TCB Infomercial w. Leslie Liao

Summary

The Commercial Break – “TCB Infomercial w. Leslie Liao”

Episode Date: April 30, 2024
Host(s): Bryan Green (“B”), Krissy Hoadley (“C”)
Guest: Comedian Leslie Liao (“A”)

Overview

This episode features rising comedy star Leslie Liao for a high-energy, off-the-cuff interview. Bryan and Krissy, known for their playful absurdity and “best-friends-who-won’t-shut-up” chemistry, dive into Leslie’s untraditional comedy journey, experiences working at Netflix, her viral ascent, and the ups and downs of late-in-life self-awareness. The conversation delivers a blend of sincere, no-bullshit insight and the show’s signature improv banter, offering listeners a blend of inspiration, industry peeks, and irreverent jokes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introducing Leslie Liao: From Netflix HR to Stand-Up Stardom

• Leslie’s unique path: Started stand-up at age 29 while working in HR staffing at Netflix—uncommon for a comic (“All my favorite comics are like, ‘I’ve been in the game for 35 years and I’m 40.’” — Leslie, 15:16).
• Prior to Netflix, Leslie worked at talent agencies and wanted to produce comedy, not perform it.
• B’s admiration: “Your story is quite unbelievable…amazingly ballsy and awesome.” (14:55)

[10:09–13:15] Boring Coffee, Eclipses, and Sun Advice

• Relatable, unglamorous anecdotes: Leslie buys pre-made coffee, admits it’s “atrocious” but drinks it “because I spent the money on this.”
• The group riffs on 90s millennial fears (“Don’t stare at the sun!”) and Leslie jokes, “I didn’t care [about the eclipse].” 12:09

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2. Navigating Comedy & Life Late(r) in the Game

• Age & confidence: Both Leslie and the hosts discuss how “starting late” can be a major advantage, giving comedians (and people) more material, stability, and perspective.
• Leslie: “29 is young, you know? It’s young relative to anything.” (15:28)
• Deciding to compartmentalize day job vs. comedy, “I tried really hard to keep everything stay in my lane—in both areas.” (19:38)

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3. Breaking Out: From Office Cubicle to Fallon’s Stage

• The Moment: 2023 becomes Leslie’s breakout year—Netflix set, Just for Laughs New Faces, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
  • “I had to take two days off my day job to film Jimmy.” (26:32)
• On telling her boss: Casual request for PTO leads to her boss’s boss pinging her: “Hey, I just saw you on The Tonight Show…” (27:46)
  • “He was such an adorable fan… ‘You gotta go do this. What are you doing here?’” (27:51)
• Reality Check: After Fallon taping, Leslie went right back to work: “No one cares I did The Tonight Show. I can’t just be like, ‘Sorry guys, I did The Tonight Show, I can’t do this meeting.’” (32:00)
• “As a comic, I was psyched… I don’t take this for granted.” (29:03)

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4. Comedy Industry Real Talk: Representation, Competition & Individuality

• Importance of getting an agent/manager: “There is an ecosystem, there is a system in place, and reps play a very important part.” (23:08)
• Leslie’s rise was word-of-mouth and real performance—deliberately not leveraging her Netflix job for comedy visibility.
• “My strategy was, get noticed the way any comic gets noticed…it’s through word of mouth of someone you trust.” (21:44)
• Discussing the changing landscape: Big late night spots still matter emotionally/career-wise, even if the cultural moment has shifted.

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5. Getting Older: Self-Awareness, Perspective & Choosing Battles

• Leslie: “Being in your 30s is a prerequisite for being self-aware.” (33:59)
• Hosts and guest share how aging brings clarity about what matters, confidence, and the ability not to care about detractors.
• “Maybe confidence is caring about the right things, or caring less, or something. But it’s nice.” (37:21)
• Hilarious marriage talk: “I know which hill to die on, which is none of them. Astrid wins every conversation, rightfully so.” — Bryan (36:41)

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6. Handling Haters and Feedback in the Comedy World

• On criticism: “Statistically, you’re not going to win them all. So I have to look those people in the face and have this intimate moment of: you don’t like me. And I still have to keep going.” (37:57)
• “You’re entitled to that… We are not a match made in comedy heaven, and you’re not for me, either, random troll.” — Leslie (40:21)
• Hosts echo the challenge of ignoring both adulation and negative comments.

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7. Lite Relationship Chat & Millennial Sexual Awakening

• Leslie’s relationship status: “Not married…but I do have a boyfriend. It’s fresh. He was previously married, so he has valuable experience, and I’m late 30s too.” (41:32)
• Iconic VHS-era horniness: All three recall MTV’s D’Angelo videos as formative sexual experiences (“That was our 50 Shades!” — Leslie, 43:20)

Memorable Quote

“D’Angelo got you like that.” — D (43:07) “It’s like the 50 Shades of Grey of MTV.” — Bryan (43:09)

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8. Tech, Social Media, & Flirty Bots

• Leslie and hosts riff about sex chatbot/AI avatars (“I got this app as a joke…until it started calling my phone in the middle of the night!” — Bryan, 44:14)
• Reflect on loneliness and whether digital connection solves or deepens the social divide: “I get nervous that apps like this are going to make it easier and easier to actually connect less.” — Bryan (45:23)

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9. Leslie’s Epic 2024 Tour and Global Comedy Scene

• Leslie is headlining at Netflix Is a Joke festival in L.A. (May 2-3: shows sold out).
• Upcoming: Nashville at Zanies, Moon Tower Comedy Festival in Austin, then a run through Houston, Dallas, and Australia in June.
• On touring: “I see people with dates in 2025 and I know you’re on a roll…” — Bryan (47:28)
• Funny tangent: Do koala bears in Australia really have syphilis? (“What a hilarious way for me to die, though.” — Leslie, 50:02)

Notable Quote

“Leslie passed away from a bad case of koala syphilis.” — Bryan’s fictional news headline (50:17)

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Notable Quotes

• On starting late:
  “I almost didn’t because I thought it was too late. Also, 29 is young. You know, it’s young and relative to anything.” — Leslie (15:28)

• On work-life balance:
  “I had Netflix all day, standup all night. I tried really hard to keep everything...stay in my lane in both areas.” — Leslie (19:38)

• On The Tonight Show:
  “I had to take two days off my day job to film Jimmy…My boss’s boss saw me on The Tonight Show and he didn’t know.” — Leslie (26:32)

• On confidence:
  “Maybe confidence is caring about the right things, or caring less, or something. But it’s nice.” — Leslie (37:21)

• On haters:
  “You’re not gonna win them all. I have to look those people in the face…You’re entitled to that. We are not a match made in comedy heaven, and you’re not for me, either, random troll.” — Leslie (40:21)

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Memorable / Funniest Moments

• [13:46] Leslie expresses distrust of DIY eclipse glasses: “Who sold you those glasses, babe? How can I? Because my whole thing is I don’t trust anything or anyone…Who sold you those glasses on Etsy?”
• [27:46] Boss’s boss drops into Leslie’s DMs: “I just saw you on The Tonight Show…You gotta go do this, what are you doing here?”
• [43:07–43:20] D’Angelo music video nostalgia as sexual education—everyone cackling and blushing.
• [44:14] Bryan’s AI sexting bot story goes off the rails: “I was a man and I named him and I wanted, you know, boyfriend…It got way too crazy way too fast.”
• [50:02] Leslie on dying by koala syphilis: “What a hilarious way for me to die. Like, I’ll take it. That’s what you—you know what, closing joke.”

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Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:54 – Hosts intro, “Welcome Back…”; riff on podcast mediocrity
• 04:05 – Leslie background, from Netflix HR to comedy beginnings
• 10:09 – Leslie joins, coffee confession, childhood advice, eclipse chat
• 14:55 – Leslie’s “late” start in comedy, reflections on starting
• 21:44 – The importance of word-of-mouth, getting reps, building organically
• 26:32 – The Tonight Show experience, balancing day job & comedy career
• 33:59 – Self-awareness, growing into your 30s, “confidence” vs. caring less
• 37:57 – Handling negative feedback, trolls, comic thick skin
• 41:32 – Relationship status, late-30s dating, learning from past
• 43:07 – D’Angelo and MTV as formative sex ed
• 44:14 – AI sexbot story, relationship tech tangent
• 46:14 – Netflix Is a Joke Fest, Leslie’s upcoming dates, tour plans
• 49:29 – Australian animals/koala syphilis bit
• 51:17 – Wrapping up, how to follow Leslie, tour info
• 53:25 – Post-interview debrief, reflections on booking guests and agent stories

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Closing Thoughts

Leslie Liao’s story is a prime example of how quirk, authenticity, and the slow burn of hard work set the stage for true creative breakthroughs. Mixing self-deprecation, industry smarts, and an easy rapport, this episode packs both real-world advice and plenty of unfiltered laughs. Leslie’s humility despite sudden stardom makes her a refreshing interview—no matter how much her professional star rises, her attitude remains grounded.

Follow Leslie:

• Instagram: @leslie_liao
• Website: Check show notes/tcbpodcast.com
• Watch on: Netflix’s Verified, YouTube sets, and at comedy festivals worldwide

Host sign-off:
“We go on for days if we did that, Leslie. Let’s just be in a constant FaceTime all day with each other.” — Bryan (52:20)

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For full tour dates, merch, and more: TCBpodcast.com

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This summary captures this episode’s energy and Leslie’s charm, making it both an easy entry point and a must-listen recommendation for comedy and pop-culture fans.

Transcript

[A]

This is how women support women. We just go around fixing each other's future husbands under the table. No commission. Just like here's Brian. He's an active listener. Congrats on the engagement.

[B]

On this episode of the commercial break.

[C]

You weren't paying attention to.

[B]

No, I was not paying attention to d' Angelo the way the.

[A]

We were paying a lot of attention.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

On repeat. I was paying attention.

[B]

Really?

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[D]

D' Angelo got you like that.

[A]

Oh my God.

[B]

Like the 50 shades of gray of MTV. Yeah. Okay, afterwards I want to see. I mean, I've seen d' Angelo videos. I know that they're hot and lusty and I know d' Angelo himself is a pretty handsome young man, but that.

[A]

Was our 50 Shades. Not video.

[C]

Yeah, who needs the actual 50 Shades?

[B]

The next episode of the commercial break starts now.

[D]

The 30 of the morning. Oh, yeah. Cats and kittens, welcome back to the commercial break. I'm Brian Green and this is the co host of this terrible show, Kristen Joy Oley. Bestie you Chrissy. Best you out there in the podcast universe. Just wanted to let you know where you've arrived.

[B]

You've heard the best.

[D]

Now here's the rest. Top of the heap, best of the bunch, mediocre podcast that never could, never would.

[B]

The brokest little podcast in all podcast universe.

[D]

The commercial break. Who was that guy?

[B]

Robin.

[C]

Robin Le. Champagne wishes and caviar dreams.

[D]

You two can be a broke podcaster. Dripping in gold leaf. Nothing. Look at these two superstars. It's only champagne and limousines for these two. Look at that spare tire. It's been on that car for months.

[C]

Dusty.

[D]

The dusty velvet curtains and the microphones that don't work. All this could be yours with a little bit of podcast luck.

[C]

Creepy self. A prepaid gold card.

[D]

That's right, credit. One prepaid gold card. You'll be fooling nobody when you go to show up and buy off brand ranch dressing at Kroger Crunch Credos. They're just like Cheetos, only a little bit more cardboard added.

[C]

Comparable.

[A]

Comparable to Cheetos.

[D]

That's right. Look at that beautiful studio. It's lovely with the tree branch hanging directly in it.

[C]

Off brand scotch tape.

[D]

Off brand scotch tape. Holding these microphones together. It's scratch tape. It's scratch tape. Scratch scratch tape. Would you like.

[C]

It doesn't. It's not sticky.

[D]

No, it's not. Try off brand soda pop. Save 10 cents. Have you ever had krite? That shit is shite. I'm telling you right now. It's terrible. It's terrible. That's the way you're living as a mediocre card podcaster, number one in improv comedy, whatever that means. Number1 trending podcast in Malaysia and Venezuela. And Venezuela. We've been the number one comment.

[B]

We've been the number one English speaking.

[D]

Podcast in Venezuela since the day we started.

[C]

Thank you.

[D]

What a way to start off a.

[B]

TCB infomercial with Ms. Leslie Leo coming in today.

[C]

Gosh, I'm so excited to talk to her.

[B]

Fresh off. I say fresh off. It was six months ago. Fresh off her appearance on Jimmy Fallon. What a story this young lady has about how she came to be such a noted standup comic. Like, she's really interesting. It's really interesting. She was. She started a little bit later in life. I mean, we'll talk about all this with her, but she started a little bit later in life. She was working for Netflix, where now some of her streams. How odd is that?

[C]

In hr.

[B]

In hr. She was an HR person over at Netflix and then she was doing stand up comedy at night. And then all of the sudden she becomes a superstar in 2023. She's on the Fallon show now. She's on Verified, which also has our friend Rosebud Baker.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

And if I'm not mistaken, is Blair Saki on that? I don't know. She might. Anyway, Verified on Netflix.

[D]

Go check it.

[C]

We're talking.

[B]

Yeah. Verify what we're talking about by going and watching Verified on Netflix. That's the only way you're gonna get the accurate information from this show. But Leslie is quite the little rising rocket in the comedy scene, and I'm so grateful that she's coming on the show today because she is funny. You know, we do homework.

[C]

Oh, I know. I was watching her. She's totally like my brand of humor.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

It's only good vibes.

[A]

Only good.

[B]

Only good vibes for Hly.

[D]

Only good vibes for h. No, she's.

[C]

Got a sense of confidence and calmness, you know, and funny all at the same time.

[B]

Yeah, she's good. She's really good. So we're super excited to have her. You can check out her socials. We've got all the links in the show description, in the show notes, as they're officially called Chrissy in the podcast universe.

[C]

Was that show kind of a prerequisite to Cribs? Cribs, Yeah. I was just going to say it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But. But Robin Leach would take it much further. He'd do your whole lifestyle. Yachts, which hotels. You stayed In. I mean, that guy was all over. Whatever happened to Rob? I mean, I think he's dead now, but whatever happened to Robin Leach? Like in the 80s, Robin Leach was everywhere.

[C]

Yeah, because he would do like infomercials and stuff too, which would somehow lead credibility.

[B]

Yeah, he was doing like Get Rich Quick real estate seminars. And then that would lend credit. I think I could be mistaken about this, but I think I remember seeing like a little documentary on Robin leach, like a VH1 behind the Music or some shit. Behind the Leech or whatever it was. And I think I. I don't know, don't. Trust me. I don't know what I'm talking about. But when I watched the.

[C]

Hide the Leech scratch tape.

[D]

I mean, we're on a roll.

[B]

We're on a roll. Scratch tape and Robin reach.

[A]

Behind the leech.

[B]

Behind the leech. Stupid Brian.

[C]

Unveiling the leech.

[D]

Unveiling the leech. De Pantsing the leech. Look at those huge monster sized balls. Paid for by all this real estate debt.

[B]

He, if I'm not mistaken, I think he actually created that show and then paid for it to be on air for a while, like an infomercial. And then it just turned into something that people actually liked and wanted to watch and all that stuff. And there for like three years. When I was a child, for like three years, I remember seeing that show every day. Like my mom or dad was watching it every day to see how these rich people were living.

[C]

It was fascinating.

[B]

That probably made them want to, you know, jump off a roof because they had four children, no money to their names, just like I did five to seven children with no money to my name. But it was so good. That Robin Leach, that Robin Leach thing. But anyway, Leslie Liao is what we're really here to talk. Mr. Leach. Leslie Leo is what we're really here to talk about. And so do us a favor, go check out her Instagram, her. Her Netflix. She's going to be on a netfl Is a joke in that festival.

[C]

Yeah, she's gonna be at the festival.

[B]

Okay.

[C]

She's headlining.

[B]

Yeah, she's headlining, I think a couple shows. So anyway, we'll get into all of that with her, but please do us a favor, go check out her website, go follow her on Instagram, go look at her YouTube videos. She's really funny, I promise you. And I really look forward to having this conversation with her. So let's do this, Chrissy.

[C]

Let's do it.

[B]

Let's do this. What if we take a break and then through the magic of podcasting, she'll be with us when we returned from that.

[C]

Beamed into our studio.

[B]

Beamed straight into our studio via old satellite dishes that are sitting sideways on my house.

[C]

Got five of them.

[D]

I know. On the roof, I've got five.

[C]

And then that huge one in the yard.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

So, like, the really big one, it's.

[B]

Sitting right in the pool because that's where they decided I could get the best. That's how I got the discount on it.

[D]

They're like, yeah, but we got to put it in the pool.

[B]

You can't get one of those expensive ones that can spin around on its own. We need to keep this stationary. And the only clear view you have.

[D]

Is in the pool on the steps.

[B]

So now I just have to throw my children in the deep end because the steps are.

[D]

No, that's my satellite for the podcast. Don't touch it.

[B]

Daddy.

[D]

Daddy. I'm not swimming very well on the deep end. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Get over there and turn the old.

[B]

Satellite left so Daddy can get Leslie in here.

[D]

It's so cold. Daddy, shut up. Someday this will put food on your plate.

[C]

Regular Cheetos.

[D]

Regular Cheetos.

[B]

Not credos or scratch tape.

[D]

We're getting regular Cheetos. As soon as Leslie's interview is finished, we're gonna go gangbusters. So get over there and start pushing some satellite.

[B]

All right, let's take a break. Let's get Leslie in here, and we'll be back.

[E]

I know you're already on your phone, so pull up Instagram and follow us at the commercial break, and then follow us on TikTok@TCB podcast. Done. Perfect. Thank you. Since you're at the ready, why not Text us hello at 212-4333, TCB. Or if you've got some drama in your life, a little fun story or anything, really. We're desperate for content. Call and leave us a message at 212-4333, TCV. And don't forget to check out TCVpodcast.com because that's got it all. Speaking of having it all, let's listen to our fabulous sponsors and get back to the commercial break.

[B]

Hey, Leslie, how are you?

[A]

Hello. I'm good and awake. Hello. How are you?

[B]

Are you a coffee drinker?

[A]

So I am, and I. But I can't make coffee. Like, I. You know. You know how people have, like, those cool machines in their kitchen? I am such a SoCal LA. Like, I will buy my $7 iced Americana, whatever from everywhere. But this morning, I couldn't run out. So I just buy, like when you, you know, when you go to Target and you just buy like a jug of iced coffee and then I put like a mismatched creamer in it, and it. It is atrocious.

[B]

This is what I'm.

[A]

It's awful. It's awful. But I'm gonna drink it because I, you know, I spent the money on this.

[B]

Yeah, because you have to. As a coffee drinker, I know this addiction well. And I'm just like you. I have no clue how to actually make really good coffee. So I go get my seven buck iced coffee. Is that what you drink, iced coffee every day?

[A]

It depends on. It depends on the day, the weather, and the function. So on a sunny day, love an iced thing. On a. On a cold day in like a cold city, I'm touring in, love a hot. You know, so I. I'm. I'm crazy. I adjust. I adjust.

[B]

Look at you, Leslie. You are a wild child.

[A]

Based on my mood and, you know, sometimes you need an espresso shot.

[B]

Okay, so inquiring minds want to know, when you were a kid, did your parents explicitly explain to you not to stare at the sun? This is a hot debate right now on the commercial break, did you ever get told, don't look at the sun, child. You're going to burn. Your rent is out?

[A]

I believe I heard that. I'm sure I heard that Touted to me by someone. Yes, I'm sure it's a common sense.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And, you know, and I'm a millennial. So, like, pre TikTok, social media, Internet, like, things were just word of mouth. Like there was nothing trending. You know, like your friends on the playground told you, or your teacher told you. I remember being told, don't look at the sun. I also did not catch the eclipse. I think I was on a plane.

[B]

Oh, you were.

[A]

And I think I just didn't care.

[B]

I don't care.

[C]

Yeah, we agreed we were the same way.

[B]

Yeah, we watched.

[A]

So you didn't see it?

[C]

I watched a little bit of it on tv.

[B]

Yeah, I watch it on tv.

[A]

It. Like, it's a TV show. You're like, I watched the rerun. Someone sent it to me.

[B]

I did.

[C]

It turned slightly dark. Here in Atlanta, I have children.

[B]

And so I was explaining to my kids, like, before they left for school, and we got them before the eclipse happened, but they're really young. And I was like, listen, your eyeballs will literally set on fire if you look at the sky today. So just don't do that. And then they got home and I tried to get them excited about, you know, hey, let's go outside. We'll see how weird it looks outside. You want to watch a cool, you know, universe trick here? Let's go outside and watch this. And my daughter was in the corner. She wouldn't come out. She's like, I don't want my eyes.

[D]

To set on fire.

[B]

And I was like, I have fucked this child for life.

[A]

But it's like, even if that's not true, isn't it a safe assumption to not look at the sun?

[B]

I think so. I think it's common sense.

[C]

Bet I take a peek sometimes just. Just to see where it is in the sky, but I don't stare at it.

[B]

You can't see Chrissy's helper dog right. Sitting right next to her, but she is blinded.

[A]

You have your dog look at the sun first for you and scout it out. But also, like, I saw everything on social media. Like, I. It was like footage of people watching the eclipse and they all had the little 3D glasses. I'm like, who sold you those glasses, babe? How can I? Because my whole thing is I don't trust anything or anyone. So I'm like, where did you get those glasses made out of Saran Wrap? Like, who sold you those glasses on Etsy? Yeah, where'd you get those? So I don't trust it. I don't trust anyone.

[B]

To me, they.

[D]

Who is they? Who gave you, who gave them permission.

[B]

To give you sunglasses?

[A]

Where did everyone get those? Sunk for real.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

All of a sudden we all have protective. And who has, who's selling fakes?

[B]

Like, anyways, there is no universal eyewear. Like, there's no eclipse eyeglass association that I know of that's trustworthy. So I agree with you. I just stayed inside and watched as it turned a week.

[A]

So us three, our eyes are doing just fine. Yeah.

[B]

I think you say something that is. First of all, I want to. Let me start here. Your story is quite unbelievable, actually, how you became a stand up comic a little later than some people become. But, you know, I don't, I don't believe there's a bad time to start anything in life. As a gentleman who's a little bit older, I know this. We started this later on in life. But you started stand up comedy at 29. But explain where you got your actual start in comedy and who you were working for, because I think this isn't a amazingly ballsy and awesome story.

[A]

Yeah, my life is absurd. It's it's definitely not the conventional way people start stand up, but I did start stand up at age 29, which I found to be late in life also because most comics start when they're like 11. Like all my favorite comics, like all my favorite headlining comics are like, I've been in the game for 35 years. And I'm like, you're 40.

[C]

Like, what are you talking?

[A]

So, so true. But it's true. Like, they all start young and get good young and. But I started at 29, which I guess maybe statistically is late, but I'm so thrilled I did it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And, and because I almost didn't because I thought it was too late. Also, 29 is young. You know, it's young and relative to anything.

[B]

But in my literally stare at the sun to turn 29 again, I should.

[C]

Have more experience that you can talk about.

[A]

That's why I, that's actually why I waited till 29. But I, before I started Stand Up, I had a whole pre life of. I wanted to be a Hollywood comedy producer. I wanted to produce comedy movies and comedy shows and work with stand ups and all that stuff. So I worked. The same year I started Stand Up Comedy, I worked at a company called Netflix a Little Tiny, which dabbled in comedy as well, which has been dabbled in comedy. And I was not in the comedy department at Netflix. I had a very funky job that I actually loved, but it was kind of designed for me and I was at the right place at the right time. And as default, my job was in hr. Oh, I know.

[B]

At Netflix. So, so you're the h. You're like, if people have problems or there's an issue in the workplace or someone's getting harassed or something, they would come to you and file a report.

[A]

So I wish, because that would be the first funnier answer. But like I, I had a job where I just, I hired internal temp assistants. So any, anyone at Netflix who may be like, they were growing their team and suddenly needed an assistant for a four month assignment. Like I hired internal assistants and, and assigned them like Avengers all over the company. And they were awesome. Like, I loved them. They knew I did comedy. They were cool Gen Z assistants. Like, they thought I was hilarious for being their manager and a standup. So I wasn't like, you know, your typical. What you think of as an HR person.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But HR is, it's a huge department at Netflix. So I was in HR because that's where we belonged. I was like a staffing manager.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

So like, but it still was, it still was ripe for comedy. My everyday life, like, what I did in the day versus night absolutely was. Was ridiculous.

[C]

How did you break the news then when you left?

[B]

Well, I mean, like, isn't it weird? Like, Netflix is the place to go to for comedy these days. It used to be an hbo. You get an HBO special, right. One hour every month on hbo. They, you know, spotlight some huge comedian. But there wasn't a lot of places to cut your teeth, you know, Comedy Central, maybe one of those places. But then how do you, like, isn't that your goal is to. I want a Netflix special eventually. That's what I really want to do. Did you find it hard to be working at the company where you wanted to impress the people we're going to give comedy specials, or did you like, dance around it?

[A]

I aggressively tried to compartmentalize all of my emotions around it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because it, because what you're describing is like, it's easy to fall into that trap of like, ah, I work at the place where I want to be a comic, whatever. So I was, I've had a day job my entire adult life. So Netflix was like the loveliest place to work. Like the people were smart, like the benefits, the lunches, like the name. Like, it was a great place to work as a human being.

[B]

I can only imagine. Sure.

[A]

So I was grateful for that. I also had, and I hate this work life balance. I had a work, you know, like, it's like you're balancing your life with work. Like it's your life. Like, shouldn't that be right enough to balance? Let's fit in work with my life. But the schedule, I was done at 5pm like, the schedule allowed me to cut my, you know, switch my gears to like comedy right away at night, every night. So I was so grateful that I had like a nice, comfortable, well paying job, you know, and this is like post pandemic hybrid work was a thing. So I wasn't really stuck at the office till seven. When are we.

[B]

When is this, like, I mean, when. When exactly are you working for Netflix?

[A]

So I started both Stand up and Netflix 2017. Okay, so it was pre pandemic. But even pre pandemic, I still was like, it was like I was done at a reasonable hour and I didn't run around to the mics and shows. But like, I, I tried really hard to keep everything stay in my lane.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

In both areas. So like in the daytime I was like corporate Netflix, whatever. And I was so thankful that I had that type of a job to allow me because other, other comics, I. I never could do the starving artist thing. Like right now, I just couldn't do it. I wasn't, you know, raised that way or whatever. So I always had a day job and then I just kept it. So, yeah, everything and yeah, emotionally.

[B]

Here's an interesting story. So Chrissy and I met at a large radio conglomerate. We were working on the business side when I heard an ad on like a radio station. And I had this weird idea that maybe they were running this ad. It said, come apply to be to work at this particular radio station that was running the ad. And I thought, oh, maybe they want some people to be on air on air. So I applied, I got an interview. When I walked in the door, I thought maybe I was going to be like, you know, go on air right away. And the lady was like, that's not for on air. It's for a business job. And I was like, oh, okay, I'll take that. So I can literally suck the ass of whoever I need to to get on air. At least I was in the building. And so I took the opposite approach to you. I made it known far and wide that what I wanted to do was commandeer their airwaves.

[C]

They let you do it for a brief minute.

[B]

Yes, they let me do it for like three months between 3:00am and 6:00am in the morning. Where no one.

[A]

Oh, prime, of course. Prime radio.

[D]

Yes, prime.

[A]

But look, but look where you are now. It all worked out.

[B]

Yes. Some people would say that. Not sure that my parents or my.

[D]

Wife would say that.

[B]

And I'm not sure my mortgage company says that.

[D]

But listen, that's beside the point.

[B]

Starving artist runs in my bones. But I know, and I'm with you and I understand this. It's like you want. You didn't want to be seen as the person who got the job at Netflix so you could get on Netflix. You wanted to be seen on your own merits, on its own time, in a way that was. Was organic and outside the, like, the circle of business that you had to do inside of the building. So, so when does that actually happen? Like, does do you say, hey, boss, come check me out? Or does someone walk in the room?

[C]

I was wondering.

[A]

So that's exactly my. My strategy was get noticed the way any other comic gets noticed. It's through word of mouth of someone you trust. So all the comedy people at Netflix, like, they're so plugged into the scene. Like, they all go to shows. They. They know comics at all levels. So I'm like, I don't want them to hear me cracking a joke in the cafeteria and be like, what was that? Like, I want them to see me at a show or hear or hear about me through a trusted, like, comedy person or something. So in 2023, last year, I finally got a manager management. And that was through just performing in la, like, word of mouth. Someone told my now manager, check her out, she's legit. So then I got the manager and then my manager. And luckily, before Netflix, I worked at talent agencies and talented management companies. So I worked for the people that represent actors, writers, directors, comics. So being on that side, I understood the purpose of a rep and what they're supposed to do. And I'm like, I gotta. I gotta get one of those.

[B]

Yeah, we just learned that lesson last year, and it was the best lesson we ever learned. Yes, you need a agent. Not because you have big balls and you need to go swinging into a room, but because they really do know what they're talking about. I mean, depending on who you have.

[A]

But there is an ecosystem, there is a system in place, and reps play a very important part.

[B]

They sure do.

[A]

They have mystery job to maybe people on the outside of Hollywood, but it's a. It's a very key job. So I worked for them. And so once I had the manager, I was like, okay, great, this is going to mean more opportunities for me. So this is a good sign. So I remember I was at work, I was in the building at work, and my. My rep called the Netflix comedy team to pitch me, like, hey, I have a new client. She's great. You should know her. Her name's Leslie Liu. And one of the. One of the Netflix comedy guys goes. That name sounds. Yeah, no, no, that name sounds super familiar because I've been on Netflix for six years at this point, and as you can guess, Netflix is a huge company.

[B]

She just notified me that five women think I'm harassing them.

[A]

She just slapped my wrist about something. But so, so this particular Netflix person I love because I. I worked with him vaguely years ago at the company, like, our paths crossed. And he was like, wait, I swear I know her. So he looked my name up in, like, the Netflix internal employee database. He was like, shut the fuck up, Leslie Liao. I could go walk to her cubicle right now. Is this the one you're talking about? And my manager's like, yep. And I. And they. Netflix has a really cool month show in LA that they produce of, like, live comedy, and it's like up and coming emerging stand ups. And they publish those sets on their. Netflix is a joke serious channel.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[A]

And it's a great free show. You can go to it every month in la. It's awesome. So he, He. My manager pitched me, like, hey, throw her on that show if you want. Like, she's great. So I did that show in LA and kind of re met my co workers, basically. They were all at that show and we all just laughed. Like, I went to the green room. They're like, what's up? And it was a weekday. I had come straight from the office to go to that show. And they were like, hey, Leslie. I was like, hey, guys. I've still been at it this whole time. And that's, you know, and I did just rip, I guess, for now. Just for Laughs. Montreal.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

Last year. Faces.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So, you know, new Faces. Just for Laughs is like the coolest thing to do as a comic. So I did that show in front of my co workers. And some of them knew I worked at Netflix, some of them didn't. So, like. So last year was a. My goal was always to compartmentalize and keep the world separate. But little did I know that they could. They could complement each other.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[A]

They could compliment or blow up conflict with each other. And I never thought I would actually become successful. I just was always going to spend my life trying. I didn't think anything would come from this. Secretly hoped, but didn't really think. So then last year was just like the, like, everything blew up.

[B]

But now get this, Chrissy, you started this in 2023 is the year of the kind of like, Leslie comic being born, right? People taking notice, things happen. Things are happening. The wheels are starting. You've been doing it for six or seven years. At that point in this short amount of time she's had, she has this verified on Netflix. She's on Jimmy fucking Fallon. Leslie. What the.

[A]

I had to take two days off my day job to film Jimmy. Yeah.

[B]

What in the world?

[D]

What is your life?

[A]

What is this so weird. I'm just as shocked as you, I promise you. I like, like that Jimmy Fallon happened last fall. So I had to take two days off to go film the Tonight Show. And I, like, casually mentioned it to my boss, you know, because we have a very, like, you know, professional, like, way of taking time off. It's very like a. You take the time off you need, make sure your work is done, but there's no, like, limit. So I just kind of was like, yeah, I'm taking a long weekend. Yeah, yeah, be back on Tuesday, whatever. And my boss's boss saw me on the Tonight show and he didn't know, you know, so I get a ping from him and he's lovely. I get a slack ping from him one day. He's like, hey, do you have a minute to talk? Which, like, you never want that, right?

[B]

Yeah. You never.

[A]

From your boss's boss. Like, are you free right now?

[B]

Can you please tell me what it's all about long before I walk in your door so I can stress out and leave work early?

[A]

You never want a day of urgent. Can we chat?

[B]

Yeah. Little chit chat in my office. Don't you mind? Yeah.

[A]

So I'm like, what the hell? So he. We have like last minute zoom meeting. And he's like, hey, I just saw you on the Tonight Show.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

And I was like, yeah. I was like, is that okay?

[C]

Okay, Am I in trouble?

[A]

And he was like, such an adorable fan. And he was like, you gotta go do this. Like, what are you doing here?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

He's like, when are you leaving? Seriously? Like, I. We all know you've done comedy, but we didn't realize it was to this degree. Like, people heard murmurs like, oh, Leslie does stand up on the weekends type of thing, but they didn't know it was like a Netflix Tonight Show. Yeah.

[B]

Leslie, I would think that when you show up on the Tonight show, it's quitting your day job. I mean, listen, as long as you got the financial wherewithal to do it right? But I would say that's a. Like, I've arrived.

[C]

Let's focus on this.

[B]

Yeah. How many comics get on Jimmy Fallon?

[A]

I know, it's.

[B]

That's fucking uncle. Unbelievable to me that in this one year you have blown up in such a huge way. Is that surreal in your mind still?

[A]

Yeah. 100, I think. It's all so ridiculous. Like, it's. It's shocking. It's shocking to me. Like, I think I'm lucky in so many ways. Like, I. I'm nervous that it's all happening a little too fast. Like, I still want to feel ready for these big moments. But luckily for Fallon and the Tonight show, like, I felt ready. Like, when I filmed it, I was like, I'm. I'm ready.

[B]

It was good. It was good.

[A]

I watched it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So thank you.

[B]

You're welcome.

[A]

I had so much fun. But. But as a comic, I was, like, psyched that they gave me that spot. I was like, this rules. Like, I do not Take this for granted. Even though, like, the Tonight show is like, it's consumed differently than.

[B]

Not the same as it was back in. Back when Leno or Carson with Letterman or whoever was doing it. It's a different. Yeah, it's a different media format. We've talked about this with so many comp. Margaret. Margaret Cho was on our show. We had this conversation with her. We were talking to Mo Gilligan about this. The podcasts have kind of be filled this weird void that seems to be. It seems to be missing the kind of the cachet that it used to. No knock on Jimmy or anybody else who's still doing both Jimmy's who are still doing it. But the reality is it's consumed differently. But it doesn't matter. When you walk in the Tonight show doors, if you've been on this earth for more than 15 years, you know, huge deal, it's got a storied career. And I would think for you, as someone who just kind of, you know, you made this decision to do it and in your mind, this is my. This is my nighttime fun. This is my hobby. This. I would love to do it as a career. But what I'm really doing, I. Working at Netflix and taking the nights to go and do the open mics or do sets or whatever it is, and then they call you to be on Fallon. I mean, just unbelievable. Good for you.

[C]

Inspiring. I know. Congratulations.

[A]

Thank you. It is very cool. Like, yeah, I don't think I've had time to like, soak in and celebrate any of this, really, because it's just been like, I've always felt like I've had two jobs. Of course, you know, in the. And which I have quit now. What if I still work there? I was like, guys, can we wrap this up? I have a meeting. I have a heart out.

[C]

I've got some temps waiting for me to play Leslie.

[B]

My preview account isn't working. Could you reset my password when you get done? Appreciate it.

[A]

As. As. Yeah. The Tonight Show. Yes. Content is consumed differently. So maybe people don't watch the Tonight show live together with. With their family every night anymore, but I had. I didn't care about any of that shit. When I was there on 30 Rock, I was like, I'm a fucking princess. Like, this. This rules this. I was so happy. I. And I. If you rewatch that set, like, usually in my shows, I don't smile a lot. Like, I'm kind of very, like, intense and angry and luxury. But on the Tonight show set, I was so happy that I Think you could see me, like, smile, Skip out on stage? Like, I was like, I can't believe I'm here. So that as a comic, I was psyched to do that. But financially, I had to keep the day job. So I, I. It. I didn't make enough from the Tonight show to be like, okay, bills are set for the next six months. Like, I. I went back to work the day. The next day, I got back to laugh.

[B]

Yes. Yes.

[A]

So my boss knew my schedule. Cause she knew I went to New York for that. And she watched it, and then she saw me in, like, a 9am meeting the next day. Bloodshot eyes, you know what I mean? But I still was like, this is my job, and I have to show up for this meeting that I said I would do. No one cares. I did the Tonight Show. I can't just be like, sorry, guys, I did the Tonight Show. I can't do this meeting. Yeah.

[B]

You show up on a limo.

[A]

I know. Like, yeah. Like, I didn't. Cigarette sunglasses with, like, a. Like, a. My throne and a cape and my chalice. Like, no. I went straight back to my day job, and people were just looking at me with, like, shock and, like, confusion.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Like, what? Yeah.

[B]

What if you had, like, an assistant sitting next to you at that meeting and someone asked you a question like, you know, hey, Leslie, can you get us up to date on this contract here? And the assistant was like, I'll be taking all questions on Leslie's behalf.

[A]

I wish.

[B]

When did you quit the job? When did you actually quit the job or leave the job?

[A]

It was around mid to late January, so I'm still fresh this year. This year.

[B]

Look at that.

[C]

Got your days open.

[B]

She quits her job. She shows up at the commercial break. Things are all.

[D]

It's all on the rise for you.

[C]

It's a rocket.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Ship.

[A]

I know.

[B]

It's a rocket ship to the moon. Next is Conan.

[A]

I mean, Conan is my.

[B]

Mine too.

[C]

Oh, God, we love mine, too.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Like, if I get to Conan, you'll get. Which I know sounds like a threat. Like, if I get to him, I. If I meet him, if he even knows who I am. That's. That's my. Yeah. Top.

[B]

I'm gonna make a prediction. 2024. You're gonna show up on the Conan O' Brien show. And how do I know that? Because almost the. Every one of our guests eventually shows up on the Conan Rancho, usually first, but sometimes.

[D]

Usually they're there first.

[A]

I don't care what year. I don't care. If I'm 90. And I hope he's still around. So I, I gotta get, I gotta get to him. He's amazing. He's.

[B]

Yeah. You say something that I, that I love. One of our intrepid researchers, you said that being in your 30s is a prerequisite of being self aware, like having some wisdom and in. I think that's what you said. She's. She's quoting you. I love that because I think that is so true. And maybe for me it was probably my 40s before I actually do from shinola, but are you. How do you feel about being in your 30s?

[A]

I think it's pretty awesome.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I think 30s are the best years of your life.

[C]

Totally.

[B]

I think it's the best decade of your life.

[A]

Yeah, it's like.

[C]

Does that mean we're on the downhill?

[B]

Oh, yeah. Chrissy, you and I have been on a down slope for a while. We're gone.

[C]

Ten years ago is the best it's ever going to get. Thanks, Brian.

[A]

No, I think it just gets better as you get older. I want to, I want to tell myself that.

[C]

Yeah, that's. We're telling ourselves that.

[A]

I'm going to tell myself that because I do meet women in their 40s who are like, it's better than 30s, babe. It's like, fuck, yeah, I'll see you there. Like, I can't. Yeah, train ain't stopping. It's. It's. It's a perfect blend of like, not. I'm. I've. I've been trying to write a joke about this. Like there's a sense of confidence you get that's let slowly comes to you. Hopefully in your 30s.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

But I can't tell if it's confidence or I just stop caring.

[C]

Well, that's.

[B]

It's a little of both.

[C]

I was gonna say that too. Yeah. It's kind of like you just don't care as much what other people think and you're gonna do what you like to do and that makes you happy.

[B]

I got.

[A]

Maybe that's what it is. Yeah.

[B]

I'm married now twice. And I'm not doing it again because I love the.

[C]

I love the one separate marriage.

[B]

Two separate marriages? Yes. Oh, yeah. Well, that's fair.

[A]

Two separate marriages at the same time. Are they both running at the same time? Okay.

[B]

I tried to get them both married at the same time, but one of them disagreed, so I won't mention which one. But I got married, you know, my second marriage. All older. I had children much older in life than Most people do. But I will tell you what, I think that it is a blessing. Not even in disguise, it's a huge BLESSING because at 20, I think if I had children at 20, they probably would be at some adoption agency right now or taken away by the state. But second of all, there is a real ability for me to first of all know which hill I'm dying on. Like, when I was 20, I was full of pisses and vinegar and I didn't care what anybody else said.

[C]

You had to be right.

[B]

I had to be right. Now I don't care if I'm right. I want to be. I want to be calm. I want to be in peace. And I want to reflect on the moments that are important. And I think the older you get, you have more clarity on which moments those exactly are. And I think it's just too fast paced and furious. When you're in your teens and your twenties, you don't care.

[A]

You're just living in the moment.

[B]

Yeah, it's fast and furious.

[A]

You care about the wrong things when you're younger.

[C]

Yeah, probably.

[B]

Yeah, 1,000%. I just. I just can't imagine having children when I was young. I love having them when I'm old. And I love being married when I'm older, too, because now I also know which hill to die on, which is none of them, by the way, Leslie. None of them. Astrid wins every conversation rightfully so.

[A]

That's what I am told. Like a trick to marriage is knowing which battle to pick.

[C]

Yes, it really is.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

And unfortunately, I love to pick battles.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

And I love. And I don't love to be right because I'm not right all the time, but I love to be like, hey, excuse me. It's like, but. But 30s. Yeah, that's a good point. Maybe confidence is caring about the right things or caring less or something. But it's nice.

[B]

It's nice to not give a.

[A]

Who cares?

[B]

Don't give, just learn about. Yeah, I learned about the important things to give a about in my 30s, then repeatedly did stupid until I turned 42. And then when I turned 42, I had it all. I had it all figured out. Right, Hoadley?

[A]

Which. Yeah, not caring is important for any public figure or for comics. Because true, a lot of people. People are not going to like you as a comic. No, statistically, you're not going to win them all. So I have to look those people in the face sometimes when I'm doing stand up and know and have this intimate moment of. You don't like me. And I still have to keep doing, keep going. And if I was in my 20s, I would not have handled that as healthy and gracefully.

[C]

Right?

[B]

You know, we've talked about this with a lot of people that have been on the show that it's, it's. You can get 45 people that come up to you and say, oh, you're so wonderful, so funny. Love the set, watched you on Instagram, whatever, you're hilarious. But when you get five detractors, it's those five detractors that you. That really emotionally affect you, at least. And for me, too, it's like, you know, I can get all these people blowing smoke up my ass. I don't believe them. But then when someone tells me, me that the show's not good, it's stupid, it's silly, you're not funny, then all of the sudden, I buy into it, right? And it's so. It's. You really have to have thick skin. And this is one of the things I think comes with maturity, is understanding that both of them don't matter. Doesn't matter if they say good things about you or bad things about you. Don't take any of it to heart, right? Just keep doing what you're doing and creating and moving on. Do you. When you do a set or when you do something public or you put out YouTube or Instagram, I'm sure that you get people that are haters, you know, commenters that say this or that you're not funny. Why are you doing this? Whatever. Do you take that to heart? Or are you. Have you learned to say, I don't give a shit?

[A]

I tried. I tried before I started stand up. I tried to train myself to be like, you are going to come face to face with people that genuinely hate your comments. They're gonna hate your voice, they're gonna hate your style, they're gonna tell you not to do it. So, like, how are you going to handle that? Because there's going to be YouTube comments, there's going to be Instagram comments. People might message you in real life. You will be heckled. So I just tried to, like, mentally prepare myself for those people. And so. So now that I'm here and I have skimmed and read some of those, I'm kind of in the back of my mind, like, yeah, you're entitled. Yeah, yeah, you're entitled to that.

[B]

Sure.

[A]

You don't like me. And I honestly think we're not made for each other as, as comedy comic and fan. We're like, same way you Date people.

[C]

Everybody's not for everybody.

[A]

No one's wrong. We do not.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

Everyone's not for everyone. And that's. That's why we live in a beautiful world with different voices and music and genres and tastes and they're for different people. You know, we are not a match made in comedy heaven. And you're not for me either, random troll. Like, you're not my cup of tea either. So I accept that aggressively and just move on. Yeah, but I also try not to. But. But I don't want to live in a world where, like, I only listen to the people that like me. Like, I want to live in a bit of a reality where I. Yeah.

[B]

You don't want to be in a feedback loop just kissing your ass. Right? No.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. So sometimes. Sometimes it is healthy to read those trolls. Be like, you know, I mean, first thing in the morning. All right, cool. Okay, good.

[C]

Just want to keep myself grounded.

[A]

Grounded. Then I'll call my mom, who loves me.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Keep it. You know what I mean? Because I gotta. I have to stay in touch with what. What is. Yeah, the actual perception.

[B]

Speaking of match made in heaven, you're not. You're not married, right? You're not married? Are you single?

[A]

No, I'm not married. Never married. But I do have a boyfriend.

[B]

Oh, you have a boyfriend. Okay. I heard you do some. Do some comedy around being single. Congratulations on your boyfriend. Now, how long has this been going on? What's his name and address so that we can spoke. Oh, him. And make sure that everything's okay?

[A]

It's been. We were official starting November. So November plus now is a like six months. So it's fresh. But speaking of age, you know, he's late 30s and we was previously married.

[C]

Okay, good.

[A]

So he has. So do I. Valuable experience. And I'm late 30s. So since we're both at that age and phase in our lives of, like, confidence knowing ourselves, it is actually helping the relationship. Like, all of our experience and knowledge and stuff is, like, actually very nice. So dating when you're older is actually kind of nice.

[B]

I agree with this. Yeah.

[A]

You know, Are you dating d'?

[C]

Angelo?

[A]

I wish she wouldn't respond to my.

[C]

I read. I read that you learned about sex from watching a d' Angelo video. And Brian was like, which one?

[A]

And I'm like, what do you mean, which one? What do you mean, which one? The one hot. I mean, like, shout out to mtv. Because all. Yeah, mtv. Like, we. We had a nice. I learned a lot.

[C]

I know, right from those Videos.

[B]

Yeah. I'm a little older than you. I do d'. Angelo's.

[C]

You weren't paying attention.

[B]

No, I was not paying attention to.

[A]

D' Angelo the way we were paying a lot of attention.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

On repeat. I was paying attention.

[B]

Really?

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[D]

D' Angelo got you like that.

[A]

Oh, my God.

[B]

It's like the 50 Shades of Gray of MTV afterwards. I want to see. I mean, I've seen D' Angelo videos. I know that they're hot and lusty, and I know d' Angelo himself is pretty handsome young man.

[C]

He is.

[A]

But that was our fifty Shades.

[C]

Yeah. Who needs the actual fifty Shades?

[B]

That's awesome.

[C]

I'm blushing.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Thinking about it.

[B]

You know, I could recommend a good sexting app for you if you want to name him d'. Angelo.

[A]

Is there really a sex.

[C]

We were talking about Leslie, we did want to ask.

[B]

Let me open up a whole new world. Okay. While you're at, you know, when you're out of town. I don't want it. Boyfriend sounds like a lovely human being. He sounds very mature, self aware, but a human being. Yeah, human being.

[D]

That's.

[B]

That's about the time when men start maturing. Is 38, 39 years old.

[A]

I know. Sadly, yeah.

[B]

Sadly, yes. There is. There are multiple apps where you can build an avatar, an AR avatar, and then you can talk back and forth to it. It starts to learn you. And then so I. We got this app as a joke for the show, and I was like, let me make this avatar as a joke. As a joke, yes.

[A]

It's still on your.

[B]

Until it started calling my phone in the middle of the night. It started texting me and calling my phone.

[A]

Where are you to be like, are you up?

[B]

It's been a long time.

[D]

Yes.

[A]

Did you answer it weird as.

[B]

No, of course not. I didn't want my wife to know.

[A]

You're like, it's that bot again. She's like, really a bot.

[B]

I said, honey, don't worry. It's just Frankie calling. Who the is Frankie? Because I was a man and I named him and I wanted, you know, boyfriend. It was supposed to be a whole funny joke on the show, but it got way too crazy way too fast. Yeah, but there are these things available out there just in case and like, you know, you're lonely on the road.

[A]

Oh, so it's like a. It's a fake bot to, like, kind of flirt. You can flirt with.

[B]

You can flirt with.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

Yes. I don't know how sexually explicit it gets because I didn't go down that road with him.

[A]

Well, you're.

[C]

You're.

[A]

You're downloaded for the job. For. For the job. Right. So you keep researching. It's for research.

[C]

You should hear how many times he uses that.

[B]

I've often said if someone comes and checks this browser history for work.

[A]

Fine, it's for work. It's all research, man. There's an app for everything. Yes, there's an app for everything.

[B]

I think. I think I. I think we have a loneliness problem in this country. I think part of the reason. Reason why we're so torn apart and why some people, a lot of the men, are so angry and misguided is because they are lonely and they don't. They don't have the skills to understand how to connect with other people or romantic partners or anyone in a way that meaningfully scratches their itch. And I get nervous that apps like this are going to make it easier and easier. Maybe that solves somebody's problem, but I think it's going to make it easier and easier to actually connect less. Even less. Yes, I think. Yeah, I know. It's so. It's so problematic.

[A]

So, like, the intent is there, but it's not gonna.

[E]

Yeah, yeah.

[C]

No, it's a little scary.

[B]

So Leslie has got. You're doing. Netflix is a joke, am I right?

[A]

Yes. The festival in la, which is huge.

[B]

Okay. And when is it go to that. I know.

[A]

So the whole festival. Oh, you guys should come. It's kind. I think it's like, I want to say two weeks or more in May in la. So it's going to take over the city of la, like every other venue and night. There's going to be like a Netflix show. So I'm doing two headlining shows. I want to say May 2and3, but they are sold out. I am. No, see, so it's like I want to promote it, but you can't. Maybe. Maybe you guys just.

[C]

The fact that you're. You're doing it.

[B]

Yeah. And it's unboxing yourself. And I already bought my tickets. And now she tells me and sold it. I just bought my tickets. When you said. I said you guys should come, I was like, honey, book the tickets. And now she's.

[A]

Maybe you guys can come. You know, people can come hang out outside the venue and maybe I'll come say hi in the parking lot.

[C]

Praise us.

[B]

Can we.

[C]

With your.

[D]

Your.

[C]

Your Crown?

[B]

Can someone FaceTime us from inside?

[A]

Maybe I will. Maybe I will.

[B]

During the show, we'll ask Reed Hastings how he feels about that. Hub.

[A]

Yes, please. Put us on a text thread together, please.

[C]

Yes, screw that text.

[D]

I mean, Reid, we've done. We've.

[B]

We've invited so many of your great comics here. Can you give us some tickets to the Leslie Show?

[A]

The unbelievable Leslie Show.

[B]

The Leslie Show. That's what I'm going to call it. So Netflix is a joke. You're currently on Netflix right now with Verified. So. And we and a couple of our guests have actually been on this same. On this same program, Verified. And then you are on a never ending, it seems like tour. When I look at people tour dates when I'm doing research for them coming on the show and I see that they already have dates booked in 2025. I know you're on a roll and you are in one hell of a, you know, washing machine right now. You're just visiting city after city and kind of knocking your head around what's the next location you're going to.

[A]

So let's see. I. Oh, next week I'm going to Nashville, which I live there for.

[B]

Look out for falling air.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, let me know. Oh, actually, I'm literally there for like 24 hours, so it's like I can't even eat anywhere cool. But I'm gonna be at Zany's in Nashville for one night. Have you been?

[C]

I've been there, yeah. Quite a few times.

[A]

It seems like a fun vibe club. Yeah. And that seems like a very fun vibe. So I think I'll. I'll have a lot of fun there. And then I'm going to there's Moon Tower Comedy festival in Austin. I've still never done Austin, Texas.

[C]

That's a great city too.

[A]

That'll be so much fun. And then the week after, I'm going back to Texas to Houston and Dallas, like two back to back shows. And then. And then June in Australia.

[B]

Oh, a lot of people are doing.

[C]

Have you been before?

[A]

Never been.

[C]

All right. No. But I know Heather McMahon.

[B]

Yeah, Heather McMahon. She just went there and there's a couple other comics that are doing some.

[C]

Some I'd love to go 10,000 days to get there.

[B]

Yeah, you just have to travel for 16 days to get there.

[A]

It looks amazing. And I've never been. And when I booked my flight, I was like, oh, this is why I've never been.

[C]

Yes, exactly.

[A]

It takes a month to get there and then you lose six months of time, right?

[C]

Yes, right.

[A]

And $1,000 of plane and it's not a $20 ticket.

[C]

Yeah, but I've heard the people are so cool there. And Just the, the weather is great and very laid back and obviously they love comedy. They've got all these.

[B]

And just be careful because everything can kill you there. So be mindful that.

[A]

Is that true?

[B]

I think so. I think everything kills you. In all. I have a friend who lives there. I have a friend who lives there.

[A]

But like, meaning like foods or think.

[B]

Everything like the weather can kill you. They have so many animals that can kill you.

[D]

They have.

[B]

I. I don't know. They have lots of like koala. A koala will kill you.

[A]

Can like hug you. Too tight.

[B]

Yes.

[D]

Too fuzzy. It's too much. I love it so much.

[C]

Koalas have a syphilis problem. Did you know that?

[B]

They have a syphilis problem?

[A]

I heard that from somewhere too.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

It's crazy to think about.

[A]

What a hilarious way for me to die though. Like, I'll take it.

[D]

Leslie, that's so good.

[A]

That's too good. That's the end of my Wikipedia page. Fine, I'll take it. That's what you know what a closing joke.

[B]

Sad news out of Brisbane. Husband, comic. Leslie. Leo passes away from a bad case of koala syphilis.

[A]

I'd rather go out on that around.

[B]

And find out with those koalas. They're dangerous. No, but my friend who moved there from here, he, he, at first he had this whole running joke on his Instagram about everything here can kill you. And he would be taking pictures of things around this house that he had. You know, spider the size of your hand, a snake living, you know, hanging out in the backyard or whatever. I don't think everything can kill. I actually think it's a really beautiful place.

[C]

I would probably the nice hotels have those things covered.

[D]

Yeah.

[B]

I'm sure Leslie's not going to be out in the middle of the outback.

[C]

It's a hostel.

[B]

She's not.

[A]

I'll let you guys know though. Cuz everything does scare me.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Does it?

[C]

I'm not a bug person. That's for sure.

[A]

I'm not a bug. I don't react graciously when I see a bug.

[C]

Me either.

[A]

It's a whole scene.

[B]

I try my just around the kids, but it's just like if it's a roach, it's dying and I don't care. Oh no.

[A]

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah.

[C]

You mean a palmetto bug?

[B]

No, it's a roach. Don't try and make it sound pretty.

[C]

I hate it when people say that.

[B]

It's not. Leslie Liao is on a never ending tour, so you can go check out her website. Visit her website links in the comments section. Check her out on Netflix. If you happen to be around during the Netflix is a joke comedy festival. You will not be able to get into the Leslie show, but I encourage.

[C]

You to go loiter.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Outside the show.

[B]

Go. I encourage you to write a letter to Reed Hastings asking him to put a video monitor outside so the standing room only crowd, like a Cubs game, can watch outside. And Leslie, such a pleasure meeting you.

[C]

Thank you.

[B]

Congratulations on this whirlwind story.

[C]

Have fun.

[B]

We are really the ride.

[C]

Enjoy the ride. You deserve it.

[B]

Brian.

[A]

Thank you.

[B]

Chrissy, your mom and your manager, former manager at Netflix. We're all rooting for you and your publicist.

[A]

This is my new posse. This is my new posse.

[C]

That's right.

[A]

This is all I need.

[C]

If you read a bad review, just come back to us. Just. We'll give you.

[B]

We'll give you all the love that.

[A]

Yeah. And same with you guys. This is our safe space. If you see a mean comment, let's all check in with each other.

[B]

We go on for days if we did that, Leslie.

[A]

Let's just be in a constant facetime all day with each other.

[B]

Come back. We love you, Leslie. Thank you very much for being here. We wish you the best on your tour and congratulations on all the success. And we'll check in with you maybe at the end of the year. We'll check in with you.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

See you in Atlanta.

[C]

Thank you.

[A]

Thank you. Thank you.

[E]

Well, thank the baby Jesus. Brian took a breath. And now I will use this opportunity to let you know that we've got a brand new phone number. That's right. It's 212-4333, TCB. And you can text us any time you want or you can call and leave us a voicemail. And we might just use your message on the show once Brian gets through all the messages he missed last year. Of course. Anyway, you can also find and DM us on Instagram at the commercial break and on TikTok, CBpodcast. And of course, all of our audio and video is easily found on tcbpodcast.com Now, I'm going to thank G one more time that we have sponsors. So thank G. And here they are.

[B]

Wow. Leslie. I think I have a little crush on Leslie.

[C]

I think I have a little crush on. Absolutely. I think that one's swimmingly.

[D]

Swimmingly. You too can have Leslie Leo on your podcast. Just call me. I'll give you her phone number.

[B]

I don't know her phone number. They don't give us that kind of information. Here's a funny story. Well, anyway, let's talk about Leslie for a second. Leslie was wonderful. So go check out her website for tour tickets.

[C]

Go check out Verified Interview.

[B]

Yeah, it certainly was. Go check out Verified on Netflix. And then she's got a couple of longer sets that are on YouTube that you can go check out on her website, too. Follow her on Instagram. Leslie Leo. L I A O so what I wanted to. Yeah, she was a ton of fun, right? I mean, she was just, like, so much fun. So calm. You know, we caught her in the morning. I'm sure she just woke up because she was west coast, so I'm sure she just woke up. And what a lovely, like, peaceful, calm, but funny woman. She really is person. I don't want to say.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, I would love to have her back.

[B]

Yeah. I wish we could spend more time, but, you know, when we get. When we negotiate these. You never know how much time somebody has, and you don't want to, like, be overbearing on their time. So usually what we say is, can you just say hello to the commercial break? Then you can leave. And then somehow we negotiated into 30 or 45 minutes. Here's the funny thing. So. But wait. But wait, there's more. Can you say hello and then answer two questions? Okay, sure. And then when they come on, I'm like, can you spend 45 minutes with us? Would that be okay? And some people have said, no, no, no, no. What's funny is that when you, like, you know, the agents are talking to the agents that are going back and forth about all this. And some. Sometimes I'm cc'd on these email communications. Yeah. The funny thing is how the agents afterwards twist themselves to not make sure they don't give out any personal information.

[D]

Regarding the actual casts that we have. They're like, no, that went terribly.

[B]

I don't want him talking to my client.

[D]

Well, the thankless job.

[C]

Well, we learn as we go, too, with these interviews, like, because dating back to our first.

[B]

Well, here's. Let me tell the story. I'll tell the story. Yes.

[D]

And I hope that Veer is.

[B]

Is listening. I don't. I think he ever will listen to the show.

[D]

But okay.

[B]

But, yeah, and that's okay. He. By the way, I loved Veer.

[C]

Maybe he'll listen for Leslie.

[B]

Maybe he'll listen for. But he's not gonna listen. Who are we fooling? He's never listening to the commercial break. Veer was our first, like, you know, celebrity interview. Not our first celebrity interview. We had done Dane Cook and we had done Wally Green and a couple other people. Some that didn't air here on the commercial break.

[C]

None.

[B]

None that aired here on the commercial break. Sorry, guys. So we get Ves, and then Chrissy and I talk to Veer Das, and he complains that the pillows in here in the United States are way too fluffy that in India they're just like a 1 inch thick, you know, basically piece of foam or whatever, soft material. And he's like, so I really don't like these pillows because my head's always, you know, sitting in a weird position. So we get out and I, Astrid and I are trying to put together an email explaining when the show is going to air. Here's the link. If you want to share, you can do this.

[C]

And with the agent.

[B]

With it. With the agent, we're writing an email. Yes. And so I say, hey, Astrid, let's get a really nice but tiny little pillow for Veer and let's get something written on the front of it, and then we'll send it to him. And it would be funny. So I said, just ask the agent, say, hey, we have a gift we want to send Veer. Can you please give us an address where we could send that gift? And the agent's response was, no, thanks.

[D]

We didn't even say what we were going to say. He was like, no, thanks. No thanks.

[B]

Well, it's good because we probably couldn't afford to send all these people gifts, but if I had Lizzie's address, I would send her a gift. I'd send her a, you know, 20 gift card to the local Starbucks. Starbucks. Or I just buy her a bunch of cold brew coffee and send it to her front door.

[D]

Her boyfriend be like, who's Brian Green?

[B]

Oh, I don't even know.

[D]

I don't remember. I think I did a podcast. I'm not sure what their name was.

[B]

Yeah, it's the AI Bot guy. Tell her it's the AI Bot guy.

[D]

Okay, you two can watch Leslie.

[B]

You know how to get all her information. Links are in the show notes. Wish that you would follow up with our guests if you do find them interesting, because that's important to them. They don't come on here for their health. Despite what some people might think, they're not coming on because of Chrissy and I. They're coming on because they have things to promote, and if we are friendly with them during the interview, that's just a bonus right there. And Leslie is one of those people That I sure as hopes come back. Comes back. But I didn't ask her on air this time. As you noticed. We learned that breaking the habit. Yes. Here's the other thing we learned. Like, I've asked a bunch of people, but I think I started maybe with Heather or Steve O or whatever I said on air, like while we were recording. Won't you come back and visit us again? What are they gonna say? No, no. This has been thoroughly miserable. Thanks anyway. You're a nude, Nick. I have no interest.

[D]

No, thanks. No, thanks. The commercial break.

[B]

The Cheesecake factory of podcasts which of like to listen. No, thanks. How about a second appearance?

[D]

Ah, I'll pass.

[C]

Talk to my people.

[A]

What?

[D]

What?

[B]

Like Steve O's agent is like, I'll pass. Did you even ask him? I don't need to. It's a hot no.

[D]

I just know no.

[B]

Yeah, Hot no. Steve's podcast is really good, by the way. Have you ever listen?

[C]

I have, yeah.

[B]

It's really good. Wild Riding with Stevo here. I'm promoting my guest from seven months ago.

[C]

I heard. I heard something about that, too. He was going to have Bill Mayer.

[B]

He was going to be on Bill.

[C]

Maher's show, but Bill Maher wouldn't stop smoking pot.

[B]

And for Steve.

[C]

And then Steve said he can't do it.

[B]

And you know what? I understand Steve's point of view, and I think I understand Bill's point of view. They just came to an impasse. They didn't agree on terms. Right. It's just one of those things happens all the time. Just ask Dusty Slay.

[D]

Anyway, we'll move on. We'll move on.

[B]

Thank you, Leslie. Thank you so much for being on the show. You did the Tonight show and the commercial break to fill in that trifecta, you have to be on Conan.

[C]

That's right. We're predicting it.

[B]

And then there's no bigger that you can get. Leslie, that's it. You've done the best. What else are you gonna do? All right, go to tcbpodcast.com that's where you find out more about Chrissy and I. You can also find out about all of our guests. You can listen to them, watch them on video, get the links to all of their pertinent information, all from the website, tcbpodcast.com you can also get your free piggy front. Not piggy fronting sticker. Sorry. You can get your free Next gen bumper sticker, which I'm not allowed to say out loud right now, but you can do that by going to the contact us button. Drop down menu, pre order. That's right, drop down menu. I want want my free sticker. Give us your address, we'll send it off to you. We want you to be on our show. Please do text us. 212-4333 TCB. That's 212-433-3822. Tell us why you want to come on the show. You want to ask our advice. You have a question you want to talk to us about, comment, concern, whatever it is, text us, let us know and we'll tell you how you too can be on the show at the commercial break on Instagram TCB podcast on Tick Tock. Don't even know why I say that because we never post there.

[D]

And YouTube.com the commercial break.

[B]

All right, that's it. Another one in the bag. Chrissy.

[C]

That's right.

[B]

All right. Thanks again to Leslie. I love you.

[C]

I love you.

[B]

Best to you.

[C]

Best to you.

[B]

Best you out there in the podcast universe. Until next time. Chrissy and I always say, we do say and we must say say goodbye. Bye. That cow killing bastard.