Watch episode on YoutubeIn this episode, Kevin sits down with writer, photographer, and technologist Craig Mod for a wide-ranging conversation on the value of slowness in a fast-moving world. From walking solo across Japan to rethinking the economics of independent publishing, Craig shares his philosophy of presence, deep attention, and building creative ecosystems that last. Whether you're an aspiring creator or simply seeking to live with more intention, this episode is a masterclass in meaningful modern living.Topics covered

* Craig’s early years in the BBS/ANSI art scene and how it shaped his creative drive

* Escaping post-industrial America and finding healing in the structure of Japanese life

* The joy and challenge of learning Japanese, and how language opens cultural doors

* From blog software in the '90s to essays that changed the course of his career

* Silicon Valley vs. Tokyo: ambition, trade-offs, and choosing a slower life

* The transformative power of walking: from ancient pilgrimages to solo introspection

* Building a reader-funded membership model and launching handcrafted books

* How a 200-word essay led to $100M+ in economic impact for a rural Japanese city

* Addiction, self-worth, fatherhood, and the emotional repair of being seen

* The cultural weight of jazz kissa, pizza toast, and public bathhouse rituals

* Anti-influencer media: binaural audio, slow video, and presence in a distracted world

Links

* Craig’s blog

* Things Become Other Things - Craig’s new book

Whether you're curious about future-proofing your career, understanding AI's global impact, or just want to hear from one of tech's most insightful leaders, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Think of AI today like computers in the '90s - those who embrace it early will have an incredible advantage. Join us as we explore what makes this technological revolution uniquely exciting and full of possibility.

In this episode, I sit down with Reid Hoffman - LinkedIn co-founder, Greylock investor, and AI thought leader - to discuss his new book "Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future?" Reid breaks down how AI is already transforming our daily lives and shares the practical tools he uses to stay ahead of the curve.

Episode Highlights:

[00:07] – Reid Hoffman’s personal AI stack: the tools he uses every day for thinking, organizing, and optimizing.

[02:59] – How Reid automates AI-powered role-playing to challenge his ideas with historical and expert perspectives.

[08:03] – Breaking down the AI mindsets: Doomers, Gloomers, Zoomers, and Bloomers.

[12:48] – AI’s impact on jobs: how to adapt and thrive in an AI-driven world.

[23:41] – The future of education: AI as a learning and testing assistant.

[32:55] – AI regulation: finding the balance between innovation and control.

[44:25] – AI inequality: Will premium AI tools create an intelligence gap?

[47:13] – AI hallucinations vs. imagination: Why we want models to generate novel ideas.

[56:07] – The rise of AI relationships: Will AI companions replace human connection?

[59:39] – Reid’s predictions: What AI will look like in 1, 5, and 10 years.

Prefer YouTube? — watch the episode here

Exploring the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern life, Kevin Rose sits down with celebrated Zen teacher Henry Shukman to explore the depths of meditation practice, the nature of awakening, and the universal human capacity for transformation. From practical meditation advice to fascinating Zen stories and the relationship between different spiritual traditions, this wide-ranging discussion offers both practical guidance for beginners and deep insights for experienced practitioners.

Show Notes

Notable Quotes

* "Between stimulus and response, there is a gap. Everything is in that gap." - Viktor Frankl (referenced)

* "The way that can be spoken of is not the true way" - Tao Te Ching

* "No coffee, no Pat" - Pat Hawk Roshi

* "We're all made of the universe" - Henry Shukman

The Way App and Meditation Practice

* Discussion of The Way meditation app's approach

* The challenge of user retention in meditation apps

* Focus on building durable meditation habits

* A different approach from other meditation apps - emphasis on long-term practice

Building a Meditation Practice

* Optimal meditation duration?

* What is the best time to meditate?

* Importance of daily consistency over longer sporadic sessions

* Discussion of gradual progression from shorter to longer sits

Understanding Different Types of Meditation Benefits

* Mindfulness and basic awareness

* Recognition of thoughts and feelings

* Development of self-compassion

* The space between stimulus and response

Awakening Experiences

* Nature of awakening experiences

* Discussion of "person of no rank" concept

* Relationship between time, space, and consciousness

* Different cultural interpretations of similar experiences

Religious Traditions and Meditation

* Comparison of different meditation traditions

* Discussion of reincarnation beliefs

* The Cloud of Unknowing and Christian Mysticism

* Universal aspects of spiritual experiences across traditions

Practical Guidance

* Role of caffeine in meditation practice

* Building a sustainable practice

* Integration with daily life

* Balancing spiritual pursuit with everyday responsibilities

Key Stories and Examples

* Bodhidharma and the origin of tea

* Story of the plum blossom awakening

* Mount Athos experiences

* Various Zen teaching stories

Resources Mentioned

* The Way App - Henry’s meditation app (iOS/Android)

* "Original Love" - Henry’s new book

* "The Cloud of Unknowing" - Anonymous

* "Buddhism Without Beliefs" by Stephen Batchelor

* Mountain Cloud Zendo

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