One Thousand Gurus Podcast

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...

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 his stunt performances and opens doors in the industry. He explains the seamless connection between dance and fight choreography and the critical importance of safety in stunt work.

Jo...

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, industries, and artistic expressions. Aeden shares his profound insights on personal and professional development, influenced by his experiences in therapy and feedback-seeking, offering list...

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 internationally for her comedy, couple, and Filipino culture content. She was a choreographer for SHERO’s 1st place 2024 K-Factor set, enjoys karaokes during her spare time, dancing kpop covers, and is a pu...

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 passion in physical therapy. It’s a tale that underscores the importance of listening to one's inner calling and embracing diverse experiences along the way. June’s insights provid...

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 fitness coach. His story reminds us live pivots can sometimes steer us towards our true passions, and his insights into setting realistic goals and embracing challenges will surely resonate with...

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 ignited by her family's legacy and further fueled by her discovery of K-pop.

Alexa takes us behind the scenes of her Dream Stage adventure, revealing the rigorous process ...

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 growing up in Australia to creating his recent bilingual EP, theoneDNA's story is one of resilience, family support, and the power of music to bridge cultures.

He chats about co-fou...