Wabi Sabi - The Perfectly Imperfect Podcast with Candice Kumai

By Candice KumaiHealth & Fitness Nutrition Mental Health Education How To

Wabi Sabi - The Perfectly Imperfect Podcast with Candice Kumai episodes

April 28, 2025 Ep 183 Kintsugi: Remembering Pope Francis, Hope and Healing in a Time of Brokeness
Welcome back to the Wabi Sabi podcast.
Today, we honor the life and legacy of Pope Francis — a true bridge builder, a humble servant, and a radiant light in a time when the world often feels broken.
In the spirit of kintsugi — the Japanese art of repairing what is broken with gold — we’ll reflect on how hope, healing, and compassion still shine through our fractures.
Pope Francis taught us that even in our most fragile moments, there is beauty, unity, and the chance to begin again.
Let’s take this time together to remember his example, and to rediscover the light that still lives within all of us.
23 min
April 14, 2025 EP 182 Kintsugi: Unlock Your Ikigai/Purpose In Broken Times
Let’s be real—life falls apart sometimes. But here’s the good news: in Japan, we don’t toss the broken stuff—we gold it. This week on Wabi Sabi, I’m diving into the art of kintsugi and how those so-called “cracks” in your life can actually lead you to your ikigai—your purpose, your why, your get-out-of-bed-and-make-matcha energy.
We’ll talk breakups, burnout, identity shifts, and how feeling “off” can actually be the beginning of something beautiful. It’s not about having it all together—it’s about loving your flaws, laughing at the mess, and finding your path anyway.
This is your permission slip to be a little broken, a little fabulous, and a lot more you.
27 min
April 07, 2025 EP 181 It's so Important to Always be Kind xx
Hey friend,
I know I've been a bit MIA from the pod these past few weeks, and I truly appreciate your patience. Life has its seasons, and sometimes we walk through chapters that aren’t ready to be shared—yet. What I can say is this: we’re all on our own unique path, and you never really know what someone else is going through. That’s why it’s more important than ever to lead with compassion.
Everyone—everyone—is doing their best with what they have. When we start from that belief, we shift the way we see the world. We soften. We open. We allow more grace in. Today we will also be doing just a round up of recent events and little notes that you've all sent my way...
Today’s episode is a gentle reminder to pause. To take care of yourself. To give back to your community, even in small, quiet ways. To rest. To breathe. To do the little things that bring you peace.
As one of my favorite monks once told me in Japan: "Bochi bochi ganbatte." Step by step, do your best.
We’ll also explore some perspectives from the Kintsugi documentary—how we mend, how we shift, and how we prepare for change in this ever-evolving world.
And always remember: Wabi Sabi is about embracing the beauty in imperfection. Life isn’t meant to be polished. It’s meant to be real. So don’t stress too much. You’re doing better than you think.
Let’s begin.
23 min
March 09, 2025 EP 180 Kintsugi: How to Never Give Up on Your Dreams + Healing by Storytelling
Welcome to this episode of the Wabi Sabi podcast! Today, we dive deep into the powerful and inspiring reviews you've shared with us about what you took away from the Kintsugi documentary. Your feedback has been nothing short of amazing, and I can't wait to reflect on it with you.
Have you ever felt like giving up on your dreams? I know I have. In today's episode, I’ll be sharing some personal insights on how I’ve shifted my perspective, shaped my future, and kept pushing forward—even when there was no immediate reward and when others doubted me. These are not easy stories to share, especially when faced with negative comments or criticism—because yes, it happens. But through it all, I've learned one crucial thing: the moment an artist stops pursuing their dream is the moment that dream dies.
I’m here to remind you to keep going, no matter what. Thank you for listening and if you love the show, don’t forget to leave us a five-star review to help keep this free, public service podcast alive. xx Candice
25 min
March 03, 2025 EP 179 Kintsugi: Kakugo a Resolution to Your Life's Journey
Today, we’re diving deep into the timeless philosophy of Kakugo—resolution, determination, and the clarity of purpose in our lives. Kakugo is about setting intentions and committing fully to them, much like the monks high in the mountains who dedicate themselves to a life of service, simplicity, and profound mindfulness.
In today’s episode, we’ll explore how we can learn from those who have walked the path before us—from the wisdom of these monks to the lessons hidden in the unfiltered messages of children. We’ll also take a closer look at the Kintsugi documentary, which captures the essence of Japanese spirit, and how it all ties back to the powerful practice of Kintsugi.
If you’ve seen Kintsugi, the limited series I created that aired on NHK World, you’ll recognize how the art of golden repair teaches us that our brokenness, our flaws, and our scars aren’t just things to hide, but something to embrace. They become the gold that strengthens us, propels us forward, and makes us whole again.
In a world where so many of us are battling feelings of anxiety and hopelessness, these ancient practices offer us the tools we need to mend, to grow, and to find peace. How can we be better individuals, and better people, by applying these lessons from the past to our everyday lives in the present? Let’s talk about how we can incorporate these teachings into our daily practice and open our hearts to the beautiful brokenness of being human.
Thank you for joining me. Let’s explore this journey of healing, transformation, and discovering your own path to resilience. x ck
27 min
February 25, 2025 EP 178- Kintsugi: Japanese Wisdom for Your Mind
In Japanese culture, there are many subtle practices that help cultivate humility, kindness, love, and softness, even in the midst of a turbulent world. Japan, having endured natural disasters and war, serves as a living work of art. The philosophy of Kintsugi teaches us that the cracks—whether from atomic bombs, earthquakes, or tsunamis—represent both pain and resilience. The Japanese people embody gaman, the ability to endure and persevere. We learn to rise, rebuild, and heal.
In this episode, I’m excited to share insights from my documentary Kintsugi, and some valuable lessons we’ve learned along the way to help you mend, heal, and restore your own life. Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider leaving a five-star review and sharing it with a friend.
With love,
Candice
25 min
February 18, 2025 EP 177- Kintsugi The Art of ancient Japanese Healing in Modern Day Times
Hi friends! Today I want to share a little about Kintsugi—the ancient Japanese art of golden repair—and how it can transform our pain into something meaningful. In my docu-series, Kintsugi, we dive into this philosophy as I travel through Japan, tracing the footsteps of my grandfather and discovering how brokenness, much like the cracks in pottery, can be healed and made even more beautiful.
It’s about embracing your past, finding strength in what you’ve been through, and letting the light of love and hope guide you forward. In a world that feels heavy, Kintsugi reminds us that we can turn our struggles into superpowers.
If you’re ready for a deep dive into this philosophy, check out the Kintsugi docu-series on YouTube, and don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more reflections on finding peace, healing, and beauty in our lives.
Please join me every Friday in February for a new episode—link in the description!
Thank you for being here. x Candice
Watch Kintsugi on YouTube.com/CandiceKumai (4 episodes total) originally released on NHK World
Shop Kintsugi Wellness the best-selling book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0062669850/?ref=exp_influencer-0c39ba4e_lv_dp_vv_d
24 min
February 03, 2025 EP 176 Be The Most Attractive Person: With These Three Traits
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
31 min
January 27, 2025 EP 175 How to Get Through the Next Four Years with Peace + Resilience
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
30 min
January 13, 2025 EP 174 How to be Resilient + Inspire Others For Real, a True Influencer
Welcome to another episode of Wabi Sabi where we explore the beauty of imperfection and the power of resilience. What can you do to truly influence? What are you doing in times of inevitable natural disaster? How can you better help others? I'm here to share my insights on how we can not only bounce back from life’s challenges but inspire others to do the same. Tune in as we talk about finding strength, staying authentic, and making a real impact. Thank you for listening & please write a five star review for this pod + share with a friend xx Candice
31 min

About Wabi Sabi - The Perfectly Imperfect Podcast with Candice Kumai

From the publisher's feed

Coined "the golden girl of wellness" by ELLE & FORBES, Candice Kumai, 6x bestselling author, chef, wellness writer and model shares with us her painfully-imperfect life lessons and experiences that have shaped her 17 year career in media, publishing, wellness, food, modeling and content creation.