Two Across – A Transatlantic Crossword Pod

Theo Bosanquet and Rob Cole

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.

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20 episodes
weekly
Avg 58 min
English

Episodes 20

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S4 · E4
Monday · 1 hr 2 min
Don't Pick Up that Hose!
In this week’s episode, Theo returns to join Rob, broadcasting from Istanbul. They discuss Shaggy’s unlikely west-end role as a Geordie ferryman, the pewter age of parenting, the delicious fear of the bogeyman , ethical snobbery, the merits of picking up a hose when your house is burning, and the neuroticism of beagles, all while tackling Guardian Quick Crossword No. 17,611. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17611 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com
S4 · E3
October 12 · 58 min
Of Anteaters and Horsebacks
In this week’s episode, James Hamilton joins Rob for a good transatlantic ramble. They discuss the murky origins of Thanksgiving, the whys and wherefores of editing your own WIkipedia page, Quebec separatism, the tragic dignity of Wile E. Coyote, the economics of piracy, inappropriate early internet memes, and why North Americans insist on saying “horseback riding,” all while tackling Guardian Quick Crossword No. 17,602. Check out James & Rob's bank Lost FM: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tXATafa9unPXPxn9jyEPl?si=T_kZPQP1R46rJQnLXmGaew Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17602 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com
S4 · E1
October 5 · 1 hr 2 min
Should We Domesticate Raccoons?
In this week's episode, Rusi Kapadia joins Rob to discuss pet training, the value of domesticating intelligent animals who could appreciate out awesomeness, England in the 80s, horseback riding, and the sad demise of the Canadarm, all while tackling guardian quick crossword No 17,598. Check out Rusi's Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/user-568451013 Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17598 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com
S3 · E1
September 26 · 1 hr
The big return - and plans for series 4
Theo and Rob are back on their respective sides of the Atlantic to discuss their action-packed summers and how they plan carry on the pod now around work commitments. Listen out for a dramatic update regarding Rob's new dog Snoopy, and some (more) thoughts about the likelihood of AI destroying the world.
S3 · E37
July 27 · 1 hr 3 min
The very special live 100th episode (inc. video)
Theo and Rob get together for a season finale, centenary episode like no other, recorded live over Zoom with around 20 friends of the show to help them along the way. Will they manage to keep their crosswording cool in front of a group of loyal listeners (including their mums), who have the ability to heckle in the chat? There's only one way to find out. With special thanks to Zoom producer Erm Lombardi for producing this episode, who you get in touch with here: ermlombardi.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ermlombardi/ Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17529 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2 Thank you for joining us for season three, that's a rap!
S3 · E36
July 5 · 57 min
Reflections on great artists, from JMW Turner to Herman Miller
Rob and Theo are back in the same timezone, with Rob returning to his family abode in Herne Bay, Kent, a coastline that famously inspired Turner. On the other side of the crossword, they also consider the merits of chair designer Herman Miller's landmark Aeron, which Theo has recently become mildly obsessed with. There is also, inevitably, some world cup chatter, with England preparing to face Mexico in the Azteca. And seeing as this is the penultimate episode of season 3, be prepared for plentiful plugs of the finale/100th LIVE EPISODE next Sunday (12th July) at 3pm. Zoom link: ZOOM LINK Add to your calendar: CALENDAR LINK Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17520 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E35
June 19 · 1 hr 2 min
The dark truth about water breaks, and some original poems
The boys are back in (their respective) town(s), and get their teeth into a typically diverse range of topics from the naked commerciality of the World Cup to the importance of conquering shame in one's creative endeavours. On which note, listen out for some poetry at the end of the show. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17506 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E34
June 11 · 57 min
On night owls, school musicals and the maga World Cup
Theo and Rob reunite in their new regular (UK) evening slot to discuss events both recent and more historic - like the time Theo slept through an entire day at university. And listen out for an unusually abrupt ending, as the technical gremlins decided they weren't enjoying an anecdote about Rafa Nadal. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17501 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E33
June 5 · 56 min
In the end, it all leads back to jawless fish
Theo and Rob get unexpectedly fixated on the jawless fish who swam in the seas of the prehistoric world, prompted by Theo's mention of his recent trip to Devon. There's also some chat regarding the red arrows, Paul Simon's recent gig at the Royal Albert Hall, and the etymology of knapsacks. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17495 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E32
May 22 · 50 min
On conferences, journalism, and Eurovision
Rob takes time out of a conference in Quebec City to check in with Theo, who has some news from London. They consider the pressing matters of the age, from the crisis in journalism to the latest UK failure in Eurovision and the fortunes of the Montreal Canadiens. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17484 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E31
May 14 · 58 min
Prime Minister Ousting Day has come around again
With Prime Minister Keir Starmer facing revolt, the guys reflect on the now near-annual tradition of UK leadership change, how it compares to the situation in Canada, and the parallels with the recent fortunes of Chelsea FC. Other discussion topics include the etymology of 'hanky panky' and its near-neighbour 'sanky panky'. Can they also increase their lead in the crossword scores? Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17477 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E30
May 8 · 59 min
Sporting gateways, a dog show success, and Rob's birthday
Theo and Rob discuss their offspring's formative experiences as sports fans and Zeus's recent appearance at the Brockwell Bark dog show, and mark another circuit of the sun for Rob. They also attempt to end their poor run of crosswording form with a real nail-biter. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17472 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E29
April 30 · 54 min
Boarding schools, birdsong and bathos
Theo and Rob discuss a topic that's central to their lives, parenting, with particular reference to a longheld British institution, the boarding school. They also tackle a crossword which boils down to an agonising finale. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17465 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E28
April 25 · 56 min
The history of the Guides, and the misery of scams
The guys reunite for another crossword, in a bid to further their lead of 16-11. They also discuss topics including scout and guide founder Robert Baden-Powell, a famous episode of Star Trek, and Rob's recent run in with a credit card scammer. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17460 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E27
April 17 · 57 min
Holidays, screen addiction and Jesus-Trump
The guys reflect on a brief Easter hiatus, which brought their reliance on smarthphone-based entertainment into focus. They also discuss the latest story in the world of AI-generated madness, namely the president's reimagining of himself as the Messiah. There is also the comparatively sensible matter of a crossword to complete. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17453 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com
S3 · E26
April 3 · 1 hr 1 min
The wonder of wine, and why it's facing crisis (feat. Jacky Blisson)
Rob and Theo are joined by Rob's sister Jacky Blisson, a Master of Wine and a huge advocate for an industry that's currently facing myriad challenges. She tells them about her journey into wine and why she recently launched her YouTube channel The Wine Resistance (link below), as well as giving some fascinating insights into what the young Rob was really like... There's also, as ever, the small matter of a crossword to complete. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17442 Jacky's website: https://jackyblisson.com/ Watch The Wine Resistance: https://www.youtube.com/@thewineresistance
S3 · E25
March 27 · 58 min
Can crosswords save us from the manosphere?
Theo and Rob discuss the much-publicised Louis Theroux documentary on the manosphere, alongside topics ranging from the state of touring theatre to the romantic poets. They also get their teeth into the latest Guardian quick crossword, which turns out to be another head-scratcher. And listen out to some hot off the press guest news! Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17436 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E24
March 20 · 58 min
On cherishing the school run, and marking a milestone
Theo and Rob contemplate something that has been a big part of their lives: the school run, and how despite sometimes feeling like a grind, it shouldn't be wished away. They also celebrate the fact they've both reached an important moment with their respective creative projects. And, of course, tackle a crossword. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17429 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
S3 · E23
March 13 · 58 min
Is America, like the ice rain in Montreal, deluging us all?
As Rob braces for an incoming ice storm, he and Theo get on their soapboxes to pontificate on the mission creep of American cultural influence. They also tackle a crossword that is festooned in question marked clues, which is never a good sign. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17424 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com
S3 · E22
March 7 · 47 min
A quickie in the south of France
Rob takes a break from his family holiday in Bordeaux - and ominous world events - to join Theo in tackling a crossword which turns out to have an interesting surprise in store. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17420 Contact us: twoacrosspod@gmail.com Listen to Enthusiasts: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2

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