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
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46:15
Shroud Conference Preview 2025
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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16:26
Proof of Resurrection?
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell interviews evangelical apologist and theologian Tom Dallis. 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. Dallis details how key figures like Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea honored Jesus Christ with kingly burial rites—including 75 pounds of burial spices and fine linen, exactly what we’d expect for a royal entombment.But the discussion doesn’t stop at tradition. Dallis explores how modern science can further bolster the case for the Shroud, applying odds calculus and Bayesian probability. By combining over 30 lines of evidence—from forensic blood analysis to image formation science—Dallis concludes that the probability of forgery is so low it borders on the impossible.You’ll also learn how the Shroud reflects not only the physical suffering of Jesus but also echoes the symbolic role of Christ as the High Priest in the Holy of Holies.Whether you're grounded in faith or grounded in data, this episode challenges you to think deeper about the most famous burial cloth in history.🎥 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/B_p9x4izRKI
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36:11
Easter and the Resurrection
In this Easter edition of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, host Guy Powell sits down with Pastor Matt Cason of Saint James United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, for a deep and heartfelt conversation on the meaning of Easter, the Resurrection, and the power of Jesus Christ’s love.The interview explores:Pastor Matt's personal calling into ministry and spiritual influencesHow Lent shapes our understanding of the ResurrectionWhy the Resurrection is essential to the Christian faithHow to share the Easter story with childrenThe Shroud of Turin and its historical and spiritual relevancePastor Cason breaks down the Easter journey into three transformative stages: preparation, remembrance, and celebration. He also shares powerful insights about the first Easter celebration after Jesus’ death and how early Christians may have lived out their faith in secret, grounded in hope and awe at the Resurrection.Whether you are a seasoned believer or new to the Christian faith, this episode offers wisdom, clarity, and encouragement for the Easter season.Keywords: Shroud of Turin, Resurrection, Jesus Christ, The Only Witness, Easter, Christian Faith🎥 Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/eQI_ERsjCkg
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35:43
Is the Shroud the Only Witness?
In this powerful episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, author and host Guy R. Powell speaks with Sean Fitzgerald—a Catholic theologian, ministry leader, and seasoned Shroud researcher. Sean shares how the Shroud of Turin has become more than a relic; it's a vital tool for evangelization, especially among youth and parish communities.Sean delves into his early exposure to the Shroud, how it sparked a lifelong study, and why the cloth continues to fascinate scholars and believers alike. He breaks down the physical and spiritual impact of the Crucifixion and Resurrection, using the Shroud as a bridge between history, science, and faith.Topics include:· The Shroud's scientific anomalies and why skeptics often affirm its authenticity· The emotional and physical trauma revealed in the image· How the Shroud reflects key Gospel moments like the Garden of Gethsemane and the crucifixion· The power of resurrection in shaping the early Church· Catholic theology and the role of Mary and the EucharistWhether you’re a devout believer or curious skeptic, this episode offers a compelling case for the Shroud as The Only Witness to the Resurrection.Click here to view the video: https://youtu.be/0xENr97DCiw
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.