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!

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!

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!

Rena Cohen has concocted a fine Monday crossword for your enjoyment, one that checks all the boxes:

1. Cute theme? (check!)
2. Not too hard (check, check!)
3. 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!