At some point during the early days of the pandemic, it felt impossible to get on social media without coming across Wordle's rows of green, yellow, and gray boxes. When it was released to the public in October 2021, the word game quickly became part of people's daily routines. Eventually, the New York Times acquired the puzzle as part of its suite of word games, including the infamous Sunday crossword. When the paper needed an editor for their new game, they turned to Ann Arbor word nerd Tracy Bennett, who was already working as an associate puzzle editor. On this episode of the pod, we talked to Bennett about Wordle's mass appeal and how she landed her dream job creating puzzles for a living. 

GUEST: 

Tracy Bennett, Wordle editor for the New York Times 

Looking for more conversations from Stateside? Right this way.

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work.

Music in this episode by Blue Dot Sessions.

At some point during the early days of the pandemic, it felt impossible to get on social media without coming across Wordle's rows of green, yellow, and gray boxes. When it was released to the public in October 2021, the word game quickly became part of people's daily routines. Eventually, the New York Times acquired the puzzle as part of its suite of word games, including the infamous Sunday crossword. When the paper needed an editor for their new game, they turned to Ann Arbor word nerd Tracy Bennett, who was already working as an associate puzzle editor. On this episode of the pod, we talked to Bennett about Wordle's mass appeal and how she landed her dream job creating puzzles for a living. 
GUEST: 
Tracy Bennett, Wordle editor for the New York Times 
Looking for more conversations from Stateside? <a href="https://www.michiganradio.org/programs/stateside">Right this way</a>.
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://bit.ly/358m02D">supporting our work.</a>
Music in this episode by<a href="https://www.sessions.blue/"> Blue Dot Sessions.</a>

Ever wondered why we call ourselves “Michiganders”? Or why we say “pop” instead of “soda”? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That’s why we’re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.

To share a story or submit your questions, head to michiganpublic.org/onhand

If you like what you hear on the pod, consider supporting our work: michiganpublic.org/podfund

Ever wondered why we call ourselves &ldquo;Michiganders&rdquo;? Or why we say &ldquo;pop&rdquo; instead of &ldquo;soda&rdquo;? Or, seriously, how many people need to be rescued from Sleeping Bear Dunes every year? That&rsquo;s why we&rsquo;re bringing you a new podcast - On Hand - to answer all your questions about what makes our state so special.
To share a story or submit your questions, head to <a href="https://www.michiganpublic.org/podcast/on-hand">michiganpublic.org/onhand</a>
If you like what you hear on the pod, consider <a href="https://michiganpublic.org/podfund">supporting our work</a>: michiganpublic.org/podfund