Best Robert Kuang Podcasts (2025)

1
The 60th anniversary of normalisation of Japan-South Korea diplomatic relations with Professor Sakata Yasuyo, Professor Victor Cha and Professor Jung-Hoon Lee 1:11:45

17d ago1:11:45

1:11:45

Robert Ward hosts Sakata Yasuyo, Professor of International Relations at Kanda University, Victor Cha, President of the Geopolitics and Foreign Policy Department and Korea Chair at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and Jung-Hoon Lee, Dean and Professor of International Relations at the Graduate School of International Studi…

1
Key takeaways from the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue with Professor Jimbo Ken 32:27

2M ago32:27

32:27

In this special edition of Japan Memo Season 5, Robert Ward reports from Singapore on the 22nd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue. Joining him is Professor Jimbo Ken, Managing Director of the International House of Japan, President of the Asia Pacific Initiative, and Professor at Keio University’s Faculty of Policy Management. They deliver timely and in-dept…

1
Deepening Japan–UK relations with Professor Hosoya Yuichi, Professor Yee Kuang Heng, and Fenella McGerty 49:25

3M ago49:25

49:25

Robert Ward hosts Professor Hosoya Yuichi, Professor of International Politics at Keio University, Professor Yee Kuang Heng, Professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy and Director of the Security Studies Unit at the Institute for Future Initiatives at the University of Tokyo, and Fenella McGerty, the IISS Senior Fellow for defence economics…

1
Dissecting The Pitt With Tara Edwards 1:13:24

3M ago1:13:24

1:13:24

Today’s returning guest is writer, editor, and my friend Tara Edwards. In this episode, we dive inside the hit television medical drama “The Pitt,” and analyze the storytelling elements that make the show one of the television breakout hits of 2025. Side by Side Episodes | Robert Kuang HomeBy Robert Kuang

1
Storytelling, Dramaturgy & Criticism With Aisha Josiah 1:00:21

3M ago1:00:21

1:00:21

Today’s guest is multi-disciplinary writer, producer and dramaturg Aisha Josiah, from London. She is an award-winning playwright and screenwriter who has also written for publications such as Media Diversified, The Upcoming, and Mouthlondon. She has served as the editor of the independent theatre blog Fringebiscuit since 2014. In this conversation,…

1
The Autistic Journey of Self-Discovery With Sol Smith 51:52

3M ago51:52

51:52

Today’s returning guest is Sol Smith, the author of “The Autistic’s Guide to Self-Discovery” and a certified autism specialist who is autistic, dyslexic, and living with ADHD. He spent more than two decades as a college professor before shifting his professional focus to coaching other autistic and ADHD people to gain autonomy in their lives. Sol’s…

1
Walking the Empty Path With Billy Wynne 34:06

4M ago34:06

34:06

Today’s “Side by Side” guest is Billy Wynne, the author of “The Empty Path: Finding Fulfillment through the Radical Art of Lessening.” As a student of Buddhism and mindfulness for 30 years, he received his meditation teaching certification under Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach, and his lay Zen Buddhist ordination from the Zen Center of Denver, where …

1
Japan’s role in Indo-Pacific minilateralism 54:37

4M ago54:37

54:37

Robert Ward hosts Dr Bart Gaens, Senior Research Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs and Japan Chair at the International Centre for Defence and Security, Tatsumi Yuki, Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center, and Dr Alice Dell’Era, Assistant Professor at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. They discuss Japan’s role in Indo-Pacif…

1
Collective Courage & Reimagined Leadership With Elena Armijo 49:28

4M ago49:28

49:28

Today’s guest is Elena Armijo, a Master Certified Coach and former professional opera singer who specializes in executive and leadership coaching for high-performing clients. She is the founder of the C-Suite Collective, an executive coaching agency offering in-depth, customized programs for high performers, and, she is the host of The Collective C…

1
The Art of Hidden Gems and Lost Media With Phil Ginley 39:03

5M ago39:03

39:03

Today’s “Side by Side” guest is Phil Ginley, a filmmaker, programmer and writer based in Brooklyn, NY. Having produced several short films, Phil is currently a programmer at the microcinema Spectacle Theater, where they've moderated Q&A’s with filmmakers such as Dylan Mars Greenberg for her film SPIRIT RISER. They are currently promoting a posthumo…

1
Japan’s challenges amid growing cooperation between Russia and China with Professor Takahara Akio, Dr Elizabeth Wishnick and Dr Catherine Jones 47:40

5M ago47:40

47:40

Robert Ward hosts Professor Takahara Akio, Emeritus Professor of The University of Tokyo, Dr Elizabeth Wishnick, Senior Research Scientist at the Centre for Naval Analyses (CNA) and Dr Catherine Jones, a Lecturer at the University of St Andrews, to explore Japan’s challenges amid growing cooperation between Russia and China.  Robert, Akio, Elizabet…

1
Charting the Path Ahead With Kate Rose 48:26

5M ago48:26

48:26

Today’s “Side by Side” guest is Kate Rose, the author of “Written in the Stars: The Astrology of Soulmate, Karmic, and Twin Flame Relationships.” As a therapist, relationship expert, spiritual Intuitive and astrologer, Kate uses the stars to help her clients clarify their purpose and recognize the blocks that are keeping them from living the life t…

1
Japan’s economic-security policy with Professor Suzuki Kazuto and Dr Elli-Katharina Pohlkamp 45:03

6M ago45:03

45:03

Robert Ward hosts Professor Suzuki Kazuto, Professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy at the University of Tokyo, and Dr Elli-Katharina Pohlkamp, Director at Agora Strategy Group, to explore Japan’s economic security policy. Robert, Professor Suzuki and Dr Pohlkamp discuss: Recent developments in Japan’s economic security strategy The Europe…

1
The Poetry of Being With Jane Shi 51:56

6M ago51:56

51:56

Today’s guest is Jane Shi, a poet, editor, and the author of her debut poetry collection echolalia echolalia. She is an alumnus of Tin House Summer Workshop, The Writer's Studio Online at Simon Fraser University, and StoryStudio Chicago. In this conversation, we explore Jane’s early connection to poetry and wordplay, the ethos behind her collection…

1
The Transformative Power of Intuition With Happy Ali 50:56

6M ago50:56

50:56

Today’s guest is Happy Ali, the author of “The Intuition Bible: How and Why to Tap Into Your Inner Wisdom.” With a B.A. in psychology from UCLA, he is a prophetic dreamer, certified master NLP practitioner, certified master clinical hypnotherapist, and host of the “Happy Insights” podcast. Happy’s spiritual journey began in 1995 when he dedicated h…

1
The Future of Journalists With Erika W. Smith 43:32

7M ago43:32

43:32

Today’s guest is award-winning writer and editor Erika W. Smith, who has been working in the media industry for over a decade, covering the latest in sex and relationships, entertainment, travel, and astrology. She’d previously held staff positions at Cosmopolitan, Refinery29, BUST magazine, with additional writing published at VICE, Allure, and Vu…

1
The Essence of Conscious Branding With Wendy Baird 45:02

7M ago45:02

45:02

Today’s guest is Wendy Baird, the owner and Creative Director of Insight180, a brand consulting and design firm for b2b businesses, non-profits, and those who “sell the invisible.” She has been advising companies on positioning strategy, name development, brand identity, design, differentiation, and strategies for growth for more than 25 years. Wen…

1
Japan and the US under a second Trump presidency with Dr Sheila Smith and Dr Jeffrey Hornung 52:03

8M ago52:03

52:03

Robert Ward hosts Dr Sheila Smith, Senior Fellow for Asia-Pacific studies at the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), and Dr Jeffrey Hornung, the Japan Lead for the RAND National Security Research Division.   Robert, Sheila and Jeffrey discuss:   Japan’s strategic landscape under Trump 2.0, including insights for PM Ishiba from Abe’s successful appr…

1
Japan and deterrence with Bill Emmott, Murano Masashi, and Dr Baldauff Nanae 1:03:49

9M ago1:03:49

1:03:49

Robert Ward is joined by Bill Emmott, Chairman of the IISS Trustees, Murano Masashi, a senior fellow with Hudson Institute’s Japan Chair, and Dr Baldauff Nanae, Non-Resident Senior Associate Fellow at the NATO Defense College to discuss Japan and deterrence. Robert, Bill, Masashi and Nanae discuss:  · The strategic definition of deterrence, from wh…

1
Honoring Your Radiance With Becca Powers 49:20

9M ago49:20

49:20

Today’s guest is Becca Powers, the author of "A Return to Radiance" and "Harness Your Inner CEO." A Fortune 500 high-tech sales executive, keynote speaker, and CEO of Powers Peak Potential, she has worked with industry giants Cisco, Dell, Royal Caribbean International, and Office Depot. With an impressive record of leading large teams and hitting $…

1
The security and foreign policy of the Ishiba administration with Professor Axel Berkofsky, Professor Hatakeyama Kyoko and Professor Takenaka Harukata 53:34

10M ago53:34

53:34

Robert Ward hosts Axel Berkofsky, Associate Professor at the University of Pavia, Professor Hatakeyama Kyoko, Professor of International Relations at University of Niigata Prefecture, and Professor Takenaka Harukata, Professor of Political Science at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies. Robert, Axel, Kyoko and Harukata discuss: · Rev…

1
Japan and the Nordic-Baltic states with Dr Matsuda Takuya, Dr Vida Macikenaite and Dr Wrenn Yennie Lindgren 52:39

11M ago52:39

52:39

Robert Ward hosts Dr Matsuda Takuya, Adjunct Lecturer at Aoyama Gakuin University, Dr Vida Macikenaite, Assistant Professor at the Graduate School of International Relations of the International University of Japan, and Dr Wrenn Yennie Lindgren, Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Centre for Asian Research at the Norwegian Institute of Internati…

1
Embracing the Evolving Writer With Ashley Sims 42:03

11M ago42:03

42:03

Today’s conversation was held as part of the multidisciplinary writing workshop led by me and former “Side by Side” guest, Ashley Griggs. We invited special guests into the space, where workshop participants got to ask questions about the industry and the craft of writing. Today’s conversation spotlights television writer Ashley Sims. Born and rais…

1
The Future of Multidisciplinary Writing With Chloé Hung 41:19

12M ago41:19

41:19

Today’s conversation was held as part of the multidisciplinary writing workshop led by me and former “Side by Side” guest, Ashley Griggs. We invited special guests into the space, where workshop participants got to ask questions about the industry and the craft of writing. Today’s conversation spotlights playwright, screenwriter, television writer,…

1
Japan and the Pacific Islands countries with Professor Koga Kei, Shiozawa Hideyuki and Euan Graham 42:57

12M ago42:57

42:57

Robert Ward hosts Professor Koga Kei, Associate Professor at Nanyang Technological University, Shiozawa Hideyuki, Senior Program Officer at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and Euan Graham, Senior Analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute. Robert, Kei, Hideyuki and Euan discuss: Japan’s strategic approach to the Pacific Island countries Ch…

1
Japan’s intelligence capabilities with Professor Richard J Samuels, Professor Kotani Ken and Hosaka Sanshiro 1:05:30

1y ago1:05:30

1:05:30

Robert Ward hosts Richard J Samuels, Ford International Professor of Political Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Kotani Ken, Professor at Nihon University in Japan, and Hosaka Sanshiro, Research Fellow at the International Centre for Defence and Security and PhD student at the University of Tartu. Robert, Richard, Ken and Sanshi…

1
The Art of Daily Engagement With Sam Bennett 49:44

1y ago49:44

49:44

Today’s guest is Sam Bennett, the author of “Get It Done,” “Start Right Where You Are,” and most recently, “The 15-Minute Method: The Surprisingly Simple Art of Getting It Done.” A writer, speaker, actor, and creativity/productivity specialist, she is the founder of TheRealSamBennett.com, a company committed to helping overwhelmed creatives and fru…

1
Living Through Resonance With Lauren Borden & Katherine Folk-Sullivan 59:41

1y ago59:41

59:41

Today’s guests are Lauren Borden and Katherine Folk-Sullivan. By merging their expertise in coaching, leadership training, and intuitive energy work, they are the co-founders of Whole Human Coaching, an intuitive mashup of mentor-coaching, skills training, and mastermind groups. In this conversation, we dive inside Lauren and Katherine’s experience…

1
Japan and the EU with Professor Iwama Yoko, Professor Guibourg Delamotte and Dr Alexandra Sakaki    56:53

1y ago56:53

56:53

Robert Ward hosts Iwama Yoko, Professor at Japan's National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS), Guibourg Delamotte, Professor of Political Science at the Japanese Studies Department of the French Institute of Oriental Studies (Inalco), and Dr Alexandra Sakaki, Deputy Head of the Asia Division at the German Institute for International and…

1
The Story of Blood and Milk With Eve Crusto 56:25

1y ago56:25

56:25

Today’s guest is Eve Crusto, a writer, director, and producer who is on a mission to bring her ancestral Louisiana Creole stories to life. Her upcoming short film “Blood and Milk” takes place a few years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, and examines the “legacy of isolation and confusion” after events like Katrina and the COVID-19 pandem…

1
Leading With Presence With Vanessa Esparza 42:59

1y ago42:59

42:59

Today’s guest is Vanessa Esparza, a leadership coach who's also a partner at Gladstone Place Partners, overseeing people and administration. In this conversation, we explore her roots as a first generation Mexican-American, her passion for service, and the importance of empathy and presence in collaboration and talent retention. Side by Side Episod…

1
Japan and North Korea with Professor Chris Hughes, Dr Naoko Aoki and Joseph Dempsey 45:17

1y ago45:17

45:17

Robert Ward hosts Chris Hughes, Professor of International Politics and Japanese Studies at the University of Warwick, Dr Naoko Aoki , Associate Political Scientist at the RAND Corporation, and Joseph Dempsey, Research Associate for Defence and Military Analysis at the IISS. Robert, Chris, Naoko and Joseph discuss Japan and North Korea: Japan’s dip…

1
Channeling Good Grief With Tara Edwards 48:18

1y ago48:18

48:18

Today’s returning guest is my friend Tara Edwards, a writer, editor, and Twitch streamer based in Ohio, known for her work in the digital media landscape. In this conversation, we’re deep-diving into our upcoming 10-week online writer’s workshop, called “Good Grief: A Writing Workshop on Trauma & Healing.” Inspired by our training and experience in…

1
Illuminate Your Intuition With Kim Chestney 47:36

1y ago47:36

47:36

Today’s guest is Kim Chestney, the author of “The Illumination Code,” “Radical Intuition,” and “The Psychic Workshop.” As the founder of IntuitionLab and the CREATE! Festival, her work raises awareness about the importance of insight in the evolution of individual and world consciousness. Working for nearly twenty years in the tech sector, Chestney…

1
Tapping into Your Magic With Chloe Panta 52:04

1+ y ago52:04

52:04

Today’s guest is Chloe Panta, the author of "Untapped Magic" and a highly sought-after mindset expert and transformational coach who helps people achieve their ultimate life goals. She uses an evidence-based, proven system with scientific data to support its effectiveness to help her clients overcome obstacles that are keeping them stuck in life. I…

1
Japan’s maritime security policy in the Indo-Pacific with Professor Alessio Patalano, Veerle Nouwens and Nick Childs 56:38

1+ y ago56:38

56:38

Robert Ward hosts Alessio Patalano, Professor of War & Strategy in East Asia at the Department of War Studies, King’s College London, Veerle Nouwens, the Executive Director of IISS-Asia, and Nick Childs, the IISS Senior Fellow for Naval Forces and Maritime Security. Robert, Alessio, Veerle, and Nick discuss Japan’s maritime security policy in the I…

1
The Reality of Well-Being With Effie Cao 45:44

1+ y ago45:44

45:44

Today’s guest is Effie Cao, a life coach, entrepreneur, and community leader who brings experience and soul to her work and her personal journey. You can find her writing as well as her own deepdive conversations with thought leaders such as Michael Singer through her online community spaces. In this conversation, we discuss the purpose of “being h…

1
Writing by Heart With Meredith Heller 46:53

1+ y ago46:53

46:53

Today's guest is Meredith Heller, author of "Writing by Heart," "Write a Poem, Save Your Life," and several poetry collections. A poet, singer-songwriter, avid nature lover, and educator with degrees in writing and education, she leads writing workshops online and in-person at schools, juvenile detention centers, women’s prisons, and wellness retre…

1
Japan and the Russia-Ukraine War with Professor Higashino Atsuko, Professor James D.J. Brown and Dr Nigel Gould-Davies 49:47

1+ y ago49:47

49:47

In the second episode of Japan Memo season 4, Robert Ward hosts Higashino Atsuko, a Professor at the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Tsukuba, James Brown, a Professor of political science at Temple University, Japan campus, and Dr Nigel Gould-Davies, the IISS Senior Fellow for Russia and Eurasia. Robert, Atsuko, Jam…

1
The Mystery of Pen & Paper With Coda Wei 1:01:52

1+ y ago1:01:52

1:01:52

Today’s guest is writer, performer, educational consultant Coda Wei (they/them), who is pursuing their Masters in Intercultural Communication Studies at the Shanghai Theatre Academy. In this conversation, we explore Coda’s early life traveling and living between America and China, and how their experience of the world has influenced their perspecti…

1
Choosing to Lead With Austin Walker 47:31

1+ y ago47:31

47:31

Today’s guest is coach and facilitator Austin Walker, who focuses on leadership and men’s personal development, inside and out. In addition to one-on-one partnerships, Austin leads several men’s groups, including the “Man Cave,” a space dedicated to BIPOC Men to connect and share their perspectives. In this conversation, we explore Austin’s journey…

1
Japan’s relationship with ASEAN with Professor Sato Yoichiro, Aaron Connelly and Evan Laksmana 42:41

1+ y ago42:41

42:41

Robert, Professor Sato, Aaron, and Evan discuss Japan’s relationship with ASEAN. Topics discussed include: Japan’s shifting diplomatic and economic relationship with ASEAN amid the rapid growth of ASEAN countries; Japan-ASEAN security relationship in the increasingly complicated geopolitical landscape in the region; Japan’s defence policy in ASEAN …

1
Happy Lunar New Year With Gia Zhang 51:04

1+ y ago51:04

51:04

In honor of Lunar New Year on February 10 this year, today's special guest paved the way for me, and my passion for language and communication: My mom, Gia Zhang. Before immigrating to America, she was a language teacher and published author in China. She was around the age I am now when she made the decision to start a new life, learn a new langua…

1
Honoring Story & Form With Wendy Xu 51:28

1+ y ago51:28

51:28

Today’s guest is Wendy Xu, a bestselling illustrator, comics artist, designer, and writer based in Brooklyn, NY. She is the creator of graphic novels "Infinity Particle," "Tidesong," and co-creator of "Mooncakes." In this conversation, Wendy shares the origins of her passion for artmaking and storytelling, her way of balancing commercial success an…

1
Embracing the Multidisciplinary Writer With Ashley Griggs 45:09

1+ y ago45:09

45:09

Today’s guest is screenwriter and higher education professional Ashley Griggs. She earned her BA in Film Studies and French at the College of William & Mary, and later received her MFA in Dramatic Writing from the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, where she was awarded a Future Screenwriters Fellowship. She has written for the narrat…

1
Love Beyond Certainty With Varsha Mathur 40:41

1+ y ago40:41

40:41

Today’s guest is Varsha Mathur, J.D., PCC, a certified dating and relationship coach with over seven years of experience who guides clients worldwide to find and sustain lasting love with their ideal partners. A former practicing lawyer and mediator, Varsha draws on her personal journey, including divorce and remarriage, to help others make decisio…

1
Abe’s Speeches and Grand Strategy with Professor Taniguchi Tomohiko 47:17

1+ y ago47:17

47:17

In the twelfth episode of Japan Memo Season 3, Robert Ward and Yuka Koshino host Professor Taniguchi Tomohiko, a Visiting Professor at Takushoku University's Institute of World Studies and a Senior Fellow at the Alliance of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies and former Special Advisor to Prime Minister Abe's Cabinet and also as a Co…

1
Worldbuilding, Time, and Fiction With Hanna Thomas Uose 42:00

1+ y ago42:00

42:00

Today’s guest is Hanna Thomas Uose, a writer, activist, and co-founder and Principal Consultant at Align, a consulting firm dedicated to supporting organizations in the progressive movement. Her debut novel, “Who Wants to Live Forever,” will be published in early 2025. In this conversation, we dive inside Hanna’s somewhat unexpected turn as a specu…

1
Japan’s relationship with the Middle East with Professor Tanaka Koichiro and Hasan Alhasan 39:32

1+ y ago39:32

39:32

In the eleventh episode of Japan Memo Season 3, Robert Ward and Togashi Mariko host Professor Tanaka Koichiro, a professor at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University, and Dr Hasan Alhasan, Research Fellow for Middle East Policy at the IISS. Robert, Mariko, Professor Tanaka, and Hasan discuss Japan’s relationship with the Midd…

1
A Call for Love With Scott Stabile 45:15

1+ y ago45:15

45:15

Today’s guest is Scott Stabile, the author of “Enough as You Are” and “Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide-Open Heart.” He is a passionate love advocate who believes there is no force more powerful than love to create real connection and healing in our world. Scott guides transformational breathwork journeys and leads personal empowerment wor…

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Robert Kuang Podcasts

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