Sacred Steps Podcast

Following a three-year hiatus, the Sacred Steps Podcast returns to discuss how pilgrimage can continue to transform you after the journey. After experiencing loss, grief, and devoting time to caregiving, host Kevin Donahue discusses how pilgrimage helped steer his daily reflection and journaling. In the interim, Kevin completed his first novel, The Pilgrims Table, which is now available for pre-sale at http://www.thepilgrimstable.com. THE PILGRIMS TABLEOn an October evening in Muxía, Spain – the place medievals called “the end of the world” – five strangers arrive separately at a pilgrim inn. A Boston woman who has just walked 1,600 kilometers away from a 23-year marriage. A young man, eight months sober, finishing his Camino on a bus. A Canadian couple on their fourth Camino, contemplating retirement and what matters most. A Spanish teacher carrying her dead brother’s stone. Their host, a French chef who escaped corporate kitchens, has never walked the Camino himself. A communal meal at the end of their journey leads to laughter, confessions, and unexpected grace. It’s a story about the challenges we carry, the questions we haven’t answered, and the strangers who sometimes see us best.ORDER YOUR COPY NOW: SACRED STEPS BOOKSTOREAUTHOR SIGNED COPIESBOOK CLUB BULK ORDERSBOOK CLUB LEADERS GUIDEAMAZONCONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.comSacred Steps BooksCamino ChroniclesConnect on FacebookView on InstagramMEET THE HOST: Kevin DonahueHusband. Father. Backpacker. Pilgrim. Author.Kevin Donahue began walking pilgrimage routes across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.A. in 2019. The host of the Sacred Steps Podcast, his work reflects a deep belief that the most meaningful journeys are measured not in miles but in the lives impacted. The Pilgrims Table, a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage novel, is the first book released in the Camino Chronicles series. Kevin lives in Florida with his wife, son, and their two beagles, Otis and Larry. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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 PodcastLeave a Voice Message for the PodcastKevin's Book: The Pilgrims' Table Camino Packing ListWWW: Cruisin with the ColemansFACEBOOK: Cruisin with the ColemansINSTAGRAM: Cruisin with the ColemansYOUTUBE: Cruisin with the ColemansTIKTOK: Cruisin with the ColemansCONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.comSacred Steps: A Pilgrimage JournalStream the Video Podcast on YouTube Connect on FacebookView on InstagramMEET OUR GUEST: Brian & Michelle ColemanHaving 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.MEET THE HOST: Kevin DonahueHusband. Father. Backpacker. Pilgrim. Author.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. BOOKS BY KEVIN DONAHUE: Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal | Free PreviewAt 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 PreviewBrought 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. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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 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).

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.

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.

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.apple.com/ie/podcast/the-nosey-fox/id1561368912).

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.