A Walk with My Dad, and What It Taught Me About Life
The Camino, a Conversation, and Father’s Day in the waves
Twelve years ago, my dad and I stood on a ridge in Spain, looking out across a mountain range toward Santiago de Compostela.
We had just walked 15–20 miles a day for two weeks, starting at sunset in Porto, Portugal seeking nothing more than small yellow arrows to guide us along the way. And as we looked at that city in the distance, something in me shifted.
But let me rewind.
A few months earlier, I had watched a film called The Way. It hit me like a truck. I realized I hadn’t truly dealt with my dad’s prostate cancer diagnosis from years before. He was healthy and strong, but still—there were things I hadn’t asked him. Stories I hadn’t heard. Questions I didn’t want answered by someone else.
So I flew to the East Coast, sat across from him, and asked:
“Dad, do you want to go on a walk?”
He thought I meant around the block. I handed him a ticket to Madrid.
Two weeks later, we were on the Camino de Santiago—often called the most spiritual walk on earth. And for two weeks, I asked him about every decade of his life: his childhood, meeting my mom, losing two sons at birth, his biggest failures, his proudest moments, his view of death.
I learned more about him—and about myself—than I ever expected.
When we got home, I made a documentary called LIFE IN A WALK.
One afternoon, I uploaded the trailer to YouTube. A week later, we had a hit. We sold the film, toured the country, won awards, and spoke with thousands of parents and children about conversations they hadn’t had yet.
I’ll never forget the night of the premiere. A sold-out theater. My mom, wiping away tears. My dad, overwhelmed. Afterward, my mom leaned in and whispered:
“Son, that’s a beautiful tribute to your father.”
Midway through that pilgramage, my dad turned the questions on me.
“Why are you single?”
“What are you looking for in a life partner?”
I fumbled through it and finally said, “Someone smart, with a sense of humor… and a beautiful smile.”
Less than two years later, I met Amy.
Two years after that, we got married.
On Father’s Day.
This day hits different.
It’s a reminder of the lessons my dad continues to teach me.
It’s a reminder to keep asking questions.
And it’s a reminder that being a father is one of the greatest gifts life offers.
We started the day like we always do on Father’s Day:
Sunrise. Race to the beach. Paddle out. Surf. Laugh. Play in the sand. Free Fun.
Zayn was flying down the face of waves. Makaiye was building a sandcastle, covered in joy. Amy stood nearby, taking it all in. I felt full.
My dad’s been telling me for decades:
“You’ll either have time or money—rarely both.”
And today, I’m grateful for the time.
For him.
For our sons.
For Amy.
And for a 240-kilometer walk that provided a shift and changed my life.
If you’re looking for a nudge today—to start a conversation, to ask a question you’ve been avoiding, to remember what truly matters—watch our film. Let it take you somewhere. Let it open something. And when it ends, ask one question you don’t know the answer to.
And when it ends, pick up the phone, go for a walk, or just ask the question.
Much love and Stay steady,
Yogi
P.S. Elite 11 kicks off Tuesday and my Big Ten QB tiers will also be a part of Y-Option this week as college football continues to creep toward us. Be sure to subscribe and share Y-Option, as your support is the most powerful part of this community.
Yogi, a wonderful tribute to your family. You're fortunate to have experienced such a great relationship with with your father. My best to all the excellent fathers who inspire their children!
I regret not having the opportunity to ask my father those crucial questions before his passing. Had your film been released earlier, I would have certainly had that important conversation with him. I frequently discuss your film with athletes, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability alongside strength. As many good fathers do, Will sought to impart his lessons and prevent you from repeating his mistakes. You and your father were the ideal father-son team for this project. Continue sharing your stories, Yogi; you possess a natural talent for authentic storytelling.