Small Talk! With Alec Cuenca - Motivation & Mindset Podcast

In this episode, @janinavela opens up about one of the most transformative seasons of her life. From growing up as one of the Philippines' earliest YouTube creators, to stepping away from content creation while battling depression in private, to finding a deeper sense of purpose through journalism, advocacy, and faith. This conversation is about identity, healing, courage, and the journey of becoming more authentic in a world that constantly expects you to perform.This episode also dives into Janina's perspective on politics, religion, and speaking up despite criticism. As a pastor's kid who chose to enter the world of political journalism, she shares why she believes faith and civic engagement should not be separated, how she prepares herself for public backlash, and why standing up for justice is deeply connected to her Christian beliefs. We also talk about mental health, social media, the importance of privacy, and what it means to cultivate a "secret place" with God in a world filled with noise and distraction.We discuss:• Why Janina took a hiatus from content creation• The hidden struggles she was facing behind the scenes• The relationship between faith, politics, and social responsibility• Why Christians shouldn't be afraid to engage in difficult conversations• How Janina handles criticism and online backlash• The importance of having a strong sense of identity• What her "secret place" with God looks likeIf you've ever felt lost, overwhelmed, discouraged, or afraid to speak up for what you believe in.. this episode is for you.Credit: @janinavela x @smalltalkpodcastsJoin our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Janina:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janinavelaphInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/janinavela/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@janinavelap

In this episode, @mikee.reyes shares the mindset shifts that changed the way he sees success, content creation, and life. He talks about why freedom has become his new definition of success, why financial stability is really about buying back your time, and why the life you're building matters more than the things you're buying.This episode also goes deeper into what it actually takes to succeed as a creator today. We talk about clout as currency, the biggest mistake aspiring creators make, why doing content for money is a losing game, and why finding yourself matters more than finding a niche. He shares how he built a brand around who he really is, why speed beats perfection, and why the best content comes from living an interesting life rather than trying to manufacture one.We discuss:• Why freedom became his new definition of success• The relationship between money, time, and financial stability• Why rich people buy back their time• Why clout is one of the most valuable currencies today• The biggest misconception about content creators and influencers• Why "find yourself, not your niche" is better adviceIf you're building a personal brand, trying to grow online, or figuring out how to create content without losing yourself in the process.. this episode is for you.Credit: @mikee.reyes x @smalltalkpodcastsJoin our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Tito Mikee:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tito.mikeereyesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikee.reyes/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_mikeereyesCheck out the older episodes with Mikeehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uSUluWbsP4https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zLVYCkPYug&t=63shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6xASD8t09Q

In this episode, @mikee.reyes shares the truth about content creation that most people still misunderstand.. why “finding your niche” is overrated, why clout is not automatically a bad thing, and why the best creators are the ones who stop pretending to be someone else. He talks about building a brand around who you really are instead of forcing yourself into one box.This conversation also goes deeper into the realities of becoming a creator in 2026.. the pressure of attention, the misconception around “influencers,” and why most people quit content too early because they only do it for money. He shares why content creation is more than just posting videos.. it’s building a lifestyle, a relationship with your audience, and learning how to create from your strengths instead of your insecurities.We discuss:- Why “you are the niche” changes everything- The problem with copying successful creators- Why clout is the currency of the internet today- The difference between creators and influencers- Why creators should stop boxing themselves in- The importance of authenticity and self-awarenessIf you’ve been wanting to create content.. grow online.. or build a brand around who you really are instead of who people expect you to be.. this episode is for you.Credit: @mikee.reyes x @smalltalkpodcastsJoin our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Tito Mikee:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tito.mikeereyesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikee.reyes/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@_mikeereyes

In this episode, @geloyconcepcion shares the shift that changed the way he saw his art.. from chasing ego and validation, to realizing that his work could become a channel for other people’s stories, pain, and healing. From the message that told him his project helped save a life, to turning anonymous stories into a published book in America, this conversation is about what happens when creativity becomes bigger than yourself.This episode also goes deeper into the realities of staying inspired, staying humble, and building a creative life with intention. Geloy talks about family as his anchor, why success reveals who people really are, why creatives need strategy and quiet time, and why rest is not wasted time.. sometimes, it is something you have to buy back for yourself.We discuss:* How one message changed the way he saw his creative work* Why talent should not become an ego trip* How his project became a book published in America* What keeps him inspired after years of creating* Why humility matters when success starts coming in* The importance of rest, quiet time, and doing nothingIf you’re a creative trying to find meaning in your work.. or someone learning how to stay grounded while building something bigger than yourself.. this episode is for you.Credit: @geloyconcepcion x @smalltalkpodcasts

In this episode, @geloyconcepcion shares what it really means to build a life through art.. from growing up in Pandacan, drawing every day as a kid, to becoming a Filipino photographer and artist whose work now reaches people around the world.This conversation goes deeper into the reality of being a creative.. why talent is only the beginning, why artists need to professionalize their work, and why personal projects matter when your passion becomes your business. Geloy also shares the story behind his work, his move to America, and how portraits, words, and anonymity helped him create art that makes people feel seen.We discuss:* How Geloy started drawing as a kid in Pandacan* Why talent alone is not enough for creatives* The importance of professionalizing your art* Why personal work keeps your passion alive* How artists can balance business and creativity* The story behind Bad Days Are TemporaryIf you’re a creative trying to build a life from your art.. this episode is for you.Credit: @geloyconcepcion x @smalltalkpodcastsJoin our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Geloy:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/geloy.concepcionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/geloyconcepcion/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/geloyconcepcion1992Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@geloyconcepcionBook: https://www.harpercollinsfocus.com/harper-celebrate/things-you-wanted-to-say-but-never-did/#orderOther links: https://baddaysaretemporaryph.com/password

In this episode, @zacalviz talk about the kind of truth most people only learn the hard way.. that success does not remove problems, it upgrades them. This conversation is about stress, growth, pressure, and why feeling overwhelmed does not always mean something is wrong. Sometimes, it means life is asking more from you because you’re capable of more.This episode goes deeper into the hidden patterns behind people who keep growing.. why the right circle matters, why wisdom can save you years of pain, and why many people stay stuck solving the same level of problems for too long. We also talk about balance, identity, and how the next version of your life often requires a stronger version of you first.We discuss:- Why success comes with bigger problems, not fewer problems- How stress can be a sign of growth, not failure- Why many people stay trapped in the same life level- The importance of learning from people ahead of you- How your circle quietly shapes your future- Why balance is more complex than most people think- How to stop repeating the same painful patternsIf you feel overwhelmed, behind, or stuck in the same cycle.. this episode will help you see your problems differently. Sometimes the pressure you hate is the proof you’re growing.Credit: @zacalviz x @smalltalkpodcastsJoin our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Zac Alviz:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zacalviz.officialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacalviz/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zacalvizOther links:https://www.instagram.com/alviz.accounting/https://www.instagram.com/zionproductions.au/https://www.instagram.com/ikigaipropertiesph/https://www.instagram.com/ascendstudios.au/https://www.instagram.com/ohninebooth/

In this episode, @zacalviz shares the journey that led him to success and why building relationships with the right people is key to unlocking greater opportunities. From his beginnings in real estate to diving into content creation, Zac talks about how he built his business, Ikigai Properties, and what he learned from his years of hard work in Australia. He emphasizes the importance of knowing your worth, creating offers that add value, and surrounding yourself with high achievers who can teach you valuable lessons.He also dives into the practical steps for anyone who wants to elevate their network and make meaningful connections, even when starting from scratch. He highlights the crucial habit of staying committed to one venture and avoiding the distraction of constantly jumping to new trends. His story is a testament to the power of persistence, self-awareness, and the willingness to serve before expecting anything in return. Zac’s insights on how to approach wealthy mentors and build lasting relationships are crucial for anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally.We discuss:* How Zac transitioned from real estate to content creation* The power of self-awareness in building your value* Why surrounding yourself with successful people is essential* Practical steps to building your network, even without resources* How to create an offer that attracts high-value mentorsIf you're looking for practical advice on how to build relationships that help you grow, while also focusing on your true potential, this episode is for you.Comment "CONSISTENCY1" and I'll DM you the link.Credit: @zacalviz x @smalltalkpodcastsJoin our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Zac Alviz:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zacalviz.officialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zacalviz/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zacalvizOther links:https://www.instagram.com/alviz.accounting/https://www.instagram.com/zionproductions.au/https://www.instagram.com/ikigaipropertiesph/https://www.instagram.com/ascendstudios.au/https://www.instagram.com/ohninebooth/

In this episode, @dmetroman breaks down what actually separates people who last in business from those who fade out.. and it’s not talent. It’s attitude. From entitlement, discipline, and going the extra mile, to building a brand that people don’t just like but deeply remember.. this conversation dives into the mindset behind long-term success and why most people unknowingly sabotage their own growth.This episode also goes deeper into how to build real momentum.. even if you’re starting from nothing. Oly shares why patience is underrated, why over-delivering creates your best marketing, and why your network grows based on the level of work you’re willing to give. We also talk about fear.. and why your “why” has to be stronger than what’s holding you back if you truly want to move forward.We discuss:* The hidden attitude that quietly destroys your growth* Why entitlement kills more opportunities than failure* How discipline keeps you moving even when you don’t feel like it* Why over-delivering creates unforgettable experiences* How to attract better clients even without connections* The real reason patience is a competitive advantage* How to deal with fear when you know you want more* Why your “why” must be bigger than your fearIf you feel stuck, overlooked, or afraid to take your next step.. this episode will help you reset how you think about growth.. and remind you what it actually takes to move forward.Credit: @dmetroman x @smalltalkpodcastsFollow Oly Ruiz:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmetromanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmetroman/Metrophoto Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymetrophoto/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@metrophotoLinks: mymetrophoto.com

In this episode, @dmetroman shares what it really takes to build something that lasts.. not just in creativity, but in business. From starting photography as a side hustle while working in corporate, to turning Metrophoto into one of the most respected names in the industry, this conversation is about hard work, hunger, humility, and the mindset it takes to stay sharp even after nearly two decades in the game.This episode also goes deeper into the values behind long-term success.. why passion alone is not enough, why creativity still needs structure, and why treating your craft like a business changes everything. Oly talks about stepping on the gas even after 19 years, learning creativity as a skill, hiring people based on values, and how family became one of the biggest reasons he pushed himself to do better.We discuss:- Why hard work still matters more than talent alone- How Oly balanced corporate life and photography before going full time- The moment he knew Metrophoto could become a real business- Why creativity without structure won’t last- The values he looks for in people who want to grow with the team- How humility, hunger, and consistency create long-term successIf you’re building something of your own.. or trying to turn your passion into a business that lasts.. this episode is for you.Comment "METROPHOTO1" and I'll DM you the link.Credit: @dmetroman x @smalltalkpodcastsJoin our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Oly Ruiz:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dmetromanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dmetroman/Metrophoto Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymetrophoto/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@metrophotoLinks: mymetrophoto.com