The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom cover art

The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom

The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom

Written by: 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 Way2025 Philosophy Social Sciences
Episodes
  • From Midlife to Meaning: The Wisdom of Ikigai and Shukatsu with Jeff Singal

    From Midlife to Meaning: The Wisdom of Ikigai and Shukatsu with Jeff Singal
    Feb 20 2026
    In this episode of The Samurai Way, I welcome Jeff Singal, a Japan based midlife wisdom guide who has been living in Japan for nearly thirty years. Originally from Boston, Jeff bridges Eastern philosophy and Western reinvention, and our conversation is both reflective and practical. We explore how Japanese wisdom shaped his life during seasons of deep transition, including personal loss, midlife change, and the challenges of COVID. Together, we dive into: • What Shukatsu really means and how it is not about preparing for death but about living fully now• Why Ikigai is not a Venn diagram and how starting small can transform your daily life• How understanding our roles as parent, partner, mentor, and leader brings clarity and direction• The concept of Ma and creating intentional space in a noisy world• How Japanese philosophy can guide anyone through life transitions, no matter where they live This episode is a meaningful blend of East and West, ancient wisdom and modern reinvention. If you are navigating midlife, seeking clarity, or wanting to live with deeper intention and fewer regrets, I believe this conversation will speak to you. Connect with Jeff Singal https://jeffsingal.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-singal-b33751/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • From Metalwork to Mentorship: Nibu Thomas on Purpose in Action

    From Metalwork to Mentorship: Nibu Thomas on Purpose in Action
    Feb 11 2026
    In this episode of The Samurai Way, I had the honor of sitting down with Nibu Thomas, a writer, speaker, mentor, and lifelong student of purposeful living whose journey spans manufacturing, technology, personal development, and social impact. Our conversation became much more than a discussion about careers. We explored Ikigai as something built through action, awareness, and paying attention to what life is teaching you. Nibu shared how starting on the factory floor at Bosch shaped his discipline, humility, and deep respect for process, learning Japanese operational principles like 5S and Poka Yoke that continue to influence how he thinks and works today. What inspired me most was how Nibu transitioned from precision engineering into the IT and technology world, and eventually into writing, speaking, and mentoring others about purpose. Today, he is also working with underprivileged youth in India, helping them develop coding skills, confidence, and opportunities for a better future. His story reflects the Samurai values I teach through Ikigai, Ganbaru, and the Code of Bushido, showing that purpose is not something we stumble upon. It is something we build through consistent action. In this episode, we talk about: • Discovering Ikigai through paying attention, taking action, and listening to what people praise you for • Career evolution from manufacturing and IT into writing, speaking, and purpose driven personal development • Creating meaning through mentorship, social impact, and Japanese principles like 5S and Poka Yoke This conversation is an invitation to reflect on your own journey. Are you paying attention to what people praise you for? Are you taking action toward the life you truly want to live? Nibu’s story reminds us that meaning is created step by step, choice by choice. Listen to this episode and subscribe to The Samurai Way Podcast so you never miss a conversation that brings Ikigai, Ganbaru, and the Code of Bushido into modern life. Please listen, follow, and share with someone who is searching for deeper purpose. Connect with Nibu Thomas https://www.linkedin.com/in/nibu-thomas/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    30 mins
  • No Reinvention Required : Ikigai, Dignity, and Earning After 55 with Jeanne Bellew

    No Reinvention Required : Ikigai, Dignity, and Earning After 55 with Jeanne Bellew
    Feb 4 2026
    What happens to purpose after 50? In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with Jeanne Bellew, teacher, mentor, and coach who works with people 50 plus who want to continue earning, stay relevant, and remain deeply engaged as they age. Jeanne shares her powerful personal journey of leaving the United States in her late 50's, selling everything, and moving abroad with her husband, two dogs, and a laptop. First to Costa Rica and now to Spain, what began as a practical need to earn income legally overseas became a life grounded in Ikigai, contribution, and freedom. Together, Jeanne and I explore how Ikigai is not something you achieve, but a practice that evolves throughout your life. They discuss why many people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond already have everything they need, yet cannot see it clearly after decades defined by job titles and roles. Jeanne explains how unbundling skills allows people to recognize what they already know, enjoy, and do well, and offer those skills online to clients who value and pay for them. This conversation also dives into healthy longevity, dignity, and why earning and contributing later in life is not about hustle, side gigs, or reinvention, but about self respect, wisdom, and continued purpose. If you are navigating life after 50, questioning what is next, feeling the weight of ageism, or wondering how to stay engaged without burning out, this episode offers reassurance, clarity, and real options. Because there is always a way. Connect with Jeanne Bellew LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeannebellew/ Websitehttps://duffelsanddogs.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
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