The REAL Reason Most Filipinos Stay In Careers They Hate
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In this episode of Small Talk! With Alec Cuenca, guest Leland Lim shares his journey from a 10-year career in advertising to becoming a full-time stand-up comedian and podcast host. He reveals how his passion for storytelling and creative expression—fueled by philosophy, comedy legends like Seinfeld and Louis C.K., and a deep love for human observation—led him to pursue stand-up despite the risks. Leland discusses the intense, years-long process behind crafting a single joke, emphasizing that comedy is not just entertainment but a disciplined art form requiring relentless refinement. He opens up about the emotional toll of bombing on stage, particularly during a high-profile opening set for Alex Kaleha, and how that experience taught him resilience, adaptability, and the importance of audience connection. The episode also explores the viral success of his unedited podcast 'Walang Edit-Edit,' which thrives on authenticity and rawness, and the challenge of translating podcast listeners into a cohesive online community. Ultimately, Leland’s story is a powerful testament to pursuing creative fulfillment over career security, even when it means leaving behind a stable, well-paying job.
Creative careers like stand-up comedy require years of disciplined, iterative work—sometimes half a year just to perfect one joke.
The most powerful validation in comedy comes from genuine audience reaction, not applause, but the shared 'Oo nga, no?' moment of recognition.
Authenticity is a superpower: Leland’s unedited podcast 'Walang Edit-Edit' gained traction not despite its rawness, but because of it.
Bombs on stage are not failures—they’re essential feedback that teach comedians how to pivot, adapt, and grow.
The creative process in advertising and stand-up comedy are deeply parallel: both rely on insight, observation, and precise storytelling.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Podcast That Wasn’t Supposed to Be
Alec introduces the episode with a humorous, jumbled intro that includes a mix of travel info and comedy bits, setting a playful tone before welcoming Leland Lim. The segment highlights the organic, unscripted nature of the show.
From Advertising to Stand-Up: A Creative Reckoning
“I've been influenced by my dad since high school—Seinfeld, Louis C.K., Chris Rock. They’re one of the greatest stand-up comedians in history. And I was influenced heavily.”
The Birth of 'Walang Edit-Edit' and the Power of Rawness
“I don’t want to edit it. The moment I finish recording, I want to post. I don’t want to wait for everything. I want to be raw and unfiltered.”
The Brutal Truth of Comedy: Preparation, Pivoting, and Bombing
“The comedian after me killed. So why not say, oh it's me. It's not the crowd, it's me. Instantly, instant feedback of I fucked up that one.”
Philosophy, Validation, and the Courage to Quit
“If I could have all the money in the world and do this for free and have that kind of reaction, I would do it as long as you live.”
“If I could have all the money in the world and do this for free and have that kind of reaction, I would do it as long as you live.”
“I don't want to edit it. The moment I finish recording, I want to post. I don't want to wait for everything. I want to be raw and unfiltered.”
“The comedian after me killed. So why not say, oh it's me. It's not the crowd, it's me. Instantly, instant feedback of I fucked up that one.”
Host
Guest
Leland Lim
person
Walang Edit-Edit Podcast
media
Alec Cuenca
person
Advertising
other
The Cool Pals
other
Philosophy
other
Open Mics
other
Louis C.K.
person
Makoy Dubs
other
Seinfeld
other
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