One Thousand Gurus Podcast

Murphy Pines shares their journey of self-discovery, from growing up across multiple countries to embracing queerness and building community through art and authenticity. Their story reveals how breaking free from societal expectations can lead to profound healing and connection with oneself and others.

• Growing up across three continents and moving 16 times created adaptability but challenges with maintaining relationshi...

Julie Huynh shares her journey from dentistry aspirations to becoming a UX designer while exploring how continuous learning and the "I know nothing" mentality have shaped her personal and professional growth.

• Originally from Chicago, inspired by role models like Michael Jordan and Michelle Kwan
• Pursued biological sciences at UCI but added Asian American studies to balance scientific and creative thinking<...

Alex Hung shares his journey from HR professional to Chief of Staff, offering insights on career advancement, financial management, and relationship wisdom gained through years of professional and personal experience.

• Starting in HR with an unrelated degree taught Alex the reality that your college major often doesn't matter for career success
• Changing jobs every two years can yield 15-20% salary increases com...

Hazier Rios shares his journey from psychology student to educator, and how these experiences shaped his understanding of human connection and emotional well-being. His unexpected path into teaching multiple subjects revealed profound insights about student needs and the importance of hope in education.

• Graduate of UCI with a BA in Psychology, former president of Active Minds
• Working with his mother at her hair sal...

Joseph "JJ" Lacanilao aka MILO shares his journey from drama kid to open format DJ and how embracing authenticity shaped his career in music and nightlife. Through finding his creative voice despite traditional family expectations, JJ has built a meaningful career creating safe spaces for self-expression through music.

• Discovered his passion for performing in middle school through drama classes and musicals

OTG welcomes back Aeden Pham for a special "random show" episode where they break from the traditional interview format to engage in a free-flowing conversation covering personal finance, mindset shifts, anime preferences, and life optimization strategies. Topics include:

• Money management fundamentals
• Redefining personal value
• Creating positive environments requires shifting from proving our value to sharing experiences
• A...

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 helping him overcome natural introversion
• Discusses how comparing yourself to others is unhealthy as everyone has different strengths and journeys
• Recommends Haikyuu as his favorite anime for its fantas...

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 Hong Kong and the Philippines
• Discovered his passion for recruiting after internships in finance, law, and accounting
• Explains the Japanese concept of ikigai - finding purpose at t...

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.

• Working as an international concept artist
• The differences between US, European and Asian job markets
• Having multiple career plans (A, B, C) helps artists navigate industry instabi...

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 UCLA
• The distinction between being "nice" (surface-level politeness) and "kind" (genuinely helping others)
• Strategy consultants function as "doctors of b...

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 "Strike first, strike hard, no mercy" can shape a fulfilling life.

• Growing up in a sheltered environment in Santa Clarita before attending UCSB
• Evolution from intro...

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 our lives, and reflections on emotional and spiritual well-being.

• Exploring the power of solitude for self-awareness 
• The significance of community in personal growth 
• U...

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 therapist 
- Experiences with injuries and rehabilitation 
- Dance as a form of self-expression 
- The importance of community support and mentorship 
- Resilience in overcoming se...

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 shaping his career and impact.

• Early influences and the decision to pursue law
• Transition from employee to firm owner
• Leadership style focused on accountability and s...

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 amidst the realities of entering the competitive gaming & entertainment industry and the impact of AI on art.

• Ray's early influences growing up in Korea and China
• T...

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 the experiences that shape our lives.

• Dr. Arnel’s upbringing in a culturally rich environment
• The creation of Kaba Modern as a response to community needs
• Impact of so...

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 warmth, emphasizing the importance of connection and self-awareness while navigating life’s various relationships.

• Insights on personal dance inspirations
• The impact of idol cu...

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 creating a fulfilling professional life.

• Discussing the early career influences and shifts 
• Building strong workplace relationships and culture 
• Insights on leadersh...

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 this candid conversation, we explore Andy's journey, which is as diverse as it is inspiring. From overcoming negative mental scripts to embracing the power of mentorship, Andy's exp...