Sacred Steps Podcast

Kevin Donahue, Camino de Santiago
  • 4.9 (62)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Biweekly

Walking virtually alongside pilgrims and authors, the Sacred Steps Podcast explores the world's most revered footpaths, connecting a community of pilgrims from across the globe. From the Camino de Santiago through Spain to the Via Francigena across Europe to Italy, the podcast features updates and first-hand accounts from the footpaths of pilgrimage. A companion to Kevin Donahue's pilgrimage books (The Pilgrims' Table and Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal), the podcast also introduces several lesser-known journeys, such as England’s Pilgrims’ Way to Canterbury and the California Missions Trail in the United States.

  1. Jul 14

    S4E5: Walking the Camino Alongside Three Talented Authors

    On today's episode, we're exploring the creative projects of three Camino authors:  María Seco, Angela Leslee, and Shoshana Kerewsky. Each with her own unique perspective, they are taking inspiration from their own experiences on the Camino de Santiago and inspiring pilgrims with very different approaches to the Camino Fiction genre.  From her home on the Camino Portugués, Spanish teacher and author María Seco crafts easy-reading Spanish-language fiction that helps pilgrims build the language skills for a richer Camino. Author Angela Leslee brings women's fiction to the Camino Francés in her Camino Curious series, following women who set off to walk 500 miles in search of answers — with a little magic along the way. And author Shoshana Kerewsky, a retired psychotherapist and multiple-time pilgrim, blends lyrical prose and poetry into award-winning reflections on the Camino, identity, and healing. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps Podcast https://www.sacredstepspodcast.com Leave a Voice Message for the Podcast https://www.sacredstepspodcast.com/voicemail/ Kevin's Book: The Pilgrim's Table https://www.thepilgrimstable.com MARÍA SECO WWW: Spanish for Camino https://spanishforcamino.com BOOK: Mi Primer Camino de Santiago (Easy-Spanish Novel) https://www.amazon.com/Mi-primer-Camino-Santiago-Spanish-ebook/dp/B09YRTYHG9 BOOK: Historias Tras Cada Paso — Legends & Curiosities of the Camino Portuguéshttps://spanishforcamino.com/books/ E-BOOK: Spanish for the Camino Workbook (Free) https://spanishforcamino.com ANGELA LESLEE WWW: Angela Leslee — Author https://www.angelaleslee.com BOOK: Camino Magic (Camino Curious Series, Book 1) https://www.amazon.com/Camino-Magic-Angela-Leslee-ebook/dp/B0DKRZK7FP BOOK: Camino Secrets (Camino Curious Series, Book 2) https://us.amazon.com/Camino-Secrets-Curious-Angela-Leslee/dp/B0FDMCBPTH BOOK: Camino Family (Camino Curious Series, Book 3) https://www.amazon.com/Camino-Family-Curious-Angela-Leslee/dp/B0G4VJM1C1 BOX SET: Camino Curious Series, Books 1–3 https://www.angelaleslee.com/camino-curious-box-set MEMOIR: The Way of Love: On the Camino de Santiago https://www.amazon.com/Way-Love-Camino-Santiago/dp/1793252998 SHOSHANA KEREWSKY WWW: Shoshana D. Kerewsky https://shoshanakerewsky.wordpress.com BOOK: The Codex of Christian Surname  https://amzn.to/4fxp3Y9 BOOK: 50 Days in May: Reflections Along the Camino de Santiago https://shoshanakerewsky.wordpress.com CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE: Podcast Homepage — sacredstepspodcast.com https://www.sacredstepspodcast.com Kevin's Novel: The Pilgrim's Table https://www.thepilgrimstable.com Sacred Steps Books Author Store: https://www.sacredstepsbooks.shop Stream the Video Podcast on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@sacredstepspodcast Connect on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sacredstepsbooks View on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sacredstepsbooks MEET OUR GUESTS: María Seco A native Spaniard raised in a Camino village, María Seco taught Spanish in Ireland for 15 years before returning home to Spain, where she now lives along the Camino Portugués. Through her blog, books, and podcast at Spanish for Camino, María helps English-speaking pilgrims learn the Spanish language and culture they need for a richer, more meaningful Camino. Her easy-Spanish novel, Mi Primer Camino de Santiago, follows first-time pilgrim Emma across a six-day walk to Santiago — teaching real-world Camino vocabulary through story. Angela Leslee Angela Leslee considers life an adventure — whether it's walking 500 miles across an entire country, living off the grid in a tiny house, or swimming with whales in the open ocean. Following three memoirs, including The Way of Love: On the Camino de Santiago, Angela turned to fiction with her Camino Curious series: Camino Magic, Camino Secrets, and Camino Family. Her women's fiction follows pilgrims who set out on the Camino de Santiago to make sense of their lives — engrossing stories sprinkled with a little magic. Shoshana Kerewsky Shoshana D. Kerewsky is a retired psychotherapist and faculty emerita who has walked the Camino de Santiago several times. Her award-winning book Cancer, Kintsugi, Camino: A Memoir — winner of a Firebird Book Award and a Pacific Book Award for Best Memoir — weaves lyrical prose and poetry into a narrative mosaic exploring pilgrimage, identity, illness, and healing. Her follow-up, 50 Days in May: Reflections Along the Camino de Santiago, continues her meditative reflections from the Way. Her writing has appeared in La Concha and numerous other publications. MEET THE HOST: Kevin Donahue Husband. Father. Backpacker. Pilgrim. Author. Kevin Donahue began walking pilgrimage routes across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.A. in 2019. The host of the Sacred Steps Podcast, his work reflects a deep belief that the most meaningful journeys are measured not in miles but in the lives impacted. The first book in Donahue’s Camino Chronicles series, The Pilgrim’s Table, debuted as both a #1 New Release and #1 Bestseller for Religious Travel on Amazon.com. The novel follows five pilgrims across the Camino de Santiago towards a communal meal on Spain’s westernmost coast. What begins as a polite conversation over dinner deepens into laughter, confession, and unexpected grace. One by one, they realize their separate journeys have been asking similar questions all along. Not what have you accomplished? But who are you becoming? By dawn, the pilgrims will discover that the hardest part of any journey is not the walking. It’s what comes after. The second book in the Camino Chronicles series, The Pilgrim’s Letter,  is scheduled to debut in 2027. Available now at https://www.thepilgrimstable.com

  2. Jul 1 ·  Bonus

    S4E4: Global Launch Day - The Pilgrim's Table

    Author Kevin Donahue (www.kevindonahue.com) discusses his new novel, The Pilgrim's Table (www.thepilgrimstable.com) which is now available globally on Amazon. Buy The Pilgrim's Table Today Signed copies & bookstore: thepilgrimstable.com/storeAmazon (paperback / hardcover / Kindle): amzn.to/445WFpKLocal independent bookstores: bookshop.org/shop/kevindonahueBook club discussion guide & bulk orders: thepilgrimstable.com/book-clubIf you finish the book, a short, honest review — even three sentences — makes a real difference for a debut novel from a brand-new imprint. More From Kevin Newsletter (Pilgrim Newsletter): kevindonahue.com/newsletterAuthor site: kevindonahue.comSacred Steps Books: sacredstepsbooks.comFacebook: facebook.com/sacredstepsbooksInstagram: instagram.com/sacredstepsbooksComing next in the Camino Chronicles series: The Pilgrim's Letter (Book Two, 2027) — thepilgrimsletter.com ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    S4E4: Global Launch Day - The Pilgrim's Table

  3. Jun 30

    S4E3: Walking The Camino in the Extreme Heat

    Walking the Camino in summer heat? This episode is your practical survival guide for France, Spain, and Portugal — when to start, how to hydrate, how to spot heat exhaustion before it becomes heat stroke, and how to plan a route that respects the sun. Full written guide: kevindonahue.com Read The Pilgrim's Table: thepilgrimstable.com Weather resources mentioned: AEMET (Spain) — aemet.esIPMA (Portugal) — ipma.ptMétéo-France — meteofrance.comCDC Yellow Book, Heat & Cold Illness in Travelers — cdc.gov ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    S4E3: Walking The Camino in the Extreme Heat

  4. Jun 9

    S4E2: The Pilgrims of Muxía: The Pilgrim's Table

    Kevin Donahue goes inside his debut novel, The Pilgrim's Table, which is Book One of the Camino Chronicles series.  Five Camino pilgrims arrive, spent and searching, at Spain's final albergue to find unexpected grace... and discover their journey is only beginning. Book One of the Camino Chronicles. Available now at ThePilgrimsTable.com. Genre: Literary Fiction Series: The Camino Chronicles, Book One Publisher: Sacred Steps Books / Chez Mer StudiosISBN (Paperback): 979-8-9960935-0-2 ISBN (Hardcover): 979-8-9960935-1-9 Comparable titles: The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, A Man Called Ove LINKS AND RESOURCES The Book Get The Pilgrim's Table - hardcover, paperback, and digital: www.thepilgrimstable.com Book Club Materials: The novel includes a full Leader's Guide, discussion questions, recipes from Matthieu's dinner menu, a Spanish-language guide, a pilgrim journal template, and a curated Spotify playlist. All available at www.thepilgrimstable.com The Series The Camino Chronicles - series overview, Book Two updates, and news: www.caminochronicles.com The Author Kevin Donahue - author home, writing, and updates: www.kevindonahue.com Sacred Steps Books The publishing imprint behind the Camino Chronicles: www.sacredstepsbooks.com Pilgrimage Resources Routes, planning, and pilgrim community: www.onestepthenanother.com Contact and Inquiries inquiries@chezmerstudios.com ABOUT YOUR HOST Author Kevin Donahue (The Pilgrim's Table, Pilgrim Paths)began walking pilgrimage routes across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States in 2019 - including the Camino de Santiago in 2019 and again in 2023 with his son, the Via Francigena to Rome in 2024, the Pilgrim's Way from London to Canterbury, the Way of St. Cuthbert to Holy Island, and the California Missions Trail. After more than twenty-five years in luxury hospitality, he retired early to spend more intentional time with family and to pursue the work that matters most to him. He hosts two podcasts - Sacred Steps (pilgrimage) and Casual Mondays (early retirement) - and lives in Florida with his wife, son, and their two beagles, Otis and Larry. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    S4E2: The Pilgrims of Muxía: The Pilgrim's Table

  5. May 18

    S4:E1 How Pilgrimage Changes After The Journey

    Following a three-year hiatus, the Sacred Steps Podcast returns to discuss how pilgrimage can continue to transform you after the journey. After experiencing loss, grief, and devoting time to caregiving, host Kevin Donahue discusses how pilgrimage helped steer his daily reflection and journaling. In the interim, Kevin completed his first novel, The Pilgrims Table, which is now available for pre-sale at http://www.thepilgrimstable.com. THE PILGRIMS TABLEOn an October evening in Muxía, Spain – the place medievals called “the end of the world” – five strangers arrive separately at a pilgrim inn. A Boston woman who has just walked 1,600 kilometers away from a 23-year marriage. A young man, eight months sober, finishing his Camino on a bus. A Canadian couple on their fourth Camino, contemplating retirement and what matters most. A Spanish teacher carrying her dead brother’s stone. Their host, a French chef who escaped corporate kitchens, has never walked the Camino himself. A communal meal at the end of their journey leads to laughter, confessions, and unexpected grace. It’s a story about the challenges we carry, the questions we haven’t answered, and the strangers who sometimes see us best. ORDER YOUR COPY NOW:  SACRED STEPS BOOKSTOREAUTHOR SIGNED COPIESBOOK CLUB BULK ORDERSBOOK CLUB LEADERS GUIDEAMAZONCONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE: Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.comSacred Steps BooksCamino ChroniclesConnect on FacebookView on InstagramMEET THE HOST: Kevin Donahue Husband. Father. Backpacker. Pilgrim. Author. Kevin Donahue began walking pilgrimage routes across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the U.S.A. in 2019. The host of the Sacred Steps Podcast, his work reflects a deep belief that the most meaningful journeys are measured not in miles but in the lives impacted. The Pilgrims Table, a Camino de Santiago pilgrimage novel, is the first book released in the Camino Chronicles series.  Kevin lives in Florida with his wife, son, and their two beagles, Otis and Larry. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    S4:E1 How Pilgrimage Changes After The Journey

  6. 05/03/2023

    S3:E10 Carrying Pilgrim Prayers on my Camino to the Tomb of St. Peter

    Nearly 70 pilgrims and families asked me to pray on their behalf at cathedrals and places of natural beauty throughout Italy during my Via Francigena pilgrimage to Rome. Born of all types of human conditions, their prayers were simultaneously the lightest and heaviest thing I carried along my journey. The experience changed me, my Camino, and the way I see view the power of pilgrimage. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps PodcastLeave a Voice Message for the PodcastKevin's Book: The Pilgrims' Table Prayer Requests: Allow Kevin to Carry Your Prayers to Santiago de Compostela CONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE: Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.comSacred Steps: A Pilgrimage JournalStream the Video Podcast on YouTube Connect on FacebookView 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 PreviewBrought 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. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    S3:E10 Carrying Pilgrim Prayers on my Camino to the Tomb of St. Peter

  7. 04/19/2023

    S3:E9 Slowing Down & Discovering the World | Cruisin with the Colemans

    The Camino de Santiago ignited a passion for slow travel and the discovery it affords teachers Brian & Michelle Coleman. They followed the road across the United States and walked pilgrimage routes throughout Europe. Now the Colemans share their journies to inspire others who are seeking slower, more fulfilling journies. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps PodcastLeave a Voice Message for the PodcastKevin's Book: The Pilgrims' Table Camino Packing ListWWW: Cruisin with the ColemansFACEBOOK: Cruisin with the ColemansINSTAGRAM: Cruisin with the ColemansYOUTUBE: Cruisin with the ColemansTIKTOK: Cruisin with the ColemansCONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE: Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.comSacred Steps: A Pilgrimage JournalStream the Video Podcast on YouTube Connect on FacebookView on InstagramMEET OUR GUEST:   Brian & Michelle Coleman Having traveled much of the United States, Mexico, and Europe, Brian and Michelle Coleman developed a love of slow travel. From the windshield of their RV, from hiking trails, to pilgrim pathways, the Colemans love finding quaint towns across the globe, mastering a big city, and can’t get enough of  state and national parks. 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 PreviewBrought 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. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    S3:E9 Slowing Down & Discovering the World | Cruisin with the Colemans

  8. 04/05/2023

    S3:E8 Through a Field of Stars | Exploring the Camino de Santiago with Author Brian J. Skillen

    Author Brian J. Skillen (http://www.brianjohnskillen.com/) heard legends of the Knights Templar in Spain on the first day of his Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. He followed Templar symbols alongside Camino arrows and discovered the basis for his first Camino trilogy: Through A Field of Stars. His three books have become international best-sellers, following the dramatic saga of sacred relics and brave knights across the Camino Frances.  Brian joins the podcast along with his partner, Chelsea, to share behind-the-scenes stories of his books and their most recent Camino pilgrimage. DISCUSSIONS FROM THIS EPISODE: Sacred Steps PodcastLeave a Voice Message for the PodcastKevin's Book: The Pilgrims' Table WWW: Brian John SkillenBOOK: The Way Through a Field of StarsBOOK: Back Through a Field of StarsBOOK: Home Through a Field of StarsCONNECT WITH THE SHOW ONLINE: Podcast Homepage - sacredstepspodcast.comSacred Steps: A Pilgrimage JournalStream the Video Podcast on YouTube Connect on FacebookView on InstagramMEET OUR GUEST:   Brian John Skillen An award-winning author, Brian John Skillen grew up with dyslexia and a third-grade reading and spelling level in high school. He never in a million years thought he would be an author. Brian used his ability to turn thoughts backward to become an internationally touring dance instructor, who found the Camino de Santiago while on tour in Spain. In the small town of Castrojeriz, he was first told about a secret code of the Knights Templar on the Camino de Santiago. As he hiked the Camino across Spain, the code played out along the route, inspiring the best-selling Through a Field of Stars series.  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 PreviewBrought 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. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

    S3:E8 Through a Field of Stars | Exploring the Camino de Santiago with Author Brian J. Skillen
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About

Walking virtually alongside pilgrims and authors, the Sacred Steps Podcast explores the world's most revered footpaths, connecting a community of pilgrims from across the globe. From the Camino de Santiago through Spain to the Via Francigena across Europe to Italy, the podcast features updates and first-hand accounts from the footpaths of pilgrimage. A companion to Kevin Donahue's pilgrimage books (The Pilgrims' Table and Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal), the podcast also introduces several lesser-known journeys, such as England’s Pilgrims’ Way to Canterbury and the California Missions Trail in the United States.

Information

  • Creator
    Kevin Donahue, Camino de Santiago
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2020 - 2023 SacredStepsPodcast.com
  • Show Website
    Sacred Steps Podcast

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