What do you do when your Camino experience is hit with a massive plot twist, and not the good kind? Who do you turn to when you are far away from home, immersed in a life-changing pilgrimage, and you are blindsided by a medical emergency?

In this week’s episode you are going to hear from pilgrim Jodi, whose Camino derailed in the most spectacular fashion, again, not in a good way.

But Jodi has found several ways to walk through the surprises and the disappointment that came with them, and today you get to hear her story.

Starting on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, everyone is welcome to join our challenge, Mining the Lessons of the Camino, and get a preview of our new pilgrim community, La Terraza.

Sign up here to get the bonus content not shared on the podcast: http://thecaminoexperience.com/challenge 

Registration is now open for both of my 2026 Camino Experience groups. Here are the dates we will be together on the trail from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona:

May 8-15

Get the whole story at https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/ 

#youonthecamino

Pilgrim Clare's story has two parts – with pilgrimages taking place on two different Camino routes, one year apart. On her first walk, she had the mother of all plot twists, but curiously, she’s not mad about it. On her second walk, she filled in all the Camino blanks and finished strong in Santiago.

Because Clare walked on two different routes, she is able to give us a really helpful comparison of what it was like to start from Saint Jean Pied de Port and Porto. If you are debating between the two routes, this is going to help you make that decision.

Clare is also going to give us what I think is the number one reason to share your Camino experience with friends and family. Spoiler alert: it has something to do with inspiration.

Reconnect with the spirit of your Camino journey and uncover the lessons that still have the power to guide and transform your everyday life with the La Terraza August challenge: Mining the lessons of the Camino.

Sign up today: https://thecaminoexperience.com/challenge 

Register before Wednesday, August 13 so you don't miss a thing!

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What is at the heart of the pilgrim experience?

So may things, but one stands out: The moments we share with other pilgrims. Some of these are people we meet along the way, and then there are the ones we bring with us, like Jarrett and Amy who walked the Camino as a couple.

Amy shares what she learned from walking in the mud, and Jarrett shares the joy of slowing down to someone else's pace. And a whole lot more!

The most daunting part of walking the Camino is getting started. Why not get off to a great start with the Camino Experience. The start dates for 2026 are now available.

Get the dates and put your name on the early registration wait list here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk 

Why walk the Camino if you are going to leave all the lessons, stories, and connections on the trail or in Santiago? Instead, bring it all back home with you and keep the magic and spirit of the Camino alive in your everyday life. 

Registration for our new pilgrim community, La Terraza, opens for seasoned pilgrims in mid-August 2025. Find out more here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/laterraza 

#youonthecamino

Walking for two weeks in solid rain didn't dampen Paul's spirits. In fact, he found that the tough times make for better memories.

He discovers the generosity of other pilgrims, and a deeper sense of our shared humanity, and it all leads to the beautiful simplicity found in the life of a pilgrim.

Have you found your passion? Paul has. Spoiler alert: It's the Camino de Santiago!

I have some exciting things coming up in August 2025. To be the first to hear of all the cool stuff coming your way, be sure to get on my email list. You will also get my Camino planning Roadmap and my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists).

Go here: http://thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap 

#youonthecamino

How many months did you spend – or have you spent – planning and preparing for your pilgrimage?

What if you planned to spend that much time on bringing back the benefits of your journey? It’s an interesting question, yes?

The thing is, we can’t really avoid spending that time integrating the Camino into our lives - it has to be done - so I think a better question is how do we do that well? That’s what this big reveal is all about.

How do we keep that spirit alive?

The answer: community

I have some exciting things coming up in August 2025. To be the first to hear of all the cool stuff coming your way, be sure to get on my email list. You will also get my Camino planning Roadmap and my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists).

Go here: http://thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap 

#youonthecamino

*** The podcast is taking a break next week and will return

Some dreams have to be put on hold for a very long time.

What I love about this week's pilgrim conversation is Katey’s honesty and vulnerability as she explores the themes of her pilgrimage.

Specifically, what is the significance of going after your dream – you know, the one you have been hanging onto for decades. And what happens when you finally give yourself permission to make that dream come true?

Maybe you will hear parts of your own story in Katey’s story.

I have some exciting announcements coming up in July 2025. To be the first to hear of all the cool stuff coming your way, be sure to get on my email list. You will also get my Camino planning Roadmap and my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists).

Go here: http://thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap 

#youonthecamino

Telling our stories is such an important part of the Camino experience, and it starts long before we take our first steps on the trail.

My guest this week, Eden, does an amazing job of showing just how important the pre-Camino story is. And she shows us that pilgrimage isn’t just about the pilgrim; rather, it touches the lives of everyone who knows you are going to make this journey. You’ll see.

There’s more to it, too. Eden reminds us that walking the Camino is so much more than the physical walk. So getting ready to walk the Camino can’t be all about packing and getting the right backpack and boots and other gear. It also has to be about getting ready mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

This is a story of courage, on several fronts. I hope you enjoy it!

I am always looking for compelling stories to share on this podcast. Right now I am looking to talk with people who have walked more than one Camino and who can share about their experiences bringing the Camino home.

Let me know you are interested here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/podcast-guest-request-form/ 

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Life can be challenging at times, but what do you do when those tough times come at you rapid fire, one thing right after the next? 

You walk the Camino.

Life: no small feat

The Camino: no small feat

Pilgrim Kristen will be walking with one of her best friends, and they intend to walk an "entire Camino." Find out why, along with some solid inspiration to make this journey your own.

Here are the shows Kristen talked about in the interview:

Rick Steves' Europe on YouTube

Alex Polizzi's Secret Spain on YouTube

Alex Polizzi's Spectacular Spain on YouTube

The trailer for 3 Caminos

The trailer for The Way My Way

The song I Shall Not Walk Alone

Here is the poem she shared:

I Will Leave This House, by Joseph Auslander

The Camino Experience has some exciting things coming your way soon. If you would like to be the first to know about them, join my email list and grab your free copy of my Top 10 Camino tips (that don't usually show up on the top 10 lists). Sign up here: https://pages.thecaminoexperience.com/tips 

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Today I have some updates on the pilgrim registration requirements and for the Francés route:

 >> updates to the luggage transport services

And then my favorite topic:

 >> How do we deal with the hardest part of the entire Camino experience?

 >> How do we fill our lives with what I call Camino-grade experiences?

To jump ahead to this part of the episode, when I talk about bringing home the Camino experience, go to the 14:20 minute mark.

Here are the places mentioned in this episode:

 >> Caminoteca pilgrim shop: https://caminoteca.com/

 >> Rock N Roll Pizza: https://rockandrollpizza.es/

 >> Jacotrans, use discount code DAG: https://www.jacotrans.es/en/

In 2025 and beyond, accommodation hosts are required to collect additional data on their guests.

For a list of albergues currently using the Pilgrim Pass system, go here: https://pilgrim-pass.web.app/#/lodgings

If you would like to get this taken care of before go, here is the website: https://cms-pilgrim-pass.web.app/preregistration

If you have walked at least two Caminos, I would love to have you as a guest on the podcast to answer this question:

What has been the secret of your success in bringing home your pilgrimage?

Or maybe you haven't been all that successful. Let's talk about that too! You can let me know you're interested in being a guest here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/podcast-guest-request-form/

#youonthecamino

In this episode I am going to answer a handful of first-time pilgrim questions that are showing up nonstop on social media. Questions like:

Do I need to reserve a bed or room in advance?

I would love to help you do that!

If your pilgrimage had an "alternative ending," meaning you didn't finish in Santiago, I would love to have you as a guest on the podcast.

You can email me directly at [email protected] or complete this form to let me know you are interested.

#youonthecamino