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)

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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 reconnects with returning guest Cat, an experienced nightlife promoter and event organizer. They delve deep into the intricacies of nightlife and dating. Cat shares her journey in the nightlife scene, including her experiences with event hosting, juggling roles, and managing celebrity guests like Sean Solo. They also discuss the dynamics of dating in the modern age, offering practical advice on crafting effective dating profiles, the importance of first impressions, and how to maintain a relationship beyond the honeymoon phase. Whether you're looking to break into the nightlife industry or navigate the world of modern dating, this episode offers valuable insights and entertaining anecdotes.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

01:37 Catching Up with Cat

02:09 Cat's Nightlife Journey

03:21 Working in Nightlife

06:51 Hosting Celebrities and Idols

08:56 Navigating Nightlife Challenges

12:51 Advice for Aspiring Nightlife Professionals

17:05 Tips for Guys in the Club

20:57 The Glitz and Glamour of Nightlife

27:43 Hosting Sean Solo

31:05 Managing a Packed Venue

31:39 VIP Guests and Prioritization

32:12 Meeting Sean: The Quiet Celebrity

33:52 Dating Life and Exploration

35:56 Challenges of Modern Dating

36:35 Dating Apps vs. In-Person Meetings

39:08 Crafting the Perfect Dating Profile

42:24 First Date Tips and Etiquette

48:14 Navigating Relationship Challenges

56:52 Final Thoughts and Sign-Off

Guest bio:
Cat is a model, cosplayer, artist, content creator, life enjoyer, and most importantly, she's just a girl. She is the founder and director of a performance team called Aurora where they do both dance and vocal covers. She's been very active in many communities such as the KPOP community, photography community, Anime community, and so on. Often considered a jack of all traits, she wears many hats and will pursue anything that peaks her interests; turns out it was undiagnosed ADHD.

• Instagram: @pinkstellaire / https://www.instagram.com/pinkstellaire/
• TikTok: @pinkstellaire / https://www.tiktok.com/@pinkstellaire
• Instagram: @aurora.team / https://www.instagram.com/aurora.team/

Links/resources:

• #3: Catherine C - The Evolution of KPOP, Creating Viral Content, and SEAA Advocacy
• QT Nightlife (Events company - website)
• Exclusive Ktown (Events company - Instagram)

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

One Thousand Gurus 2025 Recap: Reflections, Gratitude, and Future Goals

In this special episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz reflects on the journey of the podcast from its inception in 2018 to its launch in 2024, inspired by Tim Ferriss. Celebrating the New Year and new season, J.R. reviews the past year’s milestones, shares gratitude for those who supported him, and discusses lessons learned. Listeners will gain insights into the podcast's origin, development process, and the host’s long-term vision. J.R. also outlines future plans, including new formats, possible collaborations, Patreon initiatives, and a call to action for potential team members.

Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to the 2025 Recap Episode
00:49 The Origin Story of One Thousand Gurus
05:44 Launching the Podcast: Challenges and Solutions
17:07 The First Season: Lessons and Gratitude
33:09 Future Plans and Goals
39:13 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Links/resources:

• 80/20 rule aka Pareto principle (concept - Wikipedia)
• Podcast Place (podcast studio - website)
• Sam Laliberte (podcast launch coach - website)

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