The Ikigai Podcast

On episode 7 of the Ikigai Podcast, I interview author and astrologist, Andres Zuzunaga, Andres is the original creator of the Venn diagram of purpose. In 2014, his Venn diagram was merged with the Japanese concept of ikigai by Marc Winn, who simply replaced the word at the center of the Venn diagram, "purpose" with "ikigai'.A few years later the Venn diagram went viral, and now millions of people believe the Venn diagram represents the Japanese concept of ikigai.In our discussion, Andres explains how his Venn diagram was inspired by astrology, and he shares his thoughts about how it has been misinterpreted and misunderstood as a Japanese concept. 

On episode 6 of The Ikigai Podcast I interview neuroscientist and best selling author Ken Mogi. Ken Mogi is a very down to the earth life-loving neuroscientist, researcher, university lecturer, author, broadcaster and media commentator.  Ken was very generous with his time, and we discussed the 5 Pillars of Ikiagi from his book, The Little Book of Ikigai. The 5 pillars are: starting small, releasing yourself, harmony and sustainability, the joy of little things and being in the here and now.It was an absolute joy to interview Ken and learn more about Ikigai. 

On episode 5 of the Ikiagi podcast, I speak with Marc Winn, creator of the Ikigai diagram. In 2014, Marc wrote a blog post that merged two concepts, the Venn Diagram of Purpose and his understanding of the Japanese concept of Ikigai to create a meme that would eventually go viral to impact thousands of lives.  Marc and I discuss how his blog post came about and his personal ikigai, making Gurnsey the best place to live in the world. 

In episode 4 of the Ikiagi Podcast, I interview Assistant Professor Shintaro Kono who has a Ph.D. in Sport and Recreation. We discuss his research, which revolves around the relationship between leisure engagement and ikigai. In this episode, we talk about "keiken" - valued experiences, which include enjoyment, effort, stimulation, and comfort. Also, Professor Kono offers advice on how you can find ikigai in leisure activities. 

In episode 3 of The Ikigai Podcast, you'll discover what ikigai means to the Japanese. I interview sustainable life coach and author, Sachiaki Takamiya. Sachiaki has published three books in English on the topic of ikigai - Zen and a Way of Sustainable Prosperity, Ikigai Business, and The Ikigai Diet. We discuss in detail, the Ikigai Venn Diagram framework, what ikigai means to the Japanese, and the Japanese Omni philosophy of "San-Po-Yoshi".

On episode 2 of the Ikigai Podcast, I speak with Gordon Mathews, who is an author of nine books, and the Professor of Anthropology of the University of Hong Kong. We discuss ikigai and the subject of his first book, "What Makes Life Worth Living? How Japanese and Americans Make Sense of the Worlds." When I recorded the interview with Gordon, his university had been under siege for four days with the protesting in Hong Kong. So I was very grateful for the time he gave me. And we hit it off really well and had a very enjoyable conversation on the subject of his book, What makes life worth living? I hope you enjoy listening to this podcast episode as much as I enjoyed speaking with Gordon.

On episode 1 of the Ikigai Podcast, I interview Professor Akihiro Hasegawa of Toyo Eiwa University. Hasegawa Sensei is one of Japan's leading researchers and experts on ikigai. We discuss the meaning and origin of the word "ikigai", his research, the Mother of Ikigai Psychology, Mieko Kamiya, and more.A full transcription of the interview can be found on the blogpost Ikigai According to Professor Akihiro Hasegawa.