Outside Podcast

How To Walk Through—And Away From—A Digital World, with Craig Mod

10 snips
Jun 25, 2025
Craig Mod, a writer and digital media designer known for his immersive long walks, shares insights from his 300-mile trek along Japan's Kumano Kodo. He discusses how walking fosters creativity and self-discovery, acting as a balm against digital distractions. Listeners hear about the balance between optimism and realism through personal anecdotes and the transformative power of nature. The conversation also highlights the importance of storytelling in walking experiences and offers lighthearted banter on outdoor essentials.
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ANECDOTE

Craig's Definition of Walking

  • Craig Mod defines a walk as a multi-day journey, usually 10 to 40 days, covering significant distance on foot.
  • He considers casual short walks as normal movement, not the type of walking he emphasizes.
ANECDOTE

Transformative First Long Walk

  • Craig's first impactful long walk was 600-700 km from Tokyo to Kyoto done solo, mostly on roads and rural lanes.
  • Around halfway, he experienced a state of 'bobbing consciousness' where walking became effortless and mentally freeing.
INSIGHT

Value of Suboptimal Walking Spaces

  • Walking through 'suboptimal' areas like big box stores and pachinko parlors reveals the true contemporary social and economic condition.
  • These areas highlight human scale and community absence, shaping a more holistic understanding of the places we live.
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