Heyo! I'm Tam. I'm a community builder, author, chess expert, salsa/bachata dancer, martial arts student and dog lover. 🐶

A meaningful life to me is a life where I can learn new things every day and spend quality time with amazing people.

I grew up in San Jose, California. Most recently lived three years in Toronto, Canada. Currently nomadic. 🌎

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I'm looking to improve my (very basic) Spanish and explore Mexico. If you'd like to meet up for coffee, a dance, or to be adventure buddies... please send me a message. 😇

Interests

I once quit my job to study chess for seven months and later win against a nationally ranked master. I've performed stand-up comedy, acted out an impression of Ken Jeong (that he retweeted), and have loved taking improv classes. I enjoy dancing bachata and salsa.🕺

I am currently learning martial arts for the very first time, starting with Muay Thai. I have plans to explore Brazilian jiu-jitsu and wrestling next.

I don't learn new stuff to show off or compete professionally or perform for anyone. I learn because I love learning. I'm endlessly curious about new people, experiences, and seeing what I'm capable of.

• writing
• books
• chess
• poker
• martial arts
• improv

Music, Movies, and Books

📚 Books:
- The Art of Learning: A Journey in the Pursuit of Excellence by Josh Waitkzin
- Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
- Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
- Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It
- This One Wild and Precious Life: A Hopeful Path Forward in a Fractured World by Sarah Wilson
- Laziness Does Not Exist by Devon Price
- Ten Years a Nomad: A Traveler's Journey Home by Matt Kepnes
- The Almanack of Naval Ravikant: A Guide to Wealth and Happiness

📺 Shows: Parks and Recreation, The Office, Community, Survivor

🙊 Comedians: Ali Wong, Anthony Jeselnik, Bo Burnham, Aziz Ansari, Sarah Cooper, Ben Schwarz, Thomas Middleditch

Teach, Learn, Share

👨‍🏫 Teach
1. How to checkmate with just a king and pawn in chess
2. How to dance the basics of salsa or bachata
3. Help you discover what a meaningful life looks like for you
4. How to build a profitable online business (I helped entrepreneurs do this for ~10 years)

📝 Learn
1. Español, por favor!
2. Bailemos mucho
3. Improvisación en el teatro

😇 Share
1. Contagious laughter
2. Positive energy
3. Connecting you to more people!

Countries I’ve Visited

Mexico, South Africa, Thailand, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Canada