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

What if the future of K-pop is shaped by AI and younger idols pushing the boundaries of performance? Join us in this episode of 1000 Gurus as we explore this and more with the incredibly talented Cat, a multifaceted artist and influencer in the K-pop, cosplay, and content creation spheres. Cat takes us on a journey from her initial fascination with KPOP, all the way to her current role as a model, artist, and founder of the performance team Aurora. Along the way, she shares her personal challenges, including navigating her diverse passions and offers insights into the evolution and increasing commercialization of K-pop.

Moreover, we discuss the importance of authenticity in content creation and building a following.

Switching gears, we tackle issues of Asian American advocacy and representation, particularly within the cosplay community. Cat passionately speaks about the misuse of the term ABG (Asian Baby Girl) and the need for more visibility for underrepresented Southeast Asian groups. We also reflect on the joy of creative freedom, the value of supportive parenting, and the pursuit of happiness beyond traditional career aspirations. This episode promises to be a treasure trove of insights, personal stories, and thought-provoking discussions.

Guest Bio:
Cat is a model, cosplayer, artist, content creator, life enjoyer, and most importantly, she's just a girl. She is the founder and director of a performance team called Aurora where they do both dance and vocal covers. She's been very active in many communities such as the KPOP community, photography community, Anime community, and so on. Often considered a jack of all traits, she wears many hats and will pursue anything that peaks her interests; turns out it was undiagnosed ADHD.

IG: @pinkstellaire
TikTok: @pinkstellaire
Aurora (performance team): @aurora.team

Resources/Links:
Wonder Girls
Taeyang - Where You At (MV)
Cat’s viral Ballroom video
"Bite Me" Throuple video
Cat’s ABG discourse video
Cat's "no idea what I'm going to do with my life" video
Didi (film)
Naval Ravikant (investor/entrepreneur)
Paris is Burning (documentary)

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

Guest Bio:
Austyn was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai'i, and studied psychology at Stanford University. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his partner and two cats. When not working as a business analyst for a health tech company, Austyn enjoys hip-hop and k-pop dance, coffee, and being a foodie.

IG: @austyn_tayshus

How does one navigate the complex tapestry of cultural expectations, academic ambitions, and personal passions? Join me in this episode as I sit down with my good friend, Austyn Lee, a business analyst with a fervor for dance, who shares his unique journey from Honolulu to Stanford and beyond. We reminisce about our days on a K-pop dance team, explore the cultural intricacies of growing up in an Asian American household, and reveal the factors that led to Austyn’s decision to attend Stanford. If you’ve ever wondered about balancing professional aspirations with personal interests, Austyn’s story is a masterclass in authenticity and self-awareness.

Curious about the diverse paths one can take when choosing a career? Austin and I dive into the different routes students might consider, the pressure to stand out in college applications, and the immense value of pursuing your true passions. From committing to a specific career path early on to allowing yourself the freedom to explore multiple interests, we share personal anecdotes and practical advice on how to reflect your unique story through essays, clubs, and activities. Whether you’re a student on the brink of making significant life choices or someone reflecting on their journey, this conversation offers valuable insights into the importance of self-actualization and staying true to oneself.

Relationships, both professional and personal, are a significant focus of this episode. Austyn opens up about his transition into health tech, illustrating how varied experiences can lead to fulfilling career opportunities. We also discuss the intricacies of leadership within our dance team, the importance of self-knowledge in dating, and the daily choices that sustain long-term relationships. Through reflections on failures and successes, mental health routines, and finding what truly defines success, this episode is packed with lessons on personal growth. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation that promises to leave you inspired and motivated.

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

Guest Bio:
Rani Bungay is Managing Partner of Ony Ventures. He’s a serial entrepreneur who jumped from accounting to underwriting, made his way to private wealth management, and is now running businesses, some of which include a mask company, real estate investments and management, and auto management. His next venture involves software engineering in New York.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rani-bungay-787491102/
IG: @irani49

Links/Resources:

• Two Directions (parody dance video w/ Rani)

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

Hello everyone and welcome to the One Thousand Gurus Podcast. My name is J.R. Yonocruz and I’m the host of the show. Who am I, you may be wondering? I’m a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, dancer, humorist, serial hobbyist, and lifelong student. The idea for this podcast has been in my brain for over 6 years now, and I’m excited to finally launch it.

So why this podcast? Why now? Over the years, I’ve had so many fascinating conversations with unique individuals from various backgrounds, and have learned so much from them. My biggest regret was that those conversations were not recorded so that I may have shared the lessons I learned with others.

The mission of this podcast is to interview high-performers from all fields who have inspiring stories to tell and experiences we can learn from. No topic is off-limits! My goal is that you, my listeners, will come away from each episode having discovered valuable insights that you may be able to apply in your own lives. With that being said, thanks for tuning in, and hope you enjoy the show!

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