Camino Talks Podcast

What happens when a woman decides to walk the Camino de Santiago?

For this special episode celebrating International Women's Day, we brought together the voices of several women whose lives are deeply connected to the Camino — from a pilgrim who experienced it firsthand to professionals who accompany others on their journeys.

In this episode, you'll hear from:
• Michelle, a Camino pilgrim
• Macarena, Sales and Business Development Team Leader at Follow the Camino
• Aimara, Reservations, Operations & Products Agent
• Silvia, Camino guide with 12 years of experience on the Camino de Santiago

Through their personal stories, they share:

• The moment they felt the call of the Camino

• The fears that almost stopped them

• The moments on the trail that changed everything

• And what women often discover about themselves while walking

This is not just about travel.
It’s about courage, transformation, and listening to the quiet voice that tells you it's time to take a step forward.

If the Camino has ever crossed your mind, this conversation might be the sign you were waiting for.

Our CEO Umberto di Venosa sits down with Gemma Brierley, daughter of the legendary John Brierley, to explore her lifelong connection to the Camino de Santiago. From walking her first Camino at 18 to continuing her father’s work on the iconic guidebooks, Gemma shares how she keeps his memory alive while forging her own path. A heartfelt conversation about legacy, passion, and the enduring spirit of the pilgrim journey.

Lorie Solis is the heart behind Camiño Limpo, Corazón Contento — a project where she walks the Camino picking up litter, connecting deeply with nature, and inspiring others to care for this sacred path.

Follow Lorie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caminolimpocorazoncontento/

Clean Trek Hiking poke attachments for litter clean up

https://www.clean-trek.com/

On IG @clean_trekHipstar

The hands-free Hiking trailer

https://www.hikingtrailer.net/

On IG @gohipstar

Organizations that support people with disabilities on their pilgrimage:

DisCamino https://discamino.org/

On IG @discaminovigo

I'll Push You https://www.accessiblecamino.com/

On IG @illpushyou

In this episode of Camino Talks, our CEO Umberto di Venosa sits down with Stacey Hicklin, Director of Curriculum and Instruction at Delaware County Christian School and a dedicated science teacher. Stacey shares her reflections on walking the Portuguese Way from Tui to Santiago — a journey of faith, simplicity, and powerful perspective shifts.

Whether you're a seasoned pilgrim or just starting to explore the Camino, Stacey's insights will inspire you to see the Way as more than a hike — it’s a life-changing experience.

▶️ Hit play and walk with us.

What happens when one man decides to walk the full French Camino—and invites 15 friends and family members to join him along the way?

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Danio to hear the story behind his unforgettable Camino de Santiago. From Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago, Peter walked over 800 km—and turned a personal challenge into a shared adventure. He tells us what inspired the journey, how he planned it, and what it meant to be joined by loved ones, especially in the final days from Sarria.

We talk about the emotional highs, the unexpected moments of connection, and how the Camino continues to impact his life today. Whether you're dreaming of walking the Way or simply curious about the power of pilgrimage, this conversation is a reminder that you don’t have to walk alone—and that every step holds meaning.

Six months ago, Dominic walked the Camino from Vigo to Santiago—not just for himself, but to raise awareness and funds for the Epilepsy South Africa Educational Trust. His mission? To help students with epilepsy access education and create a future filled with possibility.In this episode, we talk about what that journey taught him, how he turned challenge into purpose, and why walking with intention can change more than just your own life.

Join us on this inspiring episode of Camino Talks as we chat with author Ruth O’Leary about her transformative journey on the Camino de Santiago and how it shaped her writing.

Ruth shares the stories behind her latest novel, A Week to Remember, which follows three strangers on their Camino adventure, and reflects on the unique connections, challenges, and lessons she encountered along the way.

Whether you’re a seasoned pilgrim or considering your first step, Ruth’s insights will inspire you to embrace the Camino’s power in both travel and storytelling.

What does it take to compete at the highest level in race walking? In this episode, we sit down with Spanish Olympic athletes Paul McGrath and Laura García-Caro to explore their journey in this demanding sport. They share how they got started, the mental and physical discipline required, and their experiences at the Paris 2024 Olympics. We also discuss the power of walking—not just as a sport but as a transformative experience, from elite competition to long-distance journeys like the Camino de Santiago. Whether you're an athlete or simply love the rhythm of walking, this conversation will inspire you to take the next step.

In this interview, we spoke to Wendy Dutwin, a pilgrim who embarked on the Camino from Portugal to carry her friend to the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela – only to be faced by forest fires and extreme rainfall which threatened her journey. We found out how Follow the Camino helped Wendy avert danger and complete her special journey to the final resting place of St James in honour of her friend.

In this interview, we talked to long-standing Follow the Camino client Christine Patterson about her experiences on the Camino de Santiago, if there are social barriers to women travelling on long-distance walks, and why more women than men walk The Way.