Things Become a Podcast — 2025 TBOT Tour Conversations

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 expe...

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 observ...

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 inspira...

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...

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 friendshi...

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 alt...

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 th...

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 l...

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...