The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I'm honored to welcome John Suzuki—a bestselling author, speaker, and host of the Finding Better podcast. John's 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 s...

In this soulful episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa sits down with life sensei, speaker, and author Nancy Mueller, whose powerful journey from childhood trauma to personal transformation lights the way for others seeking healing and peace. Rooted in the teachings of martial arts, Nancy shares how the dojo became a sacred space for inner mastery — a path not of fighting, but of learning not to...

In this deeply moving episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa Whaley sits down with mental health comedian and suicide prevention speaker Frank King, who transformed his darkest struggles into a life-saving mission. A former writer for The Tonight Show and a stand-up comedian for nearly four decades, Frank shares how his brush with suicide became the catalyst for his purpose — to save one life a...

What happens when ancient samurai values meet modern-day military experience? In this deeply moving episode of The Samurai Way, I speak with Ido Kalev — a former Israeli intelligence commander, security expert, and author of The Spy Who Led Me. From leading covert missions to confronting trauma and PTSD, Ido's journey reveals a universal truth: the Code of Bushido isn't just for warriors of the pa...

In this powerful episode of The Samurai Way, I sit down with renowned Sales and Marketing Psychologist Dr. Donald Moine for a deep conversation on how the timeless wisdom of Bushido can radically transform our lives today. Dr. Moine, who has consulted for companies from AT&T to Zurich Insurance, brings his expertise as a psychologist, author, and life coach to explore how core samurai values—Coura...

In this heartfelt episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa sits down with designer, author, and cultural storyteller Kelly Goto whose life's work is rooted in honoring her heritage, family legacy, and the powerful values of the Bushido code. Kelly shares the emotional journey behind her book The Seattle Samurai, a tribute to her late father Sam Goto, whose cartoons captured the strength, humor, an...

In this inspiring episode of The Samurai Way, artist, author, and illustrator Sanae Ishida opens up about her lifelong journaling practice that has spanned over 30 years. More than just a daily habit, journaling for Sanae is a sacred space for tuning into intuition, sparking creativity, and finding inner peace. Join us as we explore creativity as a spiritual practice and learn how listening to you...

In this powerful episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa Whaley sits down with entrepreneur and digital marketing pioneer Eric Louviere, who shares his raw, unfiltered story of growing up in poverty, overcoming abuse, and building a multimillion-dollar business—all through the spirit of Ganbaru. Eric opens up about the emotional and spiritual battles he's fought behind the scenes, why success sta...

In this special episode, I share my heartfelt journey through Miyama, Japan, a peaceful mountain village known for its thatched-roof homes and deep farming traditions. As a farmer's daughter, returning to these rice fields was more than a visit. It was a spiritual homecoming. I can't wait to bring you along on this journey where ancient culture, simplicity, and soul come together. Thank you for ta...

In this soul-nourishing episode, I take you with me on a personal journey through Japan—where 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 map—I followed my Ikigai. Join me as I share: The serene experience of feeding the sacred deer in Nara, and the unexpected wisdom foun...

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 se...

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa sits down with Jolene Jang—a 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-build...

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, cl...

In this special episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa Whaley sits down with Bob Low—entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and host of the Asian Century Podcast—to 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 Asia's most inspiring business leaders. You'll hear...

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 project—painting over 60 portraits honoring Japanese Americans who were unjustly incarcerated during World War II. Inspired by his wife's family history and guided by a...

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I'm honored to welcome Eileen Yamada Lamper—President 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, i...

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I'm honored to welcome John Yaworsky—an 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. John's journey took a profound turn...

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I'm honored to welcome Tara LaFon Gooch—an 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 Confidence—a top personal development podcast—Tara empowers leaders to build unshakable confidence, own...

In this episode of The Samurai Way, I'm honored to welcome Sam Ushio, Founder of Ikigai Lab — 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 time...