RJ Manalo shares his journey as a Filipino-American musician, producer, and audio engineer who finds fulfillment in creating opportunities for others through Project: AKOOL.

• Born on the East Coast but raised in Rancho Cucamonga, RJ was influenced heavily by his musical family
• Navigated the typical Filipino-American pressure to pursue nursing while following his passion for audio and music
• Started dancing in high school through b-boying before transitioning to K-pop dance
• Won first place at KCON's Coverstar K vocal competition in 2019 with his friend Ed
• Discovered his passion for audio engineering accidentally
• Created Project: AKOOL as a collaborative platform for K-pop vocal and dance covers
• Defines success as making meaningful connections with others through shared creative work
• Credits the video game Kingdom Hearts and its composer, Yoko Shimomura, as a major influence on his musical development

Guest bio:
RJ is a musician, producer, freelance sound editor and (recently) dance videographer. He is the director of "Project: AKOOL", a project created for but not limited to, KPOP vocal & dance covers. He also works as a music minister for his local church singing and playing piano for Sunday services, as well as the drummer for a 70's/80's cover band in Rancho Cucamonga. He along with his rapper partner Ed won 1st place in KCON's CoverStar K (Vocal) in 2019. In his free time he plays games such as Apex Legends or League of Legends with his friends and has a hobby of prop making and carpentry. He kind of dances also.  

• Instagram: @jaymanalo13 / https://www.instagram.com/jaymanalo13/
• Instagram: @akooltheworld / https://www.instagram.com/akooltheworld/
• YouTube: @RJManaloMusic / https://www.youtube.com/@RJManaloMusic

Links/resources:

• SVT - Rock With You w/ Untitled (dance cover - YouTube)
• SVT - Super w/ Untitled (dance cover - YouTube)
• SVT - Crush w/ Untitled (dance cover - YouTube)
• K-Factor 2022 w/ Untitled (dance performance - YouTube)
• “Ah Yeah” cover w/ Ed (vocal cover - YouTube)
• “Palagi” cover w/ Blessie (vocal cover - YouTube)
• Yoko Shimomura (music composer - Wikipedia)
• The Content Trap by Barat Anand (book - Amazon affiliate link) 

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: [email protected]

Host J.R. welcomes his mother, Marie Potts, for a heartfelt conversation exploring her life experiences, parenting philosophy, and the values that shaped their family.

• Growing up in Northern California as the oldest of five siblings and becoming a mother at a young age
• The importance of unconditional love in parenting
• Why generosity of spirit matters even when you don't have much materially
• Animal advocacy work and the ethical problems with breeding versus adoption
• The connection between gratitude and quality of life
• How focusing on what you're grateful for changes your perspective
• The importance of addressing root causes rather than just complaining about problems
• Teaching others as a way to create lasting positive change

Guest bio:
A Bay Area native, Marie grew up in Vallejo, is the oldest of 5, and a mother of three. She later moved to the East Bay where her three children grew up through junior high and high school. She has worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 20+ years.

Fun fact: She is the mother of the host of this show!

• IG: @nwta3 / https://www.instagram.com/nwta3/

Links/resources:

• Food, Inc. (movie on food production - Wikipedia)
• Crossbody Messenger Bag (Amazon affiliate link)
• Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder (audiobook - Amazon affiliate link)
• I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi (audiobook - Amazon affiliate link)

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: [email protected]

Eric Y Chen shares his journey from high school student with business dreams to serial entrepreneur with multiple successful ventures, including a viral card game and shipping company.

• Growing up watching his father in business ignited Eric's early interest
• After starting in sales at ADP, Eric learned that listening and asking the right questions was more valuable than talking
• A serious car accident in 2016 served as a catalyst for Eric to leave corporate life and pursue entrepreneurship
• Created Subobatage, a Boba-themed card game that has sold over 100,000 units
• Getting products into big box retail after a full year highlights why entrepreneurs shouldn't quit too early
• Retail success comes with unexpected challenges including cash flow issues, special packaging requirements, and the constant risk of being discontinued
• Launched MoCo Shipping, a 3PL fulfillment center
• Experience running his own business taught Eric the importance of setting boundaries and using proper contracts with clients
• Defines success not as financial milestones but as having health, peace, and community

Guest bio:
Eric is a serial entrepreneur specializing in product launch marketing services. He's well known for his viral card game Sabobatage: The Boba Card Game, having sold over 100,000 in a few short years and is available in retailers like Target, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon. He manages multiple clients through his marketing agency, Launch Brand Grow, responsible for 7 figure brands, running facebook ads, web design, and lead gen. In 2024, with the growth of his own brands and clients, he's building up 3PL fulfillment center to help companies with shipping products to their end customers. This allows clients to come full circle providing a near A-Z solution when running an e-commerce business. 

• IG: @chenericeric / https://www.instagram.com/chenericeric/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eyfchen718/
• Website: launchbrandgrow.com
• Website: sabobatage.com
• Website: mocoshipping.com

Links/resources:

• The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss (book - amazon affiliate link)
• The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber (book summary)
• Shōgun (2024 TV series - Wikipedia)

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: [email protected]

Vanessa Barrios shares her journey from an aspiring influencer to a dynamic content creator with 300,000 followers across platforms, showing how authenticity and consistency have been key to her success.

• Started content creation after a life-changing conversation with friends in an Olive Garden parking lot
• Prioritizes authenticity in her content while balancing the persona her audience knows
• Taking breaks when experiencing burnout to compile content and reset mentally
• Found a supportive community to help manage content demands
• Navigated the transition from toxic to healthy relationships through self-reflection
• Believes in prioritizing yourself first as the foundation of healthy relationships
• Approaches comedy content by being herself and posting what she personally finds funny

If you want to start creating content, Vanessa's advice is simple: just do it, prioritize yourself, and don't be afraid to take that first step.

Guest bio:
Vanessa Barrios is a dynamic social media content creator who has spent the past two years building an engaged community of over 300,000 followers across platforms. A recent graduate from San Diego State University with a Bachelor's in Business Administration, Vanessa is not only a rising Twitch streamer and aspiring ASMRtist but also a dedicated yogi. Her content blends humor, comfort, and creativity, offering a refreshing presence in the digital world. Whether she’s live on Twitch, creating relaxing ASMR videos, or sharing moments from her wellness journey, Vanessa brings authenticity and passion to everything she does.

• IG: @lovenessuh / https://www.instagram.com/lovenessuh/
• TikTok: @lovenessuh222 / https://www.tiktok.com/@lovenessuh222
• Twitch: @lovenessuh222 / https://www.twitch.tv/lovenessuh222
• YouTube: @lovenessuh222 / https://www.youtube.com/@lovenessuh222

Links/resources:

• Vanessa’s yoga traumatizing yoga class (IG video)
• Ryan Higa - The Big Bouncing Inflatable Green Ball (YouTube)
• #33: Hazier Rios - Educating the Future Generation, Emotional Communication, and Improving Little by Little (OTG podcast)
• #39: Hazier Rios - Improving Relationships, the Influence of Media & Government, and Cultivating More Peace (OTG podcast)
• Vanilla Mace (content creator - YouTube channel)

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: [email protected]

Educator and psychology student Hazier Rios returns for a deeper conversation about how our education system fails to teach critical life skills while exploring ways to find peace in an increasingly chaotic world.

• Critical gaps in education, particularly around relationship-building and communication skills
• The financial struggles teachers face with absurdly low departmental budgets
• How modern media has become less original as arts education gets deprioritized
• The challenge of finding authentic leadership in modern social movements
• Redefining love as something that requires effort rather than Hollywood perfection
• Finding peace by disconnecting from technology and practicing presence
• The distinction between fleeting joy and lasting fulfillment
• How grounding yourself physically can lead to mental clarity and peace

Guest bio:
Hazier Rios holds a BA in Psychology from UCI, where he served as President of Active Minds, a student-led organization promoting mental health awareness. He’s delivered a TED Talk on improving your life, traveled to four continents, and continues to inspire students as a dedicated educator. Outside the classroom, Hazier makes music and rock climbs—balancing creativity and challenge in all areas of life. His ultimate goal is to earn a PhD in Clinical Psychology to help people around the world navigate their lives with clarity, compassion, and resilience.

• IG: @hazi.er / https://www.instagram.com/hazi.er/
• TikTok: @hazi.er33 / https://www.tiktok.com/@hazi.er33 / @boonkie33 / https://www.tiktok.com/@boonkie33
• Spotify: @Boonkie / https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Xc3P5joK9aBNd81k7hKW1?si=OFpWAfWhSlKtaAW_sSr1Hw
• Twitch: @Boonkie33 / https://www.twitch.tv/Boonkie33

Links/resources:

• #33: Hazier Rios - Educating the Future Generation, Emotional Communication, and Improving Little by Little (OTG Podcast)
• The Almanac of Naval Ravikant (book summary)

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: [email protected]

We explore the multifaceted relationship between dance as an art form and profession with talented choreographer and dancer Yerson Ochoa, diving deep into the technical aspects of movement while uncovering the power of authenticity both on and off the dance floor.

• Maintaining authenticity as a dance teacher by showing both good and bad days creates stronger community connections
• Building sharp, clean dance technique requires consistent training, conditioning, and developing muscle memory
• How to improve weight shifting and balance
• K-pop idol dancing differs from "dancer dancing"
• Social media creates pressure to present perfected versions of ourselves
• True friendships develop when we stop trying to please others and present our authentic selves

Guest bio:
Yerson is a Peruvian, multi-style dancer, performer, and one of the most sought-after dance instructors in SoCal. He is well-known on social media for being one of the most energetic and inspiring kpop dancers in the community. He currently teaches at various studios in SoCal, including S1L Studio in Irvine, Epicenter Arts + Entertainment in Torrance, YG Dance Studio in San Gabriel, and Movement Lifestyle in Burbank.

• IG: @yerson.8a / https://www.instagram.com/yerson.8a/
• TikTok: @yersonochoacandia8 / https://www.tiktok.com/@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: [email protected]

Clark Fielding shares his journey from personal injury attorney to founding his own boutique law firm, offering wisdom on career development, entrepreneurship, and maintaining work-life balance while raising a family.

• Clark's formative experience on a two-year church mission to Brazil
• The "sorting hat" theory of career development
• Importance of staying curious and exploring different subjects when determining a career path
• Founding Fielding Law in 2019
• Why relationships and building a strong network are crucial for long-term career success
• Red flags when hiring
• The value of in-person office work for skill development, especially for early-career professionals
• Balancing family life with three children
• The power of daily gratitude and manifestation exercises with his children
• Career advice for younger generations: develop ethics, find mentors, work hard, and enjoy the journey

Guest bio:
Clark H. Fielding is a passionate personal injury attorney and the founding attorney of Fielding Law. Known for his genuine care and unwavering dedication, Clark puts his clients first—always. He built Fielding Law on the belief that every injured person deserves to be heard, supported, and fiercely represented. Known affectionately as Clark the Shark, he blends sharp legal skills with a big heart, making sure each client feels seen, valued, and protected every step of the way.

Clark H. Fielding

• Instagram: @clarkthesharklaw
• Website: clarkthesharklaw.com

Fielding Law Firm

• Website: fieldinglawfirm.com
• Instagram: @fieldinglawfirm 
• Facebook: Fielding Law Firm 
• LinkedIn: Fielding Law, APC 

Links/resources:

• Power Players Profile in Modern Luxury Magazine
• Johnson O’Connor aptitude test (website)
• Shoe Dog by Phil Knight (book summary)
• Steve Jobs commencement address (video - YouTube)
• Good to Great by Jim Collins (audiobook - Amazon affiliate link)
• Gladiator II (movie - wikipedia)
• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss (book summary)
• OTG #23 - Ali Razavi (podcast episode)

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: [email protected]

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 relationships
• Career aspirations evolved from designing chairs to film directing at BuzzFeed to creating independent art
• Coming out as queer at 27 marked a pivotal shift from living on "autopilot" to authentic self-expression
• Practicing "relationship anarchy" - defining connections based on authentic desires rather than societal expectations
• Healing from trauma involves acceptance and grace rather than eliminating triggers or achieving perfection
• Reconnecting with nature helps combat loneliness and provides wisdom about relationships and boundaries
• Creating the world we want to see by living it rather than waiting for permission or validation

Guest bio:
Murphy Pines is a multi-disciplinary artist and storyteller whose work explores themes about emotions, vulnerability and authenticity. Murphy has had a broad range of experience spanning from their years at Buzzfeed to directing music videos, designing props on animated shows and creating a successfully funded kickstarter.

• IG: @hereismysecret / https://www.instagram.com/hereismysecret/
• IG: @hereismyclubhouse / https://www.instagram.com/hereismyclubhouse/
• Linktree: @murphyscottage / https://linktr.ee/murphyscottage

Links/resources:

• “I’M HERE” Deck (cards - website)
• About Time (movie - Wikipedia)
• How Deep Will You Go (card game - website)
• “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer (book - Wikipedia)
• Kura Revolving Sushi Bar (sushi restaurant - website)
• Adrienne Maree Brown (author - website)
• Yumi Sakugawa (artist/author - website)

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: [email protected]

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
• Discovered UX design through a human-computer interaction class, finding alignment with her natural skills
• Explains the distinction between UI (visual elements) and UX (how people interact with products)
• Describes how empathy is central to UX design through understanding diverse user needs
• Discusses baking as a parallel passion that taught her progression from precise rule-following to confident adaptation
• Advocates for "putting in the reps" and consistent practice as essential for growth in any field
• Shares how community work provided low-stakes opportunities to develop leadership and creative skills

Guest bio:
Julie is passionate about lifelong learning and bringing people together. She's originally from Chicago, but grew up in Orange County. She spends all of her waking hours dividing time between working full-time as a user experience designer, freelance graphic designing, volunteering, working on various hobbies, and being there for family and friends.

• Design IG: @designedby.julie - https://www.instagram.com/designedby.julie/
• Design website: https://www.jbhuynh.com/
• Dance IG: @jujubeatsz - https://www.instagram.com/jujubeatsz/
• Cake IG: @cakehuynhner - https://www.instagram.com/cakehuynhner/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huynhjulie/

Links/resources:

• KKAP @UCI KCN 2012 (dance performance - YouTube)
• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones (Amazon - affiliate link)
• The Accountant (movie - Wikipedia)

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: [email protected]

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 compared to the typical 2-7% internal raises
• The "squeaky wheel gets the oil" - you must make your accomplishments known rather than silently working hard
• Alex's investment choices that have provided better returns than traditional S&P 500 investments
• Taking a year off from dating helped Alex reset his priorities and become comfortable with being alone
• Looking for a partner who aligns on future goals matters more than shared hobbies or interests
• Understanding emotional versus logical approaches helps navigate relationship dynamics

Guest bio:
Alex is the Chief of Staff at a start-up that provides back-office solutions for property managers, focusing on business enablement and strategy to grow the business, and unblock operational challenges. He loves debating with friends to challenge his ideas and opinions. His best friend is his white and grey shih tzu, Teddy.

• IG: @hungonlife / https://www.instagram.com/hungonlife/
  LinkedIn: @AlexanderHung / https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-hung/

Links/resources:

• Kaba Modern @Vibe17 (dance performance - YouTube)
• Eye warmer / massager (Amazon - affiliate link)
• All-In Podcast (YouTube channel)

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: [email protected]