Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe - Leslie Liao | Finding Humor in the Truth!

Episode Date: June 27, 2024

#749. In this episode of Off The Vine, Kaitlyn Bristowe chats with the incredibly talented stand-up comedian Leslie Liao. Known for her relatable and introspective humor, Leslie opens up about her late start in comedy at age 29, her unique comedic style, and her memorable performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. She also shares her journey from working in film production to becoming a full-time comedian. From discussing the vulnerability in comedy to revealing her favorite comedians, Leslie provides a genuine look into the world of stand-up. Plus, don’t miss the fun-filled "Comedic Confessions" game where Kaitlyn and Leslie explore the difference between a kind laugh and a real laugh. Get ready to laugh, learn, and be inspired by Leslie's incredible story! If you’re LOVING this podcast, please follow and leave a rating and review below! PLUS, FOLLOW OUR PODCAST INSTAGRAM HERE! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: (10:53) - Leslie discusses her late start in comedy at age 29. (21:35) - Leslie shares her favorite comedians and their influence on her. (25:30) - Leslie talks about treating comedy like a sport and the discipline it involves. (35:20) - Leslie recounts her most memorable moment: performing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. (42:48) - Exploring the difference between a kind laugh and a real laugh. Thank you to our Sponsors! Check out these deals! OAK ESSENTIALS: Get 15% off at Oak Essentials with the code VINE15 at oakessentials.com/VINE15.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Okay, let's talk about the original enemies to lovers story. Before all of our reality TV couples, before the rom-coms, we binge, there was Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy in pride and prejudice. And Audible has just dropped a brand new original that will have you completely hooked, I am. It's not just any audiobook. This is a full cast performance. So Marisa Abella, you might know her from industry, brings Elizabeth Bennett to life.

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So whether it's your first time experiencing Pride and Prejudice or you've read it a million times, you're going to fall absolutely in love all over again. So go listen to Pride and Prejudice now at audible.ca slash Jane Austen. I'm Caitlin Bristow. Your session is now starting. Hey, everybody. Welcome to Off the Vine. I'm your host, Caitlin Bristow. So we had Leslie Leow in the studio today. And she's a comedian. She's really having a moment right now. She started her comedic journey at 29. That's kind of late. And I just love her style of comedy. Like talking to her was so easy. I feel like people are going to love this conversation. You'll feel like you're right here in the room with us. We talk about just kind of like her comedian confessions, how she would approach a situation if this was happening to her in the crowd. Kind of like when I do, how do you proceed. I feel like people will just, you know, enjoy it in their ear holes. I, you know what, the real problem is, get ready to get grossed out. I have a nipple piercing, and it got caught on a lufa once when it was washing my body. Yeah. Wait, so you can't take that out. Like, you need to keep in a little close. I mean, I can, but it looks silly. Wait, when, if you take it

out? Because I only got one done. Yeah. Well, I wanted to get two. I was also 16 years old. Oh, you committed to it then. I was a rebellious 16 year old. And then once they did one, I was I was like, hell no, I'm not doing that again. It was so awful. And now I can't take it out because I'm like, it just looks different from the other one too much. So this like, I don't know. I like that you committed to it, though, you know? I mean, I've had it for 22 years.

That's cool. That is commitment. If you take it out, I'm assuming it closes up. But that's what I, yes. Yeah. But it looks different than the other one. And it just, it kind of distracts with jewelry in there because you're like. I mean, they all look different.

Oh. Like, I don't think any two nipples are. Wait, I feel so seen right now Yeah, are they like eyebrows Like their sisters I literally have a joke I have a joke about this Like about

I don't want to spoil it But I do have this line of like Our breasts are not symmetrical And I don't think our nipples are either Oh I mean now I just outed myself Like mine aren't We're recording this

Why are we talking Also everyone's probably like I think this is just you I know like I Okay maybe it's just me I mean, they're not like different colors. No, this one's an iny and this one's an outy. Oh, that's different.

So that's real different. Oh, that's real different. Yeah. So they're not even related. I'm sure they're like distant estranged relatives or something. Yeah. Maybe they're close friends who like... Close friends.

They don't see each other for a couple years, but when you see each other, we pick up right where we left off. Maybe they're like that. Yeah. Because they're like attached to me, but they don't necessarily want to be. Yeah. Or it's like family. It's like we're attached. Like we don't get along, but we're...

That's what it is. We were getting somewhere and we got there. We got there. Yeah, we arrived. We got there. Ladies and gentlemen, my nipples. It's the matcha. Does matcha help you focus?

Yes. It's brain powered drinks. Oh, that's what the internet said? Yeah, that's what TikTok told me, so I believe them. But no, I googled it and it said, okay, so just for context, everybody, we were talking about what matcha does for us and how we believe anything that's wellness and health and wellness, we go, yes. Yes.

Put it in my body. Put it in my body. Yes. And so we were looking, we're saying we don't even know what macha does or is. And it says it boosts your brain performance and reduce your risk of diseases. What's the, what, is that from like Google General? Is it from a website? Like, what's the source?

WebMD. Okay. Okay. That's got to be legit. It can increase thermogenesis, the body's own. Okay. I don't know. It does good stuff, though.

Oh, and it helps rosacea and acne. Okay, whatever, I'm drinking it. Like, it's like, yeah. Well, and this lady here makes. The, it has like, I think it has, like, crushed up dates in it to, like, sweeten it a bit. And then I think it has mushrooms in it, but not like the... I hear mushrooms are good. Yeah.

Dates are nature sugar. You don't want too much, right? But it's natural. Yeah. It's all natural. Okay. So we are health. We are wellness.

But this is a science experiment. Like, it apparently helps your brain. But, like, in the next hour, like, neither of us are going to get any smarter. Like, it's... Or what if we do? What if in 30 minutes after we finish it? It's, like, the most intelligent conversation I've ever had. Well, science experiments starting now.

Okay. Everybody's witnessing it. Okay. Thank you for coming on the pod, by the way. Thank you. This is amazing. And the macha. Always. And the dogs.

And the pups. My favorite thing about your humor is that you're also, like, relatable, and you're funny, and you say things, like, that kind of feel therapy-ish. Oh. Yeah. Like, you kind of take us to church sometimes. Oh. Yeah. Like, I was watching the one.

First of all, people are probably. like going to get sick of me talking about how insecure I am in a bathing suit. But I watched year one where you were talking about how you were feeling insecure about being in a bathing suit. And then you realized that nobody actually cares about you. Yeah. And you were fine and nobody heckled your body. And then you realized nobody actually cares about you. And I was like, that's so funny. I'm like making people care. Did you feel that? Yeah. Yeah. I'm like making people care about how insecure I am because I like can't stop talking about it on Instagram. And I'm like, I think I'm doing this to me at this point. You're like, everyone get on my level.

but it's uh because that that joke is a i feel like it's just a statement i feel like it's barely a joke it's just like an actual truth it's a truth that is funny yeah yeah yeah it's so true it's funny it's like and i realized how relatable that was when like everyone gets it like when they laugh that laughter is like the acknowledgement of like oh no one is looking at me ever yeah like it's yeah funny like if you walk into a restaurant or you're looking people get so insecure to find a bathroom in a restaurant like they need to ask so they'll be like instead of just be like you know I'll figure it out I'll find where the bathroom is because they think everybody's going to like laugh at them or if they don't find the bathroom I never noticed that that's a very detailed observation it might just be if you're looking for something you can't also look confident right yeah you feel like I can't just like because every like I'm an adult when I go to restaurant I've never been to I feel like a child where I'm like excuse me where's the I have to like I feel like I can help me help me for

Find the bathroom? Yeah. You know, when I noticed it, I worked in the restaurant industry for 11 years, so everything, everyone did piss me off. So they'd be like, here's a bathroom. I'd be like, go, find it. Go figure it out. You're like, what do I work here?

I'm like, you're a grown-ass man. Yeah, like I got mad at everything that they did. And one time I was standing at the front door and I also hated when a couple would come in. And I'd be like, oh, what name is it under? And like, what do you want me to write down on that? And the woman would step back. and be like, Mike, like, they, they didn't want to say their own name. And I'd be like, what's that about, though?

Yeah, I, they like, I own. I would love if you ran a restaurant because everyone's so rude. Like, what do you want? Like, are you hungry or not? There, there are restaurants out there like that. I love that. Have you ever been to one? No.

There's one in Vancouver. Have you ever been, Bailey, the elbow room cafe? Oh my gosh. They're so mean. And it's so funny. I didn't tell my girlfriend once that they were like that. You took her there for her birthday. You're like, let's just go, let's catch up

There's this really special place They make you feel really good about yourself And she walked in and she was like Can I just get a water with lemon? And he goes, there's water right there You can get it yourself and he goes And no lemon, no And she was like oh my God

And then he goes, you too look like you got like Last night like you look rock No, wait what? Oh, it's aggressive Okay And I and we were And she was like so mortified And I'm like yes

You're loving it I like loved it I also feel weird at a restaurant when you know when you're at a new restaurant and then you don't know what the portions are going to be. That's the scariest thing because you know how hungry you are and you know how much food you need. But you don't know if whatever salad is only like three things of gem lettuce. Like you want to know. So I always feel embarrassed when I order a bunch and then we ask this the server, this grown person that I've never met.

I'm like, is that enough? Is that enough for me? My little hungry, Leslie. I'm so hungry. Should I get more? It's so embarrassing. It's like a grown adult. And then this grown man is like, yeah, you might want one more, like, think of sweet potato.

Like, if you want. And I'm like, can I get that plate? It's like, it's so weird. It's embarrassing. Dining out is an embarrassing experience. Well, especially for this one man that used to come into the restaurant, it was called Earls, and he would ask for his chicken tenders cut up. And I'd be like, bro, do you want me to feed it to you too? Like a grown adult?

Maybe he had like teeth issues or maybe it was a childhood thing. Maybe it was a weird deep down inside thing. were you a um i would be a very bad uh waitress i was terrible i mean i was so good but i was so over it by the end of it that i was bad i felt like you'd be confident oh i was on top of it and organized but like i'm not good at carrying oh i which i think is a key part that's that was one of my specialties really i i i would act my friend carson would be like you walk around this place like you own it i love that i i thought i was Half the job.

Yes. And then there was this one time I worked at a bar and it was so busy. You couldn't even get through people to get to the area that I had to go to. And I had people order 20 shots and I had to get 20 shots from one room to the other. And I said, just load them up. And I put both trays on top of over my head. And I walked through the crowd and I was like, mm-hmm. Like I was like a show pony.

You were nervous? No. I'd be so nervous. No, I was like. Also people see you and hopefully they respect. you and they give you space. So you're like a queen. Yes. They were like bowing down to me walking through two trays. But that would have sucked if they like spilled and went all over my head. That would have been really embarrassing.

No, that's my nightmare. Did you ever work in the restaurant industry? No, I would be terrible at it. I'm bad at carrying multiple things. Like even if I leave my home in the morning, if I have backpack phone keys, I start shaking. I'm like, this is too much. I like drop everything. I can't walk and drink a beverage at the same time. What? It's too much. I have fairly good motor skills, but it's like a lot of multi-trial. I know.

It's like too much multitasking. I'm like, if I'm walking, I have to stop and sip. Come on now. And then I can continue. And I don't like to dance and have a beverage because I don't think it's efficient. Oh, wow. So I get nervous. You're more about efficiency.

I'm so confused because I feel like women are such good multitaskers. Yeah. That like I'm shocked by the snooze. I can do some mental multitasking. It's the physical multitasking that I get, I get nervous about. And then when people, like, taking orders, I get nervous. I'm like, everyone's watching me. Like, everyone's counting on me to remember this order. It's a lot of pressure. Okay. It's a lot. We're very different, you and I. Yeah. Yeah. It's pressure. Okay. I get the under pressure stuff. But how did you get into being a comedian? Because I read somewhere that you didn't like dive in until you're 29. because you were nervous about it or you didn't know if you'd be good at it but I feel like most comedians

come out of the womb funny correct yeah or something happens in their life that makes them funny correct but how did you get into it I started at age 29 I always figured I I was a funny person like I was like a funny kid

but I lived in LA my entire adult life and I did not start stand up until age 29 because I had a whole past life where I wanted to have a different career path. What did you want to do? I wanted to be like a badass female film producer. I wanted to like run a studio and make big blockbuster comedies.

Like that's what I wanted my thing to be. So I had all those jobs until age. I mean, I just quit my day job three months ago. So yeah. Like I'm, I am so traumatized. Like I always felt like I needed a corporate job. So I started comedy at age 29 because that's when I was like, I don't know, I just had the guts.

I was like, I don't know, just do it. Like, just, and stand-up comedy is so much about, like, perspective. And I didn't think in my 20s in L.A. I had the most perspective. Oh, how so aware of you? I guess, yeah, looking back, I was like, what am I going to, like, what am I going to go up and preach about at age 26? Like, you know, having amazing breakfast burritos and going to bungalow, like, every day.

Like, what's my perspective? Like, the coolest crop top at Zara. Like, I had nothing smart to talk about. So I just, you know, I lived life and paid attention. And then at age 29, I was like, I think that's some stuff to say. I have some observations about like my 20s. And then I just couldn't stop. So I always was, I always felt funny.

But then I started to like channel it and get more organized with my perspective with stand. That's interesting. I've actually never heard a comedian say that. Usually it's like they kind of started at the age of 13 and kind of you felt like you needed to be in corporate America. Yeah, which I don't recommend that to like up-and-coming stand-ups. Like, stay in corporate America for 11 years and then have a panic attack at 29. Hey, that's what I did, though. Honestly, was that like the pivotal point for you where you were like, I can't do this to myself anymore? I had, that's the age where I had that career change of like, I don't think this is my

right job. Like I had, I was working at a film production company and I just didn't feel like myself. Yeah. Like, I loved those people I worked with. I had an awesome boss, but like I didn't feel like I was, I felt like a butterfly in a cage. I was like, these aren't my people. This isn't my environment. I don't feel like my ideas are valued. And it wasn't the company. It was just like that industry.

Yeah. And then, you know, and then it's also like I was 29 and I was like, what, this isn't not smart decision. Like this is, I wasn't going to make money doing stand up at age 29. So I was just generally nervous. But then I made sure I kept my day job to just have a job and have an income so I could fund my stand up. Yeah.

And still be able to say like, okay, I do stand up, but at least I have this day job. Yeah. Like a career change is so scary. Yeah. It's just like. Oh my gosh. Yeah. Especially, well, I feel like every single person in the world can relate to that.

Like change in general is scary, but a career change because you're like, this is either going to get me out of the cage and fly fly or this is going to like send me on a downward spiral and I will regret everything. And it's like high risk, high reward. Huge risk. What, like, which way is it going to go? It's scary. It was terrifying, huge risk. No one was telling, well, actually, at that phase in my life, people were telling me that I should do stand-up. It was that, like, recurring theme in my late 20s where I was getting more confident and feeling like my voice was more defined.

And then at that same time, friends, coworkers, people were just casually mentioning to me, like, have you ever done stand-up? You should do stand-up. And I was like, maybe. and then it's just a risky thing to like, like also out of all careers to jump into at age 29. Yeah. Like stand up. Yeah. The most not smart.

And it's the way you have to start, isn't it just like throwing yourself into small venues and like taking chances on yourself and failing? Like what was that process like for you? You just have to do it. So you just have to go in these small open mics in L.A. You're not funny. You are not good. but you have to do it. There's no other way around it.

Like you can't take an acting class and learn how to act like it. You just have to do it. So I did that in L.A. It was awesome and miserable and scary and cool. And then I took a writing class that helped because it's like it's a job, but there's no like college to go to.

So I took this like writing workshop with like 10 other scared comedians who were also beginners and we would just write sets and then do jokes for each other and give each other notes and laugh for each other. And so that helped me be less terrified. Yeah. And then it gave you like a structure.

And also like I'm a corporate job lady. Like I like having assignments and I like deadlines. Yes. I like a calendar. I like tasks. So it helped me feel like more productive. Yeah. You know, rather than just like having a funny thought and saying it at night.

Like I had like deadlines and like I had to write 20 jokes a day like that kind of thing. Oh wow. Yeah. See, I feel like if I ever got in stand up, I would like sleep until noon and then I'd probably have a couple during. so then be like, well, see what fucking happens. That's what some guys do. And they find success. Like, it works for some people, but for me, like, I'm like a corporate comedy lady.

Like, I need structure and schedule and routine. Yeah, but that, again, works for you. Now, how is your life unfolded since taking that? The leap. Yeah, the leap, if you will. I love my new life. I'm more stressed than ever. I think people picture my life as, like, I wake up at noon.

I just, everything I say is funny. And then I go crush my shows at night. It's so not that. It's like, I still have. just as many like emails every day like things to approve like my tour like i tour now so now i'm just traveling on the road all the time which i have mixed feelings about like i don't love the minutia of traveling just like the packing unpacking and preparing and all that stuff but i love being in a new city and like meeting the cities and be like oh my gosh you like me like really okay

so that's fun that must be like do you feel you must feel proud of yourself i Damn. No, no, no, because I hesitate because I've yet to like celebrate any of this really. Like I just quit my day job and just did the tour. I never relax. I'm always like thinking of what I have to get done. So, so yeah. No, I hesitate because I'm like, I never stopped to think about it. Oh, I'll do that. Thank you. Yes. Yes. I am proud of myself. You should be very proud of yourself. Because that's to do everything that you've done in your life has led you to where you're at now. And it's like you follow you. your passion and I always believe when you do that, everything starts aligning for you and the world is like on your side and they're like, finally, you're doing what you want to do. And now all the success is coming your way because you worked for it and you went after your passion. I know. You just

have to like sometimes trust your instinct and like also like really want it. Yes. Yeah. We were talking about this yesterday. I had one of my spiritual intuitive coaches on my podcast. And she was, we were talking about how people were like, well, then I'm just going to manifest a billion dollars. And we're like, okay, but... Is that how it works? Like... No. And I can guarantee you, I know a lot of billionaires who are miserable.

So, like, how do you... Why would you want to have a billion dollars? What would that make you feel? Do you actually want to feel that? Like, it comes with a lot... So it's like, you have to really, what you were saying, want what you're asking for. Yeah. Because if you get there and it's...

You can go one of two ways. You can, like, really want to be famous. And then you get there. And it can be like the most miserable life you've ever lived and you don't realize everything that comes with it. To a degree I get the whole manifesting thing, but like I really, I wanted stand up so bad that it became part of my body. Like, I didn't wake up and have on my to-do list.

Do stand up today. I just, my body did it. Yes. Like how ramen will cuddle you. A bird will fly. Like, I didn't think about it. Yes. I just wake up, it was like autopilot.

And then I think what you're saying about like wanting to be, say you want, someone wants to be famous and then you get there and then it isn't what you want it. Right. Like, what did you think it was going to be? Like, why are you... So that helped me in stand-up where, obviously, we all have the bad habit of comparing ourselves to your peers or whoever. Like, we all do it and it's not awesome.

So with stand-ups, like, I would see someone get a cool job or a late-night thing or something. And it was exciting. And in my mind, I'm like, here we go. Their life is going to change. They're going to become, like, the Beyonce of comedy. Like, here we go. And then it wouldn't really shift a lot. So then I tried to remind myself.

Like, whenever I get something, don't expect... Yeah, enjoy that something and not, yeah. Expectations are literally set up to disappoint you. Yeah, we should just not have any. None. None. Zero expectations ever. And just be blissfully, like, content.

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are you like, wow, that's, I love what they do. Just top of mind. I mean, I just watched like Tignotaro's special the other day. She has a new one on Amazon. I love her and like Nate Margotsie. I love the comics who I, I don't know them personally, but I, in my mind, I believe that they're speaking in their genuine voice, that it's not too much of a caricature or an exaggeration. I want to believe that's how they speak to their friends and family and that they've just so comfortable with the way they present their perspective that they just like tweaked it and put it on stage like I just like people who are genuine yeah that's the comedy I love to watch I love I also love like a classic joke writer yeah yeah like Dimitri Martin like I love that like he's like a literally

professional joke writer and I'm like I cannot believe he wrote that but I also love just people who I'm like you just like found your voice like it's it's so sexy to watch yes I can tell the difference in those comedians too isn't it crazy how much comedy has evolved to like did you did you watch the show baby reindeer okay I started it and I got I got to the episode where the trauma was about to happen to him yeah and I happened to stop it there not because I yeah okay so I didn't finish it I'm not going to spoil anything but just like even watching his style of comedy I'm like the props and the like carrot top way of performing stand-up up is so funny to me because I'm like people used to think that's so funny yeah but I read that

those scenes and that show is him not really knowing his style yet or maybe he was that's for sure what it was yeah like he was hoping for like do you guys like me now yeah like this like this puppet on my head is this okay like that's what it reminds me of is that you're saying people when they aren't comfortable and just who they are in their comedy that's what made me think of him because yeah and like the stand-up comedy game is like it does help you just give you principles as like a person because if you want to like I love stand-ups who like like know themselves love themselves are comfortable with themselves and like obviously we want you guys to laugh and love us but like the comics who are okay if they don't get that approval like there's

all these like principles of like it can be healthy stand-up it also can be like miserable and scary but like I think also as a kid like the desperation to be accepted and belong is exhausting so the irony of stand-up is like if you're just confident from here that draws people in like I love a confident comic like it's so sexy that's how I feel watching your comedy like oh that's nice I mean it like I when I was looking at your Instagram and stuff to you I was like oh and I didn't really put it together till you're saying that right now that I just felt like there's something different about you where it's like very comfortable comedy but funny but relatable but you also have like a message in there as well and it felt very different watching and I loved it.

Oh, thanks. Yeah. So that's what it is. It's hard like I, so many standups, you're right. They start stand up when they're like in junior high. Yeah. All these standups that I love have been doing it for like 30 years. Yeah, yeah.

And like it made them better probably at performing, but like I think I waited till 29. So I had like the voice and I was probably more confident as a human being. walking the earth and then I was like okay like I'm confident as a person now I can like dabble in the stage stuff

and even then like no matter how old you are if you try to stand up for the first time you're like a child again it's so embarrassing asking where the bathroom is at a restaurant

all over again yeah humiliating yeah that's I also think you feel very professional about it too like you were saying you like structure

you like having a whole day of planned everything that you're going to do which I was talking to a girl yesterday whose husband is like a huge star quarterback in the NFL and I was reading that you treat comedy like a sport and you're the athlete. Tell me about that. I have no physical skills. I, but stand up is such a weird. You can't even

walk a drink at the same time. I can't. Yeah, like that. Imagine me trying to run with a football. Like, no, no, no, no, no. So I stand up is a weird job. So I had to give myself some guiding principles. So I just pretend I'm a pro athlete. Like how would LeBron treat his body on game day? Yeah. Like, would he make sure he got good sleep? Would he, you know, like, talk to himself negatively? Would he compare himself to other players on another team? Like, no, I don't think so. I don't know him personally.

But, like... No, LeBron, no, he wouldn't. No, no. We know LeBron. He would never. So I also, like, I tried to really, because I started at 29, I felt like it was so late, I tried to, like, accelerate and, like, put my all...

I was like, Leslie, if you're going to, like, start this weird hobby and make it your new life, Like, you better commit to it. So I had a lot of macha. Like, I changed my diet. Yeah. Like, I was like, what wild guess? Like, what food would be better for my brain?

I would just eat that. You know what I mean? Like, did you notice a difference? Yeah. Like, I felt like I significantly cut out alcohol. Like, because, you know, shows every night. You know, we do shows at a comedy club or a bar. Yeah.

It's so easy to just grab a wine cup of beer. It's like convenient and easy. so like I just tried to cut that out and like and just protect my mind and sleep and body so I did notice like I felt like like I could think sharper why do I feel funnier after a couple drinks is that in my head yes oh okay it could be well because we all feel a little like silly yeah yeah and I'm sure people laugh more like yeah we love a I love an audience that has a couple drinks. Like, I love that. How do you stay motivated during challenging times or when you're not, you know, the writers block and certain things that people get? Like, how do you stay motivated? I think I just have like a, I don't know, it's always in me. Like, like, I get sick of repeating myself. So when you go on tour, you're just doing a lot of the same jokes over and over. And then

every joke for me has like a life cycle. If it reaches its peak, like I'm having fun doing it. And then it kind of loses its shine. Yeah. And if it loses its shine, I don't perform it with shine. So, like, I have to make it fun for me selfishly. Obviously, comedy is like four people and I want them to laugh. But selfishly, like, I need to tickle myself. So the jokes have to be new to me or else I'm only such a good actor.

Like, I can't. Well, people can see through it sometimes, too, without even realizing they're seeing through it. Like, you can feel it almost. Yeah, 100%. That's so interesting. I feel like you've got. such a good work ethic

that helps you in your comedy life how did you describe your comedy like if somebody was like what kind of stand up do you do like how do you describe that I feel like it's very grounded like it's just like very like true observations of things I've witnessed and it's everything from like

feeling insecure in a bikini and like you know observing the way the way men use skin care or like you know I I have a couple of jokes about like just getting ready as a woman. Like one day I just realized I got ready like four times. Like I got ready for to get out to get coffee.

I got ready to go to the gym and then I got ready for lunch and then I got ready for drinks. And I was like, what am I doing? It's like half my day is like picking my outfit and like my concealer. It's like enough. And then I got ready for bed when I got home. And I'm like enough of this. So then like I just like I guess it's like purely observational of like. like things I observe that I do that now I'm realizing that like a lot of people experience.

The funniest things I find is when it's just something relatable and I feel like, oh shit, I do that too. Oh, I do that too. And every time I see somebody on like TikTok or Instagram do a very normal thing and make fun of themselves for it, I'm like, why didn't I think to just put that on the internet? That's so funny. It's way simpler than you think. Yes.

Like you don't have to make this like, and comics make these like amazing political observations. like my brain doesn't work like that no matter how much macha we drink like so it's really like those simple everyday things that like and I love I love those laughs in a club like I can tell when it's a laughter of like oh my god that's me like I love those laughs in the club the relatable laugh you were talking about like women getting ready and then men getting ready there's I read somewhere it was like a funny meme or something that it was like girls have this nine step skin care like one for under eye, one for your lip, one for your cheekbones, like this lift cream, then your neck and your deglige and your this collarbone. And then men have like a shampoo that is also a

conditioner that's also a body wash. It's like a four in one. Yeah. Toothpaste deodorant lotion. Yeah. Like one time I, I, because I get, I get ready for bed. My night routine is like almost an hour. Oh, I start to finish. I'm with you. So it is what it is. I've accepted it. Listen to a nice podcast. Like when you're getting ready for bed. but one time I was getting ready for bed and my boyfriend had like watched an entire movie as I like I had left the room he's like I read three books you know that's that's why they're like so so I went to the bathroom did all my stuff and when I went back like the movie was like at the climax you know what I mean like the Avengers had saved the world and I was like why

like I didn't get I don't get to watch movies yeah yeah because I'm looking at my own face in the mirror you're too busy getting ready it's too much For everything. It's too much. That's your debut set, The Fixing Straight Men, got so much attention online. I want to know about it. Tell everybody. That don't tell comedy set.

That was a very fun set. I did that a year or two ago. Like, yeah, if I were to describe my comedy, it's like, it's just a real thing I observed. Like, every man I've dated, I always have, like, light notes for him. Like, I always, like, try to buy him better stuff. shirts you know throughout the year yeah yeah oh do you like this shirt like it's gonna make you a little bit better yeah and then like slowly his apartment has like matching furniture yeah and like when the when the relationship is at its end like I sound like such a black widow like I'm like going in there like

fixing and leaving but towards the end I'm like you are improve a little bit like you kind of have these and I'm happy for them whatever and like I'm like you're gonna give this to the next girl so every every person you date hopefully you can look back and every what they've dated and say, I say to those women, I thank you. Oh, wow. Thank you for this. Because he's, you know, in good shape right now. Like, well, what the, I'm going to say, what the hell to the last girls? Like, they were not in their best shape for me. And then maybe there's some men you're like, all right, you, this is not the best that you can offer. Yeah, no. You say you want your sets to make people both laugh and reflect. I feel like you do that. Okay. I'll accept that. Okay.

Okay. But like, how do you choose to infuse honesty and vulnerability into comedy. I feel like that's that really sets you apart, I think. This is why I think I feel like stand-up is very healthy now that I'm thinking about it. You just got to go deep. Like the more vulnerable I get in the stand-up, like I find that it's working. So that that insecure at the beach joke, like that was such a scary, private, vulnerable thought I had. And I was like, that's not comedy. It's just like a real scary feeling I have. Yeah. And I was like, I don't know. Let me just say it and see how people react. And like the deeper and truer it is. So many people feel that so like that's like kind of the key like but that's so unique i don't feel like

a lot of maybe maybe yeah but i feel like i mean you know and there's there's such a fine line of being controversial or offensive or political yeah everyone has their style everybody is their style i feel like your style is having both vulnerability and comedy that people really relate to and resonate with yeah i think it's just all i know because i'm not like i can't you know write the funniest thing on like current events or like politics like just not like even in my real life like that's not what I'm constantly talking about with my friends that's just like like I've learned that the the truer you get like those deep deep like secrets or like weird thoughts you have like many people share that so like it just works and it does work and then do you have like a boundary with yourself

of like how far you will go with a joke my my main boundary is like I I wanted to feel really true to me. And I don't want to do it just because I think it's funny. Yeah. So it has to be something that I would actually say out loud to my best friend. And if I talk about family friends or boyfriend, I have to get their consent. Yeah. Oh, okay.

I have to. Because, you know, a lot of, you know, people talk about their marriages and, like, complain about their husbands and wives and girlfriends and boyfriends. And, like, I just can't do that without, like, their actual approval. You're like, oh, I'm like, I would, and even like an X, like, I feel, I would feel so uncomfortable. Oh, it's like my favorite bit. Yeah. But I'm learning. It doesn't feel good.

I don't love it. It doesn't feel great to me. Like, I'll never talk about a specific X in a joke. I'll talk about my experience, you know, improving men I've dated in general. Yes. But not, like, pinpoint one person. Like, it just, I don't like it. Okay.

Career milestones from just for laughs to Netflix. achieved pretty incredible milestones in your career. What is the most memorable moment for you so far? The most memorable. I did the Tonight Show, the Jimmy Fallon show, like a couple months ago. I love him. It was so awesome. It was so dreamy that whole day, the whole night. The most memorable was just, I wasn't nervous, which was shocking. Like, that's something you would expect to be nervous for. I remember being backstage. And it's not like live, but it airs later that night. And it's like live in front of people but like I was backstage about to do the set and the roots his band the roots were like playing music and it was like the happiest I've ever been like I was about

to do my set and the roots were playing live music like feet away from me the stage manager handed me the microphone and I remember like I felt like I was Thor and you handed me the hammer like I felt electricity yeah and I was like hell yeah I was like I felt like I felt this like rage and power and like excitement and like that's awesome and I remember feeling not nervous and being proud of myself in that moment I was like hell yeah Leslie like I'm here I was like ride this you're not nervous like go have fun like it was such a like that was like so obviously so memorable like I could not believe I was that happy that's cool yeah that's that that Jimmy Fallon is also in one of my most memorable moments in life he told me I was funny I was like Jimmy

Isn't that amazing? Just told me I'm funny. Yeah. And The Roots did a reenactment of one of my scenes of The Bachelor. I have to watch this. Oh, it was so funny. Questlove and one of the guys were, like, making fun of a scene. And then they hid me, and they brought me behind a camera.

And I came out and, like, judged their performance. Oh, my God. It was amazing. It was, you know what? Questlove used to say Merry Christmas to me until about two years ago. I don't know what happened. We're all doing our best. Yeah.

I feel. He's like, yeah. Yeah. That was just a humble brag He used to wish you Merry Christmas Yeah I thought that was pretty cool I hope he hears this He totally listens

Well I wish you Merry Christmas Thank you will you from now on It's May is it It's not Merry halfway to Christmas Yes yes In advance I have a game for you

Okay It's called comedian confessions So here's how it's going to work I'm going to give you a comedic scenario or a hypothetical situation and then you're going to have to confess how you as a comedian would handle or react

each scenario in a humorous way. Okay. Okay. So you're performing at a comedy club when you notice someone in the audience is asleep. Do you wake them up? And if so, how do you wake them up? Oh, this has happened to me.

What? Somebody fell asleep? People, the shows are late. Sometimes I'm barely hanging on up there. Like how late? Like midnight. Oh, wow. It's late.

So literally recently a guy was dozing off. Oh, no. in the show. So for me, the show must go on. Right. I pretend he's awake. Like, I never call it out because then... Oh, you didn't. Okay. Well, because like, he's going to get kicked out. Like, a venue would kick out a sleeping person. I think, right? They'd be like, you're, you can't sleep in this establishment. Like, this is a club. Yeah. And they don't want to get in trouble. So for me, no matter what, the show must go on. If someone has, like, a broken arm or is having, like, an epic, like, I just was like, I will stay up there until the show was over. Like, I cannot

interrupt the vibe of the show. Like, if somebody's having a seizure, you're just going to pretend it's not happening? No, I will say, well, I might be like, are they laughing? Yeah, okay. But like, in an emergency, if there's a medical emergency, yes. Like, they must, we must help this person. Yeah. If someone's sleeping, also, like, I respect that. Get it in where you can. Get it in. Yeah. Okay. We all have long days. Get it in. And I'm just, jealous. I saw that guy sleeping up my show and my first reaction was like, oh, I'm so jealous. Because I was only like 30 minutes

in and like, you know, and he's not making noise. They're being quiet. You're very kind. Yeah. I'd be like show must go on. When people though yawn at a show, I do call them out. Oh, okay. Yeah. Because it triggers me. What? You're like, am I boring you? Yeah. Yeah. I do that too. I'm like, I am

working. Yeah. And you're y'all. Like, I prepared for this. Yeah. You got to just can you just cover the ya on? Yeah. Or like, do the whole like do this. You're like, yeah, like, can you just fake it? They just blatantly yawning in your face. Oh, yeah, like, with full eye contact at me. I'm like, why are you?

Like, this is my, just like looking deep in my eyes and yawning. That's hilarious. Now, this next one is something that I would do because of my ADHD. You're in the middle of delivering a punchline when you suddenly forget the rest of the joke. How do you recover and keep the audience laughing? I would be like, what did I just say? I feel like this happened to me. It happens to me all the time.

And not obviously in stand-up, just life and podcasting. I'll be like, so, what? I forget. And the podcast just started. You're like, sorry, what were you saying? I'm like, we just started. What guest are you again? This must have happened to me.

You know what happens, though? I did do this recently at a show. I was so tired that I forgot a complete chunk of a joke and it still worked. Oh. So now I kind of feel invincible. It's not good. You're like, it's kind of that thing where you're in the moment and it just, you You don't know how you're doing it, but you're doing it.

Yeah. And like survival, it's kind of like your brain will self-edit stuff that doesn't really need to be there. Yeah. So then I did the joke, an entire middle part was missing. And I realized, I don't need that middle part. Yeah. I could just get to it. Yeah.

And then they still laughed. And it's kind of like, what are we all doing? Are we just laughing because we're in a club? Like, it's like, I've paid to be here. So this is funny. Exactly. That's what is what I would do in an audience. Like, I'm laughing.

I pay 25 bucks. I'm laughing. I don't care if you're funny or not. Like, I'm, I came here to laugh and I'm like I would feel so bad if a comedian like made a joke that I didn't think it was that funny I'm still going to laugh because I'd be like are you a polite laugher yeah yeah is that bother you I want real laughs like I don't want I don't want polite laughs like I it's good to know I feel like I'm doing it for you so maybe it's not because then because then I'm going to hear that and think that was funny but can't you tell the difference between a kind laugh and a real laugh I can but how good is your polite laugh is it convincing yeah See there, see. Damn. Okay, well, now I'm going to...

So now you know, for me, no polite laughs. If I'm not funny, let me bomb for you. When is your next show? I have one tomorrow. Oh my gosh, you work. Oh, we're going to have one tomorrow? I have one tomorrow at the Hollywood Improv on Melrose. When?

I think seven-ish, seven-thirty. I mean, I can like get you guys. Oh, that's a good lineup. Oh, my God, Whitney's on it? David Spade, Whitney coming. Wait, I can get you guys on the list. Oh, my God. Wait.

Wait, that's a good lineup. I didn't see yet. I'm texting David Spade right now and telling him we're coming too. I love him. Okay, last one. Okay, what if you're on stage, your stomach is growling, you have to go to the bathroom so bad. What do you do? So I design my eating schedule, so this never happens to me. Oh, wow.

I just said you're so organized. You're like, eh, yes. This is how I refuse to have a grumbly tummy on stage. so I make sure I'm the perfect equilibrium of full or hungry on stage. I don't want to be full on stage because you feel sluggish. I don't want to be hungry because then I'm dizzy. So I have to have, I mean for years I don't recommend this. I had like a protein bar for dinner before a show because it's like I just wanted to be like even.

So I could never. Wow, you really, I respect your comedy even more now. Because I because you really, you are the LeBron of comedian. You've got to prepare your body so it's in the perfect condition to perform. I have never, never had a stomach issue on stage. And I never will. I look into the camera for that. I always look into the camera.

She means that. I sometimes do too, but I feel like I'm on like the office. I do that all the time. Even if I'm like filming something where like I should not. Are you saying at home you pretend you're on an episode of the office? Yeah. That's fantastic. Yeah.

I'll just like look into the fake. You just shrug and you're at your reflection. Like You'd look at ramen Yeah I would see that So ramen's really calming me right now Oh

Oh he's just out It's a big day I say he's tired But really he's old And it makes me depressed Okay well where can people find Where your stand-up is next What's coming up for you

What are you the most excited about Everything is on my website Leslie layout.com It links to all the silly stuff The social L-I-A-O L-I-A-O. Okay.

And I'm just touring everywhere. So I'm going to Australia in June. Oh, okay. I've never been. Have you been? I've never, I was, my flight was booked. I was leaving the next day and COVID happened. Oh my God.

Yeah. So I've never been to Australia. Bailey, you're supposed to come on the trip with me. Yeah. You guys will go, I'm sure. But I've never been. I've looked up nothing yet. I'm not prepared, but I'm going to go tour there.

I mean, how does that feel that you're like, people in Australia know who I am and they're going to come. I think it's hilarious. I think this my whole life is hilarious. I'm like, what are you? Like, people buy tickets for me. Like, really? Yeah. I was like, all right.

If that's how you want to spend your money, like, I'm like, okay. I love spending my money to have a giggle. Me too. Yeah. But for me, I'm like, that's where the delusion as a comic comes in. What's the imposter syndrome? Do you ever get that? I have that constantly.

It'll never go away. Okay. Yeah. Okay. But I also feel like you know you're meant to be where you are. It's like confusing. Is that very Pisces of me? That's so Pisces of you.

I just know that I belong in this room. That is so Pisces of you to know, but also have imposter syndrome. Do you recommend anyone, ever date a comic? It's a very loaded question. I am in a relationship. I think I'm fun to date. I'm their delusion.

I think I'm an amazing girlfriend. My boyfriend's like, I have thoughts. I also have notes. Light notes. Light notes. I wouldn't rule it out. Comics are so, they're easy to generalize as human beings. But as with all humans, there's so much diversity.

I would not rule them out as a species. but just know that comics are they're just we obsessed over this stuff like we it's we're always in our head we always think we're not good enough it's like a I mean it's all the traits of any human but we have it to an extreme degree okay like like comparing ourselves accepting ourselves like being hard on ourselves like we all do it but we're like it's baked in there to the next level okay but there's amazing comics that you know I could totally date a comic you know like you're funny like to laugh you'd love hanging at the clubs like you might love it so I want to roll it out thank you so much for coming on the pod today

this is so fun I had a great time did you actually I did okay and I have to chuck this oh yeah that's oh my god I don't know that this did anything I don't know that this did anything but it tastes awesome isn't it good I'm Caitlin Bristow your session is now ending and if I'm being honest I wouldn't mind a rating and review Thank you.