This week, Ryan is on vacation, so Ben Zimmer saves the day and joins Brian with renewed excitement over the National Spelling Bee, the National Puzzlers' League, and the National League East-leading Mets. Also: follow-up news on the 2025 Tonys Anti-Match Quiz, as well as several upcoming puzzle get-togethers (Westwords, SPAMcon, Boswords, and Lollapuzzoola)!

If you get bored (how could you?!), write something for the Fill Me In wiki. And if you're feeling philanthropic, donate to our Patreon.

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