Herbie De Guzman: Dance, DJing, Audio Engineering, and Filling Your Cup

J.R. Yonocruz sits down with Herbie De Guzman—dancer-turned-DJ and audio professional—to talk about growing up Filipino in San Diego, learning Tagalog through family and karaoke, and pivoting from kinesiology to an audio career that led to SeaWorld and Universal Studios. Herbie shares how DJing started as a way to keep dancers moving, why sound quality and engineering matter, and what makes a good DJ—reading the room and serving the crowd. They also discuss grief, aging parents, a recent breakup, and Herbie’s guiding takeaway: fill your own cup first so you can pour into others.

01:24 First Podcast Vibes
04:24 Moving to LA from SD
10:58 Filipino Culture and Tagalog
15:15 From Kinesiology to Audio
19:49 SeaWorld to Universal Audio
25:55 Audio Career Advice
28:51 DJ vs Audio Engineering
31:02 What Makes a Great DJ
33:18 Reading the Room
36:00 Talking About Mortality
38:56 Cherish Your Parents
41:57 Breakups and True Love
46:56 Rapid Fire Questions
50:02 Best Advice: Fill Your Cup
52:18 Definition of Success
57:58 Media Recs
01:01:07 Gratitude and Wrap Up

Guest bio:
Former Dance Director for 220, Veteran DJ in the San Diego Club Scene, Former Audio & Media Studio Engineer for SeaWorld San Diego, Audio Mixer for Universal Studios Theme Park. Now also part of the production team for Seafood City's "Late Night Madness".

• Instagram: @isolatorbeats / https://www.instagram.com/isolatorbeats/

Links/resources:

• OTG #68: Rani Bungay
• OTG #38: Yerson Ochoa
• “Your mom shows you an unfunny video” (IG reel by @lifewfarzy)
• Liquid Vitamin B-Complex (Amazon - affiliate link)
• Unoffendable by Brant Hansen (audiobook - affiliate link)
• The Men We Need by Brant Hansen (audiobook - 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

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: KonMari, Spark Joy, and Designing Your Ideal Life

Host J.R. Yonocruz explains how Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up reshaped his relationship with possessions, time, and happiness while he was preparing to downsize. He breaks down the KonMari Method—tidying all at once, sorting by category, discarding first, and keeping only what “sparks joy”—as a mindset practice rooted in gratitude and intentional living. The episode highlights practical steps (vertical storage, designated homes, paper rules, handling gifts and mementos) and the broader effects: clearer values, improved decision-making, understanding attachment patterns, and applying “spark joy” beyond stuff to time, commitments, and relationships.

00:00 Welcome and Book Intro

01:42 Why This Book Matters

02:13 My Downsizing Story

03:08 Core Themes Gratitude and Less

04:02 KonMari Mindset Shift

04:30 Tidy All at Once

06:39 Lifestyle Vision and Goals

07:13 Discard First Then Store

07:33 Spark Joy Test

08:22 Category Order Explained

09:23 Clothes and Folding Method

11:07 Books and Papers Rules

12:21 Komono Gifts and Mementos

13:34 Storage and Maintenance Habits

15:28 Life Changing Effects

16:26 Attachment Patterns Past Future

17:30 Gratitude and Detox Effect

18:58 Key Quotes Recap

20:25 Practical Takeaways Checklist

22:01 Final Thoughts and Outro

Links/resources:

• OTG Episode Overview
• Presentation
• Book Summary notes

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

Maximillian Navarro on Recruiting, Fashion, and Building a 10-Year Relationship | One Thousand Gurus.

J.R. Yonocruz reconnects with his younger cousin, Maximillian Navarro, to discuss his journey from UC Riverside grad to agency recruiting and his move into a recruiting consultant role at LinkedIn. Max shares practical job-search and interviewing advice, plus what he believes makes a great recruiter. They also dive into how he got into fashion and sneakers, and close with lessons on sustaining a long-term relationship and deciding when to propose.

03:57 Life Update After College

05:42 Bay Area Roots and Sci Fi

07:06 Homeschooling and Social Skills

13:06 High School Dreams and Identity

16:17 Choosing UCR and Sociology

20:23 Post Grad Sales and Layoff

24:16 Staffing Sales to Recruiting

32:35 Landing LinkedIn Recruiting

39:35 Recruiter Advice Communication

41:39 Fashion and Sneakers

47:09 Discovering Your Style

51:54 Trends And Subgenres

57:09 Choosing The Right Partner

01:01:31 Sustaining Long Relationships

01:08:19 Rapid Fire Questions

01:16:48 Atmospheric Music Ritual

01:21:58 Gratitude And Sign Off

Guest bio:
Recruiter, fashion enthusiast, music lover, fan of the arts, and video games.

• Instagram: @maximillian.kan / https://www.instagram.com/maximillian.kan

Links/resources:

• Nike Stefan Janoski Skate Shoes
• RIftbound League of Legends TCG

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

My Vo on Teaching Chemistry, Mastering Many Hobbies, Buying a Home on One Income, and Modern Dating Culture.

Host J.R. Yonocruz interviews college friend My Vo, a chemistry professor at a community college in Orange County. My shares his background from Westminster and UCI, how he became a community college instructor, and why he prefers teaching-focused work over research. They also discuss his many hobbies, frugality and buying a condo on a single income with a housing assistance program, side hustles, social media-driven lifestyle expectations, and his reflections on modern dating culture.

03:37 Westminster Roots

07:57 Choosing UCI and STEM

10:25 Masters Detour

12:03 Teaching Pathways Explained

15:00 Why Community College

17:07 Study Abroad Europe

19:47 Hobby Collector Mindset

23:18 Getting Good at Everything

31:59 Buying a Condo Solo

33:51 Frugal Homebuying Strategy

34:40 Rent Versus Buy Debate

36:44 Ownership Peace of Mind

37:31 Frugality In Social Media

40:57 Time Cost Money Mindset

41:59 Side Hustles And Tradeoffs

44:32 Money And Social Life

47:52 Career Choices & Teaching

48:24 Modern Dating Culture

53:30 Rapid Fire Reflections

01:00:25 College Is Overrated

01:05:27 Gratitude And Closing

Guest bio:
My is a full-time tenure-track Professor teaching Chemistry. He earned his B.S. in Chemistry and B.S. in Biology at UCI, while also studying abroad. He then went on to earn his M.S. in Chemistry. He teaches at a community college during the day, and after work, you can typically find him playing tennis or rock climbing. If he is doing neither of those he is probably walking his 9-year-old American Eskimo dog or taking a much-needed nap.

• Instagram: @my_tvo / https://www.instagram.com/My_tvo
• Instagram: @Myclimbs / https://www.instagram.com/Myclimbs

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

Tony Robbins on Getting Unstuck: Decision-Making and the Difference Between Achievement and Fulfillment

Host J.R. Yonocruz kicks off season eight of One Thousand Gurus with a special episode distilling insights from Jay Shetty’s On Purpose conversation with Tony Robbins. The main themes are why people feel stuck (often due to delayed or avoided decisions) and Tony’s six-step decision-making framework, plus the key distinction between the science of achievement and the art of fulfillment. Tony emphasizes fulfillment through growth and contribution, shares quotes on progress, stress, control, and long-term vs short-term gratification, and J.R. closes with practical takeaways for building decision-making momentum and aligning goals with personal values.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome to Season 8 + Why This Tony Robbins Episode Matters

01:30 Feeling Stuck? It’s (Usually) Delayed Decisions

04:50 Tony’s 6-Part Decision-Making Framework (Clarity → Commitment)

07:20 Action, Momentum & Stress: Taking Back Control

08:06 Achievement vs. Fulfillment: The Missing Skill in Western Culture

11:23 What Creates Fulfillment: Growth, Giving & Progress = Happiness

13:40 Fulfillment Is Personal: Money, Meaning & the $87M Painting Story

15:28 Top Tony Robbins Quotes Recap

17:28 Practical Takeaways You Can Apply Today

19:09 Final Wrap-Up: Decide, Grow, Contribute + Share the Episode

Links/resources:

• Gamma Presentation link
• TONY ROBBINS: If You Want to CHANGE Your Life This Year, Do THIS 3 Step Process… (Jay Shetty Podcast - YouTube)

Send a text

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

02:35 Episode 61 — 2025 Recap & Becoming a Better Interviewer

04:45 Episode 62 — Catherine: Nightlife Stories + Love Is a Choice

06:32 Episode 63 — Travis Linden: Teaching, Game Dev, and Avoiding Burnout

09:02 Episode 64 — Vanessa & Hazi: Remote Duo Guest + Clear Relationship Expectations

11:25 Episode 65 — Koaga: Live Performance & The Myth of Being Self-Made

12:44 Episode 66 — Lorenzo: Entrepreneurship Starts at Home (Faith/Family/Foundation)

14:06 Episode 67 — Jane: Career Pivots, Coaching Mindset, and Burnout (Part 2)

15:53 Episode 68 — Rani Returns: Culture, Pronouns, and the Power of Nuance

17:46 Episode 69 — John Cho: Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions—Just Start

Links/resources:

• #61: 2025 Recap - Reflections and Lessons Learned from 50 Episodes of OTG
• #62: Catherine C - Working in Nightlife, Hosting Idols, Dating Profiles, and First Date Tips
• #63: Travis Linden Reid - Teaching Game Development at UCI, “Achieving” Burnout, and Building an Indie Game Studio
• #64: Vanessa & Hazi - Being Recognized in Public, the Honeymoon Phase, and Making Money as an Influencer
• #65: KOAGA (코아가) - Becoming a K-Pop Artist, Life-Changing Car Accidents, and Being Korean-American
• #66: Lorenzo Aromin - USAF Vet Turned Entrepreneur, Faith, Fitness, and Scaling to $500k
• #67: Jane Oh - 10 Years in Marketing, Combining Holistic Health with Nursing, Burnout Cycles, and Career Pivots
• #68: Rani Bungay - Becoming Conservative, Hating on Japan, Pronouns, Red Flags, and Covert Depression
• #69: John Cho - Military Intelligence, Losing 40lbs from Marathon Training, Rethinking Your Mental Scripts

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

From College Dance Floors to Military Discipline: The Journey of John Cho

In this episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz catches up with his college friend John Cho, who has spent a decade in the Army National Guard while also navigating various roles and personal growth. The conversation delves into different career paths in the military, advice on endurance training, the importance of discipline and mental resilience, and how life experiences have shaped John's journey. They also touch on practical insights for anyone considering a similar path, including the significance of aligning one's perception and actions, and the role of consistency and mindset in personal growth.

01:34 John's Military Journey

04:39 Understanding the National Guard

07:00 Career Path and Challenges

20:20 Physical and Mental Discipline

29:53 Strengthening Weak Areas for Marathon Training

30:56 Consistency Over Motivation

32:07 Achieving Motivation Without Emotion

35:54 Practicing What You Preach

37:56 Effective Prioritization

42:02 Quotes to Live By

45:25 Rapid Fire Questions

59:05 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Guest bio:
John has served for 10 years in the Army National Guard, is a wannabe hybrid athlete, struggling Christian, and is currently working for California's Counter-Drug Task Force: Drug Demand Reduction Outreach (DDRO)

• Instagram: @chahn.jo / https://www.instagram.com/chahn.jo

Links/resources:

• #7: Jessica Lee - Career Changes, Real Estate Advice, and Developing People Skills
• Knees Over Toes Guy - Ben Patrick (Instagram)
• On Purpose with Jay Shetty feat. Tony Robbins (podcast)
• The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz (audiobook - affiliate link)
• #68: Rani Bungay - Becoming Conservative, Hating on Japan, Pronouns, Red Flags, and Covert Depression

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

Navigating Friendships, Career Pivots, and Cultural Insights with Rani

In this episode of 'One Thousand Gurus,' host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes back Rani, the show's very first guest. As they reminisce about past episodes and catch up on life updates, Rani shares his journey of transitioning into software engineering within four months of bootcamp. The discussion covers his experiences traveling in Japan, the cultural differences encountered, and the importance of mental health and self-care. They delve into the complexities of modern friendships, the different types of friendships, and the impact of societal norms on relationships and mental health. Don't miss their humorous takes, deep insights, and Rani's candid reflections on his evolving views. Tune in for a thought-provoking and semi-random episode that balances humor with meaningful conversation.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:26 Guest Reintroduction and Show Format

02:23 Life Updates and Career Journey

04:35 Navigating the Job Market

07:07 Interview Strategies and Challenges

11:51 Resume Building and Persistence

25:44 Travel Experiences and Cultural Observations

42:40 Cultural Misunderstandings and Acceptance

43:57 The Importance of Travel and Empathy

44:47 Conservatism vs. Progressivism

46:24 Navigating Pronouns and Language Barriers

57:54 The Role of Social Media in Self-Care

01:02:37 Understanding Different Types of Friendships

01:12:44 Male-Centered Covert Depression

01:25:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Guest bio:
Rani Bungay is Managing Partner of Ony Ventures. He’s a serial entrepreneur who jumped from accounting to underwriting, made his way to private wealth management, and is now running businesses, some of which include a mask company, real estate investments and management, and auto management. He is currently working in the field of software development.

• Instagram: @irani49 / https://www.instagram.com/irani49/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rani-bungay-787491102/

Links/resources:

• Resume.io
• I Don’t Want to Talk About It by Terrence Real (audiobook)

Send a text

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
• 📚 Learning guides: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz