Best Jennifer Shinkai Podcasts (2024)

1
The Expanding Ikigai of Live Theatre in Japan, with Michael Walker 51:25

15d ago51:25

51:25

Welcome back to another episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai. This week I am joined by Michael Walker, Founder and Artistic Director of SheepDog Theatre based in Tokyo, Japan. As a lifelong fan of live theatre I know very well the ikigai of being an audience member, but in this episode Michael shares with us what it's like to be involved in the …

1
Finding Yoyu & Cultivating Abundance in Your Life, with Marci Kobayashi 57:09

29d ago57:09

57:09

Welcome to another episode of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast. This week we are talking about yoyu, a Japanese concept conveying one’s capacity to handle or afford something. Author Marci Kobayashi joins us to discuss the concept of yoyu and her upcoming book, "Finding Yoyu: The Japanese Compass for Navigating Overwhelm and Cultivating Abu…

1
Obsessive Ikigai & The Healing Power of Self Love, with Elizabeth Hendrick 55:33

2M ago55:33

55:33

This week’s episode contains general discussions of BDSM and torture. Welcome to the latest episode of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast. This week we talk to author Elizabeth Hendrick about her book EXODAI, a memoir about her struggles with her sexuality and the story of how she eventually learnt to love herself after a particularly toxic B…

1
The Ikigai in Vagabondism, with Tengyo Kura 41:13

3M ago41:13

41:13

Welcome to another episode of season three of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast. On the podcast this week I got to sit down with Tengyo Kura, a self professed vagabond. Tengyo has a beautiful outlook on life that has propelled him around the world to connect with many people from different cultures, countries and experiences. Vagabondism is …

1
Unlocking Ikigai: Navigating Transitions and Emerging with Purpose with Adrian Francis 49:33

5M ago49:33

49:33

Welcome to Season 3 of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai! Adrian Francis is the filmmaker behind the powerful documentary Paper City, exploring the impact of the firebombing of Tokyo in 1945 and the ongoing struggle for it to be acknowledged and remembered. Adrian was brave enough to come on the show at a point where he has not figured out his next step…

1
Finding Your Ikigai in the Midst of a Mental Health Challenge, with David Macdonald 50:09

6M ago50:09

50:09

Content Warning: In this episode of the podcast David Macdonald and I have a frank discussion of mental illness, depression, suicidal ideation and suicidal thoughts. If you are in Japan and want to talk to someone about these issues please consider contacting the Tokyo English lifeline at https://telljp.com/. Today on the podcast we have a very imp…

1
The Ikigai in Empowering Others to Have Fitness Autonomy, with Menya Hinga 50:17

7M ago50:17

50:17

Happy Holidays everyone! This can be a time that tests our health and wellness goals, so this episode’s guest is here to help. Menya Hinga is an online health and fitness coach and co-founder of SOGO Fitness—Japan’s largest non-profit fitness community. Menya has helped hundreds of individuals and numerous organizations make better decisions relate…

1
The ikigai in fighting and filmmaking with Rionne McAvoy 1:05:02

7M ago1:05:02

1:05:02

On this latest episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai I talk to Rionne McAvoy who I first came into contact with through their documentary film “The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan.” The film is an incredibly moving look at an often ignored aspect of life in Japan for many mothers and their children, as well as helping to i…

1
Finding Your Ikigai in Frocking Up! 57:55

8M ago57:55

57:55

The COVID-19 lockdowns across the world were a very stressful time for a lot of us, but there were also a lot of stories of positive community building and support that came out of that time. One of those stories was that of Frock Up Friday, a facebook group started by friends Bev and Suzie in the UK. The page started as a place where they and thei…

1
Combining Multiple Sources of Ikigai, Or Not, with Genie Gurnani 52:34

10M ago52:34

52:34

If you are a fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race, you’ll love this episode! Join me as I have a fabulous chat with Genie Gurnani, internationally televised drag queen from Drag Race Thailand Season 2, AND globe-trotting creative leader and marketing executive who has led teams at Disney, Vice Media, and Netflix. We discuss Genie’s dual careers, and how the t…

1
The Ikigai of Changing a Side Hustle to a Life Saviour, with David John 50:25

12M ago50:25

50:25

On this episode of the Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai podcast I talk to virtual magician, David John. Before COVID, David was running a tourism business and was doing magic on the side, but then the pandemic hit and he had to turn his side hustle into his main income! David’s virtual magic experience was in high demand during lockdown, internationall…

1
Finding Your Ikigai on the Mountain with Alison Beale 47:51

1y ago47:51

47:51

This week on the podcast we are all about mountains and mushrooms! I am talking with the wonderful Alison Beale about her weekly trips to the mountains around Tokyo and why she has become rather addicted to these hikes. Alison shares with us some of the physical, mental, emotional and social benefits she has experienced on her trips to various moun…

1
The Ikigai in Career and Activism with Rochelle Kopp 50:27

1y ago50:27

50:27

This week on the show I have a fantastic conversation with my long term mentor and multi-potentialite, Rochelle Kopp. Rochelle is a consultant, an author, a mentor, an educator, a board director, and an activist. Last year Rochelle was named as one of Change.Org Japan’s Changemakers of the Year, and has recently been spearheading a movement to prot…

1
A Lifetime of Ikigai in Rugby, with Koji Tokumasu 49:20

1y ago49:20

49:20

On the latest episode of the podcast I’m joined by Koji Tokumasu, who was selected as “one of the most influential 50 members of rugby in the world” by Rugby World (UK) in 2017. Koji was General Manager at the Rugby World Cup 2019 Bid Committee to gain the right for JRFU to host RWC2019, the first time outside of the traditional Unions, AND was the…

1
Neo Kimono Styling and the Ikigai in Evolving Cultural Traditions with Yui Maejima 55:10

1y ago55:10

55:10

On the latest episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai we are joined by Yui Maejima. Yui is a Neo Kimono Stylist supporting her clients to find themselves through a new perspective in their kimono. Yui’s first experience with kimono as a child made her never want to wear them again, but then as a young adult she went to the US and through being in a…

1
Ikigai and Achieving Your GOLD with Steve Judge 52:25

1+ y ago52:25

52:25

On the latest episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai we have a truly inspirational guest for you. Steve Judge is a professional speaker, author, and resilience coach, who in 2002 experienced a near fatal car accident and due to his injuries was told he may never walk again. But he decided to fight that prediction and found a passion during his reh…

1
Ikigai After an Olympic Medal; What’s Next? With Alison Mowbray 1:06:47

1+ y ago1:06:47

1:06:47

Welcome to the latest episode of the podcast. This week I am talking to Alison Mowbray, former Olympic medal winning rower in the British Rowing Team, and current leadership development consultant and coach. Alison initially pursued an academic career in microbiology, got her PhD, became a science teacher… and then tried out for national selection …

1
The Ikigai in Going with the Flow, with James Nepaulsingh 38:06

1+ y ago38:06

38:06

On the latest episode of the podcast I chat to the multi-talented James Nepaulsingh. James is a lawyer, executive coach, painter, music producer and host of the Plus Future Podcast! James joins us to discuss his ikigai and we have a great discussion about his approaches to life and to pursuing new hobbies and learning new things. Listen to the epis…

1
Ikigai and Mental Wealth with Maurice Rabb 52:07

1+ y ago52:07

52:07

Trigger Warning/Content Warning: In this episode of the podcast, we talk about mental health, mental illness, as well as suicide ideation. We don't go deep into the topic, but we just wanted to let you know that that is what is coming up in case it is something which might trigger you. So, I hope that you will enjoy the episode today and if you are…

1
Ikigai-Kan and The Return of Nicholas Kemp 46:55

1+ y ago46:55

46:55

This week on the podcast we have a returning guest, Nicholas Kemp, who we interviewed back in Season 1 Episode 18. Nick Kemp is a podcast host, Japanologist, Ikigai expert, solopreneur, and now author of the wonderful book on ikigai called IKIGAI-KAN: Feel a Life Worth Living. Join us as we discuss Nick’s journey of writing the book and pick Nick’s…

1
The Ikigai of Family with The Kumagai Family 1:12:32

2y ago1:12:32

1:12:32

On this episode of the podcast, for the first time I interview a family! The Kumagai family are an amazing and inspirational family that believes strongly in family togetherness. Through individual projects and family projects the Kumagais are bringing their philosophy of togetherness, inclusion and connection to their neighbourhood and wider commu…

1
Sustainable Wellness and Ikigai with Saori Okada 48:18

2y ago48:18

48:18

This week on the podcast I talk to Saori Okada, Founder of Mogami (最上), a Japanese wellness brand headquartered in London (U.K.). Saori’s work is focused on wellness that is centred around longevity and empowering people to achieve sustainable wellness. In the episode Saori will share with you about her work in this field, her personal wellness jou…

1
Adventure, Ikigai and Coming Home with Cory McGowan 43:34

2y ago43:34

43:34

Welcome to another episode of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai! This week I had the pleasure of talking with Cory McGowan, half adventurer, half transformational coach, half bear dancer. Cory currently lives in scenic Minakami, and is actively involved in the rural revitalisation movement in the area. Listen to this episode to hear a fantastic conversa…

1
The Ikigai in Sharing Happy Moments with Tiziana Alamprese 57:55

2y ago57:55

57:55

This week on the podcast we talk to the wonderful Tiziana Alamprese. Tiziana is an infectiously positive and energetic person, who loves to share her joy with others. Tiziana has spent decades as a top marketing professional and now is embarking on a new journey with her own company, Tiziana Alamprese Consulenza, bringing love, innovation and creat…

1
Audacious Dreams and Ikigai with Lowell Sheppard 55:12

2+ y ago55:12

55:12

This week on the podcast I talk to the inspirational Lowell Sheppard. Lowell is the Founder of HOPE International Development Agency Japan, author of the book Never Too Late and Founder of the Never Too Late Academy, and an avid sailor. He is currently training for his dream solo voyage across the Pacific, by sailing around Japan in collaboration w…

1
Ikigai and Community: Make March Matter 1:11:06

2+ y ago1:11:06

1:11:06

On February 27th, 2020 Make March Matter (MMM), the best, most supportive online network of people came into being for small business owners struggling to make sense of what was happening as the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Now two years on, that group set up by Jennifer Shinkai just to get through March, has blossomed into a vibrant community that conti…

1
Ikigai and Jennifer Shinkai 48:02

2+ y ago48:02

48:02

For the 20th and final episode of Season One we decided to flip the script a bit. I’ve had multiple people ask me where my interview is, and when can they hear me talk about my Ikigai. Jayne, my wonderful podcast manager and host of the Transformations with Jayne podcast, was one of those people and she volunteered to interview me for the podcast t…

1
Authenticity and Ikigai in the Workplace with Yuta Hasumi 44:30

2+ y ago44:30

44:30

On this week's episode Yuta Hasumi joins us to discuss his work in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the corporate world and his work with Ikigai Authentic Ltd as an executive coach and advisor for businesses. Yuta discusses his perspective of Ikigai as a Japanese man, and why diversity and inclusion is so important to him. He also gives…

1
Beyond the Ikigai Venn Diagram with Nick Kemp 47:08

2+ y ago47:08

47:08

This week we are talking to the wonderful Nick Kemp. Nick is the founder of Ikigai Tribe, a membership site and podcast that focuses on the concept of Ikigai from a Japanese perspective. Nick learnt about Ikigai whilst living in Japan and really connected with it. Later he saw Westernised frameworks based on this concept and felt there were a lot o…

1
Re-release Episode 5: Dr Justin Sanders: Finding your Ikigai in Lifelong Learning 55:48

2+ y ago55:48

55:48

In episode 5 Dr. Justin Sanders and I talk about the connection of lifelong learning to Ikigai, the 60 year curriculum, how it helps the brain, and how to approach study when there are almost too many options available. We also touch on how credentials can be a way to increase your impact in the world - not just about the skills you learn but the d…

1
Re-release Episode 2: Robin Lewis: Ikigai in Social Impact 42:59

2+ y ago42:59

42:59

It was a delight to talk to Robin Lewis about how he moved from inspiration to action to integrate his ikigai and purpose around sustainable living. He talks candidly about the challenges of being so engrossed in your ikigai that you fail to look after yourself, finding an ikigai partner, about being an intrapreneur or volunteering as a way to brin…

1
Ikigai and Art with Konatsu Ishijima 49:39

2+ y ago49:39

49:39

Have you wanted to do more art but think of yourself as not creative? My guest is the wonderful Konatsu Ishijima, an artist, personal coach, and theatre company founder. I was very impressed with Konatsu’s courage as this is not only her first podcast in English, which is not her first language, but her first podcast ever! Konatsu has a wonderful a…

1
Ikigai and Yarigai in an NPO: Supporting marginalised youth with Kozue Oka 40:37

3y ago40:37

40:37

Children living in care homes due to neglect or abuse are largely invisible to us here in Japan. Kozue Oka, the director of Mirai no Mori shares with us the reality of working in an NPO that is necessary because of a problem. Kozue’s stories of how Mirai no Mori supports these children is so inspirational, as are the plans they have to create their…

1
Re-release Episode 3: Noemi Inoue: Ikigai in Public Service 43:51

3y ago43:51

43:51

Noemi Inoue is the first foreign-born woman to be elected as a local councillor in Japan. Originally from Bolivia, Noemi talks about how her ikigai around public service led to her starting an NPO, changing her nationality and then becoming a three-time elected politician in Sumida ward in Tokyo. We had some issues with sound quality as is the joy …

1
Re-release Episode 6: Dr Ashley Dash: Finding your Ikigai in Positivity 57:56

3y ago57:56

57:56

I loved talking about recovering a positive mindset, practical tips around unemployment and the thrillingly disconcerting moment when everyone gets behind your idea. I just loved chatting with Dr. Ashley Dash and after we stopped recording we went on for another 30 mins! Wish I had a director's cut! Dr. Ashley Dash inspires action through her lived…

1
Re-release Episode 8: Dr David Sweet - Ikigai and Arete (Pursuit of excellence) 53:03

3y ago53:03

53:03

In this episode with renaissance man, Dr. David Sweet, we talk Shakespeare, Stoicism, the parable of the talents and the evils of the snooze button. With the pursuit of excellence in all things as the essence of his Ikigai, David surprises me with a thoughtful moment of connection and celebration and shares his perspective on "Consistent persistenc…

1
Re-release Episode 7: Ikigai as flow and identity with Jessica Gerrity 51:28

3y ago51:28

51:28

Could your hobby become your ikigai? Be inspired by Jess's Kyudo story Jess’s description of flow - being in the here and now The long journey of 11 years from the first view to being an integral part of who she is now Identity transition - from runner to archer, how different roles serve us at different times How the flow from kyudo (her ikigai) s…

1
Design Thinking and Ikigai with Brittany Arthur 51:26

3y ago51:26

51:26

When Covid hit, Brittany found herself locked out of Japan, her usual country of residence, where her home and her business are located. 18 months later, she is still waiting to be allowed to enter Japan again but this has not stopped her from keeping her business moving forward even if it means waking up at 2 am to lead a workshop for clients in J…

1
Improving lives and Ikigai with Henry Seals 52:40

3y ago52:40

52:40

We all want to instinctively move away from pain, it’s in our DNA. My guest today is Henry Seals, a man who spends his time helping people to do this and to live better lives. Henry gives us an open and honest account of how he navigated divorce in Japan to achieve the best outcome for everyone - a philosophy that can apply in all areas of life and…

1
Life and Ikigai when you have cancer with Matthew Dons 1:00:23

3y ago1:00:23

1:00:23

How would you react if the doctor told you your test results were bad, so bad that you only have months left to live. This is what happened to my guest Matthew Dons, five years ago. Since then he has been on a quest to find information and treatments that would save his life. Along the way, he has used his experiences to help others to do what he h…

1
Using Ikigai for inclusivity and love with Steven Haynes 47:45

3y ago47:45

47:45

Be prepared to laugh and maybe even have a bit of a teary moment too and look out for the fabulous shoes! My guest in this episode is none other than Steven Haynes, a most beautiful soul, who is a prolific creator and bringer of joy and love to this world. I hope this episode will be a chance for you to get to know a little more about how he both d…

1
Episode 11: The rest is the work - the art of “Time off” and your Ikigai with Max Frenzel 58:20

3y ago58:20

58:20

Max Frenzel makes his own sourdough. What a guy! He obviously makes time to do this. In Episode 11 of Ikigai with Jennifer Shinkai, he talks about the benefits of rest and something he refers to as (Insert American accent here) “Noble leisure”. If you have ever wondered how you can improve your life through choosing your activities more carefully, …

1
Episode 10: Finding your Ikigai in your community with Nina Cataldo 46:50

3y ago46:50

46:50

When Nina Cataldo moved back to Japan after finishing college she was surprised to find that even though she considered it her “motherland”, having grown up in Tokyo, she was seen as an outsider. This set her on the path to creating a community for women who identify as Hafu (mixed-race Japanese person) called “Hafu Women”. A proud Hafu herself, Ni…

1
Episode 9: Leaving glamour, gaining health through your Ikigai with Violet Pacileo 44:27

3y ago44:27

44:27

Have you been thinking about leaving Tokyo and finding your own piece of paradise in the Japanese countryside? That’s exactly what Violet Pacileo did when faced with the reality of her highflying but stressful life in Tokyo’s financial industry. However, moving her family to the slowly dying town of her ancestors in Otoyo in Kochi, Shikoku was not …

1
Episode 8: Dr David Sweet - Ikigai and Arete (Pursuit of excellence) 53:03

3y ago53:03

53:03

In this episode with renaissance man, Dr. David Sweet, we talk Shakespeare, Stoicism, the parable of the talents and the evils of the snooze button. With the pursuit of excellence in all things as the essence of his Ikigai, David surprises me with a thoughtful moment of connection and celebration and shares his perspective on "Consistent persistenc…

1
Episode 7: Jessica Gerrity Ikigai as flow and identity 51:28

3y ago51:28

51:28

Could your hobby become your ikigai? Be inspired by Jess's Kyudo storyJess’s description of flow - being in the here and nowThe long journey of 11 years from the first view to being an integral part of who she is nowIdentity transition - from runner to archer, how different roles serve us at different timesHow the flow from kyudo (her ikigai) sprea…

1
Episode 6 Dr Ashley Dash: Finding your Ikigai in Positivity 57:56

3+ y ago57:56

57:56

I loved talking about recovering a positive mindset, practical tips around unemployment and the thrillingly disconcerting moment when everyone gets behind your idea. I just loved chatting with Dr. Ashley Dash and after we stopped recording we went on for another 30 mins! Wish I had a director's cut! Dr. Ashley Dash inspires action through her lived…

1
Episode 5: Dr Justin Sanders: Finding your Ikigai in Lifelong Learning 55:48

3+ y ago55:48

55:48

In episode 5 Dr. Justin Sanders and I talk about the connection of lifelong learning to Ikigai, the 60 year curriculum how it helps the brain, how to approach study when there are almost too many options available. We also touch on how credentials can be away to increase your impact in the world - not just about the skills you learn but the differe…

1
Episode 4: Sarah Liu: Ikigai as Influence 44:13

3+ y ago44:13

44:13

Loved talking to the passionate and professional Sarah Liu of The Dream Collective about finding the core of your ikigai and evolving how it shows up in the world. She also talks about how borderline burnout was the impetus of her side hustle becoming her priority and the importance of saying yes and experimenting.Let me know your takeaways in the …

1
Episode 3: Noemi Inoue: Ikigai in Public Service 43:51

3+ y ago43:51

43:51

Noemi Inoue is the first foreign-born woman to be elected as a local councillor in Japan. Originally from Bolivia, Noemi talks about how her ikigai around public service led to her starting an NPO, changing her nationality and then becoming a three-time elected politician in Sumida ward in Tokyo. We had some issues with sound quality as is the joy …

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