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Living AdventurouslyLiving Adventurously, with Alastair Humphreys, is the story of ordinary people choosing to live extraordinary lives. Author: Alastair Humphreys
Living Adventurously, with Alastair Humphreys, is the story of ordinary people choosing to live extraordinary lives. Alastair interviews artists and chefs, students and pensioners, athletes and travellers. He wants to discover what living adventurously means to different people, what universal obstacles stand in the way, and how each of these people took the first step to overcome them and begin their own fascinating journeys. Language: en Genres: Education, Places & Travel, Self-Improvement, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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Craig Mod: Adventure, Discipline, and Design. Living Adventurously 66
Episode 65
Tuesday, 22 April, 2025
In this rich, wide-ranging conversation, Alastair Humphreys chats with Craig Mod about the overlapping worlds of adventure, creativity, and publishing. The two explore their different but kindred approaches to long walks — Craig’s meticulous, high-tech planning versus Alastair’s spontaneous, minimalist style — and how these journeys feed into their creative work. Craig shares the thinking behind his wildly successful newsletters, membership programme, and beautiful, obsessively designed books. They also dive into broader themes like cultural responsibility, self-discipline, nature connection, and why sometimes walking is just the best way to think deeply.🧭 Topics and ThemesCraig's long-distance walks across Japan (Tokaido, Nakasendo, Kumano Kodo)Comparison of walking vs. cycling as immersive travel toolsDigital minimalism and “no teleporting” rules during walksHigh-tech vs low-tech navigation: Apple Watch Ultra vs. paper mapsThe joy and discipline of documentation: notes, photography, audio, videoDaily synthesis as a creative practice while walkingBooks as tangible artefacts of ephemeral experienceCraig’s reasons for walking: presence, routine, deadlines, synthesisPlanning vs. spontaneity in adventuresThe special role of beautiful book designMaking creativity sustainable: Craig’s membership model (Special Projects)Emotional and logistical tension between audience growth and creative purityWalk & Talk retreats with Kevin Kelly: structure, goals, dinner conversationsLitter and cultural responsibility in Japan vs. the WestThe role of access in building care for the natural worldThe value of constraints, caps, and intimacy in building an audience📚 Books MentionedThings Become Other Things by Craig Mod (Random House edition)Kissa by Kissa by Craig ModRings of Saturn by W.G. SebaldKevin Kelly’s essay “1000 True Fans”Papyrus: The Invention of Books in the Ancient World by Irene Vallejo (mentioned by Alastair)💡 Concepts & Quotes“Walking is a platform for other things to happen.”“Teleports” as anything that removes you from presence (phones, news, etc.)“I’ve never thought: I have to do this because my subscribers are expecting it. It’s all selfish.”“The best piece of technology ever invented is the book.”“Snickers bar logic”: why we’re fine carrying snacks, but not their wrappers“Make the ephemeral tangible”: the purpose behind bookmaking“You can’t walk with someone and do the thinking.”🧾 Links & RecommendationsCraig Mod’s website and newslettersSpecial Projects MembershipRandom House edition: Things Become Other ThingsCraig’s essay on British sandwiches 🍞Do LecturesOutrage + Optimism podcastKevin Kelly’s “1000 True Fans” ★ Support this podcast ★
