Small Talk! With Alec Cuenca - Motivation & Mindset Podcast

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @cleoloque shares the real story behind building Hiraya Pilipina from just borrowing ₱20,000 from her parents to becoming a 9-figure brand. What looks like overnight success was actually built through trial and error, expensive mistakes, and moments of doubt that most people never see. From failed product launches to a multi-million peso event that didn’t go as planned, this conversation reveals what it really takes to build something meaningful from scratch.This episode also dives into the lessons most entrepreneurs learn the hard way. Cleo talks about the importance of starting small, building systems before scaling, and why growth doesn’t come from doing more but from fixing what already exists. Beyond business, she opens up about choosing freedom over money, setting boundaries even with family, and breaking generational expectations to live life on her own terms.We discuss:* How ₱20,000 turned into a 9-figure brand* The expensive mistake that changed how she makes decisions* Why starting small leads to bigger wins* The importance of systems before scaling* Why having a “no” person in your team matters* Setting boundaries and breaking generational expectationsIf you’re building something of your own or figuring out your next step, this episode will give you clarity on 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=_NvQ6KP557M96roG Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @aynbernos talks about one of the hardest lessons in content creation.. you have to stop forcing a style that was never meant for you. She shares how easy it is to look at other creators and think, “Why am I not like that?” but explains why growth really starts when you stop copying what works for others and start leaning into what feels natural for you.The conversation also dives into the business side of content creation and what it actually takes to grow. She breaks down why content is a real business, the different ways creators make money, why posting consistently matters more than obsessing over numbers, and why talking on camera is one of the fastest ways to build real connection. If you’ve been wanting to start creating but feel overwhelmed, this episode will help you simplify it and finally begin.We discuss:* How to find your natural style and “zone of genius”* The real business opportunities inside content creation* Different income streams like views, brand deals, and affiliates* The importance of posting daily when you’re starting* How your name, profile, and identity affect your creator brand* How to choose the right topic or niche based on what you can talk about for hoursFollow Ayn Bernos:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAynBernosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aynbernos/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AynBernosTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aynbernos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @aynbernos talks about the full circle conversation about content creation, growth, and identity online. From teaching English, travel vlogging, beauty, fitness, and now creator education, Ayn shares how every version of her online journey led her back to one clear truth.. you are the niche. Not the trend. Not the format. Your perspective is what people stay for.This episode also talks about the fear many creators quietly carry.. what happens when you evolve, but your audience followed you for an older version of you? Ayn opens up about the pressure of virality, what massive visibility can cost, and why content creation only works long term if it still feels honest, sustainable, and aligned with who you are now.We talk about:* Why anyone can become a creator if they really want it* Why people are afraid to be perceived online* What virality gives you.. and what it quietly takes from you* Why evolving online can feel scary when your income depends on attentionFollow Ayn Bernos:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialAynBernosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/aynbernos/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AynBernosTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aynbernos Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @giannehinolan talks about the part of singlehood that most people don’t say out loud.. the frustration, the waiting, the loneliness, and the pressure to rush into the next season. But instead of treating singlehood like a punishment, she shares why it can actually become a season of preparation, healing, and deep joy.. if you learn how to live it well.This conversation also goes into why answered prayers can become burdens when you’re not ready for them, why love should never come from lack, and why “waiting” is not wasted when God is building something in you first. Gianne shares practical ways to enjoy singlehood, how to deal with longing honestly, and why love is already available in more places than people think.We discuss:* Why singlehood is not a punishment* Why entering love hungry leads to the wrong choices* Practical ways to enjoy your single season* Why love is already available around you, even now* How to wait well without wasting your lifeFollow Gianne Hinolan:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giannehinolanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/giannehinolan/Medyo Seryosong Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/medyoseryosongpodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GianneHinolanTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giannehinolan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @giannehinolan shares how she went from creating content for brands to finally building her own platform and how "Medyo Seryosong Podcast" started after years of “waiting for the perfect time.” The conversation goes deeper into what creatives need to grow.. a safe space, supportive people, and the grace to “suck at something.” Gianne also explains how faith became personal for her and why surrender matters when control just makes you anxious.We discuss:* How Medyo Seryosong Podcast started after sitting as an idea for years* Why singlehood content came naturally and why “comedy became her coping”* Why creatives need a safe space to explore and fail without shame* The role of honesty and self-forgiveness in personal growth* Why Christianity is not branding, but a relationship* Why trying to control everything only creates anxietyFollow Gianne Hinolan:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/giannehinolanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/giannehinolan/Medyo Seryosong Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/medyoseryosongpodcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GianneHinolanTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@giannehinolan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, @angelydub talked about evolution. Not the glamorous kind. The uncomfortable kind. The kind where you wake up one day and realize the life you built no longer feels like you.She opens up about learning to feel every emotion in her 30s. Fear. Nervousness. Grief. Excitement. She shares how she used to cope by traveling constantly, how it became part of her identity, and what it felt like to let that version of herself go.We talk about:• Why you need to feel every emotion to grow• Grieving the version of yourself you’ve outgrown• Why your purpose will evolve over time• Choosing joy even on hard days• Making mistakes in your 20s to build your guidebook for your 30s• Rebranding without fear of losing peopleFollow Angely DubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dubangelyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelydub/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angelydub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angely Dub is a dynamic and successful entrepreneur, content creator, and influencer known for her authenticity and bold personality. She talks about the evolution of her identity, from a fearless 20-year-old who wasn’t scared to try, to the version of her now that’s calmer, clearer, and more grounded. And the reason is simple: self-awareness.This episode also goes into the part most people skip: the foundation. Angely shares how being deeply loved at home gave them freedom to choose, take risks, and still feel safe. That kind of love changes how you show up in the world, because you stop chasing approval from strangers when you already have security inside your own life. We discuss:- Why fearlessness in your 20s changes everything- Why being disliked is part of life, and why it sets you free- Therapy as a tool for self-mastery and pattern-breaking- How to define “good life” for you, not for the internetFollow Angely DubFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/dubangelyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelydub/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@angelydub Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dating in 2026 feels different because people are not dating to survive anymore.Standards have shifted. Expectations are louder. Options are endless. And love has become less about “can we make it through” and more about “do you actually add peace to my life.”In this episode, we unpack why more women are choosing to stay single, why success increases temptation for men, and why cheating is rarely an accident but a pattern. We also dive deep into masculinity, femininity, and what both sides are actually looking for today.We discussed:• Why successful men face higher temptation and access• Masculine responsibility vs feminine safety and peace• Why respect matters more than attraction• The real reason ghosting is so common on dating apps• Why positivity and openness still matter in finding loveIf dating has been confusing lately, this episode will give you language for what you’ve been feeling.Follow Coach Vee:Website: www.MatchmakingManila.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/datingcoachveeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakerphilippines/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@datingcoachvee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with the No.1 Dating Coach, Coach Vee, to discuss how to stop sabotaging your love life. She reveals why chasing that “spark” may be the reason you’re attracting all the wrong people.She explains how to date smarter and why that simple shift in mindset could change the way you approach relationships for good. Plus, discover the REAL reason you keep choosing the wrong person and how to break free from toxic patterns that are hard to see.In this episode, we discuss:- Why "chemistry" may be making you choose the wrong partners- The truth about emotional safety and why it's key to lasting love- The REAL reason you keep attracting toxic relationships- How to break old patterns and find love that truly aligns with youFollow Coach Vee:Website: www.MatchmakingManila.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/datingcoachveeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/matchmakerphilippines/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@datingcoachvee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manifestation isn’t just about wishing for something. It’s about staying excited, happy, and inspired.When you stay in a high vibration, that’s when everything starts aligning faster.In this episode, a very special guest, one who's very dear to my heart, my wife, Yani Moya-Cuenca. Yani and I sit down to talk about how to truly manifest your dreams and the importance of staying high vibrational, even when life doesn’t go as planned. Come join us as we explore the power of staying positive, grateful, and excited, and how our love has evolved since we said "I do." We talked about:- How staying in a high vibration helps manifest your desires- The power of gratitude and excitement in challenging situations- Why what you speak about, you bring about- The evolution of love in marriage and how it impacts manifestationFollow Yani:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yanimcuencaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yanimcuencaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YaniMoyaTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yanimcuenca Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finally had the opportunity to guest the love of my life on my podcast again but this time we're talking about manifestation and how we manifested our dream wedding. If you're looking for a podcast that you and your partner or your future partner would love to listen to, check out our newest episode of @smalltalkpodcasts.Credit: @yanimcuenca x @smalltalkpodcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most people ask, “How do I grow my money?”But the deeper question is who you are being in the process.Money moves like air. It flows toward the person who can hold it with a steady nervous system and a clean relationship with giving and receiving.The reframe here is simple. You are not just earning money, you are the money-making machine. And the way you treat money often mirrors the way you treat yourself.Spend from panic and control, and money feels heavy. Spend with intention and trust, and it starts to flow.Then comes the real test of faith. How faithful are you with your tithing?Credits: @russjuson x @smalltalkpodcasts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “everything right” but still feel stuck, anxious, or secretly exhausted.. this episode is for you.I’m joined again by Coach Russ, my mentor and one of the biggest reasons I started taking transformation seriously. We went deep.. not just into mindset, but into the things people don’t talk about enough: suffering, letting go of approval, money wounds, and why “hard work” is not always the answer.If you’re open to a different way of living.. one built on peace, purpose, and inner alignment.. I hope this conversation meets you where you are.In this episode, we discuss:- Why transformation isn’t about forcing new habits.. it’s about going back to who you truly are.- Why he believes struggle is often an illusion.. and how mindset shifts your entire experience of life.- The framework that changed everything: language (7%).. emotion (38%).. embodiment (55%) and why mindset alone doesn’t stick.- People-pleasing, insecurity, and survival mode.. and how it quietly follows you into adulthood.- Why the people you spend time with determine whether you expand or contract.. including the “33% below, 33% beside, 34% above” rule.- Money as energy.. why money flows out to flow in.. and how money wounds can make money come in but not stay.- Why “self-care” without growth, experience, and contribution can still leave you empty.If this conversation helped you, share it with someone who needs to hear this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Most businesses don’t fail because they’re unprofitable.They fail because they run out of cash.In Part 2 of this conversation, Steve Sy breaks down the business principles most entrepreneurs overlook.. from why cash flow is the true lifeline of a company, to why chasing revenue without structure leads to collapse.He explains the difference between profit, sales, and cash flow, why many “successful” businesses still shut down, and how entrepreneurs should really think about growth versus scale. Steve also shares his Four P’s framework.. Profit, Purpose, People, and Planet.. and why profit is not the goal, but the fuel.Beyond numbers, this episode dives into leadership, hiring, and culture. From recruiting people who complement your weaknesses, to building teams that operate with ownership and purpose, Steve challenges the way most founders think about business.This is not a hype conversation.It’s a reality check for anyone building a company.If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or aspiring founder who wants to build something sustainable.. this episode will change how you think about business.In this episode, we discuss:- Why cash flow kills more businesses than losses- The difference between sales, profit, and cash flow- The Four P’s framework for decision-making- Growth vs scaling.. and why they’re not the same- Hiring people who complement your weaknesses- Building ownership, culture, and long-term teams- Why entrepreneurship is a calling, not just a careerIf this conversation helped you, share it with someone building a business who needs to hear this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Sy is one of the most respected names in Philippine e-commerce today. But his success wasn’t built on shortcuts, hype, or overnight wins.In this episode, Steve breaks down why chasing profit alone can actually destroy a business, how most entrepreneurs scale before they’re ready, and why capacity, systems, and purpose matter more than opportunity.He opens up about being ₱32,000,000 in debt at 28, spending 12 years paying it all back, and rebuilding from zero before creating a billion-peso e-commerce company. Along the way, he shares the lessons that only come from long-term pressure, painful mistakes, and staying faithful to the process when quitting feels easier.This conversation goes beyond tactics. It’s about patience in a world obsessed with speed, faith in seasons of uncertainty, and building businesses that last.If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or business owner who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or tempted to rush growth.. this episode will challenge how you think about success.In this episode, we talk about:- Why profit without purpose can break a business- The real reason most companies fail when they scale- The bamboo tree principle and long-term growth- Paying off massive debt without shortcuts- Building capacity before chasing opportunity- Faith, resilience, and responsibility in business- Why success takes years, not monthsIf this conversation resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.