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)

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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

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)

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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

📚 Learning guides on Personal Finance: https://stan.store/marloyonocruz
📖 Book summaries: https://marloyonocruz.com/

Mastering Personal Finance: Insights and Strategies from Three Major Books

In this episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. Yonocruz kicks off a special book highlight series by exploring the realm of personal finance. He shares insights drawn from over a decade of experience and three influential books—'I Will Teach You to Be Rich' by Ramit Sethi, 'The Psychology of Money' by Morgan Housel, and 'The Simple Path to Wealth' by JL Collins. J.R. discusses key concepts such as automated financial systems, the difference between looking wealthy and being wealthy, and the importance of simple, reliable investment strategies. The episode also introduces his new digital financial guides and audiobooks, designed to help listeners implement these strategies effectively. Tune in for practical advice on achieving financial freedom and mastering money management.

00:00 Introduction to the Book Highlight Series
00:47 Personal Finance: A Passion and a Presentation
02:07 Money Mastery: Key Insights from Three Books
03:02 Big Idea #1: Willpower vs. Systems
04:19 Big Idea #2: Wealth is What You Don't See
09:53 Big Idea #3: Simple Beats Complex
13:20 The Freedom Formula and Final Thoughts
17:55 Call to Action and Conclusion

Links/resources:

• Money Mastery presentation (via Gamma)
• I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi (audiobook - affiliate link)
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (book summary)
• The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins (audiobook - affiliate link)

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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, host J.R. Yonocruz engages in a humorous, heartfelt, and insightful conversation with his younger brother, Jacob Kanunu Potts. The discussion traverses Jacob's journey from Fremont, California to his current life as a senior college student in Hawaii, majoring in accounting. Through a blend of light-hearted trolling and serious discourse, the brothers reflect on Jacob's growth, his aspirations, and the importance of respecting and understanding Hawaiian culture. They also revisit past interviews from 10 and 5 years ago, delving into Jacob's evolving thoughts on topics like politics, videogames, morning routines, and life aspirations. The episode offers a mix of laughter, personal anecdotes, and valuable life lessons, making it a special treat for the shared audience.

Guest bio:
Born and raised in Fremont, California and now a full time college student living in Hawai'i. Jacob is in his final year for his undergraduate degree with a major in accounting. He’s loved playing sports all his life and enjoys going to the beach whenever he can.

• Instagram: @k4nunu / https://www.instagram.com/k4nunu/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanunu/

Links/resources:

• Blind date video (via @cheyneegitsham on IG)

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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, host J.R. Yonocruz welcomes Rohit Murthy, a strategic leader and entrepreneur. The conversation delves into Rohit's unique career path, starting from the manufacturing floor to leading innovation hubs in a major biotech firm, and founding multiple startups. They discuss topics ranging from reminiscing college memories, career inflection points, building a support network, to managing corporate job demands while pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Rohit shares invaluable insights on overcoming challenges, leveraging professional networks, and the importance of balancing life, health, and professional commitments. The episode also explores social media pressures, FOMO, and contemplating life pivots, offering deep reflections and practical advice for anyone navigating their career and entrepreneurial ambitions.

Guest bio:
A strategic leader who knows how to get things done, Rohit has a unique career path that's both a story of climbing the corporate ladder and building things from the ground up. He started on the manufacturing floor, literally making the product, before moving into a role where he was a founding member of an innovation hub at a major biotech company. He's not just a big picture guy, but someone who understands every step of the process.On top of all that, he's a true entrepreneur, having founded and co-founded several startups. Whether he's optimizing a multi-million dollar manufacturing process or building a new company from scratch, he brings a rare mix of hands-on expertise and strategic vision. He is a person who understands how to turn an idea into a reality—and that's something we can all learn from.

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-murthy
• Website: https://belfioreherbal.com/
• Instagram: @belfioreherbal / https://www.instagram.com/belfioreherbal/

Links/resources:

• Clayton Christensen (academic & business consultant - Wikipedia)
• Agentic AI and subagents (article - Anthropic website)

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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 sits down with Hao Gagaring, a self-proclaimed 'memory creator' who focuses on crafting and personalizing objects. As an introverted individual who moved to the United States from the Philippines in her late teens, Hao shares her journey of adjusting to a new country, breaking through her introverted nature by working in a mobile dental company, and pursuing her entrepreneurial passions. She discusses her Labubu clothing and crafting business, which she runs with her mom, and offers insight into the challenges and rewards of starting a side business. Hao also touches on the importance of dental health, the cultural shock of moving to a new country, and how her passion for K-pop has helped her adjust to her new surroundings.

Guest bio:
Hao is a friend of J.R.’s: a coffee buddy, introvert, and crafty individual. She is a self-procalimed “simple, law-abiding citizen.” She doesn’t consider herself an influencer or content creator, but more of a memory-creator. Personalizing and customizing things are some of her favorite hobbies.

• Instagram: @mylifeafter.work / https://www.instagram.com/mylifeafter.work/
• Instagram: @La.w_events / https://www.instagram.com/la.w_events/
• Instagram: @misslabubu / https://www.instagram.com/misslabubu/

Links/resources:

• Mercari (online marketplace - website)
• Fear-Setting Exercise (Ali Abdaal - YouTube video)
• Got7 (K-Pop music group - Wikipedia)
• 3 Idiots (movie - Wikipedia)
• How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (movie - Wikipedia)
• When Life Gives You Tangerines (TV series - Wikipedia)

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

In this inspiring episode of One Thousand Gurus, host J.R. welcomes back Dorothy Ho, the founder of Charade Dance Academy. Dorothy shares her journey of reestablishing her faith and becoming a fervent Christian, which has positively impacted her life and business. She discusses her commitment to setting boundaries, self-discipline, and improving her finances and health. Dorothy also opens up about her experiences with romance and singleness, offering valuable insights and advice. The discussion touches on her impressive 45lb weight loss through diet and intermittent fasting, and her dedication to living a lie-free and curse-free life. This episode is a heartfelt exploration of growth, faith, and the pursuit of a better self.

Guest bio:
Dorothy Ho is the business owner behind the award-winning Charade Dance Academy in Garden Grove, California, which she founded in 2018 at 21. She has choreographed competitively and recreationally for young dancers, creating award-winning routines and securing scholarships for her students. She recently re-established her faith this year, dedicating herself to growing closer to God while serving on the prayer team at Rock Harbor church in Costa Mesa, CA.

• Instagram: @charadedanceacademy / https://www.instagram.com/charadedanceacademy/
• Website: https://www.charadedanceacademy.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rusebysaved1024
• Email: premiumheartva@gmail.com

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