WHY SHARING YOUR CAMINO STORY IS SO IMPORTANT When we return home from the Camino, one of our greatest needs is simply to talk about the experience. We need to tell our stories. You can see this on social media and all over YouTube. So many stories! So many people feel compelled to recount what happened and where and with whom. Look at this, look at that! Our stories connect us to each other and inspire us to reach higher. In sharing about our Camino experiences, we come to understand them better, and we discover hidden treasures in the factual accounting of what happened, when, where, and how. Today I am going to share with you five reasons why telling our Camino stories is so important. And then I want to share with you some actual stories pilgrims have been sharing within La Terraza. Then, we will wrap up with the third audio session from our community challenge, mining the lessons of the Camino. GET THE FULL CHALLENGE Sign up here to get all the content of the Mining the Lessons of the Camino challenge: https://thecaminoexperience.com/challenge  #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR AFTER THE CAMINO? For many people, walking the Camino totally lives up to the hype. Their experiences match what they see in all the YouTube videos and the movies like The Way. For others, not so much. But here’s the catch: no matter what experience you had on the Camino, you still had to re-enter life at home. In this episode, I am going to share with you a bit more of my after-the-Camino story as a way to show you what’s possible if you put as much attention on what happens after the Camino as you do to getting ready and walking. And then I am going to share with you the second part of our August challenge, mining the lessons of the Camino. The goal here is to give you a glimpse into our new pilgrim community, La Terraza, and to show you how we are meeting the seemingly insurmountable challenge of bringing home the Camino experience. You invested so much time and money in your pilgrimage, let’s make sure you reap the rewards of your efforts and investment. GET THE FULL CHALLENGE Sign up here to get all the content of the Mining the Lessons of the Camino challenge: https://thecaminoexperience.com/challenge  #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

THE CHALLENGE OF BRINGING THE CAMINO HOME If you have already walked one of the Camino routes, you may have discovered that coming home after the Camino is the hardest part of the entire Camino experience. I’ve been there, and not just once or twice. Every time I have come home from the Camino over the past 20 years, I have been faced with what seemed like a monumental, insurmountable challenge: adjusting to life off the Camino and somehow keeping the spirit of the Camino alive in my life. We have to talk about this. We focus so much attention on getting ready for the Camino, and then you spend your time on the trail deeply immersed in the experience. Now we have to attend to the after part. We have to gather some tools and resources for pilgrims returning home from the Camino, so we can round out the Camino experience. In this bonus episode and the next four, we are going to look at how to bring home the Camino experience. Specifically, we are going to explore what you have been up against since returning home. And then I am going to share with you some ideas for how to take on one of the biggest challenges pilgrims face when they come home: finding and understanding the lessons of the Camino. GET THE FULL CHALLENGE Sign up here to get all the content of the Mining the Lessons of the Camino challenge: https://thecaminoexperience.com/challenge  #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

PLOT TWIST!!! 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. JOIN THE LA TERRAZA CHALLENGE! 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  JOIN ME ON THE CAMINO IN 2026 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 8-15September 11-18 Get the whole story at https://thecaminoexperience.com/walk-with-me/    #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

CAMINO ROUTE FACE OFF: FRANCÉS VS PORTUGUESE 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. READY FOR A CHALLENGE? 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!   #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

THE SHARED PILGRIM EXPERIENCE 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! WALK WITH ME IN 2026! 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  BRING IT ALL BACK HOME WITH YOU 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#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

MISHAPS MAKE THE MEMORIES 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! GET ON MY EMAIL LIST . . . NOW! 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#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

JOIN ME ON THE TERRACE OF THE SPANISH BAR 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   #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

WHEN IT'S TIME FOR YOU *** The podcast is taking a break next week and will return on Tuesday, July 15*** 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.   GET ON MY EMAIL LIST . . . NOW! 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#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

TESTING BOUNDARIES, EXPLORING FAITH 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!   WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE MY GUEST? 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/    #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

THIS IS NO SMALL FEAT 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 Here is the poem she shared: I Will Leave This House, by Joseph Auslander   BE THE FIRST TO KNOW ABOUT WHAT'S NEXT 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    #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

SHARING MY BIG VISION! Today I have some updates on the pilgrim registration requirements and for the Francés route:  >> updates to the luggage transport services >> new places to buy gear, and  >> where to find the best pizza 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/ GET REGISTERED BEFORE YOU GO 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 TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT! 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#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

LET'S CLEAR UP A FEW THINGS! 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: How hard is it, really? Do you have to train? What’s the weather going to be like? Do I need a sleeping bag? Do I need to reserve a bed or room in advance? READY TO TELL YOUR STORY? 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 nancy@thecaminoexperience.com or complete this form to let me know you are interested.   #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

MAKING MEMORIES, LIVING HIS DREAMS My guest in this episode said yes to walking the Camino before he even knew what that really meant. Is it a leap of faith or simply saying yes to life? Either way, Ron shows us that now is the time to say take on those big dreams and goals. After losing nearly 80 lbs by eating less and moving more, Ron is ready to take on the physical, mental, and spiritual challenge of walking the Camino. Wondering about the "marvelous resource" Ron refers to during our conversation? That's the Camino Planning Kit, available at https://thecaminoexperience.com/kit/ It will take you from where you are now - wherever you are in the research and planning process - all the way to taking your first steps on the Camino Francés and beyond.   #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

SAY YES. YES, THIS IS POSSIBLE. What happens when you sense a loud, clear calling to walk the Camino de Santiago? Well, you do it. You put some dates on the calendar and you plan this thing. That’s what my guest today, Noel, did. The calling was mysterious yet unmistakable, so who was she to refuse it? And the timing coincides perfectly with a big milestone birthday, so this is the perfect time to take this journey.   DON'T MISS ANYTHING! Everything I offer to the pilgrim community is announced first on to my email list. You can join that list and also pick up your free copy of my Camino Planning Roadmap here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap/   FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA Looking for some Camino tips, wisdom, and inspiration? It's all here: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaminoExperience https://www.instagram.com/thecaminoexperience/   #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

WHEN HEALING TAKES PLACE ON THE PILGRIMAGE TRAIL I hope you are ready to be inpsired, because today I have the compelling after-the-Camino story of US veteran Paul who walked the Camino last October with the life-changing program offered by Warriors on the Way. (https://warriorsontheway.org/) Warriors on the Way is a pilgrimage on the Camino De Santiago that is designed to facilitate a combat veteran’s healing from PTSD and Moral Injury. This program works to reduce PTSD and Moral Injury symptoms, which in turn improves quality of life and helps in the effort to reduce the veteran suicide rate. The pilgrimage is led by Fr Steven Rindahl (US Army, Retired), who is an experienced pilgrim. Fr Steve has designed this pilgrimage based on his own pilgrimage experiences and supported by his doctorate in responding to combat trauma and through the US Army Chaplaincy course he developed and taught on how to provide a Ministerial Response to Moral Injury.   JOIN ME ON THE PODCAST? Do you have a story to tell? Of course you do! Let me know you are interested in being a guest on the podcast here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/podcast-guest-request-form/   FOLLOW ME ON THE CAMINO FRANCÉS During the month of May I will be posting tips and tricks right from the trail. Follow me here: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaminoExperience https://www.instagram.com/thecaminoexperience/ Or better yet, meet me out there somewhere!   #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

THE WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY, AND HOW OF IT Diana will be walking the Camino Portuguese with her daughter, and in this episode she reminds us that it is as important to plan the journey home from the Camino as it is to think about and plan the actual walking part. I won’t spoil the surprise; instead, I will invite you to open your mind and heart to new ways of doing things. In all, this is a story of getting the most out of the pilgrimage experience, and noticing before you go that reaching Santiago de Compostela isn’t the end of the journey. This is a story of love and the relationship between a mother and daughter, who are each finding their own reasons for making this pilgrimage, and for making it together. I also sneak in some thoughts on how to plan your return home from the Camino, in case you would like to make that transition go a little bit more smoothly.   LAST DAY TO TAKE 20% OFF THE CAMINO PLANNING KIT! Get your hands on all the instructions - all the how-tos – for how to plan your pilgrimage on the Camino Francés. But it has to be today if you want 20% off! Here's where to find it: https://thecaminoexperience.com/kit/   DON'T MISS ANYTHING! Everything I offer to the pilgrim community is announced first on to my email list. You can join that list and also pick up your free copy of my Camino Planning Roadmap here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/roadmap/   FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM I will be posting right from the Camino trail throughout most of May as I make my way from Logroño to Burgos and then from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona. (I know, it's a bit out of order. Crazy pilgrim that I am.) https://www.facebook.com/TheCaminoExperience https://www.instagram.com/thecaminoexperience/ Hope to see you out there!   #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

WHAT CHALLENGES DO COUPLES FACE ON THE CAMINO? Claire and Richard walked the Camino Francés in 2023 and had the time of their lives. While they walked the same trail, the same day-to-day stages, and they stayed in the same places every night, they still had their own unique experiences. What is it like to walk the Camino with a partner? Well, it's time to find out.   NOW THROUGH MAY 6 - 20% OFF THE CAMINO PLANNING KIT! Imagine a box delivered to your doorstep with everything you need – all the instructions, all the how-tos – for how to plan your pilgrimage on the Camino Francés. Imagine that rather than searching high and low on the internet to find the answers you need, you have it all in one place, at your fingertips, on one website or on in one app. That is the Camino Planning Kit, and now through May 6, 2025, you can take 20% off and get started right away with putting together your pilgrimage plan. Here's where to find it: https://thecaminoexperience.com/kit/   FOLLOW ME ON THE CAMINO FRANCÉS During the month of May I will be posting tips and tricks right from the trail. Follow me here: https://www.facebook.com/TheCaminoExperience https://www.instagram.com/thecaminoexperience/ Or better yet, meet me out there somewhere!   #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

6 FRIENDS MAKE THE JOURNEY TO SANTIAGO Kimberly shows us the value of making this pilgrimage with friends, with "your people." Any way you do it is valid, and I believe that each person ultimately chooses the way that is best for them, but there is definitely something to be said for sharing this journey with people who know you well, who know you at your best and at your worst and who love you anyway. Did someone say cheesecake?!? Yes! Here is where you find the best cheesecake in Santiago de Compolstela: Airas Nunes Café (easy to find with Google maps or similar)   GET YOUR CAMINO PLAN TOGETHER - 20 % OFF! The promotion on the Camino Planning Kit starts on Friday, April 25, here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/kit/   FOLLOW ME ON FACEBOOK OR INSTAGRAM I will be posting right from the Camino trail as I make my way from Logroño to Burgos and then from Saint Jean Pied de Port to Pamplona. (I know, it's a bit out of order. Crazy pilgrim that I am.) https://www.facebook.com/TheCaminoExperience https://www.instagram.com/thecaminoexperience/ Hope to see you out there!   #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast

READY FOR A WHOLE BUNCH OF PILGRIM WISDOM? It's all here! Pilgrim Sandra is taking a thoughtful and well thought out approach to her Camino experience. There's gold in here! Here is the pilgrim planning resource in Porto (Nicoletta) that Sandra used: https://your-camino.com/  WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED? If you have already walked one of the Camino routes, I would love to hear from you about what challenges you faced in returning home from the Camino. You can take the survey here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/aftersurvey/ BE ONE OF THE FIRST PEOPLE TO GET THE NEWLY REMODELED "CAMINO PLANNING KIT"! Promotion coming the last weekend in April. Let me know you are interested here: https://thecaminoexperience.com/promo/   #youonthecamino#caminodesantiago#firsttimepilgrim#thecaminoexperience#caminopodcast