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 support
• Marketing strategies that stand out in personal injury law
• Commitment to philanthropy and community support
• Launching BuildLABetter.com to aid fire victims
• Final thoughts on the nature of success and giving back

Guest bio:
Ali Razavi is the founder and managing attorney at Razavi Law Group, where he started his first year out of law school. He is an OC native, graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, and pursued his law degree at Chapman University’s Fowler School of Law. Ali has been solely focusing on civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution. He has scaled his business for the past 8 years, and trademarked “Who Hurt You?” He is also a philanthropist and a donor to underprivileged children. 

• IG: @yourlawyerali - https://www.instagram.com/yourlawyerali
• Website: https://www.razavilawgroup.com/ | https://www.whohurtyou.com

Links/resources:

• The School of Hard Knocks interview (IG video)
• “Never Split the Difference” by Chris Voss (book summary)
• Pencils of Promise (nonprofit / charity)
• https://www.buildlabetter.com
• Amazing Comedy Theater (comedy theater in Huntington Beach, CA)
• The Wolf of Wall Street (movie)

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]

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
• The rigorous path to breaking into the art industry
• How military service help him develope resilience
• Impact of mentorship on Ray's career development
• The need for self-care and managing self-doubt
• Balancing tradition and innovation in the advent of AI
• Networking and building connections in the art community
• Final insights on consistency and motivation for aspiring artists

Guest bio:
Ray Lee is a Concept Artist/ Environment Concept Artist/ Digital Art Teacher in Los Angeles, California. He creates 2D Concept Art, including Environment, Props, Illustration, Logo, and Character design to professional standards, showing his design's problem-solving quality in the Game and Entertainment Industry. He has a passion for creating gaming universes that captivate players’ imaginations.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rayleeart/
• Website: https://www.starlight-vision.com/
• IG: @rayleeart - https://www.instagram.com/rayleeart

Links/resources:

• The Art of Sky (wiki page for mobile game)

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]

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 social media on dance and the shift from personal to digital learning
• Experience with Awesome Shock and integrating dance therapy
• Leadership lessons and the importance of nurturing future dancers
• Contribution to "With Love" discussing queer and Filipino identities
• Emphasis on self-care for dancers and leaders
• Great insights on personal growth and community involvement

Guest bio:
As a visionary leader in the dance community, Arnel has inspired countless individuals through his work as founder of Kaba Modern, former Executive Director and former Board President of Culture Shock LA, former President of Culture Shock International, and as a member of the Kinjaz, while also empowering future leaders through his global education programs LEADERSHIP TOOLS for the DANCE LEADER and  ROOTS B4 BRANCHES.

He recently was the closing speaker for TEDx UC Irvine this past May and is a contributing author for recently released book: WITH LOVE - What we wish we knew about being Queer and Filipino in America.  In addition to all this, he works full-time as a Doctor of Occupational Therapy for the Long Beach Unified School District and is working in collaboration with Andy Ho and Culture Shock LA to expand his DANCE THERAPY program Awesome Shock LA in 2025 to provide an affirming and impactful space for dancers with disabilities.

Socials:
IG: @arnelcalvario
FB: Arnel Calvario
Website: www.DrArnel.com

Links/resources:

• Kaba Modern (wiki page)
• “How I learned to live authentically” (Arnel’s TEDx talk)
• With Love: What We Wish We Knew About Being Queer and Filipino in America by Dustin E. Domingo (book)
• Words that Move Me by Dana Wilson (podcast)
• Yung Pueblo (author, poet)
• Devon Blow - @Devthepineapple (Illustrator, IG)
• We The Urban (IG)

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]

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 culture on self-worth
• Navigating the complexities of modern dating
• The importance of friendship and connection
• Exploring food preferences and quirky culinary habits
• Reflections on growth, kindness, and learning from experiences

Guest bio:
Julie has known J.R. since 2012, when they were teammates on KKAP (Konnect Kpop Aspiring Performers), UCI's k-pop dance team. Through their love of dance, Julie and J.R. have worked together on several gigs over the years. In present day, Julie is full-time designer—UX and product by day, graphic and web by night. She previously taught beginner dance classes for kids and adults based out of Fountain Valley and Garden Grove. In her free time, she likes to volunteer, work on creative projects, bake, and obviously, talk to J.R.

Socials:
Design IG: @designedby.julie
Design website: https://www.jbhuynh.com/
Dance IG: @jujubeatsz
Cake IG: @cakehuynhner

Links/resources:

• KKAP UCI (kpop team IG)
• What Now?: Trevor Noah & Simon Sinek (podcast)
• The Mystery Method by Mystery (book summary)
• Andrew Tate (social media personality)
• Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel (book summary)
• The Game by Neil Stauss (book summary)
• The Truth by Neil Strauss (book summary)
• “Bad Habits” by Usher (song)

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 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 leadership learned through experience 
• The decision to enter real estate after years in property management 
• Experiences and takeaways from obtaining an MBA 
• The importance of personal growth and flexibility in one’s career

Guest bio:
Alex Rubio is a seasoned professional in property management and real estate, with over 15 years of experience. He earned his degree in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine in 2007 and his MBA from UC Irvine’s Merage School of Business in 2015, completing the fully employed program while working full-time.

Alex began his career with American Campus Communities (ACC) in 2006, where he played a key role in opening multiple properties, including Camino del Sol in 2010, Plaza Verde in 2019, and Plaza Verde II in 2023. Over the years, he advanced from Assistant Resident Director to Area Manager by 2019, earning accolades such as the “Whatever It Takes: React and Adapt” Award in 2020 and “Area Manager of the Year” in 2021. In addition to his work at ACC, Alex obtained his Real Estate License in 2017 and joined eXp Realty in 2023, expanding his expertise into the real estate sector. Passionate about both student housing and real estate, Alex combines strategic leadership with a forward-thinking approach to drive success in every project he undertakes.

Socials:
IG: @fiatalux / @alexrubio.realtor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarubio/
FB: Alex Rubio
Website: https://alexrubio.exprealty.com/

Links/resources:

• The Personal MBA by Josh Kaufman (book summary)
• UCI Paul Merage School of Business

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]

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 experiences demonstrate how passion and perseverance can shape both personal and professional landscapes.

Listen as Andy shares the powerful lessons learned from endurance sports, the challenges of balancing multiple passions, and the profound impact of self-belief and discipline. Discover how he navigated a winding path to find his calling in occupational therapy—enriched by his dance roots and a supportive network. This episode is a testament to the strength found in resilience and gratitude, offering insights into the relentless pursuit of a fulfilling life, where success is defined by joy and authenticity.

Guest bio:
Dr. Andy Ho is an occupational therapist, dancer, powerlifter, runner, and student of life. He attended Loma Linda University to pursue Occupational Therapy, where he received his both his Master and Doctor of Occupational Therapy, and currently works as a pediatric occupational therapist. A proud UC Irvine alum, Andy began dancing in the Irvine Dance Community with breaking, eventually leading him to join Kaba Modern. Currently, he is a company dancer for Culture Shock Los Angeles, and is a director of Awesome Shock Los Angeles - an occupational therapy led dance program for kiddos with diverse needs. Outside of his life as an OT and dancer, Andy is a competitive powerlifter and runner, where he continues to hone his mind, body, and soul to be better every single day.

Socials:
IG: @andyhoster / @_g.r.i.n.d

Links/resources:

• Charles R. Swindoll (pastor, author, educator)
• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (book summary)
• The Alchemist by Paulo Cuehlo (book summary)
• “G.R.I.N.D. (Get Ready It’s a New Day)” by Asher Roth (song/MV)
• Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (anime)
• Andy’s topless dancing onstage - KM @Vibe 2019 (dance video)
• Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (anime/manga)

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]

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.

John reflects on themes of adaptability, community building, and self-improvement. He discusses the supportive network that has been instrumental in overcoming challenges, emphasizing the need for a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Guest bio:
John Tieng is a film maker, stunt performer, action designer, dancer, and movement artist. At the age of 29, he made his first feature film debut during Christmas with the movie The Mean One. He was also featured in the TV mini series Bloodline of the Grid (2022). As of this recording, he has 17+ productions under his belt. John has also taught actors, dancers, and movers how to functionally fight and do action for a film, and teaches weekly at Swordplay LA. Before evolving into a stunt performer, he danced for 12 years. John also studies boxing, taekwondo, and weaponry. 

Socials:
IG: @johntieng
YouTube: John Tieng
Website: www.johntieng.com
IMDB: John Paul Tieng

Links/resources:

• John Tieng 2024 stunt reel
• “Boyfriend a douchebag” at Bridge NorCal (dance video)
• “Gas Pedal” choreography at Ultimate Brawl w/ Natural St8 (dance video)
• “Same Girl” choreography at Ultimate Brawl w/ Griminalz (dance video) 
• Freestyle dance at Greenside Sessions
• Once Upon a Time in China, Kiss of the Dragon, The One, Romeo Must Die, The Forbidden Kingdon (Jet Li movies)
• The Fall Guy (movie)
• The Kid starring Charlie Chapman (silent movie)

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]

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 listeners practical advice on career growth and embracing change. From our early days at UCI to our ventures in dance and stand-up comedy, our dialogue seamlessly oscillates between philosophical wisdom and laughter, uncovering the dynamic fabric of our unique friendship.

Guest bio:
Aeden Anthony Pham is a published researcher, knowledgeable in the topics of race, gender, and sexuality in popular media, has 2 masters degrees, and has studied in 5 different countries. Professionally, he has worked in multiple industries including service, non-profit, entertainment, and technology. In their 20+ years of work experience, they've received recognition from the city council, the state government, the office of the president, and even Disneyland. Aeden is an award-winning singer, dancer, writer, and film director also enjoys investing their time in various activities, such as stand-up comedy, archery, ice skating, and video/board gaming.

Socials:
IG: @aedenanthony / @iamajrp
YouTube: @aedenanthony

Links/resources:

• Inside Out (movie)
• Inside Out 2 (movie)
• “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo (book summary)
• “Please Look After Mom” by Shin Kyung-Sook (audiobook - affiliate)
• “I Went to See My Father” by Shin Kyung-Sook (audiobook - affiliate)
• Everything Everywhere All at Once (movie) 
• Aeden’s Linktree

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]

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 pun-thusiast.

Socials:
IG: @blessie.mp4 / @jrandblessie
TikTok: @blessie.mp4 / @jrandblessie
YouTube: @blessiemarie / @JRandBlessie

Links/resources:

• Tori Kelley (singer)
• Megan Batoon (dancer, content creator)
• Jenn Im (YouTuber)
• UIAS: Paul x4 (viral video)
• “I don’t want it anymore” (viral video)
• UIAS w/ HappySlip (TikTok video)
• K-Factor 2024 set (dance video - Blessie’s choreography section)
• The Ninth Commandment
• Matthew 7:3-5 (NIV) (Bible verse)
• Bretman Rock (YouTuber / influencer)
• Portable handheld fan (affiliate link)
• “Everything Matters!” by Ron Currie Jr. (book - affiliate link)
• “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert (audiobook - affiliate link)
• Big Magic book summary 
• www.marloyonocruz.com (book summaries)
• My Old Ass (movie)
• The Woman King (movie)
• 3 Idiots (movie)

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]

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 provide a blueprint for balancing knowledge with humility and the value of taking one's time to gain life experiences before diving into a career.

June also delves into the exciting sphere of user-generated content. She shares her journey from making casual videos to strategically crafting content for brands. Through personal anecdotes about navigating personal loss and growth, we reflect on dreams, resilience, and the importance of gratitude in achieving personal and professional fulfillment. Whether it's insights into UGC or heartfelt stories of transformation, this episode promises to leave you inspired and motivated.

Guest bio:
Dr. June Lee is a dedicated and highly skilled physical therapist based in West Los Angeles. With four years of experience under her belt, June specializes in orthopedics and post-op rehab, making her a go-to expert for adults and athletes of all kinds. She's worked with an impressive range of patients, from D1 football players and marathon runners to professional and collegiate dancers—and nearly everything in between. June also runs a small side business, where she provides private mobile PT sessions, treating patients in various locations like at home or in the gym. Beyond her clinical expertise, she creates engaging content as a UGC creator on social media.

Socials:
IG: @ohhhjune / @drjunept
PT Website: www.drjune.rehab
UGC website: www.ugcbyjune.com

Links/resources:

• KM x Kobe Bryant dance runthrough (video)
• Kobe Bryant shoutout to Kaba Modern (video)
• Jay Shetty on why Kobe played through injuries (video)
• Free UGC Guide
• @tran.ugc (UGC Creator & Coach - Instagram)
• June’s UGC ad samples
• Andrew Garfield & Elmo explain grief (video)
• Jenn Im (YouTuber / content creator)
• Motion (AI calendar app)
• Retrainpain.org

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]