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

In an episode that explores Craig Mod's unique approach to walking, listeners learn about his philosophy and the purposeful structure he’s created around his routine that has transformed both his mind and body.

Craig's Rules and Practices for Beneficial Long Walks

Craig Mod's approach to walking is shaped by rules and practices that nurture his mental clarity and creative energy.

Craig Avoids News, Social Media, or Digital Distractions During Walks to Remain Present

To achieve a state of radical presence during his walks, Craig has established strict personal guidelines. He avoids reading the news and engaging with social media so he can be fully immersed in his environment. This form of self-imposed information withdrawal is akin to a digital detox, allowing him to focus on the immediate world around him.

Craig Sets Arbitrary Rules For Walks, Like Taking a Portrait Before 10Am, to Create Structure and Purpose

Craig also imposes arbitrary rules for his walks, such as the task of taking a portrait of someone before 10 a.m. These tasks, which he describes as covenants with himself, create a structure that gives purpose to his walks. Following a strict schedule, Craig meticulously plans every aspect of his walk in advance, using detailed spreadsheets to map out distances, accommodations, and meal plans.

Craig's Routine: 8 Hours Walking, 5 Hours Writing/Editing, Meditative State

On a typical day, Craig spends eight hours walking, followed by five hours of creative work that includes writing and editing photos. This routine elicits a meditative state and, according to Ferriss, likened to a “vipassana retreat in motion.” Craig feels that living a day to its fullest potential is achieved through this disciplined schedule.

Craig Sees His Walking Regimen as Ascetic Training, Akin to Japanese Mountain Tradition, Transforming Mind and Body

Craig considers his walking regimen not only a physical exercise but also a form of ascetic training, which he aligns with the Japanese yamabushi mountain ascetic tradition.

Craig's Walks Fuel Radical Boredom and Presence, Cultivating Creative Writing and Storytelling

Through his walking practices, Craig finds that radical boredom and a deep sense of presence spark an immediate desire to w ...

Craig Mod, a multifaceted writer, photographer, and walker, has ventured through various paths in the publishing sphere, from self-publishing to crowdfunding, and even partnering with traditional publishers. His journey demonstrates the shifting dynamics of book publishing and the creative control sought by contemporary authors.

Craig Explored Self-Publishing, Crowdfunding, and Traditional Publisher Partnerships

Craig's Successful Self-Publishing Ventures

Craig Mod's innovative self-publishing ventures, such as his photo book "Kissa by Kissa," have taken root through his unique approach to creation and marketing. The book's production, which was crowdfunded through Kickstarter, stemmed from a collaborative walk along the Kumano Kodo with photographer Dan Rubin. The resulting work, developed within a week in a farmhouse, resonated well with the audience, selling 1,000 copies within 36 hours of its launch.

Craig collected people's responses during his walk and turned them into a print-on-demand book paired with his daily photos and sentences—an immediate tangible outcome of his journey. The use of a database and a designer to lay out the book reflects a creative procedural workflow that worked to his advantage.

Craig's Book Sales and Creative Control Deal With Random House

Craig's engagement with his audience and attention to his members' investments have proven significant, particularly with the launch of "Kisa by Kisa." Despite expectations for a slow sell-out due to the book's high price and niche subject matter, Craig was surprised by the instant acknowledgment from his audience. This drove him not only to tread on the self-publishing path but also to improvise directly selling through platforms like Shopify, creating 'Craigstarter' for crowdfunding purposes.

Despite past rejections by publishers and agents for his book that weaves personal narrative with societal commentary, Craig maintained a determined stance on the independent publication. He finally secured a deal with Andy Ward of Random House, ensuring creative control over the project and preserving his right to produce a fine art edition of his work. This partnership not only validated his endeavors but also allowed him to delve deeper into his story's emotional layers, receiving invaluable editorial insights that expanded his manuscript’s depth.

Craig's artistic success with "Kisa by Kisa" is evidenced by the 6,000 copies sold and the production of a sixth edition, signifying a high level of audience engagement and the resonance of his content. This impressive sales figure of $600,000 further underpins the book's success and its distinction from typical publishing outcomes.

Moreover, Craig launched a Japanese edition with a great indie publisher in Morioka, expanding his work's reach and continuing his progression in the global marketplace.

Craig's Daily Writing Process: Walk, Observe, Dictate, Write, Edit

Craig Mod has refined a daily writing ritual that encompasses walking, observing, ...

Craig Mod's passion for walking and exploring lesser-known Japanese cities catapulted him to an unexpected stardom in Japan, where he uses his influence to promote these communities.

Craig's Promotion of Japanese Cities Through Walking Tours and Nyt Recommendations Catapulted Him To Fame

Craig, through his unique approach of walking tours and recommendations, has significantly impacted the overlooked cities in Japan. With a focus on authenticity and a commitment to immerse fully in each locale, Craig's adventures throughout Japan have instilled pride in these communities and boosted their economy and tourism.

Craig's Advocacy Boosts Tourism and Economy in Overlooked Cities

Craig Mod's advocacy for mid-sized Japanese cities has led to a wave of interest in these areas. His walking tour, named "Tiny Barber Post Office," covered 10 cities, immersing him in local culture and garnering media attention. A study later estimated that his spotlight on Morioka alone resulted in close to $100 million in financial impact over two years due to increased tourism and relocation to the city.

Craig's Use of Polite Language and Curiosity to Connect Makes Him Beloved In Communities

Craig's celebrity in Japan grew due to his genuine curiosity and polite engagement with the locals. During his walk around the country, he aimed to connect deeply with the communities, a quality that made him a beloved figure. This led to a frenzy when he appeared publicly with a famous Japanese TV celebrity, Tamori-san, during a walk in Morioka, which he considered his "final gift to the city."

Craig's Celebrity Experience in Japan's Media

Craig's sudden rise in fame introduced him to the world of Japanese media, where he became a celebrated guest across numerous television and radio shows.

Craig Champions Qualities of Mid-sized Cities, Not Himself

Despite his fame, Craig remains ...

Craig's profound journey of connecting with his biological family after years of suppressing his curiosity reflects a deep and transformative exploration of identity and belonging.

Connecting With Birth Mother Through Dna Testing Service

Craig’s hesitant approach and emotional reunion with his birth mother encapsulate the complex dynamics involved in such personal discoveries.

Craig Hesitated to Contact His Birth Mother Out of Loyalty to His Adoptive Parents, but Growing Confidence Led Him to Reach Out

Despite matching with his birth mother on Ancestry, Craig hesitated to reach out, feeling a sense of loyalty to his adoptive parents. However, his growing confidence eventually led him to send an anonymous message through Ancestry. It took three months for him to receive a reply due to his mother's notification settings being turned off. This response was a 5,000-word email, embracing the past as "totally copacetic" and clarifying the circumstances surrounding his conception.

Craig's Emotional and Transformative Reunion With His Birth Mother

After overcoming initial hesitations, Craig met his birth mother, an experience that proved to be emotional and transformative. His mother had not only kept a baby photo of him but also celebrated his birthday every year in her heart. She shared the support she had during her pregnancy and her life’s achievements post-adoption, which reflected a strong sense of independence and resilience—qualities that Craig recognized in himself as well.

Craig's Reunion With His Biological Family Expands His Identity and Belonging

The revelation of his biological family added layers to Craig’s sense of self and created new bonds of kinship and understanding.

Craig Is Excited to Develop Relationships With His Birth Mother and Half-Sister

Craig's journey took a positive turn with the discovery of his half-sister in Alaska. They are only children and eager to have siblings, demonstrated by their frequent texting and sharing of photos. The anticipation of meeting his half-sister during his book tour in America, coupled with plans for future adventures in Japan and Alaska, signifies the beginning of an enduring relationship.

Craig's Adoption Journey and Family Reconciliation Shaped His Self-Understanding and ...