Small Talk! With Alec Cuenca - Motivation & Mindset Podcast

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

In this episode, @sophianicolesy shares the story most people don’t expect.. from being homeschooled and feeling behind in school, to giving up the one dream that defined her identity, and eventually building an AI startup. It’s a conversation about what happens when your life doesn’t go according to plan.. and how those moments shape who you become.This episode goes deeper into the foundations that quietly build successful people early.. the environment you grow up in, the people you surround yourself with, and the lessons you catch, not just what you’re taught. Sophie shares how exposure, stewardship, and curiosity became her advantage. We also talk about AI.. not as hype, but as a real tool solving real problems for businesses today.We discuss:* The power of growing up around the right people* How early exposure shapes confidence and skill* Why internships matter more than most people think* How curiosity led her into AI and tech* The real business problem AI is solving today* Why most people misunderstand AI’s practical useIf you’re feeling lost, behind, or unsure of your path.. this episode will help you see your story differently.Follow Sophia Sy:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sophiasy828Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SOFI.AI.TECH.SOLUTION.INCInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophianicolesy/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sofi_ai_tech/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sophianicole828

In this episode, @chieflim opens up about the side of stand-up comedy most people don’t see.. the bombing, the hecklers, the jokes that can’t be posted online, and the pressure of figuring out how far you can really go with your craft. What starts as a conversation about comedy turns into something deeper.. about reading the room, trusting your instincts, finding your audience, and learning how to stay grounded while still believing in what you do.This episode goes deeper into the reality of performing.. how to recover when a set goes wrong, why context matters in comedy, and what makes a live performance actually work. Leland also shares a powerful reminder for people in their 20s trying to figure things out.. your friends are not your audience, your gut matters more than you think, and confidence in your craft has to come from you first.We discuss:- How having a rough set on stage taught him to pivot and read the room- The difference between what works in a show vs online content- What makes a performance connect with an audience- Why your audience will find you if you keep showing up- The advice he’d give to people in their 20s who want to pursue their craftIf you’ve ever wanted to create, perform, or put yourself out there.. but you’re scared of failing, judgment, or not being understood.. this episode is for you.Comment “COMEDY1” and I’ll DM you the link.Credit: @chieflim x @smalltalkpodcastsJoin our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Leland Lim:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LelandLimComedyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chieflim/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lelandlimTicket link to his shows: comedymanila.ph/team/leland-lim/

This Holy Week Special is a compilation of some of the most powerful moments from our past episodes, all centered on one thing: God.In this special episode, we revisit honest and deeply personal conversations with different guests as they share how God met them in their lowest moments, how faith carried them through pain, and how surrender, prayer, grace, and intimacy with God changed their lives. These are conversations about returning to what truly matters, especially in seasons of uncertainty, heartbreak, pressure, and waiting. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt tired, lost, overwhelmed, or far from God. It’s a reminder that faith is not just about words, appearances, or religion, it’s about relationship. It’s about what happens behind closed doors, in the quiet moments, in the breaking, in the surrender, and in the decision to trust God again. In this Holy Week special, we talk about:- How God meets people in their lowest moments- What surrender really means- The difference between religion and intimacy with God- Why faith is often tested in painful seasons- Healing, grace, and personal relationship with God- Prayer, obedience, forgiveness, and trust- Finding your identity in God, not in the world- Why crisis can reveal what truly mattersWherever you are in your journey, may this episode bring you back to peace, perspective, and the presence of God.If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who might need it this Holy Week.Credit: @giannehinolan x @stevesiasy x @maxenemagalona x @russjuson x @jennyyeoooo x @dennis_sia_sy x @hannahdelarosa x @smalltalkpodcasts

In this episode, @chieflim shares his story from working in advertising for nearly a decade, to chasing a creative path in stand-up comedy and eventually creating the Walang Edit-Edit Podcast. It’s a raw and honest conversation about what it really takes to pursue creative work.. and why the most meaningful paths are often the most uncertain.This episode goes deeper into the unseen side of creativity.. the discipline behind comedy, the years it takes to master one joke, and the uncomfortable process of putting your work out there without perfection. We also talk about identity, career shifts, and why the validation we seek from others can quietly shape the life we choose to live.We discuss:- The real story behind “Walang Edit-Edit Podcast”- Why raw and unfiltered content is what people actually connect with- The hidden discipline behind stand-up comedy- Why creative careers are built on risk, not certainty- The truth about validation and why it drives most creators- What it really takes to leave a stable career and start overIf you’ve ever felt stuck between staying safe and chasing what you really want.. this episode will make you rethink the path you’re on.Credit: @chieflim x @smalltalkpodcastsJoin our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Leland Lim:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LelandLimComedyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chieflim/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lelandlimTicket link to his shows: comedymanila.ph/team/leland-lim/

In this episode, powerful women open up about the truths behind identity, healing, love, and becoming. From navigating pressure, mental health struggles, and expectations, to building confidence, setting standards, and redefining what success really means.. this is a raw and honest conversation about what it takes to grow into the woman you’re meant to be.This episode dives into the realities women face that are rarely talked about.. learning to trust your intuition, breaking generational expectations, healing from low moments, and choosing yourself without guilt. You’ll hear stories about resilience, faith, relationships, and self-worth.. and how the right mindset, environment, and support system can completely change your life.We discuss:• Why vision and intention matter more than timelines• The truth about mental health, healing, and starting over• How to trust your gut even when no one agrees• Why standards, boundaries, and self-respect change everything• The pressure women face in family, relationships, and society• How strong women are shaped by their environment and experiences• The real meaning of success, love, and identityIf you’ve ever felt lost, pressured, or unsure of who you’re becoming.. this episode will remind you that growth isn’t linear, and your story is still unfolding.Credit: @reigermar x @ckdeleon_ x @yanimcuenca x @matchmakerphilippines x @nicafabregas x @smalltalkpodcasts

In this episode, we bring together honest conversations from women who are navigating pressure, expectations, and the quiet battles that don’t always get seen.. from feeling behind, to carrying responsibilities too early, to learning how to choose themselves without guilt.This episode goes deeper into what it really feels like to grow as a woman.. the tension between who you’re expected to be and who you actually want to become. It’s about identity, boundaries, healing, and finding your voice in a world that often tells you to shrink.We discuss:- The pressure placed on women to succeed early- Feeling “behind” and comparing your timeline to others- Breaking expectations around being the “strong one”- Learning to set boundaries with family and relationships- Choosing yourself without feeling selfish- Finding your identity beyond roles and responsibilitiesIf you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying more than you should.. this episode is for you.

In this episode, @cleoloque shares the decision that changed everything.. choosing focus over doing more. After graduating, she had more space, and instead of filling it with new things, she removed distractions and went all-in on what truly mattered. That one shift led to their first 9-figure year.. not because she did more, but because she finally did less with intention.This conversation goes deeper into what most people get wrong about growth. It’s easy to dream big, but much harder to stay aligned with a dream that’s actually yours. Cleo talks about curating your goals based on what you truly want, not what social media tells you to chase.. and why belief matters more than having a clear plan. We also unpack why founder-led content still works, how storytelling builds trust, and why your “magic” is the one thing no one can copy.We discuss:* Why dreaming big is easy.. but maintaining it is hard* How to set goals even if you don’t know how yet* Why most people are chasing the wrong dream* Founder-led marketing and why it still works* How storytelling builds trust and connection* Building the right circle and environment for growthIf you’ve been feeling stuck, distracted, or unsure of your next step.. this episode will help you simplify what actually matters.Join our community: SmallTalk After Hourshttps://www.facebook.com/share/g/18L65QkBY2/Follow Cleo Loque:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cleoloqueInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleoloque/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CleoLoqueTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cleoloqueSuccess Tips for Young & Aspiring Entrepreneurs W/ Cleo Loque | Ep. 141https://youtu.be/UlazTLqycJI?si=_NvQ6KP557M96roGAlso, if you’re serious about growing your business and you’re done juggling tools, Odoo is built for you.Odoo brings your CRM, Sales, and Projects into one system so you can sell faster, execute better, and operate with clarity.Click the link below to see how Odoo works and decide if it’s the system your business needs next.Explore Odoo here: https://www.odoo.com/r/aleccuenca1