“Always Forward, Never Back”: 45 Days Filming the Path of Junípero Serra
Illumined Wellness Podcast
Who was Saint Junípero Serra, and why is he so controversial? Documentary director Zach Fiedler joins the Illumined Wellness podcast to talk about the life of Saint Junípero Serra: the Franciscan friar from Mallorca who left a university professorship to become a missionary in Mexico and California. Zach spent years reading Serra’s letters and journals and tracing his route from Petra, Mallorca to Mexico City to the California missions. He then filmed a documentary series about it. We cover: * Serra’s journey from a tiny Mallorcan village to the missions of Mexico and California * The leg infection he carried for about 20 years, and how close he came to dying on the walk to California * The motto “Siempre adelante, nunca atrás” (“Always forward, never back”) * The statue removals and the main accusations against him (racism, slavery, disease, mistreatment of Native Californians), and what Zach found in the primary sources * The forgotten story of Mission San Antonio and the bell Serra rang for nearly an hour * Why Zach calls his documentary “a love letter to California” and a defense of Serra * Why the saints are your friends, and how ordinary people can live out their faith Links from Episode 🔗 Find Zach Fiedler: 👉 Instagram: @zachfiedler 👉 Substack: https://substack.com/@zachfiedler 👉https://tr.ee/EUqkS43TH1 🔗 Andrew's work: 👉 IlluminedWellness.com | humanality.org | smart-families.org 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on the art of living human. Medical Disclaimer: The content shared on the Illumined Wellness podcast — including all episodes, show notes, and related materials — is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as, and should not be treated as, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Andrew Laubacher is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). He is not a licensed physician, dietitian, psychologist, or other medical provider, and the information presented does not constitute medical, psychological, or nutritional care. Health coaching is distinct from medical treatment and is not a replacement for the care of a qualified healthcare professional. Listening to this podcast does not create a coach-client or provider-patient relationship of any kind. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified provider before beginning any new diet, supplement, exercise, light-exposure, or wellness practice, and never disregard or delay professional medical advice because of something you heard here. Guests' views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or Illumined Wellness LLC. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately. You assume full responsibility for any actions taken based on this content.