Things Become a Podcast — 2025 TBOT Tour Conversations – Details, episodes & analysis

Matt Rodbard — author of 'Koreaworld' and bestselling 'Koreatown' and host of the TASTE podcast — and Craig discuss Craig's newest book and the process behind its creation. The conversation delves into Mod's writing 'journey,' which involved extensive walking through Japan, creating pop-up newsletters, and eventually publishing with Random House. They explore topics such as the impact of COVID-19 on Mod's projects, the nuances of Japanese café culture (Kissa), and the sociocultural aspects of walking in rural Japan. The discussion also touches on the importance of maintaining creative autonomy, the intense yet rewarding process of self-imposed deadlines, and the evolving landscape of photography. Audience questions highlight the changing socio-economic dynamics in Japan and the benefits of having a structured writing schedule. Guest Links: • Matt Rodbard: https://www.mattrodbard.com/ • Koreaworld: https://www.amazon.com/Koreaworld-Cookbook-Deuki-Hong/dp/0593235940?tag=cramod-20 • Koreatown: https://www.amazon.com/Koreatown-Cookbook-Deuki-Hong/dp/0804186138?tag=cramod-20 Find Craig online at: https://craigmod.com And pick up a copy of "Things Become Other Things": • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z1CjSt • Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/things-become-other-things-a-memoir-craig-mod/21707235?ean=9780593732540 • Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/things-become-other-things/id6618121918 • Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/things-become-other-things-craig-mod/1146138224?ean=9780593732540

Rob Giampietro — Rome Prize winner, MacDowell fellow and all around design mensch — and Craig discuss his new book 'Things Become Other Things,' his walking journeys across Japan, and his unique approach to publishing and community building. Supported by the gradual evolution of his walks into a literary and photographic endeavor, Craig discloses how his solo treks and companionship with mentors like John McBride have shaped his narrative style. He also delves into his innovative 'SPECIAL PROJECTS' membership program that funds his creative pursuits and offers a personal reflection on the transformative experiences of walking and connecting with people in varied landscapes. The conversation wraps up on the note of Craig's experimentation with bespoke digital spaces that foster community engagement beyond conventional platforms. Guest Links: • Rob Giampietro: https://linedandunlined.com/ • Rome Prize: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rome_Prize • MacDowell: https://www.macdowell.org/ • Notion: https://www.notion.so/ Find Craig online at: https://craigmod.com And pick up a copy of "Things Become Other Things": • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z1CjSt • Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/things-become-other-things-a-memoir-craig-mod/21707235?ean=9780593732540 • Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/things-become-other-things/id6618121918 • Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/things-become-other-things-craig-mod/1146138224?ean=9780593732540

Ross Andersen — editor and staff writer at The Atlantic — and Craig discuss Craig's new book that defies traditional genres. Initially thought to be a travelogue, the book turns out to be a profound grief memoir intertwined with reflections on American culture and philosophy of walking. Craig discusses the origins and structure of his book, which was inspired by a need for stillness prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, his deep connection to Japan, and his long walks on its pilgrimage routes. Craig continues to describe his process of blending vivid travel experiences with meditative writing, the influence of Japanese cultural concepts such as impermanence, and his continuous effort to maintain creative rigor. The conversation also explores how different lengths of walks impact one's mental state, the importance of setting self-imposed deadlines, and the role of film photography in his creative work. Guest Links: • Ross Andersen: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/ross-andersen/ • The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ Find Craig online at: https://craigmod.com And pick up a copy of "Things Become Other Things": • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z1CjSt • Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/things-become-other-things-a-memoir-craig-mod/21707235?ean=9780593732540 • Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/things-become-other-things/id6618121918 • Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/things-become-other-things-craig-mod/1146138224?ean=9780593732540

Robin Sloan — bestselling author of 'Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore' and Fat Gold olive oil micro magnate — and Craig discuss his evolution as a writer, photographer, designer, and 'athlete,' diving deep into his creative processes, the significance of his walks, and his membership program. He recounts the impact of being rejected by the publishing industry and how that propelled him to find alternative ways to share his work, leading to the success of his membership program and his latest book, 'Things Become Other Things.' Mod also opens up about his adoption story and recent meeting with his birth mother, shedding light on how these personal experiences have influenced his work. The discussion is rich with insights on the value of craftsmanship, the importance of quiet and rest, and the dynamics of balancing solo and collaborative efforts in creative projects. Guest Links: • Robin Sloan: https://www.robinsloan.com/ • Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore: https://www.amazon.com/Mr-Penumbras-24-Hour-Bookstore-Novel/dp/1250037751?tag=cramod-20 • Fat Gold: https://fat.gold/ Find Craig online at: https://craigmod.com And pick up a copy of "Things Become Other Things": • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z1CjSt • Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/things-become-other-things-a-memoir-craig-mod/21707235?ean=9780593732540 • Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/things-become-other-things/id6618121918 • Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/things-become-other-things-craig-mod/1146138224?ean=9780593732540

Liz Danzico — Vice President of Design at Microsoft and Founding Chair of the MFA Interaction Design Program at SVA in NYC — and Craig discuss his experiences walking Japan. He shares the impact walking has had on his life, including his immersive walks in the Japanese countryside and other parts of the world like the Camino de Santiago. Mod also delves into personal stories, such as his friendship with a childhood friend, Bryan, who was murdered shortly after graduation, and his complex relationship with his estranged father. He touches on the cultural nuances between Japan and other countries, the unexpected media attention he's received in Japan, and his philosophical approach to writing and creativity. The conversation also includes a 'fun' 'speed round' of questions about walking essentials and audience queries about his future writing plans and experiences with vipassana meditation. Guest Links: • Liz Danzico: https://bobulate.com/ • Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/ • SVA MFA Interaction Design: https://interactiondesign.sva.edu/ Find Craig online at: https://craigmod.com And pick up a copy of "Things Become Other Things": • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z1CjSt • Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/things-become-other-things-a-memoir-craig-mod/21707235?ean=9780593732540 • Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/things-become-other-things/id6618121918 • Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/things-become-other-things-craig-mod/1146138224?ean=9780593732540

Dexter Thomas — ex-Vice News reporter and Japan scholar — and Craig discuss Craig's experiences and observations living in Japan for over 25 years. The discussion touches on the complexities of Tokyo's topography, cultural nuances, and the socioeconomic contrasts between Japan and the U.S. Craig also reflects on his journey as a writer, the influence of his upbringing in a post-industrial American town, and his unexpected rise to media attention following a New York Times article recommendation. The talk ultimately delves into themes of social infrastructure, adoption of culture, and the significance of fostering full, rich days. Guest Links: • Dexter Thomas: https://whatupdex.com/ • Vice News: https://www.vice.com/en/topic/vice-news Find Craig online at: https://craigmod.com And pick up a copy of "Things Become Other Things": • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z1CjSt • Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/things-become-other-things-a-memoir-craig-mod/21707235?ean=9780593732540 • Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/things-become-other-things/id6618121918 • Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/things-become-other-things-craig-mod/1146138224?ean=9780593732540

Dan Sinker — stalwart Chicago writer, podcaster, and surrealist Twitter account maestro of @MayorEmanuel — and Craig discuss his experiences and insights on walking, storytelling, and embracing offline moments. He shares anecdotes from his walking journeys in Japan, reflecting on the impact of technology on daily life and the value of creating intentional disconnections. Mod highlights the inspiration behind his latest book, including the deeply personal process of honoring a childhood friend and the various encounters that enrich his solitary walks. Additionally, he touches on the unique community built through his membership program, the balance of utilizing technology for creativity while protecting mental well-being, and the significance of understanding and cherishing human connections through both his travels and personal life experiences. Guest Links: • Dan Sinker: https://dansinker.com/ • @MayorEmanuel: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Sinker#@MayorEmanuel_Twitter_account Find Craig online at: https://craigmod.com And pick up a copy of "Things Become Other Things": • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z1CjSt • Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/things-become-other-things-a-memoir-craig-mod/21707235?ean=9780593732540 • Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/things-become-other-things/id6618121918 • Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/things-become-other-things-craig-mod/1146138224?ean=9780593732540

Lynne Tillman — author of many, many novels and non-fiction books, Guggenheim Fellow, and National Book Critics Circle Award finalist — and Craig discuss their two new books and friendship and loss. Craig reads a passage from his book about a walk in Japan that serves as a reflective journey on friendship and loss. Lynne reads from her own book, illustrating her storytelling style rooted in observations of ordinary life. The dialogue dives into various subjects, such as the nature of memoirs, the act of writing, the impact of personal experiences on storytelling, and Craig's unique approach to capturing life's details through photography. They also touch on themes like the influence of mentors, the benefits of meditation, and the importance of genuine human interactions. Toward the end, they engage in an audience Q&A, discussing the essence of memoir writing and its juxtaposition with personal history. Guest Links: • Lynne Tillman: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynne_Tillman • Guggenheim Fellowship: https://www.gf.org/ • National Book Critics Circle: https://www.bookcritics.org/ Find Craig online at: https://craigmod.com And pick up a copy of "Things Become Other Things": • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z1CjSt • Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/things-become-other-things-a-memoir-craig-mod/21707235?ean=9780593732540 • Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/things-become-other-things/id6618121918 • Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/things-become-other-things-craig-mod/1146138224?ean=9780593732540

Sam Anderson — New York Times Magazine staff writer, and friend of Weird Al Yankovic — and Craig discuss Craig's life in Japan, his walking journeys, and his writing process. Highlights include his adventurous walks across Japan, his interactions with notable figures like Jeff Bezos, and heartfelt moments of reconnecting with his birth family. The event also explores the cultural contrasts he experienced and his thoughtful approach to writing and storytelling. Guest Links: • Sam Anderson: https://www.shamblanderson.com/ • New York Times Magazine: https://www.nytimes.com/section/magazine • Weird Al Yankovic Profile: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/09/magazine/weird-al-yankovic.html Find Craig online at: https://craigmod.com And pick up a copy of "Things Become Other Things": • Amazon: https://amzn.to/3z1CjSt • Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/things-become-other-things-a-memoir-craig-mod/21707235?ean=9780593732540 • Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/things-become-other-things/id6618121918 • Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/things-become-other-things-craig-mod/1146138224?ean=9780593732540