

YOU on the Camino de Santiago
Nancy @ The Camino Experience
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.
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 18, 2022 • 43min
Ep 12: Who Will You Walk the Camino With?
When you imagine yourself on the Camino, who is there?
Are you on your own? Is your spouse or partner there with you? Are you with a big group of your favorite people, perhaps family, perhaps not?
The question of who are you doing this with is, I think, broader than it appears at first glance. That’s because there are so many parts to getting ready for and walking the Camino, and so many points at which you may want or need someone to do it with you.
This episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast has a lot of detailed information to assist you as you determine with whom you will walk the Camino. Click here for the promised lists of questions and other resources discussed in this episode.
Are you somewhere in between wanting to walk the Camino on your own and wanting to start the walk with a few people?
The Camino Experience might be exactly what you are looking for! Learn about starting your pilgrimage with the Camino Experience here.
Related: In case you missed it, Pilgrim Amanda shared her plan for walking the Caminho Português with a friend. She shared with us the questions they are talking about before they leave home, to help make the journey go smoothly.
P.S. This episode is dedicated to my dear friend, Heidi Fowler, who is blessing me by bearing witness to my journey and allowing me to bear witness to hers.
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#youonthecamino
#caminodesantiago
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Oct 11, 2022 • 1h 6min
Ep 11: A Conversation with Pilgrim Kathy Who Will Walk the Camino del Norte in 2023
Join Pilgrim Kathy as she bravely prepares to walk the Camino del Norte, sharing her fears, regrets, and the journey towards self-discovery. Discover practical tips for first-time pilgrims, from navigating health insurance to mastering dining etiquette along the route. Learn about the invaluable contributions of hospitaleros and hear how walking the Camino transforms lives. Get insights into the breathtaking landscapes and cultural exchanges that await, and reflect on your own Camino dreams and experiences!

4 snips
Oct 4, 2022 • 55min
Ep 10: Most Likely Starting Points on the Camino Francés . . . and How to Get There
Discover the enchanting starting points of the Camino Francés, from the picturesque Saint Jean Pied de Port to the charming landscapes of Roncesvalles and Pamplona. Dive into the vibrant tapas scene in Logroño and learn about the historical jewels like Burgos and León. Uncover the rich Templar history at Ponferrada and the unique features of O Sabrero and Saria. Whether you're planning a pilgrimage or just curious, this journey through Spain's cultural treasures is sure to inspire!

Sep 27, 2022 • 57min
Ep 9: A Conversation with Pilgrim Amanda as She Prepares for 14 Days on the Caminho Português
Amanda gears up for her first pilgrimage on the Caminho Português, sharing her excitement about the 14-day journey from Porto to Santiago. She reflects on her evolving motivations and the challenges of planning an unconventional route. Ground rules set with her walking partner promise a smoother trip. Tips on hiking gear, including the benefits of walking poles, lead into discussions about preparation for fitness and nutrition. Cultural dining differences between Portugal and Spain add depth to the adventure, unveiling a blend of personal growth and community connection.

Sep 20, 2022 • 46min
Ep 8: How Long Does it Take to Walk the Camino . . . OR How Much Time Do YOU Want to Spend?
Delve into the fascinating world of the Camino de Santiago, where the journey you choose is just as important as the destination. Explore various Camino routes and discover how personal preferences shape each unique experience. With tips on pacing and the significance of rest days, you'll learn how to customize your pilgrimage. Mathematical calculations come into play to help you plan your adventure. Get ready to reflect on what your ideal journey looks like and start mapping out an unforgettable experience!

4 snips
Sep 13, 2022 • 39min
Ep 7: A Conversation with Pilgrim Abbi Who is Walking the Camino Francés in September
Pilgrim Abbi Talks About Getting Ready to Walk the Camino Francés
Is the Camino on your "bucket list"? If yes, how is it similar and different from other items on the list? And what does that mean, really?
Abbi from Santa Cruz, California is taking on one of her bucket list items when she starts her walk on the Camino Francés in mid-September, 2022, and we had a chance to explore these questions when we talked in early August.
At that time Abbi was in the middle of a serious competition to select the perfect backpack. Which one won? And the bigger question, will Abbi return home after walking the Camino, or will this be the start of something entirely new? Find out in this episode of the “YOU on the Camino de Santiago” podcast.
Be a Guest on This Podcast
Would you like to be a guest on the "YOU on the Camino" podcast? If you are getting ready to walk your first Camino, I would love to talk with you! Take the next step here.
Related: How do you find your way on the Camino Francés?
JOIN MY EMAIL LIST
And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).
#youonthecamino
#caminodesantiago
#firsttimepilgrim
#thecaminoexperience
#caminopodcast

6 snips
Sep 6, 2022 • 32min
Ep 6: When is the Best Time to Walk the Camino . . . For You?
Choosing the right time for your Camino de Santiago adventure is about more than just the weather. Personal commitments, crowd levels, and even motivation play a crucial role. Learn how to navigate your calendar with upcoming events and what to consider before you hit the trail. Discover valuable insights on booking transportation in Spain and France to kickstart your journey. It’s all about finding the perfect balance for your unique experience.

Aug 30, 2022 • 41min
Ep 5: A Conversation with Pilgrim Kathie as She Takes Her First Steps on the Camino Francés
Kathie Gattill, a first-time pilgrim from Dallas, Texas, shares her journey as she prepares to walk the Camino Francés. She opens up about her fears and the emotional support she seeks from her family. The episode explores her plans for the first night at Refuge Orisson, the significance of landmarks like the Virgin Mary statue, and the physical challenges of the Pyrenees. Kathie's reflections on forging connections and the transformative nature of pilgrimage offer listeners insight into the heart of her adventure.

5 snips
Aug 23, 2022 • 30min
Ep 4: Selecting Your Boots & Socks for Your Walk on the Camino de Santiago
This discussion dives into the importance of choosing the right boots and socks for your journey on the Camino de Santiago. Personal stories highlight the potential agony of blisters and how the right gear can prevent them. Tips on breaking in footwear and ensuring the perfect fit are shared to avoid discomfort on the trail. The conversation also touches on foot care strategies and the challenges posed by various terrains, all aimed at helping pilgrims walk their best without interruption.

Aug 16, 2022 • 1h 1min
Ep 3: A Conversation with Pilgrim Grace as She Prepares to Walk the Caminho Português
Pilgrim Grace Talks About Getting Ready to Walk the Caminho Português
Bed bugs, luggage transport, finding food . . . it's all part of the Camino experience! Join me for a conversation with soon-to-be-pilgrim Grace from Queens, New York, as she prepares to walk the Caminho Português.
The Caminho Português has become one of the most popular of the many Camino routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela. Who wouldn’t want to take a long walk through the countryside of Portugal?!
Grace will be stepping away from work for the typical two-week American vacation . . . but what she will be doing is anything but typical. And it probably will feel completely different from any other vacation Grace has taken.
YOUR Camino Pilgrimage
When will you walk the Camino de Santiago? Which route will you take? When you are ready to get ready, I would love to hear from you! Let’s make your dream of walking the Camino a reality.
Related: If you would like to learn more about the Caminho Português and ask some questions, check out this Facebook group.
JOIN MY EMAIL LIST
And get your FREE copy of Nancy's Top 10 Camino Tips (that don't usually make the top 10 lists).
#youonthecamino
#caminodesantiago
#firsttimepilgrim
#thecaminoexperience
#caminopodcast