#803: Craig Mod Returns — Epic Walks in Japan, The Art of Slowness, Digital Detox, Publishing “Impossible” Books, and Choosing Beauty Over Scale

This episode explores the life and philosophy of Craig Mod, a writer, photographer, and long-distance walker based in Japan. Against the backdrop of his early experiences in Tokyo and his deep immersion in Japanese culture, the conversation delves into his unique approach to long walks as a form of creative practice and self-discovery. More significantly, Mod details his "walk rules," emphasizing radical presence, deliberate boredom, and disconnecting from digital distractions to foster deep reflection and creative output. For instance, his 30-day Nakasendo walk involved daily SMS updates to his audience, with responses collected and later compiled into a book, creating a unique delayed feedback loop. As the discussion pivoted to his publishing experiences, Mod describes his successful self-published books, including *Kissa by Kissa*, and his recent collaboration with Random House for his upcoming book, *Things Become Other Things*. The episode concludes with Mod's unexpected rise to minor celebrity status in Japan for promoting mid-sized cities, highlighting the unexpected impact of his work and the power of combining personal experiences with compelling storytelling.