On today's episode, we look to the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan to explore a modern question about happiness. We discuss its famous philosophy of "Gross National Happiness," traditionally built on the idea of "not comparing" oneself to others, and how the arrival of the smartphone is challenging that ideal. It's a calm reflection on the search for contentment in a hyper-connected world.

On today's episode,we're talking about the difference between "the ordinary" and "the non-ordinary." Using a personal story of feeling bored in beautiful Kamakura but alive on the streets of Seoul, we look at why new environments feel so stimulating. We'll discuss how small novelties—like different languages and signs—put our brains into 'discovery mode' and make a simple walk feel like an adventure.

In this episode, I reflect on Warren Buffett’s timeless advice: “Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy when others are fearful.”

We explore why this principle is so difficult to practice, how it played out during the 2008 financial crisis, and what it means not only for investing, but also for business and life. At its heart, it’s about resisting the pull of the crowd, thinking independently, and having the courage to trust your own compass.

In this episode, I reflect on a recent health checkup that reminded me of the importance of regular medical care as we age. From there, I explore the powerful philosophy of Dr. Peter Scott-Morgan, known as Peter 2.0, who chose to “upgrade” himself with technology rather than view illness as defeat.

What does it mean to see aging not as decline, but as evolution? And how might technology become an ally in preserving human dignity? Join me as I share these thoughts, connecting personal experience with the future of humans and technology.

On today's episode,we're exploring a modern paradox: while it's good to focus on what's necessary in our lives, what happens when a whole society does the same? We discuss how a world built purely on function might become a "dystopia of necessity," lacking the character that makes life interesting. It's a calm reflection on finding the balance between efficiency and the "useless" things that give our lives flavor.

In this episode, I share some thoughts that came up while touring high schools with my daughter. Watching students interact reminded me how social hierarchies just seem to naturally form wherever people gather - the popular kids, the quiet ones, all those unspoken rankings we remember from our own school days.

In this episode, I reflect on a phrase that's been stuck in my head: "Anything can be a reason, but nothing needs to be an excuse." I explore the crucial distinction between explaining what happened versus using that explanation to avoid responsibility.

In this episode, I examine the psychology behind our desire for effortless success and how it's exploited by those selling quick fixes and shortcuts. I explore the parallel between weight-loss supplements promising results without exercise and the broader trend of avoiding genuine effort while still expecting outcomes.

On today's episode, we explore the fascinating connection between science fiction and real-world science. Using the recent patenting of "optical camouflage" from Ghost in the Shell as our starting point, we look at how a fictional concept became a tangible technology. The discussion expands to the unique power of Japanese anime to provide visions that act as inspiration for innovation, from Gundam to Doraemon. It's a look at how the stories we imagine can help shape the world we build.

On today's episode, we're talking about the unexpected life lessons that parenting can teach us. Sparked by the process of touring high schools with a child, we explore how our environment shapes our self-esteem, and how that self-esteem in turn affects our relationships.