In this soul-nourishing episode, I take you with me on a personal journey through Japan—where every encounter tells a story and every quiet moment holds a lesson.

From the bustling back alleys of Osaka to feeding the gentle deer of Nara Park, I followed more than a map—I followed my Ikigai.

Join me as I share:

The serene experience of feeding the sacred deer in Nara, and the unexpected wisdom found in their calm presence

A fascinating visit to the Samurai & Ninja Museum, where I learned how these ancient warriors lived with honor, discipline, and purpose

The cultural rituals behind every meal—and why respect is always the first ingredient

How ancient values like Omotenashi (hospitality)

This isn’t just a travel story. It’s a pilgrimage through tradition, connection, and timeless wisdom.

Whether you’re planning your own trip to Japan, craving a deeper cultural connection, or simply seeking stories that stir the soul—this episode is for you.

Let this journey remind you:

History can teach the mind, but culture awakens the spirit.

Subscribe to The Samurai Way on Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more.

In this inspiring episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa Whaley sits down with master sales trainer Eric Lofholm, who transformed a rocky start in sales into a purpose-filled life of teaching, serving, and selling. Guided by the principles of Ikigai, Ganbaru, and Kaizen, Eric shares how perseverance and continuous improvement helped him overcome self-doubt, economic hardship, and professional setbacks.

Together, they explore:

• How finding your Ikigai can transform your work into a calling
  
  

• The power of Ganbaru—never giving up, even when you're ready to quit
  
  

• Why embracing Kaizen keeps mastery within reach
  
  

• The truth about serving others through ethical, heart-centered sales
  
  

Whether you're in sales, leadership, or on your own path of personal development, this episode will fuel your spirit with timeless wisdom and modern-day resilience.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

🌐 Website: https://www.ericlofholm.com
📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eric.lofholm
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericlofholm
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/saleschampion1

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of The Samurai Way, Lori Tsugawa sits down with Jolene Jang—a dynamic cultural explorer, speaker, and passionate advocate for Asian American awareness. With Japanese, Chinese, and Swedish roots, Jolene shares her deeply personal journey of identity, privilege, and purpose, revealing how recent waves of anti-Asian hate galvanized her lifelong community-building skills into a mission of advocacy.

Together, Lori and Jolene explore themes of cultural rediscovery, generational trauma, assimilation, and resilience. From joyful childhood memories in sports to confronting hard histories like Japanese American incarceration during WWII, this conversation bridges past and present with honesty, compassion, and humor.

Whether you’re curious about Japanese American heritage, seeking inspiration to embrace your own cultural story, or wanting to understand the power of visibility and belonging—this episode will leave you inspired to stand tall and speak out.

Highlights include:

• How Jolene's background shaped her confidence and advocacy
  
  

• A look at the evolving Asian American identity
  
  

Grab a cup of tea and join us for this engaging and heartfelt conversation on The Samurai Way.

• 🌐 Website: https://jolenejang.com

• 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jolenejang

• 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jolenejang

• 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jolenejang

• 📱 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jolenejang