Back to Work

By 5by5Society & Culture Business Technology Careers

Back to Work episodes

July 18, 2017Episode 333: Your Whiteboards Will Not Survive Reality
TOPIC: Help! My bosses are doing a really dumb thing!
This week, Dan and Merlin help a listener and his youngster get started with Spider-Man. Also, hey, support your Local Comic Shop!
Listener Molly asks how to help prevent a terrible, damaging change from happening inside her company.
Dan talks about War for the Planet of the Apes, and Merlin knows when to exit on a good bit.
Links for this episode:
Instant Pot
Spider-Man: Homecoming's Lack of Spidey Sense Explained | Collider
How Do I Deal With An Incompetent Boss? | FiveThirtyEight
Ultimate Spider-Man Ultimate Collection Book 1 (Trade Paperback) | Ultimate Marvel | Comic Books | Comics | Marvel.com
Zojirushi
Amazon.com: Zojirushi NS-ZCC18 10-Cup Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker, 1.8-Liters, Premium White: Home & Kitchen
Amazon.com: Ultimate Spider-Man Vol. 1: Power and Responsibility (9780785139409): Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Bagley: Books
Comic Shop Locator| Find Your Nearest Comic Book, Graphic Novel and Pop-Culture Store - There's A Lot to See and Do at Your Local Comic Shop!
Ultimate Comics: Spider-Man - Wikipedia
Spider-Man: Brand New Day - Wikipedia
Remembering Darwyn Cooke’s Catwoman | Nothing But Comics
100 Best Comics And Graphic Novels : NPR
Andy Serkis Becomes Gollum To Read Trump's Tweets - YouTube
Cassandra (metaphor) - Wikipedia
The Cassandra metaphor (variously labelled the Cassandra 'syndrome', 'complex', 'phenomenon', 'predicament', 'dilemma', or 'curse') occurs when valid warnings or concerns are dismissed or disbelieved.
The Instant Pot® Electric Pressure Cooker Cookbook: Easy Recipes for Fast & Healthy Meals: Laurel Randolph: 0642688056285: Amazon.com: Books
Quick Pressure Release or Natural Pressure Release
DC: The New Frontier - Wikipedia
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Blue Apron (Check out this week’s menu and get your first three meals FREE—with FREE SHIPPING—by going to BlueApron.com/backtowork.
Slack (Slack: Where work happens. Find out why at slack.com).
1 hr 21 min
July 11, 2017Episode 332: Piggybacking on Anger
TOPIC: Making the spice flow.
This week, Dan and Merlin dive into the thriving ecosystem of Florida's ad hoc roofing and lawn care professionals. Merlin gets The Boeing Contract, and Dan leaves a check under the mat.
Your hosts admit they don't really understand the big kerfuffle over 1Password, but they admit to feeling the pain of being an indie developer today. Dan just wants the beef ribs he'd been promised.
Around 1:19:30, the spoiler horn fires off for a squee-filled celebration of Spider-Man: Homecoming. (Seriously. Just go see this movie.)
Links for this episode:
What Happened When the CEO of Dropbox Was Late to an All-Hands Meeting (About Being on Time) | Inc.com
Fits + Starts: 18: Eventually it sucks less (with Merlin Mann)
Merlin stops by to talk about finding a job that fits you, prototyping your future, and manufacturing care. Then we have a lot of rapid fire questions for him.
Why Security Experts Are Pissed That ‘1Password’ Is Pushing Users to the Cloud - Motherboard
King Worm (episode) | Adventure Time Wiki | FANDOM powered by Wikia
King Worm - Wikipedia
The series follows the adventures of Finn (voiced by Jeremy Shada), a human boy, and his best friend and adoptive brother Jake (voiced by John DiMaggio), a dog with magical powers to change shape and grow and shrink at will. In this episode, Finn and Jake find themselves trapped in their own subconscious by the King Worm (voiced by Estrada).
Ultimate Spider-Man - Wikipedia
Amazing Spider-Man Vol 1 33 | Marvel Database | FANDOM powered by Wikia
Spider-Man is trapped by tons of iron and finds it in himself to raise the giant mechanism trapping him to rid himself of guilt given by Uncle Ben’s death and to save Aunt May.
The Amazing Spider-Man #33 - The Final Chapter (Issue)
Spider-Man attempts to find the ISO-36 serum that may provide a cure for Aunt May. But from whose hands must he acquire this unique formula? Peter must make some difficult choices to save the ones he loves.
“The Final Chapter!”: Peter Parker, Steve Ditko, and the Greatest Spider-Man Story Ever Told | Sequart Organization
Peter Parker, Steve Ditko, and the Greatest Spider-Man Story Ever Told
Chekhov's gun - Wikipedia
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ZipRecruiter (Visit ziprecruiter.com/backtowork to post jobs on ZipRecruiter for FREE).
1 hr 41 min
July 07, 2017Episode 331: Hidden in Wigs
TOPIC: Time Tetris in Difficult Mode
This week, Dan and Merlin do a VERY deep dive on one listener's question about life with an excruciating shared Google Calendar. Merlin, unsurprisingly, has a lot to say about this. No. Like, really. A lot a lot.
Other topics include Food Lion bleach meat, God's only sandwich, Adventure Time Mashup Pack (Finally!), Agape love, and, importantly, "What’s Happening To Sleep Train?"
Links for this episode:
Fits + Starts: 18: Eventually it sucks less (with Merlin Mann)
Merlin stops by to talk about finding a job that fits you, prototyping your future, and manufacturing care. Then we have a lot of rapid fire questions for him.
Adventure Time comes to Minecraft! | Minecraft
[Update: Thanks to the mystery of time, "Soon" has tranformed into "Now"! It's out today - July 6th - on Pocket and Windows 10! Totally orthogonal!]
SoundCloud » A note from Alex Ljung
With more focus and a need to think about the long term, comes tough decisions. Today, after careful and painful consideration, we took the difficult step to let go of 173 SoundCloud staffers and consolidated the team into two offices: Berlin and New York. We are extremely grateful for the contributions of each and every staff member who will be leaving SoundCloud, and we wish all of them the best. Without them, we would not be where we are today.
Analyst: Food Lion never recovered from food-bleaching investigation - Jacksonville Business Journal
Welcome to Publix | Publix Super Markets
Publix Thanksgiving "Salt and Pepper" Commercial - YouTube
The landmark Food Lion case | Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
The Seventh Sign - Wikipedia
FAQ - Sleep Train is Now Mattress Firm
Starting in February, Sleep Train stores are being re-named to Mattress Firm. Customers will see store signs change from Sleep Train to Mattress Firm through March. You’ll continue to experience the same great people, service and guarantees — just under a new name. Sleep Train and Mattress Firm merged in 2014 and have been working in collaboration for the past two years. They will now share the same brand name.
Agape - Wikipedia
Agape is a Greco-Christian term referring to "love; the highest form of love, charity", and "the love of God for man and of man for God".
Joan Lee Dead: Wife of Marvel Comics Legend Stan Lee Was 95 | Hollywood Reporter
The pair, who met when the Marvel boss was supposed to take her friend on a date, were married for 69 years.
Henry V (Modern, Folio) :: Internet Shakespeare Editions
be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition.
Cat Stevens - Peace Train - YouTube
Amazon Dash Wand With Alexa: Amazon.com: Grocery & Gourmet Food
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1 hr 32 min
June 27, 2017Episode 330: Frowny Face for You
TOPIC: Drawing effective water.
In this week's tight and bright episode, Dan and Merlin do dome followup on food bars and CBD oil, then discuss how to get better at letting people just enjoy what they like.
In this week's main topic, your hosts address how to think more productively (and more realistically) about what you need from a task management app.
Links for this episode:
195: Existing as a Curiosity with Merlin Mann
Merlin Mann, podcaster, man about the internet, and devastatingly handsome provocateur, joins Brett to talk about the state of writing on the web, Merlin's podcasts, and maybe even some politics.
Amazon.com: Vega Maca Chocolate Bar, 1.4oz, 24 Count: Health & Personal Care
5by5 | Back to Work #29: I Download FLAC
Carrie Coon - Wikipedia
Damon Lindelof - Wikipedia
'Watchmen' TV Series From Damon Lindelof in the Works at HBO | Hollywood Reporter
Unjustly Maligned | "Watchmen" with Merlin Mann (Episode 15)
Writer and podcaster Merlin Mann joins Antony to stand up (mostly) for the “Watchmen” movie, discuss the difficulty of separating source material from its adaptation… and then there’s that ending.
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ZipRecruiter (Visit ziprecruiter.com/backtowork to post jobs on ZipRecruiter for FREE).
PDFpen 9 (Visit SmileSoftware.com/b2w to learn more about the new PDFpen 9).
1 hr 2 min
June 20, 2017Episode 329: Stop all the OTUS
TOPIC: Thirty cable boxes.
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about beloved late night talk shows, Planet of the Apes, and the future of TV. Dan introduces his new thought technology about "Protoforms."
Your hosts also respond to listener questions about using Chromecasts and how to start the day.
Links for this episode:
Mindfulness Meditation: The Basics — 10% Happier
Minecraft Adventure Time Mash-Up pack! - YouTube
Item 17233 - Oral Dispenser with Tip Cap, Comar®, 1mL - Amber
David Letterman First Ever Appearance On The Tonight show With Johnny Carson - 1978 - YouTube
Don Giller - YouTube
Amazing old Letterman TV spots.
The Tonight Show Band - Wikipedia
Doc Severinsen - Wikipedia
Slacker (film) - Wikipedia
VidAngel Launches Netflix and Amazon Content Filtering Service | Variety
Monty Python - Dirty Hungarian Phrasebook - YouTube
Letterman - GE Handshake - YouTube
Brought to you by:
Blue Apron (Check out this week’s menu and get your first three meals FREE—with FREE SHIPPING—by going to BlueApron.com/backtowork.
SendPro from Pitney Bowes (Visit pb.com/backtowork to learn more, and when you sign up you’ll get SendPro FREE for 90 days, you’ll get a free 10-pound scale, and when your free trial is over, you’ll get SendPro for only $5 a month).
RXBAR (For 25% off your first order, visit rxbar.com/backtowork and enter promo code BACKTOWORK at checkout.)
ZipRecruiter (Visit ziprecruiter.com/backtowork to post jobs on ZipRecruiter for FREE).
1 hr 52 min
June 13, 2017Episode 328: Donkey in a Biscuit
TOPIC: Asterisks and Question Marks.
This week, Dan and Merlin cover corgis (and other pets), asking for lettuce wraps, high-floor sandwiches, bread in a tube, John Wick (no spoilers), and the wonderful comic infographics of Kate Willaert.
There is some ecosystem talk regarding ride sharing statistics and Apple's announced addition of podcast listening analytics. How many bits of identifying information are you sending?
Your hosts answer Listener Tim's question about when to accept that you can't do everything and should just let go of old project ideas.
Links for this episode:
Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #17 — Merlin Mann
MERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, Do By Friday, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, June 15th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” It's free and it's fun.
How to Sleep - The Atlantic
Should you drink more coffee? Should you take melatonin? Can you train yourself to need less sleep? A physician’s guide to sleep in a stressful age.
Corgi Cross Breeds Are Cute (25 Pictures)
Queen's Corgis are fed 'in order of seniority' - and each has specially designed menu - Mirror Online
Carl's Jr. - Wikipedia
John Wick - Wikipedia
The Evolution Of Catwoman Just in time for the...
Lyft and Uber drivers generate 20 percent of miles driven on SF streets - Curbed SF
Hub City Vintage | Vintage Seiko Watches, Seiko Watches
Upgrade #145: Wandered into the Unicorn Grove - Relay FM
Jason and Myke pick up many threads from WWDC 2017, including San Jose’s suitability as an event host, the first reviews of the iPad Pro, a bunch of news we didn’t know about during our last episode, and Jason’s close encounter with a functioning HomePod speaker.
Panopticlick
iFunbox | the File and App Management Tool for iPhone, iPad & iPod Touch.
Review: The 10.5-inch iPad Pro is much more “pro” than what it replaces | Ars Technica
Drag and Drop on iPhone in iOS 11
5by5 | Back to Work #237: Slow Your Roll
Wombat - Wikipedia
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StoryWorth (Visit StoryWorth.com/backtowork for $20 off when you subscribe).
1 hr 44 min
June 06, 2017Episode 327: Slightly Semitic Bird
TOPIC: She was only 15 years old!
This week kicks off with some thoughts on yesterday's WWDC Keynote and some potentially promising signs for Apple's future.
Dan declares YouTube videos from The Trip to be the greatest thing Merlin has ever shown him, and he is correct. Merlin is infatuated with Nebo.
Then, the boys answer listener questions about calendars, GTD and Buddhism, and how to choose a browser.
Links for this episode:
Ungainly X-Mann Meetup #17 — Merlin Mann
MERLIN MANN (Back to Work, Roderick on the Line, Reconcilable Differences, Do By Friday, You Look Nice Today, et al.) invites you to drop by Two Cats Comics on the evening of Thursday, June 15th to hang out, talk about comics, and just say, “Hi.” It's free and it's fun.
Nebo, The best way to take notes | MyScript
Nebo’s Handwriting Recognition Elevates Your Notes – MacStories
Jaron Lanier - Wikipedia
5by5 | Pipeline Classic #1: Markus "Notch" Persson
Markus "Notch" Persson, creator of the indie game Minecraft, talks with Dan Benjamin about inspiration, creativity, and the future of gaming.
Random impressions - YouTube
Some very amusing competitive impressions from Rob Bryden and Steve Coogan. Michael Caine impression
Steve Coogan & Rob Brydon in The Trip - James Bond & Liam Neeson - YouTube
This Is How Michael Caine Speaks - The Trip - BBC Two - YouTube
Brave Software | Building a Better Web
The new Brave browser automatically blocks ads and trackers, making it faster and safer than your current browser.
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Away (Visit awaytravel.com/fathersday and use the code BACKTOWORK for $20 off any carry-on purchase, a free Harry's shave kit & stories collection book).
FreshBooks (To claim your month long unrestricted free trial, go to FreshBooks.com/backtowork and enter BACK TO WORK in the “How Did You Hear About Us?” section).
1 hr 27 min
May 30, 2017Episode 326: The Ronald McDonald of Feeds
TOPIC: "The results have been increbidle."
This week, Dan and Merlin opine about various Apple feelings and wondering where the heck things are going. Merlin is sanguine.
Merlin is mad at KFC, and Dan reminds us how great 1974 was for movies.
Finally, your hosts respond to listener feedback.
Links for this episode:
A fascinating graphic novel about the origins of Dungeons & Dragons | Ars Technica
Canvas #36: Wishes for iOS 11 - Relay FM
This week Fraser and Federico welcome special guest Merlin Mann to discuss opportunities for improvements that may - or may not - arrive in iOS 11.
The best email app for iPhone iPad and Mac | Spark
How Power Nap works on your Mac - Apple Support
Snap-on - Wikipedia
Baja Blast | Mountain Dew Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia
The Cat from Outer Space - Wikipedia
The Cat From Outer Space (1978) - Trailer - YouTube
Beyond the Door (1974) - Trailer - YouTube
Beyond the Door (trailer) 1974 - YouTube
The Legacy (1978) Trailer - YouTube
Butterfield DIET - YouTube
Connected #144: The Barometer of Happiness - Relay FM
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PDFpen (To learn more about the new PDFpen 9 visit smilesoftware.com/b2w)
Bombfell (Visit Bombfell.com/backtowork to get $25 off your first purchase).
1 hr 38 min
May 23, 2017Episode 325: The Real Celebrity Chefs of the Hollywood Hills
TOPIC: Again with the motivation.
This week, Dan and Merlin talk about what motivates the companies who make set-top boxes vs. the providers of the content for those dinguses. What attracts fans to a given platform, and why are we getting so resistant to straight-up buying movies and TV shows? ("I learned it by watching you!")
In listener feedback, your hosts examine whether and how various apps and services can be deployed in the service of building better habits.
Links for this episode:
Quotidian Public Radio #3: Nation of Talkers - "Planet Comment"
"Social Media expert, Dr. Robert Chandler (onFocus University), joins Connor to discuss web-based community and user-generated content. He also takes a few calls from QPR listeners."
Soundgarden - Wikipedia
Goliath (TV series) - Wikipedia
Todd Vaziri on Twitter: "More basement cleanup: all DVDs now in sleeves and binders. All jewel cases and inserts recycled. This is about 1/4 of the collection. https://t.co/u3ymdqywKt"
2016–2017 TV Season in 5 Really Depressing Charts
Todd Vaziri - IMDb
Biofeedback - Wikipedia
Theremin - Wikipedia
Home - Pavlok
Defending the Border | Do By Friday
(The one where everybody shocks each other)
Apple’s New Campus: An Exclusive Look Inside the Mothership | WIRED
441: When Patents Attack!
Upgrade 142: You Want Applause — Upgrade — Overcast
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Blue Apron (Check out this week’s menu and get your first three meals FREE—with FREE SHIPPING—by going to BlueApron.com/backtowork.
1 hr 23 min
May 16, 2017Episode 324: Delivery Status Not Updated
TOPIC: Odds 'N Sods
In this sprawling "odds 'n sods" episode, Dan and Merlin discuss: superheroes, scary movie trailers, (yes, more) egregious package delivery drama, customer service Buddhism, some excellent kids books, updates on the pretty good Hulu Live TV service, commercials for prescription drugs, politics and blood pressure, the joys of Nuzzel.com, auditing your online authorizations, why Meh.com are jackals, spray-on hair, delivery tracking services, and, yes, some deep updates on emails pitching visits from guests.
Links for this episode:
Amazon.com: Superman: Birthright (9781401202521): Mark Waid, Leinil Francis Yu, Leinil Francis Yu^Gerry Alanguilan, Dave McCaig: Books
Superman: Birthright - Wikipedia
Shazam! Intro - YouTube
Kids-In-Mind: Movie ratings & parents' reviews that actually work
Reviews & Age Ratings - Best Movies, Books, Apps, Games for Kids
Marco Arment on Twitter: "Called AT&T to have them fix *their* screwup, and about 15 of the 25 minutes were them selling me HARD on DirecTV service I kept declining."
The Top 100 Comic Book Villains - IGN.com
Wings of Fire Boxset, Books 1-5 (Wings of Fire): Tui T. Sutherland: 9780545855723: Amazon.com: Books
Percy Jackson and the Olympians 5 Book Paperback Boxed Set (new covers w/poster) (Percy Jackson & the Olympians): Rick Riordan, John Rocco: 9781484707234: Amazon.com: Books
The Pilgrim's Progress - Wikipedia
The Phantom Tollbooth - Wikipedia
Nuzzel - News From Your Friends
Twitter / Settings
Account - Dropbox
Sign-in & security
1990's INFOMERCIAL HELL #19: Spray paint the bald away with GLH, by Ronco, of course! - YouTube
Wilfully Obscure
Dunkirk Trailer #2 (2017) | Movieclips Trailers - YouTube
THE BOOK OF HENRY - Official Trailer [HD] - In Theaters June 16 - YouTube
Ep. #230 - Monster Trucks — The Flop House — Overcast
Stuart Wellington's bad theater experience with _Logan_.
Elvis Has Left the Building - YouTube
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1 hr 33 min

About Back to Work

From the publisher's feed

Back to Work is an award winning talk show with Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin discussing productivity, communication, work, barriers, constraints, tools, and more.