The Ikigai Way: How to Uncover Your Purpose with David Marlow

Mar 25, 2025

In this insightful conversation, David Marlow, a veteran leader and author of The Ikigai Way, discusses the transformative power of the Japanese concept of Ikigai in shaping a fulfilling retirement. He shares his diverse career journey and emphasizes aligning personal passions with daily activities. Marlow highlights how discovering one's purpose can enhance mental and physical health during retirement. He also dives into the importance of community and mentorship, and encourages a reframing of retirement as a vibrant new chapter instead of an ending.

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ANECDOTE

David Marlow’s Career Journey

David Marlow's varied career path from disc jockey to Marine to executive demonstrates how Ikigai can weave through diverse life stages.
This personal journey inspired him to deeply explore Ikigai and share its transformative power through his book.

INSIGHT

Ikigai Beyond Career Identity

Ikigai means experiencing your essence and purpose in harmony with whatever you do, beyond just career focus.
Detaching identity from job titles helps embrace opportunities and reduces grief in career transitions or retirement.

INSIGHT

Retirement Grief and Ikigai

Retirement involves grief over loss of purpose, identity, and structure, which can lead to depression.
Ikigai helps reframe self-identity and find fulfillment beyond career roles during this transition.

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Episode Summary

In this inspiring and heartfelt episode, I sit down with David Marlow, veteran leader, coach, and author of The Ikigai Way to explore how the ancient Japanese concept of Ikigai can powerfully guide us into a more fulfilling and purposeful retirement. From personal stories of career transitions to uncovering identity after work, David shares how aligning our inner essence with what we do can transform our experience of aging, retirement, and meaning in life.

What You’ll Learn

What Ikigai really means (beyond the Instagram-friendly Venn diagram)
How to align your essence and purpose with daily life, before and after retirement
The power of experimenting, curiosity, and continuous self-discovery
How to reframe retirement from “ending” to “uncovering”
Practical tools and reflections to help you discover your own Ikigai

Key Topics Discussed

David’s winding journey from disc jockey to Marine to transformation leader, and how Ikigai was always there
Redefining purpose outside of career or job titles
The emotional transition into retirement and how to handle the "grief" of identity loss
Why older adults are uniquely primed for deep reflection and discovering Ikigai
The mental and physical health benefits of having a clear sense of purpose
How to use Ikigai as both a lens and a mirror in your second half of life
Shifting from rigid goals to aspirational living
The importance of community, relationships, and intergenerational mentoring

Books & Resources Mentioned

The Ikigai Way by David Marlow – A modern guide to discovering your essence and purpose
David’s newsletter: IkiQuest on Substack – Daily reflections and community around Ikigai
Falling Upward by Richard Rohr – Discussed in reference to life’s two halves and spiritual maturity
Harvard Study on Adult Development – Cited as supporting evidence for the power of purpose and connection
Blue Zones research – Referenced regarding community, longevity, and purpose in Okinawan culture

Memorable Quotes

“Ikigai is expressing your essence in harmony with whatever you’re doing—whether that's career, relationships, hobbies, or just life.” – David Marlow

“You don’t find your Ikigai—you uncover it.”

“Ask yourself: What’s your tennis ball? What makes you forget to eat?”

“Retirement isn't about leaving something behind. It's about leaning into what’s always been within you.”

Takeaway Exercise

Ask yourself two powerful questions:

When was the last time you had a truly great day? What were you doing? Who were you with?
What’s one thing you do that makes you forget to eat?

Use your answers to start mapping out the threads of your own Ikigai.

Connect with David Marlow

Final Thought

Whether you’re five years away from retirement or already navigating the transition, this episode reminds us that purpose doesn’t end when work does. With small steps and deep reflection, you can uncover a life of fulfillment, alignment, and joy—your Ikigai.

Humans vs Retirement

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