The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom

Lori Tsugawa
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Philosophy
  • Updated Weekly

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. 3d ago

    Quiet Heroes: Honoring the 100th/442nd with Harold Payne

    In this episode of The Samurai Way Podcast, Lori Tsugawa sits down with Harold Payne, a multi-platinum songwriter, TEDx speaker, and master improviser whose songs have been recorded by legendary artists including Rod Stewart, Patti LaBelle, Lana Del Rey, Snoop Dogg, Kelly Rowland, and his longtime collaborator Bobby Womack. Harold shares the remarkable story of how a student studying Spanish, linguistics, and teaching English as a Second Language at UCLA found his true calling through music. Starting with a ukulele, then a guitar, and eventually performing in a Motown-style R&B band, Harold built a career that has spanned decades and touched audiences around the world. Together, Lori and Harold explore: How following your passion can transform your life The unexpected twists that lead to purpose Creativity, resilience, and lifelong learning Lessons from a lifetime of songwriting and performing Why it's never too late to pursue what truly inspires you Whether you're a musician, entrepreneur, creative professional, or simply searching for your own purpose, Harold's journey is a powerful reminder that success often begins with having the courage to follow your heart. About Harold Payne Harold Payne is a multi-platinum songwriter, TEDx speaker, and master improviser. His songs have been recorded by Rod Stewart, Patti LaBelle, Lana Del Rey, Snoop Dogg, Kelly Rowland, and many other acclaimed artists. Throughout his career, he has inspired audiences worldwide through his music, storytelling, and passion for creativity. Website: www.haroldpaynemusic.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haroldlpayne/ Subscribe to The Samurai Way Podcast for inspiring conversations on purpose, resilience, leadership, Japanese wisdom, and living a meaningful life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Quiet Heroes: Honoring the 100th/442nd with Harold Payne

  2. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS: How I Survived the Hardest Year of My Life from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty Karl-Anthony Towns has spent his life chasing championships, but his greatest lessons came far from the basketball court. In this heartfelt conversation with Jay Shetty, he reflects on grief, faith, family, and the moments that shaped the man behind the jersey. From honoring his late mother's legacy to embracing God's timing, discovering purpose beyond success, and building a love rooted in friendship, this episode is a moving reminder that who you become matters far more than what you achieve. Sometimes the greatest victories aren't the ones the world celebrates, they're the quiet moments when you choose to keep moving forward with hope. With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. Visit: https://www.statefarm.com/  On Purpose is now Netflix and Spotify exclusive  http://www.netflix.com/onpurposewithjayshetty  https://open.spotify.com/show/5EqqB52m2bsr4k1Ii7sStc?si=33f7898fb334437c  JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe   Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:51 Winning an NBA Championship 00:03:13 What Comes After Your Biggest Goal? 00:06:12 Slowing Down to Celebrate 00:07:38 The Walk That Changed Everything 00:11:17 Choosing Calm and Forgiveness 00:14:48 Finding Peace in Quiet Moments 00:17:03 Everyone Sees the World Differently 00:18:42 Confidence Starts at Home 00:20:09 Losing Family During COVID 00:22:42 A Final Conversation with Mom 00:26:12 Letting Go with Love 00:27:23 Making Every Moment Special 00:28:50 "You Should've Drank More" 00:31:24 Feeling Her Presence Again 00:31:48 Living with Survivor's Guilt 00:34:05 Everyone Wants to Be Heard 00:35:51 When Therapy Looks Different 00:38:04 The Coach Who Changed Everything 00:39:53 A Love Story Over Uno 00:40:27 From Friends to Forever 00:41:32 What We Learned from Each Other 00:44:22 The Luckiest Bag in Basketball 00:46:09 Traded Without Warning 00:48:43 Feeling Welcome in New York 00:50:06 The Ultimate Courtside Stress Test 00:52:48 Bouncing Back from Failure 00:54:26 The Pre-Game Routine 00:59:12 Playing for the Dominican Republic 00:59:42 Carrying Your Country with Pride 01:01:28 The Moments People Remember 01:03:24 Karl Anthony on Final Five Episode Resources: YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/c/KarlAnthonyTowns  Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/karlanthonytowns/  Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/karltowns  X | https://x.com/KarlTowns Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

  3. Jul 14

    The Japanese Secrets to Healing: Kintsugi and MOA International with Christine Heckel

    What if true healing begins not by hiding our brokenness, but by embracing it? In this inspiring episode of The Samurai Way Podcast, Lori Tsugawa Whaley welcomes back Christine Heckel for a deeper conversation about the Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi and the life-changing mission of MOA International. After overcoming a severe Lyme disease health crisis, Christine discovered a new path to healing through Japanese wisdom, holistic practices, and a philosophy centered on beauty, balance, and personal transformation. She shares how MOA International introduced her to a way of life that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit through art, nature, natural farming, mindfulness, and compassionate living. Together, Lori and Christine explore: The timeless lessons of Kintsugi and finding strength through life's broken places The mission and philosophy of MOA International How Japanese healing practices cultivate inner resilience and well-being Why self-care is essential before we can truly serve others How small personal changes can create lasting impact in our families, communities, and the world This heartfelt conversation is a reminder that healing is not about becoming who you once were. It's about discovering the beauty, purpose, and strength that emerge through life's challenges. If you're seeking hope, resilience, and practical wisdom for living a more meaningful life, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and discover how Japanese philosophy can inspire your own journey toward healing and wholeness. Connect with Christine Heckel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-heckel-44933322/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@christineheckel?si=FRZDKZZRTw15rz5d Learn More About MOA International Website: https://www.moa-international.or.jp/en/ If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use a little encouragement today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Japanese Secrets to Healing: Kintsugi and MOA International with Christine Heckel

  4. Jul 8

    The Art of Kintsugi: Finding Strength in Brokenness with Christine Heckel

    In this inspiring episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa Whaley sits down with stress regulation and sustainable performance specialist Christine Heckel to explore the timeless Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with gold. After surviving a life changing battle with Lyme disease and rebuilding her life from the inside out, Christine shares how adversity transformed her understanding of success, resilience, and healing. Lori also reflects on her own journey of recovering from two traumatic brain injuries after being rear ended twice, and how Japanese wisdom helped her find purpose through pain. Together, they discuss: Why brokenness is not the end of your story How life's greatest setbacks can become your greatest transformation The connection between stress, nervous system regulation, and healing The deeper meaning of Kintsugi and why our scars deserve to be honored, not hidden How embracing change can lead to greater purpose, Ikigai, and inner strength This heartfelt conversation reminds us that healing does not require erasing the past. Like Kintsugi, our cracks become part of our story, revealing a life shaped by courage, resilience, and hope. If this episode encourages you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that they are never defined by what has broken them. Connect with Christine Heckel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-heckel-44933322/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@christineheckel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Art of Kintsugi: Finding Strength in Brokenness with Christine Heckel

  5. Jul 1

    Burnout, Healing, and the Wisdom of Kintsugi with Dr. Mirna Mejia

    In this episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa Whaley sits down with clinical psychologist and burnout recovery strategist Dr. Mirna Mejia to explore the powerful Japanese philosophy of Kintsugi, the art of repairing broken pottery with gold. Together, they discuss why emotional wounds are not signs of failure but opportunities for growth. Dr. Mejia shares her insights on burnout, trauma recovery, limiting beliefs, and how psychology and Japanese wisdom can help us move from merely surviving to living with purpose and resilience. This conversation is a reminder that our scars do not diminish our worth. They become part of our story and can reveal the strength and beauty within us. In this episode you'll discover: • The true meaning of Kintsugi and why it resonates with modern life. • Why feeling "broken" is often a message, not an identity. • How burnout affects high-achieving professionals, especially women. • The difference between therapy and coaching and when each is needed. • How to transform pain into personal growth and renewed purpose. • Practical encouragement for anyone navigating life's difficult seasons. If you've ever wondered whether healing is possible after hardship, this episode will leave you with hope and a new perspective on what it means to become whole again. Connect with Dr. Mirna Meija LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnamejiaphd/ Website: https://www.yourtruecanvas.org/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Burnout, Healing, and the Wisdom of Kintsugi with Dr. Mirna Mejia

  6. Jun 24

    The Japanese Concept of Iwakan and Finding Your Ikigai with Kei Tsuda

    Episode Notes In this episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa Whaley continues her insightful conversation with Kei Tsuda, exploring deeper dimensions of Ikigai and how Japanese wisdom can help us navigate today's rapidly changing world. Kei introduces the Japanese concept of iwakan, a subtle feeling that something is out of alignment or not quite right. While often overlooked, iwakan can serve as an important signal that invites reflection, self-awareness, and personal growth. Rather than dismissing these moments of inner friction, Kei explains how they can guide us toward a deeper understanding of our values, relationships, and purpose. The conversation explores why Ikigai is becoming increasingly important in an age shaped by artificial intelligence, technological advancement, and constant change. As external roles and circumstances continue to evolve, Ikigai can provide a stabilizing inner compass that helps us stay connected to meaning, contribution, growth, and human connection. Lori and Kei also discuss: • The meaning and significance of iwakan • How cultural differences influence the way people express discomfort and disagreement • Why reflection is essential when experiencing inner friction • Ikigai as a guide for navigating uncertainty and change • The impact of technology and AI on our search for meaning • Building stronger relationships through greater self-awareness • Japanese family traditions and values • The role of food, culture, and shared experiences in creating connection • Wisdom passed down through generations This episode offers a thoughtful reminder that some of life's most important lessons begin with paying attention to the subtle signals within ourselves. By listening to what feels out of place, we may discover a clearer path toward our Ikigai and a more meaningful life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Japanese Concept of Iwakan and Finding Your Ikigai with Kei Tsuda

  7. Jun 17

    Beyond Purpose: Understanding Ikigai Through Mieko Kamiya's Work with Kei Tsuda

    In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with Kei Tsuda, founder of Ikigai Advisors LLC, leadership development practitioner, and cross-cultural learning expert, to explore a topic that has fascinated me for years: the true meaning of Ikigai. Like many people, I was first introduced to Ikigai through the popular Venn diagram. But something always felt incomplete. In this conversation, Kei helps us uncover why. Drawing from his research, multicultural experiences, and the groundbreaking work of Japanese psychiatrist Dr. Mieko Kamiya, he shares a deeper understanding of Ikigai as a feeling that makes life worth living rather than simply a formula for finding purpose. We discuss how Ikigai is interpreted differently across cultures, why Mieko Kamiya's work was decades ahead of its time, and how her insights continue to be relevant in today's rapidly changing world shaped by technology, AI, and social change. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why the popular Ikigai Venn diagram may not tell the whole story • The difference between Ikigai as a feeling and a source of Ikigai • The remarkable legacy of Dr. Mieko Kamiya and her pioneering research • How culture influences the way we understand meaning and fulfillment • Why Ikigai matters now more than ever in an age of uncertainty • How growth, relationships, and curiosity can help cultivate a life worth living This conversation challenged many of my own assumptions about Ikigai and gave me a deeper appreciation for the wisdom behind this uniquely Japanese concept. I hope it inspires you to reflect on your own sources of meaning and discover what makes life worth living for you. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Beyond Purpose: Understanding Ikigai Through Mieko Kamiya's Work with Kei Tsuda

  8. Jun 10

    Beyond Myself: The Eight Powers That Shape Human Flourishing with Prof. Daiki Kato

    In this episode of The Samurai Way, I welcome back Daiki Kato, clinical psychologist, researcher, professor at Kinjo Gakuin University, and CEO of Beyond Myself LLC, for an inspiring conversation about his latest work, BM8 (Beyond Myself 8), a framework designed to help individuals thrive in an increasingly complex world. Building on our previous discussion about rolefulness, Professor Kato introduces the eight essential powers that contribute to personal growth, meaningful relationships, and success in society. Drawing from years of psychological research, BM8 provides a practical roadmap for strengthening mental well-being, developing stronger connections with others, and navigating life's challenges with confidence and purpose. Together, we explore the three pillars of BM8: •Powers to Strengthen the Individual • Resilience • Self-Efficacy •Powers to Nurture Relationships • Rolefulness • Empathy • Tolerance Powers to Navigate Society • Critical Inquiry • Experiential Learning • Risk Management During our conversation, Professor Kato shares how resilience and self-efficacy help build confidence and mental strength, why empathy and tolerance are essential for healthy relationships, and how rolefulness helps us find meaning through our everyday interactions. We also discuss the importance of critical thinking, learning through experience, and preparing for uncertainty in today's rapidly changing world. One of the most fascinating parts of this discussion is how BM8 connects modern psychology with timeless values found in Japanese culture, Bushido, and the spirit of continuous growth. Professor Kato explains that these eight powers are not only relevant in Japan but are universal qualities that can help people everywhere live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. In this episode, we discuss: • The origin and purpose of the BM8 framework • The importance of resilience and self-efficacy • How rolefulness strengthens identity and purpose • Why empathy and tolerance are critical for human connection • Lessons from Bushido and Japanese culture • Developing critical inquiry and asking better questions • Learning through experience and overcoming failure • The importance of risk management in modern society • How psychological research can be applied to everyday life • Building a stronger foundation for personal and social well-being If you are interested in psychology, personal growth, leadership, Japanese wisdom, or creating a more meaningful life, this conversation offers practical insights and timeless lessons that can help you flourish. Connect with Daiki Kato: LinkedIn: Daiki Kato LinkedIn Learn more about BM8, Beyond Myself LLC, and Professor Kato's upcoming book through the links provided in the episode description. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Beyond Myself: The Eight Powers That Shape Human Flourishing with Prof. Daiki Kato
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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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