Psychology of Pilgrimage

This conversation between Heather A. Warfield, Franck Viltart, and Philippe Diest explores the significance of Michelin guidebooks in the context of post-World War I pilgrimages, focusing on their historical evolution, representation of battlefields, and the role of civilians in post-war narratives. The speakers discuss how these guides have shaped public knowledge and collective memory of the war, as well as their ongoing relevanc...

In this conversation, Heather A. Warfield speaks with Aurore Decamps-Ronsin, a French battlefield pilgrimage guide, about the significance of remembrance and the emotional connections people have to battlefields. They discuss the impact of battlefield tourism in Northern France, the personal experiences of pilgrims, and the role of guides in facilitating these intimate journeys. They also talk about the case of First World War Port...

In this episode, Heather A. Warfield speaks with her co-editors, Stéphane Michonneau and Franck Viltart, about their new book, “Pilgrimages to the Western Front of World War I: Historical Exemplars & Contemporary Practices.” They talk about the book structure which is focused on the sites, actors, and practices of pilgrimages to the former battlefields, military cemeteries, and monuments. They discuss their October 2023 academi...

In this conversation, Heather A. Warfield and Daniel H. Olsen explore the multifaceted world of pilgrimage studies, focusing on Mormon religious tourism and its geographical significance. They discuss the importance of sacred sites in the LDS tradition, and the grassroots movements that connect modern believers with their historical roots. The conversation also delves into the implications of dark tourism and the need for applied r...

This conversation between Heather A. Warfield and Patrick Kenny explores the life and legacy of Father Willie Doyle, a Jesuit chaplain during World War I who is remembered for his self-sacrifice and deep spirituality. Kenny, who is President of the Father Willie Doyle Association, discusses Doyle's early life, his motivations for becoming a chaplain, and the impact of his death on those who knew him. The conversation also delve...

This conversation between Heather A. Warfield and Allison Finkelstein explores the themes of women's contributions to World War I, commemoration, and a focus on Allison’s book, Forgotten Veterans, Invisible Memorials: How American Women Commemorated the Great War, 1917-1945. The discussion delves into the concepts of invisible memorials, living memorials, and veteranism, highlighting the roles of unrecognized female veterans an...

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 thes...

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 an...

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 in...

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...

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 n...

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 conv...

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 proc...

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. V...

In this conversation, Heather A. Warfield and Anne Bailey explore the multifaceted nature of pilgrimage, discussing its historical significance, personal experiences, and the intersection of spirituality and activism. They delve into the role of pilgrimage in protest movements, the communal aspects of the journey, and the revival of pilgrimage within the Anglican Church. Anne shares her academic background and insights into the evo...

In this conversation, Heather A. Warfield talks with Chris Robinson, a Marine Corps veteran and creator of The Last Deployment Project. They discuss his initiative to capture the oral histories of veterans involved in the Afghanistan withdrawal. The project aims to provide a platform for veterans to share their experiences and Robinson emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, allowing not only service members but also those who su...

In this conversation, Heather A. Warfield talks with Laura A. Macaluso about her chapter on the Jerome family's pilgrimage to France in 1919, exploring themes of loss, memory, and the role of women in mourning. Laura reflects on her background in art history and how it informs her understanding of cultural heritage. The discussion delves into the significance of monuments, the emotional journey of the family, and the impact of ...

In this episode, Heather A. Warfield speaks with Jan Hrkut, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the Catholic University Ruzomberok, Slovakia. Jan’s students, Lenka Čapkovičová and Jozef Murin, were also part of the conversation. We discuss their recent pilgrimage on the Way of Saint Francis in Italy and explore the context of their pilgrimage, the challenges faced, the importance of preparation, and the spiritual connections ma...

I speak with Attila Szalay-Berzeviczy, a Hungarian economist and author of ‘In the Centennial Footsteps of the Great War.' We discuss the intersection of pilgrimage and World War I, exploring how historical events shape contemporary understanding and commemoration practices. Attila shares insights from his extensive travels documenting battlefields and memorials across 57 countries, emphasizing the importance of remembering the...