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 future of pilgrimage studies as a distinct academic field.

Key points include:

*Pilgrimages are often motivated by healing and spiritual reasons.* *Commercialization can coexist with the spiritual significance of pilgrimage sites.* *Modern pilgrims frequently overlook the historical complexities of pilgrimage.* *Pilgrimages can serve as acts of resistance for marginalized communities.* *Rituals associated with pilgrimage are evolving due to social media influence.* *There is a growing interest in the psychological aspects of pilgrimage.* *Pilgrimage studies are becoming more formalized as a distinct academic field.* * The motivations for pilgrimage are diverse and multifaceted.* *Historical pilgrimage practices have evolved over time, reflecting societal changes.* *The intersection of politics and pilgrimage is a significant area of study.*