This conversation between Heather A. Warfield and Rana P.B. Singh explores the profound journey of a scholar who intertwines geography with pilgrimage studies, reflecting on personal experiences, academic insights, and the spiritual dimensions of sacred spaces. The discussion delves into the evolution of pilgrimage practices, the significance of sacred and faith scapes, and the integration of modern technology in understanding these ancient traditions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of lived experiences in pilgrimage and the need for a holistic approach to studying these phenomena.

Psychology of Pilgrimage host, Dr. Heather A. Warfield, is a researcher, professor, and specialist of pilgrimage studies, with research focused on the psychology of pilgrimages. She is the series editor of Pilgrimage Studies (Peter Lang), co-editor of Pilgrimages to the Western Front of World War I: Historical Exemplars & Contemporary Practices, and editor of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Pilgrimage: Historical, Current and Future Directions. In addition to academic publications, she has written articles about contemporary battlefield pilgrimages for US military publications and serves as a battlefield pilgrimage expert for military staff rides and other related educational programs.

Rana P.B. Singh [b. 15 December 1950--], MA, PhD, (former) Professor of Cultural Landscapes & Heritage Studies, & Head (2013-2015)- Department of Geography, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India, is presently a Visiting Professor at Centre of South Asian Studies, Gifu Women’s University, Gifu, Japan (2022-2026). He is the President (Asia), RWYC- Reconnecting With Your Culture (-- a charter of Euro. Commune, and a member of UNESCO). During his youth, he was a Sādhu (monk), whose spirit had moulded him to follow the path of pilgrimage, which again flourished in his doctoral work in the interior villages. Since 1979, he has been inspired by Niels Gutschow (Germany), Surinder Bhardwaj (USA), George Michell (U.K.), John Kim Maliville (USA), Taigen Hashimoto (Japan), and [late] Syun-Kyun Kim (Rep. Korea). He followed the pathway of pilgrimage to understand the inherent message and co-share with spiritual seekers. He has conducted most of his field studies in North India, as well as in Japan, Korea, and Sweden. His publications on pilgrimage studies include 19 books and anthologies, as well as over 200 papers, and seminar presentations on these themes in 25 countries from 1976 to 2019. His notable books on pilgrimage studies include: Trends in the Geography of Pilgrimages: Homage to David E. Sopher (1987), The Spirit & Power of Place: Human Environment and Sacrality (1994), Where the Buddha Walked. A Companion to the Buddhist Places (2003), Towards the Pilgrimage Archetype (2003), Sacred Geography of Goddesses in South Asia (2010), Sacredscapes and Pilgrimage Systems (2011), Holy Places and Pilgrimages: Essays on India (2011), Hindu Tradition of Pilgrimage: Sacred Space and System (2023), Cosmic Order and Cultural Astronomy: Sacred Cities of India (2009, 2023), Placemaking and Cultural Landscapes (2023), Pilgrimages, Sacred Places and Pathway to RWYC- Reconnecting With Your Culture (EdA, vol. 12, 2025), and Sacred Heritage and Pilgrimages in Cities (2025). He lives in Varanasi, India’s premier pilgrimage city, and is involved in organising pilgrimages and related activities.

In this conversation, Heather A. Warfield speaks with John Eade, a prominent figure in pilgrimage studies. He shares his journey into anthropology and early interest in pilgrimages, which began at Lourdes. The discussion also focuses on the concept of contestation in pilgrimage studies, emphasizing the diverse motivations of pilgrims and the importance of healing. Eade also highlights the significance of mentoring young scholars and emerging areas of study, such as soundscapes in pilgrimage experiences. The conversation reflects on the cultural and spiritual aspects of pilgrimage, showcasing Eade's extensive knowledge and influence in the field.

Psychology of Pilgrimage host, Dr. Heather A. Warfield, is a researcher, professor, and specialist of pilgrimage studies, with research focused on the psychology of pilgrimages. She is the series editor of Pilgrimage Studies (Peter Lang), co-editor of Pilgrimages to the Western Front of World War I: Historical Exemplars & Contemporary Practices, and editor of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Pilgrimage: Historical, Current and Future Directions. In addition to academic publications, she has written articles about contemporary battlefield pilgrimages for US military publications and serves as a battlefield pilgrimage expert for military staff rides and other related educational programs.

John Eade studied at Oxford University between 1968 and 1973, completing a BA in Modern History (1968), a Diploma in Social Anthropology (1969) and undertaking research on the socialidentity of middle class Bengali Muslims in Calcutta, submitted as a M.Litt in 1976. He began lecturing at Digby Stuart College, London, in 1973 and completed a PhD at the University of London in 1986 on the politics of community among Bangladeshi Muslims in the borough of Tower Hamlets. In 2000 Eade was appointed Professor at University of Surrey Roehampton, between 2004 and 2011 he was Professor at the University of Roehampton and Executive Director of CRONEM (Centre for Research on Nationalism, Ethnicity and Multiculturalism), University of Surrey/ Roehampton University, 2011-2025 he continued as Professor on a part-time contract and now Emeritus Professor. He is also Visiting Professor at Toronto University.

Eade’s involvement in pilgrimage began in 1968 when he joined the Oxford University Catholic pilgrimage to Lourdes where he worked as a volunteer helper. In 1989 he organised a three day conference on pilgrimage from which emerged the volume, Contesting the Sacred: The Anthropology of Christian Pilgrimage (1991), co-edited with Michael Sallnow. During the 1990s he focused on urban ethnicity, identity politics, global migration and global cities but began working with others, who were writing about contemporary pilgrimage, especially Simon Coleman. Eade co-edited the volume Reframing Pilgrimage: Cultures in Motion (2004) and started building a network of scholars, mostly in Europe, through establishing the Pilgrimage Studies Network (PilNet) within the European Association of Social Anthropologists (EASA) with Mario Katic (Zadar, Croatia) in 2017, as well as a book series with Ashgate and then Routledge.

Besides the pilgrimage volumes mentioned above he has published the following co-edited volumes – (with M. Katic) Pilgrimage, Politics and Place-Making in Eastern Europe. 2014; (with D. Albera) International Perspectives on Pilgrimage Studies: Itineraries, Gaps andObstacles, 2015 and New Pathways in Pilgrimage Studies: Global Perspectives, 2017; (with S. Coleman) Pilgrimage and Political Economy, 2018; (with M. Katic) Military Pilgrimage and Battlefield Tourism: Commemorating the Dead, 2018 and Approaching Pilgrimage: Methodological Issues Involved in Researching Routes, Sites, and Practices, 2023. Eade has also published a range of journal articles and chapters since 1991 which draw on his experience of pilgrimage at Lourdes and, more recently, in England.

This conversation between Heather A. Warfield and James Taub explores the experiences and commemoration of Jewish veterans in France following World War I. Jim Taub discusses his chapter on the subject, focusing on the identity, cultural differences, and the impact of anti-Semitism on Jewish soldiers and veterans. The dialogue also delves into the significance of pilgrimage in Jewish tradition, the integration of Jewish veterans into French society, and the ongoing legacy of their contributions. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of Franco-American relations and the importance of understanding shared histories. Taub’s chapter “Leurs Frères Sont Nos Frères” is in the forthcoming book “Pilgrimages to the Western Front of WWI” https://www.peterlang.com/document/1446805. Psychology of Pilgrimage host, Dr. Heather A. Warfield, is a researcher, professor, and specialist of pilgrimage studies, with research focused on the psychology of pilgrimages. She is the series editor of Pilgrimage Studies (Peter Lang), co-editor of Pilgrimages to the Western Front of World War I: Historical Exemplars & Contemporary Practices, and editor of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Pilgrimage: Historical, Current and Future Directions. In addition to academic publications, she has written articles about contemporary battlefield pilgrimages for US military publications and serves as a battlefield pilgrimage expert for military staff rides and other related educational programs.James Taub is the Associate Curator of Exhibition Content and Research at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a public historian, he focuses on the military history of the 18th century, and the First World War. Originally from Michigan, James received his MA from the University of Glasgow, (where he wrote his thesis on the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) during the Great War), and his BA from Dickinson College. He worked as the Education Coordinator for the United States World War One Centennial Commission, and the History and Engagement Specialist at the National WWI Museum and Memorial. He currently researches and writes on the Great War, and the French Army of the late 18th century. His recent publications include the Oxford University Press' Bibliography on the Military History of France in World War One, and a chapter in The Darkest Year: The British Army on the Western Front 1917. James has also contributed journal articles and book reviews to The Public Historian and the Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research.

This conversation between Heather A. Warfield and retired Marine SgtMaj Justin “JD” LeHew explores the profound journey of recovery for missing service members, focusing on the mission of History Flight. The discussion delves into the importance of community support, personal pilgrimages, and the psychological aspects of recovery, highlighting how these elements intertwine to create a meaningful narrative of remembrance and healing. This conversation explores the profound impact of military service on personal lives, the importance of honoring the fallen, and the emotional journey of families searching for their missing loved ones. LeHew shares personal anecdotes and insights into the recovery of MIAs, the role of DNA in identification, and the significance of empathy in bridging military and civilian experiences. The discussion emphasizes the need for remembrance, the power of stories, and the importance of community support for families navigating their grief.

Sergeant Major Justin “JD” LeHew currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer for the world’s most successful private MIA search and recovery organization, History Flight, responsible for locating and returning more than 400 Missing In Action American Servicemembers remains, with 169 of those being positively identified thus far and returned to their families.

Prior to serving as the CEO and COO of History Flight, Justin served a 31-year career in the United States Marine Corps, retiring at the rank of Sergeant Major in 2018 after serving as the Enlisted head of the United States Marine Corps’ Training and Education Command.

During his distinguished career, he served in the Assault Amphibian, Infantry and Reconnaissance communities, served as an Assault Amphibian Instructor, where he was recognized as the Instructor of the year, and served as a Drill Instructor, where he was a two time Dan Daly award winner for most Inspirational Drill Instructor. He has served in combat actions around the globe ranging from Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1993 and multiple tours during the War on Terror between 2003-2010.

Justin recently served as the National Commander of America’s oldest Veteran’s Service Organization, the Legion of Valor, also known as America’s Fighting Hall Of Fame. This organization is comprised of all Medal of Honor and Service Cross recipients from the United States and was founded in 1890. He also currently serves as the co-chair, co-designer and Vice President of the Amphibian Tractor Memorial and Association, serves on the Board Of Directors for Faithful Service for Veterans, a service dog training and placement program for America’s veterans and wounded warriors, and was appointed in 2025 as Special Advisor to the Governor Of Virginia on the Joint Council on Leadership and Veterans Affairs.

In 2022, Justin founded and led Team Long Road, a team of three Marines who hiked 3365 miles across America from Boston MA to Newport OR, to raise awareness for our Nations fallen and Missing in Action and Gold Star families. In 2023, TLR was the American Legion Auxiliary National Public Spirit Award recipient, presented during the National American Legion Auxiliary Convention in Charlotte NC. Past recipients of this prestigious award include Casper Weinberger, Charles Schultz, Madeline Albright, Ray A. Kroc and a host of other notable Americans. In 2023 TLR also hiked 300 miles across the state of Virginia and just recently hiked 120 miles across the entire Florida Keys in 2024 to continue to cast a spotlight on our nation's efforts to locate and recover our Missing In Action and reinforce our nation's promise and commitment to never leave a fallen comrade behind.

Justin currently resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia with his wife Cynthia, who also served the nation for 22 years as a United States Navy Fleet Marine Force Corpsman.

In this conversation, Heather A. Warfield and Philip Stone delve into the concept of dark tourism, exploring its definitions, origins, and the motivations behind visiting sites associated with death and tragedy. They discuss the spectrum of dark tourism, the experiences of visitors, and the role of social media in shaping perceptions of these sites. The conversation also touches on the importance of memory, commemoration, and the need for responsible interpretation of dark tourism narratives. Dr. Stone shares insights from his work at the Institute for Dark Tourism Research and speculates on future directions in the field, including the integration of technology and the importance of storytelling in dark tourism.

Psychology of Pilgrimage host, Dr. Heather A. Warfield, is a researcher, professor, and specialist of pilgrimage studies, with research focused on the psychology of pilgrimages. She is the series editor of Pilgrimage Studies (Peter Lang), co-editor of Pilgrimages to the Western Front of World War I: Historical Exemplars & Contemporary Practices, and editor of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Pilgrimage: Historical, Current and Future Directions. In addition to academic publications, she has written articles about contemporary battlefield pilgrimages for US military publications and serves as a battlefield pilgrimage expert for military staff rides and other related educational programs.

​​Dr Philip R. Stone is Co-Founder and Director of the Institute for Dark Tourism Research (iDTR) at the University of Lancashire. He is a globally recognised authority in the fields of dark tourism and difficult heritage, with an extensive portfolio of academic publications. Since 2023, Philip has been ranked among the global Top 2% of scholars for research impact, according to a study by Elsevier and Stanford University.

Philip has played a pivotal role in shaping public understanding of dark tourism through widespread engagement with international media. His insights have been featured by leading media outlets including the BBC, CNN, ITN, ABC (Australia), The New York Times, The Guardian, Der Spiegel, The Conversation, New Scientist, and The Washington Post. He is also the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Dark Tourism Studies—the first academic journal dedicated exclusively to this emerging field.

His recent books include:

• 'Children, Young People and Dark Tourism' (Routledge, 2023) – the first-ever volume to explore children’s encounters with difficult heritage.

• 'The Future of Dark Tourism: Enlightening New Horizons' (Channel View, 2024) – the first book to examine dark tourism through the lens of futurology.

• '111 Dark Places in England That You Shouldn’t Miss' (Emons, 2021) – the first commercial guidebook dedicated to dark tourism.

• '111 Dark Places in Scotland That You Must Not Miss' (Emons, 2025) – his latest contribution aimed at engaging wider public audiences.

In this conversation, Heather A. Warfield interviews Kiran Shinde, a prominent researcher in religious tourism and pilgrimage studies. They discuss Kiran's journey into the field, the intersection of religion and environmental issues, and the disconnect between religious teachings and practices. Kiran emphasizes the importance of governance in managing sacred sites and explores the identity of devotees versus pilgrims. The conversation also touches on trends among young people in seeking spiritual experiences, the complexities of Buddhist tourism, and the significance of military memorials. Kiran shares insights on future directions for research in religious tourism and highlights his current projects.

Psychology of Pilgrimage host, Dr. Heather A. Warfield, is a researcher, professor, and specialist of pilgrimage studies, with research focused on the psychology of pilgrimages. She is the series editor of Pilgrimage Studies (Peter Lang), co-editor of Pilgrimages to the Western Front of World War I: Historical Exemplars & Contemporary Practices, and editor of Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Pilgrimage: Historical, Current and Future Directions. In addition to academic publications, she has written articles about contemporary battlefield pilgrimages for US military publications and serves as a battlefield pilgrimage expert for military staff rides and other related educational programs.

Dr. Kiran Shinde has researched extensively on topics related to religious and cultural heritage and tourism and their intersections with urban planning and destination management. He has published five books plus 70 research articles published in high-ranking journals and books with reputed publishers. His books include: A Research Agenda for Religious Tourism (2024, co-edited with Joseph Cheer, Edward Elgar); Sacred Sites, Rituals, and Performances: New Perspective for Religious Tourism Development (2021, MDPI); Religious Tourism and the Environment (co-edited with Daniel Olsen, 2020, CABI); and Buddhist Tourism in Asia: Towards Sustainable Development (2020, UNWTO: Madrid), and Religious Heritage and Tourism in Asia (co-edited with Dallen Timothy, Routledge, forthcoming). He was commissioned by UNWTO (World Tourism Organisation) to lead a project on “Buddhist Tourism in Asia: Towards Sustainable Development” that covered Buddhist heritage and tourism in 16 countries. He has delivered keynote addresses at conferences in Australia, USA, Canada, Singapore, Turkey, India, etc. He is an associate editor at Tourism Geographies, and a member of the Editorial Boards of two top-ranking tourism journals: Annals of Tourism Research and Tourism Geographies.

This conversation explores the themes of pilgrimage, healing, and community through the experiences of Colleen O'Toole and David Duncan. Heather A. Warfield discusses with Colleen and David the significance of the Canadian Company of Pilgrims, personal journeys of rediscovery, and the impact of ambiguous loss. The dialogue highlights the therapeutic aspects of pilgrimage and the importance of being seen and welcomed in the process. Additionally, Colleen shares about her journey of writing her book, “Restoring Joy: 40 Days and 40 Nights on the Camino de Santiago," emphasizing the vulnerability and catharsis involved in sharing her story. This conversation explores the profound impact of pilgrimage on personal growth, community building, and healing. Colleen and David share their experiences as hospitalleros, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for pilgrims. They discuss the integration of life experiences through pilgrimage, the role of occupational therapy, and the significance of storytelling in understanding the pilgrim experience. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the artifacts that symbolize their journey together, highlighting the love and community fostered through their shared experiences.

Takeaways:

*Pilgrimage can serve as a profound healing journey.

*The Canadian Company of Pilgrims fosters community and support for pilgrims.

*Personal experiences of pilgrimage often lead to rediscovery of the self.*

Ambiguous loss can create deep emotional wounds that require healing.*

Being seen and welcomed is a crucial aspect of the pilgrimage experience.*

The act of pilgrimage can be a treatment for trauma.

*Writing about personal experiences can be both cathartic and vulnerable.

*Community support is essential for those experiencing estrangement.

*Pilgrimage allows for reflection and connection with others.

*The journey of writing a book can mirror the pilgrimage experience. Creative output is a vulnerable act.

*Pilgrimage can be a transformative journey.

*Community is essential for healing.

*Occupational therapy can enhance the pilgrimage experience.

*Storytelling is a powerful tool for connection.

*Integration of life experiences is crucial.

*Creating a welcoming space for pilgrims is vital.

*Love and generosity are healing forces.

*Preparation for pilgrimage can ease anxiety.

*There is a need for greater awareness of pilgrimage opportunities.

Colleen O’Toole is an author and an occupational therapist and psychotherapist with a private practice in Hamilton, Ontario. She also coordinates the Hamilton Canadian Company of Pilgrims (CCoP) chapter with husband David. One of her passions is the intersection of occupational therapy, pilgrimage and trauma recovery. She began a pilot project in April 2024 to offer a semi-supported Camino to people recovering from trauma called Let’s Walk Home™ and recently supervised graduate students to evaluate its efficacy at McMaster University. She is also an hospitalero trainer, one of the Pilgrim Footprints national newsletter editors, has walked the Camino three times and served as an hospitalera.

David Duncan is a strategic planning consultant to social mission enterprises and a personal coach with a diverse background mostly in healthcare both in the private and public sectors. He was an entrepreneur for many years in IT, and has extensive administrative and board experience with not-for-profit and charitable organizations. He is an active CCoP volunteer with too many ideas and not enough time; he is also sometimes guilty of wearing too many hats. Having recently passed the baton of Communications Committee Chair, he remains a director of the CCoP serving as Chapter/Board Liaison Officer and he is co-coordinator of the Hamilton Chapter and hospitalero. David has walked on the Camino four times and served as an hospitalero twice.

In this episode, Heather A. Warfield speaks with Greg Valloch, author of 'The Great War Through a Doughboy's Eyes,' which chronicles the experiences of his grandfather, Corporal Howard P. Claypoole, during World War I. The conversation explores the artifacts from the war, the emotional depth of war diaries, the impact of military service on family legacy, and the importance of community and camaraderie among veterans. Valloch shares his journey of writing the book, the significance of his grandfather's experiences, and his desire to retrace his grandfather's steps in a pilgrimage to honor his legacy.Takeaways:*Greg Valloch's grandfather served in World War I as a corporal.*The artifacts from the war provide a personal connection to history.*War diaries reveal the emotional landscape of soldiers' experiences.*Family legacy is deeply impacted by military service.*Writing the book was a way to preserve his grandfather's story.*The search for family history can be challenging but rewarding.*Character and resilience are evident in his grandfather's writings.*Military heritage influences personal choices and career paths.*Community support is vital for veterans' healing and camaraderie.*Pilgrimage to retrace his grandfather's steps is a personal goal.Colonel Gregory S. Valloch, US Army (Retired), was born in Rutland, Vermont. He attended Norwich University (the oldest private military college in the United States) and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant as an Armor officer. He served in Germany and Fort Hood before deploying for Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. In 1993, Valloach left active duty to go to graduate school at the University of Mary Hardin Baylor where he received an MBA. He moved to Destin, Florida in 1995 where he worked as a contractor. He was mobilized two different times, first from 2003-2004 at Al Udied Air Base in Qatar and second from 2007-2009 as a Battalion Commander for the 1st Battalion 411th Logistics Support Battalion. Valloch now owns a Ben and Jerry’s franchise in Miramar Beach, Florida. He is married to Susan Rimsa and has two children, Cagney and Noah. His book, 'The Great War Through a Doughboy's Eyes,’ was published in 2022.