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.
All links & socials
https://bio.site/onethousandgurus
Episodes
85 episodes
#85: Brian “Lil B” Perez - Winning International Competitions, the Evolution of Locking, Podcasting as Public Therapy, and Finding Joy in Dance
Host J.R. Yonocruz reconnects with Bay Area locker Brian “Lil B” Perez to reflect on their early Academy of Villains days and AOV’s mission to bridge freestyle and choreography. Lil B shares his path from DDR and working for Konami/tech QA into...
#84: Richard Hardy - Finding Faith, Exploring Fitness, and Seeking Feedback for Success
Richard Hardy Returns: 75 Hard Discipline, Door-to-Door Sales Psychology, and Renewed FaithRichard Hardy returns in-studio to share updates on 75 Hard, including a daily Bible-reading habit, plus his fitness and nutrition approach. He re...
#83: Book Highlights - Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky
Make Time Book Highlights: Focus on What Matters Every DayJ.R. Yonocruz highlights Make Time by Jake Knapp and John Zeratsky, and how to reclaim attention from constant busyness and endless distractions. He breaks down the four-step dail...
#82: Alex Hung - AI Tools, Leading Productive Teams, and Navigating the Changing Workforce
J.R. Yonocruz welcomes back Alex Hung for his third appearance to discuss AI tools, agents vs chat models, and how his company is rolling out Claude to improve efficiency. They share real examples like automating sales-lead prioritization throu...
#81: Random Show with Aeden Pham - Self-Care vs. Indulgence, Speaking with Integrity, and Spending Habits
Relaxation, Compassion, and the Hidden Cost of “Good Deals” | Random Show with Aeden PhamJ.R. Yonocruz welcomes repeat guest Aeden Pham for a chill random-show catch-up on recent life updates and personal reflections. They discuss how r...
#80: Season 8 Recap - Favorite Takeaways from Episodes 71–79
Host J.R. Yonocruz recaps Season 8 of One Thousand Gurus (episodes 71–79, recorded February through early April) to highlight key lessons and invite listeners to revisit the season. He reviews solo episodes on Tony Robbins’ achievement vs fulfi...
#79: Kenta Thomas Naoi - Joyful Movement, Creative Design, Business Coaching, and Building a Life in Europe
Reconnecting Through Movement, Coaching, and Non-Attachment with Kenta Thomas NaoiJ.R. Yonocruz reunites with high school friend Kenta Thomas Naoi, now Denmark-based, to reflect on their dance-era origins and Kenta’s journey from design ...
#78: Random Show with Julie Huynh - Careers in an AI Apocalypse, Buying vs. Renting, Productivity Coaching, Avoiding Internet Stalkers & More
Random Show with Julie Huynh: Mastery Tradeoffs, AI at Work, Love Languages, Burnout, and PurposeJ.R. Yonocruz chats with returning guest Julie Huynh in a wide-ranging “random show,” covering her life updates (travel, untraditional enga...
#77: Andre Malicdem - Childhood Reminiscing, Male Modeling, Overcoming Depression, and Building a Family
Andre Malicdem on Depression, Reconnecting With Family, and Renewed FaithHost J.R. Yonocruz reunites with his cousin Andre Malicdem, with a trigger warning for depression and suicide. Andre recounts four years of isolation, a dark perio...
#76: Richard Hardy - Door-to-Door Solar Sales, Mental Discipline of 75 Hard, and the Power of Self-Talk
Door-to-Door Solar Sales, 75 Hard, and the Power of Self-Talk with Richard HardyHost J.R. Yonocruz interviews Richard Hardy, a door-to-door solar salesperson. Richard recounts moving from New Jersey to Texas doing door-to-door windows/d...
#75: Herbie De Guzman - Dance & DJing to Audio Engineering, Aging Parents, and Learning from Breakups
Herbie De Guzman: Dance, DJing, Audio Engineering, and Filling Your CupJ.R. Yonocruz sits down with Herbie De Guzman—dancer-turned-DJ and audio professional—to talk about growing up Filipino in San Diego, learning Tagalog through family...
#74: Book Highlights - The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: KonMari, Spark Joy, and Designing Your Ideal LifeHost J.R. Yonocruz explains how Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up reshaped his relationship with possessions, time, and happiness w...
#73: Maximillian Navarro - Retail Sales to LinkedIn Recruiting, Fashion Tips, and Building a 10-Year Relationship
Maximillian Navarro on Recruiting, Fashion, and Building a 10-Year Relationship | One Thousand Gurus.J.R. Yonocruz reconnects with his younger cousin, Maximillian Navarro, to discuss his journey from UC Riverside grad to agency recruitin...
#72: My Vo - Growing Up Frugal to Buying Your First Home, Teaching Chemistry, and Enjoying Life Through Hobbies
My Vo on Teaching Chemistry, Mastering Many Hobbies, Buying a Home on One Income, and Modern Dating Culture.Host J.R. Yonocruz interviews college friend My Vo, a chemistry professor at a community college in Orange County. My shares his ...
#71: Tony Robbins - Decision-Making, Science of Achievement & Art of Fulfillment
Tony Robbins on Getting Unstuck: Decision-Making and the Difference Between Achievement and FulfillmentHost J.R. Yonocruz kicks off season eight of One Thousand Gurus with a special episode distilling insights from Jay Shetty’s On Purpos...
#70: Season 7 Recap & Favorite Takeaways from Episodes 61-69
02:35 Episode 61 — 2025 Recap & Becoming a Better Interviewer04:45 Episode 62 — Catherine: Nightlife Stories + Love Is a Choice06:32 Episode 63 — Travis Linden: Teaching, Game Dev, and Avoiding Burnout09:02 E...
#69: John Cho - Military Intelligence, Losing 40lbs from Marathon Training, Rethinking Your Mental Scripts
From College Dance Floors to Military Discipline: The Journey of John ChoIn this episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz catches up with his college friend John Cho, who has spent a decade in the Army National Guard while also ...
#68: Rani Bungay - Becoming Conservative, Hating on Japan, Pronouns, Red Flags, and Covert Depression
Navigating Friendships, Career Pivots, and Cultural Insights with RaniIn this episode of 'One Thousand Gurus,' host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes back Rani, the show's very first guest. As they reminisce about past episodes and catch up on life...
#67: Jane Oh - 10 Years in Marketing, Combining Holistic Health with Nursing, Burnout Cycles, and Career Pivots
In this episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes Jane Oh, a former marketing professional with over a decade of experience who has transitioned into the holistic health and wellness field. Jane shares her journey from working ...
#66: Lorenzo Aromin - USAF Vet Turned Entrepreneur, Faith, Fitness, and Scaling to $500k
In this episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes Lorenzo Aromin, a US Air Force veteran turned multi-business owner and fitness consultant. Lorenzo shares his inspiring journey from military service to entrepreneurship, discus...
#65: KOAGA (코아가) - Becoming a K-Pop Artist, Life-Changing Car Accidents, and Being Korean-American
Koaga's Journey: K-Pop, Faith, and Life LessonsIn this episode of One Thousand Gurus, hosted by J.R. Yonocruz, the guest is Koaga— a K-pop artist, dancer, and choreographer. J.R. and Koaga delve into Koaga's unique background, including ...
#64: Vanessa & Hazi - Being Recognized in Public, the Honeymoon Phase, and Making Money as an Influencer
In this episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes back influencer power couple Hazi and Vanessa. The couple shares their experiences traveling in Southeast Asia, how they navigate their relationship as both romantic and busines...
#63: Travis Linden Reid - Teaching Game Development at UCI, “Achieving” Burnout, and Building an Indie Game Studio
Finding Fulfillment in Teaching: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Indie Game Development with Travis Linden ReidIn this insightful episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes back Travis Linden Reid, a former game industr...
#62: Catherine C - Working in Nightlife, Hosting Idols, Dating Profiles, and First Date Tips
In this episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz reconnects with returning guest Cat, an experienced nightlife promoter and event organizer. They delve deep into the intricacies of nightlife and dating. Cat shares her journey in the ni...
#61: 2025 Recap - Reflections and Lessons Learned from 50 Episodes of OTG
One Thousand Gurus 2025 Recap: Reflections, Gratitude, and Future GoalsIn this special episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz reflects on the journey of the podcast from its inception in 2018 to its launch in 2024, inspired b...