Episoder
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In this soul-nourishing episode, I take you with me on a personal journey through Japanโwhere every encounter tells a story and every quiet moment holds a lesson.
From the bustling back alleys of Osaka to feeding the gentle deer of Nara Park, I followed more than a mapโI followed my Ikigai.
Join me as I share:
The serene experience of feeding the sacred deer in Nara, and the unexpected wisdom found in their calm presence
A fascinating visit to the Samurai & Ninja Museum, where I learned how these ancient warriors lived with honor, discipline, and purpose
The cultural rituals behind every mealโand why respect is always the first ingredient
How ancient values like Omotenashi (hospitality)
This isnโt just a travel story. Itโs a pilgrimage through tradition, connection, and timeless wisdom.
Whether youโre planning your own trip to Japan, craving a deeper cultural connection, or simply seeking stories that stir the soulโthis episode is for you.
Let this journey remind you:
History can teach the mind, but culture awakens the spirit.
Subscribe to The Samurai Way on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.
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In this inspiring episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa Whaley sits down with master sales trainer Eric Lofholm, who transformed a rocky start in sales into a purpose-filled life of teaching, serving, and selling. Guided by the principles of Ikigai, Ganbaru, and Kaizen, Eric shares how perseverance and continuous improvement helped him overcome self-doubt, economic hardship, and professional setbacks.
Together, they explore:
How finding your Ikigai can transform your work into a calling
The power of Ganbaruโnever giving up, even when you're ready to quit
Why embracing Kaizen keeps mastery within reach
The truth about serving others through ethical, heart-centered sales
Whether you're in sales, leadership, or on your own path of personal development, this episode will fuel your spirit with timeless wisdom and modern-day resilience.
๐ง Listen NowAvailable on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
๐ Connect with Eric Lofholm:๐ Website: https://www.ericlofholm.com
๐ฑ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric.lofholm
๐ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericlofholm
๐ฅ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/saleschampion1 -
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In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa sits down with Jolene Jangโa dynamic cultural explorer, speaker, and passionate advocate for Asian American awareness. With Japanese, Chinese, and Swedish roots, Jolene shares her deeply personal journey of identity, privilege, and purpose, revealing how recent waves of anti-Asian hate galvanized her lifelong community-building skills into a mission of advocacy.
Together, Lori and Jolene explore themes of cultural rediscovery, generational trauma, assimilation, and resilience. From joyful childhood memories in sports to confronting hard histories like Japanese American incarceration during WWII, this conversation bridges past and present with honesty, compassion, and humor.
Whether youโre curious about Japanese American heritage, seeking inspiration to embrace your own cultural story, or wanting to understand the power of visibility and belongingโthis episode will leave you inspired to stand tall and speak out.
Highlights include:
How Jolene's background shaped her confidence and advocacy
A look at the evolving Asian American identity
Grab a cup of tea and join us for this engaging and heartfelt conversation on The Samurai Way.
๐ Website: https://jolenejang.com
๐ผ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolenejang
๐บ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jolenejang
๐ธ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolenejang
๐ฑ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jolenejang
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In this powerful episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa Whaley is joined by international master coach, speaker, and transformational trainer Patrick Dean. With over 35 years of experience guiding more than 40,000 leaders worldwide, Patrick blends the timeless wisdom of the samurai with modern leadership tools to help people unlock their fullest potential.
We explore:
The power of commitment, clarity, and keeping your wordโespecially to yourself
How experiential learning (like the Samurai Game) transforms lives
Tapping into your inner samurai for discipline, focus, and compassion
Why Bushido principles still matter in today's world
Healing through leadership, relationships, and resilience
Whether youโre seeking personal growth, professional direction, or inspiration to never give up, this conversation offers tools and stories that will resonate deeply.
๐ Connect with Patrick Dean
๐ Website: www.patrickdeancoaching.com
๐ Facebook: Patrick Dean | Samurai Spirit Group | Seminar Systems
๐ผ LinkedIn: Patrick Dean
๐บ YouTube: BBinRelationship Channel๐ฌ If this episode sparked something in you, please subscribe, share, and leave us a review. Your support helps us share these powerful messages with more people. ๐
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In this special episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa Whaley sits down with Bob Lowโentrepreneur, marketing consultant, and host of the Asian Century Podcastโto talk about storytelling, strategy, and living with purpose.
Bob shares his unique journey from discovering marketing through a reality TV show to becoming a powerful voice spotlighting Asiaโs most inspiring business leaders. Youโll hear about his deep respect for Japanese values like Ikigai and Kaizen, his reflections on humble beginnings, and how he built a podcast with over 30,000 subscribers from scratchโarmed with nothing but curiosity, grit, and a deep desire to make Asian stories heard.
Along the way, you'll discover how The Samurai Way got its name (thanks to Bob!), why bookstores like Kinokuniya hold a special place in both their hearts, and how finding joy in what you do is the real secret to lasting impact.
If you're a creative, entrepreneur, or purpose-seeker looking for motivation and mindset tips, this episode is full of wisdomโand warmth.
๐ Connect with Bob Low:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bobthinks
Instagram: @asiancenturypodcast
YouTube: Asian Century Podcast
Spotify: Asian Century Podcast
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In this heartfelt episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with renowned American artist and illustrator Chris Hopkins, whose powerful artwork brings to life the stories we must never forget.
Chris opens up about his deeply personal projectโpainting over 60 portraits honoring Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. Inspired by his wifeโs family history and guided by a sense of duty, Chris poured his heart into the work, creating a visual archive of resilience, honor, and humanity.
His journey spans decades of celebrated workโfrom being a combat artist in Afghanistan to illustrating iconic moments in sports, film, and culture. But this project, done without pay and driven solely by purpose, may be his most meaningful yet.
We talk about legacy, the role of art in healing, and what it means to live a life guided by conviction. Chris reminds us that when we follow the call of something greater than ourselves, we leave behind more than artโwe leave behind truth.
โจ Learn more about Chris Hopkins and his incredible body of work at www.chrishopkinsart.com
This is a story of honor, memory, and the quiet courage of telling the truth through your gifts.
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In this episode of The Samurai Way, Iโm honored to welcome Eileen Yamada LamperโPresident of the Puyallup Valley chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). A dedicated advocate for historical preservation, Eileen has worked tirelessly to honor the stories of Japanese Americans who endured incarceration during World War II.
Eileen shares her commitment to keeping this history alive, including her work on the Remembrance Galleryโa powerful memorial at the Washington State Fairgrounds that ensures these voices are never forgotten. Through personal stories, historical insights, and firsthand accounts, this conversation sheds light on the lasting impact of Executive Order 9066 and the resilience of the Japanese American community.
Today, we dive into "Remembering the Past: Eileen Yamada Lamper on Japanese American Incarceration and Resilience"
Together, we explore:
๐ฅ The significance of the Remembrance Gallery and its role in preserving history
๐ฅ The untold stories of Japanese Americans who lived through WWII incarceration
๐ฅ Why remembering this history is crucial for future generations๐ก Get ready for an eye-opening conversation about resilience, remembrance, and ensuring that history is never forgotten!
Learn more about Eileen Yamada Lamper and her work:
๐ Japanese American Citizens League โ Puyallup Valley Chapter๐ง Listen now and embrace The Samurai Way!
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In this episode of The Samurai Way, Iโm honored to welcome John Yaworskyโan award-winning producer, filmmaker, and digital media expert with over 25 years of experience in traditional and new media. His work spans global giants like the BBC, NHK, and Channel 4, and he has produced and directed over 90 online courses for Johns Hopkins and Georgetown Universities.
Johnโs journey took a profound turn when he traveled to Japan, an experience that left an unforgettable mark on his life. From witnessing the precision and respect embedded in Japanese culture to experiencing deep hospitality and craftsmanship firsthand, his time in Japan became more than just a film projectโit became a lesson in mastery, humility, and honor.
Today, we dive into "Mastery and Mindfulness: John Yaworskyโs Journey in Japan"
Together, we explore:๐ฅ The unexpected lessons John learned while filming in Japan
๐ฅ How Japanese culture transformed his perspective on work, creativity, and life
๐ฅ The power of respect, attention to detail, and excellence in every craft๐ก Get ready for an inspiring conversation that blends samurai values, storytelling, and the art of living with purpose!
Learn more about John Yaworsky:
๐ Website: http://www.nimbledigitalmedia.com/
๐ Nimble Digital Media: http://www.nimbledigitalmedia.com/๐ง Listen now and embrace The Samurai Way!
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In this episode of The Samurai Way, Iโm honored to welcome John Suzukiโa bestselling author, speaker, and host of the Finding Better podcast.
Johnโs mission is to bring more heart into the world and leave it better than we found it. He is the author of American Grit: From a Japanese American Concentration Camp Rises an American Hero, a powerful story of courage, honor, and perseverance. His work sheds light on untold history while inspiring others to live with resilience and purpose.
Today, we dive into American Grit: A Story of Courage, Honor, and Purpose.
Together, we explore the incredible true story that led John to uncover a forgotten piece of history, the lessons we can learn from those who endured immense hardship, and how we can apply their strength and wisdom to our own lives.
๐ฅ Tune in to discover:
โ The untold story behind American Grit and why it matters today
โ How history teaches us resilience, honor, and the power of standing for whatโs right
โ The mindset shifts needed to overcome lifeโs greatest challenges๐ก Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that blends samurai wisdom, history, and personal transformation!
Learn more about John Suzuki:
๐ Website: johnsuzuki.com
๐ Finding Better Podcast: johnsuzuki.com/podcast๐ง Listen now and embrace The Samurai Way!
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In this episode of The Samurai Way, Iโm honored to welcome Tara LaFon Goochโan international TEDx speaker, 2X bestselling author, and CEO of Best Branding Solutions. She helps thought leaders elevate their brand, amplify their influence, and secure high-impact opportunities.
As the host of GRASP Confidenceโa top personal development podcastโTara empowers leaders to build unshakable confidence, own their voice, and turn bold visions into reality. Today, we dive into The Power of Persistence: Why Confidence is Built in the Moments You Want to Quit.
Together, we explore the mindset and resilience required to push forward when challenges arise, the connection between persistence and confidence, and how embracing adversity can lead to incredible breakthroughs. Whether you're facing setbacks in your career, business, or personal life, Tara shares powerful insights to help you stay the course and emerge stronger.
๐ฅ Tune in to discover:
โ Why confidence isnโt instantโitโs built through persistence
โ How to develop a warrior mindset in the face of adversity
โ Practical strategies to push forward when you feel like giving up๐ก Get ready for an inspiring conversation that blends samurai wisdom with modern success principles!
Learn more about Tara:
๐ Website: taralafongooch.com
๐ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/tara-lafon-gooch
๐ Instagram: instagram.com/taralafongooch
๐ YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCTXN57YGfMOMJdkphzr2PoQ๐ง Listen now and embrace The Samurai Way!
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In this episode of The Samurai Way, Iโm honored to welcome Sam Ushio, Founder of Ikigai Lab โ a social enterprise dedicated to human sustainability and societal impact. Sam combines over 20 years of global asset management experience with more than 10,000 hours of Ikigai study and practice, helping individuals and organizations align passion, mission, and purpose.
Together, we explore how the timeless wisdom of Ikigai can transform not only our own lives but the lives of those around us. Sam shares his powerful journey, insights into leadership, and how living with purpose creates ripple effects of positive change.
Join us as we walk the Way of the Warrior โ embracing purpose, passion, and the spirit of Ikigai.
Learn more about Sam Ushio:
๐ Website: Ikigai Lab
๐ LinkedIn: Sam Ushio
