Transformations with Jayne

In this episode of The Transformations with Jayne Podcast, I welcome guest Raven Takahashi to discuss their life in Japan and being "neurospicy". The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including why performance reviews are nonsensical, the impact of societal expectations and the importance of being true to yourself. Raven shares some interesting stories about being labeled confrontational...

I'm brining you my latest life lessons, while it's still fresh in my mind. I initially thought that this kind of episode would not be "useful", until a friend reached out to tell me that listening to my last episode gave her the push to get out of the winter holiday gym funk and she'd gone back for her first work out. THIS is why I take the time to podcast. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with...

Hi! We are back! I'm making my " triumphant "return after a lengthy hiatus...I know the cliché of starting in January is not lost on me! But I'm also like - so what cliché! I'm going to do my thing. We're kicking off the new year talking about restarting the podcast and my personal fitness goals. I candidly discuss: the challenges of consistency, the importance of outer accountability, and my past...

Jayne chats with Jacqui Miyabayashi about the intensive nature of afterschool activities, or 'Naraigoto,' in Japan and how to be more successful as a foreign parent. Jacqui and Jayne share their experiences with their children's involvement in activities like swimming, baseball, volleyball and violin, discussing the challenges, costs, and the importance of choosing the right coach. You'll hear pra...

In this enlightening episode of the Transformations with Jayne podcast, guest host Brittany Arthur takes the reins to delve into the complexities of navigating public education in Japan, particularly for foreign mothers. Jayne, usually the host, steps into the guest role to share her experience as a foreign mum guiding her children through the Japanese school system. From kindergarten selection st...

In our latest episode, Jo and Jayne provide an end-of-year check-in for 2023. They discuss their personal transformations, from Jayne's newfound love for baseball and her refreshing "inner old lady" approach to life, to Jo's pursuit of her artistic passions and the importance of balancing work and leisure. We talk about: The health challenges that Jayne overcame in 2023, are going to mean 2024 is...

Kumiko Nakajima Ekstedt and I are discussing the differences between life in Japan and Sweden where Kumiko has lived for more than 14 years. I am interested to learn more about where in the world women have the best life and are able to live the life they want, be a mother if they want, have a career if they want. Full disclosure, I was having a very difficult time when I recorded this episode. My...

Helen Iwata, the Less Effort More Impact Coach, is back on the show after five years! Helen has done quite a few transformations herself since 2018, and I can’t wait for you to hear how she is helping international and Japanese women in Japan to have more ease and joy in their lives. Now that is something we all want!!  In this episode you’ll hear: How Helen has transformed since she was on T...

We are talking about all things peri-menopause and menopause in this episode with Menopause Energy Expert, Miyako Hazama. It’s a topic of discussion almost everywhere I go these days, even Oprah is talking about it! I really want more women to be aware of things they may be putting up with, not realising that it is something that we can get help for and we can get our energy and health back. Miyak...

We last spoke to Violet in May 2021 as she was about to embark on a project to build an amazing CrossFit facility in the mountain town of Otoyo in Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku Japan. Two years later we check in to see how it went and what challenges Violet now faces with running a business day to day as well as being a mother of three and a consultant.  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspire...

I love meeting international women in Japan who are finding their way and creating things whether it is a new podcast or a bricks and mortar business like Blanka’s which actually does deal with things like bricks! Blanka shares how she came to be really enjoying running her family’s renovation company that helps foreigners get the services they need in English. She has certainly happened upon a ni...

If you need a pick me up today, then turn this episode on and give yourself a boost thanks to the wonderful guest Mary Wanjohi! She tells us about how she adjusted to life in Japan having been born and raised in a small town in Kenya to negotiating the scramble crossing in Shibuya. Mary and I talk about how we can make sure we are taking care of ourselves and also what kind of things you can do wh...

I’m always thrilled to find a new podcast by women with a nexus to Japan. Jordana Matsuda and Paige Baldwin Ando have both been guests on TWJ and now they have gone on to create their own show together: The Creativity Cafe Podcast. I love how their connection and collaboration has really brought joy to their lives that goes beyond just putting together a podcast.  I hope you will be inspired...

My gorgeous guest is Lindsey Sawada, founder of the Setagaya Yoga Studio. Not only do we talk about the wonderful Tuesday morning yoga classes that Lindsey holds each week online, but Lindsey also shares her experience so far with menopause. Jayne shares some of the symptoms that she has been noticing more and more recently that perhaps you’ve been noticing too. If you enjoyed this episode and it...

It’s that time again! It’s time for our end of year check-in with Podlaunch producer Jo, to see how our 2022 shaped up. Listen to the episode to hear how our year went, what we ticked off our yearly to-do list, how we left room for magic to surprise us, and what’s in store for 2023! Follow along at home as always, reflect on your 2022 and make fun goals for 2023, and let us know what came up for y...

On the show this week we’re talking with Lin Nishitani, a university student and project manager for Atlantic Pacific. I loved hearing how she came to be involved with this great organisation that is doing fantastic work to help areas affected by the tsunami in 2011. Their work has now extended to teaching water safety skills as well as their Ocean Revival Competition.   If you enjoyed t...

This week on the podcast I talk to Heidi Karino, a Japanese English Transcreation Specialist working with content marketing translation. Heidi came to Japan and pursued translation as a career, pivoted to copywriting, and ultimately became a transcreation specialist with the launch of Kotonoha Bloom.  Listen to the episode to hear about Heidi’s journey from the UK to Japan, her experiences in...

Shinto is something we live with every day here in Japan, and we often do notice it, though we go to the shrine at New Year or when we are sightseeing. Dr. Nyri A. Bakkalian shares her experience of finding her place in the world on the day she wandered into the Osaki Hachiman shrine in 2005.  Listen to hear what happened next!  If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way...

On the latest episode of Transformations with Jayne, I talk to Tiffany Rossdale. Tiffany is a retreat specialist, LGBTQ educator and transgender activist, a certified Life Coach, a local private tour guide, and producer and host of the podcast, Breakfast With Tiffany. Born and raised in Manila, Philippines, Tiffany Rossdale has been a resident of Tokyo for over 25 years. She has been involved with...

As Obon finishes for another year, we turn our thoughts to a new start in September - the other January. Gretchen Miura and Sarah Furuya are two wonderful women in our foreign women in Japan community who have created a community for people who are experiencing grief and want help with processing it. If you have lost someone and not taken the time to grieve you may find yourself carrying that grie...

This week on the podcast I talk to one of my very best friends Penelope Thompson. I have known Penny since 1998 when we met at university and lived together for 2 years. It’s my great pleasure to share this special person with the listeners of Transformations with Jayne. As well as being my friend, Penny is also an amazing mother of three very special boys, and Director Group Communications at Māi...

This week on the podcast I am catching up with Jennifer Shinkai, ikigai researcher, facilitator and coach, author, and host of her own podcast; Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai. Jennifer was last on the podcast in 2019 before the pandemic, and since then has experienced a lot of transformation in her working life. Join us as we catch up on everything Jennifer has been up to since the last time we chat...

On this week’s episode of Transformations with Jayne I am joined by Jo Tindling, podcast manager, as we discuss how our years are going so far. At the end of 2021 Jo and I recorded an episode talking about what we wanted to make happen in 2022, and seeing as how we are at the halfway point of the year I thought it would be a good time to do a bit of a review.  Join us as we recap where we wer...

I love a story of someone finding their way in Japan! Michele Fujii came back to Japan with her husband and found a job, one day realising that although it was a nice job, she really wanted to extend herself and so she started doing just that. If you are wanting to make the most of living in Japan and want to know “how”, then Michele’s story might be just what you need to spark some inspiration fo...

If you are wondering how you and your child can have a better night’s sleep but you live in Japan and all the “Sleep Experts” are overseas, then Dr. Laura Gainche is here to help. It’s been a while since I was up to my ears in babies and sleep schedules, but you’ll hear Dr. Laura’s ideas on how parents like you in Japan can make your lifestyle work for you, no matter what is going on around you. I...