
Do By Friday
A weekly challenge show hosted by Alex Cox and Merlin Mann.
Latest episodes

Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 52min
To Buy Us Menses
This week's challenge: Do a superhero pose.
(Recorded Wednesday, July 16, 2025)

Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 31min
Pussing in an American Car
This week's challenge: Learn more about commonplace books.

Jul 3, 2025 • 1h 30min
The First Toyota
James Cameron on the OceanGate sub disaster | 60 Minutes Australia - YouTubeWatch Implosion: The Titanic Sub Disaster | MaxSteve Coogan’s Closet Picks - YouTubeHamlet 2 - WikipediaZen Flesh, Zen Bones - WikipediaP: Best Water Reminder App for Apple Watch and iPhoneChroniclingDaytumThat's One Smart Bird | Animal All-Stars - YouTube@are-we-art-yet on TumblrMerlin Mann: "Horsin' around." — BlueskyAlex Cox: "You merely adopted the slop. I…" - MastodonMerlin Mann (@hotdogsladies@mastodon.social) - MastodonMerlin Mann: ""Please give the capybara a ch…" - Mastodon

Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 21min
The Sweat & Chafing Vertical
Found My Place - Blog - Song: "Just Fine"MailChimp Ad - Serial Season 1 - YouTubeHow MailChimp’s irresistible “Serial” ad became the year’s biggest marketing winSiracusa on Toasters — Liss is More"I want fat hands and I'm gonna dance": Tom Cruise on how Tropic Thunder's Les Grossman got so gross - YouTubeWhy Tom Cruise Demanded Dancing And Fat Fingers For Tropic Thunder | CinemablendTOM CRUISE Dance Scene | TROPIC THUNDER - YouTubeThe Best of Car Talk : NPRBest Safari Ad Blocker for iPhone, iPad & Mac | Magic Lasso Adblock1Blocker - The Most Beautiful & Powerful Safari Ad Blocker for iPhone, iPad and MacGuardian Firewall - Guardian FirewallTailscale · Best VPN Service for Secure NetworksThe Power of Lume | Use Lume for Private Parts to Smell Better Longer - YouTubeRed, White & Royal Blue (film) - WikipediaWe need to talk about Lume Deodorant... - YouTubeFifteen Million Merits - WikipediaLast Exit to Springfield - WikipediaThe Simpsons - Where's My Burrito? - YouTubeThe 100 Best TV Episodes of All TimeThey Have The Plant, But We Have The Power (folk song) - YouTubeAlexander Skarsgard as Werner Herzog in 'Documentary Now' Is a DreamSoldier Of Illusion @ Documentary Now - YouTubeMurderbot (TV series) - WikipediaThe Suicide Squad (film) - WikipediaThe Gilded Age (TV series) - Wikipedia'Born Fighters' 1979 Documentary Nick Lowe, Dave Edmunds & Rockpile - YouTubeLaibach - WikipediaThe Leftovers-1x01-Opening Scene - YouTubeIndomitable Spirit - Mr Show - YouTube

Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ideological Manscaping
Kea - WikipediaMeet the clever kea, New Zealand's endangered Alpine parrot, whose curiosity - and taste for meat - gets it into trouble | Discover WildlifeHave We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong? - YouTubeEp. 583: "Disproportionate Event Horizon" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin MannA Conversation With Vice President Vance - YouTubeHave We Been Thinking About A.D.H.D. All Wrong? - YouTube“It makes for a very unpleasant atmosphere.”Merlin Mann5ives | Merlin's Lists of Five ThingsLife In Hell Books : Matt Groening - Internet Archive

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 20min
Vegetables of Obligation
Episode LinksReconcilable Differences #262: Everybody’s Got a Tunnel - RelayMerlin's Wisdom ProjectGary Gulman: The Great Depresh | Watch the Movie on HBO | HBO.comSix by Sondheim - Wikipedia'Pee-wee as Himself' Director on Gaining Paul Reubens' TrustWhen Natasha Lyonne Made Her Debut on 'Pee-wee's Playhouse'Pee-wee as Himself - WikipediaYunchan Lim – RACHMANINOV Piano Concerto No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 30

Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 27min
Reverse Bird's Nest
Dive into a whirlwind of laughter as hosts tackle everything from tech troubles to childhood retainer mishaps. They reflect on the absurdities of social media and its chaotic grip on our lives. Join for amusing anecdotes about politics, celebrity culture, and the nostalgia of bygone days. The conversation shifts effortlessly between personal memories and societal critiques, all laced with humor. Plus, enjoy playful discussions about word games and the intriguing disconnect between public figures and reality.

May 28, 2025 • 1h 6min
Spirit Stevedore
This lively discussion delves into the fascinating world of shipping containers and their impact on global trade. The hosts share humorous takes on networking struggles in a digital age and dissect the quirks of identity. They explore gig economy insights through entertaining anecdotes about delivery experiences in different cities. The conversation shifts to tech tools and playful stories about bird-watching and haunted dolls, blending personal reflections with lighthearted banter about daily routines and warming up.

May 22, 2025 • 1h 33min
One Long Breath.
The conversation kicks off with humorous reflections on the challenges of punctuality and its effects on teamwork. The speakers dive into the quirks of adulthood, balancing maturity and playful banter. A deep exploration of ocean life introduces fascinating marine creatures, while whimsical anecdotes bridge these topics to pop culture. They tackle childhood myths and the joys of misheard lyrics, laugh about political disillusionment, and share insights on breathing techniques for mental well-being. The chat wraps up with humorous takes on absurd health trends, all wrapped in light-hearted commentary.

May 15, 2025 • 1h 12min
Hurtful Prospector Mode
Engage in a humorous exploration of quirky observations like meditating pets and nostalgic pop culture references. The hosts navigate personal challenges and organizational quirks while playfully discussing AI and online personas. Dive into light-hearted banter about gift ideas, personal insecurities, and the intersection of identity and mental health. Reflect on the complexities of everyday life and technology with entertaining anecdotes, all wrapped in a delightful mix of humor and insights.