the story pilgrim
Discover the power of storytelling and the journey of self-discovery on life's pilgrimage. Join Darren as he walks ancient and modern pilgrim paths, unearthing the sacred stories that connect us all. From bustling cities to tranquil countryside, each episode weaves together personal reflections, ramblings, heartfelt conversations, and the rich histories of the places he explores. Whether you’re a traveller at heart, a seeker of wisdom, or someone who finds solace in nature’s embrace, this podcast offers inspiration, insight, and a deeper connection to the world around us. Tune in and walk, take a hike, alongside Darren as he navigates the paths that shape our lives and communities.
- Update frequency
- every 14 days
- Average duration
- 36 minutes
- Episodes
- 53
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
Olly Mann: Designed Wit
Broadcaster, columnist and podcast pioneer Olly Mann joins me for a heartfelt walk through Letchworth Garden City — the town that shaped his voice, his worldview, and, eventually, his m…
Santo Domingo de Silos: Sad Hill
“There are two kinds of people in this world… those who remember, and those who forget.”
At Sad Hill Cemetery in northern Spain—a once-forgotten film set brought back to life—memory take…
Amsterdam: Weighty Wonders
Amsterdam, solo travel, creative freelance work, podcasting, and a one-day pilgrimage through planes, trains, and introspection. In this milestone 50th episode, I take you with me on a …
Myself: Between Departures
Standby duty, airport chaos, a medical emergency mid-flight, cancelled trips to Dubai, JFK and Japan, and still somehow... total silence. In this episode of the story pilgrim, Darren ta…
Houston: No Problem
Cabin crew layover in Houston, a late-night Astros game, and no time for NASA - this episode explores the tension between long-haul travel and short-lived moments.
In episode 48 of the s…
Hamburg: Crossing Bridges
In this episode of the story pilgrim, I take a short walk with a long echo. Just one afternoon in Hamburg — and yet it felt like I crossed more than just bridges.
Hamburg: the city of ca…
Mile Oak: Home Truths
In this solo episode of the story pilgrim, I leave the front door of my new home in Mile Oak, East Sussex, and walk up onto the South Downs, carrying only my thoughts and a few well-wor…
Camino: Fragile Triumph
If you've ever wondered what it truly feels like to walk 500 miles on the Camino de Santiago — sick, lost, exhilarated, broken open — this raw, real journey captures the private battles…
San Francisco: Mechanical Ghosts
Driverless cars, the howls of sea lions, a cable car ride, Coit Tower views, and a walk through Chinatown all feature in this light-hearted San Francisco episode of the story pilgrim.
In…
Paris: Graceful Expectations
Paris. A city I always said I’d only visit with someone special. But here I am — alone, for work, not romance.
In this episode of the story pilgrim, I walk through the heart of Paris for…
El Camino: Reflected Past
What happens when you revisit the journals and videos you swore you’d never forget - only to realize you barely remember them? In this episode, I take a step back into my 2019 return to…
Vancouver: Returning Illusions
Vancouver, time passing, the illusion of change, and the strange feeling of being the same person despite decades of life unfolding - this episode explores what happens when we return t…
Sao Paulo: Persistent Patience
How do we balance persistence with patience? In this episode, I take you to the vibrant streets of São Paulo, reflecting on the tension between pushing forward and trusting the process.
…
Sheffield Park: Cultivating Motivation
Explore the powerful connection between nature, beauty, and the motivation to act. In this episode, I take you on a journey through the stunning Sheffield Park and Garden, reflecting on…
Gothenburg, Sweden: Giving Paths
Walking through the winter streets of Gothenburg, Sweden, on Boxing Day, I reflect on the quiet magic of the season, my month as Father Christmas, and the deeper purpose behind sharing …
Riyadh: Beyond Expectations
Discover how stepping into the vibrant streets of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a place I never imagined visiting, challenged my comfort zone, shattered preconceived notions, and reshaped my un…
Philadelphia: Routine Rhythms
Philadelphia: a city shaped by routine and resilience, where history and modern life move in tandem. In this episode, I reflect on the rhythms of routine as I explore the haunting halls…
New Delhi: Old Stories
New Delhi: a city where 29.3 million lives intertwine, each with its own story to tell. In this episode, I take you on a whirlwind journey through fleeting moments in India’s capital. F…
Nauvoo, Illinois: Quiet Reflections
In this episode, I revisit the historic town of Nauvoo, Illinois, a key site in the early history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Walking through its quiet streets a…
London Town: Storied Strolls
Explore the hidden corners of central London with fellow actor and tour guide James Byng in this episode of the story pilgrim. From the mysterious history of Cleopatra's Needle to a tou…