OTG Podcast #28: Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of International Concept Art: An Insightful Conversation with Ray

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #28: Ray Lee – Adapting to AI, Navigating the Job Market, and Avoiding Burnout

Introduction

In this enlightening discussion, J.R. revisits a compelling conversation with Ray, an international concept artist on the brink of moving back to South Korea. Through this dialogue, the nuances and challenges faced by artists in the global landscape are explored, offering valuable insights for aspiring creatives. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the conversation, highlighting critical takeaways for those navigating the art and design industries.

Continue reading “OTG Podcast #28: Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities of International Concept Art: An Insightful Conversation with Ray”

OTG Podcast #27: Unveiling Paths to Success: An Inspiring Conversation with Eric Pan

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #27: Eric Pan – Balancing Life as a UCLA Undergrad, Strategy Consulting, and Servant Leadership

Introduction

Eric Pan, a vibrant and ambitious university student, recently joined the podcast to share an introspective look into his journey. As the youngest guest on the show, Eric brings a fresh perspective to the podcast, discussing his educational path, career aspirations, and insights into balancing multiple facets of life. This blog post captures the essence of their enlightening conversation.

Continue reading “OTG Podcast #27: Unveiling Paths to Success: An Inspiring Conversation with Eric Pan”

OTG Podcast #26: Embracing the Journey: Insights from Travis on Passion, Purpose, and Personal Growth

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #26: Travis Trinh – 7% Body Fat, Bowling a 300, and Being Your Own Anime Protagonist

Introduction

In this engaging episode of One Thousand Gurus, Travis joins J.R. for a conversation filled with laughter, nostalgia, and shared experiences. Travis, a guest many have been anticipating, kicks off the discussion with tales of their shared history in the K-pop scene and how they met through mutual interests in fitness and cosplay. J.R. introduces Travis with warm familiarity, setting the stage for an insightful peek into Travis’s unique life story.

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OTG Podcast #25: From Dance Floors to Conversations: A Deep Dive with Alex Cristal

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #25: Alex Cristal – The Power of Solitude, Chasing Side-Quests, and “Soulmates”

Introduction

In an engaging and heartfelt conversation, podcast host J.R. welcomes Alex Cristal into the spotlight for an open dialogue about life’s journeys, aspirations, and challenges. This blog post encapsulates the highlights of their discussion, offering readers insights into topics ranging from the power of community to personal growth through solitude.

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Money Mastery: 10+ Years of Personal Finance Wisdom Distilled From 3 Essential Books

Money Mastery: 10+ Years of Personal Finance Wisdom from 3 Essential Books

Companion article to One Thousand Gurus Podcast Special Episode #60


The Books That Changed How I Think About Money

Over the past decade, I’ve read dozens of personal finance books. Some were helpful, many were repetitive, and a few were downright misleading. But three books stood out as absolute game-changers—books that I wish someone had handed me when I first started my financial journey.

Today, I’m going to share the most powerful insights from these three books and show you how they work together to create a complete personal finance system:

By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete roadmap for building wealth—not just tactics, but the psychology and philosophy to back them up.


Why These Three Books?

Here’s what makes this combination so powerful: Most financial advice focuses on only one dimension. You’ll get books that are all tactics (“open this account, buy that fund”) or all philosophy (“money is energy, abundance mindset”).

But real financial success requires three things working together:

  1. The mechanics – You need a system that actually works
  2. The mindset – You need to understand why you make the money decisions you do
  3. The strategy – You need a long-term plan that compounds over decades

These three books, when read together, give you all three dimensions. Let me show you how.

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OTG Podcast #24: The Journey of Passion and Persistence: A Conversation with Jessi

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #24: Jessica Kwong – Journey to Team USA Karate, Self-Talk, and Choosing Your Environment Wisely

Welcome to the Show

In our latest episode of the podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Jessi, an incredible individual who represents resilience, skill, and passion. Jessi shared her journey from being a karate enthusiast to a significant member of Team USA. The conversation unfolded with J.R. expressing his excitement about finally getting Jessi on the show, and it’s clear that both share a mutual respect and fascination with each other’s experiences and achievements.

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OTG Podcast #23: From Law School to Billboards: The Journey of Ali Razavi

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #23: Ali Razavi – The Mastermind Behind “Who Hurt You?”, Investing in Yourself, and Giving Back

Introduction

In this engaging podcast episode, host J.R. welcomes Ali Razavi, a successful personal injury attorney and billboard icon, to discuss his career path, the challenges he’s overcome, and his commitment to philanthropy. Ali’s journey from humble beginnings to professional success is filled with valuable insights and inspiring stories.

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OTG Podcast #22: Insights into the World of Game and Entertainment Design with Ray Lee

Full Episode Page (show notes, links, transcript): #22: Ray Lee – How AI Affects Art, Studying Internationally, and the Complexities of Concept Art

Introduction

In a recent episode of One Thousand Gurus, we introduced Ray Lee, a talented concept artist in the game and entertainment industry. From a spontaneous invitation to discuss his journey, Ray’s insights reveal the intricate balancing act of creativity and professionalism required to thrive in this field. His conversation with J.R. provided a deep dive into his formative years, and his evolution from a curious child into a concept artist with an international perspective.

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