Sacred Steps Podcast

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. 

DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sacred Steps Podcast
• Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
• WWW: Jo Frances Penn
• BOOK: Pilgrimage: Lessons Learned from Solo Walking Three Ancient Ways 
• PODCAST:  Books And Travel / JF Penn
• BOOKS:  Fiction and Thrillers by JF Penn
• The Walsingham Camino
  • GUIDEBOOK: London to Walsingham Camino: The Pilgrimage Guide
  • Guided Walk | March 23-26,2023
  • The Shrine of Walsingham

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:

• Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com
• Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
• Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube 
• Connect on Facebook
• View on Instagram

MEET OUR GUEST:   Jo Frances Penn

J.F.Penn is the Award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the ARKANE thrillers and London Crime Thriller series as well as other dark fantasy stories. Her books weave together ancient artifacts, relics of power, international locations and adventure with an edge of the supernatural. Joanna lives in Bath, England and enjoys a nice G&T. Try a free thriller at: www.JFPenn.com/free

BOOKS:  https://jfpenn.com/fiction/

BLOG:  https://www.booksandtravel.page/blog/

PODCAST:  https://www.booksandtravel.page/listen/

MEET THE HOST:  Kevin Donahue

Husband. 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 Preview

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.

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.

DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sacred Steps Podcast
• Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
• Pilgrimage in the USA
  • California Missions Trail
  • California Missions Trail Podcasts
  • GUIDEBOOK: California Missions Trail
  • FACEBOOK: California Mission Walkers Group
  • Wisconsin Way
• The Walsingham Camino
  • GUIDEBOOK: London to Walsingham Camino: The Pilgrimage Guide
  • Guided Walk | March 23-26,2023
  • The Shrine of Walsingham

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:

• Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com
• Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
• Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube 
• Connect on Facebook
• View on Instagram

MEET OUR GUEST:   Andy Bull 

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. His latest pilgrimage book, London to Walsingham Camino: The Pilgrimage Guide is helping awaken one of history's most revered Christian pilgrimage walks from London. 

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.

MEET THE HOST:  Kevin Donahue

Husband. 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 Preview

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.

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.

DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sacred Steps Podcast
• Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
• BOOK: Kumano Kodo: Pilgrimage to Powerspots | Amazon.com
• WWW: Dr. Michelle Oing, Ph.D.
• WWW: Dr. Christian Greer, Ph.D.
• SCHOLARLY PAPERS: Dr. Christian Greer, Ph.D.
• SCHOLARLY PAPERS: Dr. Michelle Oing, Ph.D.
• YOUTUBE: Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:

• Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com
• Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
• Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube 
• Connect on Facebook
• View on Instagram

MEET OUR GUEST:   Dr. Michelle Oing, Ph.D.

Michelle K. Oing is a scholar of late medieval art and architecture, focusing on the intersection of sculpture and performance in Catholic Europe. She received her PhD in the History of Art and Architecture in 2020 from Yale University and is currently a Postdoctoral Mellon Fellow at Stanford's Center for the Humanities. Her current project examines the role of moveable sculpture in Northern Europe through the conceptual framework of puppetry, paying particular attention to notions of play and discovery. Bringing together insights from art history and performance studies, Dr. Oing's work seeks to highlight the dynamic interaction of humans and objects in the creation of meaning.

MEET OUR GUEST:   Dr. Christian Greer, Ph.D.

Dr. J. Christian Greer is a scholar of Religious Studies and American culture, who specializes in psychedelic religion and spirituality. In addition to earning a BA (summa cum laude) from Boston University and an MDiv at Harvard Divinity School, he received his MA and Ph.D. (cum laude) in Western esotericism from the History of Hermetic Philosophy department at the University of Amsterdam. While a postdoctoral researcher at Harvard Divinity School, he led a series of research seminars on psychedelic culture, which culminated in the creation of the *Harvard Psychedelic Walking Tour,* a free audio guide detailing how the Harvard community has shaped the modern history of psychedelic culture. His research addresses popular culture & religion, radical politics & religious activism, esotericism and occultism, ecological spiritualities, pilgrimage, countercultures and subcultures, and drugs & religion.

His latest book, *Kumano Kodo: Pilgrimage to Powerspots* (co-authored with Dr. Michelle Oing) analyzes the pilgrimage folklore associated with the rainforests of Japan's Kii Peninsula.

MEET THE HOST:  Kevin Donahue

Husband. 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 Preview

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.

"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.

DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sacred Steps Podcast
• Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
• PODCAST: The Camino Cafe
• WWW: https://leighbrennan.com/

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:

• Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com
• Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
• Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube 
• Connect on Facebook
• View on Instagram

MEET OUR GUEST:   Leigh Brennan

Leigh Brennan is the host of The Camino Cafe Podcast. As an expatriated American, she shares updates on the Camino de Santiago and interviews with pilgrims from her new hometown of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, with a goal of giving back to the community which has embraced and uplifted her. 

MEET THE HOST:  Kevin Donahue

Husband. 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 Preview

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.

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.

DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sacred Steps Podcast
• Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
• E-BOOK: Spanish for the Camino Workbook (Free)
• BOOK: Mi Primer Camino de Santiago (Amazon)
• WWW: https://spanishforcamino.com/

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:

• Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com
• Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
• Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube 
• Connect on Facebook
• View on Instagram

MEET OUR GUEST:   Maria Seco

A native Spaniard raised in a Camino village, Maria Seco began her career teaching Spanish in Ireland. Upon returning to her homeland, she found many international pilgrims were missing the best parts of the pilgrimage from a lack of Spanish-language skills. She began her blog, Spanish for Camino, to help make Spanish culture and customs more accessible to English speakers.

MEET THE HOST:  Kevin Donahue

Husband. 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 Preview

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.

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.

DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sacred Steps Podcast
• Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
• BOOK: Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal (2023)
• BOOK:  The Pilgrims' Table (2023)

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:

• Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com
• Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
• Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube 
• Connect on Facebook
• View on Instagram

MEET THE HOST:  Kevin Donahue

Husband. 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 Preview

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.

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.

DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sacred Steps Podcast
• Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
• BOOK: Britain's Pilgrim Places
• BOOK:  Pilgrim Pathways

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:

• Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com
• Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
• Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube 
• Connect on Facebook
• View on Instagram

MEET THE HOST:  Kevin Donahue

Husband. 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 first book, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal, printing in 2023.

BOOK: 

Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal

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.

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.

DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sacred Steps Podcast
• Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
• WWW: Warriors on the Way
• DONATE/SPONSOR A VETERAN: https://warriorsontheway.org
• VA PTSD ASSISTANCE: https://www.ptsd.va.gov
• VETERAN'S CRISIS HOTLINE:  1-800-273-8255 - Press 1
• SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE:  988 (USA)

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:

• Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com
• Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
• Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube 
• Connect on Facebook
• View on Instagram

MEET OUR GUESTS:   WARRIORS ON THE WAY

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)

MEET THE HOST:  Kevin Donahue

Husband. 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 first book, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal, printing in 2023.

BOOK: 

Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal

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.

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.

DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sacred Steps Podcast
• Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
• BOOK: Pilgrim: Finding a New Way on the Camino de Santiago
• WWW: https://www.carolyngillespie.co.uk
• INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/carolyngillespiewrites/

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:

• Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com
• Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
• Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube 
• Connect on Facebook
• View on Instagram

MEET OUR GUEST:   Carolyn Gillespie

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.

MEET THE HOST:  Kevin Donahue

Husband. 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 first book, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal, printing in 2023.

BOOK: 

Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal

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 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.

DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE:

• Sacred Steps Podcast
• Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast
• BOOK: Buen Camino! Tips from an American Pilgrim
• BOOK: If You Stand Here: A Pilgrim's Tour of the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela
• ROUTE: Camino Ingles
• TIPS: 10 Tips for Walking the Camino in Winter

CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE:

• Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.com
• Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal
• Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube 
• Connect on Facebook
• View on Instagram

MEET OUR GUEST:    Anne Born

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. 

MEET THE HOST:  Kevin Donahue

Husband. Father. Backpacker. Pilgrim. Author.

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.

BOOK: 

Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal

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.