Claim OwnershipSmall Talk! With Alec Cuenca - Motivation & Mindset Podcast
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Small talk, huge impact. Join Alec Cuenca as he brings thought-provoking insights with some of the most inspirational minds in the world. This podcast is for everyone striving to be the best version of themselves. New episodes on Thursdays on Spotify.
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381 Episodes
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In this Small Talk episode, Cho Lim returns to share the hardest season of his life—a moment when life took away his control and forced him to grow. After years of chasing success and avoiding responsibility, he hit a breaking point that didn’t just hurt him… it changed him.Cho opens up about the identity crisis he hid, the pain he tried to outrun, and the shift from ego to surrender. He reveals the truth about growth: sometimes you don’t choose it—life forces it. From fatherhood to faith, maturity to mindset, he shares how real transformation begins when you finally let go.If you’ve ever felt lost, overwhelmed, or at the edge of yourself, this episode will remind you: rock bottom can be the turning point.When life forces you to change, it might be saving you.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @cholimofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Alec Cuenca sits down with Cho Lim: whose story is not about instant success, but about wasted years, hidden pain, and the one moment that forced him to finally change. Before becoming one of the most influential coaches in the country, Cho spent years drifting with no direction: stuck in comfort, vices, parties, and the belief that “there’s still time.” But everything shifted when he became a father. The guilt, the pressure, and the responsibility woke him up, and ignited a transformation that would lead him to rebuild his life, pursue growth with intensity, and eventually impact thousands through purpose-driven work.If you’ve ever felt lost, behind, or ashamed of where you are in life, Cho’s story will show you that rock bottom can become the foundation for your greatest breakthrough.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @cholimofficial Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this follow-up episode of Small Talk, Alec's back with Peng Mendoza to reveal a hard truth about high achievers: the more you try to control everything, the more anxious, restless, and unhappy you become.Peng opens up about the seasons when she was doing everything “right”: working hard, hitting goals, serving people. But yet still feeling empty and disconnected on the inside. She shares how the pressure to force outcomes and hold everything together led to burnout, and how learning to surrender, trust the process, and align with God’s timing brought her the peace and clarity she had been chasing for years. This conversation explores the unseen battles behind success, the difference between striving and aligning, and why real growth often begins the moment you let go. If you’ve ever felt tired of pushing, afraid to slow down, or stuck even while moving forward, this episode will change the way you look at success, peace, and control, and remind you that sometimes, surrender is the most powerful strategy of all.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @pengymendoza Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Alec Cuenca sits down with Peng Mendoza to expose a hard truth about success: you can be moving up in life… and still feel empty inside.Peng opens up about chasing money, achievements, and recognition, only to realize that progress without purpose leads to burnout. She shares the moments when “winning” didn’t feel like winning, the pressure of always having to prove herself, and the turning point when she realized that real success is not measured by income, but by impact. From desire and discipline to purpose and peace, Peng reveals how she rebuilt her life from chasing success… to living with meaning.If you’ve ever achieved something and still felt lost, this episode will hit home for you.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @pengymendoza Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful follow-up episode of Small Talk, Alec sits down again with Tina Sioson to explore what modern leadership really looks like — and why the old ways no longer work.From understanding Gen Z and navigating burnout, to finding the balance between control and freedom, Tina shares the lessons that today’s leaders can’t afford to ignore. She dives deep into how leadership has become a pendulum — swinging from authority to empathy — and why the real challenge is learning how to lead from the middle.If you’ve ever struggled to connect with younger teams, felt burnt out from leading, or questioned how to adapt to the new generation of work, this conversation will help you rediscover what it truly means to lead with balance, trust, and purpose. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this eye-opening episode of Small Talk, Alec sits down with Tina Sioson to challenge one of the biggest lies in the workplace: that promotions and titles automatically make you a leader.With decades of experience in leadership development, Tina reveals why competence alone won’t make people follow you, how bad promotions create “accidental leaders,” and why character and readiness matter more than technical skills. She also explains why not everyone is meant to lead — and how organizations can grow their people without forcing them into roles they’re not built for.If you’ve ever felt the pressure to move up, questioned what real leadership looks like, or wondered why teams struggle under the wrong managers, this conversation will give you a new perspective on what it truly takes to lead.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @tinasioson_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this powerful follow-up episode of Small Talk, Alec sits down again with Dennis Sy to go even deeper into the lessons behind his book Design Your Life.From letting go of weak foundations to anchoring your identity on something eternal, Dennis reveals how true growth requires surrender, why purpose can feel hollow without personhood, and how to escape the trap of living on autopilot.If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure of your next step, this episode will help you uncover the mindset shifts and timeless truths that can transform your life from default to design.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @dennis_sia_sy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this new episode of Small Talk , Alec sits down with Dennis Sy to uncover the deeper story behind his health scare, his bestselling book Design Your Life, and the mindset shifts that helped him escape the trap of living on autopilot.From a hospital bed to a life of clarity and purpose, Dennis shares the raw, untold moments — the struggle, the surrender, and the systems he built to reclaim his time, energy, and identity — and how he transformed crisis into clarity.If you’ve ever felt stuck, burnt out, or unsure of your next step, this episode will show you how letting go of the temporary can open the door to something lasting and powerful — and remind you that you can design your life, not just drift through it.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @dennis_sia_sy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Sam Y.G. continued uncovering the real reasons behind his biggest career moves: from leaving Boy’s Night Out, to battling burnout, to rebuilding his life with purpose.Sam opens up about the risks, the lessons, and the mindset shifts that helped him move from hustle to intentional growth.Packed with raw honesty, actionable advice, and stories that will resonate with anyone juggling career, personal growth, and mental health; whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or creative, his journey will inspire you to take back your time and design a life that truly works for you.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @_samyg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Alec sits down with Sam YG to talk about growing up as a bullied kid, navigating identity in a Filipino-Indian household, and the turning point that changed everything.From being teased in grade school to becoming one of the country’s most recognizable radio personalities, Sam shares the real story behind his transformation — the early struggles, the first breaks, and the moments that taught him how to turn pain into power.He opens up about how humor became his armor, why resilience matters, and what it’s really like to build a career in entertainment when you don’t fit the mold.If you’ve ever felt like an outsider, doubted your own path, or wondered how to turn your setbacks into strengths, this episode will help you see how Sam turned adversity into his biggest advantage — and how you can too.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @_samyg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Alec continues the deep conversation with Nica Fabregas as she opens up about leaving stability behind, trusting her gut, and choosing to build a career she truly loves. From family interventions to self-doubt, Nica shares how she turned fear into fuel, overcame the pressure to follow the “safe” path, and found confidence in her own journey.Whether you’re thinking of starting over, chasing your passion, or simply learning to trust yourself, this episode will inspire you to take that first step — even when it feels scary.If you’ve ever questioned your choices or felt stuck between expectation and purpose, this conversation is for you.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @nicafabregas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Alec sits down with Nica Fabregas to talk about growing up in a faith-centered household, battling mental health struggles, and the courage it took to stand up for herself.From letting go of a “safe” corporate path to pursuing content creation, Nica shares the real story behind her turning points — the quiet breakdowns, the family conversations, and the moments that defined her strength.She opens up about how faith shaped her, why trusting your gut matters, and what it really feels like to build a life on your own terms when not everyone understands.If you’ve ever felt torn between your family’s expectations and your own dreams, or wondered how to keep going through a mental health low, this episode will help you see that it’s possible to choose yourself and still find your way forward.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @nicafabregas Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Alec sits down with Alex Diaz to talk about navigating hate, public criticism, and the noise of social media. From learning humility through starting over, to finding strength in the face of “keyboard warriors,” Alex shares what it really takes to live with resilience.He opens up about his journey in showbiz, the lessons from Bar Boys that mirror his own life, and how he continues to stand firm in his beliefs despite backlash.If you’ve ever struggled with negativity, public pressure, or the weight of other people’s opinions, this episode will show you how to handle hate without losing yourself.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @alexandermcdizz Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when everything you thought you wanted slips away?In this episode of Small Talk, actor and content creator Alex Diaz opens up about losing everything he once worked for, what fame could never give him, and how starting over changed the way he sees life, success, and love.From the pressures of the spotlight to the pain of rebuilding from nothing, Alex shares the raw lessons he’s learned about healing, resilience, and living with intention.If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or afraid to begin again—this conversation is for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Alec continues his deep conversation with life coach Russ Juson, diving into the lessons he’s learned about growth, faith, and living a life of purpose.Russ shares why true success isn’t just about money or achievements, but about expanding yourself, embracing new experiences, and staying connected to God. He explains why business failures don’t define you, how growth itself can bring abundance, and why gratitude, forgiveness, and surrender are the most powerful prayers you can hold on to.If you’ve ever struggled with finding meaning beyond the grind, or wondered how to balance your ambitions with your faith, this episode will challenge you to see life differently—and remind you that growth and love are the real purposes of life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Alec sits down with entrepreneur and coach Russ Juson to talk about life’s lowest points, finding purpose, and what it truly takes to turn pain into power.Russ opens up about the struggles that almost broke him, the realizations that came from rock bottom, and the mindset shift that allowed him to rebuild not just his career, but his life. From letting go of victimhood to embracing accountability, his story is a reminder that real change begins the moment you decide to take ownership of your journey.If you’ve ever felt stuck, defeated, or unsure of your next step, this conversation will remind you that the hardest seasons can become your greatest turning points. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk with Alec Cuenca, Prax Yap shares how motherhood completely reshaped her life. From being a go-getter who always wanted control, to learning patience, surrender, and slowing down—Prax opens up about the lessons she never expected to learn as a mom.She also reflects on how her definition of success changed: from chasing milestones and achievements, to simply being present in the small, everyday moments with her child.If you’ve ever struggled with letting go, finding patience, or redefining what success really means, this conversation is for you.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @praxyap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Alec sits down with Prax Yap to talk about the risks and rewards of choosing passion over money.From walking away from a stable career to carving out a life built on purpose, Prax shares the struggles, doubts, and breakthroughs that came with following what truly matters to her. She opens up about why money alone was never enough, the sacrifices she had to make, and the lessons she learned in redefining success on her own terms.If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s worth it to pursue passion over security, this conversation will give you an honest look at the realities behind that choice, and why fulfillment sometimes means choosing the harder path.Listen to the full story and find out what it really takes to live a life driven by passion, not just a paycheck.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @praxyap Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From side hustles to doubling money—this episode with Jax Reyes dives deep into the realities of building wealth with intention.Alec and Jax talk about the transition from chasing quick wins to creating lasting financial habits. Jax shares his thoughts on why discipline is the real key to success, how budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive, and why it’s important to spend on what makes you happy while still preparing for the future.They also break down the mindset shifts needed to move past money mistakes, how to turn bashing into motivation, and the difference between simply earning and actually making your money work for you.If you’ve ever wondered how to balance side hustles, savings, and self-growth, this conversation will remind you that financial freedom isn’t about having it all—it’s about making intentional choices that align with the life you want.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @jaxreyes_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode of Small Talk, Alec sits down with financial content creator Jax Reyes to talk about budgeting, bills, and building a healthy money mindset.From his early money mistakes to the shifts that helped him grow his savings, Jax shares practical steps you can take—whether you’re starting late, struggling to budget, or simply wanting to make your money work smarter.He breaks down why budgeting doesn’t have to feel restrictive, how to spend guilt-free on what you love, and why it’s never too late to start investing in your future. If you’ve been feeling stuck with your finances or unsure where to start, this conversation will help you see that change is possible—one intentional choice at a time.Listen and learn how to create a budget that works for you, save without sacrificing joy, and build habits that will serve you for years to come.Follow the podcast on IG: @smalltalkpodcasts with @aleccuenca_ and @jaxreyes_ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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shux. kainlab naman 'tong podcast show. it speaks to me :') support, support, support!