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-grandmothers-lost-play-is-breaking-new-ground-in-germany

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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

Rob has marked the passing of another year while Theo has been navigating some complicated travel arrangements. They discuss cognitive decline, Immanuel Kant, dark Dutch fairytales and other cheery topics, while tackling Guardian quick crossword no. 16,849.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16849

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https://twitter.com/twoacrosspod

Theo and Rob are back in London and Montreal respectively, juggling a variety of child-centred activities. Over Guardian quick crossword no.16,843 (including their best guess yet) they reflect on spring, music lessons and the dying moments of a Greek philosopher.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16843

Get in touch:

https://twitter.com/twoacrosspod

Theo and Rob record another in-person episode, while en route back from a trip to the Isle of Wight. Discussion points range from 90s astrologer Mystic Meg to a certain Tesla magnate turned Twitter ruiner. Can they also finally tip the crossword score in their favour?

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16835

Follow us:

https://twitter.com/TwoAcrossPod

Theo and Rob are together in London, so take the chance to record their first 'in-person' episode. Discussions encompass cold water swimming, Norwegian folk tales and religion. But more importantly, can they finally level up the scores by completing Guardian quick crossword #16,835?

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16835

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https://twitter.com/twoacrosspod

Theo and Rob face one of their toughest clues yet as they tackle Guardian quick crossword no.16,827. Can they bring the scores back to a respectable 8-7 deficit? They also discuss the recent death of OJ Simpson and the total eclipse of the sun, as witnessed by Rob in Montreal.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16827

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https://twitter.com/twoacrosspod

Theo has gone to Northumberland, while Rob is snowed in (at least according to his kids' school) in Montreal. Conversation topics range from printers to James Joyce's dirty mind, as they tackle Guardian quick crossword #16,821.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16821

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https://twitter.com/TwoAcrossPod

Theo is feeling worse for wear and Rob is contemplating the -10 degree spring weather. In such circumstances, can they possibly overcome Guardian quick crossword #16809? There's only one way to find out...

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16809

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http://www.twitter.com/twoacrosspod

Theo and Rob dive into the archives to take on Guardian quick crossword #16733. Talking points include Theo's recent acquisition of Austrian citizenship, the relative intelligence of two recent presidents, and the value of character-focussed films. Also, hat tip for Rob's incredible intro.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16733

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www.twitter.com/twoacrosspod

Rob is in Naples soaking up history and indulging his Elena Ferrante fandom, while Theo remains in his "south London cave". They discuss Bond, crossword research material and an unsung Oscars contender, while tackling Guardian quick crossword #16,798. Can they finally turn their fortunes around?

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16798

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https://twitter.com/twoacrosspod

The jet-setting Rob is in Italy, while Theo remains rooted in London. Between discussions encompassing subjects ranging from Dorset to facial hair, they tackle Guardian quick crossword #16,786.

Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16786

Follow us: https://twitter.com/twoacrosspod

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

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Between talk of impending doom and a memorable experience with a Nepalese barber, Theo and Rob tackle Guardian quick crossword #16,783 in an attempt to regain some ground.

Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16783

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https://www.twitter.com/twoacrosspod

Theo and Rob reflect on embarrassing zoom calls and Werner Herzog, either side of attempting to avoid the humiliation of failing 3 crosswords in a row (Guardian QC #16774).

Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16774

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https://twitter.com/TwoAcrossPod

It's another close one, as Theo and Rob, who is back in Nepal, battle some tough clues and their own ignorance over Guardian quick crossword #16,772.

An absolute nail-biter of an episode, as Theo and Rob battle to complete Guardian quick crossword 16,762 before the clock runs out. Featuring our trippiest Enthusiasts intro to date.

Theo and Rob tackle Guardian quick crossword 16,756 and attempt to restore some pride after last week's crushing defeat.

Theo and Rob finally catch up with the digital revolution and attempt Guardian Quick Crossword 16,750 online.

With Christmas on the horizon, Theo and Rob mull the pressures of presents, along with some head-scratching clues. Can they end the year on a winning note?

With Rob recording via a dubious internet connection in Kathmandu, the task of completing this week's crossword is as daunting as scaling Everest.

Rob and Theo get started with their project, completing a Collins quick crossword from their respective locations of Montreal and London. Can they get it done in 30 minutes?

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

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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 Bastin (bs), Don Alfonso; Orchestre philharmonique de Strasbourg, Alain Lombard, cond.Erato, recorded in the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, May 1977

Rob is on writer's retreat, while Theo is keeping up with local interest stories including the UK election and the Euros football tournament. Like England's faltering efforts in group C, can they at least get the crossword scores level?

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16887

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

A pleasingly alliterative episode, as Theo and Rob overcome their vastly different weather systems to complete Guardian quick crossword 16,880. They contemplate the UK election campaign along with other topics ranging from Prince Edward's panic room to Taylor Swift to Rob's forthcoming writer's retreat.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16880

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x.com/twoacrosspod

Rob has broken his arm, leading to an extremely trippy hospital experience. Meanwhile Theo has been watching the D-Day commemorations and has some thoughts. Other talking points range from Canadian writer Mordecai Richler to the Lambeth Country Show.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16875

Follow us:

https://x.com/twoacrosspod/

Theo and Rob are joined by their first special guest - author, critic and language expert Henry Hitchings. Talking points range from the history of crosswords to the career of Canada's own Leslie Neilsen, as they tackle Guardian quick crossword 16,862. Can Henry help them nudge into the lead?

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16862

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https://x.com/twoacrosspod

For their 20th episode, Rob is in Yerevan, Armenia, while Theo remains in London. They tackle Guardian quick crossword 16,854 and discuss the Eurovision song contest, sitcoms, and how to motivate children to study, among much else.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16854

Follow us:

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

Follow us:

https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

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:

https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

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

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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/

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

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod

Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

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/

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 featured on the cover of Aviary):

http://instagram.com/alexmdegan

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

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.com/album/6zFs57voxIwizZemOZwwiu

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17076

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

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

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Get in touch:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

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 setter.

Thanks for your company in 2024 – may your festive seasons be merry and we'll see you on the other side.

Our closing music comes from Spinning Jenny, with their fabulous cover of Sia's 'Santa's Coming for Us'. Watch it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR9JRMKf0aI

Follow them here:

https://www.instagram.com/spinningjenny4/?hl=en

Follow us here:

https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Play along with the crossword:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16422

Get in touch:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

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

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

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

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

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

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

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:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Listen to Enthusiasts:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6zFs57voxIwizZemOZwwiu

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:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSCJfl0H708

Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

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.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17113

Read Kent Parkstreet's poetry:

https://parkstreetpoetry.blogspot.com/

Theo's review of The Habits:

https://www.whatsonstage.com/news/the-habits-at-hampstead-theatre-review_1668725/

Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Please note we are no longer on the platform formerly known as Twitter!

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-related clues.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17106

Learn more about Mart's amazing work:

https://avelingartworks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/MartinAvelingArt/

https://www.instagram.com/avelingartworks/

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https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com

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:

https://x.com/twoacrossPod/

Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com