The Ikigai Podcast

On episode 34 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick reflects on the life and work of professor, psychiatrist, researcher,  linguist, translator and author, Mieko Kamiya.  Nick shares quotes from Kamiya’s seminal book, Ikigai ni Tsuite, and her published diary as well as quotes from her biography by Yuzo Ota. He also reads passages from my own book, Ikigai-kan.  Click play and together with Nick, reflect on the life and work of the Mother of Ikigai.

On episode 33 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick talks with Dr. Suzy Ross about the importance of leisure and play, not only for the young but for people of all ages.What is the importance of leisure and play? Leisure and play are something that people don’t put that much importance on; some might also think that “playing” is only for the young ones, but is it really the case?

On episode 32 of the Ikigai Podcast, join Nick and his guest Rie Takeda as they explore the beauty of shodo (the art of traditional Japanese calligraphy).Who would have thought that mindfulness can be incorporated into art? When we hear the word ‘mindfulness’, usually the first thing that comes to mind is a form of meditation: sitting and relaxing. It turns out that we can also practice mindfulness while getting in touch with our creative side.

On episode 31 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Yoko Inoue as she shares her quest for happiness in the happiest country in the world.Does happiness depend on the society we live in?Living in a good environment may be a factor in our happiness, but that is not enough to live a meaningful life. What are the factors that we need to consider in order to achieve life satisfaction?

On episode 30 of the Ikigai Podcast, Dr. Yasuhiro Kotera, Academic Lead at the Univeristy of Derby, returns to discuss a book he co-authored and edited, "Ikigai: Towards a psychological understanding of a life worth living".Yasuhiro's teaching primarily focuses on mental health and research modules including supervision at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research interests include self-compassion, intrinsic motivation, and cross-cultural psychology. He use both quantitative and qualitative to explore these interests.

On this episode 29 of the Ikigai Podcast, we have a guest who is a former behavioral ecologist who holds a PhD in Applied science by the name of Caitlin Kight.Dr. Caitlin Kight is currently an Education Researcher and Leader of the academic development and skills teams at the University of Exeter. In that role, she help academics and support staff reflect on their education-facing activities and improve their teaching and learning techniques.On this episode, Nick and Caitlin discusses teaching in relation to ikigai and how the Japanese concept helped Caitlin to educate others more effectively.

On episode 28 of the Ikigai Podcast, Dr. Yasuhiro Kotera, Academic Lead at the Univeristy of Derby, delves into the ikigai concept and discusses with Nick the health benefits people can get from ikigai.Yasuhiro's teaching primarily focuses on mental health and research modules including supervision at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His research interests include self-compassion, intrinsic motivation, and cross-cultural psychology. He use both quantitative and qualitative to explore these interests.

Dr. Holly Sugg, an expert in Morita Therapy, discusses its origins and principles, emphasizing acceptance, purpose, and action. They explore emotions, nature, and living in the present moment. The podcast also highlights a young man's journey with Morita Therapy and the global interest in this unique Japanese psychotherapy.

In episode 26 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick talks about how other people matter.While our work, hobbies, goals and personal dreams can be life-affirming sources of ikigai, it may be the people in your life who matter most to you – family, friends, colleagues, mentors – that are your strongest source of ikigai. As a result, it is these relationships that may cause you to experience ikigai-kan most intensely.

In episode 25 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks to Makoto Rexrode to discuss what ikigai means from a Japanese perspective. The word Ikigai has become a viral global phenomenon. Several Ted Talks and a best selling book has perpetuated the myth that Ikigai is a word from Okinawa and the key to longevity and happiness. The word is also misunderstood and shared on social media as an entrepreneurial framework of doing something that you love, that you are good at, the word needs and that you can be paid for. But what does ikigai mean to the average Japanese?