The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom

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 Relationship Crisis became a beacon of hope for countless others. Drawing from Bushido’s values of honor and truth, Ganbaru’s perseverance, and Ikigai’s purpose, Cheryl reveals how healing is not just survival but transformation. Together, we also reflect on the art of Kintsugi—mending the broken pieces of life with gold as a metaphor for embracing scars and discovering renewed strength.  Learn more about Cheryl’s work: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clwright/  Get her book: Swimming with Alligators    

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 training integrated with creativity to protect children and support survivors in healing. In this episode of The Samurai Way, Pamela and I explore how Ikigai and Ganbaru sustain her mission and why protecting children is a responsibility we all share. 🌐 Learn more: Stop the Silence / IVAT: ivatcenters.org Contact Pamela Pine: pamela.p@ivatcenters.org  

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 principles like Bushido, respect, and discipline apply to leadership today. From self-talk and mindset, to legacy-driven leadership, Bob shares wisdom on adapting, influencing, and managing in both life and business. Connect with Bob Reish: Website: Caveat Institute Podcast: Here’s the Caveat LinkedIn: Robert (Bob) Reish on LinkedIn Listen now and discover how timeless principles can transform your leadership and legacy.  

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, the lessons he carried from the football field into business, and why authenticity is the true superpower that creates greatness. His wisdom will inspire you to be your own CEO, focus on what you can control, and never stop growing. 🔗 Connect with Marques Ogden: Website: https://marquesogden.com Book Sleepless Nights: The NFL: A Business and Family → Amazon Link Podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden → Apple Podcasts  

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, decades of research, and her own journey as a daughter seeking to understand her father’s past, Laura brings to life a story of resilience, ingenuity, and faith against impossible odds. Her father endured starvation, brutality, and loss, yet he never gave up hope. Guided by values that echo the Code of Bushido—integrity, honor, courage, morality, and forgiveness—he left behind a legacy of strength that continues to inspire. In their conversation, Lori and Laura explore not only the historical details of WWII but also the universal lessons of resilience, the importance of family legacies, and how forgiveness can heal even the deepest wounds of war. 📖 Learn more about Laura Elliott and her work: lauraelliottauthor.com 📚 Get her book Dear Laura: A Lost Chapter of World War II: Amazon Link  

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 transformation. Paul opens up about the challenges of entrepreneurship, the pain of divorce, and how humor and improv became a surprising source of healing. At the heart of his work is the Askology Method, a framework built on the power of asking the right questions: leading, investigative, empathetic, and instigating, to create authentic conversations in business and life. Through the lens of Bushido values like integrity, honor, and loyalty, Paul shares how he helps entrepreneurs and sales professionals move beyond old-school selling tactics and instead build trust, connection, and meaningful success. This episode is a powerful reminder that business, like life, is about doing the right thing, always. 📌 Connect with Paul Kirch 🌐 Website: paulkirch.com 💼 Boss Academy Community: bossacademy.com 📚 Learn more about the Askology Method (eBook available through Paul)  

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  

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 organizations, the founder of an executive search firm, and a trusted coach to nonprofit leaders. Along the way, he discovered the power of resilience, purpose, and self-belief. Together, we explore how Dennis transformed adversity into strength, the role of Ganbaru in his success, and why true fulfillment comes from giving back. His story is a powerful reminder that no matter how many times life knocks us down, we can always rise again. 📚 Learn more about Dennis’s story in his autobiography From Mopping Floors to CEO: From Hopelessness and Failure to Happiness and Success: Get the book on Amazon 📩 Connect with Dennis directly: Website: www.denniscmiller.com Email: dennis@denniscmiller.com Tune in and discover how Ganbaru can guide you through your own challenges and help you live with greater courage and resilience.  

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 conflicts to personal challenges, Bushido offers wisdom we can still use every day. Join me as we dust off ancient wisdom and see how it still shines in 2025. Connect with Lori Tsugawa: 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loritsugawa/ 🌐 Website: https://www.loriwhaley.com/

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 reimagining a small dog food company to making bagged ice unforgettable, showing how the smallest details can elevate an entire brand and a life. Together, we explore how creativity, purpose, and joy can co-exist with prosperity and impact.   This is more than a branding conversation. It is a reminder that in business and in life, different is better than better.   Connect with David Brier: 🔗 Website: https://www.risingabovethenoise.com 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbrier/ 📘 Book: Rich Brand Poor Brand

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 legacy of my grandmother’s kitchen. Blending the sacred and the everyday, I invite you to reflect with me on the places, flavors, and rituals that keep our heritage alive.   Connect with Lori Tsugawa: 🔗 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/loritsugawa/ 🌐 Website: https://www.loriwhaley.com/  

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 also paths to living with intention and resilience. You’ll learn: Why "preparation wins battles" in both business and life How to lead with authenticity by first knowing yourself The power of Kaizen for steady, daily improvement How Kintsugi teaches us to embrace imperfection as strength And why self-awareness is the most underrated superpower 💡 Whether you’re facing a personal challenge, running a business, or simply seeking your Ikigai—this episode will inspire you to show up, grow forward, and lead with honor. 👉 Connect with John Golden 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/johngolden 🌐 Website: salespop.net  

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 with the ceremony and what it revealed about discipline, harmony, and presence How ancient tea traditions are being reimagined by a new generation Whether you’re a tea lover, a student of Japanese culture, or simply curious about mindful living, this episode offers something deeper. 🎧 Listen now and walk the Samurai Way, one quiet sip at a time. 🔗 Connect with me: LinkedIn – Lori Tsugawa Whaley 🌐 Website: www.loriwhaley.com

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 journey of building genuine, trust-based communities on LinkedIn and how the samurai spirit influences her mindset. You'll learn: 🌱 How the Japanese concept of Ikigai ties into professional purpose 🤝 Why empathy and trust are essential for long-term success on LinkedIn 🧠 What it takes to shift from self-doubt to authentic leadership 💪 How courage helps you face fear and build a life aligned with your values Plus, hear about her transformative seven-week solo journey through Japan and how community and kindness shaped her experience. 🔗 Connect with Sarka Risch: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/sarkarisch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarka-risch/ 🎧 Available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and more. Just search The Samurai Way. 📲 Like, share, and subscribe to join a growing community inspired by Japanese wisdom and courageous living.

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 sheds light on untold history while inspiring others to live with resilience and purpose. Today, we dive into American Grit: A Story of Courage, Honor, and Purpose. Together, we explore the incredible true story that led John to uncover a forgotten piece of history, the lessons we can learn from those who endured immense hardship, and how we can apply their strength and wisdom to our own lives. 🔥 Tune in to discover: ✅ The untold story behind American Grit and why it matters today ✅ How history teaches us resilience, honor, and the power of standing for what’s right ✅ The mindset shifts needed to overcome life’s greatest challenges 💡 Get ready for an eye-opening conversation that blends samurai wisdom, history, and personal transformation! Learn more about John Suzuki: 👉 Website: johnsuzuki.com 👉 Finding Better Podcast: johnsuzuki.com/podcast 🎧 Listen now and embrace The Samurai Way!  

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-building skills into a mission of advocacy. Together, Lori and Jolene explore themes of cultural rediscovery, generational trauma, assimilation, and resilience. From joyful childhood memories in sports to confronting hard histories like Japanese American incarceration during WWII, this conversation bridges past and present with honesty, compassion, and humor. Whether you’re curious about Japanese American heritage, seeking inspiration to embrace your own cultural story, or wanting to understand the power of visibility and belonging—this episode will leave you inspired to stand tall and speak out. Highlights include: How Jolene's background shaped her confidence and advocacy A look at the evolving Asian American identity Grab a cup of tea and join us for this engaging and heartfelt conversation on The Samurai Way. 🌐 Website: https://jolenejang.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolenejang 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jolenejang 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolenejang 📱 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jolenejang

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 sense of duty, Chris poured his heart into the work, creating a visual archive of resilience, honor, and humanity. His journey spans decades of celebrated work—from being a combat artist in Afghanistan to illustrating iconic moments in sports, film, and culture. But this project, done without pay and driven solely by purpose, may be his most meaningful yet. We talk about legacy, the role of art in healing, and what it means to live a life guided by conviction. Chris reminds us that when we follow the call of something greater than ourselves, we leave behind more than art—we leave behind truth. ✨ Learn more about Chris Hopkins and his incredible body of work at www.chrishopkinsart.com This is a story of honor, memory, and the quiet courage of telling the truth through your gifts.  

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, including her work on the Remembrance Gallery—a powerful memorial at the Washington State Fairgrounds that ensures these voices are never forgotten. Through personal stories, historical insights, and firsthand accounts, this conversation sheds light on the lasting impact of Executive Order 9066 and the resilience of the Japanese American community. Today, we dive into "Remembering the Past: Eileen Yamada Lamper on Japanese American Incarceration and Resilience" Together, we explore: 🔥 The significance of the Remembrance Gallery and its role in preserving history 🔥 The untold stories of Japanese Americans who lived through WWII incarceration 🔥 Why remembering this history is crucial for future generations 💡 Get ready for an eye-opening conversation about resilience, remembrance, and ensuring that history is never forgotten! Learn more about Eileen Yamada Lamper and her work: 👉 Japanese American Citizens League – Puyallup Valley Chapter 🎧 Listen now and embrace The Samurai Way!  

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 fight. Together, Lori and Nancy explore the spiritual energy of Japan, the true meaning of ikigai, and what it means to live in a state of effortless being. Whether you’ve walked through hardship or are seeking a new sense of flow, this conversation will leave you reflecting, inspired, and reminded that healing is not only possible — it’s your birthright.  

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 day. With raw honesty, sharp humor, and profound insight, Frank opens up about: Discovering his ikigai in the 4th grade The warrior spirit behind comedy Living with depression and suicidality Why men don’t reach out — and what we can do about it The life-saving power of conversation and community What it means to live for others If you’ve ever wondered how to talk to someone struggling or how purpose can rise from pain, this episode is your guide. Frank reminds us that you don’t need to be a clinician to be a lifesaver — you just need to show up. Whether you're here for inspiration, healing, or simply to walk this path of purpose together, this episode will stay with you long after the final word.