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

Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 1min
Episode 644: A Tony Bennett Hair Hat
An important discussion about aging as examined and explained through the lens of James Howlett.Links:David Ferrie - WikipediaMerlin's Wisdom Project — "It's only advice for you because it had to be advice for me."
Max Eisenhardt (Earth-616) | Marvel Database | FandomMagneto | X-Men Wiki | Fandom

Apr 1, 2024 • 1h 29min
Episode 643: The Price of Lies
The hosts dive into the quirks and frustrations of using voice assistants like Siri, revealing humorous anecdotes about misunderstandings. They explore the impressive HBO series, Chernobyl, connecting its storytelling to real-world nuclear disaster implications. Discussions about music streaming and note-taking strategies highlight their personal preferences and productivity hacks. They also share tips on navigating e-commerce success, using tools like LinkedIn Sales Navigator to connect with potential allies and customers.

Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 43min
Episode 642: A Better Roll of Toilet Paper
Your hosts discuss facial hair, notebooks, the metric system, flexing about local weather, and becoming the bathroom supplies you want to see in the world.
Links:Amazon.com : kleid 8902 Notebook, 0.08 inch (2 mm) Grid Notebook, A5, 0.08 inch (2 mm) Grid, Olive : Office ProductsKleid StationeryKinokuniya USAAmazon.com: Maruman MNEMOSYNE Notebook 8.27 x 5.83 Inches (A5), 5mm dot grid, 80 Sheets (N105), white : Everything Else — Merlin's notebook.Amazon.com: Kinsa Smart,Fever, Digital Medical Baby, Kid and Adult Termometro - Accurate, Fast, FDA Cleared Thermometer for Oral, Armpit or Rectal Temperature Reading - QuickCare : Health & Household — Merlin's thermometer.Le Grand K – Saint-Cloud, France - Atlas Obscura — The former global standard for the exact mass of one kilogram sits under lock and key outside Paris. Metric Paper - YouTubeSMISKI - 【OFFICIAL SITE】SMISKIShopkins Brand Page - Moose ToysMerlin's Wisdom Project — "In thinking about optimizing how you work, try to distinguish between the parts of your job that are necessarily difficult versus the parts that are harder than they actually need to be. The former is the reason that you get the big bucks, and the latter is the reason why you may often feel like the bucks should be bigger."sam elliott young - Google SearchThe Cornell Note Taking System – Learning Strategies CenterEx-Men: Wolverine - YouTube

Mar 13, 2024 • 1h 17min
Episode 641: Germans in the Wild
Enjoy a humorous dive into the frustrations of Zoom's interface and the nostalgia of childhood cartoons like 'Wacky Races'. Explore the contrasts between Cincinnati and San Francisco, offering insights on cultural diversity and technology. Discover the joys and challenges of travel packing, alongside the evolution of portable charging devices. Tune in for amusing anecdotes and practical tech recommendations that simplify life while addressing personal anxieties and the quest for well-being.

Mar 12, 2024 • 1h 20min
Episode 640: Bob's Big Mess
The conversation kicks off with a whimsical look at construction chaos, likening it to Dr. Seuss creations. A hilarious delve into Bay Area transit tales and upscale dining leads to nostalgic food memories. They gear up for an upcoming total eclipse, blending air travel anecdotes with Texas pet quirks. The dialogue shifts to digital organization strategies and humorous tech troubles, particularly with Bluetooth devices. Finally, they explore unconventional aesthetics in TV, comparing unique storytelling to European films and reflecting on the evolution of humor in modern shows.

Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 16min
Episode 639: The Commodore's Club
Dan discusses lessons from traveling, Merlin talks about fears of boredom and inconvenience. Topics include efficient packing tips, the convenience of using Shopify for online businesses, and a solar eclipse flight by Delta Air Lines

Jan 23, 2024 • 2h 14min
Episode 638: A New Kind of Bullet
Topics discussed in this podcast include the universal audio interface in Zoom, writing, AI, the movie Patterson and its influences, watching movies on a rowing machine, online therapy, compatibility issues with NTFS and Mac OS, and different ways to stress words in a sentence.

Jan 17, 2024 • 1h 35min
Episode 637: The Minimally Viable Log Cabin Channel
The podcast explores the changing perception of being busy, challenging constant busyness as necessary or admirable. They discuss the value of planning ahead, the challenges in startup companies, and the importance of balance. Also, they recommend to-do list apps for Apple users and discuss brand loyalty and quality clothing. The speakers delve into the motivations behind brand loyalty and the factors contributing to it. They also touch on trying new things, emotional attachments to brands, and Siri voice commands.

Jan 9, 2024 • 1h 21min
Episode 636: Honoring My Pivot Table
The podcast explores topics such as task management apps, frustrations with the medical system, HelloFresh meal kit delivery service, struggles with grocery shopping, decadent literature, a controversial painting called Porno Crotece, using the to-do app Things, choosing the right tools for tasks, exploring note-taking apps, and expressions of love.

Jan 3, 2024 • 1h 20min
Episode 635: Buffet de Canard
Hosts discuss confusion between series and season in TV shows, reflect on tough times and hopes for the future, share opinions on a new movie watched, talk about funny voices, note taking, and minimalism, discuss frustrations of finding the right tools for drawing and designing, explore handwriting recognition and predictive buttons, discuss flexible interface and the role of tooth in drawing, explore the benefits of using a tooth on an iPad, and talk about struggles with reading without glasses.
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