Digest

This episode of Off the Vine features comedian Leslie Liaou, who shares her comedic confessions and insights on life. Leslie discusses her late start in comedy at age 29, explaining that she felt she needed more life experience and perspective before taking the stage. She also talks about her approach to comedy, emphasizing the importance of honesty and vulnerability, and how she infuses these elements into her routines. Leslie shares her unique perspective on everyday experiences, from feeling insecure in a bathing suit to observing the differences in how men and women approach skincare. She also discusses her work ethic, comparing herself to a pro athlete and emphasizing the importance of preparation and self-care. The episode concludes with Leslie sharing her upcoming tour dates and her thoughts on imposter syndrome, reminding listeners that it's okay to feel like you don't belong even when you're achieving great things. The episode ends with an announcement for a new podcast, Tactical Pettiness, hosted by Cody Riggsby and Andrew Shapell. The podcast focuses on providing advice and opinions on various topics, including relationships, pop culture, and self-acceptance. The hosts encourage listeners to join them each week as they traverse the world of pop culture, chat with celebrity friends, and show listeners how to accept themselves without taking life too seriously.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Sponsors

This Chapter introduces the episode and its sponsors, Oak Essentials and Spade and Sparrow's wine.

00:00:40

Leslie Liaou's Comedic Journey

This Chapter delves into Leslie Liaou's comedic journey, exploring her late start in comedy at age 29 and her unique perspective on life. Leslie shares her thoughts on why she waited until her late 20s to pursue stand-up and how she developed her comedic voice.

00:20:41

Oak Essentials Skincare

This Chapter highlights Oak Essentials, a skincare brand focused on gentle formulas for glowing, healthy skin. The brand is cruelty-free, non-GMO, and organic whenever possible. The episode features a special offer for listeners, providing a 15% discount on their first order with code Vine15.

00:21:56

Comedic Inspiration

This Chapter explores Leslie's comedic inspirations, highlighting comedians like Tig Notaro, Nate Bargatze, and Dimitri Martin. Leslie emphasizes her appreciation for comedians who speak in their genuine voice and present their perspectives in a relatable and authentic way.

00:23:08

The Evolution of Comedy

This Chapter discusses the evolution of comedy, referencing the show Baby Rain Deer and how comedic styles have changed over time. Leslie shares her thoughts on the importance of finding your voice and being comfortable with yourself as a comedian.

00:25:59

Comedy as a Sport

This Chapter explores Leslie's approach to comedy, comparing it to a sport and emphasizing the importance of preparation, self-care, and a strong work ethic. Leslie shares her strategies for staying motivated and maintaining a healthy mindset as a comedian.

00:31:55

Comedian Confessions

This Chapter introduces a game called Comedian Confessions, where Leslie and Caitlin discuss how they would handle various comedic scenarios, such as dealing with a sleeping audience member or forgetting a joke mid-set.

00:45:44

Upcoming Tour Dates and Final Thoughts

This Chapter concludes the episode with Leslie sharing her upcoming tour dates and her thoughts on imposter syndrome. She encourages listeners to follow her on social media and visit her website for more information.

00:49:08

Tactical Pettiness Podcast Announcement

This Chapter announces a new podcast called Tactical Pettiness, hosted by Cody Riggsby and Andrew Shapell. The podcast focuses on providing advice and opinions on various topics, including relationships, pop culture, and self-acceptance. The hosts encourage listeners to join them each week as they traverse the world of pop culture, chat with celebrity friends, and show listeners how to accept themselves without taking life too seriously.

Keywords

Q&A

• What inspired Leslie Liaou to pursue stand-up comedy at age 29?

  Leslie felt she needed more life experience and perspective before taking the stage. She wanted to have a different career path before diving into comedy, and she felt that her 20s in LA didn't provide her with the necessary perspective to be a successful comedian.

• How does Leslie Liaou infuse honesty and vulnerability into her comedy?

  Leslie believes that the deeper and truer her jokes are, the more relatable they become. She shares personal experiences and vulnerable thoughts, such as her insecurities about her body, to connect with her audience on a deeper level.

• What is Leslie Liaou's approach to comedy, and how does she compare it to a sport?

  Leslie compares comedy to a sport, emphasizing the importance of preparation, self-care, and a strong work ethic. She believes that comedians should treat their craft like athletes, focusing on their mental and physical well-being to perform at their best.

• What is Leslie Liaou's most memorable moment in her comedic career so far?

  Leslie's most memorable moment was performing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She was surprised to find that she wasn't nervous, and she felt a surge of excitement and power as she took the stage. She felt proud of herself and her accomplishments in that moment.

• What advice does Leslie Liaou have for aspiring comedians?

  Leslie encourages aspiring comedians to be true to themselves and their voices. She emphasizes the importance of finding your unique perspective and sharing your experiences with honesty and vulnerability. She also advises them to be prepared, work hard, and take care of their mental and physical well-being.

• What are Leslie Liaou's upcoming tour dates, and where can people find more information about her?

  Leslie is currently touring and has upcoming shows in Australia in June. You can find more information about her tour dates and other projects on her website, LeslieLiau.com, which also links to her social media pages.

• What is Leslie Liaou's perspective on dating a comedian?

  Leslie believes that comedians are just like any other human being, with their own unique personalities and quirks. She wouldn't rule out dating a comedian, but she acknowledges that they can be intense and self-critical, and they often obsess over their craft.

• What is Leslie Liaou's approach to handling comedic scenarios, such as a sleeping audience member or forgetting a joke mid-set?

  Leslie believes in the show must go on, even if there are distractions or unexpected events. She prefers to ignore sleeping audience members and focus on her performance. If she forgets a joke, she trusts her instincts and improvises, often finding that the missing parts weren't necessary anyway.

• What is Leslie Liaou's advice for dealing with imposter syndrome?

  Leslie acknowledges that imposter syndrome is a common experience, especially for comedians. She believes that it's important to trust your instincts and know that you belong where you are, even if you sometimes feel like a fraud.

• What is the new podcast announced at the end of the episode?

  The new podcast is called Tactical Pettiness, hosted by Cody Riggsby and Andrew Shapell. It focuses on providing advice and opinions on various topics, including relationships, pop culture, and self-acceptance.

Show Notes