Koaga's Journey: K-Pop, Faith, and Life Lessons

In this episode of One Thousand Gurus, hosted by J.R. Yonocruz, the guest is Koaga— a K-pop artist, dancer, and choreographer. J.R. and Koaga delve into Koaga's unique background, including his adjustments to different cultures while moving between South Korea and the United States. They discuss Koaga's journey in the K-pop industry, his transition from secular to faith-based music, and the significant impact of two car accidents on his life and faith. The episode also features insights into his motivation and career aspirations, with special mentions of his role models and life changes. Ending on a high note, Koaga performs live, showcasing his musical talent and positive energy.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:58 Meeting Koaga and Initial Impressions

02:11 Koaga's Background and Cultural Adjustments

02:48 Journey into K-pop and Career Beginnings

04:55 Musical Inspirations and Artistic Development

13:05 Life-Changing Accidents and Faith

17:00 Career Aspirations and Reflections

20:58 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities

21:11 Choosing Music Over Streaming

22:48 Role Models and Inspirations

24:11 Growing Up as a FOB in the US

25:49 Blending Cultures: US and Korea

27:39 Advice for Navigating Cultural Differences

30:57 Rapid Fire Questions

35:56 Gratitude and Final Thoughts

36:50 Live Performance

Guest bio:
KOAGA is a Kpop artist, dancer, choreographer, and English teacher who works with Universal music.

• Instagram: @koaga__ | https://www.instagram.com/koaga__/

Links/resources:

• GIWON - Chica Bonita (MV - YouTube)
• GIWON - Phone Me Up (MV - YouTube)
• “Oceans” - Hillsong (Lyric Video - YouTube)

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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

In this episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes back influencer power couple Hazi and Vanessa. The couple shares their experiences traveling in Southeast Asia, how they navigate their relationship as both romantic and business partners, and their considerations for potentially moving abroad. They also discuss the challenges and insights on building a career as influencers, their approach to balancing personal and professional lives, and how they maintain ambition alongside comfort in their relationship. Tune in to learn about their future plans and timeline for marriage, and get inspired by their thoughtful perspectives on love and career.

00:00 The Proposal Ultimatum
00:21 Introducing the Influencer Power Couple
01:34 Travel Adventures in Thailand
04:28 Considering a Move Abroad
07:07 Balancing Work and Travel
17:50 Navigating a Relationship and Business Partnership
37:27 Realizing the Right Partner
38:45 Checklist for a Life Partner
40:25 Understanding the Honeymoon Phase
45:07 Navigating Relationship Roles
47:57 Balancing Comfort and Ambition
52:15 Impact of Public Recognition
57:00 Indicators of a Successful Relationship
58:41 Building a Career as an Influencer
01:08:17 Future Plans and Gratitude

Guest links:

Vanessa

• Instagram: @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

Hazi

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

Send us 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

Finding Fulfillment in Teaching: Overcoming Burnout and Embracing Indie Game Development with Travis Linden Reid

In this insightful episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes back Travis Linden Reid, a former game industry programmer turned educator. Travis shares their journey from experiencing burnout in the game industry to finding fulfillment in teaching game development at UCI. Highlights include insights into Travis's teaching methods, the benefits of active learning, and their personal journey as a trans man. They also delve into the creation of their indie game studio, Tilia, and discuss the challenges and joys of indie game development. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in game development, teaching, or overcoming professional burnout.

00:00 Hitting a Wall: The Struggles of Overworking
01:00 Welcome Back to One Thousand Gurus
02:06 Travis Linden Reid: A Journey of Identity
05:22 Teaching at UCI: A Year in Review
08:53 Active Learning: Revolutionizing the Classroom
22:07 Balancing Careers: The Adjunct Professor's Path
33:47 Burnout and Recovery: A Personal Story
35:43 Struggling with Career and Burnout
36:43 Rediscovering Passion for Teaching
38:05 Understanding Burnout and Fulfillment
40:12 Creating Art for Personal Fulfillment
42:47 Challenges and Rewards of Indie Game Development
44:52 Advice for Aspiring Indie Game Developers
48:39 The Journey of Making an Indie Game
54:58 Building a Team and Overcoming Challenges
01:08:06 Final Thoughts and Advice

Guest bio:
Travis is a former Blizzard/EA video game programmer turned professor and indie game developer. He's currently an Adjunct Professor teaching game development classes at UC-Irvine, and in his free time, is building a Netflix-grant-funded boyband stalker sim. He used to take kpop dance classes with J.R., so you know the boyband obsession is authentic.

• Twitter / X: @outofmanna_ / https://x.com/outofmanna_
• IG: @outofmanna_ / https://www.instagram.com/outofmanna_/
• Website portfolio: https://www.lindenreid.com/
• Website: https://www.studiotiliagames.com/

Links/resources:

• OTG #6: Linden Reid - Working at Blizzard, Pursuing Community and Artistry, and Embracing Change (podcast episode)

Send us 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