Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

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

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    • Jan 14, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 14m AVG DURATION
    • 1,926 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

    Tuesday, January 13, 2026 - CUTCO, slicing prices with their own products!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2026 15:52


    This was a debut for Nate Hall, and he does a bang-up job. The theme was perfect for a Tuesday, and there were some marvelous clues throughout the grid. Jean's favorite was 44D, Pet sitters?, LAPCATS, whereas Mike's was definitely 22A, Creature that moves at an average speed of 0.03 miles per hour, SNAIL.

    Monday, January 12, 2026 -Booyah, it's a HOYA!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 14:27


    This was a classy Monday crossword, and the fact that Carolyn Davies Lynch and Christina Iverson are in the marquee has a lot to do with it. The clues just seemed to have a little more pizzaz. We covered most of them in the podcast, but there were others: a puzzle within a puzzle: 44A, Man's name that's a citrus fruit spelled backward, EMIL; a word that we just love to say: 46D, Source of motivation, in modern lingo, INSPO; anda real ear-worm clue if there ever was one: 10D, Mary who sings "In every job that must be done there is an element of fun", POPPINS.  Besides the crossword, we've got our JAMCOTWA (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winner for the week, congratulations, Paul!Show note imagery: Some delicious SHISOWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Sunday, January 11, 2026 - A PHIne crossword indeed

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 15:52


    Hopefully you remember your Greek lessons, listeners, because they — or at least one of them, which we hope for comedy's sake took place on a PHIday — will come in particularly handy today. And now that we've got your curiosity piqued, don't PHIght it — download today's podcast to find out what all the PHIuss, er, fuss, is about.Show note imagery: The birthstones, from Garnet to TurquoiseWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Saturday, January 10, 2026 - Looking for a RAFT of great clues? KAC's got you covered!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2026 11:51


    This was a fine Saturday crossword by Kamereon Austin Collins, his 25th for the NYTimes and his 17th Saturday opus.There were a slew of great clues in the grid, including 6D, "That dis was goo-ood!!", OHSNAP; 33D, Meemaw, NANA; 55A, Art form featuring performers in kishin (demon) and okina (old man) masks, NOHTHEATER; and a reminder of one of our absolute favorite football lines, 52D, "___ Given Sunday" (1999 football drama), ANY.Show note imagery: A pair of WATERHORSEs, an example of a Celtic kelpieWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Friday, January 9, 2026 - No two ways about it, this was a fantabulous crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2026 15:41


    Greg Snitkin and Glenn Davis have collaborated on two crosswords, both Fridays, and both fantabulous. Today's had some novelties, including 3 superb debuts: 14A, Winning like crazy, ONAHEATER (woah!); the award-winning 34A, Stealthy flier, AIRMARSHAL (hey, what happened to the second L??); and the equally splendid 61A, He's great for the time being, MRRIGHTNOW (brilliant!).In addition to today's puzzle, we have a fun fact for Fun Fact Friday, and if the suspense of what that might be is getting to you, here's a BIG hint: look to today's episode title.Show note imagery: In 2017, the Monopoly boot token got the ... wait for it ... boot!

    Thursday, January 8, 2026 - Beware the Grim ... Rebus??

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 13:21


    This was a delightful Thursday crossword by Mallory Montgomery and Zhou Zhang. Jean got through it at gazelle-like speeds, whereas Mike, who made the tyro's mistake of following his own advice, was less gazelle, more giraffe. Deets inside.Show note imagery: Rochester, Jane EYRE, and Adele (well before her breakout album, 19).We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Wednesday, January 7, 2026 - EPIC or ACK? You be the judge!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 16:33


    Our co-hosts had almost comically differing experiences solving today's crossword. Jean found it to be ... a breeze, whereas Mike found it to be a category 5 hurricane, which he will dub Hurricane Adrianne, after the creator of said hurricane, er, puzzle, Adrianne Baik. Apparently Adrianne was able to quickly and remotely rifle through Mike's memory palace (more like a memory shanty, but nvm), identify everything he didn't know, and then put it into a crossword. Well played, Adrianne!For all the deets of what turned out to be a walk in the park  / EPIC cruciverbial battle, subscribe, download, listen up, and enjoy today's episode!Show note imagery: HELLOKITTY!. We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - NOCAP, this was an *awesome* crossword

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2026 17:48


    Today's crossword was terrific. A theme that pegged the pun-meter, a second theme that nobody other than your cohosts know about

    Monday, January 5, 2026 -

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 11:15


    This was a gentle Monday crossword, easing us into our crossword-solving week. It was still entertaining, though, thanks to a theme that will lift your spirits — literally. In addition to the crossword, we also have chosen our latest JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), and this week goes to ... [REDACTED, TO HEIGHTEN SUSPENSE AND BECAUSE WE GET PAID BY THE WORD

    Sunday, January 4, 2026 - Gene Louise De Vera, Rule Breaker!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 19:18


    Gene Louise De Vera's 5th NYTimes puzzle was one for the books. One of the sacrosanct rules of NYTimes crossword-dom is that an answer never appears twice in the grid. Well, rules are meant to be broken, so they say, and today this one was -- but all for a good cause, aka the theme. We had some other great clues in the grid. Besides those mentioned in the podcast, we had the slick 94D, Paired chips with dips?, RHYMED; the fabulous 84D, Ixnays from Irkutsk, NYETS; and a favorite of whatever generation came to the fore in the 2010s, 54D, "Not gonna lie ...", NOCAP.Show note imagery: The roundest country in the world, SIERRALEONE!We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Saturday, January 3, 2026 - A Brilliant End-of-Week Crossword

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2026 9:30


    The clues in today's crossword, Hannah Slovut's third for the NYTimes, were so dazzling that we felt we ought to wear shades while solving it. There were scads of clever clues everywhere you look in the grid, and nary a clunker anywhere: just way we like our Saturday crosswords! For the full 411 — as well as another episode of "Oh, That's How You Pronounce it!"™️, check out today's podcast.Show note imagery: Some actors in MOCAP (motion-capture) suitsShow note url: The name's PESCI, Joe PESCI, and here's how you pronounce itWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Friday, January 2, 2026 -- Hello, awesome crossword

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 16:52


    To explain the episode title: this was, indeed, an awesome crossword. And, as has happened for years upon years, Deb Amlen scrutinized the crossword in the accompanying NYTimes column, Wordplay. This was her last Wordplay column, however: she is now retiring to take up other pursuits. But her last column was as good as usual, and today's crossword was a great send off. Besides the crossword proper, we also have a weather-related fun fact for Fun Fact Friday™️, and some great listener mail, which does double duty as the basis of an "Oh, that's how you pronounce it" segment. Show note imagery: VEGENAISE, properly spelled

    Thursday, January 1, 2026 - Happy New Year!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2026 13:15


    It's a new year, so why not start it off with a new constructor? That may or may not be Will's reasoning, but today's crossword is indeed a debut for Topher Booth, and it is an auspicious beginning. We were keen on the theme (and yes, there's a trace of a pun there), and found the rest of the clues to be just right for a Thursday. Apart from those mentioned in the podcast, we'd like to salute 47A, Prefix with genetics, EPI (ok, if you say so!); 54D, Kind of wind ... or an alternative to wind, SOLAR (brilliant!); and 46D, "Sit!", PARKIT (

    Wednesday, December 31, 2025 - Happy New Year's Eve!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 1, 2026 14:55


    In honor of the ultimate day of 2025, Jeffrey Martinovic has donned both his party hat and thinking cap, the end result of which is today's fine crossword. We have, as always, the deets inside, plus something a little extra to send out 2025 in style. Have a listen, and then — assuming you're on the Gregorian calendar — have a great New Year's Eve / New Year's Day!!Show note imagery: A BOXSOCIAL, without which the second act of Oklahoma! would be a lot shorter

    Tuesday, December 30, 2025 - We're Baaaaaack!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2025 17:15


    After a week to recharge and reenergize, both cohosts are back and in peak fighting form -- or, to be more precise, crossword-solving form. And we had an excellent crossword to welcome us back, the second collaboration between Geoffrey Schorkopf and Will Eisenberg (edited, as always, by the inimitable Will Shortz). We have all the deets inside, as well as another of our famous Triplet Tuesday segments, so tune in to enjoy all that goodness!Show note imagery: The beautiful ISOLA (island) of Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean and home to some of the longest-living people in the world (as well as approximately 4 million sheep, which makes falling asleep in Sardinian hotels particularly easy

    Sunday, December 21, 2025 - Ho, ho, ho!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 19:55


    Today's crossword was (as you can deduce from the episode title) a fun, Christmas-themed puzzle by famed magician David Kwong. Jean & Co. solved it expeditiously, whereas David almost made Mike's streak disappear thanks to some cruciverbial magic in the top-center of the grid. All turned out well, though, for both cohosts and their streaks. Deets inside.FYI, we will be taking a hiatus this week (starting up again on the 29th). For those of you who want your daily fix, fear not -- we're pretty sure you can find something in our burgeoning back catalog. In the meantime, have a great holiday, and may Santa (or whoever delivers the gifts in your neck of the woods) send a plethora of presents your way.Show note video: David Kwong, about to make some magicShow note imagery: Amanda Gorman, presidential inaugural poet and author of "The Hill We Climb"We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Saturday, December 20, 2025 - Like a latté at Starbucks, this crossword is hot and frothy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 10:05


    This is Robert S. Gard's second Saturday crossword. It was not quite as difficult as his first, but the cluing was deliciously deceptive, and included five debuts. Jean got through it in her usual time; Mike found it to be a tad easier than usual, but an enjoyable solve nonetheless. Remember that if you're still hunting around for the perfect holiday gift, there's still time to send the gift that keeps on giving -- a subscription to the best crossword puzzle on the planet. Show note imagery: NERDFEST 2025 (and there's still time to register for NERDFEST 2026)We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Friday, December 19, 2025 - Let's Make Some ILLINOISE!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 13:34


    This is a stellar Friday crossword, chockfull of effervescent clues that make it clear that an ace constructor -- in this case, Hemant Mehta --  is at the helm. There is no doubt that today's puzzle is entitled to a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, and we therefore gladly bestow it. Deets inside.Show note imagery: Yum, a delectable SMORE We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Thursday, December 18, 2025 - A SCARYGOOD Thursday crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 11:43


    The genius required to craft an NYTimes-worthy crossword is on full display today: Joseph Gangi has created a cuuute theme, and the hilarity of that last clause will become apparent upon listening to today's podcast and/or solving today's puzzle. Numerous other clues in the grid are also worth celebrating. We chortled at 62A, The time of one's life?, AGE (

    Wednesday, December 17, 2025 - No KAOS in today's grid ... well, *almost* none

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 14:15


    This was a whimsical Wednesday crossword by the talented duo of Gary Larson and Doug Peterson. The theme was a triumph, buoyed up by a bevy of crisp clues, including:the clever 8D, Marchers in sidewalk cracks, ANTS; the helpful reminder that was 50A, Easter Island's country, CHILE; and the hilarious 41A, Welcome figure on Wall Street, unwelcome figure in a china shop, BULL. In other news, we have some fascinating listener mail about the subtle distinctions between Bro, Bruh, Breh and Brah, so be sure to check that out as well!Show note imagery: The Standard Oil Company of IndianaShow note URL # 1: Bruh, Breh, Brah, BroShow note URL # 2: Single-letter NYSE ticker symbolsWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Tuesday, December 16, 2025 - PROGROCK ... rocks!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 6:57


    This was a gentle Tuesday crossword, slightly more challenging than Monday, and prepping us for the even more rigorous crosswords sure to come this week. Difficulty level not withstanding, the grid featured some awesome clues, most notably the incredible 62A, The IBM Simon Personal Communicator is considered the world's first one, SMARTPHONE. We were also highly pleased to learn of the existence of 13D, Grammy-winning R&B artist whose stage name is said to have been inspired by "The Matrix", NEYO. Finally, we confess to a genuine fondness for 20A, Hockey feints, DEKES. Show note imagery: The one, the only (?) ... IBM Simon Personal Communicator, in the flesh (er, plastic)We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Monday, December 15, 2025 - Dibs on top!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 12:23


    Today's puzzle checks all the Monday crossword boxes: Clever and straightforward theme?  ✅Built with the novice-solver in mind? ✅Published on a Monday?

    Sunday, December 14, 2025 - ELISHA and ENOS, together again! ☎️

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 21:18


    This was a jaw-dropping pick-me-up of a Sunday crossword by debut constructor Zachry Edward-Brown (a high-school student, no less!) and veteran John Kugelman. The theme was spectacular, with a twist at the end that would have Agatha Christie nodding her approval. The rest of the grid was equally impressive, and if you want proof check out today's episode.Show note imagery: ELISHA Gray, inventor of the telephone (at least according to ELISHA Gray

    Saturday, December 13, 2025 - A record breaking crossword!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2025 13:17


    Today's crossword, by Gene Louise De Vera, was one for the record books. Exactly what record was broken we are not going to reveal here, but rather keep you in suspense, dear listeners, for the approximately 15-30s it will take to download the podcast and get to the point where we "spill the beans", so to speak. It'll be worth the wait, trust us.

    Friday, December 12, 2025 - We're fond of FONDANT ... and the rest of the grid, too!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 19:20


    This was a pitch-perfect Friday crossword, with a host of tricky clues designed to limber you up for the boss puzzle -- aka the Saturday NYTimes crossword -- about to drop and potentially wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting, unfortunate, unlimbered

    Thursday, December 11, 2025 - A dreamy Thursday crossword

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2025 11:43


    Kevin Curry has done it again - crafted an elegant puzzle designed to challenge, educate, and entertain. Challenge: 63A, Reunion group, CLAN; Educate: 57D, Popular, stick-figure web comic, XKCD; andEntertain: 28D, Big wheels in the Vatican?, POPEMOBILE

    Wednesday, December 10, 2025 -

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 12:40


    There were several deities in today's grid — ARES, ZEUS, and the lesser known DOER, Lord of Bad Puns. None of them prevented our cohosts from having a grand time while solving this crossword, Kareem Ayas' second in under two months. While all the clues were fine,  they were particularly impressed by the Matrix mini-theme, consisting of 37A, Iconic repeated Keanu Reeves role, NEO, and 49D, "The Matrix" character, with "the", ORACLE. So, in that spirit we encourage you to take the red pill, i.e., download today's podcast and have a listen.Show note imagery: Don Diego de la Vega, aka ZORROWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Tuesday, December 9, 2025 - No need to hem or haw, we loved this crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2025 13:30


    This was Kate Hawkins' eighteenth NYTimes crossword, and while mainly distinguished by its brilliant theme, gems could be found throughout the grid. We enjoyed the range of emotions conveyed by 32D, "By Jove, that's it!", AHA, and 45D, "How stupid of me!", DOH. We also were absolutely enthralled by, and are now seeking a t-shirt emblazoned with, 54A, "Education is not for the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a ______" (old maxim), FIRE. Show note imagery: Computing pioneer ADA LovelaceWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Monday, December 8, 2025 - Nothing HOHUM about today's crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 12:20


    Today's puzzle had a wry, perfect-for-a-Monday theme: if it was a hat, it would definitely be stylish and arranged at a rakish angle. We were surprised, tickled, and put into full chortle mode by, respectively, 1D, Magic charms, MOJOS (assuredly not on our Monday crossword bingo card); 5D, The eyes may have it, MASCARA; and 24A, Run out of clothes?, STREAK.Besides the crossword, in honor of Monday we have picked our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award), and we challenge you, dear reader/listener, to see if you can guess which one we picked.Show note imagery: JACKSONHOLE, where snow removal never stops

    Sunday, December 7, 2025 - A *Frabjous* Sunday Crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 16:29


    We treasure any excuse to break out into Lewis Carroll adjectives, and today's frabjous crossword provides just that opportunity. This is a debut, no less, by University of Wisconsin Madison professor Kate Jensen, who we imagine, based on the clues in today's grid, to be particularly beamish, and not at all manxome (except when dealing with irksome students).There were boatloads of great clues in today's grid. We felt educated by 13D, One chain x one furlong, ACRE; entertained by 28A, They'll make it up to you, LIARS; and driven to chortle as a consequence of 54A, Deposit that might gather interest?, ORE.Show note imagery: BRITANNIA rules the wavesWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Saturday, December 6, 2025 - CHARLIXCX is baaaaack!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2025 11:50


    Our cohosts had vastly different experiences tackling today's crossword. Jean found it to be quite challenging, whereas Mike was (for a change) definitely working, but not fighting tooth-and-nail to keep his streak alive. Deets inside: we cordially invite you to download, listen up, and enjoy!Show note imagery: "A New English Dictionary", as the first edition of the OED was originally called.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Friday, December 5, 2025 - Kotoka International, repeat winner of the "Best Airport in Africa" award!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 6:30


    This was a challenging Friday crossword, the second by James McCarron since August, of the year: in short, he's on a roll. There were some simultaneously terrific (if you like a challenge) and terrifying (if you value your streak) clues. Among the best not mentioned in the podcast were 37D, Minimal coverage provider?, THONG (ha!); 27D, Silent sort, CLAM (not FILM or MIME); and 15D, Show stoppers, sometimes, RAIN (true, dat). Show note imagery:  Egyptian football/soccer star Mohamed SALAH, about to do something magicalWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Wednesday, December 3, 2025 - Do or do not. There is no try.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 6:42


    Today's crossword, by Victor Barocas, had a fun and frothy theme that came from a galaxy far, far away. We loved it! We also enjoyed the very strong cast of supporting characters, including 49D, Cold call?, ACHOO (

    Tuesday, December 2, 2025 - This crossword was absolutely CAPITAL!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 6:59


    Today's crossword was a debut for Jonathan Baude, kudos for that! The theme was uplifting (literally), and the rest of the puzzle was perfect Tuesday fare. We had some entertaining clues --  46A, Top of the hour?, XII (

    Monday, December 1, 2025 - Masa, which, sadly, is not available at any NASA commisary

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 11:02


    Today's crossword was perfectly timed, at least for those of us living in those northern regions currently besieged by winter storms. We were intrigued to learn of the existence of NAURU, the world's third smallest country (behind Vatican City and Monaco, for those of you keeping score).We were glad to see that Ms. Adler made a reappearance in the grid (66A, Woman who bests Sherlock in "A Scandal in Bohemia", IRENE); loved the nostalgic 58A, Creator of Asteroids and Pong, ATARI (ah, the classics

    Sunday, November 30, 2025 - Welcome back, LOUDOUTS!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 14:41


    The easy-to-spell and fun-to-say LOUDOUTS has appeared a grand total of two times in the NYTimes crossword: today, and on June 15, 2013. We are on tenterhooks awaiting its next appearance, which according to our calculations should be in 2037, or thereabouts. For the record, the crossword also featured 9 debut answers, and our favorite, by far, had to be PUMPUPTHEJAM (ah, the classics

    Saturday, November 29, 2025 - YAISC (Yet Another Impossible Saturday Crossword

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2025 13:35


    Did an early version of Elton John's Saturday Night include the lyric "Saturday night's alright for fighting crosswords"? We don't know for certain, but we do know that today's crossword was an epic battle -- at least for Mike. Jean, as usual, found this to be a more of a minor skirmish. As we have come to expect from Adrian Johnson, author of today's puzzle, the clues had a lot of spice and bite. For example, 27D, High-level intelligence assets?, SPYPLANES (nice!); 25D, What sfouf is, in Lebanese cuisine, CAKE (we'll take two, please

    Friday, November 28, 2025 - All hail ARTTATUM, not just a jazz pianist, a jazz *genius*

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2025 11:12


    This was a fine crossword by constructor -- aka SETTER, depending on which side of the pond you live on -- Jacob McDermott, for whom we are thankful for this entire crossword, but especially the revelation about SETTERS.We found many noteworthy clues to sing about today. For instance, we had 44A, One-named rock idol who was born Paul David Hewson, BONO; the life-changing (trust us, it will, once you listen to him) 35A, Jazz pianist with a memorable recording of "Tea for Two", ARTTATUM; and the curiosity-piquing 4D, Genre for Toots and the Maytals, SKA. This being Friday, we of course have a Fun Fact Friday segment that will be of special interest to fans of The Flintstones, aka everybody

    Thursday, November 27, 2025 - Happy Thanksgiving / Black Friday Eve!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2025 13:17


    On this dual US holiday -- Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday Eve -- we wish to say how thankful we are for our myriad faithful listeners, and for the geniuses who labor day in and day out to deliver the best crosswords in the world to our metaphorical doorstep.Speaking of best crosswords, we liked today's: it had, as usual, a theme that we did not see coming, it mentioned the Flintstones, and, for the pièce-de-résistance, it included a reference to Mike's favorite biochemical process, the KREBSCYCLE. Show note imagery: The WISHBONEFORMATIONWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Wednesday, November 26, 2025 - Two thumbs up, waaaaaay up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2025 14:07


    Today's crossword -- a debut by John McClung -- paid homage to one of the great movie critics of the last century, to wit, ROGEREBERT; and he was full of wit, heaping praise when deserved and throwing raspberries when not. Today's grid has just 4 examples, and they are a hoot. Deets inside.Show note imagery: The Khan el-Khalili bazaar, in CAIROWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Tuesday, November 25, 2025 - A crossword engineered to leave you completely ENRAPT

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2025 18:09


    This was a splendid Tuesday crossword, thanks to an ingenious theme surrounded by a bevy of bedazzling clues. We appreciated the aptness of seeing 3D, In an angry way, CROSSLY, in a CROSSWORD; were flabbergasted by 13D, Weight of every U.S. bank note, ONEGRAM; and were gobsmacked by 20A, U.K. : H.M.R.C. :: U.S.A. : ___, IRS.Today being Tuesday, we have a Triplet Tuesday™️ segment, with Jean being in the hot seat this time around.Show note imagery: BTS, back together again!We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Monday, November 24, 2025 - It's not just a RUMOR: this was a magnificent Monday crossword

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 11:34


    We're just GAGA about today's crossword. It included some of our favorite words in the English language, such as 3D, Flabbergasted, GOBSMACKED; our favorite Shakespearean insult, 63A, Playing card better known as a Jack, KNAVE

    Sunday, November 23, 2025 - In Praise of the Ol' Switcheroo

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 21:48


    The NYTimes has not shied away from publishing GOL (Groan Out Loud) Sunday crosswords, so we're delighted to report that today's is of the lesser known but always appreciated LOL variety. We will spoil nothing here, but you'll find the full 411 in today's episode.Show note imagery: Wile E. Coyote, ever the optimistWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Saturday, November 22, 2025 - A Historic Saturday Crossword

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 23, 2025 14:57


    Prior to today, only 3 NYTimes crosswords qualified as double pangrams -- ones where the grid includes the entire alphabet, A-Z, twice. Today's crossword marks the fourth. Writing any NYTimes-worthy crossword is a challenge, but writing a pangram really ups the difficulty. Blaker Slonecker was willing to accept the challenge, however, and we doff our hats in respect and awe of this great oeuvre.Show note imagery: Ray Charles, pitching DIETPEPSI.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Friday, November 21, 2025 - AYOEDEBIRI, remember that name (and how to spell it!!!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2025 13:53


    There were MANY GEMS in today's puzzle, and that's not even counting 3D, A host of, MANY, and 34A, Prized people, GEMS. We had 8D, Senescent, OLD; 48D, Real hoot, RIOT; and the colorful (?) 22D, Camel and fawn, TANS. Those were just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, though, because today's grid was chockfull of awesome clues. We dive into the deets in today's episode, so do have a listen, and be sure and tell all your friends about us as well: we appreciate the biz!Show note imagery: Robert H. Goddard, definitely the best-of-the-best when it comes to ROCKETSCIENCEA reminder that the holiday season will soon be upon us, and there's no better present than a gift of the NYTimes crossword! Operators (well, ok, bots) are standing by, so cruise on over to the NYTimes and buy your loved ones the gift that keeps on giving!We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - IBIZA, in the grid and on our bucket list

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2025 10:44


    This was a fine crossword to solve, but it must've been a bear to construct. Jeremy Newton was up to the task, though, serving up a perfect midweek puzzle. He had us at 16A, Times noted in Captain Kirk's logs, STARDATES; enthralled us at 11D, Finito or kaput, DUNZO; and endeared us with 13A, Establishment whose name means "lounge" in French, SALON.Show note imagery: IBIZA, regrettably not our home-away-from-home. We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Tuesday, November 18, 2025 - Avast, thar be JETSAM ahead, me hearties!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2025 13:25


    Joe Deeney's crosswords always seem to include a little extra spice, a little extra pizzazz: we present today's puzzle as an exemplar, and that's not just because we've been itching to use exemplar in a sentence

    Monday, November 17, 2025 - DEF not a MID crossword

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 10:45


    This was a not-at-all-MID, nor, for that matter -MEH, Monday crossword: the theme was above average, the clues crisp and clever. We especially want to give a shoutout to 22D, Sch. with a T section, MIT; and the presence of both 10D, Nickname for Dorothy, DOT, and 59A, Play-_____, DOH, in the grid. Kudos to Rena Cohen for this, her 6th NYTimes crossword.We also are delighted to announce our JAMCOTWA™️ (Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award) winners (yes, plural!) -- deets inside.Show note imagery: Katrina Gorry, poised to do something extraordinary with a football.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Sunday, November 16, 2025 - This crossword packs a pun(ch)!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 12:01


    If you like Shakespeare, and if you like puns, you will be in ecstasy by the time you've finished today's crossword. And even if you are not a huge fan, we predict that you'll find this crossword to be a hoot. What makes it so special, you ask? Check out today's podcast, where all will be revealed!Show note imagery: The logo of TCM, Turner Classic MoviesWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Saturday, November 15, 2025 - Was this a fabulous Saturday crossword?? OBVI

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 11:07


    If this crossword were a drink, it would be a chamomile tea. However, it was even better than that: a bliss-inducing, soul-lifting crossword. We certainly feel happier for having solved it, and we hope you'll feel the same for having listened to this podcast!Show note imagery: PTOWN, aka Provincetown, Cape CodWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com.Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!

    Friday, November 14, 2025 - This crossword wasn't just great ... it was POG

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2025 14:06


    Several clues in today's crossword gave both cohosts reason to pause. Most notably we had a debut at 6D, Aesthetic associated with classical literature and vintage fashion, DARKACADEMIA; we also had the mysterious 1D, Cool, in streaming slang, POG; and we were intrigued to discover 62D, ID whose lowest possibility is 001-01-0001, SSN. In addition to these fascinating clues, we have a fascinating fact, in honor of Fun Fact Friday. Ever wonder what happened to telegrams? Tune in, and find out!Show note imagery: A delicious dirt pudding, featuring, of course, an OREOCOOKIE, 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!

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