Sketchplanations - The Podcast

Yes Sayers & No Sayers

Sketchplanations - The Podcast

Show Notes

This time we explore whether it is better to generally say 'yes' or 'no' in various situations, and how each choice can offer distinct rewards. The conversation is framed by a quote from improvisation expert Keith Johnston, which asserts, 'Yes Sayers are rewarded by adventure and No Sayers are rewarded by safety.' The hosts consider personal anecdotes, the impact of these attitudes on careers, social settings, and mental well-being. They also touch on tools for making these decisions, such as the Eisenhower Matrix and the 'Hell Yes or Hell No' philosophy. The episode emphasizes the value of appreciating one's decisions, whether they lead to adventure or provide comfort and security.

Here are links to a bunch of stuff we discuss in case you fancy reading a bit more about them: We reference a number of previous podcast episodes including: The Fun Scale, The Awkwardness Vortex, Finishing Lines, and Microadventures. Jono's sketch "Notice When You're Happy" and on "The Eisenhower Matrix" Improv Wisdom by Patricia Ryan Madson Danny Wallace's book Yes Man Derek Sivers - The Hell Yes or Hell No philosophy and a video explaining the concept of The First Follower.

Episode Summary 00:00 Introduction and Hosts 00:28 This Week's Sketch: Yes Sayers and No Sayers 01:07 Exploring the Sketch 03:45 Personal Reflections on Yes and No 05:27 Social Dynamics of Yes and No 19:44 Career Perspectives on Yes and No 23:43 The Power of Saying No in Business 25:01 The Benefits of Saying No 25:45 The Adventure of Saying Yes 26:34 Balancing Yes and No in Life 30:17 Regrets of Not Saying Yes 31:54 The Yes Man Experiment by Danny Wallace 38:19 Deciding When to Say Yes or No 41:55 Final Thoughts on Yes and No

All music on this podcast series is provided by the highly talented Franc Cinelli Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Sketchplanations - The Podcast

Jun 2, 2026

Are you a slave to your possessions? Do your possessions form part of your identity? How easy is it to fall into a trap where one new purchase begets another, and another, and another...?

May 19, 2026

In a double-landlocked country you must cross at least two national borders to reach a coastline connected to the world’s oceans.

May 5, 2026

This discussion centres on “overnight success” as an illusion; prompted by Jono’s sketch of Twitter Cofounder, Biz Stone’s quote: “Timing, perseverance, and 10 years of trying will eventually make you seem like an overnight success.”

Apr 21, 2026

In this fun and nostalgic conversation, we discuss Jono's observation that with indoor games especially, as the momentum builds, you keep playing until something gets broken! There's a cheeky inevitability to it. It's a situation we've almost all certainly been in - whether you were the protagonist or not!

Apr 7, 2026

US Navy submarine captain and author David Marquet discusses leadership lessons from turning the USS Santa Fe from worst to best, focusing on “pushing authority to information” rather than pushing information up a hierarchy. Marquet critiques industrial-age leadership language that seeks obedience and creates “bobblehead” agreement, arguing that real engagement comes from giving people decision-making authority,

See all episodes →