About this episode

The episode discusses a unique crossword puzzle by Coz Berlin that notably lacks black squares and includes a segment on poetry slams.

Today's crossword — a debut by Coz Berlin — was noteworthy for what it lacked: to wit, black squares. There were some, to be sure: but the grid contained of 9 15-letter answers (divided up into 3 sets of 3). It made for a daunting Friday puzzle. Deets inside. In addition to the crossword, we also have a fascinating Fun Fact Friday™️ segment on poetry slams. All that, and more, is as close as your download button, which we genuinely hope you will be tapping/clicking on ... right now...

People in this episode

Hosts: Jean, Mike

Topics covered

• crossword puzzles
• black squares
• poetry slams
• Fun Fact Friday
• Coz Berlin

Keywords

• crossword
• black squares
• Coz Berlin
• poetry slams
• Fun Fact Friday

More episodes of Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

• Monday, July 20, 2026 — Gee, this Crossword's Got GLEE 🙄 · July 20, 2026 · 13 min
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• Saturday, July 18, 2026 — Alright, DIEGOLUNA is in the grid! · July 18, 2026 · 12 min
• Thursday, July 18, 2026 — Another Awesome Zhou / Montgomery Collab · July 16, 2026 · 14 min
• Wednesday, July 15, 2026 — Today's Crossword Was *Smokin!* 🔥 · July 15, 2026 · 15 min
• Tuesday, July 14, 2026 — A Collaborative Debut, Woo-hoo! 🙌 · July 14, 2026 · 17 min

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