Podcast appearances and mentions of jason pollock

In this uproarious episode of "Cultural Crack-Ups," Carmen and John are joined by the one and only Jason Pollack, a stand-up comedian with a side hustle that'll make you giggle, blush and pee a little: authoring coloring books for adults. And trust us, his latest edition about animal mating is not your typical bedtime story. But wait, there's more! The tri-DUMB-verate then tackle the tragedy in Gaza and manage to create an all new tragedy in comedy. And speaking of comedy, they also discuss the fine art of comedic storytelling, sharing a laugh (and maybe a few lies) about the likes of a popular comedian "in trouble" and other funny folks who bend the truth for a punchline. So get ready for some laughter therapy, a splash of animal passion, and a whole lot of coloring inside and outside the lines! COME ON!!

Jason Pollock joins Ace and Scott in the Acement for this weeks chat. Known for his awkward style, Jason performed at legendary clubs like Stand Up NY, Carolines, and Dangerfields. He also managed Rascal's in Cherry Hill NJ making connections with some of the best comics working. Jason has a great story about appearing as Bigfoort in Judah Friedlander's "How To Beat Up Anybody".  What did Jason overcome to become a comic?  Listen and find out.  Check out Jason at https://linktr.ee/superjpo71 Go to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/behindthefQ to buy us a coffee or a bourbon.  Get your BTF gear at https://www.teepublic.com/stores/scott-higgins    

Kendrick Johnson attended his first three periods of high school in Valdosta, GA on January 10, 2013. However, he would not make it through that day alive, yet he never left the grounds of his high school. He was found almost 24 hours later, in one of the gyms. His body was upside down in a rolled up wrestling mat that was standing up vertically. After a decade of investigation, 2 exhumations, 3 autopsies and the case being closed and then reopened again, Kendrick's cause of death has still been ruled accidental. Kendrick's family continues to fight for the truth and for someone to be held responsible for the death of their son because the circumstances around his death are far too suspicious and the investigation has had way too many inconsistencies to be ignored. A young man went to school and was not safe, period. He went to school and died. This is never ok under any circumstances, accident or no accident. Join us as we discuss the tragic death of a young man taken from this earth way too soon and please watch the documentary that Molly references - Finding Kendrick Johnson by Jason Pollock.Other References:Papa Doug's Album!https://augustwolf.hearnow.com/?fbclid=IwAR3CB5aJIgREQcxzZP8LPFZ9rEWKqWkR82t1dojcrmC8cnJS6epaGXHR6HU

Ep. 21 “Birds of a Feather” Ashes to Ash True Crime “The Kendrick Johnson Investigation” Ash and her new investigator Debbie come across some information that has never been talked about from the media before on this case. Kendrick Johnson was found deceased in a Gym Mat in Valdosta, Georgia at Lowndes County High School. This incident occurred January 10th of 2013. KJ was only 17 years old. Four years after KJ's death Ryan Anthony Domek-Hernandez came forward with a statement claiming that he knew Branden Bell and that Branden had told him that Brian Bell his younger brother, Ryan Hall, and himself had killed Kendrick Johnson. Ryan Anthony goes on in his statement to implicate Freshmen Taylor Eakin and Rick Bell, Branden and Brian's father, the first medical examiner and the FBI in a cover-up of mass proportions regarding the death of KJ. Is Ryan Anthony Domek Hernandez's statement true? If it is not, what pieces are false? Or is the entire statement false. Ash easily myth buster's Ryan Anthony's statement by showing evidence to the factual or nonfactual nature of the statement. Were the Johnson's responsible for Ryan Anthony's statement and did they coach him on what to say? Ash also continues to prepare for the mat test as the subjects performing the experiment begin to arrive. Link to song we could not have in the episode: Jacquees “B.E.D.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul1H_... Subscribe and see episodes early, please go to www.AshesToAshTV.com. Ashes to Ash TV website built by Second Melody www.SecondMelody.com. If you have a tip, please email us at AshLand57@gmail.com or message Ash here. The title song “Bones” was produced by “8 Graves.” If you know of illegal activity involving this case, please reach out to your local law enforcement. The Film Finding Kendrick Johnson by Jason Pollock who claims to be an abolitionist, is a total work of fabrication on the parts that involved the Kendrick Johnson case and the Bell family. Jackie Johnson and Kenneth/Mike her husband own 50% of the film Finding Kendrick Johnson, making is a biased production with zero care for honorable journalism. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ash640/support

Ep. 16 “Abolitionist” Ashes to Ash True Crime, “The Kendrick Johnson Investigation” In this episode of The Kendrick Johnson Investigation, Ash and her crew uncover a new individual who has some interesting information to give. Hannah a friend of both Kendrick Johnson and Taylor in high school talks about her friendship, how she knew both of them, and their connection to one another, if any. We also revisit an interview we did with Kenyetta, KJ's sister and we ask her about if she believes KJ and Taylor were having an affair. Ash also delves further into if the brother's, Branden and Brian Bell were involved in the death of Kendrick Johnson. She revisits the film “Finding Kendrick Johnson” by Jason Pollock and talks more about the evidence seen within the film. To subscribe and see episodes early please go to www.AshesToAshTV.com. Website created and built by Second Melody www.SecondMelody.com. Title music “Bones” performed and written by “8 Graves”. If you know of illegal activity involving this case please call your local law enforcement. If you have information you want to bring to the Ashes to Ash team, please email Ash at AshLand57@gmail.com. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ash640/support

On this episode we talk to the great Jason Pollock. Jason is a comedian that has done many shows and has also done some acting. Jason also has a podcast called the Offbeat and Awkward Show that you can check out! Show him some love and thanks for listening!

In commemoration of the second anniversary of the podcast Law Offices Of Quibble, Squabble & Bicker, a host of stars came together for the second annual Step Up To The Bar Association Legal Conference & Awards Banquet to receive the highly coveted yet unknown Quibbly Award! The cohosts were Brendan Haggerty, Greg Petix and Matt Bratschi and a multitude of recipients across North America arrived to receive their Quibblys. Some awardees included: filmmaker/playwright Marc Morales, author and sex educator Dr. L. Kris Gowen, rap star Twizm Whyte Piece, actress Shanna Toft, comedian Jason Pollock and many others! Buy our merch here: https://my-store-11556994.creator-spring.com/ To access special content go to www.patreon.com/qsblaw and for other episodes, go to www.qsblaw.org. We are also internettable on: Instagram - @lawofficesofquibble; Twitter- @qsblaw; TikTok - @qsblaw; Uhive - https://www.uhive.com/web/shares/z/QTTCLFU; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quiblle.bicker.3; Tumblr- quibblesquabblebicker; Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/QuibbleSquabble or watch us on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/LawOfficesofQuibbleSquabbleBicker --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/qsb/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/qsb/support

Jason Pollock, an entertainer known for his awkward form of standup comedy, has entertained audiences across the region and beyond. He cultivated his relationships with some of the industry's greatest performers when he was the manager of Rascal's Comedy Club in Cherry Hill, NJ. Jason has also performed all over New York City, including the clubs Carolines, Standup NY, and Dangerfield's. Jason's screen credits include Cinemax's The Knick, Impractical Jokers, and Played Bigfoot in Judah Friedlander's book How To Beat Up Anybody. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/RS0IHu_tFocJason can also been seen weekly on his podcast “Hi! I'm Jason!” with Jason Pollock.You can listen to it on any podcast platform @wake up with KCLike and subscribe and follow me on instagram @wakeupwithkcSong : Weekend Chill - MorningLightMusic | Free to use music

This was NOT the typical "Too many Podcasts!" interview, I'll admit. I usually don't end up discussing medical procedures when I'm getting poked and prodded in my, well, you'll hear about it...But Jason was such a fun guest, and very funny, too. Plus, I got to be a guest on his show a while back, too (see below for the link), which was also a lot of fun. But it's not all chat about uncomfortable procedures, I promise. Even though there are actual podcasts about colonoscopies! Do they ask probing questions? (See what I did there?) Jason has had an interesting career in the comedy world, which isn't as easy as you think. But he has survived, complete with pandemic piano lessons. So check out his You Tube show, and be prepared to laugh, and to be fascinated as well. Thanks for the cross promo, Jason! Jason's info:Twitter @jasonpollock2; Instagram : @superjpo71 Jason's faves: The Podguys, Let's Read, Mr. Nightmare. New episodes air on live video streaming platforms Wednesday nights at 8:00 PM EDT. Sherpa Suggestions (Comedy Podcasts): The Colon health Podcast (not comedy) Surviving Healthcare (not comedy) Amateur Colonoscopy(not comedy) Hi, I'm Jason The Sarah Silverman Show The Patdown with Miss Pat 2 Bears, 1 Cave withTom Segura & Bert Kreischer The Comedy Cellar-Live at the Table Ku and the Gang Fitzdog Radio The Tom Green Podcast The History of Stand-UP Comedy Here's the link to my appearance on Jason's show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7AxwlJpXJj0 Next week, we go back to The Sherpa Screening Room to talk to multi-talented Darren Dowler. Another fun one! You can hear this podcast on the Helium Radio Network Fridays at 8:30 AM EDT, on Channel 1, Life Improvement Radio. Follow the show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @Sherpalution, and check out my website, sherpalution.com , for older episodes, Sherpa Sheets, and Spotify playlists. You'll also find the link to "The Tee Sherpa Shop". Podcast merchandise!! Email me at jimthepodcastsherpa@gmail.com. #VivaLaSherpalution! Publicist Extraordinaire: Steven Joiner Music Credits/Voiceovers: Bruce Goldberg ( aka Mr. Bruce) Other Voices: The Sherpalu Studio Players If you'd like to support the show with a donation, (You know, like with money?) feel free to click here. No pressure. I'll just hold my breath the entire next episode if you don't. But seriously, the free option is to leave a nice review on my website or Apple Podcasts. Thanks for listening! You can subscribe and listen to this show on vurbl.com , sherpalution.com . or any podcast app, like Goodpods, or website listed on sherpalution.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jim-the-podcast-sherpa/message

Jason Pollock, an entertainer known for his awkward form of standup comedy, has entertained audiences across the region and beyond. He cultivated his relationships with some of the industry's greatest performers when he was the manager of Rascal's Comedy Club in Cherry Hill, NJ. Jason has also performed all over New York City, including the clubs Carolines, Standup NY, and Dangerfield's. Jason's screen credits include Cinemax's The Knick, Impractical Jokers, and Played Bigfoot in Judah Friedlander's book How To Beat Up Anybody. You can watch it here: https://youtu.be/RS0IHu_tFocJason can also been seen weekly on his podcast “Hi! I'm Jason!” with Jason Pollock.

In the short time I've gotten to know this lady, she has become one of my favorite people. And what, you might ask, does that accomplish? A major discount on restraining orders, of course! Between the fun we had with our first interview, to helping me with a powerful, heart-warming interview with David Ogman a while back, to texting me her bikini model pictures ( She really didn't do that.I'm just wondering who reads my show notes.) She is truly a force to be reckoned with. We probably spoke about 40 minutes before and after the interview. I'm lucky she doesn't bill my insurance. But we get caught up, in this conversation, and she's back in a big way. With not just the return of "Neurotic Nourishment" , but the new "Crimes of Long Island Podcast". We almost got to meet in person when her book (with previous guest Selene Castrovilla) "10 Steps to Finding Happy" was released, but it got interrupted by a pesky pandemic. I'm sure there's an in-person meeting in our prospective futures. And I';ll promise to stay 100 feet away. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some texts to check. Um, I mean bills to pay. Lindsay's info: Podcasts: Neurotc Nourishment, Crimes of Long Island Podcast Instagra,: @PsychShrinkMom, email: ellekay@aol.com Lindsay's faves:Strictly Stalking, Obsessed with True Crime with Jillian & Patrick, Malcolm Gladwell's Real History, Crimes of Long Island Podcast, True Crime Obsessed, Disappeared, Voices for Justice, Real Fit: Welcome to Fit List, Unraveled: Long Island Serial Killer Podcast. Sherpa Suggestions (True Crime Podcasts): Crimes of Long Island Podcast Ivy League Murders(previous guest) Morning Cup of Murder (Previous guests) My Favorite Murder Something Was Wrong Death of a Starlet To Catch and Kill with Ronan Farrow True Crime and Cocktails True Crime Junkie Anatomy of Murder The Dating Game Killer Next week, I'll be talking to comedian Jason Pollock of the "Hi, I'm Jason" podcast. Comedy ensues! (Well, I can still hope, can't I?) You can hear this podcast on the Helium Radio Network Fridays at 8:30 AM EDT, on Channel 1, Life Improvement Radio. Follow the show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at @Sherpalution, and check out my website, sherpalution.com , for older episodes, Sherpa Sheets, and Spotify playlists. You'll also find the link to "The Tee Sherpa Shop". Podcast merchandise!! Email me at jimthepodcastsherpa@gmail.com. #VivaLaSherpalution! Publicist Extraordinaire: Steven Joiner Music Credits/Voiceovers: Bruce Goldberg ( aka Mr. Bruce) Other Voices: The Sherpalu Studio Players If you'd like to support the show with a donation, (You know, like with money?) feel free to click here. No pressure. I'll just hold my breath the entire next episode if you don't. But seriously, the free option is to leave a nice review on my website, Apple Podcasts, stitcher.com, or IHeartRadio.com. Thanks for listening! You can subscribe and listen to this show on vurbl.com , sherpalution.com . or any podcast app, like Goodpods, or website listed on sherpalution.com. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/jim-the-podcast-sherpa/message

Jason Pollock, host of the It's Me Jason podcast, gets together with me to swap stories of how fandom has built its own cultures. He has some great insights into stand-up, and even rolled one of his bits into a coloring book titled "The Fly That Refused to Die". When we hit talk of MST3K, I recount to him the story of how Jackey Raye Neyman Jones rediscovered Manos (as she tells in her book) and I challenge Jason to watch Manos Returns, directed by Tonjia Atomic. — See Show Notes at www.AaronBossig.com Follow me on Twitter - @AaronBossig Podcast logo and graphics by Marcie London www.MarcieLondon.com - @MarcieLondonArt

FINDING KENDRICK JOHNSON is the feature documentary product of a 4-year undercover investigation into the facts of this case. From the creator of 'Stranger Fruit', this new documentary hopes to shed light on one of the most important American stories of our time. Told through the eyes of KJ's family and close friends, On January 11th, 2013, Kendrick Johnson was found dead in his high school gymnasium rolled up in a gym mat. The state of Georgia ruled his death as an accident, having died from positional asphyxia. When the family hired their own Forensic Pathologist, not only did he find KJ's organs missing from his body during the autopsy, he determined the cause of death to be from non-accidental blunt force trauma. To this day, no one knows where KJ's organs have gone.. So what really happened to KJ? Narrated by Hollywood legend, Jenifer Lewis. Directed by 'Stranger Fruit' creator, Jason Pollock, with an amazing team of producers including Actor Hill Harper, and Space Jam 2 director Malcolm D. Lee, FINDING KENDRICK JOHNSON shares this truly historic, heartbreaking, and unbelievable story with the world for the first time. Foe news, updates and screenings go to: findingkendrickjohnson.com

To hear this awesome conversation go to http://patreon.com/toureshow and subscribe. For just $5 a month you get 4 Friday Patreon exclusives and the full version of our Wednesday shows and you get to help us keep making this show! Kendrick Johnson was 17 years young when he was murdered but no one has been brought to justice. Why? Perhaps because he was killed in the Deep South, possibly by the son of an FBI agent. It's a tragic story that relates to the history of lynching, the FBI and so much more. The gripping documentary about all this Finding Kendrick Johnson is narrated by Jenifer Lewis from Black•ish so I talked to her and the film's director Jason Pollock about this story. Toure Show Episode 276 Host & Writer: Touré Senior Producer: Jackie Garofano Assistant Producer: Adell Coleman Editor: Ryan Woodhall Photographers: Chuck Marcus, Shanta Covington, and Nick Karp Booker: Claudia Jean The House: DCP Entertainment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Law Offices Of Quibble, Squabble & Bicker find a kindred spirit with brand new guest fake attorney and stand up comic Jason Pollock who helps with the client, Henry Ford Is No Thomas Edison & Elon Musk Is A Punk. On this journey, they discuss Huzzah!, cosplay alchemy, top hat with goggles, excelsior, a lazy writer, Richard Lewis, neurotic Jew, Bill Burr, Bullwinkle the mime, moron from Florida, who thinks about the Irish, Willy Wonka, a Saget joke, nothing funny about murder, we suck in the dark, Jonas Salk, just one more thing called love, Ginger Lynn, raised by wolves, V, Brandon Lee, Giftwrapped and Gutted, obliterated by a comet, Fordlandia, that little old ant, mushpit, Michael Che, let me suck it, what's a quarterback, Roddy Piper, name a year, Quibbly awards, Brendan wins and Soldier Of Fortune magazines. For other episodes, go to www.qsblaw.org. They are also internettable on: Instagram - @lawofficesofquibble; Twitter - @qsblaw; TikTok - @qsblaw; Uhive - www.uhive.com/z/QTTCLFU; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quiblle.bicker.3; Tumblr - quibblesquabblebicker; Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/user/QuibbleSquabble or watch them on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/LawOfficesofQuibbleSquabbleBicker --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/qsb/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/qsb/support

This week the boys of "DJS" join up with Jason Pollock from the "Hi I'm Jason" podcast to welcome Michael E. Moran, Jr. the President & CEO of The Palace in Stamford CT. 

Listen to the NEWEST $50k Ring Earner on the Moore Succe$$ Team, Norma Quintana along with her upline is Carolina and Jesus Felix and Jason Pollock! We also hear from M$T SPOTLIGHT EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS.

This week, Nick is joined on the podcast by top level advertising creative director (Jason Pollock) as they discuss making adult friends, saving someone's life, and why we can only try to not screw up the next generation.

This episode we talk with Jason PollockStarted performing comedy at 29Shows talked about:The Elephant ManOur TownPlay It Again SamChapter TwoDrowsy ChaperoneDreams of Semore in Little Shop of HorrorsMoon Over BuffaloEvil DeadMiracle WorkerDiary of Anne FrankWait Until DarkMousetrapSabrina FairLunch HourListen to find out even more!I am always searching for more interesting people to talk to on this podcast. If you or someone you know might be interested, you can send the contact information or if you have any comments, questions, or requests, contact us;on our Facebook page CommunityTheatreStudio,our webpage CommunityTheatreStudio.Podbean.com, e-mail us at CommunityTheatreStudio@gmail.com,leave a voice message or text to 609-388-8287,or even leave a review on iTunes as well.We are supported by Village Playbox of Haddon Heights, NJ

Original Airdate: 9-18-16. Featuring comedian Jason Pollock, libertarian Murray Sabrin, TapInto.net editor Curtis Leeds and Senator Sam Thompson.

It is a busy day at Nerdvana when Jason Pollock stops by! Jason is a veteran stand up comic and the author of the new book "Really You're Reading This? My Ramblings on Social Media". This week we talk about Faces of Death, the money Jason owes me and spoil a bunch of space movies. Plus we play "Who Tweeted it?" on Host vs Guest vs Audience. For more Jason: Twitter You're Really Reading This?: My Ramblings on Social Media This episode of the +2 Comedy podcast is brought to you by pleasantnightmareburlesque.com Want to sponsor the +2 Comedy podcast? Click here to check out our Fiver store for more information.

We are all set for another great program. There is an interesting story out of Oklahoma. It seems complex, so I will let our OK based panel member Lenny Biggers explain it. There is little doubt that aspects of the case are unique to OK, however a large portion seems to be applicable in any state that permits commercial surety. I was chatting with a recovery agent earlier this week, he brought up some questions that I had to admit I had not thought about, the first of which is the importance of being physically fit. Sure it seems obvious, but do you need to 'Iron Man' to be an effective Recovery Agent?

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http://AerStephen.rootswire.com/podcasts/fandb_SPECIAL_2009_12_10_Jason_Pollock.mp3 Thu, 10 Dec 2009 14:0

Nicole Sandler speaks with Jason Pollock about his film, The Youngest Candidate," and Twitter.

This is the 7th and last episode in our series The Long Road to Reform.In Italy, the Renaissance was a time of both prosperity and upheaval.Moderns of the 21st C are so accustomed to thinking of Italy as one large unified nation it's difficult to conceive of it as it was throughout MOST of its history; a patchwork of various regions at odds with each other. During the Middle Ages and a good part of the Renaissance, Italy was composed of powerful city states like Florence and Venice who vied endlessly with each other. Exacerbating the turmoil, was the interference of France and Germany who influenced affairs to their advantage.It was within this mix of prosperity, intrigue, and emerging Renaissance ideals the papacy carried on during the last decades of the 15th Century.I need to insert a cautionary footnote at this point. As this is the last of our series laying out the history for WHY the Reformation occurred, we need to deal with something that may be a bit unsettling for some of our listeners; the string of popes who were, how shall I describe them? Less than holy, less than the men of God others were. Even many loyal Roman Catholics acknowledge the men who've ridden Peter's chair haven't always been of sterling reputation. Not a few have been a ragged blight on the Holy See. That there was a string of them in the 15th Century helped set the stage for the Reformation.And I hope this mini-series in CS has made it clear that Reform only became something OUTSIDE the Church when the decades old movement for it WITHIN the Church was forced to exit. Never forget Luther began a Roman monk and priest who was forced out.During his reign in the mid-15th C, Pope Eugene IV sought to decorate Rome with the new artistic styles of the early Renaissance. He recruited Fra Angelico and Donatello. This began a trend among the Popes to imbibe the ideas of the Renaissance, especially in regard to art. They sought to adorn the city with palaces, churches, and monuments worthy of its place as the capital of Christendom. Some of the popes moved to greatly enlarge the papal library.All this construction wasn't cheap, especially the construction of St. Peter's Basilica. So the popes came up with new ways to raise funds. A subject we'll come back to later.Not all Renaissance popes focused on the arts. Some were warlords who led military campaigns. Others took delight in playing the high-stakes game of political intrigue.Eugene IV was succeeded by Nicholas V, who spent his term from 1447 to 55 trying to gain political dominance over the Italian states. His goal was to turn Rome into the intellectual center of Europe. He recruited the best authors and artists. His personal library was said to be the best. But, being a scholar didn't preclude him being brutal. He ruthlessly pursued and executed any who opposed him. During his reign, Constantinople fell to the Turks. He called for a great Crusade to retake the City, but everyone knew he only wanted it to increase his own prestige, so they ignored him.His successor was Calixtus III, who served only 3 years. Calixtus was the first pope of the Spanish family of Borgia. Under the guise of standing against an invasion by the Turks, Calixtus embarked on a campaign to unite Italy by military conquest. Nepotism reach a new height during his reign. One of the many relatives Calixtus elevated was his grandson Rodrigo, whom he appointed as a cardinal. This Rodrigo would later become the infamous Alexander VI.The next pope was Pius II who served from 1458 to 64. Pius was the last of the Renaissance popes who took his office seriously. He tried to bring about the much-needed Reformation of the Church but his plan was stalled by powerful cardinals. Pius was a true scholar who began work on a vast Cosmography. Unable to complete the work before he died, it was instrumental in shaping the ideas of a certain Genoese ship's captain named Cristofor Columbo.Pius II was followed by Pope Paul II, an opportunist who, upon learning that his uncle, Eugene IV, had been made pope, decided a career as a churchman was more promising than his occupation as a tradesman. His main interest was collecting jewelry. His lust for luxury was proverbial, his concubines acknowledged by the papal court. Pope Paul wanted to recover the architectural glory of pagan Rome and devoted vast sums to the work. He died of internal bleeding, brought on by his debauchery.Sixtus IV served from 1471 to 84 and came to power by literally buying the papacy. Corruption and nepotism reached new heights. His sole goal was to enrich his family, one of whom would become Pope Julius II. Under Sixtus, the church became a family business, and all Italy was involved in a series of wars and conspiracies whose sole purpose was to enrich the pope's nephews. His favorite was Pietro who at the age of 26 he made a cardinal, the patriarch of Constantinople, and archbishop of Florence. Another nephew plotted the murder of one of the Medicis in Florence who was stabbed to death before the altar while saying mass. When the dead man's relatives took revenge by hanging the priest who murdered him, the pope excommunicated the entire city of Florence and declared war.Despite all these groteque shenanigans, history remembers Sixtus for something else entirely; the Sistine Chapel, which was named after him.Before his election in 1484, Innocent VIII made a solemn vow to quit the nepotism that had become endemic to the Papacy. But as soon as he was pope he declared, since papal power was supreme, he wasn't bound by the prior oath.What's the old phrase? “It's good to be King.” I guess we could also say, “It's great to be Pope.”Innocent VIII wasn't! Innocent that is. He was the first pope to acknowledge several of his illegitimate children, on whom he heaped honors and wealth. Under the management of his son, the sale of indulgences became a shameless business proposition. Pope Innocent ordered Christendom to be cleared of all witches. Hundreds of innocent women were executed.After Innocent's death, Rodrigo Borgia bought the cardinals' votes and became pope under the name of Alexander VI. He ruled from 1492 to 1503. Under Alexander, papal corruption reached its all-time zenith, or we should say, it's nadir.I hope Roman Catholic listeners don't hear this and assume I'm just Catholic bashing. It's Catholic scholars who chronicle all this. It's simply a sad chapter in Church History.Pope Alexander was a moral wretch who publicly committed all the capital sins, save for gluttony because of a persistent case of heartburn. The people of Rome, well-acquainted with Alexander's excesses, said of him, “Alexander is ready to sell the keys, the altars, and even Christ himself. But, he's within his rights, since he bought them.”Alexander had numerous affairs with the wives of the men of court. These women gave him several children he openly acknowledged. The most famous of these were the infamous pair, Cesare and Lucrezia. Italy was besmirched by blood because of his many plots and wars. His court was so corrupt many fabricated tales were hatched. Sad, since there was no need to embellish the list of sins attached to his reign, which for long after hurt the reputation of the papacy.Alexander VI died unexpectedly. The suspicion is that he mistakenly took a poison meant for another. His son Cesare had hoped to inherit the Holy See but was struck by the same ailment. So the cardinals elected Pius III, a reformer. He lasted 26 days before dying mysteriously. Can anyone say “Conspiracy?”This brought Julius II to the papal seat, a worthy successor to Alexander.When Popes are elected, they pick a name they want to take for their tenure as the head of the Church. The papal name gives us a hint how he sees his role; what he hopes to accomplish.Julius was only the second to take that name, which exists as a harbinger for what he aimed to do. Appointed a cardinal by his uncle Sixtus IV, Julius modeled himself more after Julius Caesar than any saint. Like many of the popes of that era, Julius was a patron of the arts.During his pontificate, Michelangelo finished the Sistine Chapel, and Raphael's frescoes decorated the Vatican.But this pope's favorite pastime was war.Visitors to the Vatican today are struck by the bright colors of the Swiss papal guard. The only way they could be called camouflage is if they were trying to hide in a Jason Pollock painting. It was Julius who reorganized the papal guard, dressing them in uniforms said to have been designed by none other than Michelangelo.We might expect a Pope to make a poor general, but he was in fact so successful in his military and diplomatic exploits, it was rumored he might finally achieve the unification of Italy. Of course, France and Germany opposed these plans, but Julius defeated them both in diplomacy and on the battlefield. He died in 1513, earning the epithet, Julius the Terrible by his contemporaries.He was succeeded by Giovanni, son of Lorenzo de Medici. Giovanni took the name of Leo X. Like his famous father, Leo was a patron of the arts. He failed to consolidate Julius' military and political gains and in 1516 was forced to sign an agreement with Francis I of France that gave the king enormous authority in church affairs.Leo's immersion in the world of the arts overshadowed his pastoral concerns. He was determined to complete St. Peter's in Rome. The financing of that project was the main purpose for the sale of indulgences that provoked the protests of a German monk named Martin Luther.In our next episode, since we've now come right up to the Reformation in Europe, we'll get caught up with our narrative of the Church in the East.Martin, John, and Philip – that is Luther, Calvin and Melanchthon are just chomping at the bit to jump in.