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What happens when you set out on an 86-mile journey with no athletic background, no clear “why,” and only three days to complete it?

For Ian Hawkins — Speaking and Storytelling Coach at Netflix — the answer was far more than sore feet.

In this conversation, Ian shares his whirlwind trek along the historic Pilgrim’s Way from London to Canterbury Cathedral — a pilgrimage that most take a week to complete, but he compressed into just 72 hours. Along the trail, blistered and battling rain, Ian unexpectedly found himself face-to-face with unprocessed grief over his father’s death and childhood trauma.

With nowhere to hide, the miles became a space for deep reckoning — and a powerful reminder that we each have the ability to become the author of our own story. Ian also unpacks his three-part storytelling framework — crisis, decision, and resolution — and how it applies to everything from personal healing to leading change in organizations.

Whether you’re navigating your own uncharted territory or curious about the intersection of story and transformation, Ian’s journey is proof that the path forward often begins with the courage to take the first step.

Connect with Ian on his website.

And on LinkedIn: Ian Hawkins.

Thank you for listening to Hope Comes to Visit. If this episode resonated with you, please follow, rate, and share the show — it helps others find their way to these conversations.

New episodes drop every Monday and Friday, so you can begin and end your week with a little light and a lot of hope.

For more stories, reflections, and ways to connect, visit www.DanielleElliottSmith.com or follow along on Instagram @daniellesmithtv and @HopeComestoVisit