Two Across
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© Theo Bosanquet and Rob Cole
Description
Two friends catch up over a crossword from opposite sides of the Atlantic (or sometimes further afield). Hosted by Theo Bosanquet and Rob Cole.
78 Episodes
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Rob and Theo check in following 'festivus', discussing how they spent the season and looking ahead to some plans for 2026, not least finally finding an answer to the meaning of life (watch this space on that one). They also return to their usual Guardian quick crossword stomping ground in a bid to kick off the year with a win.Play along:https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17369Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comListen to Enthusiasts:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
Theo is on his travels and, despite a croaky voice and dodgy microphone, manages to tackle a crossword mid-wedding celebrations in Colombo. Rob meanwhile has returned to Montreal, where the temperatures are far from equatorial. Play along: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17350Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comListen to Enthusiasts:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
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/17341Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comListen to Enthusiasts:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
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/17334Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comListen to Enthusiasts:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2The Guardian podcast referenced:https://www.theguardian.com/news/audio/2025/nov/24/enshittification-how-we-got-the-internet-no-one-asked-for-podcast
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/17328Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comListen to Enthusiasts:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
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:twoacrosspod@gmail.comListen to Enthusiasts:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
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/17317Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comListen to Enthusiasts:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
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/17303Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comSome 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
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 noisePlay along:https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17297Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.com
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:twoacrosspod@gmail.comEnthusiasts: https://tinyurl.com/Thusiast
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: twoacrosspod@gmail.comThe Highlands Cinema/documentary:https://www.highlandscinemas.com/gallery/https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oSJuWVYmT8oTheo's wine-tasting cinema:https://www.aucklandnz.com/explore/matakana-cinemas
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/17280Get in touch:twoacrosspod@gmail.com
Theo and Rob reflect on the varying anxieties, stresses and occasional joys of the freelance life, alongside other topics including transatlantic differences in the nomenclature of heating applicances, and the 1990s wrestler Giant Haystacks. They also attempt to make up for their disappointing season opening crossword defeat last time out.Play along:https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17276Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.com
The boys are back for season three – and they’re kicking things off with a big announcement. Also, a bit of chat about dog breeds, some wild speculation on the life of the Bunsen burner’s inventor, and a debate on the virtues of slow sports. And, of course, there’s the small matter of a crossword to complete. Can they start the season with a win? There's only one way to find out.Play along:https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17267Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.com
In what could be the final episode of season two, Rob and Theo discuss the stresses of summer holidays, the existential angst of a prominent golfer, and which Churchill quote is perfect for the last day of term. Can they prevail over this week's crossword to bring the season to a close? There's only one way to find out...Play along:https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17221 Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comListen to Enthusiasts:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
Theo reports on his wine-tasting sojourn to France, while Rob has been on a work trip to Saudi Arabia. But more importantly, with the scores tied at 17-17, they tackle a crucial crossword that could result in them regaining the lead as series 2 nears its climax. Play along:https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17214Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comListen to Enthusiasts:https://open.spotify.com/artist/0p10AAj4tXDtkxfAop3lj2
Theo and Rob discuss heatwaves, Live Aid and linguistic gaps (for which, as so often, the Germans have the best word) as they knuckle down to try and gain the lead for the first time in a long time. Play along:https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17197Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comTheo's review of Just for One Day:https://www.londontheatre.co.uk/reviews/just-for-one-day-review-shaftesbury-theatre
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/17190Contact 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.comListen to Enthusiasts:https://open.spotify.com/album/6zFs57voxIwizZemOZwwiu
While shih-tzu Zeus heads for his bi-monthly clip, Theo and Rob tackle a key crossword in their bid to retain some hope of winning series two. It throws up some intriguing clues, including one on the inspiration for Rastafari, Haile Selassie. Other topics of note range from the weather (of course) to the controversial Brockwell Park festivals and what we can glean from the mating habits of seabirds.Play along:https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17173Contact us:twoacrosspod@gmail.comZeus's lovely groomer:https://brockwellpups.com/
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