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 at UC Irvine. Learn about his early interest in coding through Neopets, his determination to make it in the game development world, and the pivotal moments that shaped his remarkable career. Linden's story is a masterclass in balancing the technical and creative sides of game development, making it a must-listen for aspiring developers and educators alike.

Beyond gaming, we explore Linden's passion for K-pop dancing and other artistic pursuits, revealing how personal interests can enrich professional life. Reflecting on themes of identity, adaptability, and living in the present, Linden offers philosophical insights and personal stories that resonate deeply. Whether you're fascinated by game development, education, or the intersection of passion and career, this episode provides a treasure trove of inspiration and practical advice.

Guest Bio:
Linden Reid is a video game developer and educator with over 10 years of experience making games. Having previously worked as a Software Engineer on mobile games at Blizzard and EA and as a Creative Director on his own indie title that received a grant from Netflix, he's now entering the academic sphere as an Adjunct Professor of game development at UC-Irvine this fall 2024.

Socials/Links:
Twitter / X: @outofmanna_
IG: @outofmanna_
Website portfolio: lindenreid.com

Episode Links / Resources:

• Neopets
• Extra Credits (YouTube channel)
• Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert (audiobook - affiliate link)
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield (audiobook - affiliate link)
• Linchpin by Seth Godin (audiobook - affiliate link)
• www.marloyonocruz.com (book summaries)

One Thousand Gurus Podcast:
Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, 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.

www.onethousandgurus.com
Instagram: @OneThousandGurus
TikTok: @onethousandgurus
YouTube: One Thousand Gurus Podcast
Email: onethousandgurus@gmail.com

What if your greatest struggle could become your greatest success? Join us for an intimate conversation with Dorothy Ho, a dance studio owner whose journey from a challenging childhood to running an award-winning academy is nothing short of inspiring. Discover the crucial role of parental influence, the perseverance needed to stick with an activity, and the sheer joy that comes from mastering a skill. Dorothy shares invaluable advice for parents navigating their children's interests and emphasizes the transformative power of persistence.

We discuss the financial challenges of running a business, the delicate balance between feeling rich and being financially rich, and the importance of setting firm boundaries between personal and business finances. Dorothy offers a candid look at how she navigates these complexities, providing practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Guest Bio:
At 21 years old, Dorothy Ho dropped out of college and opened her own dance studio, Charade Dance Academy. Six years later, her academy has produced award-winning dancers, taught over 700 students in Garden Grove, and is now expanding to offer an even more inspiring space for creativity. At a young age, she was placed in foster care due to her parents' incarceration. Dorothy’s life took a turn when her mother was released, and she was raised by a single parent. Despite facing financial challenges, her love for the Arts never wavered, leading her to graduate from the Orange County School of the Arts in 2015.

IG: https://www.instagram.com/charadedanceacademy/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rusebysaved1024
Email: premiumheartva@gmail.com

Links/Resources:

• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (book - affilate link)
• I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi (book - affilate link)
• How to Get Rich (Netflix Series)
• J.R.’ Book summaries: www.marloyonocruz.com
• Oshi no Ko (anime)
• Alien: Romulus (movie)
• Altered Carbon (TV series)
• Psycho-Pass (anime)
• Death Note (anime)
• Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse (movie)
• Blue-Eyed Samurai (Netflix)

One Thousand Gurus Podcast:
Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, 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.

www.onethousandgurus.com
Instagram: @OneThousandGurus
TikTok: @onethousandgurus
YouTube: One Thousand Gurus Podcast
Email: onethousandgurus@gmail.com

Can embracing a childlike sense of fun and exploration truly transform your dance journey? Join us as we explore this and more with Yerson Ochoa, a remarkable Peruvian, multi-style dancer who has become a beloved figure in Southern California's dance community. From navigating cultural barriers to becoming an influential K-pop dance instructor, Yerson's story is one of resilience, passion, and unyielding dedication. We delve into his teaching philosophy, inspired by his mother, and his heartfelt admiration for his parents while touching on his personal battles with social anxiety.

Discover the vibrancy and complexity of dance styles within the K-pop genre through Yerson's experiences, from his initial encounters with K-pop groups like Infinite to his participation in prestigious events like HHI. We highlight the interconnectedness of various dance forms and the value of understanding their historical and technical foundations. By viewing dance as a unified art form, rather than segmented disciplines, Yerson exemplifies how embracing a holistic approach can elevate one's skills and appreciation for dance, encouraging continuous growth without limits.

In addition, we offer insights and practical advice for beginners eager to embark on their K-pop dance journey. Shedding egos, embracing fun, and creating a positive learning environment are key themes. Yerson shares strategies for overcoming social anxiety and managing the pressures of social media, emphasizing self-awareness and the importance of self-respect. We also touch on personal growth and resilience, inspired by Yerson's journey, and his love for dance. Join us for an inspiring conversation that promises to leave you motivated and ready to embrace your own dance journey.

Guest Bio:
Yerson is a Peruvian, multi-style dancer, performer, and one of the most sought-after dance instructors in SoCal. He left home at 19 to pursue his passion for dance, first learning many different styles and eventually becoming a teacher himself. He soon moved to the USA hardly knowing any English (I can attest to this when I first met him, he could barely speak a few basic sentences/phrases) and had to deal with a huge culture shock. Now is well-known on social media for being one of the most energetic and inspiring K-pop dancers in the community. His dad his is idol and his mom is the reason why he loves to teach.

IG: @yerson.8a
TikTok: @yersonochoacandia8

One Thousand Gurus Podcast:
Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, 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.

www.onethousandgurus.com
Instagram: @OneThousandGurus
TikTok: @onethousandgurus
YouTube: One Thousand Gurus Podcast
Email: onethousandgurus@gmail.com