
Backstory on the Shroud of Turin
With Guy R. Powell
Guy R. Powell
Show overview
Backstory on the Shroud of Turin has been publishing since 2022, and across the 4 years since has built a catalogue of 124 episodes. That works out to roughly 95 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence, with the show now in its 3rd season.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 38 min and 56 min — though episode length varies meaningfully from one episode to the next. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language History show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 2 weeks ago, with 21 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Guy R. Powell.
From the publisher
Are you fascinated by the intersection of biblical archaeology and modern science? Step into a world where history and cutting-edge research converge in our podcast, focusing on the Shroud of Turin, one of the most important Christian relics. I'm Guy R. Powell, author of "The Only Witness, a Christian Historical Fiction on the Shroud of Turin" and I invite you to join me and top experts from around the world including researchers, scientists, historians, and believers, (sindonologists – those that study the Shroud), as we explore the Shroud of Turin from every angle. We’ll try to uncover the truth about the Shroud of Turin. Special topics include: • Carbon dating of the Shroud. • How Jesus’s burial cloth, aka, The Shroud of Turin, or the Holy Shroud is mentioned in the Gospels Past interviews include top Sindonologists, such as: • Barrie Schwortz • Russ Breault • Joe Marino • Giulio Fanti • And many others Top questions discussed: • What is a biblical scholar as it relates to the Shroud of Turin? • What is the Shroud of Turin? • What is radio-carbon dating? • Is the Shroud of Turin real of fake? • What is the history of the Shroud of Turin? • When will the Shroud of Turin be exhibited? • What was the Shroud of Turin used for? • What blood and DNA was found on the Shroud of Turin? • What is the mystery of the Shroud of Turin? • Was the Shroud of Turin burned in a fire? • Was the Shroud of Turin found in Jesus’s tomb? • Is the Shroud of Turin the burial cloth of Jesus Christ? • Was it Mary Magdalene that found the Shroud of Turin? • Was it Peter and John that found the Shroud of Turin? • Is the Shroud of Turin the Holy Grail? Guy’s podcast and book has generated a world of comments: Guy Powell’s The Only Witness masterfully weaves a myriad of true historical and scientific details regarding the Shroud of Turin into a fascinating novel about this treasured relic and the people who were involved with it. His storytelling breathes life into history and is a joy to read! —Theodora (“Teddi”) A. Pappas, sindonologist and criminal defense attorney Kudos to Guy Powell who, in The Only Witness, has skillfully presented a most intriguing work of historical fiction regarding the putative burial cloth of Jesus Christ. —Jack Markwardt, historian and author of The Hidden History of the Shroud of Turin” “The missing element in Shroud studies has been a book like this." —David Rolfe, BAFTA-winning producer of The Silent Witness and Who Can He Be? Discussion topics covered in the Shroud include: • What future research is planned to further investigate the Shroud of Turin? • How does the study of the Shroud of Turin contribute to our understanding of Jesus’s life and times? • What controversies surround the carbon dating of the Shroud, and how are they addressed? • In what ways have new archaeological methods and discoveries provided insights into the authenticity of the Shroud? • How do experts differentiate between authentic relics and medieval forgeries? • What are the major historical events linked to the Shroud of Turin? • What are the latest scientific findings of the Shroud of Turin? • How does religious faith impact the study of the Shroud of Turin? Subscribe to Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen each week. New episodes are uploaded every Thursday-Friday. Want to learn more about author Guy R. Powell? Check out my socials below: Website: www.guypowell.com Youtube: @Guy.R.Powell.ShroudofTurin Instagram: @guy.r.powell Facebook: @AHistoryOfTheShroudOfTurin Email List: https://guypowell.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=27f4c87d37aa36fffdca695f3&id=6857bf7051 Connect today to unlock the mysteries of the Shroud of Turin.
Latest Episodes
View all 124 episodesShroud: Forgery or Miracle?
Jesus' Trial Explained
Evidence That Inspires Faith
Biblical Shroud Answers
Shroud Legal Evidence
Calvin and the Shroud
Shroud Forgery Debate
Shroud Evidence on Trial
Shroud Forgery Debate
Suffering of the Lamb
The Shroud: Hidden After the Resurrection?
Shroud of Turin: Who is He?
Shroud Hidden in Scripture

S3 Ep 50The Shroud of Turin: Early Views
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews Larry Stalley, a biblical scholar and expert on the Shroud. Stalley discusses his book, The Veiled Witness, which explores how the first Christians viewed the Shroud of Turin. He dives into the concept of the "discipline of the secret" and its connection to early Christian practices and beliefs. Stalley also shares insights into the Shroud’s role as a sacred relic, its relationship to Old Testament artifacts like the Ark of the Covenant, and how it became a symbol of Christ’s high priesthood. Through the lens of biblical typology, Stalley argues that the Shroud served not just as a burial cloth but as a profound witness to Christ’s resurrection.This episode uncovers the theological and historical significance of the Shroud, offering listeners a deeper understanding of its place in early Christianity. Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, the Shroud’s role in the development of Christian thought is a captivating subject that bridges faith, history, and mystery.

S3 Ep 49Gospel on Linen?
In this episode of Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews Russ Breault about one of the most compelling claims surrounding the Shroud of Turin. Russ describes the cloth as a gospel written on linen and explains why it continues to inspire believers, researchers, and seekers alike. He discusses the relationship between the Shroud, the empty tomb, and the face cloth, showing how these elements connect to the Gospel story of Jesus Christ. The conversation also explores suffering, sacrifice, and the idea of extreme love revealed through the Passion. Russ offers insights that connect history, faith, and visual testimony in a way that is clear and accessible. This episode will resonate with anyone interested in the Resurrection, Christian apologetics, and the message behind The Only Witness.

S3 Ep 48Shroud Truth Revealed
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews Duran Smith to explore some of the most common objections to the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin. The discussion begins with the widely accepted historical fact of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and then moves into claims that the Shroud was painted or forged during the Middle Ages. Duran explains that scientific studies have confirmed the absence of paint, pigments, or artistic materials on the cloth, showing instead that the image is formed by a microscopic chemical change on the linen fibers. The episode also highlights the unique three-dimensional properties of the Shroud, which allow for accurate human reconstruction when processed, something no traditional artwork can achieve. They discuss the pointillistic nature of the image, where shading is created through fiber density rather than color variation, further supporting the argument against artistic creation. Additionally, the conversation addresses a medieval letter often cited by skeptics as proof of forgery, revealing its lack of credibility and unanswered questions. This episode connects faith, science, and historical reasoning, offering insights that align with The Only Witness and its exploration of the Shroud of Turin. It challenges listeners to reconsider assumptions and examine the evidence surrounding the Resurrection of Jesus Christ with a more informed perspective.

S3 Ep 47Shroud Mystery Examined
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews engineer and author Les Fredette. Fredette discusses whether the Shroud of Turin could realistically have been forged in the Middle Ages. He explains why the anatomical precision, blood evidence, and crucifixion details challenge medieval forgery claims.The conversation explores limestone traces connected to Jerusalem. It also considers how evolving science affects our understanding of the cloth. Fredette shares how he integrates Shroud research into his novel The Shrouded Truth. He avoids overwhelming readers with technical lectures. Instead, he presents evidence through character dialogue and tension.Faith and science intersect throughout the discussion. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ remains central to the question of authenticity. For readers of The Only Witness, this interview adds depth to the ongoing historical and theological exploration.Is the Shroud of Turin an unsolved scientific mystery? Or is it evidence connected to the Resurrection?

S3 Ep 46Proof of Resurrection?
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell interviews evangelical apologist and theologian William Red. The two dive deep into Jewish burial customs from the first century and how these practices offer compelling support for the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin.Red details how key figures like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea honored Jesus Christ with kingly burial rites 75 pounds of burial spices and fine linen, just as one would expect for a royal entombment.The conversation doesn’t stop at tradition. Red explores modern science and its contributions to the Shroud’s authenticity, utilizing odds calculus and Bayesian probability to determine the likelihood of forgery.By considering over 30 lines of evidence, including blood chemistry and textile analysis, Red concludes that the probability of forgery is astronomically low.Whether you're grounded in faith or in data, this conversation challenges your perspective on the most famous burial cloth in history.

S3 Ep 45The Shroud of Turin: Divine Evidence
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy R. Powell interviews Dr. Giulio Fanti, one of the leading researchers on the Shroud. Dr. Fanti discusses his work in unraveling the mystery of how the Shroud’s body image was formed.He explains the concept of “divine photography,” where neutron radiation and a series of complex scientific processes, including electric fields and chemical reactions, may have imprinted the image of Jesus' body onto the cloth.Dr. Fanti also explores his groundbreaking discovery of beta radioactivity in the Shroud’s bloodstains, challenging the 1988 Carbon-14 dating results.This discovery has the potential to change the way we view the Shroud’s authenticity, suggesting a much earlier origin possibly from the time of Christ's death.Join us for an in-depth conversation about the science behind the Shroud and how it may provide physical evidence of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This episode will give you a new perspective on one of history’s most famous relics.

S3 Ep 44Shroud and Resurrection
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell speaks with theologian and Shroud scholar Andrew Dalton. Dalton explains how the Shroud became central to his academic and pastoral mission.The conversation explores Jewish burial customs, Gospel testimony, and forensic details found on the Shroud. Dalton highlights John’s Gospel and the discovery of the collapsed linen cloths at the tomb.These details challenge explanations of theft or fabrication. Listeners learn why the Resurrection is not merely a return to life. It represents transformation into glory.The Shroud offers physical evidence consistent with this claim. The episode also explains why Christian faith is grounded in reason. Belief grows from evidence, testimony, and historical coherence. Themes explored here closely align with The Only Witness.