In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews theological writer and researcher Daniel Clausen. Daniel explores why the forgery theory struggles to explain the full scientific and philosophical evidence surrounding the Shroud. The conversation examines STURP findings, image formation mysteries, 3D encoding, DNA evidence, and the ongoing carbon dating debate. Topics include: • Why the forgery hypothesis carries its own burden of proof • The absence of paint, dyes, and scorch marks • Why modern science cannot replicate the Shroud image • The “forger of the gaps” argument • DNA evidence connected to Middle Eastern origins • Challenges to the 1988 carbon dating results • The connection between the Shroud, Jesus Christ, and the Resurrection • How extraordinary evidence supports extraordinary claims Daniel also explains why any alternative explanation must account for the entire data set surrounding the Shroud. This episode offers a fascinating discussion blending science, theology, apologetics, and philosophy. Fans of The Only Witness will especially enjoy this conversation.
Shroud Evidence on Trial
20/05/2026 | 53 mins.
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews retired judge and longtime Shroud researcher David Belz. David shares how his experience as a trial lawyer and judge shaped his approach to the Shroud of Turin. He explains how legal principles such as circumstantial evidence, corroboration, and “clear and convincing evidence” can be applied to the debate surrounding the cloth. The discussion explores: Confirmation bias and skepticism The relationship between faith and evidence Bilirubin findings in the bloodstains Scientific testing of the Shroud The legal concept of cumulative evidence How the Shroud aligns with the Gospel accounts The emotional power of the face image Why curiosity drives ongoing research
David also explains why science alone may never fully answer the question of authenticity. Instead, he argues that theology, science, and law each provide different paths toward truth. This episode offers a powerful discussion about the Resurrection, Jesus Christ, and the evidence surrounding the Shroud of Turin. It also highlights themes explored in Guy Powell’s book, The Only Witness.
Shroud Forgery Debate
13/05/2026 | 54 mins.
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews Christian apologist and theologian Tom Dallis. Tom explores why the Shroud of Turin continues to challenge skeptics and researchers alike. The conversation examines Jewish burial customs, Roman crucifixion methods, and scientific mysteries connected to the cloth believed by many to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ. Topics include: • Jewish first-century burial practices • Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus • The Sudarium of Oviedo • Blood flow evidence on the Shroud • Why the image formation remains unexplained • Problems with the medieval forgery theory • Carbon dating controversies • Bayesian probability and forensic evidence • Why medieval artists could not reproduce these details • How the Shroud supports discussions about the Resurrection Tom also explains why the Shroud differs from known historical forgeries. He compares it to fake Dead Sea Scroll fragments and discusses why scientific testing continues to support the Shroud’s uniqueness. The interview connects faith, science, history, and biblical scholarship in a compelling discussion about the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and The Only Witness.
Suffering of the Lamb
11/05/2026 | 50 mins.
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, Guy Powell interviews authors Doug Raymer and Kenny Vernor about their powerful book, The Suffering of the Lamb. The conversation explores the suffering of Jesus Christ and the evidence connected to the Shroud of Turin. Kenny Vernor explains how Roman scourging methods align with the wounds visible on the Shroud. He also discusses hematidrosis, the rare medical condition associated with Jesus sweating blood in Gethsemane. Doug Raymer examines the spiritual meaning behind Christ’s suffering. He explains how the suffering of Jesus relates to sin, grief, redemption, and the Resurrection. The discussion also explores why crucifixion was chosen and why the suffering itself carries deep theological meaning. Additional topics include: • Roman scourging practices and the flagrum • Evidence from the Shroud of Turin • The emotional suffering of Jesus in Gethsemane • The meaning of Christ’s grief and sacrifice • The likely crucifixion date of April 3, 33 AD • Biblical prophecy and the Resurrection • Why suffering remains central to the Christian message This episode blends theology, history, medicine, and Shroud research into a compelling discussion about Jesus Christ and the Resurrection.
The Shroud: Hidden After the Resurrection?
15/04/2026 | 1h 8 mins.
In this episode of The Backstory on the Shroud of Turin, historian Duran Smith joins Guy Powell to explore the early history of the Shroud following the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Smith discusses several theories regarding the Shroud’s journey across early Christian communities and its potential use in private Christian ceremonies during the first few centuries. The conversation investigates the possibility that the apostles kept the burial linens to themselves, only revealing them to select followers during the early days of Christianity. Smith examines the role of early Christian communities in safeguarding sacred relics and the “discipline of the secret” that may have surrounded the Shroud. This fascinating discussion also covers the connections between the Shroud, the Eucharist, and early Christian tradition. Smith also touches on the potential movement of the Shroud from Jerusalem to Antioch, Odessa, and eventually to Constantinople. Could this ancient relic have been used as a powerful visual representation of Christ's death and Resurrection in early Christian communities? Tune in to learn about the secrets of the Shroud that remain hidden in history.
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.
Ireland