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Two Across – A Transatlantic Crossword Pod episodes
- Rob's back in Nepal, and Theo's preparing for his own adventures
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.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17341
Contact us:
Listen to Enthusiasts:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
56 min - How can we shield ourselves from enshittification?
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:
Listen to Enthusiasts:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
The Guardian podcast referenced:
https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/nov/24/enshittification-how-we-got-the-internet-no-one-asked-for-podcast
53 min - Should we insure our pets, lives and laptops?
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
Contact us:
Listen to Enthusiasts:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
1 hr 2 min - Rob has a dog! But is it any good at crosswords?
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:
Listen to Enthusiasts:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
1 hr 1 min - Can failure be glorious? Philosophising a crushing defeat
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:
Listen to Enthusiasts:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
1 hr 1 min - What can we learn from sailing, sumo wrestling and cicadas?
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:
Some highlights of sumo at the Royal Albert Hall:
https://www.royalalberthall.com/about-the-hall/news/the-grand-sumo-tournament-in-pictures
Enjoy the spectacle of periodical cicadas (narrated by Sir David Attenborough):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWr8fzUz-Yw
55 min - Rob's on a boat, while Theo's still landlocked
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:
34 min - Does Tilly Norwood mean we should all become carpenters?
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/17292
Contact us:
Enthusiasts:
https://tinyurl.com/Thusiast
1 hr 1 min - Cinema, Apple, Priorities
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:
The Highlands Cinema/documentary:
https://www.highlandscinemas.com/gallery/
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oSJuWVYmT8o
Theo's wine-tasting cinema:
https://www.aucklandnz.com/explore/matakana-cinemas
1 hr 2 min - Thermostat, Sandwich, Racket
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/17280
Get in touch:
1 hr
About Two Across – A Transatlantic Crossword Pod
From the publisher's feed
Two friends catch up over a crossword from opposite sides of the Atlantic (or sometimes further afield). Hosted by Theo Bosanquet in London and Rob Cole in Montreal.