Joel Fagliano
Creator of the Mini Crossword and longtime New York Times games editor involved in crossword selection and editing. Spoke about submitting puzzles, editing workflow, and what makes a good game.
Best podcasts with Joel Fagliano
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Oct 11, 2025 • 30min
‘The Pyrotechnics of Puzzles:’ How NYT Games Are Made
Joel Fagliano, the creator of the Mini Crossword and an experienced NYT games editor, shares insights into crossword selection and the editing process. Sam Ezersky, digital puzzles editor, discusses his role in curating the popular Spelling Bee game, emphasizing word-list decisions based on accessibility. The duo reveals the delicate balance of clue difficulty, the importance of player feedback, and their passion for puzzle culture. They also reflect on their unique journeys into the world of crossword creation.
Nov 18, 2025 • 59min
We Interview Dispatch's Aaron Paul, NYT Games Editor - Kinda Funny Gamescast
Joel Fagliano, the New York Times games and puzzle editor, shares insights on the art of puzzle creation, the balance of challenge and satisfaction for solvers, and the origins of the popular Mini crossword. He discusses his mentorship by Will Shortz and the innovative design principles behind NYT puzzles. Actor Aaron Paul reveals his passion for gaming and the unique recording process for the upcoming game Dispatch, highlighting its episodic format and choice-driven narrative. They both reveal personal anecdotes that add depth and humor to the conversation.
