The Samurai Way: Mastering Business & Life with Samurai Wisdom – Details, episodes & analysis

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 past — it's a guide for anyone seeking resilience, healing, and meaning. We explore: How Bushido mirrors values from the Torah and Ido's upbringing in a tough neighborhood The courage it takes to be honest — with others and ourselves Why asking for help is an act of bravery Life after trauma, and the power of taking life inch by inch, step by step Stories of integrity, transformation, and the enduring human spirit Whether you're facing adversity or simply looking to live with more intention, Ido's story will remind you that good morals never go out of style — and the way of the warrior is a path we can all walk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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—Courage, Benevolence, Honesty, and Wisdom—can be applied to modern challenges in finance, relationships, and self-growth. We discuss: Why courage is the gateway to success in business and life The emotional and financial cost of playing small The epidemic of loneliness and how connection requires bravery Why benevolence isn't just charity, but a daily practice How honesty builds trust and unlocks deeper purpose The difference between knowledge and wisdom—and how to cultivate both Whether you're building a business, seeking more meaningful relationships, or aiming to live with more clarity and truth, this episode is a guide to walking the path of purpose, prosperity, and legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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, and resilience of the Japanese American experience. Raised in a multigenerational household, Kelly reflects on the quiet power of ganbaru, the wisdom of kaizen, and the internal discipline that helped her thrive as a Japanese American woman in business. From leading her global design agency GoToMedia to preserving generational stories in a world obsessed with speed, Kelly's message is both deeply personal and universally inspiring. Together, Lori and Kelly explore themes of legacy, perseverance, and living a life of purpose guided by honor, integrity, and resilience. Key Takeaways: – How The Seattle Samurai honors history through art and story – What it means to grow up Japanese American in a mostly white community – How Kelly learned to embrace ganbaru—the spirit of "never give up" – Why cultural identity can be reclaimed and redefined in adulthood – The role of kaizen in both business and personal mastery – How to pass on legacy through storytelling and example 💡 If you've ever felt torn between cultures or unsure how to preserve your family's wisdom, this episode is a moving reminder that your roots are your strength. 👉 Subscribe to The Samurai Way on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite platform. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 your body and mind can guide your next bold step. Sanae shares her insights on balancing intention with letting go, embracing the process, and nurturing your creative spirit through mindful reflection. Discover more of Sanae's beautiful work and teachings at sanaeishida.com, including her beloved children's books Little Kunoichi and Goodnight Ninjas. Whether you're a maker, writer, or seeker of meaning, this episode offers wisdom and practical inspiration to help you connect deeply with yourself and your creative flow. Tune in, get still, and let your intuition lead the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices