In this Wabi Sabi episode, I dive into the three traits that make people truly magnetic—not in a superficial way, but on a deeper, more meaningful level. Listen to hear more - thank you for listening xx ck

In this episode, I’ll share how to navigate the next four years with peace and resilience.

We’ll explore the beauty of Japanese homes and how they inspire creating more space—both physically and mentally—in our lives.

I’ll talk about why it's essential to stop paying attention to the chaos of "Idiocracy" and focus on what truly matters.

Learn the power of giving yourself more time, making self-care a priority, and investing in your well-being.

I’ll discuss the importance of setting boundaries and how they help create a peaceful, balanced life.

Meditation and deep breathing are key tools for creating space, managing stress and staying grounded—I'll guide you through these practices.

Remember to stay in your own lane—you don’t need to do what others are doing, and that’s perfectly okay.

Finally, I’ll remind you to stay curious and kind, no matter how others may behave around you.

Let’s dive in and create more peace and resilience together xx thank you for listening xx Candice

Embracing Wabi-Sabi: The Philosophy of Imperfect Growth

Wabi-sabi is more than just a concept—it's a powerful approach to personal development. At its core, it's about accepting imperfection and finding beauty in life's natural progression. This philosophy teaches us to:

Embrace our unique journey

Stop comparing ourselves to others

Find contentment in the present moment

Accept life with all its challenges

Key Areas of Personal Transformation

1. Nutrition and Wellness

Mindful Eating: Focus on whole, natural foods.

Eliminate Processed Foods: Remove items that don't serve your health.

Holistic Approach: Consider nutrition from all five wellness zones.

2. Self-Improvement Strategies

Self-Discovery: Identify your true passions and strengths.

Goal Setting: Create realistic, achievable objectives.

Skill Building: Continuously learn and grow.

Resilience: Develop the courage to overcome obstacles.

Practical Steps for Personal Growth

Embrace Change

Change is inevitable and essential for growth. As someone who has navigated significant personal transformations, I've learned that:

Resilience comes from accepting and adapting to life's challenges.

Self-belief is your most powerful tool.

Every setback is an opportunity for growth.

The Wabi-Sabi Mindset

Remember, true wellness isn't about perfection. It's about:

Accepting yourself completely.

Finding beauty in your journey.

Staying true to your authentic self.

Continuous, gentle self-improvement.

Final Thoughts

This is your year to shine from the inside out. Embrace your imperfections, celebrate your unique journey, and commit to becoming the best version of yourself.

Thank you for listening, and here's to your true health journey in 2025! Don't forget to subscribe and share with friends.

xo Candice

In 2025 we want to see and feel positive changes: In 2024, life didn’t always go as planned. We faced challenges, missed out on some of the things we wanted, and even the price of eggs skyrocketed. But here’s the silver lining: there are 10 small, meaningful actions you can take every day that cost nothing and can create a powerful shift in your mindset. These tips will help you free your time, open your heart, and find a little more peace in your life.

Tune in to this special podcast episode for 2025, where I’ll guide you through 10 simple ways to improve your heart, mind, and soul. Together, let’s step into the new year feeling lighter, brighter, and ready to embrace all that’s ahead.

Take a deep breath, hit play, and let’s start this journey together. Thank you for listening & please leave a 5 star review xx

xx,

Candice

On this episode of the Wabi Sabi podcast, we dive into the theme of overcoming change by letting go, drawing inspiration from the timeless teachings of Dr. Wayne Dyer. With fall upon us, it’s the perfect season to reflect, release, and make brave changes. We explore practical tools for finding peace within and breaking free from your limiting beliefs, helping you navigate life’s transitions with grace. Tune in for thoughtful discussions on how going inward, working on your own personal healing can make a profound difference in your life, enabling you to do difficult or even scary things and step into your true potential this season by shedding what no longer serves you. Thank you for listening x Candice

The Wabi Sabi Podcast: Special Episode with Chef Cynthia Sestito

This episode of The Wabi Sabi Podcast dives deep into the 20-year journey of Chef Cynthia Sestito and Candice Kumai. From pioneering on Top Chef season one to transforming the culinary arts scene in New York, Los Angeles, and the Hamptons, Cynthia and Candice have been trailblazers in their fields, breaking boundaries and celebrating their heritage.

Chef Cynthia Sestito, a powerhouse in the industry, has spent over a decade cooking for Jay Z and other hip-hop legends. She played a pivotal role in opening the iconic 40/40 Club and worked on memorable projects like the music videos for “Bonnie & Clyde” and “99 Problems.” Hear her behind-the-scenes stories of traveling with Jay Z’s entourage across Germany, Paris, Mexico, Los Angeles, and New York.

Don’t miss this incredible episode & Share with a friend:

Support marginalized women in the food and media industries by subscribing to Candice’s YouTube channel. Your subscription helps elevate voices that deserve recognition in an often-overlooked industry.

Follow Cynthia on Instagram @CynfulFood. Also, check out her work at The Cookery by Cyn and Trudy in the Hamptons: The Cookery.

Candice Kumai is a 7x bestselling author and has written for Vogue, Bon Appétit, and Cosmopolitan. She has appeared on Iron Chef, Selena + Chef, Top Chef, and has contributed to the TODAY Show for over 15 years. Based in Brooklyn, New York, Candice is a proud Japanese-American who is committed to empowering marginalized women.

In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to be the bigger person in today’s challenging times. It often feels like moral values and ethics are slipping away, but for those of us who care deeply about these principles, how can we not only survive but thrive in this modern world?

I’ll guide you through real-life scenarios and offer actionable steps on how you can be the change we need. Through thoughtful examples, we’ll explore ways to navigate these moments with grace, compassion, and strength. By the end of the episode, I hope to leave you with a glimmer of hope—reminding you that “this too shall pass” and that we can choose to value empathy, kindness, and love as our currencies. Although not popular now, perhaps in another world. + Our love for cats + dogs on this pod and how we can help to be of service to others. I'll help to share true wellness practices + no BS like the rest! xx

Thank you so much for listening x

With gratitude,

Candice

Today, I want to talk about the power of being earnest—truly sincere in your journey, even when things don’t go as planned. My own path has been full of moments where I didn’t get what I wanted, but those experiences taught me the beauty of moving forward, changing, and growing through it all. Life’s imperfections shape us, and it’s through embracing them that we find our true strength. Let’s dive into how we can navigate these challenges with grace, and how being earnest can lead to the most authentic growth & know - that you are not alone in this struggle! xx keep going because experience matters! x Candice

Episode Title: Most Intelligent Individuals Do This: Embrace Change Well

In this episode of the Wabi Sabi podcast, I dive into the power of embracing change—something the most intelligent individuals master with grace. Growing up with immigrant parents, I learned early on that change is not only inevitable but essential for growth. We'll explore how to navigate life's transitions, especially when others try to put you down, discourage you, or talk down to you. It's about resilience, self-belief, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the world pushes back. Tune in for insights on turning challenges into opportunities and standing tall in the face of adversity. Thank you for listening xx ck