The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with Brian Gregory, CEO of ADMANITY®, author of fifteen books on marketing and copywriting, and a global authority on emotion based marketing. At the heart of our conversation is Ganbaru, the Japanese principle of perseverance, grit, and never giving up. Brian and I explore how this mindset shaped his life long before he ever had a name for it, beginn...

In this episode of The Samurai Way Podcast, I sit down with Saori Okada, a UKIH registered health coach, Japanese calligraphy artist, and the founder of Mogami Wellness in London. Saori grew up in Tokyo, built a corporate career in New York, and later returned to her Japanese roots after years of struggling with eating disorders and perfectionism. What stood out to me most was her insight that hea...

In this episode, I sit down with Jared Bendifallah, a peer support group facilitator, speaker, and the creator of The Five Building Blocks of Recovery podcast. Jared has led over six hundred support groups with NAMI West Los Angeles and has spoken to countless middle school and high school students, helping to break the silence around mental health. Our conversation is heartfelt, honest, and deepl...

I had the opportunity to have a heartfelt conversation with Ido Kalev, former senior commander in Israeli intelligence and aviation security, had over 30 years of international experience.  Ido shared how his years of military service leading operations in six countries to rebuilding lives after trauma, prepared him to share insights in resilience, leadership under pressure, and emotional intellig...

From the peaceful paths of Okayama Korakuen Garden to the rich seasonal flavors that fill every market and meal, this season invites us to experience Japan with all of our senses. The gardens here showcase harmony and balance, and their changing colors remind us of the cycles of life and the quiet strength found in transition. Autumn in Japan is also a season of nourishment. The foods of fall carr...

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I have the honor of welcoming Ahmet Bozer, a global business leader and former President of Coca-Cola International. With a remarkable 30-year career leading teams across Eurasia and Africa, Ahmet distills decades of insight and experience into his new book, Soulgery: A Lifelong Guide to Unlocking Your Potential , a powerful framework that blends Eastern philoso...

In this heartfelt episode of The Samurai Way, I'm sitting down with Carol Banens, a grief educator, grief to gratitude coach, and author who has turned her own loss into a journey of hope and purpose. After losing her husband, Carol discovered healing through creative writing and poetry, drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi showing us how even broken pieces can be made beautiful a...

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I am joined by international master coach, speaker, and transformational trainer Patrick Dean. Patrick has spent more than thirty five years guiding over forty thousand leaders around the world. His work blends the timeless wisdom of the samurai with modern leadership tools that help people step into clarity, intention, and their highest potential. Our conversat...

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with Akiko Yoshii Johnson, a second-degree black belt in Shotokan Karate, personal trainer, and lifelong martial artist. Born and raised near Tokyo, Akiko has spent most of her adult life in North America, blending Japanese discipline, respect, and mindfulness with Western openness and creativity. Together, Lori and Akiko explore the Dojo Kun, the fiv...

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I sits down with Brian Fried, an inventor, entrepreneur, and mentor known as The Inventor Coach. With 15 issued patents and over 19 years of experience, Brian has turned everyday frustrations into innovative products, from space-saving egg trays to clever paper towel solutions. As founder of the National Inventor Club and creator of the Inventor Smart Community,...

In this inspiring episode, I sit down with Diana Fritz — a true embodiment of resilience. After surviving a rare cancer and losing her eye, Diana transformed her pain into purpose. Through the lens of Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, she discovered that our cracks are not flaws to hide but symbols of strength, healing, and beauty. With over 25 years of leadership e...

In this powerful episode of The Samurai Way , I sit down with Cheryl Wright, bestselling author, speaker, and empowerment coach, to explore how Japanese principles can guide us through the challenges of toxic relationships. Cheryl shares her personal journey of breaking free from narcissistic abuse and how her book Swimming with Alligators: Surviving, Thriving, and Resolving the Narcissistic Relat...

In this episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa speaks with Dr. Pamela J. Pine has dedicated 25 years to raising global awareness about, preventing, treating, and ending child sexual abuse (CSA) and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). As Founder and Director of Stop the Silence® – A Department of the Institute on Violence, Abuse and Trauma (IVAT), she uses advocacy, education, and trainin...

In this episode of The Samurai Way Podcast, Lori Tsugawa welcomes Bob Reish, an executive business coach, keynote speaker, and founder of the Caveat Institute. Known for cutting through the noise with bold wisdom and no-fluff coaching, Bob equips leaders with the tools, truth, and accountability they need to lead with clarity, consistency, and conviction. Together, Lori and Bob explore how Samurai...

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, t...

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, dec...

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 tran...

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 come...

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...

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 confli...

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 rei...

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 legac...

In this powerful episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa sits down with bestselling author and sales strategist John Golden to explore how timeless Samurai wisdom like Bushido, Kaizen, and Kintsugi applies to modern life, leadership, and business. Drawing from his book Winning the Battle for Sales, John reveals how preparation, authenticity, and continuous growth are not only keys to success but...

Join me in the heart of Japan's tea culture, Uji, where matcha is more than a drink. It is a spiritual practice. In this episode, I take you through quiet tea fields, centuries-old shops, and into the stillness of a traditional tea ceremony. You'll discover: How matcha shaped the mindset and rituals of the samurai The meticulous process behind Uji's world-renowned green tea My personal experience...

In this inspiring episode of The Samurai Way, host Lori Tsugawa Whaley welcomes Sarka Risch, a multilingual LinkedIn Mindset Strategist, speaker, and Japanese culture enthusiast. Sarka shares how embracing Japanese values like compassion, courage, and consistency transformed her approach to life and business. From overcoming perfectionism to being featured in Forbes, Sarka opens up about her journ...