The Camino Cafe

Leigh Brennan
  • 4.6 (48)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Camino is all about connection. Reconnecting to your soul and connecting with the people you meet while walking. Pour a glass of Vino Tinto at The Camino Cafe as we feature the stories of Pilgrims. We hope to inspire those that want to walk the Camino someday and to nurture the Camino essence for those that have already walked through telling the stories of our pilgrimages. Join Host, Leigh Brennan, as she discusses all things Camino with fellow Pilgrims. Interviews are also available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6VN9ze3z61n6tRLtDXWuQw and at our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thecaminocafehttps://linktr.ee/leighbrennan

  1. JAN 29

    131 - Camino Talk Show - Featuring Johnnie Walker, Shoshana Kerewsky, and Rebecca Martinez

    Send us a text A new talk show format! Join our conversation as we discuss various Camino topics to help in planning your first walk or to reminisce about your own pilgrim experiences. We open with on‑the‑ground news from Santiago: fierce winter storms, a rare snowfall, and a temporary closure at Santiago’s airport that will reroute some spring arrivals. We separate fact from rumor around a potential papal visit, and even share a peek at a Netflix production setting up a medieval market near the cathedral. Context matters—understanding timing, transport, and crowds helps you walk with more ease and fewer surprises. From there, we dive into the questions every pilgrim wrestles with. Should you book ahead or keep your plans loose? Our panel compares stress levels, seasonal crowds, budget realities, and friendship dynamics, then offers a hybrid approach that preserves spontaneity while safeguarding rest. We also unpack the solo question with honest care: why walking alone can be empowering, how to set clear boundaries when a friend asks to join, and practical safety moves like checking in at cafes, choosing more populated routes, and carrying simple tools that boost confidence. We also say the quiet part out loud: bio breaks and trail etiquette. Hydrate smart, use cafe bathrooms respectfully, carry out your toilet paper, and skip foot care at the table. You’ll learn the kit that prevents blisters—toe socks, midday sock changes, and walking your own pace—and the micro‑habits that keep you injury‑free when the crowd moves faster than your body wants. And because a Camino isn’t just kilometers, we celebrate small delights: a cold stream that resets swollen feet, a shady tree nap that restores patience, or a dawn birdwatch with Merlin that opens a new window into Spain’s landscape. We close with ways to give back, from hospitalero training and albergue service to local food pantries and trail cleanups. Whether you’re mapping your first steps or returning for your sixth route, this conversation offers grounded advice, real‑world examples, and the gentle nudge to make choices that match your season of life. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a pilgrim friend, and leave a quick review—what’s your top Camino tip for new walkers? 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: 🔴 ▶️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.

    1h 11m

  2. JAN 25

    130 - Madrid’s New Gateway For Pilgrims

    Send us a text Important links mentioned in the show: Albergue Comendadoras de Santiago de Madrid and Welcome Center: https://www.caminodesantiagooficial.com/ To Join American Pilgrims on the Camino: https://americanpilgrims.org/membership/ Wonderful video showing the albergue and welcome center, and a "how to" for booking a bed at Albergue Comendadoras: https://youtu.be/gNjBXyJSBhA?si=JgUZqMjMSxFFwFPu List of collaborating associations with the Albergue Comendadoras de Santiago de Madrid and Welcome Center: Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago de Astorga y ComarcaCamino Francés Federación (CFF)Asociación de Amigos del Camino de Corea en MadridFraternidad Internacional del Camino de Santiago (FICS)American Pilgrims on the CaminoPeaceable ProjectsCanadian Company of Pilgrims.St. Jakobusbruderschart TrierAsociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago en JapónForeningen af Danske SantiagopilgrimmeAsociación de Amigos del Camino de Santiago en Argentina 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: 🔴 ▶️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.

    47 min
  3. 129 - When a Dream Becomes a Legacy: The Story of Pilgrim House with Founders, Faith & Nate, as They Pass the Baton

    JAN 11

    129 - When a Dream Becomes a Legacy: The Story of Pilgrim House with Founders, Faith & Nate, as They Pass the Baton

    Send us a text 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. 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: 🔴 ▶️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.

    41 min
  4. 128 - Walk With The World: The Global Camino & Remembering Judy Colaneri & Ella Neal

    JAN 6

    128 - Walk With The World: The Global Camino & Remembering Judy Colaneri & Ella Neal

    Send us a text 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 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: 🔴 ▶️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.

    19 min
  5. 127 - Dan Jarvis: Camino de Santiago Mistakes I Made — and Why I Keep Going Back

    11/02/2025

    127 - Dan Jarvis: Camino de Santiago Mistakes I Made — and Why I Keep Going Back

    Send us a text 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 FrancesHow the Camino helps Dan with anxiety and restores clarityThe power of solo travel and pilgrimageLessons 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/ 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: 🔴 ▶️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.

    52 min
  6. 126 - Judy Colaneri: The Camino Changed Everything

    08/26/2025

    126 - Judy Colaneri: The Camino Changed Everything

    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 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: 🔴 ▶️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.

    55 min

  7. 04/18/2025

    125 - Camino News Update is back - April 2025 - Walking Season is Kicking into Full Gear with Johnnie Walker Santiago and Rocco Rossi

    Send us a text 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: 🎙️💖 https://www.buzzsprout.com/1751717/support Buy Me a Coffee: ☕️💛 https://buymeacoffee.com/caminocafepodcast 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.

    15 min
  8. 124 - The Camino Calls Us Back, No Matter How Far We Wander with Rocco Rossi

    04/18/2025

    124 - The Camino Calls Us Back, No Matter How Far We Wander with Rocco Rossi

    Send us a text 2026 Camino Walks with the Camino Cafe Podcast -  with Leigh and Rocco:  Email mailto:leighbrennan+caminocafe@gmail.com 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: ☕️💛 https://buymeacoffee.com/caminocafepodcast 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.

    27 min
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4.6
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

The Camino is all about connection. Reconnecting to your soul and connecting with the people you meet while walking. Pour a glass of Vino Tinto at The Camino Cafe as we feature the stories of Pilgrims. We hope to inspire those that want to walk the Camino someday and to nurture the Camino essence for those that have already walked through telling the stories of our pilgrimages. Join Host, Leigh Brennan, as she discusses all things Camino with fellow Pilgrims. Interviews are also available on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6VN9ze3z61n6tRLtDXWuQw and at our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/thecaminocafehttps://linktr.ee/leighbrennan

Information

  • Creator
    Leigh Brennan
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    131
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Camino Cafe
  • Show Website
    The Camino Cafe

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