THIS SUCKS: An Art Podcast

Creative Brain Drain: Why Artists Leave the Country | THIS SUCKS Episode 8

Brain Drain, a term that we grew up knowing. It is the emigration of highly skilled, intellectual, and talented minds--- leaving their home country for better treatment, opportunities, and wages. Now, more than ever, we continue to see this with our healthcare workers who seek a more humane workplace. But what about artists and the art industry, in general? We have constantly complained about how out-of-touch our animation and visual fx have gotten in cinemas and theatres. In this episode, we talk about the glaring truth in that and how we can potentially address it. 

Do Not Apologize for Mediocrity | THIS SUCKS Episode 7

Have you been to a ticketed live show where the performance looks like a rehearsal? Have you congratulated an artist and received an apology for their artwork in return? Quality is, debatably, thrown out the window nowadays. More and more artists today are compelled to beat the deadline even when the output is mediocre. Also, most unfortunately, performing artists are coming to the microphone to inform a paying crowd that this is all they can do as if indirectly asking for a lighter sentence. In this episode, we talk about why artists should never apologize to their audience once the work is put out to the public, and how important it is to trust progress and changed behavior rather than loose apologies. 

NO! We Don’t Need Your Exposure | THIS SUCKS Episode 6

News Flash: Here in the Philippines, artists are still offered an immensely unappetizing amount of nothing. What do artists think of this? In this raw and unfiltered episode, you will hear the annoyance in our hosts when they hear the magic word, EXPOSURE

What Mental Health Support? | THIS SUCKS Episode 5

How is it ironic that a life of entertainment can undoubtedly lead to unhappiness? Artistry is one of the most underrated and underappreciated careers in the Philippines. How can Filipino artists access mental health services when they are economically marginalized? In this episode, we delve into how artists are funnels for all the sins and ugliness of the world so, in turn, they can enrich the lives of many.

Do Schools Make Better Artists? | THIS SUCKS Episode 4

Art schools are one of the most expensive education to get out there. So, what can third-world-country artists do when passion is not enough anymore? Most of us are self-taught, but when limits present themselves, the big question nudges: Do we need to go to school to become better artists? In this episode, we represent both sides of the spectrum--- the schooled and self-taught artists from mainstream and community theatre, respectively. What should you expect when you go down either road?

The Problem with Becoming an Artist | THIS SUCKS Episode 3

Make art, they said. It's good for the soul, they said. Is it though? When did we start romanticizing sleepless nights, brain farts, and production drama? Let's stop the toxic positivity and be realistic for a moment. What does it really take to become a better artist? In this episode, we talk about the lessons and learned behavior that we have picked up while working in the creative industry.

The Problem with #SupportLocal | THIS SUCKS Episode 2

Should we support local art for the sake that it is local? Is homecourt advantage an entitlement or something that should be earned? In this episode, we dive deep into the contradictions of supporting local arts and artists. As consumers and paying audiences, are we supposed to demand beauty, through-provoking crafts, and plain good entertainment OR settle for mediocre? Listen to these local artists' take on the matter. Just being honest in the hot seat.

The Problem with Wokeism | THIS SUCKS Episode 1

In the dawn of Woke Culture, when is Wokeism just complaining? More and more people are standing up and saying NO to what is supposedly good. Per usual, the arts and entertainment industry is getting the short of the end of the stick, calling out artists left and right. Is nothing fun anymore? Are we too sensitive now? Or are we just implementing the right amount of being woke?