All Episodes

May 7, 2025 128 mins

Watch episode on YoutubeIn this episode, Kevin sits down with writer, photographer, and technologist Craig Mod for a wide-ranging conversation on the value of slowness in a fast-moving world. From walking solo across Japan to rethinking the economics of independent publishing, Craig shares his philosophy of presence, deep attention, and building creative ecosystems that last. Whether you're an aspiring creator or simply seeking to live with more intention, this episode is a masterclass in meaningful modern living.Topics covered

* Craig’s early years in the BBS/ANSI art scene and how it shaped his creative drive

* Escaping post-industrial America and finding healing in the structure of Japanese life

* The joy and challenge of learning Japanese, and how language opens cultural doors

* From blog software in the '90s to essays that changed the course of his career

* Silicon Valley vs. Tokyo: ambition, trade-offs, and choosing a slower life

* The transformative power of walking: from ancient pilgrimages to solo introspection

* Building a reader-funded membership model and launching handcrafted books

* How a 200-word essay led to $100M+ in economic impact for a rural Japanese city

* Addiction, self-worth, fatherhood, and the emotional repair of being seen

* The cultural weight of jazz kissa, pizza toast, and public bathhouse rituals

* Anti-influencer media: binaural audio, slow video, and presence in a distracted world

Links

* Craig’s blog

* Things Become Other Things - Craig’s new book



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.kevinrose.com
Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
24/7 News: The Latest

24/7 News: The Latest

The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.