Podcast Summary: The Tim Ferriss Show – Episode #802 with Craig Mod
Introduction
In episode #802 of The Tim Ferriss Show, Tim Ferriss welcomes Craig Mod, a multifaceted writer, photographer, and avid walker. Known for his deep explorations into the tools and tactics of world-class performers, this episode delves into Craig's personal journey, creative endeavors, and profound experiences living in Japan. The conversation spans Craig's early life, his move to Japan, struggles with self-worth and alcoholism, his dedication to walking and writing, and his upcoming book, Things Become Other Things.
1. Craig Mod's Early Life and Path to Japan
Craig Mod begins by sharing his upbringing in a lower-middle-class, post-industrial town in Connecticut, centered around an airplane engine factory. From a young age, he was passionate about books, writing, and video games—his first exposure to a culture outside his own. Craig recounts how a neighbor generously lent him a computer, profoundly impacting his future.
- Notable Quote:
"If you have someone in your life that you really want to thank, go thank them while they're around." — Craig Mod [12:07]
Driven by limited financial resources and a desire to escape his environment, Craig ventured into Silicon Valley briefly before deciding to immerse himself in Japanese culture. At 19, in 2000, he moved to Japan with the intent to study and eventually return to Silicon Valley. However, the collapse of the Silicon Valley bubble altered his plans, leading him to transfer to the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) before ultimately returning to Japan to pursue graduate studies at Waseda University.
2. Challenges: Self-Worth and Alcoholism
Craig openly discusses his struggles with self-worth and alcoholism during his twenties. Initially militant in his sobriety, he found himself succumbing to heavy drinking in Japan—a place where alcohol consumption is culturally ingrained. This period was marked by personal turmoil, including a deeply impactful romantic relationship that ended disastrously, contributing to his rock-bottom moment.
- Notable Quote:
"I was fighting to stop drinking by running and preparing for marathons. It was a way to rebuild my self-worth." — Craig Mod [62:47]
3. Creative Development and Writing Experiments
Craig emphasizes the importance of quality and intentionality in his creative work. Influenced by professors like Sharka Hyland at UPenn and witnessing the meticulous craftsmanship of peers like Oliver Reichenstein, he honed his skills in design and book creation. His dedication paid off when his early camera reviews and articles began gaining significant attention, leading to substantial revenue and recognition in the design community.
- Notable Quote:
"Quality, quality, quality. There is a Jiro Dreams of Sushi aspect to it, but it could have cut a different way." — Tim Ferriss [74:00]
4. Experiences in Walking and Writing
A transformative aspect of Craig's life has been his commitment to long-distance walking across Japan. These walks serve as a meditative practice, enabling him to reflect, write extensively (often 2,000 to 4,000 words daily), and connect deeply with the landscape and its inhabitants. His walks have not only fueled his writing but also facilitated personal growth and healing.
- Notable Quote:
"All of the best things or so many of the beautiful relationships have all come from your writing." — Tim Ferriss [124:45]
5. Professional Career: Publishing and Flipboard
Craig co-founded an independent publishing company, focusing on creating beautiful, high-quality physical books that celebrate Japanese culture and personal narratives. His work caught the attention of figures like William Gibson, leading to collaborations and opportunities within Silicon Valley, including a pivotal role at Flipboard. Despite the lucrative nature of his position, Craig remains committed to his creative passions, utilizing his earnings to sustain his independent projects.
- Notable Quote:
"Having your cost of living be a thousand bucks a month for everything is an easy way to help cultivate that belief." — Craig Mod [78:37]
6. Personal Stories: Adoption and Friendships
Craig opens up about his experience as an adopted individual, detailing feelings of disconnection and the traumatic loss of his childhood friend, Brian. This loss profoundly influenced his writing, particularly in his upcoming book, where he intertwines his personal narrative with reflections on social support systems in Japan.
- Notable Quote:
"Losing her was probably the biggest psychic damage I had ever encountered in my life as an adult." — Craig Mod [59:38]
7. Upcoming Book: Things Become Other Things
Craig's forthcoming book, Things Become Other Things, is a culmination of his walking experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, his deep reflections on friendship, and his admiration for the social fabric of Japan's Mie and Wakayama prefectures. The book not only narrates his 600km walk but also pays homage to his late friend Brian, exploring themes of loss, belonging, and the enduring power of memory.
- Notable Quote:
"It's a book about elevating who they are, elevating this peninsula... celebrating the people who live there." — Craig Mod [110:29]
8. Membership Program and Community Engagement
Craig discusses his membership program, Special Projects, which offers exclusive access to his archives, writing sessions, and intimate Q&As. This platform allows him to share his creative processes and foster a community of like-minded individuals seeking deeper engagement with art and literature.
- Notable Quote:
"It's all connected to writing. All of it, every single thing." — Craig Mod [126:08]
Conclusion
Episode #802 offers an in-depth look into Craig Mod's life, highlighting his resilience, creative integrity, and the profound ways in which walking and writing intertwine to shape his identity. From overcoming personal demons to building a respected career in publishing, Craig's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unyielding pursuit of one's passions.
Resources and Links
- Website: craigmod.com
- Instagram: @regmod
- Bluesky: @craigmod
- Upcoming Book: Things Become Other Things – Available May 6th via Random House
Notable Sponsors Mentioned:
- David Protein Bars: davidprotein.com Tim
- Eight Sleep (Pod Cover): 8sleep.com Tim
- AG1: drinkag1.com Tim
This summary captures the essence of the conversation between Tim Ferriss and Craig Mod, highlighting key moments, themes, and personal anecdotes. For a deeper understanding, listening to the full episode is recommended.