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What does it take to move from learning the basics to achieving mastery? In this episode of The Samurai Way, I welcome Nick Godwin, an English teacher, coach, and course creator based in Tokyo, Japan. With more than 18 years of experience helping thousands of learners build their English skills and confidence, Nick shares his journey from the UK to Japan and how his passion for languages evolved into a mission to help others communicate with confidence. We explore Shuhari, a Japanese concept that describes the journey from learning the fundamentals to experimenting, developing your own style, and ultimately achieving mastery. Nick explains how this philosophy applies not only to language learning but also to personal development, professional growth, and lifelong learning. We also discuss the importance of mindset, why mistakes are a natural part of progress, and how small early successes can build confidence and motivation. Nick shares why learning a language is about more than memorizing words and grammar. It's about connecting with people, discovering new cultures, and opening doors to new opportunities. Join us for an inspiring conversation about embracing the learning journey, overcoming self-doubt, and taking small, meaningful steps toward your goals. Key Takeaways: Understanding Shuhari and the three stages of masteryWhy learning is more than memorizing informationHow mindset influences confidence and progressWhy mistakes are a natural part of lifelong learningHow small wins build momentum toward bigger goalsThe value of cultural understanding and meaningful communicationRemember, mastery isn't just about reaching the destination. It's about continuing to learn, practice, and grow along the way. Keep living with Honor, Courage, and Purpose.   Connect With Nick:Website: https://www.bylingua.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjgodwin/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Introducing He Lost it All, Then Did the Impossible from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast In this episode we’re joined by Jim Morrison, the first person ever to summit and ski down the North face of Mt. Everest, a seemingly impossible feat. Oprah and Jim talk about his process of preparing for his historic ski run after previously attempting the climb twice before. Jim also reflects on the unbelievable tragedies in his life and how he managed his grief. Jim lost his wife and children in a plane crash in 2011, then his partner and fellow famed mountain skier, Hilaree Nelson, died in 2022 in an avalanche right in front of Jim. Academy Award winning filmmaker Jimmy Chin joins the conversation to give his perspective on how he and their film crew prepared to record this extraordinary accomplishment for a new documentary, “Everest, The Other Side.”  WATCH THE MOVIE “Everest: the Other Side” will play in theaters and IMAX worldwide starting October 30th.  00:00:00 - Welcome Jim Morrison 00:04:30 - What goes through Jim’s mind on top of Everest  00:07:12 - What drove Jim to ski down Everest  00:09:25 - Jim lost his partner Hilaree  00:12:12 - Jim’s loss of his wife and two kids  00:17:00 - Jim’s definition of grief  00:30:00 - He failed to summit Mt. Everest 3 times 00:32:56 - Director Jimmy Chin joins  00:49:50 - A well-lived life  Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast:  https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 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 [email protected].

What does Ganbaru really mean, and what can we learn from Japan about resilience, perseverance, and the courage to keep going? In this episode of The Samurai Way, I welcome Ritu Kochar Mishra, a cross-cultural management consultant, corporate trainer, and Japanese language trainer from India, for a fascinating conversation about Japanese culture, the spirit of Ganbaru, and the lessons she learned while living in Japan. Ritu shares her journey from discovering the Japanese language to experiencing life in Japan and developing a deeper understanding of its culture, values, and work practices. We explore the true meaning of Ganbaru, the importance of focusing on the process rather than just the outcome, and how perseverance helps us move forward through life's challenges. Ritu also recounts her firsthand experience during the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima disaster. She describes Japan's disaster preparedness, community cooperation, discipline, and sense of responsibility, revealing how these experiences transformed her understanding of Japanese resilience. Our conversation also explores cross-cultural communication and leadership, particularly the differences between Indian and Japanese workplace cultures. Ritu explains how she helps organizations bridge cultural gaps, improve communication, and work more effectively across cultures. She shares an important lesson we can all apply: be patient, listen carefully, and observe more. This inspiring conversation reminds us that Ganbaru is more than simply doing our best. It is about continuing forward, learning through challenges, taking responsibility, and never giving up, even when circumstances are difficult. Join us as we discover how Japanese wisdom can help us build resilience, strengthen relationships, and live and lead with greater purpose. Connect With Ritu:Website: https://www.rikomicompetence.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What does Ganbaru really mean, and what can we learn from Japan about resilience, perseverance, and the courage to keep going? In this episode of The Samurai Way, I welcome Ritu Kochar Mishra, a cross-cultural management consultant, corporate trainer, and Japanese language trainer from India, for a fascinating conversation about Japanese culture, the spirit of Ganbaru, and the lessons she learned while living in Japan. Ritu shares her journey from discovering the Japanese language to experiencing life in Japan and developing a deeper understanding of its culture, values, and work practices. We explore the true meaning of Ganbaru, the importance of focusing on the process rather than just the outcome, and how perseverance helps us move forward through life's challenges. Ritu also recounts her firsthand experience during the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima disaster. She describes Japan's disaster preparedness, community cooperation, discipline, and sense of responsibility, revealing how these experiences transformed her understanding of Japanese resilience. Our conversation also explores cross-cultural communication and leadership, particularly the differences between Indian and Japanese workplace cultures. Ritu explains how she helps organizations bridge cultural gaps, improve communication, and work more effectively across cultures. She shares an important lesson we can all apply: be patient, listen carefully, and observe more. This inspiring conversation reminds us that Ganbaru is more than simply doing our best. It is about continuing forward, learning through challenges, taking responsibility, and never giving up, even when circumstances are difficult. Join us as we discover how Japanese wisdom can help us build resilience, strengthen relationships, and live and lead with greater purpose. Connect With Ritu:Website: https://www.rikomicompetence.com/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special episode of The Samurai Way, I reflect on the journey toward 100 episodes and the incredible people, stories, and wisdom that have shaped the podcast along the way. From Bushido and Ikigai to Ganbaru, Gaman, resilience, leadership, and purpose, each conversation has reminded me that the Samurai Way is not simply about ancient Japanese traditions. It is about how we choose to live and respond when life doesn't go according to plan. As a third-generation Japanese American and descendant of samurai warriors, this journey has been deeply personal for me. What began as a podcast has become a global conversation, with guests joining from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds. To celebrate Episode 100, I'll also be sharing The Samurai Way World Map, highlighting where our guests have come from and showing just how far this journey has traveled. 100 episodes. 60+ guests. One Samurai Way. Thank you for being part of the journey. What has The Samurai Way meant to you? And what should we explore in the next 100 episodes? Keep living with Honor, Courage, and Purpose. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I reflect on my recent experience attending the Friends and Family of the Nisei Veterans Convention and the powerful lessons I continue to learn from the Japanese American veterans of World War II. The Nisei soldiers had every reason to be afraid. Their families were being incarcerated behind barbed wire while their own loyalty was being questioned. And yet, they stepped forward to serve. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team became known for their extraordinary combat record and their motto, “Go for Broke.” But behind those words were young men facing impossible circumstances and making choices that demonstrated courage, sacrifice, loyalty, and perseverance. For me, these veterans represent the qualities of modern-day samurai. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is moving forward even when you are afraid, because something more important than your fear is calling you to act. Join me as I explore the human stories behind this history and the timeless lessons of courage and honor that the Nisei veterans leave for us today. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this two-part episode of The Samurai Way, I’m joined by Gareth Holebrook, author of Ishi: The Discipline of Determined Intent. Gareth shares his remarkable journey from the Royal Navy and Japanese management theory to coaching leaders and competing in more than 30 ultra-distance races. After 18 years of pursuing the Ironman World Championship, Gareth finally reached Kona in 2022. But 35 kilometers into the marathon, he collapsed from the heat. He eventually finished the race, but the experience led him to rethink what persistence really means and how determination needs to be governed. Gareth and I explore the Ishi Spiral, a discipline of determined intent built around four Japanese principles: Kettei, Shugyo, Gaman, and Hansei. Together, these principles explore how we make decisions, practice deliberately, persist through challenges, and reflect and learn from our experiences. We talk about the relationship between persistence and disciplined practice, the importance of reflection, and why resilience isn't simply about never giving up. Sometimes, true self-governance means having the wisdom to recognize when it's time to stop. Across both parts, Gareth shares how his experiences with failure, endurance, karate, leadership, and Japanese principles shaped the Ishi Spiral and his approach to long-term challenges. This is a conversation about determined intent, resilience, discipline, persistence, reflection, failure, and the wisdom to keep moving forward while knowing when to let go. Connect with Gareth Holebrook LinkedIn: Connect with Gareth on LinkedIn  Amazon: Find Gareth's books on Amazon  YouTube: Follow Gareth on YouTube  Instagram: Follow Gareth on Instagram Samurai QuestionWhat failure or setback in your life might actually contain a lesson you haven't discovered yet? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's continue the conversation. If you're new to The Samurai Way, my book Let the Samurai Be Your Guide is a foundation for the podcast and much of my work as a Samurai Strategist. It explores timeless samurai principles that can help us develop greater courage, persistence, resilience, and purpose in modern life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this two-part episode of The Samurai Way, I’m joined by Gareth Holebrook, author of Ishi: The Discipline of Determined Intent. Gareth shares his remarkable journey from the Royal Navy and Japanese management theory to coaching leaders and competing in more than 30 ultra-distance races. After 18 years of pursuing the Ironman World Championship, Gareth finally reached Kona in 2022. But 35 kilometers into the marathon, he collapsed from the heat. He eventually finished the race, but the experience led him to rethink what persistence really means and how determination needs to be governed. Gareth and I explore the Ishi Spiral, a discipline of determined intent built around four Japanese principles: Kettei, Shugyo, Gaman, and Hansei. Together, these principles explore how we make decisions, practice deliberately, persist through challenges, and reflect and learn from our experiences. We talk about the relationship between persistence and disciplined practice, the importance of reflection, and why resilience isn't simply about never giving up. Sometimes, true self-governance means having the wisdom to recognize when it's time to stop. Across both parts, Gareth shares how his experiences with failure, endurance, karate, leadership, and Japanese principles shaped the Ishi Spiral and his approach to long-term challenges. This is a conversation about determined intent, resilience, discipline, persistence, reflection, failure, and the wisdom to keep moving forward while knowing when to let go. Connect with Gareth Holebrook LinkedIn: Connect with Gareth on LinkedIn  Amazon: Find Gareth's books on Amazon  YouTube: Follow Gareth on YouTube  Instagram: Follow Gareth on Instagram Samurai QuestionWhat failure or setback in your life might actually contain a lesson you haven't discovered yet? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's continue the conversation. If you're new to The Samurai Way, my book Let the Samurai Be Your Guide is a foundation for the podcast and much of my work as a Samurai Strategist. It explores timeless samurai principles that can help us develop greater courage, persistence, resilience, and purpose in modern life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode, 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  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special two-part conversation on The Samurai Way Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bob Low, a content creator, business professional, and host of the Asian Century Podcast. We had such an engaging conversation covering Asia, culture, communication, business, and how we connect in an increasingly global world. In our conversation, we discussed: • Bob’s journey hosting the Asian Century Podcast and his passion for sharing stories from business leaders across Asia • Why this is an important time for Asia, with growing opportunities in business, innovation, and technology • Cultural differences between East and West and how they shape communication • How different cultures approach disagreement, conflict, and self-expression • The importance of relationships, respect, and hierarchy when doing business in many parts of Asia • Why direct communication and self-promotion can feel very different across cultures • The importance of recognizing cultural cues and adapting how we communicate • How technology, media, and the Internet are bringing people and cultures closer together • Why we should avoid broad assumptions and recognize that every person and community is unique As someone passionate about Japanese culture and connecting people across cultures, I truly enjoyed this conversation with Bob. I hope it gives you a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of Asia and the world around us. Connect with Bob Low:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobthinks/ Booking Link: https://calendly.com/bobthinkz88/15min Be sure to connect with Bob and follow his work as he continues sharing stories and insights from across Asia and around the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For this week's podcast, 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this special two-part conversation on The Samurai Way Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bob Low, a content creator, business professional, and host of the Asian Century Podcast. We had such an engaging conversation covering Asia, culture, communication, business, and how we connect in an increasingly global world. In our conversation, we discussed: • Bob’s journey hosting the Asian Century Podcast and his passion for sharing stories from business leaders across Asia • Why this is an important time for Asia, with growing opportunities in business, innovation, and technology • Cultural differences between East and West and how they shape communication • How different cultures approach disagreement, conflict, and self-expression • The importance of relationships, respect, and hierarchy when doing business in many parts of Asia • Why direct communication and self-promotion can feel very different across cultures • The importance of recognizing cultural cues and adapting how we communicate • How technology, media, and the Internet are bringing people and cultures closer together • Why we should avoid broad assumptions and recognize that every person and community is unique As someone passionate about Japanese culture and connecting people across cultures, I truly enjoyed this conversation with Bob. I hope it gives you a deeper appreciation for the diversity and richness of Asia and the world around us. Connect with Bob Low: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobthinks/ Booking Link: https://calendly.com/bobthinkz88/15min Be sure to connect with Bob and follow his work as he continues sharing stories and insights from across Asia and around the world. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this two-part conversation on The Samurai Way Podcast, I sit down with Mark Papadas, founder of I Am For Kids, to explore how we can help children build unshakable confidence through the power of identity. Mark believes every child is born believing in their own “I AM,” and our responsibility is to protect and strengthen that belief. We talk about identity, character, courage, curiosity, resilience, and never giving up by connecting his work with the timeless Japanese principles of Bushido, Ikigai, and Ganbaru, developing modern-day Samurai warriors! Mark shares inspiring stories and simple ways parents, teachers, and mentors can help children recognize their strengths, overcome negative patterns, and believe in what they are capable of. We’re reminded that our past does not have to define our future—and who we believe we are shaping how we live. And as Mark says: Be Great! I AM. Connect with Mark Papadas📖 New Book: iam4kidsbook.com 🌐 Website: iam4kids.com 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Be Great! Family Reset Every Sunday Night (FREE):https://events.iam4kids.com/sunday-night-family-reset Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this two-part conversation on The Samurai Way Podcast, I sit down with Mark Papadas, founder of I Am For Kids, to explore how we can help children build unshakable confidence through the power of identity. Mark believes every child is born believing in their own “I AM,” and our responsibility is to protect and strengthen that belief. We talk about identity, character, courage, curiosity, resilience, and never giving up by connecting his work with the timeless Japanese principles of Bushido, Ikigai, and Ganbaru, developing modern-day Samurai warriors! Mark shares inspiring stories and simple ways parents, teachers, and mentors can help children recognize their strengths, overcome negative patterns, and believe in what they are capable of. We’re reminded that our past does not have to define our future—and who we believe we are shaping how we live. And as Mark says: Be Great! I AM.   Connect with Mark Papadas 📖 New Book: iam4kidsbook.com 🌐 Website: iam4kids.com 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Be Great! Family Reset Every Sunday Night (FREE): https://events.iam4kids.com/sunday-night-family-reset Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this two-part conversation on The Samurai Way Podcast, I sit down with internationally-acclaimed speaker and author Céline Santini to explore the beautiful Japanese art and philosophy of Kintsugi. In Part 1, Céline shares how she discovered Kintsugi during one of the most challenging periods of her life and how the image of a broken bowl repaired with golden lines changed the way she viewed her own struggles. We talk about resilience, healing, imperfection, and turning brokenness into strength. In Part 2, we go deeper into Céline's six-step Kintsugi-inspired process and how we can apply these principles to our own lives. We explore how our scars can become part of our story and how difficult experiences can be transformed into something meaningful. This conversation is a reminder that we don't have to hide the cracks. Sometimes, the places where we have been broken can become the places where our strength, resilience, and beauty shine through. I also share part of my own journey and how the challenges I experienced led me toward a new path as an author, speaker, and podcast host. I hope these two episodes inspire you to look at your own scars differently and discover the gold within your story.   Connect with Céline Santini 🌐 Website: https://kintsugi-spirit.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celinesantini/ 📖 Book: https://kintsugi-spirit.com/books/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.