Sacred Steps Podcast

Sacred Steps Podcast

Walking virtually alongside pilgrims and authors, the Sacred Steps Podcast explores the world's most revered footpaths, connecting a community of pilgrims from across the globe. From the Camino de Santiago through Spain to the Via Francigena across Europe to Italy, the podcast features updates and first-hand accounts from the footpaths of pilgrimage. A companion to Kevin Donahue's pilgrimage books (The Pilgrims' Table and Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal), the podcast also introduces several lesser-known journeys, such as England’s Pilgrims’ Way to Canterbury and the California Missions Trail in the United States.

Episodes

May 3, 2023 39 mins

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.


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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.


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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 Cam...

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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.

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  • 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. 

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    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.


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    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.


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    "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.

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    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.

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    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.


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    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.

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    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, psychol...

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    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.

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    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! Tip...

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    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. 

     

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    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).

     

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    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). 

     

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    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. 

     

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    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). 

     

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    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.

     

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