PONTIFACTS

And we are back to regular programming - and straight back into chaos! In Gregory's episode, we look at what it looks like when the papacy is bought and sold - and what that does to a stellar reputation in the process!  Help us raise $40 million to buy the papacy today!  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist  

Did you know that part of the origin of Friday the 13th's bad luck begins with a Pope? In a surprise drop, we are sharing our presentation from Intelligent Speech 2025: Deception on the dissolution of the Knights Templar, and how a pope's deception and complicity caused many deaths, a curse, and a long standing superstition! This episode is presented as it was live at Intelligent Speech 2025: Deception, with no other edits. This is an annual online conference for independent podcasters and content creators designed to bring creators closer to their listeners! Bry helps run this conference. You can find more out about the conference, and see whats coming for 2026 very soon at https://intelligentspeechonline.com/  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

In Part 2 of our exploration of Papal Doomsday theories, Bry is joined by Dr Barry Torch to go through all 112 mottos from the 'Prophecies of the Popes of Saint Malachy', who they are meant to be, and our thoughts on how they measure up!   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist  

In what was meant to be our final episode of the sede Vacante, we explore two doomsday theories about the 'final popes' and the end of the world! Join us for the portrait spaces at St Paul's Outside the Walls, the 'Prophecies of the Popes' of Saint Malachy, and a few prophecies of our own!  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist  

HABEMUS PAPAM! Bry, Fry and Gregg discuss the new pope, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV.  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist   Listen to Popeular History: https://popeularhistory.podbean.com/

Before the conclave convenes on May 7th, Bry, Fry and Gregg (Popeular History) discuss the Cardinals, and in part 2 we discuss the whole of the cardinal electorate, as well as a few unconventional pope choices, presented by Fry!! CONCLAVE LIVESTREAM: https://www.youtube.com/live/OqyACgPq4no?si=VwFa2WDCJmiG163Y   

Before the conclave convenes on May 7th, Bry, Fry and Gregg (Popeular History) discuss the Cardinals considered most likely to be elected Pope.  Join us in Part 2: the Pack, to hear about the whole cardinal electorate, coming very soon!  CONCLAVE LIVESTREAM: https://www.youtube.com/live/OqyACgPq4no?si=VwFa2WDCJmiG163Y         

As part of our exploration of the papal transition, Bry and Fry revisit a presentation they gave at the 2019 Sound Education conference on the wildest papal elections in history. In this episode, we discuss the first election by acclamation, the reason we have conclaves, and a pope elected by accident.   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod   Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast    Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod   Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist 

Bry and Fry discuss the historic origins and protocols for papal funerals, and explore how Pope Francis's funeral will break with tradition.  (Pope Francis's funeral has been set for Saturday, April 26th at 10am in St Peter's Square.)

Bry and Gregg (Popeular History and Cardinal Numbers) discuss the regulations, procedure and protocol surrounding a conclave. Please note this was recorded during Francis's illness, before his death and before the date for the conclave has been set.    Outro song credit to Ben Jacobs!

Today, Pope Francis died at the age of 88. In this brief obituary, we reflect on the life and papacy of Pope Francis, briefly discuss what is to come in terms of funeral and conclave, and express our appreciation.

And he's back! ...or is he? In his episode, we discuss unfortunate PontiFACTS, deal with the rabble rabble, and ask ourselves, how do we get back here? Remember, you can sign up for our patreon now, and help us reach our goal of $40 million dollars to buy the papacy!  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

So Benedict IX has been forced out of Rome and deposed, and a new pope is needed! In steps Sylvester III. Can he turn things around? In his episode, we discuss the most bigamous diocese, and trying your luck a little too far.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

This week, we were invited by the delightful Sara and Rena from Biopic: A Podcast Story to watch and discuss the 1965 classic, The Agony and the Ecstasy! Join us for a foray into bad actors, bad acting, great discussion, and Bry's favourite time period!  Listen to Biopic: A Podcast Story: https://open.spotify.com/show/1qaBKP7ho2WPqRXRQjqLJZ 

Are you ready for the "Demon from Hell" Pope, who broke all of the rules, including ours?! In his episode, we discuss so many crimes, exiles, attempted murders, and oddly placed omens... 

Pope John XIX, the "bilious barnacle" assumes the papacy after his brother's death, but sadly, will bring none of his pizzaz. In his episode, we discuss bribery, greed, renegging on promises and changing ones mind... and indulgences!!!! Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist    

Benedict VIII marks the (second) beginning of the "Tusculan Papacy", but will he take after his Pornocracy predecessors? In his episode, we discuss a potential precedent set, Norman alliances, Saracen invasions, and the Truce of God.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist  

In anticipation of Intelligent Speech 2025 happening THIS WEEKEND, we're releasing our 2024 presentation! The 2024 theme was Contingencies, and we discussed the history of the Popemobile, and how it has changed to meet the various needs of different pontiffs.  There is still time to join us for Intelligent Speech 2025: Deception, where we will be talking about the Knights Templar, and the origins of the Friday the 13th myths. Tickets are available at https://intelligentspeechonline.com/ and you will get a discount on your ticket if you use code PONTIFACTS at checkout. 

You've had Pope John ("Drizzly") Cock, are you now ready for Peter Pigsnout? In his episode, we discuss his daring assassination plot, which did not happen, his kicking off of the Great Schism, which did not happen, and his call for the First Crusade... which also did not happen.  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist (edited)  

Another John! This time with the most unfortunate nickname we have ever given, and its not even entirely our fault. In his episode, we'll discuss the shuffling of German diocese, being a nice guy, and a shocking reason to bring up the diptychs!! Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist 

It's time for a long due #Popewatch!! If you've seen some alarming headlines about Pope Francis "opening portals in an unprecedented ritual" or "livestreaming the opening of the Tomb of Lucifer", we've got you covered.  Thank you for another amazing year of Pontifacts, see you in 2025!  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist  

Will Pope Silver Rat benefit from the abundance of sources we saw last week? Alas, even his sons did not bother to write about him! In his episode we discuss the mission of Bruno of Querfurt, an update on the numbering of Pope Johns, and a slightly spoilery discussion of the latest season of From.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

You've had the myths, now its time for the maths! In this episode, Bry is joined by Quinn and Umberto, certified math wizards to discuss the impact of Gerbert of Aurillac's mathematical contributions. We'll discuss the horror of calculating with Roman numerals, the introduction of Hindu-Arabic numbers, the abacus, the astrolabe, the armillary sphere, and more!  Listen to:  Nobelesse Oblige: https://nobelesseoblige.buzzsprout.com/ So You Think You Can Rule Persia? https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/ Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist (edited)  

We are sticking with Sylvester II a little longer to cover all the wild myths and legends that surround this most interesting pope. In this episode, we discuss the Devil, demons, necromancy, sorcery, prophesies, buried treasure, incorrupt bodies, vampires and more!    And THANK YOU for one million downloads!!   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

Pope Sylvester was one of the most brilliant minds of the entire medieval era - but was this incredible skill the result of a deal with the devil?  In his episode we discuss the Golden Age of Al-Andalus, the Investiture Controversy, and a very unusual path to becoming pope.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

What happens when a very young emperor appoints his very cool, slightly older cousin to be Pope? Find out with Gregory V! In his episode, we discuss antipopes, excommunications, and the foibles of youth.  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist (edited)  

Will this Drunken Tide escape the trappings of being a puppet pope?! In his episode, we discuss the return of an antipope, a new emperor on the rise, and the beginnings of the Investiture Controversy!   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist  

Will Pope John XIV be a "Bold Victory"? That may be hard without eyes, or a tongue.  In his episode, we discuss the more popular papal candidate, the more powerful antipope, and the papal naming confusion that will throw a new wrench in the Johns! Thanks John XIV-bis. Support Pontifacts: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

Pope Benedict might have been a nepo-baby, but that did not stop him from cracking down on simony, and not seeing the irony! In his episode, we discuss antipope instability, compromise candidates, and how "in Gerusalemme" is actually in Rome.    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

The time has come for us to rank the pope that never existed!  New sources have been uncovered, and this most mysterious man finally has a moment in the light! ...Things get strange.    Huge thank you to our contributors!    Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspo Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist          

How can we talk about Benedict VI, when everything attributed to him is either a forgery or a misunderstanding? In his episode, we discuss the many confusions, repeated Roman rebellions, and papal fanfiction (Submit your creations for Pope Donus at pontifactspod@gmail.com!) Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

As we wrap up our retrospective on the first half of Pontifacts, join us as we discuss the periodization of the papacy. Witness how the pope went from insignificant cult leader to supreme temporal and spiritual authority over a thousand years of ups and downs! 

Can you believe we've made it to the halfway point!? Neither can we! In this episode, we discuss our highest scorers in all of our categories, update the list of top over-all scorers, and reflect back on the wild and wacky pope journey we've been on. 

With Pope John XIII, the White Hen, the Jolly Princess, episode, we have officially reached HALF WAY! In his episode, we discuss a new family, another rebellion, a bizarre punishment, and Liutprand at his most salty. 

Is Leo VIII a pope, an antipope, or both? In his episode, we discuss his legitimacy, his crimes, and investiture fraud.  Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist Help the great re-miracling! https://tinyurl.com/Pontifactsmiracles

With Benedict V, we've reached the end of the Saeculum Obscurum! Has anything changed? Not really! In his episode, we discuss the defiance of the Romans, blockades and famines, and whether or not "the pope went to the beach." 

Welcome to the FINAL part of the Lost Easter Special! Easter (On Sunday Sunday Sunday!) is the holiest time of the Catholic year, and to celebrate, we invited a group of our favourite podcasters to participate in an actual-play Easter-themed D&D adventure. And now that we're coming up on our podcast anniversary, we also want to thank you for 6 years of amazing, wonderful support!    Join us in the THRILLING, SHOCKING finale of Passion of the Heist, where our disciples finally get whats coming to them. What happens when you attack your lord and saviour? How does it shake out when you start a schism? All your deepest theological questions will be answered.    Cast and Credits: DM: Fry Callixta: Bry Spirit: Ari Publius Hortensius Bonana: Ben Skiatos Stylites: David Dominique Chrysostom: Roberto   Bry and Fry of the Pontifacts Podcast: https://pontifacts.podbean.com/ Ben of the Battle Royale Podcast: https://battleroyalepodcast.wordpress.com/ David of the Siecle Podcast: http://thesiecle.com/ Roberto of the History of Saqartvelo Georgia and Tsar Power Podcasts: https://historyofsaqartvelo.com/ https://tsarpowerpod.weebly.com/ Ari of the Quest Friends Podcast: https://www.questfriendspodcast.com/   Campaign: Created by RaptorHeist (On Reddit) https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDBehindTheScreen/comments/mjv7ig/the_passion_of_the_heist_the_only_oneshot/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hfmGEj1lDsR4awrVtkYwWgMm-uSuUtc9/view   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/medina License code: KHLESJCKBLUMLUKS   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist     Help the great re-miracling! https://tinyurl.com/Pontifactsmiracles

Welcome to the Lost Easter Special! Easter (On Sunday Sunday Sunday!) is the holiest time of the Catholic year, and to celebrate, we invited a group of our favourite podcasters to participate in an actual-play Easter-themed D&D adventure. And now that we're coming up on our podcast anniversary, we also want to thank you for 6 years of amazing, wonderful support!    As our disciples reach the Remoran vaults, things go awry. Pro-wrestling philosophers and theological schisms are the least of their problems when Bonana gets an idea that may change everything.    Cast and Credits: DM: Fry Callixta: Bry Spirit: Ari Publius Hortensius Bonana: Ben Skiatos Stylites: David Dominique Chrysostom: Roberto   Bry and Fry of the Pontifacts Podcast: https://pontifacts.podbean.com/ Ben of the Battle Royale Podcast: https://battleroyalepodcast.wordpress.com/ David of the Siecle Podcast: http://thesiecle.com/ Roberto of the History of Saqartvelo Georgia and Tsar Power Podcasts: https://historyofsaqartvelo.com/ https://tsarpowerpod.weebly.com/ Ari of the Quest Friends Podcast: https://www.questfriendspodcast.com/   Campaign: Created by RaptorHeist (On Reddit) https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDBehindTheScreen/comments/mjv7ig/the_passion_of_the_heist_the_only_oneshot/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hfmGEj1lDsR4awrVtkYwWgMm-uSuUtc9/view   Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/medina License code: KHLESJCKBLUMLUKS   Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist     Help the great re-miracling! https://tinyurl.com/Pontifactsmiracles

Welcome to the Lost Easter Special! Easter (On Sunday Sunday Sunday!) is the holiest time of the Catholic year, and to celebrate, we invited a group of our favourite podcasters to participate in an actual-play Easter-themed D&D adventure.  After waking up in the catacombs, the disciples of Oily Josh will have to contend with temptation, curses, horrendous dice rolls, and crispy snacks. Come for the combat, stay for lessons in worm anatomy.  Cast and Credits: DM: Fry Callixta: Bry Spirit: Ari Publius Hortensius Bonana: Ben Skiatos Stylites: David Dominique Chrysostom: Roberto Bry and Fry of the Pontifacts Podcast: https://pontifacts.podbean.com/ Ben of the Battle Royale Podcast: https://battleroyalepodcast.wordpress.com/ David of the Siecle Podcast: http://thesiecle.com/ Roberto of the History of Saqartvelo Georgia and Tsar Power Podcasts: https://historyofsaqartvelo.com/ https://tsarpowerpod.weebly.com/ Ari of the Quest Friends Podcast: https://www.questfriendspodcast.com/ Campaign: Created by RaptorHeist (On Reddit) https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDBehindTheScreen/comments/mjv7ig/the_passion_of_the_heist_the_only_oneshot/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hfmGEj1lDsR4awrVtkYwWgMm-uSuUtc9/view Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/medina License code: KHLESJCKBLUMLUKS Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist   Help the great re-miracling! https://tinyurl.com/Pontifactsmiracles

Welcome to the Lost Easter Special! Easter (On Sunday Sunday Sunday!) is the holiest time of the Catholic year, and to celebrate, we invited a group of our favourite podcasters to participate in an actual-play Easter-themed D&D adventure. Join the disciples of Oily Josh as they attempt to rob the Remoran Empire. To do so, they will need to convince the magistrate, Pontius Pilates, to sentence them to death!  Cast and Credits: DM: Fry Callixta: Bry Spirit: Ari Publius Hortensius Bonana: Ben Skiatos Stylites: David Dominique Chrysostom: Roberto Bry and Fry of the Pontifacts Podcast: https://pontifacts.podbean.com/ Ben of the Battle Royale Podcast: https://battleroyalepodcast.wordpress.com/ David of the Siecle Podcast: http://thesiecle.com/ Roberto of the History of Saqartvelo Georgia and Tsar Power Podcasts: https://historyofsaqartvelo.com/ https://tsarpowerpod.weebly.com/ Ari of the Quest Friends Podcast: https://www.questfriendspodcast.com/ Campaign: Created by RaptorHeist (On Reddit) https://www.reddit.com/r/DnDBehindTheScreen/comments/mjv7ig/the_passion_of_the_heist_the_only_oneshot/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hfmGEj1lDsR4awrVtkYwWgMm-uSuUtc9/view Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/medina License code: KHLESJCKBLUMLUKS Support Pontifacts: Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/pontifactspodcast  Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist   Help the great re-miracling! https://tinyurl.com/Pontifactsmiracles  

Content Note: This episode contains a discussion of sexual assault. Pope John XII, the "Twilight Sabre", is likely the youngest pope in history. Pope John XII is also considered one of the worst popes in history. Correlation? Yes! In his episode, we discuss debauchery, political betrayal, debauchery, depositions, and more debauchery.   Support Pontifacts: Patreon: patreon.com/pontifactspod Paypal: paypal.me/pontifactspodcast Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/pontifactspod Amazon Wishlist: https://tinyurl.com/pontifactswishlist

Agapetus the sanctissimus came to the papacy during the Italian hurly-burly, and there was plenty to contend with. In his episode, we discuss the arrival of the otters and badass medieval women, and Fry gets frazzled about technological Scandinavian kings. 

What does the name Marinus bring to mind? Is it "boats and the sea and Maid Marian"? Or perhaps necromancers and psychics? Well, it should be. In his episode, we discuss canonization, private papal residences, miniatures, and emotional support ducks. 

Pope Steven VIII may not be the nothing pope you expect! In his episode, we discuss Frankish instability and the power of excommunication, a botched assassination, and "biting fish and prostitutes."

For the holidays, we've brought you a special popey surprise! But we cannot take any of the credit for this - this poem was written and performed by Umberto Molinatti of the 'So You Think You Can Rule Persia?', a podcast rating and reviewing all the kings of Persia from Deioces to Yazdegerd III. It was simply too perfect not to share. Thank you Umberto! Find So You Think You Can Rule Persia?: https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.wordpress.com/ https://soyouthinkyoucanrulepersia.podbean.com/  

Pope Leo VII has the dubious honour of being our first-ever lost episode! Hopefully he'll remain the only one.  In his episode, we discuss Tusculum family squabbles, the Jews of Mainz, and THE biggest Catholic figure of the day... and it's not the pope. 

A few years ago, we inadvertently started a D&D anniversary trend, and as a result, we've gotten to play in a lot of fun history themed one shots! This was one such adventure. Helmed by Ben, the wonderful host of Wittenberg to Westphalia, we explored 10th-century Italy from a whole new perspective... which mostly involved wrestling.  This adventure also includes Roberto from Tsar Power, David from The Siècle, and Josh from Grand Dukes of the West https://wittenbergtowestphaliapodcast.weebly.com/ https://pontifacts.podbean.com/  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tsar-power/id1632832824  https://granddukesofthewest.com/  http://thesiecle.com/ 

With Pope John XI, we're driving into Scandaltown! But will Marozia's son be "Beautiful Revenge", or is that nickname better suited for someone else? In his episode, we discuss one of the youngest popes in history, disastrous marriages, and the worst face ever. 

It is time to talk about Monasteries!  As the podcast explores the 9th and 10th centuries, we have seen an increase in focus on one area of the church: Monasteries.  This period in history owes a great deal to monasteries. Monastic houses, from their earliest foundations to their proliferation across Europe performed important religious, social, cultural, and economic functions that shaped and were shaped by both the religious and secular tides of the era. They were the record keepers and power brokers. They were staples of community and education. And yet, they were also a world of their own. When discussing the medieval papacy and the church, it is impossible to ignore the importance of monasteries. But can the same be said in reverse? How important were the actual popes to monastic life? These are big and complex questions. And who better to answer these big and complex questions than our best Carolingian friend, Dr Rutger Kramer?!

Pope Stephen VII is the second of the "mere phantoms" of the Saeculum Obscurum lack of information, which is fitting since he was only a placeholder anyway. In his episode, we discuss the Cluniac reform, problematic marriages, and Fry muses on what it would be like to have a teenager as pope. Little does she know... join us next week as we "drive into Scandaltown"!

Bry and Fry are joined by Eric of Saint Podcast to discuss the history of saint art - from the early devotional depictions of suffering, straight into eroticism and clever inclusions of mistresses and lovers.    Find Eric and Saint Podcast: https://www.saintpodcast.com/   Show Notes/Works Discussed:    Giotto's Frescos of St. Francis: https://www.wga.hu/html_m/g/giotto/assisi/upper/index.html   Mosaics of St. Sebastian in Ravenna: https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2019/12/the-two-earliest-images-of-saint.html   Bronzino's St. Sebastian:  https://www.museothyssen.org/sites/default/files/styles/full_resolution/public/imagen/obras/1985.2_san-sebastian.jpg   Sistine Chapel's Last Judgement St. Blaise and St. Catherine: https://cdn.kastatic.org/ka-perseus-images/288a83f4d2603e2782bad6e6c0c5d84696c03ba5.jpg    Jean Fouquet's Melun Diptych: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e7/Fouquet_Madonna.jpg/800px-Fouquet_Madonna.jpg   Caravaggio's John the Baptist:  https://media.mutualart.com/Images//2018_04/10/07/073604980/6c3752da-8079-4e58-aa93-239cff297a5a.Jpeg   Caravaggio's Judith and Holofernes:  https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/Judith_Beheading_Holofernes-Caravaggio_%28c.1598-9%29.jpg/1280px-Judith_Beheading_Holofernes-Caravaggio_%28c.1598-9%29.jpg   Caravaggio's St. Catherine of Alexandria: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c5/Caravaggio_-_Saint_Catherine_of_Alexandria_%28post-restoration_image%29.jpg/800px-Caravaggio_-_Saint_Catherine_of_Alexandria_%28post-restoration_image%29.jpg   Cristoforo Allori's Judith and Holofernes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cristofano_Allori#/media/File:Judith_with_the_Head_of_Holofernes_by_Cristofano_Allori.jpg    Da Vinci's John the Baptist: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John_the_Baptist_%28Leonardo%29#/media/File:Leonardo_da_Vinci_-_Saint_John_the_Baptist_C2RMF_retouched.jpg   Guilia Farnese as the Virgin Mary with Pope Alexander VI:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Giulia_Farnese#/media/File:Alexander_VI_guilia.jpg