Backstory on the Shroud of Turin

103 Episodes

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Shroud Secrets with Russ

2025-11-2838:18

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell speaks with leading Shroud researcher and lecturer Russ Breault. Drawing from years of investigation, Breault offers remarkable insights into why the Shroud may serve as a visual extension of the Gospel and how it can deepen our understanding of the suffering and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.Breault explains how Scripture provides a forensic blueprint of Jesus’ wounds. Yet the Gospels give very few details about His physical suffering. He argues that the Shroud fills these gaps by presenting a “gospel written on linen.” This makes the Shroud an invaluable artifact for understanding both history and theology.The conversation explores early Christian persecution, secrecy surrounding relics, and the possible reason no Gospel mentions a burial cloth with an image. Breault also discusses Peter’s “sheet vision” in Acts 10 as a symbolic reference that may parallel the Shroud.Another key topic is the biblical requirement for multiple witnesses. Breault describes how the empty tomb, the Shroud, and the Sudarium form three powerful testimonies pointing to the Resurrection.Listeners will appreciate the blend of faith, history, and scientific reasoning. Breault shares why the Shroud continues to inspire researchers, believers, and scholars worldwide.

The Tomb Revealed

2025-11-2653:33

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell speaks with historian Massimo Paris for the third session of a remarkable deep dive into the archaeology of Calvary and the Tomb of Christ. Massimo explains how Constantine and Helena identified the site of the Crucifixion and Resurrection through excavation in the 4th century. He describes the removal of Hadrian’s pagan temple, the discovery of Calvary, and the revealing of the burial cave. He also gives an in-depth overview of Constantine’s massive architectural project, which included the rotunda, basilica, courtyard, and the original edicule.Listeners learn how archaeological evidence—wooden models, mosaics, ancient maps, and written accountsmatches the descriptions in the Gospels. Massimo shows how the angle of the burial bench, uncovered again in 2016, confirms its authenticity. This is the limestone slab where Jesus Christ was laid, wrapped in the Shroud of Turin.He also describes the fracture in the rock of Calvary caused by the earthquake at the moment of Jesus’ death—visible today both above and within the chapel structure. This episode brings together Scripture, archaeology, and history in a way that illuminates the central event of Christianity: the Resurrection.

Golgotha & the Tomb

2025-11-2447:17

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy R. Powell continues his discussion with Massimo Paris, researcher of medicine, archaeology, languages, and ancient Jerusalem. Paris offers a compelling walkthrough of the geography surrounding Golgotha and the tomb of Jesus Christ, using detailed reconstructions and archaeological evidence to illuminate the historical landscape.Drawing from Josephus, the Gospels, and modern excavations, Paris explains how an ancient quarry became the location of Calvary on its eastern rise and the tomb on its western edge. He describes the Garden Gate, the first and second city walls, and how these features match biblical accounts stating Jesus suffered outside the gate.Paris also examines the structure of first-century tombs. Citing studies of more than 900 burial caves, he notes that nearly all used square blocking stones, not round ones—clarifying a widespread misconception. He explains how the tomb’s single burial chamber and stone bench align precisely with early pilgrim reports and with Scripture describing the linen cloths and the encounter with angels.The conversation also explores how sunlight could enter the tomb’s east-facing doorway, allowing the disciples to see inside. These insights provide a richer understanding of the setting of the Resurrection and support themes from The Only Witness.This episode deepens the connection between archaeology, history, and faith and offers a clearer view of the world in which the Shroud of Turin emerged.

Calvary & The Tomb Revealed

2025-11-2054:44

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell interviews long-time researcher and lecturer Massimo Paris, who has spent more than 30 years studying the archeology of ancient Jerusalem and its direct connection to the Passion of Jesus Christ.Massimo explains how the remains of a massive stone quarry excavated by Father Virgilio Corbo and his team between 1970 and 1980 reveal the real geographical setting behind Calvary and the Tomb. The eastern edge of this quarry contains the rocky outcrop of Golgotha, while its western edge holds a first-century arcosolium tomb that aligns perfectly with the Gospel description of Jesus Christ’s burial and Resurrection.He breaks down the three types of first-century tombs, showing why only a niche tomb with a carved stone bench matches the Biblical account and the description of the two angels seen by Mary Magdalene. Massimo also explains how the quarry floor became a cultivated garden, why the city walls matter, and how these findings support the narrative found in The Only Witness and the historical context of the Shroud of Turin.This episode blends archeology, theology, and history to reveal a compelling case for the authentic locations tied to the crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Proof of God in Science?

2025-11-0636:47

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews Olivier Bonnassies, co-author of God, the Science, and the Evidence, a groundbreaking book that explores the rational and scientific reasons for believing in God. Olivier discusses how scientific discoveries—such as the Big Bang, the fine-tuning of the universe, and the laws of thermodynamics—support the existence of a Creator.Olivier shares his personal transformation from skepticism to belief, emphasizing the rational evidence that points to God. He explains that modern science, rather than negating the existence of God, actually confirms His existence through the remarkable order and fine-tuning in the universe.From the beginning of time to the precise calibration of forces within the cosmos, these discoveries align with ancient theological insights about a Creator who is transcendent and outside of time and space.Olivier discusses how the Shroud of Turin fits into this broader conversation about the evidence for God, offering a powerful symbol of Christ’s Resurrection. The conversation also delves into the philosophical and moral implications of a world that either has a Creator or exists by random chance.Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, this episode offers an enlightening perspective on how science and faith can coexist.

The Double Sentence

2025-10-1032:23

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell interviews Italian researcher and author Marco Ginatta, born in Turin and dedicated to the study of the Holy Shroud for decades. Ginatta shares his deeply personal journey from scientist to theologian, inspired by his grandmother’s devotion to the Shroud.He introduces his theory of the “double sentence with double penalty,” arguing that Jesus Christ was illegally condemned to both scourging and crucifixion—two punishments attested by the forensic marks on the Shroud of Turin. Ginatta and Powell discuss how the Shroud captures the transition between the material and immaterial—between body and Resurrection.Listeners will also learn why the Shroud’s image can only be viewed from a distance, a phenomenon no artist could replicate. Ginatta explains why science must never separate from faith when studying the most sacred artifact of Christian history.This conversation invites believers and skeptics alike to reflect on the intersection of physics, theology, and spiritual truth—revealing why the Shroud of Turin remains The Only Witness to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Lost Years of the Shroud

2025-10-0822:31

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell welcomes Alessandro Piana, one of Italy’s leading Shroud of Turin scholars. Together they investigate the mysterious “lost years” of the Shroud and expose recent media claims that question its authenticity.Piana critically examines the Archeometry article that suggested the Shroud was a medieval bas-relief creation, pointing out scientific omissions such as blood evidence, linen composition, and pollen traces. He then dives into historical letters from Pope Innocent III and accounts from Robert de Clari to trace the Shroud’s path from Constantinople to Athens and finally to France.Listeners will learn:• Why the Pierre d’Arcis memorandum does not disprove the Shroud’s authenticity• How crusader families and Templars may have protected the Shroud for 150 years• What documents suggest about the Shroud’s presence in Athens in 1205• How the Shroud bridges faith and history as evidence of the Resurrection of Jesus ChristThis episode unites theology, science, and forensic history—highlighting themes from The Only Witness, Guy Powell’s book on the Shroud of Turin.

Shroud Forgery or Truth?

2025-09-2349:12

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell speaks with Finnish researcher Teemu Hartikainen, founder and president of the Finnish Sindonology Society.Hartikainen dives into one of the most debated documents in Shroud history: the 1389 memorandum by Bishop Pierre d’Arcis. Long cited as proof that the Shroud of Turin was a medieval forgery, Hartikainen explains why this claim doesn’t hold up.Through detailed archival research, he reveals that the so-called “letter” is not a letter at all. Instead, it consists of two unfinished drafts dictated by the bishop. These drafts lack essential elements such as a date, signature, and polished Latin. Far from being official correspondence, they were likely internal notes, never intended for the Pope.The episode also explores how later historians manipulated these drafts—adding a date stamp and altering translations—to make them appear as damning evidence against the Shroud. By mixing historical context with linguistic analysis, Hartikainen shows that these edits reshaped the meaning and fueled skepticism.Beyond documents, the discussion uncovers the political and economic struggles of the time. With the Black Death devastating Europe and churches competing for pilgrims, the motivation behind d’Arcis’ complaints may have been financial survival rather than truth.This thought-provoking conversation challenges long-standing assumptions and raises new questions about authenticity, faith, and history. Whether you approach the Shroud as evidence of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ or as a historical puzzle, Hartikainen’s insights provide clarity.

Shroud Secrets with Bertrand

2025-09-1836:09

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell speaks with Jim Bertrand—renowned Shroud evangelist, researcher, and speaker. Together, they unpack key highlights from the 2025 Shroud Conference in St. Louis, where leading international scholars gathered to present new findings.Jim shares the blessings of meeting experts, hearing powerful talks, and seeing fibers from the Shroud under microscopes. Among the most fascinating discoveries:Possible coins on the eyes indicated by metal alloy traces.Theories on the three hours of darkness explained by Sahara dust storms.Forensic blood evidence suggesting supernatural preservation.The Sudarium of Oviedo and new perspectives on its link to the Shroud.Microscopic evidence of neutron trails that may confirm the Resurrection event.Bertrand explains how these findings connect science, history, and faith, offering believers and skeptics alike a deeper look into the mystery of the Shroud of Turin. He also reflects on the camaraderie among researchers, the role of the Shroud in evangelization, and the timeless truth that “the image on the Shroud is the natural consequence of a supernatural event.”Don’t miss this conversation that bridges theology, research, and the enduring mystery of the Resurrection.🎥 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/GVqFnI1ggLU

Shroud on Trial

2025-08-3158:45

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy R. Powell interviews lawyer and Shroud researcher William Red, who applies legal reasoning to the centuries-old mystery of the Shroud.William explains how courtroom standards reasonable suspicion, balance of probabilities, and beyond reasonable doubt can be applied to Shroud evidence. He demonstrates why the 1988 Carbon 14 dating, flawed by breaches in protocol and limited sampling, would be inadmissible in court. Instead, he highlights stronger evidence:Pollen unique to JerusalemDust samples from crucifixion-related areasBlood serum halos around woundsForensic details confirming crucifixion practicesHe contrasts absurd theories, like a Da Vinci forgery, against overwhelming corroborative science. Through a legal lens, the evidence tips the scales toward authenticity, pointing to a first-century origin.This discussion bridges law, science, and faith, asking: what verdict would you render if you were the juror?Whether you’re a believer, skeptic, or curious investigator, William’s perspective reframes the Shroud as more than an artifact—it becomes a witness to the Resurrection.Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/t-YWL2ZmWl0

The Shroud: Evangelism or Artifact?

2025-08-2801:09:01

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Bob Bird, an expert on the Shroud and longtime researcher, discusses its historical significance. Bird explains how the Shroud may have been more than just a relic—it could have served as a powerful evangelistic tool for early Christians, aiding in spreading the message of Jesus' Resurrection. Bird recounts his first exposure to the Shroud, a key moment in his faith and research journey.He critically examines the 1988 Carbon 14 dating, which cast doubt on the Shroud's authenticity, offering a fresh perspective on why those conclusions might have been flawed. He also explores the Shroud's possible journey to Odessa, how early Christian texts reference it, and the mystery of its early history.As Bird puts it, “The Shroud is a symbol of Christ’s passion and resurrection, and its history is as intricate as the faith it represents.” Whether you are a believer or skeptic, this episode provides valuable insights into one of Christianity’s most compelling artifacts.Click here to view the video

Myra Kahn Adams on the Shroud

2025-07-2313:30

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell interviews Myra Kahn Adams, Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit and a featured speaker at the Shroud 2025 Conference.Myra traces her journey from a moving encounter with a crucifix modeled on the Shroud to seeing the actual cloth twice—in 2010 and 2015. She shares how her Jewish upbringing and later conversion to Catholicism gave her a unique lens through which to understand the power of the Shroud. Her moving analogy to Doubting Thomas paints the Shroud as a “proof for our time”—a visual testimony to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ for those who need evidence to believe.She also offers a preview of major news to be announced at the conference regarding the Shroud exhibit and its potential future home in Washington, D.C.From science to mystery to faith, this conversation bridges the intellectual and spiritual power of the Shroud of Turin.Click here to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdoMpVQ6A5M

Janis Winchester on the Shroud

2025-07-1511:20

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell interviews Janis Winchester—a longtime Shroud researcher, speaker, and member of the Shroud 2025 Conference committee. Janis shares how her initial curiosity transformed into a faith-deepening mission to understand the Shroud’s image, science, and message.Her exposure to top experts like Kevin Moran and Barry Schwortz and her use of VP8 image analysis helped her see what she describes as “unseen evidence”—particularly the blood from the lance wound and the peaceful expression on the face of the man in the cloth. These elements led her to a deep conviction: the Shroud is not just a mystery of history, but a mirror of the Gospels and the love of Jesus Christ.In her upcoming presentation at the Shroud 2025 Conference, Janis will guide attendees through the physical, historical, and scriptural evidence of the Shroud’s authenticity—encouraging others to come to their own conclusions while drawing closer to the peace of God.Click here to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjeflZANnFQ

Shroud of Turin & Science

2025-06-2612:21

What if science could support faith?In this gripping episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell interviews Bob Rucker, a veteran nuclear engineer who has spent over a decade applying advanced scientific methods to the most studied relic in Christianity: the Shroud of Turin.Rucker presents a comprehensive radiation-based theory of image formation and carbon date discrepancy. By simulating the behavior of neutrons and protons in a tomb environment, he shows how the Resurrection itself could have generated the very evidence we now study.He covers:· The four evidences from the 1988 carbon dating that standard explanations cannot fully address· Why protons and neutrons released in a burst of radiation could form the image and skew the dating· His rebuttal to skeptics who claim faith doesn't need relics—and why we should care anyway· The possible link to the Sudarium of Oviedo· The deep theological implications of scientific evidence for Jesus’s ResurrectionWhether you’re a scientist, theologian, or simply curious, this episode offers a profound look into how God may be using the tools of science to strengthen faith.🎥 Click here to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc8K2Y05ZOU

Shroud of Turin & Faith

2025-06-2510:31

· What if a single piece of cloth could ignite boldness in your faith? In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell interviews Jim Bertrand, an acclaimed speaker who has delivered over 350 presentations on the Shroud across 30 states. But Jim’s method is unique: he prays for each attendee for nine days before every talk.Jim explains the vital distinction that blood on the Shroud was laid down first—on Good Friday—and the image appeared later—perhaps on Easter Sunday. This detail, verified through x-rays in 1978, powerfully supports the claim that the Shroud may have captured the moment of Resurrection.He also addresses a common objection: “I don’t need relics for my faith.” Jim offers a powerful response—if the Shroud is authentic and God gave it to us, our reaction shouldn’t be indifference. It should be gratitude, evangelization, and deeper love for Jesus Christ.Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or faithful, Jim Bertrand’s message is one that bridges science and spirituality—and strengthens belief.🎥 Click here to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-SnlOa8LOQ

Seven Secrets of the Shroud

2025-06-2012:19

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell welcomes Russ Breault, long-time Shroud of Turin researcher and speaker, to share his deep insights into the cloth known as the burial shroud of Jesus Christ.Russ introduces “Seven Secrets of the Sacred Shroud”—mysteries that are often glossed over in typical presentations. These include hidden Gospel allusions, the visual parable nature of the Shroud, and overlooked historical clues like the water stains that may point to its true origin. He addresses common Protestant objections and the idea that faith doesn’t require a relic—while asserting that some may be reached precisely through it.The conversation also touches on how the Shroud confronts us with the brutal reality of crucifixion, and thus with the immense price paid for humanity’s sins. Russ reminds us: “There’s not a sin He can’t forgive.”If you've ever wondered whether relics matter, or what the Shroud of Turin truly says about the life and death of Jesus Christ, this episode is for you.🎥 Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/7gAhEpKT9tg

Hidden Bible Clues?

2025-06-1911:51

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell interviews retired Protestant pastor and researcher Larry Stalley. Together, they explore a lesser-known angle of Shroud studies: its potential biblical references.Larry believes that multiple authors of the New Testament—including Matthew, John, Paul, and the author of Hebrews—offer cryptic yet intentional clues about the Shroud of Turin. These clues, Larry suggests, were veiled deliberately due to the early Church’s need for secrecy amidst persecution.Highlights of this episode include:· Why John Calvin rejected the Shroud—and why that view may fall short· The significance of the “Sign of Jonah” and how it may point to the Shroud· A theological response to “blind faith” vs. evidence-based belief· How the Shroud helped convert a young atheist into a believer· How visualizing Christ’s wounds through the Shroud deepens faith and devotionWhether you’re deeply familiar with the Shroud or just beginning to explore it, Larry’s unique biblical perspective opens a fascinating new dimension in this ongoing mystery.🎥 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/gH8BpTTpq7I

Sign of Jonah and the Shroud

2025-06-0646:43

In this captivating episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell sits down with biblical scholar Larry Stalley to ask: Is the Shroud of Turin the mysterious “Sign of Jonah” that Jesus referenced in Matthew’s Gospel?Stalley introduces listeners to his fascinating research, outlined in his new book Divine Testimony for the Resurrection, and explores how cryptic references in Matthew, Hebrews, and the letters of John may point to knowledge of the Shroud in the early Church. They dive deep into the typology of Jonah’s three days in the belly of the sea monster and draw a parallel to Christ’s three days in the tomb wrapped in the linen burial cloth—the Shroud.Discover how “the discipline of the secret” might explain why the Gospel writers didn’t openly refer to the image on the Shroud, and how this could serve as God's own visual testimony to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.This episode will enrich your faith and deepen your understanding of biblical prophecy and relics. Don't miss this deep theological dive with Larry Stalley.👉 Click here to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaPaUzioNjA

Was the Shroud of Turin Hacked?

2025-05-2746:15

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell speaks with veteran Shroud researcher and blogger Stephen Jones, who shares a powerful and controversial theory: that the Shroud’s infamous 1988 carbon dating may have been hacked.Jones proposes that Cold War actors, possibly the KGB, altered the data via manipulation of the computer systems controlling the dating process. Drawing from his background in hospital IT and biblical science, Jones explains how the machines used were identical and vulnerable, how the date of 1325 AD was too “perfect,” and why this deserves a serious scientific reconsideration.He also reflects on how his Christian journey intersected with this remarkable artifact and discusses early depictions of Christ that mirror the face on the Shroud. Finally, he discusses how dating the pollen on the Shroud may offer future breakthroughs.Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or somewhere in between, this episode delivers a fascinating blend of science, faith, and digital forensics.Click here to view the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJHkMIsNBR0

Shroud Conference Preview 2025

2025-05-1916:26

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews conference organizers Joe Marino and Cindy Sheltmire to preview the Shroud of Turin 2025 International Conference and Symposium, set for July 30–August 3, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri.Topics covered include:· Why now is the moment for renewed global interest in the Shroud of Turin.· The evolution of non-destructive testing methods and what they could reveal.· A spotlight on key speakers including Robert Rucker, Dr. Gilbert LaVoy, and Dr. Cheryl White.· The public tracks and special exhibits—including the same one featured at the National Eucharistic Congress.· The importance of the conference as a tribute to Barry Schwartz, one of the shroud’s greatest champions.You’ll also learn how the Resurrection of Jesus Christ connects to the ongoing mystery and scientific intrigue surrounding the Shroud, making this event a once-in-a-generation opportunity to engage both faith and reason.Whether you’re a scholar, skeptic, or spiritual seeker, this is your invitation to become part of the story.🎥 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/lrP-ZQRPK6c

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