One Thousand Gurus Podcast

J.R. Yonocruz
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a software project manager, self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, dancer, stand-up comedian, 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. All links & socials https://bio.site/onethousandgurus

  1. 6d ago

    #92: Yerson Ochoa - Teaching, Friendships, Ego, and Building Safe Dance Communities

    Host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes back dancer and teacher Yerson Ochoa for his third appearance on One Thousand Gurus. Yerson shares updates from the past year, including learning to say no to sessions, hangouts, and projects to protect his schedule, while continuing to teach and taking a new role at a year-long conservatory that shifted his approach toward stricter fundamentals and measurable student growth. They discuss how friendships can be temporary, the value of low-maintenance, organic connections, and the importance of closing chapters. They also explore creating safe environments by intentionally curating community, how ego and titles/labels affect dance spaces, and differences between choreography/cover mindsets and freestyle creation. Yerson closes with gratitude for patience and being caring toward others. 02:37 Safe Space Friends 03:37 Yearly Life Update & Saying "No" More 11:46 Friends Come and Go 21:20 Closing Old Chapters 29:49 Hobbies Make Friends 32:50 Beginner Mindset, Ego, and Humility 40:15 Dance Sessions Environments & Dynamics 47:08 No Beginner Labels 50:47 Wrap Up Gratitude 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/@yersonochoacandia8Send us Fan Mail Support 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. 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz

  2. Aug 3

    #91: Book Highlights - Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

    Why We Sleep (Matthew Walker) Book Highlights: The Science and Practice of Better Sleep Host J.R. Yonocruz highlights Matthew Walker’s Why We Sleep, arguing that sleep is the foundational driver of health, affecting the brain and body more than diet or exercise. He explains circadian rhythm and adenosine-based sleep pressure, the stages of sleep (NREM and REM), and how caffeine and alcohol undermine sleep quality. Key points cover memory and performance, emotional regulation, and links between sleep loss and risks like weight gain, hormone disruption, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. He closes with Walker’s modern sleep obstacles and 12 practical tips, emphasizing a consistent eight hours nightly. 00:00 Welcome and Book Intro 02:07 What Sleep Is 03:42 Stages of Sleep Explained 05:09 Sleep and Brain Power 06:35 Emotions and Disease Risk 07:30 Sleep and the Body 08:49 Dreams and REM Benefits 09:34 Why We Sleep Less Today 10:58 12 Tips for Better Sleep 12:21 Final Takeaways and Wrap Up Links/resources: 📖 Full blog post notes: https://marloyonocruz.com/2020/04/10/book-notes-why-we-sleep-by-matthew-walker/🎧 Audiobook on Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Why-We-Sleep-Audiobook/B0752ZQR33📺 Slides presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10KN9_FmTsO1rdbgdprEEQ9kzpXvvbXm1/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103742804652080246861&rtpof=true&sd=trueSend us Fan Mail Support 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. 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz

  3. Jul 27

    #90 - Season 9 Recap - Favorite Takeaways from Episodes 81–89

    Season 9 Recap: Key Lessons from AI, Productivity, Dance, Fitness, Grief, and Comedy Host J.R. Yonocruz delivers an audio-only recap of One Thousand Gurus Season 9, reflecting behind the scenes on episodes 81–89 and inviting listeners to revisit conversations that resonated. He highlights the season’s range—random shows, return guests, a book highlight, and deep one-on-ones—covering topics like AI and the future of work, productivity, fitness, dance, medicine, grief, comedy, and mental health. Key takeaways include distinguishing self-care from indulgence and recognizing “phantom costs” of clutter; AI’s limitations and the value of broad, resilient skill-building; Make Time’s “highlight” framework and distraction awareness; treating sales as being the “CEO of your own life”; prioritizing groove and joy in dance; adaptive nutrition tracking and hobby depth; choosing careers by what daily life looks like; grief as love without a destination; and creative discipline plus a practical mental health routine. 01:16 Season 9 Overview 01:44 Ep 81: Random Show with Aeden Pham 02:49 Ep 82: AI And Work with Alex Hung 04:06 Ep 83: Book Highlight - Make Time 04:57 Ep 84 Faith And Fitness with Richard Hardy 05:54 Ep 85 Joy In Dance with Brian "Lil B" Perez 06:58 Ep 86 Cosplay And Bowling with Travis Trinh 08:06 Ep 87 Medicine And Travel with Ramy Sidhom 09:04 Ep 88 Grief Reframed with Blessie Panopio 10:11 Ep 89 Comedy And Mental Health with Andrew Tran Links/resources: #81: Random Show with Aeden Pham - Self-Care vs. Indulgence, Speaking with Integrity, and Spending Habits#82: Alex Hung - AI Tools, Leading Productive Teams, and Navigating the Changing Workforce#83: Book Highlights - Make Time by Jake Knapp & John Zeratsky#84: Richard Hardy - Finding Faith, Exploring Fitness, and Seeking Feedback for Success#85: Brian "Lil B" Perez - Winning International Competitions, the Evolution of Locking, Podcasting as Public Therapy, and Finding Joy in Dance#86: Travis Trinh - AX Summer Cut Regimen, Cosplay, Anime Spoilers & Hot Takes, and Bowling Technique Deep Dive#87: Ramy Sidhom - Embracing the Variety of Life, Advice for Medical School, and Being Bold with Solo Travel#88: Blessie Panopio - New Fitness Journey, Reading Habits, Concerts, G.O.A.T. Discussions, and Dealing with Grief#89: Andrew Tran - Art Inspirations, Standup Comedy, Financial Planning, and Prioritizing Mental HealthSend us Fan Mail Support 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. 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz

  4. Jul 20

    #89: Andrew Tran - Art Inspirations, Standup Comedy, Financial Planning, and Prioritizing Mental Health

    Andrew “Trandrew” Tran: From Kaba Modern Breakdancer to Financial Services Manager—Comedy, Mental Health, and Fatherhood Host J.R. Yonocruz reunites with Andrew Tran (Trandrew), a financial services manager and longtime performer with roots in theater, breakdancing, and stand-up comedy, now living in Las Vegas and expecting a baby with his partner, Clarizcel. They reflect on meeting through Kaba Modern, Andrew’s years on the team (2004–2006), and later leadership with Kaba Modern Legacy (2014–2017), including leaving Modern early amid mental health and personal challenges. Andrew shares how he got into stand-up, how he wrote and structured sets, and lessons about taking action despite fear. He also discusses his career shift into financial planning and offers practical takeaways on therapy, exercise, sleep, and emotional self-awareness. Chapters 02:10 Vegas, Baby News, and Kaba Modern 13:08 Origins and Influences 20:48 Theater to Stand-Up 27:27 Writing and Structuring Sets 39:53 What Makes Jokes Work & Lessons on Performing 43:46 Switching Into Finance 48:36 Finding The Right Advisor 52:29 Mental Health Journey 57:56 Personality Highs And Lows 01:03:40 Rapid Fire Questions 01:16:26 Gratitude And Final Signoff Guest bio: Andrew Tran a.k.a. “Trandrew” is currently a financial services manager at a Fortune 100 company. Outside of work, he has a strong background in the performing arts. He grew up doing theatre and even dabbled in stand-up comedy. At age 12, Andrew began breakdancing and is a founding member of Placebo Effect Crew. He also previously served as Executive Director of Kaba Modern Legacy. Currently, he enjoys playing guitar during his free time. He is looking forward to being a first-time parent later this year with his partner, Clarizcel.  Socials/links: Instagram: @trandreww_ / https://www.instagram.com/trandreww_/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-hung-tran/Links/resources: Don’t Stop Me Now - Queen (Trandrew’s dance choreography)The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson (book summary)The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer (Amazon - affiliate link)Send us Fan Mail Support 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. 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz

  5. Jul 13

    #88: Blessie Panopio - New Fitness Journey, Reading Habits, Concerts, G.O.A.T. Discussions, and Dealing with Grief

    Blessie Marie Panopio Returns: Fitness Discipline, Sleep, Reading, and Grief Host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes back Blessie Marie Panopio to share life updates since her last appearance. They talk about moving, her fitness and nutrition journey, and her mom’s recent health scare and recovery. The conversation also covers sleep habits, getting back into reading through library apps, and recent concerts. They close with thoughts on shorter modern songs, GOAT debates, and grief as love with no place to go. 01:30 Life Updates 05:30 Gym Motivation Shift 09:01 Nutrition Portion Control 14:30 Workout Routine Basics 19:08 Accountability Advice 22:33 Sleep First Always 24:32 Library Card Hacks 27:33 Book Goals And Series 30:55 Why Songs Are Shorter 34:05 Michael Jackson Misconceptions 36:32 GOAT Debates Across Eras 41:43 Grief And Love Reframe 45:09 Gratitude And Wrap Up 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 karaoke during her spare time, dancing K-pop covers, and is a pun-thusiast. Socials/links: Instagram: @blessie.mp4 / https://www.instagram.com/blessie.mp4/ TikTok: @blessie.mp4 / https://www.tiktok.com/@blessie.mp4  Links/resources: Finch (self-care app)Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker (book summary)Hoopla (public library app - audiobooks, ebooks, movies & music)Send us Fan Mail Support 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. 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz

  6. Jul 6

    #87: Ramy Sidhom - Embracing the Variety of Life, Advice for Medical School, and Being Bold with Solo Travel

    Dr. Ramy Sidhom on Medicine, Dance, Solo Travel, and Finding Meaning J.R. Yonocruz reconnects with Dr. Ramy Sidhom to talk about his path from Kaba Modern and diverse cultural interests to becoming a physician with four board certifications (internal medicine, pulmonary/critical care, and hospice/palliative care). Ramy shares lessons on thriving with variety, learning how to study effectively, navigating medical training, and choosing a career by leaning into what brings joy (and avoiding what you hate). They also discuss Ramy’s love of travel—especially solo trips—and end with a rapid-fire on control, meaning, habits, and gratitude for community. 02:15 Kaba Modern Culture 07:33 Ramy The Mentor 09:41 Origin Story Anaheim 19:45 Med School While Competing 29:35 Specialties and Day-to-Day of a Doctor 34:38 Advice For Future Doctors & Career Reflections 38:05 Travel Origins and Mindset 41:37 Solo Travel Tips & Favorite Destinations 46:50 Rapid Fire Wisdom 51:15 Control and Meaning 57:12 Hot Takes and Habits 01:00:36 Gratitude and Farewell Guest bio: Ramy is an early-career physician with a few board certifications who still tries to dance as much as possible and travel the world whenever possible. He is social, extroverted, and loves a good meal with good company. He believes that people are good, and God provides what we need to make it through this world. Instagram: @ramuluss / https://www.instagram.com/ramuluss/Send us Fan Mail Support 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. 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz

  7. Jun 29

    #86: Travis Trinh - AX Summer Cut Regimen, Cosplay, Anime Spoilers & Hot Takes, and Bowling Technique Deep Dive

    Catching Up with Travis Trinh: Summer Cut for AX, Cosplay, Anime Takes, and Bowling Tech J.R. Yonocruz welcomes return guest Travis Trinh to catch up on the past 14 months, from work, gym, Gunpla, and snowboarding to weekly bowling league. They break down Travis’ annual Anime Expo summer cut (including MacroFactor), brainstorm AX cosplay ideas, and talk anime with spoilers for several series and movie arcs. The conversation closes with a deeper dive into bowling technique, lane conditions, and consistency. 01:06 Travis Returns and Life Updates 06:42 Bowling League and Vegas Tournament 10:58 Summer Cut Strategy and MacroFactor 18:18 Carbs Ketosis and Training Split 24:34 AX Cosplay Plans and Shortlist 37:15 Cosplay Meetups 42:00 Chainsaw Man Vs Demon Slayer 48:28 My Hero Ending Thoughts 52:21 Anime Deaths: Mentors & Moms 58:59 Rent A Girlfriend Appeal 01:06:34 Whiny Leads And Plot Charm 01:09:24 Anime Tropes & J.R.'s Favorite Genres 01:12:41 Bowling Technical Deep Dive 01:23:19 Music and Mental Game 01:28:47 Bowling Rituals 01:36:24 Wrapping Up and Gratitude Guest bio: Travis Trinh, the closet nerd who grew into an extroverted nerd! Travis is also an anime, cosplay, fitness, and bowling enthusiast. IG: @officialT_T / https://www.instagram.com/officialt_t/Links/resources: MacroFactor (nutrition tracking app)Send us Fan Mail Support 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. 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz

  8. Jun 22

    #85: Brian “Lil B” Perez - Winning International Competitions, the Evolution of Locking, Podcasting as Public Therapy, and Finding Joy in Dance

    Host J.R. Yonocruz reconnects with Bay Area locker Brian “Lil B” Perez to reflect on their early Academy of Villains days and AOV’s mission to bridge freestyle and choreography. Lil B shares his path from DDR and working for Konami/tech QA into locking, plus lessons from battles, travel, and learning to train groove and feeling. They also discuss mentorship, safer dance spaces, therapy and identity, and how social media has changed dance culture and learning. Chapters: 01:57 Reconnecting After Years 02:59 AOV Origins and Early Days 08:20 Mentorship and Team Culture 12:27 Freestyle Meets Choreo 22:22 Building Safer Dance Spaces & Shoutout to Arnel Calvario 31:45 Brian Origin Story Begins 33:47 DDR Community, Konami Job & QA Career 41:14 Why Locking Clicked 46:08 Flow State And Loss 51:37 Prestige Locking Training 54:44 Finding Groove In Between 01:00:40 Teaching Joy And Music 01:09:04 Therapy Identity And Pitfalls 01:12:30 Keeping Locking Alive 01:17:40 Traveling For Dance Life 01:24:39 Travel For Dance Growth 01:28:59 Politics Roots And Leadership 01:32:41 Social Media & Dance Classes 01:48:26 OG Gatekeeping And Fallout 01:52:03 Locking Ceiling And Exposure 02:00:43 Dancing In The TikTok Era 02:09:04 Rapid Fire Reflections 02:15:44 Vulnerability and Therapy 02:20:56 Anime and K Pop Identity 02:27:49 Gratitude and Final Message Guest bio: Brian Perez a.k.a. "Lil B" is a locker from San Francisco, California who started his journey in 2007. In the previous years he has entered competitions and taught in California, Las Vegas, New York, Japan, Paris, and China.  Dance Affiliations: Unortholockx, Groovmekanex, DS Players, Academy of Villains (1st gen), All My Friends, and co-founder of Dance Over Styles. He has also been in the tech field doing Quality Assurance for about 20 years.  Instagram: @lockinglilb / https://www.instagram.com/lockinglilb/Links/resources: #21: Dr. Arnel Calvario Ripkens - From KM to TEDx, Asians in Hip-Hop, and Cultivating Leaders of the FuturePlanet B-Boy (documentary - Wikipedia)Send us Fan Mail Support 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. 💻 Website: www.onethousandgurus.com🔗 All links & socials: https://bio.site/onethousandgurus📧 The Weekly Guru newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/c97a350b06d6/newsletter📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz

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Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a software project manager, self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, dancer, stand-up comedian, 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. All links & socials https://bio.site/onethousandgurus

Information

  • Creator
    J.R. Yonocruz
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    92
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 One Thousand Gurus Podcast
  • Show Website
    One Thousand Gurus Podcast

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