Two Across – A Transatlantic Crossword Pod

Theo and Rob muse the theme of 'enshittification' and whether our culture is doomed to become an AI-infested swamp forever more (a theme that regular listeners will know they are fond of), and what we can do about it. They also tackle an especially fiendish crossword. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17334 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: ht...

Rob and Theo get into some juicy insurance-based chat in the wake of the latter's latest technical problem. They also discuss topics ranging in scope from tinnitus to Hitler's allegedly small appendage. But, most importantly, can they also further their crosswording lead for the series? There's only one way to find out. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17328 Con...

Rob introduces Theo (and Zeus) to his new furry companion, a shih-poo named Snoopy. Which prompts them to ponder whether the podcast should henceforth be called Shih-Tzu across... They also have a crossword to tackle, of course, which is another one of those with a twist in the tail. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17321 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusi...

Rob and Theo discuss the loss of the Blue Jays to the LA Dodgers in baseball, and what it tells us about the nature of failure. They also contemplate themes ranging from ice cream to careers, whilst trying to continue their crossword winning streak. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17317 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/arti...

With Rob back on terra canadia, the guys catch up on their respective weeks, which have encompassed sailing, sumo wrestling, and trying to work out how to have a 'growth mindset'. They also tackle a crossword in a bid to extend their frankly embarrassingly handsome lead. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17303 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Some highlights of sum...

In his latest roving report, Rob is in Guadelope enjoying some time on his father-in-law's boat*. Will this week's crossword prove plain sailing, or leave them all at sea? *with apologies for occasional wind noise Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17297 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Theo and Rob discuss the implications of AI generated performer Tilly Norwood, and what she could herald for the future of human-generated creativity (among many other topics). They also tackle a crossword, which has a particularly sharp twist at the end... Incidentally, we are trying out a new headline format, so do not adjust your set. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/172...

Theo and Rob reunite in the wake of their recent successes to try and keep their winning streak going. They also discuss myriad topics ranging from a renowned Canadian cinema/cat museum (see links below) to the Ryder Cup, apple varieties and celebrities congratulating themselves for putting their family life first. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17285 Contact us: twoacros...

Theo is feeling the chill of autumn while Rob is turning his focus to the hockey season. They also speculate on the true story behind the creation of the sandwich, and returning again to 'shame corner', Theo shares a tale of sporting embarrassment. But can they at least salvage some dignity by triumphing over the crossword setter? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17...

Theo and Rob reflect on the varying anxieties, stresses and occasional joys of the freelance life, alongside other topics including transatlantic differences in the nomenclature of heating applicances, and the 1990s wrestler Giant Haystacks. They also attempt to make up for their disappointing season opening crossword defeat last time out. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/1...

The boys are back for season three – and they’re kicking things off with a big announcement. Also, a bit of chat about dog breeds, some wild speculation on the life of the Bunsen burner’s inventor, and a debate on the virtues of slow sports. And, of course, there’s the small matter of a crossword to complete. Can they start the season with a win? There's only one way to find out. Play along: https...

In what could be the final episode of season two, Rob and Theo discuss the stresses of summer holidays, the existential angst of a prominent golfer, and which Churchill quote is perfect for the last day of term. Can they prevail over this week's crossword to bring the season to a close? There's only one way to find out... Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17221 Conta...

Theo reports on his wine-tasting sojourn to France, while Rob has been on a work trip to Saudi Arabia. But more importantly, with the scores tied at 17-17, they tackle a crucial crossword that could result in them regaining the lead as series 2 nears its climax. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17214 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spo...

Having finally regained the lead, at 17-16, Theo and Rob nobly endeavour to extend their streak. But will there be a twist in the crosswording tale? Meanwhile they discuss topics ranging from their upcoming hot weather expeditions to skulls, strange global delicacies, and the fascinating art of sumo wrestling. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17203 Contact us: twoacrosspod@...

Theo and Rob discuss heatwaves, Live Aid and linguistic gaps (for which, as so often, the Germans have the best word) as they knuckle down to try and gain the lead for the first time in a long time. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17197 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Theo's review of Just for One Day: https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/just-for-one-day-review-...

Rob reflects on his annual street party, and the complications caused by a picnic table, while Theo reports back on seeing the landmark 'Abbatar' show Abba Voyage. They also tackle another knotty crossword in a bid to level the scores for the series at 16-16. It's nail-biting stuff! Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17190 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Theo has been enjoying a slice of 'la dolce vita' in Italy, while Rob has been manning the home front in Montreal. As they grapple with another crossword, discussion topics include golden ages, the propensity of Theo to over-indulge himself in new locations, and a splendid pin from Rob on the etymology of Waffle. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17184 Contact us: tw...

While shih-tzu Zeus heads for his bi-monthly clip, Theo and Rob tackle a key crossword in their bid to retain some hope of winning series two. It throws up some intriguing clues, including one on the inspiration for Rastafari, Haile Selassie. Other topics of note range from the weather (of course) to the controversial Brockwell Park festivals and what we can glean from the mating habits of seabird...

Theo and Rob, back once again on opposite sides of the Atlantic, reflect on the parallels between parenting and trench warfare, the struggles of the UK water infrastructure, and a stage adaptation of David Mamet's 1987 film House of Games. There's also a crossword to complete, which throws up some curveballs and a nail-biting finale. The guys would also love to hear your views on the pod, so do ge...

Rob and Theo talk IRL in London, contemplating recent events including the Trump/Carney meeting at the White House, Star Wars day and their return to a much-loved location to mark Rob's birthday. They also tackle a fiendishly tricksy quick crossword; will it break their winning streak? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17161 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Rob reports on the immediate aftermath of the Canadian election, which has taken on an unusual level of global significance. Meantime Theo is still worrying about his tadpoles, and reflecting on the comforting familiarity of snooker. Can they also gain further ground in their attempt to level the crossword scores? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17154 Contact us: twoacross...

In London, Theo has been the victim of a fraudster, while in Montreal, Rob is reflecting on the fortunes of his local hockey heroes. And in classic Two Across style, they also dip into topics ranging in scale from tadpole keeping to the death of the Pope. Can they also make further progress on their crossword scorecard after last week's triumph? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswor...

Theo reports back on his journey to Northumberland for Easter by electric car. Rob meanwhile is in Montreal contemplating fast-moving political events, and has had a harrowing encounter with a turkey. There's also a crossword to complete, which throws up contemplations ranging from motorbikes to the Sultan of Brunei's standing in the wealth charts. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/c...

Like Dylan, Theo has gone electric (at least on the car front). Meanwhile Rob is dealing with his ongoing renovation work as well as a heavy cold. Other topics covered this week include April Fool's Day, and further ruminations on the Netflix series Adolescence. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17130 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Theo and Rob mark their 50th episode, while also reflecting on a(nother) big week for Canadian politics, the merits of Airfix, and a zeitgeist-defining new series on Netflix. They also tackle Guardian quick crossword 17,124, in a bid to continue their winning streak. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17124 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com