

Back to Work
5by5
Back to Work is an award winning talk show with Merlin Mann and Dan Benjamin discussing productivity, communication, work, barriers, constraints, tools, and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 16, 2012 • 1h 20min
Episode 63: Bold with the Scissors
TOPIC: Agency, Independence, and Outing Your Makebelieve "Partners."
Dan and Merlin return to the topic of agency.
Who's allowed to speak and act on your behalf? And, what happens when you discover people who've unilaterally decided by fiat to speak and act on your behalf?
Well. If your work (and your business) matters to you, you tell them to knock it off.
How to reclaim your own stuff, set your own terms, and fire all the non-silent non-partners of the lucrative Free Compliment Industry.
Links for this episode:Workshops | Squarespace Workshops - archive - Beyond the BlogWorkshops | Squarespace Workshops - archive - Building a PortfolioSimplifed Plans and Pricing — The Official Squarespace Blog[SPONSOR] Squarespace.com. Use offer code `turnsout` for 10% off. [SPONSOR] TextExpander: Mac Typing Shortcut Utility Saves You Time!iTextEditors - iPhone and iPad text/code editors and writing tools compared"If you think it's fancy to expect permission to sell stupid shit people said, just wait until you start saying stupid shit worth selling."5by5 | Back to Work #12: Chewie's Medal is Not CanonicalFree as in "Me" | 43 FoldersGiant Steps - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaHenry's law - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAmazon.com: Sodastream Fountain Jet Soda Maker Starter Kit: Kitchen & DiningAmazon.com: A Confederacy of Dunces (9780802130204): John Kennedy Toole, Walker Percy: Books5by5 | After Dark #143: After Back to Work #63Merlin's Frequently Asked Questions - Merlin MannSponsored this week by our pals at Squarespace and Smile. Please visit the show notes for this episode to find links, tips, and special offers.

Apr 9, 2012 • 1h 3min
Episode 62: Cultural Molasses
TOPIC: Karmasucks, No-Sayers, and Black and White Thinking
Dan and Merlin consider the karmasucks and black and white thinking that lead to inertia and a culture of derision.
Anyone can laugh at an agenda, and it only takes one turd in the punchbowl to ruin the party, so don't ask permission, ask yes or no questions, and keep your judge behind your explorer.
Links for this episode:Why isn't that Buddha statue fat?Monty Python - "Election Night Special" - YouTubePhineas and Ferb - "My Nemesis" - YouTubeWaldorf education - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCreative Think - Roger von OechAmazon.com: A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative (9780446404662): Roger von Oech: BooksAmazon.com: A Kick in the Seat of the Pants: Using Your Explorer, Artist, Judge, and Warrior to Be More Creative: Explore similar itemsJonathan Coulton with John Roderick - "Nemeses" - YouTube[SPONSOR] Squarespace.com. Use offer code `turnsout` for 10% off.It's About Time! - Phineas and Ferb Wiki - Your Guide to Phineas and FerbMy Nemesis - Phineas and Ferb Wiki - Your Guide to Phineas and FerbDAYTUMFalse dilemma - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSplitting (psychology) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaBorderline personality disorder - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaCreative Prob-solving (KISP)Spicynodes : Fostering creativityGrace Hopper: "It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to get permission.""Never let the guy with the broom decide how many elephants can be in the parade.""It is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends upon his not understanding it!"VIDEO: "John Cleese - A Lecture on Creativity" (Do **NOT** miss!)"Bill Cosby: Himself" - Part OneBill Cosby: Himself (1983)Ep. 14: "Big City Apology" - Roderick on the Line - Merlin MannTim & Eric - "Gravy Robbers Training Video" (with Zach Galifianakis)Tim & Eric - "Gravy Robbers!" - YouTubeElection Night Special - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaPrimer (2004)DAYTUM: Merlin's Running Sodastream StatsMitchell & Webb - "That's Numberwang!"Sponsored by Squarespace. Use offer code, turnsout for 10% off.

Apr 2, 2012 • 1h 10min
Episode 61: I Handed Him My Luke
Dan and Merlin talk about Dancing Han Solo, going to college in Florida, and developing smarter patterns for Getting Things Diaried.
Whether you're calling collect, person-to-person, or station-to-station, it's time to get serious, get realistic, and just get it on the calendar.
Send the invite, work those Telephone Thursdays, and make that call E6W ("Every 6 Weeks"). Pick the system that supports your intentions. Then use it.
Links for this episode:LensRentals.com - Hammerforum.comLobster Farm | You Look Nice Today"Old, Old Friend" - Threadless.com - Best t-shirts in the worldDancing to "I'm Han Solo" on Kinect Star Wars - YouTubeA Sextodecimestrial Letter to YLNT Shareholders | You Look Nice TodayYou Look Nice Today — The You Look Nice Today Starter Packsimplecomic - An uncluttered comic viewer for os-x - Google Project HostingVachina | You Look Nice TodayWolverine - Marvel Comics DatabaseJean Grey - Marvel Comics Databasekung fu grippe - Siracusa "LIKE AN ANIMAL!" ringtoneApp Store - Comic Zeal Comic ReaderAwayFind - Mobile notifications for priority messages. The email management solution for Gmail and Exchange.Tungle.me | Scheduling Made EasyCash DukeClaude Zeins (czeins) on Twitter

Mar 26, 2012 • 1h 11min
Episode 60: Living Inside an Unfinished Thing
Dan and Merlin consider how to rethink your work as a platform. It's not just a job, or just a career, or (God forbid) just a brand--it's about deciding when you need to take your time and attention pro.
How the stuff you've made and done can be leveraged into the next things you'd like to make and do; how to find the orthogonal angles and unexpected branches; how to learn what you need to learn; and how to take your work so seriously that you'll dare a quick dip in the douche pool.
Links for this episode:Why People Remember Negative Events More Than Positive Ones - NYTimes.comTwitter / @rands: Reputation is the sum tota ...Video for Merlin's "Inbox Zero" talk | 43 FoldersDamocles - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaEveryday Use - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSorry to Lose You (sorrytoloseyou) on TwitterRaynaud's phenomenon - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMPU 023: Workflows with Merlin Mann « Mac Power UsersSimple Comic - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[SPONSOR] Byword • A Simple Text Editor for Mac and iOSHow Companies Learn Your Secrets - NYTimes.comA compelling take on breaking bad habits - FT.com37signals: Web-based collaboration apps for small business"If you're proud of your work, don't worry whether everyone loves it…"Amazon.com: The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles (9781936891023): Steven Pressfield, Shawn Coyne: BooksAmazon.com: The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life (9780743235273): Twyla Tharp, Mark Reiter: Bookskung fu grippe • Donny & Marie - “May Tomorrow Be A Perfect Day” ...Kill file - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaSponsored by Byword, a Simple Text Editor for Mac and iOS

Mar 19, 2012 • 2h 2min
Episode 59: Brains All the Way Down
This week, Dan and Merlin tackle the problem of changing cultures at work. It's not a snapshot, it's not a kitchen table, and it may actually have surprisingly little to do with you.
Which is complicated.
Links for this episode:App Store - Flow Powered by AmazonRL Classic for iPhone, iPod touch (4th generation), iPad 2 Wi-Fi, iPad 2 Wi-Fi + 3G, iPad (3rd generation) and iPad Wi-Fi + 4G on the iTunes App StoreStealth Mountain (stealthmountain) on Twitterttscoff/Brett-s-TextExpander-SnippetsTE-snippets | TextExpander snippets beter the bullitsTE-snippets | TextExpander snippets beter the bullits[SPONSOR] TextExpander: Mac Typing Shortcut Utility Saves You Time!TextExpander: Mac Typing Shortcut Utility Saves You Time!TextExpander Tools - Brett Terpstradrdrang/te-url-snippetsdrdrang/tedist[SPONSOR] Squarespace (30% off 3 months with `buttonitup`)[SPONSOR] Byword • A Simple Text Editor for Mac and iOSfsck - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[img] X-Men & Amazon FlowUse “Mobile Documents” Folder To Sync Files with iCloud Across MacsEternal September - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaApplejack Project PageRadius 81/110 - All thisLaurelhurst Market Restaurant and Butcher Shop Portland, ORVideo: Merlin's Time & Attention Talk (Improvised Rutgers Edition) | 43 FoldersSponsored by Byword, Squarespace, and Smile.

Mar 12, 2012 • 1h 13min
Episode 58: Girl with the QR Tattoo
TOPIC: Changing Inputs
Dan turns Merlin's technical difficulties into a discussion of discovering and paying attention to things that have a high ROI.
It's not about who you think you are, or the latest and loudest thing. You'll miss something even if you follow 1000 blogs, so remember who you really are.
La pregunta: ¿Que hacer?
Links for this episode:Squarespace Food Truck (@ SxSW, Mar 9-17)[PDF] Squarespace-Food-Truck-MenuBrightkite - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaTime Management, Productivity, & Project Tracking Software (Mac/PC) | RescueTimeSpirited Away - drikin.com - the Mac wayHibari: A Mac Twitter client with keyword filtering, muting, inline saved search results, inline conversations, tweet lookup, and moreThe Beatles in Hamburg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaRazzledazzle | You Look Nice TodayMarked: MultiMarkdown preview, everywhereNoodlesoft | HazelLearn more about Labs features - Google Calendar HelpAwayFind - Mobile notifications for priority messages. The email management solution for Gmail and Exchange.OtherInbox | Save your inbox for real peopleSuperDuper!OmniFocus for Mac - Products - The Omni GroupYour Outboard Brain Knows AllMy Blog, My Outboard Brain - O'Reilly MediaOne Foot Tsunami by Paul KafasisThe PresurferkickingbearGmail - Priority Inbox – mailMakebelieve Help, Old Butchers, and Figuring Out Who You Are (For Now) | 43 FoldersDreyfus model of skill acquisition - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaiPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple opinion and news | The LoopTip of the tongue - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaFlow (psychology) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaFile:Challenge vs skill.svg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaAmazon.com: Unix in a Nutshell, Fourth Edition (9780596100292): Arnold Robbins: Bookskung fu grippe • tedfromtheinternet: On a recent 5by5 AD, Dan and...AppleJack Project PageSponsored by Squarespace.com (30% off 3 months, with offer code, buttonitup)

Mar 5, 2012 • 1h 33min
Episode 57: Start with Anger, End with a Sign
Merlin and Dan talk about successful lawn care secrets and getting angry over dog poop, paper towels, duck crossings, and the Dark Side.
No one ever saw the error of their ways because they saw a note from Management. Instead of counting piles and grabbing coals, maybe act a little more like Mr. Rogers.
Links for this episode:Rogue Amoeba | Piezo: Charmingly Simple Recording From Applications and Audio Devicesdop-poop-piles.jpg (768×1024)Neighbors | This American LifePittsburgh in Words - Can You Say ... 'Hero'? by Tom JunodPassiveAggressiveNotes.comRight versus pragmatic – Marco.orgThe Elimination of Anger: With two stories retold from the Buddhist textsThree poisons (Buddhism) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaFive Precepts - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaFour Noble Truths - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaNoble Eightfold Path - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaStar Wars Episode IV: A New Hope - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaStar Wars: Machete OrderTragedy of the commons - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaStar Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Edit » Fanedit.org – Home of the faneditsStar Wars Episode 2: Attack Of The Phantom » Fanedit.org – Home of the faneditsMike J. Nichols (theeditdoctor) on TwitterWoody Allen: "Eighty percent of success is showing up."Arthur Treacher - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia"There is 1 person with the first name 'Fedow' in Florida."[SPONSOR] Squarespace.com (30% off 3 months, with offer code, buttonitup)

Feb 28, 2012 • 1h 27min
Episode 56: One Giant Beholder Dinosaur
Merlin and Dan talk about your attachment to old coffee cups, Captain America glasses, and Grandma's underwear cabinet—all the physical (and emotional) clutter that keeps you from making the things you love and having the life you want. The Kipple.
See: it's not a red snapper problem, it's an emotional problem. So, quit being scared of your fridge, or your inbox, or your todo list. Just suck it up, buy some contractor bags, and never organize another thing that's not worth keeping.
Links for this episode:Right versus pragmatic – Marco.orgAmazon.com: It's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff (9780743292658): Peter Walsh: BooksSodastream Fountain Jet Soda Maker Starter Kit: Amazon.com: Kitchen & Diningikea lamp - YouTubeAmazon.com: Husky PA3242HD 42-Gallon Contractor Clean-Up Bags, 32-Count: Patio, Lawn & GardenAmazon.com: Tuff Sak CCB750 42-Gallon Heavy Duty Contractor Clean Up Bags: Home ImprovementCool Tools: It's All Too MuchMedical uses of silver - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaLeon Trotsky - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaMy War on Clutter: Never "organize" what you can discard | 43 FoldersMy War on Clutter: Inspiration for Independence Day | 43 FoldersMy War on Clutter: The Tools to Purge BIG | 43 FoldersClutter War II: Attack of the Giant Baby | 43 Folderskung fu grippeSponsored by TinyLetter and Shopify.

Feb 21, 2012 • 1h 48min
Episode 55: The Pickles Never Touch
This week Dan and Merlin ponder why there's so much variability in the quality of our work.
Whether we're making code, scrubbing toilets, or stinking up the Arby's, what explains our individual drive to do something better?
Links for this episode:Features - SquarespaceSponsored by 1Password and Squarespace.

Feb 16, 2012 • 1h 35min
Episode 54: Freemium Mason
Merlin and Dan talk about returning to paleo, the nature of wieners and discouragement, crown vic habits and anxiety addiction.
You won't beat it without a cocktail of grit and care with just the right amount of sacrifice.
Links for this episode:BRYCE DOT VCHot dog - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia5by5 | 5by5 Specials #4: KindacriticalStudio Neat — WelcomeMy Family’s Experiment in Extreme Schooling - NYTimes.comWhat if the Secret to Success Is Failure? - NYTimes.comBear CSS - Helping you build a solid stylesheet foundation based on your markupCreators of Daily Challenge - MeYou HealthQuills Coffee - Welcome to Quills CoffeeQuit Touching My Toilet PaperPortland Hotel | Downtown Portland Oregon Hotels | Courtyard by Marriott HotelStu Maschwitz (5tu) on TwitterProlost - BlogIMDb - Stuart T. MaschwitzSimon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action - YouTubeHot Pockets - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaLaurelhurst Market Restaurant and Butcher Shop Portland, ORThe Paleo Diet: A Link PrimerLo-Carb Chicago Dog | Flickr - Photo Sharing!United Airlines - Airline Tickets, Airline Reservations, Flight AirfareSponsored by Smile and Squarespace.