Shows
No Harm In AskingStuff You Should Know with Josh Clark and Chuck BryantIn this episode Mike and Eric review the podcast "Stuff You Should Know" hosted by Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant. Coming up on 15 years and now over 2,000 episodes Josh and Chuck have managed to continuously challenge each other while providing information you should know in a non-pretentious manner. Now with a large and loyal following of everyday people they are able to host live shows as well as leverage the brand across books and even a board game collaboration.
So, why has this been so successful? Is it just two nice guys who are sufficiently curious about...
2022-12-2138 min
No Harm In AskingBroadcaster and Media Entrepreneur Cliff DumasThis week on the pod, hosts Michael Kerr and Eric Byron interview broadcaster and media entrepreneur Cliff Dumas. Cliff is the current morning host at KUZZ FM in Bakersfield, California and co-founder of audio production and global distribution company EverythingPodcasts.com as well as author of the book Broadcast2Podcast. He is also the only Canadian to win Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music accolades as Radio Personality of the Year!
In this episode Cliff talks about his career in radio broadcasting and how he's expanded it into a podcasting consultancy. Ultimately, like all media...
2022-11-2444 min
No Harm In AskingArt of the Kickstart with Roy MorejonWe love business podcasts and this one is right up our alley, pairing it with another favourite topic -- startup founder experiences. But pulling off a kickstarter podcast is harder than you might think. Getting that balance right between showcasing the founder and the product all while talking about what the podcast is really about, the lessons learned during the crowdfunding campaign, is tricky. What do Eric Byron, Michael Kerr and our guest C. K. Sze, Ubitech founder and Kickstarter-experienced entrepreneur, think this week?
The Art Of The Kickstart podcast exists to help inventors and entrepreneurs successfully c...
2022-11-1631 min
No Harm In AskingGrammar Girl with Mignon FogartyLike the saying goes "Go niche or go home". Oh, actually, that's apparently not how the saying goes, but if you've listened to any of our reviews on the No Harm In Asking podcast, you're probably aware that we think it should. While building a brand in a narrow subject, like grammar, might seem like an uphill battle, if you can ultimately pull it off you might just find yourself with a fascinating career.
One of our favorites is Mignon Fogarty, a.k.a. Grammar Girl, who has built up such a following that many of her e...
2022-11-0928 min
No Harm In AskingThe GaryVee Audio Experience with Gary VaynerchukThis week on the show, Michael Kerr and Eric Byron are pleased to welcome our guest Danielle Meadows-Stinnett of the "MoreThanGraphics Podcast" to discuss her favourite podcast -- "The GaryVee Audio Experience"!
For the podcasting perfectionists out there, great is often the enemy of good enough. Especially, as Danielle points out, if your audience is creators and entrepreneurs that need daily motivation to keep on going! Lots of great lessons from GaryVee in this podcast on how to create audio content from virtually anything you do.
The GaryVee Audio Experience is hosted by entrepreneur, CEO, i...
2022-11-0235 min
No Harm In AskingThe Jordan Harbinger ShowThis week on the “No Harm In Asking” podcast, Michael Kerr and Eric Byron review "The Jordan Harbinger Show". Certainly the old adage "nothing succeeds like success" applies to Jordan as he can definitely get guests that most podcasters can't but there's still some great lessons in the business that he has built. As many reviews have taught us, being nice is never a losing strategy along with remembering that every episode is an opportunity to gain a new fan, so make it easy for them.
Every week, Jordan interviews fascinating people at the top of their game...
2022-10-2627 min
No Harm In AskingCompelled Christian Stories with Paul HastingsIf faith plays a role in your life, there is one podcasting genre that comes with a loyal and dedicated audience in the millions, ready to support you with their time and often money – Religion. This week Michael Kerr and Eric Byron listened to numerous religion-focused podcasts and found a diverse collection of offerings catering to all believers. However, at Compelled we feel we found one that combined the right mix of inspiration, scripture and hope told through current and relevant stories of transformation and redemption.
Compelled is a seasonal podcast that uses gripping and immersive storytelling to...
2022-10-1927 min
No Harm In AskingAll There Is with Anderson CooperHow do you determine if you have the authority, the experience or the “right” to produce a podcast on a given topic? Obviously you can choose to do a podcast on anything, there are no rules or restrictions. But should you be able to authentically connect with your guests for ultimate success? We think you do. In this episode Mike and Eric discuss authenticity, niche topics, how long we think this particular podcast can and should last and showcase how Anderson uses audio elements to engage the listener and deliver unfiltered emotion.
On “All There Is” Anderson Cooper t...
2022-10-1231 min
No Harm In AskingWeAreNetflix with Lyle TroxellThinking of producing a podcast to showcase your corporate brand? We think every large corporation should explore this opportunity. But getting it right is harder than you might think, requiring effort and clarity of purpose. In this episode Mike and Eric deep dive into Netflix’s podcast for attracting future employees from engineers to creatives and break down why we think Netflix mostly misses the mark with this one.
That said, there’s still lots to like about the WeAreNetflix Podcast that features employees talking about work and life at Netflix, hosted by Netflix Senior Software Engineer Lyle...
2022-10-0529 min
No Harm In AskingLife with Steph and DaltMany people want to develop something that takes them down a different path than the usual nine-to-five routine. Indeed, the dream of the nomadic lifestyle supported by a podcast represents (to many) the perfect life. But settling on a podcast topic, and one that could be developed into a monetizable business, is always the first obstacle. Is the solution perhaps to share with the world the most challenging, the most sensitive and the most intimate details of your relationship? In this episode, Mike and Eric discuss the pros and cons of this podcast choice and where this could lead.
2022-09-2827 min
No Harm In AskingSerial with Sarah KoenigMany say this is the podcast that started it all. In fact, a survey of Serial newsletter subscribers revealed that for almost a quarter, Serial was the first podcast they'd ever listened to! Furthermore, with the conviction of Adnan Syed recently overturned as a result of Sarah and her team's work in Season 1, Serial has cemented its place in podcasting history. However, as odd as it sounds, can too much success lead to your downfall? This week Mike and Eric discuss these things and more in our review of Serial.
A podcast from the creators of This...
2022-09-2130 min
No Harm In AskingCrime Junkie with Ashley FlowersLearning from the best of the best. Crime Junkie has been at or near the top of the charts since 2019. With great power (and profits) comes great responsibility. Join Mike and Eric in a discussion around the ethics of profiting off other people’s painful stories.
Crime Junkie is a weekly true crime podcast dedicated to retelling many of America's most compelling murders. Host Ashley Flowers takes us through the details of a crime she’s been obsessing over that week in a straightforward, easy to follow format with suspense twisted in and few “full body chills”.
On...
2022-09-1429 min
No Harm In AskingThis American Life with Ira GlassAre people born podcasters or can the skill be learned? Obviously, it can be learned, but sometimes it's worth taking a look at the people that were clearly born to do it. Ira Glass serves as the director, senior producer, host, administrator, librarian, researcher and (perhaps most importantly) lead visionary for This American Life. To be fair, Ira did put in his time at various newsrooms cutting tape and doing odd jobs, but it very much seems like this was his life's calling.
This American Life is a weekly public radio program and podcast that began in 1995...
2022-09-0728 min
No Harm In AskingS-Town with Brian ReedS-Town, a seven "chapter", 6-plus hour podcast was released on March 28, 2017. The podcast was downloaded a record-breaking 10 million times in four days, and had been downloaded over 40 million times just a few months later. This week Mike and Eric review S-Town, along with The Trojan Horse Affair, Brian Reed's follow-up to S-Town. Drawing on both comparisons and contrasts between the 2 series, we attempt to highlight the techniques and styles that makes Brian’s podcasts so ground-breaking and a must-listen for anyone doing podcasts that involve storytelling.
S-Town begins when a middle-aged man, living in an Alabama town he...
2022-08-3128 minNo Harm In AskingFreakonomics Radio with Stephen J. DubnerThis week Mike and Eric review the podcast Freakonomics Radio hosted by Stephen J. Dubner. We also take a look at his sister show No Stupid Questions that he co-hosts with research psychologist Angela Duckworth. Looking at both shows, we debate why we believe FR comes across as a much more engaging show than NSQ despite the likability of Angela and the similar goals of each podcast.
Freakonomics Radio attempts to discover the hidden side of everything and tells you things you always thought you knew (but didn’t) and things you never thought you wanted to kn...
2022-08-2429 min
No Harm In AskingThe Athletic Football Show (Part 3) with Zak KeeferFor the finale of our short series on sports podcasting, Mike and Eric review a six-part special on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck hosted by Zak Keefer that he did for The Athletic Football Show. In this review we discuss the sports storytelling genre, one that we feel is open to many and underutilize by sports podcasters. We also talk about the growth of The Athletic and how they grew into a force to be reckoned with.
The Athletic’s flagship football podcast covers the NFL and breaks down the biggest stories throughout the world of football. On...
2022-08-1730 min
No Harm In AskingPardon the Interruption (Part 2) with Tony Kornheiser and Michael WilbonContinuing on with our short series on sports podcasting, Mike and Eric look at the show that, in our opinion, set the bar for all that followed. Originally a half-hour TV show on ESPN that began airing in 2001, it is now available as a podcast with over 200 episodes.
For all the 1 or even 2 hour-plus sports podcasts out there, it's important to look at what can be delivered in 26 minutes with a rigid format all while mixing in debate, often an interview, and numerous other elements to make it original and fun.
Inserted clips and sound...
2022-08-1030 min
No Harm In AskingHow to Succeed in Sports Podcasting (Part I) with Michael Kerr and Eric ByronThis week we try something new as we kick off Season 2 of the No Harm In Asking pod where Eric and Mike debate what makes a great sports podcast.
After listening to dozens of sports podcasts, as well as looking at innovative formats from radio and television, we discuss how you might get started in this game if you don't come from a journalism or athletic background based on some that have done it. We also suggest some things to avoid that will help give your podcast a chance in this highly competitive genre.
On N...
2022-08-0332 min
No Harm In AskingA Self Review: No Harm In Asking with Michael Kerr and Eric ByronThis week we take a page from some of our favourite podcasters and engage in a bit of self reflection.
Were we too confident go in to our podcast? What have we learned? What has surprised us? Are we having fun? Who is our tribe? These and other questions are discussed as Mike and Eric look back at the first 20 episodes of our podcast.
On No Harm In Asking, hosts Eric Byron and Michael Kerr are on a journey to gather insights into why podcasts succeed or fail and to explore the myriad of different...
2022-07-2737 min
No Harm In AskingRevisionist History with Malcolm GladwellThis week we go back to the one that started it all, well, at least for Mike.
From a little town in Southwestern Ontario to Toronto to Washington to the world, it seems obvious that few can tell a story like the truly talented, and always inquisitive, Mr. Gladwell. As well, for those out there doing 1 hour or even 2 hour-plus podcasts, it's worth listening to what a master of the trade can pack into just a half hour.
In this episode Michael Kerr and Eric Byron tackle why we believe this podcast is always a p...
2022-07-2027 min
No Harm In AskingThe Joe Rogan Experience with Joe RoganIn this episode Mike and Eric tackle why we believe this is the most listened to podcast on the planet, as well as what we like and what we don't.
Indeed, as with many podcasts, it may all just be about understanding yourself and knowing who your tribe is!
The Joe Rogan Experience podcast is a (very) long form conversation hosted by comedian Joe Rogan with friends and guests that are typically comedians, actors, musicians, MMA fighters, authors, artists, and experts in their field.
In this episode Mike and Eric focus on Joe's...
2022-07-1330 min
No Harm In AskingVery Serious with Josh BarroDo you have a big enough tribe such that you can now quit your day job and head out on your own?
When do you decide, this is the time?
Perhaps we all haven't had the same kind of success as journalist, radio personality and now podcaster Josh Barro, but if you're looking for someone that works hard to pull it all together in this space, checking out Josh is a good start.
Very Serious is a weekly conversation with top political commentators, columnists and policymakers, focused on how events in the news...
2022-07-0624 min
No Harm In AskingConan O’Brien Needs A Friend with Conan O’BrienSo, do we really have the right to give any advice to Conan O’Brien and his top-25 podcast Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend? Probably not. But we're going to do it anyway.
After 25 years at the Late Night desk, Conan realized that the only people at his holiday party are the people who work for him. Over the years and despite thousands of interviews, Conan believes he has never made a real and lasting friendship with any of his celebrity guests. This is his podcast to see why this is, and maybe find a friend.
2022-06-2931 min
No Harm In AskingBlockcrunch: The Crypto Investor Podcast with Jason ChoiWhat a privilege to listen to and review Jason Choi doing his podcast, Blockcrunch, this week. Now in his 5th year of doing the show, Jason is a young man mature beyond his years. But when you’re already an expert, are there “tricks” you can implement in your podcast to showcase your knowledge even more? We believe there are!
The go-to podcast trusted by fund managers, founders and operators in crypto and Web 3, Jason Choi is full-time investor who goes deep weekly into the technology and economics behind blockchain projects with the aim of dissecting trends and th...
2022-06-2231 min
No Harm In AskingThe Lucky Titan Podcast with Josh TappAfter many years and many episodes under your belt, who is your audience? Who should you direct the next episode towards? Should it be the longtime listener that's been there since day one? Or should you hone in on the first-time listener? The one that might need their hand held a bit to really understand what's going to happen here?
Josh Tapp is a young, curious and driven young man out to make it on his own. His chosen medium, podcasting. Four years ago, fresh out of college in Idaho, and newly married, Josh decided to jump...
2022-06-1529 minNo Harm In AskingWorkLife with Adam GrantWhen your podcast starts to get rolling, like really rolling, like Adam Grant rolling, how far do you venture from your core focus? People have tuned in for some time, the podcast has averaged over a million ears per episode and spent multiple weeks as the #1 show on the entire Apple Podcasts chart. Surely you can try a few different things. Change it up. Expand your audience perhaps? Then again, maybe not?
On WorkLife, host Adam Grant, organizational psychologist, best-selling author and Saul P. Steinberg Professor of Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania...
2022-06-0127 minNo Harm In AskingStorytime with Seth RogenMany podcasters have decided that getting a guest to tell their best story is the ticket to a great show. Indeed, we're big fans of this kind of podcast format. How can it not be a winner every time? Well, you'd be surprised.
Welcome to Storytime with Seth Rogen, where every week Seth asks somebody, “Do you have a great story? And if you do, will you tell it on my podcast?” That’s it. That’s the concept.
Not a typical comedian-hosted chat show, each episode features a presentation unto itself, with supporting interviews and arch...
2022-05-2623 minNo Harm In AskingMy First Million with Sam Parr and Shaan PuriListening to the MFM guys is like sitting down with your sharpest, most inquisitive, most successful friend at the local bar and having a beer while talking about how to make it in life. And there’s two of them! What could be better?
My First Million is one of the top ranked business podcasts in the world. Each week Sam and Shawn (and sometimes Ben Wilson, like for the one we reviewed) brainstorm new business ideas, interview business builders who are creating big, meaningful companies and perform business breakdowns in a straight-forward fashion. Basically, they say th...
2022-05-1819 minNo Harm In AskingThe Tim Ferriss Show with Tim FerrissForbes put the Tim Ferriss Show on its list of "10 Podcasts To Change Your Life". With more than 700 million downloads, it has been selected three time as the "Best of Apple Podcasts" and has been ranked #1 out of its 400,000+ podcasts on numerous occasions. But can you replicate Tim's success? Can you eventually get ads for mushroom coffee too?
Launched in April of 2014, Ferriss interviews "world-class performers" ranging from Marc Andreessen and Peter Thiel to Malcolm Gladwell and Reid Hoffman to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Foxx. His focus is on dissecting actionable advice from top books, morning routines...
2022-05-1233 minNo Harm In AskingThe Best Advice Show with Zak RosenAre you interested in podcasting but struggling to come up with an idea? Worried that you’d never be able to fill an hour despite your soul-searching questions and witty banter? How about a podcast that provides value in under 5 minutes!
This podcast is your reminder that there are weird, delightful and effective ways to survive and thrive in this world. In every episode of the show, a different contributor offers their own personal take on what they do to make their life better, healthier, saner and more liveable in bite-sized morsels you can try today!
I...
2022-05-0420 minNo Harm In AskingPlaying With Perspective - The Suspended Animation Podcast with Darren SaulAre you so hung up on not pouring money into your podcast that you resort to simple but odd ways of breaking even? And by taking this "easy way out", are you preventing yourself from investing the time and effort into better monetization options?
Even with a few kinks to work out on the revenue side, Darren Saul continues to do what he does best, showcase his genuine likability. By tapping into his friends, acquaintances and local community contacts he uncovers interesting people and unique entrepreneurial ventures for a quick chat that is always enjoyable, but at...
2022-04-2723 minNo Harm In AskingThe Unspeakable Podcast with Meghan DaumMany podcasters have decided that the road to success lies in the discussion of controversial and taboo topics. But does it?
Indeed, Meghan Daum is not afraid to talk about the “unspeakable”, including her own challenges with monetizing her podcast.
In this episode Mike and Eric review "The Unspeakable Podcast" where Meghan conducts candid, free-ranging interviews with artists, entertainers, journalists, scientists, scholars, and anyone else who’s willing to do the “unspeakable” and question prevailing cultural and moral assumptions.
If you choose to name your podcast “The Unspeakable” (or something similar), how controversial must your cont...
2022-04-2028 minNo Harm In AskingEntrepreneurs On Fire with John Lee Dumas“Boom shake the room Fire Nation listeners,” in this episode Mike and Eric review the podcast "Entrepreneurs On Fire" with John Lee Dumas. “EOFire” is an award-winning podcast where “JLD” interviews inspiring entrepreneurs looking for specific gems to share in episodes typically under 30 minutes.
If you're struggling with monetization and looking to see how one of the best in the business has developed a system that includes daily (that’s right daily) podcasts, affiliate marketing, sponsorship, short podcasting advice videos, books, and more, JLD is well worth checking out. Indeed 3,000 episodes and 10 years in the trenches does result in some...
2022-04-1327 minNo Harm In AskingMea Culpa with Jeffrey BroerIn this episode Mike and Eric review the podcast "Mea Culpa" with Jeffrey Broer based on his successful Postmortem Conferences in Hong Kong on the lessons learned in startups. In Startup Mea Culpa Jeff interviews people who are open about their entrepreneurship journey, the decisions they made that turned out poorly, what they learned from it and what the impact on their life has been. Jeff has contributed greatly to the local startup scene in Hong Kong and thus, we're excited to review this podcast. If you're not naturally chatty, what kind of questions can you ask to get t...
2022-04-0628 minNo Harm In AskingForever is a Long Time by Ian CossIn this episode Mike and Eric review the podcast "Forever is a Long Time" by Ian Coss. A "one-off" production, Ian has delivered a masterpiece combining interviewing, storytelling, music, and personal reflection showcasing the power of the medium. Over the course of 5 episodes, through interviews, reflections and discussions with his wife, Ian Coss documents the circumstances around how every living member of his family, who had ever been married, had also gotten divorced. How can a single podcast series of just a few related episodes build your brand? Why does editing matter? What makes this so powerful to listen...
2022-03-3026 minNo Harm In AskingA Slight Change of Plans with Maya ShankarIn this episode Mike and Eric review the podcast "A Slight Change of Plans" hosted by Maya Shankar. Conceived in 2021, it was selected as Apple Podcasts’ Best Show of the Year and is now in its second season. In this podcast, Maya leverages her background in social and behavioural science alongside personal teenage tragedy into beautifully composed stories of resilience in the face of change. What unique combination of attributes might you possess that can be combined into a killer podcast? Is being nice under any and all circumstances a winning podcast strategy? Should you stick with your theme 100% of...
2022-03-2324 minNo Harm In AskingMinnie Questions with Minnie DriverIn this episode Mike and Eric review the podcast "Minnie Questions" hosted by actor Minnie Driver. Conceived in 2021, it is now in its second season. In this podcast, Minnie poses the same seven questions to each guest based on the famous Proust Questionnaire, a set of questions answered by the French writer Marcel Proust. Should you attempt a podcast where you ask the same question of each guest? Can you venture "off script"? Can this last? If the guest knows the questions ahead of time, does this reduce the spontaneity of the interview? These questions and more are discussed...
2022-03-1625 minNo Harm In AskingStory Worthy with Christine BlackburnIn this episode Mike and Eric review the podcast "Story Worthy" hosted by Christine Blackburn. Each week, as she's done for over 700 episodes, Christine talks to, laughs with and asks probing questions to Hollywood’s most talented comedians and entertainment writers. The opening banter is all a precursor to the reason people tune in, when each guest shares a true, personal story delivered to the best of their comedic ability. Why has this format lasted so long (11 years and counting)? What makes Christine so fun to listen to? What consistent strategy does she use during the first few minutes to...
2022-03-1620 minNo Harm In AskingNo Harm In Asking - AboutWelcome to No Harm In Asking. Do you ever wonder why some podcasts are so successful? Do you wish you could replicate the success of some of the top podcasts? So do we. And we believe there is no harm in asking, so we are questioning everything about how podcasts are produced, hosted and monetized. We hope you follow along on our journey.
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2022-03-159h 12