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.

In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews Olivier Bonnasie, 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.

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.

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 Christ

This episode unites theology, science, and forensic history—highlighting themes from The Only Witness, Guy Powell’s book on the Shroud of Turin.

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.

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.

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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 Jerusalem
• Dust samples from crucifixion-related areas
• Blood serum halos around wounds
• Forensic details confirming crucifixion practices

He 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.

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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.

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