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Endings deserve as much care as beginnings. We invited Faith and Nate, founders of Pilgrim House in Santiago de Compostela, to reflect on eleven years of offering a soft landing for pilgrims who have just completed the Camino—and on the bittersweet move back to the United States after nearly eighteen years in Spain. Their journey started with backpacks and a love for traveler culture; it matured into a vocation to practice simple, excellent hospitality where it matters most: the threshold between a long walk and the return home.

They share how a dream of opening an albergue evolved into creating a Pilgrim center instead when circumstances didn't go as they had originally imagined. Yet, that pivot proved to be better than their original idea as it unlocked a deeper and wider impact in the Camino community as a whole.  Without beds to manage, Pilgrim House could stay open to everyone, not just those with reservations. That choice created time for real conversations, quiet rooms for reflection, a kitchen that hosted shared meals and impromptu lessons, and a staff of experienced pilgrims ready to help with both blisters and big questions. We discuss the early, scrappy days, grants that shaped the space, and the teammates whose fingerprints are everywhere.

We also look outward. Santiago’s season is longer, the pilgrim tide is higher, and the city has grown more global while holding onto its slow, walkable rhythm. For would‑be expats, Faith and Nate offer grounded advice: test a 90‑day stay before committing, learn the language with patience, build local friendships, and find a purpose that outlasts novelty. And for pilgrims nearing the finish, their counsel is clear—don’t rush. Linger in Santiago, use resources like Pilgrim House and Camino Companions, and let your ending become a thoughtful transition.

As Pilgrim House continues under the creative leadership of Gabe with Jessica and Emily, its DNA stays intact: warmth, presence, and the spirit of the Camino made tangible. If Santiago is on your horizon, stop by Pilgrim House and exhale. If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share it with a friend who loves the Camino, and leave a review to help others find the show.

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🎵 The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song is in thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter.

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Start the year with a pilgrimage you can do from your front door. We sit down with Leanne Pritchard to share how a small Tasmanian walk blossomed into a Global Camino that now brings together more than a thousand pilgrims across 40+ countries for two days of movement, meaning, and community. Whether you’re training for Spain, curious about your first Camino, or simply craving a gentle reset, this weekend gives you a simple way to reconnect with your body and your Camino family—no airfare required.

Leanne explains how the event began during lockdown and why it endures: flexibility, inclusion, and the shared joy of posting a photo that says, “I walked.” We talk through practical details—mirroring Tasmania’s 15 km and 18 km routes if you want, or choosing any distance that fits your weather, health, and time. You’ll hear stories that capture the spirit, from brave northern walkers crunching through snow to the Memphis crew bringing humor with Elvis costumes, plus smart safety choices when storms hit. We also preview the weekend’s livestreams: an opening ritual, a closing at St. James Church in Cygnet with a Botafumeiro, an interview with two Texas pilgrims flying in, and a live cross to Spain.

We dedicate this show in memory of Judy Colaneri and Ella Neal, honoring their courage, kindness, and love for the Camino. If you’ve felt the yellow arrow tug at your heart, use this weekend to set intentions, test your gear, and reconnect with friends you met on the trail. RSVP on Facebook, share where you’ll walk, post a photo when you finish, and encourage others in the comments. Subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a nudge to lace up, and leave a review to help more pilgrims find the path. Ready to walk with us next weekend?

RSVP Now for the Global Camino - https://www.facebook.com/events/1274566273763679 

Judy's Podcast Episode on YouTube 

https://youtu.be/p22Vo-z20h8

Ella's Podcast Episode 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/119-the-neal-family-walking-the-camino-a/id1562037974?i=1000666935472

Leanne's Podcast Episode:

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/120-walking-the-global-camino-from-home-leanne/id1562037974?i=1000667888051

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Become a supporter of The Camino Cafe Podcast:

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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
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🎵 The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song is in thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter.

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Ever wonder what mistakes pilgrims make on the Camino de Santiago?
In this episode, Dan Jarvis shares his biggest lessons, surprises, and why he keeps returning to walk the Camino again and again.

Join host Leigh Brennan of The Camino Cafe Podcast for a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Dan Jarvis, creator of Camino Hacks and Tips. Together, they explore what the Camino teaches us when things don’t go as planned — from packing regrets and planning missteps to the deeper emotional lessons of walking The Way.

Dan opens up about what led to his first Camino de Santiago journey in 2016, as well as stories from the numerous other Caminos he has walked since then. He shares vulnerable moments of struggle and self-discovery, and how walking continues to heal his anxiety and shape his purpose. Whether you’re a first-time pilgrim or a seasoned walker, this episode offers a mix of inspiration, laughter, and honest reflections from the trail and life back home. 

🎧 In This Episode:

• Common Camino de Santiago mistakes (and how to avoid them)
• What keeps Dan coming back to the Camino Frances
• How the Camino helps Dan with anxiety and restores clarity
• The power of solo travel and pilgrimage
• Lessons learned from years of walking The Way

🛤️ About Dan Jarvis:
Dan is a UK-based Camino pilgrim who has been walking Caminos since 2016. He is the content creator of Camino Hacks and Tips, a YouTube Channel, where he shares his passion for the Camino along with practical advice and heartfelt stories to help others prepare for their own Camino de Santiago journeys. Camino Hacks and Tips has over 3 million views! Visit the links below to connect more with Dan! 

🔴 ▶️Camino Hacks and Tips YouTube Channel 

https://www.youtube.com/@Caminohacks

Episodes mentioned in the interview:

🔴 ▶️Camino Primitivo https://youtu.be/CHoj97X2vR8?si=IeffATBD83hTTuD5

🔴 ▶️The Truth About Walking the Camino de Santiago - 6 Things You NEED to Know Before You Start

https://youtu.be/Pea_0sV4Uvg?si=_yfoH0Q8ddUky48h

📸 Camino Hacks and Tips Instagram https://www.instagram.com/caminohacksandtips/

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Become a supporter of The Camino Cafe Podcast:

🎙️💖 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1751717/support

Buy Me a Coffee:

☕️💛 https://buymeacoffee.com/caminocafepodcast

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
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🎵 The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song is in thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter.

Send us a text

What if a walk changed the entire trajectory of your life? For Judy of Spanish Steps, a spontaneous decision to walk the Camino de Santiago in 1994 sparked a journey that would transform everything.

00:00 Preview
00:53 How a gift started it all
03:00 Meeting her Camino Family
15:06 How the Camino Tour Company, Spanish Steps, Started
24:34 How the Camino de Santiago has changed
29:07 Splitting time between the US and Spain
33:17 Tips for moving to Spain
45:39 Falling in Love on the Camino

When Judy first set foot on the Camino, she walked alone through dusty wheat fields, not encountering a single pilgrim for days. The pilgrim experience was vastly different then—no smartphones, no apps, just a guidebook and the occasional payphone for making expensive international calls. At an albergue in Puente la Reina, everything changed when she met a group of international pilgrims—including a handsome Spanish man named Juan Carlos who would later become her husband.

This captivating conversation reveals how their Camino romance blossomed into a 30-year partnership that includes running Spanish Steps, a company that has guided countless groups across various Camino routes. Judy shares the remarkable story of how she asked Santiago for a sign about whether to start guiding pilgrims, only to have her press release published in the LA Times a month later—launching her unexpected career.

Beyond the business side, Judy offers intimate insights into the challenges and rewards of expat life in rural Spain. Having renovated an old farmhouse in Asturias into a boutique hotel, she speaks candidly about language barriers, integration challenges, and why maintaining connections to your home country might be the wisest approach for Camino-inspired dreamers.

Whether you're contemplating your first Camino or fantasizing about opening an albergue someday, Judy's three decades of wisdom provide both inspiration and practical guidance. Her story reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful journeys don't end in Santiago—they're just beginning there.

Connect with Judy and Spanish Steps:

Spanish Steps Website

https://spanishsteps.com/

Hotel Rural Fuentes de Lucía

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🎵 The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song is in thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter.

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The rain beats down on Santiago de Compostela's ancient stones as Johnny Walker connects from the Parador's Royal Dining Room, overlooking sodden pilgrims braving hailstones and downpours during the spiritually significant Holy Week. Despite the weather, pilgrimage numbers continue to swell as travelers arrive hoping to experience Easter in this sacred city.

Fresh from a whirlwind North American tour promoting "The Way, My Way," Johnny shares heartwarming stories of packed theaters and pilgrim connections across major cities. What began as film screenings transformed into impromptu pilgrim gatherings, complete with blessing ceremonies using scallop shells from Santiago's cathedral. Most moving was a 16-year-old viewer who, inspired by the film, publicly committed to walking the Camino—receiving her own blessed shell amidst thunderous cries of "Buen Camino" from fellow audience members.

Santiago's Holy Week traditions take center stage in our conversation, from Palm Sunday's blessed branches to Easter Sunday celebrations, with thirteen traditional processions threading through the city's narrow streets. Johnny provides fascinating historical context about the distinctive medieval penitent costumes worn during these processions, clearing up common misconceptions about their origins. We also discuss the Pilgrim Office's revised Compostela requirements, which now recognize journeys of at least 70 kilometers within Spain, and hear from veteran pilgrim Rocco Rossi, who perfectly articulates why so many of us return to the Camino time and again: "If you find something in your life that brings you joy, clarity, and energy, the real question is why aren't you doing it more than once?" Whether you're planning your first Camino or your twenty-first, this perspective reminds us of the path's enduring power to transform lives with each journey.

Support the show

Become a supporter of The Camino Cafe Podcast:

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🎵 The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song is in thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter.

Send us a text

2026 Camino Walks with the Camino Cafe Podcast -  with Leigh and Rocco: 

Email mailto:[email protected]

This week's show is sponsored by Airas Nunes:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/bWr3YE8AveXj47zt6

If you like the work that's being done on The Camino Cafe Podcast, I'd be honored if you supported me through "Buy Me a Coffee" :

https://buymeacoffee.com/caminocafepodcast

The Camino Cafe podcast makes an exciting return as host Leigh Brennan welcomes listeners back from a hiatus caused by her move to the United States. Though she misses the immediacy of Santiago and stepping directly onto Camino paths, Leigh shares her renewed commitment to promoting pilgrim journeys as pathways toward healing.

Joining the conversation is veteran pilgrim Rocco Rossi, speaking directly from Santiago de Compostela after completing what he considers his 21st Camino since 2002. Rocco offers fascinating real-time insights about current conditions on various routes, noting dramatic differences in pilgrim traffic. While he walked the Camino Madrid completely alone, Santiago now welcomes over 2,000 pilgrims daily during Holy Week, with the vast majority arriving via the Frances or Portuguese routes.

Rocco's wisdom shines through as he explains why he keeps returning to the Camino: "If you find something in your life that brings you joy, clarity, and energy, the real question is why aren't you doing it more than once?" He likens the Camino to an oxygen mask that centers and revitalizes him annually, enabling him to better navigate life's challenges. Despite walking solo at times, Rocco emphasizes that the heart of every Camino lies in the connections formed with locals and fellow pilgrims who enrich the journey immeasurably.

The episode concludes with an exciting announcement about Leigh and Rocco potentially co-leading a group Camino in 2026, inviting listeners to share input about their ideal pilgrim experience. Whether you're planning your first Camino or your tenth, this episode rekindles the special magic that draws us to these ancient paths time and again. Email the address in the show notes to join the waitlist and help shape this future journey!

Support the show

Become a supporter of The Camino Cafe Podcast:

🎙️💖 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1751717/support

Buy Me a Coffee:

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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
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Follow us on Instagram:
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🎵 The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song is in thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter.

Send us a text

What if embarking on a pilgrimage could transform your entire life? On this episode of Camino Cafe, we’re thrilled to welcome the legendary Johnnie Walker, a revered figure in the Camino de Santiago community. Johnnie shares his profound connection to the Camino, recounting countless pilgrimages and extensive volunteer work that led him to settle in Santiago de Compostela. Discover how the tradition of Sunday lunches fills his life with joy, laughter, and captivating stories from friends old and new.

We also explore Johnnie's life in Santiago and Malaga, balancing relaxation with his ongoing work, like penning guidebooks and leading groups such as the organization Age in Spain and the largest Camino Facebook group, Camino de Santiago All Routes, with a half million members and counting. Learn about his experiences walking the Camino Portuguese by the coast and the Camino Inglés, and his pivotal role in creating the first guidebook for the latter. Johnnie discusses the challenges of preserving the Camino’s heritage and ensuring accessibility, yet his unwavering love for the Camino and its vibrant community radiates through every word.

In an emotionally charged segment, we delve into the transformative power of the Camino through heartfelt stories and film projects inspired by the pilgrimage. Johnnie shares a poignant personal story about overcoming childhood trauma, emphasizing the importance of self-forgiveness and communal healing. John Rafferty, who transitioned from a political career to a fulfilling life in Spain, recounts his journey of grace, forgiveness, and ultimate transformation into Johnnie Walker. From life lessons learned on the Camino to the impact of personal stories, this episode celebrates the enduring spirit of the pilgrimage, its transformative power,  and the profound connections it fosters.

Join the Camino de Santiago All Routes Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/hiXBvrqqqPkzpuB5/

Johnnie Walker's Books:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Johnnie-Walker/author/B06XT5CRHV?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1725790010&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Age in Spain:
https://www.ageinspain.org/

Academia Xacobea:
http://academiaxacobea.gal/

Support the show

Become a supporter of The Camino Cafe Podcast:

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Buy Me a Coffee:

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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
🔴 ▶️https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6VN9ze3z61n6tRLtDXWuQw

Follow us on Instagram:
📸 https://www.instagram.com/thecaminocafepodcast/

🎵 The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song is in thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter.

Send us a text

Join us at the Camino Cafe as the talented LA-based singer-songwriter Harold Payne takes us on his transformative journey along the Camino Portuguese. Harold opens up about the deeply personal motivations behind his walk, from his academic background in Spanish to the profound need for healing following his wife's passing. Along the way, he shares the exhilaration of completing the journey and the empowering sense of accomplishment it brings, interwoven with stories from his impressive music career, including collaborations with legends like Bobby Womack, Rod Stewart, and Snoop Dogg.

Ever gotten a black eye from a guidebook? Harold has, and he's here to tell the tale. We explore the balance between the physical challenges of the Camino, like heel pain and blisters, and the mystical, meaningful encounters that can happen on such a journey. Drawing parallels to his experience on an international peace walk in India, Harold reminisces about the spontaneous connections made along the way. To top it off, he treats us to a heartfelt performance of his original song "One Step," which captures the essence of taking small, meaningful actions.

Finally, we reflect on the lasting impact of the Camino de Santiago on Harold's life. Harold chats about his own love for travel and adventure, sharing insights on the importance of spontaneity and the value of accommodations that balance comfort and proximity to the action. With memorable advice for future travelers and an impromptu song aptly titled "The Camino Saved Me," Harold's reflections offer a heartfelt guide for anyone looking to embark on their own Camino journey.

Connect with Harold:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/haroldpaynemusic909
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HaroldPayneMusic

All songs are original songs written and performed by Harold Payne

Support the show

Become a supporter of The Camino Cafe Podcast:

🎙️💖 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1751717/support

Buy Me a Coffee:

☕️💛 https://buymeacoffee.com/caminocafepodcast

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
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Follow us on Instagram:
📸 https://www.instagram.com/thecaminocafepodcast/

🎵 The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song is in thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter.

Send us a text

Global Camino 
https://www.waytostjames.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/waytostjamescygnet/

Tasmanian Camino and Global Camion Website:
https://www.waytostjames.com.au/

Camino Cafe Podcast Interview with Ella, Denise, and Denis
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/119-the-neal-family-walking-the-camino-a/id1562037974?i=1000666935472

Follow the Neal Family on IG for their upcoming Camino walk starting September 1st
https://www.instagram.com/neals4fibro/

Video about their upcoming walk:
https://youtu.be/CtVm6sh3QVo?si=AjbyE3Yb4_6Pc0BB

Neal Family's Blog
https://thewaytoacure.wordpress.com/

To Support Fibro Fighters in finding a cure:
https://secure.givelively.org/donate/fibrofighters-foundation-inc/neals4fibro?ref=1c062159-e55f-4a1c-87cd-e570d2bfa17a


Cruisin’ with the Colemans
https://www.youtube.com/@CruisinwiththeColemans


Living to Be with Reino Gevers -  Interview with Johnnie Walker and Leigh Brennan
Video - https://youtu.be/zt6c4fq-gfQ?si=ENFvACo6aW5QRA5o
Audio - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-future-of-the-camino-overrated-and-overcrowded/id1555111254?i=1000666226176

Hotel Booking Service with PIlgrim Kiley Brennan 
[email protected]

https://www.foratravel.com

Thanks to our CNU Team this week, especially Patricia Rose for recording our show and Sven Kaven for special photography.

Support the show

Become a supporter of The Camino Cafe Podcast:

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Buy Me a Coffee:

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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
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Follow us on Instagram:
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🎵 The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song is in thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter.

Send us a text

Global Camino

Registration for Global Camino - FREE
https://facebook.com/events/s/way-to-st-james-global-camino-/1232047184820117/

Global and Tassie Camino Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/waytostjamescygnet/

Tasmanian Camino and Global Camion Website:
https://www.waytostjames.com.au/


What if you could walk the Camino from the comfort of your home? Join us on the Camino Cafe podcast as we welcome Leanne Prichard, the visionary behind the Tassie and Global Caminos. Leanne takes us through the genesis of the virtual Camino, born out of the necessity during the COVID pandemic, and how it has since evolved into a beacon of hope and connection for pilgrims worldwide. She shares her own transformative journey on the Camino Frances in 2018 and her heartfelt mission to give back to the global Camino community through these innovative events.

Explore the unique blend of local and global experiences that the Tasmanian Camino offers. With stories of pilgrims from diverse climates like Canada and Central Australia, the event showcases remarkable inclusivity. Hear about the extensive support provided to local participants, from accommodation and food to the transportation of camping gear. We also share touching anecdotes of emotional connections formed during the walks, including a 95-year-old participant who embodies the spirit of the Camino. The episode underscores the importance of fostering a sense of global community, peace, and solidarity through the shared experience of walking.

Finally, dive into the logistics and enriching experiences of the Tasmanian Camino, enhanced by live-streamed events that connect global participants. Enjoy musical performances, communal singing, and the symbolic carrying of an icon of St. James. Reflect on the transformative nature of the Camino, with personal stories of career changes and newfound appreciation for life's journey. This episode is a tribute to savoring each moment and embracing the full pilgrimage experience, inspiring gratitude and mindfulness in all who listen. Don't miss this chance to reconnect with the Camino spirit and be part of a global community of walkers.

Support the show

Become a supporter of The Camino Cafe Podcast:

🎙️💖 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1751717/support

Buy Me a Coffee:

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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel:
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Follow us on Instagram:
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🎵 The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song is in thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter.