Two Across – A Transatlantic Crossword Pod

Rob and Theo are back in the same timezone, with Rob returning to his family abode in Herne Bay, Kent, a coastline that famously inspired Turner. On the other side of the crossword, they also consider the merits of chair designer Herman Miller's landmark Aeron, which Theo has recently become mildly obsessed with. There is also, inevitably, some world cup chatter, with England preparing to face...

The boys are back in (their respective) town(s), and get their teeth into a typically diverse range of topics from the naked commerciality of the World Cup to the importance of conquering shame in one's creative endeavours. On which note, listen out for some poetry at the end of the show. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17506 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen t...

Theo and Rob reunite in their new regular (UK) evening slot to discuss events both recent and more historic - like the time Theo slept through an entire day at university. And listen out for an unusually abrupt ending, as the technical gremlins decided they weren't enjoying an anecdote about Rafa Nadal. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17501 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gma...

Theo and Rob get unexpectedly fixated on the jawless fish who swam in the seas of the prehistoric world, prompted by Theo's mention of his recent trip to Devon. There's also some chat regarding the red arrows, Paul Simon's recent gig at the Royal Albert Hall, and the etymology of knapsacks. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17495 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.co...

Rob takes time out of a conference in Quebec City to check in with Theo, who has some news from London. They consider the pressing matters of the age, from the crisis in journalism to the latest UK failure in Eurovision and the fortunes of the Montreal Canadiens. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17484 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.sp...

With Prime Minister Keir Starmer facing revolt, the guys reflect on the now near-annual tradition of UK leadership change, how it compares to the situation in Canada, and the parallels with the recent fortunes of Chelsea FC. Other discussion topics include the etymology of 'hanky panky' and its near-neighbour 'sanky panky'. Can they also increase their lead in the crossword scores?...

Theo and Rob discuss their offspring's formative experiences as sports fans and Zeus's recent appearance at the Brockwell Bark dog show, and mark another circuit of the sun for Rob. They also attempt to end their poor run of crosswording form with a real nail-biter. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17472 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: http...

Theo and Rob discuss a topic that's central to their lives, parenting, with particular reference to a longheld British institution, the boarding school. They also tackle a crossword which boils down to an agonising finale. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17465 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3l...

The guys reunite for another crossword, in a bid to further their lead of 16-11. They also discuss topics including scout and guide founder Robert Baden-Powell, a famous episode of Star Trek, and Rob's recent run in with a credit card scammer. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17460 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist...

The guys reflect on a brief Easter hiatus, which brought their reliance on smarthphone-based entertainment into focus. They also discuss the latest story in the world of AI-generated madness, namely the president's reimagining of himself as the Messiah. There is also the comparatively sensible matter of a crossword to complete. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17453 Con...

Rob and Theo are joined by Rob's sister Jacky Blisson, a Master of Wine and a huge advocate for an industry that's currently facing myriad challenges. She tells them about her journey into wine and why she recently launched her YouTube channel The Wine Resistance (link below), as well as giving some fascinating insights into what the young Rob was really like... There's also, as ever, the small ma...

Theo and Rob discuss the much-publicised Louis Theroux documentary on the manosphere, alongside topics ranging from the state of touring theatre to the romantic poets. They also get their teeth into the latest Guardian quick crossword, which turns out to be another head-scratcher. And listen out to some hot off the press guest news! Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17436 Co...

Theo and Rob contemplate something that has been a big part of their lives: the school run, and how despite sometimes feeling like a grind, it shouldn't be wished away. They also celebrate the fact they've both reached an important moment with their respective creative projects. And, of course, tackle a crossword. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17429 Contact us: twoacross...

As Rob braces for an incoming ice storm, he and Theo get on their soapboxes to pontificate on the mission creep of American cultural influence. They also tackle a crossword that is festooned in question marked clues, which is never a good sign. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17424 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Rob takes a break from his family holiday in Bordeaux - and ominous world events - to join Theo in tackling a crossword which turns out to have an interesting surprise in store. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17420 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2

After a brief hiatus Theo and Rob reunite to catch up over another crossword, and discuss a characteristically wide array of topics ranging from the challenges of reading Wuthering Heights on holiday to a viral avant garde Canadian band. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17412 Watch Angine de Poitrine on KEXP: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ssi-9wS1so Contact us: twoacross...

Theo and Rob are back on their respective sides of the Atlantic and get their teeth into some meaty - and admittedly somewhat depressing - conversation topics, either side of a pleasingly distracting crossword. They also hail Bad Bunny's continent-salving appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show, and the Canadian women's hockey team. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17399...

Together again, this time in London, Theo and Rob discuss their creative projects, which they've been working on using the popular 'pomodoro', or tomato timer method. They also tackle another crossword while keeping one eye on the Australian Open tennis, and (finally) go through their list of 'pod fod'. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17390 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.c...

Reunited in Herne Bay, England, and having already caught up on personal matters, Theo and Rob tackle some of the pressing issues of the day, from the Canadian PM's speech at the Davos summit to the intrafamilial war that has broken out among the Beckhams. They also attempt to tackle a crossword at speed so they can collect their takeaway in time. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords...

A day after Theo finishes being 42 (ie, his 43rd birthday), he and Rob - with a little help from Douglas Adams - muse over the biggest question of them all. So, listen on to discover the true meaning of life and - more importantly - whether or not they can conquer the latest crossword. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17381 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Theo and Rob reunite from opposite sides of the pond to discuss topics including the propensity of humans to ignore broken things, the etymology of cobwebs and the comedy of Sacha Baron Cohen. They also tackle a crossword with a particularly nasty surprise up its sleeve... Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17375 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https...

Rob and Theo check in following 'festivus', discussing how they spent the season and looking ahead to some plans for 2026, not least finally finding an answer to the meaning of life (watch this space on that one). They also return to their usual Guardian quick crossword stomping ground in a bid to kick off the year with a win. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17369 Contact...

Welcome to the third annual Christmas special. Theo and Rob have a special treat lined up for listeners, namely a dedicated festive crossword which, with 50 clues, will test their timekeeping to the limit. They also discuss a much-loved film, reminisce over Christmases past, and Rob discusses a not-so-happy memory from his time as a backpacker (see link below). Wherever you are in the world, we wi...

Theo is on his travels and, despite a croaky voice and dodgy microphone, manages to tackle a crossword mid-wedding celebrations in Colombo. Rob meanwhile has returned to Montreal, where the temperatures are far from equatorial. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17350 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3...

Rob has returned to the Himalayan foothills for work purposes (international development or spying, you decide...), while Theo is contemplating a long haul trip of his own. They also ponder the passing of Tom Stoppard, Spotify's AI-authored spoilers and their combined career malaise. But, more importantly, will the jetsetting duo manage to crack the crossword? Play along: https://www.theguardi...