In this conversation, I sit down with Toshika Kosako who is a career coach, creative consultant, and Master's student in Psychology/Neuroscience at King's College London. From her roots in Japan to building a creative career in New York, and now navigating a new chapter in Amsterdam, Toshika opens up about her personal grief journey and what it has taught her. Together, we reflect on the emotional cost of avoidance, the cultural discomfort around prolonged grief, and the deep healing that becomes possible when we give ourselves permission to feel with support of community.

Together, we unpack:

❤️The grief behind letting go of past identities

❤️What it means to "feel at home" within ourselves

❤️How emotional numbness and avoidance show up in a fast-paced world

❤️Grieving as an act of love

❤️How to support a loved one experiencing grief

Whether you're moving through change, loss, or simply seeking more emotional depth in a world that often demands speed and success, this episode invites you to slow down, reflect, and soften.

Follow and connect with Toshika: 🔗 Instagram: @toshikakosako

In this heart-opening episode of The Light of Insight, I sit down with my incredible friend and fellow coach, Reiko Suzuki!

Reiko shares about her recent journey in Thailand studying at a 10-day medicinal herb course, and how that experience reaffirmed the importance of community and the exchange of care. We also break-down the deep healing power of safe community spaces and share about our upcoming retreat: "asobi" ✨

Together, we reflect on:

🌱 Why true healing happens in safe, intentional communities

💫 The role of coaching in guiding people to peel back the layers and reconnect with their truth

🎨 The spirit of asobigokoro — the inner playfulness that invites in joy, curiosity, and lightness

🌊 What inspired us to co-create the Asobi Retreat (coming up on Sunday, June 22nd in Kugenuma-Kaigan) and what participants can expect

🤍 The power of simply showing up, being seen and heard in community

Whether you're craving deeper connection, curious about coaching, or seeking ways to reconnect with your own asobigokoro, this episode reminds you that you don't have to walk this path alone.

🧭 Upcoming Asobi Retreat Details: 📅 Sunday, June 22nd, 2025 🕥 10:30–17:00 📍 Kugenuma-Kaigan (Shonan), Japan 🚶‍♀️ 5-minute walk from the station, 10 minutes to the beach 📌 Exact location shared after registration

Further details + Registration Here: Asobi Retreat

Connect with Reiko:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

Connect with Nina:

Website

Instagram

LinkedIn

What if emotions weren't something to fix or avoid… but powerful messengers guiding you back to your truth?

In this powerful episode, I'm joined by my friend and Emotional Intelligence coach, Lana.

We explore one of the most essential—and misunderstood—aspects of the human experience: emotions.

Lana shares her unique story of growing up in Russia, moving to Japan at age 10, navigating life between cultures, trying to fit in, and eventually coming home to her authentic self. After graduating from university in Tokyo, Lana worked in the corporate world at Mitsui and later at Amazon Japan before transitioning into coaching.

Together, we dive into:

• What emotions really are, and why they matter

• How emotions act as motivators and internal data points

• Building emotional intelligence as a trainable skill

• The shift from reactive consciousness to creative consciousness

• Why owning your story transforms pain into power

This episode is a powerful reminder that your feelings aren't in the way—they are the way. You are the architect of your inner world. And when you learn to respond to life instead of react, you begin to reclaim your story, your power, and your truth.

Connect with Lana:

• Lana's LinkedIn

Connect with Nina:

• Nina's website

• Nina's Instagram

⭐ Support the podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with someone who might need to hear this message. Your support means the world to me and helps this podcast grow.

Thank you for being here and for being part of this journey with me.

In this episode, I'm joined by my friend and fellow Japan-based life coach, retreat leader, and sales mentor for recruiters—Levi Pells.

Levi shares his story of moving from Hawaii to Japan to join the JET Program, where he lived in a small village in Tokushima Prefecture. From there, he transitioned into the high-pressure world of recruitment in Tokyo, where he faced toxic work environments, burnout, and the deeper question: Is this really what I want?

What followed was a powerful personal journey—quitting his job, traveling the world, and discovering coaching as a path to meaning and service. Now based in the Chiba countryside, Levi surfs, farms, and leads retreats while supporting others to find alignment in their own lives.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Moving to Japan and building a life abroad

• Career shifts and navigating toxic workplaces

• Burnout and the call for change

• Discovering coaching and redefining success

• Creating an intentional, aligned life outside the city

Whether you're feeling stuck in your career or simply curious about what it means to forge your own path, this episode will leave you inspired to tune in to what truly matters.

Connect with Levi:

• Levi's Linkedin

Connect with me:

• Nina's Instagram

• Nina's website

⭐ Support the podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with someone who might need to hear this message. Your support means the world to me and helps this podcast grow.

Thank you for being here and for being part of this journey with me.

In this deeply nourishing episode of The Light of Insight, I'm joined by Pia — intuitive coach, biohacking witch, and sacred guide for women reconnecting with their cyclical nature, body intelligence, and the lost art of pleasure.

Together, we explore: ✨ Pia's journey of (re)connection with her maternal lineage in the Italian Alps ✨ Reclaiming ancestral wisdom and feminine power ✨ How to navigate overstimulation and numbing in a hyperproductive world ✨ The wisdom of cycle syncing and honoring our inner seasons ✨ How nature mirrors our own rhythms ✨ Using pleasure and body awareness as a tool for manifestation and self-empowerment

This episode is an invitation to slow down, listen to your body, and remember who you truly are.

Connect with Pia: 📸 Instagram: @healingarts.pia 📝 Substack: @biohackingwitch

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know what resonates by tagging us!

Connect with me:

• Nina's Instagram

• Visit my website to learn more about my coaching services and upcoming projects. Nina's website

• Join my email list for exclusive insights and updates!

⭐ Support the podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with someone who might need to hear this message. Your support means the world to me and helps this podcast grow.

Thank you for being here and for being part of this journey with me.

In this solo episode, I share an update on my life over the past six months, including the completion of my PhD—a journey that began in September 2020 and took me five years to finish. My research focused on the political relationship between the U.S. and Japan after the catastrophic 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. My research follows the case of a joint-military project between the U.S. military and Japanese Self-Defense Forces known as Operation Tomodachi that later developed into a U.S.-Japan "friendship" organization known as the Tomodachi Initiative.

As a Japanese and American woman with roots in Sendai, this project was deeply tied to my identity and family history. But as I navigated the challenges of academia, I also faced moments of self-doubt, stress, and the question of whether I was living for myself or for the expectations of others—especially my mom, a former professor who inspired me to pursue higher education.

In the midst of the PhD journey, I discovered life coaching, a path that felt more like home. This episode is about embracing your truth and learning to live a life that's authentic. Join me as I reflect on identity, purpose, and the courage to choose yourself.

Thank you so much for listening to this episode! If my journey resonated with you or if you've ever felt torn between expectations and your truth, I'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, stories, or questions with me—I read every message!

📩 Connect with me:

• Follow me on Instagram [@nina.gamell] for behind-the-scenes updates of life in Tokyo, coaching tips, and more. Nina's Instagram

• Visit my website to learn more about my coaching services and upcoming projects. Nina's website

• Join my email list for exclusive insights and updates!

💬 Let's keep the conversation going: What part of my story resonated with you the most? DM me or leave a comment—I'd love to hear your thoughts!

⭐ Support the podcast: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with someone who might need to hear this message. Your support means the world to me and helps this podcast grow.

Thank you for being here and for being part of this journey with me.

In this episode, I chat with my good friend Emily who is a holistic wellness and English Coach! Together, we dive into:

✨Simple journaling practices to cultivate self-compassion

✨The shift from logic (head) to intuition (heart) in everyday life

✨How an interactive and intuitive approach can transform learning a new language or art form.

✨The distinction between verbal and energetic boundaries in relationships

Emily shares practical tips and inspiring insights for anyone looking to embrace intuition, creativity, and deeper self-awareness.

Links & Resources:

What is a Saturn Return: https://chaninicholas.com/saturn-return/

Where you can connect with Emily: Emily's Insta

I'm so excited to welcome back Kristy to the Light of Insight!!! Kristy is a dear friend who works virtually from Los Angeles, as a Holistic Career Transitions and Wellness (Mindset) Coach. She is most known for helping clients get in touch with their inner wisdom, joy, self care & wellness, while in a career transition phase.

Kristy shares whats been new in her life while connecting her recent learnings to the retreat we will be leading together with Reiko Suzuki in Kugenuma Japan!!!

Where you can connect with Kristy:

@kristymariko

https://www.kristymariko.com/

⭐️ RETREAT DETAILS ⭐️

We're so honored to invite you to our Integrative Healing Women's Retreat, happening on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Get ready to immerse yourself in a nurturing environment where every moment is designed to uplift your spirit and take care of your soul. Our retreat is all about creating space for you to reconnect with your inner self, reflect on your life journey, and step deeper in your power with confidence and grace.

Here's what you can look forward to:

❤️ Inspiring workshops led by US & Japan based coaches who will gently guide you on your journey of self-discovery and reclaiming joy.

❤️ Peaceful meditation and visualizations in nature, to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

❤️ Heartfelt conversations and meaningful connections with other amazing women who share your desire for growth and self-empowerment.

❤️ Share space while indulging in a delicious plant-based lunch, carefully crafted so that you will feel energized and ready to play as the most joyful version of YOU.

❤️ Spaces for this one-day retreat experience are limited, so reserve your spot soon!

Click the registration link below to secure your spot and embark on this empowering journey with us. Once you reserve your spot, we will follow up with retreat information and a detailed registration form that will help us prepare for your arrival.

Registration: https://www.ninagamell.com/womens-retreat

Reach out to us if you have any questions!

@Nina.Gamell

@kristymariko

@reiszuki

I'm so excited to share this conversation that I had with my dear friend, Reiko.

Reiko is an Impact Coach dedicated to helping people create meaningful, authentic and lasting change starting from within, guiding them in a safe space for growth. She also serves as a Coach and Strategic Community Designer for WellC, a holistic wellness online community committed to cultivating the wellness habits of changemakers.

Reiko shares her background growing up in Japan and her experiences in many unique cultures, transitions, and careers throughout her life. Reiko also shares what led her to become an impact coach and what impact coaching is.

We also discussed the retreat we will be leading together with Kristy Ishii (a mindset and career coach) this month!!! (Details are below 👇 )

Where you can connect with Reiko:

@reizuki

(Website coming soon!)

⭐️ RETREAT DETAILS ⭐️

We're so honored to invite you to our Integrative Healing Women's Retreat, happening on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, from 10 am to 6 pm.

Get ready to immerse yourself in a nurturing environment where every moment is designed to uplift your spirit and take care of your soul. Our retreat is all about creating space for you to reconnect with your inner self, reflect on your life journey, and step deeper in your power with confidence and grace.

Here's what you can look forward to:

- Inspiring workshops led by US & Japan based coaches who will gently guide you on your journey of self-discovery and reclaiming joy.

- Peaceful meditation and visualizations in nature, to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.

- Heartfelt conversations and meaningful connections with other amazing women who share your desire for growth and self-empowerment.

- Share space while indulging in a delicious plant-based lunch, carefully crafted so that you will feel energized and ready to play as the most joyful version of YOU.

-Spaces for this one-day retreat experience are limited, so reserve your spot soon!

Click [HERE to Register] to secure your spot to embark on this empowering journey with us. Once you reserve your spot, we will follow up with retreat information and a detailed registration form that will help us prepare for your arrival.

Find your inner calm through this breathing exercise into a meditation. I like to start all my coaching sessions with this practice as a way to reconnect with our bodies, mind, and breath.