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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    • Jul 30, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • daily NEW EPISODES
    • 14m AVG DURATION
    • 1,779 EPISODES


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

    Tuesday, July 29, 2025 - Stop us if you've heard this one -- Roger Ebert, Albert Einstein, and Mary J. Blige walk into a grid ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 16:11


    This was an ab fab Tuesday crossword by Peter Gorman, with an admirably serpentine theme, as we explain in today's episode (and, as usual, you can see  by checking out the solution at xwordinfo.com). Beyond the theme, there were sone other unexpected answers - our favorite kind! Finally, icing on the cake, we have our fabled Triplet Tuesday™️ segment for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!Show note imagery: All aboard the Glacier Express, a definite must-see if you're in the ALPS.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 28, 2025 -

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 10:18


    Writing the clues for today's crossword must've been quite the chore, but Brian Callahan has done himself proud. It took a bit of cultural archeology to make sense of 64A, Coneheads, e.g., for short, ETS (a reference to SNL characters); it took no effort at all to meander down the wrong path while contemplating 1A, "Catfish" channel: MTV (oh, that sort of catfish); and we still cannot believe that after 82 years,  6A, Contract from a publisher, BOOKDEAL, still turned out to be a debut. However, xwordinfo.com claims it is, and so ... it is!Show note imagery: A delicious  CHALUPAWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 27, 2025 - CLOUTCHASING ... yup, it's a thing!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025 16:31


    This was an astonishingly good Sunday crossword by John Kugelman, thanks to a jaw-dropping display of anagrammatic magic. We've got all the deets inside, so be prepared, to be amazed!Show note imagery: THOMASEDISON, who in 1904 obtained a patent for an electric car, was only about 100 years or so ahead of his 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!

    Saturday, July 26, 2025 - To solve this crossword, you'll definitely need BRAINPOWER

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2025 13:39


    This was a relatively straightforward Saturday crossword, but the clues included 7 debuts (and 2 that have not been seen in donkey's years): that made for an intriguing grid, and we definitely enjoyed the solve. Of course, based on the Law of Conservation of Crossword Difficulty (which, as we recall, won Margaret Farrar a Nobel prize in Cruciverbalism in 1960), it means that tomorrow's crossword could be nigh well impossible. We'll find out then!Show note imagery: Brooke Ashby, a WVU Mountaineer mascot (during the COVID-19 pandemic)We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 25, 2025 - Ooh, you SLYBOOTS, you!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 21:09


    This was an excellent debut crossword by Fritz Juhnke: the clues and answers were fascinating, offering plenty of opportunities for AHAMOMENTs. There were several answers that neither cohost had ever even heard of (but have now!), always a good sign when working on an end-of-the-week crossword.Besides the crossword, we have a terrific Fun Fact Friday™️ segment for your edification, so have a listen, and, as always, let us know what you think!Show note imagery: A REGNANT, King Charles III, on the left, and a non-REGNANT, Queen Camilla, on the rightWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 24, 2025 - Name notwithstanding, OBELI is *not* an ancient Star Wars race

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025 19:53


    This was a delightfully crunchy crossword by Ginny Too - her third NYTimes crossword in about a year. There were a boatload of novel clues†, which made the solve just that much more satisfying. We have the deets inside, so have a listen, and please tell others about us on social media.Show note imagery: Behold, a MELISMA (multiple notes sung over one syllable)†like 14A, † symbols on manuscripts, OBELIWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 23, 2025 - Joseph Gangi, Wizard of the Wednesday Crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025 13:06


    Joseph Gangi has had 4 NYTimes crosswords published, all of them Wednesdays. He clearly has the difficulty level down pat, and his themes are always inventive: today's crossword being a case in point.Apart from the clues scrutinized in today's podcast, we'd like to draw your attention to 33A, "I don't mind ___ / Except as meals. / And the way they feels": Ogden Nash, EELS; 37D, Word aptly hidden in "turned yellow", DYE; and our favorite rapper, 61D, ______ Nas X, LIL.Show note imagery: The ISUZU river, with, alas, no ISUZU vehicles crossing the bridgeWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 22, 2025 - A scrumpdelicious Tuesday crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 16:38


    In honor of the heatwave that some of you may be experiencing, Jeremy Newton has crafted a cool crossword to cool you down. ☃️ You are cordially invited to chill out with us as we frolic through the grid (and, of course, another great edition of Triplet Tuesday™️).Show note imagery: CICERO, who presumably was at a very bad party when he uttered his famous phrase, "Silence is one of the great arts of conversation".We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 21, 2025 - Fear not, ENOLA Holmes is on the case!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 12:39


    Alright, here's a challenge: what word has appeared in the NYTimes crossword grid a whopping 926 times, counting today? We'll let you ponder that, and wait until the end of these show notes for the "big reveal".There were a lot of very fine clues in today's puzzle. We were fans of 4A, What an angry customer may leave, NOTIP. We also liked the zing of 60D, Something to pick up at a beach, TAN; and finally we enjoyed trying to figure out how much our local walk-in clinic would charge for 54D, Treat with bananas and ice cream, SPLIT -- delish!Show note imagery: ENOLA, on the BBC

    Sunday, July 20, 2025 - Famed mystery author ... Mary Westmacott???

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 8:59


    This was a fun crossword by Michael Schlossberg. The theme gave us an opportunity to -- at last! -- use the word "idiom" in a sentence without sounding like an idiot

    Saturday, July 19, 2025 - Another Erik Agard spectacular

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2025 19:54


    In the pantheon of great cruciverbalists, there clearly needs to be a pedestal with Erik Agard's name on it. Why? Just check out today's crossword (and podcast!), or any of Erik's 81 other crosswords that have appeared in the NYTimes. This one being a Saturday, it was tough -- and Mike found it almost streak-breakingly-so, whereas Jean, to whom people are apt to turn when Wikipedia doesn't deliver the goods, had a much easier time of it. Deets inside!Show note imagery: An AIREDALETERRIER (from the Anglo-Saxon for "awwwwwww, so 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!

    Friday, July 18, 2025 - This was a CORKER of a crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2025 17:11


    Kelly Morenus has crafted a superb Friday crossword, challenging but not overwhelming (although YMMV depending upon your life experiences, how many crosswords you have solved previously, and, at least a SKOSH of good luck). We've covered a hefty tranche of clues in today's episode, but we'd also like to give a shoutout to 4D, The Brickyard 400 or Southern 500, e.g., NASCARRACE; 32A, Between then and now, SINCE (good one!); and something that you should utter once you've solved a crossword this challenging, 31A, Verbal flourishes, TADAS.Show note imagery: a LUGER, in actionWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 17, 2025 - Sam Brody doesn't just knock it out of the ball park, he clears the parking lot, too

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025 18:05


    Thesauri will have to be cracked open to do justice to today's crossword, it was that extraordinary/astonishing/engrossing/ingenious/delightful. It was, of course, the theme that made it so, one that took both cohosts, working independently as always, no little time to suss out; but that just made the eventual "aha!" moment that much sweeter. Deets inside!Show note imagery: From left to right, Alpha Centauri A, Alpha Centauri B, and Proxima Centauri, a triple star system!We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 16, 2025 - BESTIR, BESTIR, there's a crossword to tackle!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 14:35


    This was a highly elegant Wednesday crossword, featuring that most elegant of drinks (and one of the most famous letters in the English alphabet

    Tuesday, July 15, 2025 - Daniel Britt's DeBut

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 12:40


    For those of you pondering the episode title, no, our quality control department has not dropped the ball, but rather made a wry (but not awry

    Monday, July 14, 2025 - Happy Bastille Day / Joyeux 14 juillet!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 12:04


    This was a Monday crossword, which means that a) it should not be particularly difficult for experienced solvers, and b) entertaining. We are pleased to report that it met both criteria, and we submit today's podcast as Exhibit A.Remember, the NYTimes crossword is a great way to keep expanding your lexicon and keeping those neurons in peak fighting form. To subscribe, just cruise over to nytimes.com/subscription/games, signing up is as easy as

    Sunday, July 13, 2025 - Brought to you by RINSO, winner of the "Best Name for a Laundry Soap" contest 5 years in a row

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 24:25


    Today's crossword had bells, whistles, and even an EHRU thrown into the mix. It was by Brandon Koppy, however, so at no time did the quality of the puzzle ever dip below 5 squares on the JAMCR scale. Quite a few of the clues got our attention, including 30D, Strung rungs, ROPELADDER (that clue is just sooo much fun to pronounce!); 100A, Chore-o-graph, TODOLIST (brilliant!!!); and 55D, The old you?, THEE (tee-hee

    Saturday, July 12, 2025 - Katie Hoody definitely has a clue (72, in fact!)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2025 13:31


    This was a terrific Saturday crossword, because the clues were just brilliant. Who could resist the allure of 58A, Member of a sub-Saharan matriarchal clan, HYENA; or the sly 61D, Wit's end?, NESS; or the witty 29D, Went from 0 to 60?, AGED. And the rest of the clues were of similar caliber, the quality control was that good. Kudos to Katie for this splendid, JAMCR scale-pegging puzzle!Show note imagery: Sidney Crosby (airborne), celebrating his GOLDENGOAL in the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, in VancouverWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 11, 2025 - Run for your life, it's an onion volcano, yum!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2025 18:22


    Kudos to James McCarron, on creating an excellent Friday crossword, a debut, no less. Among our favorite clues (not mentioned in the podcast) were 21D, Film star whose name consists of two presidents, HARRISONFORD (not to be confused with the slightly lesser-known star, ABRAHAMNIXON); 6D, Nash who wrote "The cow is of the bovine ilk; / One end is moo, the other, milk" (udderly brilliant

    Thursday, July 10, 2025 - Pick a card, any card ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 18:50


    This was an awesome Thursday crossword, courtesy of Emily Biegas and Sala Wanetick (with Will Shortz, as always, at the helm). The were oodles of cunning clues, some of which were quite educational. Par example (as the French like to say), we had: 10D, Like Stonehenge vis-à-vis the Parthenon, OLDER (

    Wednesday, July 9, 2025 - A true test of your peripheral vision

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 16:28


    Just when you think the NYTimes crossword could not possibly come up with one more theme -- they've all been done before -- they prove you wrong (which, happily, seems to happen every day they have a themed crossword!). Today's crossword definitely confirms that observation, as you will discover upon listening to today's episode.In addition, we have some awesome listener mail harkening way back to Monday's episode. Have a listen, and, as always, let us know what you think!Show note imagery:  Countries that have achieved a ONETRILLION dollar GDP ... but the question is, which TRILLION?We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 8, 2025 - No need to grade *this* crossword on a curve!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 9, 2025 14:34


    This was a SERENE crossword -- and we say that not  because of the presence of SERENE in the grid, but because of the, well, SERENE theme -- one that ought to bring a smile to your lips, or, if you're having a frowny sort of day, at least help you transit from ☹️ to

    Monday, July 7, 2025 - Blasts from the past!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 7:32


    Today's crossword, the 39th (!) by Daniel Raymon, was replete with musical performers of various vintages, from composer Aaron Copland to a band that had its origins in the last century, but is continuing to write and perform today, to wit ... nope, we need to maintain at least a modicum of of suspense here, so we will wrap it up here and let you get to today's episode, where the name of that band, and some other highly droll commentary, awaits!Show note imagery: Two Treatises of Government, by John LOCKE (and if you happen to have one of these in your attic, be aware that the copy shown here sold for $17,640 in 2023, so don't lose 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!

    Sunday, July 6, 2025 - There's no escaping it: this crossword was absolutely fabulous!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 18:01


    Once again the NYTimes crossword has set a new high bar, thanks to the dynamic duo of Zhou Zhang and Kevin Curry. This magnificent opus featured a puzzle within a puzzle, surrounded by a sea of crisp and amusing clues -- just a delight. If there was an Academy Award for best crossword in a major newspaper, this would definitely get the nom.Show note imagery: GIZA, home of the SphinxWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 5, 2025 - Tracy Bennett strikes again!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2025 13:46


    Tracy Bennet is the driving force behind both Wordle and Strands, and the appearance of this crossword therefore means that an impressively large percentage of today's NYTimes games are attributable to her. Jean found this crossword to be a bit on the crunchy side whereas Mike -- for some unfathomable reason that he attributes to a surfeit of neutrinos -- did not. Both agreed, however, that it was an excellent example of the genre.Fun Fact Friday™️ took the day off yesterday, and even though Fun Fact Saturday doesn't have quite the same alliterative power, it is in today's episode, so be sure and check that out.Show note imagery: YANN Tiersen, an adept and highly versatile French musician, known for his stunning film scores.Show note URL: Uncanny ValleyWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 4, 2025 -- Happy Fourth!!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 12:03


    Although there were not any literal fireworks in today's crossword, it was filled with innumerable flashes of brilliance and crackles of wit. Among our favorites not covered in today's episode were 48D, What comes before B?, ORAL

    Thursday, July 3, 2025 - Happy Fourth Eve!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 8:43


    Today's crossword was by Adam Wagner, which means that you know, without even looking at it, that it's going to be good. The good cruciverbalist does not disappoint, providing a crossword that must've been a real BEAR to construct, but was an IDEAL Thursday solve. We have all the deets inside, so please have a listen, and, as always, we value your feedback!Show note imagery: A photo at beautiful (obviously) TOPANGA State ParkWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, July 2, 2025 - IBIZA beckons!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 11:53


    Today's theme was great (as always), and there were oodles of appealing clues lurking in the grid today (see previous parenthetical remark

    Tuesday, July 1, 2025 - Was this a great crossword? NOCAP!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 16:06


    For those of you wondering about the episode title, it is explored and explained, along with a multitude of other topics riffing off of today's excellent puzzle, in our "Canada Day" special. In addition, Mike may (or may not) have gone down in flames in today's Triplet Tuesday™ segment; place your bets, and then have a listen to see if you (unlike, possibly, Mike) are a winner!Show note imagery: Some delicious ELOTE, a delicious Mexican street food, which often, understandably, causes partakers to EMOTE

    Monday, June 30, 2025 -- All hail the Mighty Mighty Bosstones!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 10:06


    This was a delightful Monday crossword, thanks to the hardworking team of Dena R. Verkuil and Andrea Carla Michaels (abetted, no doubt, by the mighty mighty Will Shortz). The theme was funny, and the clues were "Festival Food fresh", as we like to say in Northeast Wisconsin. Deets inside, so have a listen,  and, as always, invite the crossword-philes in your life to have a listen as well.Show note imagery: BYEFELICIAWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 29, 2025 - Wheels within wheels ...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 15:55


    Once again an NYTimes contributor -- today, that would be Mike Hobin -- has created a theme that will make you want to cheer, doff your hat, and applaud (although not simultaneously, for obvious reasons): it deserves that much praise. The rest of the clues were of course also of a very high caliber, resulting in the delightful puzzle that we take a magnifying glass to in today's episode.Show note imagery: The one, the only ... Daffy Duck, smiling because he was mentioned in today's crossword.Musical link: It Works, part of Back to the Future: The MusicalWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 28, 2025 - A deliciously devious Saturday crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 15:20


    This was Jesse Guzman's third NYTimes crossword, and with quality this good it's no surprise that the publication of his fourth NYTimes crossword is imminent. There was no theme, but the clues were uniformly brilliant and tricky, perfect for the "Hardest Crossword of the Week", aka, Saturday's. We approve, and bestow upon this puzzle the maximum number of squares -- that would be 5, for those of you not keeping track -- on the JAMCR scale.Show note imagery: Just a few of the many characters in the Mario universeWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 27, 2025 - Carolyn Davies Lynch ACES her OPUS

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 15:59


    Today's crossword marks Carolyn Davies Lynch's third NYTimes crossword, and she just keeps getting better and better. This had some great clues, including 9D, It's not observed in Hawaii, DST (

    Thursday, June 26, 2025 - Must you be leaving SASSON?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 17:21


    Simeon Seigel is definitely on a tear, this marks his fourth NYTimes crossword this year, and his second in under a month. Quality isn't suffering at all, though, as today's puzzle is chockfull of sparkling clues and topped off with a head-scratching theme. Show note imagery: Fancy a game of Centipede?We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 25, 2025 - Yet *another* SOCKDOLAGER of a crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 17:23


    This was a surprising crossword, in a number of ways that we will not enumerate here, but dive into in depth in today's episode. There were too many great clues to squeeze into the podcast, so we'll just mention the also-rans but also-great trio of 43D, Acquisition that may solve a mouse problem, PETCAT (meow!); 42A, Olympic blade, EPEE; and 44A, Olympic "blade", OAR (nice juxtaposition!!).Remember, the NYTimes crossword makes an excellent gift, either for yourself, a friend, or a loved one: just wander over to the NYTimes website, they will be glad to get you set up!Show note imagery: An UPROOTER, brought to you by the same company that brought you the Weed Wrench!We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 24, 2025 -

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 25, 2025 16:11


    This was an impressive debut crossword by Ingrid Steffensen. The theme definitely and deservedly takes center stage, and the rest of the clues were at exactly the right level of difficulty for a Tuesday. We approve!In other news, Jean's in the very hot hot seat for our Triplet Tuesday™️ segment, so have a listen, and, as always, let us know what you think!Show note imagery: The world's largest I LIKE IKE button, in Abilene, KSWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 23, 2025 - You! Will! Like! This! Crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 4:59


    For those of you pondering the title of today's episode, fear not: all, well, nearly all, will be revealed in today's podcast, covering Zhouqin Burnikel's 28th Monday crossword, among a very respectable 82 that she has had published in the NYTimes.Show note imagery: While this might seem like a high tech torpedo bay, it is in fact possibly a claustrophobic's worst nightmare, a good old fashioned MRIWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 22, 2025 - The only podcast crafted with the sockdolager in mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 14:01


    To paraphrase Yoda, the pun is strong in this one, a crossword by the mother and daughter team of Ruth B. Margolin and Hannah Margolin, the latter whose impending marriage inspired the aforementioned puns. So, congrats to the Margoli team for the publication and the nuptials!Show note imagery: A sockdolager, visualizedWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 21, 2025 - Christina Iverson & Doug Peterson pull out *all* the stops!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 17:43


    This was a quintessential NYTimes Saturday crossword - tough, fair, and fun. It was constructed by two veteran crossword constructors -- Christina Iverson and Doug Peterson -- who we have come to cherish for making crosswords ... just like this one! Deets inside.As is tradition on Saturday, we have identified our JAMCOTWA™️ -- Jean And Mike Crossword Of The Week Award -- winner. Check out today's episode for those deets as well, and then let us know if you agree, disagree, or are neutral on the subject.Show note imagery: The Germans, getting ready to win yet another Olympic bobsledding event.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 20, 2025 - Happy Solstice Day!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 21, 2025 15:17


    This was a pleasing Friday crossword - the grid looked daunting, and the clues were definitely on the hard side (Mike in particular wallowed in the bottom third of the grid), but it was overall a great end to the work week. We have deets inside, as well as a delectable Fun Fact Friday™️ segment, so check it out now! Show note imagery: The stunning ROYALOPERAHOUSE, in Covent Garden, London.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 19, 2025 - Happy Juneteenth!!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 19:12


    The NYTimes crosswords are always good, but this one stands alone, definitely worth a chef's kiss and even possibly a hug -- it was that exceptional. The theme was stupendous, and absolutely essential to solving the puzzle, for reasons that we delve into, in detail, in today's episode.Show note imagery: TAIO Cruz, author of (among other great works), Dynamite.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 18, 2025 - Eli Cotham cranks it up!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 13:37


    Although this was a Wednesday crossword, some seriously Friday-level clueing did manage to make its way into the grid.  Jean had to exert considerable mental effort, and Mike had to  consume almost an entire bowl of Lucky Charms™️, before -- working independently, as is their custom -- they were able to get to the happy music. This was an awesome Wednesday/Friday, and represents Eli Cotham's third NYTimes crossword. We await, with eagerness and a tinge of trepidation, crossword number 4.Show note imagery: A few JAWAs, probably getting ready to make a deal with some desperate moisture farmers.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 17, 2025 - The only thing messy about today's crossword was... MESSY

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 15:27


    This was Tarun Krishnamurthy's second NYTimes crossword. It was just as good as his first, and considering that he wrote it while still in high school, we can anticipate him constructing a long, long string of great puzzles. A few clues (not mentioned in the podcast) of note include 26D, Get tangled up, RAVEL (oh, so that's what happens when you don't UNRAVEL); 36D, A sixth of the way through the hour, TENPAST (uh, oh, math

    Monday, June 16, 2025 - A not-at-all LOOPY Monday crossword

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 13:32


    This was the second crossword and collaboration between Jill Rataloff and Michelle Sontarp. Both are lawyers, and while they might be, and it would be awesome if they were, partners in the firm Cross, Down and Diagonal, Attorneys at Law, that is only speculation on our part.The puzzle itself was great -- a gentle Monday with several surprising clues and answers that we hone in on in today's episode.Show note imagery: A KITTENHEELWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 14, 2025 - Medic!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 17:51


    This was yet another highly challenging NYTimes crossword, but, since it was a Saturday, we were not surprised in the least. [Truthfully, we thought that maybe Will would give us a break after yesterday's mental marathon, but nooooo...

    Friday, June 13, 2025 - Evan Mulvihill delivers the goods!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2025 14:49


    Friday crosswords are supposed to be a challenge, and we can only imagine Evan Mulvihill cracking his knuckles while saying "I got this". And what we got out of the deal was this excellent, challenging Friday puzzle. Definitely worth a full 5 squares on the JAMCR scale, for reasons that we make clear in today's podcast.Show note imagery: Yes, beast mode is a thing!We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 12, 2025 - Double, double, toil and trouble

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 12:04


    It took just one teensy-weensy act to shift this crossword from nigh-well impossible to fun and eminently doable. Unfortunately, that act was to figure out the theme. If you know, in your heart of hearts, that an answer is correct, yet won't fit, then one word should emblazon itself in your frontal lobe, and that word should be ... rebus! Deets inside, so have a listen, subscribe, and then tell others about us on social media.Show note imagery: NASA's pumpkin suit, aka the "Advanced Crew Escape Suit", used by Space Shuttle astronauts to protect them in case of a loss of ship pressure.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 11, 2025 - Quick, get your shades, this is one *brilliant* Wednesday crossword!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025 13:06


    If crosswords were paintings, today's would be hanging in the Louvre, it is that good. The theme is a winner, but the rest of the clues are magnificent. We're not just speculating here, though, we have proof -- all of which can be found in today's episode.Show note imagery: The mighty MISSISSIPPIWe love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 10, 2025 - Was this a fine crossword? To quote 10D, YESREALLY!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 15:07


    Today's grid had a few surprising entries. One that in particular caught our eye, because it has never caught our eye, was 30A, Altar constellation, ARA. It is located in the southern hemisphere, and, alas, never visible from Northeast Wisconsin (and when we've been in the southern hemisphere, we forgot to look). We also liked 44A, Flim-________, FLAM, mainly because of its origin story: it came from the Norse, flim, which at some point, for reasons unknown, became yoked to flam. Really, that's no flim-flam!Show note imagery:  To ARA is human, to forgive (including for bad puns like this one), divine

    Monday, June 9, 2025 - Expect the unexpected!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 13:40


    Even if you do expect the unexpected, we predict that you'll still laugh when you figure out today's crossword, as the theme is delightful. Note that if you do not figure it out, fear not, we have the 411 for today's puzzle right here, and, if we may be permitted the indulgence of mixing 14th and 21st century English, cordially beseech thee to have a listen.Show note imagery: Rupert of Hentzau (by Anthony Hope). The former was apparently quite adept with an EPEE, whereas the latter is better known for his penmanship.We love feedback! Send us a text...Contact Info:We love listener mail! 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, June 8, 2025 - An eerily attractive crossword grid

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 20:54


    This was John Kugelman's twelfth NYTimes crossword in about 2 years, and today's puzzle makes it clear why he keeps getting published. The theme was fantastic, and there were enough challenging clues everywhere else to transform this into one of the tougher Sunday's we've seen in a while. We have the deets inside, so please, subscribe / download / listen / enjoy!Show note imagery:SALERNO, gateway to the Amalfi coast (and fully reassembled after the big move from Spain to Italy

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