Thursday, May 7, 2026 — Mayday, Mayday! Incoming SKUAs, 12 o'clock high!

About this episode

The episode discusses a delightful crossword created by notable constructors and an editor.

Today's crossword — the product of two highly accomplished crossword constructors, John Guzzetta and Jeff Chen, and one world-renowned crossword editor, Will Shortz — is, in a word, an absolute delight. OK, technically that's three words, but this crossword is so impressive that it deserves the extra praise. We explain why in detail in today's episode, so do have a listen, and, let us know if you concur. Show note imagery: A SKUA, on the hunt! We love feedback! Send us a text... Contact Inf...

People in this episode

Hosts: Jean, Mike

Topics covered

• crossword puzzles
• constructors
• puzzle editing
• language
• education

Keywords

• crossword
• John Guzzetta
• Jeff Chen
• Will Shortz
• puzzle
• education
• language

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

• Friday, June 12, 2026 —A Quality Friday Crossword! · June 12, 2026 · 18 min
• Thursday, June 11, 2026 — Alas, Poor ARAL Sea, We Barely Knew Ya! · June 12, 2026 · 12 min
• Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — 🎶 NARITA, we just met an airport named ... NARITA 🙄🎶 · June 11, 2026 · 15 min
• Tuesday, June 9, 2026 — Rebecca Goldstein Is at the Helm, Brace for Extreme Wit and Whimsy 😀 · June 10, 2026 · 11 min
• Monday, June 8, 2026 —Now, Where's That BELETE Key Gotten To? 😀 · June 9, 2026 · 15 min
• Sunday, June 7, 2026 — A Rorschach Test of a Crossword 🤔 · June 8, 2026 · 22 min