Bästa The New York Times podcaster (2024)

1
Friday, December 20, 2024 - ESSO, the NYTimes Crossword's favorite gas station 😀 9:21

1d ago9:21

9:21

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 4…

1
Thursday, December 19, 2024 - Brandon Koppy? We're definitely STANs 16:58

2d ago16:58

16:58

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, 13t…

1
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - If you're a YUTZ, don't try this crossword 17:17

3d ago17:17

17:17

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 Yid…

1
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - Our Triplet Tuesday Contest Spectacular!!! 20:01

15h ago20:01

20:01

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'…

1
Monday, December 16, 2024 - Ah, the pause that refreshes! 13:54

1d ago13:54

13:54

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 s…

1
Sunday, December 15, 2024 - Magic is in the grid! 27:13

3d ago27:13

27:13

This was an 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…

1
Saturday, December 14, 2024 - Welcome to BISMARCKND 23:42

4d ago23:42

23:42

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 ma…

1
Friday, December 13, 2024 - CAVA, champagne for the rest of us 😉 23:39

5d ago23:39

23:39

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…

1
Thursday, December 12, 2024 - Daniel Bodily's crossword hits the sweet spot 😀 19:56

6d ago19:56

19:56

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 i…

1
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - A brilliant midweek crossword 18:01

7d ago18:01

18:01

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 …

1
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - The answer might be UGLI, but the clue is beautiful 😀 19:05

8d ago19:05

19:05

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 a…

1
Monday, December 9, 2024 - NASA's just landed ... in the NYTimes Crossword! 🌛 13:20

9d ago13:20

13:20

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.…

1
Sunday, December 8, 2024 - John Kugelman is on a tear! 21:33

9d ago21:33

21:33

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 wa…

1
Friday, December 6, 2024 - It's a Robin Weintraub puzzle, so, chances of fun? 100% 17:55

11d ago17:55

17:55

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:…

1
Saturday, December 7, 2024 - In tomorrow's mailbag, we expect a bit of TUMULT about how to pronounce TUMULT 😀 20:00

11d ago20:00

20:00

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 cross…

1
Thursday, December 5, 2024 - A crossword with SPUNK! and, bonus: SPELUNK! 19:00

13d ago19:00

19:00

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 t…

1
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - A crossword to sing about 17:44

14d ago17:44

17:44

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 celebrati…

1
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - Don't tackle this crossword on an empty stomach! 22:24

15d ago22:24

22:24

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, regretta…

1
Monday, December 2, 2024 - Crosswords, definitely not a PASSINGFAD ❤️ 11:04

16d ago11:04

11:04

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: …

1
Sunday, December 1, 2024 - John Lieb has crafted one very chill crossword! 15:25

17d ago15:25

15:25

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: Al…

1
Saturday, November 30, 2024 - Today's grid included WHIT (38A) and wit (everywhere!) 20:22

18d ago20:22

20:22

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 …

1
Friday, November 29, 2024 - A tip of the hat to whoever coined the phrase HATTIP 😀 20:53

19d ago20:53

20:53

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.…

1
Thursday, November 28, 2024 - A crossword to be thankful for! 15:27

20d ago15:27

15:27

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 ima…

1
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 - A crossword clearly written by a BELESPRIT 16:33

21d ago16:33

16:33

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 conside…

1
Tuesday, November 26, 2024 - A crossword with a lot of vroom to grow 🙄 15:53

22d ago15:53

15:53

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…

1
Monday, November 25, 2024 - Looking for happiness? FOLLOWYOURBLISS ❤️ 11:22

23d ago11:22

11:22

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 …

1
Sunday, November 24, 2024 - This crossword is LEGENDARY! 16:55

24d ago16:55

16:55

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 Engla…

1
Saturday, November 23, 2024 - A ROBUST Saturday crossword 13:36

25d ago13:36

13:36

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 f…

1
Friday, November 22, 2024 - Is ADO Annie in the grid? We can't say no 🙄 18:26

26d ago18:26

18:26

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…

1
Thursday, November 21, 2024 - A Saturday crossword so tricky it's disguised itself as a Thursday 😱😀 17:02

27d ago17:02

17:02

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 …

1
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - This crossword is CRACRA good! 13:20

28d ago13:20

13:20

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 t…

1
Tuesday, November 19, 2024 - Look up there in the sky ... it's a bird, no, it's a plane, no, it's Supervocalic! 14:25

29d ago14:25

14:25

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, …

1
Monday, November 18, 2024 - A crossword to RAVE about 13:14

30d ago13:14

13:14

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 f…

1
Sunday, November 17, 2024 - A cool crossword based on hot air 😀 17:19

1M ago17:19

17:19

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…

1
Saturday, November 16, 2024 - All rise for the TAIOSEACH 20:29

1M ago20:29

20:29

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, ma…

1
Friday, November 15, 2024 - DONTTELLME, aka the crossword solver's motto 6:05

1M ago6:05

6:05

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 u…

1
Thursday, November 14, 2024 - An OBE in the grid? Arise, Sir Joel Fagliano, defender of great crosswords 17:26

1M ago17:26

17:26

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 not…

1
Wednesday, November 13, 2024 - Happy Ides of November! 16:50

1M ago16:50

16:50

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 yo…

1
Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - Three cheers for Father KNICKERBOCKER 😀 17:09

1M ago17:09

17:09

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 …

1
Monday, November 11, 2024 - Happy Veteran's Day! 14:49

1M ago14:49

14:49

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 se…

1
Sunday, November 10, 2024 - Red Alert! It's a Sam Ezersky puzzle, coming in hot! 🔥 21:21

1M ago21:21

21:21

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…

1
Saturday, November 9, 2024 - Trapped aboard the STRUGGLEBUS? Best transfer to the TROUBLEFREETAXI 🙄 14:29

1M ago14:29

14:29

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…

1
Friday, November 8, 2024 - With both CHEESECAKE and TRESLECHES in the grid, this is one SUHWEET crossword!! 17:43

1M ago17:43

17:43

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 su…

1
Thursday, November 7, 2024 - TULSA, the Capital of Route 66 12:36

1M ago12:36

12:36

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... Con…

1
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 - Look out, it's a flock of outraged ... MEADOWLARKS!?? 15:45

2M ago15:45

15:45

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, fortun…

1
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - Psst, want something non-political to listen to? We've got you covered! 19:01

2M ago19:01

19:01

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…

1
Monday, November 4, 2024 - At long last, BILLYIDOL is in an NYTimes crossword 🎉 11:42

2M ago11:42

11:42

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 …

1
Sunday, November 3, 2024 - A Sid Sivakumar spectacular! 21:39

2M ago21:39

21:39

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 …

1
Saturday, November 2, 2024 - Blake Slonecker dials it up to 11! 21:46

2M ago21:46

21:46

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'…

1
Friday, November 1, 2024 - Woo-hoo, it's November, prepare to freeze your nooooose off 😀 14:41

2M ago14:41

14:41

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, w…

Podcaster värda att lyssna på

The New York Times podcaster

Podcaster värda att lyssna på

Snabbguide