Nearly 70 pilgrims and families asked me to pray on their behalf at cathedrals and places of natural beauty throughout Italy during my Via Francigena pilgrimage to Rome. Born of all types of human conditions, their prayers were simultaneously the lightest and heaviest thing I carried along my journey. The experience changed me, my Camino, and the way I see view the power of pilgrimage. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast Kevin's Book: The Pil...
May 03, 2023•40 min
The Camino de Santiago ignited a passion for slow travel and the discovery it affords teachers Brian & Michelle Coleman. They followed the road across the United States and walked pilgrimage routes throughout Europe. Now the Colemans share their journies to inspire others who are seeking slower, more fulfilling journies. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast Kevin's Book: The Pilgrims' Table Camino Packing List WWW: Cruisin with the Coleman...
Apr 19, 2023•1 hr 6 min
Author Brian J. Skillen (http://www.brianjohnskillen.com/) heard legends of the Knights Templar in Spain on the first day of his Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. He followed Templar symbols alongside Camino arrows and discovered the basis for his first Camino trilogy: Through A Field of Stars. His three books have become international best-sellers, following the dramatic saga of sacred relics and brave knights across the Camino Frances. Brian joins the podcast along with his partner, Chelsea, to s...
Apr 05, 2023•1 hr 4 min
Are you planning your first Camino de Santiago? In this dedicated live-streaming Q&A, author & noted pilgrim Anne Born joins Kevin Donahue to share tips and answer questions submitted by pilgrims walking this year. This live stream was recorded on Saturday, February 4, 2023 on YouTube, Facebook, and Amazon Live. To watch the video replay, visit https://youtube.com/live/Ua8DJHFr7BM. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast Camino 101 Videos...
Feb 08, 2023•2 hr 1 min
For years, English author Jo Frances Penn (https://jfpenn.com/pilgrimage) contemplated walking the Camino de Santiago. Two decades later, the global pandemic pushed her to begin a walking pilgrimage, discovering lessons about herself and the world around her at the intersection of history and divinity. In her new book, Jo shares personal reflections and insights found walking these historic pathways. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast WWW: J...
Jan 25, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Lost to history in the aftermath of King Henry VIII's English Reformation, the Walsingham Camino was once one of Christendom's most revered pilgrimage walks. English author Andy Bull discusses efforts to revitalize the journey to the Marian shrine and his new guidebook mapping the modern route from London across England along the Walsingham Camino. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast Pilgrimage in the USA California Missions Trail California ...
Jan 11, 2023•52 min
Drawing on their experiences from walking both the Camino de Santiago and the Kumano Kodo, Dr. Michelle Oing, Ph.D. and Dr. Christian Greer, Ph.D. discuss the contrast of these two UNESCO pilgrimage routes for pilgrims and look ahead to how pilgrimage may play a deeper role culturally in the years ahead. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast BOOK: Kumano Kodo: Pilgrimage to Powerspots | Amazon.com WWW: Dr. Michelle Oing, Ph.D. WWW: Dr. Christia...
Dec 07, 2022•1 hr 15 min
"The Camino de Santiago saved my life." Leigh Brennan (https://leighbrennan.com/) tried quitting her first Camino de Santiago before it began. Battling grief and depression from a broken marriage, she found comfort, strength, and a new life on the Camino. Leigh packed away her old life in America and moved to Santiago de Compostela, where she's giving back to the Camino community through her podcast, The Camino Cafe. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for t...
Nov 23, 2022•1 hr 12 min
From her home on the Camino Portugues route, blogger Maria Seco (https://www.spanishforcamino.com) shares Spanish words, phrases, and cultural tips to make your Camino de Santiago pilgrimage more enjoyable. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast E-BOOK: Spanish for the Camino Workbook (Free) BOOK: Mi Primer Camino de Santiago (Amazon) WWW: https://spanishforcamino.com/ CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE: Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com Sacre...
Nov 09, 2022•36 min
In the Season Three preview, author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com | http://www.thepilgrimstable.com) reflects on time away from the podcast, his Via Francigena camino pilgrimage through Italy to Rome, and a preview of the new season of the Sacred Steps Podcast. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast BOOK: Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal (2023) BOOK: The Pilgrims' Table (2023) CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE: Podcast Homepage - sa...
Oct 26, 2022•16 min
In the Season Two podcast finale, author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) reflects on carrying the prayers of pilgrims and strangers during his pilgrimage and discusses his upcoming pilgrimage in Italy along the Via Francigena. Season Three of the Sacred Steps Podcast resumes in September 2022. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast BOOK: Britain's Pilgrim Places BOOK: Pilgrim Pathways CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE: Podcast Homepage...
May 18, 2022•37 min
Founded to help combat veterans facing PTSD, Warriors on the Way is a purpose-designed pilgrimage for Combat Veterans by Combat Veterans along the Camino de Santiago. Through this dedicated charity, Fr. Steve Rindhal (a 31-year veteran of the US Army) and his team of psychologists and retired service members provide no-cost equipment, transportation, guidance, and counseling to soldiers battling to overcome mental, psychological, and spiritual hardships. *Note: This episode discusses PTSD and ve...
May 04, 2022•56 min
Facing an empty nest after more than twenty years of child-raising, English author Carolyn Gillespie (https://www.carolyngillespie.co.uk) confronted her existential crisis on the Camino de Santiago. Through steps and miles, laughter and tears, she found her future self. Her first book, Pilgrim, shares the story of her emotional transformation and the resilient spirit of middle-aged women. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast BOOK: Pilgrim: Fin...
Apr 13, 2022•49 min
Known on social media as #LittleOldLadyWalking, American poet, author, and noted Camino de Santiago pilgrim Anne Born (https://tumbleweedpilgrim.com/) shares her tips and insights for walking the Camino with author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com). Anne has walked the Camino ten times and her practical advice on routes, packing, and pilgrim etiquette are the subject of her best-selling book " Buen Camino! Tips from an American Pilgrim ". Her newest book, " If You Stand Here: A Pilg...
Mar 23, 2022•1 hr 8 min
English author Andy Bull (http://www.andybull.co.uk) joins author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) to discuss four walks in the U.K. from his book Pilgrim Pathways, including a fascinating walk to Stonehenge and three saints pilgrimages the Northern, Cornish, and Welsh Saints Ways, as well as a fascinating walk to Stonehenge. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast BOOK: Pilgrim Pathways DOWNLOAD: 37 Page Guide from Pilgrim Pathways...
Jan 26, 2022•49 min
Her marriage unexpectedly ended, filmmaker Erin Dooley found strength and forgiveness on the Camino de Santiago. In a new reality series on Amazon Prime, Erin leads pilgrims on walks to help overcome personal grief. She shares her story and details of the series Walks to Forgive with author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepspodcast.com). DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast MOVIE: A Way to Forgiveness SERIES: Walks to Forgive Camino de Sant...
Jan 12, 2022•37 min
Wendy Werneth (The Nomadic Vegan) shares six tips for maintaining a vegan lifestyle while walking the Camino de Santiago. Having traveled to more than 100 countries, Wendy shares suggestions for incorporating local cuisines in a vegan diet with author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepspodcast.com). DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast Spirit of the Camino Podcast Six Tips for Eating Vegan on the Camino de Santiago Camino de Santiago CONNECT...
Dec 22, 2021•55 min
Justin Skeesuck (I'LL PUSH YOU) journeyed 500 miles in a wheelchair across Spain's Camino de Santiago with the help of his best friend, Patrick Gray. Now Justin & Patrick are making the Camino accessible for pilgrims of all abilities. Justin joins author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) on this week's podcast premiere to discuss the Accessible Caminos project and the movie, I'll Push You. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Push Inc - Justin Skeesuck and Patrick Gray MOVIE: I'll Pus...
Dec 08, 2021•1 hr 5 min
Diagnosed with Becker Muscular Dystrophy at a young age, Bryan Steward has spent most of his life overcoming the effects of a crippling disease. Determined to be defined by his abilities, shares his story of walking and crawling across Spain on the Camino de Santiago with host Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com). DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Becker Muscular Dystrophy Camino de Santiago Camino 101: Video Tips for your Camino Pilgrimage CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE: Podcast Homepage -...
Nov 17, 2021•30 min
In back-to-back episodes, Author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) discusses walking three historic pilgrim footpaths in the United Kingdom, highlighting the journey of personal, historical, and spiritual discovery along the way. In this episode, Kevin recalls his walk along the English sections of the Via Francigena and the Pilgrim Path across the North Sea to Holy Island of Lindisfarne. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Britain's Pilgrims' Way BOOK: Pilgrim Pathways by Andy Bull BOOK...
Oct 27, 2021•1 hr 2 min
In back-to-back episodes, Author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) discusses walking three historic pilgrim footpaths in the United Kingdom, highlighting the journey of personal, historical, and spiritual discovery along the way. In this episode, Kevin recalls his walk along England's Pilgrims' Way from London to Canterbury. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Britain's Pilgrims' Way BOOK: Pilgrim Pathways by Andy Bull BOOK: Britain's Pilgrim Places Chapel of St. Thomas on the Bridge GPS...
Oct 27, 2021•51 min
Irish journalist and author Natasha Murtagh (https://twitter.com/natashamurtagh) shares the heartfelt stories behind her Camino bestseller (Buen Camino: From Croagh Patrick to Santiago de Compostela) and tales from her recent pandemic walk along Ireland's Wicklow Way with author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com). Natasha's passion for storytelling led her to journalism (Ireland's National Public Radio) and helped inspire her newest venture: The Nosey Fox Podcast (https://podcasts.ap...
Sep 29, 2021•31 min
Author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) discusses preparing to walk three historic pilgrim footpaths in England: the Pilgrims' Way, the Via Francigena, and the Way of St. Cuthbert. In addition to his packing list, routes, and maps, Kevin discusses carrying the prayers of others during this British Pilgrimage and how pilgrims can overcome "packing your fears" for Camino. STREAM THE EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Prayer Request Email List Britain's Pilgrims' Way B...
Sep 15, 2021•17 min
During a break in Britain's COVID lockdowns, English author Jo Frances Penn (https://jfpenn.com) set out alone from her home to walk the Pilgrim's Way from London to Canterbury Cathedral. An unlikely pilgrim, Jo had never before embarked on a multi-day hike. She joins author Kevin Donahue (https://www.sacredstepsbook.com) to discuss the power of overcoming her fears and the purpose she found in her journey. STREAM THE EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: http://youtube.com/sacredsteps DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISO...
Sep 01, 2021•47 min
Dr. Guy Hayward co-founded the British Pilgrimage Trust (https://britishpilgrimage.org/) in 2014 to help restore the tradition of walking pilgrimage in the U.K. and to make holy places more accessible to people of all faiths and none. He joins author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) to discuss pilgrimage routes across England, Scotland, and Wales as well as the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of walking these ancient footpaths. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: British Pilgri...
Aug 18, 2021•31 min
In the debut of Season Two of the Sacred Steps Podcast, author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) previews the upcoming season, featuring interviews with pilgrims and authors. Season Two highlights include the Camino de Santiago, Via Francigena, and pilgrim pathways across the British Isles, Americas, and Asia. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Britain's Pilgrim Places Book Giveaway Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube Connect on Facebook CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE: Podcast Homepage - ...
Aug 04, 2021•8 min
In the Season One finale, author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) explores the meaning of pilgrimage in modern times, with insights from four of this season's guests, including Australian author Claude Tranchant ("Boots to Bliss", "Boots to Freedom"), English author Andy Bull ("Pilgrim Pathways"), Scottish Pilgrim JohnnieWalker Santiago ("It's About Time"), and Father Johannes Maria Schwarz ("Via Alpina Sacra"). Season Two of the Sacred Steps Podcast resumes in Summer 2021. Stream ...
Jun 02, 2021•24 min
Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com In this episode, we're answering the question, "When can I walk the Camino de Santiago?" With new vaccination protocols planned and EU nations preparing to welcome vaccinated tourists, author Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) discusses pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago and the Via Francigena, plus options for less crowded routes in Ireland and the U.K. Stream this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lA5oLecxixY COVID-19 PILGRIM RESOUR...
May 05, 2021•11 min
Podcast Homepage - http://sacredstepspodcast.com EPISODE SUMMARY: In a live-streaming edition of the podcast, author Christian Clifford (https://missions1769.com/) joins Kevin Donahue (http://www.sacredstepsbook.com) to answer your questions regarding the California Mission Walk, connecting the twenty-one Spanish missions connecting America's Pacific coast. LINKS FROM THE EPISODE: California Mission History St. Junipero Serra California Missions Trail Beginner's Guide to the California Missions ...
Apr 21, 2021•1 hr 18 min
Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com After 22 years in the US Navy, Sr. Chief Brad Genereux (https://veteransonthecamino.com) retired from the service and returned to a civilian world he no longer recognized. Lost and seeking solace, Brad found peace along the Camino de Santiago. He returned to the United States and founded VETERANS ON THE CAMINO, a non-profit dedicated to helping heroes find healing along the Camino. Brad’s joins us to discuss his organization, the pain that so many servic...
Apr 07, 2021•27 min
