The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom

Lori Tsugawa
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Discover the timeless wisdom of Japan to live with purpose, resilience, and courage. Hosted by Lori Tsugawa, this podcast explores the powerful principles of Ikigai, Bushido, and Ganbaru — guiding you to unlock your inner warrior, embrace life's challenges, and step into your true purpose. Join us as we share inspiring stories, practical insights, and ancient philosophies to help you live The Samurai Way

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    The Warrior’s Path: Marques Ogden on NFL Lessons, Discipline, and the Samurai Mindset

    In this episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa sits down with Marques Ogden — former NFL offensive lineman, inspirational keynote speaker, and business leader. Raised in Washington, DC, Marques overcame early challenges, built a career in the NFL, and now uses his platform to teach ambition, drive, discipline, and authenticity as keys to lasting success. Marques shares his story of resilience, the lessons he carried from the football field into business, and why authenticity is the true superpower that creates greatness. His wisdom will inspire you to be your own CEO, focus on what you can control, and never stop growing. 🔗 Connect with Marques Ogden: Website: https://marquesogden.com Book Sleepless Nights: The NFL: A Business and Family → Amazon Link Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden → Apple Podcasts

    21 min

  2. 24 SEPT

    Bushido Lessons From a WWII POW: Laura Elliott on Faith, Courage, and Forgiveness

    In this moving episode of The Samurai Way, host Lori Tsugawa welcomes Laura Elliott, USA Today, Kirkus-starred, and Wall Street Journal bestselling ghostwriter and screenwriter. Laura is the author of Dear Laura: A Lost Chapter of World War II, a deeply personal book that uncovers the remarkable story of her father’s survival as a prisoner of war in Japan and Indonesia. Through hidden letters, decades of research, and her own journey as a daughter seeking to understand her father’s past, Laura brings to life a story of resilience, ingenuity, and faith against impossible odds. Her father endured starvation, brutality, and loss, yet he never gave up hope. Guided by values that echo the Code of Bushido—integrity, honor, courage, morality, and forgiveness—he left behind a legacy of strength that continues to inspire. In their conversation, Lori and Laura explore not only the historical details of WWII but also the universal lessons of resilience, the importance of family legacies, and how forgiveness can heal even the deepest wounds of war. 📖 Learn more about Laura Elliott and her work: lauraelliottauthor.com 📚 Get her book Dear Laura: A Lost Chapter of World War II: Amazon Link

    32 min

  3. 17 SEPT

    Selling with Integrity: Paul Kirch on Business, Bushido, and Resilience

    In this new episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa sits down with Paul Kirch, entrepreneur, sales coach, and founder of BOSS Academy. Paul’s journey began in a small town in Nebraska, where he dreamed of becoming his own boss. From working at Gallup to leading sales teams, launching his own business, and even hosting a Top 10 Business Podcast, Paul’s story is one of resilience, courage, and transformation. Paul opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the pain of divorce, and how humor and improv became a surprising source of healing. At the heart of his work is the Askology Method, a framework built on the power of asking the right questions: leading, investigative, empathetic, and instigating, to create authentic conversations in business and life. Through the lens of Bushido values like integrity, honor, and loyalty, Paul shares how he helps entrepreneurs and sales professionals move beyond old-school selling tactics and instead build trust, connection, and meaningful success. This episode is a powerful reminder that business, like life, is about doing the right thing, always. 📌 Connect with Paul Kirch 🌐 Website: paulkirch.com 💼 Boss Academy Community: bossacademy.com 📚 Learn more about the Askology Method (eBook available through Paul)

    32 min

  4. 10 SEPT

    Finding Ikigai in the Dark: Frank King and Suicide Prevention Month

    We have the honor of interviewing Frank King, who has given 13 TEDx Talks about Mental Health.  As a comedian, he wrote for the Jay Leno show for 20 years! You won't want to miss this episode of "The Samurai Way, information below. Frank is a Guinness World Record holder for TEDx Talks (13 and counting) and spent 20 years writing for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. He has shared the stage with comedy legends like Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, Ellen DeGeneres, and Jeff Foxworthy. But behind the laughter lies Frank’s raw and honest truth: a lifetime of depression, suicidality, and survival. He speaks openly about his family’s history of suicide, his own close calls, and how he turned his pain into purpose by using comedy to save lives. Through his talks, books (Guts, Grit & The Grind series), and advocacy, Frank brings a vital message: mental health matters, suicide can be prevented, and humor can heal. His mission is simple yet profound — to save a life a day. 📌 Connect and Learn More 🌐 Frank’s Website: mentalhealthcomedian.com 🧠 National Alliance on Mental Illness: nami.org 📚 Free Audiobook: Guts, Grit & The Grind (Vol. 1) available on Frank’s site 📺 Watch his TEDx Talks: Frank King TEDx

    43 min

  5. 3 SEPT

    Never Give Up: The Ganbaru Spirit of Dennis C. Miller

    In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with Dennis C. Miller, a nationally recognized expert in nonprofit leadership and board governance, who embodies the Japanese principle of Ganbaru — never giving up. Dennis’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. From a childhood marked by hardship and rejection to working as a hotel houseman, he eventually rose to become the CEO of major healthcare organizations, the founder of an executive search firm, and a trusted coach to nonprofit leaders. Along the way, he discovered the power of resilience, purpose, and self-belief. Together, we explore how Dennis transformed adversity into strength, the role of Ganbaru in his success, and why true fulfillment comes from giving back. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter how many times life knocks us down, we can always rise again. 📚 Learn more about Dennis’s story in his autobiography From Mopping Floors to CEO: From Hopelessness and Failure to Happiness and Success: Get the book on Amazon 📩 Connect with Dennis directly: Website: www.denniscmiller.com Email: dennis@denniscmiller.com Tune in and discover how Ganbaru can guide you through your own challenges and help you live with greater courage and resilience.

    20 min

  6. 27 AUG

    Bushido: Windex for the Soul

    In this episode of The Samurai Way, I explore the timeless Code of Bushido, the moral compass of the samurai, and ask: what if it is the cure for many of today’s struggles? Through humor, story, and reflection, I show how each of the seven virtues: courage, integrity, compassion, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty, can guide us through the noise and uncertainty of modern life. From online conflicts to personal challenges, Bushido offers wisdom we can still use every day. Join me as we dust off ancient wisdom and see how it still shines in 2025. Connect with Lori Tsugawa: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loritsugawa/ 🌐 Website: https://www.loriwhaley.com/

    14 min

  7. 20 AUG

    Different is Better than Better: David Brier on Branding with Kaizen

    In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with David Brier, a branding visionary whose work has transformed companies across the globe. What begins as a conversation about logos and marketing quickly unfolds into something much deeper, a journey into the art of differentiation, the courage to stand apart, and the Kaizen spirit of constant improvement.   David shares remarkable stories, from reimagining a small dog food company to making bagged ice unforgettable, showing how the smallest details can elevate an entire brand and a life. Together, we explore how creativity, purpose, and joy can co-exist with prosperity and impact.   This is more than a branding conversation. It is a reminder that in business and in life, different is better than better.   Connect with David Brier: 🔗 Website: https://www.risingabovethenoise.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbrier/ 📘 Book: Rich Brand Poor Brand

    25 min

  8. 13 AUG

    Fushimi Inari: Pathways of Spirit, Memory, and Sushi

    In this episode of The Samurai Way, I take you on a heartfelt journey through Fushimi Inari, Kyoto’s iconic shrine of thousands of vermilion gates. What begins as a spiritual walk quickly becomes something deeply personal for me—a path into memory, gratitude, and family tradition. Along the way, I share the story of Inari sushi, a humble pouch of sweet tofu and rice that carries the love and legacy of my grandmother’s kitchen. Blending the sacred and the everyday, I invite you to reflect with me on the places, flavors, and rituals that keep our heritage alive.   Connect with Lori Tsugawa: 🔗 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/loritsugawa/ 🌐 Website: https://www.loriwhaley.com/

    11 min
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About

Discover the timeless wisdom of Japan to live with purpose, resilience, and courage. Hosted by Lori Tsugawa, this podcast explores the powerful principles of Ikigai, Bushido, and Ganbaru — guiding you to unlock your inner warrior, embrace life's challenges, and step into your true purpose. Join us as we share inspiring stories, practical insights, and ancient philosophies to help you live The Samurai Way

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