No Holds Bard

240
Performing Arts #238

The Shakespeare podcast Shakespeare would have listened to!* This weekly podcast comes in several flavors. Every other week, you'll get our regular episode features a lightning round on several intersections of Shakespeare and the present day, an underused Shakespearian phrase that you can roll into your everyday conversation to impress/annoy your friends, and a homework assignment currently being blown off by a lazy high school student from the internet. Once a month, we offer SO YOU'RE GOING TO SEE SHAKESPEARE, a half-hour briefing on a specific play to listen to on your commute to the theater that will prepare you to be the best little audience member you can be. And in the fourth week of the month, Dan and Kevin will provide some Shakespearian wildcard programming that will almost certain result in them swearing at each other. (*we assume.)

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Recent Reviews
  • Cappy Benton
    Truly Fantastic Shakespearean Commentary
    These guys are great. Their episode about each play are both informative and entertaining. Highly recommended.
  • S2lvoJ
    Loved this show.
    I hope you come back some day! It was fun to listen to.
  • Paul Computer
    If I write a 5 Star review will you guys come back?
    We miss the pod
  • lady_alk
    To Listen or Not To Listen...
    Now that's a silly question. I was looking for a good podcast and found this one. Shakespeare? And a pun is the title?! Double yay. From the forst episode, I was having a blast! These are just two average guys with an above average love of Shakespeare, whom they often refer to as "Will", "Bill", or "Billy", depending on the context. The whit and jokes and very occasional mis-quotes makes this the best podcast I've heard featuring the Bard. They aren't stuffy and make Shakespeare fun, especially if you are a novice. Thanks, guys, for the fun.
  • ladymacbethshair
    Great, hilarious podcast
    If you are looking for a serious academic or technical discussion here, keeeeep moving. But if you enjoy two talented bro dudes sitting around, talking about theatre, slowly getting drunk, making terrible puns, and occasionally saying something very witty and profound, then this is for you. Very addictive, but no commitment required. The guys are hilarious and knowledgeable. I especially enjoy the “so you’re going to see”s. I know they’re going to read this on the show, so, hi!
  • PeskyPole46
    Better than all audiobooks or music
    Last week I drove 21 hours straight across the country (south to northeast). I had a dozen audiobooks cued up but instead listened to NHB the entire way. Somewhere in rural Virginia I began hallucinating and started to believe the podcast was just my mind talking to itself - THAT'S HOW GOOD THESE GUYS ARE! Hilarious, passionate, irreverent, and inclusive, Dan and Kevin talking Shakespeare brought me home. Thanks, guys! Here's to another 21 hours of content!
  • gabigail7130
    Best Shakespeare Podcast on the internet
    Glad I have this to listen to while I hold a real estate sign for four hours on street corners. Brings laughs to my otherwise tedious day of scorching in the sun and trying to simultaneously make holding a sign look interesting while still readable. Kinda like what Dan and Kevin do with Shakespeare and a modern audience. Lots of people thing Shakespeare is boring but just listen to an episode of So You’re Going to See or just hear them match characters with sports positions on teams and you’ll know that Shakespeare is both exciting, active and accessible. Plus their contrast of personalities is just so great.
  • 909dcc
    They are shame-proof
    I started listening because my friend was a guest but I stayed because Kevin and Dan have opened up the world of Shakespeare and I am now a bardfly! They are total bros (my life goal is now to get several beers with cha boys) who use their immense Shakespeare knowledge and humor to approach the plays and sonnets in new ways. I now regularly seek out Shakespearean productions because of this amazing podcast and enjoy the “So You’re Going To See” episodes before. Highly recommended to those who are experts of Shakespeare and want a new POV, as well as those who are just a little Shakes-curious. You will love this podcast!
  • fairfaxreader
    Funny, smart, favorite podcast
    I always enjoy Dan and Kevin’s banter, highly recommend for all Shakespeare fans!
  • blandnickname
    Fun podcast!
    I particularly recommend the ‘so you’re going to see...’ ep’s, but they’re all funny and educational. Thanks guys!
  • Ksalleyc
    Podcasting’s Top Banana(s)
    Was introduced to cha boys by a fellow Hamlet cast-mate, and I instantly knew I’d found something perfect! Would recommend No Holds Bard to anyone, ranging from those with a passing interest in Shakespeare up to the die-hard fans — with equal parts of goofing and in-depth exploration into the Bard’s canon (boom!), Dan and Kevin are excellent hosts that I cannot wait to follow along with every episode!
  • cviv9
    for casual shaxpeare fans to diehard bard nerds...
    I have been listening to this podcast for two years and let me tell you they have never failed to bring me joy. I describe this podcast to my friends as “two bros who know their beer and sports but also help me understand Shakespeare in new, deeply profound ways on a regular basis.” Join [hard g sound] the BardFly community and you’re in for some poetry and giggles!!
  • Chicken Parm Queen 😄
    Love these guys!!!
    Love learning about Shakespeare from these two. My very favorite episodes are “So you’re going to see”. Check it out before you go to your next Shakespeare play!!!!
  • Ramsey Stuarte
    Best Shakespeare podcast ever!
    Kevin and Dan bring a down to earth feel to the bard’s works. Don’t let their humor and banter fool you though. These two know the cannon (boom) inside and out. And they also offer an in-depth grasp of Boston sports and wrestling. Could easily be called Nerds & Jocks. Super enjoyable. And I would say that even if Kevin wasn’t my son and Dan wasn’t just like a son.
  • mybonnykait
    “Know himself to be a fool”
    I’ve been lurking for...at least a year and a half now, but I’ll step out of the shadows in honor of 200 episodes. Kevin and Dan are the guys you want to run into at the bar, they can (and will) talk about everything with passion, or if not, they’ll drink ‘til they think of something. Thanks for filling up my endless commutes with laughter, dreams of going to Shakespeare High, and “So You’re Going to See’s...” (which I now listen to on my drive to first rehearsals for that show). Special Hello to the Top Banana.
  • lo cat
    O Excellent pod cast! Better than figs.
    Best pod cast ever. Laughing learning and wrestling (I wish) with da bois. Never fails to cheer me on a bad day and I am grateful for what they do! Dan and Kevin. Kevin and Dan are the best. I love them equally all bananas!
  • The Gooch of 54
    200 nearby taco shops provide all the necessary nutrition.
    Top Banana Dan and his assistant Kevin coat all things Shakespeare with an ample coating of fresh banana oil to make it go down smooth. The show is so good, it causes me to wonder what fine and worthwhile things they could be doing. David Gooch West Fargo ND
  • SunRainStars1
    Energetic & Engaged
    Approachable, relatable and fun! Am making your podcast “bonus points” listening for my high school lit & drama students.
  • gannah
    Zounds! What a podcast
    Hacked into my girlfriend's apple account to get the Two Gentlemen of Brooklyn another review they wholeheartedly deserve. I have followed this pod since the beginning and is the highlight of my day when it pops into my feed. Shakespeare? Banter? The sounds of beer cans opening? What more does anyone ever need! Give this a listen if you even have a general interest in the Bard, Kevin and Dan will NOT disappoint.
  • Emilych5
    best shxp podcast
    If your interest in Shakespeare is passing or fervent or somewhere in between, this is the podcast for you. Kevin & Dan are hilarious, thoughtful, fun, and good voice actors to boot. Take a listen to a regular episode, or dive right in to a SO YOU’RE GOING TO SEE if you’re headed to a play and don’t know what the heck you’re going to see. Any and all episodes are awesome!
  • dwebster@berkeley
    Lord, what fools these mortals be!
    on finding this podcast: this is the rarest dream That ere dull sleep did mock sad fools withall...
  • Scott from NY
    Creative look at the work of Shakespeare
    I love this podcast. I have tried several podcasts covering Shakespeare and this is my favorite by far because these guys are so much fun. They clearly know the works to an amazing level but they don’t take themselves too seriously.
  • victoriaraesook
    Play On...
    A man next to me on a plane yesterday literally asked me why I was laughing so hard during our flight. Never have I been so entertained with something that is so close to my heart. If you love Shakespeare, or ever if you just sort of like him, you will love this podcast. Just go listen. In the time it took you to read this review you could have been through the word of the week- don't know what that is? You better go find out...
  • alyssarachel
    rare words, brave world!
    do you need shakespearean bon mots to hurl vociferously in traffic? do you wonder what dramaturgical challenges face theatre companies as they attempt to stage plays? do you want to laugh at philistines attempting to elude inane english assignments? Fear no more the heat of the sun nor silence of the earbuds- dan and kevin make quick work of making the bard approachable for all
  • Macy Quigg
    A+ from this Shakespeare Lover
    Found this podcast when I was looking for a cure to my Chop Bard withdrawal and I’m addicted! Wonderful mix of funny banter and great insights into the texts. I’m especially grateful for how much love you give to the more obscure plays. I adore Hamlet, R&J, Twelfth Night, etc. as much as anyone but it’s still disappointing how hard it is to find content for some of the less famous works. I’m definitely going to show the “so you’re going to see Shakespeare” episodes to my family the next time I drag them to a play with me, as they’re probably sick of my semi-incoherent 30 minute summaries. Keep up the great work!
  • Dan the N
    My girlfriend said I had to write a review for you guys
    This podcast must be great!! Even makes me want to consider working out since my girlfriend doubles her calorie burn when listening to you guys between her laughing and pedaling faster in frustration. Built in interval training. Strangely, she’s started asking me about taking up wrestling.... and says you are a great mix of fun and knowledge about some cannon. Last year we went to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival. I enjoyed Rocky Horror while she went to Coriol Anus, which sounds even less family friendly than Rocky Horror. Or a medical drama. She says if she goes to see Henry VIII at Stratford this year, I’ll have to go along to this one. Is this something I should look forward to?! Glad to contribute on your quest towards 200! Dan (aka the real top banana)
  • ramblemaine
    Great wrestling podcast, so-so Shakespeare podcast
    Dan and Kevin are great, by far the most interesting and entertaining podcast week in and week out
  • CatetheKeesling
    Sneaky boys talk Shakespeare
    Listen to this!!!!
  • Chrissamperi
    A Podcast Review
    Dan And Kevin spend a lot of time talking about Shakespeare on this podcast. They also talk about various other things like sports, drinking, and wrestling. If you are interested in a finding a new podcast, this is a podcast that is an option you may come across if you start your search with the letter N.
  • TheOnlyEmikate
    Shakes-pros(e)
    If you’re looking for something different and ridiculous this podcast is for you. Kevin and Dan are on top of their Shakespeare knowledge, while at the same time keep their minds open to new ideas/fan theories, all the while tying in everything from pro wrestling to Animal Farm. Their bro-ness somehow only enhances their nerdy charm. Shakespeare would shed a tear of pride.
  • val brooking
    soooo good
    makes Shakespeare (already entertaining) somehow even more entertaining and easy to understand. 10/10
  • tomcallahan
    Everything Shakespeare
    These guys cover everything Shakespeare — from Boston sports to 90s professional wrestling!
  • bekalee2
    Great Podcast
    I stumbled upon this podcast and I am so happy I did. I love all things Shakespeare related and these guys are awesome. I also love the references to wrestling and baseball. I might not like their choices in sports teams (I’m a huge Yankees fan), however they make up for their poor choices in sports teams with lots of wit, snark and great real life connections to the Bard.
  • Amber Elby
    Time Not Wasted
    Come for the Shakespeare, stay for the delightful chemistry of the two hosts. Great for experts and newbies alike. #Bardflies
  • Rachieryan
    Hilarious and Informative!
    I love these guys—they’re funny, knowledgeable, and their chemistry is perfect. Plus I LOVE the segments on everyday Shakespeare. Have you guys considered doing episodes on specific performances? I’d love to hear your take on the Cumberbatch vs Tennant vs Kinnear Hamlet
  • Holling Hoodhood
    No Holds Bard
    I love this podcast. It is so entertaining. I always get a new perspective on Shakespeare and his plays. The hosts do an amazing job of connecting Shakespeare to today’s world. Plus they always make me laugh, which I certainly need in today’s world. The references to baseball and soccer are an added bonus.
  • zantesuken
    So Inexplicably Good
    On paper, I’m pretty sure this pod shouldn’t work. But paper is a flimsy thing that turns see-through when you rub grease on it. Your better judgement may tell you to pass over this podcast full of high-level Shakespeare analysis, grandiose banter, stunningly bad puns, and surprisingly frequent references to professional wrestling, but your better judgement is wrong. I can’t explain why or how these parts work together so wonderfully, but I never plan to stop listening until this series ends or I do.
  • Kiss Stealer
    Mandatory for casual and hardcore fans
    If you like Shakespeare even a little, you’ve got to check this show out. The hosts are knowledgeable and engaging, and the discussions are always fascinating. Can’t think of a better way to learn AND be entertained at the same time. Kevin is great but Dan is a real Shakespeare whiz kid, I’ve never seen anything like it - and he sounds really handsome too
  • Diarg62
    Really funny and smart
    Great mix of banter, smarts, and love of Shakespeare. You laugh and you learn stuff. Great podcast.
  • Gwen Elise
    Might have been guilted into listening at first
    Generally not a Shakespeare person, but I can always appreciate some snark, vulgarity, and booze. Have some stars, I guess.
  • madisonmurphy131
    Witty & hilarious!
    As a lover of Shakespeare and things that treat Shakespeare with joy and humor, this is one of my favorite podcasts of all time.
  • ajrjaneway
    Love me some Shakespeare
    I’m always looking for good discussion of Shakespeare and these guys feed the need. My favorite segment is featuring a particular line and how to use it in my life. Also enjoy SLASH! and the “canon” sound effect.
  • amymazz
    Love this podcast!!
    I love this podcast! I’ve been binge listening your back catalogue at work for the last two weeks some a friend first told me about this podcast and I am OBSESSED! I have been studying Shakespeare fo many years and this is the first literature podcast I’ve listened to that doesn’t make me feel like a pretentious douchebag. I love that it’s slightly vulgar and super funny as Shakespeare himself was slightly vulgar and super funny. Keep up the great work guys!
  • Osmond Oakum
    The definitive non-scholarly Shakespeare podcast
    If you love learning about Shakespeare and listening to witty podcasts then this is definitely a podcast.
  • Shakespeare Union
    The awesomest!
    This is competitive Shakespeare at it’s best! This podcast is credited with giving me the confidence to create, (steal), and play Shakespeare games with my 10th graders, AND to create our school’s first ever Shakespeare club (which we’ve dubbed The Shakespeare Union). 20 members in our inaugural season, many of them members of our baseball team, and none of them actors. Dan and Kevin are also the source of a colorful new insult I love to use in the upbraiding of young know-it-alls...”don’t be a Mateo Pangalo” (sp? who cares?). Carry on, gentlemen. And thank you. Rich Lambert Independence High School Charlotte, NC
  • IJ W
    Good thing this exists because
    I need a Horatio appreciation fancast in my life. Even if you don't, and even if you're just a casual Shakespeare fan, you'll find this entertaining. It takes a minute to get used to all the "SLAAAASH"-screaming, and it's one of the quieter podcasts I listen to, but the hosts' chemistry is perfect.
  • Kim Burly
    It’s alright, I guess
    Just kidding. I was armpit deep in the toilet trying to be a human plumbing snake, because apparently this is why people become homeowners, but it was cool because I was listening to this podcast. I don’t even like podcasts or podcast people, but I have a lot of *crappy* home improvement projects in this new old house. At least while I’m spending my time playing “what’s that smell and where is it coming from” I have something more fun to do than smelling the carpets after ANOTHER thorough steam cleaning and wondering what kind of monsters lived here before us. I appreciate that it feels smart because, helloooo, Shakespeare, but I don’t have to compromise my need for vulgar and crude humor. So thanks, guys. You’re the first podcast I’ve ever cared about. And you never forget your first time.
  • Relieved listener
    Like everyone else, hoping to be the 69th review
    There is definitely a lot to learn here, especially if you need to know more about Titus. It’s a little bro – heavy at times, but an interesting peek into that world-and a needed voice in the Shakespeare universe
  • scot530
    Flair and balanced
    Podcasting is such an intimate art. If you stick around for a few listens of 'No Holds Bards' you will inevitably feel like you are hanging out with good friends. First banana Dan Beaulieu and other first banana, Kevin Condardo cover Shakespeare topics ranging from the absurd to the less absurd, all of it interesting, informed way that reveals their true love for the topic. Nice work boys. I really enjoy this podcast.
  • MarshallBorNotB
    A Must Listen for Shakespeare lovers and practitioners
    Dan and Kevin are Shakes-bros after my own heart. Though listening to the podcast is all well and good, but you're bardflying wrong if you aren't also engaging with them on Twitter.
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