What if You Could Erase Your Life and Start Over? | Craig Mod
May 5, 2025
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Craig Mod, an author and artist based in Japan, reflects on his transformative journey of self-discovery through walking pilgrimages and minimalist living. He shares insights from his book, emphasizing the power of authentic living and the importance of embracing change. Craig discusses the conflict between pursuing artistic passions and achieving financial stability, alongside the impact of social media on creativity. He highlights how community support is essential for creative endeavors, fostering deeper connections and enriching experiences.
Craig Mod's journey to Japan at 19 represents a bold act of self-reinvention and a quest for authenticity.
Embracing minimalism in a six-mat tatami room fostered Craig's creative independence, allowing him to pursue meaningful work over financial burdens.
Through community-building and a membership program, Craig highlights the importance of shared purpose in enhancing artistic expression and support.
Craig's long walking pilgrimages reveal that prioritizing meaningful experiences over distractions leads to greater fulfillment and connection with oneself.
Deep dives
The Journey of Self-Reinvention
Craig Maud shares his transformative journey of self-reinvention, having grown up in a working-class town in New England. At the age of 19, he moved to Japan with little knowledge of the language, seeking to start afresh and erase his old self. This move allowed him to immerse himself in art, music, and writing, leading to a career as an author and artisanal bookmaker. By taking long pilgrimages on foot, ranging from 30 to 60 days, he discovered profound insights about himself and the world around him.
Minimalism and Creative Independence
Living in a six-mat tatami room in Tokyo, Craig embraced a minimalist lifestyle that fostered both creative and financial independence. The limited space encouraged him to focus on his artistic pursuits without the burden of high living costs. He found that a lower rent allowed him to pursue the work he genuinely loved instead of taking jobs merely to pay bills. This minimalist approach became the foundation of his artistic journey, emphasizing the importance of quality over quantity.
The Community of Supporters
Craig has cultivated a global community of thousands of patrons who support him and his work. Through a membership program, he connects with these individuals, sharing insights and experiences from his creative endeavors. The program not only provides financial backing but also fosters a sense of shared purpose and collaboration. Craig's work resonates with these supporters as they find value in his storytelling and artistic expression, showing how community can significantly boost artistic endeavors.
Realizations from Long Walks
Craig's long walking pilgrimages led to significant realizations about living life to the fullest. He emphasizes that choosing fullness over distraction reduces regrets, allowing for more meaningful experiences. By disconnecting from technology, he explores deeper connections to his surroundings and the people he meets. This philosophy encourages individuals to prioritize authentic experiences and reflection as a path to greater fulfillment.
Facing Limits and Embracing Change
Craig candidly discusses the limiting beliefs imposed by wealth and privilege he encountered during his university years. These experiences spurred a transformation within him, prompting a complete life reboot. He reflects on how societal inequities often create barriers that many individuals face, yet he emphasizes the potential for rediscovery and reclamation of one’s identity. By confronting these limitations, he encourages others to embrace change and pursue their true selves.
Art and Truth through Writing
In his latest book, 'Things Become Other Things,' Craig combines his transformative journey with an intimate letter to a childhood friend. The narrative intertwines personal history, insights from his walks, and reflections on the nature of friendship and loss. This epistolary style allows for a raw exploration of emotion, urging readers to contemplate their relationships and the paths they choose. The genuine connection to Brian serves as a powerful framework for discussing broader themes of identity and belonging.
Creative Freedom and Self-Discovery
Craig’s writing process reflects his commitment to creative freedom, often drawing from personal experiences to craft compelling narratives. He believes that self-expression is vital for artists and fosters an environment where exploration and vulnerability coexist. By engaging with inviting, enriching experiences and meaningful connections, he encourages individuals to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery. His work acts as a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact it can have on personal growth.
Living with Intention
Throughout his reflections, Craig underscores the importance of living intentionally and mindfully in a fast-paced world. He advocates for sessions of deeper contemplation without the distractions of modern technology to cultivate richer experiences. This intentional living can lead to profound insights and a true sense of connection to oneself and the environment. By removing distractions, individuals can embrace creativity and authenticity as they navigate their paths.
Ever felt the urge to shed your old self and start fresh? Craig Mod did just that, leaving his roots at 19 to immerse himself in Japan through art, music, and long walking pilgrimages that remade him.
In this candid conversation, he shares insights from his critically acclaimed book Things Become Other Things: A Walking Memoir on choosing fullness over distraction and rethinking what's possible when you honor your true self.
If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Seth Godin about challenging conventional paths and thinking differently as an artist or entrepreneur.
