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.
Episodes
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 takes you on a journey through three days of standby with a major airline — from being called up two minutes into shift for a flight to Istanbul (complete with an in-air seizure) to sitting in the office surrounded by cancelled flights an...
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 story pilgrim, I travel 5,000 miles to Houston… and never make it to Mission Control. With just 24 hours on the ground, I trade moon landings for breakfast, baseball, and a quiet walk to the Galleria. Along the way, I reflect on the odd ...
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 canals, contradictions, and carefully run public transport. A place I’ve flown to several times as cabin crew, but never really explored with my feet — or my mic — until now.
In Hamburg: Crossing Bridges, I wander from the calm waters of t...
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-worn quotes from voices that have shaped my path: Plato, A.A. Milne, Freddie Mercury, Glenn Berger, and Slavoj Žižek.
This isn’t a grand adventure episode. No faraway landscapes, no guest interviews. This one’s local. Grounded. Real. It’s a...
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, quiet triumphs, and emotional unravelling that only a long road can teach.
In 2017, I set out across Spain, camera phone in hand, recording the rough edges of a pilgrimage that changed me before I even realised it had.
This episode...
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 Episode 44, Darren explores the quirky contrasts of a city where machines glide silently through the streets and the past hums loudly from every corner. This is a step away from the usual philosophical deep dives — a more playful, curi...
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 the first time — past the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs Elysees, and the Eiffel Tower — while carrying something heavy: the sting of a recent audition that didn’t go the way I’d hoped.
What unfolds is part travel journal, part personal re...
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 the Camino de Santiago, digging through old notes, unearthing long-buried thoughts, and questioning why we record memories only to leave them behind.
I walked the Camino twice, each time with a different purpose. The first, a challenge:...
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 to places that once felt like turning points.
Twenty-five years ago, I stepped off a cruise ship in Vancouver, convinced I was at the beginning of something big. Now, after years of acting, walking, storytelling, and unexpected detours, I...
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.
This city, with its blend of chaos and calm, became the perfect backdrop to explore the quiet, unseen work that persistence demands and the growth that patience allows. Along the way, I dive into:
- Why persistence is about steady, int...
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 what it takes to turn dreams into action and how the spaces we inhabit can inspire us to move forward. From philosophical musings to humorous observations, this episode invites you to think deeply about your own sources of inspiration....
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 stories. In this episode, I explore how generosity shapes who we are, how walking helps me find clarity, and how the spirit of giving connects us all. Join me as I weave humour, philosophy, and heartfelt moments into a story that might ...
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 understanding of expectations and adaptation. In this episode, I take you on a walking tour through Riyadh’s historic and cultural landmarks, weaving reflections on how life often unfolds differently than planned. From Masmak Fort’s deep ...
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 of the Eastern State Penitentiary, charge up the iconic Rocky Steps, and stroll along the peaceful banks of the Schuylkill River. Along the way, I savour a Philly Cheesesteak and wander through the vibrant Reading Terminal Market, unco...
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. From the serene beauty of Humayun’s Tomb to the chaotic energy of the streets, I reflect on the contrasts of old and new. Along the way, I’m struck by the entrepreneurial spirit of the people and the layers of history that surround them....
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 and nearly empty historic homes stirred a mix of memories - fond moments from summers spent here and reflections on the passage of time. Join me as I explore Nauvoo’s rich heritage and share what this place means to me today.
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 touching tribute at Lincoln's Inn Fields to a journalist lost in the Titanic tragedy, we uncover the stories that lie beneath the city’s surface. Join us for a stroll through the heart of London, blending theatre, history, and th...
Discover Milan, Italy, through its iconic landmarks, like the Duomo, and hidden corners where human connection thrives in moments of isolation. In this episode of the story pilgrim, I walk the historic streets, explore the art and culture that make Milan a fashion and design powerhouse, and reflect on how this bustling city holds quiet spaces for introspection. Join me as I delve into the blend of tradition and innova...
Inverness, Scotland: We walk along the River Ness, visit Leakey’s Book and Map Shop, and uncover the legends of the Loch Ness Monster. Join me as I delve into the history and stories that shape this Highland city, reflecting on the peace and unexpected shifts that define both landscapes and lives. With musings on myths, a nod to Caledonian Thistle’s struggles, Cheese Wars, and a Spike Milligan poem, this journey invit...
Walk with me along St Rumbold’s Way, a historic two-day pilgrimage from King’s Sutton to Buckingham, as I reflect on legacy, the meaning of what we leave behind, and the story of a remarkable infant saint. Join me for a journey through picturesque countryside, personal reflections on life and death, and the inspiring tale of St Rumbold—a three-day-old baby who preached and left an eternal mark. Along the way, I ask: s...
Popular Podcasts
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy And Charlamagne Tha God!
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.