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

Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 2min
A Chunktionality of Functionality
The hosts kick off with humorous stories about sleep and tech updates. They dive into how transcription tech revolutionizes documentary production, boosting creativity. The exploration of audio editing apps reveals coding challenges and the fun concept of 'vibe coding.' They discuss no-code vs. traditional coding and rave about AI tools simplifying tasks. Personal anecdotes and pop culture light-heartedly tackle the absurdity of certainty in tech. The conversation also meanders through the quirks of religious hymns and amusing news headlines, blending insights with laughter.

Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 3min
Gatekeep the Sadness
The hosts tackle the challenge of noticing positivity in a world filled with negativity, diving into the importance of gratitude and emotional support. They discuss the complexities of parenthood decisions in today's climate, along with the cultural impact of current events. The conversation flows from a controversial Jerry Lewis film to nostalgic music experiences, as well as the joys and frustrations of streaming apps. With humor and sincerity, they weave through playful anecdotes about favorite colors, showcasing the lightness amid deep topics.

Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 22min
In Your Uncle's Row Boat
This week's challenge: find more unconventional fancy.Recorded on Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025.

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 10min
Self-Involved Mess
This week's challenge: move your pencil until a secret falls out.Recorded on Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025.Blackwing Pencils - John Dickerson Official WebsiteAbout Us – BlackwingEvery Successful Entrepreneur Knows These 3 TipsGoon on you crazy diamond | Western KabukiThe Beginnings of American Railroads and Mapping | History of Railroads and Maps | Articles and Essays | Railroad Maps, 1828-1900 | Digital Collections | Library of CongressMagnesium fluoride - WikipediaStoat Kits Play in My Garden | Discover Wildlife | Robert E Fuller - YouTubeTiny Baby Stoat Has The Best Reaction When She Meets Someone Like Her | The Dodo Little But Fierce - YouTubeRite in the Rain Official Site | Shop All Weather ProductsGLORYFIRE Waterproof Tactical Notebook Brown (5pcs) – GLORYFIRE®Maruman MNEMOSYNE Notebook 8.27 x 5.83 Inches (A5), 5mm dot gridHow Metric Paper Works & The Whole of the Universe - YouTubeBlackwing Audition Pack - Set of 4 Pencils | Blackwing602.com“Shitty First Drafts”Bird by Bird_The Artist's WayWriting Down the BonesThe First Page is ProfoundHow to find your pencil sharpener.The historical cost of dancing medicine

Feb 6, 2025 • 46min
It's not made from an actual horse.
This is a fun after show so we wanted you to have it. Just be sure and listen to e389 first.Thanks for being here.Aftershow LinksCould be rainingChallenge Do By FridayThe Real Story Behind Arby’s NameCovert Instruments - Best In Class Lock Picks & Entry ToolsWhat exactly does the cover of the album "Ghost in the Machine" symbolize? : r/ThePoliceTransmit’s icon history from PanicWhat is jawmaxxing? - Search Engine with PJ VogtBlackwing Matte Pencils

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 20min
Entrepreneurial Ransom Note
This week's challenge: get some new challenges Recorded on Wednesday, Feb 5, 2025.

Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 2min
Dumb 1935
This week's challenge: watch Hitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial (Netflix, 2024)Recorded Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025.LinksHitler and the Nazis: Evil on Trial | Netflix Official SiteHitler's Circle of Evil | NetflixThe Rise and Fall of the Third Reich - WikipediaConspiracy (2001 film) - Wikipedia"Conspiracy" (2001) streaming: where to watch movie online?Hitler a book by Professor of Modern History Ian Kershaw - Bookshop.org USThe Rise and Fall of the Third Reich a book by William L. Shirer and Ron Rosenbaum - Bookshop.org USThe Rest is History 295: The Rise of the Nazis - YouTubeThe Rest is History Politics US: January 6th | Inside the Fall of Trump’s First Term (Part 1) - YouTubeWannsee Conference - WikipediaLoudermilk on Vocal FryBlondi - Wikipedia

Jan 22, 2025 • 1h 24min
Honk, Honk.
Delve into the quirky world of writing instruments, from the beloved Uni Kuru Toga pencil to the legendary Blackwing eraser, sparking nostalgia and humor. Explore dining etiquette with playful anecdotes and reflections on societal norms. Discover the complexities of improv through the lens of a compelling documentary, noting the trust and humor between performers. Engage with light-hearted banter on pop culture, while diving into deeper discussions about gender transition, all wrapped in a fabric of absurdity and fun.

Jan 15, 2025 • 1h 26min
Augmented Arrow
In a lighthearted discussion, hosts reflect on winter weather and landlord quirks, infusing humor into their camaraderie. They explore the quirks of language and unexpected medical misadventures, creating relatable anecdotes. The conversation shifts to the exciting world of no-code apps and the frustrations of technology, revealing personal experiences with data privacy and productivity tools. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of personal data and AI in enhancing self-understanding while navigating the complexities of memory in the digital age.

Jan 1, 2025 • 1h 25min
Self-Harm Squad
This week's challenge: play Balatro.(Recorded Wednesday January 1, 2025.)