
YOU on the Camino de Santiago
You want to walk the Camino de Santiago in Spain but where do you start? What is your first step in preparing and planning for such a big undertaking?
Whether you have just now heard of the Camino, or if your flights are booked and you have a start date, this podcast will walk with you as you take your first steps of preparing, planning, and starting your Camino experience.
Guide and long-time pilgrim Nancy Reynolds shares her nearly 20 years of experience walking the Camino and leading 15 small groups on the Camino Francés - plus interviews with new pilgrims getting ready for their first ever Camino walks.
Latest episodes

Jul 15, 2025 • 27min
Ep 122: The BIG reveal - our new pilgrim community
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

Jul 1, 2025 • 33min
Ep 121: Pilgrim Katey gives herself permission to make her own dreams come true
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

Jun 24, 2025 • 49min
Ep 120: A courageous faith journey with pilgrim Eden
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

Jun 17, 2025 • 46min
Ep 119: Kristen walks the Camino after some pretty tough years
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
The trailer for 3 Caminos
The trailer for The Way My Way
The song I Shall Not Walk Alone
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

Jun 10, 2025 • 35min
Ep 118: Updates from the trail + bringing the Camino home (part 2 of 2)
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

Jun 3, 2025 • 27min
Ep 117: First-time pilgrim FAQs plus updates from the trail (part 1 of 2)
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

May 27, 2025 • 48min
Ep 116: Pilgrim Ron says a big YES! to walking the Camino Francés
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

May 20, 2025 • 51min
Ep 115: Pilgrim Noel and the unmistakable call to walk the Camino
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

May 13, 2025 • 60min
Ep 114: Warrior on the Way Paul shares his inspiring Camino story
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

May 6, 2025 • 49min
Ep 113: Pilgrim Diana starts with the beginning AND the end in mind
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