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SACRED STEPS PODCAST

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.

Why Do We Seek Pilgrimage?

Pilgrims have embarked on journeys of discovery toward places of faith for thousands of years. While some have pursued natural destinations where the "veil is thin" between Heaven and Earth, others have sought venerated spaces built for worship. The Sacred Steps Podcast examines what calls us to pilgrimage in this modern era, exploring the questions pilgrims carry and the answers they may seek.

From the Camino de Santiago through Spain to the Via Francigena across Europe to Italy, the podcast features updates and firsthand accounts from the footpaths of pilgrimage.

Featured Episodes

In back-to-back episodes, author Kevin Donahue discusses walking three historic pilgrim footpaths in the United Kingdom, highlighting a journey of personal, historical, and spiritual discovery along the way.

Britain's Pilgrims' Way
Via Francigena
Pilgrim's Path to Holy Island

S2:E5 UK Pilgrimage: Walking England's Pilgrims Way

S2:E6 UK Pilgrimage: Via Francigena & Pilgrim Path to Holy Island

Recent Episodes

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May 3, 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 we...

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April 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 ...

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April 5, 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 discovere...

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Feb. 8, 2023

S3:E7 Planning Your 2023 Camino de Santiago | Livestream

Are you planning your first Camino de Santiago? In this dedicated live-streaming Q&A author & noted pilgrim Anne Born joins Kevin Donahue to share tips and answer questions submitted by pilgrims walking this year.

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Jan. 25, 2023

S3:E6 Pilgrimage: Lessons from the Camino & Ancient Pilgrim Paths

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

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Jan. 11, 2023

S3:E5 Walking England's Original Camino: The Pilgrimage to Walsingham

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

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Dec. 7, 2022

S3:E4 Dual Pilgrimage: Camino de Santiago & Japan's Kumano Kodo

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

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Nov. 23, 2022

S3:E3 The Camino Provides: Finding Hope, Happiness, and a New Home in Spain

"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

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Nov. 9, 2022

S3:E2 Spanish for Camino | Words & Phrases for your Pilgrimage

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.

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Recent Blog Posts

Dec. 5, 2022

Now Streaming in More than 50 Countries

I started the Sacred Steps Podcast at the depth of the Covid-19 global pandemic, at a time when we were staying far apart from one another physically. Personally, I was at an emotionally low point and missing the interactions with my Camin…

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Dec. 24, 2021

NOW AVAILABLE: Podcast Membership Access

Based on your feedback, I'm really excited to launch membership access to the podcast and some exclusive benefits that are available only in our behind-the-scenes community. Planning your first Camino? VIP MEMBERS can schedule one-on-one…

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Dec. 5, 2021

Record a Voicemail for an Upcoming Podcast Episode

I wanted to share a new feature that's been added to the website recently allowing you to record a voicemail. To share your voice memo, simply click SEND A VOICEMAIL to begin recording directly on your device. Your message can be up to 2 minutes in…

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About the Host

Kevin Donahue

Husband. Father. Backpacker. Pilgrim. Author.

Kevin Donahue began walking pilgrimage routes in 2019, joining the 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 his journeys form the basis for his first book, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal.

In his second book, The Pilgrims’ Table, Donahue takes on the role of storyteller, blending tales from pilgrims with his own experiences along the Camino de Santiago and Via Francigena. Drawn from authentic experiences, The Pilgrims’ Table is a heartfelt look at the transformational power of pilgrimage as seen through the eyes of five pilgrims from across the world, who find themselves joined together for one memorable dinner.

When he’s not on pilgrimage, Kevin hosts the Sacred Steps Podcast, streaming on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast app.

Reviews

Really Appreciate This Podcast

"I have to say - not being able to walk the Camino this year because of COVID really got to me. I found this podcast and it’s been an absolutely wonderful way to stay connected to the Camino spirit. B…"

CaminoInUSA | Jan. 16, 2021

A moment of clarity during a bad year

"While most of 2020 has been driven by strife, conflict, and murder hornets, there have been hidden gems - this podcast included. The host brings a gentle sense of humor while staying focused on the …"

chiaspod | Dec. 1, 2020

Content excellent

"The actual content and choice of people interviews are interesting, and the actual conversations are enjoyable and pack in a lot of great information."

Highland Camino 2000 | Jan. 29, 2022

Early stages of learning about camino

"My favorite are the interview episodes so far! And learning people’s stories."

leadergal | Oct. 9, 2022

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