The Second Crusade was, for all intents and purposes, filler content. Not much land traded hands, the Franks kind of embarrassed themselves, not many crazy battles. Boring, am I right?

The Third Crusade though? That's where things get poppin.

In the decades between the two holy skirmishes, the Islamic world finds itself in a state of renewal under a newly unifying Kurdish Dynasty. Soon, the eyes of Islam would set its gaze on the Holy City of Jerusalem.

Join us as we discuss the rise of two of the most distinct figures of the Third Crusade, Salah al-Din and Baldwin IV of Jerusalem.

Also, Taylor tries fruitlessly to defend his addiction to Monster energy drinks, and the guys speak for about 45 seconds about the SBC conference.

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This one goes out to all our pals in California. And anyone who really likes gold.

The early half of the 19th century was a massive time of western expansion in the United States. One of the most fascinating movements among this era was the explosive migration of young men flooding into California, hoping to make it rich off of gold.

But what was the church doing during this time? Well, sending missionaries of course! Join us (as we are joined by special guest Dr. Taylor Mendoza) as we discuss a scintillating time in American history coupled by a unique glimpse into how churches approached evangelism in new frontiers.

Also let us know if you'll be joining the annual Taylor Convention this year. Word is that Taylor Treadway will be a keynote speaker doing his speech, "I'm not a girl, but my name is Taylor." Don't miss it! 

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Who wants to go on a trip?!

Our journey through the Crusades have brought up an interesting topic: what's the deal with Christians traveling far and wide to visit so-called holy sites? 

Well join us today as we dig deeper into the historical idea of going on pilgrimage within different eras of the faith, and what it means for us today.

And why maybe, just maybe, you should talk to your pastor before getting re-baptized in the Jordan River on your tour through the Holy Land.

Just saying.

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Let's take it back old school for a minute. 

In the 4th century, the church was moving a little differently. In the east, Greek was still the common language, and they were loving the easy access to the earliest biblical texts. 

The Latin speakers had a problem though: there were few Latin translations of the Bible, and the ones that existed were pretty lousy. 

Enter Jerome. The hot-headed, extra caliente church father with a penchant for languages. Here to change the world with the translation that would require decades of labor. The Latin Vulgate.

Also, John and Taylor talk about whether Taylor could work on a crab boat. I think he could off of looks alone, tbh. 

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Did you know that jet fuel can melt steel beams?

Or wait, it can't. 

I'm not sure anymore. 

People love conspiracy theories though. There's something very punk rock and anti-establishment about deciding that we don't accept the facts that we're being given.

But when does going down a quick YouTube rabbit hole for fun turn into something that may not be great for our hearts?

That's probably a good question to ask in this day and age. 

Join John and Taylor as we once again share ancient wisdom that can only flow from the mouths of podcasters. 

And if you HATED this topic, remember you can pick the next one! Check out the link below! 

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Who doesn't love a little Indiana Jones reference, right?

It seems like the Western Christian world has been fascinated for ages with the mystical (and possibly magical) qualities of such objects like the Shroud of Turin or the Holy Lance. But what does the historical church have to say about these objects?

And do they honestly hold up to scrutiny? The simple answer is...no? But also, maybe? Like it depends on who you ask. It'll make more sense after you listen.

Also encourage John and Taylor to keep going on their weight loss goals by contributing to our Buy Me a Coffee, or else Taylor will buy a whole coffee cake for himself. 

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"So great was the disaster of the army and so inexpressible the misery that those who took part bemoan it with tears to this very day."

The Second Crusade failed to capture lightning in a bottle a second time. What was proposed as a rousing show of support to Christian brothers ended with dissent, accusations, and rumors of betrayal. 

It's a bad time. 

Thanks for joining us as we wrap up our coverage of Crusade #2!

Also, do John and Taylor need to start a fitness podcast? Or maybe just starting taking care of ourselves better? 

Hmmm.

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The Second Crusade has begun. Louis VII and Conrad III, respective Kings of France and Germany, have gathered their troops and are prepared to walk in the footsteps of their crusading forefathers. 

Their troops eagerly anticipated sharing the glory of the heroic first crusaders. The morale was sky high. 

But things were not as they seemed. Both German and French armies faced tough losses right away, and soon they realized that this may not be the walk in the park that they'd hoped.

Also, we're going to take a deep dive into the most meme-able face of the Crusades, the Templar Knight. Where did they come from? Where did they go? Something something Cotton-eyed Joe??? 

Also guys, Taylor is so excited about our BuyMeACoffee perks that he has literal chest pains. Check it out! 

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The year is 1144. The County of Edessa falls to the Seljuks. 

The first major blow to the Crusader States takes place, and the Latin Franks have to decide their response. 

Generations have passed since the successful first Crusade where Western Christendom accomplished one of the most stunning military victories in recorded history. It's time to see if lightning can strike twice. 

Join John and Taylor as we dive through Eugenius, Bernard, and the rumbling of thunder before the downpour of the Second Crusade. 

Also we talk about whether it's sanctified to write negative Yelp reviews. What fun! 

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