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

Dec 19, 2024 • 1h 45min
Chasing the Tickle Men
Dive into a whirlwind of topics, from the chaotic discussions on 'Valley of the Dolls' to the bizarre world of tickling documentaries. Explore political representation, particularly the nuances surrounding trans rights, while enjoying light-hearted social media banter. Discover the turbulent brotherly saga of Robert Moses and the transformative power of tech in health management. Enjoy critical takes on Hollywood's portrayals of addiction and personal reflections on Jewish identity in the industry, all laced with humor and insight.

Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 8min
Stop Bothering Hamlet
Hey, it's been a while, so have a free bonus episode.

Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 1min
Covered with Alex
Recorded Wednesday December 11, 2024.Merlin edited this and then got it out as soon as possible, purely for his own sanity.Notes to follow, as time allows.Also? We love you. Thanks for being our long-suffering pal.

Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 22min
The Birthday Situation
This week's challenge: use voice to text.You can support Do By Friday and find The Aftershows at giveusyourfuckingmoney.com.——Produced and Edited by Alex Cox——Show Links420: Beauty of the Lonely Boys (Merlin Mann: Part 2) – OvertiredMr. Show - Pre-Taped Call-in Show - YouTubeIntroducing canvas, a new way to write and code with ChatGPT. | OpenAIHearing Aid feature for AirPods Pro 2 | Apple - YouTubeAirPods Pro 2 - Hearing Health - AppleAirPods Pro 2 - Hearing Health Feature Availability - AppleHearing Aid feature for AirPods Pro 2 | Apple - YouTube4 ways you can use ChatGPT's Canvas mode to improve your daily life | TechRadarDaytumEpisode 220: Pissbeards and Pooh Corner | My Brother, My Brother and Me Wiki | FandomEzra Klein on What’s Wrong with Trump - YouTubeTrump: ‘I Need the Kind of Generals That Hitler Had’ - The AtlanticWhat's the Matter with Kansas? (book) - WikipediaRecorded Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024.Next week's challenge: find five funny hellos.

Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 26min
The Voice of Fred
Join a lively discussion as the hosts tackle the challenge of getting someone excited about something. They explore the quirks of friendship, the hilarities of generational math education, and share spirited tales about 'Phantom of the Opera.' Expect comedic takes on pets and technology, alongside reflections on family dynamics and communication. The insights blend nostalgia with humor, revealing the complexity of relationships while keeping the atmosphere light and entertaining.

Oct 12, 2024 • 1h 39min
The Nicest Screwdriver in the World
This week's challenge: make a puzzle.You can support Do By Friday and find The Aftershows at giveusyourfuckingmoney.com.——Produced and Edited by Alex Cox——Show LinksTrump’s Rambling Speeches Reinforce Question of Age - The New York TimesOne Day More | Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary | TUNE - YouTubeElon Musk at Trump rally in Butler, PA: FULL SPEECH - YouTubeRoboism #56: Elongated Muskrat - Relay FMDo We Dare Call It Fascism?On Not Writing About New College - ungainlyFrog (fastening) - WikipediaPelisse - WikipediaFantasy Gachapon | The Adventure Zone Wiki | FandomXY problem - WikipediaStopTheMadness on the Mac App StoreStrands: Uncover Words. - The New York TimesLexical QualityFalling BehindRecorded Wednesday, October 11th, 2024.Next week's challenge: get somebody excited about something.

Oct 3, 2024 • 1h 21min
The Legacy Part of Me
This week's challenge: use Claude.You can find The Aftershows at giveusyourfuckingmoney.com.——Produced and Edited by Alex Cox——Show LinksJohn Dickerson breaking down the VP debate between Walz and Vance - YouTubeKeynote Speaker - Jay Miller - YouTubeBetter - Merlin MannHow to create your own VPN with Tailscale to get around stupid free WiFi network rules and protect your trafficHow Tailscale worksIP/DNS Detect - What is your IP, what is your DNS, what informations you send to websites.NextDNS - The new firewall for the modern InternetMerlin's Wisdom Project (Draft) · GitHubMeet Claude \ AnthropicHow can I create and manage Projects? | Anthropic Help CenterMemory and new controls for ChatGPT | OpenAIMemory FAQ | OpenAI Help CenterDistributed AI Research Institute | DAIROpenAI makes its AI speech engine available to developersRoboism #71: Stroke the Button - Relay FM418: S-Tier Face (Merlin Mann: Part 1) – OvertiredRecorded Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024.Next week’s challenge: make a puzzle.

Sep 14, 2024 • 1h 37min
Lawnchair Installer
This week's challenge: watch Chimp Crazy.You can hear the aftershow and support Do By Friday on Patreon!——Produced and Edited by Alex Cox——Show LinksRepublicans’ racist, cat-eating conspiracy theory about Haitian immigrants | VoxOrigin of Trump and JD Vance’s lies about Haitian immigrants eating pets revealed | The IndependentUndecided voters give Harris a look — but not a commitment — after the debateTaylor Swift endorses Kamala Harris: See Tim Walz react live - YouTubeHear what Bill O'Reilly thinks of Harris and Trump's debate performancesTrump's surprise appearance at debate spin room"Harris Was Relentless In Her Prosecution Of Donald Trump" - John Dickerson - YouTubeVivaldi: The Four Seasons - Anne-Sophie Mutter /Mutter Virtuosi Ensemble - YouTubeSNICKERS Minis Size Chocolate Candy Bars Family Size Bag, 18 oz | SNICKERS®A week after the DNC, the content creators it invited have some notes : NPRSocial Media Influencers to Speak at the Democratic Convention - The New York TimesFind 'hottties for harris' on TikTok | TikTok SearchNo Dogs or Cats Were Harmed In the Making of This Post-Debate Podcast | WIREDJessie Gender - YouTubeShows - YouTube KidsPlay in Your Waiting Room - YouTubeBaseless Wayfair child-trafficking theory spreads online | AP NewsThis free TV comes with two screens - The VergeTravis (chimpanzee) - WikipediaChimp Crazy | Official Teaser | HBO - YouTubeSpotlight (film) - WikipediaRecorded Wednesday, September 11th, 2024.Next week's challenge: chair yoga.

Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 30min
That Baby Needs Gloves
This week, the hosts challenge themselves to create a little movie and humorously compare their podcasting gear. They dive into the tricky waters of personal growth and the dynamics of communication, as well as navigating vaccine skepticism in marginalized communities. Awkward moments arise from an app malfunction that activates the camera, introducing a quirky character. Lighthearted chats on personal hygiene, creativity, and generative AI tools bring playful insights, while a cheeky debate unfolds over the film 'American Beauty' and its perceived brilliance.

Sep 2, 2024 • 1h 38min
Loot Box for Hoarders
This week's challenge: play the New York Times games.You can hear the Aftershow and support Do By Friday on Patreon!——Produced and Edited by Alex Cox——Show LinksSchroedinger's Gift | Do By FridayCardboard cutting ASMRAmazon returns: What really happens to them?Monty Hall problem - WikipediaxScope • Measure. Inspect. Test.Kash Patel Will Do Anything for Trump - The Atlantic'SNL' Star James Austin Johnson Reprises Trump Impression After TrialShane Gillis's Best Trump Impressions - YouTubeCliff Hickinson (@CliffHickinson@mastodon.social) - MastodonWho is paying $30 for 'gamer girl' Belle Delphine's bath water? | Life and style | The GuardianTrump CardsCharlie Kirk Gets Into Altercation at DNC - NewsweekDemocratic National Convention: The Best and Most WTF MomentsMike Lindell Humiliated by 12-Year-Old at DNC; Trump Whines About Obama "Size" Jab: A Closer Look - YouTube'Weird' Times in American Politics: The New Democratic PlaybookReliquary - WikipediaTechnology | Us/technology | The GuardianGames | The New York Times CompanyLex's Games by Lex FriedmanToday's PuzzmoWordle Is a Love Story - The New York TimesEggplant: The Secret Lives of Games: 126: Building Your Own Platform with Zach Gage (Puzzmo)Recorded Wednesday, Wednesday, August 28th, 2024Next week's challenge: make a lil’ movie.