Best Helen Iwata Podcasts (2024)

1
The Realities of Naraigoto: Afterschool Activities in Japan with Jacqui Miyabayashi 1:12:28

4M ago1:12:28

1:12:28

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 impor…

1
Reverse Engineering Your Child's Public Schooling in Japan with guest host Brittany Arthur! 1:04:06

6M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

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 Japa…

1
TWJ 2023 Wrap-Up: Unpacking a Year of Transformation with Jo and Jayne 43:47

11M ago43:47

43:47

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 …

1
Summer homework and bringing the best of both worlds to Japan from Sweden with Kumiko Ekstedt 1:05:02

1y ago1:05:02

1:05:02

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 ve…

1
Less Effort for More Impact with Women’s Success Coach, Helen Iwata 57:31

1+ y ago57:31

57:31

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: …

1
Give me back my energy! Jayne speaks with Menopause Energy Expert Miyako Hazama 1:19:17

1+ y ago1:19:17

1:19:17

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 fo…

1
Checking in with Violet Pacileo, Otoyo Strength CrossFit 46:47

1+ y ago46:47

46:47

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…

1
Renovating? Buying Property in Japan? Blanka Kobayashi tells us about her way to live a life 40:48

1+ y ago40:48

40:48

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 nee…

1
Take care of yourself to help others with Mary Wanjohi 55:03

1+ y ago55:03

55:03

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 ou…

1
Collaboration for increased creativity and connection with Paige and Jordana 54:55

1+ y ago54:55

54:55

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 toge…

1
We're talking about menopause in Japan 44:10

1+ y ago44:10

44:10

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…

1
End of Year Show 2022 with Jayne and Jo 43:17

2y ago43:17

43:17

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 …

1
Lifeboats where there are none with Lin Nishitani from Atlantic Pacific 36:46

2y ago36:46

36:46

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…

1
Intentionality in Your Career and Life with Heidi Karino 47:26

2y ago47:26

47:26

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 jour…

1
Shinto and the surprise of finding your place in the world in Japan with Dr. Nyri A. Bakkalian 56:28

2y ago56:28

56:28

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 e…

1
An Ongoing Journey of Self, Health and Wellness with Tiffany Rossdale 42:12

2y ago42:12

42:12

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 T…

1
Self Confessed Grief Geeks Sarah Furuya and Gretchen Miura from Lighthouse Grief Circle 1:23:28

2y ago1:23:28

1:23:28

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 …

1
Living A Purpose-Filled Life with Penelope Thompson 49:49

2+ y ago49:49

49:49

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 spec…

1
Adapting & Reinventing Through a Pandemic with Jennifer Shinkai 55:31

2+ y ago55:31

55:31

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 J…

1
Checking in on our 2022 Goals with Jo Tindling 47:05

2+ y ago47:05

47:05

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 o…

1
Naming and Claiming Your Space with Michele Fujii 44:17

2+ y ago44:17

44:17

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 …

1
Parenting your way in Japan: Using the power of science and connection with Dr. Laura Gainche 46:46

2+ y ago46:46

46:46

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…

1
Forest Therapy in Japan with Stacy Kurokawa 55:40

2+ y ago55:40

55:40

I love to have listeners join me on the show and today Stacy Kurokawa and I are talking about life in Japan and how she has incorporated “Forest Therapy” into her life and is now showing others how to enjoy it too. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screensh…

1
Business Success in Japan with Lydia Beukelman 40:12

2+ y ago40:12

40:12

This week on the podcast I talk to Lydia Beukelman, host of the Business Success Japan podcast. Lydia has taught English in South Korea, taught Japanese language and business culture in the United States, and is currently teaching in Japan as part of the Jet Programme. Lydia’s podcast helps foreigners coming to Japan for business learn about the bu…

1
Disaster Preparedness with Beth Yokohara 53:49

2+ y ago53:49

53:49

Note: This episode’s interview was recorded before the earthquake on the 16th of March, and our conversation about disaster preparedness does not talk about this latest big earthquake. I thought that would sound a bit weird for listeners so I spent a few minutes in the beginning of this episode discussing my family’s experience of this latest big e…

1
Creativity in Japan with Paige Baldwin Ando 1:06:03

2+ y ago1:06:03

1:06:03

This week on the podcast I’m talking with Paige Baldwin Ando, a creativity coach based in Tokyo. Paige has helped people with novels, paintings, blogs, music and more, through her Whole Self Creative creativity coaching company. If you are feeling creatively stuck in the middle of a project, or don’t know where to start a new project, Paige will gi…

1
What's it like on the PTA and Japan and will my kid be bilingual? 39:33

2+ y ago39:33

39:33

This episode is Part two of a series about the education system in Japan and how we as foreign parents can navigate it all more successfully. Make sure you listen to Episode 119 for Part One before you join us for this one. It's a doozy though! In this episode you will hear: What it's like to be on the PTA in Japan What kind of dynamics can affect …

1
119: Parenting in Japan and the Education System Part 1 48:27

2+ y ago48:27

48:27

This week we have a special two part series about being a parent in Japan and navigating the transitions for families when children enter school in Japan or move to a new level of schooling. In this episode you will hear: Considerations for choosing daycare or a kindergarten for your child The secret side entrances to kindergartens! How kindergarte…

1
What happens when your kids come on your podcast as guests 22:13

3y ago22:13

22:13

It's a bit of a fun episode today with my two special guests, who have been asking to appear on my show. We'll be talking about: Things we like about Japan What we're planning for the upcoming spring holidays Two brand new podcasts coming out soon Links of things mentioned in the show: The Hugo Show with HugoN FocusCore Podcast SELF POWER NOW! Got …

1
The New Year Holiday with no kids: Lessons for 2022 31:24

3y ago31:24

31:24

We sent our two kids (7 and 10) to visit their grandparents alone during the winter holiday and let’s just say it was amazing, but also eye opening as to just how much my life revolves around them and when they are not home, I struggled not to fall into the trap of filling the space with w.o.r.k. Loads of shout outs on this episode! You can see som…

1
2021 Year in Review 44:37

3y ago44:37

44:37

Well, what a year 2021 has been! We’ve come to the last episode of the year and we thought it would be nice to spend this episode reflecting on 2021, and thinking about what we want to achieve in 2022. Joining me on this episode is Transformations with Jayne producer Jo Tindling. Join us as we talk about what happened this year for both of us and t…

1
Building International Careers as a Couple with Kate Galloway 51:53

3y ago51:53

51:53

You just never know what reaction your actions in the world will cause! My episode with Kate Galloway is an example of what can happen when you put your hand up for things or just try something. I wrote an article about the lack of women in podcasting for my podcast hosting software, Captivate. Kate saw that article and something about it made her …

1
Creating the community you need with Nina Cataldo 45:51

3y ago45:51

45:51

One day Nina Cataldo told me that she has been a long time listener of the podcast. I was floored as I had no idea and had been watching with growing interest at all the great things she has been doing. How funny, and I’m so thrilled to finally have Nina on the show! If you have younger kids who are half Japanese, then you will love hearing from Ni…

1
Healing yourself with Dr. Mira Simic-Yamashita 42:30

3y ago42:30

42:30

Dr. Mira Simic-Yamashita used her skill in Rapid Transformational Therapy to help me in November and December of 2020. Since then I have seen many positive changes in my life and I wanted you all to know more about this wonderful person we have in our community here in Japan. Dr Mira has a generous offer for listeners so make sure you listen to the…

1
Amazing Journeys in Life and Writing with Karen Hill Anton 49:51

3y ago49:51

49:51

This week on the show I had the pleasure of interviewing author, cross-cultural competence consultant and coach; Karen Hill Anton. She has written an amazing memoir called The View from Breast Pocket Mountain that I highly recommend! She has been living in Japan since the 1970’s, and it was fascinating to hear about how she navigated her way here, …

1
Transforming Your Relationship with Food, with Mayuko Okai 42:25

3y ago42:25

42:25

If you have ever wondered why you can’t stop eating, or you never feel satisfied even though you eat all the time, or you want to be more intuitive in your eating, then this episode might be for you! I have also had a lifelong journey with eating and my guest, Mayuko Okai is someone who can help with all kinds of topics around eating and intuitive …

1
Designing your life using design thinking with Brittany Arthur 51:22

3y ago51:22

51:22

Brittany Arthur is someone who does not let the circumstances dictate what she can do! Brittany has been running her Japan based business from Mexico since Covid restrictions made it impossible to return to Japan. In the last year, she has also joined us in the podcasting world with her show: Business Karaoke. I love that name and you will love wha…

1
How was your summer? 13:37

3y ago13:37

13:37

Transformations with Jayne Podcast is getting ready to go again after a lovely summer off from podcasting. In this short episode I'm sharing some of the learnings from this Covid summer in Japan which was not what I would have planned if we were able to travel and be with other people just now. How about you? How was your summer? Drop us a message …

1
Life in Japan in Kochi: Running an outdoor adventure business with Zoe Kanzawa 50:33

3+ y ago50:33

50:33

I am constantly amazed by the resourcefulness and ability to adapt to new situations by the members of our Transformations with Jayne community! Zoe Kanzawa is making the most of an amazing area in Kochi prefecture, where she and her husband run Niyodo Adventure, a pack rafting and canyoning business that explores the Niyodo river. You have to goog…

1
The challenges of being a “Good Mother” in Japan with Acco Omata 1:06:11

3+ y ago1:06:11

1:06:11

Acco Omata is a busy mother of three boys who is working on creating her best life. One thing that helped her to find her own voice and start to experiment with changing things that she didn’t like was starting her own podcast: Across the World. It was a big surprise to me when she said that noticing what I was doing on the TWJ podcast helped her t…

1
Bringing artisanal Japanese food to the world, with Lillian Rowlatt 47:53

3+ y ago47:53

47:53

I was introduced to Lillian by @violet.daike.pacileo and when this happens I always try to follow up and get to know them! Even though this episode is the first time to speak with Lillian, it really goes to show the power of podcasting for creating relationships and building a sense of community! I had always wondered about how the many artisanal f…

1
Seeking Sustainability with Joy Jarman-Walsh 52:26

3+ y ago52:26

52:26

This week I talk to Joy Jarman-Walsh, host of the daily live show, Seeking Sustainability Live. Joy unpacks what sustainability means to her and shares with us some of her knowledge of how to make more areas of our lives sustainable. We also had a great discussion of what it's like doing a daily live show! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspire…

1
Building a retreat in rural Japan with Violet Pacileo 54:15

3+ y ago54:15

54:15

Are you thinking of relocating to the Japanese countryside? Many people are re-considering living outside of large cities now that remote working is becoming more accepted in Japan, due to Covid-19. Violet and her family are making a life for themselves in Otoyo, Kochi on Shikoku and are working to bring a dying town back to life. In this episode y…

1
Live Your Best Life Wherever You Are with Tegan Hely 56:46

3+ y ago56:46

56:46

This week we have a listener joining us on the show! I love to profile listeners and share their experiences of life in Japan in particular. Tegan and I have been IG friends for a while now, but this episode was the first time we actually got to speak to each other! If you are also an IG friend of Tegan, then you are going to love this episode too!…

1
Photography, design and adventures in nature with Janine Naoi 46:57

3+ y ago46:57

46:57

Photography, jewelry design and outdoor adventures near Tokyo are just some of the topics I’m talking about today with my guest Janine Naoi from Ippei & Janine Photography. Thank you to Sarah Nishina for encouraging me to contact Janine! If you have always wanted to spend more time in nature but don’t because you live in Tokyo or you think it’s too…

1
Using your intuition with Christine Brown 1:07:50

3+ y ago1:07:50

1:07:50

I had the pleasure of getting to know Christine back in January of this year and I was very curious to know about her sessions and how she uses her intuition to help others. If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself listening to the episode o…

1
From In-Person to Online business with Victoria Close of Bikudesigns 53:54

3+ y ago53:54

53:54

It was so nice to have my guest for this week back on the show again after exactly three years! In episode 7, Victoria Close from @bikudesigns spoke about just taking off with her accessory business and starting to ship internationally. Now she ships her creations all around the world and is trying new things, too. I loved checking in with Victoria…

1
It's Episode 100! 34:26

3+ y ago34:26

34:26

Wow! I never imagined I would get this far when I first climbed into that small dark closet in my mother's house in NZ and sat down on a pile of cushions to record the first few episodes of this podcast on my iPhone with that microphone on the headphones! But here we are! 100 Episodes and 3 years. It took a while because, well, life! But I guess ne…

1
The surprising power of podcasting with Catherine O'Connell 1:00:01

3+ y ago1:00:01

1:00:01

I’m thrilled to have the wonderful Catherine O'Connell on the show this week for a bit of a trip down memory lane as well as a fun discussion about what she’s been up to recently the surprising things that have happened because of that. We have been working together on launching her show “Lawyer on Air” of which I am the Producer and Show Manager a…

1
Thriving in Japan with Katheryn Gronauer 49:57

3+ y ago49:57

49:57

This episode with Katheryn has been a long time coming! I thought she was too busy to come on my show! She had been wanting to come on since she first heard about it. So there you go. Don't assume! If you enjoyed this episode and it inspired you in some way, we’d love to hear about it and know your biggest takeaway. Take a screenshot of yourself li…

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