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

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 c...

5 Jan 15min

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 fee...

4 Jan 18min

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 ...

3 Jan 16min

We're welcoming in 2025 in grand style, with a Wednesday crossword by Seth Bisen-Hersh (his 3rd) and Jeff Chen (his 158th!). The theme ties in nicely with an ongoing holiday, and if your reaction to that phrase was "what holiday?", then check out today's episode, where all will be revealed. Looking for an achievable new year's resolution? Why not resolve to do more NYTimes Crosswords? Subscribing is easy, and the deets are right here. Show note imagery: a lovely WORKBAG from Dagne Dover We ...

2 Jan 16min

We're wrapping up 2024 and putting a bow on it, the actual present being today's crossword, a fine bit of work by Michael Lieberman, his 25th for the NYTimes, as deftly edited by -- it gives us such joy to write this -- Will Shortz (see yesterday's episode for the deets on why). Beyond the crossword, we have a magnificent Triplet Tuesday segment, and some awesome listener mail, so check that all out, and, as usual, let us know what you think. Show note imagery: Mauna KEA, not to be confused...

1 Jan 19min

Today's crossword is a cause for celebration. First, it was a great crossword (no surprise there -- check out the podcast for the deets), and second, it was edited by Will Shortz, the long time editor of the NYTimes crossword who had a stroke earlier this year. But demonstrating his indomitable spirit, Will has returned to the editor's chair, for which we are grateful. [Not that Joel Fagliano wasn't doing a fabulous job -- he was -- but it's just good to see Will's name back up on the marquee...

31 Des 202411min

Today's crossword is the last Sunday of the year, and the finale is a fine one, thanks to Harry Zheng, author of today's puzzle -- edited ably and adeptly, as always, by Joel Fagliano. Deets inside, so have a listen, and don't forget to tell your friends about us on social media! Show note imagery: An Anteater, Armadillo and ANTELOPE, oh, my! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, crosswordpodcast@icloud.com. Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel...

30 Des 202416min

We've been off almost a week, so in honor of our reboot we're starting the podcast with some musical fanfare to declare our return. And, for your edification, we are returning with an analysis of a fine NYTimes Saturday crossword -- a debut by Sam Berriman with an astonishing 10 debut answers. We also have some great listener mail, so have a listen, and, as always, let us (and others!) know what you think. Show note imagery: The Three Gorges Dam, in China, generating HYDROPOWER We ...

29 Des 202417min