
One Thousand Gurus Podcast
Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a software project manager, self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, dancer, stand-up comedian, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world.
Episodes
31 episodes
#30: Kan Dang - “That Moment” in Anime, Finding Purpose through Service, and Living Life Fully
Kan Dang shares how dance transformed his life, shaping his identity, confidence, and sense of purpose through years of dedication to the art form and mentorship of young dancers.Credits dance with developing his social skills and h...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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1:02:27

#29: Lachlan Ma - Tech Recruiting at TikTok, Goal-Setting, and Discovering Your Ikigai
Lachlan Ma shares his journey from UC Irvine graduate to TikTok talent acquisition partner, exploring how finding his ikigai helped him navigate career choices and balance diverse passions.• Born in Sydney, Australia to parents from Hon...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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1:02:03

#28: Ray Lee - Adapting to AI, Navigating the Job Market, and Avoiding Burnout
Ray Lee returns to discuss his journey as a concept artist transitioning from Los Angeles back to South Korea, sharing insights on international work opportunities and maintaining artistic integrity in the changing gaming industry.• Wor...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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49:29

#27: Eric Pan - Balancing Life as a UCLA Undergrad, Strategy Consulting, and Servant Leadership
Eric Pan shares his journey from an introverted child in Chicago to a successful UCLA graduate heading to Boston Consulting Group, offering insights on consulting, leadership, and finding balance along the way.• Moving from Chicago to U...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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1:02:28

#26: Travis Trinh - 7% Body Fat, Bowling a 300, and Being Your Own Anime Protagonist
Travis Trinh transforms from a sheltered, introverted kid to an extroverted nerd who embraces fitness, cosplay, and engineering with equal passion. His journey shows how anime influences, leadership experiences, and the Cobra Kai philosophy of ...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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57:50

#25: Alex Cristal - The Power of Solitude, Chasing Side-Quests, and “Soulmates”
A profound conversation with Alex Cristal on the intricacies of self-discovery, time management, and the importance of solitude. We dive into the dynamics of building a supportive community, how different relationships serve distinct roles in o...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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1:08:36

#24: Jessica Kwong - Journey to Team USA Karate, Self-Talk, and Choosing Your Environment Wisely
Dr. Jessica Kwong shares her inspiring journey from karate to physical therapy and dance. Her story highlights resilience, passion, and self-discovery.- Background in karate since age 5 - Transition from athlete to physical the...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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1:01:31

#23: Ali Razavi - The Mastermind Behind “Who Hurt You?”, Investing in Yourself, and Giving Back
Ali Razavi shares his inspiring journey from law school to founding a successful personal injury law firm, bridging business success with community service. He highlights the significance of leadership, effective branding, and philanthropy in s...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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48:17

#22: Ray Lee - How AI Affects Art, Studying Internationally, and the Complexities of Concept Art
Ray Lee shares his journey from South Korea to the United States as a dedicated Concept Artist, revealing the challenges and triumphs he encountered along the way. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, consistent practice, and self-care a...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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58:37

#21: Dr. Arnel Calvario Ripkens - From KM to TEDx, Asians in Hip-Hop, and Cultivating Leaders of the Future
Dr. Arnel Calvario Ripkins shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a diverse community to becoming a pioneering leader in the dance world. He highlights the importance of community, identity, and healing through dance while embracing th...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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1:03:33

#20: Random Show with Julie Huynh - KPOP Idol Worship, Dating Culture, and the Secrets of Attraction
This episode features a fun and relaxed conversation between our host J.R. and his friend Julie, diving deep into topics like dance, idol culture, dating complexities, and personal growth. Their candid discussions are enriched by humor and warm...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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1:02:08

#19: Alex Rubio - PreMed to Property Management, Navigating Getting Older, and Benefits of an MBA
Alex Rubio shares his transformative journey from pre-med to property management, offering valuable insights on leadership, resilience, and finding one's true calling. His experience illustrates the power of adaptability and relationships in cr...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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1:05:21

#18: Dr. Andy Ho - Dance to Occupational Therapy, Overcoming Negative Mindsets, and the Discipline of G.R.I.N.D.
What happens when occupational therapy meets the world of dance and powerlifting? Meet Dr. Andy Ho, a multi-talented force of nature who transitioned from the vibrant dance floors of UC Irvine to the impactful realm of Occupational Therapy. In ...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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1:06:01

#17: John Tieng - IRL Fall Guy, Learning to Fight, and Sharing Knowledge to Grow
What if you could transform a passion for dance into a thriving career in stunt work and filmmaking? Tune in as we chat with the dynamic John Tieng. John shares how his diverse skill set, from boxing to taekwondo to weapon training, enhances hi...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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56:00

#16: Aeden Anthony Pham - Adaptability for Growth, the Power of Therapy, and Investing in Relationships
What if you could turn a life of diverse experiences into a wellspring of creativity and growth? Join us for a captivating conversation with Aeden Anthony Pham, a multifaceted professional with an enriching journey spanning multiple countries, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:07:18

#15: Blessie Marie Panopio - Building a Following with Authenticity, Internet Fame, and Toxic Filipino Culture
Guest bio:Born and raised in the Philippines, Blessie is a dancer, competitive singer, and content creator. She has 880k+ followers across her social media accounts, tens of millions of views across her videos, and is known internati...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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58:11

#14: June Lee - "Failing" into Physical Therapy, UGC, and the Importance of Letting Go
Join us as we reconnect with Dr. June Lee, a dynamic physical therapist with a fascinating journey from the world of dance to healthcare.June's story takes us through her unexpected shift from a nursing program to discovering her true p...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:06:54

#13: Ryan Tern - Fitness Tips, the Importance of Coaching, and the Power of Gratitude
Struggling to find a balance between your mind and body? Ryan Tern, a dynamic personal trainer from Oakland with a fascinating blend of psychology and fitness expertise, shares his compelling transformation from aspiring school counselor to fit...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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57:09

#12: Alexa Woo - Dancing with KPOP Idols, Pursuing Your Passion, and Overcoming Depression
Join us on a captivating journey with Alexa Woo, the rising star in the world of K-pop cover dance, as she shares her remarkable story from growing up in Orange County to performing on the grand stage of KCON 2024. Alexa's passion for dance was...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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54:26

#11: theoneDNA - Becoming an Indie Artist, Vietglish EDM, and Mental Health
What if you could turn personal challenges into a source of inspiration and creative expression? Join us as Vietglish EDM artist theoneDNA shares his remarkable journey of self-expression and cultural celebration. From his early beginnings grow...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:00:37

#10: Monster Poh - Becoming a Nurse, Cosplay & Content Creation, and Balancing Family Life
Uncover the heartfelt journey of Monster Poh, a talented registered nurse who now thrives in California's healthcare system while juggling a vibrant career as a content creator. Monster Poh opens up about her passion for cosplay, comedy, beauty...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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59:59

#9: Yuki Noda - Moving from Japan, Mindfulness Meditation, and Healing Through Self-Love
What if moving to a new country meant redefining your entire artistic identity? This week, we're thrilled to sit down with Yuki Noda, an extraordinary talent whose journey from Osaka, Japan to the United States is nothing short of inspiring. Yu...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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57:44

#8: Shirley Wu - Yelp Elite Foodie, Competitive Mindsets, and Building a 1st Place Team
What if your passion could turn into a platform that inspires countless others? Join us for an enlightening discussion with Shirley Wu, the dynamic co-founder of the SHERO Dance Team, as she shares her journey from growing up in the culturally ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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57:14

#7: Jessica Lee - Career Changes, Real Estate Advice, and Developing People Skills
What if exploring different career paths could lead you to discover your true passion? Join us for an engaging conversation with Jessica Lee, a dynamic realtor in Los Angeles and Orange County. We reminisce about our college days at UCI, where ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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53:04

#6: Linden Reid - Working at Blizzard, Pursuing Community and Artistry, and Embracing Change
What happens when a video game developer transitions into education and embraces personal passions? Discover the inspiring journey of Linden Reid, who shifted from working with gaming giants like Blizzard and EA to becoming an adjunct professor...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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58:13
