Psychology of Pilgrimage

In this episode I speak with Philip Dunshea about the intersections of pilgrimage, personal histories, and academic publishing. Part of the backdrop for our conversation is the book, “Remembering Peasants: A Personal History of a Vanished World”, by Patrick Joyce. We explore the transformative nature of pilgrimages, particularly in relation to peasant life and spirituality, and discuss the impact of historical contexts, such as war...

In this conversation, I talk with Joacim Hallberg about his extensive research on Swedish soldiers who fought in World War I, particularly those who are buried along the Western Front. He shares insights into the criteria for his research, some of the immigration patterns of Swedish soldiers, and the emotional connections he forms with the descendants, or family members, of these soldiers. Joacim emphasizes the importance of indivi...

In this episode, I talk with Paul Hardin Kapp about the intersection of architecture, memorialization, and pilgrimage, particularly in the context of World War I cemeteries. Paul discusses the historical significance of tropes, the role of American cemeteries in expressing imperialism, and the influence of architect Paul Cret on cemetery design. The dialogue also explores the experience of pilgrimage in these spaces, the evolution ...

In this episode I speak with military historian Jonathan Bratten, who specializes in the colonial era and World War I. We discuss the US Army 26th “Yankee” Division, the historical significance of the 103rd Infantry Regiment, the concept of pilgrimage in military history, and the personal connections that arise when visiting battlefields like Belleau Wood. The conversation explores how these experiences shape our understanding of h...

In this episode I talk with Shay Rabineau about the historical and cultural significance of hiking trails in Israel. He shares his personal journey from curiosity about the land to academic research, exploring the dual nature of hiking as both a spiritual pilgrimage and an adventure. The conversation delves into the complexities of faith, identity, and the political implications of trail marking, as well as the emerging field of tr...

In this episode, I talk with Megan Kelleher about the significance of pilgrimages in relation to First World War memorials, artifacts, and personal stories. She shares her family's connection to the war and explores the broader impact of war on pilgrimage practices. The discussion delves into the differences between pilgrims and tourists, the meaning of souvenirs, and the emotional connections people have with the sites they vi...

In this conversation, I talk with Ian McIntosh about the evolution and significance of the Sacred Journeys conferences. We also reflect on the emotional and historical aspects of battlefield pilgrimages, particularly in relation to war memorials and personal histories, interfaith pilgrimages, and how such connections foster peace, compassion and shared understanding. We delve into the multifaceted nature of pilgrimage, Ian’s work a...

In this conversation, I speak with Colonel William T. Anderson, USMCR (Ret.) about his experiences and insights related to Belleau Wood, a significant World War I battlefield. He shares stories about artifacts from the era, his background in the Marine Corps, and the emotional impact of the re-internment ceremony for a fallen service member, buried as a Marine. The discussion also covers the significance of the Devil Dog Fountain a...

In this episode, I talk with Guy Hayward about the resurgence of pilgrimage in Britain, exploring the reasons behind this growing interest, particularly in the context of a post-pandemic world. He emphasizes the importance of physical connection to the land and we discuss the psychological benefits of pilgrimage, including fostering openness and community. Hayward shares his personal journey to co-founding the British Pilgrimage Tr...

Heather A. Warfield speaks with Rebe Huntman about her memoir, 'My Mother in Havana: A Memoir of Magic and Miracle.' The conversation explores themes of pilgrimage, grief, and the search for identity through the lens of motherhood and spirituality. Rebe shares her personal journey of reconnecting with her mother after her passing, the significance of artifacts from her pilgrimage, and the transformative power of writing her...

The conversation between Heather A. Warfield and Aaron Heft explores the deep connections between the towns of Fismes and Fismette in France and the State of Pennsylvania, particularly the town of Meadville. This connection stems from events during the First World War, and has been ongoing since that time through acts of pilgrimage. Aaron shares personal stories and artifacts from his pilgrimages to these towns, highlighting the si...

Heather A. Warfield delves into her research to establish an artistic connection between the “Devil Dog” fountain head and Pierre Louis Rouillard’s Chienne et les petits sculpture, which was fabricated by the Durenne Foundary in Sommevoire. Highlights include the research process undertaken to uncover their origins, and the fieldwork conducted at the Louvre and in Champigny-sur-Marne to establish links between these artworks and th...

This conversation explores the intersection of military history, personal connections, and educational experiences through the lens of a United States Military Academy pilgrimage staff ride to France. Heather A. Warfield and Rose Horswill discuss their reflections on a Ravivage ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, the planning and execution of a unique educational trip for West Point cadets, and the psychological aspects of battlefield...

Heather A. Warfield introduces Psychology of Pilgrimage podcast and why she created it. Then, she and Kathryn Hurlock delve into the multifaceted nature of pilgrimage, exploring its psychological, historical, and social dimensions. They discuss the motivations behind pilgrimages, the impact of commercialization, and the role of rituals. The conversation also touches on how social media influences modern pilgrimage practices and the...