Daniel and constructor Malaika Handa discuss unlocking puzzle memories, how constructors are like astronauts, mastering the midi, the agony of Sundays, the qualities of a stellar seed entry, fitting cluing styles to venues, the art of crossword criticism, tips for good mentorship, solvers’ parasocial assumptions, the newfound allure of hard puzzles, boundary-pushing entries, the Timothée Chalamet opera controversy, and much, much more.

Episode 9: Malaika Handa

Daniel and constructor Kareem Ayas discuss the first theme Kareem ever attempted, constructing as a non-native speaker, the overlaps between puzzles and plays, working on 25 puzzles at a time, the best kinds of revealers, the intense labor behind creating an Orca-winning tournament puzzle, promoting Arab culture and identity, Puzzles for Palestine, making midis for the Times, clues as Trojan horses, handling rejection, and much, much more.

Episode 8: Kareem Ayas

Daniel and constructor Will Nediger discuss topics including solving the ship of Theseus paradox, the qualities of a good crossword editor, training for the ACPT big board, tailoring for specifics venues, drawing inspiration from visual arts, inferable entries, slightly NSFW clues, craving the weird and wacky, and much, much more.

Episode 7: Will Nediger

Daniel talks to renowned author and constructor Aimee Lucido about her new crossword-themed book, the risks and rewards of getting in the comments, our least favorite fill ever, how trivia can make a puzzle sparkle, the pleasures of etymology, failing the breakfast test, the clues she’s still thinking about years later, and much, much more.

Episode 6: Aimee Lucido

Daniel talks to Shannon Rapp about topics such as how to create fresh theme ideas, the power of theme queries, the secrets to a successful collaboration, the best crossword resources, training for tournaments, representing the Midwest, her favorite puzzles and constructors, advocating for asymmetry, and much, much more.

Episode 5: Shannon Rapp

Daniel talks to Kameron Austin Collins about topics such as the visual design of themelesses, getting a “villain edit,” his intentional jumbling of cultural references, the politics of fill, personalizing and pruning word lists, the entry he was most excited to include, advice for aspiring constructors, and much, much more.

Episode 4: Kameron Austin Collins

Daniel and constructor Sid Sivakumar discuss topics such as the connections between construction and science and engineering, crosswords as an art form, the inclusion of South Asian culture, crafting the final puzzle of the ACPT and the New York Times Super Mega, the inspirations behind favorite puzzles, the surprising places Sid writes clues, the power of variety puzzles, and much, much more.

Episode 3: Sid Sivakumar

Daniel talks to Rachel Fabi about how she started constructing, getting mentored and being a mentor, what makes a good theme, cryptic crosswords, fundraising for social causes, and so much more!

Episode 2: Rachel Fabi

In the debut episode of Crosstalk, host Daniel Grinberg chats with crossword constructor Rafael Musa to explore the intricate, exciting world of crossword construction.

Find out which puzzle he's proudest of constructing, which crossword software he recently switched to and why, and what advice he would give to first-time creators.

Episode 1: Rafael Musa

Dive into the intricacies of crossword creation with Crosstalk, the podcast for constructors, aspiring creators, and puzzle enthusiasts alike. Each episode explores the experiences of designing compelling crosswords, from theme selection and grid design to the art of crafting clever clues. Check out interviews with some of the best constructors as they share stories and perspectives on their puzzle-making process. Whether you're a crossword pro or just getting started, Crosstalk offers all the tips and tricks to clue you in.

Daniel Grinberg

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