The guys discuss Quebec's distinctive approach to surnames, the etymology of mnemonics, and the impenetrability of American football, as they tackle another taxing crossword (which, unlike the Super Bowl, comes down to nail-biting finale). Can they overcome their Kansas City Chiefs-esque deficit in the overall scores?

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17087

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Rob reports on the Canadian reaction to Trump's tariffs tantrum, while Theo gives his verdict on Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown. There are also some honourable mentions for Columbo, Police Academy and Chesney Hawkes, as they endeavour to conquer Guardian quick crossword no.17,082.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17082

Enjoy Alex Clinton Egan's artwork (as featured on the cover of Aviary):

http://instagram.com/alexmdegan

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Theo and Rob discuss topics including the background of the podcast theme tune, the world's largest haggis, dinosaurs, and the identity crisis of Canada. They also tackle this week's crossword with a renewed determination not to fall further back in the scores. Listen out for the full version of the theme, Emissary II, from Enthusiasts album Aviary.

Listen to Aviary:

https://open.spotify.com/album/6zFs57voxIwizZemOZwwiu

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17076

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Rob has travelled back to Montreal, and Theo has marked a 40-something birthday in London, a day that coincided with an inauspicious inauguration. They also discuss whether humans are the worst species, raise a glass to Theo's grandma Eva Ibbotson on her 100th anniversary, and tackle a particularly challenging crossword.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17070

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Theo has begun the year dog-sitting, while Rob has had a slightly more intrepid time visiting Andalusia with his family. They also reflect on recent events including Trump's threats to Canadian sovereignty and the resignation of Justin Trudeau. Can they also overcome a cleverly constructed juxtapositional crossword?

Drinks in hand, santa hats on heads, Theo and Rob attempt to spread some festive cheer. Rob shares his Christmas single, Theo reflects on a recent carol-based embarrassment, and they make some new year's resolutions (which, characteristically, range from the trivial to the profound). They also attempt to round out the year with a win, in a nail-biting tussle with the Guardian quick crossword setter.

Thanks for your company in 2024 – may your festive seasons be merry and we'll see you on the other side.

Our closing music comes from Spinning Jenny, with their fabulous cover of Sia's 'Santa's Coming for Us'. Watch it here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BR9JRMKf0aI

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https://www.instagram.com/spinningjenny4/?hl=en

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Play along with the crossword:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/16422

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twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Rob shares an innovative way to overcome a pre-Christmas turkey shortage, while Theo has watched all 2h40mins of the Wicked movie (part one). Other topics of discussion this week include screen addiction, choose-your-own-adventure novels, and the Apple v Android debate.

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17034

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twoacrosspod@gmail.com

Theo and Rob break their promise to avoid politics by reflecting on the UK's recent debate on assisted dying. But they do manage some lighter musings on subjects including Rob's backyard sauna club. Trickier clues this week include Caveat (13) - can they crack it in time?

Play along:

https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/quick/17028

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Contact us:

twoacrosspod@gmail.com