Presentation
Topics.
Thank you for your interest in our slate of presentation topics. Our speaking topics revolve around walking many of the Camino pilgrimages in Europe, hiking in Ohio, navigating our national parks, RV and tent camping, and traveling throughout the US and Europe.
Camino Pilgrimage Presentations.
Camino refers to ancient pilgrimages throughout Europe with trails leading to Santiago de Compostela, Spain, and Rome, Italy. We have completed 10 Camino pilgrimages across 10 different routes, and we lead group travel experiences on the Camino.
What is the Camino? An Introduction to the Journey of a Lifetime
Whether you’ve heard about the Camino from a friend, a movie, or social media and are wondering what it’s all about, this session is the perfect place to start. The Camino de Santiago is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes across Europe that draw people from all over the world for adventure, reflection, and connection. This introductory session explains the basics of the Camino de Santiago—its history, why people walk, and what a typical day looks like. Learn how long it takes, where pilgrims stay and eat, and what makes the experience so meaningful. The Colemans have walked 10 Caminos across multiple routes and countries, covering more than 3,000 miles. They’ll share practical insights, what to expect, and favorite moments to help you decide if the Camino might be right for you.
Camino 101: Everything You Need to Know to Prepare for Your First Camino
You’re ready to book your first Camino; what comes next? There’s a lot to consider: How should I train? How much time will I need? Where will I sleep? What will I eat? Will I have cell service? The Colemans have walked six Caminos on four different trails across five countries, covering over 2,500 miles. In this session, they will help you prepare for your first Camino, discuss what to expect while on the journey, provide some Camino history, and share their favorite moments from their six Caminos.
The Camino Francés: The Most Popular 500-Mile Walk Pilgrimage Across Spain
What’s it like to lace up your boots, sling on a backpack, and set out to walk across an entire country? The Camino Francés—the most traveled route of the Camino de Santiago—winds nearly 500 miles from the French Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostela, carrying pilgrims through medieval villages, vibrant cities, rolling vineyards, and rugged mountain passes. In this presentation, you’ll journey along the Camino through vivid stories, photographs, and reflections from the trail. From sharing communal meals in albergues to quiet mornings watching the sun rise over wheat fields, vineyards, and sunflower fields, you’ll experience the rhythm of walking day after day and the unexpected connections that make the Camino so memorable. More than just a long walk, the Camino Francés is a tapestry of history, culture, and personal discovery. Join us for a traveler’s-eye view of the pilgrimage, and come away inspired to imagine your own path to Santiago—and beyond.
Walking Italy’s Pilgrimage Trails: The Via Francigena and the Way of St. Francis
Italy is home to some of Europe’s most unforgettable pilgrimage paths, where every step combines history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. The Via Francigena, an ancient route from Canterbury to Rome that once carried medieval pilgrims to the tomb of St. Peter, and the Way of St. Francis, which traces the humble footsteps of Italy’s most famous saint through the heart of Umbria and Tuscany, are the two pilgrimages the Colemans have walked. In this presentation, you’ll journey along both routes through vivid stories and images—from cypress-lined drives and quiet monasteries to lively piazzas and hilltop towns. We’ll share the rhythm of walking day after day: the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims, the joys (and challenges) of the trail, and the reflective moments that make these pilgrimages so meaningful. More than a physical journey, walking the Via Francigena and the Way of St. Francis is an immersion in Italy’s spirit—one that invites travelers to slow down, connect deeply, and rediscover the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other.
The Camino Portuguese from Lisbon to Santiago: An Experience of Culture, Food, Wine, and Spiritual Growth
The Camino Portuguese is one of the most rewarding routes of the Camino de Santiago, beginning in Lisbon and winding through the villages, vineyards, and coastal landscapes of Portugal and Spain before arriving at the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. This presentation shares the experience of walking the full route from Lisbon to Santiago, including the fascinating Spiritual Variant of the Camino Portuguese, a legendary detour connected to the final journey of St. James. Along the way, we’ll explore the food, wine, culture, and spiritual growth that make this pilgrimage such a meaningful and unforgettable journey.
The Pilgrims’ Way from Winchester to Canterbury, England
This presentation will be developed in Fall 2026 after we complete our pilgrimage.
Our Road to Reinvention: A Story of Travel, Growth, and New Beginnings — How the Camino Changed Our Lives
Join us as we share our honest and imperfect journey of unintended reinvention. This presentation follows our ongoing journey of reinvention, shaped most powerfully by our pilgrimages. From our first Camino—where nothing went as planned—to the many routes, challenges, friendships, and breakthroughs that followed, each pilgrimage invited us to rethink our priorities, embrace change, and grow together. Our story highlights how the trail repeatedly pushed us out of our comfort zone, offered unexpected lessons, and inspired us to return year after year. For anyone curious about the transformative power of pilgrimage or seeking a fresh chapter in life, our journey offers insight, encouragement, and an invitation to consider what might happen when you step onto your own path. If you’re craving inspiration, courage to try something new, or a reminder that reinvention is always within reach, we’d love for you to join the Colemans.
The Coleman Origin Story, Hiking Ohio, and Traveling the US.
From the Couch to the Summit: Inspiring You to Live Your Best Life
Michelle and Brian Coleman met and married in 2007, each weighing over 300 pounds. They led a sedentary lifestyle focused on working and raising their boys. As they neared their 40th birthdays, they realized that if something didn’t change soon, they might not reach their 50th. From the moment they laced up their new hiking boots to summiting Cadillac Mountain, Angel’s Landing, and Cruz de Fero, join us to learn how the Colemans transformed their lives and now enjoy a life of travel and adventure.
Hiking Trail Gems in Southwest Ohio
Join us for an exploration of hiking trails across Southwest Ohio. With over a decade of hiking experience in the region, the Colemans will share their favorite trail recommendations, delightful surprises, and personal stories from their adventures. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a curious beginner, this presentation will help you uncover hidden gems on the trails of Dayton and beyond. Don’t miss the chance to enhance your outdoor experience and possibly discover your next favorite hiking spot!
Discovering America’s National Parks
Join the Colemans for an “awards-style” presentation about our national parks, showcasing their beauty, diversity, and remarkable trails. This session will highlight the stunning landscapes within these protected areas and their significance as breathtaking destinations. The Colemans have explored more than 40 of our national parks. During this presentation, they will share their experiences from various terrains—from lush forests to arid deserts—and how these experiences shaped their adventures. They will give awards to their favorite parks, from favorite waterfall, to favorite trail town, and favorite hidden gem. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with nature, gather with fellow national park enthusiasts, and feel inspired to explore our parks this summer.
Navigating Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks Hiking Trails
Like most people, the Colemans walked around their neighborhood to lose weight and stay active. When they got bored with their neighborhood, they bravely explored their local MetroParks. With no experience in trail navigation and no hiking gear, they started walking short trails in jeans and sneakers. The Colemans have hiked every mile of the MetroParks trail system multiple times. This Hiking 101 seminar will motivate you to hit the trail with what you have, provide you with essential clothing and gear tips, and help you start your next adventure. We will help you level up your hiking game and feel confident like a pro.
RV and Travel Themed Presentations.
Stories from Traveling the Country
Traveling the country in an RV is more than miles and maps—it’s about the stories that unfold when you trade routine for adventure and carry your home wherever you go. In this presentation, you’ll hear tales from the Colemans’ travels across America in an RV. From quiet mornings watching the sun rise over the desert, to beautiful encounters with strangers-turned-friends, and the lessons we’ve learned when breakdowns lead to unexpected discoveries. Through stories and reflections, this talk explores what it means to embrace freedom, simplicity, and the beauty of the open road. It’s an invitation to see travel not just as a way to reach new places, but as a way to reconnect—with nature, with community, and with yourself.
Buying Your First RV
You love to travel. Maybe you’ve been tent camping and are now ready to buy your first RV. Great! This session is for you! Join us as we explore the exciting world of RV ownership. Whether you’ve enjoyed the simplicity of tent camping or are entirely new to the RV lifestyle, this presentation will guide you through the essential steps in purchasing your first recreational vehicle. We’ll cover key topics such as understanding different types of RVs, determining your budget, researching the features that best suit your travel style, and tips for first-time buyers. After this session, you’ll feel confident and informed, ready to make memories in your new home on wheels.
Winterizing Your RV for Ohio’s Winter
As the leaves begin to change and the temperatures drop in Ohio, RV owners need to prepare their campers for the colder months. Join us for a presentation on how to winterize your RV, where we’ll cover essential steps to protect your camper from harsh winter weather. This presentation will offer practical advice on maintaining your RV’s plumbing system, preparing for any critters that might try to make a home inside your rig, safeguarding the exterior, and ensuring proper storage conditions. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-time RV owner, you’ll leave prepared to keep your RV in excellent shape all winter. Plus, we’ll share simple tips for using your RV throughout the winter without worrying about de-winterizing!
Our Favorite Ohio Campgrounds
Join the Colemans as they uncover Ohio’s campgrounds, where nature meets adventure! This presentation will highlight the unique features of these spots—from lodges and swimming pools to lakes and hiking trails. Whether experienced or starting out, we will show you great options for families, couples, and solo explorers. Get ready to be inspired by the beauty and variety of Ohio, and pick up tips to enhance your camping adventures in the Buckeye State!
You Just Bought Your First RV? Now What Do You Need? Let’s Talk Gear!
In this session, we will discuss additional purchases to consider after purchasing your first RV. We will take a look at “stinky slinkies,” lego blocks, water pressure monitors, water filters, power surge protectors, command hooks, wheel chocks, propane sensors, and so much more gear. We’ll discuss what you need right away versus what can wait, so you don’t break the bank. With our help, you can make your RV into a dream vacation home. Bring your questions, and we will help navigate new RV gear concerns.
Living the RV Dream
Taking your brand-new RV from the dealership lot and embarking on a cross-country journey is a dream come true for many. Michelle and Brian Coleman are one such couple who have accomplished this feat with their travel trailer, and they are happy to share some of their favorite destinations with you. They will talk about the places they adore and revisit frequently, so that you, too, can experience the thrill of RV travel.
Trip Planning for Anyone
Planning a trip can be a daunting task, especially when you’re not sure where to start or how to find the most picturesque locations. Enter Michelle & Brian Coleman, who have spent plenty of time traveling the country in both their tent and travel trailer, searching for the most beautiful and well-equipped campgrounds, as well as the most remote campsites that offer stunning views of the night sky and unparalleled vistas. Whether you’re embarking on your first or hundredth trip, let them guide you in planning your next adventure.
Budgeting for Family Adventures
Traveling as a family doesn’t have to break the bank! Join the Colemans as they share practical tips and real-life strategies for planning affordable, memorable trips. From setting a realistic travel budget to finding deals on flights, lodging, and activities, we’ll walk you through how we make family adventures possible without financial stress. Learn how to prioritize spending, use tools that track expenses, and build flexibility into your travel plans. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend road trip or an international journey, this workshop will help you turn “someday” into “let’s go!”
Michelle & Brian Coleman.
Brian and Michelle Coleman’s journey began in 2006 when they connected on eHarmony. Brian, recently divorced, was ready to explore new possibilities, while Michelle, a single parent and foreign exchange student host, sought distraction from her family dynamics. In just a year, they took a significant leap and tied the knot, embarking on an adventure that would change their lives forever.
Once comfortable couch potatoes, Brian and Michelle embraced a healthier lifestyle through weight loss and a newfound passion for travel. Their adventures have since taken them across nearly every corner of the United States, as well as to Mexico and Europe. They’ve camped under the stars, enjoyed charming B&Bs, but their favorite mode of travel is now their beloved travel trailer, affectionately named Casa del Camino, or CC for short.
Residing in Dayton, Ohio, where they work as teachers, Brian and Michelle maximize their time outside the classroom by exploring the world together. They created the Every Trail Metropark Challenge, where they led groups for many years through every trail in all Five Rivers MetroParks in one season. Whether leading groups on Caminos in Europe or simply hiking together, their wanderlust has led them to walk seven Camino routes, covering over 3,000 miles across Spain, Portugal, France, Switzerland, and Italy. They’ve trekked sections of the Appalachian Trail and the North Country Trail, hiked in more than 40 national parks, and even embraced a bit of bike touring.
From discovering charming towns to conquering vibrant cities, Brian and Michelle always seek new experiences. Their story is one of love, transformation, and the joy of adventure, inspiring others to embrace life to the fullest and pursue their own journeys toward happiness.
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