My guest today is Ken Mogi, a Japanese neuroscientist, a senior researcher at Sony Computer Science Laboratories and a visiting professor at the Tokyo Institute of Technology. He has written over 100 books – yes 100 – in Japanese on topics as diverse as brain science philosophy, history, art, education, and linguistics. 

Ken is known as a rock star neuroscientist in Japan and it’s easy to see why, as he’s a super-cool, super-smart guy. He recently released his first book in English, titled Ikigai, which translates as ‘A reason to live’ and today, we discuss how to find you Ikigai.  

You can buy his excellent Ikigai book here.

My guest today is Ken Mogi, a Japanese neuroscientist, a senior researcher at <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sony_Computer_Science_Laboratories&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1'>Sony Computer Science Laboratories</a> and a visiting professor at the <a href='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Institute_of_Technology'>Tokyo Institute of Technology</a>. He has written over 100 books – yes 100 – in Japanese on topics as diverse as brain science philosophy, history, art, education, and linguistics. Ken is known as a rock star neuroscientist in Japan and it’s easy to see why, as he’s a super-cool, super-smart guy. He recently released his first book in English, titled Ikigai, which translates as ‘A reason to live’ and today, we discuss how to find you Ikigai.  You can <a href='https://www.booktopia.com.au/awakening-your-ikigai-ken-mogi/book/9781615194759.html'>buy his excellent Ikigai book here</a>.

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.

Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self. 

Host Dr Paul Taylor, a Psychophysiologist, Neuroscientist, Exercise Scientist, and Nutritionist interviews experts from around the world on cutting edge research and practices related to improving hardiness in your mind, body and brain to become your best self.&nbsp;

Finding Your Ikigai with the Japanese Rock-star Neuroscientist, Ken Mogi

This week I discuss a fascinating research paper that changes how we think about salt and blood pressure.

This week I discuss a fascinating research paper that changes how we think about salt and blood pressure.

Do you really need to watch your salt intake? The science is much more nuanced than Doctors think - Wisdom Wednesdays

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/ad162b2f-9f56-4823-aa75-b4080161aa71/transcript

This week on Mojo Monday, Carly explores something many of us experience: replaying conversations in our minds and wondering if we said the right thing. Why do social interactions sometimes leave us doubting ourselves? Carly reflects on the quiet pressure we often place on ourselves to be interesting, articulate, or insightful in conversations, and how that pressure can fuel our inner critic. Drawing on ideas from Japanese psychology, particularly Morita therapy, she shares a simple shift that can help conversations feel more natural: moving our attention away from how we’re performing and toward genuine curiosity and presence with the person in front of us.

This week on Mojo Monday, Carly explores something many of us experience: replaying conversations in our minds and wondering if we said the right thing. Why do social interactions sometimes leave us doubting ourselves? Carly reflects on the quiet pressure we often place on ourselves to be interesting, articulate, or insightful in conversations, and how that pressure can fuel our inner critic. Drawing on ideas from Japanese psychology, particularly Morita therapy, she shares a simple shift that can help conversations feel more natural: moving our attention away from how we&rsquo;re performing and toward genuine curiosity and presence with the person in front of us.

When We Overthink What We Say With Carly Taylor

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/0a79a7ce-efa6-48c8-807a-b40500045afc/transcript

In this conversation, Graeme Cowan shares his personal journey through mental health challenges and discusses the importance of mental well-being in the workplace. He highlights the impact of stress and burnout, the role of leadership in fostering psychological safety, and practical strategies for self-care and mindset shifts. Graeme emphasises the interconnectedness of mental and physical health and provides actionable insights for individuals and leaders to create a supportive work environment.

 

Takeaways
Graeme Cowan experienced severe depression after a business downturn.
The impact of mental health extends to loved ones, not just the individual.
Workplace programs can leverage large numbers of participants for mental health awareness.
Storytelling is a powerful tool in mental health advocacy.
Many managers experience severe stress, affecting team engagement.
Psychological safety is crucial for team performance and innovation.
Self-compassion can enhance resilience and risk-taking.
A growth mindset encourages continuous learning and improvement.
Intentional actions significantly influence our mood and well-being.
Building supportive relationships is essential for mental health.

 

00:00 The Journey to Mental Health Awareness

11:00 Understanding Workplace Stress and Burnout

17:00 Leadership and Psychological Safety in the Workplace

22:35 The Origins of Team Effectiveness

27:32 Mindset and Self-Compassion

33:14 The Great Leaders Care Mindset

43:40 Practical Steps for Individuals and Teams

 

Resources

Graeme Cowan’s latest book;Great Leaders Care

Weblink: https://graemecowan.com.au/    

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemecowan1/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graemecowan/

 

Support the Podcast

If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.

 

In this conversation, Graeme Cowan shares his personal journey through mental health challenges and discusses the importance of mental well-being in the workplace. He highlights the impact of stress and burnout, the role of leadership in fostering psychological safety, and practical strategies for self-care and mindset shifts. Graeme emphasises the interconnectedness of mental and physical health and provides actionable insights for individuals and leaders to create a supportive work environment.
&nbsp;
Takeaways
<ul>
<li>Graeme Cowan experienced severe depression after a business downturn.</li>
<li>The impact of mental health extends to loved ones, not just the individual.</li>
<li>Workplace programs can leverage large numbers of participants for mental health awareness.</li>
<li>Storytelling is a powerful tool in mental health advocacy.</li>
<li>Many managers experience severe stress, affecting team engagement.</li>
<li>Psychological safety is crucial for team performance and innovation.</li>
<li>Self-compassion can enhance resilience and risk-taking.</li>
<li>A growth mindset encourages continuous learning and improvement.</li>
<li>Intentional actions significantly influence our mood and well-being.</li>
<li>Building supportive relationships is essential for mental health.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
00:00 The Journey to Mental Health Awareness
11:00 Understanding Workplace Stress and Burnout
17:00 Leadership and Psychological Safety in the Workplace
22:35 The Origins of Team Effectiveness
27:32 Mindset and Self-Compassion
33:14 The Great Leaders Care Mindset
43:40 Practical Steps for Individuals and Teams
&nbsp;
Resources
Graeme Cowan&rsquo;s latest book; <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Great-Leaders-Care-Developing-Successful/dp/1394389337">Great Leaders Care</a>
Weblink: <a href="https://graemecowan.com.au/">https://graemecowan.com.au/</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graemecowan1/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/graemecowan/
&nbsp;
Support the Podcast
If you found this conversation valuable, consider subscribing and leaving a review on your preferred podcast platform. Your feedback helps us continue to bring you insightful discussions on important health topics.
&nbsp;

Navigating Mental Health Challenges with Graeme Cowan

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/5193db37-127f-4143-beb6-b404007a3097/transcript

Finding Your Ikigai with the Japanese Rock-star Neuroscientist, Ken Mogi

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Hardiness with Dr Paul Taylor

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