About Crosstalk - A Crossword Construction Podcast
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 and Zhou Zhang discuss getting a late start, the power of collaborations, soft rejections, having a family of constructors, the vulnerability of themelesses, refining half-baked ideas, inclusive and unexpected fill, attending tournaments as an introvert, learning not to despair, and so much more.
20 Jul 2026
Episode 9: Malaika Handa
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.
27 Apr 2026
Episode 8: Kareem Ayas
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.
3 Feb 2026
Episode 7: Will Nediger
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.
10 Nov 2025
Episode 6: Aimee Lucido
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.
28 Aug 2025
Episode 5: Shannon Rapp
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.
9 Jun 2025
Episode 4: Kameron Austin Collins
Daniel interviews Kameron Austin Collins about crossword construction, including visual design, cultural references, and word list personalization, offering insights for aspiring constructors.
16 Apr 2025
Episode 3: Sid Sivakumar
In this episode, Sid and I 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, more.
10 Feb 2025
Crosstalk Episode 2: Rachel Fabi
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!
5 Jan 2025
Episode 1: Rafael Musa
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.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.9 / 5
16 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
17 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
3
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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