The Ikigai Podcast

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick and Mathew Borg discuss the significance of implementing the concept of ikigai within an educational context. How can we promote better education with the help of ikigai?Education holds significance for all individuals, yet at times, it can become a source of stress. This is where concepts like ikigai can prove beneficial, not only for students but also for educators, aiding in the development of a more tailored and effective approach to learning.

Is the ikigai concept something you can coach?In this solo episode, Nick explores this question and looks at how ikigai is relatable to philosophy, positive psychology and existential positive psychology This episode takes a deep dive into the elements central to ikigai; life affirmation, goals/dreams, meaning of life, meaning of existence, sense of fulfilment and commitment, and  intertwines them with Dr Martin Seligman's PERMA model of flourishing.Nick also touches on Health and Ikiagi advisors in Japan who help retirees transition from working life to the rest of their life – from becoming “a company person to a social person."  He discuss how these Health and Ikiagi advisors in Japan are required to study Mieko Kamiya's theory of Ikigai and Maslow's hierarchy of needs to gain certification.By the end of this episode you will have an answers as to  whether ikigai is coachable or not.

Dr. Katharina Stenger, a psychologist and professional photo model, discusses self-care techniques and the connection of ikigai to mental health. The podcast explores the concept of self-care, combining humanistic psychology and Eastern philosophies for mental well-being, improving cognitive function in elderly adults, self-care commercialization, living with Kasumi, small acts of kindness, connecting with nature, redefining roles and breaking stereotypes, and expressing gratitude.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick discusses the significance of aida (betweenness) and intercorporeality in relation to our embodiment with Prof. Shogo Tanaka.Prof. Shogo Tanaka is a professor of psychology and philosophy at Tokai University in Japan. He received his Ph.D. in philosophical psychology from Tokyo Institute of Technology in 2003. He is primarily interested in phenomenology and psychology, and more specifically, in clarifying the theoretical foundations of psychology from the perspective of embodiment.The topics of his published papers encompass a broad range of issues, including body schema, body image, skill acquisition, embodied self, social cognition, theory of mind, and intercorporeality. 

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Jessica Gerrity about Kyudo, the intricate art of Japanese traditional archery.Jessica Gerrity is a TV personality, writer, and tourism ambassador for Saitama Prefecture in Japan. She moved to Japan from New Zealand over 20 years ago. Beyond her captivating roles, Jessica is a mother of three and also assists in managing a dojo for kyudo, a form of Japanese archery.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Gordon Mathews about finding greater meaning in life through the concept of life after death.Gordon Mathews is an author and professor of anthropology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He has written several books, including What Makes Life Worth Living? How Japanese and Americans Make Sense of Their Worlds, which was explored in episode 2 of the Ikigai Podcast.

In this episode of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Waki Kamino about designing social robots to enhance the ikigai of older adults.Waki Kamino is a PhD student at Cornell University in human-robot interaction and a research consultant at Indiana University, Bloomington.

In episode 62 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick speaks with Professor Haruhiko Tanaka about how having ibasho can serve as a source of empowerment for people.Professor Haruhiko Tanaka recently retired from the role of professor in the Faculty of Human Science at Sophia University. He completed his doctorate at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Education. His areas of research include lifelong education, youth education, development education, and environmental education. He has also written several publications, including, Kaihatsu kyoiku: Jizokukano na sekai no tameni (Development education: Toward a sustainable world) and Wakamono no ibasho to sanka (‘Ibasho’ community for youth and youth social participation).

On episode 61 of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick and his good friend, Masayuki Matsubara, embark on an inspiring conversation about friendship, ikigai, and the power of shared experiences.Masayuki Matsubara is a musician, web designer, developer, and entrepreneur. He has a passion for designing and was awarded the iF Design Award in Germany in 2016. 

On episode 60  of the Ikigai Podcast, Nick welcomes back Jamila Rodrigues to discuss how having ikigai can help people cope in times of crisis.Jamila Rodrigues is an anthropologist focused on well-being and crisis management. She completed her Ph.D. in Dance Anthropology and Sufism embodied ritual practice at Roehampton University in London in 2017. She worked as a professional dancer and travelled to different countries, such as the UK, South Africa, and many other countries for 12 years.She is a visiting researcher at the Marine Climate Change Unit at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology. Her current research is on Embodied ikigai: Japanese women’s narratives on well-being in times of crisis. Jamila was a guest on episode 56, “The Embodiment of Ikigai.”