Uncorking a Story Podcast

Uncorking a Story

Hosted ByMike Carlon

Stories influence, teach and inspire us, but what about the storytellers who create them? Uncorking a Story profiles storytellers to uncover how their background and life experiences influence the stories they create. We learn what motivates them, their path to success, and what fuels them to keep creating. It all starts by asking one simple question, where does your story begin? Welcome to uncorking a story. All of the books promoted on Uncorking a Story can be viewed and purchased here: https://bookshop.org/shop/UncorkingaStory

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Revealing Purpose, with Nick Kemp

April 14, 2026 MPN Uncorking a Story 0 Comments
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“You don’t need to find your ikigai—you already have it. You just need to notice it.” — Nick Kemp

What if purpose isn’t something you chase—but something you already have? In this episode, Mike sits down with Nick Kemp, founder of Ikigai Tribe and author of A Year of Ikigai, to explore a more grounded, human take on purpose. Nick shares how a guy who once hated writing ended up publishing books, building a global community, and helping others reconnect with meaning—through small, everyday moments. This conversation challenges the Western obsession with “big purpose” and offers a simpler, more sustainable way to live a meaningful life.

Key Takeaways:

  1. You already have purpose. Ikigai isn’t a destination—it’s found in everyday experiences, relationships, and roles.
  2. Western culture overcomplicates purpose. We chase the “perfect job” or passion, while overlooking meaning in ordinary moments.
  3. Curiosity can change your life. Nick’s journey—from podcast to books—started with simply asking better questions.
  4. Small moments are the big moments. A cup of coffee, a conversation, or a quiet walk can carry more meaning than major achievements.
  5. Writing doesn’t require perfection—just honesty. Nick went from struggling with English to writing from lived experience and the heart.
  6. Technology is pulling us away from meaning. The more distracted we become, the harder it is to notice what actually matters.
  7. Be present, not perfect. Life satisfaction comes from awareness and gratitude—not chasing an ideal version of success.

Buy A Year of Ikigai: Finding Everyday Purpose Through Japanese Wisdom

Amazon: https://amzn.to/4uP5m3O

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/a/54587/9781577155485

Connect with Nick

Website: https://ikigaitribe.com/

Podcast: https://ikigaitribe.com/podcasts/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-kemp-author/

Connect with Mike

Website: https://uncorkingastory.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@uncorkingastory

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uncorkingastory

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uncorkingastory

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uncorkingastory

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uncorking-a-story/

If you like this episode, please share it with a friend. If you have not done so already, please rate and review Uncorking a Story on Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

#Ikigai #WritersOfInstagram #AmWriting #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity #PurposeDrivenLife #MindfulLiving #PodcastLife #UncorkingAStory #CreativeJourney

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