Jean & Mike Do The New York Times Crossword

This was Brad Lively's second New York Times crossword, and it was stunning, especially, as one might imagine, the ingenious theme. None of the clues were too over the top — with the possible exception of 11A, ___ hair (edgy 2000s trend, EMO. 😀 We particularly enjoyed learning about and perusing A.F.I.'s "100 Years ... 100 Heroes & Villains" list, although we were surprised to learn that Darth Vader only made it to # 3.
We have a spot of listener mail to round off the episode, so check it out, and, as always, let us know what you think!
Show note imagery: Fall  Out Boy, an EMO band with EMO hair!
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This was a fine Tuesday crossword by Adam Aaronson, with a subtle theme and a subtler revealer. We were surprised to see, among the 6 debut answers in today's puzzle, 24A, Fender Stratocaster, e.g., ELECTRICGUITAR, and 12D, Festivals often featuring jousting knights, for short, RENFAIRES. We just assumed that, for a crossword that came into existence in 1942, by now someone would have worked these two into the grid — but no, it took Adam to make it happen.
In addition to the crossword, also have our Triplet Tuesday™️ segment. Jean's in the hot seat, so tune in to see how she fares.
Show note imagery: LiMu EMU and Doug, mascots for Liberty Mutual
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We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected].

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It's hard not to like a crossword with a DELOREAN in the grid, as we can attest: we adored today's puzzle, the fourth in the NYTimes by Hannah Binney. There was a certain novelty and freshness to the clues that made this a particularly pleasing solve, culminating in the most exciting way ever to clue an otherwise mundane answer, 11D, 4.75 seconds to assemble a Mr. Potato Head, per Guinness, RECORD. Brava!*
Show note imagery: A time machine that needs no introduction ... if you were born in this century or the last one you already know it 😀 
*checkout yesterday's episode to learn why this is not a typo 😀  
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We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected].

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This was a delectable Sunday crossword by Jill Rataloff and Michelle Sontarp, who happen to both work at the same law firm. That might explain 21A, Certain head jurors, FOREMEN, and 125A, Bars, legally, ESTOPS, but does not explain the remainder of this fine puzzle. That's what we, amici curiae, are here to do (as well as show off our knowledge of Latin, or at least how to use Google Translate 😀). 
Besides our usual cutting-edge analysis, we have some awesome listener mail clearing up a few mysteries from recent episodes, so do have a listen, and please feel free to write a 5 star review wherever you're listening to this podcast, as our advertisers pay us on the basis of ... wait, what, we don't have advertisers? Ok, nvm ... 😀 😀 
Show note imagery: MMM, Shoofly PIES!

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We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected].

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Traditionally,  NYTimes crosswords increase in difficulty from Monday to Saturday*. So, if you had problems with today's puzzle, that's perfectly normal and by design: it was built that way.
The clues were magnificent, all designed to exercise those little grey cells. We covered the best of these in the podcast, but the rest (still very, very good) included 13D, Many key changes take place in it, CARSHARE (yikes!); 20A, The third primary chakra is located just above it, NAVEL (quick, the fainting couch!); and 11D, Like a spoilsport, NOFUN (and the exact opposite of today's crossword).
Show note imagery: LOUISA Catherine Adams, First Lady, 1825-1829
*with Sunday characterized as a "large Wednesday" in terms of difficulty
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Contact Info:
We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected].

Also, we're on FaceBook, so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!