Ikigai Stories
62 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 days ago - ★★★★★ - 17 ratingsHost Sam Ushio interviews people who have taken intentional steps to discover and live their ikigai. Each episode features inspiring stories that highlight the journey toward a living a life filled with purpose.
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Episodes
IKI Conversation: Aki Ohashi
April 18, 2024 22:26 - 54 minutes - 85.3 MBIKI Conversation with Aki Ohashi, Vice President, Evolution VC. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki
IKI Conversation: Ali Benter
March 25, 2024 02:20 - 41 minutes - 65.3 MBIKI Conversation with Ali Benter, Senior Product Designer, Microsoft Outlook & Lead Inclusive Design for Mental Health & Cognition For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki
IKI Conversations: Tim Bristow
March 10, 2024 17:29 - 46 minutes - 73.5 MBIKI Conversation with Tim Bristow, President of Operations, ProHabits, the world's first campaign platform. For more information on the IKI Network, visit: www.ikigailab.co/iki
Ikigai Summit 2023_Ikigai Economics_Purpose/Impact/Inclusion_Toussaint Bailey & Aparna Rae
November 19, 2023 17:17 - 47 minutes - 74.8 MBIkigai Economics: Purpose | Belonging | Impact w/Toussaint Bailey and Aparna Rae How can ikigai support a more economically vibrant world filled with thriving people? A dynamic conversation with Toussaint Bailey, CEO of Uplifting Capital, and Aparna Rae, Founder of Moving Beyond, on the societal benefits and economic value unlocked through the ikigai pillars of purpose, impact, and inclusion.
Ikigai Summit 2023_Purpose & Intentionality At Work_Theresita Richard & Katie Mooney
November 19, 2023 17:17 - 52 minutes - 82.3 MBPurpose at Work with Theresita Richard, Chief People Officer, Patagonia, and Katie Mooney, Managing Director, Seramount An inspiring and enlightening discussion on the power of purpose with Theresita Richard, Chief People Officer, Patagonia, and Katie Mooney, Managing Director, Seramount. Purpose fosters greater job satisfaction, increased motivation, improved well-being, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Learn insights from two visionary leaders as they share how purpose fuels their journe...
Ikigai Summit 2023_World Of Well Being_Dr Tim Lomas, Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University
November 19, 2023 17:16 - 48 minutes - 75.6 MBA World of Well-Being: Happiness & Human Flourishing Fireside w/Dr. Tim Lomas, Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University and Sam Ushio, Founder, Ikigai Lab What can ikigai and other "untranslatable words" teach us about flourishing and happiness? Dr Tim Lomas, a leading researcher scientist on well-being and positive psychology, will share findings on the importance of cross-cultural insights in our understanding of happiness, human flourishing, and the human condition. Dr Lomas will pro...
Micah Baldwin: Leadership Coach, Angel Investor, and Serial Entreprenuer
April 16, 2022 03:24 - 57 minutes - 52.2 MBSam talks with Micah Baldwin: executive coach, angel investor, and serial entreprenuer. Micah courageously shares his battle with addiction, depression, and anxiety while simultaneously achieving high levels of entrepreneurial success. He highlights how he's carved a path forward through serving others and the realization that it's okay to ask for help. Micah's three core values: Kindness, Distinct Point of View, and Acceptance/Vulnerability.
Rebekah Bastian, CEO & Co-Founder Of OwnTrail
January 05, 2022 14:16 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBSam talks with Rebekah Bastian, CEO & Co-Founder of OwnTrail, author of "Blaze Your Own Trail," and leader of the AuthenTech movement. She shares key milestones on her professional and personal journey that led to an entrepreneurial leap, the compassion and depth associated with a re-imagined social platform, and her mantra of "trust the process." Rebekah reinforces two important reminders that life isn't a linear path and we're better together.
Ikigai Intelligence Series #4: Relationship Management
May 24, 2021 16:24 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBA podcast series at the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology. In this episode, Sam and Josina discuss the EI concept of Relationship Management, why it's important in leadership, and provide actionable ideas for implementation.
Ikigai Intelligence Series #3: Social Awareness
April 22, 2021 16:25 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBA podcast series at the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology. In this episode, Sam and Josina discuss the social awareness, why it's important, and provide actionable ideas for implementation.
Ikigai Intelligence #3: Social Awareness
April 22, 2021 16:25 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MBA podcast series at the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology. Sam Ushio and Josina Garnham discuss the Social Awareness, why it's important, and provide actionable ideas for implementation.
Toussaint Bailey, CEO of Enso Wealth and Founder of the Just Listen Project
March 31, 2021 16:51 - 1 hour - 71.6 MBSam talks with Toussaint Bailey, CEO of Enso Wealth and Founder of Just Listen Project. Toussaint describes how "uplifting" has become his primary focus, inspired by finding meaning in the grief associated with racism, and his lived experience of anguish and hope. He outlines how a journey of self-awareness has impacted his leadership style, the importance of an organizational culture built upon loving and trusting relationships, and the gifts afforded by vulnerability and authenticity.
Ikigai Intelligence Series #2: Self-Management
March 27, 2021 02:57 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBA podcast series at the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology. Sam Ushio and Josina Garnham discuss the definition of self-management, why it's important, and provide actionable ideas for implementation.
Gregory Heller, Conversations on Career and Professional Life Podcast
March 13, 2021 00:16 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBSam joins Gregory Heller on the Conversations on Careers and Professional Life Podcast as the two play the role of both host and guest on their respective podcasts. Gregory is a Senior Associate Director in MBA Career Management at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. The two discuss their professional and personal journey, the MBA mindset, and the evolving landscape of business.
Ikigai Intelligence Series: Introduction
February 27, 2021 18:21 - 6 minutes - 6.05 MBSam Ushio and Josina Garnham introduce the new podcast series focused on the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology.
Ikigai Intelligence Series #1: Self-Awareness
February 22, 2021 14:11 - 14 minutes - 13 MBA podcast series at the intersection of emotional intelligence, purpose-driven change management, and strengths-based positive psychology. Sam Ushio and Josina Garnham discuss the definition of self-awareness, why it's important, and provide actionable ideas for implementation.
Kishi Bashi, Musician and Director of "Omoiyari Song Film"
January 28, 2021 23:10 - 1 hour - 130 MBSam talks with K. Ishibashi, acclaimed musician known as "Kishi Bashi" and director of the upcoming film, "Omoiyari: A Song Film by Kishi Bashi." The Japanese word "omoiyari" can be interpreted as empathy, compassion, and altruism. In the spirit of omoiyari, K created music at locations connected to the Japanese-American WWII Incarceration, providing a foundation to deliver a powerful message about social inequality and the complexities of humanity. K also shares the inspiration behind the ne...
Jonathan Rauch, Author of "The Happiness Curve"
August 20, 2020 23:12 - 51 minutes - 47 MBSam talks with Jonathan Rauch, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, Contributing Editor at The Atlantic, and author of "The Happiness Curve." Jonathan reflects on important milestones that contributed to writing "The Happiness Curve," including: • How winning the equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize in magazine journalism at 45 years old provided only momentary relief from his midlife malaise. • Viewing the Voyage of Life at 19 years old and how the art series has shaped his perspectiv...
Brigitte Granger, CEO and Founder, Supporti
July 29, 2020 23:12 - 1 hour - 62.8 MBSam talks with Brigitte Granger, CEO and Founder of Supporti, a technology company that pairs people as accountability partners to increase the probability of goal success. The personal experience of moving away from Boston and losing her running buddy sparked the idea to create a human-powered app for people helping people. Brigitte shares the insight that she learned on Day 1 of her Masters Program in Health Policy at Harvard University: Telling people what to do does very little for behav...
Dr. Jake Smith, Instructor, Louisiana State University
June 29, 2020 14:02 - 1 hour - 94.7 MBSam talks with Jake, Instructor at the Flores MBA Program at Louisiana State University, where he teaches management classes with an emphasis on leadership, organizational culture, and motivation. Jake spent nearly a decade in financial services, with much of his time in Australia, where he eventually noticed his job satisfaction and motivation on the decline. The question, "If money didn't matter, what would I do?", led him to pivot his career toward the PhD path. Jake shares a beautiful st...
Be Like Mike LIVE With Dr Jake Smith And Andrew Venrick
May 29, 2020 14:30 - 52 minutes - 39.4 MBSam Ushio, Andrew Venrick, and Dr. Jake Smith from LSU discuss the intersection between ESPN's The Last Dance, personal well-being, and purpose. Dr. Smith highlights research in organizational culture, shared values, and social structures that benefit both sports and business teams. The three discuss well-being examples from the documentary and highlight how viewers can grow through the lens of well-being.
LIVE: Be Like Mike with Dr Jake Smith And Andrew Venrick
May 29, 2020 14:30 - 52 minutes - 39.4 MBSam Ushio, Andrew Venrick, and Dr. Jake Smith from LSU discuss the intersection between ESPN's The Last Dance, personal well-being, and purpose. Dr. Smith highlights research in organizational culture, shared values, and social structures that benefit both sports and business teams. The three discuss well-being examples from the documentary and highlight how viewers can grow through the lens of well-being.
Be Like Mike Miniseries #3: ESPN's The Last Dance + Well-Being
May 20, 2020 02:28 - 54 minutes - 41.1 MBSam Ushio and Andrew Venrick discuss the intersection between ESPN's The Last Dance, personal well-being, and purpose. The three-part miniseries will tackle Episodes 1-6(#1), Episodes 7-8(#2), and Episodes 9-10 (#3). Following the three-part series is a live, facilitated conversation on May 26th at 2p PST with Sam, Andrew, and Dr. Jake Smith from LSU. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others and discuss the intersection between the documentary and well-being. Free regis...
Shelly Kurtz, Co-Founder, Giving Tech Labs
May 18, 2020 15:59 - 1 hour - 77.2 MBSam talks with Shelly Kurtz, Co-Founder of Giving Tech Labs, a Seattle-based company that delivers sustainable technology for public interest. Shelly's extensive media background (NBCUniversal and Comcast)combined with co-founder Luis Salazar's technology background (including Microsoft as co-founder of Office 365) deliver digital and business best practices that yield large societal gains. Shelly outlines Giving Tech Lab's organizational adoption of the ikigai philosophy, her personal ikiga...
Be Like Mike Miniseries #2: ESPN's The Last Dance + Well-Being
May 15, 2020 01:03 - 52 minutes - 48.2 MBSam Ushio and Andrew Venrick discuss the intersection between ESPN's The Last Dance, personal well-being, and purpose. The three-part miniseries will tackle Episodes 1-6(#1), Episodes 7-8(#2), and Episodes 9-10 (#3). Following the three-part series is a live, facilitated conversation on May 26th at 2p PST. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others and discuss the intersection between the documentary and well-being. Free registration here: gvg17.com/be-like-mike1/
Be Like Mike Miniseries #1: ESPN's The Last Dance + Well-Being
May 12, 2020 15:29 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MBSam Ushio and Andrew Venrick discuss the intersection between ESPN's The Last Dance, personal well-being, and purpose. The three-part miniseries will tackle Episodes 1-6(#1), Episodes 7-8(#2), and Episodes 9-10 (#3). Following the three-part series is a live, facilitated conversation on May 26th at 2p PST. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with others and discuss the intersection between the documentary and well-being. Free registration here: https://gvg17.com/be-like-mi...
Building Resilience in Uncertain Times Webinar
May 05, 2020 03:25 - 1 hour - 112 MBWebinar was recorded on April 30, 2020. To view the video, please click here: https://gvg17.com/resilience-webinar/ [Mindset | Movement | Nutrition ] Equip yourself with insights and practical tools to build resilience amidst the dynamic COVID-19 landscape. Learn from experts in the fields of positive psychology, nutrition, mind/body, and yoga. Sam Ushio is the founder of Ikigai Lab, a purpose-driven change management firm based in Seattle, WA. Inspired by a 100-year old family story ...
Well-Being While Working From Home Webinar
May 05, 2020 03:24 - 46 minutes - 85.8 MBThis webinar was recorded on March 26, 2020. To view the video of the webinar, please click here: https://gvg17.com/recording-well-being-while-working-from-home-webinar/ Join Sam Ushio from Ikigai Lab and Ryan Wolf from Gallup to discuss well-being while working from home. According to Gallup's State of the American Workplace report, 43% of US employees work off-site some or all of the time. As organizations across the world respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and more workers find themselv...
Ikigai Stories: Hope
May 05, 2020 03:13 - 13 minutes - 25 MBSam shares thoughts on HOPE and an update on new content coming from Ikigai Stories. For more information on Well-Being Wednesdays, click here: www.wellbeing-wednesdays.com
Gary Howlett, Learning Advisor
March 03, 2020 14:47 - 1 hour - 91.2 MBSam talks with Gary, a 73-year-old learning advisor/retired school psychologist who describes his journey as a "story about war, but it's not a war story." Gary's experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War fueled his interest in the developmental process throughout life; ultimately leading him to challenge the status quo in education. The experience introduced him to the field of positive psychology which would serve him both professionally and personally. Sparked by his daughter's middle sc...
Dragos Axinte, Founder + CEO, Novo Fogo
February 11, 2020 15:35 - 1 hour - 69.2 MBSam talks with Dragos, Founder and CEO of Novo Fogo, a 100% Certified Organic and Zero-Waste Cachaça distillery in Morretes, Brazil. Forbes calls Novo Fogo “a case study in conscientious capitalism” given their efforts across the stakeholder ecosystem. This includes their latest project, The Un-Endangered Forest, an effort to save native Brazilian trees from extinction. Dragos discusses his personal journey growing up in Romania, fleeing when the iron curtain fell, and launching a success...
S1: Season 1 Wrap Up + Insights from Brazil
February 03, 2020 22:50 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBSam wraps up Season 1 from the Brazilian Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland. He highlights multiple ikigai-related breakthroughs in academia, medicine, and business that occurred during Season 1 while unveiling the new Ikigai Lab. Sam closes with the concept of “seikatsu” through the lens of a personal story from Brazil. For more details on Ikigai Lab for Organizations and 1:1 Coaching, go to: https://gvg17.com/ikigai-lab-home/
S1: Priyanka Raha, Founder and CEO of PopSmartKids
December 13, 2019 14:39 - 1 hour - 58.4 MBSam talks with Priyanka, Founder + CEO @ PopSmartKids, an educational technology company that's reimagining digital playtime. PopSmartKids offers tech tools that embrace a simple, yet powerful philosophy: Mentor > Monitor. Priyanka reflects on her journey including corporate jobs in three countries, making the entrepreneurial leap, and the evolving role of a parent in a technology-driven society.
Priyanka Raha, Founder and CEO of PopSmartKids
December 13, 2019 14:39 - 1 hourSam talks with Priyanka, Founder + CEO @ PopSmartKids, an educational technology company that's reimagining digital playtime. PopSmartKids offers tech tools that embrace a simple, yet powerful philosophy: Mentor > Monitor. Priyanka reflects on her journey including corporate jobs in three countries, making the entrepreneurial leap, and the evolving role of a parent in a technology-driven society.
S1: Kim Morrison and Noelle Alix, Co-Founders of BeanZ & Company
November 05, 2019 21:48 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBSam talks with Kim and Noelle, Co-Founders of BeanZ & Company, an inclusive café in Avon, Connecticut that employs people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission is inspired by their special needs daughters, Megan and Cate, and the observation that 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed or underemployed. Kim and Noelle reflect on their journey as friends, successful professionals, and mothers of daughters with down synd...
Kim Morrison and Noelle Alix, Co-Founders of BeanZ & Company
November 05, 2019 21:48 - 1 hourSam talks with Kim and Noelle, Co-Founders of BeanZ & Company, an inclusive café in Avon, Connecticut that employs people with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. The mission is inspired by their special needs daughters, Megan and Cate, and the observation that 80% of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are unemployed or underemployed. Kim and Noelle reflect on their journey as friends, successful professionals, and mothers of daughters with down synd...
Alex Mondau, Co-Founder and Community Ambasador, The Collective
September 19, 2019 19:34 - 1 hour - 171 MBSam talks with Alex Mondau, Co-Founder and Community Ambassador at The Collective. The 15,000 square foot "urban basecamp" has evolved the traditional membership club model with a focus on inclusivity, experiences, and building community around shared passions. Alex shares his personal and professional journey that led to the Collective's launch; including a trip to Nepal that transformed his definition of generosity, the messy yet rewarding journey of entrepreneurship, and the clarity gain...
S1: Alex Mondau, Co-Founder and Community Ambasador, The Collective
September 19, 2019 19:34 - 1 hour - 171 MBSam talks with Alex Mondau, Co-Founder and Community Ambassador at The Collective. The 15,000 square foot "urban basecamp" has evolved the traditional membership club model with a focus on inclusivity, experiences, and building community around shared passions. Alex shares his personal and professional journey that led to the Collective's launch; including a trip to Nepal that transformed his definition of generosity, the messy yet rewarding journey of entrepreneurship, and the clarity gain...
S1: Tori Dunlap, Founder, Her First 100k
August 30, 2019 14:43 - 1 hour - 71.8 MBSam talks with Tori, Founder of Her First 100k, a 25-year old "financial feminist" on a quest to empower millennial women with the resources to earn, save, and invest their way to the first six-figures. The money and career platform blends personal finance with behavioral psychology and has been featured on CNBC, Marketwatch, and Yahoo. Tori discusses her personal journey including launching her first business as a 9-year-old, tackling imposter syndrome, and the range of emotions associated w...
Tori Dunlap, Founder, Her First 100k
August 30, 2019 14:43 - 1 hourSam talks with Tori, Founder of Her First 100k, a 25-year old "financial feminist" on a quest to empower millennial women with the resources to earn, save, and invest their way to the first six-figures. The money and career platform blends personal finance with behavioral psychology and has been featured on CNBC, Marketwatch, and Yahoo. Tori discusses her personal journey including launching her first business as a 9-year-old, tackling imposter syndrome, and the range of emotions associated w...
Evan Oeflein, Co-Founder, Seattle Strong Coffee
July 26, 2019 13:56 - 1 hourSam talks with Evan, a 22-year-old entrepreneur, about launching a successful coffee company in the backyard of the world's most iconic coffee brand....while in college. Evan shares the story behind Seattle Strong Coffee, a bootstrapped company initiated in a class at the University of Washington; as well as his decision-making process that led him to go all-in.
S1: Evan Oeflein, Co-Founder, Seattle Strong Coffee
July 26, 2019 13:56 - 1 hour - 62.9 MBSam talks with Evan, a 22-year-old entrepreneur, about launching a successful coffee company in the backyard of the world's most iconic coffee brand....while in college. Evan shares the story behind Seattle Strong Coffee, a bootstrapped company initiated in a class at the University of Washington; as well as his decision-making process that led him to go all-in.
John B. Johnson, Identity Architect + Co-Founder, a small studio PART 2
June 19, 2019 17:02 - 57 minutesSam talks with John about his remarkable journey from the streets of Cleveland - to the world of architecture - to a failed entrepreneurial leap - to a successful creative studio. He opens up to share the challenges he faced and conquered as a fatherless, African-American young man and the bond that he forged with his brother in prison as they simultaneously discovered greater meaning and purpose in life.
S1: John B. Johnson, Identity Architect + Co-Founder, a small studio PART 2
June 19, 2019 17:02 - 57 minutes - 52.2 MBSam talks with John about his remarkable journey from the streets of Cleveland - to the world of architecture - to a failed entrepreneurial leap - to a successful creative studio. He opens up to share the challenges he faced and conquered as a fatherless, African-American young man and the bond that he forged with his brother in prison as they simultaneously discovered greater meaning and purpose in life.
S1: John B. Johnson, Identity Architect + Co-Founder, a small studio PART 1
June 19, 2019 14:07 - 1 hour - 55.7 MBSam talks with John about his remarkable journey from the streets of Cleveland - to the world of architecture - to a failed entrepreneurial leap - to a successful creative studio. He opens up to share the challenges he faced and conquered as a fatherless, African-American young man and the bond that he forged with his brother in prison as they simultaneously discovered greater meaning and purpose in life.
John B. Johnson, Identity Architect + Co-Founder, a small studio PART 1
June 19, 2019 14:07 - 1 hourSam talks with John about his remarkable journey from the streets of Cleveland - to the world of architecture - to a failed entrepreneurial leap - to a successful creative studio. He opens up to share the challenges he faced and conquered as a fatherless, African-American young man and the bond that he forged with his brother in prison as they simultaneously discovered greater meaning and purpose in life.
Ikigai Stories 6: Ahmad Corner, Founder, Young Professionals of Seattle (YPOS)
May 17, 2019 15:27 - 46 minutesSam talks with Ahmad Corner, the founder of Young Professionals of Seattle, (YPOS), a 13,000 member organization born from a personal desire to shift his career path out of law. Ahmad shares insight into his journey to launching YPOS, the balancing act between engagement and sponsorship, and the parallels between his passion for snowboarding and startups.
S1: Ahmad Corner, Founder, Young Professionals of Seattle (YPOS)
May 17, 2019 15:27 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBSam talks with Ahmad Corner, the founder of Young Professionals of Seattle, (YPOS), a 13,000 member organization born from a personal desire to shift his career path out of law. Ahmad shares insight into his journey to launching YPOS, the balancing act between engagement and sponsorship, and the parallels between his passion for snowboarding and startups.
S1: Erin Mursch - Founder of Organized For Good
April 23, 2019 04:53 - 55 minutes - 51.5 MBSam talks with Erin Mursch about her journey to become the first KonMarie Certified Consultant in Texas and the experience of participating in the first global cohort to learn directly from Marie Kondo. Erin shares insights into her work that does much more than tidying one's home, she provides a tangible framework for self-discovery one item at a time.
Ikigai Stories 5: Erin Mursch - Founder of Organized For Good
April 23, 2019 04:53 - 55 minutes - 51.5 MBSam talks with Erin Mursch about her journey to become the first KonMarie Certified Consultant in Texas and the experience of participating in the first global cohort to learn directly from Marie Kondo. Erin shares insights into her work that does much more than tidying one's home, she provides a tangible framework for self-discovery one item at a time.