Jo Penn | An author finds light in her darkness on the Camino

Jo Penn is an award-winning, NY Times & USA Today Bestselling Author. Jo writes thrillers, dark fantasy, horror and crime titles, and is also a Podcaster. Her book, 'Pilgrimage: Lessons Learned from Solo Walking Three Ancient Ways', is about preparing, learning and getting the most out of your pilgrimage. I so loved this chat, and you'll love Jo's book, too. Find Pilgrimage: Lessons Learned from Solo Walking Three Ancient Ways here. And Jo's writing website, so you can publish your OWN Camino book is here

Nick Sassan is a young pilgrim from the United States with one of the most unusual Camino stories you’ll hear. While most walkers arrive armed with sturdy hiking boots and meticulously tested shoes, Nick set out on the ancient pilgrimage in… Birkenstock sandals. And yes — he walked all 800 kilometres of the Camino Francés in them. By the time he reached Santiago, he'd worn right through the soles.

Ken Huang RUNS the Camino!! In this episode of My Camino - the Podcast, Ken reflects on her life of long-distance running, her experiences during her adventures, including the Camino and the contrast between the anticipation of enlightenment and the reality of a blank mind. Ken discusses the instinctual navigation that takes over during these experiences and the subsequent reflections that occur afterward, emphasizing the importance of the journey and the encounters along the Way. You can find Ken's videos here

Arlene Laskey is a Canadian author. Her debut novel is 'Quest for the Enlightened Pilgrim: Walking the Camino'. The book is inspired by Arlene's real-life experiences on the Camino de Santiago and her study of the Master Key System, a fascinating look at how our thoughts empower our future. There's also a Camino journal you can take with you on your Camino to keep a record of your wonderful pilgrimage. You can find Arlene's books here

I've just returned from the Camino Portuguese and loved every moment. I have a brief summary of our trip PLUS a very inspiring story of an Australian man who is walking the Camino to raise awareness of depression and suicide across the world. Here's a link to Geoff's campaign

Jean-Claude Benazet wrote the Camino hymn 'Ultreia'. I was delighted to get the chance to interview Jean-Claude, to talk about the history of the song, what it means to him and what it means for the hundreds of thousands of pilgrims who walk the Camino each year. This episode is a snapshot of kindness, of love and light. Much love to you, pilgrim. Dan

Elle Halliwell is a Sydney-based journalist, author and motivational speaker. Her incredible story was the subject of her book A Mother's Choice where she details her journey of cancer and motherhood. Now Elle's a pilgrim having just returned from walking part of the Via Francigena to Rome. This is a wonderful story of belief, hope and discovery.

I've just finished walking the Camino Portuguese. Please enjoy this rewind episode of my chat with Rebekah Scott. I first spoke to Rebekah three years ago. Her new book 'A Furnace Full of God' is simply magic. It's not your usual Camino book. This is a spiritual diary; a journal of a pilgrimage of the heart and soul. You can find A Furnace Full of God on Amazon....and Rebekah's non-profit organisation taking care of the Camino is peaceableprojects.org

In this episode of My Camino, host Dan Mullins engages with a group of friends from Alabama who share their experiences walking the Camino de Santiago. They discuss the significance of friendship, the balance between companionship and solitude, and the spiritual aspects of the pilgrimage. The conversation highlights the challenges faced along the way, including an accident that tested their resilience and unity. Each participant reflects on how the journey deepened their connections with one another and enriched their personal growth. The episode concludes with a discussion on the emotional impact of arriving in Santiago de Compostela and the lasting bonds formed during the pilgrimage.

In this conversation, Dan Mullins interviews Marion Roach Smith about the art of memoir writing, particularly in the context of personal journeys like the Camino de Santiago. They discuss the importance of writing what you know, the distinction between memoir and autobiography, and the significance of transcendence in storytelling. Marion emphasizes the need for daily writing habits, the power of intent in writing, and the importance of characterization and narrative voice. The discussion also touches on the value of interviewing techniques, the role of recipes in storytelling, and the transformative power of writing as a means of self-discovery.