Morally Offensive

Bill and Stephanie are joined by Veronica (Leave, Laugh, Love) to talk about Benedetta—starting with her own experience discerning religious life, and the moment that path ended when she was denied entry to a convent because she’s a lesbian.

From there, the conversation moves through fundamentalist Catholic spaces and the charismatic movement, touching on ideas like vocation, discernment, religious orders, and what it actually means to be “called” in a system with hard boundaries.

We also get into the reaction to Benedetta, including a harsh condemnation from Tradition, Family, Property and a more favorable take that approaches the film on its own terms.

Along the way, we set the stage for Part II with some context on director Paul Verhoeven—known for films like Basic Instinct, Showgirls, and RoboCop—and why a movie about Catholic mysticism, sainthood, and alleged miracles was always going to land exactly where it did: somewhere between serious religious drama and total controversy.

Check out the Leave, Laugh, Love podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leave-laugh-love/id1755663974

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This week on Morally Offensive, Bill, Jess, and special guest Syd King dive into The Little Hours—a medieval comedy where the nuns are anything but devout. Set in a 14th-century convent, the film follows a group of wildly unrestrained sisters who drink, swear, and terrorize the local help…until a fugitive posing as a deaf-mute handyman shows up and turns everything sideways.

What starts as a chaotic character study quickly spirals into a mix of lust, power plays, religious hypocrisy, and naked dancing in the woods. Along the way, the crew unpacks how the film pulls from The Decameron, why its anachronistic dialogue actually works, and how it gleefully pokes at the idea of holiness without completely dismissing it.

Tangents include youth pastors telling us we'd go to hell if we died in a car crash, that time Jess' classmates terrorized and vandalized Holy Hill Basilica, TMI Catholic confessions about your sex life, campus ministers on the run from the law, and Syd's proximity to Ryan Gosling on Saturday Night Live.

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This week, Bill and Jess are joined by comedian, actor, and writer Syd King to talk The Little Hours—a movie where nuns drink too much, swear constantly, and ignore basically every rule they’re supposed to follow. Loosely based on The Decameron, it’s equal parts historical weirdness and modern comedy. We get into the Catholic angle, the controversy (or lack of it), and why this kind of story keeps coming back. 

In episode one, find out why Bill Donahue called the movie "Pure Trash", why a fringe Catholic Cult protested the movie (with bagpipes!), discover the existence of a creepy Catholic nun doll museum in northern Michigan, Jess finds out about "The Shack", and Bill reviews the hot dog menu from The Gay Bar in Gay, Michigan.

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In Part 2 of Jesus Christ Superstar (1973), we get into what happens when Jesus stops being a mere prophet, and is named "king" by his followers. Bill, Kevin and guest Orion Couling talk fame, ego, pressure, and why nobody in this movie seems to have a handle on what’s a-happenin' (including Jesus).

Diversions include: stealing from David Brubeck, why the Apostles have a Hobbit problem, what you would buy with your 30 pieces of silver, and St. Peter actor Paul Thomas' storied adult film career post-JC Superstar.

This is another episode in our Filthy Habits series, which will return to focus on Nunsploitation next week, with an episode on The Little Hours.

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Check Out "Shadow Carriers" Podcast with Orion Couling: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shadow-carriers/id1533170469

Follow Orion on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nawlins_crawlins/

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Jesus Christ Superstar is the musical that dared to ask: "What if the Gospels...but hippies?"

This week on Morally Offensive, Bill and Kevin are joined by actor, filmmaker, ghost tour guide (and former Judas) Orion Couling to break down Jesus Christ Superstar (1973). Along the way, expect some truly off-key singing as we dive into one of the most controversial religious films ever made.

We read through Catholic reactions ranging from outright condemnation to surprising praise, including claims that even the Pope was a fan, and unpack what made the film so divisive. Then we explore the fascinating history behind director Norman Jewison and the cast, pushing back on the idea that Jewison was simply a journeyman director and making the case for him as a true auteur.

Diversions include growing up Catholic on Dr. Dobson and Focus on the Family, DC Talk's "Nirvana" phase, Bill and Orion's time served on the Edmund Fitzgerald, and that one time Kevin got crucified on stage.

If you’re interested in Jesus Christ Superstar, religious film controversy, Catholic reviews, or the legacy of Norman Jewison, this episode digs into how a rock opera about Jesus became a cultural lightning rod.

Support the show:
Merch: https://morallyoffensive.bigcartel.com/
Buy Us a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/morallyoffensive

Check Out "Shadow Carriers" Podcast with Orion Couling: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shadow-carriers/id1533170469

Follow Orion on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nawlins_crawlins/

Website and Contact info:

https://www.morallyoffensive.com

Follow and watch:
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Threads: https://www.threads.net/@morallyoffensivepod