Wabi Sabi - The Perfectly Imperfect Podcast with Candice Kumai
Published by Candice Kumai
How To
Education
Health & Fitness
Mental Health
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. Arianna Huffington named Candice "Top 20 NEW role model"+ Kumai is proud to share with you how to transform your life, accept the beauty of imperfection and mend what feels broken --- with Japanese repair. In short, you'll learn to shine from the inside out. Please welcome one of the most "real" girls in media crushing the wellness game. Candice has penned 6 best-selling books, sits on the Well + Good council, is a regular contributor to Goop, Cosmo, Bon Appetit, Men's Health, E! Daily Pop, Vogue, Forbes + Byrdie...and she can't wait to share how to transform all of our perfectly imperfect lives. Welcome wabi sabi and all the life lessons your perfectly imperfect heart desires. Subscribe now! Sign up for Candice’s newsletter asap: http://eepurl.com/wMCN5 LEARN MORE: CandiceKumai.com Pick up my new game-changing book, Kintsugi Wellness: https://www.amazon.com/Kintsugi-Wellness-Japanese-Nourishing-Spirit/dp/0062669850 Visit my new web shoppe, like asap: https://thematchashoppe.com/
EP 208 The Unwritten Rules Every Traveler Should Know Before Visiting Japan
29 min
In this special Japan episode of Wabi Sabi, I’m sharing the unwritten cultural rules every traveler should know before visiting Japan. Drawing from my Japanese American heritage and a lifetime of traveling throughout the country, I’m opening up the thoughtful customs, quiet gestures, and insider knowledge that can completely transform the way you experience Japan. From showing respect at temples and shrines to supporting local businesses, understanding omamori, honoring elders, and moving through sacred spaces with care, consider this your guide to experiencing Japan with greater depth, beauty, and connection, from your Japanese American best friend. Thank you for listening! Please share this podcast with two friends! xx Candice
EP 207 The Ultimate Summer Glow-Up Guide What to Eat, Drink, and Do for Better Skin, Hair, Energy, Recovery, and Long-Term Wellness
27 min
In this episode, I’m sharing my Ultimate Summer Glow-Up Guide and everything I genuinely rely on to support healthy-looking skin, stronger hair, steady energy, recovery, and long-term wellness. This is not about crash diets, expensive powders, or chasing one magic ingredient. It is about the small, cumulative habits that actually matter: eating enough protein, choosing healthy fats, adding more color to your plate, hydrating properly, protecting your skin, sleeping well, and building meals that keep you nourished and energized. I’m also breaking down four of my newest TODAY Show recipes, including my iced strawberry matcha latte, creamy avocado pesto pasta, chili-lime miso sweet potatoes, and honey-miso glazed salmon, plus easy ways to adapt each one throughout the week. With lessons from my Japanese family, more than 20 years as a chef and wellness journalist, and everything I have learned through my own recovery, this episode is a practical guide to helping you look and feel your best all summer and for years to come. Thank you for listening xx ck
EP 206 Healing Foods: What to Eat to Help Your Body Recover and Thrive
26 min
Hi Friend, today we're talking about something that's incredibly close to my heart: healing. Whether you're recovering from surgery, healing from an injury, navigating illness, moving through grief, burnout, or simply trying to feel like yourself again, I hope this episode reminds you that healing is never about perfection. It's about giving yourself the time, grace, and nourishment your body deserves. Over the past few weeks, I've been reminded just how extraordinary the human body really is. I recently underwent hip surgery, and while I intentionally kept much of my recovery private, I spent that quiet time doing what I've always done best: learning, reflecting, cooking, and listening to my body. As a classically trained chef I believe food is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. It can't replace a great surgeon, physical therapist, or medical care, but it can provide the building blocks our bodies need to repair, recover, and regain strength. Every meal is an opportunity to nourish ourselves from the inside out. Today, I'm sharing the healing foods that filled my kitchen during recovery and the science behind why they matter. We'll talk about protein, leafy greens, berries, sweet potatoes, ginger, turmeric, bone broth, healthy fats, hydration, and simple meals that are comforting, nourishing, and easy to make. I'll also share a few lessons this season has taught me about slowing down, accepting help, and finding gratitude in the smallest moments. If this episode resonates with you, I hope you'll share it with someone who needs a little encouragement today. Maybe it's a friend recovering from surgery, a parent caring for a loved one, someone feeling burned out, or simply someone who could use the reminder that healing takes time and they're not alone. So make yourself a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and let's spend a little time together. This is an episode about nourishing your body, honoring your resilience, and remembering that every small act of care is a step toward healing.
EP 205 Resilience, and the Art of Never Giving Up
26 min
As we step into June, I wanted to share a little slice of joy, strength, and perspective. For anyone who has been criticized, overlooked, misunderstood, embarrassed, rejected, or quietly left wondering, Do I still have what it takes? I know that feeling. I know what it feels like to keep showing up, to do the right thing, to give 150%, to stay gracious, to work hard, and still feel like the world does not always meet you with the same care. I know what it feels like to be exhausted and still have to perform. To be strong and still feel unseen. To wonder whether you should keep walking the same path, or finally stop, recalibrate, and begin again. And recently, strangely enough, the thing that reminded me not to give up was basketball. More specifically, the New York Knicks. I’ve lived in New York for 14 years, so yes, this team has become part of my story. But this season, watching them felt bigger than being a fan. It felt bigger than a game. It felt like watching a group of people carry their scars openly and still choose to fight. That is why sports can move us so deeply. Because the game becomes a mirror. We see ourselves in the player who was underestimated.
EP 204 The June Reset: Your Summer Guide to Wellness, Energy, and Ease
35 min
A practical, honest reset for anyone who wants to feel better this summer through food, matcha, meditation, movement, rest, better boundaries, supportive work, and more intentional living. This is about improving your health and wellness journey from June forward without making it complicated, fake, or overwhelming. Intro From Candice Happy June, and welcome back to Wabi Sabi. Today, I want to talk about the June reset and how we can use this month as a fresh start for our health, energy, and ease. June is the beginning of summer and the halfway point of the year, which makes it a really beautiful time to pause and ask ourselves: what is actually helping me feel better, and what do I want the second half of this year to feel like? I was recently asked at one of my speaking events a few questions that sounded simple, but were actually very honest. What does your routine look like? What do you eat regularly? What do you do to feel well? And what advice would you give someone who wants to improve their health and wellness journey from June forward? I loved those questions because I think they are the questions so many of us are quietly asking. How do I take better care of myself when life is full? How do I eat well without making it complicated? How do I create a routine that actually supports me? How do I rest when I have responsibilities? How do I begin again when the first half of the year did not go exactly as planned? For me, May was full and meaningful. It was AANHPI Month, and I was grateful to share my Japanese heritage, matcha, wellness, and culture through ABC News, speaking events, library events, wellness gatherings, and beautiful rooms where we could talk about the deeper meaning behind this work. But May was also very hard. Someone I used to be very close to passed away suddenly. And bad news came in a few areas-- So while I am grateful, I am also human. I have been processing grief, uncertainty, exhaustion, and the reminder that health is not something we can keep putting off. So this episode is not about pretending everything is fine. It is not about a perfect wellness routine. It is not about becoming a different person overnight. It is about simple things that actually help. Food that steadies you. Morning rituals that calm you. Movement that gives you energy back. Rest that restores you. Work and people that respect your health. And a summer that lets your nervous system breathe. This is your June reset. A summer guide to health, energy, and ease. Thank you for listening x ck
EP 203 Happy AANHPI Month: Stand Proud, Stay Rooted, and Know Where You Come From
31 min
AANHPI Month: Honoring Japanese Beauty, Wellness & the Truth About Matcha: Konnichiwa, my friends. Genki desu ka. This AANHPI Month, we begin not with trends—but with truth, reverence, and remembrance. Because behind every bowl of matcha, every beauty ritual, every moment of calm that the world now celebrates...there are generations of Asian hands, stories, discipline, and devotion that made it possible. And for a long time, those stories were not told. This episode is about honoring them. It’s about honoring Japan, and the greater AANHPI community: China, Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Hawaii, and beyond: the cultures that have shaped global wellness, beauty, and food in ways that are only now being recognized. It’s about bowing—not performatively, but with deep respect: to the teachers, farmers, chefs, artisans, and elders who came before us. Because what we are witnessing right now w/ the global rise of matcha, the fascination with Japanese beauty rituals, the obsession with “clean living”—this did not happen overnight. And it did not happen without us. For decades, Asian culture was overlooked, misunderstood, or reduced to aesthetics without context. Our food was simplified. Our beauty rituals were copied. Our philosophies—like wabi sabi, kintsugi, and mindfulness...were often stripped of their depth. And yet, we continued to show up. Quietly. Consistently. With excellence.Today, the world is finally catching up. But with that visibility comes responsibility. Thank you for listening - please share this episode with a friend and make sure to give this podcast a five star review and subscribe thank you so much for listening again I really appreciate you x ck
EP 202 Why Japanese Women Age Differently: 6 JBeauty Rituals That Actually Work
20 min
In this episode of the Wabi Sabi podcast, I take you deeper into the Japanese beauty rituals I was raised with practices that go far beyond surface-level beauty and into how we live, care for ourselves, and honor our bodies daily. Long before J-Beauty became a trend, these rituals were part of my everyday life, rooted in discipline, mindfulness, and a deep respect for simplicity. I share how true beauty begins with what we nourish ourselves with, how we slow down, and how we care for our skin and spirit with intention. From sencha and mineral-rich foods to bathing rituals, gentle skincare, and the philosophy of doing less, but doing it well...these are the timeless habits that create lasting radiance. This episode is an invitation to return to what actually works. To simplify your routine, reconnect with yourself, and embrace a more grounded, natural approach to beauty that supports you from the inside out. Thank you for listening! x Candice
EP 201- Matcha Is Japanese: Here Are the Facts
26 min
On today’s episode of Wabi Sabi, I’m setting the record straight on matcha. There’s a lot of misinformation out there right now, and as a journalist with over 20 years in media and deep roots in Japanese culture, I felt it was important to share the facts. I break down the real history, the difference between mo cha and matcha, and why matcha is a distinctly Japanese product defined by its process, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity. This is about clarity, respect, and telling the truth. Thank you for listening x Candice
EP 200 - Robin Arzón: Discipline, Resilience & Women Supporting Women
18 min
I’m so excited to share this conversation with Peloton’s Head Instructor and bestselling author Robin Arzón. Robin has inspired millions through movement, discipline, and her powerful mindset, and in this episode we talk about what it truly takes to build strength from the inside out. Robin and I discuss resilience, reinventing your life, and the courage it takes to pursue your purpose. We also talk about how movement, community, and self-belief can transform the way we live. Thank you for being here and for listening to the Wabi Sabi podcast. I’m so grateful to share this milestone moment with all of you. ✨
Ep 199- 7 Beauty Trends I’ve Tested That Actually Work for 2026
29 min
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how beauty trends move faster than our bodies ever could. Every week there’s a new ‘miracle’ ingredient, a new routine, a new product we’re told we need . But most of it hasn’t been tested long enough, deeply enough, or lived with in real life. So today, I want to share something different. These are seven beauty practices I’ve actually tested, integrated, and kept in my own life—and they’re not about perfection or chasing youth. They’re about cellular health, nervous system balance, and protecting your skin and body for the long run. We’re going to talk about why NAD is changing the future of skincare, why something as simple as morning sunlight can affect collagen and sleep, how matcha and blueberries protect your skin at a cellular level, and why gut health might be the most underrated beauty tool we have. This isn’t about hype. It’s about what works—and why. If you’re tired of trends that promise everything and deliver nothing, this episode is for you. Thanks for listening xx ck
Ep 198 - The Quiet Rules of Japan That Make Your Trip Magical
23 min
In today’s episode is for anyone traveling to Japan soon—or anyone who simply loves Japan and wants to understand why it feels so magical. Because yes, Tokyo is dazzling, Kyoto is beautiful, and the food will ruin you in the best way… but the real secret is something quieter. Japan runs on what I call the quiet rules—the small cultural details that make your trip smoother, more respectful, and honestly, more elevated. These are the habits that help you move through stations with ease, feel confident in restaurants, understand onsen etiquette, and avoid the mistakes that unintentionally scream “tourist.” So if you have a trip coming up, grab a pen, take notes, and share this episode with your friend who’s about to book Tokyo and Kyoto and call it done. And even if you don’t have a trip planned, these little cultural cues are still inspiring—because they teach us how to move through the world with more intention and grace. Thank you for listening! X Candice
Ep 197- Seven Lessons Japan Teaches Us About Living Well in 2026
34 min
In today’s episode, I want to take you with me to Japan. I went during a time of sadness, to be with family, and what I received there were lessons I didn’t even know I needed. This conversation is about seven quiet teachings Japan offers us as we move into 2026. We talk about why January doesn’t need reinvention, why acceptance is one of the most powerful tools we have, and how small, cumulative practices can support real wellness. We explore wabi sabi, the wisdom of elders, ancient traditions, nervous system care, and what it truly means to go inward without disappearing. If you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or pressured to have it all figured out, this episode is for you. My hope is that you listen slowly, take what resonates, and leave the rest. Thank you for being here with me. Let’s begin x Candice
Ep 196- 5 Things to DO NOW Before 2026
23 min
Welcome to the little Wabi Sabi Podcast — a pause before the new year, a breath before everything shifts again. This is for anyone who wants to feel grounded, clearer, lighter, more like themselves again. These are five things that genuinely work — not trends, not hacks, not what the algorithm pushes — but practices that help you return to your real life, your real joy, your real self. Let’s get into it. Thank you for listening! x Candice
EP 195 Matcha, Culture, and Clarity: A Japanese-American Perspective
28 min
In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind matcha — where it comes from, why it’s special, and what’s actually happening right now with the global demand and supply. After nearly two decades working in Japanese culinary culture and tea education, I wanted to give you a clear, respectful guide to understanding matcha the right way. I walk you through the regions that shape its flavor, the history that shaped its ceremony, and why Japanese politeness often keeps the deeper truths from being spoken. I also talk about what it feels like to watch a part of my heritage become a trend, and why it’s so important to learn from Japanese voices, farmers, authors, and journalists. If you love matcha or want to understand Japanese culture with more depth and care, this episode is for you.
EP 194 Mental Wellness: 7 Ways That Actually Work
28 min
As we move into the colder months, many of us are quietly struggling — with stress, loneliness, and the weight of trying to hold it all together. In this episode, Candice opens up about the small, free practices that actually help her stay grounded. From protecting your peace and therapy, to volunteering, movement, cooking, time with animals, and the Japanese art of letting go — these simple habits are backed by real research and lived experience. This is a reminder that healing doesn’t have to be perfect or expensive. Sometimes, the most powerful work you can do is quiet, gentle, and completely free. Thank you for listening x Candice
The Art of Eating Well: The Forgotten Secret to Beauty, Health & Longevity
29 min
Candice Kumai’s Art of Eating Well: The Forgotten Secret to Beauty, Health & Longevity We live in an era obsessed with optimization — trackers, injections, powders, and pills — yet we’ve never been more sick, anxious, or disconnected from what truly nourishes us. In this episode, I return to the foundation of real wellness: fiber-rich, whole, beautiful food. Inspired by Dr. Urvi Shah’s groundbreaking research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center — showing how a plant-based, high-fiber diet can help prevent and slow disease — I share how eating well is the most powerful act of self-respect and healing. This is your reminder to come back to the kitchen, the cutting board, and the joy of cooking real food. The art of eating well is the art of living beautifully. Thank you for listening xx Share this podcast with a few girlfriends and write a five star review! Be good to you xx x ck
EP 192 Insider Knowledge: What Japan’s Prime Minister Wants You to Know About Preserving Culture
17 min
Welcome to the Wabi Sabi podcast. This is episode number 192. Today, you’re going to hear something very few people in the world know about — insider knowledge, straight from the Prime Minister of Japan and Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. I was one of only six Japanese American journalists invited into this room in New York, where leaders, UN members, and cultural representatives gathered to discuss the future of Japan’s food and heritage. What I’m going to share with you today is not just about rice, wagyu, or green tea — it’s about identity, preservation, and the wisdom that Japan wants the world to understand. Think of this episode as your private briefing — early access to insights that matter for all of us.
EP 191 Do We Deserve Japanese Culture & Matcha In Western Markets?
40 min
Welcome to Wabi Sabi. Have we been kind to the Japanese? Do we deserve Japanese 7-Elevens in NY? How about asking a Japanese- American? In Today’s episode is about reflection, learning, and appreciation. There is so much to learn from Japanese history — from the Edo period, to the U.S. Occupation, to the reawakening of Japanese hearts in the 20th century, and the complex but resilient relationship between Japan and the U.S.. If you ask me, we shouldn’t learn about Japan — we should learn from Japan. That means supporting Japanese voices, reading books by Japanese and Japanese American authors, and buying Japanese products, foods, beauty, and cultural traditions directly from their source. The research and care that goes into each episode can take me weeks, even months, to create. So if you enjoy listening, please subscribe, leave a comment, and share this podcast with two of your best friends. Now — what can we learn from the obliteration of matcha in the Western world? What can we learn from the history of Japanese Americans, wrongfully imprisoned in concentration camps during World War II, accused of crimes they did not commit? What can we learn from the resilience of a culture that endured deep suffering, only for us to now enjoy its traditions, artistry, and cuisine in all their beauty, novelty, and kawaii? We are able to appreciate Japanese culture today only because our ancestors paid a dear price. This is something we must honor, reflect on, and consider deeply in today’s episode. Thanks for listening. —Candice Kumai
EP 190 The Matcha Shortage & The Truth
42 min
In this episode of Wabi Sabi, I share the historical truth about matcha — from Eisai, the monk who first introduced powdered tea to Japan, to Sen no Rikyū, who refined the way of tea during the Tokugawa era. We trace matcha’s roots through centuries of Japanese history, examining its role as a cultural and spiritual practice as well as a daily ritual. I also address the current shortage of ceremonial-grade matcha, why demand is outpacing supply, and what we can do about it. Finally, I call for better journalism around matcha — reporting that goes beyond trend-driven coverage to honor its sacred origins and the Japanese farmers and artisans who continue to protect and preserve this tradition. — Candice Kumai
EP 189 The Secret Power Hidden in Your Hardest Moments
24 min
In this episode of Wabi Sabi, I open up about how we can stay grounded and strong while the world feels chaotic. Everywhere we turn right now—news, politics, social feeds—it feels heavy. But instead of waiting for the world to get better, I’ve learned we have to work on our inner world first. I take you through the lessons of kintsugi, the Japanese art of golden repair, and how those same principles can help us rebuild from the inside out. I share why I stopped waiting for someone to “save me,” how I started to see my own worth, and why self‑compassion is one of the most powerful tools we have. You’ll hear real strategies for catching negative self‑talk in the moment, shifting it toward forgiveness and love, and refocusing your energy on what you can control. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stuck, this episode is a reminder that the cracks in your life aren’t flaws—they’re where your gold goes.
