: The Kelce boys, doing a JERSEYSWAP We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E72 · Fri, January 03, 2025
Thursday, January 2, 2025 - All hail the genius of dead pan
In the pantheon of comedians, Steven Wright surely deserves a column or three, and in today's crossword Robert Charlton has chosen a great quote to illustrate the point. If you are unfamiliar with Steven Wright, stop whatever you're doing right now (unless it's listening to this podcast -- wait until you're finished) to head over to your favorite streaming source (or library: don't forget your local library!) and be prepared to be entertained. Speaking of entertaining, the entire crossword was just that, and educational as well. Who knew 62A, Flower whose name means "flame" in ancient Greek, PHLOX? (OK, Jean did). And who knew 2D, 12-time Olympic swimming medalist Ryan ___, LOCHTE? (Yes, again, Jean). But the point is, for at least one of these clues, Jean didn't know it and others might not have as well. Show note imagery: What we have been reliably informed is vegan Longganisa, a Filipino delicacy. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E71 · Thu, January 02, 2025
Wednesday, January 1, 2025 - Happy New Year!! 🎉🎉🎊
We're welcoming in 2025 in grand style, with a Wednesday crossword by Seth Bisen-Hersh (his 3rd) and Jeff Chen (his 158th!). The theme ties in nicely with an ongoing holiday, and if your reaction to that phrase was "what holiday?", then check out today's episode, where all will be revealed. Looking for an achievable new year's resolution? Why not resolve to do more NYTimes Crosswords? Subscribing is easy, and the deets are right here . Show note imagery: a lovely WORKBAG from Dagne Dover We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E70 · Wed, January 01, 2025
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 - Our New Year's Eve Spectacular (fireworks, champagne, this episode's got it all!)
We're wrapping up 2024 and putting a bow on it, the actual present being today's crossword , a fine bit of work by Michael Lieberman, his 25th for the NYTimes, as deftly edited by -- it gives us such joy to write this -- Will Shortz (see yesterday's episode for the deets on why). Beyond the crossword, we have a magnificent Triplet Tuesday segment, and some awesome listener mail, so check that all out, and, as usual, let us know what you think. Show note imagery: Mauna KEA, not to be confused with Mauna LOA (but it will be! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E69 · Tue, December 31, 2024
Monday, December 20, 2024 - Welcome back Will Shortz!! ❤️❤️❤️
Today's crossword is a cause for celebration. First, it was a great crossword (no surprise there -- check out the podcast for the deets), and second, it was edited by Will Shortz, the long time editor of the NYTimes crossword who had a stroke earlier this year. But demonstrating his indomitable spirit, Will has returned to the editor's chair, for which we are grateful. [Not that Joel Fagliano wasn't doing a fabulous job -- he was -- but it's just good to see Will's name back up on the marquee.] Show note imagery: UBE tiramisu, which looks deeeeeelish! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E68 · Mon, December 30, 2024
Sunday, December 29, 2024 - Happy Penultimate Day of the Year Eve!
Today's crossword is the last Sunday of the year, and the finale is a fine one, thanks to Harry Zheng, author of today's puzzle -- edited ably and adeptly, as always, by Joel Fagliano. Deets inside, so have a listen, and don't forget to tell your friends about us on social media! Show note imagery: An Anteater, Armadillo and ANTELOPE, oh, my! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E67 · Sun, December 29, 2024
Saturday, December 28, 2024 - Reboot!
We've been off almost a week, so in honor of our reboot we're starting the podcast with some musical fanfare to declare our return. And, for your edification, we are returning with an analysis of a fine NYTimes Saturday crossword -- a debut by Sam Berriman with an astonishing 10 debut answers. We also have some great listener mail, so have a listen, and, as always, let us (and others!) know what you think. Show note imagery: The Three Gorges Dam, in China, generating HYDROPOWER We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E66 · Mon, December 23, 2024
Sunday, December 22, 2024 - The Happy Holiday Edition!
The NYTimes has given us a splendid holiday present, today's crossword -- a chewy, themeless Sunday that you can really sink your teeth into (er, metaphorically speaking, please !). We. have all the deets inside, plus, the moment you've all been waiting for, the big reveal of our latest Triplet Tuesday Contest winner. You know we're not going to spoil it here, so grab today's episode and have a listen. We're going to be taking a few days off, but we'll be back hard at it next Saturday. In the meantime, keep plugging away at those crosswords and have a very, very happy holiday! Show note imagery: MALAGA, birthplace of Picasso We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E65 · Mon, December 23, 2024
Saturday, December 21, 2024 - Get ready to swing, TITOPUENTE is in the house!
In today's episode, Jean sails through the toughest crossword of the week , and Mike crashes into the mizenmast, and is still pulling out splinters. We have all the deets inside, so you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and enjoy! Show note imagery: TITOPUENTE, the King of Mambo We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E64 · Sat, December 21, 2024
Friday, December 20, 2024 - ESSO, the NYTimes Crossword's favorite gas station 😀
As the week progresses, the NYTimes crosswords get tougher, and here on a Friday , things can get really sticky. Today's was about a 7-8 out of 10 on the stickiness scale, but the cluing was still entertaining. We had 15D, John, in Portuguese, JOAO (ok, now we know); 32A, The symbol of America's first transcontinental railroad, THEGOLDENSPIKE; and 46D, Member of the golden horde, TATAR. We also liked the joint appearance of 9D, Spanish 101 verb, SER, and 37D, French 101 verb, ETRE -- vive la différence! There are a scant 2 days left to get your entry in for our Triplet Tuesday Contest. Deets here , act now, operators are standing by! Show note imagery: DOLMA (48D, Dish whose name is Turkish for "stuffed") We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E63 · Fri, December 20, 2024
Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Brandon Koppy? We're definitely STANs
This was a slick Thursday crossword by Brandon Koppy, with some significant Golidlox cluing - not too easy, not too hard, just right -- assuming that you've been doing the crosswords for a while. If you're just starting out, the clues might be better characterized as hard, impossible, and huh? Some of the lesser known clues (to us) include 23D, 13th-century poet who wrote the "Masnavi", RUMI; 6A, Comedian Ken of "The Masked Singer" (unknown to Mike: Jean had apparently written a small monograph on the subject, based on the amount of information she was able to rattle off); and 37D, Hangs out for a while, POSTSUP (ha!). A reminder, our Triplet Tuesday Contest is going until Sunday, so check out Tuesday's episode and then send us your scores -- one entry, per household, per day, unless you're really keen and want to send us more 😀. Show note imagery: RUMI, famed 13th century poet, author of the Masnavi. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E62 · Thu, December 19, 2024
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - If you're a YUTZ, don't try this crossword
The themed clues in today's crossword were so good that they might've out shone some other gems. Fortunately we always solve our crosswords while wearing shades, so we can report that these clues -- 64D, Sending help?, UPS; the delicious combo of 6D, "It's so c-c-c-old!", BRR and 7D, Refreshment served with a spoon, ICEE; and 4D, Fool, from the Yiddish, YUTZ -- were also worth the price of admission. A nice work, 5 squares for sure on the JAMCR scale. A reminder, yesterday we featured our Triplet Tuesday Contest. Check it out right here to enter, or risk losing out (😱) on a chance to amass some magnificent NE Wisconsin swag! Show note imagery: LAERTES, looking very concerned about something happening stage left We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E61 · Wed, December 18, 2024
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - Our Triplet Tuesday Contest Spectacular!!!
Yes, the moment you have all been waiting for has finally arrived, another Triplet Tuesday Contest! Of course, for those of you who are fans of Kathy Lowden, the constructor of today's crossword , if that was the moment you were waiting for, well, your ship has come in as well -- and the great thing is that we cover both in today's episode. Yes, it's a twofer! Tldr: We've got a great contest and we hope you enter it, deets inside. Kathy Lowden has written a very funny Tuesday crossword, and we hope you'll enjoy our take on it, deets for that also inside. Show note imagery: Putative author of the bon-mot GOLF, "a good walk spoiled", Mark Twain We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E60 · Tue, December 17, 2024
Monday, December 16, 2024 - Ah, the pause that refreshes!
This was a fun, frothy Monday crossword by Ailee Yoshida, her second for the NYTimes. The theme was (as always) ingenious, and, being a Monday, the grid was populated with words that we mainly know. It did have two debut answers (19A, Tidbit in a nutritious pudding: CHIASEED; 23A, Department handling media inquiries: PRESSOFFICE) and one not seen since 1984, 43D, Lip-plumping injection, FILLER. For the record, in 1984 FILLER had no connection, whatsoever, with Lips. Show note imagery: A WRIT, writ large 😀 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E59 · Mon, December 16, 2024
Sunday, December 15, 2024 - Magic is in the grid!
This was a n extraordinary Sunday crossword by David Kwong, his 24th for the NYTimes. David is a magician, fitting since there is so much magic in today's grid ... and art! In fact there is a palette of artists (and if palette's not the unit in which artists are measured it ought to be) as well, all part of a very, very clever theme. Deets inside! A reminder that our next Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming up this Tuesday, and you might be our next winner. All you need to do to participate is listen to Tuesday's podcast and follow three simple steps: 1. Play the game, counting how many clues you need to get each answer 2. Add the numbers up that you got in step 1 3. Email that number to us If your number is the smallest we receive, you'll be our winner! Fame, fortune, and some lovely NE Wisconsin swag will be yours, all yours 😀 Show note imagery: Prades, the village, by Joan MIRO We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E58 · Sun, December 15, 2024
Saturday, December 14, 2024 - Welcome to BISMARCKND
This was a remarkable NYTimes crossword , first because it was a debut Saturday crossword for Owen Bergstein (not too many cruciverbalists debut on a Saturday), and second, because Owen is a high school junior! Talk about starting young! The crossword itself is great, and we have all the deets inside, as well as our JAMCOTWA winner, some listener mail, and a reminder about our upcoming Triplet Tuesday Contest (this Tuesday, mark your calendars). Show note imagery: CEREBRO, a MARVELous invention 😀 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E57 · Sat, December 14, 2024
Friday, December 13, 2024 - CAVA, champagne for the rest of us 😉
Our cohosts had slightly different experiences solving today's crossword . .. Jean found it to be a tricky but straightforward Friday, Mike found solving it more akin to climbing the Hoover Dam one-handed: doable, but only with a lot of patience (and possibly a temporary repeal of the law of gravity). Deets inside, as well as a fine Fun Fact for Fun Fact Friday™️ (and the promise of a future bit of listener mail). Show note imagery: a photo by Dorothea LANGE (pronunciation TBD), documenter of the Great Depression. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E56 · Fri, December 13, 2024
Thursday, December 12, 2024 - Daniel Bodily's crossword hits the sweet spot 😀
This was a fine Thursday crossword by Daniel Bodily, including a slick theme, smartly implemented. There were some great clues, including 42A, It makes Max profits, HBO 😀 ; 24D, Plant used in xeriscaping because of its tolerance to drought, AGAVE (we just love the word xeriscaping 😀); the delicious 57A, Low-key place for gnocchi, TRATTORIA (which is much more amusing if you know how to pronounce gnocchi !); and our favorite, 31D, Word after one fell, SWOOP (😀 😀). All in all an excellent mid-week crossword, pegging the meter at 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: A TRATTORIA, where they sell gnocchi We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E55 · Thu, December 12, 2024
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - A brilliant midweek crossword
This was a fabulous Wednesday crossword , a collaboration between Kathy Bloomer and the prolific Jeff Chen, that includes a theme that is clever, complex, and some other word that starts with the letter c but isn't cozy ... er, we'll get back to you on that 😀 Beyond the aforementioned clever, complex and not cozy theme clues, we had some other fine gems in the grid, and to learn all about them, just download and check out today's podcast. Show note imagery: Some typical NE Wisconsinites? Nope, these are some characters -- we have been reliably informed -- who inhabit the realm of FORTNITE We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E54 · Wed, December 11, 2024
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - The answer might be UGLI, but the clue is beautiful 😀
This was a quintessential NYTimes crossword , featuring an arty theme with a twist, and a SWARM of supporting clues guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, including 51D, Give a take, OPINE; 6D, Likely aftermath of a toddler's playtime, MESS; and 50D, "No can do, lassie", NAE. Brilliant, the lot of them! Speaking of lot, we're going to be having another Triplet Tuesday contest next week, and there will be a lot of prizes just there for the taking (well, you have to win the contest first, a mere formality). Deets coming up, so stay tuned! Show note imagery: Open Book, by Paul KLEE We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E52 · Tue, December 10, 2024
Sunday, December 8, 2024 - John Kugelman is on a tear!
The numbers are extraordinary, and speak for themselves: this is John Kugelman's 8th NYTimes crossword, his 7th Sunday oeuvre, and he's been cranking them out at the rate of approximately 1 per month. So, in honor of all that, we present the following clue for your consideration: 3D, Indefatigable (12 letters), JOHNKUGELMAN. The crossword itself was a blast, even though one of our cohosts got horribly natticked in a location in the grid that we will eschew mentioning here -- but rest assured, we've got covered in today's episode. Enjoy! Show note imagery: Ryan LOCHTE, a swimmer with 12 olympic medals (well, ok, not to be pedantic, but it's actually 6: he won 12, but has since auctioned off 6 of them). We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E53 · Tue, December 10, 2024
Monday, December 9, 2024 - NASA's just landed ... in the NYTimes Crossword! 🌛
Another Monday, another debut crossword constructor! This was from Elliot Caroll, and both cohosts found her work to be a bit crunchier than usual for a Monday, as evidenced by their longer-than-average solve times and higher HSPMs (Head Scratches Per Minute) than usual. We aren't complaining, though, we wouldn't think of ONBLASTing this fine work. Show note imagery: A startlingly red ALABAMASLAMMER. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E50 · Sun, December 08, 2024
Friday, December 6, 2024 - It's a Robin Weintraub puzzle, so, chances of fun? 100%
Robin Weintraub is legendary for her joyous crosswords, and today's puzzle is a perfect example: there are LOL clues everywhere you look, and we looked everywhere! Deets inside, as well as listener mail, and a fabulous fun fact for Fun Fact Friday™️. Show note imagery: Oh, the irony, a Shindig! DVD! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E51 · Sun, December 08, 2024
Saturday, December 7, 2024 - In tomorrow's mailbag, we expect a bit of TUMULT about how to pronounce TUMULT 😀
The first thing that grabs your attention when looking at today's crossword is the grid - a pinwheel built on a few black squares, but mainly impressively tall stacks of answers. In a switch from the usual state of affairs, Jean found this crossword to be a tad on the daunting side, Mike not quite so much. Both agreed that it was an excellent crossword, a great way to end our crossword-solving week. We also have picked our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) for this week, so check out today's episode to see if your favorite got the gold! Show note imagery: Noted conductor Zubin MEHTA, in his element We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E49 · Fri, December 06, 2024
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - A crossword with SPUNK! and, bonus: SPELUNK!
This was a fun Thursday crossword by Garett Chalfin, his ninth for the NYTimes. The theme was whimsical, the clues were cunning, and the end result was a superb addition to the NYTimes pantheon. Or, to put it another way, TLDR: 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Show note imagery: A poster for La Forza Del Destino, by Verdi We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E48 · Thu, December 05, 2024
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - A crossword to sing about
There was an orchestra pit-full of musicians in today's crossword , including 66A, One-named singer featured on the 2013 hit "Play Hard": NEYO, 35D, "___ California" (Grammy-winning Red Hot Chili Peppers hit), DANI; 56A, /, ROCKGUITARIST; and 47A, Experimental musician whose name sounds like a cry, ONO. However, the real theme was a joyous celebration of puns and punctuation. TLDR: Today's crossword was great, have a listen! Show note imagery: NEYO, occasional AKON collaborator We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E47 · Wed, December 04, 2024
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - Don't tackle this crossword on an empty stomach!
Today's grid was stuffed with assorted edibles, so listeners are cautioned to not attempt today's crossword on an empty stomach. And while none of the clues were particularly "crunchy" (crossword lingo for particularly difficult clues/crosswords), some of them were quite delicious, including 37D, Animal that is unable to fly with its ears, regrettably, ELEPHANT; the magnificent 44D, Way of getting online that might sound like "beep beep beeHAW beeHAW beeeeeep SHRHRHRHRH", DIALUP; and the curious 3D, Hammer's home, TOOLROOM. Apart from the crossword, we have our world-famous (?) Triplet Tuesday segment, so feel free to asynchronously join in the festivities. Show note imagery: Andrea Gritti, DOGE of Venice, 1523-1538 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E46 · Tue, December 03, 2024
Monday, December 2, 2024 - Crosswords, definitely not a PASSINGFAD ❤️
There was indeed a theme in today's crossword , but it was sufficiently subtle that one of our cohosts missed it completely until it was brought to their attention by the other cohost. For those of you on the edge of your seats wondering which cohost missed the theme, have a listen to today's episode, where all will become clear. Show note imagery: Miss La La, at the Cirque Fernando, a painting by Edgar DEGAS. And, yes, she really is hanging by her teeth, in the pre dental-titanium era. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E45 · Mon, December 02, 2024
Sunday, December 1, 2024 - John Lieb has crafted one very chill crossword!
This was a perfect storm of a crossword , with an absolutely awesome theme, a boatload of ingenious clues, and ... wait for it ... Nope! We're not going to spoil things here in the show notes. Check out the crossword if you haven't done so already (ideally online, specifically on the NYTimes site), and be prepared to be amazed. Show note imagery: Alphonzo D'Abruzzo, aka Alan ALDA We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E44 · Sun, December 01, 2024
Saturday, November 30, 2024 - Today's grid included WHIT (38A) and wit (everywhere!)
This was a fabulous debut by Oliver Goodridge and Juan Garavito. With sparkling clueing everywhere in the grid, they've provided a real master class in how to make a tough, fair and epic Saturday NYTimes puzzle. It's also Saturday, and time for our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award™). It was an exceedingly tough choice, as you'll hear in today's episode. Show note imagery: The hilt (aka HAFT) of a knife,. along with other parts. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E43 · Sat, November 30, 2024
Friday, November 29, 2024 - A tip of the hat to whoever coined the phrase HATTIP 😀
Like glaciers in the spring, this crossword solve started off slowly, as the grid provided very few footholds in the top-left and top-right. Gradually, though, it yielded its delightful secrets, making for a very satisfying Friday challenge. Definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, for reasons that are outlined in, of course, today's podcast. Enjoy! Show note imagery: An OTTOMON, not to be confused with a settee (although Mike will do so anyway 😏) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E42 · Fri, November 29, 2024
Thursday, November 28, 2024 - A crossword to be thankful for!
Today's PSA, don't attempt this crossword while in a FOODCOMA, it won't end well -- you'll need all your wits about you so that you can savor the puzzle, especially that delicious AHA! moment stuffed (and, no, we are not talking metaphorically) into today's grid. We'd say more, but we don't want to ruin your fun, so tuck in and enjoy! Show note imagery: Time to dig into today's topic, HUMUS We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E41 · Thu, November 28, 2024
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - A crossword clearly written by a BELESPRIT
English is a ravenous language, devouring words from other languages and claiming them as their own. Such is the case with one of our favorite entries in today's puzzle -- 66A, Clever person, BELESPRIT (two words, to be accurate, BEL ESPRIT). This came from the French, English laid claim to it, and, alas, promptly forgot about it, it is now considered archaic. We love it anyway, as well as all the other clues, to say nothing of the splendid theme, found in today's puzzle. Deets inside, so download, and feast upon today's episode. Show note imagery: All the Light We Cannot See, a pulitzer winning novel by Andrew DOERR. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E40 · Wed, November 27, 2024
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - A crossword with a lot of vroom to grow 🙄
This was an excellent debut crossword by Killian Olson. He has had a total of 2 crosswords published, his first in the Michigan Daily, and his second in what we perceive to be a slightly more demanding venue, the NYTimes. We have all the deets inside, as well as another of our famed Triplet Tuesday™ segments -- Mike is in the hot seat tonight -- so we would be most thankful if you checked out today's episode, and then told your 500 best friends about us on social media 😀 Show note imagery: A group definitely suffering from postprandial somnolence (aka FOODCOMA) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E39 · Tue, November 26, 2024
Monday, November 25, 2024 - Looking for happiness? FOLLOWYOURBLISS ❤️
Today's crossword is Dena R. Witkes' debut, and we like it! The difficulty was spot on, the theme was light and frothy, like good Monday themes ought to be, and the rest of the clues were just right to entice would-be solvers to, well, start solving. Five squares on the JAMCR scale, absolutely! Show note imagery: Joseph Campbell, originator of the phrase FOLLOWYOURBLISS. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E38 · Mon, November 25, 2024
Sunday, November 24, 2024 - This crossword is LEGENDARY!
This was an ambitious crossword that took the author, Alex Eaton-Salners, many years to get into its final form. It was worth the wait, though, with a dazzling theme and some terrific supporting clues. We therefore present, for your consideration, 77D, Moon over Miami, for many a Miamian, LUNA (nice one!); 58A, Like Hadrian's Wall in Northern England, ROMAN (unusual behavior, for a wall 😏); and 90A, Guitar's resting place, often, KNEE (well, now that you mention it ...) Kudos to A E-S for a job well done, we hereby bestow upon this crossword an enthusiastic 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: ZAPF Dingbats, in all its dingbatty-glory We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E37 · Sun, November 24, 2024
Saturday, November 23, 2024 - A ROBUST Saturday crossword
There were many fine clues in today's grid, courtesy of Ryan McCarty. We'd be hard pressed to limit ourselves to 3, but we're going to give it the ol' college try: 33A, Stories that can be read both backward and forward, SAGAS 😀 35A, Makes some calls, REF 🙄 31D, Zeus, Odin or the Dagda, PAGANGOD 🧐 30D, Middling in rank, informally, BTIER (so much for the ol' college try!) Beyond today's crossword, we've awarded our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so check out today's episode for that and much, much more. Show note imagery: The North ARAL Sea, which only came into being in 1987-1988 (!) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E36 · Sat, November 23, 2024
Friday, November 22, 2024 - Is ADO Annie in the grid? We can't say no 🙄
Today's crossword was, to borrow an answer from earlier in the week, absolutely fabulous, with an ocean of great clues. [A small ocean, to be sure: the grid was its normal 15x15 size, but somehow "large pond of great clues" doesn't have quite the stirring effect we are aiming for, so we are sticking with ocean.] For example, we have the terrific 5D, Toon whose last name is Nahasapeemapetilon, APU; the all too true 54A, Like the topic of politics in a job interview, TABOO; and the fascinating 13D, Youngest artist to debut at # 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, OLIVIARODRIGO. There are definitely more, so for all the deets, as well as a Fine Fun Fact Friday segment, download and listen up to today's episode. Show note imagery: OLIVIARODRIGO, in concert We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E35 · Fri, November 22, 2024
Thursday, November 21, 2024 - A Saturday crossword so tricky it's disguised itself as a Thursday 😱😀
Today's crossword was (1A) ABFAB, definitely one of our (3D) FAVES this week, with such a sparkling grid that we had to wear shades and set the app to dark mode in order to work on it. We were dazzled by clues like 42A, One hanging out in the cold, ICICLE (a clue that just warms our hearts!); 22A, "Bam!", KAPOW (Boom!); and 35A, On ice longer than normal, say?, INOT (a clue that did not leave us cold). In short, a crossword definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and certainly a contenda' for this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Show note imagery: AQABA, Jordan's only coastal city We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E34 · Thu, November 21, 2024
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - This crossword is CRACRA good!
Writing spoiler-free show notes can be tricky, but we're willing to give it a shot for our listeners. In today's crossword , we see that the author has made clever use of ◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️, which is surprising, because we normally only see those on ◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️ or ◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️◼️! However we are glad to see them, they definitely add a bit of zest to the grid. Intrigued? Want to know what's behind all those ◼️'s? Download today's episode to find out! Show note imagery: The original CRAYOLACRAYON! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E33 · Wed, November 20, 2024
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - Look up there in the sky ... it's a bird, no, it's a plane, no, it's Supervocalic!
When you see the name Erik Agard in the byline, you know you're in for a good time, and the sage does not disappoint in his latest oeuvre, i.e., today's crossword , thanks to great clues like 51D, Supervocalic (we checked: it is a word) to 49D, Half a rhyming synonym of "haphazard", HELTER (😀); to the double cluing of 18A, and 35D, Head over heels, GAGA and INLOVE, respectively. We are INLOVE with this crossword, five squares on the JAMCR scale. In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday, and Jean takes on some ferocious clues without missing a beat. How does she do it? Download to find out ... Show note imagery: OCTAVIA Butler, sci-fi author We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E32 · Tue, November 19, 2024
Monday, November 18, 2024 - A crossword to RAVE about
A recent JAMCOTWA winner, Rajeswari Rajamani is back with her second NYTimes crossword , and we are pleased to report that it's a delight, with a subtle and engaging theme, and some sparkling grid fill (which is hard to pull off, especially on a Monday). Kudos, we now eagerly await the arrival of crossword # 3! Show note imagery: ELCAPITAN We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E31 · Mon, November 18, 2024
Sunday, November 17, 2024 - A cool crossword based on hot air 😀
After yesterday's epic struggle, today's crossword was a refreshing change of pace, with an uplifting theme (literally!), and great clues. The authors were Rebecca Goldstein and Ariela Perlman, the latter making her debut appearance in the NYTimes. Deets inside, so have a listen, and remember that feedback is always welcome. Just a reminder that it has been scientifically proven that solving crosswords can keep those little gray cells in top-notch condition, and a subscription to the NYTimes crossword is as cheap as borscht, as they say (we're not entirely sure who "they" are, nor, tbh, what borscht is currently going for) ... the point is, the NYTimes is a great bargain, so check it out -- nytimes.com/crosswords, where you're bound to find a large and welcoming subscription button, definitely worth clicking. Show note imagery: A man who needs no introduction ... We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E30 · Sun, November 17, 2024
Saturday, November 16, 2024 - All rise for the TAIOSEACH
When it comes to tough crosswords, there are Saturdays, and there are Saturdays . Today's puzzle was most definitely one of the latter, with nearly impossible clues almost everywhere you look in the grid, trivia that if you're fortunate enough to know will make the crossword a breeze, if not, well, good luck! This was a quality crossword, though, make no mistake about it. How else can you describe a puzzle with clues such as 34A, Does a job for a summer?, ADDS (woah!); and 45D, Antepenultimate word in a noted Neil Armstrong quip, LEAP (cute, especially the nod to antepenultimate, which popped up earlier this week). Show note imagery: OPAL Lee, the grandmother of Juneteenth. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E29 · Sat, November 16, 2024
Friday, November 15, 2024 - DONTTELLME, aka the crossword solver's motto
This was a very pleasant Friday crossword by Alina Abidi -- her fourth for the NYTimes. Like almost all Friday's, no theme was involved, but there were some Friday-worthy clues, including a mathematically-oriented debut, 24D, Unchanged when multiplied by itself, from the Latin for "same" and "power" , IDEMPOTENT; the very French 41D, Un canard ou un émeu, OISEAU (mais oui!); and the delightfully deceptive 27D, One mailing it in?, EARLYVOTER. Show note imagery: The CARLSAGAN Institute, still going strong! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E28 · Fri, November 15, 2024
Thursday, November 14, 2024 - An OBE in the grid? Arise, Sir Joel Fagliano, defender of great crosswords
Though hard to believe, this is Matthew Faiella's debut NYTimes crossword , and it has a lot to commend it - most notably a fabulous theme, fabulously executed. Deets inside, so check it out -- and when it comes to comments, don't hold back -- drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com, or click on the Send Fan Mail link in the show notes. Show note imagery: The TORSO of Adele (no, not that Adele 😀) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E27 · Thu, November 14, 2024
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - Happy Ides of November!
Our cohosts definitely had divergent solving experiences while tackling today's crossword . Jean tore through it, Mike almost tore his hair out trying to tear through it. But there were no tears at the end, just happy music, so AWTEW, as they say. (Editor's note: in fact almost nobody says AWTEW, short for All's Well That Ends Well, but we salute you for trying to invent YMATNN (Yet More Acroynyms That Nobody Needs) 😀 😀 Show note imagery: The name's NEESON, Liam NEESON - with two, count'em two, Ns. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E26 · Wed, November 13, 2024
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - Three cheers for Father KNICKERBOCKER 😀
This was a fine Tuesday crossword by the brother and sister team of Avery Gee Katz and Aaron Gee. The theme was droll, and, apart from a minor spot of bother with 66A, Burrowing rodent, MOLE (not VOLE), it was a smooth solve. We approve, and by the power vested in us by whoever's in charge in NE Wisconsin, do bestow upon this crossword the ranking of 5 squares, as measured on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: Father KNICKERBOCKER, who was, in some sense, the grandfather of the New York Knicks. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E25 · Tue, November 12, 2024
Monday, November 11, 2024 - Happy Veteran's Day!
Today's puzzle was relatively straightforward - being a Monday, we would be surprised if it were otherwise - with a wry theme, and a supporting cast of fun clues. Our favorites were 48A, Raps off the cuff, FREESTYLES; 5D, Visual accompaniment to a musical release, ALBUMART (are physical albums still a thing??); and the particularly fine 41A, The second O of O-O-O, TAC (nice!). Besides the crossword, we have a spot of listener mail expounding on the meaning of ANTEPENULTIMATE, so to enjoy all that goodness, tap subscribe (if you haven't already), followed by download, then play, ideally in that order, so that you can enjoy what may be one of the finest podcasts about the NYTimes Crossword to come out of northeast Wisconsin. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E24 · Mon, November 11, 2024
Sunday, November 10, 2024 - Red Alert! It's a Sam Ezersky puzzle, coming in hot! 🔥
This was Sam Ezersky's 57th NYTimes crossword , so while we feel that a reference to Heinz would've been in order (as in Heinz 57 Sauce), even without there was a lot of spice in the grid. There were educational clues: 16D, Length of William Henry Harrison's presidency, ONEMONTH; the astonishing 110D, Nickname for Francisco, PACO (surely a gimme for the bay area folk around San PACO); and the delightful 95A, Hardy follower, HAR (HAR, HAR, HAR 😀). In short, a wonderful Sunday diversion, we give it a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: Park City, Utah, populated mainly by UTAHNS We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E23 · Sun, November 10, 2024
Saturday, November 9, 2024 - Trapped aboard the STRUGGLEBUS? Best transfer to the TROUBLEFREETAXI 🙄
There's only one time when we enjoy riding a STRUGGLEBUS, and that's when we're working on a tough Saturday crossword, like this one -- which, coincidentally, happened to feature an actual STRUGGLEBUS in the grid. Now long time solvers and listeners know, through experience, that clues become more cryptic, and answers longer, over the course of the week, from Monday to Saturday. To quantify this, however, someone has made a splendid visualization plotting word length versus day of the week, for the years 1994-2017 -- check it out right here . Show note imagery: All aboard the STRUGGLEBUS We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E22 · Sat, November 09, 2024
Friday, November 8, 2024 - With both CHEESECAKE and TRESLECHES in the grid, this is one SUHWEET crossword!!
Evans Clinchy's bio pic in xwordinfo.com shows him chowing down on a burrito, and that may or may not have any connection with the presence of both CHEESECAKE and TRESLECHES in the grid. What we do know for certain is that Evans has crafted a challenging but fair Friday crossword , just the kind we like! Indeed, the grid just sparkles, with clues such as 4D, Doofuses, TOMFOOLS ( definitely fun to say); 10D, Beyond clean, STERILE (can't argue with that!); 49D, It comes down hard, HAIL (makes more sense than Mike's initial guess, RAIN). We also have a fine Fun Fact Friday™ segment, so to get to all of this goodness, just hit the ol' download button, followed by (it's important to get the order right!) the ol' play button, and then brace yourself for an avalanche of mirth™ Show note imagery: TRESLECHES, the only dessert that causes weight gain just by looking at it! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E22 · Fri, November 08, 2024
Thursday, November 7, 2024 - TULSA, the Capital of Route 66
Joe Deeney can definitely BEPROUD of this crossword , as it is, in a word, SUHWEET! While the grid does contain a standing-ovation-worthy hairpiece pun, it is still the theme that rules SUPREME. Deets inside! Show note imagery: An EGRET, with a look that says, don't even think about making a pun about my name! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E21 · Thu, November 07, 2024
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - Look out, it's a flock of outraged ... MEADOWLARKS!??
Today's crossword was fabulous -- that's the LONGANDSHORTOFIT! A deftly constructed theme and delightlful clues (43A, Snack brand from the Spanish word for "fried", FRITOS; 8D, Hip hop's Madvillian or Mob Deep, DUO; and 69A, Second smallest of seven, EUROPE) make for a great mid-week solve. Deets inside! Show note imagery: A MEADOWLARK, who, fortunately, looks very good in yellow We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E20 · Wed, November 06, 2024
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - Psst, want something non-political to listen to? We've got you covered!
A fine Tuesday crossword by Evan Kalish, and as this is his 22nd NYTimes crossword, it would be fair to say that he is on a roll . It would also be hilarious to say that he is on a roll , but to find out why that is the case, you'll want to download today's episode, which also includes Jean in an epic Triplet Tuesday™️ segment. Show note imagery: The crossword, like the depicted outfit, was truly INSPO We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E19 · Tue, November 05, 2024
Monday, November 4, 2024 - At long last, BILLYIDOL is in an NYTimes crossword 🎉
A clever Monday crossword by Colin Adams, that may (or may not) have been tricker than the usual Monday. Listeners, what say ye? Did you find this puzzle particularly easy, hard, or just your typical Monday? Let us know, either by clicking on the Fan Mail button or dropping us a line! Show note imagery: HORUS, a Falcon-headed Egyptian god. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E18 · Mon, November 04, 2024
Sunday, November 3, 2024 - A Sid Sivakumar spectacular!
Sid Sivakumar, known for his exceedingly crunchy Saturday crosswords, goes easy on us (relatively speaking) in this fun Sunday outing . There are oodles of delightful clues, including 29A, Who has successfully juggled 15 balls simultaneously, NOONE (nice!); 103A, Name that sounds like its first two letters reversed, ELLY (oho!); and the magnificent 118A, Tower in a port, TUG (just brilliant!). The theme's a pretty piece of work too, and to hear more about that -- as well as a selection of other great, great clues -- download today's episode and take a listen. Show note imagery: Johannes GUTENBERG, whose invention of movable type moved the world We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E17 · Sun, November 03, 2024
Saturday, November 2, 2024 - Blake Slonecker dials it up to 11!
Blake Slonecker, the virtuoso of late-in-the-week-really-really-tough-crosswords, has demonstrated why he has earned that monicker in today's puzzle , filled with some treacherously clever clues and just a slight scattering of "gimmes", although even the gimmes were more like "probably's". Deets inside, as well as the surprising winner of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), as well as some fabulous listener mail. Enjoy! Show note imagery: Andrés Segovia, winner of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for CLASSICALGUITAR, We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E16 · Sat, November 02, 2024
Friday, November 1, 2024 - Woo-hoo, it's November, prepare to freeze your nooooose off 😀
A nice Friday crossword by Spencer Leach, both co-hosts found it easier than Thursday's -- a tad unusual, but definitely not unheard of. Today's clues, however, were magnificent, a bevy of LOLers absolutely guaranteed to put a smile on your face or your money cheerfully refunded (eh, we might have to check on that last bit). Beyond the crossword, we have a very apropos Fun Fact Friday segment, as well as some great listener mail -- so have at it, enjoy, and, as usual, let us know what you think. Show note imagery: Some traditionally, and very colorfully dressed MAASAI. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E15 · Fri, November 01, 2024
Thursday, October 31, 2024 - Boooooooo (in honor of the day); Yaaaaaaaay (in honor of the crossword)
This was a scary crossword , because of the theme, or, to be precise, just how difficult it was to figure out the theme (and many of the other clues besides). it was rated as a Thursday crossword, which generally means that it will be on the tough side, but when Sarah Sinclair and Paolo Pasco are the authors, that really should be uber-tough side. Uber-tough but fun, for reasons that we expand upon in today's podcast. Show note imagery: Tinker to EVERS to Chance, an awesome double-play We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E14 · Thu, October 31, 2024
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 - Halloween Eve, time to warm up with a Snicker's bar or three
We present for your edification a very nice Halloween-ish themed crossword to get us mentally prepared for the big day tomorrow! We weren't scared, though, as we were in the capable hands of John M. Kauffman, adeptly supervised by Joel Fagliano. Deets within, so have a listen, and let us know what you think! Show note imagery: Any Given Sunday, a 1999 Oliver Stone flick with a small armada of famous actors. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E13 · Wed, October 30, 2024
Tuesday, October 29, 2024 - An uber cute Tuesday crossword
The answers to today's themed clues are so much fun to say that you may find yourself reciting them to strangers, which is a great way to break the ice at parties, just ignore any strange looks / raised eyebrows 😀 To find out what those answers are, we cordially invite you to check out today's episode. Also be sure and listen to our Triplet Tuesday segment, this time co-host Mike is in the hotseat. Show note imagery: We tried to find a noodle dog, alas, all we could find were doodle dogs ... but they are cute! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E12 · Tue, October 29, 2024
Monday, October 28, 2024 - Water under the bridge and ... in the grid?
There was a lot of water in today's grid - in 4D, Obstacle for a would-be castle attacker, MOAT; 35D, Beverage with a Big Mac, perhaps, LARGECOKE; and in it's purest state, 46D, Bottled water brand, DASANI. Yet in spite of all that,this puzzle was far from wet, in fact, just the opposite: a stellar Monday with multiple LOL clues, a great way to start out the work week. Also, we have a terrific bit of listener mail, so for all that, and more(!), download, listen up, and ... enjoy. Show note imagery: the state seal of Maine (which Mike insists does have a whale, but it's under water so you can't see it 😀) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E11 · Sun, October 27, 2024
Sunday, October 27, 2024 - Amoon our favorite puzzles this month 😉
Jeffrey Martinovic and Jeff Chen -- who as far as we know do not call themselves the two Jeffs -- have put together a moonificent Sunday crossword that will put you, well, over the moon. And if all these lunar references have not yet cued you into today's theme, fear not -- we have moony things to say on the subject (and we promise the episode itself is pretty much pun-free). Show note imagery: ELLEN Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia, and indeed Africa's, first elected female head of state, as well as the 2011 winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E10 · Sun, October 27, 2024
Saturday, October 26, 2024 - The first person to record Hound Dog? Nope, not that guy, 'twas Big MAMA Thornton!
This is, incredibly, Peter A. Collins' 120th NYTimes crossword . His sweet spot seems to be Wednesdays, but he has published (unsurprisingly, with 120 puzzles in the archives) every day of the week, this is his 8th Saturday. It would not be too much of a spoiler to say that we loved it, but for the deets check out today's podcast to see why. Also, it's Saturday, and for our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), we picked ... nope, again, we run a tight ship here at JAMDTNYTC HQ, so we'll let you discover our pick when you download today's episode. Show note imagery: The lady herself, Big MAMA Thornton We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E9 · Sat, October 26, 2024
Friday, October 25, 2024 - Any crossword with TENOUTOFTEN in the grid deserves, ... wait for it, ... a TENOUTOFTEN 😀
This was a debut crossword by Alex Murphy, and a fine debut it was - with a large-ish number of challenging clues, exactly what you'd expect and hope for in a Friday NYTimes puzzle. Beyond those covered in today's puzzle, we would like to give a shoutout to 16A, Cello parts are written in it, BASSCLEF (not, as we first suspected, CRAYONS); 9D, Indy label, STP (ah, that Indy); and 8D, Flake, BAIL (ok, where's the OED when we need it ...). Also in today's episode, it's Fun Fact Friday™️, and we have a tasty treat just for you. Show note imagery: A crepe maker's secret helper We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E8 · Fri, October 25, 2024
Thursday, October 24, 2024 - Just finished that wonder water? Then it's bye, bye, BAI 🙄😀
A fun Thursday crossword by Ella Dershowitz, with a theme that will grow on you (or, since it involves NE, perhaps we should say glow on you🙄😀). All puns aside, this was a great crossword that has led us to bestow on Ella the title of GGOAT -- Greatest Genius Of All Time. Show note imagery: Staying in shape doing TOETAPS We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E7 · Thu, October 24, 2024
Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - A crossword with a lot of SPARK and FIRE
This was a lovely Wednesday crossword by veteran cruiciverbalists Matthew Stock and Brooke Husic, with a theme guaranteed to warm the cockles of academics everywhere, and inspire everybody else to Google "cockles" 😀. Deets inside. Show note imagery: Nothing runs like a DEERE We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E6 · Wed, October 23, 2024
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 - SPACE ... above us, around us and ... in the grid!
This is Barbara Lin's 14th NYTimes crossword since 2020, and to see why she keeps getting them published, just take a look at today's puzzle. We did, and are glad of it. Deets inside, as well as Jean's epic struggle to win at Triplet Tuesday™, so have a listen, and let us know what you think! Show note imagery: A RUBE Goldberg contraption We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E5 · Tue, October 22, 2024
Monday, October 21, 2024 - Monday's crossword is fair of face, or, er, something like that ...
This was a straightforward crossword, as Monday's are wont to be, although one of our number had several mistakes that they had to ferret out before getting to the happy music. In the interests of heightening suspense, we will not tell you which one of our cohosts was involved, nor where their mistakes lay: but instead refer you to today's podcast for all the deets. Show note imagery: ELMERSGLUE, inspiring kids to attempt to walk on ceilings since 1947. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E4 · Mon, October 21, 2024
Sunday, October 20, 2024 - Movie madness!
EGAD this was a fine crossword , it deserves some sort of AWARD for its EPIC themed clues and answers. There was NOTABIT of crosswordese in the grid, just ALOT of great cruciverbial magic. In short, we are ALLIN when it comes to this, the fourth NYTimes crossword by Jerry Miccolis. Show note imagery: Just one of many reasons to visit Los Cabos, Mexico, aka CABO We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E3 · Sun, October 20, 2024
Saturday, October 19, 2024 - NUUK, one cool capital city!
Today's crossword was filled with amusing and tricky clues, like 46D, "Charms strike the sight, but _______ wins the soul": Alexander Pope, MERIT; and a nice combo, 7D, Branching point, NODE, and 8D, Branching point?, TREE (ha!). But these are just a few of the stellar clues in today's crossword, even better ones lie within, so download today's podcast for even more enlightenment. And -- bonus! -- in that same download you will be able to discover who won our latest JAMCOTWA™ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Show note imagery: NUUK, Greenland's capital We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E2 · Sat, October 19, 2024
Friday, October 18, 2024 - This crossword was a GAS, definitely nothing to BOOAT!
This is Jesse Cohn's second NYTimes crossword , and it is an absolute delight. You'll be giving so many standing ovations for his fabulous cluing that you'll probably close your rings before you solve the crossword, it's that good. Want proof? Download today's podcast and allow us to make our case. Show note imagery: Something about this image is incorrect ... and to find out what that is, check out today's Fun Fact Friday segment. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S11 E1 · Fri, October 18, 2024
Thursday, October 17, 2024 - The INTEL is that this is a pretty good crossword!
August Lee-Kovach has made a fine Thursday crossword for our edification. The theme would've been an easy sell to editors, since it was all about ... editing! Other fine clues (not mentioned in the podcast) include 2D, What is to be done?, AGENDA (of course!); 5D, What Alexander Graham Bell suggested as the standard telephone-answering greeting, AHOY (awesome!!); and like this crossword, 35D, Absolutely amazing, TODIEFOR. Show note imagery: John NANCE Garner (who, if Time magazine is to be believed, went by the nickname of Throttlebottom 😀 😀 ) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E100 · Thu, October 17, 2024
Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - Un excelente crossword!
The title of today's episode is a very subtle hint to today's theme, a nice bit of work by Hanh Huynh, his third NYTimes crossword in a year. Beyond those clues covered in the podcast, we'd also like to laud 42D, "Alrighty, then. As I was saying ...", ANYHOO, and 58D, The appearance of a butterfly in a home, for some, OMEN (hopefully a good one!). Good stuff all around, this crossword was definitely worth at least 4.5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: Some very hoppy, er, happy, ROOS! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E99 · Wed, October 16, 2024
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - the IDES have it!
Today's crossword , a debut by Lindsay Rosenblum, did not feel like a debut at all, more like a major work by a seasoned constructor. Beyond those clues mentioned in the podcast, we'd also like to point out 52D, Medieval tales of daring adventure, GESTS (and no, we would not jest about GESTS 😉); 43D, Bond film between "Skyfall" and "No Time to Die", SPECTRE (spelled the way SPECTRE should be spelled); and the double threat of the same clue for both 54A and 57D, Expectant parent's selection, NAME and CRIB, respectively. Show note imagery: Groucho Marx, one of the best INSULTCOMICs We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E98 · Tue, October 15, 2024
Monday, October 14, 2024 - A PEACH of a debut crossword
Just when you thought it was surely impossible for anyone , anywhere , to come up with a new theme, someone, somewhere, does. And that someone is Dana Edwards, the somewhere is here, today, and the results are delectable. Deets inside, so have a listen, and please tell others about us on social media. Show note imagery: One of just 4 people to have scored a QUADRUPLEDOUBLE, the incredibly talented Nate Thurmond We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E97 · Mon, October 14, 2024
Sunday, October 13, 2024 - That's SOMME river ya' got there 🙄🙄
We're starting these show notes with a pun (see title, above, if you dare), to get you in the proper state of mind for today's crossword. You'll see what we mean when you tackle said crossword, or check it out (as you always can) at xwordinfo.com : puns here, puns there, puns everywhere . Well, not quite everywhere, but definitely in the themed answers. Deets and amusing banter within, so we invite you to download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: It's the MARC (Maryland Area Regional Commuter), all aboard! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E96 · Sun, October 13, 2024
Saturday, October 12, 2024 - GEEWHIZ this was a tough crossword!
At the NYTimes, the Saturday crosswords are traditionally the toughest of the week, and today's, a debut (!) by Katie Hoody , is certainly in that vein. Although difficult, the clues were awesome, making that wondrous AHA! moment that comes when you solve one just that much sweeter. For example, we had the magnificent 8D, Took in a bad way, POACHED (woah!); 56D, Lead follower: Abbr, DET ( definitely a Saturday level clue); and the subtle 48A, Good point, PRO. Those are just a few of the many, many great clues in the puzzle. It is also Saturday, time for our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award™), and today's winner goes to ... somebody: check out today's episode for their name, our rationale, and all the other particulars. Show note imagery: the GETTY Center, home to the GETTY museum We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E95 · Sat, October 12, 2024
Friday, October 11, 2024 - Be nice, lest you end up in the SINBIN 😱
There was a lot of sparkle in today's crossword - the 10th for the NYTimes by Billy Bratton. We were impressed by the inclusion of 22A, Online provocateur, in slang, EDGELORD (it felt like a debut, and it was); 13D, Prepares for a bomb, GOESDEEP (brilliant!); and we especially appreciated the clue in 23D, Lugubrious, GLUM. In related news, we have a delicious Fun Fact Friday segment, so check it out, and then let us know what you think: crosswordpodcast@icloud.com Show note imagery: BOCK beer, the favorite of quarterbocks everywhere 🙄 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E94 · Fri, October 11, 2024
Thursday, October 10, 2024 - Welcome to ECHO ECHO ECHO Park, Los Angeles
A nice bit of cruciverbial magic by Grant Boroughs, his third NYTimes publication. There were many excellent clues lurking about in the grid, including 8D, Confidently struts, SASHAYS (just a day after SWAGGERS swaggered its way into a puzzle); 57A, Ungulate feature, HOOF (we just like the opportunity to say/think/write the word Ungulate); 13D, Legislative collectives, BODIES (of course ... in retrospect!); and possibly our favorite, 46D, Stee-RIKE three follower, YEROUT. Show note imagery: A virtuoso of W/DRYHUMOR, Steven Wright We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E93 · Thu, October 10, 2024
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 - Tis eerily easy to confuse ERIS and EROS
Today's crossword was brilliant, and that's not just because of the cracklingly good theme that Jeffrey Lease has penned, but it certainly is a major reason why. We found the top-left particularly crunchy (i.e., tough), but eventually all the grid yielded its secrets, including 16A, Dwarf planet with the largest mass, ERIS (not, as Mike was convinced for about 45 minutes, and Jean for 30-45 seconds, EROS😍) Show note imagery: The AEGEAN, definitely worth a visit We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E92 · Wed, October 09, 2024
Tuesday, October 8, 2024 - A crossword with a lot of SWAGGER!
This crossword - the second for the NYTimes by Justin Werfel - was everything that you would expect of a Tuesday NYTimes crossword - fun, educational, and, as befitting its position in the week, not too difficult. It did have its moments, however: 51D, End of a sonnet, often, SESTET; 46D, "Little Shop of Horrors" lyricist Howard, ASHMAN; and 52A, Name of Athena's shield, AEGIS, were particularly notable. It is Tuesday, time for Triplet Tuesday, and in today's episode Jean shows what she's made of, and we're not just talking about oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen (although according to her physician she is also composed of those). Show note imagery: Athena's shield, AEGIS We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E91 · Mon, October 07, 2024
Sunday, October 6, 2024 - An A+ of a crossword!
Today's crossword has a terrific theme, but the supporting cast of clues was also impressive, with gems all over the grid. For instance, 9D, Good "Wheel of Fortune" buy for TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL, ANO (absolutely brilliant!); 51D, "No playing" signs, RESTS (very nice); 87D, Thick plank of a ship, WALE (ok, now we know). Can there be any doubt that this is worth a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale? No, there cannot be. Bravo, John Kugelman, and we eagerly await your next NYTimes masterpiece. Show note imagery: Some AURORAE We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E90 · Sun, October 06, 2024
Saturday, October 5, 2024 - A MONSTRO of a Saturday crossword!
This was one of our favorite Saturday crosswords this year - tough but fair, with cheery clues to educate and delight. We've covered most of them in today's podcast, but even the ones that were left on the cutting-room floor were good: 35D, Chest bump?, PEC, and 48D, Whirl, so to speak, TRY. For all these reasons this opus, by Natan Last, has won a highly sought after JAMCOTWA -- Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award. Show note imagery: MARSEILLE, the oldest city in France We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E89 · Sat, October 05, 2024
Friday, October, 4, 2024 - Bilbo Baggins, one of the SHIER members of The Shire 🙄
An elegant Friday crossword by Zhouqin Burnikel, her 80th for the NYTimes(!). Jean hit a few snags in the bottom right, whereas Mike spun his wheels in the central and upper right regions, before finally getting traction. A fun time was (eventually) had by all, and we have the deets inside, as well as a fine Fun Fact Friday segment (if we do say so ourselves, ... which we do!) Show note imagery: POORI, Indian fried bread (finally, an Indian bread that is neither NAAN nor ROTI), and a debut answer, thanks to Zhouqin. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E88 · Fri, October 04, 2024
Thursday, October 3, 2024 - Live long and prosper!
This is a fine debut crossword by Rena Cohen, with an aptly large number of debut entries to accompany a clever but initially cryptic theme. It involved a rebus, but evolved into the rather important question of where should that rebus go? We have the deets inside, so we cordially invite you to check out today's episode. As a reminder, as you are listening to today's podcast, it always helps to have a completed version of the crossword close at hand so you can follow the conversation. If you have not completed the crossword, and do not plan to do so, just click on the first link in the show notes. That will take you to xwordinfo.com, where you can find a completed version of said crossword. Show note imagery: The M-5 multitronic computer system, with its creator (seated) and the Star Trek crew, including Mr. SPOCK (standing, center). We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E87 · Thu, October 03, 2024
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 - We're not teasing, TEASEL is in the grid!
A perfect midweek crossword by Luke K. Schreiber that has echos of yesterday's puzzle. You will recall (or if not, check out our podcast), that yesterday we had a slew of cryptids that couldn't quite be seen clearly. Today we have 13 animals that are, essentially, in hiding; and that entertaining similarity is due, no doubt, to the NYTimes Crossword editor (and person who we hope can be buttered up enough to show up for an interview with us), Joel Fagliano. Show note imagery: A TEASEL We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E86 · Wed, October 02, 2024
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - HOORAH, a Kevin Curry and Jeff Chen collaboration
Kevin Curry and Jeff Chen have teamed up to create a fun Tuesday crossword , based on an ingenious attempt to merge myth and mystery. We won't say any more about it here (as October is No Spoiler Month), but we have plenty to say about it in today's podcast, so do have a listen. Beyond our dissection of today's puzzle, we are also delighted to announce the winners of our latest Triplet Tuesday Contest, and ... it was a tie! Congrats to our winners, as well as all who participated: you'll get another chance to snag our piñata of prizes before the end of the year. Show note imagery: The magnificent WASHU (aka Washington University in St. Louis) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E85 · Tue, October 01, 2024
Monday, September 30, 2024 - All good months must come to an end ...
Today's crossword , by Alexander Liebeskind, does what all good Monday crosswords should do: offer entertaining clues and not crush the spirit of crossword solvers just getting their feet wet. Our favorite entry? 39D, Loud and unhappy sports fans, in slang, BOOBIRDS, although we were also quite taken by 6D, Empire whose capital city was Tenochtitlán: AZTEC. Show note imagery: Tenochtitlán, in all its ancient glory We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E84 · Mon, September 30, 2024
Sunday, September 29, 2024 - Joe Deeney rides, er, writes, again!
Joe Deeney has gotten accolades for writing terrific crosswords, and today's puzzle, we are pleased to report, continues the streak. The theme is ingenious, there are lots of gems everywhere you look in the grid, all-in-all a nice bit of work. Deets inside, as well as a return of our "Oh, That's How You Pronounce It" segment, -- which, astonishingly, may provoke the need for another OTHYPI in the near future! Show note imagery: A CATCAFE! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E83 · Sun, September 29, 2024
Saturday, September 27, 2024 - Tarnation this was a tough crossword!
You know when a grid has words like HORCHATA and AORTAE lurking inside that the puzzle is going to be tough, and that is most definitely the case today, in this epic Saturday crossword by Margaret Seikel, her 9th for the NYTimes, and her first Saturday entry. Jean got through it much faster than Mike, but both were able to persevere and had a grand time, as today's podcast makes abundantly clear. It's Saturday, and we've picked our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), which this week goes to ... nope, no peaking, check out the podcast to get the 411. Show note imagery: Some delicious HORCHATA! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E82 · Sat, September 28, 2024
Friday, September 27, 2024 - A LYRICAL Friday crossword
Today's crossword , Jake Bunch's second for the NYTimes, and his second Friday, was splendid: even though Friday crosswords are typically themeless, this did have a meta-theme, really, really intriguing clues. Beyond those mentioned in the podcast, we had 59A, Composer for whom Poland's largest airport is named, CHOPIN; 26D, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc.: Abbr, STS (oh, of course!); and an answer that only shows up rarely in the grid, but we are happy whenever it deigns to drop by, 11D, Simply delectable, TODIEFOR. Besides all that, we also have a fun Fun Fact Friday segment, so do check that out (and remember, our Triplet Tuesday Contest is drawing to a close - you still have until Sunday at 11:59:59 PM in whatever time zone you are listening in to submit an entry, so do take advantage of that ). Show note imagery: A Chipotle competitor, QDOBA We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E81 · Fri, September 27, 2024
Thursday, September 26, 2024 - TARNATION this was a good crossword!
This is Jesse Guzman's first ever NYTimes crossword , and they've started off with a bang, with a theme that took both cohosts (working independently, as they are wont to do) quite some time to suss out, but that AHA! moment was assuredly worth the wait. There were some other great clues in the grid, including 61A, They take off marks at school, ERASERS (😀); 58A, Final circuit in a track race, BELLLAP (🧐); and we have the delightful juxtaposition of 56A, Unit of explosive power, KILOTON, and 44D, Powerlifter's sound, GRUNT (🏋️😀). A reminder, our Triplet Tuesday Contest is going strong, check out Tuesday's episode and get your entry in before 11:59:59 PM Sunday, in whatever time zone you happening to be listening in. Show note imagery: HAIRBOW, as modeled by the one, the only, Hello Kitty! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E80 · Thu, September 26, 2024
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 - 🎹 DO, RE, MI, etc., etc., ♫
This is Peter Gordon's 129th NYTimes crossword , and a perfect example of why the NYTimes keeps publishing his work. The theme is brilliant, the clues sharp and, pardon the pun, upbeat -- quite a lot to like. We have the deets inside, just waiting for you to download all that goodness. Our Triplet Tuesday Contest is going strong, so if you haven't participated yet, listen to Tuesday's podcast and then submit your entry, for a chance to win bragging rights and some fabulous swag. As promised, here is a video that features both the Whip and NAENAE Show note imagery: SNORRI Sturluson, an expert on Norse mythology, and possibly not the cheeriest Icelander of all time. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E79 · Wed, September 25, 2024
Tuesday, September 24, 2024 - Time for the Great PECAN v. PECAN Pronunciation Debate (and a Triplet Tuesday Contest 😍)
Today's episode is action-packed, but at its heart is a crossword by Kevin L. Shellito, his debut, and an excellent debut it is, with some ingenious cluing and a delightful theme - deets inside. Also, we're hosting another Triplet Tuesday Contest, so get ready to play along and then email us how many clues it took you, in total, to guess all 3 answers. Good luck, and may the most deserving Triplet Tuesday Contest contestant emerge triumphant! Contest deadline: Sunday, September 29, 2024, by 11:59:59 PM in whatever time zone you happen to be listening to this in Show note imagery: A lot of talent in one picture - TRAVISKELCE and Taylor Swift We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E78 · Tue, September 24, 2024
Monday, September 23, 2023 - HIALL, HELLO, and ADEIU - a crossword that'll get you coming and going
We're starting the work week with a pleasing Monday crossword by Freddie Cheng, his 17th for the NYTimes. It had a straightforward, cute theme, and quite a few musicians in the grid, including 35D, "At Last" jazz singer, ETTAJAMES; 28D, Pop star Gomez, SELENA; 15D, Piaf who sang "La Vie en Rose", EDITH; and the ubiquitous (at least in the NYTimes crossword) 7D, Brian of ambient music, ENO. We almost had a fifth, but 67A, Practices boxing, was SPARS, so close to SPEARS 😀. Tomorrow is our Triplet Tuesday Contest, get ready to show off your mad TTC skills! Show note imagery: the one and only ... Brian ENO! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E77 · Mon, September 23, 2024
Sunday, September 22, 2024 - A BEAU of a crossword!
Today's puzzle was a delight - harkening back to an old movie (whose name we will not reveal here, to maintain the suspense), and with some crisp, entertaining cluing -- in short, the NYTimes Sunday crossword at its best. We dive into details on that, and have a nice bit of listener mail to boot, so delay no longer! Download, listen up, and enjoy! A reminder, our next Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming up ... this Tuesday, so make your final preparations, write your acceptance speech, etc., it will be here before you know it. Show note imagery: Harry Houdini, in one of his great ESCAPEACTS, about to escape a milk can! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E76 · Sun, September 22, 2024
Saturday, September 21, 2024 - RIDIC is a word? Well, that's just ... wait for it ... RIDIC 😀
Joel Fagliano's given us a bit of a breather, a challenging but relatively straightforward Saturday crossword -- certainly in comparison to the last few weeks, we're still recovering from Sam Ezrsky's last epic. The clues were fun and entertaining, though: 38D, Box office?, CUBICLE; 14D, U.S. city with the motto "Where Discoveries are Made", LOSALAMOS; and (ahem) 54A, Butt text, PEACHEMOJI, are just a few examples. Also, it's Saturday, so we have a new JAMCOTWA winner to announce! Finally, remember that we have a rare Triplet Tuesday Contest coming up this Tuesday, so mark your calendar, start training, and may the force be with you. Show note imagery: LOSALAMOS, Where Discoveries are Made We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E75 · Sat, September 21, 2024
Friday, September 20, 2024 - Don't say no to NOH 😀
This was a fine, challenging, themeless Friday crossword by Jackson Matz (his second Friday puzzle, and third overall). It is refreshing, after struggling with a theme some days, to get a break, even though that break is tempered by the fact that, as a Friday, the clues tend to become more devious. How else could you describe 23A, Pilot productions?, PENS (ha!) or 45A, Like you and me, MORTAL (hmmm); and the obvious-in-hindsight 2D, Extremely solid, HARDASAROCK? All-in-all a worthy addition to the NYTimes Friday parthenon, and therefore deserving of a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. A reminder that solving the NYTimes crossword is an excellent way to keep those "little grey cells" in peak condition. If you don't already subscribe, consider wandering over to nytimes.com/subscription/games, and be sure and tell them that Jean & Mike sent ya. Show note imagery: a SHARPEI, guarding its territory We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E74 · Fri, September 20, 2024
Thursday, September 19, 2024 - The Kitchen Sink Episode
It seems that on Thursdays anything can happen in the NYTimes crossword, and today it seems that everything happened, all at once, in one place. You'll see what we mean when you listen to today's episode, now waiting calmly on our servers for you to tap download and shortly thereafter experience exhilaration/education/etcetera. Show note imagery: the greatest MIME of all TIME, Marceal Marceau We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E73 · Thu, September 19, 2024
Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - It would be IGNOBLE to bribe your way to winning an IG NOBEL 😉
If you haven't visited Rome, you can at least check out two of its many awesome attractions thanks to Casey Callaghan and Will Nediger, the authors of today's puzzle . Beyond those (we will refrain from describing the attractions here, to heighten the suspense), we had some great clues. Nostalgia, courtesy of 46A, ______ Basil, singer of the 1982 hit "Mickey", TONI; a tad of edible mathematics, due to 55D, Toroidal treat, DONUT; and the obligatory "new word in town", 43A, Cutesy term for a swap, TRADESIES. Next Tuesday we will be holding one of our rare Triplet Tuesday contests, so tune in for an opportunity to win fabulous prizes! Show note imagery: THESPANISHSTEPS We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E72 · Wed, September 18, 2024
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 - OOOOOOH, the places you'll go!
There were a boatload of O's in today's grid , but they were there for a reason, that being to flesh out a wonderful debut crossword by Howard Neuthaler. A good crossword not only entertains and challenges, but teaches, and this one, by that standard, was a great one. To learn what we learned, and to hear about a new Triplet Tuesday contest coming up next week, all you need to do is download, listen up, and enjoy. Shownote imagery: a Klein bottle, absolutely no relation to Patsy CLINE, and for sale by the Acme Klein Bottle , which also happens to manufacture the amazing Imperfecto Ruler . [For the record, none of the names in the previous sentence were made up 😀] We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E71 · Tue, September 17, 2024
Monday, September 16, 2024, -- Huzzah, EDNA Mode is in the grid 😀
This is Robert Corridan's debut crossword, and a fine debut it is, one that may induce you to sing, perhaps something along the lines of LA, LA, LA, in which case you will be in a very good place to start solving this crossword! Deets (and the decryption of that cryptic last sentence) are within, so have a listen, and, as per usual, let us know what you think. Show note imagery: a POMELO, a relatively large -- some grow up to 25 pounds!! -- citrus fruit, sometimes called the Citrus maxima, for obvious reasons. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E70 · Mon, September 16, 2024
Sunday, September 15, 2024 - Nothing PROFORMA about *this* crossword!
Aimee Lucido is both a children's author -- check out "Pasta Pasta Lotsa Pasta" - and cruciverbalist - check out today's excellent example . This crossword was not hugely difficult, but it was hugely entertaining, as we explain, in detail, in today's episode. Show note imagery: HIGHFIDELITY, by Nick Hornby We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Sun, September 15, 2024
Saturday, September 14, 2024 - When it comes to this crossword, we are PHANATICS!
A tough Saturday crossword (of course!) by Christina Iverson, with the northwest corner being particularly tough. But the clues were fair and fun, making for an enjoyable solve. Deets inside, so we encourage you to download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: A Phillie PHANATIC, limbering up before the big game We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E68 · Sat, September 14, 2024
Friday, September 13, 2024 - Turns out, Cotton-Eyed Joe is a dance, not an optic emergency 😏
Today's crossword was a debut for Boaz Moser, and it was a fine one - challenging but VALID, including familiar clues like 15D, Beverage steeped in bright daylight, SUNTEA, lesser known ones, such as 13D, Bit of foam, perhaps, PEANUT, and hilarious ones, such as 4D, One doing the lord's work, VASSAL (😀). We found this to be a very satisfying solve, and eagerly await Boaz's second creation. Show note imagery: Everybody run, it's a XENOMORPH!! 😱 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E67 · Fri, September 13, 2024
Thursday, September 12, 2024 - Finally, we can say that the NYTimes crossword is BRAT 😀
A historic first, "BRAT" used in the sense of 52D, 2024 Charli XCX album with a lime green color -- as opposed to all the 179 previous times, when it was a reference to an annoying small child. The rest of the crossword, by Parker Higgins, was similarly entertaining, as evidenced by clues such as 69A, Nose-in-the-air-type?, PLANE; 52D, Give in on Christmas Eve, say, PEEK; and 10D, One of 27 on Disney World's Cinderella Castle, TURRET. A bravura performance, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: Charles Perrault, author of Tales of Mother Goose We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E66 · Thu, September 12, 2024
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Three cheers for New Mexico's GILA National Forest
A decidedly crunchy Wednesday crossword, Jean managed to chew through it expeditiously, Mike broke a tooth 😉. The theme took a while for both cohosts to grok, after which solving the puzzle became much easier. Deets inside, you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: The ARROYOS Natural Area, where we really, really hope they have some ARROYOS! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E65 · Wed, September 11, 2024
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - HEMINGWAYESQUE, fun to say, a challenge to spell, and impossible to work into casual conversation 😀
Today's theme was about as NYTimes-esque as they come, just a fun exploration of attributes of the English language, and something that almost surely could not have been constructed without a computer to do the heavy lifting. Without spoiling anything out here in the show notes, let's just say that the theme involved finding three answers that met certain criteria, and those answers were the output of a Python program. To be fair, the author of the crossword wrote said program, and could've done what it did by hand, only it would have taken him probably 3.5 million years to do so, and he was in a hurry. Show note imagery: A beaver, glad to be mentioned in the NYTimes crossword We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E64 · Tue, September 10, 2024
Monday, September 9, 2024 - You know it's a classy puzzle when Dame Judi DENCH is in the grid
Tim D'Alfonso has constructed an excellent Monday crossword -- his debut! -- with a smile-inducing theme and some fun cluing, including 42D, Your of yore, THY; 43D, Start of a donkey's bray, HEE; and the nostalgia-inducing 25D, ________ Sketch (classic toy), ETCHA. This was a great puzzle and likely a confidence-builder for those just starting to do the NYTimes crosswords, we approve: 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: Dame Judi DENCH, as M, in Skyfall We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E63 · Sun, September 08, 2024
Sunday, September 8, 2024 - A crossword that definitely gives it The Ol' College Try
Occasionally at JAMDTNYTC HQ, the cohosts opinions are so divergent that one might be inclined to think they are talking about different puzzles: but they most definitely were talking about one puzzle today, that of 9/8/2024, which Jean found to be a piece o' cake, and Mike found to be ... not that. Deets inside, so have a listen, and, as always, we welcome listener feedback! Show note imagery: Assumption of the Virgin, by TITIAN We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E62 · Sun, September 08, 2024
Saturday, September 7, 2024 - Why do spammers always call on the heckelphone? 😂
After last Saturday's killer crossword we were hoping that Joel might give us a break, but nooooooo, he still had the pedal to the floor, cruciverbially speaking. There were almost no gimmes in the grid , but a plethora of head scratchers, characteristic of David P. Williams, who has written 5 NYTimes crosswords -- 1 Friday, and the rest -- Saturdays. Definitely tough, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: a heckelphone, aka an OBOE We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E61 · Sat, September 07, 2024
Friday, September 6, 2024 - CITI never sleeps ... but it does zone out from time to time 😀 🏧
A challenging Friday crossword, more so in the top-left, less so in the bottom-right. There were a plethora of awesome clues in today's puzzle, including 5A, They often have multiple horns, SKABANDS (what, not TRICERATOPS?); 62A, Competition with many missions, SPACERACE (nice!); and the outstanding 11D, Chicken or mashed potato, DANCE (ha!) Show note imagery: A Rembrandt, by ... Rembrandt! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E60 · Fri, September 06, 2024
Thursday, September 5, 2024 - Yoinks, it's a ZEDONK! 😀
We had an exceptional Thursday crossword -- no rebuses (rebusae(?)), but an inspired theme from the most brilliant Joe Deeney. We cover it in detail in today's episode, and you can see Joe's oeuvre at xwordinfo.com as well. Show note imagery: Look, ma, it's a ZEDONK! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E59 · Thu, September 05, 2024
Wednesday, September 4, 2024 - No ELAND is an ELAND unto itself 😂
A witty Wednesday crossword by Kareem Ayas, his fourth for the NYTimes since 2023, so he is on a roll! The theme was surprising, especially for a Wednesday, and we'll just let that sentence hang in the air rather than go into the deets here -- but rest assured that the podcast does just that. Besides our in-depth dive through the grid, we also have a spot of listener mail, so to get in on all of that, download now! Show note imagery: For the record, SERRANOS are mid-orange We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E58 · Wed, September 04, 2024
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 - 🎶 Oh, we've got TUPLE, right here in River City! 😁
This is Alex Eaton-Salner's 70th NYTimes crosswor d, and it got to be their 70th, in part*, because of an ingenious theme, and in part because of the superstition that to turn down a crossword with BORIC in the grid (8D, Kind of acid used to make Silly Putty) is exceptionally unlucky** Show note imagery: PEI, in its place *we suspect: editor Joel Fagliano plays his cards pretty close to the vest **hey, it's just a superstition 😀 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E57 · Tue, September 03, 2024
Monday, September 2, 2024 - Another marvelous Monday crossword!
Sala Wanetick and Emily Biegas have collaborated on a fine Monday crossword , with a theme that we won't spoil in the show notes -- but most definitely will in the podcast -- other than to say that we are spoiled ... by the consistently high quality of the NYTime's crosswords. Shownote imagery: For the record, the stars of Vanderpump Rules are not dressed like your typical restaurant workers! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E56 · Mon, September 02, 2024
Sunday, September 1, 2024 - Happy Labor Day Eve!!
Today's crossword was clearly a labor of love and mathematics, for reasons that will become clear as soon as you either check out the crossword, or today's episode. It did seem to have a rather large number of, well, 96A, Brief glimpse of stars, say, CAMEOS -- except in this case the CAMEOS were from a vast array of fields, from art, 81D, Surrealist James, ENSOR; to cinema, 54A, Oscar-winning actor in Farmers Insurance ads, JKSIMMONS; to sports, 124D, Golfer Jon, RAHM; to 111D, Ned who composed the operatic version of "Our Town", ROREM. As they used to say in Gotham City, Quickly, to the Wikipedia-mobile, Robin! Show note imagery: MARIECLAIRE, which does appear en français (in French) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E55 · Sun, September 01, 2024
Saturday, August 31, 2024 - YASQUEEN!
Sam Ezersky is well known for writing exceptionally cryptic crosswords, and today he's cranked it up to 11. From clues like 1A, Liquid found in some pens, VAPEJUICE, to 14A, The old man?, CROMAGNON, to 64A, It's pressed for time, STOPWATCH, Sam did not give an inch. Of course, this was a Saturday, so we would expect no less! Show note imagery: YASQUEEN, modern words of encouragement We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E54 · Sat, August 31, 2024
Friday, August 30, 2024 - Three cheers for OSSIE Davis, legendary actor and civi rights leader
A fine Friday crossword and the second by Colin Adams (just half a year after his first, on February 16th), so kudos! The clues were very well written, making for an intriguing and entertaining solve. We approve! Show note imagery: DEIRDRE of the Sorrows, a heroine of Irish mythology We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E53 · Fri, August 30, 2024
Thursday, August 29, 2024 - Featuring ... a ZOOT suit 😍
Opinions were divided as to the difficulty of today's crossword - Jean found it to be a pleasant Thursday, Mike found it to be more suited for the heretofore undiscovered Impossiday™️, a day that lies between Saturday and Sunday, one suited only for the most insanely challenging of crosswords ... like, for example, today's (to reiterate, according to Mike), as well as barbecues in which Imposible Burgers play a prominent role 😀. Show note imagery: ZOESALDANA, in the Avengers We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E52 · Thu, August 29, 2024
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 - TROI and KLINGON? Sensors detect a Star-Trek mini-theme, cap'n!
A delightfully complex theme by Jesse Goldberg , cleverly finessing the rule that the answer to a clue should not appear in the clue. Highly original and entertaining, we approve and thereby bestow a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Deets inside. Remember when listening to this podcast, if you have not solved the puzzle yourself, it is easier to follow along with xwordinfo.com, where you can find the solved puzzle. Our first link in the show notes always leads to that puzzle (and xwordinfo.com has numerous other advantages, we highly recommend supporting it with a few shekels if you are able). Show note imagery: An original KLINGON, who was never heard speaking KLINGON on The Original Series. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E51 · Wed, August 28, 2024
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 - Benoit MANDELBROT was a genius, and that's a f(r)act!
A clever Tuesday crosswor d by Julia Hoepner, with a theme that was as good as it was bad, which we promise will make sense once you've listened to the podcast! It's also Tuesday, time for Triplet Tuesday, and this time Jean's in the hot seat. To hear how she fared, we most sincerely and earnestly beseech you to a) download, b) listen up, and c) enjoy! Show note imagery: the MANDLEBROT set! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Tue, August 27, 2024
Monday, August 26, 2024 - Triple your pleasure!
It is hard to find fault with a crossword that has LULU Lemon in the grid, so we will not even try, rather we will simply TOUT it for being what it is, a FUNFUNFUN puzzle, which we really did LUV 😍 Show note imagery: The Isle of CAPRI ... where the pants come from? We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E49 · Mon, August 26, 2024
Sunday, August 25, 2024 - Double, double, toil and ... an *awesome* NYTimes crossword!
A very nicely done crossword by John Kugelman, his 5th for the NYTimes. Jean tore through it, Mike took ... only slightly less time than it took Ichthyostega to suss out how to walk on land, owing to ... oops, no spoilers! Download today's podcast, to figure out a) why this was such a fine puzzle, and b) the source of Mike's brief (no, scratch that, not-so-brief) cruciverbial crisis. Show note imagery: Yes Paris, Texas has its own Eiffel Tower. Huzzah! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E48 · Sun, August 25, 2024
Saturday, August 24, 2024 - Aw, a FOSTERKITTEN 🥰
This is Ryan McCarty's 28th NYTimes crossword, almost all of which (23, to be precise) have appeared on this very day -- Saturday. The clues were quite nice -- include a few gems, like the placement of 30A, "Pleeeeeeease?", CANTI adjacent to 31A, Spiteful, as a comment, CATTY; 41A, Bus. driver, CEO (oh, very nice!); 43A, Hardly open, CAGEY (clever, clever!), and finally 5D, Strong, as a bond, AAA (🤑). Definitely much to savor in this crossword, download today's episode for all the deets. Show note imagery: YEATS, poet who penned the lines "no country for old men" We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E47 · Sat, August 24, 2024
Friday, August 23, 2023 - Listening to Tik Tok on TikTok 😎
A nice Friday crossword by Taylor Johnson and Rafael Musa, not too difficult, but not a walk in the park, either. We have our cutting edge analysis, as usual, here for your edification, amusement, and hopefully not bemusement, so have a listen, and let us know what you think! Show note imagery: Opening notes and lyrics of Tik Tok, by KE$HA We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E46 · Fri, August 23, 2024
Thursday, August 22, 2024 -
A rather curious THeme, Jean sussed it immediately, Mike aspires to do so at an indeterminate point in the hopefully near future. 😀 There were some curious clues to go along with the theme, we're still puzzling over 21A, Baseball pitcher's feat, slangily, NONO, and would also like to know what happened to the ending IE in 43D, Buns, PATOOT. Still, all-in-all a fine puzzle , this being Brad Wiegmann's 9th. Show note imagery: A NEOLITHIC monument in Scotland, no relation to Stonehenge We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E45 · Thu, August 22, 2024
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 - An IDEAL Wednesday Crossword
Stacey Yaruss McCullough has created a fine debut crossword , with some dazzling feats of portmanteau-rhymery, and if that isn't part of the English language, we hereby nominate it for such posthaste. A friendly reminder that when listening to these podcasts, if you haven't solved the puzzle (and don't intend to), you can see the entire solved puzzle at xwordinfo.com. Having it open makes it a tad easier to follow our convos, and our first link in these show notes is always to that site. Show note imagery: A PUMA, aka cougar, mountain lion, panther, catamount, painter, red tiger, mountain screamer, deer tiger, Mexican lion, Florida panther We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E44 · Wed, August 21, 2024
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - Awoogah, there's a forest fire in the TAIGA!!
Sam Buchbinder ha a reputation for writing splendid clues and crosswords, and he certainly lives up to it today , with some very amusing clues, including one that one of our cohosts was unable to even read , after much practice, without bursting into a mild chortling fit half way through. Which cohost? And which clue? Well, we all live for suspense, so we'll keep you in it ... unless you want to download today's episode, highly recommended! Show note imagery: TAIGA, TAIGA, burning bright 😀 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E43 · Tue, August 20, 2024
Monday, August 19, 2024 - Don't YAMMER about people who like to YABBER 😂
A surprising Monday crossword by Kenneth Cortes, who has gone against the convention that themed clues run in the same direction -- but he had an excellent reason for so doing, as we explain in today's episode. Show note imagery: The Washington METRO We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E42 · Mon, August 19, 2024
Sunday, August 18, 2024 - A highly amusing Sunday!
Take two really superb crossword constructors and put them together, and what do you get? A crossword like this one , chock full of heart, artistry, and attention to detail, clearly written by two cruciverbalists at the top of their games. Deets inside, as well as some fine listener feedback on the proper pronunciation of POMPANO Beach, so do have a listen! Show note imagery: Christina's World, by Andrew Wyeth, hanging at MOMA We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E41 · Sun, August 18, 2024
Saturday, August 17, 2024 - ARGH, ACK, yes, it's a Saturday NYTimes crossword!
It's been a challenging couple of days, crossword-wise, and Joel Fagliano didn't let up on the gas when selecting today's , which happens to be a) by Brandon Koppy, and b) our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner. For the record, the two are not a coincidence! Deets inside, so have a listen, and, as usual, please tell others about us on social media. Show note imagery: Jeera ALOO, made with, of course, ALOO (potatoes) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E40 · Sat, August 17, 2024
Friday, August 16, 2024 - There's a MAGICIAN in the grid, courtesy of the MAGICIAN who made the grid, Kate Hawkins
A frisky Friday crossword from Kate Hawkins - her 14th - on her lucky day, Friday, when 6 out of those 14 puzzles have been published. This was a great themeless puzzle, with some stellar cluing -- 41D, Number of sides for a hendecagon, ELEVEN; 32D, [I won't repeat myself in this note], SEEABOVE (very nice!); and 4D, Arch, SLY (yes, yes it is). In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday, and we have a great FFF of particular interest to small children, parents, and ... dentists! Show note imagery: MONACO, certainly the densest, and arguably the most beautiful, country in Europe We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E39 · Fri, August 16, 2024
Thursday, August 15, 2024 - Danger, Damon J. Gulczynski's in attack mode 😀 😀
A deliciously tough crossword by a constructor whose puzzles skew towards that end of the spectrum -- one Damon J Gulczynski. One's perception of this crossword just might depend on whether you grokked the theme -- in which case it was probably a typical Thursday crossword -- or not, in which case the difficulty hovered somewhere between Saturday and a day so challenging nobody's provided a name for it yet: we recommend Nowaynohowday. 😀 Show note imagery: A rainfly, an essential camping accessory We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E38 · Thu, August 15, 2024
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 - Another fabulous crossword by Samuel A. Donaldson
Samuel Donaldson has had 41 crosswords published in the NYTimes, for reasons that are made abundantly clear in today's puzzle - a terrific theme, crisp clues, and references to musical groups that, if you don't already know, you should! We'd mention them here, but no spoilers -- check out today's episode to find out who should be up next on your playlist. Show note imagery: A big name in Greek yogurt, OIKOS We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E37 · Wed, August 14, 2024
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 - Some great books to RETURNTO
Benjamin Panico, in his debut NYTimes crossword (yay!), has put together an excellent puzzle in which he managed to cram 6, count 'em, 6 novels by TONIMORRISON. It is an excellent feat, and a great place to start when looking for your next summer read. In addition to the crossword, we also have a fine Triplet Tuesday™️ segment, so check it out, and, as usual, let us know what you think. Show note imagery: THEBLUESTEYE, a TONIMORRISON novel We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E36 · Tue, August 13, 2024
Monday, August 12, 2024 - Some cryptic clues on cryptids 😎
This is Shaun Phillips' second NYTimes crossword , and it has only been about 2 weeks since his last one, so clearly he is on a tear! This was a tad easier than the last (a Wednesday), but no less enjoyable -- so we are eagerly awaiting his third crossword, which, extrapolating, should show up about the end of the month! Show note imagery: The two, the only ... Calvin and Hobbes!! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E35 · Mon, August 12, 2024
Sunday, August 11, 2024 - Paging Dr. WELBY!
A most definitely above average Sunday crossword by Caryn Robbins, thanks to an artful, inspired theme and a few crunchy clues to chew on. We have all the deets inside, so you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and enjoy! Show note imagery: SNARLUPS can be a real pain, as these Cairenes would no doubt attest. We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E34 · Sun, August 11, 2024
Saturday, August 10, 2024 - MATRYOSHKA, hard to spell, harder to work into casual conversation 😀
Today's crossword was Spencer Leach's fifth, and it is a gem . The clues are challenging, novel (there are 7 debuts) and delightfully deceiving. Definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, for reasons ... that are thrashed out in today's episode. We are also proud to announce the winner of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so check that out as well! Show note imagery: A person, in a BOLERO, throwing a bolo 😀 We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E33 · Sat, August 10, 2024
Friday, August 9, 2024 - Another Hemant Mehta spectacular!
Hemant Mehta has written some dazzling late-week crosswords -- and this is one of them . The clues are so well done, tautly written, prone to make you ponder. We've covered most of them in today's episode, but here are a few others: 40D, Heads, slangily, DOMES; 57A, Why don't sheep shrink when it ________? : George Carlin, RAINS 😀 ; 32D, Meiji and Taisho in Japanese history, ERAS. Just a splendid bit of work all round, definitely a candidate for this week's JAMCOTWA (to be announced tomorrow). In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday, and today we ponder pastas. And, rounding it off, we have some terrific listener mail. So, what are you waiting for? Check out today's episode and, as always, let us know what you think. Show note imagery: Fusilli v. Rotini We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E32 · Fri, August 09, 2024
Thursday, August 8, 2024 - Oh, boy, it's an OBOE 🙄
It's Rebus Thursday, not an official holiday as far as we can tell, but a) it is Thursday, and b) the grid is riddled with rebuses (rebusae?), so the name seems apt. The crossword was Christopher Youngs' fifth for the NYTimes, but his first Thursday effort, so it's a debut, of a sort. We're betting his next crossword will be a Sunday. Show note imagery: Some JAWAs, probably up to no good We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E31 · Thu, August 08, 2024
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 - Hold the homophone!
For those of you entranced with the subtleties of English pronunciation (rules? where we're going, we don't need rules!), have we got a crossword for you ! Meghan Morris has done a bang-up job shining a bright line on some of the many inconsistencies in our favorite language. We also have a spot of listener mail, all the more reason to check out today's podcast, and, as always, let us know what you think! From the mailbag, the difference between GAWP and GAWK . Show note imagery: Humphrey Bogart, in a FEDORA We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E30 · Wed, August 07, 2024
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 - EAP! It's Edgar Allan Poe 😀
If numbers tell the tale, then Daniel Raymon's favorite day of the week is ... Variety, as he has created 18 variety crosswords for the NYTimes. By that same measure, today would be his second favorite day, when he's had 6 puzzles published. We liked the theme, we enjoyed the cluing, and if this were an Olympic event he'd definitely deserve a medal! In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday, and Mike's in the hotseat, where, alas, he flamed out. Deets inside! Show note imagery: An RCA color television We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E29 · Tue, August 06, 2024
Monday, August 5, 2024 - WOOT, it's Andy Walker's debut NYTimes crossword!
For those of you who are fans of the Royal and Ancient Game, you'll have a leg up working on today's crossword -- and for those who are not, fear not, it is a Monday and therefore not too difficult. We have the deets (and WOOTs) inside, so have a listen, and, as always, let us know what you think! A reminder that if you want to follow along with our discussion and haven't solved the puzzle yet, xwordinfo.com has your back. Our first link in the show notes ties back to their answers (so don't click it until you've had a go yourself). Show note imagery: a NIKON camera We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E28 · Mon, August 05, 2024
Sunday, August 4, 2024 - Prepare to GAWP, because GAWP is in the grid!
A splendiferous Sunday crossword by Scott Hogan and Katie Hale, their third as a team, and there's something in the grid for everyone! For instance, pun-lovers will appreciate 114A, Kit-chat, MEOWS; Sesame street-aficionados will appreciate 67A, Furry friend of Rosita, ELMO; and surely everyone will appreciate the puzzle-within-a-puzzle that is 7D, What dry ice doesn't do, MELT. Show note imagery: a photo of famed photographer DIANE Arbus We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Sun, August 04, 2024
Saturday, August 3, 2024 - IDONTGETIT - simultaneously in the grid and a summary of today's puzzle! 😀
Another tricky Saturday crossword , this by long-time contributor Rich Norris. There were quite a few fascinating answers in the grid, including 40A, Home run, informally, DINGER (huh!); 53A, Last syllable of a word, ULTIMA (say what?!?); and the rarely seen 52D, Agendas, for short, SKEDS (about, rest assured, we have SCADs to say in today's episode). Besides our analysis, we have chosen the winners of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), and so congrats to ... nope, once again the spoiler censor would like us to desist, and so we shall -- check out the podcast, though, to find out who won, as well as some awesome listener mail! Show note imagery: The US TAXCODE, all 10,000 sections of it! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E26 · Sat, August 03, 2024
Friday, August 2, 2024 - A crossword with SCADS of fine answers, including ... SCADS!
Kate Chin Park has constructed a fine Friday crossword : no theme, just SCADS of crunchy clues, ones that make you furrow your brow, stroke your chin, tap your temple, and all those other gestures that one tends to do when the difficulty meter starts to rise. We have all the deets in today's episode, so check it out, and let us know how you fared doing it. Show note imagery: The birthplace of John Steinbeck (before it was turned into a restaurant, we hope 😀) We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E25 · Fri, August 02, 2024
Thursday, August 1, 2024 - Shades of Schwarzenegger!
Send us a Text Message. Another fabulous Thursday crossword , a debut by Rajeswari Rajamani, but you wouldn't know it based on the quality of the clues, and the brilliant theme. With clues like 43D, Where you might find yourself on edge?, ICERINK, the enlightening 51D, Who pays all legal costs under the so-called "English Rule", LOSER, and the astonishing 66A, Where Columbus thought he had landed in 1498, EDEN, how could this crossword deserve anything else than a 5 square rating on the JAMCR scale? The answer is, it could not, hence the perfect 5. Show note imagery: A weaver ... weaving! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E24 · Thu, August 01, 2024
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - Three cheers for AIOLI, a culinary delight, a spelling-bee-er's nightmare!
Send us a Text Message. An awesome midweek / end of month crossword by the Matz brothers - Jackson and Ben, to be precise. Ben had 18 rejections before he hit pay dirt with this puzzle, so, while PERSISTENCE is not in the grid, it is everywhere else in this puzzle! We particularly enjoyed 3D, What it would be a mistake to write twice?, BOO (😀), and the surely not coincidental proximity of 50A, Aftereffects from working out, ACHES, and 48D, Gym session devoted to squats, dead lifts, etc., LEGDAY. Shownote imagery: The flag of the Isle of Man (a triskelion, we are not making this up ), a country where one may find, undoubtedly, many BLOKES Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E23 · Wed, July 31, 2024
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 - A crossword to raise your spirits, and possibly eyebrows 😉
Send us a Text Message. Jeffrey Martinovic and Will Nediger have produced a splendid Tuesday crossword , with an inventive theme and some cute clues, including one of the best that we've seen all year (and it's almost August!). Deets inside, as well as another exciting Triplet Tuesday episode, so for all that and more, we invite you to download, listen up, and enjoy! Show note imagery: VINGRHAMES, aka Luther Stickell in "Mission Impossible" Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E22 · Tue, July 30, 2024
Monday, July 29, 2024 - A BANGUP job by Jeffrey Lease!
Send us a Text Message. A fine Monday crossword by Jeffrey Lease, his second - his debut being a Sunday (!). The theme was cheery, and we have a soft spot for any puzzle that contains OZARK, as in 18D, Missouri's _____________ Mountains, and we also like the spunk of SORRYNOTSORRY, as in 26A, Sarcastic nonapology. Show note imagery: an OMELET (not to be confused with an OMELETTE. Oops, too late! 😀) Looking for a great present for your child / parent / guardian / relative / friend / partner? The NYTimes Crossword is always in good taste, and won't break the bank. Visit nytimes.com/crosswords for deets on how you can make your child's / parent's / ... / partner's day! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E21 · Mon, July 29, 2024
Sunday, July 28, 2024 - A favorite of the IOCC (International Olympic Crossword Committee)
Send us a Text Message. In honor of the Paris Olympics, Paolo Pasco has put together a fabulous tribute, one that has to be seen to be believed. It was slightly more challenging than a typical Sunday crossword, but that must surely pale in insignificance compared to the challenge of constructing it! To see what we mean, check out the completed grid at xwordinfo.com , and, of course, check out our analysis of it ... right here! Show note imagery: Some SABOT shoes (aka clogs) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E20 · Sun, July 28, 2024
Saturday, July 27, 2024 - Warning! Epic battle ahead!
Send us a Text Message. A taxing Saturday crossword -- not by chance, Saturday's are engineered to be that way -- but Barbara Lin and Matthew Stock managed to create a very nice bit of work, so nice, in fact, that it has won our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). it was a difficult decision -- we had many fine puzzles this week -- but this one just took the cake (and hence the award), for all the reasons outlined in today's episode. Show note imagery: BARBIECORE! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E19 · Sat, July 27, 2024
Friday, July 26, 2024 - The great GAEA v. GAIA debate!
Send us a Text Message. Andy Kravis has produced a most excellent Friday crossword , his 27th!, with some awesomely deceiving clues. For example ... 36A, Jam session?, SLAMDUNKCONTEST (awesome!); 46A, Breed once known as the "Tax Collector's Dog", DOBERMAN (woof!); and 40D, Powers of ______ (landmark documentary about the scale of the universe), TEN (and it deserves a 10, highly recommended!). Show note imagery: Another KATANA, this one not worn by ninja turtles Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E18 · Fri, July 26, 2024
Thursday, July 25, 2024 - Damon Gulczynski's done a bang-up job with today's crossword!!
Send us a Text Message. A tricky Thursday crossword by Damon Gulczynski, one which may (or may not) presage what the NYTimes serves up on Friday and Saturday. For those of you new to crosswords, welcome, and be aware that in the NYTimes puzzles typically increase in difficulty over the course of the week, Monday being easiest, Saturday being the most difficult (sometimes fiendishly so), with Sunday usually characterized as a "large Wednesday". Show note imagery: Bart STARR, two-time Super Bowl MVP Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E17 · Thu, July 25, 2024
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 - All hail NUDIE Cohn, the creator of (of course!) NUDIE suits
Send us a Text Message. A debut crossword by Shaun Phillips, with a theme that's sure to grab you, among a captivating coterie of clever clues. A few worthy of note include the enlightening 41D, Possessive that's often confused with a contraction, WHOSE; the pithy 34A, 3/14, PIDAY; and one of our favorite phrases, 7D, "Cool _______!", BEANS. Show note imagery: A Wisconsin ICEHUT in situ, and if you haven't removed yours from the lake yet ... don't even bother 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E16 · Wed, July 24, 2024
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 - 🎵 La, la, la, laaaaa 🎶
Send us a Text Message. Something to sing about, a nice, not TOOCUTE Tuesday crossword by Sarah Sinclair and Amie Walker that has a musical theme, the second in two days! Is Joel Fagliano trying to tell us something? Regardless, we got a good VIBE from this puzzle, and would PREFER to see more from these constructors in the weeks/months/years to come! Show note imagery: Some GENOVIA swag Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E15 · Tue, July 23, 2024
Monday, July 22, 2024 - Laura Dershewitz KEEPSITREAL!
Send us a Text Message. Today's crossword won't put you INASPOT, nor drive you UPATREE, thanks to Laura Dershewitz's cruciverbally MADSKILLS. What this crossword will do is put you in a good mood, at least it did for us, for reasons that are spelled out in today's episode. Show note imagery: A scene from AIDA Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E14 · Mon, July 22, 2024
Sunday, July 21, 2024 - CHERRYPICKING - a LOGICALFALLACY and a favorite activity of residents of Door County, Wisconsin
Send us a Text Message. For those of you who've forgotten your philosophy class, you might want to bone up on the subject before tackling today's crossword , for reasons that will become apparent ... as soon as you've tackled today's crossword! We enjoyed the theme, as well as the cracklingly good clues that accompanied it, that goodness courtesy of today's author, John Ewbank, with editorial assistance from Joel Fagliano. Show note imagery: A true Scotsman? 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E13 · Sun, July 21, 2024
Sunday, July 20, 2024 - Oh, no, the ship of THESEUS has sprung a leak!
Send us a Text Message. Today's puzzle , courtesy of Ricky J. Sirois, was a definite challenge for one of our cohosts, whereas the other had to verify that it was indeed a Saturday crossword, so quickly did they tear through the grid. But both did enjoy the solve, as some of the clues were absolutely inspired. For all the deets, as well as the announcement of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner, have a listen to today's episode. Show note imagery: The Raft of the Medusa, absolutely no relation whatsoever to the Ship of THESEUS Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E12 · Sat, July 20, 2024
Friday, July 19, 2024 - BURPEE, the origin story!
Send us a Text Message. An educational Friday crossword , with not too much razzle-dazzle, rather, just the right amount. Educationally, we had clues like 20A, River traveled by passenger boats known as dahabeahs, NILE; 17A, Setting of a date for Edward and Vivian in "Pretty Woman", OPERA; and 15A, Strait of ___, narrowest part of the English Channel, DOVER. Besides the crossword, we also have a terrific Fun Fact Friday™ segment, so do check it out. Show note imagery: Royal BURPEE, inventor of, of course, the BURPEE Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E11 · Fri, July 19, 2024
Thursday, July 18, 2024 - Space, the final frontier ... er, something like that
Send us a Text Message. An astronomy-themed crossword popped up this Thursday, a theme so near and dear to Mike's heart that he spent ... an inordinate amount of time contemplating the clues. Jean, on the other hand, solved the puzzle at nearly the speed of light, which explains why she looked like a strand of spaghetti as she was finishing up. Besides the ingenious theme, there were quite a few clues worthy of note in the grid, including 17A, Actor Omar, EPPS (not, as our instincts suggested, SHARIF); 5D, An "e-", one that was first developed in 2003, for short, CIG (if you say so!); 31A, Orthodontic device, SPACER (suspiciously close to the theme, surely no accident!); and finally 9D, Festoons with bathroom tissue, informally, TPS (the second reference to the practice this week, is editor Joel Fagliano's house under attack, and this is some sort of desperate appeal for assistance?? Show note imagery: Harold ARLEN, composer of Over the Rainbow, hard at work. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E10 · Thu, July 18, 2024
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 - Good news, Pablo NERUDA is in the grid!
Send us a Text Message. A slightly crunchier than usual Wednesday crossword , unsurprising when Alex Eaton-Salners is at the helm (and editor Joel Fagliano's on the crows nest). We had some literary clues, such as 3D, _______ Gawande, author of the 2014 best seller "Being Mortal", ATUL; and 4D, Poet Pablo, NERUDA. We had product placement clues, such as 17A, Nail polish brand with colors like "Berry Fairy Fun", and "Aurora Berry-alis", OPI and 57A, Rival of Chanel, DIOR. Most impressively, however, we had the themed clues, which we dive into, at length, in today's episode. Just a casual reminder to please leave us a 5 star review wherever you get your podcasts, that really helps get the word out. Show note imagery: Olympic gold medalist APOLO Ohno Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E9 · Wed, July 17, 2024
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 - Care for a cuppa?
Send us a Text Message. A delicious Tuesday crossword by Kelly Richardson, notable for a suggestive and quite apropos grid, a lot of fun clues, and the unexpected appearance of LAYETTE in the grid (not a debut, but certainly new to us). A few clues caught our eye but didn't make it into the podcast, including 27A, Tenet, PRECEPT; 48A, Smart society, MENSA (admission to which requires you to be able to spell PRECEPT 😀); and Legendary, STORIED, which we think is a legendary answer! Show note imagery: A Smedstorp sofa, available for purchase now at your nearest IKEA Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E8 · Tue, July 16, 2024
Monday, July 15, 2024 - The Big Interview 😀
Send us a Text Message. Today's crossword , by Tarun Krishnamurthy, was a perfect Monday offering, not too difficult, but with our favorite kind of theme, the LOL kind. This was Tarun's debut NYTimes Crossword, and he's also the first crossword constructor we've ever interviewed, so check it out, and, as always, let us know what you think. Show note imagery: A BOCABURGER, yum! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E7 · Mon, July 15, 2024
Sunday, July 14, 2024 - A Jeff Chen solo effort 😀
Send us a Text Message. Jeff Chen is a master cruciverbalist, and he is in fine form today with an amazing theme. The theme idea is simple, but constructing it must've been a major challenge. Confused? Check out today's episode, and all will become clear! Show note imagery: Beware the REDTIDES, algal blooms that are, apparently, on the rise . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E6 · Sun, July 14, 2024
Saturday, July 13, 2024 - From Tame IMPALA to Dua LIPA, this grid just sings!
Send us a Text Message. A fine Saturday crossword by Eli Cotham, a relatively smooth solve but with a lot of fine verbal baubles to enjoy along the way. We have all the deets inside, as well as our JAMCOTWA -- Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award -- winner, so we humbly implore you to download, listen up and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: One of many WPAMURALS, this one in the Cohen Building, in Washington, D.C. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Sat, July 13, 2024
Friday, July 12, 2024 - There's never a need to atone, for a crossword starring POST MALONE
Send us a Text Message. A nice Friday crossword by Malaika Handa, with some fun cluing, a few singers worth listening to, and a whopping 6 debut entries, including 17A, It has many twists and turns, CRAZYSTRAW, and the splendid 5D, "Get with the program, will you?", TRYTOKEEPUP. Definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Show note imagery: HELLOKITTY, Japan's tourism ambassador Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E4 · Fri, July 12, 2024
Thursday, July 11, 2024 - A rebus-less (?) Thursday
Send us a Text Message. Don't bother looking for rebuses (rebusae)? in t oday's grid - there aren't any. But the theme that we have instead is still tricky and amusing, and we doff our hats in what we imagine to be the general direction of Mat Shelden, the author of today's fine work, a debut in the NYTimes. Show note imagery: PEETA, who, according to 21A, is Katniss's partner in "The Hunger Games" Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E3 · Thu, July 11, 2024
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 - SCUSI, how do you spell "SCUSI"?
Send us a Text Message. Today's crossword, Hal Moore's 10th for the NYTimes, was a little bit novel, a tad quirky, but here at JAMDTNYTC HQ we adore novel and quirky. It helps that the supporting cast of entries populating the rest of the grid were also quite well done. Our collective judgement, therefore, is that Hal Moore should immediately start to work on his 11th NYTimes crossword, we look forward to seeing it sometime soon! Show note imagery: The Duchess of ALBA, courtesy of Francisco Goya Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E2 · Wed, July 10, 2024
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - Er... one BANHMI to go, please!
Send us a Text Message. There was GLEE In the grid, literally, in this Tuesday crossword by Gary Larson and Amy Ensz. A few recent answers made reappearances - we just saw 68A, Ensemble of eight, OCTET, and it's been less than a month since 9D, Unit of butter, PAT, melted into view. One answer that hasn't been clued as such in aeons also arose, that being 14A, Thrice repeated words in one of Gertrude Stein's truisms, AROSE (as in AROSE is AROSE is AROSE). In other news, Mike cleared the very low bar of not making a total fool of himself in today's Triplet Tuesday -- deets inside, so check it out! Show note imagery: The KARASEA, just north of Siberia Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S10 E1 · Tue, July 09, 2024
Monday, July 8, 2024 - All rise (and smile), PAULA Poundstone is in the grid!
Send us a Text Message. Quality control at the NYTimes crossword desk is remarkable, week after week they crank out great, great, puzzles -- and today's is just a fine example, a theme that is light and airy -- if it were a food stuff, it'd definitely be a meringue pie. Deets inside, so have a listen, and, as always, we'd deeply appreciate a 5 star review wherever you're listening to this podcast. Show note imagery: a COMICCON (yes, with 3 C's) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E100 · Mon, July 08, 2024
Sunday, July 7, 2024 - Wwee lliikkeedd tthhiiss ccrroosswwoorrdd!! 😀
Send us a Text Message. A magnificent start to our crossword-solving week, courtesy of David Karp. The theme is inspired, the rest of the puzzle just as well crafted, definitely 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and certain a contenda, as they like to say, for this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Show note imagery: Light Blue Nursery, one of many great works by artist ALMA Thomas Side note: this is the last podcast of the season - where a "season" is rather arbitrarily defined to be 100 episodes - so you can expect episode 1 of our next season ... tomorrow. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Sun, July 07, 2024
Saturday, July 6, 2024 - Ouch!
Send us a Text Message. Today's crossword pegged the meter as far as difficulty was concerned, each clue only wanting to begrudgingly give up its secrets, and some not at all! We have the whole blow-by-blow (by-blow-by-blow-by ...), so download today's podcast to hear about our epic struggle. While you're listening, feel free to applaud the deserving winner of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award™). Show note imagery: An OCTET of Wonder Bread hot dog buns Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E98 · Sat, July 06, 2024
Friday, July 5, 2024 - A SRSLY super crossword!
Send us a Text Message. A very nice bit of work by Trent H. Evans, his 11th crossword for the NYTimes. Jean found it a piece o'cake, Mike found it more of a bowl of CRANACHAN (see our Tuesday, July 2 episode if your knowledge of CRANACHAN is wanting, after which you'll probably be wanting some CRANACHAN 😀). Beyond the clues mentioned in today's podcast, we'd also like to give a shoutout to 2D, Billing matter, ROLE (not RATE, as Mike had conjectured); 17A, Training announcement, ALLABOARD (heh, heh); and 12D, They're a snap to get, NOBRAINER (quite the opposite of today's puzzle). Show note imagery: A TRUSTFALL in action Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E97 · Fri, July 05, 2024
Thursday, July 4, 2024 - Kaboom!
Send us a Text Message. Today's firecracker of a crossword was really two puzzles in one - a crossword, that was not particularly difficult, and an ingenious, completely different puzzle embedded within. Jean cracked both, but Mike was a tad wobbly when it came to the second, as you will hear in today's episode. Happy 4th of July, everyone! Show note imagery: Alhambra, a fine example of MOORISH architecture Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E96 · Thu, July 04, 2024
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 - A firecracker of a crossword!
Send us a Text Message. There was a lot to like in today's crossword , the sixth by Juliana Tringali Golden. A futuristic theme, a lot of fun clues, and any puzzle that can work SMAUG into the grid (65A, The Hobbit dragon) deserves our respect. We also have a dollop of listener mail to round off today's episode, so check it out, and, as always, please tell others about us on social media. Show note imagery: ISSA Rae, not to be confused (as Mike is prone to do) with Idris Alba Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E95 · Wed, July 03, 2024
Tuesday June 2, 2024 - The name's Fleck, BELA Fleck. 🪕🎶
Send us a Text Message. Today's crossword (by Josh Goodman, his second!) is an homage to one of Alabe Craft / Ideal Toy / Mattel's greatest inventions, the Magic 8 Ball 😀. There were quite a few pop-culture references today -- 28D, Actress Diane of 1998's Parenthood, WEIST; 35A, Estefan with a Presidential Medal of Freedom, EMILIO; and the aforementioned 32D, Banjoist Fleck, BELA (quite good, btw: check them out wherever you get your banjo music!). Show note imagery: The Flecktones, starring BELA Fleck. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E94 · Tue, July 02, 2024
Monday, July 1, 2024 - This crossword was Just Right 😀
Send us a Text Message. A debut crossword by Margi Stevenson, and an excellent debut it is -- not too easy, not too hard, but just right. and to find out why that last subclass was so droll, have a listen to today's podcast, where all will be revealed! Show note imagery: The last SAAB 9-3 ever made 😢 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E93 · Mon, July 01, 2024
June 30, 2024 - ⚠️ Warning! Bad puns ahead! ‼️
Send us a Text Message. If you like bad puns, then you will love today's crossword . If not ... well, you'll likely still marvel at the artistry that went into today's puzzle. We now consider ourselves charter members of the Ginny Too Fan Club, and after listening to today's podcast, we think you'll want to sign up too! Show note imagery: Paul ERDOS, captured at one of the few moments of the day when he was not writing a paper Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E92 · Sun, June 30, 2024
Saturday, June 29, 2024 - No JUNKART in today's gri... OHWAIT, we stand corrected 🙄
Send us a Text Message. In a remarkable role reversal, Jean found today's crossword to be epically and especially tough, but after inexplicably uttering the phrase "hold my beer", managed to wrestle said puzzle into submission, in a legendary, marathon session which will no doubt inspire many lusty tales of cruciverbial derring-do. Show note imagery: The TREVI Fountains, in Rome, an awesome place to visit! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E91 · Sat, June 29, 2024
Friday, June 28, 2024 - Are we there yet?
Send us a Text Message. Enrique Henestroza Anguiano has set a high bar for this weekend's crosswords, with a Friday tour de force -- challenging, educational, and fun, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. To find out why it deserves such high praise, do check out today's podcast. Show note imagery: Fiat HQ, in TURIN, Italy Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E90 · Fri, June 28, 2024
Thursday, June 27, 2024 - A crossword you can really sink your teeth into!
Send us a Text Message. Today's theme was, simply put, delicious -- and not the least bit cheesy. You'll understand why once you've listened to today's episode and/or solved the crossword, so have at it and ... bon appetit! Show note imagery: A mural, made by a MURALIST in Kaukauna, Wisconsin Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E89 · Thu, June 27, 2024
Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - Bubble, bubble, toil and trouble
Send us a Text Message. Our intrepid cohosts experienced slightly different solving sojourns as they worked (independently as always) on today's puzzle . Jean cruised through it like a hot knife through a Dairy Queen Blizzard, Mike ... did not, because for an astonishing span of time, in the vicinity of 40A, Bupkis, he had, well, Bupkis (as opposed to the correct answer, NADA). Deets inside, so have a listen, and as always, let us know what you think (feel free to post on our FB page, too). Show note imagery: "TRANQUILITYBASE here. The Eagle has landed". Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E88 · Wed, June 26, 2024
Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - Want whiter teeth? Today's podcast can help 😀
Send us a Text Message. There are two universities in today's grid, but only one of them can help prevent cavities. To decipher this cryptic sentence, as well as enjoy the rest of our analysis of this fine work by Seth Bisen-Hersch and Jeff Chen , all you need to do is download and listen up to today's episode, where -- bonus! -- you can check out our world famous Triplet Tuesday segment, and see if you can beat Mike (or at least sing better 😀). Show note imagery: A TENNISBRACELET Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E87 · Tue, June 25, 2024
Monday, June 24, 2024 - A magnificent Monday crossword!
Send us a Text Message. This was Anthony V. Grubb's debut NYTimes crossword, and it was a delight - slightly crunchier than usual, with some challenging clues - but a terrific theme nigh-well guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Deets inside, so check it out! Show note imagery: An example of IKEBANA, Japanese flower arranging Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E86 · Mon, June 24, 2024
Sunday, June 23, 2024 - A picture-perfect puzzle!
Send us a Text Message. Michael Schlossberg has a rep for creative and challenging crosswords, and he does nothing to belie that in today's opus , his 13th in the NYTimes (and his 3rd Sunday crossword of the year!). There were some real head scratchers in the grid today, including PAWL,GREAVES and AMBIVERTS. We cover those, and more, in today's episode. Show note imagery: THEPERSISTENCEOFMEMORY, by Salvador Dali Remember, if you haven't solved the crossword and don't mind the massive spoilers, check out xwordinfo.com (which we link to in every episode), which provides the clues and answers to today's puzzle. We recommend having it at hand, it makes it easier to follow along as we flit about the grid. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E85 · Sun, June 23, 2024
Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Yes, PLANTSITTER *is* a career path!
Send us a Text Message. A fine Saturday crossword by Hoang-Kim Vu, so fine, in fact, that it won our JAMCOTWA - Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award™️. With crisp cluing, amusing answers, what's not to like? Nothing, hence the award! Deets inside, so have a listen. Just a friendly reminder that doing the NYTimes Crossword is a great way to keep those synapses sharp. So, if you haven't already, wander over to nytimes.com/crossswords where you can find out how to subscribe. Show note imagery: How to perform perfect FRAPPES Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E84 · Sat, June 22, 2024
Friday, June 21, 2024 - Why, yes, Popeye Village *is* a thing
Send us a Text Message. This is Billy Bratton's 9th NYTimes crossword. He tends to specialize in Friday and Saturday puzzles, and this one is an excellent example of the genre, for reasons that we delve into, at length, in today's episode. Show note imagery: A major Maltese tourist attraction, Popeye Village! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E83 · Fri, June 21, 2024
Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Three cheers for the "era of good feelings"
Send us a Text Message. A slightly tricky Thursday crossword , especially confounding if one fails to grok the theme, a fate that temporarily befell both cohosts (in different ways: as usual, both cohosts solved alone, otherwise Mike would just slow Jean down to a tai-chi / glacial pace). We have all the deets inside, so have a listen and let us know what you think! Show note imagery: Valence electrons Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E82 · Thu, June 20, 2024
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Happy Juneteenth!
Send us a Text Message. We are baaaack! And to welcome us, Brad Wiegmann and Joel Fagliano have provided a f ascinating crossword to help us get back into the groove, so check out today's podcast and let us know what you think! Show note imagery: Hop o' My Thumb (really) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E81 · Mon, June 03, 2024
Sunday, June 2, 2024 - Look out, here comes a SQUIB! 🦵🏈
Send us a Text Message. Today's crossword was a real deal - two puzzles for the price of one, and each was a delight. We have all the deets inside, so do have a listen. This is our last podcast for two weeks-- we are taking our yearly Summer sabbatical -- so expect to hear from us starting ... in about two weeks! Show note imagery: Behold, a BEERAMID Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E80 · Sun, June 02, 2024
Saturday, June 1, 2024 - The POSHEST crossword this week!
Send us a Text Message. A splendid Saturday crossword wraps up our crossword-solving week. Saturdays are by tradition the hardest crossword of the week, with the trickiest clues, and this one was definitely in that league. This was Eric Warren's second crossword in the NYTimes, and the first time he has won a JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so kudos for both! Show note imagery: Some delicious strawberry STRUDELS Show note video: MAXIMILIAN, the bionic dog 😀 🦮 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E79 · Sat, June 01, 2024
Friday, May 31, 2024 - We have a FIENDING for more Aidan Deshong crosswords!
Send us a Text Message. This is a beaut of a debut by Aidan Deshong, a high school senior just about to graduate, and head off to Harvey Mudd. Perhaps he'll major in Engimatology like legendary NYTimes crossword editor Will Shortz. The clues and answers in today's grid were, simply put, brilliant, as seen in 47A, Pricey oils, e.g., ART; 48A, Wet blanket?, DEW; and many, many others. To hear more, including a fascinating fact for Fun Fact Friday™️ -- you are cordially invited to download and listen up to today's podcast. Show note imagery: An INNING is the fundamental unit of time in a game of horseshoes Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E78 · Fri, May 31, 2024
Thursday, May 30, 2024 - This crossword, like the answer to 22A, is WELLDONE
Send us a Text Message. A very nice crossword by Royce Ferguson - his 4th for the NYTimes, and a Thursday debut. The theme was ingenious but not too difficult to suss out, and the number of pop-culture references was on the low side, which affected Jean not at all but did benefit Mike (for whom anything newer than 1800 that does not involve science fiction is problematic). Show note imagery: Some tasty looking crépes SUZETTE Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E77 · Thu, May 30, 2024
Wednesday, May 29, 2024 - Bottoms Up!
Send us a Text Message. While drinks played an essential part in today's grid , it seems unlikely that they were involved in its construction, based on the elegance of the puzzle - not surprising considering that the constructors in question were Jeanne Breen (for her, a debut), and Jeff Chen, LC ( LC being short for, of course, Legendary Cruciverbalist). Jean made short work of today's puzzle. Mike could make neither head nor tail of the north central region of the grid for a considerable length of time, before finally acknowledging that NEWEURO is not a thing, thus opening the floodgates, so to speak. Show note imagery: Josh DUHAMEL and Fergie, in happier times, along with what might be a MUDSLIDE Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E76 · Wed, May 29, 2024
Tuesday, May 28, 2024 - EVIE Sands, in the grid and (hopefully) on your playlist!
Send us a Text Message. A nice Tuesday crossword , and, as detailed in today's episode, one eight years in the making!! So, even though PERSEVERANCE is not in the grid, it truly is in the heart of Chris Leatherberry, the constructor of today's fine work. We appreciated all the longer wavelength color references in today's grid, namely 54D, Famed fireman Red, ADAIR, in close proximity to 55D, Reddish application to cheeks, ROUGE, and kitty corner to 12D, More pink, RARER. We also, enjoyed 69A, Prefix with brow, UNI, as we are big fans of Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, Sam Eagle, and other assorted muppets. Show note imagery: RODAN, probably on the prowl for Godzilla Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E75 · Tue, May 28, 2024
Monday, May 27, 2024 - All rise, ELENA Kagan is in the grid!
Send us a Text Message. It's hard not to GIVEPROPS to a crossword that has GIVEPROPS in the grid, so we're not even going to try: PROPS to Christopher Youngs for this, his 4th NYTimes crossword! Show note imagery: Yaroslava Shvedova, celebrating her GOLDENSET win at Wimbledon in 2012 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E74 · Mon, May 27, 2024
Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Look, up there in the sky ... it's a dude, it's a bro, no, it's a ... BRAH??
Send us a Text Message. A straightforward Sunday puzzle by John Kugelman, this his 4th for the NYTimes, with a theme for which the word "cute" was invented. The quality of the clues was exceptional, with some real gems noted in today's podcast. But we'd also like to highlight some others, such as 64A, The i's have it, DOT (😀); 22A, Morse code click, DIT (to keep the DOT company 😉); 94A, Someone who hopes to keep out of the spotlight?, ESCAPEE (🙄). Show note imagery: The Eight Lancashire Lads, clog dancers, including one Charlie Chaplin Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E73 · Sun, May 26, 2024
Saturday, May 25, 2024 - A splendid Saturday solve
Send us a Text Message. This is David P. Williams' fourth NYTimes crossword, and interestingly all four have used the same grid, so apparently DPW has taken the phrase "why mess with success?" to heart. There are some magnificent clues in today's grid , including 47D, Time to take stock?, IPO; 34A, Lover of literature, ROMEO (ha!); and we loved the juxtaposition of 29A, Architects, so to speak, MASTERMINDS, immediately above 31A, Wield influence, PULLSTRINGS, because that's what MASTERMINDS do, and David P.Williams definitely belongs in that category. Definitely 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! It is also Saturday, and in today's episode we reveal our choice for this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Awards) Show note imagery: José Abreu, performing a BASKETCATCH Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E72 · Sat, May 25, 2024
Friday, May 24, 2024 - This crossword is TWICEASNICE
Send us a Text Message. For your edification, we present our analysis of a nice -- in fact, twice as nice! -- crossword by Carolyn Davies Lynch that really has a lot to commend it, most notably some really, really difficult clues! Fortunately there were not too many pop-culture references: we did have 16A, Many Eras Tour attendees, SWIFTIES, but Taylor Swift may be the most famous woman on the planet, and so even Mike was able to suss that one out. Beyond the crossword, we have a fine Fun Fact Friday™️ segment for your enjoyment, and, as promised, a video showing 46A, Metal that "cries" when bent, TIN. Show note imagery: An IMPALA, able to leap 10 feet off the ground! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E71 · Fri, May 24, 2024
Thursday, May 23, 2024 - Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive
Send us a Text Message. We don't normally namedrop Shakespearean quotes, but we are inspired by today's highly twisty-turny theme that looks like it might take 100 years or so to construct, but Adam Wagner managed to pull it off in well under a decade 😉 While the theme is certainly the center of attention, there is a lot of other joyous word play taking place throughout the grid, so to learn more, prithee download and lend us your ears, we vouchsafe to return them in good working order 😀 Show note imagery: DORA Maar, Pablo Picasso's muse Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E70 · Thu, May 23, 2024
Wednesday, May 22, 2024 - Finally, the DEBUGGER gets its due!
Send us a Text Message. Today's crossword had eight, count'em, eight debut answers, including every computer programmer's favorite, DEBUGGER, the unsung hero of software development. A number of other clues didn't make it into the grid but deserve a shoutout, including 61A, Currently happening, AFOOT (and we can hear the British accent in our heads when we say it 😀); 35D, Handel's Messiah, for one, ORATORIO (not a Canadian province, but sooooo close 😀😀); and our favorite, 8D, They'd no't appreciate well, INGRATES (ha!). Show note imagery: Coeur d'ALENE, ID. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E69 · Wed, May 22, 2024
Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Today's crossword is LIT!
Send us a Text Message. Tuesday's crossword, just like the child in the nursery rhyme, is full of grace -- and we mention nursery not just to name drop but because it is an essential component of today's puzzle. Intrigued? We thought you might be, but in the interests of keeping your IL (Intrigue Level) high, we won't go into deets here, but just encourage you to download today's episode (and see how Mike did on today's Triplet Tuesday segment) Show note imagery: A BOTTLEGOURD, aka a calabash Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E68 · Tue, May 21, 2024
Monday, May 20, 2024 - A-tten-hut! CAPTAINOBVIOUS wants to say a few (obvious) words!
Send us a Text Message. A delightfully wry Monday theme courtesy of Jack Scherban, and if that name doesn't ring a bell that's because this crossword marks his debut in the NYTimes, so congrats, Jack! There were a few answers in the grid that haven't been seen in a while - 11D, Comic actress Martha, RAYE; the revealer, 49A, Unfazed response to a threat from one of the themed answers, YOUANDWHATARMY; and speaking of which, one of the themed answers, 31A, Hotels.com mascot who must be a commanding officer, CAPTAINOBVIOUS. Show note imagery: NOLA, as New Orleans, Louisiana is affectionately known Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E67 · Mon, May 20, 2024
Sunday, May 19, 2024 - Mmmm, pass the ADOBO!
Send us a Text Message. Somewhat akin to Robert Frost's "two roads diverged in a yellow wood", Jean & Mike's solves diverged, with Jean tearing through today's crossword , and Mike coming to a screeching halt (with him supplying most of the screeching). The reason for this is, as long time listeners will surmise, due to Jean's encyclopedic knowledge of Filipino dishes, and Mike's total ignorance of ... pretty much any foods / dishes / ingredients not sold at the local Jimmy Johns. We have all the deets inside, as part of our deep dive through the grid, so please have a listen, and, as always, tell others about us on social media. Show note imagery: DOUGHBRAIDERS at work Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E66 · Sun, May 19, 2024
Saturday, May 18, 2024 - Hey, where'd all the black squares go? 😀
Send us a Text Message. Today's crossword looked daunting - a sea of white squares, and two 3-stack sets of grid-spanning answers. But while our first reaction was 36A, [Uh-oh], GULP , and our second reaction was 59A, "I'm speechless", THEREARENOWORDS ", we used our 15D, Spots for berets, TETES , and were able to noodle a solution without too many 42AS, Official administrations, OATHS . In other news, we've identified today's JAMCOTWA. Have a listen, and let us know if you agree, disagree, or none-of-the-above, just reach out via the usual e-mechanisms (Email, Facebook, or the new Fan Mail link). Show note imagery: THEBARD, sobriquet behind 154 sonnets Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E65 · Sat, May 18, 2024
Friday, May 17, 2024 - A Fast (but not Furious) Friday crossword
Send us a Text Message. A relatively straightforward Friday crossword by Hermann Mehta, but an admirable addition to the pantheon nonetheless. Now, based on the Law of Conservation of Crossword Difficulty (first theorized by one A. Einstein, if memory serves), this means that Saturday's crossword should be ... just about impossible. Will that come to pass? Tune in tomorrow to find out! Show note imagery: A few sample TANGRAMS Here's a link to the Monty Hall Problem, it makes for fascinating reading. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E64 · Fri, May 17, 2024
Thursday, May 16, 2024 - EDIE, LIEV, OWEN, ALEC and ISSA - this grid is *brimming* with actors!!
Send us a Text Message. Although today's' theme has nothing to do with actors, quite a few of them popped up in today's grid.There were some LOL clues / answers as well, and let us not gloss over some very nice pairings in the grid -- EDIE v. EDDY, LIEV v. ALEVE, those surely can't ONE, um, we mean ALL, be coincidental! TLDR, we loved this debut crossword from Sara Muchnick and can't wait for more, which is why we've awarded this fine puzzle 5 squares on the NIST-approved* JAMCR scale. *just kidding: the National Institute of Standards and Technology has not expressed an official opinion as to the validity of our scale, but as soon as they get the metric system sorted out we're sure to be next in the queue. Show note imagery: BAD, Michael Jackson's first concert tour after leaving the Jackson 5, but definitely not an appropriate adjective for that tour! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E63 · Thu, May 16, 2024
Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - HAPPYBDAY -- which, statistically speaking, will apply to 1/365th of all of you reading this! 😉
Send us a Text Message. A middle-of-the-road crossword for the middle of the week, MaryEllen Uthlaut has made a bbbbbedazzling puzzle -- and the reason for all those extra b's will bbbbbecome apparent as soon as you check out today's episode, so ... do it now! Show note imagery: A 10 BAHT coin Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E62 · Wed, May 15, 2024
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Bring on the TRUNKSHOW!
Send us a Text Message. Alex Eaton-Salners, a grizzled veteran with 67 (!) NYTimes crosswords to his credit, has produced a fine Tuesday crossword for our edification and entertainment. There was a fine theme and excellent surrounding cast of clues, including a few that we couldn't squeeze into the podcast: 58A, Wharton or Sloan, informally, BSCHOOL (only its 3rd appearance in the NYTimes); 47D, Floral subject for Van Gogh, IRISES (ah, we can smell them from here!) ; and last but not least, 40A, Idealogical split, SCHISM (not fans of the concept, but we do enjoy saying it) Besides the crossword, it's Triplet Tuesday, and Jean does ... nope, you'll have to download to find out how she did. Show note imagery: Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, wearing CORONETs Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E61 · Tue, May 14, 2024
Monday, May 13, 2024 - Fore!
Send us a Text Message. For those of you who can think of nothing better to do than spend a morning out on the links -- and if an image of giant sausages just sprung to mind, you are not the people we had in mind 😀 -- you are going to love today's puzzle, especially the theme (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). We explore that in depth in today's podcast, and we also have a great bit of listener mail, so do have a listen, and as always, please tell others about us on social media. Show note imagery: The MacDonald boys playing golf, by Jeremiah Davison Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E60 · Mon, May 13, 2024
Sunday, May 12, 2024 - Happy Mother's Day!! 👩‍👧
Send us a Text Message. A delectable Mother's Day present from Avery Gee Katz, a crossword that one of our cohosts found to be just a trifle difficult, and the other found to be like scaling Mount Everest barefoot, but harder. We will let you mull over who found what what, and then invite you to check out today's podcast to either confirm or confound your hunch. Show note imagery: The Cabo Arch, in CABOSANLUCAS Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E59 · Sun, May 12, 2024
Saturday, May 11, 2024 - A Blissful Saturday Crossword
Send us a Text Message. The author of today's crossword seems to specialize in Saturday puzzles - this is his 4th, out of a total of 8 published in the NYTimes - and the clueing is definitely what one would expect on a Saturday. Check out today's podcast, and you'll see what we mean. We also have a day-late version of Fun Fact Friday, featuring little known Declaration of Independence signer Button Gwinnett, and our pick for JAMCOTWA - the Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award. Deets inside, so do download, have a listen, and, as always, tell others about us on social media! Show note imagery: ATTILA having a meetup with Pope Leo I, as depicted by Raphael Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E58 · Sat, May 11, 2024
Friday, May 10, 2024 - Woo-hoo, TRIESTE is in the grid ... for the 100th time!!
Send us a Text Message. A great debut crossword by Jesse Cohn - and debuting on a Friday is no mean feat, but one look at this puzzle will convince you that it is a fine addition to the pantheon, filled with a bevy of great clues and answers. Deets inside, all for your listening pleasure! Show note imagery: TRIESTE Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E57 · Fri, May 10, 2024
Thursday, May 9, 2024 - Are you sure o' about the spelling of CHURRO? 🙄
Send us a Text Message. A delightfully difficult Thursday crossword by Joe DiPietro, a constructor who has a reputation for precisely those sorts of puzzles. The theme? A+. The rest of the grid? A+. The entire crossword? A++, or as we like to say it, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Beyond our take on today's crossword, we also have some great listener mail, so check all of that out, and, as always, let us know what you think. Show note imagery: A delicious CHURRO Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E56 · Thu, May 09, 2024
Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - The weather's looking iffy, better break out the ... ARCTICS??
Send us a Text Message. Yet another Michael Schlossberg crossword , and while we are certainly elated to see it, we can't help but ponder whether the good doctor is truly giving his patients all the attention that they deserve, or whether he might be thinking, "Let's see what theme could I make out of rashes and runny noses?". Seriously, the pace with which he has been publishing NYTimes crosswords this year is truly phenomenal (this is his third, and the year is still young). This crossword did seem to be slightly crunchier than usual, ironic considering the absence of one key ingredient that is often associated with this crossword's theme. What was that ingredient? And what was the theme? To find out, you'll have to do what thousands of others have done before you, i.e., subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Show note imagery: EDGAR Meyer, performing at what we fervently hope is a rehearsal and not an actual performance Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E55 · Wed, May 08, 2024
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - A crossword that's guaranteed to apPEAL 😉
Send us a Text Message. The title of today's episode will make more sense, and seem even more hilarious - - we promise! -- once you've listened to today's episode, covering a fine debut crossword by Justin Werfel. So have at it, and after you've done so, either drop us a line at crosswordpodcast@icloud.com or try Buzzsprout's newest product, "Fan Mail" and text us! A reminder, that when listening to these episodes, if you haven't solved the crossword, and don't plan on doing so, we recommend visiting xwordinfo.com, where you can see the entire filled grid, and clues -- it'll make following our conversation that much easier! Show note imagery: T.S. Eliot, possibly pondering how much he loathed April. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E54 · Tue, May 07, 2024
Monday, May 6, 2024 - Button, Button, who's got the Button?
The NYTimes crossword is, of course, a delight to try and solve, but we also appreciate the opportunities it offers to explore the nooks and crannies of language, culture, history, and the like. Today's episode is a case in point, where serendipity brings us to the door step of one Button Gwinnett, a fascinating historical figure who occasionally pops up in pop culture, and clearly warrants a Fun Fact Friday™️ segment sometime soon (hint, hint). Show note imagery: Grand TETON National Park Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E53 · Mon, May 06, 2024
Sunday, May 5, 2024 - Three, Two, One, Crossword!!! 🚀
For those of you who are of the space-faring persuasion, today's crossword is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, as the theme consists of a series of punny (of course: it's Sunday!), rocket-related entries. ELTONJOHN manages to make an appearance, he of ROCKETMAN fame, NIXON also drops by to say hi, and no self-respecting crossword about space would be complete if YODA didn't make an appearance -- so, good news, he does! For all the deets, please subscribe (so you don't miss an episode), download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: a Titan II rocket, taking to the skies Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E52 · Sun, May 05, 2024
Saturday, May 4, 2024 - WABISABI, beautiful to behold, a struggle to spell
A relatively straightforward Saturday compared to the last few, but we are not complaining! The clues were still a challenge, and the answers entertaining, with nary a drop of crosswordese to taint the grid. We approve, and indeed, approve so much that this crossword is the winner of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Bravo, kudos, and all that! Show note imagery: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz (the latter often heard saying to the former, LUCYIMHOME) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E51 · Fri, May 03, 2024
Thursday, May 2, 2024 - In praise of SISAL!
As today's podcast makes abundantly clear, our cohosts had entirely different experiences solving today's puzzle . One of us (hint: the one with the higher voice) breezed through it, the other (hint: the one with the even higher voice when stressed) moved through it like a finalist in a human mannequin competition. While their solving experiences might have diverged, they both agreed that the crossword, Brandon Koppy's 16th, was most excellent, for reasons spelled out within. Show note imagery: CALABRIA, the toe of Italy Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E50 · Thu, May 02, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024 - Happy May Day!!
If you are allergic, you might want to brace yourself before tackling today's crossword, because it is quite flowery and fragrant, all in aid of a theme that we found ... flowery, fragrant, and fun. Deets inside, so have a listen, and let us know what you think! Show note imagery: A lovely example of a FREESIA Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E49 · Wed, May 01, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024 - BREADFRUIT, definitely a food with an identity crisis
The record does not state whether Michèle Govier, the constructor of today's crossword , was hungry when she set to work, but the presence in the grid of PEAS, NILLA, OREO, BREADFRUIT, TARO, and, as a topping, OREGANO, does make us wonder. What we are not wondering about is the quality of this crossword - excellent, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Our justification is as close as your download button, and as a bonus you can check out Jean's epic struggle in today's Triplet Tuesday™️ segment. Show note imagery: GIBRALTAR, a British territory visible from Africa Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E48 · Tue, April 30, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024 - No HUEANDCRY about this crossword, it was awesome!
Another day, another debut crossword , this one by Tom Locke -- who has published in other well-known venues before, but this is indeed his first in the NYTimes. In the best tradition of NYTimes Monday crosswords, the theme was amusing, understated (certainly compared to its flashy Thursday sibling), and not too difficult to souse out. Deets inside, so have a listen, don't forget to subscribe, and please tell others about us on social media. Show note imagery: A pair of BLUEWHALEs looking, well, a bit BLUE Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E46 · Sun, April 28, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024 - EXTRAEXTRA, in the grid and how long it'll take to solve this magnificent Saturday crossword
A challenging Saturday crossword by Rich Norris - his 188th!! -- with a nice mix of deceiving and educational clues. Examples of the former include 2D, "Say no more", ONIT, and the aforementioned 26D, "Do I have news for you!", EXTRAEXTRA. Latter examples include 17A, Like some coins, BIMETALLIC (huh), and 7D, NASA rocket since 1957, ATLAS. Today is Saturday, meaning it's time to announce this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), and this week the winner was ... nope, no spoilers here: check out the podcast, though, all will be revealed there. Show note imagery: LOME, the capital of Togo, in the Gulf of Guinea Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E47 · Sun, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024 - WIZKHALIFA, an unsurprisingly very tall rapper 😀 🗼
Today's crossword , a debut in the NYTimes by Mike Ellison, was a relatively gentle Sunday crossword with a host of curious clues, such as 94A, Hats worn by Napoleon, BICORNES; 86A, Golf gimme, TAPIN (not to be confused with last Thursday's golf phrase, HOLESOUT); 80A, Settings for timers, OVENS (nice!!); and the fine 53A, Needles holder, CONIFER (awesome!!). An auspicious debut indeed, and we look forward to many more contributions from Mr. Ellison. Show note imagery: The Three Musketeers - Aramis, ATHOS, and Porthos Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E45 · Sat, April 27, 2024
Friday, April 26, 2024 - This crossword was the CREMA de la CREMA!
This was a delightful Friday crossword courtesy of Matthew Stock and Christina Iverson (with Joel Fagliano ably editing). It had plenty of crunch, thanks to SCADS of challenging clues -- 43A, Porto-Novo's country, BENIN; 28D, Contend, HOLD; and 28A, Second hand, HELPER (😀) -- but they were reasonably fair (for a Friday!), and both cohosts concur that this crossword was worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. It's Friday, time for Fun Fact Friday! We won't tell you the fact right here, other than to hint that you might want to don a monocle before listening. Show note imagery: The great game of PLINKO Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E44 · Fri, April 26, 2024
Thursday, April 25, 2024 - 🎶 The name's MCRAE ... Carmen MCRAE 🎶
Just when you thought that the PHENOMs who construct NYTimes Crosswords couldn't possibly come up with one more theme, they ... come up with one more theme, and this one, by Hanh Huynh , is so novel that it deserves a standing ovation. Have a listen, and you'll see why! A reminder that the entire crossword, filled out and with clues, is available at xwordinfo.com. When listening to this podcast, if you haven't filled out the grid yourself, you'll probably find the convo a lot easier to follow if you have that open first, it is one awesome resource for cruciverbalists (that's you!) everywhere. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E43 · Thu, April 25, 2024
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - MAMMAMIA, this was an *awesome* Wednesday crossword!
Jeffrey Martinovic has graced the pages of the NYTimes before, and one glance at this crossword will tell you why he was invited back - a splendid piece of work, a brilliant (and helpful) theme, with an ARMY (60A, Host) of educational and entertaining clues. Those included 5D, Sound of hesitation ERM, and its counterpart, 68A, Sounds of hesitation, UMS; 71A, Media inits. since 1851, NYT (yay, our favorite newspaper!!); and, of course, the unforgettable 70A, Bottomless pit, ABYSM, a clue into which we hope to take a, ahem, deep dive, at a later date! Show note imagery: An example of LATERALSYMMETRY Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E42 · Wed, April 24, 2024
Tuesday, April 23, 2024 - ELVIS might've left the building, but he's still in the grid!
Judy Bower's debut crossword has much to commend it, including 45D, Word with bad or blood, SPORT; 34D, Certain Scotsman, GAEL; 38D, "Ha, no surprise there!", IKNEWIT; and, of course, the awesome theme of which we have more to say inside, so to speak. Show note imagery: SCREENAGERS! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E41 · Tue, April 23, 2024
Monday, April 22, 2024 - Happy Earth Day! 🌎
A celebration of Earth Day and a word ladder, who could ask for more? We love word ladders, so today's crossword , by David J. Kahn (his 189th!!), hit the sweet spot. There were also several Earth Day related clues not tied to the word ladder -- 18A, Sustainably produced electricity, GREENPOWER; 54A, Carbon-based energy source, FOSSILFUEL; and in between, 36A, One symptom of climate change, GLOBALWARMING. All in all, a timely and enjoyable Monday puzzler. Show note imagery: The San Gorgonio Pass wind farm Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E40 · Mon, April 22, 2024
Sunday, April 21, 2024 - A crackerjack of a crossword! 😀
Michael Schlossberg has created a dazzling Sunday crossword with a doozie of a theme, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. We have all the deets inside, so we cordially invite you to have a listen (and don't forget to subscribe!) Show note imagery: TEDTtalks, which are apparently limited to 18 minutes in length Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E39 · Sun, April 21, 2024
Saturday, April 20, 2024 - BOOMROASTED!
Another challenging Saturday crossword - no surprise there, Saturdays are designed to be the toughest crossword of the week - but at least the trivia / pop culture references were mercifully few. Jean had a spot of bother in the middle of the crossword, while Apple aficionado Mike thrashed about trying to recollect 48A, Popular video editing software, IMOVIE. Deets inside, as usual, as well as the big reveal, this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner. Show note imagery: An APPLETINI Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E38 · Sat, April 20, 2024
Friday, April 19, 2024 - Flying to Sweden? Why not land in LUND? 🙄
An entertaining and educational Friday crossword by Kate Hawkins - just the way we like 'em! Jean knew pretty much every answer in the grid, although it took some time to connect each word/phrase to its clue! Mike, meanwhile, knew ... PHASERS and EDEN, although many of the rest of the answers looked vaguely familiar. Besides our analysis of the crossword proper, it's Fun Fact Friday, so check out that segment (including the US Fish & Wild Service web site mentioned there). Show note imagery: The Alhambra PALACE, in Spain Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E37 · Fri, April 19, 2024
Thursday, April 18, 2024 - Today's crossword was a real ROMP
Today's crossword did not have the rebuses (rebusae?) that one of us (cough, Mike, cough) forecast yesterday, but it made up for that omission with a terrific, and terrifically taxing, theme, and an accompanying throng of challenging clues. We're still gasping, in awe and exhaustion, from having gotten this puzzle solved. For all the deets, have a listen, and then let us know what you think - crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Show note imagery: Check out those pink PLUMES Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E36 · Thu, April 18, 2024
Wednesday, April 17, 2024 - The ayes have it!
Another fabulous midweek NYTimes crossword, thanks to a glorious theme that is about as NYTimes-ish as they come. We will leave you in suspense as to what that theme might be, or ... you could just download today's episode where all will become clear, in particular why this crossword rates a full and enthusiastic 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: A real escape pod (from a B-58 Hustler) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E35 · Wed, April 17, 2024
Tuesday, April 16, 2024 - This crossword was the absolute TOPPS!
A splendid Tuesday crossword by Adam Vincent (edited most ably by Joel Fagliano), with quite a few lively clues to keep the solver interested. We are referring to (beyond those mentioned in the podcast proper) to 51A, San Fran athlete, NINER; 65A, Deserving of a fire emoji, as a party, LIT (say what? 😀); and 36D, Quartet + Quintet, NONET (awesome!). In addition to our deep dive into the grid, it's also Triplet Tuesday, and Jean's in the hotseat! To find out how she fared, subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy! Show note imagery: Dimension X, a marvelous old time radio show Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E34 · Tue, April 16, 2024
Monday, April 15, 2024 - Today's exotic crossword food? Not OREOS, not ENOKI, no, it's ... ASIANPEARS! 🍐
We are philosophical about today's crossword (a debut by Amanda Winter), mainly because today's crossword -- particularly the theme -- contained a large dollop of philosophy. We will leave you in mild suspense as to the exact nature of that philosophy, but you may assuage that suspense by checking out today's episode! Show note imagery: Yesterday, a DERBY; today, FEDORAS; tomorrow's forecast ... TAMs! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E33 · Mon, April 15, 2024
Sunday, April 14, 2024 - 🎶 All we are saying, is give PAESE a chance 🎶 🙄
A crunchier than usual Sunday crossword by John Rippe and Jeff Chen, a side-effect, perhaps, of a brilliant theme that had Jeff Chen's fingerprints all over it. There were many clever clues - 35A, Something you might break into, SONG (ha!); 9D, Game with annoying pop-ups, WHACAMOLE (raising again, that epic question, where'd the K go?); and 97A, Outstanding, OVERDUE (like Lucy v. Charlie Brown, we always fall for that clue!). But the pièce-de-résistance of the entire puzzle had to be the theme, timely, epic, and elegant. Deets await inside, so have a listen, and please tell others about us on social media! Show note imagery: Don't fret, it's just a FRETSAW Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E32 · Sun, April 14, 2024
Saturday, April 13, 2024 - A crossword that was most definitely not EASYMAN
A challenging debut (!) crossword by Jess Rucks. Our intrepid cohosts found said challenge in different areas of the grid, Jean in the mid east, Mike in the northwest. But, after exploring their respective mind palaces - Jean's approximately the size of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Mike's approximately the size of a pup tent you can find for sale at the REI in Green Bay, Wisconsin - they were able to seal the deal. We have all the deets inside, as well as the big reveal - this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). So, for all that and more, please subscribe, download, listen up and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: Your basic DERBY, all felt, all the time Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Sat, April 13, 2024
Friday, April 12, 2023 - Beware the BLANKETHOG!
A challenging Friday crossword by Evan Kalish, although not as difficult as some crosswords, it did take at least one of our cohosts a while to get any traction. But once they did, ..., well, it still took them a tranche of time to solve, and they enjoyed every minute of it! Although we covered most of the peg-the-awesomeness-meter clues in today's episode, another that deserves mention is 11D, Misidentification in the DC Universe, ITSAPLANE, very nice! Show note imagery: TIBET, roof of the world Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E30 · Fri, April 12, 2024
Thursday, April 11, 2024 - Professor Plum, in the pantry, with ... a crossword puzzle??
A delightful Thursday crossword by reliably delightful crossword constructor Dan Caprera, today's puzzle has much to commend it. The theme is spot on, and while the rest of the puzzle is based on tougher than usual clues, it is all for a good cause -- as you will hear in today's exciting episode! Show note imagery: Some of the many OLIVETREES painted by Vincent Van Gogh Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E29 · Thu, April 11, 2024
Wednesday, April 10, 2024 - Mmmm, there's nothing better than an APPLEBETTY
Today's crossword was Bill Thompson's 10th NYTimes publication, and based on this, we can't wait for his 11th. The theme was extremely clever, and there were OCEANS of great clues, including 55D, "Gee, I wish I was back in the _______" (song from "White Christmas"), ARMY; an APPLEBETTY alternative, perhaps, 30D, Linzer _________ (pastry); and 42D, 1965 film starring George Segal that was set in a P.O.W. camp, KINGRAT. So, even though this crossword was a tad crunchier than usual, we found it adorbs, most definitely worthy of a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: Mel TORME, no relation whatsoever to his daughter Marissa TOMEI. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Wed, April 10, 2024
Tuesday, April 10, 2024 - GOYA and ERTES, definitely an ARTY duo!
Today's crossword had a fine theme -- discussed herein -- but the rest of the clues also did their part. We particularly enjoyed 4D, Lady Gaga hit included on Rolling Stone's "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list, BADROMANCE (BADROMANCE, but great song!); 59A, Occam's _________, RAZOR (when you need to trim a conspiracy theory down to size); and the slightly perplexing 25D, Field for a voice major, maybe OPERA (🎶) Beyond the crossword, we also have a grand Triplet Tuesday segment, so do have a listen. Just a reminder, that the NYTimes crossword is an excellent way to keep those gray cells in the pink of health. For a year's subscription -- approximately as cheap as borscht -- just wander over to nytimes.com/crosswords, and tell 'em Jean & Mike sent ya! Show note imagery: The sitar, an excellent instrument for playing RAGA Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E27 · Tue, April 09, 2024
Monday, April 8, 2024 - Hey, who turned out the lights? 😎
A fine and timely crossword by Peter Gordon (his 128th!!) , celebrating that rare celestial event, an incoming asteroid that only Bruce Willis can ... no, scratch that, the juxtaposition of the sun and moon causing much confusion among animals and consternation among newscasters. We are speaking, of course, of today's eclipse, and Peter Gordon, the author of today's fine crossword, also has something to say on the subject. To find out what that was, we cordially invite you to have a listen to today's podcast. Show note imagery:The Farm, by Joan MIRO Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E26 · Mon, April 08, 2024
Sunday, April 7, 2024 - Pass the QUESODIP
Depending on which cohost you ask, today's crossword was either a) a delicious piece o' cake, or b) the inspiration for Edvard Munch's The Scream. Both agreed that it was an intriguing crossword, thanks to a clever theme that exploited the observation that duplicate letters can form homonyms -- YYs (wise), EEs (ease), PPs (peas), etc., etc. Deets inside, so please have a listen, and feel free (no pressure!) to leave us a 5 star review from wherever you happen to get your podcasts. Show note imagery: Masks, by James ENSOR Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E25 · Sun, April 07, 2024
Saturday, April 6, 2024 - Byron Walden dials it up to 11!
Today's crossword was jaw-droppingly difficult, each clue handcrafted to be more devious than the one that preceded it. From 44A, Notably circular formations on Mars, DUNES (they have dunes on Mars? cool!), to 48A, Flowers that are a a source of the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine, CROCI (woah!), to even 45A, Cup alternative, PINT (gasp!), it is clear that the intent of this puzzle was to puzzle, and it does so in spades. We have all the deets inside, as well as our JAMCOTWA - Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award - so for all that and more, have a listen! Show note imagery: LAPIS, or to give it its full name, LAPIS Lazuli Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E24 · Fri, April 05, 2024
Friday, April 5, 2024 - Hard not to love a grid that's filed with ESPRIT and LOLS, LOL!
Rebecca Goldstein has a knack for creating festive, fun crosswords, and her streak is unbroken as a result of today's fine work -- so far she's having a BANNERYEAR. The crossword was tough but fair, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale -- deets inside! Show note imagery: Oh, sure, India gave the world chess, shampoo, and cashmere, but these all pale in comparison to their greatest invention, NAAN 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E23 · Fri, April 05, 2024
Thursday, April 4, 2024 - We like our crosswords SHAKENNOTSTIRRED 😀
Today's crossword has it all! A unique theme / drink recipe, a nice piece of grid art, and as a reward for the intrepid solver, a flash color to celebrate its successful completion. Several clues we thought worthy of note: 54A, Derby participants in July, BATTERS; 44A, Gave a red card, informally, DQED; 49A, Betting recklessly, in poker, ONTILT; and 34A, Certain soccer kick, TOEPOKE; and the hilarious 18A, What Scott Joplin might yell after a spill?, RAGTIME. 🙄 We also have listener mail! So to check all of that out, you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: Ah, the ol' EYETEST Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E22 · Thu, April 04, 2024
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 - Hello, MEEMAW 💘
A wonderful Wednesday crossword by prolific veteran cruciverbalist Alex Eaton-Salners. The theme was cute, and the rest of the grid a hoot, with a plethora of entertaining and eduational clues scattered throughout. We've got the deets inside, so have a listen and, of course, enjoy! Show note imagery: An IMPALA, hoping that it doesn't get hit by a Chevy Impala while roaming the Savanna. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E21 · Wed, April 03, 2024
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 - 🫠🫶
Tuesday's child is full of grace ... as is this, Tuesday's crossword . The reasons for that will become clear as soon as you check out today's episode, so have it! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E20 · Tue, April 02, 2024
Monday, April 1, 2024 - Yes, it's that day of the year!
Much hilarity ensues in today's grid , undoubtedly inspired by the day (April 1st). It did make for a tricky Monday, however, and, at least for Mike, a much slower time than average. Still, a worthy attempt, definitely worth 4 squares on the JAMCR sale. Show note imagery; There's just something about this mountain ... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E19 · Mon, April 01, 2024
Sunday, March 31, 2024 - Out like a lamb?
Another one of those sprawling Sunday grids that we all know and love, 21x21 squares chock-full of delicious puzzlement, along with a heaping side of puns -- because what would a Sunday crossword be without them? This was Spencer Leach's 4th NYTimes crossword , and his first Sunday. When he's not constructing crosswords, Spencer is studying mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech, and in fact he wrote a small Python program to help him in the creation of this fine work. We have more to say about today's crossword inside, so have a listen, and let us know what you think! Show note imagery: Bather in the Woods by PISSARRO Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E18 · Sun, March 31, 2024
Saturday, March 30, 2024 - Red alert, it's an NYTimes Saturday crossword that absolutely, positively, gives no quarter!
Years from now, people will sing lusty songs of praise, and recall fondly where they were, when they heard this crossword's happy music, it was that tough . Blake Slonecker made solvers work for just about every answer, and your cohosts found it a major slog (fun slog, but still ... a slog). We have all the deets inside, as well as the winner of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award)™️, so for all that and more, have a listen, and please, leave us a 5 star review wherever you happen to be streaming this podcast from. Show note imagery: OLEANNA, which apparently is a thing Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E17 · Sat, March 30, 2024
Friday, March 29, 2024 - Lots of ENIGMAS in today's crossword, including ... ENIGMAS!
A tough Friday workout for the little gray cells, thanks to a debut by Jake Bunch with some nice diversions, obfuscation, and plumes of humor. We were delighted to see 40D, Computer acronym since the 1960s, ASCII; 48D, Fancy, WANT (of course!); 33A, Solving puzzles, e.g., PASTIME (still amazed that only has 1 T ...); and 43A, One of the Minecraft protagonists, STEVE (hi, STEVE!). It is Friday, which, as long time listeners can attest, means it's time for Fun Fact Friday, and we have a fine one in store for you. Check it (and everything else that you wanted to know about today's crossword) out in today's episode, hot off the mike (but we promise it'll be cool by the time it gets to your ears). Show note imagery: STEVE, a Minecraft character Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E16 · Fri, March 29, 2024
Thursday, March 28, 2024 - A totally tubular crossword 😀
For those of you who haven't played with POTATO HEAD for a while, today's puzzle gives you a perfect opportunity to revisit an old friend, thanks to this fine work by Dominic Grillo. The theme was blatantly obvious -- the giant potato in the middle of the grid being a huge tipoff 😀 -- but that made it no less fun. There were oodles of 3 letter answers in today's grid, that being the price of sharing space with a giant edible OVOID, which might (?) lead to a smoother solve. Regardless, the theme was a blast, and the rest of the clues -- as you'll see when you listen to today's episode -- were also of high caliber. We approve, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Show note imagery: The Story of ADELE H Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E15 · Thu, March 28, 2024
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 - Nothing ERSATZ about today's crossword, it's a 100% genuine NYTimes Wednesday spectacular!
Rich Katz is on a roll - this is his 5th NYTimes crossword in just over a year, and it is a beaut. The theme is ingenious, and the cluing amusing. Cases in point: 37D, Less green, maybe, OLDER; 51D, It might be used while boxing, TWINE (😀); 52D, Did zippo, IDLED; and 53A, Stick used for breaking, CUE (aha!). All great, and we approve, 5 squares on the ye olde JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: The IONIAN islands, conveniently located in the IONIAN sea! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Wed, March 27, 2024
Tuesday, March 26, 2024 - We're baaaaaack 😀
We are back after a brief hiatus, and welcoming us back is this fine crossword by Laura Dershowitz and Katherine Baicker (edited by Joel Fagliano). The theme was a little on the high-brow side and a lot on the punny side, just what one would expect from a good Tuesday NYTimes crossword. We have all the deets inside, so please, subscribe, download, listen up, and, as always, let us know what you think! Show note imagery: Various politicos with a fortunately-not-life-sized Euro commemorating Croatia's adoption of the currency Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E13 · Wed, March 20, 2024
Tuesday, March 19, 2024 - We are AGLARE at the presence of AGLARE in the grid 😀
This is Lynn Lempel's 102nd NYTimes Crossword (no, that was not a typo). We don't know how she does it, but we are soooo glad that she does. Check out today's episode for all the reasons (as well as our latest Triplet Tuesday segment). For logistical reasons we need to take a break this week, but we will be back next Monday ... in the meantime, keep doing those crosswords! Show note imagery: CAPN Crunch, whose mustaches almost rival Salvador Dali's! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E12 · Tue, March 19, 2024
Monday, March 18, 2024 - You've waited and waited, but take heart, the wait is over ... ALOHAPARTY is in the grid!!!
A fine Monday crossword by Trent H. Evans -- his tenth in the NYTimes -- and it has a number of fine clues honoring A-listers, including 59A, Artist who co-authored a book about his mustache, DALI; 38A, Game show icon Trebek, ALEX; and 42A, Queen of the Nile, informally, CLEO. Show note imagery: Dali's Mustache 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E11 · Mon, March 18, 2024
Sunday, March 17, 2024 - SOCA is sooooo good!
This marks Simeon Siegel's 12th NYTimes crossword, and it is a masterpiece! There's no telling how long it took to make, but no matter how long, it was worth the wait, one of those "I can remember where I was when I solved it" puzzles that makes you glad to be alive. Deets inside, so check it out, and, as usual, let us know what you think! Show note imagery: NIAGARAFALLS on ice, 1888 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E10 · Sun, March 17, 2024
Saturday, March 16, 2024 - Can't spell STROPHE? No worries, it's not a cataSTROPHE 🙄
After Friday's mental melee, today's crossword was slightly easier, but still not a walk in the park, not by a long stretch. It was a Saturday, designed to confuse and confound, and it did so in spades. We have all the details, as well as our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner, plus some awesome listener mail, so for all that, and more, we encourage you to subscribe (so you don't miss an episode), download, listen, learn, and laugh. Show note imagery: Where the Sidewalk Ends, by Shel Silverstein Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E9 · Fri, March 15, 2024
Thursday, March 14, 2024 - Happy π Day, or if the former was Greek to you, Happy 🥧 Day!
Today is Pi Day - 3/14 - and the NYTimes is celebrating in grand style (ok, perhaps not the entire newspaper , but certainly the crossword section). To see what happens when the gray lady lets down her hair, so to speak, be sure and check out today's podcast! Show note imagery: A helpful chart for anyone hoping to try their hand at chiromancy 🙄 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E8 · Thu, March 14, 2024
Wednesday, March 24, 2024 - CHIWETELEJIOFOR, a great actor and an awesome crossword answer!
Today's crossword was the ideal middle-of-the-week puzzle; a fun but accessible theme, a smattering of debut answers and a host of intriguing clues. We have -- of course! -- all the deets inside, so do have a listen, and, as usual, let us know what you think! Show notes imagery: OSLO, showing just a few of its 40 islands and 350 lakes Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E7 · Wed, March 13, 2024
Tuesday, March 12, 2024 - There's a bit of DRAMA in today's grid ... right there, 1D, DRAMA 😀
Andrew Kingsley and Garret Chalfin have teamed up to produce a fine Tuesday crossword , with some good clues, some great clues, and some awesome clues. In the latter category we have 35D, Show stoppers?, ADS 😀; 51A, Liquid-ATE, MELT 🙄; and 50D, Anonymous creator of a painting sold at auction that subsequently shredded itself, BANKSY 😀 😀 . An admirable crossword, we hereby declare it to be worth a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: BANKSY's work of art, destroying itself! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E6 · Tue, March 12, 2024
Monday, March 11, 2024 - A grid filled to the BRIM with great clues!
Today's crossword is by award winning (!) crossword constructor Rebecca Goldstein and Rachel Fabi, and the two have constructed a wonderful puzzle that is sure to whet your appetite for more of their work. The theme -- which will also whet your appetite -- is fine, but there were some other clues worth cheering. Allow us to point out, for example, 30A, One nickname for Elizabeth, ELLY; 9D, Genre for Da Brat or DaBaby, RAP; and 2D, US Soccer star, RAPINOE, to which we can only say 34D, Cheer at a soccer stadium, OLE! Show note imagery: Apples to Apples Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E5 · Mon, March 11, 2024
Sunday, March 10, 2024 - Not a hard-scrabble crossword ... but Scrabble *was* involved
Enrique Henestroza Anguiano and Matthew Stock have teamed up to rack 'em up, with a clever Scrabble-based theme. It briefly looked like today might been a four leaf clover of a crossword, a Sunday puzzle with a rebus: but in this case, the trick was to construct the rebus mentally, while writing only a single letter in the grid itself. It's complicated, but we've got the 411 on all of it, so dig into today's episode, and, as always, let us know what you think. Show note imagery: Sekhmet, the Egyptian goddess of war Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Sun, March 10, 2024
Saturday, March 9, 2024 - What's the cure for an INFODEMIC? A DIGITALDETOX!
A fine Saturday crossword by John Guzzetta -- and if that name seems familiar, that's perhaps because he has had 40 NYTimes crosswords published since 2012. Of those, 50% of them were Friday or Saturday puzzles, so he's definitely in his element here. Though themeless (as is tradition for a Saturday NYTimes crossword), there were of course many fine clues, which we dive into in today's episode. Beyond those, however, we would be remiss if we did not at least mention 27D, Concupiscent one, EROS (woah!), and 2D, Reluctant to join?, INERT (nice!). It's Saturday, and for our JAMCOTWA we chose ... nope, cliffhanger here, to find out though, all you need to do is subscribe, download and listen up! Show note imagery: Light Emitting Diodes, aka LEDs Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E3 · Sat, March 09, 2024
Friday, March 8, 2024 - Yup, definitely a Friday crossword!
There were challenges galore in today's crossword , with the rockiest of rocky shoals cropping up in the southwest portion of the grid. There were so many great clues that it would take, oh, a 15x15 grid to list all of them, but here are a few (that didn't make it into the podcast): 13D, Butt of a joke?, WHOOPEECUSHION (ha!); 9D, Like the homes of roughly one in six Americans, rural (huh!); 45A, In, in the past, HEP (har!); and there were many, many more. In other news, we have a listener mail / Fun Fact Friday segment for your listening pleasure, so do have that listen, and, as usual, let us know what you think! Show note imagery: a "Simulation Giant ISOPOD Soft Stuffed Plush Toy" (no kidding, it's available at Amazon now). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E2 · Fri, March 08, 2024
Thursday, March 7, 2024 - J.B. Smoove, one smoove operator
This is Joe O'Neill's very first NYTimes crossword , and it's a doozie, with the theme revolving around one of Robert Frost's most famous poems . Now "famous" is relative: while Jean had a casual acquaintance with the poem, Mike was, as usual, clueless -- and therefore answerless -- so he had to rely exclusively on the not -always-easy crosses, and serendipity, to see him through. There were some great clues throughout the grid that deserve some air time. There was the euphonious 53A, Waste's way away, SEWER; the sneaky 37A, Like the fruits durian and mangosteen, ASIAN (!); and the somewhat obscure 27D, Get into it, rustically, RASSLE (woah!). We loved them all, and hereby bestow a full 5 squares, on the JAMCR scale, to Mr. O'Neill's fine opus. Show note imagery: Robert Frost's Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, the illustrated version Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E1 · Thu, March 07, 2024
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 - Nothing JERKY about this crossword ... except the JERKY 😀
Brad Wiegmann has produced a fabulous Wednesday crossword, and for those keeping track this is the second crossword this week where the theme was on the subtle and cerebral side. We loved it for a number of reasons, detailed inside -- as well as some exciting listener mail that will be of special interest to residents of PARAMUS, NJ. Deets within, so dive in (as long as it's been at least an hour since you ate 😀) and enjoy! Show note imagery: Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, in southern Peru Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E100 · Wed, March 06, 2024
Tuesday, March 5, 2024 - DWEEBY, SLANGY and EEK - 3 answers in today's grid, and a law firm to be avoided at all costs 😀
Today's crossword was by veteran crossword constructor Christina Iverson, who has a knack for writing absolutely effervescent puzzles. Just consider a few of the clues in today's grid: 51A, Queen's pawn?, ANT (nice once, CI); 42D, Swift to fill a concert hall?, TAYLOR (who else?); and 24A, Like a tightrope, ideally, TAUT (we tought, er, thought so too 😉). Show note imagery: David Aguilar's amazing prosthetic ARM and EMORY university library (in the old days!) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E99 · Tue, March 05, 2024
Monday, March 4, 2024 - This crossword? It's both a debut and a BEAUT!
This is Samantha Podos Novak's debut NYTimes crossword, and it is a delicious treat, thanks to a tasty theme and a generous sprinkling of cromulent clues throughout the grid. And if you're sensing a food theme, you are correct! For all the deets -- including which food, and how many calories it has -- you are heartily encouraged to download, listen up, and, of course, enjoy today's podcast! Show note imagery: YER out! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E98 · Mon, March 04, 2024
Sunday, March 3, 2024 - Three, two, one, blastoff! 🚀
You can always count on Hoang-Kim Vu to produce a splendid crossword, and today you can also count on him to ... count, because that's the theme: countdown, to be specific, is the title of the crossword as well as a large hint as to what you have to be able to do to solve said crossword. We have all the deets inside, so have a listen, and let us know what you think. Show note imagery: PARAMUS Park, New Jersey Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E97 · Sun, March 03, 2024
Saturday, March 2, 2024 -The Book of 1001 SAT Words will be arriving FORTHWITH, or at least posthaste 😀
Natan Last has constructed 39 crosswords for the NYTimes, and this latest one shows exactly why the NYTimes keeps coming back for more - the clues are simply inspired, dancing on that fine line between uber-challenging and cruel, but always landing on the right side. So, without doubt, this crossword should be in the running for our JAMCOTWA - Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award™️). Did it win? Download to find out! Show note imagery: KABUKI, Japanese theatre at its finest. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E96 · Sat, March 02, 2024
Friday, March 1, 2024 - In like a lion ...
A roaringly good Friday crossword to end the business week! There was no theme, but there were a host of awesome clues, including: 38A, Shade akin to peridot, LIME (peridot, what a word!); 33D, Where you might run into some real characters, THEMEPARK (brilliant!); 9D, Never again, ONCE (can't argue with that!); and 18D, Luxury brand, or non-luxury option, COACH (delightful!). Since it's Friday, we also have a fascinating Fun Fact Friday™️ segment, so for all that and more, subscribe, download, listen up and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: A pair o' peridot colored gemstones Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E95 · Fri, March 01, 2024
Thursday, February 29, 2024 - Leaping lizards, it's a leap day crossword!
Whether this was in honor of Leap Day or not (only Will knows, and he's not saying), today's crossword was extra special, most notably because of some of the clues weren't just text, but in fact cute line drawings of assorted animals playing musical instruments. The line drawings were endearing, and we were enamored, for reasons that we expound upon, at length, in today's episode. Also, we have listener mail! Lots of it!! So check out today's podcast, and, as is traditional on Leap Day, we humbly beseech thee to leave us a 5 star-eth rating wherever thou dost getteth one's podcastes. 😉 Show note imagery: PIA Mater and friends Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E94 · Thu, February 29, 2024
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Finally, a crossword that answers that burning question: WHATITSALLABOUT?
A debut crossword by Greg Snitkin, but you wouldn't know it based on the quality of today's puzzle. The theme was terrif, and was abetted by a passel of captivating clues to round off the grid. While a lot of old friends showed up (looking at you, 15A, McFlurry flavor, OREO), and 61A," _________ you vera much!", (punny valentine), ALOE, there were two debuts, including 33A, Someone terrorizing kids in a 1986 Stephen King novel, SCARYCLOWN 🤡. For all the deets, have a listen, and, as always, let others know about us on social media! Show note imagery: Professor Moriarty, definitely a MATH professor! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E93 · Wed, February 28, 2024
Tuesday, February 27, 2024 - ;-), meet your grandchild, 😉
A lot of INK went into today's crossword, in such answers as SLINKYDOG, WINKYFACE and 5 (!) more of that ink, er, we mean ilk, 😀. Numerous clues got our attention and podcast time, but we would also like to celebrate 49D, Tatted, INKED (yay, more ink 😀); 9D, "It's Raining _______", MEN (meteorologically unlikely, but still...); and 10D, Like a dress with a diagonal hemline, say, ASYMMETRIC. It's Tuesday, which of course means it's time for a Triplet Tuesday battle of wits. Did Jean win? Or did she burst into flames like a Phoenix, only to be reconstituted the next day? Although the answer is likely quite obvious, to find out for certain you'll need to do what countless others have done before you ... subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Show note imagery: Kinky Boots, the Musical! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E92 · Tue, February 27, 2024
Monday, February 26, 2024 - NAMASTE!
This is Joe Marquez's second NYTimes crossword (congrats, Joe!) and a very nice piece of work it is. Several clues had a wry twist to them (and we are not just saying that because the theme involved alcohol 🙄). The humor started early, with 1A, Little spheres in a pod, PEAS; continued with 15A, Out-spoken, ALOUD; and by definition the most humorous of all, the on the nose 26D, Ha-ha-ha, LAUGH (which we did). Besides the puzzle itself, we have listener mail, a fine explanation of ANDONE from a few days ago. Enjoy! Show note imagery: The very last picture of the RCADOME, blown up to make room for a convention center in 2008 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E91 · Mon, February 26, 2024
Sunday, February 25, 2024 - Sunday is Punday
Once again the puns come thick and fast , so if you like puns, well, step this way and download this episode, because it's teeming with them, seven at last count. They're not that bad though, in fact several have groan, er grown on us (and now we're up to eight 😀) A reminder, the NYTimes Crossword is an excellent vehicle for helping you keep mentally agile and alert, and it costs just pennies a day. To gain access, just wander over to nytimes.com/subscriptions, operators, or at least bots, are standing by! Show note imagery: Elisha Otis, cutting the rope at the 1854 New York World's Fair Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E90 · Sun, February 25, 2024
Saturday, February 24, 2024 - We're willing to let TIGONS be TIGONS 🙄
A tough but fair Saturday crossword , and, coincidentally (since they always solve independently), both Jean and Mike ended up at the same spot, 20A, Pink-headed mushroom in Mario games, TOADETTE. There were at least two portmanteaus in the grid -- 8A, Hybrid fruit akin to an apium, PLUOT; and the aforementioned 30A, Feline hybrids, TIGONS. There were many other admirable clues in the grid, such as 42D, Things that might hurt you to the core, SITUPS 😀 ; 33D, Fashion items that might be a bit steep, STILETTOS 😀 😀; and the fabulous 62A, What may go to waste? No! What waste may go to, COMPOSTBIN 😀 😀 😀. In other news, it's Saturday, which means it's time to announce the JAMCOTWA - Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award. To find out who's the lucky winner, check out today's ad-free, chortle-rich episode. Show note imagery: The one, the only, TOADETTE! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E89 · Sat, February 24, 2024
Friday, February 23, 2024 - CHEESEDIP and HAUTECUISINE, together at last 😀 😀
Jean and Mike had entirely different solving experiences tackling today's crossword, a fine effort by Larry Snyder. Jean made short work of it, but Mike started inventing words out of whole cloth, a fraught activity when solving a NYTimes Friday crossword. Yet, while their solving experiences might have differed, they both agree that this crossword most definitely deserved 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday, and Muppet / Hunter S. Thompson fans will find much to like about today's segment. Also, we have listener mail! So, for all that and more, we heartily suggest you download, listen up, and enjoy. Show note imagery: The STENO machine Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E88 · Fri, February 23, 2024
Thursday, February 22, 2024 - This crossword was quite JAKE, and that's no JAPE 😀 😀
This is Dan Schoenholz's 29th NYTimes crossword, and it shows -- a nicely polished grid, with an exceptional theme. Since the preponderance of Dan's crosswords have appeared on Sunday, it might seem like he'd be a bit constrained, squeezed into a 15x15 grid, but, even without rebuses (spoiler alert! Oops, too late 😀), he managed to craft an elegantly enjoyable crossword. We've got all the deets inside, so please, subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Show note imagery: OTIS Redding (second from right), founder of The Temptations Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E87 · Thu, February 22, 2024
Wednesday, February 21, 2024 - This crossword's got STYLE (and a whole lot of other words 😀)
Jeffrey Martinovic has managed to work the word TAUTOLOGICAL into the grid, and for that alone he should receive some sort of commendation. But we can't also IGNORE some other great clues, such as 69A, Some downtown street liners, METERS; 11D, Is French?, EST (c'est bon!); and 62A, "Mud", JOE (😀). A fine crossword, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAM CR scale! Show note imagery: Queen MAB, hard at work (?) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E86 · Wed, February 21, 2024
Tuesday, February 20, 2024 - Let's get crackin', and learn how to pronounce KRAKEN
This is Robert S. Gard's second NYTimes crossword . We reviewed his first in season 8, episode 38 , and like that Saturday puzzle, this one was equally august, albeit much easier, as befits a Tuesday . We have all the deets inside, as well as Mike's valiant attempt to not make a fool of himself during the Triplet Tuesday contest, so have a listen, and let us know what you think! Show note imagery: Beware the KRAKEN! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E85 · Tue, February 20, 2024
Monday, February 19, 2024 - We'd like to mention the presence of MENSCH in today's crossword 🙄😀
This is Adam Wagner's 19th NYTimes crossword , but it is a debut, in a sense - his first Monday puzzle. It was a little crunchier than usual, but the theme made it all worthwhile. Deets inside, so have a listen, and as usual, tell others about us on social media. Shownote imagery: A thaw of ICEBOATS (and if "thaw" isn't the appropriate unit, it ought to be!) about to start racing Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E84 · Mon, February 19, 2024
Sunday, February 18, 2024 - We 🎶 HEARDITTHROUGH THEGRAPEVINE 🎶 that this was an awesome crossword!
Sid Sivakumar dials it back as he slips into his Sunday best, and this was indeed one of his best Sundays , his fourth for the NYTimes. There were some fine clues in the grid, including 75A, Home to the Great Ziggurat of Ur, IRAQ (we just like the sound of "Great Ziggurat of Ur" 😀); 116A, What hits the ground running, SOLE (ha!); and 55D, So ... or a word following "so", TRUE (double ha!); and a hidden gem at 89A, Windy part of a kite?, REEL (triple ha!). To sum up, we were impressed, this definitely rates 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: The Great Ziggurat of Ur Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E83 · Sun, February 18, 2024
Saturday, February 17, 2024 - Here comes the ... ZITI?
Spencer Leach and Jem Burch have produced a splendiferous Saturday crossword that entertained, educated, and ... whatever the opposite of enervated is, ah, yes, energized. The highlight of the grid was undoubtedly 60A, Finished, colloquially, DONEZO, although 61A, Drinks are on me!, BARMENU, definitely gave it a run for its money. There was much more to this puzzle, though, and we have all the deets inside. Show note imagery: Speed skater Johann OLAV Koss, winner of 4 Olympic golds and occasional Clark Kent stunt double Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E82 · Sat, February 17, 2024
Friday, February 16, 2024 - Not one SOURNOTE in today's grid, Colin Adam's creation is all NICEWORK
Colin Adams has turned in a fine (debut!) Friday crossword : no theme (as befits a Friday puzzle), but plenty of sharp cluing (as one would also expect). We cover a boatload of them in today's podcast, but even the "also-rans" were quite good. Consider 30A, European airline that was nationalized from 1944 to 2001, IBERIA; 62A, [Violin emoji], OHBOOHOO; and the fabulous 66A, Moving company?, TROUPE. We also have a Fun Fact Friday, and some great listener mail, so ... enjoy! Show note videography: The MASSE shot Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E81 · Fri, February 16, 2024
Thursday, February 15, 2024 - An epic Thursday spectacular!
Years from now, cruciverbalists will be able to say, I remember where I stood (or, more likely, sat) when I finally solved this crossword, it's that good. To find out why, we beseech thee, with all due haste, to downloadeth, listen upeth, and enjoyeth this fine work from Teddy and Rich Katz. Show note imagery: Karl the FOG Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E80 · Thu, February 15, 2024
Wednesday, February 14, 2024 - A Valentine's Day present from the NYTimes!
Today is Valentine's Day, and the NYTimes Crossword team was ready, thanks to a fabulous opus by Ella Dershowitz. It was a crunchier than usual Wednesday crossword, but all for a good cause - a lovely Valentine's Day theme that we explore, in detail, in today's podcast. Show note imagery: RAPANUI, aka Easter Island Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E79 · Wed, February 14, 2024
Tuesday, February 13, 2023 - Finally, DOGTV makes it into the NYTimes Crossword. Woof!
A lovely pre-Valentine's Day crossword, clearly a labor of love by Peter Gordon, his ninth in the NYTimes. There was a sizable ... what's the term for a collection of inspired crossword clues? Apparently there is no such word, so we therefore cheerfully seize the nettle and welcome the word clueclub™️ to the English language. Now where were we? Oh, yes, today's puzzle featured a sizable clueclub, including 51D, Bird with a lot of stuffing, LARRY (😀); 2D, Class that covers price ceilings and price floors, in brief, ECON (💰💰); and 26A, Harry Belafonte album whose first song is "Day-O", CALYPSO (🎶). In other news, it's Tuesday, and Jean's in the hotseat! Finally we have listener mail. So to take advantage of all that for the low, low price of $0, all you have to do is download, listen up, and be prepared to be entertained! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E78 · Tue, February 13, 2024
Monday, February 12, 2024 - 😉😉
A gentle Monday crossword to get our work week going, with a theme that involved nonverbal answers. For those of you unaware, a nonverbal answer, written in [ ], is meant to evoke a sound or an action, a nonverbal answer. There were plenty of opportunities to practice that today, as you will discover when you (we hope!!) check out today's episode! Show note imagery: Examen de danse, by EDGAR Dumas Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E77 · Mon, February 12, 2024
Sunday, February 11, 2024 - We are not the least bit REPINE about today's crossword
Depending on your upbringing and life experiences, you have found this crossword to be a breeze (Jean), or a quagmire of naticks (Mike). Both agree that it was a fine crossword, for reasons that are spelled out in today's Super Sunday podcast. Check it out! Show note imagery: Thomas Edison, on the cover of Time magazine, 1925 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E76 · Sun, February 11, 2024
Saturday, February 10, 2024 - Welcome to the YEAROFTHEDRAGON, GONGXIFACAI!
An elegant Saturday crossword by Zhouquin Burnikel, her 79th! It was a perfectly timed reminder that today is the Chinese New Year, the YEAROFTHEDRAGON, so GONGXIFACAI, everyone! The crossword was relatively straightforward for a Saturday, although there were some great gotchas throughout the grid. For example, have a gander at 7A, "Ah, got it now", OKISEE (not, as both Jean and Mike, solving independently as always, had speculated, OHISEE); 37D, Badly off-base, GONEAWOL (ha!); and 11D, Carrier of a bow and arrow, EROS (💘). Considering Zhouquin Burnikel's prodigious output, we confidently predict that you will see her next NYTimes crossword very soon, and that won't be soon enough! Show note imagery: Just a few of the many, many costumed superheroes at MEGACON 2024. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E75 · Sat, February 10, 2024
Friday, February 9, 2024 - All rise, LOUIS Armstrong is in the grid!
A fine Friday crossword by Christina Iverson, who is, at least based on her NYTimes record, unable to write any other kind. Jean tore through this like nobody's business, Mike almost met his Waterloo in the southwest corner, but somehow managed to scrape by, ending in ALLSMILES rather than SOBS. All the deets are inside, as well as a Generally Excellent Comment about the NBC chimes, so please download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E74 · Fri, February 09, 2024
Thursday, February 8, 2024 - Was this a most bodacious Thursday crossword? TRUTH!
Samuel A. Donaldson, having completed his 39th NYTimes crossword , demonstrates that practice makes perfect. Let's run through the list, shall we? Sly, wry, and occasionally totally deceptive theme? ✅ Entertaining and educational clues? ✅ Pedestrian, phone-it-in clues ❌ So Sam checks all the right boxes, and you should definitely check out a) his crossword, and b) our take on it. Enjoy! Show note imagery: King Lear, upon a HEATH, exposed to the fury of the storm in a dark night Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E73 · Thu, February 08, 2024
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - A crossword to sing about
Today's crossword was (mainly) a blast from the past, featuring a series of diverse musical hits with one common lyrical feature. Can you tell what LOLA, POKERFACE, MYGENERATION and CHANGES all have in common? If not (or even if you can), have a listen to today's podcast, where we answer that poser, and have our usual erudite, witty , and chances-of-winning-the-lottery-enhancing analysis of today's puzzle. Show note imagery: LUCID Air, capable of going from 0 to 60 in under 2 seconds, and emptying your bank account even faster 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E72 · Wed, February 07, 2024
Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - AISLED? That's wild! 😉
A terrific Tuesday crosswor d by Victor Barocas. We found the answer to 59D, Lacking clutter", NEAT, to be ... NEAT. We judged the answer to 44A, Perfect, IDEAL, to be ... IDEAL. Finally we found the answer to 61A, Positive Instagram responses, LIKES to be worthy of a lot of ... ok, you know how this ends 😀 . In addition to our hopefully cogent crossword analysis, we also have a nail-biting Triplet Tuesday segment, so listen in, play along, and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: CANDYLAND, in all its glory Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Tue, February 06, 2024
Monday, February 5, 2024 - Holy toledo, Batman, our best lines are in a crossword!
A fun Monday crossword by Desirée Penner and Jeff Sinnock, who are about as persistent a crossword constructing duo as you'll ever meet: their first crossword (this is their second) took 123 tries before they got it published in the NYTimes. Talk about grit! Today's crossword is quite colorful, and, once you solve the crossword, we mean that literally : the themed answers get redrawn in the style of a comic book, with fonts and colors that look like they came right off of a DC or MARVEL artist's drawing board. We have more to say on today's podcast, so have a listen, and as usual, let us know what you think! Show note imagery: MINOLTA, a camera of a bygone era. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E70 · Mon, February 05, 2024
Sunday, February 4, 2024 - EGAD, there's an AXOLOTL in this crossword!
The puns fly thick-and-fast in a grid that is filled with panache, pizzazz, and other classy words that start with the letter p. Just consider 99D, School name that sounds like a Canadian territory, UCONN (brilliant!!); or 77D, What might lead to a bridge?, VERSE (bravo!); and 44A, Anatomical stabilizer, TOE (bodacious!). We've got all the deets in today's exciting episode, so download, have a listen, and then impress your neighbors with your (possibly) newly acquired knowledge of AXOLOTLYs and company. Show note imagery: The cutest salamander ever, the AXOLOTYL Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E69 · Sun, February 04, 2024
Saturday, February 3, 2024 - To write a crossword this good? That *is* ROCKETSCIENCE 😀
A delightful Saturday crossword by Carolyn Davies Lynch and Jeff Chen - edited adroitly, as always, by Will Shortz. Your intrepid cohosts had vastly different experiences solving today's puzzle, but they both agreed that it contained a cornucopia of clever clues. Deets inside, as well as the winner of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award™️). Show note imagery: Sir Georg SOLTI, conductor extraordinaire Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E68 · Sat, February 03, 2024
Friday, February 2, 2024 - A MAGNA crossword!
Today's crossword , a debut by Ryan Judge, was a major challenge. There was no theme, just a slew of diabolically deceiving clues, leading to a remarkably enjoyable solving experience. Beyond that, it's Friday, and we have a fascinating fact for Fun Fact Friday, and listener mail! So have a listen, and as always, let us know what you think - crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Show note imagery: DRMARTENS, we presume Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E67 · Fri, February 02, 2024
Thursday, February 1, 2024 - Today's crossword is a real HEADTRIP!
An astonishing Thursday crossword by Simeon Seigel, with a mind-boggling theme that's almost impossible to describe, and absolutely impossible to forget, in a grid that is RIFE with NOB-scratching posers. In short, we loved it, and the author, Simeon Seigel, should take a bow. Show note imagery: Adolph OCHS, who purchased the New York Times in 1896 and promptly lowered the price from 3 cents per issue to a mere 1. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E66 · Thu, February 01, 2024
Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - A crossword with BOOBOO in the grid? Heart be still!
Although we strive mightily to provide a fair, impartial review of each and every crossword, that goes right out the window when our favorite cartoon bear, BOOBOO, graces the grid. Fortunately, for the sake of our reviewing reputations , that does not happen often: BOOBOO has shown up a total of 12 times in the NYTimes crossword, and only one of those explicitly references Yogi's pal and straight man (er, bear). Show note imagery: The AMSTEL river in the Netherlands, which, as far as we can tell, contains nary a drop of AMSTEL beer. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E65 · Wed, January 31, 2024
Tuesday, January 30, 2024 - A crossword to be tankful for 🙄
An intriguing Tuesday crossword, with, as usual, an unusual theme - this one revolving around tanks. Beyond that, we had a few standout clues, including 32D, High-flying metaphor for independence, LONEEAGLE, dovetailing nicely with 34D, _______ high, SKY; and the very punny 45A, Woman with a habit, NUN. In short, a nice piece of work by Freddie Cheng, his 15th for the NYTimes. Today's crossword included an "Oh That's How You Pronounce It Segment", specifically on how to pronounce ACAI Show note imagery: a MECHA, either getting ready to attack or take a stroll down the runway. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E64 · Tue, January 30, 2024
Monday, January 29, 2024 - WHEE, an answer in today's grid, and our TLDR review 😀
Both cohosts found today's crossword to be a tad tougher than usual, a small sacrifice to be made for the greater good, that being an ingenious theme, brilliantly deployed in today's grid. The dynamic duo who constructed today's opus, Garrett Chalfin and Andrew Kingsley, have published 6 and 21 NYTimes crosswords, respectively, and that experience shines through today. Definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Show note imagery: From left to right, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Philippa Soo, acclaimed actors and occasional NYTimes crossword answers. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E63 · Mon, January 29, 2024
Sunday, January 28, 2024 - WHACAMOLE, the perfect game to play while eating GUACAMOLE 🙄
Today's crossword was a SMASHINGSUCCESS, and although we don't want to overly HEROIZE the author, Nathan Hasegawa was clearly ATTHETOP of his game when he put this together. The vocabulary level was definitely trending upward -- see for example 13A, Like "t", "k", and "p", in phonetics, PLOSIVE, to 49A, Tremble, PALPITATE (wasn't that a Star Wars emperor?) -- but it was the theme that truly sealed the deal. Deets inside! Remember, solving the NYTimes Crossword is a great way to exercise those little gray cells, and impress your friends and relations . To get a subscription, just wander over to the NYTimes , they'll be glad to see you! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E62 · Sun, January 28, 2024
Saturday, January 27, 2024 - This crossword is a dead SERT to be a CULTCLASSIC 😉
It's Warrington & Warrington - not a law firm, but a daughter-father team responsible for this fine bit of Saturday cruciverbalism . Jean found it to be quite straightforward. Mike latched on to the little-known (because it doesn't exist) DANCER insect -- not to be confused with the correct answer to 36D, _______ bug (long-limbed predatory insect), DAMSEL*. *although Argia vivid, the vivid dancer, does exist, and it is a type of damselfly. Small world, entomologically speaking! Show note imagery: One classy clue that, alas, didn't make it into the podcast was 50A, Muralist who was a colleague of Dali, SERT Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E61 · Sat, January 27, 2024
Friday, January 26, 2024 - TOELOOP, simple for a skater, perilous for a podiatrist
Sarah Sinclair and Rafael Musa have turned in a festive Friday crossword, with that joy coming from all quadrants of the grid. We appreciated 24D, Pandemic health worker, UNSUNGHERO (sadly, quite true); 4D, Starts off-key?, HOTWIRES (😀); and the nicely deceiving 44D, Gave a hoot, YELLED. In other news, today's episode has both Fun Fact Friday and Oh, That's How You Pronounce It! segments, so you're getting two for the price of one, what a deal! Show note imagery: Betty Everett, the second person to record "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)", but the first to make it famous! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E60 · Fri, January 26, 2024
Thursday, January 25, 2024 - A crossword that is 100% *guaranteed* to have no spelling mistakes 😀
Sam Ezersky, he of Spelling Bee fame, is at the helm (under the fine leadership of Admiral Shortz), and he has turned in a fine bit o' work. He had us at 1A, Three-point letter you won't find in Scrabble?, PSI, and never let go, with a fusillade of great and occasionally groan-inducing clues/answers. We've got full coverage inside, so have a listen, and while you're doing so, please leave us a 5 star review on the app you're doing that listening on. Show note imagery: The real Freddie Mercury, at Live Aid Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E59 · Thu, January 25, 2024
Wednesday, January 24, 2024 - Well, GLORYBE, it's a SAMOYED!
A worthy middle-of-the-week crossword , with all the requisite elements that we would expect, but a few that we did not . For example, we did not expect 46D, Siberian sled dog, SAMOYED; nor did we expect 67A, Logical operators that output "true" only if both inputs are true, ANDS; and finally, into that same category of "color us surprised" we would need to throw in 8D, Italian poet who wrote "Nature is the art of God", DANTE. Show note imagery: a SAMOYED, pegging the cuteness meter Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E58 · Wed, January 24, 2024
Tuesday, January 21, 2024 - This crossword's got style!
A classy Tuesday crossword and a debut by Patrick Maher, with an LOL theme and edutaining clues all 'round. For example, 34D, Greek letter shaped like a pitchfork, PSI (true, true); 49D, Camelid sometimes used to guard sheep, LLAMA (that's a new one -- camelid, not LLAMA); and the uproarious 26D, Bad match on tinder, ARSON (😀). In short, a fine crossword, and surely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E57 · Tue, January 23, 2024
Monday, January 20, 2024 - Some OLDIES, some NEWBs, this FAB crossword's got it all!
Just how many crossword themes are possible? We'd argue for infinite, and while we have no proof, thanks to today's crossword we have even more empirical evidence: a unique and ebullient addition to the pantheon. See (or rather hear ) for yourself: download, and be prepared to be uplifted , by Jake Halperin's fine opus. Show note imagery: Hess, a toy truck that has absolutely no relationship, Mike's hallucinations notwithstanding, to author Hermann HESSE. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E56 · Mon, January 22, 2024
Sunday, January 21, 2024 - Oh, no, it's an imbroglio over an INTAGLIO 🙄
Today's crossword is entitled "Funny Business", and it definitely lives up to its name. The themed clues were a stitch, and there were lots of intriguing clues, which we had a lot of fun with as well. So, for a guaranteed laugh a minute (or at least a chortle or two), we heartily encourage you to subscribe/follow (so you never miss an episode!), download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Show note imagery: a Benjamina Ficus, in focus 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E55 · Sun, January 21, 2024
Saturday, January 20, 2024 -Oh, neato, there's such a thing as INCOGMEATO 😀
Caitlin Reid and Matthew Stock have produced a breezy Saturday crossword -- with a slew of educational and entertaining clues such as 52A, Bad drawing?, SHORTSTRAW; 30D, Greek who originated the expression, "Leave no stone unturned", EURIPIDES (huh!); 50A, It's on the house, EAVE (ha!); and 41A, Signature items?, PENS (uh-huh). There were more, to be sure, and you can hear all about them in today's podcast! Show note imagery: INCOGMEATO, look for it wherever fine vegetarian foods are sold! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E54 · Fri, January 19, 2024
Friday, January 19, 2024 - A crossword that's chock-full of AHAMOMENTs
Today's crossword was a delight -- not soul-crushingly difficult, as Friday crosswords sometimes are, but just a joy to behold and to solve. We give numerous examples in today's podcast, but we'd also like to celebrate 2D, "Well, well, well!", LOOKIEHERE(😀); 39D, Got hitched?, HITASNAG(😀 😀); and the fascinating 23A, Grand _______, town in Nova Scotia that's a World Heritage Site (🧐). This was Jacob McDermott's 7th NYTimes crossword, and we eagerly await his 8th! Show note imagery: ERTÉ, Art Deco Master! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E53 · Fri, January 19, 2024
Thursday, January 18, 2024 - I before E, except after C, albeit science tells us that there might be exceptions 🙄
We'd like to say that the Michnovicz brothers have done it again, but since this is their debut NYTimes crossword all we can say is that they've done it! -- written a thought provoking puzzle that will test your spelling props like they've never been tested before (or at least since yesterday's puzzle). We cover most of the hot shot clues inside, but one we missed was 34D, Hot shot?, ESPRESSO; another, the very classy 59A, Jeremiad, RANT; and, perhaps the best of the bunch, 39A, Something that a ram and a Ram have in common, HORN 😀. Show note imagery: the Heisman Trophy, won back-to-back by running back Archie Griffin. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E52 · Thu, January 18, 2024
Wednesday, January 17. 2024 - Morton J. Mendelson had a (b)right idea 😀
A fine Wednesday crossword by Morton J. Mendelson, and to answer the question raised in the grid, yes, ITISART: artfully designed, wittily clued, and with an astonishing number of themed clues. We were also delighted to see echoes of yesterday's stellar crossword crop up today - Tuesday revolved around ONEL, while today we had 59D, Top-notch, AONE. Tuesday involved the letter L, while today's crossword involved a lot of right angles (fundamentally an L that went head over heels). Show note imagery: EDITH Wharton, author of the Pulitzer winning novel, The Age of Innocence, and the first woman to win a Pulitzer in fiction. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E51 · Wed, January 17, 2024
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 - A deLightful Tuesday crossword
Every now and then the NYTimes publishes a crossword for the ages, and today is one of those days, because this work of art , by Marshall Hermann, is sublime, stunning, stupendous, and a slew of other words that start with the letter S -- ironic, considering that the theme ... nope, we are *not* going to spoil it here: check out today's episode and then, as always, let us know what you think! Show note imagery: today's picture, varieties of SEAGLASS Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E50 · Tue, January 16, 2024
Monday, January 15, 2024 - Beware the grampus!
A crossword that's bound to tickle your fancy , a statement that will appear quite droll once you've heard the podcast / soused out the theme. Beyond the clues already mentioned on the podcast, we'd like to highlight 45D, Pain relief brand with an oxymoronic name, ICYHOT; the appearance of yet another French word in the grid (62D, the S of RSVP, SIL), a trend which at least one of us would like to see continue; and there's just something very grounded about 60D, Barber's shout, NEXT. This represents Peter A. Collins' 119th crossword, definitely a cause for celebration.🎉 Show notes: the AURORA Borealis, the view from Iceland Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E49 · Mon, January 15, 2024
Sunday, January 14, 2023 - A SUPERDUPER Sunday crossword!
John Kugelman, cybersecurity expert and crossword constructor extraordinaire, has outdone himself with an extremely punny Sunday opus . INAILEDIT shows up in the grid, and may also have reflected his feelings when he got the last answer to slip into the grid. We liked this crossword a lot, for all the reasons covered in today's podcast. Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E48 · Sun, January 14, 2024
Saturday, January 13, 2024 - Somewhere between new and crescent, it's ... BABYMOON!
An easier than usual Saturday crossword (for at least one of our cohosts, no prizes for guessing who!), which means that -- according to the Law of Conservation of Crossword Difficulty -- Sunday is going to be a toughie! This puzzle did have some fine moments, though, including 13D, Caped crusader?, TORERO; 14D, First garment, perhaps, ONESIE; and one of the finer "bail out" excuses of recent times, 7D, "That's why you get the big bucks and not me", ABOVEMYPAYGRADE. Show notes imagery: The Brahmaputra, the 9th largest river in the world (based on the volume of water discharged) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E47 · Sat, January 13, 2024
Friday, January 12, 2024 - The NYTimes Crossword - the *perfect* way to while away a snow day
A lively Friday crossword by Hemant Mehta, with a fusillade of clever and/or educational clues guaranteed to delight the diligent solver. We cover most of them in today's episode, along with a fascinating fact for Fun Fact Friday, plus a bonus: listener mail! For all that and more, download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Show notes imagery: Where's Waldo?, mentioned in today's puzzle as having been banned (!) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Fri, January 12, 2024
Thursday, January 11, 2024 - X marks the spot!
Today's puzzle, by Damon Gulczynski, has an ingenious and well-disguised theme: and thanks to the revealer's position in the bottom-right, we are kept in suspense / befuddlement, until the very end -- just the way we like it! A few clues that didn't make it into the episode but are worthy of note include 26D, Groups of hands, CREWS (brilliant!); 41D, Instrument notary featured in George Michael's 1984 hit, "Careless Whisper", SAX (wait, a SAX can whisper? 😀); some very sage advice, 12D, Good thing to map out before an adventure, ESCSAPEROUTE; and last but not least, 9D, One of three for a grand, PIANOLEG (ha!). A reminder that doing the NYTimes Crossword is a great way to keep those neurons sharp and shiny, so wander over to nytimes.com/crosswords and a subscription/year of merriment can be yours for a very reasonable price. Show note imagery: SO NJA Henie, 10-time world champion skater! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E45 · Thu, January 11, 2024
Wednesday, January 10, 2024 - GOBI, the world's most aptly named desert!
There was one TYPEO in today's grid , but that was by design and quite amusing (20A, What's tolerated by every body?), as we can count on one hand (without resorting to any phalanges chicanery ) the number of genuine TYPEOs in the NYTimes Crossword. Some real gems lay lurking in the grid, from subtle clues such as 61D, Its ways are numbered, RTE (lovely!), to the minor head scratcher (for some of us), 12D, One of the Astaires, ADELE (no, not that one); and one that we mentioned in the episode, but it deserves repeating, "Magic that works", per Vonnegut, SCIENCE 😀 Show note imagery: ADELE Astaire and ... some other guy Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E44 · Wed, January 10, 2024
Tuesday, January 9, 2024 - OCTOPI, the Einsteins of the depths! 🐙
This is Adam Wagner's 18th crossword, and it was a doozy, with 4 debut answers, including both cohosts' favorite, 6D, Exploded, WENTKABOOM. The grid was replete with many other less explosive but still notable clues/answers, such as 24D, "The Way" in Chinese Pinyin, DAO; 9D, New Jersey city named for its most famous former resident, EDISON; and 1D, Bully in "Back to the Future", BIFF. A fine, fine crossword, and we are looking forward to Adam Wagner's 19th, which based on his prior record, ought to appear ... tomorrow! Show note imagery: Twelve Years a Slave, by SOLOMONNORTHUP Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E45 · Mon, January 08, 2024
Monday, January 8, 2024 - TEDLASSO wins big ... in the NYTimes crossword?
TEDLASSO might've been shutout at the Golden Globes, but he won big by appearing in today's NYTimes crossword , thanks to Nate Cardin, constructor and (by his own account) TEDLASSO fan. We suspect that Nate Cardin might also have liked rodeos, as today's theme definitely implies: you can almost smell the PETRICHOR (see yesterday's episode for the deets on that) from here. Show note imagery: Being a rodeo clown is tougher than it looks! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E44 · Mon, January 08, 2024
Sunday, January 7, 2024 - The name's Chyna ... BLAC Chyna!
A superb Sunday crossword by Michael Schlossberg, meeting the cruciverbal RDA for: old-timey clues -- 5A, "Yikes!", EGAD, and 19A, "Sounds 'bout right to me", IRECKONSO; birds that Mike has never heard of -- 3D, Bird also known as a lapwing, PEWIT, and 84D, Bittern, e.g., HERON; and a word that neither of the cohosts had heard of -- 2D, Petrichor, n.: The pleasant _________ of rainfall on dry soil, AROMA (but to be clear, the word we were unfamiliar with was Petrichor, we nose, er, know, all about AROMA). All in all a fine addition to the Michael Schlossberg pantheon of great crosswords, and 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. A reminder, to get more out of this and every episode, we provide a link to xwordinfo.com, where you can see the entire crossword, filled out, with the accompanying clues. So if you have't solved the crossword yet but don't mind a huge spoiler, check out the site so you can better follow along as we meander through the grid. Show note imagery: Gian Carlo Menotti's AMAHL and the Night Visitors. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E43 · Sun, January 07, 2024
Saturday, January 6, 2024 - Today's "Can you work it into casual conversation?" challenge: BOKEH!
After Friday's grueling workout, today's crossword , even though it was a Saturday, seemed relatively straightforward. We are not complaining, though, because the clues were entertaining, the answers educational, and the overall effect soothing. A few examples of the constructors' craft: 55A, They change colors, DYERS; 33D, Where pizza is said to have been invented, NAPLES (what, not Chicago?? 😀); and 44A, A symptom of "man's failure as a thinking animal", according to John Steinbeck, WAR (profound, and befitting a Nobel Prize winner). Besides the crossword, it's also JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) time, so have a listen to see if your favorite was our favorite! Show notes imagery: BOKEH in action! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E42 · Sat, January 06, 2024
Friday, January 5, 2024 - EASYREAD, tricky solve!
A tough, tough Friday crossword by David P. Williams -- his third, and his third to use the exact same grid pattern! The grid was daunting, with many a long answer, and there were almost no "gimme" clues to get a foothold. Mercifully (at least from Mike's perspective) there were relatively few pop culture references, just a lot of joyous word play. Deets inside, as well as a very fine fact for Fun Fact Friday, so download, listen up, and enjoy! Show note imagery: an early bread slicing machine, possibly one made by the original inventor, Otto Frederick Rohwedder Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E41 · Fri, January 05, 2024
Thursday, January 4, 2023 - SOBE, or not SOBE ... yup, it was SOBE 😀
An excellent Thursday crossword , marred by an unfortunate technical glitch. The themed clues contained underlined letters, but the underscores did not appear in the app (they appeared as expected in a web browser). Needless to say this caused much consternation and gnashing of teeth, and the NYTimes crossword editorial team leapt into action, quickly replacing underscores with parentheses: but some early solvers were a tad ticked. Still, once you look past the underscore fiasco, you can see a very nicely done Thursday crossword: check out today's episode for all the deets! Show note imagery: A rare 1857 Flying Eagle penny Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E40 · Thu, January 04, 2024
Wednesday, January 3, 2023 - Another ICONIC NYTimes Crossword 😍
Any crossword that works both FIE and IRONHORSE into the grid deserves our respect and gratitude, and we give it freely to this fine opus by Jared Goudsmit, his second to be published in the NYTimes. The theme/gimmick is a delight, and bolstered by a fine supporting cast of clues, from 24D, Bring up, REAR and 68A, Bring up, CITE (nice combo!); to 27D, Tours de force, COUPS (ha!); and a clue that P.G. Wodehouse would've picked up on in a jiff, 34D, Good _______ (kind soul), EGG. Show note image: P.G. Wodehouse, one of Britain's finest exports! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Wed, January 03, 2024
Tuesday, January 2, 2024 - We're baaaaaaack!
We are back, after a brief holiday on the Riviera (or it might've been Green Bay, there seemed to be an inordinate amount of ice for the Riviera), and we are being welcomed back by an excellent Tuesday crossword . We tackle that in depth, as well as run our first Triplet Tuesday segment of the year, so for all that and more, please subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E38 · Fri, December 22, 2023
December 20, 2023 - January 1, 2024 - Break time!
We are taking a break between now (aka December 21, 2023) and the new year (partially because we've been displaced from our recording studio by a gang of ravenous marauders, aka our family), but rest assured we'll be back in January, raring to go, and in the meantime hope that all of you enjoy the very best of the season. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E37 · Wed, December 20, 2023
Tuesday, December 21, 2023 - Baba Ghanouj and PITA, the perfect combo!
A fine Tuesday crossword by Seth Weinberg, with an LOL theme that will make you, well, LOL. As usual, deets inside! This marks our last episode of the year -- we're taking time off to recharge the little gray cells -- and want to wish you and yours a fantastic Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/New Year. We'll see you again, in 2024! Show note image: Baba Ghanouj (a variant (and apparently rarer) spelling of Baba Ganoush) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E36 · Tue, December 19, 2023
Monday, December 18, 2023 - A quite quastonishing quantity of Q's 🙄
There's a queue-full of Q's in today's crossword , but it's all in a good quase, er, we mean cause, to wit, a delightfulful theme that revolves around that ubiquitous symbol of 21st century tech, the QRCODE. Deets inside, as well as a brief announcement about an even briefer hiatus in honor of the holidays, so we humbly beseech thee to, in this order, subscribe (so you don't miss an episode), download, listen up, enjoy, and leave us a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on whatever platform you heard this podcast on! Show note image: a QR code! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E35 · Mon, December 18, 2023
Sunday, December 17, 2023 - 🎶 Like a bridge, over trouuuuuuuuubled waters ... 🎶
Today's opus was most definitely not an abridged crossword, but the full 21x21 marvel that is the NYTimes Sunday puzzle -- and indeed, considering that it had (wait for it...) rebuses , it could plausibly be argued that it was more of an augmented crossword. Regardless of how you look at it, what is most definitely not up for debate is that it was an awesome crossword, for reasons that we cover in today's episode. Enjoy! Show notes: an image suggesting how to count to 60 on one hand Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E34 · Sun, December 17, 2023
Saturday, December 16, 2023 - Definitely a TOPRATED (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️) crossword!
Today's crossword is TOPRATED, and that's not just because it has TOPRATED in the grid, but because of a panoply of charming clues and intriguing answers that caught our fancy (although not quite as much as our JAMCOTWA winner, that would be ... nope, to find out who won and why, check out today's episode!!). Show note image: An example of OPTICALART Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E33 · Sat, December 16, 2023
Friday, December 15, 2023 - Stop us if you've heard this one ... A NEPHALIST, a PHILATELIST and a CRUCIVERBALIST walk into a bar ... 🙄🍷
A challenging but not insurmountable Friday crossword by Alex Tomlinson - his debut! - with a whopping 8 debut answers. We cover all but 2 of them in today's episode, omitting only 2D, One whose work might be a piece of cake?, PASTRYCHEF (cute!) and 27D, "Don't even think of coming back!", ANDSTAYOUT (ouch!). In short, a lot to like in today's puzzle, and to get the full 411 hit download now (right after you hit subscribe, so you never miss an episode!) and within seconds (eh, if you've got good internet) you will be able to savor today's expedition through the grid. Show note image: A LIANA* *fun fact: we first opted for a PALE blue dot, but -- underlining Carl Sagan's point -- the dot was too small to be visible in a "podcast-sized" show note image Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E32 · Fri, December 15, 2023
Thursday, December 11, 2023 - Can you hear me? Can you hear me now?
It is not clear how many Zoom calls Esha Datta, author of today's crossword (her debut!) has been in, but we're willing to bet LOADS of them, based on their (very clever) theme. Beyond that, there were numerous notable clues, from 21A, Only country with a non-rectangular flag, NEPAL (maybe: checkout the podcast for a rebuttal); 37D, Notable lamb owner, MARY (as clues go, this one's not baaaaaad 🙄); 42A, Vehicle at the center of the Hindu festival Ratha Yatra, CHARIOT; and 35D, Collection of senior moments, YEARBOOK (😀). There's more too, so check out today's podcast for all the deets (as well as listener mail 💌). Show note image: The first battle of the MARNE Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E31 · Thu, December 14, 2023
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 - This crossword is *not* cray cray, it's great great 😀
A nice mid-week crossword by veteran cruciverbalist Alex Eaton-Salners (this is in fact his 64th), and it is as refreshing as a glass of cool spring water, thanks to a theme that has everything to do with a glass of cool spring water. The clues elsewhere in the grid were enlightening, entertaining, and entirely crosswordese-free. In addition to those mentioned in the podcast, we would like to give a shoutout to 60A, Capital of Italy, EURO 😀; 46D, Latin singer Anthony, MARC (wowza!); and ... nope, sorry, there is nowhere to go from 46D other than D(own). Definitely 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E30 · Wed, December 13, 2023
Tuesday, December 13, 2023 - LAXLY, finalist in the "most difficult word to work into casual conversation" contest
Peter Gordon must be a real MENSCH, and that's not just because he managed to slip that word into today's crossword, as part of a very amusing themed answer. There's a lot more magic happening in the grid, and to hear all the deets (as well as Jean's demonstration of verbal prowess in today's Triplet Tuesday Contest™️), please a) subscribe, b) download, c) listen-up, and d) enjoy! Show note image: Baku, capital of Azerbaijan Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E29 · Tue, December 12, 2023
Monday, December 11, 2023 - 🎶 Mi, mi, mi 🎶
There's something about a Monday NYTimes crossword theme -- crafted to put a smile on your lips combined with a "huh!" when recognition dawns. Later in the week, that "huh", sometimes morphs into a "duh" or possibly a "doh", but we do like Mondays, including this fine work , a debut (congrats!!) by Luke K. Schreiber. In other news, we have some very timely listener mail tying into yesterday's discussion of mutton busting ... from an actual mutton buster (well, to be precise, the mutton buster's parent). So for all that and more, please subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy! Show notes photo: William, mutton buster extraordinaire, savoring his victory Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E28 · Mon, December 11, 2023
Sunday, December 10, 2023 - The puns, they are upun us 🙄
A seemingly easier than usual Sunday crossword, especially surprising consider its origin - from the minds and pens of Zachary David Levy and Jeff Chen. Besides a small boatload of puns that comprised the theme, today's puzzle did have some fun gems waiting to be uncovered. For example, 59D, Game divided into periods called chukkers, POLO (featuring our new favorite word, chukkers); 81A, Extreme lethargy, SOPOR (not to be confused with torpor, but we'd forgive you if you did!); 86D, Salts, MARINERS (argh, that was a good one as well!); and 129A, Exchanged some words?, EDITED (😀). All in all a fine crossword, most assuredly worth a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Today's show notes image: a bottle of Grand CRU (which doesn't cost a grand, but it is dear). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E27 · Sun, December 10, 2023
Saturday, December 9, 2023 - We CANCONFIRM - this crossword will cause your vocabulary to EMBIGGEN 😀
Our intrepid cohosts had distinct solving experiences working on today's crossword - Jean found it relatively straightforward (aided and abetted, as usual, by her insanely copious and nearly complete collection of modern pop-culture references); Mike, whose pop culture references are mysteriously restricted to the years 1850 to 1875, inclusive, had much less luck, but still, somehow, managed to persevere. Deets inside, as well as the winner of today's JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award™️), so subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E26 · Sat, December 09, 2023
Friday, December 8, 2023 - Robert Logan's NOAPOLOGIES crossword
Robert Logan has to make NOAPOLOGIES for today's crossword , a fine Friday, challenging but accessible, with some shorter toeholds conveniently located everywhere in the grid. There were a lot of fascinating factoids in today's puzzle, such as 30A, Artist of "La Maja Desnuda" and "La Maja Vestida", GOYA; 48A, ____________ Amendment (2010s extension of the Kyoto Protocol), DOHA; and 47D, Entertainment reference that began as a Usenet group, IMDB. There were many more educational and entertaining clues, and to hear all about 'em , you know the drill: download, listen up, and enjoy! Today's show notes image: La Maja vestida, by GOYA Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E25 · Fri, December 08, 2023
Thursday, December 7, 2023 - BUNSEN Honeydew, Muppet and STEM advocate extraordinaire!
A delightful Thursday crossword, an adjective we often find ourselves having to dust off when Rebecca Goldstein is the author, as is indeed the case today. It's not easy turning lead into gold, but she has done so magnificently, in several senses, as will become apparent once you've had a listen. Also, many of the lacunae in yesterday's crossword have been filled, thanks to some insightful listener mail, so for all that and more, download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E24 · Thu, December 07, 2023
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - HICKHOP, best musical portmanteau ever!
It's hard to miss today's theme, as it's spelled out in large letters, in the middle of the grid, for all to see (as we describe in today's episode). But it's such an attention getter that it might detract from some other Highly Hentertaining clues, such as: 12D, Hah!, IBET; 24D, Hummer's interior, EMS (a reference to its two M's, which definitely warrants another Hah!); and 35A, Handle letters, AKA (heh, heh). More examples and deets inside, check it out! Today's artwork: One of Jimmy STEWART's most famous roles, in It's a Wonderful Life. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E23 · Wed, December 06, 2023
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 - SNORTY, one of the lesser known and least popular of the *8* dwarves!
A clever Tuesday crossword, with a theme that was a tad obscure by Tuesday standards (but fortunately was not essential, or really even helpful ) in the solving of today's puzzle. We liked it though, for all the reasons spelled out in today's episode. We also had another stirring Triplet Tuesday segment, so check it out, and as usual, let us know what you think! Today's show notes picture: a POCKETDOOR. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E22 · Tue, December 05, 2023
Monday, December 4, 2023 - PSST, let me tell you a STORY, 7 words guaranteed to draw your audiences closer!
Monday crosswords always seem to be crafted to put a smile on one's face, and today's puzzle is a case in point . We'e got the deets inside, great listener mail, and -- bonus! -- a hint of an inkling of an inchoate idea about a new contest, so, after you've hit the subscribe button (gently, but with enough force so that you'll never miss an episode), we cordially invite you to download, listen up, and prepare to chortle. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E21 · Mon, December 04, 2023
Sunday, December 3, 2023 - CRIKEY, this crossword took an EONIAN amount of time!
Both cohosts found this to be a crunchier than usual Sunday crossword , and found it particularly (46A, Difficult), TRYING, in the vicinity of 32D, Rough fabric with a loose weave, RATINE (a word that, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, nobody has ever used, or even heard of 😉). But while the clues were tough, they were also uniformly excellent, as one would expect from the editor of Wordle and one who helps out with the NYTimes crossword, that person being Tracy Bennett. For example, besides those mentioned in the podcast, we had 77D, Sweet stuff in asparagus (if you read it backward)?, SUGAR; 64D, Putt-putt, MINIGOLF (fore!!); 39D, Got some shut-eye?, WINKED 😉; and 38D, It cuts the cheese, but not the mustard, SLICER 😀 😀 . All in all a great, challenging Sunday crossword, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E20 · Sun, December 03, 2023
Saturday, December 2, 2023 - This crossword ... WHATABEAST!
A seriously challenging Saturday crossword by Royce Ferguson, who pulls out all the stops, making solvers work for just about every clue in the grid. Still, it was a Saturday crossword, so we expect no less. For all the deets, have a listen (and don't forget to subscribe, so you'll get every episode delivered milliseconds after it gets published!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E19 · Sat, December 02, 2023
Friday, December 1, 2023 - This crossword was most definitely not ALLTOOEASY
Jem Burch has crafted a fine Friday crossword to welcome in the new month, and it had everything that one would want in a Friday crossword, from puzzlers like 53A, Feature of many a documentary, VOICEOVER; 48A, Youngest White House resident since John F. Kennedy Jr., SASHAOBAMA; 37A, "Long", in Hawaiian, LOA (oh, that's what that means!); and surely a coincidence from a crossword by Jem Burch, 40A, Exemplary individual, GEM (shades of Raphael and the School of Athens 😀 !) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E18 · Fri, December 01, 2023
Thursday, November 30, 2023 - A very timely Thursday crossword
Jeffrey Martinovic and Jeff Chen -- who if they were producers on a television show would almost surely be referred to as the "two Jeffs" -- have instead produced a fabulous Thursday crossword, with a delightful theme involving Mike's favorite sci-fi concept, TIMETRAVEL. We have all the deets inside, plus listener mail (woo-hoo!), so for all of that and so much more, please subscribe, download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Thu, November 30, 2023
Wednesday, November 28, 2023 - Get Yer YAYAS Out!
Are you tired of DECISIONFATIGUE? Then let us help you make a decision -- yes, you should definitely a) do this crossword (because it is awesome) and b) listen to this podcast (because it is awesomer (except in the areas of grammar, spelling and humility)). Seriously, for all the deets on today's fine puzzle, do have a listen, and as usual, let us know what you think. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E16 · Wed, November 29, 2023
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 - ORANGEDOORHINGE - they said it couldn't be done, and ... they were right!
A colorful and rhyme-rife Tuesday crosswor d by Gia Bosko, her 4th in the NYTimes and, more amazingly, her 4th of the year . The theme was excellent, and the cluing as crisp as a Wisconsinite in winter. Some of our favorites include: 23D, "Beam me up, ________!", ("Star Trek" misquotation), SCOTTY (huh!); 50D, Corn cake, PONE (make that two slices, please); and our favorite soccer player, 49A, Soccer star Hamm, MIA (she shoots, she scoooooores!). Besides the crossword, it's Triplet Tuesday, and today Jean's up-to-________, (Bruce Wayne's alter ego's namesake). Join in for all the fun, and don't forget to subscribe / follow us so you never miss an episode! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E16 · Tue, November 28, 2023
Monday, November 27, 2023 - CAREEN, fun to say, but to do? Not so much.
Ricky J. Sirois has produced a more challenging crossword than usual for a Monday -- with just a bit of bite coming from words like 24A, Vegetarian dish on a Mexican menu, BEANBURRITO; the bugaboo of spelling-bee enthusiasts everywhere, 39A, French meat stew for which Julia Child penned a popular recipe, BEEFBOURGUIGNON; and 10D, "No Exit" playwright, SARTRE. This is Ricky's first NYTimes crossword puzzle (yaaaay!), and here's hoping for many more! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E15 · Mon, November 27, 2023
Sunday, November 26, 2023 - Go, UTAHUTES! 🏈
A delightful and (compared to Friday and Saturday) relatively straightforward crossword , with a theme that is guaranteed to grow on you, and a magnificent array of clues that will leave you wanting more. Definitely 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! To hear more, include the deets on YEET (we've waited all year to write that!), subscribe, download, listen up and, as always, enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E14 · Sun, November 26, 2023
Saturday, November 25, 2023 - EEEE -- either a) the size of a shoe, or b) the reaction to seeing its price 😀
A perfect way to wrap up our crossword -solving week, with a rousingly challenging (for one of us, at any rate) Saturday puzzle . Jean, aided and abetted by her eerily encyclopedic knowledge of 1972 hit singles, was able to make short order of the puzzle, whereas Mike, drawing on his uncanny ability to make up words that don't exist, with his forté being Spanish, had a much tougher time of it. Deets inside, as well as the winner of this week's JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E13 · Sat, November 25, 2023
Friday, November 24, 2023 - ASTI, the Pride of Piedmont!
Today's crossword proved to be a snap for one of our cohorts, and almost a streak-snapper for the other. To keep up the suspense, we won't reveal who was who just yet, but we will tell you that there were a host of fabulous clues in today's grid, from 3-letter wonders -- 27A, Sydney's home, for short, NSW; to 4-letter pop-culture references -- 51A, _______ of Dogs, (hit 2018 animated film), ISLE; to 5-letter curios -- 49A, Class or order, TAXON; to ... you get the idea. But to get the full story, including the answer to the original poser, who struggled and who soared while doing today's puzzle, do what countless others have done before you -- hit subscribe or follow (so you never miss an episode); tap download; and then be prepared to be amazed as we dive into the intricacies of Rafael Mesa's Friday masterpiece. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E12 · Fri, November 24, 2023
Thursday, November 23, 2023 - A crossword to be thankful for!
In honor of Thanksgiving, we have a crossword to be thankful for , a delightful brainteaser of a main course, with a dash of delectable clues as the sides. From 17D, Not play it by ear, PLAN, to 51A, What the Dutch call "klompeh", CLOGS, to 9D, Flick of a flicker, ASH (we're still working that one out 😀), the grid was a cruciverbal smorgasbord, and we're glad that we dropped in for the feast! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E11 · Wed, November 22, 2023
Wednesday, November 22, 2023 - MALBEC - for when your heart craves a merlot, but your wallet needs a grape juice 🍷
Today's crossword is a testimonial to MALBEC and grit; the MALBEC because it's in the grid, and grit because that's what Will Pfadenhauer needed plenty of in order to get this published in such a prestigious location, i.e., the pages of the NYTimes. The crossword itself was superb, with a bit of an ODDBALL theme, and some nice clues scattered throughout: as usual we've highlighted the best in today's episode. By the time you've listened to this it might very well be Thanksgiving for our US listeners, so if you're one of those, Happy Thanksgiving! And if not, Happy Thursday! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E10 · Wed, November 22, 2023
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 - Three cheers for the SEABEES 🐝
Kevin Christian and Andrea Carla Michaels were definitely using the old bean when constructing today's crossword , an observation that might at first seem just trite and anodye, but it will become uproariously funny, or at the very least wryly amusing, once you've listened to today's episode, so have at it! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E9 · Tue, November 21, 2023
Monday, November 20, 2023 - From the Spelling Bee editor, a crossword with a lot of hard-to-spell words 😀
Both Jean and Mike took longer than usual to do today's crossword , Jean because she couldn't find a mistake, and Mike because he had a sudden attack of the well-known affliction, BSS (Bad Spelling Syndrome, or as it is sometimes referred to in the literature, Baaad Spellling Sindrome 🙄). Have a listen, but before you do, hit the subscribe / follow button to ensure that you get every episode delivered straight from our recording studio to your ears as soon as it ships. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E8 · Mon, November 20, 2023
Sunday, November 19, 2023 - There's NOCAP on the talent's of today's crossword constructors, and that's NOCAP! 😍
An impressive Sunday crossword by veteran constructors Rebecca Goldstein and Rachel Fabi, who in preparation for Thanksgiving have cooked up a puzzle to be thankful for, stuffed with a delicious array of bad (i.e., good) puns and good (i.e., great) clues to chew on. Deets inside, so please subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E7 · Sun, November 19, 2023
Saturday, November 17, 2023 - Beware Charybdis, horrific sea monster and even more terrifying spelling bee word 😀
A scintillating Saturday crossword by Hoang-Kim Vu -- with a grid that is jam-packed with debut answers, including 36D, Photo of someone holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa, say, VISUALGAG; 37A, Writer with good taste?, FOODCOLUMNIST 😀; and one that pretty much stood up on a chair and shouted IAMADEBUTANSWER, 22A, Certain descriptor after a signature nowadays, HEHIM. In other news, we managed to work both a temporally-displaced Fun Fact Friday segment and a JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) into today's episode, so, two for the price of one, what a deal 😀 Solving the New York Times crossword is an excellent way to keep those axons agile and those dendrites laser-focused. To get a subscription, simply wander over to nytimes.com/crosswords, and after a quick electronic transaction, you will have full access to a year's worth of crosswords, and almost 70 years of archives; your brain (axons and dendrites alike!) will thank you. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E6 · Sat, November 18, 2023
Friday, November 17, 2023 - Today's forecast? A BLAMESTORM ⛈️
A fine Friday crossword by Hemant Mehta. What it lacked for in glitzy animation (we're looking at you, Thursday!), it made up for in flashy clues, such as 47A, What may be behind the curtain, TUB (😀); 53A, Major opening, URSA (😀 😀 ); and 55A, Canvas finish, TKO(😀 😀 😀). And that's just a few choice examples - for more, have a listen to today's episode, hot off the presses!! Toady's show-note illustration is celebrates CHEETODUST, which, apparently, is a thing . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E5 · Fri, November 17, 2023
Thursday, November 16, 2023 - This crossword was constructed with TLC
Today's crossword , by veteran cruciverbalist Paolo Pasco, had its ups and downs, but that was by design, and the payoff - which we discuss in today's episode but don't want to spoil by revealing here - was an absolute delight. The clues were on the trickier side, as befits a Thursday - 33D, So called "African Unicorn", OKAPI, comes to mind (well, it does now ...), as does 25D, Noted feature of "The Brothers Karamazov", EPILOG, and 48D, Lake that feeds the Truckee River, TAHOE (who? what? where?). All in all a fine piece of work, clearly worthy of the Paolo Pasco imprimatur, we give it 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E4 · Thu, November 16, 2023
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 - We are ARDENT about this crossword!
If you found yourself nodding off while solving today's crossword , that's probably because of all the Z's in the grid - but that was the only boring bit. How could you DOZEOFF in the face of such dazzling clues as 1A, Half of an orange? RED (we're still working that one out 😀); 67A, Apt name for a sensei, DAN (ha!); 38A, Pioneering Dadaist, ARP (the name's ARP, Hans ARP); and who can forget (we can't!) 19D, Song one might flip for, SIDEB (😀 😀). All in all a fine bit of work by Gary Larson (not to be confused, as happens every time one of his puzzles gets published, with that other guy). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E3 · Wed, November 15, 2023
Tuesday, November 14, 2023 - A crossword guaranteed to inspire some wishful thinking
A nifty Tuesday crossword by Matthew Linzer, with a remarkable theme that we wish we could talk about here ... oh, wait, we just did 😀. Precisely why that last sentence is so LOL is precisely explained in today's episode, where you can also hear Jean's epic quest to win this week's Triplet Tuesday™️ Contest. Did she succeed? Or did she go down in flames? Tune in to find out! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E2 · Tue, November 14, 2023
Monday, November 13, 2023 - This crossword is definitely worth a SOU ... and more!
A pleasing Monday crossword , a debut by Benjamin Fink, that asks that burning question, CANYOUBELIEVEIT?. The answer is yes, this was a Monday crossword, it was a debut by Benjamin Fink, and it was very pleasing indeed, for reasons that will become abundantly clear once you've checked out today's episode, which we hope you will do ASAP! On the cover: a sou, in particular a bouquet sou , named for the bouquet of flowers that adorns it. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S9 E1 · Sun, November 12, 2023
Sunday, November 12, 2023 - A crossword with CHIASMUS, DADGUMIT, and SALBANDO in the grid? What a GAS!
A scintillating Sunday crossword courtesy of Garrett Chalfin, with a gloriously serpentine theme, and an array of eye-opening clues. For example, 85A, Figure of speech in which words are reversed for effect, like "Never let a fool kiss you or a kiss fool you", CHIASMUS (definitely a debut); Chicken __________ (ancient Mayan city), ITZA (now we know!); and 75D, Give lip service?, SASS (😀). There's a lot more inside, so download, listen up, and, as always, enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E100 · Sun, November 12, 2023
Saturday, November 11, 2023 - Mountebanks and the Capulets? Yup, we'd like a MULLIGAN on that title!
Today's puzzle is a tautly constructed Saturday crossword, with just 58 words -- not quite few enough for the Guinness Book of World Records, but getting close! The puzzle itself was not too difficult -- for a Saturday -- but it did have a bevy of fine clues that kept both co-hosts entertained. Deets inside, as well as the winner of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so have a listen and, as usual, let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E99 · Sat, November 11, 2023
Friday, November 10, 2023 - Smoking a chesterfield, while wearing a chesterfield, and reclining on a chesterfield? It *can* be done!!
A fine Friday crossword by Kate Hawkins - her 12th in the NYTimes - and it hits the sweet spot - not too easy, not too hard, but juuuuust right. We approve, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E98 · Fri, November 10, 2023
Thursday, November 9, 2023 - This crossword was AOK!
A (surprising) crossword by Simeon Siegel, most noteworthy for a profusion of parentheses in the grid, all part of an intricate theme that we delve into in today's episode. We covered quite a few clues in the podcast, but alas, did not quite have room for 36A, Shrunken snack item, PRUNE; 15A, Like 80% of the Arabian Peninsula, SAUDI; and the (for Mike, at least) relatively obscure 43A, Dried version of the almost-ripe poblano, ANCHO -- at least until now! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E97 · Thu, November 09, 2023
Wednesday, November 8, 2023 - Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's ... a TRAPEZIST! 🎪
A slightly crunchier-than-usual Wednesday, but a wry theme and memorable clues made it all worth while. Beyond those noted in the podcast, we'd like to give a shoutout to 3 answers that are just fun to contemplate and say -- 2D, Enthusiastic response to a bro, MYMAN; 46A, Replica, informally, DUPE; and a word that's as calming to say as the item is to wear, 65D, Comfy shoe, informally, MOC. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E96 · Wed, November 08, 2023
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - A Ttttttterrific Tttttttttuesday Crossword!
As the episode title almost surely gave away -- it was a bit of a ttttttteaser, one might say -- today's theme involved the 20th letter of the alphabet (as well a supporting cast of the other 25). Beyond the theme there were several other amusing clues, such as 20A, Torus shaped treat, DONUT; 49A, One of 5 in a Shakespeare play, ACT (confirming, definitively, our strong suspicion expressed earlier this week that Shakespeare plays do indeed all have 5 acts); and (warning, possible ear-worm ahead), 28A, "Her name is ______ and she dances on the sand" (Duran, Duran lyric), RIO. Finally, it's Tuesday, and Mike's on the Triplet Tuesday Contest hot-seat, so to speak. To find out how he did, all you need to do is subscribe/follow (so you don't miss another episode), download, listen up, and enjoy! P.S. Here's the original Zoom, Zoom commercia l mentioned in today's podcast. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E95 · Tue, November 07, 2023
Monday, November 6, 2023 - AAH, what a crossword!
Today's crossword was crunchy - the clues were just a tad more difficult than usual, a consequence, perhaps, of a particularly demanding theme (deets inside) - and timely, in the sense that there were numerous references to time in today's grid, from 6D, "Anytime", WHENEVER, to 52A, Back in time, AGO, to 61A, Ages, AEONS. And, of course, we should not forget that all of these were appearing in the New York Times 😀. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E94 · Mon, November 06, 2023
Sunday, November 5, 2023 - This crossword's DABOMB, but it still *might* leave you TUCKEREDOUT
Jean ACED today's crossword, but Mike just DIDOK, although if it is true that you learn from your mistakes, he is now officially a super genius thanks in no small part to Rich Katz, author of today's fine puzzle (his third for the NYTimes). We have all the deets inside, so please download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E93 · Sun, November 05, 2023
Saturday, November 3, 2023 - ROOKS and FOUNTS and TAGINE, Oh, My!
A just-the-right-level-of-almost-impossible crossword to wrap up our crossword solving week, one of those where the solving rate seems to follow an S curve -- tough and slow-going at the beginning and at the end, but with a glorious middle section where the clues come relatively rapidly. We liked this crossword so much that we awarded it this week's JAMCOTWA -- Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award -- for numerous reasons that will become apparent once you checkout today's podcast. Have a listen, and let us know what you think. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E92 · Sat, November 04, 2023
Friday, November 3, 2023 - Was this a fun Robyn Weintraub puzzle? YESSIREE!
Robyn Weintraub's puzzles are legendary, and today's effort shows just why: the clues are awesome, the crosswordese is non-existent, and the difficulty level is juuuuuust right. We approve, whole-heartedly, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Deets inside, so download, listen up, and enjoy right now! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E91 · Fri, November 03, 2023
Thursday, November 2, 2023 - This crossword was definitely NOTTOOSHABBY
Today's crossword featured a h--hly entert--ng th--e, and if you can't suss out what it was from what we just wrote, then download today's episode, where all will be revealed! A reminder to check out xwordinfo.com, a fabulous resource for crossword aficionados, with the solution and meta information on the day's crossword. Highly recommended! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E90 · Thu, November 02, 2023
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - MUIR, an adMUIRable national monument 🙄
A nice Wednesday crossword and a debut (yay!) by Steve Weyer, with an inspired theme, some very funny clues, and as a bonus a reference to a fascinating 16th century algebra text, ARSMAGNA (The Great Art). The theme is covered in the episode; some of the more intriguing clues not mentioned there include 51D, Bunyan's ox or Hoggett's pig, BABE 🐷; 57D, Swear to mend things, DARN 😀 ; Manilow's "hottest spot north of Havana", COPA 🎶; and (Mike's favorite), Sierra runners, MACS 😀 😀. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E89 · Wed, November 01, 2023
Tuesday, October 31, 2023 - It's HALLOWEEN - outside *and* in the grid!
A scary Tuesday crossword , thanks to a slash of scary movie titles in the grid. Neither cohost had seen any of them, but fortunately the answers were either almost gimmes (17A, Horror film franchise named after a holiday, HALLOWEEN (BOXINGDAY wouldn't fit 😀)) or easy to guess with some judicious help from the crosses (60A, 2011 dark comedy slasher film that takes place during a family reunion), YOURENEXT (an awesomely scary title)). Overall, this was a great crossword, and we award it a chilling 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday - play along (get ready to hit pause after you hear the clue), and let us know how you did! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E89 · Tue, October 31, 2023
Monday, October 30, 2023 - Kenneth Cortes had a BRIGHTIDEA, and, lo, a crossword was born!
Put on your sunglasses before attempting this crossword, because it's based on a BRIGHTIDEA -- literally! There were a few other answers that glowed, in a manner of speaking: 14A, What magma becomes when it's erupted, LAVA; 35A, Light on a nightstand, LAMP; and 52A, "Suns" of some breakfasts, EGGYOLKS. Just a reminder that we love 5 star reviews, so please leave us one wherever you're listening to this episode! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E88 · Mon, October 30, 2023
Sunday, October 29, 2023 - OutKast and Black Star and TPAIN, Oh, My!
Today's crossword featured a number of rare-ish answers, making this a bit crunchier than usual for a Sunday. Notable examples include 60A, Brooklyn art school, PRATT; 100D, Country that's more than 2,600 miles long, CHILE; 70A, Latin "Behold!", ECCE; and 20A, Character who lives on the "tippy-top floor" of the Plaza Hotel, ELOISE; and there's more, which you can see in the grid and hear about in today's podcast. Just a reminder, solving the NYTimes Crossword is a proven strategy for reversing (and possibly learning how to spell) senescence, so wander over to nytimes.com/crosswords, subscribe, and you can start reversing today! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E87 · Sun, October 29, 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023 - All hail SAMTHESHAM 🎶
Ryan McCarty does not hold back (much) in today's uber-challenging Saturday crossword, pegging both the difficulty and deceptivity meters multiple times. We have full coverage inside, so have a listen for that -- as well as the announcement of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E86 · Sat, October 28, 2023
Friday, October 27, 2023 - City of Big Shoulders (Chicago)? Meet City of Big Meadows (Reno).
A fine Friday crossword by Adrian Johnson, his 5th NYTimes Crossword contribution. Considering that 39A, Pub ________, TRIVIA, was one of the answers, it should not be surprising that quite a few factoids made their way into the grid. For example ... 19A, Novelist whose "Little Fires Everywhere" became a #1 best seller, CELESTENG (parsed as Celeste Ng, with the "Ng" being pronounced as "ing"). We also had 21A, Bird whose largest species is called the Goliath. HERON; and 46A, Romanian philosopher Cioran, EMIL. For our Fun Fact Friday / Listener Mail Double-Dipping special, we also have a fascinating video of Justin Bieber's early drumming attempts . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E85 · Fri, October 27, 2023
Thursday, October 26, 2023 - ELSIE the MOOCOW makes an appearance, and we're going to milk that for all it's worth 😀
A fine Thursday crossword and a debut for John Donegan. That's why we didn't recognize the name, but we did recognize the tight quality control common to all NYTimes crosswords. Just take a look at a few awesome touches: 6A, Character who nails a doubloon to the Pequod's mast, AHAB, sitting right above 15A, Surfer's wish, WAVE (perfect!); and 17A, First name in cosmetics, ESTEE, crossing 3D, Salad, sometimes, but soup, rarely, ENTREE (brilliant!); and the thirst-quenching 42D, Slice, e.g., SODA (ha, we saw what you did there!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E84 · Thu, October 26, 2023
Wednesday, October 25, 2023 - This was an awesome crossword, BYGUM!
Aimee Lucido has crafted an excellent Wednesday crossword, with a catchy theme and a plethora of superb clues, a truly outstanding work. Need proof? Have a listen to today's podcast and we are sure that you will agree, or, if not, your money will cheerfully be refunded 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E83 · Wed, October 25, 2023
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - LUTES, UKES and PECS, either crossword answers or the weirdest law firm ever 😀
Today we are presented with an amusing and well-timed Tuesday crossword by Daniel Grinberg (ably edited, as always, by Will Shortz, may his beard, if he has one, grow ever longer). It manages to STAYCLASSY and never has us thinking its TIMEFORACHANGE, for a variety of reasons outlined in today's grid. Beyond those, we'd like to give a shoutout to a few other fine clues, including 60D, Music genre that influenced The Clash, SKA; 37D, One whose taste buds may not crave Buds, BEERSNOB (nice!); and 9D, TV character George who says "I'm disturbed! I'm depressed! I'm inadequate! I got it all!", COSTANZA (😀). In short, a great crossword, and clearly meriting the highest score, aka 5 squares, on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E82 · Tue, October 24, 2023
Monday, October 23, 2023 - Marisa TOMEI, absolutely no relation, even phonetically, to Mel Tormé
Today's crossword was the epitome of a marvelous Monday crossword - a cute theme, and some fine clues. We particularly liked the juxtaposition of 1A, Handle difficult matters satisfactorily, COPE, and 1D, Club in a Barry Manilow hit, informally, COPA We take our usual deep dive through the grid in today's episode, so please subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E81 · Mon, October 23, 2023
Sunday, October 22, 2023 - Quick, IGOR, fetch me an amusing podcast episode title!
A fine Sunday crossword, Robert Ryan's third in the NYTimes, with a punny theme surrounded by a fine supporting cast of clues, including 85D, Fox coverage?, FUR; 82A, Object with one hole or two, depending on who you ask, TUBE 😀 ; 68A, Head for business?, CEO 😀 😀; 64D, Shares ones bunk?, LIES 😀 😀 😀 ; and the list goes on, and on. To see that list in its entirety, checkout xwordinfo.com (if you haven't solved the crossword already). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E80 · Sun, October 22, 2023
Saturday, October 21, 2023 - No SECONDOPINION needed - this crossword was great!
A fine debut crossword by Kelly Morenus, which our cohosts solved in (choose one) a) comically different amounts of time b) exactly the same time c) trick question: they got stuck, because neither knew how to spell IDOMENEO The correct answer is ... ah, that would be telling! To find out, download today's episode, have a listen, and as usual, tell others about us on social media. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Sat, October 21, 2023
Friday, October 20, 2023 - LIBERALARTS are *everywhere* (including in today's grid!)
A very nice Friday crossword by Jacob McDermott, with some awesome clues, and no crosswordese in sight. A few sample works, 15D, Oh, the humanities!, LIBERALARTS 😀;; 27D, "Heck, yeah!", DARNTOOTIN 😀 😀 ; and 32D, Rocky road ingredient, PEAGRAVEL 😀 😀 😀. In short, a great crossword, most definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E78 · Fri, October 20, 2023
Thursday, October 19, 2023 - That VIBIST is giving off really good vibes 😀
A challenging Thursday crossword , thanks to the unexpected appearance of a boatload of rebuses (or, as we Latin scholars like to call them, rebusae ). For themed crosswords, especially towards the end of the week, we can group our puzzle solving experience into two eras: PGTT (Pre-Grokking The Theme), and AGTT (After-Grokking The Theme). For the record, things were proceeding slowly, and indeed looking quite dire, during the PGTT era. But, once we passed into exulted AGTT era, we had a smile on our face, and if we weren't sitting down solving the crossword, would've been tempted to dance a jig: that's just how happy we were to get through this crossword!! 😀 A reminder that xwordinfo.com is a great resource for those who like to solve the NYTimes Crossword (and if you're having trouble following our discussion, check it out first to see the completed grid and answers). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E77 · Thu, October 19, 2023
Wednesday, October 18, 2023 - Be prepared to BEAMAZED, because this crossword? ITSMAGIC!
An absolutely magical crossword, thanks to (possibly) aspiring magician, and (most definitely) adept cruciverbalist Joseph Gangi. Most of the grid was straightforward, but there were definitely some notable clues/answers, such as 54A, Not as well, ILLER (wow!); 55A, Pepper and others, SGTS (cute!); and 61A, Modern initialism when skipping text, TLDR (which is hopefully not your reaction to these show notes, and which is why we are ending them ... now!) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E76 · Wed, October 18, 2023
Tuesday, October 17, 2023 - Fun to say, but almost impossible to YEET a Yeti 🙄
A DDDelightful Tuesday crossword by Dominic Grillo, who managed to inject a whole slew of D's into the grid, and remove virtually all "crosswordese", in a tautly written puzzle with a highly amusing theme. DDDDDeets inside, so DDDDDo have a listen, and, as usual, let us know what you think! Just a reminder that the NYTimes Crossword is a great way to hone your wits, vanquish ennui, and make yourself attractive to whatever gender you would like to be attractive to. Wander over to nytimes.com/crosswords, and from there a subscription is just a click or two away. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E75 · Tue, October 17, 2023
Monday, October 16, 2023 - This was a fine crossword, BYGUM
A pleasing Monday crossword by Michael Lieberman and Andrea Carla Michaels - a little crunchier than most Mondays, but a pleasant solve nonetheless, with an amusing hunk-related theme -- deets inside. Also, we have a winner in our Triplet Tuesday Contest!! That lucky person will shortly have a virtual cornucopia of Wisconsin swag heading their way, to eat / wear / enjoy (and hopefully it will be clear which items belong in which category 😀 ) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E74 · Mon, October 16, 2023
Sunday, October 15, 2023 - The PLAINTRUTH is that this crossword may leave you with a GLAZEDEXPRESSION 😀 🍩
If you like donuts, you'll love today's crossword, as the grid is teeming with them. Beyond those, there were a number of novel clues -- a lucky 13 (!), in fact, were making their debut in the NYTimes Crossword, making for an exceptionally "fresh" crossword (to use the terminology of our favorite cruciverbially-related website, xwordinfo.com). We have much to say about today's puzzle, and our travails while solving it, so please download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E73 · Sat, October 14, 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023 - Ah, that delicious aroma of PANZEROTTI!
Today's crossword is a rare bird - a Saturday crossword with a theme. The theme is not particularly difficult (nothing like Thursday's missing OP pairs, for example), but it turned out to be instrumental (for at least one of our cohosts) as they flailed about trying to metaphorically reach 55D, Shangri-La, EDEN, i.e., to solve the puzzle. The deets are, as usual, inside, so please subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy and, as always, feedback is appreciated - crosswordpodcast@icloud.com Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E72 · Sat, October 14, 2023
Friday, October 13, 2023 - This crossword is a real SCREAMO 😀
Today's crossword was a cruciverbial masterpiece, with a stream of LOL answers that seemed to go ONANDON. Beyond those delightful gems that we cover in today's episode, we'd like to note a few other highlights -- 27D, Paramount requirement?, SCREENTEST 😀 ; the curious 33D, World capital where it's illegal to display the Soviet hammer and sickle, RIGA; and 23D and 35D, Junkyard warning, SNARL and GROWL, respectively (also a great name for a law firm) All in all a great crossword, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. There are just 2 days remaining to enter our Triplet Tuesday Contest! Our sorting hat is almost full, but there's still room for more entries, so listen to last Tuesday's episode, then send your answers to crosswordpodcast@icloud.com, and may the best solver prevail! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E71 · Fri, October 13, 2023
Thursday, October 12, 2023 - Medic!
A tough Thursday crossword, both cohosts had to really dig deeply to get through this one. The theme was tricky, the clues absolutely diabolical ( we mean this in the best possible way), but we were WOWED, when we weren't yelling OYS! as we were making our way through it. Deets inside, and remember there are just a few more days left to enter this week's Triplet Tuesday (check out Tuesday's episode for specifics). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E70 · Thu, October 12, 2023
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 - This crossword is really cookin'
We are presuming that Miranda Kany has an appreciation of CAJUN cooking, based on its key role in today's delicious theme. Beyond that there were other intriguing elements to this crossword, including 20A, Gets old, say, STALES (which is, at least for us, a very new answer); the sly crossing of 24A, Output of the Rolling Stones, appropriately, ROCKMUSIC, and 3D, Current choice, ACDC (which just cries out for that extra /, as in AC/DC); and finally the magnificently apathetic 54A, "Whatevs", MEH (for those too lazy to spell out "Whatevs" 😀). All in all, a lot to like in today's grid, here's hoping for many more puzzles from Miranda before too long! Remember, our Triplet Tuesday Contest is going strong - check out Tuesday's episode on how you too can enter, and possibly win some fabulous WI swag! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E69 · Wed, October 11, 2023
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 - Time to take in some FANSUBS!
A fine Tuesday crossword by Nate Cardin, with a great theme, some novel answers (5 debuts, in fact, including 4 out of the 6 themed answers), and just a lot of crisp cluing throughout the grid. In addition, today's episode features our Triplet Tuesday Contest!! The rules are in the episode, and we want to encourage everyone to throw your metaphorical hat in the ring (or a real hat, if you are particular avid) by sending us how many guesses it took you to suss out each of the 3 answers. Deadline for entries is Sunday, October 15th, and our crack set of judges will announce the winners shortly thereafter. Good luck and may the best cruciverbalist win! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E68 · Tue, October 10, 2023
Monday, October 9, 2023 - Look, up there in the sky ... it's a bird ... it's a plane ... no, it's an UBERMENSCH ??
A straightforward Monday crossword by Zachary David Levy -- his 5th NYTimes crossword, but who's counting? -- including some debut answers - 17A, Vast South American watershed, AMAZONBASIN, and 37A, Kitchen gadget, APPLEPEELER - as well as some rarely seen Monday answers, such as 52A, Nietzsche's superior man of the future, UBERMENSCH, and an answer that was born to be punned, 26A, Hand bone, METACARPAL. A reminder that tomorrow's Triplet Tuesday Contest will be taking place, um, well, tomorrow! We hope you'll tune in, try your hand, and walk away with one of our fabulous prizes. Deets tomorrow! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E67 · Mon, October 09, 2023
Sunday, October 8, 2023 - It's a superlative Sid Sivakumar Sunday spectacular, woo-hoo!
This is Sid Sivakumar's 16th crossword , and practice makes perfect, because this puzzle is spot-on, with a brilliant theme and a vast array of awe-inspiring clues. We've got all the deets inside, so check out today's episode and don't forget ... our Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming right up, just a scant 2 days from today, which definitely warrants another woo-hoo! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E66 · Sun, October 08, 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023 - So sorry, we sunk the DORY 😱
A challenging Saturday crossword by Alex Vratsanos, who would appear to have a PhD in obfuscation, based on such fabulous clues as 44A, One who's served admirally?, NAVYVET; 38D, Like "Duck Soup", it's said, among all Marx brothers films, ZANIEST; and 18A, Swing state?, MOOD 😀. There's more (much more) to explore, so grab your explorer's hat, compass, and, of course, machete, hit download (ideally not with the machete, have mercy on your cellphone), and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E65 · Sat, October 07, 2023
Friday, October 6, 2023 - Look, yonder, 'tis a tantalizing TANSY 🙄
A relatively gentle Friday crossword from veteran crossword constructors Zhouqin Burnikel and Tom Pepper, who between them have had 94 crosswords published in the NYTimes (!) -- so the "veteran" is well earned (esp. for Zhouqin, who has a total of 78 crosswords, including at least one -- this one -- with a collaborator). The clues were sharp, like 52A, Expert with tips: ADVICEGURU (not an asparagus adept); 26D, Movie with saloon fights, colloquially, HORSEOPERA (which fits much better than the very evocative but definitely incorrect OATER); and the short and sweet 38D, Auto zone?, LOT (brilliant!). So, a lot to love, and proof that experience does matter. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E64 · Fri, October 06, 2023
Thursday, October 5, 2023 - Tarana Burke, creator of the #METOO movement
Turns out the upside down is not just for characters on Stranger Things, it is also a key element of today's crossword, where many of the clues are topsy-turvy. Daniel Bodily is responsible for this fine bit of work, his 6th crossword in the NYTimes. Beyond the theme, there was a nice blend of clever and educational clues, definitely a possibility for our JAMCOTWA - Jean & Mike Crossword Of The Week Award. Remember that this Tuesday we will be holding one of our aperiodic Triplet Tuesday Contests, so be sure and listen in then for your chance to win fabulous JAMDTNYTC swag, including some from legendary Door County (not legendary, like Brigadoon, more legendary like a really awesome place to live long and prosper). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E63 · Thu, October 05, 2023
Wednesday, October 4, 2023 - Adios, OTIOSE, you are ... superfluous 🙄
A surprise Wednesday crossword, thanks to the totally unexpected appearance of something that might be cause for either a) celebration or b) gnashing of teeth, depending on your view of these things, rebuses!! Yes, it's Rebus Wednesday, and, at least at JAMDTNYTC HQ there was both celebration and gnashing, for reasons that we lay out, at length and with much hilarity, in today's episode, so ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E62 · Wed, October 04, 2023
Tuesday, October 3, 2023 - Snakes on a plane? No, in the grid!
A surprisingly slithery Tuesday, thanks to the arrival, in the grid, of a den of members of the order squamata , aka snakes. Both Jean and Mike found the crossword to be a bit crunchier than usual for a Tuesday, possibly a side effect of having to get all those squamata into the right squares. All in all, though, it was an impressive feat of cruciverbial legerdemain, and as such worthy of a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E61 · Tue, October 03, 2023
Monday, October 2, 2023 - The Argos of crosswords 👀
Argos, you may recall, if you happen to be particularly long lived and/or well read, was a giant, Hera's servant, and a particularly good watcher, thanks to a surplus of eyes, at least 100. This crossword doesn't have quite that many, but as you'll hear in today's podcast, Alexandria Mason, the constructor of today's fine puzzle, managed to work in a surprising number. In other news, we have some awesome listener mail, and are pleased to announce our next Triplet Tuesday Contest, on October 10, 2023 -- so you have over a week to get yourself into peak form! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E60 · Mon, October 02, 2023
Sunday, October 1, 2023 - And the Oscar goes to ... Jeffrey Lease!?!
An award winning Sunday crossword, with movies that -- even if you don't go to movies -- you will (almost) surely know. But you probably don't know them in their present form, and it is a delight to see in just how many ways a movie title can be punned / rebussed -- Jeffrey Lease seems to know all of them. More deets inside, so please ... subscribe / download / listen / laugh / learn. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E59 · Sun, October 01, 2023
Saturday, September 30, 2023 - Like SPUMONI, this crossword had many layers 😀
A challenging Saturday crossword, Jean in particular had to take a stroll through her vast mind palace in order to get through today's puzzle, whereas Mike had to rely on what is, alas, not so much a mind palace as a mind broom closet in order to seize victory from the jaws of cruciverbial defeat. We liked this crossword a lot , and for that reason unreservedly award it our highest rating, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Speaking of award, today's JAMCOTWA -- Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award -- is out, so to find out which of your favorite of the 7 won, have a listen right now (or later, after all, it is a podcast 😀 ) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E58 · Sat, September 30, 2023
Friday, September 29, 2023 - Beware the SUNDAYSCARIES!
A delightful Friday crossword by Malaika Handa, with some familiar clues, but not many , as befits a Friday. Some of our favorites include the most excellent 12A, Illegal product that's still made?, MOONSHINE (ha!); the mysterious 22D, Go into one's "phone voice", say, CODESWITCH (huh!); and the rarely seen (at least in crosswords!) 27D, Form of protest for tenants, RENTSTRIKE (hmmm). A fine crossword, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and our heartiest congratulations to Malaika on this, her 4th NYTimes crossword of the year!! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E57 · Fri, September 29, 2023
Thursday, September 28, 2023 - The key point about today's crossword involves ... keys!
Once again the NYTimes crossword typesetters are pushing the envelope, today by working musical staffs into the clues. They did a great job (er, except on the iPhone, where the staffs appeared as black rectangles 😱), and all in a good cause, the theme. We don't want to give away too much -- check out today's episode for the full deets -- but we will say that this crossword is definitely in the running for a JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), which will be announced, as usual, on Saturday. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E56 · Thu, September 28, 2023
Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - NOAMCHOMSKY weighs in on "colorless green ideas" -- we kid you not!
It is reasonable to assume that any crossword that works NOAMCHOMSKY into the grid and the theme is going to be deep , and we're talking Mariana Trench complexity here, thanks to a splendid work by Scott Koenig. Deets inside, as well as some insightful listener mail about Lyme, CT and why you should visit -- so have a listen, and, as usual, let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E55 · Wed, September 27, 2023
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 - The McDonald's app better have a HAMBURGERMENU 😀
For those of you who have been hoarding tech terms like they're going out of style (which being tech terms, they will), now's your chance to haul them out, and for a good cause: to solve a great puzzle by Shannon Rapp (her debut!) and Rebecca Goldstein (her 10th, or in binary, 1010!). A fine Tuesday, clearly worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E54 · Tue, September 26, 2023
Monday, September 25, 2023 - This crossword's the living END!
It's not clear if the phrase "Queen of Mondays" has ever been applied to Lynn Lempel, but having written 73 crosswords for the first day of the work week (out of a whopping 101 of hers that have been published in the NYTimes), it is an apt one. To see why the NYTimes has seen fit to publish so many of her crosswords, all you have to do is check out this one , which we do -- and we invite you to do as well, if not on your own, at least vicariously through today's episode. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E53 · Mon, September 25, 2023
Sunday, September 24, 2023 - Joe Fagliano and Christina Iverson would like to tell you a story: once a pun a time ...
Today's crossword, by Joel Fagliano and Christina Iverson, is either, depending on your perspective, a magnificent collection of brilliant puns, or ... a magnificent collection of brilliant puns, there is no other way to interpret what is, as previously noted, a magnificent collection of brilliant puns. 🙄 Can you tell that we liked this crossword? To find out exactly why that is so, have a listen, and remember we love feedback - crosswordpodcast@icloud.com Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E52 · Sun, September 24, 2023
Saturday, September 23, 2023 - AMIDALA and DARTH walk into a bar ...
A challenging Saturday crossword, at least for one of our dynamic duo, thanks in part to his confidence that McTwist was a delectable McDonald's treat. Ah, but today's crossword disabused him of that notion (eventually): to hear all the deets, and see what else is lurking in the grid, have a listen and, as always, let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E51 · Sat, September 23, 2023
Friday, September 22, 2023 - Let's get this straight ... there's a penguin in a bodice sipping a BUDICE?
An excellent Friday crossword - not particularly difficult, but filled with some delightful clues. For example, 38A, Country described in "One can't impose unity out of the blue on a country that has 265 different kinds of cheese", France (delicious!); or 10D, Givers of priceless gifts, ORGANDONORS (in retrospect, of course!); and 41A, Bear necessities, DENS (😀 🐻‍❄️). In short, a great crossword and a fine intro to a weekend of solving, a solid 5 squares on the ol' JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Fri, September 22, 2023
Thursday, September 21, 2023 - A crossword that's for the birds -- literally!
Just when you think that the lode of clever themes has been exhausted, someone strikes pay dirt, and today we have Dan Cabrera to thank and congratulate for his new find, a delightful theme that really soars -- thanks to a flock of fabulous themed clues and answers. Deets inside, so have a listen, and, as usual, let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E49 · Thu, September 21, 2023
Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - Don't mock the MOCS!
Jean and Mike, solving separately as usual, had distinctly different impressions of today's crossword. Jean found it to be a bit of a slog, whereas Mike -- thanks to, well, let's face it, a large but largely undeserved dollop of good luck -- was able to make it through the grid in a goodly time. Deets inside, so have a listen, and as always, let us know what you think -- crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E48 · Wed, September 20, 2023
Tuesday, September 19, 2023 - SESQUIPEDALIAN - runner up in the "Most Difficult Word to Slip into a Conversation" contest 😀
A crunchier than usual Tuesday crossword, both of your cohosts had to dig deeply for the win, with Jean struggling at the top, while Mike's bane was in the southern hemisphere of the grid. But it was a fabulous puzzle, and we have Gia Bosko to thank for that, so ... thank you, Gia! In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday, and Jean's on the hot-seat. To find out how she did, you know the drill: subscribe (if you haven't already), download, listen up, and prepare to be educated and entertained! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E47 · Tue, September 19, 2023
Monday, September 18, 2023 - Move along, move along, nothing ATOLL to see here 🙄
There was lot of color in today's grid, thanks to a colorful theme -- and we mean that literally. Beyond our cutting edge analysis, in today's episode we have a heartfelt apology to the good people of Fond du Lac, as well as the origin story of the PARSNIP! Deets within! Remember that doing the NYTimes Crossword is a great way to preserve those hard working grey cells, and it's cheap ... maybe not as cheap as borscht, but definitely as cheap as PARSNIP. Just wander over to nytimes.com/crosswords, and tell 'em Jean & Mike sent ya! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E46 · Mon, September 18, 2023
Sunday, September 17, 2023 - Win, lose or ... PUSH?
For those of you who grew up in the era of the Beatles, Electric Light Orchestra, Cat Stevens, and the like, you're going to love this crossword; for everyone else, you're really going to need those crosses, and a quick perusal of the Top 100 hits of the 70s through 90s might also be advisable. Deets inside, so please subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E45 · Sun, September 17, 2023
Saturday, September 16, 2023 - BALDCAP, de rigeur for the follicly well-endowed Mr. Clean impersonators
A decidedly crunchy Saturday crossword, with a grid-full of great clues, including 39A, Good thing to stretch out before doing yoga, MAT (nice one!); 28A, Remover of dirt ... or spreader of dirt, RAG (even nicer one!); and 5D, One sans plus-ones, STAGS (oh deer, er, dear, that was brilliant!). In other news, we have a superb Oh That's How You Pronounce It! segment, and of course, being Saturday, our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E44 · Sat, September 16, 2023
Friday, September 15, 2023 - Will you enjoy this podcast? SIGNSPOINTTOYES 😀
A nice Friday crossword, which at least one of our cohosts found considerably easier than Thursdays, in spite of multiple daunting, grid-spanning clues. Those clues contributed to the dearth of black squares in the grid - it was pretty much a sea of white, with just 35 black squares (out of a possible, in theory, 225, although it's doubtful that the NYTimes would ever publish a crossword with all black squares 😀). A good crossword, surely worthy of 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E43 · Fri, September 15, 2023
Thursday, September 13, 2023 - Thar's buried treasure in that there grid, and X marks the spot 😀
A delightful Thursday crossword by Vasu Seralathan, with an eXtraordinary theme, and a surrounding cast of clues that is a joy to behold. Don't believe it? Check out today's episode, and if you are not absolutely convinced that this was a JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award)-worthy crossword, then your money will be cheerfully refunded 😉) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E42 · Thu, September 14, 2023
Wednesday, September 13, 2023 - Today's crossword was, in NATO alphabet parlance, Golf Romeo Echo Alpha Tango!
A highly amusing crossword by Guilherme Gilioli, with a paradoxical theme , as well as a plethora of "huh, never heard of that" moments, most notably ... nope! we are not going to spoil the podcast by spilling the beans here. To find out what those moments were, join us in the journey through the grid by having a listen to today's episode. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E41 · Wed, September 13, 2023
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 - NARUTO, Ninja-in-training and manga superstar!
Ella Dershowitz has a reputation for crafting awesome crosswords, and she does nothing to sully that in today's puzzle, with a fine set of clues that run from funny to punny to ... some other word that ends in unny (ahem). 🙄 We were particularly fond of 11D, Patti, in the American Theater Hall of Fame, LUPONE (well known to Jean, not so much, or to be precise, not at all, to Mike); 45D, Huffy response to an untrue accusation, IDONOT (you can literally hear the indignation); and 57D, Almost any character in Hamlet, DANE (forsooth, that is true!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E40 · Tue, September 12, 2023
Monday, September 11, 2023 - The eyes (or perhaps we should say the I's) have it!
A fun Monday crossword, with, as usual, an unusual theme that hits the sweet spot, both accessible and amusing. We have all the deets inside, including an important PSA if you're considering ACL surgery 🙄, so please, subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy / and don't forget to give us a 5-star review wherever you're listening to this podcast! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E39 · Mon, September 11, 2023
Sunday, September 10, 2023 - 🎶 You take the high road, and we'll take the low road 🎶
A twisty sort of Sunday crossword, mainly because of the theme but enhanced by some rather diabolical (as always, in a good way) sort of clues, including 62A, A head, PER; 118A, Brown, for one, IVY ; and 47D, Goal that sends a game into overtime, EVENER. There was also a bevy of pop culture references that are definitely worth checking out, including the vintage 19D, Come on _______ (1982 hit), EILEEN, and the much more contemporary (and very funny) 32A, Boosler who was the first woman comedian to have an hour long comedy special on cable TV, ELAYNE. Definitely one of the more challenging Sunday crosswords we've seen in a while, although, as usual your mileage (or if you happen to be reading this in a pro-metric country, kilometerage) may vary. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E38 · Sun, September 10, 2023
Saturday, September 9, 2023 - Whim whams, whim whams, whim whams, we could say that all day 😀
A very sharp Saturday crossword, with sparkling clues / answers, and some LOL moments, including 38D, Whim whams, NERVES ( that's a new one!); 12D, "So many _______, so little know" (proverb), ASSUME (see previous clue's comment); and 48D, Monthly releases?, OVA (nice!). We liked this crosswords a lot , hats off to Robert S. Gard for such a fabulous opus. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E37 · Sat, September 09, 2023
Friday, September 8, 2023 - It's a Friday ... hence the CLEARASMUD clues
A tough Friday crossword -- as Friday crosswords are wont to be -- with clues like 24A, "Skip it!", ROPE (heh, heh); 20D, "Nice to see ya today!", MORNIN (yikes!); and 61A, X, as in Ximenes? (quick, fetch the fainting couch!). There were also (for Mike, at least), some major spelling challenges, most notably 16A, Pasta whose names derives from the Italian for "little cakes", TORTOLLONI, er, we mean TORTALLENI, no, wait, that's not right, .. TORTELLINI, ha!, got it in three 😀 For Fun Fact Friday, we have a fortuitously timed piece of listener mail that resolves all the loose ends from the last few episodes! Have a listen, and let us know what you think - crosswordpodcast@icloud.com! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E36 · Fri, September 08, 2023
Thursday, September 7, 2023 - For the record, and like today's crossword, this podcast was *not* AIGENERATED 🤖
Today's crossword was rebus-free but humor-rich, with a wry undercurrent based on the world's current obsession with all things AI. We believe that this crossword was written by a human being, one Ryan Patrick Smith, and not an AI bot claiming to be Ryan Patrick Smith ... unless ... are all those claims of the former in the grid an example of "me thinks thou dost protest too much"?? To find out the answer (er, maybe), subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E35 · Thu, September 07, 2023
Wednesday, September 6, 2023 - BAGEL, a delicious breadstuff and an aptly-named tennis score
A nice Wednesday crossword by Blake Slonecker, with a surprising number of answers that just raised more questions (all of which we cover, of course, in the podcast). There were a few great clues that didn't quite make into that episode, though, including 60A, In the public eye, SEEN (duh!); the droll 28D, Lights up?, IRRADIATES; and 37D, Dirt-digging research, for short, OPPO (fun to say, not quite as fun to contemplate). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E34 · Wed, September 06, 2023
Tuesday, September 5, 2023 - FRUITBAT, one of Abner Doubleday's biggest mistakes 😀
A noble Tuesday crossword, one that reminds us (multiple times) of the virtues of having a BFF. The grid was teeming with good clues, including 11D, End piece?, CODA (heh, heh); 40D, Ficus that produces sweets favored by a 44-across, FIGTREE (we just like the word ficus!); and 32D, "Ooh, tell us everything!", DOSAY (we can hear the poshness in the voice from 20 paces 😀). In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday -- Jean's up to (FRUIT)BAT -- and we have listener mail, recommending a fine Ok Go video , so hit subscribe, download, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E33 · Tue, September 05, 2023
Monday, September 4, 2023 - 'Twas no BLOOP to include BLOOP in today's crossword 🙄
Any crossword that works BLOOP, DUPE and PEEKABOO into the grid (4A, Baseball hit just over the infield; 46A, Pull a fast one on; and 37D, Game for an infant, respectively) has our sincere respect and admiration -- and even more because of a theme that is clearly in the ascendant, which will make more sense once you've heard the podcast or solved this fine puzzle by Tom Pepper and Zhouqin Burnikel. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E32 · Mon, September 04, 2023
Sunday, September 3, 2023 - 🎶 FUGUE for Tinhorns 🎶
For those of you who spend waaaay too much time in front of a computer screen, you should have a leg up as you solve this crossword (especially if you're doing so in a hammock 🙄). Beyond the 21st century theme, there were some great clues, such as 118A, A little help around the holidays, ELF (heh, heh); 50A, It ain't just a river in Egypt!, DENIAL (ouch!); and 61A, Frozen yogurt mix-in, OREO (and a fond welcome-back to the official cookie of the NYTimes Crossword!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E31 · Sun, September 03, 2023
Saturday, September 2, 2023 - ATOAST to a crossword that BRIMS with fine clues!
A nice Saturday crossword by Rebecca Goldstein, with some curious clues such as 30A, Call from a server, maybe, ADIN (we're still trying to work that one out!!); the magnificent 44A, Oxford English Dictionary's Word of the Year in 2022, describing an unapologetically self-indulgent state, GOBLINMODE (delightful!); and the devious 28D, "Just the check", IMSET. All in all a great crossword, and Rebecca's debut Saturday puzzle (she's had 9, all told). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E30 · Sat, September 02, 2023
Friday, September 1, 2023 - Ready? Set? OKGO!
This crossword , ITSABEAUT, and we're not just saying that because that happens to be the answer to 11D, "Would you look at that!". The grid is just effervescent, and includes an amazing 10 debuts (including ITSABEAUT). It also includes what has become, within 30 seconds of starting to listen to it, Mike's favorite group, OKGO (4D, Indie group band whose name is a two-word command). There is, in short, a lot to love in today's crossword, definitely a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and definitely a contender for tomorrow's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E29 · Fri, September 01, 2023
Thursday, August 31, 2023 - Yee-haw, another crossword with HOOHA 🙄
A relatively straightforward Thursday crossword -- no rebuses (rebusae?), answers that circled back on one another, or bow-ties -- but the theme was a great one nonetheless, as it ... nope, no spoilers! If you want to know more (and we hope you do!), you'll need to subscribe / download / listen up and (we hope!) enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E28 · Thu, August 31, 2023
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 - A novel crossword
When we say that this was a novel crossword, we are not telling stories ... but Alex Eaton-Salners, the author of today's crossword is, in a dazzling cruciverbalistic tour de force. You can see the entire story, er, crossword, right here , and you can hear our take on it by downloading right ⬇️ or ⬆️ or ⬅️ or ➡️ 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E27 · Wed, August 30, 2023
Monday, August 29, 2023 - SELFHEAL, a sure cure for what ails you!
The best crosswords entertain and educate, and this puzzle manages to do both, in spades. To find out what the (to continue the card metaphor) deal is, please subscribe / download / listen / enjoy and prepare to be educated! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E26 · Tue, August 29, 2023
Monday, August 28, 2023 - WAHOO, GOSH and TOOT - 3 words in today's grid or a famed legal firm? You be the judge!
A nice Monday crossword (a debut for Brian Callahan 🎉), with an UNforgettable theme, if you know what we mean -- and you will know once you've listened to today's podcast, so please hit those subscribe, download, and play buttons ASAP (10A, "Hop to it!"). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E25 · Mon, August 28, 2023
Sunday, August 27, 2023 - Don't go criticizing ÉPÉE's diacritics! 🙄
If you like alliterations, you'll love today's crossword , as the grid is crawling with them. as well as some other fabulous answers. Who can resist the absolutely magnificent 104D, Singer Jon with the 1992 hit, " Just Another Day ", SECADA (seriously, if you haven't heard this song, you need to drop everything you're doing right now and listen!). And let's not forget the completely uncontroversial 124A, Like tires, TREADED (😀), nor the very amusing 97A, Way to get ahead in Life?, SPINNER (😀 😀 ). In short, there is lots to like in today's grid, and to hear more, you are heartily exhorted to subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E24 · Sun, August 27, 2023
Saturday, August 26, 2023 - Sprechen sie GNOMISH?
A supremely challenging Saturday crossword , but Jean once again demonstrated why she deserves the monicker "Queen of Crosswords", sailing through it without a care in the world. Mike's trip was a little bumpier ... less "sailing" and more "going over Niagara Falls in a barrel". A few samples: 11A, This might change your mind, LSD (uh-huh); 37D, See star?, PONTIFF (yikes!); and 51D, "Have you _______", EVER (medic!). All the deets are inside, so, after you've hit that subscribe or follow button, you are cheerfully exhorted to download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E23 · Sat, August 26, 2023
Friday, August 25, 2023 - LINDT, in your pantry, but hopefully not in your dryer!
It is not clear if there is an English word that describes "a collection of stunningly good clues", but if there isn't, we would like to recommend the "Musa", after the author of today's crossword , Rafael Musa, as that's definitely what we have here. Deets inside, so please subscribe, download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E22 · Fri, August 25, 2023
Thursday, August 24, 2023 - Hats off to whoever invented the KEPI 🙄
A joyously unique Thursday crossword, with an absolutely ingenious theme that has to be seen to be believed. Fortunately, you can do so right here , and of course read all about it right here ! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E21 · Thu, August 24, 2023
Wednesday, August 23, 2023 - Feeling peckish? This crossword won't help!
A delicious Wednesday crossword by Michael Lieberman, with a cool theme, clever clues (like 45A, End of a two-player Harlem Globetrotters play, OOP ; and 49D, Source of a scandalous comment, HOTMIC), and the irresistible opportunity to pose the question, if trucks bearing SALTINES and OREOS collided at a high rate of speed, would you end up with SQUAREOS™️? We aren't entirely sure, but one thing we are certain of is that this was a great crossword - 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E20 · Wed, August 23, 2023
Wednesday, August 22, 2023 - Don't freeze when someone offers you a FROSÉ
A splendid Tuesday crossword , a debut for Jay Silverman, and if you find yourself breaking out in song while doing this crossword, you will be forgiven (um, unless you're a very bad singer 😀). In addition to the clues that we cover in the podcast, we'd like to give a shoutout to 29D, "Oh, dang!", AWSNAP (a debut!), and the very popular "Being _________: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011 documentary", ELMO. Oh, today's episode artwork? That's a BOLO tie, and a source of moderate but fortunately only temporary distress for one of our cohosts - deets inside. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E19 · Tue, August 22, 2023
Monday, August 21, 2023 - Woo-hoo, it's a HOOHA! 😀
Hold the (homo)phone!, it's another delightful Monday crossword by Jennifer Nutt (her 9th, in fact). There were some revelations in the grid, such as 2D, "Bear" in a eucalyptus forest, KOALA; 33D, It broke up on December 26, 1991, USSR; and Mike's favorite, 8D, Fur tycoon John Jacob, ASTOR (yay!). Deets inside, so download, listen up, and ... let us know what you think! P.S. To read "The Purloined Letter" and other stories, check out PoeStories.com , Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E18 · Mon, August 21, 2023
Sunday, August 20, 2023 - NOM, NOM, this was one delicious crossword!
A great start to our crossword solving week, courtesy of Michael Schlossberg, who seems to be pathologically unable to construct anything less than a stellar crossword -- and we offer as evidence, exhibit A, in fact, today's puzzle . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E17 · Sun, August 20, 2023
Saturday, August 17, 2023 - No need to GILDTHELILY, this crossword is a real RUSH!
A nice Saturday crossword, and a debut by David P. Williams, so kudos not only for getting published, but for constructing such an excellent puzzle, with such tremendously enjoyable phrases as the aforementioned GILDTHELILY, MOLLYCODDLE, and one of our favorite words, PROSAIC. Today's WYMSA (Words You Might See Again) entry is 33A, Asian appetizer, SATAY, so add that to your favorite crossword clues notebook, you'll probably ... see it again! It's Saturday,and our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner is ... nope, no spoilers! Have a listen to find out, and let us know if you agree/disagree or are neutral on the subject! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E16 · Sat, August 19, 2023
Friday, August 18, 2023 - ELGAR and YANNI ... together? again??
Kameron Austin Collins is another reliably fabulous cruciverbalist, who specializes in Saturday puzzles but occasionally produces a Friday (such as the fine one we dive into in here). In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday ™️, and today's star is none other than the lady we met for the first time in. yesterday's grid, Effa Manley . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E15 · Fri, August 18, 2023
Thursday, August 17, 2023 - Time to celebrate, Erik Agard is in the house!
They say that practice makes perfect, and this crossword is a perfect example, It's by Erik Agard (his 77th for the NYTimes), and is a master class in great cluing. For example, we were very chuffed to see ... 48A, Chuffed, GLAD; we were also thrilled to see an answer from yesterday make a reappearance, but in an entirely different clue: 59A, Part of the Hollywood monogram J.E.J., EARL; and has this word ever been clued better, we think not -- 57D, Inanimate object with a tongue, SHOE. Oh, there were more , and we dive into them in today's puzzle, so have a listen, and let us know what you think. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E14 · Thu, August 17, 2023
Wednesday, August 16, 2023 - How much would a COTE cost? We'd like a COTE quote!
In honor of Indian Independence Day, we have this visually stunning crossword (click on the link to see what we mean). It doesn't look quite like the original , but considering the medium is crossword squares, it's pretty good. Deets inside, and, a first, we have some episode artwork! Remember, the NYTimes crossword is a great way to stay sharp and expand your horizons. They're always eager to have you as a subscriber, so head over to nytimes.com/crosswords, and tell 'em Jean and Mike sent ya! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E13 · Wed, August 16, 2023
Tuesday, August 15, 2023 - FLYERS? FLIERS? PHLYERS? Decisions, decisions!
A trendy, Tuesday crossword by Malaika Handa, with a smattering of rarer clues, such as 18D, Gun control activist David, HOGG; 11D, Payment after a split between unmarried partners, PALIMONY (amusing word for a decidedly unamusing subject); and 12D, Italian sparkling wine, PROSECCO (not to be confused, as Mike was wont to do, with PROSCIUTTO). It's Triplet Tuesday, so see if you can beat Mike to the answers in today's thrilling battle of wits. Finally, Will Shortz, the head honcho at NYTimes Crossword HQ, was interviewed by the New Yorker, and is definitely worth a read . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E12 · Tue, August 15, 2023
Monday, August 14, 2023 - This crossword can GOTOELEVEN!
Today's crossword is a real deal - two puzzles for the price of one , and the second involves math (or at least arithmetic). Fear not, though, a calculator is not required, but a willingness to have fun is -- and if you're listening to this podcast, fun is guaranteed . In other news, we have more on MOCHAS thanks to listener mail, and a reminder that tomorrow is Triplet Tuesday, so haul out that Thinking Cap, Tuesday will be here before you know it!! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E11 · Mon, August 14, 2023
Sunday, August 12, 2023 - Today's crossword was brimming with INSPO!
Good crossword puzzles, like those that grace the pages of the NYTimes, are a celebration of English - its history, present, and future. So, when we come across a word we haven't seen before (but, it usually transpires. everybody else has ), we want to raise a toast in honor of a newly-found friend. Today's nouveau ami, is INSPO , short for ... nope, we're going to end these notes here on a cliff-hanger! To find out the meaning of INSPO, and get all the deets on the rest of the great clues in today's puzzle , all you need do is tap that ol' download button, followed by the ol' play button, and all will be revealed. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E10 · Sun, August 13, 2023
Saturday, August 12, 2023 - LABNEH - government facility or pita dip? You be the judge 😀
A more than CROMULENT Saturday crossword by the dynamic duo of Rachel Fabi and Christina Iverson. Jean found it to be a bit of a slog, thanks to the double-whammy in the northwest of 1A, Perfectly acceptable, humorously, CROMULENT, and 15A, Serpentine symbol of rebirth, from the Greek for "tail-devouring", OUROBOROS. There were challenges in the rest of the grid as well, but the end result was a fine puzzle, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. In other news, our JAMCOTWA is out -- congrats to Natan Last and the JASA Crossword Class -- and, we have listener mail 😍. So to enjoy all of this goodness, you are cordially invited to do what countless others have done before you: subscribe (so you never miss an episode), download, listen up, enjoy, and learn!! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E9 · Sat, August 12, 2023
Friday, August 11, 2023 - Check out today's crossword - YOUWONTREGRETIT!
A relatively straightforward Friday crossword, but a great mental workout nonetheless and with some terrific clues. As a tasty example we have 39D, Meal, REPAST; as a head scratcher we have 44D, Travel that doesn't require a hotel reservation (DAYTRIP, not, as Mike had originally surmised, LSDTRIP); and as an historical fun fact we have 66A, One of eight in a B-52, ENGINE. A fine crossword, definitely 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E8 · Fri, August 11, 2023
Thursday, August 10, 2023 - Get ready to hop on the (re)bus!
Is there anything cheerier than seeing Natan Last and the JASA Crossword Class in the byline for a Thursday crossword? Maybe, but not much , and the class has outdone itself today, with a brilliant grid and clues that deserve a chef's kiss. For all the deets, and to see why this is definitely in the running for the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E7 · Thu, August 10, 2023
Wednesday, August 9, 2023 - Jean ARP, come to MOMMA, er, we mean MOMA 🙄
An adorable Wednesday crossword by Caryn Robbins and Matthew Stock, the latter a familiar name among NYTimes crossword aficionados, the former less so -- this being her second (congrats!). The theme was fun, and there were many educational clues in the grid. For example, did you know that both CHAD and LESOTHO are land-locked? That Jean ARP is a Dada artist? and that OTTO Porter Jr. is an NBA forward? Well, if you didn't before, you know now! Lastly, today's WYMA is ELO* *if WYMA (Words You'll Meet Again) is unfamiliar to you, that's unsurprising, as what we hope will be a continuing segment just sprung into existence during yesterday's podcast, be sure and check it out if you want the deets. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E6 · Wed, August 09, 2023
Tuesday, August 8, 2023 - Hear ye, hear ye, announcing a new podcast segment, WYMA!
A fine Tuesday puzzle by Zachary David Levy, not too terribly difficult (as expected: Tuesdays are supposed to be on the easy-ish side), but still impressive, with a stately theme (that will seem hilarious once you've listened to today's episode) and a few answers that are just fun to say, such as 29A, Sticky stuff, GOOP; 1A, Bit of foolish mockery, JAPE; and 61A, Utopian locale in a Coleridge poem, XANADU. In other news, we're announcing a new podcast segment - WYMA, Words You'll Meet Again. There are many clues/answers in the NYTimes pantheon of clues and answers that tend to crop up more than once, and they're just good to have in your back pocket when you're trying to be a keener crossword solver. So periodically we are going to just flag one of the answers in the grid we're talking about to be a WYMA word™️. Remember when listening to the podcast, it may help to have the completed grid available, and if you weren't able to solve it, fear not! We always link to it in the show notes, as we are about to do right here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E5 · Tue, August 08, 2023
Monday, August 7, 2023 - AYE, NOONE can eclipse SAILORMOON!
A fun and frothy Monday crossword by Chloe Revery and Alissa Revness, perfect for novice crossword solvers trying to learn the ropes . In today's episode we also have an impromptu and unnamed version of OTHYPI (Oh, That's How You Pronounce It!"), based on two of our favorite South Dakota place names. Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E4 · Mon, August 07, 2023
Sunday, August 6, 2023 - The LITERATI agree, this crossword was ADORABLE
Lisa Senzel and Jeff Chen have teamed up to create a mind- (or at least answer-) bending crossword, which if you're familiar with DROPLEAFTABLES will be relatively straightforward, but if not ... be forewarned, it will be a slog! So, naturally, Jean tore through the crossword, and Mike, initially thinking IMTOAST, eluded the TRAP that Lisa and Jeff had SET through a series of lucky AHA moments -- but it was a very near thing. Deets inside, so please do subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy / let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E3 · Sun, August 06, 2023
Saturday, August 5, 2023 - SWORDSMITH - yes, that *is* a career!
An eminently and appropriately challenging Saturday crossword by veteran cruciverbalist John Guzzetta, this is his 39th NYTimes appearance, and practice makes perfect, which basically describes today's puzzle. And we will elaborately describe today's puzzle in today's podcast, so have a listen, and as usual, let us know what you think, and tell others about us as well. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E2 · Sat, August 05, 2023
Friday, August 4, 2023 - No WETNOODLES in this grid!
A brilliant Friday crossword by Brandon Koppy, no theme (of course: Fridays are almost always themeless), but a grid that was chockfull of clever clues/answers, such as 58A, Asteroids system, ATARI; 23D, In shorthand, it's written with 2S's and 2T's, WEEK; and 8D, Charm, to King Charles, ENAMOUR. But, incredibly, there are more , and even (arguably) better ones lurking in the grid: and to find out what those are, you know what to do - download, listen up, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S8 E1 · Fri, August 04, 2023
Thursday, August 3, 2023 - EREWHON, gateway to ... NOWHERE?
The perfect blend of entertaining, educational, and 'ead scratching, today's crossword has something for everyone. A theme that makes you reach for it (in both senses of the phrase!); some thought provoking clues/answers, including Jean's favorite, 44A, It is usually blue, DENIM, and Mike's fave, 6D, 1872 Utopian novel whose title is an anagram of NOWHERE, EREWHON. This is Simeon Siegel's 8th NYTimes crossword, and we are eagerly awaiting # 9. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E100 · Thu, August 03, 2023
Wednesday, August 2, 2023 - Be careful, don't touch those touch-me-nots!
A breezy Wednesday crossword by Barbara Lin, with a theme that is vaguely related to Sunday's, and yet ... entirely different. You'll see what we mean when you listen to today's podcast, which we highly recommend you do posthaste -- partially because we think it's so good, and partially because we just like to use the word posthaste as often as possible 😀 Just a reminder, we love listener mail -- so if you want to, drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com, and we will get back to you .... posthaste! (😀 😀 ) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E99 · Wed, August 02, 2023
Monday, August 1, 2023 - BAHAMEN, ELO and RINGO, all in one grid? This crossword sings!
Today's crossword has a distinctly outdoorsy feel to it, and we'll give you tree guesses as to why. [Hint: there are no typos in the previous sentence, but a very bad pun] Besides our usual witty banter (and a priceless bit about debut words, priceless because we don't have any ads 😀), we also have an episode of Triplet Tuesday, and an enlightening bit of listener mail. Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E98 · Tue, August 01, 2023
Monday, July 31, 2023 - An homage to a homonym 😀
The inventiveness of the NYTimes stable of cruciverbalists never ceases to amaze, and today's crossword is one reason why -- exhibit A, we might say, if we were in court, which ... nope, we're going to stop here, no spoilers today! For further info, do what countless others have done before you, and subscribe / download / listen / enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E97 · Mon, July 31, 2023
Sunday, July 29, 2023 - Attack of the killer spoonerisms!
A fun, not particularly difficult crossword ... excerpt for the parts that were 😀. Jean got through it fairly quickly, only hung up on TIC and TAC v. TIT and TAT; Mike had to labor longer, the lacuna in his knowledge of Himalayan rivers once again almost proving his downfall. As usual with Sunday crosswords, there are waaaaay too many clues to cover in the podcast: a few superb ones that were left on the cutting room floor include discussions of 124A, Forest nymph, DRYAD (not to be confused with a PSA for abstemiousness 😀); 99A, One of five every seven, WEEKDAY (hah!); 60A, Curmudgeon's countenance, SCOWL ()that award winning alliteration deserves, ... an award); and 88D, Ice cream entrepreneur, Joseph, EDY (Oh, so EDY had a first name? Who knew?) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E96 · Sun, July 30, 2023
Saturday, July 29, 2023 - Sam Ezersky spells it out for us 😀
Sam Ezersky, whose day job is to write another puzzle for the NYTimes, Spelling Bee, occasionally has been known to wander over into the crossword area, and today is one of those lucky days! His clues are coherent (good), clever (Sam Ezersky does not know how to write any other kind) and (of course, it's a Saturday), challenging. We'd say more, but you probably doesn't want theses on these Cs 🙄, so we'll just let today's episode speak for itself! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E95 · Sat, July 29, 2023
Friday, July 28, 2023 - This wasn't just a good crossword puzzle, it was a GREATONE
A fine Friday crossword by Rafael Muse and Hoang-Kim Vu, with something for everyone who wants to eat (GORDITAS), drink (ODOULS, SAKEBOMBS) and be merry (EGOBOOST). We approve, and hereby award this crossword 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. In other news, it's Friday, and for Fun Fact Friday™️ we have a dazzling discussion of Ferrero's greatest edible invention ever. We don't want to reveal it right here, but here's a hint: it earned them a mint 😀 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E94 · Fri, July 28, 2023
July 27, 2023 - Meooo-burr-oooow, the familiar cry of the Scottish Fold cat 🙄
A slightly gentler than usual Thursday crossword , but between the elegance of the cluing and the terrific theme, we are not complaining! Our favorite example of craftsmanship not covered in the podcas:: 48A, Foreign refusal, NEIN, was right on top of 50A, Words of rejection, ITSANO 😀. And in case you didn't spot that, the clue right in between actually points that out: 49A: One on top of another on top of another, PILE. Now that's attention to detail! Also, the NYTimes is now offering an easy mode version of one of the hardest crosswords of the week, and you can subscribe to it right here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E93 · Thu, July 27, 2023
July 26, 2023 - We are AMPED about today's crossword (and the discovery of the CLUAN 😀)
Kudos to Mary Crane, as this is her debut NYTimes crossword!! There were a goodly number of great clues in the crossword, and beyond those discussed in today's episode we would be remiss if we did not mention 58A, First-year law student, informally, ONEL(👩🏽‍⚖️); 43D, Company making tracks, LIONEL (😀); and one that we can't help but fawn over, 34A, Goat/man of mythology, FAUN (😉). Also in today's episode, we welcome the birth of a new subatomic particle (and which all crossword puzzles are composed of), the CLUAN -- spread the word! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E92 · Wed, July 26, 2023
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 - SAGUARO, the world's most difficult to spell cactus
Gary Larson and Doug Peterson -- no, not that Gary Larson, but definitely that Doug Peterson -- weigh in with a great Tuesday crossword with a droll theme worthy of a standup comic, which Gary Larson just happened to be (he has since retired). The rest of the grid was also perfect Tuesday fare, it is fair to say: and to hear all the details, as well as the outcome of today's Triplet Tuesday spectacular, all you need to do is download, listen up, and enjoy! (But if you haven't already, don't forget to subscribe, so you'll get a a new episode each day without breaking a sweat, an especially good thing when the thermometer's close to bursting). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E91 · Tue, July 25, 2023
Monday, July 24, 2023 - ELECTRO, a shocking Spider-Man villain
A gentle Monday crossword, just the right degree of difficulty, that provided Jean with the opportunity to discuss the difference between salt shakers and SALTCELLARS, and for Mike to punnily observe that if you can buy a SALTCELLAR at Target, that makes Target a SALTCELLAR seller 🙄 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E90 · Sun, July 23, 2023
Sunday, July 23, 2023 - A grid with OOMPH, FTW!
A winning Sunday crossword by Chandi Deitmer, with a bevy of sound aural puns forming a brilliant theme, amid a sea of other fine clues, including the apostrophe-rich 44D, Cap'n's subordinate, BOSN; the always welcome (as a word, at any rate) 26D, Nonsense, to Brits, TOSH; and one of our favorite Grammy Award winners, 40A, Grammy winner Hill, LAURYN. Definitely FTW, we give it 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E89 · Sun, July 23, 2023
Saturday, July 22, 2023 - A crossword that'll have you doing CARTWHEELS 🤸‍♀️😉
This, Robert Logan's second NYTimes Crossword , took him 17 months to complete! The end result, though, is a chef's kiss of a crossword, one that gives up its secrets gradually and grudgingly, with clues so good that you'll be inclined to stand up and applaud: which we heartily encourage you to do, and thus simultaneously exercise both the mind and the body. In other news, it's Saturday, time for the JAMCOTWA - Jean & Mike Crossword Of The Week Award - and this week the choice was an easy one! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E88 · Fri, July 21, 2023
Thursday, July 20, 2023 - Honk if you liked this crossword 🚗😉. Honk, honk!!
A fiendishly clever crossword by Drew Schmenner, with a worthy theme -- that's not UPFORDEBATE -- that would've taxed even the great IBMWATSON. We loved it -- as you can tell from today's episode -- and can't wait for Drew's next opus! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E87 · Thu, July 20, 2023
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 - Go, Packers! Time for another THREEPEAT 😀
As the week progresses, the NYTimes crosswords, by-and-large, get more difficult, and you can start to feel the friction on Wednesday, with clues like 37D, Kind of mark, SKID; 26A, "Ya dig?", FEELME (aha); and 37A, Fast pitch, SPIEL, starting to make you, well, dig,a little more deeply than on a Monday or Tuesday (at least on average). And speaking of dig (for the third time in this paragraph), we dug deeply to extract the finest clues from today's grid for your edification. Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E86 · Wed, July 19, 2023
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 - DIONYSUS and BACCHUS walk into a bar ...
Today's puzzle is educational -- a primer for those of you who can't tell your Greek gods from your Roman ones., as well as entertaining -- what you'd expect if Steinberg was in the byline. We'd tell you more, but ... we've already told you everything we know in today's podcast, so have a listen and let us know what you think. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E85 · Tue, July 18, 2023
Monday, July 17, 2023 - BORESOME -- in the grid and in...applicable 🙄
A marvelous Monday crossword by Fulbright scholar (!) Alexander Liebeskind, and that genius shines through wherever you look in today's grid. There were (almost) impossible to pronounce answers, 66A, One whose property is being held as debt security, LIENEE; (almost) impossible to spell answers, 43A, ________ - daisy, OOPSY (not OOPSIE); and (almost) impossible to forget answers, 40D, Yawn-inducing, BORESOME (!!). A reminder that the NYTimes Crossword is a great way to keep your wits sharp and your fingers on the pulse of modern (and ancient!) culture: you can subscribe at nytimes.com/crosswords, tell 'em Jean & Mike sent ya'. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E84 · Mon, July 17, 2023
Sunday, July 16, 2023 - The Game is Afoot, and the Grid is *Amazing*
An absolutely delightful Sunday crossword by Michael Schlossberg, brilliant clues everywhere you look, guaranteed to put a smile on your face. We have all the deets inside, so please subscribe (so you won't miss an episode), then download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E83 · Sun, July 16, 2023
Saturday, July 15, 2023 - ⚠️ Battlestations, it's a Jeff Chen Saturday Crossword!!⚠️
Jeff Chen is known for writing great crosswords and he is in excellent form today . Clues like 2D, Head of the bar, FOAM (not SOAP!), 36A, Word that can be described by changing its last letter to a P, SHARD (wow!); and the droll 52D, Take for a spin, TURN (of course it is) tell the tale. Loved it, clearly worth a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. In other news, we have hit 100,000 downloads, so thanks to all of you for getting us to that lofty peak , and here's to the next 100,000! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E82 · Sat, July 15, 2023
Friday, July 14, 2023 - When solving a crossword, your spelling must be perrfect!" 🙄
Today's crossword, by Jonathan Kaufman, didn't faze Jean in the slightest, whereas Mike was almost done in by 16A, Drank discretely, HADANIP (not, as both Jean & Mike, and possibly most of humanity first thought, HADASIP). That tricky northeast corner notwithstanding, the entire grid was well done, not a bit of crossword-ese, just ALOADOF entertaining and educational clues. Deets within, as well as some great listener mail, so download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E81 · Fri, July 14, 2023
Thursday, July 13, 2023 - The name's BAUER, EDDIEBAUER
Our co-hosts took wildly divergent routes in solving today's crossword , with Jean taking the highway and Mike taking a barely discernible PATH through dense woods to arrive at the same destination. So, while he was OUTSHONE, Mike believes he should get some points (and possibly seek medical treatment) for ES (Extreme Stubbornness). Deets inside, so download, listen up, and enjoy (and don't forget to subscribe!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E80 · Thu, July 13, 2023
Wednesday, July 12, 2023 - Endure some DURIANS 😷
You know you're in good hands when the byline reads Brooke Husic and Brian Thomas, who between them have published 19 (Brooke) + 14 (Brian) = 33 NYTimes crosswords, no mean feat. To see why they keep getting puzzles accepted, you just have to look at today's exemplar, or listen to our description right here, right now! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E79 · Wed, July 12, 2023
Tuesday, July 11, 2023 - Didn't attempt this crossword? Then you'll be MISSINGOUT
Today's crossword by Aaron M. Rosenberg -- who bears an uncanny resemblance to our vision of Clark Kent -- was most assuredly not LACKINGVARIETY, as it had clues running the gamut from punny (3D, Run just for the exposure?, STREAK 🙄) to nostalgic (58A, 1994 film about a portal through the cosmos, STARGATE) to educational-ish (68A, Entertainment industry quadfecta, EGOT). We loved it, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Also, it's Triplet Tuesday, and Jean's performance today was too, too divine (as well as a hint as to her scores 😀) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E78 · Tue, July 11, 2023
Monday, July 10, 2023 - A crossword that most definitely did not JUMPTHESHARK!
A delightful Goldilocks of a Monday crossword , not too easy, not too hard (at least if you've been doing these for a while!), with a fine theme (but no revealer!). If the name of the constructor -- Brad Wiegmann -- is familiar, that's because this is his 5th crossword since 2021, and here's hoping that his 6th will be here before long. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E77 · Mon, July 10, 2023
Sunday, July 9, 2023 - Crossword, meet Pictionary™️ 😀
A fairly gentle crossword compared to the last few weeks, and between that and a novel theme, it turned out to be a very enjoyable solve. What was that theme, you ask? Well, we could draw you a picture, or ... we could just direct you to have a listen to today's episode, which will explain why the first clause of this sentence is so hilarious. We choose the latter, so checkout today's episode, and all will become clear. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E76 · Sun, July 09, 2023
Saturday, July 8, 2023 - Send out the STREETTEAM, REM is coming to town!
A stellar Saturday crossword by Brandon Koppy, a minor struggle for Jean, a major slog for Mike; but both eventually achieved that Elysian feeling of satisfaction that comes from completing a challenging (but fair) puzzle. It's also Saturday, aka JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) day, so to find out who won and why, have a listen to today's episode (and don't forget to subscribe, so you'll never miss an episode!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E75 · Sat, July 08, 2023
Friday, July 7, 2023 - TRASHPANDA, a *great* name for a rock band 😀
A challenging Friday crossword, and as you will hear in today's episode the co-hosts were of two minds regarding this puzzle. But with clues like 63A, Counter offer?, FREESAMPLE (😀), 45D, Infant's interjection, GOO (aww), and 24D, Fill with gas, AERATE (not TOPOFF), it is hard to deny that this was a fine bit of cruciverbal construction. We also have a fun fact for Fun Fact Friday ™️, and another bit of listener mail. Finally, a brief reminder that the NYTimes Crossword is an excellent way to keep your mind sharp and make you more attractive to whatever gender you would like to be attracted to you, so to subscribe just visit nytimes.com/crosswords. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E74 · Fri, July 07, 2023
Thursday, July 6, 2023 - To quote ABBA, it's all about Money, Money, Money
Although the Society for the Suppression of Crosswords Without X's might beg to differ, we found today's crossword to be fun and (especially for Mike) a challenge. Clues like 60A, Cream alternative, ECRU; 14A, Clearly, in a text, OBVI (well, OBVI!); and 33D, Say it all?, ENUNCIATE, give you a taste for what's in store, a delicious puzzle, with a delectable theme. Five squares on the JAMCR scale for sure! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E73 · Thu, July 06, 2023
Wednesday, July 5, 2023 - A marvelous, multilingual mental exercise
Just when you think the NYTimes crossword constructors can't possibly come up with a new theme ... they come up with a new theme, as Joe Deeney so aptly demonstrates, and Jean so deftly describes, in today's episode. Besides that, we also have email from a listener in South Africa. So to hear all that, subscribe, download, listen up, enjoy and ... drop us a line when you get a chance! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E72 · Tue, July 04, 2023
Monday, July 3, 2023 - You won't be feeling KINDOFBLUE after doing today's crossword
A cheery Monday crossword, thanks to a theme that celebrates the best of us. Most of the clues were familiar / on the easier side, as befitting a Monday, but 51D, Coffeecake with cross-sectional swirls, BABKA, and 17A, Miles Davis classic that's the all-time best-selling jazz album, KINDOFBLUE, might be the exceptions (YMMV, of course). A logistical note: we will be not be publishing a podcast tomorrow, in honor of Independence Day, but we will return --with some sparkling and colorful conversation -- the day after. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E71 · Mon, July 03, 2023
Sunday, July 2, 2023 - BEBOP - fun to say, fun to play
A nice Sunday puzzle by Rebecca Goldstein and Rafael Musa: Jean tore through it, Mike got lost in the grid and if it weren't for the St. Bernards might never have been found. The theme was BOOTiful, and there were some joyous clues in the grid, such as 46D, Angles above 90 degrees?, HOTYOGA (😀); 82A, Linguistic group including Zulu and Xhosa, BANTU (got it!); and 87A, Highfalutin, LAHDIDAH (well, LAHDIDAH!). The latter posed a significant problem for one of our cohosts, and to find out who, all you need to do is download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E70 · Sun, July 02, 2023
Saturday, July 1, 2023 - O, Canada! 🍁
A special Canada day crossword, no, just kidding, Canada did not show up at all in today's grid: but it was a great puzzle nonetheless, not the most difficult Saturday ever (whew!), but the cluing was crisp, novel, and they did manage to slip in 52A, Study of riddles, ENIGMATOLOGY, definitely a debut and, runner-up in the "most difficult word to slip casually into a conversation" contest. Another Saturday has rolled by, almost like clockwork, and so it's time for our JAMCOTWA - deets inside, so subscribe (you'll never miss an episode); download (otherwise you'll never hear this one!); and enjoy (because that's the point!) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E69 · Sat, July 01, 2023
Friday, June 30, 2023 - THATISSUCHAMOOD!
A good cruciverbal workout courtesy of Carly Schuna, today's crossword has something for everyone: a mysterious Gen-Z phrase (35A, "I can relate", in Gen-Z slang, THATISSUCHAMODE); a (for Mike) tricky baseball reference (23A, Up, ATBAT); and a quotation that is as true now as it was when it was first (possibly apocryphally) uttered in the 1700s, (27D, "When in ________, don't", a maxim attributed to Benjamin Franklin, DOUBT). In addition to the puzzle, we have some great listener mail and a fabulous Fun Fact Friday segment. Deets inside, so download now and beat the rush! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E68 · Fri, June 30, 2023
Thursday, June 29, 2023 - Ligers and TIGONS and BEARHUGs, Oh, My! 😀
A challenging Thursday crossword , but with a terrific payoff: another one of those tour de force themes that the NYTimes Thursday crosswords are famous for. We won't spoil that by discussing it here in the show notes, but we would like to point out a few non-themed clues: 54D, Mexican beach resort, informally, CABO; 15D, Notorious initials, RBG (not, as Mike initially postulated, BIG); 8D, Crossbreeds smaller than ligers, TIGONS; and 41A, Tittle, DOT (and that's not a typo, either 😀). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E67 · Thu, June 29, 2023
Wednesday, June 28, 2023 - AIOLIS, a yodeler's favorite condiment 🙄
This was a super crossword , and we're not just saying it because 51D, Superman, most of the time, KENT, flew into the grid. Rather it's because of an ingenious theme (deets inside), and some very timely clueing -- SMOG, COALMINE, and AIRSHOWS (literally!). There were some other fine clues as well, such as 39A, Having a fermented quality, WINY; 22A, Fabric derived from wood pulp, RAYON (huh!); and 45A, Noted sea shell seller, SHE (nice!). We approve, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E66 · Wed, June 28, 2023
Tuesday, June 27, 2023 - The name's MOMOA, Jason MOMOA!
A fun Tuesday crossword: the theme was a bit hairy, but in a good way, and the rest of the clues felt crisp and novel. Beyond those delved into in the episode, 17A, One-act Strauss opera adapted from an Oscar Wilde play, SALOME; 33A, Famed 1990s TV psychic, MISSCLEO; and our favorite industrial designers, 38D, Chair designer Charles or Ray, EAMES, all caught our eye(s). Triplet Tuesday has returned (as it has a tendency to do every seven days), and this week Mike's in the hot-seat. Will he heroically rise to the occasion, abetted by the aforementioned thermally-challenged seat? Or will he just flame out, as he is ought to do on occasion? Find out: subscribe, download, listen up, and prepare to chortle! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E65 · Tue, June 27, 2023
Monday, June 26, 2023 - The TROPE, the whole TROPE, and nothing but the TROPE
A nicely done Monday crossword by Taylor Johnson and Christina Iverson, and we therefore raise a glass of 32D, Powdered orange drink, TANG, in their honor. There were 3 debut answers in today's grid, and our favorite was the slightly deceptive 42A, Certain bluegrass musician, BANJOPLAYER (as opposed to a certain bluegrass musician, which would've been even more challenging). We were also partial to 15A, _______ the Riveter (woman in an old wartime poster), ROSIE, and as always pleased to learn something new, 22A, Believer in a non-intervening God, DEIST. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E64 · Mon, June 26, 2023
Sunday, June 25, 2023 - Another chef's kiss of a crossword
John Westwig shows how it's done, with a brilliant Sunday crossword (his 8th for the NYTimes) - terrific theme, sparkling clues that make you dig for the answers (sometimes with a trowel, a few that require something more along the lines of an oil rig), a perfect Sunday opus. We loved it, and to find out why, check out today's episode! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E63 · Sat, June 24, 2023
Saturday, June 24, 2023 -If this crossword drives you BATTY, retreat to the ZENGARDENS
A very sticky Saturday crossword, with more traps than a golf course, and calculated to lead you down the garden path (such as may be found in ZENGARDENS). Some of our favorites include 33A, "Elvis has left the building", EVERYBODYGOHOME; 32D, "I'm beat!", WHATADAY; and 28D, Overseas sailors, LIMEY (so named after what they ate to avoid scurvy). This being Saturday, we also have our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), and this one includes a mild surprise . Curious? Intrigued (which technically means almost the same thing as curious)? If so, just subscribe (so you'll never miss an episode), download (so you'll have this one) listen (so, um, you'll listen) and enjoy (because that's the end game!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E62 · Sat, June 24, 2023
Friday, June 23, 2023 - ASMARA, gateway to Eritrea!
A relatively straightforward Friday crossword, and a debut for its constructor, Kunal Nabar. There were some enlightening clues - 22A, Theme park originally conceived as a planned community, EPCOT; some vocabulary stretching clues - 57A, Overly slick, UNCTUOUS; and some amusing clues - Top present during the holiday season?, DREIDEL 😀. A great crossword, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Also, it's Friday, so to learn about a huge British comedy (among other things), subscribe, download, listen up, and prepare to be educated and entertained! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E61 · Fri, June 23, 2023
Thursday, June 22, 2023 - SHH, crossword solvers @ work!
A terrific Thursday crossword by Michael Baker and the indefatigable Jeff Chen, with an LOL theme and some fascinating clueing, including 22A, Co. that, in 1925, said of crosswords "The craze evidently is dying out fast"', NYT ;1D, "Honesty with the volume cranked up", per George Sanders, IRONY, and 26A, org. that might have a beef with beef, USDA 😀 All the deets are inside, so just subscribe, download, listen up and prepare to be educated and entertained . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E60 · Thu, June 22, 2023
Wednesday, June 21, 2023 - You forgot IDINA Menzel? Just let it go
A delicious mid-week snack by Jimmy Peniston, with a unique theme that you can really sink your teeth into. And if that last sentence didn't clue you into the theme, then listening to today's podcast certainly will, so have at it! Remember that the NYTimes Crossword is a scientifically proven way to keep those little gray cells sharp, and they'd love to have you as a subscriber! So wander over to nytimes.com/crosswords, and tell 'em Jean & Mike sent you! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E59 · Wed, June 21, 2023
Tuesday, June 20, 2023 - Was this crossword too easy? PSHAW!
A perfectly crafted Tuesday crossword, with a theme that was inscrutable for precisely one of our intrepid cohosts (hint: not Jean), and a nicely balanced set of clues. We enjoyed 59A, Attention -grabbing shouts, HEYSs, juxtapositioned with 54D, Attention-grabbing whisper, PSST. In a similar vein we had 5D, Purplish fruit used in smoothies, ACAI, in close proximity to 16A, Purplish fruit used in gin, SLOE. Today was also Triplet Tuesday, and so to find out whether Jean's day off left her rusty or primed for success in today's battle of wits, you'll need to do what countless others have done before you: subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E58 · Tue, June 20, 2023
Monday, June 19, 2023 - Does this crossword make us look thin?
So, here's the skinny on today's crossword : it's skinny! Well, the grid is, at any rate, and that certainly grabbed our attention. There's one other aspect of this grid, besides the aspect ratio (heh, heh) that is worth pointing out, and we do so in today's podcast, so for all the deets please subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E57 · Mon, June 19, 2023
Sunday, June 18, 2023 - A crossword a day keeps senescence at bay? Definitely SAGEADVICE!
Joe DiPietro has had 140 crosswords published in the NYTimes, mainly Fridays, although he's done a fair number of Sundays as well. This one was straightforward (for Jean), and a massive Easter Egg hunt (for Mike). Deets inside, so have a listen, and let us know what you think. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E56 · Sun, June 18, 2023
Saturday, June 17, 2023 - UBE, delicious to eat, fun to say!
Ah, Saturday, typically the toughest crossword of the week, and this one lived up to its reputation, with some sneaky/stunning/super clues. Consider as evidence, 56A, Heavy metal band?, MANACLE; 55A, Exist naturally, INHERE (yikes!); 31A, Natural projection, HORN (um, if you say so!); and the clue/answer that applies to about 90% of the grid, 53A, Exclamation of revelation, ISEENOW. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E55 · Sat, June 17, 2023
Friday, June 16, 2023 - Welcome back, LAZARUS!
A fine Friday crossword , a tad on the easier side, in spite of an imposing looking grid. Basically, if you're looking to tackle a Friday crossword, this would be a very good place to start. Deets inside! What was your favorite crossword of the week? Vote here ! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E54 · Fri, June 16, 2023
Thursday, June 15, 2023 - LLANOS, aka The Birdwatcher's Paradise 😀
A superb Thursday crossword by David Harris: the theme was fabulous, the clues sparkling, and the pop culture references (Mike's bane) almost non-existent. Some of the stellar clues that didn't make it into the podcast included 10D, Pashmina fabric, CASHMERE (huh!); 11D, T-Bonz brand, ALPO (which makes more sense once you realize the word is brand , not band 😀); 31D, OverDO it as an ACtor, EMOTE (that ought to win an award, that being the clue, not necessarily the ACtor 😉). A well crafted crossword indeed, it definitely pegs the meter on the JAMCR scale Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E53 · Thu, June 15, 2023
Wednesday, June 14, 2023 - A knotty crossword (not!)
A unique -- or at least certainly rare -- theme by a debut cruciverbalist, Jennifer Hoelzer, one that was not naughty (even though it did have SMUT in the grid); but it was knotty (although not overly so, as befitting a mid -eek puzzle). And if all of this wordplay is driving you nots, er, we mean nuts, then download today's episode and all will become perfectly clear! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E52 · Wed, June 14, 2023
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - Watch out! ANTBEAR ahead!
A terrific Tuesday crossword, with a witty theme and some excellent clueing (Jean's fave was 51D, Cute little mishap, OOPSY, while Mike was partial to 43D, Aardvark, by any other name, ANTBEAR). In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday, and this time Mike's on the hot seat - will he prosper, or will (as might be appropriate considering the aforementioned temperature of said seat) he go down in fames? To find out, subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E51 · Tue, June 13, 2023
Monday, June 12, 2023 - HIHO, HIHO, it's off to solve a crossword we go 🎶
A nice Monday crossword: Jean found it to be a piece o' cake, Mike found it to be a more like BUBBLEGUM, sticky in spots -- but still tasty! We also have another episode of OTHYPI (Oh, That's How You Pronounce It!), featuring the ... well, you wouldn't want us to spoil it now, would you? So, to find out how to pronounce the name that we will not pronounce (er, write) here, we heartily encourage you to download, listen up, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E50 · Mon, June 12, 2023
Sunday, June 11, 2023 - Care for some CALLALOO, PARD?
A themeless Sunday crossword , but all in a good cause: the least number of clues, and the most number of debuts, in a Sunday! Only an accomplished constructor like Sam Ezersky could pull this off, and to hear how he did it, as well as our take on this cruciverbal marvel, subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy. Finally, be sure and tune in tomorrow for another exciting episode of our award winning segment "Oh, That's How You Pronounce It!" (OTHYP), featuring BILBAO. [Fun fact: OTHYP is award winning in that it was runner up in the Worst Example of a BACKRONYM contest 😀] Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E49 · Sun, June 11, 2023
Saturday, June 10, 2023 - CINCINNATUS and TELESCOPIUM and ORNAMENTING, oh, my!
John Hawksley pulls out all the stops on this one : no theme (typical for Saturday), but some jaw-droppingly difficult clues that will leave you awed, agog, and amazed (which also sounds like a great name for a law firm 😀). We have all the deets inside, as well as this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so for all that goodness, subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E48 · Sat, June 10, 2023
Friday, June 9, 2023 - This crossword has got it all, SOUPTONUTS!
A fabulous, fun Friday crossword by a reliably great crossword constructor, Robin Weintraub. It has such pleasing clues as 57A, Contronym that means moving quickly or not moving at all, FAST 😀 ; 56A, Alternative to an elbow, PSST 😀 😀 ; and 29A, Take the edge off, say, ERODE 😀 😀 😀. Yes, the entire grid is just like that, sparkling clues that make you want to stand up and applaud. Bravo, Robin! Tomorrow we'll be picking our JAMCOTWA, and if you'd like to weigh in on your favorite crossword of the week, you can vote for it right here . For those who want to learn more about today's Fun Fact (for Fun Fact Friday), here's everything you need to know (and more!) about the SERIALCOMMA . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E47 · Fri, June 09, 2023
Thursday, June 8, 2023 - Quickly, fetch the secret decoder ring!
It's not clear that the phrase "come for the theme, stay for the clues" has ever been applied to a crossword before -- ChatGPT denied knowledge -- but it really does apply to this one. It has an attention-grabbing theme (thanks to multiple gray and embedded-circle squares), but the clues are 😘 (the closest that we could come to a chef's kiss Emoji). We cover most of them in today's episode, so for all the deets, subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E46 · Thu, June 08, 2023
Wednesday, June 7, 2023 - BREAKINGSTORY - this crossword was fabulous!
A very pleasing crossword by Jennifer Lee and Victor Galson, who managed to sneakily embed a chyron into the grid. They also seemed to have included a mini-French theme, with 36A, "Ta-da!", ETVOILA, and 18D, Belle's counterpart, BETE. [We momentarily entertained the notion that the answer to 2D, AMI, would also fit the bill, but, alas, the clue, was "Are you telling this story or _______?". Five squares on the JAMCR scale, and to find out why, please subscribe, download, listen up, enjoy aaaaand... tell all your friends about us so that they, too, can join in on the fun! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E45 · Wed, June 07, 2023
Tuesday, June 6, 2023 - Give the constructor a DAP for pulling out all the STOPS
You might want to have a pillow handy while working on today's crossword , so when you figure out the theme and your jaw drops, no serious injury results. Yes, the crossword is that good. For all the deets ( we do not want to spoil things here), subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E44 · Tue, June 06, 2023
Monday, June 5, 2023 - OKEEFFE, often lauded, often misspelled 😀
A fine Monday crossword by Eric Rollfing, with one of those memorable Monday themes that makes one ponder the incredible ingenuity of the many NYTimes Crossword constructors. There were a few sneakier clues in the grid, including 59D, Poached component of the dish shakshuka, EGG, and (especially since clued without any reference to churches ) 53D, Semicircular building recess, APSE, but fortunately the crosses were gentle. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E43 · Mon, June 05, 2023
Sunday, June 4, 2023 - A crossword to be proud of!
In honor of Pride month, the NYTimes Crossword editors have broken out the ol' color palette . They may have previously embedded color (other than gray) in the grid , but not very often - so if this is not a debut, it certainly is a rare event. The colors were put to good use, though, in a theme that was both a celebration of Pride month and the ingenuity of the crossword constructor, Rafael Musa. Kudos on a job well done, a puzzle that definitely warrants 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E42 · Sun, June 04, 2023
Saturday, June 3, 2023 - This crossword was a PUZZLINGPROBLEM 😀
A superb Saturday crossword by John Westwig, challenging -- as one would expect from the putatively hardest crossword of the week! -- but fair, with a merciful (from Mike's perspective) dearth of pop culture references (44A, Actress Sink of "Stranger Things", SADIE, being one of the rare exceptions; we'll give 10A, Winner of three Emmys for Outstanding Game Show Host, SAJAK a pass, since he's been host since 1981; and don't even get us started on JUSTINIANII 😉). Also, it is Saturday, and we've picked our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) - to find out who won and why, subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
Sat, June 03, 2023
Friday, June 2, 2023 - We'll have a SPACEOPERA, please, with a side order of TIMETRAVEL
A much easier crossword than Thursday's, both cohosts were able to get through it without too much difficulty - a fact which Jean attributes to a (for her) novel solving technique. To find out what that entails, we cordially invite you to subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy. As promised, our poll -- in which you get to pick which should be the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) is now out, although in the interest of fairness, we heartily implore you to wait until Saturday's crossword is out before casting your final ballot. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E40 · Fri, June 02, 2023
Thursday, June 1, 2023 - This crossword was NOT1/2BAD
A tricky Thursday crossword (as Thursday crosswords are wont to be), with the sort of highly ingenious theme that suggests the Steinberg CLAN might be involved, as, gasp(!), they were. And that theme was nestled within a constellation of clever clues, a goodly portion of which are discussed in today's episode, so download, listen up, and ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E39 · Thu, June 01, 2023
Wednesday, May 31, 2023 - Here's hoping this podcast will GOVIRAL 😀
A fine Wednesday crossword by Brandon Koppy, who has been known to crank it up to 11, but here keeps the difficulty level mercifully moderate. The theme was fun, the crosses entertaining and educational, what's not to like? Nothing, as far as we can tell, hence the perfect 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E38 · Wed, May 31, 2023
Tuesday, May 30, 2023 - This crossword was *not* for the BIRDS 😉🐥
If you've ever gone birding and had trouble actually spotting any birds, then today's crossword will seem familiar; eight of our winged friends, hiding in plain sight. Details within, as well as an epic Triplet Tuesday Contest, so download, listen up, enjoy ... and don't forget to tell all your friends about us, too! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E37 · Tue, May 30, 2023
Monday, May 29, 2023 - WHATTHEDEUCE! How can you be out of JAMBAJUICE? 🙄
Any crossword that manages to work the phrase WHATTHEDEUCE into the grid (as this one does, 47A, Quaint cry of surprise), as well as JAMBAJUICE (60A, Smoothie chain founded in 1990) deserves some sort of recognition -- and so, we gladly give it, it being 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Bravo! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E35 · Mon, May 29, 2023
Sunday, May 28, 2023 - Look out, LLOSA is on the LOOSE 🙄
One of our dynamic duo found today's crossword to be a major challenge - the other tore through it so quickly that her keyboard was smoking. And if the pronoun didn't give it away, then listening to this episode definitely will -- so do it now! Just a reminder, the NYTimes Crossword is an excellent way to keep your little gray cells sharp and keep up with the latest pop culture references - just go to nytimes.com/crosswords, they will be glad to have you as a new subscriber! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E34 · Sun, May 28, 2023
Saturday, May 27, 2023 - This crossword was TOTESADORBS ❤️
Woah, if you thought Friday's crossword was tough, better sit down for this one because it's a wild ride, with 13 debut answers, and the crossword itself is also a debut ... for the constructor, Samuel Smalley, from Ottawa, Canada 🇨🇦. All the deets are inside, so have a listen, and let us know what you think. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E33 · Sat, May 27, 2023
Friday, May 26, 2023 - Three cheers for the MERCYRULE (and its application to tomorrow's puzzle 😀 😀 )
A challenging Friday crossword, especially the dreaded northeast corner, home to quite a few posers (31A, Tough nut to crack, POSER 😀), and one clue that required a lot of scholarship to suss out (10D, Knowledge, or a means to acquire it, SCHOLARSHIP 😀 😀). In short, this crossword was 14A, "Smart!", VERYCLEVER. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E32 · Fri, May 26, 2023
Thursday, May 25, 2023 - Are WHIPPETS whippersnappers? Possibly not, but it's certainly fun to say 🙄
A clever Thursday crossword, with an inspired theme and virtually no crosswordese to sully its fine grid. We approve, and hereby, by the power vested in us by the state of Wisconsin (ed: that would be absolutely none , nada , nil 😀) we bestow upon it the much vaunted and fully-maxed-out 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E31 · Thu, May 25, 2023
Wednesday, May 24, 2023 - Let's give a hand to the author of No Hands, WAKAFLOCKAFLAME!
If you're a fan of old-timey video games, then this crossword will be right up your alley, so to speak -- the only remaining mystery is, how old is "old-timey", and which particular video game do we have in mind. To find all that out, as well as to hear why the USPS and AP agree to disagree when it comes to state abbreviations, just tap download, tap play, and tap into a fun convo! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E30 · Wed, May 24, 2023
Tuesday, May 23, 2023 - It's hard to be blue when listening to JONI Mitchell's "Blue" 🎶 💙
A deftly constructed crossword by Lee Taylor , with a nifty theme and a bevy of supporting clues that elevate it above the merely "good" to that loftier echelon, "good enough to get into the NYTimes". A few clues of note: 10D, Free, as a seat, UNTAKEN; 12D, Guernica painter, PICASSO; and (in keeping with a 2-day trend of expressing east in a foreign language), 31A, German sunrise direction, OST. It's Tuesday, which means it's time for Triplet Tuesday. Will Jean rise to the challenge? To find out, you know what to do: subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E29 · Mon, May 22, 2023
Sunday, May 21, 2023 - No ENNUI in this grid ... er, except for the ENNUI in this grid 😀
Overall, a pleasing Sunday crossword, although Mike - in his capacity as founding member of the "Don't Drop Your G's Society" - did have a few things to say about the theme. Strike that, he had ATON of things to say about the theme, and to find out what those were, and to get Jean's alternate take on the same, you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E28 · Sun, May 21, 2023
Saturday, May 20, 2023 - SUEBIRD, basketball star extraordinaire!
A series of lively clues made for a vastly entertaining Saturday crossword . Notables include the debut 32A, Neuropsychological trait in which one might ascribe colors to numbers or tastes to words, SYNESTHESIA (!); the thought-provoking 32D, Capricorn's symbol, SEAGOAT 🐐; and the droll 38A, Don't do it, doc!, HARM 😀 All in all a fine Saturday, and for all the deets - as well as the always exciting selection of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Do The New York Times Crossword Of The Week Award), have a listen! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E27 · Sat, May 20, 2023
Friday, May 19, 2023 - A SUHWEET Friday crossword!
David Distenfeld is on a role. Last month he had a Monday crossword published, and today has weighed in with a tricky Friday puzzle -- just on the right side of impossible (although as always, YMMV depending on a) how long you've been doing the crossword and b) just how much trivia/lore you've managed to stow away). In today's puzzle, the number of pop culture references were mercifully few (at least for Mike, for whom pop culture is definitely his bane). There were many clever clues in today's grid and ... if you want to know what they are and why, you know what to do! Download, listen up, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E26 · Fri, May 19, 2023
Thursday, May 18, 2023 - Commas, tiny in size, big in import
A tricky Thursday crossword - with, surprisingly, no rebus, but transformed by the unexpected appearance of the lowly comma. Jean tore through the crossword so quickly that she didn't even recognize that a theme was in play, whereas Mike had much more time to linger lovingly over the grid and savor the care that went into its creation. For those of you wanting to go beyond just the facts, here's a reference to the EAPOE story , definitely worth a read (or three), and the origin story behind YAS, queen! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E25 · Thu, May 18, 2023
Wednesday, May 17, 2023 - No CANARDS here!
A perfectly balanced mid-week crossword , with a clever theme, and some novel words/phrases -- 12A, Body of water between Sicily and Greece, IONIANSEA; 53D, Popular booth in New York's Times Square, TKTS; and 45D, Stand that a speaker might take, PODIUM 😀. Another plus, there were almost no naticks (notable exception: 62A, San Bernardino suburb whose name means "beautiful hill", LOMALINDA vs 60D, _____ queen!, YAS). In short, a fine Wednesday, we give it a full and enthusiastic 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E24 · Wed, May 17, 2023
Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - INDOLENT - for those too lazy to spell otiosity 🙄
Today's crossword is based on a suffusion of sneaky prefixes that underline the beauty, and the beautiful inconsistency, of the English language. Also, it's Tuesday, meaning it's time for yet another Triplet Tuesday segment in which Mike demonstrates his lack of, to put it succinctly, knowledge. Deets inside, so download, listen up ,and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E23 · Tue, May 16, 2023
Monday, May 15, 2023 - 🎵 It's a SMALLWORLD after all 🎶
A fun, font-dependent theme makes for an interesting Monday. The font-sizes are almost microscopic, so it may be time to break out that loupe and put it to the test. In other news, we have a Triplet Tuesday Contest Winner! Kudos and congrats to Lindsey, for having turned in a very respectable 7 (3,2,2, to be precise)!! Deets within. Apologies for having missed our usual Saturday and Sunday episodes, apparently our "fervent desire for our podcast to go viral" was slightly misinterpreted as "please send us a fever and a virus". All is now well, though, thanks for those of you who wrote in! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E22 · Sat, May 13, 2023
Friday, May 12, 2023 - ETTA Candy is back ❤️
A splendid Friday crossword by Enrique Henestroza Anguiano. Both your intrepid hosts, solving independently as always, found this to be a major struggle, with challenging but rewarding clues scattered throughout the grid. For example, 1D, Time to focus on oneself. MEDAY (not to be confused with the equally likely SPADAY -- equally likely in the sense that both have appeared 3 times in the NYTimes Crossword); 21D, Brainstorming diagram, IDEAMAP (my, we have been seeing MAP pop up a lot as of late, Will must be planning a trip 😀); 32D, Musician's mouthpiece, AGENT (cute!); 1A, Powdered green tea, MATCHA (huh!); and 4D, Farm fresh box letters, CSA. Besides all that, we also have listener mail, which has propelled another one of our "So That's How You Pronounce It!" segments. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E21 · Fri, May 12, 2023
Thursday, May 11, 2023 - Warning, physics ahead!
A challenging Thursday crossword , with a great EINSTEINIAN theme, all revolving around that famous equation, EEQUALSMCSQUARED. Deets are inside, so download, have a listen, and let us know what you think. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E20 · Thu, May 11, 2023
Wednesday, May 10, 2023 - Look up ... look waaaaay up.
If you like astronomy, you'll love today's crossword : it offers up some, um, heavenly cluing . The theme revolves (sorry) around a number of famous constellations, and the result is a very pleasing, perfect middle-of-the-week puzzle. All the deets are inside, so download, listen up, and ... don't forget to subscribe, so you'll never miss an episode. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E19 · Wed, May 10, 2023
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - All we are saaaaaying, is give ☮️ a chance 🎶🎸
A fun Tuesday crossword by Margaret Seikel, with a theme that involves (if you didn't already guess it from the title) a peace emoji. Besides our in depth analysis of this fine puzzle, today's episode also includes ... drum roll, please ... our Triplet Tuesday Contest™️. So, have a listen, join in the contest, and then let us know how you did - crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E18 · Tue, May 09, 2023
Monday, May 8, 2023 - SAYCHEESE 🧀
A debut crossword by Catherine Cetta, and a fine one it is, with a theme that'll make you want to smile, and fairly gentle cluing (as one would expect for a Monday). There were a few exceptions, including several clues that are on the rarer side, including 3D, Picture frames, usually, RECTANGLES (makes sense); 16A, Thomas Jefferson's religious belief, DEISM, and 17A, Shared a video call on an Apple device, FACETIMED. Remember that our Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming right up -- tomorrow, in fact -- so grab your thinking cap and get ready to win fabulous prizes!! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E17 · Mon, May 08, 2023
Sunday, May 7, 2023 - Uh, oh, the SHIPOFTHESEUS has sprung a leak!
A great Sunday crossword by Will Nediger, with a brilliant theme surrounded by an equally brilliant cast of supporting clues and answers. Will is a professional crossword constructor, and based on today's delightful puzzle we can see exactly why people would be willing to pay him for his art. Deets inside, so download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E16 · Sun, May 07, 2023
Saturday, May 6, 2023 - SAMOA, a nation on the move 😀
A remarkable Saturday crossword, not so much because of the clues - they were fabulous, as you would expect based on the NYTimes incredibly strict quality control - but because of the grid, a virtual ocean of white with almost no black squares. Making a crossword with such an open grid is no mean feat, but Carter Cobb's cracked the code, as we detail in today's episode. So, have a listen, and let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E15 · Sat, May 06, 2023
Friday, May 5, 2023 - Huzzah, an excuse to talk about GERTIE the dinosaur 😀
A crossword so good that adjectives fail us -- but we still have nouns, verbs, and alliterations at our disposal to heap praise as the author fires a furious fusillade of fabulous, funny clues. This is truly a masterclass in great crossword construction. The author, Jacob McDermott, has "only" had 5 crosswords published in the NYTimes, but this one ought to count for 50. In short, we approve. To see this Mona Lisa in its entirety, check out the filled out grid at xwordinfo.com Remember our next Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming up ... this Tuesday. So start practicing now, and join us for all the festivities on the 9th! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E14 · Fri, May 05, 2023
Thursday, May 4, 2023 - LOSLOBOS, a METONYM for really great music
A very challenging Thursday crossword by a veteran NYTimes cruciverbalist, aka David J. Kahn. Jean managed to get through it in close to her usual time, hardly breaking a 25D, Drops in the gym?, SWEAT; Mike did eventually solve the puzzle, but was surprised when he finally stumbled upon the final, vital correct answer in the SE corner, never a good sign. For those of you who want to check out today's crossword, fully solved, xwordinfo.com has your back . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E13 · Thu, May 04, 2023
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 - Care for an NFT of an EFT? That'll cost you some DUCATs!
A slightly sticky Wednesday crossword, possibly because of all the alcoholic products, many of them SECO, that have dripped into today's grid - CUPS of beer, KIR, RIOJA, and even DEW. We have the deets inside, so download, listen up and enjoy! Also, we wish to highlight that we'll be having YATTC (Yet Another Triplet Tuesday Contest), this coming Tuesday (or Noodle's Grand Opening Eve, as it's known in NE Wisconsin), so start practicing now so you'll be in peak form! Finally, if you want to check out today's crossword, you can do so right here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E12 · Wed, May 03, 2023
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 - The name's Lucido ... Aimee Lucido!
Today's crossword, by Lucido ... Aimee Lucido, is an homage of sorts to one of the most famous fictional British spies of all time. We can't reveal his name here (he's a spy, after all), so if you want to find out who, and what was being, um, homaging, check out today's episode, which also includes another fabulous edition of Triplet Tuesday™️. Our favorite website, xwordinfo.com, has the full crossword, filled out, so if you want to follow along more closely as we discuss today's puzzle, please check it out here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E11 · Tue, May 02, 2023
Monday, May 1, 2023 - RONAN the barbarian??
A crossword that's 99 44/100% pure, and if that phrase doesn't resonate, then you, most definitely, need to listen to today's podcast, at which point all will become clean, um, we mean clear 😀 Tomorrow is Triplet Tuesday, so if you're interested in seeing if you can do better than your co-hosts, have a listen, and let us know how you fared! Remember, the New York Times Crossword is a fine gift for anyone in your household (including yourself!), Just wander over to nytimes.com/crosswords, and tell 'em Jean & Mike sent ya'. Finally, today's crossword, in all its glory is available at xwordinfo.com Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E10 · Mon, May 01, 2023
Sunday, April 30, 2023 - Not to overly HEROIZE today's constructors, but this puzzle was NONSTOP fun!
This crossword is really -- to borrow from 54A, Baseball slang for home run -- a TATER (our favorite new word for something fabulous). What elevates this NYTimes Crossword from merely brilliant to something stratospherically stunning is the theme: but the surrounding cast of characters, aka the non-themed clues, are themselves terrific . Definitely 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and to find out exactly why, have a listen. Also, to see this Mona Lisa of a crossword, fully solved, check out xwordinfo.com right here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E9 · Sun, April 30, 2023
Saturday, April 29, 2023 - WOWIEZOWIE what a crossword!
Crosswords have moods - some make you laugh; some (especially the insanely hard ones) make you want to cry; this one was just infectiously joyous. You'll see (er, make that hear) why when you listen to today's episode, so please subscribe, download, listen up and enjoy! To see today's crossword in all its glory, check it out here To listen to 1A, you can do so here Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E8 · Sat, April 29, 2023
Friday, April 28, 2023 - A Malaika Handa & Erik Agard Friday crossword? GULP!
Considering the day of the week and the names of the constructors -- Malaika Handa and Erik Agard -- it was not surprising that the cohosts had to dig for pretty much every clue: from 49A, Where the first five counting numbers are "üks kaks kolm neli viis", ESTONIA, to 50D, Man known for his morals, AESOP, to 56A, Lead in to MAIL or BOX, VOICE, it was a major slogfest, but they are not complaining in the least! Want to see the entire crossword, solved? Here you go ! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E7 · Fri, April 28, 2023
Thursday, April 27, 2023 - No EGRETS about this crossword!
A splendid Thursday crossword by Michael Schlossberg -- and somehow "splendid" and "Michael Scholossburg" seem to appear together quite frequently, this being his 7th NYTimes crossword since 2020. The theme was a rebus with a twist, and if that sounds intriguing, wait 'til you hear the details. Ah, but you don't need to wait, you can download and listen up right now. Today's crossword? We have the whole solution right here , courtesy of xwordinfo.com Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E6 · Thu, April 27, 2023
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - A VERTIGO-inducing puzzle
If you're a HITCHCOCK fan, or a Jimmy STEWART or Kim NOVAK stan, then today's crossword will be right up your alley, as the theme revolves around HITCHCOCK's most famous (?) work, VERTIGO. Both cohosts found this puzzle to be, aptly enough, somewhat dizzying, but they did manage to (eventually) puzzle it out. Deets inside, so download, have a listen, and as always, let us know what you think. Today's crossword, in all its glory, is available, solved, right here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E5 · Wed, April 26, 2023
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 - Que SERA, SERA
A fun Tuesday crossword, and we had fun talking about it, as even a perfunctory listen to today's episode will reveal. So have a listen, and, as always, let us know what you think, and please do something to make this episode go viral! Want to see the entire crossword, solved? Here you go . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E4 · Tue, April 25, 2023
Monday, April 24, 2023 - One NEATO crossword
There appeared to be, along with the explicit and enjoyable main theme, there is a sub-theme involving Star Wars - witness 9D , Humanoid robot who appears in all nine "Star Wars" episodes, informally, THREEPIO, 17A , Childhood nickname for Darth Vader, ANI, and 52D , Decide one will, OPTTO (which has a decidedly Yoda-ish sound to it). So, two themes for the price of one, sounds like a great deal to us! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E3 · Mon, April 24, 2023
Sunday, April 23, 2023 - Catastrophe! We're Missing an Apostrophe!
A crossword that's sure to be a hit with English teachers everywhere, today's rather subtle -- almost to the point of invisible -- theme reminds us of the importance of proper punctuation. There were numerous other noteworthy gems in the grid, including 97A, Twisted do, LOCS ; 92A, Muppet bear, FOZZIE; and 40D, Oviform:egg :: pyriform:____, PEAR (huh!). And there's more where those came from -- for all the deet's, um, we mean deets, check out today's episode, and, as always let us know what you think! Today's crossword, fully solved, is available right here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E2 · Sun, April 23, 2023
April 22, 2023 - JUNEAUITES and NADERITES and NIXIEs, oh, my!
The only thing that was 46A -- A piece of cake, SOEASY -- about this puzzle was, well, 46A. The rest of the grid was crackling with fiendishly clever and often quite arcane clues, such as 61A, Dead letter in a mail sorter's vernacular, NIXIE (woah!); 39D, One with an "If You Choose the Lesser of Two Evils -- You Are Still Choosing Evil" bumper sticker, perhaps", NADERITE (both clever, obscure, and in the running for longest-clue of the week award); and the delicious 48D, Positive restaurant review?, YUM. A great crossword by a veteran cruciverbalist, Byron Walden: checkout the entire grid, fully solved, right here Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S7 E1 · Fri, April 21, 2023
Thursday, April 20, 2023 - The Mona Lisa of Crosswords!
We would need to break out the thesaurus to do justice to today's crossword, an absolutely brilliant theme . We'd say more here, but we don't want to spoil the surprise, so download, listen up, and be prepared to be amazed. The crossword can be seen, in all its glory, right here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E100 · Thu, April 20, 2023
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 - 🎶 HEYMRDJ! 🎵
For all you poetry aficionados, your time has come -- a crossword theme built around an octad of famous (?) poets. This was definitely a crunchier than usual crossword, Jean had to work slightly harder than was the norm, while Mike feared for his streak , almost done in by his completely erroneous conviction that "How Firm a Foundation" was an advertising slogan for Serta. Today's crossword is available here And if you want to read some of the poems alluded to in the grid, the Poetry Foundation would be delighted to help out . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E99 · Wed, April 19, 2023
Tuesday, April 18, 2023 - The works of DURER ... endure!
As the week progresses, the crosswords tend to get more difficult, and while Tuesday is therefore on the easier side, this puzzle did have a few crunchier clues, including: 19D, Showy basket, DUNK (hah!); 10A, Hip-hop subgenre pioneered by Gucci Mane, TRAP (one word, for the record); and 47D, Comma, colon or apostrophe, MARK (probably lonely because it's missing its traditional partner, PUNCTUATION). A fun crossword, and for those of you starting to feel confident about Mondays, a particularly good one to tackle (so, don't listen to the podcast until you've done so!!) Today's crossword, fully solved, is viewable here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E98 · Tue, April 18, 2023
Monday, April 17, 2023 - An EELY good crossword 🙄
Last Tuesday, MONDEGREEN made its way into the grid for the very first time, and so we were delighted to find an example of that -- ODETOJOY -- make an appearance today: first because we just adore ODETOJOY, and second because we love to work MONDEGREEN into a sentence, as many times as we can possibly get away with it -- so far, our record is two. 😉 And for those of you wondering about what appears to be a suffusion of emojis in today's grid, they are there for a reason that will become clear once you've checked out today's podcast - which we heartily encourage you to do at your earliest convenience. Today's puzzle, fully solved . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E97 · Mon, April 17, 2023
Sunday, April 15, 2023 - ACUTETRIANGLE in a cute crossword!
We found a lot to like in today's crossword -- a debut by Chicago real estate agent Mike Hobin -- as well as a few fascinating mysteries lurking in the grid. Intrigued? Want to know more? In that case, subscribe / download / listen up and prepare to be entertained and educated ! Also, here's today's puzzle , fully solved, for your viewing pleasure. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E96 · Sun, April 16, 2023
Saturday, April 15, 2023 - KAC Alert! KAC Alert! Tough crossword, comin' at ya!
Anytime you see Kameron Austin Collins in the byline, be afraid, be very afraid ... of having a really great and epic time doing battle with the master of opaque cluing. Today's crossword was perfect, and to find out why, have a listen. Also, we're curious to know -- based on our JAMCOTWA award this week -- what's your favorite MC Hammer episode. Let us know on our Facebook page . Finally, do you want to check out today's crossword, solved? It'll make following our discussion so much easier, and you can find it right here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E95 · Fri, April 14, 2023
Thursday, April 13, 2023 - BACHATA Rules!
An excellent Thursday crossword, with a theme that, once again, requires we metaphorically doff our hats in awe and astonishment at the creativity of constructors such as today's -- Robin Yu -- for whom this is a debut. Deets are inside, so download, listen up, enjoy and ... don't forget to write! (crosswordpodcast@icloud.com) Today's solved crossword is right here. A good article on BACHATA is available as well. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E94 · Thu, April 13, 2023
Wednesday, April 12, 2023 - Need some flour? ATTA oughta do!
An ingenious theme made today's crossword slightly crunchier than usual (and we're not just saying that because NUT appeared in the grid). Fortunately the theme did not detract from the rest of the puzzle, which included such notable clues as 67A, Tempeh alternative, TOFU, immediately atop 70A, Like forgiving lighting in photography, SOFT (😀); 37A, One of three in "To be or not to be", IAMB (cool!); and 51D, "The Queen of Soul", ARETHA (sigh). Overall a great crossword, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Want to see the solved crossword? Xword.info's got you covered . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E93 · Wed, April 12, 2023
Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - Today's color is ... MONDEGREEN??
A nice Tuesday crossword by Taylor Johnson and the indefatigable Jeff Chen, with an almost-under-the-radar theme, and some quality clues, including 25D, Jackapoo or schnoodle, DOG (in the running for the best-clue-involving-a-DOG award, which we just totally made up but still want to confer on the authors); the educational 52D, The "Z" of ZIP code, ZONE (huh!); and 28D, Scientist on one side of the "War of the Currents", TESLA (not, as Mike had originally theorized, the muppet BEAKER). In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday, and Jean does ... well, we'll keep you in suspense - to find out how Jean did, download, listen up, and, as always, enjoy! Speaking of Jeff Chen, you can wander over to his website to check out the fully solved version of today's puzzle. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E92 · Tue, April 11, 2023
Monday, April 10, 2023 - SUFFIXED sufficed! 🙄
A fun and frothy Monday crossword by Gia Bosko, who apparently has an eye for redundancy and a talent for writing great clues. Want to hear more? We know you do, so download, listen up, and be sure to hit the ol' subscribe button. To see the solved version of today's crossword, all you need do is click here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E91 · Mon, April 10, 2023
Sunday, April 9, 2023 - This crossword was a HOOT! And, yes, we are SIRIUS about that 🙄
A relatively easy Sunday crossword -- not a walk in the park, by any means, but the clues did seem a little less intense than last week's ... and the week before that -- and we are not complaining! To find out what we are doing, just download today's episode and ... don't forget to hit the ol' subscribe button, you'll be glad you did! Want to see the entire crossword, clues, answers and everything else? Here you go! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E90 · Sun, April 09, 2023
Saturday, April 8, 2023 - Sid Sivakumar, ONETOWATCH
Sid Sivakumar, the author of today's fine, fine crossword, has definitely got a reputation (at least here, at Jean And Mike Do The New York Times Crossword HQ) for writing extra-challenging crosswords, and he definitely lived up to that reputation today, with clues that were stellar, sneaky, and (if you can figure them out!) extremely satisfying. We enthusiastically approve - 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. If you want to see the solved crossword -- clues and answers -- you can check it out here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E89 · Sat, April 08, 2023
Friday, April 7, 2023 - This puzzle is not EASYPEASEY, but it is filled with DELIGHTS
Today's crossword has an ominous, daunting-looking grid, but you can't always judge a B by its C, as Bertie Wooster would undoubtedly say, and this puzzle proves the point: it is challenging but fair, and we loved it! Deets inside, as well a Fun Fact Friday segment that we hope you'll find fun -- and that's a fact! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E88 · Fri, April 07, 2023
Thursday, April 6, 2023 - Did RIO make an appearance in today's grid? SIM!
A challenging Thursday puzzle, thanks to ... a tricky wicket, as cricket aficionados like to say, a gimmick that left both cohorts slightly but fortunately only temporarily bedazzled. Jean had trouble getting started, and Mike, finished. But fortunately, both rallied. Deets inside, so subscribe / download / listen / enjoy / leave us a 5 star review 😀 Today's crossword, with all the clues and answers, can be found right here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E87 · Thu, April 06, 2023
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 - This puzzle has *just* the right amount of TMI 😀
Brandon Koppy knows how to make great crosswords, and is at the top of his form in this one! An amusing and unexpected theme is the topper, but the rest of the clues are designed to educate and make you think. Five squares on the JAMCR scale, we can't wait for his next opus. Here's the entire crossword, solved, in case you want to check it out . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E86 · Wed, April 05, 2023
Tuesday, April 4, 2023 - Ah, the AROMA of freshly cooked ORZO
Andrea Carla Michaels and Christina Iverson have devised a COZY Tuesday puzzle, with just the right HEFT, never a BORE. We enjoyed the crossing of 32D, They're made by doing jumping jacks lying downs ", SNOWANGELS, and 35A, "Band on the Run" band, WINGS; and 51D, Decimal measuring system, METRIC, and 53A, Opposite of well done, RARE, the latter representing the chances that the former will become widely adopted in the US! All in all, we consider this crossword a genuine 48A, Hit the jackpot, WIN. Today's crossword? Solved? You can see it all, as well as photos of the constructors, right here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E85 · Tue, April 04, 2023
Monday, April 3, 2023 - No SPINJOB, this crossword was très CHIC
A nice Monday crossword, with nothing too overwhelmingly difficult, as befits a Monday -- and a clever "vowel progression" for the theme. We approve! Five squares on the JAMCR scale. Also, if you haven't already done this crossword, and do not plan to do so, feel free to feast your eyes on the clues and solution Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E84 · Mon, April 03, 2023
Sunday, April 2, 2023 - A work of art, a real RIPSNORTER! 😍
Ease over to your easel, and get ready to BINGE on 7 different works of art, all ensconced in a puzzle which is not coincidentally also a work of art (albeit of an entirely different hue). While this crossword was undoubtedly difficult - both Jean and Mike (solving independently as usual) had to strain to the utmost, it was assuredly worth the effort. Deets inside, and if you want to check out the paintings in question here they are: THESTARRYNIGHT REDBALLOON THEMONALISA THEBIRTHOFVENUS THESONOFMAN NIGHTHAWKS CREATIONOFADAM Also, if you want to check out the complete solution to today's crossword, check it out here . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E83 · Sun, April 02, 2023
Saturday, April 1, 2023 - This was a grrrrrreat crossword - no foolin'!
It's not clear if today's crossword-constructing duo -- Wyna Liu and Joel Fagliano -- regard themselves as iconoclasts, but they certainly broke a few rules in today's puzzle, in fact, one of the cardinal , inviolable rules of the New York Times crossword. Intrigued? We thought you would be, so check out today's episode for all the deets (as well as to discover who won our JAMCOTWA - Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Want to see the solution to today's crossword, all filled out? Here you go! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E82 · Sat, April 01, 2023
Friday, March 31, 2023 - SISAL and CANTAB and HACEK, oh my!
An epically difficult Friday crossword, as one can expect towards the end of the week. But this one seemed especially fiendish, like a Saturday crossword that slunk into a Friday slot by mistake. Clues like 46D, Harvard or Cambridge grad, CANTAB (say what?); 39A, Heavens, ETHER (fair but good); and 44D, Senator, in brief, NHLER (nice!) just give a small taste of what's in store, a real mental workout. We loved it, and only regret that we haven't seen more of Rich Norris' work in these pages. For the record, here's a link to today's crossword (with clues and answers). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E81 · Fri, March 31, 2023
Thursday, March 30, 2023 - Need to left off some steam? Head for the RAGEROOMS!
A very pleasing Thursday crossword by Adam Wagner and Brooke Husic. Jean's overly large vocabulary got her into slight difficulty in the middle of the grid, whereas Mike's smaller lexicon, once again and just as ironically as always, came to his rescue! There were numerous TWL (Today We Learned) moments in today's grid, for instance, 28D, Two-stringed Chinese instrument, EHRU; 26A, Faith that follows the teachings of The BáB, BAHAI; and 32D, Spaces where people pay to destroy household objects with sledgehammers, RAGEROOMS (yikes!). A great crossword, without doubt worth a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Want to see the solution to today's grid? Xwordinfo.com has you covered Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E80 · Thu, March 30, 2023
March 29, 2023 - Pass the PADSEEEW, hold the NACHOs 😀
Once again, the NYTimes rises to the occasion with a great, great crossword, with an inspired theme and one answer in particular that has to be seen (and possibly Googled) to be believed. We won't spoil it by saying any more here, but we will say that this was a delicious crossword and are convinced that you'll feel the same. In today's listener mail, a reference as made to Thinking Inside the Box, by Adrienne Raphel , and the book sounds great , so check it out. Finally, here's a link to today's solved crossword , for those of you who haven't completed the crossword and want to follow along, square by square, as we wander through the grid. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E79 · Wed, March 29, 2023
Tuesday, March 28, 2023 - A SLEEK and TONY Tuesday crossword
Tuesday crosswords need to walk a fine balancing act - they have to be harder than Monday's, but not too much harder -- and today's puzzle would have the Flying Walendas nodding in approval (unless they were on a tight-rope: they might wait until they were back on terra firma to do so). And for listeners looking to branch out beyond Monday, definitely try this crossword (and then have a listen to today's episode). For those who have already attempted the crossword and got stuck, or just do not plan to attempt it, here's plan B: the solution, along with the grid, at xwordinfo.com Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E78 · Tue, March 28, 2023
Monday, March 27, 2023 - It's not just HYPE, this crossword was DOPE 😀
A pleasant Monday crossword, not too difficult, we would conjecture, for newer solvers, and with a frothy but clever theme that will make them want to come back for more. Starting today, in the show notes, we are going to provide a link to the solved crossword (in xwordinfo.com) -- so if you haven't solved the crossword and do not plan to , then feel free to check out the solution so you can more readily follow along. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E77 · Mon, March 27, 2023
Sunday, March 26, 2023 - Did someone call for a plangonologist?
Today's crossword has some remarkable words in the clues , let alone the answers. Certainly plangonologist has to win some sort of prize (77D, Things a plangologist collects, DOLLS), but we were also pleased to see a pentad pop up (52A, Pentad for a poetry performance?, FIVEPILLARSOFSLAM), and finally stan (2A, Band stan, GROUPIE). Some of the clues not mentioned in today's episode but also worthy of note include 62D, "Do"-to-"do" delivery", SCALE (nice!); 29A, Nickname for Luigi, GIGIO, and 87D, Strapless accessories, CLUTCHES. A fine crossword by David Karp, and we hereby approve, bestowing it with 5 squares on the JAMCR scale Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E76 · Sat, March 25, 2023
Saturday, March 25, 2023 - A Robyn Weintraub crossword ❤️😀
Robyn Weintraub has a well-deserved reputation for writing magnificent clues, and she shows off that talent in spades today: point at any clue in the grid, and you'll find a put-a-smile-on-your-face answer. If you haven't done today's crossword (and don't intend to), then head over to xwordinfo.com and check out the entire puzzle - clues and answers - to see what we mean. It is Saturday, time for our JAMCOTWA - Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award - and the winner is ... somebody whose name you will recognize - but for the deets you'll have to download and listen up. Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E75 · Sat, March 25, 2023
Friday, March 24, 2023 - To ERR is human, to OOP ... divine??
A remarkably curious Friday crossword, especially the grid. How so, you ask? We could answer that here, but then a little suspense is good for the soul, so instead we will simply direct you to today's episode, where all will be revealed, we promise! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E74 · Fri, March 24, 2023
Thursday, March 23, 2023 - Cheer up, NIOBE, there's a NOBU's coming to your neighborhood!
A brilliant Thursday crossword by David Kwong: a theme that make you just want to stand up and cheer, in the midst of a grid full of great clues. Yes, it's the NYTimes Crossword at its finest, and that is saying a lot . Definitely worth the full 5 squares on the ol' JAMCR (that's Jean And Mike Crossword Rating) scale: have a listen, and you'll hear why. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E73 · Thu, March 23, 2023
Wednesday, March 22, 2023 - Do us a FAVA and check out this FINE crossword
A FINE crossword, a debut , in fact, by Madeline Kaplan, with an interesting cinematic twist. Beyond the clues covered in the podcast, we would be remiss if we didn't mention 50D, March madness number (not 16, nor 8, nor 4, but ... SEED 😀); 55D, #s, NOS (a rarity, a clue with a hashtag!); and the relatively novel 60A, Attention-hoarding, say, NEEDY. But there are many more gems in the grid, so grab your loupe and your sluice box , and join us inside! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E72 · Wed, March 22, 2023
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 - A MERRY Tuesday crossword
There were no SNAFUs in today's crossword, and no TABOOBOOBOOs, for that matter: just a bevy of brilliant clues (especially the "themers" as we like to call them (as of today, when we first thought of it 😉)). There's more inside, so you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E71 · Tue, March 21, 2023
Monday, March 20, 2023 - EXPO and ESPO? UHOH 🙄
Generally speaking, the New York Times crosswords get more difficult as the week progresses, with Monday being the easiest, Saturday the hardest, and Sunday more like a large-ish Wednesday. Today's crossword, however while ostensibly a Monday, was teetering on the edge of Tuesday, with some trickier clues to liven things up. Intrigued? Want to know more? Then hit the ol' download button, followed by the ol' play button, and then ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E70 · Mon, March 20, 2023
Saturday, March 18 & Sunday, March 19, 2023 -- that's right, a double header!!
They said it couldn't be done, but, amazingly, we were able to squeeze in two crosswords analyses into one podcast. Not only that, we also managed to work in: a) the announcement of our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award); and b) (gasp! the episode is now bursting at the seams at this point!), the moment you have all been waiting for with bated breath, the announcement of our Triplet Tuesday Contest winner. Enjoy, and as always, let us know what you think, and please leave us a 5 star review on wherever you listen to this podcast. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E69 · Sat, March 18, 2023
Friday, March 17, 2023 - And a Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too!
A cheery Friday crossword, with tough, tough clues (for one of our co-hosts). But the pop-culture meter was reading almost 0, which helped said co-host immensely . Deets inside, so download, listen up, and enjoy!! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E68 · Fri, March 17, 2023
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 - Dare to shred the GNAR??
A lively Wednesday puzzle by Michael Berg, with lots of entertaining and educational clues. If you wish for us to elaborate -- and we hope you do -- then fear not, we already have ! Just download, listen up, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E69 · Fri, March 17, 2023
Thursday, March 16, 2023 - He shoots, he scores! HOWE does Gordie do it?? 🙄
YAANYTC (Yet Another Awesome New York Times crossword): the NYTimes is really on a tear this week, and this puzzle in particular really hit the SUHWEET spot, with a dizzying theme and brilliant clues. All the deets are inside, so have at it, and please let us know what you think: crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. P.S. Remember that there is still time to enter our Triplet Tuesday Contest: drop us a line at the aforementioned address, after trying your hand at the contest Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E67 · Wed, March 15, 2023
Tuesday, March 14, 2023 - A crossword that's SWEET, not ELITE and that's FINAL!
A creative tribute to the impending MARCHMADNESS, with some extra flourishes that elevate this from a merely good crossword to a great one. And speaking of contests ... we're running our own Triplet Tuesday Contest, and you are invited to participate! Listen to the podcast, send us an email (crosswordpodcast@icloud.com) letting us know how many guesses it took you to figure out the clues, and you may win some absolutely fabulous swag! Good luck, and have fun! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E66 · Tue, March 14, 2023
Monday, March 13, 2023 - DEREK Jeter: when you absolutely, positively, need to win a World Series 😀 ⚾️
A slightly spicier Monday than usual, with clues such as 64A, Regarding this point, HERETO; the terrific 36A, "_______ is a lie that makes us realize truth" : Picasso, ART; and 52D, Pro pitcher, of a sort?, ADREP leading the way. Sam Koperwas and Jeff Chen were at the helm, and they did not lead us astray with this fine start to our puzzle solving week. Remember our Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming up tomorrow, so start working on your victory dance moves - we recommend The Dab. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E65 · Mon, March 13, 2023
Sunday, March 12, 2023 - PSST! Be on ALERT for a non-ANODYNE, very FINE crossword!
An intricate and ingenious Sunday theme by David Tuffs that must have taken forever to perfect, but perfect it he did, as a quick glance at today's crossword will reveal. Jean got through the puzzle expeditiously, while Mike took time out of his busy schedule to coin several words that, unfortunately, the rest of the world had not deigned to adopt, and unravelling that took a bit. Deets inside, so have a listen and let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E64 · Sun, March 12, 2023
Saturday, March 11, 2023 - One COOLIO of a crossword!
An ENDEARING Saturday crossword, with nary a GIMMICK to be seen (except, of course, for the answer GIMMICK), and at least an OCTET of great clues, including, 1D, Four+Four, OCTET 😀. Mike's favorite in the grid was undoubtedly 17A, Northwest of 1, ESC (wow!), while Jean was partial to 33A, Apt anagram of "I sew a whole", ELIASHOWE; but we enjoyed the entire puzzle, so much so that it's our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner! Huzzah! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E63 · Sat, March 11, 2023
Friday, March 10, 2023 - HOLYTOLEDO this was a tough crossword!
A very satisfying Friday crossword - not a lot of pop culture references, some marvelous mis-direction in the clueing, and not a "blah" answer to be seen anywhere in the grid. We appreciated that the top left of the grid, 1D, A bad joke might land with one, THUD, was paired with the top right of the grid, 14D, Jazz trumpeter jones, THAD. That's artistry right there, and the person who should be credited with that is the crossword's creator, Claire Rimkus. We can't wait for her next puzzle! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E62 · Fri, March 10, 2023
Thursday, March 9, 2023 - All hail the mighty STRAT! 🎸
There were no downsides to this crossword, whose theme revolved around FLIPSIDES. Jean had just a spot of bother, conflating STRAT with STRAD, and Mike felt cert. that Colombo was in the NYPD, not, as 1D, "Colombo org." would have it, the LAPD. All in all a fine puzzle, we give it 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, encore! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E61 · Thu, March 09, 2023
Wednesday, March 8, 2023 - Hail to Chester ALAN Arthur!
Someone -- to be precise, Miranda Kany, the constructor of today's delicious crossword -- has embedded an entire (very tasty) recipe into today's grid. So, don't try this on an empty stomach, and if you do follow the recipe, send us a pic! We had listener mail today, in which our correspondent recommended the "Fifty Nifty United States" song. The YouTube version is a hoot, so check it -- as well as today's episode, of course! -- out. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E60 · Wed, March 08, 2023
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 - Don't worry, that's a TAMEIMPALA
A very pleasing Tuesday crossword, with a theme that was an echo / homage to Monday's HUMANNATURE -- surely not a coincidence, with the crossword force-of-nature Will Shortz in charge. Today's puzzle included a few spicier clues - 17A, Best competitive stuff, AGAME (cute); the combo 28D, That one and that one, in Spanish, ESOS, paired with 65A, That one and that one, THOSE (now that's artisanship). Definitely a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and for all the deets, please download, listen up, enjoy and ... let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E59 · Tue, March 07, 2023
Monday, March 6, 2023 - We Loved, Loved, Loved This Crossword!
This is Lynn Lempel's 100th crossword in the New York Times, and if you ever needed proof that practice makes perfect, just check out her latest -- fun clues, a cute theme, everything you want in a Monday crossword. Just to let everyone know, we are gearing up to have -- gasp! -- another Triplet Tuesday Contest in about a week, so be sure and listen to tomorrow's TTC so you'll be all practiced up. Of course, don't forget to listen to today's episode: subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E58 · Mon, March 06, 2023
Sunday, March 5, 2023 - This crossword deserves a lot of R-E-S-P-E-C-T
A fine Sunday crossword by John-Clark Levin - the clues are uniformly delightful, and over a grid the size of a Sunday (21x21, in case you hadn't measured lately), that's saying a lot. And we have a lot to say about this crossword, so go ahead and subscribe / download / listen and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E57 · Sun, March 05, 2023
Saturday, March 4, 2023 - KACHINAs and BENTOBOXes and ESSAYMILLs, oh, my!
Another tough crossword for one of our co-hosts, for whom KACHINA dolls were a revelation. As part of his cunning plan to keep mementos of especially challenging clues close at hand, he hopes to soon add a KACHINA doll to his lovely SANLUISOBISPO t-shirt and KATANA sword collection. Since it is Saturday, we have once again identified our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner (deets inside), and we have some fascinating LARB-related listener mail. Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E56 · Sat, March 04, 2023
Friday, March 3, 2023 - In like a lion, out like a ... LARB?
An epically challenging Friday crossword, with delightfully devious and deceptive clues that have to be seen to be believed -- or if not seen, at least heard, and for that we've got you covered! Get the blow-by-blow as your cohosts (solving independently as always) bash away at today's puzzle. It's also Friday, which means time for our weekly segment, Fun Fact Friday™️, and today's fun fact is really hot (but not LARB-hot). For all the deets, subscribe, download, listen and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E55 · Fri, March 03, 2023
Thursday, March 2, 2023 - A crossword with a lot of PLUCK (and one 👻)
Malaika Handa has created a terrific puzzle, and congrats are in order because this is her debut NYTimes crossword!! There were many gems in the grid, such as 23A, Child-oriented non-profit group, PTA; 3D, Hopping spots?, LILYPADS (😀); and the cheeriest of the lot, 31D, Jaunty greeting, HIHO -- just reading that word brings a smile to our lips. Definitely a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, we hope to see many more crosswords from Malaika very soon! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E54 · Thu, March 02, 2023
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 - Have a sip of AVANTPOP
Today's crossword absolutely pegged the pun meter, and it also earned 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. A coincidence? We think not, and neither will you (probably) once you've heard today's episode. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E53 · Wed, March 01, 2023
Tuesday, February 28, 2023 - What's the big deal about the MUDEEL?
Anytime Dr. Seuss wanders into the grid you know you're in for a good time, and today's constructor, Gia Bosko, delivers and then some! Definitely worth a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and for the SKINNY on precisely why, download today's episode, Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E52 · Tue, February 28, 2023
Monday, February 27, 2023 - SUN bear - small in stature, but a giant of cuteness 😀
A very droll Monday theme, involving bears, 3/4 of whom your co-hosts were familiar with, the 4th being a revelation. Jean cruised through this crossword like a boss, Mike meandered through it like he was on a SLOOP - except he'd have phrased it SHOOP, a fine example of why his pace was not quite as frenetic as his co-host's. All the deets are inside, as well as listener mail, so have a listen, and let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E51 · Mon, February 27, 2023
Sunday, February 26, 2023 -- This crossword's definitely a KEEPER!
A terrific Sunday crossword by Will Nediger: the theme is an absolute delight, and Will didn't slouch off in the rest of the grid, either. We have all the deets inside, so have at it! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E50 · Sun, February 26, 2023
Saturday, February 25, 2023 - Trent H. Evans shows how to GETERDONE
We are back, and what a welcome Trent H. Evans had in store for us - an epically difficulty Saturday crossword, with mind-bending clues in every corner. The phrase "tough but fair" comes to mind, and to find out why that's the case, you know what to do: subscribe, download, listen, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E49 · Sun, February 19, 2023
Saturday, February 18, 2023 - Be ONTHEALERT! Kameron Austin Collins is in the house!
As listeners may recall from prior episodes, puzzles by Kameron Austin Collins usually mean a challenge -- and on a Saturday in particular KAC does not hold back, and today's puzzle shows him to be in rare form: wherever you look in the grid, from 1A, Directive for the board, DONTERASE (yikes!) all the way to 65A, Something wonderful, with "the", BEESKNEES(😀), you will find great, great clues. Truly, a work of art. Also in today's episode, we have awarded our JAMCOTWAs (plural: this time it's a tie), and announced the winner of our second Triplet Tuesday Contest! Congrats to all winners!! Finally, we will be on hiatus next week, recharging, etc., so keep doing the crosswords, and don't forget to write and say "hi" - crosswordpodcast@icloud.com Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E48 · Sat, February 18, 2023
Friday, February 17, 2023 - Hey there, gossoon, going so soon? 🙄
An excellent Friday crossword by Jem Burch, with great clues and -- whew! -- no secret L's lurking in the grid (check out yesterday's podcast to understand that reference). We have all the deets inside, just waiting for you to download and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E47 · Fri, February 17, 2023
Thursday, February 16, 2023 - an L of a crossword 🙄
Most of the time the black squares are just standing guard, allowing clues to not run into one another and trigger an Everything, Everywhere, All At Once moment, but not today. In this puzzle, those black squares, so easy to ignore, are absolutely critical to making sense of the grid. We have the complete 411 in today's episode, so we strongly encourage you to subscribe (so you'll never miss an episode!), download, listen and enjoy! Just a reminder that our Triplet Tuesday Contest winner(s) will be announced tomorrow, so if you haven't already entered, check out this Tuesday's podcast for the rules and deets on how to do so. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E46 · Thu, February 16, 2023
Wednesday, February 15, 2023 - Hulk SMERSH! ... or something like that 😀
A great way to celebrate Black History Month, with several famous civil rights leaders appearing in the grid, with their names slightly modified in honor of the DOUBLEV campaign of WWII. We found LOTSA interesting clues throughout the rest of the puzzle, and to find out what those are, you know what to do: subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E45 · Wed, February 15, 2023
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 - A Valentine's Day crossword guaranteed to make your heart go pitter-patter ❤️
A lovely Valentine's Day present from the New York Times to the world ... a somewhat challenging (for Mike) Tuesday crossword with a highly amusing theme, a very apt follow-up to yesterday's. We have all the deets inside plus ... the big news, it's our *second* Triplet Tuesday Contest! That's right, if you didn't win last time, now you have a second chance. Listen to the rules, follow 'em to the letter (or as close to the letter as you can get), and send your # of tries to crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. If you have the lowest score, you'll be our winner! Good luck, and may the crossword-force be with you 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E44 · Tue, February 14, 2023
Monday, February 13, 2023 - DIPPINDOTS , SPAGHETTIOS and FROOTLOOPS, nature's most perfect foods 😀
A marvelous Monday crossword, and your co-hosts had a rather unique experience solving it. We'd say more, but because today is "No-Spoiler Monday", we will refrain from doing so but rather encourage you to subscribe, download, listen up and enjoy today's episode. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E43 · Mon, February 13, 2023
Sunday, February 12, 2023 - Pop goes the ... MARTEN??
Ooh, a tough Sunday crossword by Christina Iverson and Samuel A. Donaldson, thanks to an ingenious theme and some relatively obscure clues -- 12A, Catchy tunes, informally, BOPS; 49D, Cousin of a weasel, MARTEN; and the very droll 78D, Main antagonist?, PIRATESHIP (woah!). There was a lot to like in today's grid, and we spell out all the deets in today's episode. Also a reminder, our Triplet Tuesday Contest is coming right up -- perhaps not quite the Super Bowl, but we do have fewer ads (i.e.,none 😀). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E42 · Sun, February 12, 2023
Saturday, February 11, 2023 - This crossword was TOPPS!
A super Saturday crossword by the NYTimes Spelling Bee editor, Sam Ezersky, who occasionally wanders over into the crossword section to work his magic. And he did so today, with some nicely worded clues and juicy juxtapositions. We enjoyed the rarely seen 58D, Like swampland, MIRY (if you say so!); 5D and 23A, both "Ah", follower, respectively ISEE and CHOO (very twee); 61D, End of a series, in Canada, ZED (❤️🇨🇦); and the educational 50D, Where "talon" and "toga" mean "hello" and "goodbye", SAMOA (manaia ia!) Today's also Saturday, and our JAMCOTWA winner is ... oops, no spoilers! Download and listen up to today's podcast to find out who, why, and how much swag they're likely to get! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E41 · Sat, February 11, 2023
Friday, February 10, 2022 - So, 'ave you any SOAVE? 😀
Ah, the NYTimes Crossword at its best -- slippery clues, devious double-entendres, all designed to trip up the unwary solver. Both our co-hosts had to dig deeply, and the whole story -- as well as a Fun Fact based on 8D, Annual competition that starts on the first Saturday in March, IDITAROD -- is revealed on today's episode. A reminder that this Tuesday we're running our second Triplet Tuesday Contest - you'll play along with the hosts, email how many clues it took you to find each of the 3 answers, and whoever gets the lowest score will take home a cornucopia of awesome swag. So, start practicing now, and may the best solver win! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E40 · Fri, February 10, 2023
Thursday, February 9, 2023 - Welcome back, AMENRA!
The presence of 32D, Symbol of sharp wit, RAPIER, seems appropriate, because this crossword was brimming with the stuff (sharp wit, not RAPIERs), and the theme was also noteworthy. For both our co-hosts, though, the highlight of the crossword had to be 73A, __________ Midas Wolf (Disney's "Three Little Pigs" antagonist), ZEKE. Who knew that the Wolf had a first name? And a middle one? We are awed and agog, and we owe it all to today's constructor, Alex Rosen, whose work clearly deserves a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E39 · Thu, February 09, 2023
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 - Today's crossword was JAWDROPPING, as in JAWDROPPINGly good!
Chase Dittrich turns in a stellar performance, with a puzzle-full of joyous clues and an ingenious theme, the joie de vivre just bubbles off the page (or screen, as the case may be). Definitely 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and certainly in the running for this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E38 · Wed, February 08, 2023
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 - Max ERNST, Artiste Extraordinaire!
A charming Tuesday crossword, with a theme that wasn't too difficult to SUSS out, and any grid that manages to work both LOOKSUPTO (2D, Admires) and STANDTALL (36D, Act confidently) into the same grid deserves some sort of HONOR, and we give it here: 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. On a side note, next Tuesday we are going to be hosting our *second* Triplet Tuesday Contest, so for training purposes, we recommend you listen all week, to ensure you'll be in peak form! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E37 · Tue, February 07, 2023
Monday, February 6, 2023 - A PURRfect Monday crossword!
Not to namedrop ancient Greeks and their deities, but one of our Achilles heels' is our infatuation with the Apollo program, just one of the reasons why we found this to be such a great crossword. The theme is ingenious, the clues a tad crunchier than usual -- in particular 9D, Ancient tool for hunters or warriors, SPEARTHROWER, and 23A, Dogs with curly tails, AKITAS -- and we are not complaining one bit! In other news, we've had some great suggestions for titles for our new Fact Checking segment. Check them out in today's episode (and if you have suggestions, send 'em our way!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E36 · Mon, February 06, 2023
Sunday, February 5, 2023 - A crossword with The Right Stuff (or as it shows up in the grid, THEIRRITESTOUGH)
If you're into movies, you'll love today's crossword, a punny homage to the Oscars, with a theme that Jean loved , and Mike ... is still trying to wrap his head around. There were some excellent (non-theme-related) clues in the grid, such as 33D, Historic builders of rope bridges, INCAS (huh!); 79D, Things pandas have 20 of, TOES (yikes!!); and Jean & Mike's personal favorite, 48A, Therein lies the rubbed, SPA (😀 😀 ). All the deets are inside, so subscribe / download / listen and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E35 · Sun, February 05, 2023
Saturday, February 4, 2023 - A GORGEOUS crossword, guaranteed to ENCHANT
A marvelous Saturday crossword by Kate Hawkins, with tough, fair, and entertaining clues everywhere you look in the grid. Among our favorites, 8D, Didn't go fast?, ATE (heh, heh); 40A, Floors, AWES (awwww... 😀); and the twin clues 2D and 12D, Booty, the answers to which were respectively, HAUL and SEAT (nice!). Since today's Saturday, that means it's time for JAMCOTWA -- the Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award -- so to find out who walked off with that prestigious prize, all you need to do is download, listen, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E34 · Sat, February 04, 2023
Friday, February 3, 2023 - In a CRYOSLEEP? Today's crossword will wake you right up!
A delightful Friday crossword by Barbara Lin, with a bevy of very twee clues. Jean's favorite was 1A, Finishing-line cry?, BINGO, and Mike's was 47D, Edges of a diamond?, DEES: but both found gems -- and not just SARD* -- throughout the grid. *as discussed in yesterday and today's episodes! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E33 · Fri, February 03, 2023
Thursday, February 2, 2023 - This crossword's not too easy, not too SARD 🙄
Today's crossword is a victory for STEM education, as the NYTimes crossword managed to get millions (?) of its solvers thinking about the problem of DARKMATTER. There were a few notable clues, the most prominent of which is the aforementioned 51A, Orangish-brown gem, SARD. That almost sounds like a debut, but in fact it has appeared a whopping 154 times in the NYTimes crossword, albeit the last time (before today) was in 2015, and its first appearance was on Sunday, May 16, 1943 (!). So, welcome back, SARD, we hope to see you again sometime soon! 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E32 · Thu, February 02, 2023
Wednesday, February 1, 2023 - This crossword wasn't just TWEE, it was IDEAL!
A very TWEE theme in today's crossword, involving TRACTORBEAMS. Both Jean and Mike were primed to see ENTERPRISE in the grid, but the constructor of today's fine piece, Dan Caprera, had other ideas and designs, so there were absolutely no United Federation of Planet vessels anywhere in the grid (unless, of course, they had deployed a cloaking device , hmmm...). What our cohosts did see in the grid were a lot of superb clues, and for the deets on those, as well as some listener mail, 😀 -- so to take all that in, just subscribe / download / play / enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E31 · Wed, February 01, 2023
Tuesday, January 31, 2023 - SHUG? SHRUG!
A fabulous Tuesday crossword, which we knew it would be as soon as we saw the constructor's name - Erik Agard. The theme was fine, and of particular benefit to MARIAHCAREY fans. But even if you weren't thoroughly acquainted with her back catalog, the clues and crosses made this not just doable, but a treat (and not just because of the literal one, a debut entry, 16A, Crushed ice dessert with a reduplicative name, HALOHALO). We also have a Triplet Tuesday segment, and listener mail, so to catch up on all this goodness we heartily encourage you to download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E30 · Tue, January 31, 2023
Monday, January 30, 2023 - The EYES have it!
This was, as cruciverbalists like to say, a slightly crunchier than usual Monday crossword, but an entertaining one just the same, with an amusing theme was hard to miss - in fact, it will probably hit you RIGHTBETWEENTHEEEYES. Deets are inside (including a discussion of deets!), so download, listen up, and enjoy! Remember, if you like this podcast, please spread the word, and we love all those 5 star reviews! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E29 · Mon, January 30, 2023
Sunday, January 29, 2023 - OHNEAT - an answer in today's crossword and, conveniently, our tldr summary of today's episode!
An excellent Sunday crossword, and a debut to boot, for Rich Katz. He has a dozen, yes, a dozen, amazing and amusing clues guaranteed to bring a smile to your lips. He even managed to get a reference to the QB for the KC Chiefs (playing on the same day in a semifinal): now that's attention to detail! Definitely 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and to find out why, download now. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E28 · Sun, January 29, 2023
Saturday, January 28, 2023 - We're not ONTHEFENCE about this crossword!
A great Saturday crossword by Kevin Christian, with some absolutely terrific clues, such as 24A, Something that isn't assumed, REALNAME (aah); 47D, Square things, ATONE (ooh); and 13D, His 2016 debut album unseated "Thriller" for the most weeks spent in the top 10 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hot chart (77), POSTMALONE (huh!). And the latter might not be the longest NYTimes crossword clue ever, but it's got to be in that top echelon. In other news, it's Saturday, and our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) goes to ... nope, we don't want to spoil it, so for all the DEETS just hit download, play, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E27 · Sat, January 28, 2023
Friday, January 27, 2023 - Look out, ELMISTI's about to blow! 😸😻
It was one of those Friday crosswords - easy if you're in the right demographic, a bit more of a struggle if you are not. Both co-hosts had to dig in places, and Mike was particularly hard pressed because of his ignorance of anything that occurred more recently than 1815. So, the key question: did our intrepid co-hosts succeed? The answer is as close as this podcast, so for enlightenment just download now. Related links: How to pronounce "Natick" (we've been doing it wrong! 😱) The origin story of Natick c/o Rex Parker Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E26 · Fri, January 27, 2023
Thursday, January 26, 2023 - A SHARPER than usual Thursday, a real BEAUT!
Once again we must doff our hats to the constructors of today's masterpiece, Dan Ziring and Quiara Vasquez, for having bestowed upon us a brilliant puzzle, with clues so sharp you could slice bread with them, and a theme so brilliant that it glows in the dark. OK, perhaps we are guilty of a bit of hyperbole, but not much - and if you need proof, just listen up to today's episode! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E25 · Thu, January 26, 2023
Wednesday, January 25, 2023 - This crossword's the CATSMEOW!
A wonderful Wednesday crossword by Nancy Serrano-Wu, with some fascinating clues such as 1A, Composer of the piano piece played in the "Tom and Jerry" short "The Cat Concerto", LISZT (a hoot to watch); 4D, ________ suit, ZOOT (try saying that 3 times fast!); and 56A, Sports bar purchases?, TRIPLEDOUBLES (yes, that is a thing!). A few highlights from today's episode: Origin story of "Golf is a good walk spoiled" Definition of TRIPLEDOUBLE A clip from The Cat Concerto Remember, the NYTimes Crossword makes for a great gift (including for yourself!). Just head over to nytimes.com/crosswords and in seconds you'll have decades worth of crossword puzzles at your fingertips. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E24 · Wed, January 25, 2023
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 - Bubble, bubble, toil and ... tea??
A very effervescent Tuesday crossword by Aaron M. Rosenberg and the indefatigable Jeff Chen (he of xwordinfo.com fame). We don't want to spill the TEA, so to speak, but this was one fine crossword. We also have a winner in our Triplet Tuesday Contest (yay!), so to find out who walked away with the trophy, as well as hear our usual 4-dimensional-chess-like analysis of today's crossword, all you need to do is download, listen, learn, and (hopefully!) laugh. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E23 · Tue, January 24, 2023
Monday, January 23, 2023 - MONGOOSE v. cobra - who will win??
The only thing MEH about today's crossword was the presence of MEH in the grid (20D, Passable, at best) -- otherwise, it was filled with LEVITY (59A, Lack of seriousness about a serious situation) and worthy of at least one HURRAH (60A, "Yay!"), possibly more. All the DEETS (61A, Juicy bits of info) are inside, just as close as your download and play buttons! One last reminder, if you want to participate in our Triplet Tuesday Contest, just check out last Tuesday's episode, and get that entry in ASAP! Winner(s) will be announced ... tomorrow! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E22 · Mon, January 23, 2023
Sunday, January 22, 2023 - Got the FANTODS? Perhaps you just need some TLC
Although the title of today's crossword was With Ease, that's not how your intrepid cohosts solved it: rather, the clue for 19A, My ________ ( You're never gonna get it ), 1992 hit by En Vogue, seemed a more accurate premonition as as they both (solving independently, as always) flailed around in the top-left corner. But fortunately, diving into their memory palace (Jean) and guessing letters totally at random (Mike), they were eventually both able to dispel the FANTODS on their way to victory. And in case you're wondering, yes, FANTODS really is a word, we cover it today, and we are in love with it! Our Triplet Tuesday contest winners will be announced this Tuesday - if you haven't already, there is still time to enter -- just check out last Tuesday's episode for the rules, and may the best solver win! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E21 · Sat, January 21, 2023
Saturday, January 21, 2023 - CHEERIOS, WITHCHEESE, and WINESAUCE - a gastronomically very confused crossword 😀
A challenging Saturday crossword -- Jean had an epic struggle in the north central area of the grid, and Mike had an epic struggle ... everywhere! But along the way we were able to appreciate such fine vintage clues as 12D, Earring Magic ______ (1990s doll that developed a cult following), KEN; 52A, Web portal released the same day as Windows 95, MSN; and 20A, Transition effect famously used in "Star Wars" films, WIPE. All the deets -- plus the announcement of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner are all here, just waiting for you to download, play, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E20 · Fri, January 20, 2023
Friday, January 20, 2023 - A great crossword? TRUEDAT!
A fine Friday crossword by Robert S. Greenfield, not too difficult for a Friday, but still festooned with fun clues and answers (which we like to call cluans™️), such as 34A, Neologize, COINAPHRASE (for an example, c.f. cluans 😀); 29A, Organization with a strong track record?, NASCSAR (nice!); and 23D, Splashy display, ECLAT (sounds like a SAT word to us!) And as a delicious end to today's episode, we have a Fun Fact segment on 18D, Penny candy morsel since 1907, TOOTSIEROLL. Num num! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E19 · Fri, January 20, 2023
Thursday, January 19, 2023 - Fire up the kinderklaviers, it's time for a RAPBATTLE!!
A deliciously devious Thursday crossword by Daniel Bodily, thanks to Friday and Saturday level cluing and a theme that may leave you AGASP (and if you solve today's puzzle, saying AAH). Definitely a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and while it fills us with trepidation contemplating what lies ahead for the rest of the week, we will savor this puzzle until then. Remember our Triplet Tuesday Contest is ongoing right now -- listen to Tuesday's episode then send us your score to enter. [Not valid in any state, province or territory that bans Triplet Tuesday Contests (um, if there are any 😀 )) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E18 · Thu, January 19, 2023
Wednesday, January 18, 2023 - Will Shortz, THEGOAT of crossword editors!
A wonderful Wednesday crossword, and a debut for constructor Lindsay McBride (kudos and all that!). We especially enjoyed 67A, Like matryoshka dolls, NESTED (we just like to say matryoshka); 32D, Good, in Chinese HAO (now we know!); and 24D, "_________ Flux" (1990s animated sci-fi series), AEON (because it was such a great show!). There was (much) more, and deets are inside. Just a reminder, if you haven't solved today's puzzle and want to see the finished grid so you can follow along as you listen, then just go to xwordinfo.com, where the entire filled-out grid awaits! Finally, remember our Triplet Tuesday Contest is going strong! Just listen to yesterday's episode, and send us your submission. Operators are standing by, so to speak :-) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E17 · Wed, January 18, 2023
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 - This crossword made our day!
A fine Tuesday crossword, with a bilingual theme -- the best kind -- as well as some amusing clues (9D, Phrase sung 36 times in a 1970 Beatles hit, LETITBE; 6D, Bovine:cow::corvine:__________, CROW; and Mike's favorite word of the day, 26A, "Aw, rats", DAGNABBIT. Also, it's Triplet Tuesday, and even better, our first ever Triplet Tuesday Contest! Get ready to participate -- listen for the rules -- and then email us (crosswordpodcast@icloud.com) how many guesses it took you, in total. Lowest score wins, or in the event of a tie, lowest score + serendipity. Good luck, and remember, no Googling! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E16 · Tue, January 17, 2023
Monday, January 16, 2023 - Look out, MOTHRA's on the prowl!
A slightly more intense Monday crossword than usual, with several span-the-grid answers, but the cute theme (the constructor, Michael Paleos, definitely did not MAILITIN) made it all worthwhile. We've got all the deets inside, as well as the full set of rules for tomorrow's first ever Triplet Tuesday Contest, so you are cordially invited to -- in order -- subscribe, download, listen, laugh, and learn. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E15 · Mon, January 16, 2023
Sunday, January 15, 2023 - Great Caesar's ghost, what a crossword!
If you like literature, you'll love today's crossword, teeming with literary references, all in the cause of a fun theme. Even if you're not particularly well-versed in the classics, though, chances are you'll know the titles -- and if not, hopefully the crosses will come to your rescue. We have all the deets inside, waiting for you to enjoy. Also, a reminder that our first Triplet Tuesday contest - with fabulous swag as prizes - will be taking place this Tuesday, so be sure and stay tuned for that. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E14 · Sun, January 15, 2023
Saturday, January 14, 2023 - APIA, gateway to paradise, aka Upolu, Samoa!
A straightforward Saturday puzzle, but it pegged the Fun Quotient meter so we will not complain. Au contraire, most of today's episode is spent singing its praises, for the clues are crisp, cute (but not TWEE!), and, oh, WHATCHAMACALLIT, compelling. Deets inside! Also, it's Saturday, time for our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). No spoilers, but if you're lucky you'll guess the winning crossword in one 😀 Finally, we are announcing a new contest: play along at home this Tuesday, let us know how many guesses it took you to solve our Triplet Tuesday game, and in short order you might be wearing some awesome Jean And Mike Do The New York Times Crossword swag. Deets for that, too, are inside, so what are you waiting for? Download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E13 · Sat, January 14, 2023
Friday, January 13, 2023 - Ahoy, there's a RORQUAL on the starboard side!
Typically Friday crosswords do not have a theme, but since this was Friday the 13th, the editors (luckily) decided to take advantage of that day. Unlike some themes that only make sense after one has finished the puzzle, today's theme genuinely was useful (as well as fun). So, bypass that ladder, jump over that crack, don't trip on that black cat, but do have a listen to today's podcast. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E12 · Fri, January 13, 2023
Thursday, January 12, 2023 - We are MEGAFANs of this crossword!
A GEM of a Thursday crossword by Grant Thackray, who does some remarkable linguistic surgery, all for a good cause - a dizzying and dizzyingly good theme, in the middle of a grid-full of great clues. All the deets are inside, so rather than spill the TEA, we urge you to download and listen up ASAP! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E11 · Thu, January 12, 2023
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 - EGAD this was a clever crossword!
A picture-perfect crossword, with an LOL theme, a geographically wide-ranging set of clues (from 35A, Manhattan neighborhood next to SoHo, NOLITA, to 36D,Hawaiian island shaped like an apostrophe, LANAI, to 42D, Setting for many van Gogh works, ARLES), and a few other goodies that we delve into in today's episode. Remember, the NYTimes crossword is a great way to stretch your vocabulary, keep your pop culture references up-to-date, and impress your friends at parties (if you go to those sorts of parties, which you most definitely should). Just go to nytimes.com/crosswords, they'd love to have you as a subscriber! And we would too! If you like this podcast please a) hit the subscribe button and b) tell your friends about us. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E10 · Wed, January 11, 2023
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 - Today's crossword is the cat's pajamas 😺
A fine, feline-themed Tuesday crossword by Emily Rourke, with a few rarities in the grid, including 15A, Darling one, MOPPET (last seen in 2014!), and 1D, Shaggy Beatles hairdos, MOPTOPS (making its 4th appearance in the crossword, ever), and finally 24A, Cereal mascot who says "They're gr-r-eat!", TONYTHETIGER ( appearing for the second time, debuting in 1966). We liked this crossword a lot, it was GR-R-EAT! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E9 · Tue, January 10, 2023
Tuesday, January 9, 2023 - A puzzle that won't leave you COLD!
It's not clear if the authors, Andrea Carla Michaels and Kevin Christian, were in the midst of a raging snowstorm when they constructed this crossword, but 9A, How revenge (or pizza) is best served, COLD , 21D, Frozen, GELID , 57A, Behaved in a laid back way, ACTEDCOOL , and 34D, "Rocks" that clink in a glass, ICE , really make us. think that that might've been the case. Regardless, this crossword did not leave us COLD at all -- in fact we warmly give it a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E8 · Mon, January 09, 2023
Sunday, January 8, 2023 - RIRI, worth AMILLI!
A slightly GNARLY Sunday crossword: Jean, we have it on good authority, tore through this in no time flat, but Mike, due to his almost total lack of knowledge of pop culture (anything more recent than 1850), to say nothing of his woeful ignorance of Spanish, found the road a little less SEDATE. Deets inside, so download now and beat the rush. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E7 · Sun, January 08, 2023
Saturday, January 7, 2023 - Adam Aaronson, a real STANDUPGUY!
A sweet Saturday crossword by Adam Aaronson, not too difficult, but we are not complaining! Just the opposite in fact, and to hear us expand on that general assessment we cordially invite you to subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E6 · Sat, January 07, 2023
Friday, January 6, 2023 - Three cheers for JUDITHHEUMANN
Today's crossword was just bursting at the seams with tricky clues: it seemed like the entire top of the grid was roped off with GIVEITUPYOUDONTHAVEACHANCE tape, but thanks to perseverance, grit, and in Jean's case a functional memory, in Mike's case a large dollop of good luck, both were able to persevere. In today's episode we also have a yummy fun fact for Fun Fact Friday™️, and another episode of our periodic segment, "Oh that's how you pronounce it!". Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E5 · Fri, January 06, 2023
Thursday, January 5, 2023 - Quick, pass the SENNA!
A highly educational Thursday crossword. Clues like 16A, Smallest South Pacific nation, NAURU; 1D, The flowers in Amy Lowell's "Your great puffs of flowers / Are everywhere in this my New England"; and 31D, Agricultural item that Nigeria produces more of than the rest of the world combined, YAM; were certainly eye-openers for your co-hosts. One of us found the puzzle tricky, the other impossible; and to find out who, all you need to do is subscribe (optional, but highly recommended), download and listen up! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E4 · Thu, January 05, 2023
Wednesday, January 4, 2023 - An out-of-this-world puzzle!
For those of you who remember where you were when the James Webb Space Telescope finally deployed, the NYTimes has you covered, with a great, astronomy-themed puzzle. But even if you're not a space-nerd, there was a galaxy of fabulous clues, such as 27A, Dispenser of drafts, TAP (cute!), 43A, "The lowest form of humor -- when you don't think of it first," per Oscar Levant, PUN (ha, ha!), and 42A, One righting writing, EDITOR (ho, ho!). We approve, and hereby bestow this puzzle a perfect 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E3 · Wed, January 04, 2023
Tuesday, January 3, 2023 - Time to SNARF a PANINI!
A fine Tuesday puzzle by Margaret Seikel, with a straightforward theme and not too much pop culture. It helped slightly to be acquainted with The Princess Diaries, so, advantage Jean. Mike only had one gimme, 46D, Lex of "Superman", LUTHOR, counterbalanced by the curious 41D, "Should we bounce?", WANNAGO, and the overwhelming urge to spell 11D, Italian pressed sandwich, PANINI, with more N's than a sandwich deserves to have. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E2 · Tue, January 03, 2023
Monday, January 2, 2023 - All together now, ITHADTOBEYOU 🎵🎶
A hilarious (and we use that term very rarely) theme by Seth Bisen-Hersh in their debut NYTimes crossword appearance, a great start. We won't spoil the joke by telling it here, but the entire crossword is a setup, and the payoff is exquisite. Details within, so you know the drill: subscribe (if you don't already), download, listen up and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S6 E1 · Mon, January 02, 2023
Sunday, January 1, 2023 - A crossword that'll make you want to BREAKOUTINSONG
Something to sing about on this, the first day of 2023 - a great crossword by a trio of constructors - Adam Wagner, Michael Lieberman and Rafael Musa - with a brilliant theme. Specifically, it offers two clues for the themed answer, one in the usual place and t'other in a surprising location that will remain a secret until you've listened to this podcast, which we hope you do ... right now. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E101 · Sun, January 01, 2023
Saturday, December 31, 2022 - Happy New Year!
In celebration of the new year, we have a jam-packed episode. First, we have our usual meticulous dissection of today's puzzle; then, the big reveal for the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award); next, a first, our predictions for the new year in NYTimes Crosswords; a return of "Oh, That's How You Pronounce It!", and last but not least, listener-mail. So please subscribe / download / listen, and we wish all of you all the best for 2023! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E100 · Sat, December 31, 2022
Friday, December 30, 2022 - Enjoying a cuppa CHA while eyeing a CHAGALL
Brendan Emmett Quigley has crafted an elegantly enjoyable Friday crossword -- clues that are brilliant (54A, One who is mean as the Dickens?, SCROOGE), enlightening (15A, Whom the New York Times co-named athlete of the year, with Babe Ruth, in 1920), MANOWAR, and impossible to spell (21A, Missed-the-turn maneuver, UEY). We liked this crossword ATON, THATSFORSURE; and to find out precisely why, just tap Subscribe / Download / Play / Enjoy (um, if you do find the Enjoy button, do let us know 😀) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E99 · Fri, December 30, 2022
Thursday, December 29, 2022 - TYVM for a great puzzle!
A fine crossword by Claire Rimkus and Rachel Fabi, with a brilliant theme that left us eLATEd, and a few words and phrases to add to the ol' lexicon, including: 64D, Body part affected by heterochromia, EYE (for the record, we knew EYE; it was heterochromia that we were unacquainted with) 40D, Euphemism for a lesbian couple, GALPALS 15D, "I really appreciate it!," in textspeak, TYVM And for the full 411 on today's crossword, you know the drill: subscribe (always optional, but this way you'll always have the latest and greatest ready to listen to), download (pretty much a requirement if you want to do the next bit), listen up, and enjoy (guaranteed or your money cheerfully refunded 😀) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E98 · Thu, December 29, 2022
Wednesday, December 28, 2022 - BLINI and NANAIMO, num, num!
An homage to female ROCKANDROLL artists who have been inducted twice into the HALLOFFAME -- once with collaborators, and once as a solo act. Several other musicians managed to slip into the grid: to find out who they are, as well as some other absolutely fascinating TIL (Today I Learned) areas of the grid, all you need do is subscribe, download, listen and learn! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E97 · Wed, December 28, 2022
Tuesday, December 27, 2022 - The lesson of LETSON
Lynn Lempel had her first NYTimes crossword published in 1979, and this was her 99th! According to xwordinfo.com, which tracks these sorts of things, most of her crosswords appear on Monday (71), with most of the rest (16) appearing on Tuesday. Jean found today's crossword to be fairly straightforward: Mike found it a bit of a challenge, especially in the vicinity of 9D, White wine named for the European river valley where it's produced, MOSELLE, as the only thing he is less familiar with than white wine is European river valleys. For the full 411, we humbly invite you to subscribe, download, listen up and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E96 · Tue, December 27, 2022
Monday, December 26, 2022 - A Super-ULTRA Crossword!
Once again, like CLOCKWORK, the NYTimes has come up with a fine Monday crossword to start our problem-solving week. Apart from a few snags - 1A, Floating ice chunk, BERG (not FLOE); 33A, College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, COE (not UNI); 30D, Bitter part of an orange, PITH (not PEEL or RIND) ; and 61D, A rainbow may be seen as a good one, SIGN (not OMEN) - the crossword was fine: and come to think of it, even with those snags it was fine -- a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E95 · Sun, December 25, 2022
Saturday, December 24, 2022 - A NEATO Saturday!
A challenging but fair Christmas Eve crossword, with 2 full width, and 2 full height answers that were reasonably familiar, although the clues that led to those answers suitably cryptic (e.g., 57A, Symphony originally dedicated to Napoleon Bonaparte, BEETHOVENSTHIRD, and 2D, Revenue source for a Girl Scout troop, DOORTODOORSALES). Jean tore through the grid in under 1/3 the time it took Mike, who ran into a morass in the bottom center. All the sordid details, as well as our choice for JAMCOTWA are in today's episode, so between wrapping and unwrapping presents (for whatever holiday you celebrate - Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza or none of the above), take some time out to have a listen! Note that we will not be publishing a podcast tomorrow, but we will be back, rested and ready for action, on Monday! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E94 · Sat, December 24, 2022
Friday, December 23, 2022 - We Love Technicolor TESSIE, aka Lucy 😀
A fine Friday oeuvre by Brandon Koppy, and a timely one too, esp. 11D, Follower of an arctic blast, COLDSPELL, 4D, Character in "Frozen" who says "Some people are worth melting for", OLAF, and when things get really nasty outside, 51D, Relief org., FEMA. We also have a very cool Fun Fact Friday segment, so gather your favorite hot beverage and then subscribe, download, listen up, learn and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E93 · Fri, December 23, 2022
Thursday, December 22, 2022 - Here we go round the roundabout 🎵
A dizzying, dazzling, delightful Thursday crossword by David Steinberg that has to be seen to be believed -- and even then you might not! Clearly DS is in a league of his own when it comes to crossword construction, we are in awe, as in, aww, that was great! Can we have an encore? 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E92 · Thu, December 22, 2022
Wednesday, December 21, 2022 - RHENIUM, the metal that *nobody* has heard of 😀
A highly educational Wednesday crossword, with a slew of TIL (Today I Learned) entries, including the fascinating 9D, Metal next to tungsten on the periodic table, RHENIUM, which neither Jean nor Mike, in spite of having taken several chemistry classes, had ever heard of. It is true that a number of heavier elements have been added to the periodic table, um, periodically, but the lower numbered elements have generally remained unchanged. There were some other TILs, so to help improve your, oh, what's the word, oh yes, vocabulary 🙄, we invite you to subscribe, download, listen up and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E91 · Wed, December 21, 2022
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 - Pass the slivovitz!
A clever Tuesday theme, great clues and the opportunity to pronounce the word slivovitz - in short, a perfect crossword, and short is how these show notes will be as well, since everything you need to know about this crossword is in today's podcast - subscribe, download, listen up and enjoy! For today's FB tie-in, let us know on our Facebook page what your favorite EDDIE Rabbit song is. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E90 · Tue, December 20, 2022
Monday, December 19, 2022 - The name's Simone, NINA Simone
A fine and definitely seasonally-appropriate Monday crossword from Jennifer Nutt, creator of today's puzzle. You didn't need to have a brain the size of an ENIAC, or even an IMAC, for that matter, to succeed, really just a GIFT with language, to solve this GIFT of a crossword. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E89 · Mon, December 19, 2022
Sunday, December 18, 2022 - A crossword to sing about
Today's crossword was themeless, but there was a lot of music in the grid. Between 7D, Pink Floyd co-founder Barrett, SYD, to 87D, Soul singer Thomas, CARLA, there were numerous other references: 31A, All-woman rock band with the 1982 hit "Vacation", GOGOS; the curious 43A, When doubled, a classic Mardis Gras tune, IKO; and finally 52A, 2017 chart-topping hit whose YouTube video was the first to reach 3 billion views, DESPACITO (we defy you to not dance while watching it 😀 ). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E88 · Sun, December 18, 2022
Saturday, December 17, 2022 - YETI another punny NYTimes crossword! 🙄
A fine Saturday crossword, arguably less challenging then yesterday's slogfest, but with some deftly written clues, such as ... 53A, Detail-oriented sort, IDOTTER (😀); 54A, Clerical worker?, PRIEST (😀 😀 ); and 18D, "I spilled _______ on my dog, now he's gone": Steven Wright, SPOTREMOVER (too many 😀's to list). We liked this crossword a lot, and we've got the podcast to prove it! In other news, it's Saturday, and in today's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) we picked ... a crossword! From this week!! And to find out precisely which one, do have a listen to today's episode. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E87 · Sat, December 17, 2022
Friday, December 16, 2022 - Pant, Gasp, Wheeze!
An exhausting, exhilarating, and, let's just say it, excellent crossword by Kameron Austin Collins, with a grid-full of superb clues and answers, as one would expect when KAC is in charge. All the deets are inside, as well as a Fun Fact Friday exploration of a very popular fish (challenge to the reader: can you guess it before you listen? -- let us know!), so download, listen up, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E86 · Fri, December 16, 2022
Thursday, December 15, 2022 - A soup-er, er, super, crossword
What can we say about a crossword that includes the word VICHYSSOISE? First, that we are in awe of it, and to be more precise its constructor, Bruce Haight, as we are just amazed that he can even spell VICHYSSOISE -- Mike took about 3 running starts to get it sorted out. Second, it reminds us once again of Will Shortz's towering genius, as we now realize it was portended by yesterday's 9D, Something you need to do to solve crosswords, SPELL. We are not worthy 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E85 · Thu, December 15, 2022
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 - A crossword full of Lucky Charms, yum!
A delicious Wednesday crossword by Matthew Stock, with references to PANERA, CRONUTS and -- well, OEUF is a bit, ahem, oeuffy, er, iffy -- but regardless, it was a good crossword, with a delightful theme. We have all the deets inside just waiting for you to sink your teeth into, so subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E84 · Wed, December 14, 2022
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 - Did we like this crossword? Fer SHER!
An intriguing Tuesday crossword by Julietta Gervase, who undoubtedly put her soul into today's crossword, but also managed to sneak in her name - at least a part, as in 54D, James in both the Blues and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, ETTA. Very clever, Julietta, we saw what you did there! There were also a few askew clues, as in 5D, Takes a dive, perhaps, SCUBAS (did not know that it could exist without DIVE attached); 32A, ________ Burton, host of "Reading Rainbow" (but, but, what about his role on Star Trek: Next Generation? Oh, how quickly we forget); and the as-fun-to-say-as-it-is-to-eat 26D, Small ear of corn, NUBBIN. We approve, and give this crossword an enthusiastic 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Today's Musical Guests Worth Checking Out: CIARA ETTA James One last note: due to a snafu in the editorial department, and possibly due to our overwhelming pride in how well it turned out, we accidentally posted Sunday's episode twice - once on Sunday, and again on Monday. Apologies, and if you redownload Monday's you'll now get the correct episode. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E83 · Tue, December 13, 2022
Monday, December 12, 2022 - Woof!
At least one of our dynamic duo found this crossword to be woof, er, we mean rough, owing to a highly improbable series of poor word choices, and a loss of situational awareness causing this individual (who will remain nameless, at least until you listen to the episode) to mistake one country for another approximately a hemisphere apart. And, just to be clear, when we say "at least one", we really mean, "exactly one", because the individual who will not remain nameless, aka Jean, found this crossword to be an absolute treat, rather than a dog's breakfast. In today's episode, we also had a reference to Panic! at the Disco. What's your favorite PATD song? Let us know on our facebook page 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E82 · Mon, December 12, 2022
Sunday, December 11, 2022 - There's a lot of buzz around today's crossword!
If you suffer from entomophobia , then whatever you do, don't do today's crossword! But it should be safe to listen to today's podcast, as we only mention insects -- the bane of entomophobia sufferers everywhere -- en passant. Beyond the insect kingdom, the grid had a lot of educational clues and answers: both cohosts were surprised to learn that 33D, Sublime soprano, was a DIVA, having labored under the misapprehension that a DIVA was one of those stuck up, hard-to-work with, overly-pampered celebs: but it does indeed have this much more favorable meaning. Both cohosts were also surprised to learn that 47D, Physicist Schrödinger, had a first name, and that it was ERWIN. For more details on that, as well as many other surprises lurking in the grid, all you need to do is subscribe, download, listen, learn, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E81 · Sun, December 11, 2022
Saturday, December 10, 2022 - More than a heptad of great clues
An exceptional Saturday crossword by Sid Sivakumar, who seems to be incapable of writing any other kind. The clues were fabulous (as we explore in depth in today's episode), and even the crossings were praiseworthy - most notably 38A, Rock forming mineral that makes up over half the earth's crust, FELDSPAR intersecting 17A, Meets expectations, in a way, MAKESPAR , while even 19A, Pumped, STOKED versus 4D, Preakness or Belmont, STAKES , had a nice alliterative feel. Today being Saturday, we also have selected our JAMCOTWA - Jean And Mike Crossword of The Week Award - and to find out which puzzle won, all you need to do is subscribe/download and listen up. Bonus Shownotes Feature! A few links for those who want to dig deeper: Are neopets still a thing ? The Father of Plastics How accurate are iris scans ? Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E80 · Sat, December 10, 2022
Friday, December 9, 2022 - Yay, TAYTAY!
A challenging Friday crossword, although our intrepid co-hosts -- solving, as always, independently -- ran into difficulties in different areas of the grid. Jean got stuck in the center left, remaining INASTUPOR until she wasn't; whereas Mike encountered headwinds in the southwest, almost done in by his unfamiliarity with Spanish and the Italian literati, ENERO and ELENA Ferrante, respectively. In other news, it is Fun Fact Friday™️, and Jean weighs in with a striking article on SHRIKES. Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E79 · Fri, December 09, 2022
Thursday, December 8, 2022 - C'mon, SHAKEAPEG!
A fantabulous Thursday crossword by Grant Thackray, with a brilliant theme, great clues all round, and the shocker that the answer to 69A, Misnomer for the character Fritz in the original "Frankenstein", (1931) was ... wait for it ... IGOR (gasp!). There were other equally entertaining and educational clues, of course, and to find out what those were, you are, like thousands before you, cordially invited to subscribe, download, listen up and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E78 · Thu, December 08, 2022
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 - Sprechen sie crosswordese?
A fascinating theme by Karen Steinberg, as a consequence of which Europeans might , for once, have a SKOSH of an advantage. There were a few relatively unfamiliar names in the grid - ________ Achebe, "Things Fall Apart" author, CHINUA; 59D, Little ________, who sang "The Locomotive", EVA; and the very rare, 22A, Six-time MLB All-Star Mookie, BETTS (in its second appearance ever in the grid, previously clued as Britain's Crown Princess way back in 1946!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E77 · Wed, December 07, 2022
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 - Was this a great crossword? WELLDUH!
Today's crossword almost pegged the pop-culture-reference-meter, but, as you will discover in today's episode, it was for a very good cause (which we will refrain from expounding upon here in the interests of generating just a frisson of suspense). We will also refrain from defining frisson, because a) we always thought it involved a poor lifestyle choice in the shampoo aisle, and b) Wiktionary has already done so, and done so well. So, to hear all of the above, plus how Mike fared during Triplet Tuesday, subscribe, download, listen up and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E76 · Tue, December 06, 2022
Monday, December 5, 2022 - CHAPPAQUA, as fun to say as it is to spell!
A slightly crunchier than usual Monday crossword, owing, perhaps, to the delightfully understated theme in honor of which we shall just say ... hey, what happened to the rest of the paragraph?? To fully comprehend that last jest, all you need do is subscribe, download and listen up, and then the scales will fall, comprehension will dawn, etc., etc. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E75 · Mon, December 05, 2022
Sunday, December 4, 2022 - Pass the IDLI!
A punny Sunday crossword, revolving around all the myriad phrases that people use to describe gossip . We'd talk about those people, but we hate to, well, gossip, so we'll just point out that beyond the theme that were some great clues, including Jean's favorite - 111A, Sneeze guard?, ELBOW, and Mike's decidedly lengthier one - 82A, ___________ Questionnaire, character assessment that might ask "What is your idea of perfect happiness?", PROUST. In other news, if you're wondering about yesterday's content-free episode, that was an editorial glitch - the new version's up and brimming with our usual sparkling wit, so please download it (as well as this one!) and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E74 · Sun, December 04, 2022
Saturday, December 3, 2022 - No APOLOGYTOUR needed for this bundle of JOLLITY
A good crossword educates, entertains, and intrigues, and Kate Hawkins' Saturday opus does all 3 perfectly and in equal measure. Educates - 25A, Brain-tingly feeling that may come from hearing whispering or crinkling, in brief, ASMR (huh!); entertains - 14A, Guilt trip?, APOLOGYTOUR (hah!); and intrigues, 41D, Cheesed off, INAPET (hmmm...). We liked this crossword enough to give it a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, bravo! Encore, encore! Update: No APOLOGYTOUR was needed for the crossword, but ironically one is needed for this episode, as someone -- no names -- uploaded the wrong file 🙄. This has since been corrected, and our APOLOGYTOUR starts Sunday. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E73 · Sat, December 03, 2022
Friday, December 2, 2022 - We liked today's crossword best, a clear case of RECENCYBIAS
Another crossword in which our co-hosts' experiences differed vastly: in a return to form, Jean sped through the puzzle, whereas Mike ... staggered, reeled, and ultimately clawed his way across the finish line. For deets on the epic struggle, as well as a fascinating fact for Fun Fact Friday, do have a listen -- and then let us know what you think, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E72 · Fri, December 02, 2022
Thursday, December 1, 2022 - Have you finished writing the podcast title? NOTQUITEYET ...
For those of you who reveled in last Thursday's crossword, with the "DOT THE I'S" revealer, and giddy with ANTICIPATION of their return, well, your time has come -- the dots are back!, rounder than ever, and form the basis for today's theme. We have all the dots, er, we mean deets, inside, so download, listen up and enjoy (and don't forget to subscribe!!). A few fun links based on today's grid: Mr. MACGOO NEODADA HOUSTON , the Eagle has landed Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E71 · Thu, December 01, 2022
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 - This crosswords not just 'K, it's SWELL!
Who knew that the letter K could be lurking in so many words and phrases? Addison Snell, apparently, and he lets us in on the secret in today's fine Wednesday crossword. The grid managed to harbor one of Mike's favorite words, TWANGY, as well as one of Jean's, LUSTY -- and they both yearn for the day when the portmanteau TWUSTY someone slips past Will's keen eye and gets into the puzzle, but since that portmanteau has just been invented in these very show notes, we are not holding our breath! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E70 · Wed, November 30, 2022
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 - A crossword most definitely *not* for the birds!
A crossword with a theme guaranteed to make you feel all atwitter, hatched from the fertile mind of David Rockow and not poached from anyone else. We'd say more, but that would be talon 🙄, so for all the deets (and almost no other puns, we promise!), download and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E69 · Tue, November 29, 2022
Monday, November 28, 2022 - Beware the GHOSTCHILI! 👻
A scary Monday crossword, partially because of 17A, Pepper measuring over 1 million on the Scoville scale, GHOSTCHILI, and partially because - at least for Mike - the top left corner was bristling with natticks leaving him HOPPINGMAD, and only after a few WELLAIMED guesses was he able to get to the solve. Jean, of course, was able to keep her SANITY well in check, and got to that AHA! moment serenely and speedily. All the GORY deets are inside, just waiting for you to enjoy! Today's musical references: Staying ALIVE STAN Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E68 · Mon, November 28, 2022
Sunday, November 27, 2022 - Today's puzzle? CESTSIBON (translation inside 😀)
After an easier than usual Saturday, along comes today's WHIZBANG of a puzzle to balance things out, and it does so quite nicely: it took real GRIT to solve, but when (or if!) you did, you could BASK in the glory of it all. Deets are inside, as well as an invite to visit our FaceBook page to vote on your favorite song by one of the artist's mentioned in today's episode. Oh, that phrase, CESTSIBON? It means "it's so good". Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E67 · Sun, November 27, 2022
Saturday, November 26, 2022 - Edited by Will Shortz, aka the Wizard of AHS
A gentler-than-usual Saturday crossword, possibly a sop to those still wandering about in a tryptophan fog. That's not to say it wasn't a fun experience - you are estopped from saying that about a grid that manages to work in 4D, Classical orator, RHETOR, 42A, Unfailingly loyal, RIDEORDIE, and 1A, Influential book sellers, BLURBS (nice one!). It's also Saturday, which means it's time to award our weekly JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword of the Week Award). Who won? Was it Monday? Tuesday? EtcDay? To find out, download, listen up (and don't forget to subscribe!) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E66 · Sat, November 26, 2022
Friday, November 25, 2022 - Any idea how to title this episode? IGOTNOTHIN 😀
A highly amusing Friday crossword by Simon Marotte - no theme, just funny clues and answers, all covered in depth in today's episode. Besides that, we have another in our recurrent segment, Oh, That's How You Pronounce It!, this time featuring the Earl, er, we mean Ural, mountains, as well as a fun fact for Fun Fact Friday™️. And if that's not enough, we are also inviting listeners to check out our FaceBook page and vote for their favorite song by one of the musicians in today's puzzle. Deets within, so download, listen up and ... prepare to chortle! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E65 · Fri, November 25, 2022
Thursday, November 23, 2022 - Rejoice, a Pao Roy crossword to drive you dotty!
Pao Roy has created some epic crosswords, and he is at the top of his form in today's puzzler, with a remarkable, grin-inducing theme, and great clues all around. All the deets are inside, but for you overachievers who want even more details, here are a few pertinent links ... A Pale Blue Dot iMacs The Australian Parliament Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E64 · Thu, November 24, 2022
Wednesday, November 23, 2022 - The skinny on the skinny grid
A slightly crunchier than usual Wednesday crossword, aided and abetted by a colorful, circular theme. There were not a lot of cultural references in today's grid, although Mike found much to admire in 59A, ______ mountains, formation made by the collision of the continents Laurasia and Kazakhstania, URAL, and Jean relished 49D, Test taken in a tube, MRI. For our American listeners, tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and we wish all of you the very best; for our Canadian listeners, the same, with apologies for being approximately a month late; and for everyone else, we hope you have an awesome Thursday! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E63 · Wed, November 23, 2022
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 - LUCIAN, Mark Twain's great, great, ... , great ancestor 😀
A GEM of a Tuesday crossword, and we're not LYIN about that! The theme was, ahem, cutting edge (an in-joke that you will be in on as soon as you listen to the podcast), and the cultural references not too obscure: in short, a perfect Tuesday. All the deets are as close as your play button, so click / tap it now and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E62 · Tue, November 22, 2022
Monday, November, 21, 2022 - An EPICWIN for the NYTimes Crossword!
It is - as almost everyone knows - the start of the World Cup, and the NYTimes Crossword is as eager to celebrate as anyone. As proof, we need go no further than today's grid, which has a number of quite amusing World Cup references to put you in the mood. All THEDEETS are inside, so check it out, and let us know what you think! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E61 · Mon, November 21, 2022
Sunday, November 20, 2022 - We have our doots about SNOOTS 😀
A GRAND Sunday crossword by Joe Deeney, who seems to be able to crank these out LIKECLOCKWORK (this is his 14th since 2017!) -- while he may like to slip a SLOTH into the grid, he clearly is not one! He was able to GETOFFONTHERIGHTFOOT with 1A, Tot's rocker, HORSY, and kept it going all the way to 116A, Schnozzes (what a great clue!), SNOOTS (an even greater answer!). We have more to say about this TNT, er dynamite, of a puzzle, as well as listener mail, so as always we invite you to subscribe, download, listen up and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E60 · Sun, November 20, 2022
Saturday, November 19, 2022 - A MAGICAL Saturday!
A super Saturday crossword by Benji Goldsmith. Jean was on fire (figuratively: the fire brigade was not required), tearing through the grid in near record time, whereas Mike, well, let's just say that he coulda been a contender (which works better if you can imagine Marlon Brando saying that, or, if you're imagination's on the fritz, you can hear Marlon Brando saying that). For all the deets -- as well as the winner of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), you are cordially invited to subscribe, download, listen up and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E59 · Sat, November 19, 2022
Friday, November 18, 2022 - THANKSALOT, Robyn Weintraub, for a crossword that deserves a TROPHY
A great Friday crossword by that great crossword constructor Robyn Weintraub, known for creating joyous puzzles - the kind that when you finish (whether successfully or not) leave a smile on your face and a song in your heart, and that's exactly what she's produced today. For all the deets, as well as today's fun fact for Fun Fact Friday™️, we cordially invite you to subscribe, download, listen and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E58 · Fri, November 18, 2022
Thursday, November 17, 2022 - 🎵ME, ME, ME 🎶
A tiMEly Thursday crossword, with a dozen (!) of theMEd clues which, if you haven't already sussed it, revolved around ME -- or, to be precise, what happens when ME is excised. If that seemed a little cryptic, fear not, as all will be revealed in today's exciting episode! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E57 · Thu, November 17, 2022
Wednesday, November 16, 2022 - A puzzle for those suffering from logophilia!
Logophilia, as you may be able to deduce if your Greek is up to snuff, is the love of words, and if you are reading these, you probably "suffer" from it. The author of today's crossword, John Hawksley, clearly has got a bad case of it, which is good for us -- and for all the deets, subscribe, download, listen to and enjoy today's episode. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E56 · Wed, November 16, 2022
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 - Snicker, it's a SNEE!
A fabulous Tuesday crossword by Sandy Ganzell - the theme a delight, the rest of the clues nothing to SNEEze about! We have all the deets inside, so a) subscribe, b) download, c) enjoy, d) tell all your friends! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E55 · Tue, November 15, 2022
Monday, November 14, 2022 - No WEAKSAUCE in this puzzle!
A delicious Monday crossword, and that's not just because of the theme. The inclusion of a Star Trek reference (3D, Warp drive power source on "Star Trek", ANTIMATTER (not DILITHIUMCRYSTALS!)), two of our favorite authors (31D, Bronte and Dickinson, for two (EMILYS), and, finally, our favorite OS (33D, Image captured with Shift+Command+3 on a Mac), SCREENSHOT, also contributed to us awarding the highly sought after 5 square rating on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E54 · Mon, November 14, 2022
Sunday, November 13, 2022 -Gale force winds? NOPROB, pass the AQUANET!
If you feel a bit peckish after working on this crossword, that's perfectly normal - a natural reaction to a grid that's just full of (colliding) foods. Besides the very interesting theme, valiantly explained by Jean, the puzzle is chock-full of great clues, and we cover the best of them right here. Speaking of foods, here at Jean And Mike Do The New York Times Crossword HQ we are always working hard to keep our show, ahem, fresh, and so we are officially announcing a new, periodic segment -- "Oh, So That's How You Pronounce it!", which we will broadcast whenever we mess up -- and, good news (er, if you can call making a mistake good news, which we will), it debuts today! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E53 · Sun, November 13, 2022
Saturday, November 12, 2022 - KIWI, a friendly people and a fuzzy berry!
A KINDASORTA easy Saturday crossword, although we will never complain about a crossword that manages to fit 18D, One growing up in a cave?, STALAGMITE, into the grid (after all, those STALAGMITES are huge 😀), as well as slip in a trio of delicious snacks - 10D, Certain cookie spinoff, OREOTHIN; 21D, Ice cream of the future, DIPPINDOTS 😁, and one of the great inventions of the last century, 31A, Dessert served in a boat, BANANASPLIT😍😍. Yum! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E52 · Sat, November 12, 2022
Friday, November 11, 2022 - WHOO, another Husic & Agard classic!
A Brooke Husic and Erik Agard crossword is always cause for celebration, and this particular puzzle just sizzles. Both cohosts were able to get through it, although Mike got hung up in the northwest and then again in the southeast, fortunately running out of corners to get hung up in before running out of answers. Choosing the best clues in this grid is like picking one's favorite Marvel heroes, but we do have to give a shoutout to 1A, Launch party?, NASA, which dovetailed nicely with 6D, Wild ride?, PARTYBUS; the awesome 31D, Pass words?, NOTHANKYOU 😀, and a distinctly non-Marvel clue, 8D, _____ Pennyworth, Bruce Wayne's loyal butler, ALFRED. Delightful! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E51 · Fri, November 11, 2022
Thursday, November 10, 2022 - Ophicleide, Finsteraarhorn and Giedroyc -- crossword clues and a spelling bee contestant's worst nightmare!
A very distinctive Thursday crossword -- the first row and column are all black squares, with respectively letters A-N and numbers 1-15. Has the author gone 1A, Out of one's gourd, LOCO? Or has he had one 30A, Brunch beverage, MIMOSA, too many? No, it's all part of a 62A, What's spelled out, appropriately, after mapping the coordinates indicated by this puzzle's circled letters, PLOT, to keep us entertained and mystified - which he does in spades! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E50 · Thu, November 10, 2022
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 - A crossword with PLENTY, almost a TON, to like!
A nice middle-of-the-week, middle-of-the-road crossword by David Tuffs, who does an amazing job of tying together seemingly disparate movies and television shows. We tie together how he tied things together in today's episode, so for all the deets, download, contemplate, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E49 · Wed, November 09, 2022
Tuesday, November 8, 2022 - NONA Hendryx sings Lady Marmalade 😍
Enrique Henestroza Anguiano has crafted a fine Tuesday crossword, with a mixture of the old - 26A, Hit BBC series of 1976, ICLAUDIUS, the very old, 56D, Magna _______, CARTA, and the brand new, 70A , ________ Hendryx, Lady Marmalade singer, NONA (who, unfortunately, did not sing it in 16A, City famous for its French Quarter, familiarly, NOLA). Beyond our usual cogent analysis of today's grid, it's also Triplet Tuesday, and Jean's on the hot seat! Find out how she did by subscribing, downloading, listening, and hopefully chortling. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E48 · Tue, November 08, 2022
Monday, November 7, 2022 - SOBA - fun to say, fun to eat!
The SOBA and PITABREAD notwithstanding, today's crossword was a tad crunchier than usual, thanks in part to some particularly toothsome clues such as, well, SOBA and PITABREAD. A few other rarities also popped up - MASTODON rarely makes it into the grid, and ANTSINMYPANTS is a debut for the creator of today's fine puzzle, Jill Singer. Definitely 5 well-earned squares on the JAMCR scale! Today's episode also includes a bit of crossword terminology, as well as listener messages/mail, so ... enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E47 · Mon, November 07, 2022
Sunday, November 6, 2022 - We'll have the TAGINE and ROTI, please, with a side of TEAEGG
Depending on which of our two intrepid cohosts you ask, this was either a typical or terrifically difficult Sunday crossword. Both did agree that the puns were awful (i.e., good), but leavened with enough genuinely funny and educational clues to make it, all-in-all, a good solve. All the deets are inside, waiting for you to download and enjoy. A heads up: tomorrow we will be doing a segment on "crossword terminology", so that if you don't know your natick from your rebus you'll definitely want to check that out! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E46 · Sun, November 06, 2022
Saturday, November 5, 2022 - Pass the CRISPS and the KAVAKAVA
A challenging but fair Saturday crossword, with considerable bite (and we're not just talking about the CRISPS), and considerable payoff for the solver, with a bevy of fun and entertaining clues, including -- 36D, Ochlocracy, MOBRULE (woah!); 26A, _____ Cherry, singer with the 1998 hit "Buffalo Stance", NENEH (another today-we-learned moment); and 4D, Unsalted, perhaps, ICY (definitely we'll need to pull in Google for this one!). We liked today's crossword a lot, and gave it 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. We also liked Sunday's crossword - an ALANTURING themed puzzle -- enough to give it our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). All the deets are inside, so subscribe, download, listen, and brace yourself for edutainment. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E45 · Sat, November 05, 2022
Friday, November 4, 2022 - THAD jones, trumpeter extraordinaire!
An easy/ludicrously difficult Friday crossword, depending on which of our two cohosts you ask. One of us set what was almost surely a personal best, and the other ... did not. To find out which of the cohosts did which, as well as to savor some great listener mail and a Fun Fact for Fun Fact Friday ™️, we cordially invite you to subscribe / download / listen / enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E44 · Fri, November 04, 2022
Thursday, November 3, 2022 - A good crossword? Possibly the BESTEVER!
Today's crossword featured a tricky theme and some sublime cluing - one would expect no less considering that the constructors were none other than Chase Dittrich and Jeff Chen (the latter responsible for the highly recommended xwordinfo.com). We give this a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and to find out why, all you need to do is download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E43 · Thu, November 03, 2022
Wednesday, November 2, 2022 - Was this a good crossword, ER, ER, ER ... OHHECKYEAH!
A somewhat crunchier than usual Wednesday crossword by Ethan Zou and Tomas Spiers, at least for one of our dynamic duo: both were dazzled by a variety of clues that spanned the 13th to the 21st centuries and a grid that was suffused with ERs -- for which we were grateful, not only because of the interesting theme, but also for the excuse to use the word suffuse in a sentence 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E42 · Wed, November 02, 2022
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 - Sweet ADELINE 🎶
An EPIC Tuesday crossword by Bruce Haight, guaranteed to neither SCARE nor BLANCH nor RILE, even though all 3 may be found in today's grid. For all the deets - as well as to discover how Mike did in the battle of wits that is Triplet Tuesday™️, download, listen, learn, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E41 · Tue, November 01, 2022
Monday, October 31, 2022 - Boo!
A suitably scary Monday crossword - not because of the difficulty, necessarily, but because of the theme. So, to get in the mood for today's episode, grab your favorite Halloween treats, and then munch, download, learn, and enjoy -- not necessarily in that order! On a related note, the NYTimes Crossword always loves new subscribers - head over to nytimes.com/crosswords for all the deets. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E40 · Mon, October 31, 2022
Sunday, October 30, 2022 - ALANTURING, Computer Scientist Extraordinaire! 😀
One of the most celebrated computer scientists of all time - you can tell, because Benedict Cumberbatch starred in a movie about him -- shows up in today's grid, and not just as a minor character but really the star of the puzzle, which features an absolutely ingenious theme that the person in question, ALANTURING, would undoubtedly have approved of. For all the deets, we cordially invite you to download and prepare to be enlightened! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E39 · Sun, October 30, 2022
Saturday, October 29, 2022 - All hail Queen ADELAIDE!
At first blush, today's grid looks absolutely daunting, with vast swathes of white squares and what appears to be a frowning face in the center; but both our cohosts found today's crossword to be eminently doable (Jean more than Mike, as is oft the case). That is not to detract, because the clues were uniformly excellent, funny, enlightening, everything you want an NYTimes crossword to be. So, hat's off to Daniel Okulitch for creating this opus! For all the deets (as well as the big reveal of this week's JAMCOTWA - Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), download, listen up, subscribe, and please leave us a 5-star review on wherever you are listening to this podcast. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E37 · Sat, October 29, 2022
Thursday, October 27, 2022 - When rebuses attack!
If you don't like rebuses, back away slowly from the crossword - today's grid is packed with them, and to make sense of the theme you have to read some of them twice . The theme is, as you will discover, absolutely ingenious, so have a listen and, as usual, let us know what you think - crosswordspodcast@icloud.com Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E38 · Sat, October 29, 2022
Friday, October 28, 2022 - A Frightening Friday!
It is entirely possible that Will Shortz is training us for halloween, because some of the crosswords this week have been scarily difficult. Exhibit A is today's. Jean got stuck in the bottom-center, Mike was temporarily ATSEA in the top left, but it's hard to stay mad at a crossword that's this good - 5 squares on the JAMCR scale!! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E36 · Thu, October 27, 2022
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 - A school of silver salmon? Yes, a COHO cohort 😀
Today's constructor definitely hit a HOLEINONE, and based on the grid, it is clear that he is a MASTERSTRATEGIST, producing a theme, and a grid, that is guaranteed to AMUSE. We liked it -- a lot -- and to find out why it's now in the running for the prestigious JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), download now! Also, while you're doing so, if you like what you hear, please consider giving us a 5-star rating -- or if you're an overachiever, a 6 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E35 · Wed, October 26, 2022
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 - YABBA daba doo!!!
A delightful Tuesday crossword by Ashleigh Silveira and Nick Shephard, with an uplifting and entertaining theme - deets within. Jean was temporarily naticked due to her unfamiliarity with 33A, ____ Culbertson, member of the contract bridge hall of fame, ELY; and Mike was delighted to see his favorite tech company make an appearance in the grid, 37A, Mac maker, APPLE. It's also Tuesday, which means it's time for Triplet Tuesday, during which Jean ... again, a little suspense is good for the heart, so to find out how she fared, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E34 · Tue, October 25, 2022
Monday, October 24, 2022 - FRANCISCOGOYA, artist extraordinaire!
A surprising Monday crossword - most notably because of ... well, if we told you here it wouldn't be a surprise - but we will tell you that it almost made us SWOON, that's how surprising it was. So for all the deets, you will have to do what countless others have done before you, to wit, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E33 · Mon, October 24, 2022
Sunday, October 23, 2022 - This | crossword | was | great!
Another brilliant Sunday crossword, with an ingenious theme from Daniel Bodily and Jeff Chen, and while Daniel Bodily may not be quite as familiar a name, Jeff Chen is a hero in the crosswording community (he of xwordinfo.com fame), and this crossword is a testament to why he deserves those accolades. We have all the deets inside, so download, listen up, enjoy, and once you've done that feel free to leave us a 5 ⭐️ review on your favorite podcast app! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E32 · Sun, October 23, 2022
Saturday, October 22, 2022 - Alexander Calder, father of the STABILE
While both Jean and Mike agreed that today's crossword was tough, only one had the comically long solve time to prove it - hint: it wasn't Jean. The southwest was almost Mike's undoing, but a tremendous amount of luck (or, more likely, very clever plotting on the part of the crossword constructor abetted by the esteemed Will Shortz) made it possible for him to, eventually , and not without much gnashing of teeth, get to the solve. In short, the perfect Saturday NYTimes crossword, seemingly absolutely impossible but willing to yield its secrets to the intrepid cruciverbalist. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E31 · Sat, October 22, 2022
Friday, October 21, 2022 - BAE and NAE in one grid? YAY!
A debut crossword by Rafael Musa, who breaks into the elite group of NYTimes crossword constructors on one of the most difficult days of the week, aka Friday, and he does so in style. The grid is amazing - virtually no pop culture names at all, plus some lengthy (but eminently recognizable) phrases made for a smooth solve. We loved it, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday, and for FFF we go back in time all the way to ... yesterday, for the origin story of BLACKSHEEP. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E30 · Fri, October 21, 2022
Thursday, October 20, 2022 - This crossword wasn't half-baaaaaad
Today's puzzle was a shear, excuse us, sheer delight, with a clever theme that definitely helped speed up the solve. Jean's favorite clues were 56D, Cousin of a carp, CHUB - simply because CHUB is so much fun to say, and 18A, "Here's what we should do", IVEGOTAPLAN, because it's so reassuring; Mike's favorite was 32D, OUZO, for reasons that remain a mystery, even to him! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E29 · Thu, October 20, 2022
Wednesday, October 19, 2022 - Luther Vandross, a musician for the ages
A terrific Wednesday crossword, with a theme guaranteed to bring a smile to your lips - and if that doesn't work, we double-guarantee that listening to the musician in 35D, Genre for Luther Vandross, SOUL, will do the trick. In short, the EQ (Entertainment Quotient) in today's crossword was high, and to hear precisely how high (hint: we measure it in metrical feet), gather 'round your favorite podcasting app to enjoy today's episode! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E28 · Wed, October 19, 2022
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 - ALEK Wek, not just K, but *great*!
A subtly themed Tuesday crossword - the theme didn't really help in the solve, but was fun to admire after the fact. There were a few potentially til (today I learned) answers in the grid, including 25A, Irish laddie (BOYO), 27A, 1953 title role for John Wayne, HONDO, and, if not a til, at least a tiwro (today I was reminded of) answer, 8D, Played a couple of sets at a jazz club, say, GIGGED. In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday, and Mike's in the hot seat! To discover whether he soared like an eagle or crashed in flames like a phoenix, all you need to do is download, listen, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E27 · Tue, October 18, 2022
Monday, October 27, 2022 - Hey, what's up, doc?🥕
An LOL theme to start off the week, both amusing and nostalgic (although most of the characters mentioned here are, in one form or another, still appearing in new series). There were a few quasi-mysterious clues, most notably 44A, Response to a relatable meme, in internet slang, ITME and 45A. South and Central American mammal related to the raccoon, COATI. We could REGALE you with more, but we'd prefer to REFER you to today's AGITA-free episode. Enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E26 · Mon, October 17, 2022
Sunday, October 16, 2022 - The Sunday SCARIES!
A deftly constructed crossword by Paolo Pasco, with a theme that has to be seen to be believed (and arguably to be able to figure out the crossword). Fortunately Jean was able to do both, and to find out exactly what that theme was, and how it helped, we cordially invite you to download, listen, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E25 · Sun, October 16, 2022
Saturday, October 15, 2022 - You CANTUNSEE this grid, nor would you want to!
A tough Saturday crossword, the kind that tests one's mettle, and tries one's soul, among other idioms. The clues and answers were as crisp as they come - 41A, Lickspittle, YESMAN; 38D, Coming down hard?, HAILING; and 2D, "Ain't it so?", AMIRITE are 3 of the clues that didn't make it into today's episode, yes, even the also-rans were sparkling. Five squares on the JAMCR scale, and we can't wait for John Hawksley's next masterpiece. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E24 · Sat, October 15, 2022
Friday, October 14, 2022 - Did we like this crossword? Let's just say WEHADABLAST
A David Steinberg crossword, and the maestro of cruciverbalism does not disappoint, with a stellar grid and inspired cluing. We doff our hats to you, and cannot wait until your next puzzle! Five squares on the JAMCR scale, each one of them well-earned! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E23 · Fri, October 14, 2022
Thursday, October 13, 2022 - The PROVOLONE answer? We ATEITUP!
A tricky Thursday crossword (for one of us: for the other, a piece of gateau), with numerous til (today I learned) moments. For example, both Jean and Mike were bemused to discover the answer to 46A, Congress-created media giant, NPR (a media giant? Really?). Mike was amazed to discover the spelling of 39A, "... about up to here", YEAHIGH, to say nothing of 16A, Serve as a go-between, LIAISE. Jean had a spot of bother in the bottom-left corner, whereas Mike misconstrued the theme, and spent nearly an hour trying to reconstrue it (er, something like that). All the deets are inside, so download, listen up and be prepared to ... chortle! Or possibly even guffaw ! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E22 · Thu, October 13, 2022
Wednesday, October 12, 2022 - We're GAGA about this crossword!
A fine midweek puzzle, Jean aced it, Mike ... jokered it, temporarily hung up in the top center of the grid by a combination of hubris and poor spelling, a dangerous mixture. Besides the theme (deets inside), there were numerous other fun clues - 2D, Foofaraws (which is just a delight to say), ADOS; 36D, Name hidden in paleontology, LEON (an undoubted disappointment to all the forgotten TOLOs of the world 🙄); and a host of others, that we dissect in today's episode. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E21 · Wed, October 12, 2022
Tuesday, October 11, 2022 - YEET more evidence that the English language continues to evolve!
A debut Tuesday crossword by the youngest person ever to get published in the NYTimes, so congrats to Ailee Yoshida, who turns in a splendid Tuesday (regardless of age!). There were a few clues that might've been more familiar to a younger generation (e.g., 58A, Chucked forcefully, in modern lingo, YEETED), but that was offset (and arguably dominated) by clues like 25A, One who's "Hoppin' and a-boppin' and a-singin' his song", in a 1958 hit, ROCKINROBIN. There was some great cluin', um, we mean cluing, throughout the grid, so for all the deets, subscribe, download, listen, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E20 · Tue, October 11, 2022
Monday, October 10, 2022 - a FOODIE's delight
There was a lot of food lurking in today's grid - some PASTA, some PARM, we spotted a SPUD, an HERB, and to wash it all down, some CHEAPWINE. Definitely something a FOODIE could enjoy, but we did too! Five forks, er, we mean squares, on the JAMCR scale! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E19 · Mon, October 10, 2022
Sunday, October 9, 2022 - NICEJOB!
The husband-and-wife team of Jessie and Ross Trudeau have created a super Sunday crossword - not too difficult, and with a great, great, theme. We'd tell you more here, but they say that a certain amount of suspense is good for the heart, so we will refrain and instead strongly encourage you to subscribe / download / listen / leave us a 5 star (or even a 6 star) rating wherever you happen to be listening to this podcast. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E18 · Sun, October 09, 2022
Saturday, October 8, 2022 - A crossword filled with ZHUZH, sound the VUVUZELAS!
There are Saturday crosswords, and there are Saturday crosswords - this is definitely one of the latter -- not because the letters are all in bold, but because it was very, very difficult in spots. Our intrepid cohosts managed to muscle their way through it (metaphorically speaking, of course - for the most part the majority of their muscles were pretty much slack, and that includes those in the jaw area, as they were working on this). We have all the deets inside, plus a new time-traveling feature --aka Fun Fact Friday popping up on Saturday 😀, plus (yes, there's more!) listener mail! Enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E17 · Sat, October 08, 2022
Friday, October 7, 2022 - MACANDCHEESE and STREUSEL makes for a delicious crossword!
When Mary Lou Guizzo and Jeff Chen team up for a crossword, you know it's going to be fun ... and the duo does not disappoint, with a majorly challenging Friday crossword, at least for one of us (hint: not Jean). The clues were deliciously deceptive, and the end result was yummy! Five squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E16 · Fri, October 07, 2022
Thursday, October 6, 2022 - The NYTimes Crossword is on a roll!
After Wednesday's absolutely brilliant crossword, it was hard to believe that they NYTimes could improve ... but then comes Simeon Seigel's oeuvre, another masterclass in crossword construction. You have to see it to believe it, and if you can't see, we've got the next best thing - this episode! Download, listen, and enjoy! [Oh, and don't forget to subscribe!!] Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E15 · Thu, October 06, 2022
Wednesday, October 5, 2022 - The antithesis of JUSTPLAINDUMBO
A wonderful, joyous Wednesday creation by Jason Reich, the grid just sparkles, the clues are magnificent and often very amusing, we cannot say enough about today's puzzle -- but that didn't stop us from trying, so hit that big ol' download button, listen, and enjoy! As always, we love feedback - crosswordpodcast@icloud.com! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E14 · Wed, October 05, 2022
Tuesday, October 3, 2022 - PHILIPPIC!
A subtle and ingenious theme, eclipsed only slightly by the appearance of PHILIPPIC in the grid, a word that has appeared three times in the NYTimes Crossword - in 1956, 1959 and ... 2022! So, welcome back, PHILIPPIC, we've missed you as a word (although not as an event: a PHILIPPIC is, as observed in 9D, Damning verbal attack, not something to be sought after). In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday ™️, and Mike manages to ... well, we all need a little suspense in our lives, so to complete that sentence accurately, you will need to download and listen to today's episode. If you happen to be enjoying this podcast, why not give us a rating on wherever you are downloading this from? Our favorite number is 5, as in 5 stars, hint, hint! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E13 · Tue, October 04, 2022
Monday, October 3, 2022 - No DEBATE, this puzzle's great!
A delightfully frothy Monday crossword courtesy of debut NYTimes crossword constructor Sarah Sinclair, with such bubbly clues as 44D, Person being used by another, CATSPAW, 37D, Playthings in bathtubs, TOYBOATS (try answering that 5 times fast!), and the mysterious (to Mike, at any rate), 49D, Common eyeliner shape, WING. We also should give a shoutout to 41D, Beaver's job, DAMMING, and the interestingly phrased 29A, Sort who tells no tales, per an old saying, DEADMAN, which tied in nicely with 16A, Pirate's pal, MATEY. Nice job, Sarah, we can't wait for your next crossword! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E12 · Mon, October 03, 2022
Sunday, October 2, 2022 - Today's crossword is RATEDAAA
A nice Goldilox Sunday puzzle by Kathy Bloomer - not too hard, not too easy, but juuuust right (although, as always, YMMV depending on a number of factors -- how much experience you have solving crosswords, your knowledge of pop culture and assorted arcana, and, occasionally, how much luck you happen to have about your person). In today's episode, Jean explores the theme, Mike explains his method of dream solving, and both break into song (but don't worry, only for a few seconds). So, to hear all of that, you know what to do ... download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E11 · Sun, October 02, 2022
Saturday, October 1, 2022 - OCEANVUONG, poet extraordinaire!
There are many great reasons for doing the NYTimes Crossword - one is their ability to shine a light on a great talent that you otherwise might not have heard of. Such is the case today, when OCEANVUONG makes their way into the grid (a debut for the crossword constructor, Natan Last) -- so if you get a chance, check out their poetry, it is really amazing . Beyond that, we have our usual color commentary on today's (ironically, and as usual) black and white grid. So, for all that and more, download, listen up, and prepare to be educated (maybe) and entertained (hopefully!) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E10 · Sat, October 01, 2022
Friday, September 30, 2022 - Oh, so that's how you pronounce ACAI!
A possibly easier than usual Friday crossword -- which according to the Law of Conservation of Crossword Difficulty™️ means that tomorrow's could be brutal! But we could not possibly complain about a grid that had so much ... ECLAT. And so, as today's podcast will attest, we did not. Five squares on the JAMCR scale, for a job well done! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E9 · Fri, September 30, 2022
Thursday, September 29, 2022 - Today's crossword? ITSALOTTOUNPACK!
Another terrific Thursday puzzle from Jeremy Newton, who has published a total of 23 crosswords in the NYTimes, and it shows: a brilliant theme, razor sharp cluing, and an LOL revealer. The JAMCR scale goes up to 5 squares, and he's pegged it! For all the deets, download, listen up, and be prepared to be amused and educated . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E8 · Thu, September 29, 2022
Wednesday, September 28, 2022 - HOLLA, ESPOSA!
A slightly crunchy Wednesday, both Jean and Mike fell into the "how-do-you-spell-ALFREDNEUMAN" trap, spelling it (as you might suspect) ALFREDNEWMAN. Jean figured it out relatively quickly, Mike had to MULL it over for half a TIC, er, TICK, before he finally saw the light (and heard the music!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E7 · Wed, September 28, 2022
Tuesday, September 27, 2022 - A NOVEL theme, LOTSA fun!
A dodecad of themed answers in today's crossword -- something you don't see every day, and a reason for celebration as it made for a very interesting puzzle as well as the opportunity to use dodecad in a sentence! What's a dodecad, you ask? And (once you've got that sussed out), what would be a reasonable theme that involves a dodecad? To answer those burning questions, as well as to hear how Jean did on Triplet Tuesday™️, you are cordially invited to download, listen, learn, and hopefully be entertained! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E6 · Tue, September 27, 2022
Monday, September 26, 2022 - Time for new duds, those RAGLANs are looked ragged!
A good middle-of-the-road Monday crossword by Margaret Seikel, which included rewards for regular solvers -- 51D, Faces a pitcher, BATS, which had just appeared yesterday; and a highly memorable but challenging- to-pronounce-3-times-quickly hyphenated-phrase that first appeared in a clue last month, 37A, Male equivalent of a she-shed , MANCAVE. Nicely done, we give this a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E5 · Mon, September 26, 2022
Sunday, September 25, 2022 - A WALE, an ARIE and a SIA walk into a recording studio...
A definitely harder-than-usual Sunday crossword, it took both intrepid co-hosts a considerable amount of time just to get a toehold in the grid. There were a few easy clues in the puzzle, but for every 37A, Laura of "Big Little Lies", DERN, and ... oops, sorry, that's the only easy clue we could find! There were, however, scores of clues such as 41A, Bird Watcher's Org, once, NBA (ha!), 55A, Complete, ATOZ (obvious -- in retrospect), and 82A, Letters to ____ (rock group), CLEO (um, who?). Still, the journey is the reward, so we felt like we won the lotto with this fine puzzle. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E4 · Sun, September 25, 2022
Saturday, September 24, 2022 - SOMALIA, aka the horn of Africa
Jean got through today's crossword in a blistering pace, Mike ... just got blisters, slightly singed as he was in the bottom-left corner by such fiery clues as 34D, Super ___________, TUESDAY, 33D, Tip of a geographic horn, SOMALIA, and 40A, Painter Modigliani, AMEDEO. However, Phoenix that he is, Mike hopes to shortly emerge from the ashes ready to tackle tomorrow's crossword. In other news, it's time for JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), and while all of last week's crosswords were fine, there was one clear winner, and that winner would be ... the subject of minute 8 (or thereabouts) of today's episode, just waiting for you to download and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E3 · Sat, September 24, 2022
Friday, September 23, 2022 - No LINGO in this crossword ... except for, well, LINGO!
For longtime crossword solvers, the name Erik Agard can spark a frisson of excitement and/or dread, usually both 😀 And in today's grid Erik is in fine form, with some awesome clues that make you want to stand up and applaud. Beyond the very best (covered, of course, in the podcast), we have others that are still ... among the very best, such as 31D, Bit of whistle-blowing, maybe, LEAK (😀), 43A, Gives an edge, WHETS, and 54D, Bagel, NIL (hint: think tennis). Brilliant, kudos all round, definitely a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E2 · Fri, September 23, 2022
Thursday, September 22, 2022 - Today's crossword, a lot to LEICA 🙄
A great debut crossword by Helen Chen, with 6 debut answers - that's a lot of debuting (which spellcheck assures us is a real word). Apart from the clues covered in today's podcast, we cannot help but marvel at the elegance of clues whose answers may make you pause for a moment before the connection becomes apparent: 38D, Picture, IMAGINE, 44D, It's a stretch, EXPANSE, and 52A, Suffix with second, but not third, ARY, all come to mind. Of course there were a few clue answer pairs where those connections were a little fuzzier: 7D, Mischievous fairy queen, MAB (um, OK), and 12D, Yoga asana often paired with cow, CATPOSE (if you say so). All-in-all a splendid piece of work, we can't wait for Helen's next crossword! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S5 E1 · Thu, September 22, 2022
Wednesday, September 21, 2022 - .PAAK up your troubles in an old kit bag!
Matthew Stock, who seems to have a knack for quality crosswords, proves that assertion in today's puzzle, with an LOL theme, some fun clues and answers (2D, Jaunty words upon departing, IMOFF; 41A (which we mentioned in the podcast but just have to highlight here ), No, ____, Bob!, PROB; and 23D, Entertain, AMUSE (which this crossword does from 1A to 58D and every clue in between!). Five squares on the JAMCR scale, unreservedly! Side note: today's episode title relates to 48D, Musician Anderson . ________, PAAK, so that period before PAAK is not a typo, but part of that fabulous musician's name. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E200 · Wed, September 21, 2022
Tuesday, September 20, 2022 - Octet? OCTAD? Oi vey!
An educational Tuesday crossword, at least for certainly one of our dynamic duo, with the other playing the role of educator on such diverse topics as the difference between octet and OCTAD, the ABC Islands, and a CHOWCHOW. And that's just a handful of the many fun factoids that we acquired as we spelunked through today's grid, so for all the deets, download, listen up, and don't forget to take notes 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E199 · Tue, September 20, 2022
Monday, September 19, 2022 - The DOPE on this puzzle is that it is *DOPE* 😀
A fun Monday crossword by Leslie Young and Andrea Carla Michaels - it's hard to resist a puzzle that slips both HAIR and HARE into the grid, and hard not to laugh out loud (we failed!) at clues like 25A, Make-up specialist?, LIAR. So, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and for a more detailed discussion of exactly why it has achieved that exalted score, download, listen up, and discover! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E198 · Mon, September 19, 2022
Sunday, September 18, 2022 - Behold, on the banks of the mighty Irtysh, tis the OMSK
Remember all those mild threats that your parents might've used on you? Well, Katie Hale found all of them and squeezed them into today's grid (a Sunday, because phrases like DONTUSETHATTONEWITHME definitely need most if not all of those 21 square swathes). The crossword was not too difficult, but we'll take it - and give it a well-deserved 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E197 · Sun, September 18, 2022
Saturday, September 17, 2022 - MRMET, mascot legend!
A tougher Saturday crossword, although eminently fair and with some great clues. Consider, par exemple (as the French would say), 14D, The most well-known one is named for a Greek hero, TENDON (nice!); 26A, Red or green lights, maybe AURORA (ooh!), and 16A, Inventor played by David Bowie in "The Prestige", TESLA (wow!). And those are just a few, we cover the truly greats in today's episode. We also give away our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), and ... nope, no spoilers here! If you want to know who the winners are (and whether your picks agree with ours), download, listen up, and let us know what you think - crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E196 · Sat, September 17, 2022
Friday, September 16, 2022 - This crossword was as smooth as SATIN!
A fine Friday crossword by Juliana Tringali Golden, with arguably the most interesting clue of the month, 53D, Country where almost half the world's zippers are made, JAPAN (wow!). Of course, there were many other worth pondering -- 25D, Yawl pole, MAST (say what?), 59A, Immediate threat to capture in a game of Go, ATARI (OK, if you say so), and 55A, "Platoon" but not "Dunkirk", IAMB (possibly the most NYTimes-ish crossword clue ever). All in all a great crossword, 5 squares on the JAMCR scale for sure! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E195 · Fri, September 16, 2022
Thursday, September 15, 2022 - ATTA and MALA and UMAMI, oh, my!
There are Thursday crosswords, and then there are Thursday crosswords . This is one of the latter, a master class in crossword construction, with challenging cluing and a spectacular theme. We have all the deets inside, as well as a small avalanche of listener mail, so hit that big ol' subscribe / download / play button and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E194 · Thu, September 15, 2022
Wednesday, September 14, 2022 - ECLAT? This crossword is brimming with it!
A twisty-turny theme by Michael Dewey to help celebrate our midweek crossword. No revealers here (you'll have to listen to the podcast for that), but we will tell you that both DALEEVANS and ROYROGERS managed to meander into today's grid. A few mysteries popped up in the grid -- 45D, Contents of college blue books, ESSAYS (why blue?); 46A, Lost freshness, STALED (wait, is that even a word? check out the episode to find out!); and 13D, Home of the Minotaur's Labyrinth, KNOSSOS (is that K silent?) -- which we leave for you, dear listener, to ponder. In the meantime, we cordially invite you to download, listen to, and, yes, ponder today's episode! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E193 · Wed, September 14, 2022
Tuesday, September 13, 2022 - Meet William of OCKHAM, inventor of (of course!), Occam's Razor 😍
The wonderful thing about crosswords is -- apart from the sheer joy of solving them (or at least trying) -- all that you can learn from them. Within the course of one 15x15 grid they can introduce you to relatively new singers; currencies that you might otherwise have never known existed; and 14th century philosophers whose name still lives on today. And today's grid, of course, does all of that. For all the deets, you are cordially invited to download, listen up, and learn! A reminder: when listening to this podcast, if you haven't solved the puzzle (and aren't planning to), consider going to xwordinfo.com where you can see the solved grid and clues -- it will make following our discussion that much easier. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E192 · Tue, September 13, 2022
Monday, September 12, 2022 - GUERNICA, proof that the paintbrush is mightier than the sword!
A fun Monday crossword by Michael Lieberman, with an LOL revealer that ... we won't reveal here, but most definitely do discuss in today's episode. Perhaps it was a coincidence, but three of Mike's all-time favorite answers appeared in the grid today - 6D, Trevor of "The Daily Show", NOAH; 30A, Disney+ series in the Marvel Comic Universe, WANDAVISION (best.show.ever.); and 57D, Ticklish muppet, ELMO 😍 Definitely a superior Monday puzzle, we give it an enthusiastic 5 squares on the ol' JAMCRSCALE. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E191 · Mon, September 12, 2022
Sunday, September 11, 2022 - Ready with the spangles? Then let us begin to BEGEM
A very pleasing Sunday crossword by Derrick Niederman, with a terrific theme -- Opposites Attract -- superbly executed. There were a few posers -- 39D, Tom Jones and Anthony Hopkins, by birth, WELSHMEN, 93D, What all companies try to make, PAYROLL (nice!), and a word that we earnestly hope will make a comeback, 87A, Horse-drawn carriage, SHAY. Just a reminder that the New York Times would love to have you subscribe to the crossword, and you can do that at nytimes.com/crosswords. You can also subscribe to this podcast -- and we hope that you do! -- by clicking on wherever you see the big Subscribe button on your podcast listening app of choice. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E190 · Sat, September 10, 2022
Saturday, September 10, 2022 - This crossword was ACES!
For today's puzzle, the editor's turned to Kameron Austin Collins, which means that the difficulty level was cranked up to 11 (maybe more). Your cohosts had to dig for every clue. Cases in point: 7A, Looks like, MIMICS; 31A, Bad thing to draw when your taking a test, BLANK (woah!!); 7D, Makes fast, MOORS (heh); and the delightfully devilish 56A, Taken care of business, ERRANDS ( yikes!). A brilliant Saturday crossword, we salute KAC for a job well done! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E189 · Sat, September 10, 2022
Friday, September 9, 2022 - A snit is a PET? We are AGOG!
If the main goal of a crossword is to entertain and educate, than today's crossword gets an A, for clues that entertain (47A, French, perhaps, in England, SNOG), educate (Out of nothing, in creation myths, EXNIHILO), and do both (1D, Snit, PET). Today's crossword also had an amazing grid, breaking the usual rules for a very good reason, as you will learn ... all in today's action-packed episode! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E188 · Fri, September 09, 2022
Thursday, September 8, 2022 - IOLANI v. POTALA - which palace will win?
Matthew Stock returns to provide an excellent, geographically-themed crossword, with some intriguing clues throughout the grid to keep us puzzling -- 30D, Press material, GARLIC (😀), Mike's favorite word in the grid, 25A, Verse, POESY, and 59A, Goo for a batter, PINETAR, are just 3 examples. Definitely 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E187 · Thu, September 08, 2022
Wednesday, September 7, 2022 - GOOGLETIME!
Kudos to Ekua Ewool for a marvelous, 4th-wall-breaking effort that did a great job of capturing the thoughts of newbies (and not-so-newbies) as they work through a week of crosswords puzzles. All the deets are inside, so have a listen and remember that we love feedback - crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E186 · Wed, September 07, 2022
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 - AMALFI, gateway to Naples!
A nicely done crossword by Trenton Charlson, with a brilliant theme ... (and no, we weren't just trailing off, that was the brilliant theme). In addition, we saw plenty of other signs of an superior constructor's craft, including 57A, Galas, APPLES; the truly sublime 41D, Not doing things the rite way?, ELOPING; and Mike's favorite (he might be just a tad biased), 63D, Sch. whose mascot is Mike the Tiger, LSU. It's Tuesday, and Jean tries her darnedest, to both win at Triplet Tuesday and spell darnedest. Does she succeed? Download, listen up, and all will be revealed! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E185 · Tue, September 06, 2022
Monday, September 5, 2022 - A LABOR of Love!
A great debut crossword by Adam Simpson, with a theme that has a definite "awwwwww" factor to it. The rest of the grid is not too shabby either, so here's hoping that we'll see more of Adam's work in the future! Want more detail? We know you do, so download, listen up, and we'll do the rest! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E184 · Mon, September 05, 2022
Sunday, September 4, 2022 - The American Kennel Club, AKA the AKC, is A-OK!
Solving today's crossword involved a lot of ups and downs - literally, thanks to a theme that gave the grid a Chutes-and-Ladders feel to it. The author of today's crossword, Tracy Gray, has had 33+ puzzles published in the NYTimes ... you could kinda tell from the grid that this was not their first rodeo! We have all the deets inside, so take some time on this Labor Day weekend (or, if you're in Canada, Labour Day weekend; and if you're anywhere else, and have a holiday, drop us a line at crosswordpodcast@icloud.com and tell us about it!) to do the opposite of labor and enjoy today's episode! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E183 · Sun, September 04, 2022
Saturday, September 3, 2022 - Was this a well-behaved crossword? No, it was a ROGUEONE 😀
A gentler than usual Saturday, with some excellent cluing and at least one debut answer, 2D, Temporarily banished from a dorm room, say, SEXILED (!). which ran into another thematically related clue, 29A, Giving a sexual interpretation to almost any statement, say, DIRTYMINDED (not DOUBLEENTENDRE, because no matter how much fun it is to say, it simply wouldn't fit). In another news, it's Saturday, and we have conducted a thorough retrospective of the week's crosswords to pick out the very best (in our humble opinions!). Which one was it? To end the suspense, all you need do is subscribe, download and listen up. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E182 · Sat, September 03, 2022
Friday, September 2, 2022 - What has no LAUGHTRACK but still manages to AMUSE? This crossword!
A fabulous Friday crossword by Claire Rimkus: both Jean and Mike started off slowly, but eventually managed to persevere, Jean by dint of knowing a lot, Mike by dint of lucky guesses (many, many lucky guesses). We have all the deets inside, as well as a Fun Fact Friday that we know you're jonesing to listen to, so subscribe / download / listen up and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E181 · Fri, September 02, 2022
Thursday, September 1, 2022 - This was sum crossword! 😀
There was, as is oft the case, vast differences in our co-hosts' solving journeys as they worked on today's puzzle. One of them (Jean), had no problem, and the other (not Jean) had almost exactly the same lexiconic failure that he had yesterday, except this time it was the northeast, rather than southwest, that almost did him in. The smart money says that for tomorrow's crossword, Jean will set a personal best and Mike will get stuck in the ... southeast. Tune in tomorrow to see which if any of these predictions come to pass! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E180 · Thu, September 01, 2022
Wednesday, August 31, 2022 - V for Victory!
A brilliant Wednesday crossword by Joe Deeney, with a genuinely LOL theme. There were at least two debut answers -- the revealer, 35A, Dubious food-eating guide, or a hint to the answers to this puzzle's starred clues, and one of the themed-answers, 57A, Federal tax incentive for buying a Tesla, say, EVCREDIT. A nice bit of work, definitely 5 squares on the JAMCR scale! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E179 · Wed, August 31, 2022
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 - An OGRESS? OGEE!
A fine Tuesday crossword by Emily Carroll, with an amusing theme and some wry clues that will bring a smile to your lips. And if that doesn't do it, then our Triplet Tuesday spectacular is guaranteed to make those lips part. All the deets are inside, as well as references to IHOP that are not nearly as gratuitous as they might seem once you've grokked the theme. So, to take advantage of all this, just subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E178 · Tue, August 30, 2022
Monday, August 29, 2022 - NIELS Bohr, beloved physicist of the NYTimes Crossword
Today's crossword had plenty of heart, and thanks to 32D, James who sung "Tell Mama", ETTA, also plenty of soul! For those of you who don't remember Reader's Digest " I am Joe's Heart ", today's crossword is just what the doctor ordered. In other news, we had listener mail explaining how tonic water worked, and this article from McGill University is definitely worth checking out. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E177 · Mon, August 29, 2022
Sunday, August 28, 2022 - Need some glitter? Try a MICA drop.
Jean, as seems to be her MO nowadays (even if she is living in WI), tore through today's crossword in about half an hour. Mike ... did not, primarily due to some tragic misspellings in languages with which he has only a passing acquaintance. Deets inside, so download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E176 · Sun, August 28, 2022
Saturday, August 27, 2022 - Rhadamanthine? Did somebody say Rhadamanthine??
A fabulous Saturday crossword by Andrew Linzer, who pulled out all the stops to come up with a cornucopia, or possibly a piñata, of great, great clues. We'd go over them here, but basically it's ... all of them! Pick a clue, any clue, and be prepared to be amazed. Naturally, of course, you'd think that this would be the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner, and indeed it is, but ... we have another winner, because Tuesday's, by Trey Mendez, was also top notch. For all the details, you know what to do - subscribe / download / listen up / enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E175 · Sat, August 27, 2022
Friday, August 26, 2022 - A great crossword? YESINDEEDY!
A terrific Friday crossword by Robert Logan, as folksy as all get out, and that's not a complaint! It included many interesting factoids, such as 39A, Largest of the society islands, TAHITI; 53A, Snack item since 1912, OREO; and 42D, Scottish sheepdog, informally, SHELTIE. The structure of the puzzle was also intriguing -- as revealed by 64A, A 50/50 chance ... or a description of the lengths of this puzzle's Across and Down answers, respectively, EVENODDS. (We checked, it's true). It's Friday, and on Fun Fact Friday we delve into the origin of the word "randy". So, to learn about that, and so much more, subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E174 · Fri, August 26, 2022
Thursday, August 25, 2022 - EREBUS (the deity, not the manufacturer!)
An ingenious Thursday crossword by Olivia Mitra Framke and Andrea Carla Michaels, who discovered how to amusingly squeeze US states together, to great effect, in this 5-square-on-the-JAMCR-scale-worthy puzzle. We have all the deets inside, just waiting for you to discover. Remember that if you haven't done the crossword, and want to be able to follow along, just wander over to xwordinfo.com -- there you can see the entire grid filled out (so, huge spoiler alert before you go there!), as well as the clues. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E173 · Thu, August 25, 2022
Wednesday, August 23, 2022 - You think we ought to talk about AUGHT? ... Maybe not!
There were SCADS of good clues in this crossword, and AUGHT bad ones - thanks to the efforts of constructor Colin Ernst (aided and abetted, undoubtedly, by Will Shortz). A few old friends dropped in - 63A, Indian tea region, ASSAM; 22A, Shakespearean schemer, IAGO. who, blessed with 3 vowels and a G, has managed to worm his way into a NYTimes crossword grid a total of 408 times, including 5 this year!; and of course, what appears to be the official cheese of the NYTimes crossword, 26A, Mild yellow cheese, EDAM, yum! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E172 · Wed, August 24, 2022
Tuesday, August 23, 2022 - Nothing BANAL about *this* crossword
A splendid Tuesday crossword by Trey Mendez, with multiple LOL clues and an ingenious theme. This was Trey's debut crossword, and we can't wait for his next one! In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday: does Jean tear through it? Or does she tear through it? [There was a homograph there, honestly!] To find out, you are cordially invited to subscribe, download, listen up and savor! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E171 · Tue, August 23, 2022
Monday, August 22, 2022 - HOOHA, what a crossword!
A somewhat folksy start to our crossword solving week, as well as a hidden theme -- especially apropos since the theme itself was, well, underground. If you want to dig up the dirt on that, you'll have to do a bit of spadework first, i.e., subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E170 · Mon, August 22, 2022
Sunday, August 21, 2022 - Will this crossword be one for the ages? TIMEWILLTELL
A (gasp!) themeless Sunday crossword, with very few black squares - so if you're looking for a challenge, constructors Brooke Husic and Will Nediger are happy to oblige! And we're happy that they made this crossword: to find out precisely why, you know what to do -- subscribe, download, listen up and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E169 · Sun, August 21, 2022
Saturday, August 20, 2022 - PSST, MAC, wanna buy some FOOLSGOLD? 😀
A tough Saturday crossword, Jean had a spot of difficulty in the top-left, Mike forgot that the musical syllable LA was not an abbreviation; but other than that it was a fine ending to an incredible week of crosswords - the New York Times Crossword quality was cranked up to an 11, and our agonizing decision as to which deserved the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) reflects that. To find out which one won the coveted prize, subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E168 · Sat, August 20, 2022
Friday, August 19, 2022 - A crossword for the ages
An absolutely brilliant Friday crossword by Patrick John Duggan, hopefully he got paid extra for this tour de force / masterclass in clever cluing: we simply cannot say enough good things about it, although we tried. So to hear all of that, as well as to learn lots in today's Fun Fact Friday segment, subscribe, download, and listen up. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E167 · Fri, August 19, 2022
Thursday, August 18, 2022 - Number of complaints about this crossword? Nil! Nada! Zilch.
One of those epic Thursday crosswords that makes you want to shout "huzzah", or words to that effect -- thanks to a clever, rebusian (if that's a word, if not, we're inventing it here and now!) theme that will leave you gasping in amazement. At least that's the effect it had here at Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword HQ. We have all the deets inside, so we humbly beseech thee to download, listen up, and revel in the magic of it all. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E166 · Thu, August 18, 2022
Wednesday, August 17, 2022 - This crossword was *sick!* [sic]
Today's crossword was a real TREAT. Jean found it a cake walk. Mike found it more of a treacle pudding walk, thanks to a natick at the corner of 41D, Supermodel Wee, ALEK (not ALEC), and 48A, Video game franchise featuring Sub-Zero and Sonya-Blade, MORTALKOMBAT (and not, as we're sure you saw this coming, MORTALCOMBAT). But live and learn, that's our MOTTO, and besides, it's hard to HATE any crossword that, essentially, celebrates typoos! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E165 · Wed, August 17, 2022
Tuesday, August 16, 2022 - A little ELBOWROOM for TYLER the Creator!
A fine Tuesday crossword by Sue Fracker, with a well-done and clever "bendy" theme ( deets are in the podcast). Both Jean and Mike were slightly taken aback by at least two clues, Jean by 23A, Motorboat's trail, WAKE, and Mike by 14D, Sport with a coxswain, CREW (not ROWING: but the two are synonymous). In other news, Mike almost faints when he discovers that there is a 3-letter music genre that is not SKA; but recovers enough to save some face in today's Triplet Tuesday challenge. Just a reminder, the New York Times Crossword would love to have you as a subscriber: just go to nytimes.com/crosswords, and tell 'em Jean and Mike sent you! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E164 · Tue, August 16, 2022
Monday, August 15, 2022 - NEYO? Meet NEMO!
A lively enough Monday crossword (esp. considering the presence of NAP and MICROSLEEP in the grid), with a few celebs (SELA Ward, Justin TRUDEAU, and NEYO) to give it that extra PEP! In other news, our NY Times Crossword Subscription Contest has drawn to a close, and we have winner!! Was it you?? There's only one way to tell: subscribe, download, and listen up! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E163 · Mon, August 15, 2022
Sunday, August 14, 2022 - KA-CHING!
Today's crossword is by the founders of xwordinfo.com, Jeff Chen and Jim Horne, and today's high-quality puzzle reflects that: the theme is ingenious, multilayered and ... well, we'd say more, but we want to keep you in some (mild) suspense before you hit the ol' download button! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E162 · Sun, August 14, 2022
Saturday, August 13, 2022 - PAIGE the librarian? What an awesome APTONYM!
Opinions on the difficulty of today's crossword were mixed: Jean finished it in 19 minutes, Mike finished it in slightly less than forever. What the dynamic duo do agree on is that this was a fantabulous crossword, we are both METAFANs, and that it deserves (along with Thursday's, for the first time we have a tie) the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award)!! We also have listener mail, and our "Win a Free NYTimes Crossword subscription" contest is rapidly drawing to a close, so get those emails in soon (crosswordpodcast@icloud.com) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E161 · Sat, August 13, 2022
Friday, August 12, 2022 - Where's today's podcast? Would you believe ... THEDOGATEIT?
A relatively straightforward Friday crossword, with some elegant subtleties in the grid that need to be seen to be appreciated. For instance, let us draw your attention to the intersection of 54A, Response to someone who got the answer instantly, YOUNAILEDIT, and 36D, Crushed a test, ACEDIT. [That was apparently the section of the grid devoted to smarties.] We also had 21A, _____ blanc, VIN, and 45A, _____ noire, BETE (where blanc is white and noire is black, in French). Finally we had 28A, Fictional weapon of the 23rd century, PHASER, and 9D, More, on a score, PIU, which is, as all good Trekkies know, the sound that a PHASER makes, as in PIU, PIU, PIU. For Fun Fact Friday, we had a listener, and a soon-to-be-published crossword constructor (!) email us our fun fact for the day, so be sure and tune into that as well. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E160 · Fri, August 12, 2022
Thursday, August 11, 2022 - An ADORABLE crossword!
An absolutely ingenious theme deftly implemented by David Tuffs, rounded off with some great clues -- 8D, Pasta named for quills, PENNE (huh!), 55A, Phone-y document, FAX, (ha, ha!), and 4D, Title monster in an H.P. Lovecraft story, CTHULHU, (heh, heh, heh! ). All the deets, as well as a reminder about our current contest, are as close as a click or a tap, so click (or tap), listen, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E159 · Thu, August 11, 2022
Wednesday, August 10, 2022 - Faster than a speeding bullet, it's ... a SALUKI??
A definitely easier-than-yesterday crossword, Jean got through it expeditiously; Mike mysteriously forgot how to spell AUTO, opting for OTTO, hence hilarity and longer-than-normal-solve-times ensued. Still, you have to like a crossword with clues like 55D -- One of six in this clue, WORD -- and we did! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E158 · Wed, August 10, 2022
Tuesday, August 9, 2022 - RAPA NUI, when you *really* need to get away from it all!
A definitely tougher than usual Tuesday offering -- probably because Bruce Haight's at the helm -- but a fun solve, with LOTSA challenges and curiosities in every corner of the grid. From 33A, 1st-yr law students, ONELS (obvious in hindsight), to 37A, What "C" faucets are in Italy, confusingly, HOT (huh, who knew?). Even though we were ONEDGE while working through this puzzle, we FESS that we liked it -- a lot! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E157 · Tue, August 09, 2022
Monday, August 8, 2022 - Today's crossword was XTRA fine!
A nice start to our crossword solving week courtesy of Kathy Lowden, with several answers definitely worth remembering because they might show up later in the week, but with several orders-of-magnitude more difficult cluing: we're looking at you, IAMB, PHO and BRASSY. Just a reminder, we're running a contest this week -- a year's subscription to the NYT Crossword. If you want to enter, just drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com, and you will be entered! Good luck! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E156 · Mon, August 08, 2022
Sunday, August 7, 2022 - ETNAS -- winner of the 2022 most aptly named piece of lab equipment contest 😀
We are back after a week's hiatus, and welcoming us back is a superb crossword by Tina Labadie, her debut -- but you wouldn't know it from the finely crafted clues! We have all the deets inside plus ... a new contest! All emails (to crosswordpodcast@icloud.com) between now and next Sunday will be entered in a drawing for a year's subscription to the New York Times crossword! One entry per contestant per day, please, and good luck! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E155 · Mon, August 01, 2022
Sunday, July 31, 2022 - We have to spell SRIRACHA? SRSLY? IGUESS ... SRIRACHA!
A middle-of-the-road Sunday crossword, appropriate considering all the road references lurking in today's grid -- 108D, Inits. on the road, MPH; 109D, Inits. on the road, (yes, again ) AAA; 27D, Fwy. or expy., RTE; 64A, Flagship vehicle line for Mercedes-Benz, SCLASS -- and there might've been more , it's a big grid! Just a head's up, we are taking the week off to recoup and recharge, but we do have a vast collection of podcasts in the ol' archive that will hopefully tide you over until we are back next Sunday! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E154 · Sun, July 31, 2022
Saturday, July 30, 2022 - LUGES and LOGES and LILTS, oh, my!
A tricky Saturday crossword (as one would expect!), with vast swathes of white squares and just a few oases of black to break up the monotony. The cluing was suitably obfuscatory -- 51D, Supervisory challenges, EGOS; 26D, Location designed to attract whales, HOTELCASINOS (!); and 56D, Suffix for a rank, DOM (!!!) are just 3 examples, we explore more in today's episode, as well as pick our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award); and ... we have listener mail! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E153 · Sat, July 30, 2022
Friday, July 29, 2022 - Uno v. SBARRO - who will win??
A nice Friday crossword by a veteran constructor, Robyn Weintraub. Jean found the puzzle to be a piece of cake, Mike found it to be almost impossible, until the crossword deities smiled benevolently upon him, and reminded him that a better answer for 21A, Employment history, would be CAREER, rather than RESUME or CRVITA. Robyn is known for her great clues, and today's puzzle is exemplary. In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday, and today' we explore the mysterious life and times of ENOS, chimp in space! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E152 · Fri, July 29, 2022
Thursday, July 28, 2022 - This crossword was HASHTAG SWELL
A curious Thursday crossword by Bill Pipal and Jeff Chen (always a good OMEN to see M. Chen in the masthead), that asks you to do what we generally try and AVOID, i.e., CUT CORNERS. The result is a crossword about which we have no choice but to wax RHAPSODIC, for reasons that will become clear in today's installment. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E151 · Thu, July 28, 2022
Wednesday, July 27, 2022 - The name's Kurosawa, AKIRA Kurosawa!
Have you ever considered how many phrases involve articles of clothing? Fortunately Enrique Henestroza Anguiano has, and this witty Wednesday crossword is a result. Jean had no trouble with the grid. Mike didn't so much forget how to spell 48D, Traditional garment in West Africa, as discover that he never even knew how to spell it -- for the record, it's CAFTAN (as in today's grid) or alternatively KAFTAN, but never, ever CAFTEN -- Mike's guess being based on that famous Walt Whitman poem, O Caften!, My Caften! (or something like that 😀) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E150 · Wed, July 27, 2022
July 26, 2022 - ROSHAMBO and RIFFLING in one crossword? Heart be still!!!
A fine Tuesday crossword by Lillian Simpson, with a debut entry for 25A, Certain spousal state (which we will not state right here, you'll either have to be a good guesser or listen to the podcast to find out), a jaw-dropper as far as Mike's concerned with 46D, Leaf (through) (and again, download / listen up to get the 411 on that); and finally 50A, More eye-roll inducing, maybe, CHEESIER (which these show notes seem to be degenerating into, so we are going to stop right ... here!). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E149 · Tue, July 26, 2022
Monday, July 25, 2022 - The last answer in today's grid? It could've been ... THEBITTEREND
A marvelous Monday crossword, with a grid that just sings -- thanks in no small part to some great musical references - from LIL Jon (and Wayne), to Yoko ONO, to one of those discoveries that make you want to shout with joy, DRU Hill (definitely check them out if you are unfamiliar ... or even if you are, their music clearly will abide many, many listenings). For more on them and the rest of this sizzling grid, you are just this far away (we are holding our fingers very, very close together) from cruciverbal enlightenment. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E148 · Sun, July 24, 2022
Sunday, July 24, 2022 - Felicitations!
A shout-out to today's constructors, Jessie Trudeau and Ross Trudeau, who got married this very weekend. Whether the placement of today's crossword on this particular Sunday was just a coincidence, or possibly a wedding present from the NYTimes, doesn't really matter, because the crossword was certainly a present to its solvers - a fun romp with a diverting theme. We have all the deets inside, so raise a toast to the happy couple, then download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E147 · Sun, July 24, 2022
Saturday, July 23, 2022 - This crossword deserves a CHEFSKISS
A majorly difficult Saturday crossword, with a fair number of rarely mentioned celebrities (at least here in 2022). Even the most recent, 18A, Defense secretary under Obama, PANETTA, is not exactly a household name; 31A, First person to fly solo around the world (1933), WILEYPOST, probably also isn't a frequent topic at the kitchen table; and 27A, Marion ________, Best actress winner for "La Vie en Rose", COTILLARD, was a new name for Mike, and a spelling challenge for Jean. In other news, it's Saturday, and we've scoured the last 7 days to find the crossword that we feel deserves that CHEFSKISS., aka the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). For all the deets, just download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E146 · Sat, July 23, 2022
Friday, July 22, 2022 - A WORK_OF_ART!
Well, to be precise, today's crossword is a work of David Steinberg , but it definitely is also a WORK_OF_ART. There were so many great answers, it's hard to single them out, but we certainly appreciated the artistry in working both BLUR and SLUR into the grid, as well as the tactical deployment of WHAMO!. The clues were also nicely done: 24D, Bolt for the finish line?, USAIN; 43D, Put down, WRITE (woah!); and 42D, Latin lovers, officially speaking, POPES (double woah!). Truly an elegant puzzle, definitely worth 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday, and for those of you who want to read more about STAFFA, we have you covered. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E145 · Fri, July 22, 2022
Thursday, July 21, 2022 - Planet of the ... BONOBOS?
You'll need to be flexible to solve today's crossword, because that's what some of the answers are - they flex when you least expect it (which would be ... all of the time, because answers tend to either go across, or down, not both ). Jean, following her usual MO, cottoned onto the trick quite quickly, Mike, following his, did not. There were some intriguing clues in today's crossword, including some very interesting revelations about OCEOLOT anatomy that you won't want to miss, so head right over to the big download button, click, listen, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E144 · Thu, July 21, 2022
Wednesday, July 20, 2022 - PICKACODANYCOD
A crunchier than usual Wednesday crossword, not because of the presence of OREOs in the grid, but rather because today's constructor, Josh Kindler, is so adept at his craft. The clues ranged from sorta-kinda obvious, e.g., 53D, It's rigged!, SAIL, to somewhat more obscure, e.g., 45D, King of the Titans, in Greek mythology, KRONOS, to the we never saw that coming, e.g., 38A, Part of a botanical garden, FERNERY. [For the record, the most excellent Green Bay Botanical Center, our go-to for all things botanical, makes no mention of such a thing.] tldr; we liked the crossword, and to find out precisely why, you know what to do: subscribe / download / listen up. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E143 · Wed, July 20, 2022
Tuesday, July 19, 2022 - To quote W. Shakespeare, IAMB what IAMB
A fun Tuesday crossword by Andy Kravis, with some great clues like 52D, "Performer" in a tiny circus, FLEAS (😄); 2D, "What did the _____ do when it was still hungry? Go back for seconds" (dad joke), CLOCK (🙄); and 48A, Bum around London, ARSE (😏). We would also be remiss if we didn't point out a reference to what appears now to be the preferred font of the New York Times Crossword, 31A, Typeface akin to Helvetica, ARIAL -- ironic as that would appear to be the only place where that font is used in the newspaper! Now you know 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E142 · Tue, July 19, 2022
Monday, July 18, 2022 - A real LULU of a crossword
A HEAP of cruciverbal goodness in today's grid, easier than yesterday's BYLEAPSANDBOUNDS, and very unlikely to leave one ATSIXESANDSEVENS, or, for that matter, ONPINSANDNEEDLES. In short, the perfect start to our crossword solving week, we give it a cheery 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E141 · Mon, July 18, 2022
Sunday, July 17, 2022 - Read 'em and weep!
Considering how frequently ANTE shows up in the grid, perhaps it's not surprising that an entire crossword devoted to Texas Hold 'Em ought to eventually make it into the New York Times, and ... today's the day, thanks to a fabulous debut puzzle by Greg Slovaceck. This crossword caused a wee bit o' controversy because it involved rebuses, which some solvers always seem to have problems with. Rather than go over it here, we'll cover it in a future episode -- everything you ever wanted to know about rebuses (but were afraid to ask) -- so stay tuned for that! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E140 · Sun, July 17, 2022
Saturday, July 16, 2022 - Hark, Robin, it's the BATPHONE!
Another tough Saturday crossword (hmm... there seems to be a trend here), with a particularly diabolical southwest corner, with clues like 31D, California city in the Mojave Desert, BARSTOW, 32D, Emergency device in DC, BATPHONE (oh, that DC) and 29D, Buttercup relatives, ANEMONES, ready to trap the unwary. In other news, we've found a highly deserving crossword for our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) -- the deets, as they say, are inside. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E139 · Sat, July 16, 2022
Friday, July 15, 2022 - Gentlest DISS ever: don't be so niminy-piminy 😀
Any crossword that works PRIM and PRAM into the grid, and niminy-piminy into the clues, deserves recognition, and we doff our hats in honor of Matthew Stock and Nam Jin Yoon's fabulous Friday puzzle. The mere presence of 33A, Drink with an onomatopoeic name, SLURPEE, and 54A, Utter disasters, TIREFIRES, tells you that you're probably going to be in for a good time, and the rest of the puzzle has that same spiciness, rather like a 42A. Thick tortilla that's the national dish in El Salvador, PUPUSA. Deliciosa! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E138 · Fri, July 15, 2022
Thursday, July 14, 2022 - MNEME, a good person to have on your Trivia team!
Jean found today's crossword to be a piece o' cake, Mike found it to be more like molasses ... apt considering how long it took him to solve this! When you take a close look at the clues, however, you'll quickly discover that there are a lot of gems. To see what we mean, check out 8D, It often comes in 60-, 72- and 84-month lengths, CARLOAN; 9A, Penguins and Sharks are found in it, RINK 😀 ; and 43D, Light shows?, SITCOMS 🤣. Those are just 3 examples. If you haven't solved the puzzle, check out the solution at xwordinfo.com, and pause to savor the artistry that went into today's grid. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E137 · Thu, July 14, 2022
Wednesday, July 13, 2022 - A crossword with BITE
Another slightly crunchier than usual crossword - that's two in a row for those of you keeping track. What makes a crossword crunchy, you ask? Clues like 9D, Classic beer of there Pacific Northwest, familiarly, OLY; 29A, Primary place to park?, MAINLOT; and even 27D, Grp. for women who drive, LPGA, are splendid examples: not horribly hard (especially with gentle crosses), but not too easy -- basically just right for a Wednesday 😄 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E136 · Wed, July 13, 2022
Tuesday, July 12, 2022 - Take a peek of these PICOTs!
A crunchier than usual Tuesday crossword, although it did start with a fan favorite in 1A, Alan of "Marriage Story", ALDA. For examples of said crunchiness, we need look no further than 19A, Movie co. with a presence at Sundance, IFC; 54A, Long ways to go?, LIMOS (cute!); and the subtle 42A, That's not true, LIE. A great puzzle, we give it a cheery 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. It's also Triplet Tuesday, during which Jean refuses to give partial credit. To hear why, just download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E135 · Tue, July 12, 2022
Monday, July 11, 2022 - A colorful Monday
A colorful Monday grid, with GREEN, WHITE and BLUE making an appearance, all in the aid of ... nope, no spoiler alerts here. Also, Jean set a PB (Personal Best) for a Monday crossword, but did she break the 5 minute barrier?? Again, no spoiler alerts - to get the full 411, you know what to do: download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E134 · Mon, July 11, 2022
Sunday, July 10, 2022 - A crossword DESTINED to AMUSE, DAGNABIT!
A super Sunday crossword, with an ingenious theme, deft cluing, and while a challenge, about 1,000,000,000 times easier than yesterday's Mt. Everest of a puzzle. From clever clues like 120A, Tipsy trips, BARCRAWLS; to treats like 9A, Reward for sitting, say, TREAT; and TIL's such as 27D, New York resting place for Mark Twain, ELMIRA, and the artful 23A, Where some stable relationships form?, STUDFARMS, there was something in the grid for everyone to savor. As mentioned in today's episode, there was a slight issue with Emojis. The one in 1A, 😂, is named "face with tears of joy", whereas the answer to 1A, ROFL, presumably should have been associated with 🤣, "rolling on the floor laughing face". So, a mistake? The inscrutable editors are not saying 🤔 ("thinking face"). Regardless, the crossword was terrific, definitely a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, DAGNABIT! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E133 · Sun, July 10, 2022
Saturday, July 9, 2022 - Medic!
A true test of cruciverbal mettle and stamina, with some awesomely difficult clues. They aren't hard to find, either: just point randomly anywhere on the grid and you'll be likely to find one. For instance, 33D, Mozart's "Voi, che sapete", and others, ARIETTAS (egads!); 39D, Pool side, SOLIDS (oh, that kind of pool 😀); and 16A, What a snake or dragon can represent, LUNARYEAR. And those weren't the hardest in the grid -- Jean and Mike are still trying to figure out how to spell ZAZIEBEETZ. In other news, we have listener mail and our weekly JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so please subscribe, download, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E132 · Sat, July 09, 2022
Friday, July 8, 2022 - A TOTEMIC Friday crossword? NUHUH!
A superb. Friday puzzle by Kyle Dolan: Jean found it straightforward, Mike had to dig deeply for clues like 4D, Representative, TOTEMIC (which definitely was not , as far as Friday clues go); 10D, Mission Santa ____ (National Historic Landmark in California), INES (now officially on our bucket lists); 14D, Question at a press conference, maybe, WHOSNEXT (no, WHOSONFIRST 😀). The topper was 22A, Point ____, ocean spot farthest from land, NEMO, which coincidentally and most deservedly is our Fun Fact for Fun Fact Friday. And that's a fact! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E131 · Fri, July 08, 2022
Thursday, July 7, 2022 - Double, double, toil and trouble ... or, er, something like that!
If today's crossword makes you fear you are seeing double, do not adjust your, er, eyes, because you are -- thanks to Philip Wolfe's cleverly constructed theme. We have all the deets inside, as well as a slight addendum to a discussion of yesterday's theme, just waiting for you to download, subscribe, and enjoy! A friendly reminder: the New York Times Crossword would love to have you as a subscriber, and it makes a great gift for, well, you (as well as your friends and relations)! Just go to nytimes.com/crosswords, and tell 'em Jean and Mike sent ya! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E130 · Thu, July 07, 2022
Wednesday, July 6, 2022 - This crossword is a RAREGEM
Sam Koperas and Jeff Chen provide a master class in crisp crossword clues, with numerous LOL examples. There are too many to list here, but trust us (better yet, download the podcast and listen to us!) -- the grid is bursting to the seams with 'em. It definitely pegs the scale on the JAMCRmeter (that's Jean And Mike Crossword Rating meter), kudos to both constructors (and Will Shortz, it goes without saying but we just did anyway). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E129 · Wed, July 06, 2022
Tuesday, July 5, 2022 - More SALAD? YOINK!
Today's crossword is an homage to Taylor SWIFT, but even if you can't hum FEARLESS or SHAKEITOFF, fear not - the clues are straightforward (respectively 20A, Like daredevils, informally, and 41A, Get over a minor injury, say) and the crosses gentle. Beyond that, we have to pause in admiration of the inclusion of YOINK, which Mike originally took to be YOIK, as immortalized by Daffy Duck , but the crosses fortunately helped straighten him out. In other news, it's Triplet Tuesday, and this time it's Jean's turn in the hot seat. Will she set the world on fire? Or flame out? You'll need to download, subscribe, listen up, etc., to find out. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E128 · Tue, July 05, 2022
Monday, July 4th, 2022 - Go, ROYALS!
Jean's favorite team -- the Kansas City ROYALS -- gets into the grid, as did Mike's favorite DC (and MARVEL!) supervillain -- ARCLIGHT -- so that's yet another cause for celebration, beyond, of course, the fact that, it's the 4th of July. Speaking of which, today's crossword was Bruce Haight's 59th, so while he hasn't had quite as many crosswords published as the US had had birthday's, he's definitely making headway! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E127 · Mon, July 04, 2022
Sunday, July 3, 2022 - Grammargrams, get your red hot grammargrams, right here!
Today's fine crossword by Tom McCoy featured grammargrams , a concept so rare that even Google couldn't find it, but thanks to WordPlay (the NYTimes Crossword column) we know that it's a real thing . You didn't need to know what a grammargram was to solve the puzzle - Mike is living proof of that - but it did help - and Jean (of course) is living proof of that . In other news, we have a belated JAMCOTWA to announce, and want to wish a happy 4th of July to all our American listeners. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E126 · Sun, July 03, 2022
Saturday, July 2, 2022 - To be clear, a HEXAHEDRA is not a Harry Potter spell
A tough-ish Saturday crossword by Evan Kalish, with clues like 51A, Verb whose past tense form is an anagram of its present tense, EAT ( that took a while!); 60A, Assign new keyboard shortcuts to, REMAP (yay, one for the nerds!); and 53D, Plant that symbolized purity in ancient Egypt, FLAX (not FLAN, which while delicious is not necessarily pure), all giving a taste (especially the latter 😀) of the difficulty level involved (high). We loved this crossword, and rate it a 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E125 · Sat, July 02, 2022
Friday, July 1, 2022 - Shall we talk about the crossword? PRAYDO
A fine Friday effort by Christina Iverson and Caitlin Reid, although both of our dynamic duo (solving, as usual, independently) spent more of their solve time looking for mistakes than filling in the grid. In short the puzzle was relatively straightforward, until -- cue the ominous music -- it wasn't! To hear the deets, as well as (probably) learn a new fact for Fun Fact Friday, all you need to do is subscribe, download and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E124 · Fri, July 01, 2022
Thursday, June 30, 2022 - As a famous soothsayer once soothed, beware the I's of June -- or something like that
A brilliant Thursday crossword by Samuel A. Donaldson and Doug Peterson, that starts off -- as all great Thursday crosswords do -- by imbuing the solver with a sense of befuddlement and disbelief. Then, with a little luck, or in this particular case with a lot of luck, the answer emerges from the fog, and the solver can bask in the radiance of a job well done. Forgive us for waxing poetic here, but as you'll see in today's episode (or by looking at the grid - go to xwordinfo.com), it truly is a work of art (well, technically, a work of Samuel and Doug, but you know what we mean!). In other news, we have listener mail from Rob Baker, the author of -- speaking of ides -- the June 15th crossword. It was brilliant, as we stated then and wish to reiterate now. For more info on his amazing story, check out Rob's bio and tv interview . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E123 · Thu, June 30, 2022
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 - Look, up there in the sky, it's a test, it's a blood type, it's half a great Swedish rock band, it's ... AB!
In today's exciting installment, we go through the 4 stages of Rebus Identification, as today's crossword provides an excellent example of a rebus-festooned-grid. [Full disclosure: we do get a small gratuity every time we use festooned in the show notes, thanks to the generosity of the Society For the Promotion and Preservation of Festooning*]. As you can tell, we had oodles of fun doing this crossword, and to find out why, all you need to do is download/subscribe and listen up! *ed: that was totally made up, there is no such society ... yet Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E122 · Wed, June 29, 2022
Tuesday, June 22, 2022 - A True Treasure of a Tuesday!
A brilliant crossword by Scott Graham, all revolving around the twentieth letter of the English alphabet. Jean loved the implicit theme. Mike missed most of it, but in today's episode Jean sets him straight, as also puts him through the wringer, it being Triplet Tuesday™️. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E121 · Tue, June 28, 2022
Monday, June 27, 2022 - Hooray, it's the HOYAS!
You might want to wear shades when solving this crossword, and RUBIN a dollop of SPF -- for reasons that will become abundantly clear once you've done so (solved the crossword, with or without the sunglasses and lotion). Apart from the brilliant theme, the grid had a few gems -- the rarely seen HOYAS making its 11th appearance in the NYTimes crossword, the slightly rarer SELFIE (10 times), and the very elusive MONKEYSUNCLE making just its 3rd appearance in the grid. Welcome, one and all! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E120 · Mon, June 27, 2022
Sunday, June 26, 2022 - Argh, beware, SHIPMATES, this here be a SALTY crossword
If you like movies, and you like puns, you'll love today's puzzle, which is teeming with them. Who can resist simultaneously giggling and groaning at 61A, Staunch dedication to one's upper leg exercise routine?, THIGHFIDELITY, or 94A, Tire-puncturing way across a river, BRIDGEOFSPIKES? And even if you don't like those, there is still a lot to admire in today's grid. All the deets lie within, so subscribe/download and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E119 · Sun, June 26, 2022
Saturday, June 25, 2022 - TAQUERIA mockingbird??
A fine Saturday crossword by Adam Aaronson. Jean tore through it so quickly that her keyboard melted, whereas Mike's keyboard was in no danger whatsoever, except from a mild fist pounding from time to time. We have all the deets inside, as well as the always suspenseful bestowing of the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), so hit subscribe, click download, and do enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E118 · Sat, June 25, 2022
Friday, June 24, 2022 - A grid that's AHUM with with great SPIRIT
A great Friday crossword by Sophia Maymudes and Margaret Seikel: the clues were crisp, the answers rare if not unique, and the crosswordese meter was reading just about 0. A grid with the likes of SORORITYSQUAT, BURRATA, NOODLEBAR and TINYHOUSE is one to admire and savor, and we do exactly that in today's episode. It's also Fun Fact Friday, and if you were wondering, so, what were ELIA's Popular Fallacies (from yesterday's fine effort by Jeff Chen), wonder no longer - just download, listen up, and all will be revealed. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E117 · Fri, June 24, 2022
Thursday, June 23, 2022 - ACME rides again!
An ingenious theme in today's crossword, an anti-rebus -- instead of multiple letters scrunched into one square, we have two letters expanding out of ... nothing, just like the Big Bang (although not quite as noisy). Today's crossword was by Jeff Chen, and that means quality. Clues like 38A, One of two in 2/22/22, SLASH, and the amazing (and debut word) 21A, Carnivorous : meat :: carpophagous : ________, FRUIT are just a few of the many Easter eggs that await the diligent spelunker of today's grid. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E116 · Thu, June 23, 2022
Wednesday, June 22, 2022 - Mmmmm, AFFOGATOS, our favoritos!
A nice Wednesday crossword, with a really crisp set of answers (and no, that's not a reference to 3D, Jobs creation, APPLE, nor 12D, Pie nut, PECAN). But from 1D, Q preceder in Song, SUZIE (great!), to 55D, Very corpulent, OBESE (probably from eating all those PECANS and AFFOGATOS!), the answers were relatively fresh (like the BUTTONMUSHROOMS). In short, this puzzle was delicious ... and now if you'll excuse us, we have to raid the fridge 😀 Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E115 · Wed, June 22, 2022
Tuesday, June 21, 2022 - ALETTE you define ALETTE
Alex Eaton-Salners has been known to cause normally intrepid crossword solvers to quake in their crossword-solving boots. He's mercifully dialed it down a notch for this Tuesday puzzle, which still has a fascinating theme, and includes, among the many gems in today's grid, the mysterious ALETTE -- which will be slightly less mysterious once you've listened to today's episode. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E114 · Tue, June 21, 2022
Monday, June 20, 2022 - Go with the FLO
Today's crossword features a homophonic-based theme (homophonic meaning two words with the same sound, like POLLS and POLES), for which we are grateful because a) it made for a fun puzzle, and b) the opportunities to use homophonic in a sentence are surprisingly scarce. We have more delightful deets for you to digest, devour and dissect, so subscribe, download and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E113 · Mon, June 20, 2022
Sunday, June 19, 2022 - For Father's Day, why not enjoy a bottle of ASAHI?
Only a very confident crossword constructor would start off with the first answer, to 1A, "In a word ... awful", ITSBAD. But Jeremy Newton is a confident crossword constructor, and a glance at the rest of this puzzle will reveal exactly why that confidence is well deserved. We do more than just glance at it in today's puzzle, we pour over the grid and serve up the more interesting of the clues (a hard choice: there were scads). To learn more, hit subscribe, download, and enjoy. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E112 · Sun, June 19, 2022
Saturday, June 18, 2022 - NERDFEST alert! NERDFEST alert!
A somewhat gentler than usual Saturday crossword, although lurking in the grid was perhaps the greatest spelling challenge known to human kind, specifically 16A, Star of "12 Years a Slave", CHIWETELEJIOFOR. But beyond that jaw-dropper are a number of other fascinating clues and answers, the deets of which are here for you to enjoy. Also, it's Saturday, meaning it's time for JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award). Today's choice was a toughie, but we think you'll agree that one stood head and shoulders above the rest (or if not, let us know what your favorite was, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E111 · Sat, June 18, 2022
Friday, June 17, 2022 - Fear not, the PALADINS have arrived!
A crunchy Friday, as crossword solvers are wont to say - a plethora of tricky (and amusing) clues, such as 5D, One out of 10, TOE 😀, 39A, Spread some dirt, SPILLTHETEA, and 46A, Theater props?, OBIES (cute!), to name just 3. In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday, and we have ... listener mail! Remember, this podcast is best enjoyed once you've either a) solved the crossword, or b) gone to xwordinfo.com so you can see the filled out grid and clues -- tell 'em Jean and Mike sent 'ya! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E110 · Fri, June 17, 2022
Thursday, June 16, 2022 - An Amaaaaaaaaaaaazing crossword!
Parker Higgins and Ross Trudeau have teamed up for a brilliant crossword, we just can't say enough good things about it -- but that won't stop us from trying, as evidenced in today's episode. Download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E109 · Thu, June 16, 2022
Wednesday, June 15, 2022 - Once a pun a time ...
A punny Wednesday puzzle by Rob Baker, with a great twist at the end that has to be seen -- or listened to as in, say, this podcast -- to be believed. There are other cruciverbial wonders to behold in today's grid, and we've got the full 411 just waiting for you to enjoy. Oh, yes, we also have listener mail! Remember if you want to join in the festivities, drop us a line at crosswordpodcast@icloud.com, operators, um, we mean chatbots, are standing by! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E108 · Wed, June 15, 2022
Tuesday, June 14, 2022 - Let's ROCKANDROLL!
A fine Tuesday effort by Robert Won, with a theme that really rocks -- and rolls, built around the ROCKANDROLL revealer. Nice touches abounded: e.g., ROCKANDROLL crossing 38D, Late singer with a food name, MEATLOAF (RIP), and 54D, Motley _____, CRUE. And we would be remiss if we didn't mention 36D, Flappers in a gaggle, which sounds like it might be pre-ROCKANDROLL, but the answer was in fact GEESE, which was GREAT ! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E107 · Tue, June 14, 2022
Monday, June 13, 2022 - Ole, some PAELLAS!
A gem of a Monday crossword, with a great, great theme involving cards, an excellent debut answer involving precision driving, and the adorably meta 3D, You're reading this right now, CLUE. Kudos to the constructors, Hwang-Kim Vue and Jessica Zetzman for such an excellent OPUS. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E106 · Mon, June 13, 2022
Sunday, June 12, 2022 - A crossword to SAVOR
Today's crossword might have you seeing double, but do not adjust your set -- it's all part of Will Nediger's super Sunday theme. We have all the deets inside, so we cordially invite you to download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E105 · Sun, June 12, 2022
Saturday, June 11, 2022 - An LOL Saturday
We do not know that Sid Sivakumar, author of today's crossword, has a career as a standup comedian, but based on today's puzzle we would not be surprised - the grid was chockfull of chuckles, laden with laughs. And it is therefore with great pride, once we wipe away the tears of laughter, that we award it, and him, the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E104 · Sat, June 11, 2022
Friday, June 10, 2022 - OOH, a Saturday crossword, masquerading as a Friday
A tough Friday puzzle by Blake Slonecker, one of those where for the first 10 minutes or so (your mileage may vary) you wonder if you'll get any answers whatsoever. The cluing was devilishly clever (and we mean that in the best possible sense). Consider 2D, Parisian sweets?, CHERIE; the deceptively simple 6D, Hypothesized, SAID (ooh!) and 39D, Road runner?, ENGINE (egads, who edited this puzzle? Machiavelli?? 😀). Fortunately, the number of pop culture references were in the single digits, otherwise this would have been beyond impossible (eh, if that's possible). In other news, it's Fun Fact Friday, and in an attempt to avoid a spoiler, we'll just quote Leia from Star Wars, "No! Luke, it's a __________", and leave it at that. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E103 · Fri, June 10, 2022
Thursday, June 9, 2022 - Breaking news: an IRATE TORERO committed a TORT OVER a TORTA
Today's crossword was a CLASSIC, with a TRAP in a few AREAS to catch the unwary, but overall an UTTERLY pleasing puzzle, no RADIOEDITS required, HEHE 😀 . Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E102 · Thu, June 09, 2022
Wednesday, June 8, 2022 - A DASH of this, ABIT of that, and pretty soon you've got a crossword that's well above PAAR
A fun Wednesday crossword by Bruce Haight, with some ingenious and genuinely LOL clues to celebrate hump day. Mike had a tad of trouble, but didn't mind, the grid had that much esprit; and Jean was unfazed, as usual, by a simultaneously novel and yet medieval theme. All the deets are inside, so what are you waiting for? Download, hit play, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E101 · Wed, June 08, 2022
Tuesday, June 7, 2022 - Tada, it's a TOSTADA!
A paean for techies, and a bit of a headache for the rest -- Jean had to dig for today's crossword, and Mike merely had to find the 4 places where, inexplicably -- although he suspects neutrinos might be involved -- letters inadvertently switched from one to the other. Elsewhere in the podcast, we delve into the mysterious spelling of the past tense of mimic, and Jean is in the hot seat for Triplet Tuesday ™️ Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E100 · Mon, June 06, 2022
Monday, June 6, 2022 - SONIA, a supreme Supreme Court justice
A deftly constructed crossword with a cute theme --but not too difficult, as befitting a Monday: both Jean and Mike were able to STICKTHELANDING (as well as talk about it). If you're in a nostalgic mood then you'll especially appreciate today's puzzle, with DELLASTREET, ISAAC Asimov, Buck ONEIL and RHEA Perlman all present and accounted for. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E99 · Mon, June 06, 2022
Sunday, June 5, 2022 - The name's MOMOA, Jason MOMOA!
A great Sunday crossword, with a theme that's absolutely perfect for its audience and particularly well executed. In today's episode, we also discuss the important question of the plural of octopus (hint: it's probably not what you think ), have no discussion whatsoever of whether the editors are being paid to slip SOBE into every 4th crossword (because they aren't) and generally have a good time delving through the grid. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E98 · Sun, June 05, 2022
Saturday, June 3, 2022 - It's no drag to be a DRAGMOTHER
There was a difference of opinion regarding today's crossword - Jean found it relatively straightforward, Mike found it 75% straightforward and 25% nigh-well impossible, with Mt. Everest sized obstacles lined up between himself and success. Did he succeed? Did Jean laugh uproariously at his misfortune? To find out the answer to these burning questions -- as well as to the winner of this week's JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), you are cordially invited to download and listen up. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E97 · Sat, June 04, 2022
Friday, June 3, 2022 - "Woo-hoo" in Oaxaca is OLE? FANCYTHAT!
This fine Friday puzzle was Robyn Weintraub's 26th (according to the New York Times' Wordplay column, and they ought to know). It was not particularly challenging - both Jean and Mike cruised through it without too much difficulty. There were some comical clues, some enlightening answers, and for all the deets (as well as a fascinating fact for Fun Fact Friday), you are heartily encouraged to download and listen up. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E96 · Fri, June 03, 2022
Thursday, June 2, 2022 - MAHALO for the NYTimes Crossword!
A novel Thursday theme - and Jean and Mike had diverging opinions as to its merits: was it ingenious? or merely sneaky? Listen to today's episode, (after, ideally, you've tackled the puzzle in question yourself) then you be the judge! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E95 · Thu, June 02, 2022
Wednesday, June 1, 2022 - Help me RONDO, help, help me RONDO
There were some fabulous clues/answers in today's grid -- 30A, Scandinavian-inspired shoe brand, DANSKO, 51A, Full of noxious vapors, MIASMIC, and the always tasty 24D, Rice dish infused with saffron, PAELLA, to name 3, and those are the ones that didn't make the cut. The ones we discussed are even cooler, and to get the full 411, you know what to do - download, listen up, and enjoy! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E94 · Wed, June 01, 2022
Tuesday, May 31, 2022 - DIDO, Queen of Carthage, reincarnated as a British singer-songwriter
A trickier Tuesday than usual, with a grid riddled with the likes of MALADROIT, the highly suspicious LINTY, and queen DIDO. Definitely not complaining, and the theme was particularly fabulous, definitely worth the price of admission. We have all the deets inside. Also, it's Triplet Tuesday: will Mike rise to the occasion, sink like a stone, or none of the above? Download now and all will be revealed! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E93 · Tue, May 31, 2022
Monday, May 30, 2022 - This crossword is NUMEROUNO!
A delicious Monday crossword, not too difficult, but higher in calories than most puzzles -- witness the NOUGATBAR, BANANA, ORANGE, and NOODLEBOWLS that made it into today's grid. Nom, nom, nom! Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E92 · Mon, May 30, 2022
Sunday, May 28, 2022 - All hail HONESTABE
The perfect memorial day weekend crossword, a salute to HONESTABE, aka Abraham Lincoln, as well as his memorial. This crossword was by Daniel Bodily and Jeff Chen, which accounts for it pegging the JAMCRmeter at 5 squares. Jean tore through this so quickly that her iPad melted, but -- speaking of melt -- Mike got natticked at the corner of 33D, Diner order, MELT (not MALT) and 41A, Actress Green of "Casino Royale", EVA (not AVA, as in AVA Duvernay). Natticks not withstanding, this was an extraordinarily good Sunday puzzle, and we have all the deets inside for you to check out. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E91 · Sun, May 29, 2022
Saturday, May 28, 2022 - A crossword to MARVELOVER
A trying Saturday crossword ... which you should definitely try! The clues were crisp and only occasionally obscure (with all due respect to the award winning mathematician whose name -- in order to preserve at least some some semblance of mystery and intrigue -- we will not reveal here). Today's episode also features Fun Fact Friday (two fun facts, in fact: the first being that we forgot to do this yesterday!) and our awarding of the JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), which goes to a highly deserving crossword family. Download, enjoy, and feel free to drop us a line (crosswordpodcast@icloud.com). Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E90 · Sat, May 28, 2022
Friday, May 27, 2022 - 'Tis sane to drink TISANES
A gentler-than-usual Friday crossword, both Jean (as expected) and Mike (a complete and total surprise) got through it fairly expeditiously: a "smooth solve", in the argot of cruciverbalists. But gentle doesn't mean dull, on the contrary this crossword had plenty of fun clues to entertain and educate, and we have fun talking about them in today's podcast. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!
S4 E89 · Fri, May 27, 2022
Thursday, May 26, 2022 - This crossword SOARS!
A great Thursday crossword by, presumably, a fan of Kenny Rogers -- the singer, not necessarily the restaurant. The theme was fun, the cluing crisp (just like what you might get at Kenny Rogers, the restaurant), and our only regret is that we have only 5 squares to give it on the JAMCR (Jean And Mike Crossword Rating) scale -- it will have to do. We also have a fascinating discussion of clue rankings, and one of the great ROSTRUM rhymes of the early 21st century, just waiting for you, right here. Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

Sunday, April 27, 2025 - Look out, here comes BRIDEZILLA 😀

Saturday, April 26, 2025 - Happy Canadian Election Day Eve Eve!!🙄

Friday,April 25, 2025 - Nothing BLAND in today's grid (except, inevitably, BLAND 😉)

Thursday, April 24, 2025 - Whew, this was a real brow-furler of a crossword!

Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - Time for DINDIN 😀 🧑🏽‍🍼

Tuesday, April 22, 2025 - Here ye, here ye, announcing our Triplet Tuesday Contest winner!

Monday, April 21, 2025 - A crossword that's nothing to sneeze at!

Sunday, April 20, 2025 - ADVENTURE is out there (... and in the grid!)

Friday, April 18, 2025 - BARBIECORE? That's nothing compared to ... wait for it ... crosswordcore™️!!!!

Thursday, April 17, 2025 - Let's see, there are FARRIERS and FURRIERS, but no FIRRIERS or FORRIERS ... that seems very UNFAIRIERS 🙄

Wednesday, April 16, 2025 - Three cheers for the Rubber Ducks of AKRON, OH! 🐥

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - It's a two-fer! An abfab crossword, *and* an abfab Triplet Tuesday Contest, huzzah!! 🎉

Monday, April 14, 2025 - Happy Tax Day Eve! 🙄

Sunday, April 13, 2025 - John Kugelman is an INSPO to us all 😀

Saturday, April 12, 2025 - Time for some COMICRELIEF, and, good news! It's in the grid, and in the episode.

Friday, April 11, 2025 - Think your LensCrafters bill is high? Be glad you're not a SEASCALLOP 😀 🕶️

Thursday, April 10, 2025 - Hmmm... a Saturday crossword seems to have strayed into Thursday territory 😱

Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - OLEATO!

Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - ¡Ay, caramba!, it's the island of ARUBA 😀

Monday, April 7, 2025 - RIP, ASH Ketchum

Sunday, April 6, 2025 - No need to spin it - this crossword was abfab!

Saturday, April 5, 2025 - The toughest crossword of the week lives up to its billing

Friday, April 4, 2025 - It's officially long answer Friday 😉

Thursday, April 3, 2025 - A *galaxy* of great clues 😉

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - CIAO - the *perfect* word when you've forgotten if you're coming or going 😀 😀

Tuesday, April 1, 2025 - We're fools for today's crossword 🙄

Monday, March 31, 2025 - A grid that is obsessed with ZEST

Saturday, March 30, 2025 - Happy April Fool's Day Eve Eve 🤣🎉

Saturday, March 29, 2025 - We're baaaaaack!

Tuesday, March 25, 2025 - So Long, and Thanks for All the Fishes

Monday, March 24, 2025 - No ERRANT words in today's grid ... except for ERRANT 🙄

Sunday, March 23, 2025 - This crossword will DONICELY!

Saturday, March 22, 2025 - In the grid, and in the nightmares of spelling bee-ers everywhere, PSILOCYBIN!

Friday, March 21, 2025 - A crossword that SPARKLES!

Thursday, March 20, 2025 - Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow!

Wednesday, March 19, 2025 - A classic, CLASSA, NYTimes crossword

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 - 🎵 Tonight we're gonna party like it's twenty-twenty-five ♬ 😀

Monday, March 17, 2025 - Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Saturday, March 15, 2025 - It was a DARKNSTORMY crossword 🙄

Friday, March 14, 2025 - A Perfect Friday Crossword ❤️

Thursday, March 13, 2025 - ESSIE, the preferred nail polish for 9 out of 10 mythical Scottish loch monsters 🙄

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 - No, an ARTEMIS is *not* as good as an ARTEMILE 🙄

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 - An ERIE-ily good crossword!

Monday, March 10, 2025 - A (LITTLE)LULU of a crossword!

Sunday, March 9, 2025 - Ah, the sweet aroma of newsprint and printer's ink

Saturday, May 8, 2025 - Joe Deeney, the Houdini of crossword constructors 🙄😁

Friday, March 7, 2025 - MOVIEMAGIC, on the big screen, and in this tiny grid 😀

Thursday, March 6, 2025 - Three (Slightly Belated) Cheers for ALYRAISMAN! 🤸‍♀️

Wednesday, March 5, 2025 - Happy ... Halloween??

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - Announcing the discovery of the world's first Chameleon Word™️

Monday, March 3, 2025 - Vroom, vroom!

Sunday, March 2, 2025 - Today's puzzle, brought to you in Crossword-Color™️🌈 🙄

Saturday, March 1, 2025 - Hello, March!

Friday, February 28, 2025 - And now, a PAEAN to today's crossword

Thursday, February 27, 2025 - David Steinberg is baaaaaaack! 🎉

Wednesday, February 26, 2025 - We long for more crosswords by Dan Caprera 😁

Monday, February 24, 2025 - Rena Cohen is back, and better than ever!

Tuesday, February 25, 2025 - We are DONEZO with today's crossword 😀

Sunday, February 23, 2025 - Nothing SPURIOUS about today's crossword, all clues have been triple-checked! The podcast though ... 😉

Saturday, February 22, 2025 - Happy Belated GALENTINESDAY 😀

Friday, February 20, 2025 - Today's crossword is SWAK!

Thursday, February 20, 2025 - Oh, *so* close

Wednesday, February 19, 2025 - A FAB, crossword, way above PAR

Tuesday, February 18, 2025 - Erik Agard is back, huzzah!

Monday, February 17, 2025 - Nothing MOROSE in this grid, except, er, MOROSE 😉

Sunday, February 16, 2025 - CHOCULA, SKORs, and DEEPFRIEDOREOS, so ... not the *healthiest* crossword ever 😉

Saturday, February 15, 2025 - CERTS - no longer at your grocer's, but at least they're still in the grid 😋

Friday, February 14, 2025 - ♫ Love is in the air ♬ ... and in the grid ❤️!

Thursday, February 13, 2025 - This crossword *rocks* -- must be all that heavy metal 😉

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - RAH, Sir Michael PALIN is in the grid!

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - There were REAMS of good clues in today's crossword (spoiler alert: and no bad ones 😍)!

Monday, February 10, 2025 - The name's ANN, ... RAGGEDYANN 😁

Sunday, February 9, 2025 - A REally Super Sunday (and, nope, that was *not* a typo)

Saturday, February 8, 2025 - A *perfect* Saturday crossword!

Friday, February 7, 2025 - Have a sip of TEXASTEA 🫖

Thursday, February 6, 2025 - This crossword's really making a STATEment 😀

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 - Today's forecast? 100% chance of a great (and wet 😀) crossword

Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - GEORGIA -- on our mind and in the grid!

Monday, February 3, 2025 - KENDO? Can do! 😀

Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - It's a two-fer! An abfab crossword, and an abfab Triplet Tuesday Contest, huzzah!! 🎉

Thursday, April 3, 2025 - A galaxy of great clues 😉

Wednesday, April 2, 2025 - CIAO - the perfect word when you've forgotten if you're coming or going 😀 😀

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 - No, an ARTEMIS is not as good as an ARTEMILE 🙄

Thursday, February 20, 2025 - Oh, so close

Sunday, February 16, 2025 - CHOCULA, SKORs, and DEEPFRIEDOREOS, so ... not the healthiest crossword ever 😉

Thursday, February 13, 2025 - This crossword rocks -- must be all that heavy metal 😉

Sunday, February 9, 2025 - A REally Super Sunday (and, nope, that was not a typo)

Saturday, February 8, 2025 - A perfect Saturday crossword!

Thursday, January 16, 2025 - Oh, the irony, ATOM, WHIT and TSP in a hugely well-done crossword 😀

Wednesday, January 8, 2024 - ARROYO, fun to say, fun to spell, essential to solving today's crossword!