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What is walking? Is it merely locomotion—a means to get from here to there—or could it be something far more profound, even ineffable?
It turns out that when walking is stripped of all distraction, it becomes a practice of inner cartography—a way to map not just the physical terrain but the landscape of the soul itself.
My guest today is Craig Mod, an artist, author, and photographer who has lived in Japan for 25 years. He now traverses thousands of miles through the country’s vanishing rural landscapes. His latest book, “Things Become Other Things,” chronicles a 300-mile solo journey that reveals how movement can transform trauma into grace, attention into art, and displacement into belonging.
“I have a duty to bear witness to the fullness of life.”
– CRAIG MOD
Today, we explore:
- Walking as Inner Cartography & Ascetic Practice
- The Japanese Concept of “Yōyū” (Abundant Heart)
- From Silicon Valley Success to Rural Japanese Trails
- Documenting Japan’s Disappearing Kiss Cafés & Villages
- Meeting His Birth Mother at 42 After Thousands of Miles
For those who prefer a visual experience, the conversation is available on YouTube. As always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Peace + Plants,
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- Connect with Craig: Website | Instagram | Bluesky | Threads
- Book: Things Become Other Things: A Walking Memoir
- Essay: How I Got My Attention Back
- Essay: Walking Across Japan, Disconnected and Bored
- Special Projects: Become a Member
- Literary Hub: Craig Mod on the Creative Power of Walking
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Thank The Team: I do not do this alone. Send your love to Jason Camiolo for audio engineering, production, show notes and interstitial music; with additional audio engineering by Cale Curtis and additional music by Moby; Dan Drake & Morgan McCrae for video, & editing; graphics by graphics by Alejandro Ribadeneira & Bryan Lawrence; portraits by Davy Greenberg; copywriting by Ben Pryor; and theme music by Tyler Piatt, Trapper Piatt & Hari Mathis.
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