Wednesday, June 17, 2026 — Pick a card, any card 🃎 🂫

There are themes, and then there are themes. Today's crossword was definitely a case of the latter, and it was combined with clues that were above average in difficulty. As a consequence, both cohosts had to really put their backs into it, so to speak, in their quest for the happy music. We have the full 411 inside, so have a listen! Just a reminder that all of our show notes link to the solved puzzle on xwordinfo.com, a famous and fabulous site for all things related to the NYTimes crossword. Be sure and check it out, and tell Jim Horne that Jean & Mike sent ya'! Show note imagery: Some scrumptious Portobello Osso BUCO! We love feedback! Send us a text... (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1174559/fa...) Contact Info: We love listener mail! Drop us a line, [email protected]. Also, we're on FaceBook (  / jeanandmikedothenewyorktimescrossword  ) , so feel free to drop by there and strike up a conversation!