Two Across – A Transatlantic Crossword Pod

Rob is still in Nepal, specifically Kathmandu, while Theo has been enjoying a rare trophy for his beloved football team Newcastle United. They also reflect on the merits of fame, 90s chart toppers House of Pain, and the singular time zone in China. Can they keep up the momentum after last week's victory? Play along: http://theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17117 Guy Lafleur's disco foray: h...

Rob is in Nepal for work, while back home Canada has got itself a new, global-facing Prime Minister at an opportune moment. Theo meanwhile, inspired by the last episode, has been studying the differences between male and female giraffes, and the etymology of ship's toilets. They've also been heartened by some encouraging fan mail; will it inspire them back to winning ways? Play along: https://www....

Theo and Rob are joined by award-winning wildlife artist Martin Aveling to discuss his pioneering work in artivism, collaborations with his young daughter, and why he will never lose faith in the cause of conservation. Check out links to his website and social channels below. They also, of course, tackle a (particularly fiendish) Guardian quick crossword, which does at least contain a few animal-r...

Rob has been on meditation retreat, while Theo has had a very different experience travelling to France by Eurostar in the company of a hen party. They also discuss Montreal's recent deluge of snow, the history of chocolate, and share exciting news of an upcoming guest. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17100 Rob's meditation retreat: https://www.dharma.org Follow us...

The guys discuss Quebec's distinctive approach to surnames, the etymology of mnemonics, and the impenetrability of American football, as they tackle another taxing crossword (which, unlike the Super Bowl, comes down to nail-biting finale). Can they overcome their Kansas City Chiefs-esque deficit in the overall scores? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17087 Follow us: ht...

Rob reports on the Canadian reaction to Trump's tariffs tantrum, while Theo gives his verdict on Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. There are also some honourable mentions for Columbo, Police Academy and Chesney Hawkes, as they endeavour to conquer Guardian quick crossword no.17,082. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17082 Enjoy Alex Clinton Egan's artwork (as feat...

Theo and Rob discuss topics including the background of the podcast theme tune, the world's largest haggis, dinosaurs, and the identity crisis of Canada. They also tackle this week's crossword with a renewed determination not to fall further back in the scores. Listen out for the full version of the theme, Emissary II, from Enthusiasts album Aviary. Listen to Aviary: https://open.spotify.c...

Rob has travelled back to Montreal, and Theo has marked a 40-something birthday in London, a day that coincided with an inauspicious inauguration. They also discuss whether humans are the worst species, raise a glass to Theo's grandma Eva Ibbotson on her 100th anniversary, and tackle a particularly challenging crossword. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17070 Follow us: htt...

Theo has begun the year dog-sitting, while Rob has had a slightly more intrepid time visiting Andalusia with his family. They also reflect on recent events including Trump's threats to Canadian sovereignty and the resignation of Justin Trudeau. Can they also overcome a cleverly constructed juxtapositional crossword?

Drinks in hand, santa hats on heads, Theo and Rob attempt to spread some festive cheer. Rob shares his Christmas single, Theo reflects on a recent carol-based embarrassment, and they make some new year's resolutions (which, characteristically, range from the trivial to the profound). They also attempt to round out the year with a win, in a nail-biting tussle with the Guardian quick crossword sette...

Rob shares an innovative way to overcome a pre-Christmas turkey shortage, while Theo has watched all 2h40mins of the Wicked movie (part one). Other topics of discussion this week include screen addiction, choose-your-own-adventure novels, and the Apple v Android debate. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17034 Follow us: https://x.com/twoacrossPod/ Contact us: twoacrosspod@gm...

Theo and Rob break their promise to avoid politics by reflecting on the UK's recent debate on assisted dying. But they do manage some lighter musings on subjects including Rob's backyard sauna club. Trickier clues this week include Caveat (13) - can they crack it in time? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17028 Follow us: https://x.com/twoacrossPod/ Contact us: twoacrosspod@...

Rob and Theo ruminate on the ups and downs of freelance life, Trudeau's new tax bribe and the growing wealth gap, either side of Guardian quick crossword 17,022. Can they consolidate their lead? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17022 Follow us: https://x.com/twoacrossPod/ Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Theo and Rob oscillate as ever between the bigger and smaller subjects. Examples of the former this week range from the guilt of the left to the current farmers' protests in the UK, while the latter include the merits of tridents and the correct pronunciation of aluminium. All while tackling Guardian quick crossword 17,009. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17009 Follow us:...

Theo and Rob contemplate leaving the platform formally known as Twitter, the merits of leaf blowers, and the cultural implications of Jamie Oliver's botched entry into children's publishing. They also tackle Guardian quick crossword 17,011. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17011 Follow us (while we're still there!): https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Theo and Rob come to terms with another sanity-bending election result from the US of A in the only way they know how: by doing a crossword. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17006 Listen to Rob's song: https://open.spotify.com/track/6t4xPYt4byvFknmpciCjjn?si=O2HPlOnRS7KMs7ULGCE3wA&context=spotify%3Aartist%3A6MKBguyT8gomAofVmDFWY0 Song video: https://youtu.be/6SJMvSkZUx0...

As another evening of trick or treating rolls around, Theo and Rob discuss the challenges of navigating a young family through the sugar-strewn gauntlet. They also tackle Guardian quick crossword 16,996, which has some appropriately fiendish clues. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16996 Follow us: https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Theo and Rob ruminate over subjects ranging from the Salvation Army and changing of the seasons, to Theo's (in)famous newsreader namesake. They also tackle Guardian quick crossword 16,992 and bid to get ahead in the scores. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16992 Rob's sister Jacky Blisson's wine-centred YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/JackyBlisson Follow us: http...

Rob has uncovered an incredible song from the pop archives (involving a double entendre for cats), while Theo climbs onto his soapbox on the subject of secondary schools. They also attempt some impressions and tackle Guardian quick crossword 16,987 - which has a nasty sting in the tail... Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16987 Follow us: https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Theo and Rob discuss entertainment personalities including Lou Costello, Axl Rose and the Gallagher brothers, either side of tackling Guardian quick crossword 16,980. Can they move to one up for the series? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16980 Follow us: https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Rob reports back on a few key themes from the last episode, including the history of lederhosen. Meanwhile Theo reports back on his trip to Germany to watch the premiere of a play by his great-grandmother. They also tackle Guardian quick crossword #16,975. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16975 Theo's article for The Stage: https://www.thestage.co.uk/opinion/how-my-great-gr...

Kicking off season two, Theo reflects on his recent brush with television stardom, and Rob on his recent brush with food poisoning. Meanwhile, they both grapple with Guardian quick crossword 16,964. As ever we'd love to hear your thoughts, so do get in touch via twoacrosspod@gmail.com, or on X @twoacrosspod. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16964

In the final episode of series one, Theo and Rob attempt to make sense of some of the big stories from recent weeks, including the dizzying events in Canada's noisy neighbour. They also tackle Guardian quick crossword #16,920. Can they end on a high? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16920 Follow us: https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Theo and Rob discuss a whirlwind week of events in the UK, but manage to maintain some transatlantic balance by contemplating the correct pronunciation of the largest city in Canada. Can they also extend their lead? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16903 Follow us: https://x.com/twoacrosspod

Theo and Rob weigh the merits of champagne at bath time, ask when live music became more karaoke than concert, and share a little music for the UK Tories as they sail off into the sunset. Oh, and there's a crossword too. Can they get back to a winning record for Episode 25? Così fan tutte: Act I, Trio, "Soave sia il vento", Kiri Te Kanawa (s), Fiordiligi; Frederica von Stade (ms), Dorabella; Jules...