For 30 to 45 minutes, they share their thoughts on topics ranging from leadership to transformation. The podcast, which debuted in March, has drawn listeners from as far as Indonesia and South Africa.
Beyond inspiring listeners to discover their abilities and aspire for change, it is also a way for the duo, who are of Kelabit heritage, to keep alive the storytelling culture that defines their tribe.
“I’ve always been interested in storytelling and hearing other people’s stories. One day I thought, I’ve heard some really great stories from my dad. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get those stories to a wider audience?” Leon, 35, told FMT Lifestyle.
Explaining the title, he added: “The one thing that usually gets in the way of someone achieving things is a fear of failure. But the real, distinctive factor of anyone who achieves the impossible is the ability to last over a long period.
“So, by framing it as a game, it helps a person to not take their goals too seriously. If it works out, great. If it doesn’t, one can always restrategise.”
The podcast is also a way for him to continue learning from Idris, who is a former minister and a respected name in the corporate sector. It is certainly timely as Leon is the interim chairman of Pemandu Associates, while his father is on a sabbatical until February.
Culture, Christianity, community
“My late grandfather used to tell me Kelabit folklore when I was a kid. Sometimes, he’ll just share stories of past events. He has a way of doing it that’s very engaging and funny.”
Leon believes his tribe’s love for storytelling stems from an appreciation for creativity. And this is certainly evident in his life: he paints, sings and plays the guitar. It was his father who taught him to play the instrument.
Additionally, Leon oversees the creative department in his church, Holy Trinity Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur.
Christianity, an integral part of the Kelabit tribe, saw a revival in Bario, Sarawak in the early 1970s. Back then, it inspired Idris to trek through a jungle for four days to preach.
Today, Leon follows in his father’s footsteps as he, too, preaches in his church.
The Kelabit people have a strong sense of community: his father experienced this growing up in a longhouse, where everyone shared what they had.
Leon’s upbringing, however, was considerably different, as he lived abroad in Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom because of his dad’s work.
Even so, their extended family remains close. “My wife Andrea pointed out the word ‘warmth’ and said it’s very interesting that, although my family is so large, we recognise those who are six or seven times removed,” he said.
“We treat one another like first cousins. We’re very, very tight-knit even on such a large scale.”
According to Leon, this warmth extends even to others. “Andrea felt quite intimidated when she first attended a gathering with so many of us and worried that she’d feel left out. But she was surprised by everyone’s hospitality.”
He and Andrea – who is of Ceylonese, Dutch and Chinese heritage – have given their children Kelabit names to ensure they are connected to their roots. The doting parents also read them books in the Kelabit language.
Asked about his hopes for his people, Leon replied: “I speak more for Kelabits like me who didn’t really grow up in Bario, or who are of mixed parentage.
“My hope for this next generation is that we really start to walk and live out the values that define us.”
Follow ‘The Game of Impossible’ on YouTube and Spotify. Learn more about the podcast on Instagram and TikTok.