224. What It Takes to Build Singapore's Next Standout Podcast (Keith Yap)
Mon Feb 02 2026
What does it actually take to build a standout podcast in Singapore?
In this episode of EDIT HISTORY, Keith Yap - host of The Front Row Podcast - unpacks the thinking & craft behind building a serious show in a niche category.
From the early days of awkward setups and over-prepared questions, to developing the confidence to act as a true interlocutor (and not just a curator), Keith reflects on how his approach to podcasting has evolved over the past year of conversations with diplomats, economists, historians, and technologists.
If you're building a podcast or thinking about starting one, I 10/10 recommend watching this episode from start to finish :)
TIMETAMPS
(00:00) Trailer & Opening
(01:29) The Front Row Podcast
(03:03) Getting High-Calibre Guests
(07:24) The Cringey Early Episodes
(09:37) How Keith's Role as a Podcaster Has Evolved
(12:11) What Makes a Conversation Deep and Meaningful
(14:34) Editing & Episode Fidelity
(16:18) The Biggest Shift in Keith's Hosting Style
(19:50) Stress-Testing Your Own Views as a Host
(21:38) How Genuine Curiosity Is Developed
(25:00) The Questions Great Thinkers Ask
(31:16) Guest Criteria, Outreach, and Saying No
(34:47) Personal Learning Curriculum
(38:29) The Big Question Keith Is Trying to Answer
(42:33) Keith's Listener Demographics
(43:50) Where His Interest in Geopolitics & Policy Began
(45:21) Quality of Thought and Articulation
(47:15) Measuring Impact
(54:16) Keith's Advice for Podcasters and Creators
CONNECT WITH KEITH YAP
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keithyap65
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithyap1
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-yap
Website: https://www.ykeith.com
CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU
Website: https://cheryllau.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau
WORK WITH CHERYL LAU
I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities.
I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward.
Here are 3 ways we can work together:
✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production
✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting
✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows
Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery
CONTACT
Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.
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What does it actually take to build a standout podcast in Singapore? In this episode of EDIT HISTORY, Keith Yap - host of The Front Row Podcast - unpacks the thinking & craft behind building a serious show in a niche category. From the early days of awkward setups and over-prepared questions, to developing the confidence to act as a true interlocutor (and not just a curator), Keith reflects on how his approach to podcasting has evolved over the past year of conversations with diplomats, economists, historians, and technologists. If you're building a podcast or thinking about starting one, I 10/10 recommend watching this episode from start to finish :) TIMETAMPS (00:00) Trailer & Opening (01:29) The Front Row Podcast (03:03) Getting High-Calibre Guests (07:24) The Cringey Early Episodes (09:37) How Keith's Role as a Podcaster Has Evolved (12:11) What Makes a Conversation Deep and Meaningful (14:34) Editing & Episode Fidelity (16:18) The Biggest Shift in Keith's Hosting Style (19:50) Stress-Testing Your Own Views as a Host (21:38) How Genuine Curiosity Is Developed (25:00) The Questions Great Thinkers Ask (31:16) Guest Criteria, Outreach, and Saying No (34:47) Personal Learning Curriculum (38:29) The Big Question Keith Is Trying to Answer (42:33) Keith's Listener Demographics (43:50) Where His Interest in Geopolitics & Policy Began (45:21) Quality of Thought and Articulation (47:15) Measuring Impact (54:16) Keith's Advice for Podcasters and Creators CONNECT WITH KEITH YAP YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@keithyap65 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithyap1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keith-yap Website: https://www.ykeith.com CONNECT WITH CHERYL LAU Website: https://cheryllau.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cheryltheory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheryltheory LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryllau WORK WITH CHERYL LAU I produce distinctive and deeply resonant podcasts for leaders and organizations who want their content to command attention, spark meaningful conversations, and attract high-value opportunities. I ensure your podcast isn't just another show in the feed - it's an asset that elevates your authority and moves your work forward. Here are 3 ways we can work together: ✨ 1:1 Editorial Podcast Production ✨ Corporate Podcast Producing & Consulting ✨ Hosting for Corporate Shows Schedule a discovery call for us to explore what working together might look like: https://cheryllau.com/discovery CONTACT Please email hello@cheryllau.com for business inquiries.