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 Resurrection

Whether 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

·      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

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

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 devotion

Whether 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

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

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

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

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

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 influences
• How Lent shapes our understanding of the Resurrection
• Why the Resurrection is essential to the Christian faith
• How to share the Easter story with children
• The Shroud of Turin and its historical and spiritual relevance

Pastor 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

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 Eucharist

Whether 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