The rain beats down on Santiago de Compostela's ancient stones as Johnny Walker connects from the Parador's Royal Dining Room, overlooking sodden pilgrims braving hailstones and downpours during the spiritually significant Holy Week. Despite the weather, pilgrimage numbers continue to swell as travelers arrive hoping to experience Easter in this sacred city.

Fresh from a whirlwind North American tour promoting "The Way, My Way," Johnny shares heartwarming stories of packed theaters and pilgrim connections across major cities. What began as film screenings transformed into impromptu pilgrim gatherings, complete with blessing ceremonies using scallop shells from Santiago's cathedral. Most moving was a 16-year-old viewer who, inspired by the film, publicly committed to walking the Camino—receiving her own blessed shell amidst thunderous cries of "Buen Camino" from fellow audience members.

Santiago's Holy Week traditions take center stage in our conversation, from Palm Sunday's blessed branches to Easter Sunday celebrations, with thirteen traditional processions threading through the city's narrow streets. Johnny provides fascinating historical context about the distinctive medieval penitent costumes worn during these processions, clearing up common misconceptions about their origins. We also discuss the Pilgrim Office's revised Compostela requirements, which now recognize journeys of at least 70 kilometers within Spain, and hear from veteran pilgrim Rocco Rossi, who perfectly articulates why so many of us return to the Camino time and again: "If you find something in your life that brings you joy, clarity, and energy, the real question is why aren't you doing it more than once?" Whether you're planning your first Camino or your twenty-first, this perspective reminds us of the path's enduring power to transform lives with each journey.

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Connect with Leigh:

Camino News Update
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The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song with thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter. Connect with Jackson: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fdQsSqq9pDSwKcWlnBHKR

2026 Camino Walks with the Camino Cafe Podcast - with Leigh and Rocco:

Email mailto:leighbrennan+caminocafe@gmail.com

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The Camino Cafe podcast makes an exciting return as host Leigh Brennan welcomes listeners back from a hiatus caused by her move to the United States. Though she misses the immediacy of Santiago and stepping directly onto Camino paths, Leigh shares her renewed commitment to promoting pilgrim journeys as pathways toward healing.

Joining the conversation is veteran pilgrim Rocco Rossi, speaking directly from Santiago de Compostela after completing what he considers his 21st Camino since 2002. Rocco offers fascinating real-time insights about current conditions on various routes, noting dramatic differences in pilgrim traffic. While he walked the Camino Madrid completely alone, Santiago now welcomes over 2,000 pilgrims daily during Holy Week, with the vast majority arriving via the Frances or Portuguese routes.

Rocco's wisdom shines through as he explains why he keeps returning to the Camino: "If you find something in your life that brings you joy, clarity, and energy, the real question is why aren't you doing it more than once?" He likens the Camino to an oxygen mask that centers and revitalizes him annually, enabling him to better navigate life's challenges. Despite walking solo at times, Rocco emphasizes that the heart of every Camino lies in the connections formed with locals and fellow pilgrims who enrich the journey immeasurably.

The episode concludes with an exciting announcement about Leigh and Rocco potentially co-leading a group Camino in 2026, inviting listeners to share input about their ideal pilgrim experience. Whether you're planning your first Camino or your tenth, this episode rekindles the special magic that draws us to these ancient paths time and again. Email the address in the show notes to join the waitlist and help shape this future journey!

Support the show

Connect with Leigh:

Camino News Update
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9jRyUVnjI4WJMbM7rEbXW9ycGuQwm8Ae&si=vKPxgrYLQfyC_m4H

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6VN9ze3z61n6tRLtDXWuQw

Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thecaminocafepodcast/

The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song with thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter. Connect with Jackson: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fdQsSqq9pDSwKcWlnBHKR

What if embarking on a pilgrimage could transform your entire life? On this episode of Camino Cafe, we’re thrilled to welcome the legendary Johnnie Walker, a revered figure in the Camino de Santiago community. Johnnie shares his profound connection to the Camino, recounting countless pilgrimages and extensive volunteer work that led him to settle in Santiago de Compostela. Discover how the tradition of Sunday lunches fills his life with joy, laughter, and captivating stories from friends old and new.

We also explore Johnnie's life in Santiago and Malaga, balancing relaxation with his ongoing work, like penning guidebooks and leading groups such as the organization Age in Spain and the largest Camino Facebook group, Camino de Santiago All Routes, with a half million members and counting. Learn about his experiences walking the Camino Portuguese by the coast and the Camino Inglés, and his pivotal role in creating the first guidebook for the latter. Johnnie discusses the challenges of preserving the Camino’s heritage and ensuring accessibility, yet his unwavering love for the Camino and its vibrant community radiates through every word.

In an emotionally charged segment, we delve into the transformative power of the Camino through heartfelt stories and film projects inspired by the pilgrimage. Johnnie shares a poignant personal story about overcoming childhood trauma, emphasizing the importance of self-forgiveness and communal healing. John Rafferty, who transitioned from a political career to a fulfilling life in Spain, recounts his journey of grace, forgiveness, and ultimate transformation into Johnnie Walker. From life lessons learned on the Camino to the impact of personal stories, this episode celebrates the enduring spirit of the pilgrimage, its transformative power, and the profound connections it fosters.

Join the Camino de Santiago All Routes Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/hiXBvrqqqPkzpuB5/

Johnnie Walker's Books:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Johnnie-Walker/author/B06XT5CRHV?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1725790010&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

Age in Spain:
https://www.ageinspain.org/

Academia Xacobea:
http://academiaxacobea.gal/

Connect with Leigh:

Camino News Update
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9jRyUVnjI4WJMbM7rEbXW9ycGuQwm8Ae&si=vKPxgrYLQfyC_m4H

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6VN9ze3z61n6tRLtDXWuQw

Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/thecaminocafepodcast/

The Camino Cafe's intro and outro song with thanks to fellow Pilgrim, Jackson Maloney. Original Song - "Finnis Terre" - written and performed by Jackson Maloney - Singer, Musician, and Songwriter. Connect with Jackson: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3fdQsSqq9pDSwKcWlnBHKR