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.
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S3:E10 Carrying Pilgrim Prayers on my Camino to the Tomb of St. Peter
Season 3
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 • Duration 39:40
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.
Kevin Donahue began walking pilgrimage routes in 2019, joining the historical footprints of pilgrims seeking places and people to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love. His passion for these historic footpaths and reflections from the journeys form the basis for his books: Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal and The Pilgrims’ Table.
At the crossroads of history and faith, a reluctant pilgrim embarks on a modern pilgrimage along some of the world’s most revered footpaths. Along the way, he discovers the places and encounters people that inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Available from print and digital booksellers, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal conveys both the historical context and the modern experience of pilgrimage through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, along America’s Pacific Coast connecting the California Missions Trail, across receding tides to Holy Island, from London to Canterbury along Britain’s historic Pilgims’ Way, and onward towards Rome via Europe’s Via Francigena on a journey of discovery.
The Pilgrims’ Table | Free Preview Brought together by fate for a memorable dinner, five pilgrims recall their emotional journeys along Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Powerful and moving, The Pilgrims’ Table is an emotional look at the transformational power of pilgrimage.
Born from the intersection of my experiences with those of other pilgrims, The Pilgims’ Table is the story of five pilgrims from divergent paths who come together at a Spanish albergue. The deeply personal stories shared over dinner transform their outlook on pilgrimage and connect them as one pilgrim family.
S3:E9 Slowing Down & Discovering the World | Cruisin with the Colemans
Season 3
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 • Duration 01:06:18
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.
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.
Kevin Donahue began walking pilgrimage routes in 2019, joining the historical footprints of pilgrims seeking places and people to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love. His passion for these historic footpaths and reflections from the journeys form the basis for his first book, , printing in 2023.
S2:14 Finding Peace after Combat for Warriors on the Way
Season 2
Wednesday, May 4, 2022 • Duration 56:22
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 veteran suicide. If you or someone you care for needs to speak to a professional immediately, dial 988 (USA). Please see the show notes for organizations dedicated to assisting veterans and their families facing these incredible hardships.
S2:E13 An Empty Nest Pilgrim Soars on The Camino de Santiago
Season 2
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 • Duration 48:36
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.
Born and raised in Scotland, Carolyn Gillespie now lives and writes in the South of England. She has written a collection of poems for children called Wonder Child and recently finished her first novel, Visitation. Her work has appeared in Molecule Tiny Lit Mag, The Crank, Oddity magazine, Coin Operated Press’s Poetry zine and Scotland Outdoors. She has been shortlisted for the Soutar, Wells and Fish prizes and was Highly Commended in the Wells Festival of Literature. Carolyn was a panellist at the Guildford new Writers Festival, 2020, where she read an extract from Pilgrim. She runs creative writing workshops in schools.
S2:E12 Camino Tips from the Little Old Lady Walking
Season 2
Wednesday, March 23, 2022 • Duration 01:08:02
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 Pilgrim's Tour of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela" connects readers to historical pilgrims and events as they unfolded at the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela.
S2:E11 Saints & Stones along Britain's Pilgrim Pathways
Season 2
Wednesday, January 26, 2022 • Duration 49:03
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.
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).
Erin R. Dooley is a screenwriter in Los Angeles. She often writes themes of family, faith, and forgiveness. She is a writer for hire and has her own available for option/sale. Her revenge thriller feature "Forced" was a semi-finalist in the BlueCat Screenplay Competition in 2021. Through D.A.S.H. Entertainment, Erin has produced two feature films - "" and "" - among other . Her unscripted show "" is available on and .
S2:E9 Six Tips for Vegan Pilgrims Walking the Camino
Season 2
Wednesday, December 22, 2021 • Duration 55:16
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).
As a writer and content creator, Wendy Werneth shares insights for vegan travelers on navigating customs and cuisines around the world. Wendy leads vegan travel groups throughout Europe and hosts the Spirit of the Camino podcast, focused on the Camino de Santiago, with her husband Nick Leonard.
S2:E8 Accessible Caminos: Opening the Camino to All
Season 2
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 • Duration 01:04:49
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.
Justin Skeesuck is known as “The Disabled Traveler.” He encourages and instructs people with disabilities how to successfully navigate and overcome the many challenges they are faced with in their everyday lives and when traveling. Most recently, Skeesuck successfully completed The Way of St. James, more commonly known as the Camino de Santiago—a 500-mile epic pilgrimage across the vast terrain of northern Spain, in a specialized wheelchair. His lifelong best friend, Patrick Gray, along with many other friends, acquaintances, and strangers, pushed Justin for 34 days over mountains, through rivers and even across a desert called the Meseta.
MEET OUR GUEST: Brian & Michelle Coleman
Having traveled much of the United States, Mexico, and Europe, Brian and Michelle Coleman developed a love of slow travel. From the windshield of their RV, from hiking trails, to pilgrim pathways, the Colemans love finding quaint towns across the globe, mastering a big city, and can’t get enough of state and national parks.
Kevin Donahue began walking pilgrimage routes in 2019, joining the historical footprints of pilgrims seeking places and people to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love. His passion for these historic footpaths and reflections from the journeys form the basis for his books: Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal and The Pilgrims’ Table.
At the crossroads of history and faith, a reluctant pilgrim embarks on a modern pilgrimage along some of the world’s most revered footpaths. Along the way, he discovers the places and encounters people that inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Available from print and digital booksellers, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal conveys both the historical context and the modern experience of pilgrimage through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, along America’s Pacific Coast connecting the California Missions Trail, across receding tides to Holy Island, from London to Canterbury along Britain’s historic Pilgims’ Way, and onward towards Rome via Europe’s Via Francigena on a journey of discovery.
The Pilgrims’ Table | Free Preview Brought together by fate for a memorable dinner, five pilgrims recall their emotional journeys along Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Powerful and moving, The Pilgrims’ Table is an emotional look at the transformational power of pilgrimage.
Born from the intersection of my experiences with those of other pilgrims, The Pilgims’ Table is the story of five pilgrims from divergent paths who come together at a Spanish albergue. The deeply personal stories shared over dinner transform their outlook on pilgrimage and connect them as one pilgrim family.
At the crossroads of history and faith, a reluctant pilgrim embarks on a modern pilgrimage along some of the world’s most revered footpaths. Along the way, he discovers the places and encounters people that inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Available from print and digital booksellers for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal conveys the historical context and shares the modern experience of pilgrimage through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, along America’s Pacific Coast connecting the California Missions Trail, across receding tides to Holy Island, from London to Canterbury along Britain’s historic Pilgims’ Way, and onward towards Rome via Europe’s Via Francigena on a journey of discovery.
Warriors on the Way is a purpose-designed pilgrimage for Combat Veterans by Combat Veterans. Capitalizing on the latest research in PTSD and Moral Injury care, pilgrim veterans will join in the tradition of pilgrims who have been walking the Camino de Santiago since the 9th Century. Today the Camino welcomes pilgrims of all backgrounds from around the world with an established route with full logistical support.
Fr. Steve Rindahl (US Army, Ret.) Dr. Renee Phillips, Ph.D. Jim Stinson (USMC, Ret.) Sgt. Chris Espinoza (US Army)
Kevin Donahue began walking pilgrimage routes in 2019, joining the historical footprints of pilgrims seeking places and people to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love. His passion for these historic footpaths and reflections from the journeys form the basis for his first book, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal, printing in 2023.
At the crossroads of history and faith, a reluctant pilgrim embarks on a modern pilgrimage along some of the world’s most revered footpaths. Along the way, he discovers the places and encounters people that inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Available from print and digital booksellers for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal conveys the historical context and shares the modern experience of pilgrimage through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, along America’s Pacific Coast connecting the California Missions Trail, across receding tides to Holy Island, from London to Canterbury along Britain’s historic Pilgims’ Way, and onward towards Rome via Europe’s Via Francigena on a journey of discovery.
Kevin Donahue began walking pilgrimage routes in 2019, joining the historical footprints of pilgrims seeking places and people to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love. His passion for these historic footpaths and reflections from the journeys form the basis for his first book, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal, printing in 2023.
At the crossroads of history and faith, a reluctant pilgrim embarks on a modern pilgrimage along some of the world’s most revered footpaths. Along the way, he discovers the places and encounters people that inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Available from print and digital booksellers for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal conveys the historical context and shares the modern experience of pilgrimage through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, along America’s Pacific Coast connecting the California Missions Trail, across receding tides to Holy Island, from London to Canterbury along Britain’s historic Pilgims’ Way, and onward towards Rome via Europe’s Via Francigena on a journey of discovery.
Known on social media as #LittleOldLadyWalking, American poet, author, and noted Camino pilgrim Anne Born (https://tumbleweedpilgrim.com/) has walked the Camino de Santiago ten times. An award-winning writer, Anne is the publisher of The Backpack Press. Her writing focuses on family and life in a big city after growing up in a small one. She is the author of “A Marshmallow on the Bus,” “Prayer Beads on the Train,” “Waiting on a Platform,” “Turnstiles,” “Local Color." Anne has written two books related to the Camino de Santiago: "Buen Camino! Tips from an American Pilgrim" and If You Stand Here: A Pilgrim's Tour of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela." Anne divides her time between New York and Michigan, and the Camino de Santiago in Spain.
In 2019, Kevin Donahue set off from his home in the United States to begin a pilgrimage journey spanning both years and miles, walking across continents to the ancient end of the world, to kneel at the tombs of eight Apostles. Available for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is Kevin's first-hand account of the people and places found along the way to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Available from print and digital booksellers for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is the first-person account of a reluctant pilgrim navigating the eternal questions of faith while walking along the world’s revered paths. The book follows one man’s journey through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean connecting California’s Missions Trail, across England’s ancient Pilgrims’ Way, and onward towards Rome via Europe’s forgotten footpaths on a journey of soulful discovery. More than a travelogue, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is a first-hand account of a pilgrim's journey and the people and places he finds to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Andy Bull is a keen walker, journalist, and author who has written travel pieces for The Times, the Daily Telegraph, The Independent, the Mail on Sunday, and The Tablet. When he wanted to go on a pilgrimage that could be completed in a weekend and found no suitable guides were available, he realized he would have to find a route for himself. He found 20, and Pilgrim Pathways is the result.
Andy has also published two travel books on America, guides to English trails for mountain bikers, and local history books drawing on his Kentish roots. His next project is a book on Britain's Great North Road.
In 2019, Kevin Donahue set off from his home in the United States to begin a pilgrimage journey spanning both years and miles, walking across continents to the ancient end of the world, to kneel at the tombs of eight Apostles. Available for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is Kevin's first-hand account of the people and places found along the way to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Available from print and digital booksellers for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is the first-person account of a reluctant pilgrim navigating the eternal questions of faith while walking along the world’s revered paths. The book follows one man’s journey through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean connecting California’s Missions Trail, across England’s ancient Pilgrims’ Way, and onward towards Rome via Europe’s forgotten footpaths on a journey of soulful discovery. More than a travelogue, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is a first-hand account of a pilgrim's journey and the people and places he finds to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
In 2019, Kevin Donahue set off from his home in the United States to begin a pilgrimage journey spanning both years and miles, walking across continents to the ancient end of the world, to kneel at the tombs of eight Apostles. Available for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is Kevin's first-hand account of the people and places found along the way to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Available from print and digital booksellers for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is the first-person account of a reluctant pilgrim navigating the eternal questions of faith while walking along the world’s revered paths. The book follows one man’s journey through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean connecting California’s Missions Trail, across England’s ancient Pilgrims’ Way, and onward towards Rome via Europe’s forgotten footpaths on a journey of soulful discovery. More than a travelogue, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is a first-hand account of a pilgrim's journey and the people and places he finds to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
In 2019, Kevin Donahue set off from his home in the United States to begin a pilgrimage journey spanning both years and miles, walking across continents to the ancient end of the world, to kneel at the tombs of eight Apostles. Available for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is Kevin's first-hand account of the people and places found along the way to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Available from print and digital booksellers for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is the first-person account of a reluctant pilgrim navigating the eternal questions of faith while walking along the world’s revered paths. The book follows one man’s journey through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean connecting California’s Missions Trail, across England’s ancient Pilgrims’ Way, and onward towards Rome via Europe’s forgotten footpaths on a journey of soulful discovery. More than a travelogue, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is a first-hand account of a pilgrim's journey and the people and places he finds to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
In 2019, Kevin Donahue set off from his home in the United States to begin a pilgrimage journey spanning both years and miles, walking across continents to the ancient end of the world, to kneel at the tombs of eight Apostles. Available for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is Kevin's first-hand account of the people and places found along the way to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
Available from print and digital booksellers for Easter 2023, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is the first-person account of a reluctant pilgrim navigating the eternal questions of faith while walking along the world’s revered paths. The book follows one man’s journey through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago, along the coast of the Pacific Ocean connecting California’s Missions Trail, across England’s ancient Pilgrims’ Way, and onward towards Rome via Europe’s forgotten footpaths on a journey of soulful discovery. More than a travelogue, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal is a first-hand account of a pilgrim's journey and the people and places he finds to inspire questions and enlighten answers about faith, hope, and love.
