Goodbye Peter! A Farewell to an Incredible Podcast Journey
After years of insightful discussions, entertaining debates, and countless episodes, it’s time to say goodbye to Peter as the co-host of The Shintaro Higashi Show. As he moves forward in his career, stepping into the next phase of his life after completing his PhD, we reflect on the journey we’ve shared and the exciting future ahead.Watch the full video here ↓
The End of an Era
From the very first episode, Peter played a crucial role in shaping the podcast. What started as casual conversations between two friends turned into a platform for deep dives into Judo, martial arts, and even broader topics like AI, learning, and personal growth. Looking back, Peter expressed his gratitude for the journey:
"I think we took this from zero to something real. It was just us trying to keep in touch during the pandemic, and now we actually have an audience, sponsors, and a real community. That’s pretty amazing."
The podcast evolved from a small project into something that resonated with listeners worldwide. Peter’s blend of intellectual curiosity, humor, and analytical approach complemented Shintaro’s deep martial arts expertise, making for engaging discussions that kept listeners coming back.
Moving On, But Not Disappearing
With Peter’s departure, the podcast will continue to grow, with Shintaro taking the reins solo. While he won’t be a regular co-host, Peter reassured listeners that he’s still going to be around:
"I’m definitely still going to listen, and I’ll come back as a guest. I just know I won’t have the time to contribute the way I want to. I don’t want to hold things back, especially with all the big plans you have for this podcast."
His new chapter will likely take him to California, where many AI jobs are based. That means not only a new job but also a new Judo scene to explore.
"California has such a long history of Judo, and it’s going to be interesting to check out the different dojos. It’s a whole different culture from the East Coast."
Shintaro couldn’t help but chime in with some advice for California dojo owners:
"If you run a dojo in California and Peter walks in, make sure you charge him a New York premium!"
Lessons Learned from the Podcast
Beyond Judo and AI, the podcast was a learning experience in itself. Peter reflected on how much he had grown through the process:
"At first, I was terrible at this—I didn’t know how to speak on a podcast, I mumbled, I was nervous. But over time, I learned how to communicate better, how to tell stories, how to engage with an audience. It’s a skill that applies to everything, even outside of the podcast world."
Shintaro agreed, emphasizing that communication is key in any field:
"Look at any great CEO—whether it’s Bezos, Zuckerberg, or Jensen at NVIDIA—they all know how to tell a story and engage people. It’s something that applies everywhere, not just in Judo or podcasting, but in business and life."
The Future of the Podcast
Though Peter is stepping away, the podcast is far from over. Shintaro has ambitious plans to expand, bringing in new guests, deeper discussions, and more high-level insights into Judo, martial arts, and beyond.
"I’m really excited for the future. We’re already lining up some great guests, exploring new topics, and growing the community. This podcast isn’t slowing down—it’s just evolving."
While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, it’s clear that this isn’t the end—just the closing of one chapter and the beginning of another.
To all our listeners, thank you for supporting us on this journey. And to Peter—thank you for everything. Best of luck in your next adventure, and we’ll see you back on the podcast soon!
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Peter may be stepping away from the mic, but the conversations, insights, and connections built through this podcast will continue. Stay tuned for what’s next!
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