
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

Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 21min
Episode 634: Nominally Future-Resistant
Explore topics like health tracking and self-quantization, web design evolution and web standards, USB-C and Thunderbolt confusion, tracking health and fitness with Apple Watch, managing sleep patterns with apps and Apple Watch, traveling light with an iPad Pro, and the features and performance of the Sonos Beam speaker.

Dec 5, 2023 • 58min
Episode 633: A Self-Aware Old Man
In this podcast, the hosts chat about their recent travels, discuss a nutritionally dense paste called H-U-E-L, explore warm cookies and false dichotomies, talk about movies and sound design, share tips for accurate 3D scans, discuss twist endings and changing listening habits, talk about smart white Christmas tree lights, and end with a discussion about the episode number and title of the podcast.

Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 23min
Episode 632: Big Strong Beef Boy
Hosts discuss microclimates and wind velocity, fascination with 3D printing app Polycam, advancements in phone cameras and 3D scanning, mind-blowing floor plans, exploring possibilities of Polycam, evolution of iPad and its versatility, benefits of using apps for web developers, seamless integration and compatibility between Apple devices.

Nov 14, 2023 • 1h 11min
Episode 631: Little Bit of Dirty Grey
The podcast covers topics such as generative AI, a sweet new watch, frustrations with a malfunctioning computer, turning personal photos into jigsaw puzzles, old storage devices, famous commercial outtakes, specialized GPTs, making lateral connections, the enjoyment of playing the drums, initial thoughts on the Apple Watch Ultra II, and casual conversation and speculation.

Nov 7, 2023 • 1h 15min
Episode 630: Monchichabowsky
On AI and curiosity.
Links:Monchhichi Blue Bib Boy · Kappa ToysCareer Day - SNL - YouTubeMonchhichi Dolls Commercial - YouTubeDrama Actors Roundtable: Pedro Pascal, Evan Peters, Kieran Culkin, Damson Idris & More - YouTubePedro Pascal & Oscar Isaac Answer the Web's Most Searched Questions | WIRED - YouTubeLike Stories of Old | Nebula — I believe that movies, just like the stories of old, contain valuable lessons and insights, and to better understand them is to better understand life.The Inner Chronicle of What We Are – Understanding Werner Herzog - YouTubeFilms directed by Werner Herzog • LetterboxdHow Much Wood Would a Woodchuck Chuck (1976) directed by Werner Herzog • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd — A documentary short examining the language and performance of auctioneering, filmed at the World Livestock Auctioneer Championship in Pennsylvania.God's Angry Man (1981) directed by Werner Herzog • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd — The documentary follows Gene Scott, famous televangelist involved with constant fights against FCC, who tried to shut down his TV show during the 1970s and ’80s, and even argues with his viewers, complaining about their lack of support by not sending enough money to keep going with the show.OpenAI DevDay, Opening Keynote - YouTubeProtective Mom - SNL - YouTubeFancam Assembly - SNL - YouTubeWing Pit - SNL - YouTube

Oct 24, 2023 • 51min
Episode 629: Benjamin Franklin's Disease
And and Merlin have a wide-ranging discussion.Links:Rams Palette. – Present & CorrectPresent & CorrectModern notes manager for macOS and iOS | FSNotes App — FSNotes is modern notes manager for macOS and iOS. App respects open formats like GitHub Flavored Markdown, so you can easily write documents on iPhone and MacBook. It's simple and blazing fast!
Swap email for Slack: How to save employees 11 hours a week | SlackC.H.U.D. - WikipediaMonoLisa - A font family designed for software developers. Font follows function.JetBrains Mono: A free and open source typeface for developers | JetBrains: Developer Tools for Professionals and TeamsCareer Day - SNL - YouTube

Oct 11, 2023 • 58min
Episode 628: Beating Yourself Up at Scale
In this podcast, the speakers discuss their experiences living in San Francisco, share a memorable encounter with a famous baseball player, talk about writing tools and fad diets, explore the importance of intentionality over goals, discuss minimizing dependencies, introduce the Orion app by Lux Corporation, and touch on various topics like backing up data and dealing with anger.

Oct 3, 2023 • 1h 7min
Episode 627: Unscheduled Dirt Event
Topics discussed in this podcast include the possibility of AGI debut in 2030, difficulties in finding violins, playful banter, 3D printing, iOS 17 impressions, decreased battery life of iPhone 13, traveling during COVID, monetizing newsletters, efficient travel, favorite TV shows, frustrations of flying with Southwest Airlines, benefits of TSA pre-check for frequent travelers, and expressions of love.

Sep 26, 2023 • 1h 11min
Episode 626: Chekhov's Lightsaber
The podcast covers topics such as the magic of Channels, the power of dictation, the movie Vice and Christian Bale's performance, the illusion of free will, and frustrations with Siri.

Sep 6, 2023 • 45min
Episode 625: Chapters of Madness
The hosts discuss warm weather, naming conventions, and superstitions. They share thoughts on the Apple Watch Ultra, analyze Coen Brothers films, and explore the concept of twins. They reminisce about using walkie talkies as kids and share funny stories.
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