Today we discuss the third major character of our series on the Crusades, the mighty Byzantine Empire.

Well...once mighty, that is.

For centuries, the Byzantines have been tied up in military skirmishes with foes such as the Persians, Franks, and Seljuk Turks.

Join us as Tom leads the gang through the highs and lows in the story of the Eastern Christian empire as we continue marching towards the dawn of the Crusades.

We're always proud to be your favorite podcast to do laundry to. Thanks for listening!

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Welcome to Islamic History for Chumps!

Wait a second, that's not right. *checks notes*

Welcome to week two of our long, loooong journey into the Crusades This week we'll discuss the second major character of this era, the Islamic armies.

As we'll discuss in the episode, it's not quite as simple as discussing one Islamic group, as they existed across a wide spectrum ethnically, theologically, and culturally. So we've got a lot of ground to cover.

Be sure to head back to Episode 110 to hear the first episode of our Crusades series if you haven't already.

And drop us a comment if you feel like being nice!

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OUR CRUSADES SERIES IS HERE.

They said we'd never do it. They said it couldn't happen. And they were almost right.

Today, we set the stage for the massive undertaking of exploring the Crusades. We begin with an exploration of one of the three major characters in the Crusades, the Western European church.

We'll begin with a quick recap of the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 and blitz through a few hundred years up to the fateful call-to-arms made by Pope Urban II in 1095.

It's a doozy. But we're psyched to explore this with you guys.

And check us out on Youtube!

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Happy New Years, Chump Nation!

We haven't forgotten about the Crusades, trust us.

But we wanted to bring in the new year with a good friend of ours, the mind behind Inspiring Philosophy, Mike Jones.

We walk through his insights on the current state of Islam, whether secularism is working out for the Western world, and how apologetics can still work in 2026.

It's a good time! We promise you'll enjoy it. Thank you again to Mike and the Inspiring Philosophy team for all the sweet work that you do.

Thank you so much for listening, we love you guys!

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Rarely is one so compelled to gaze upward than when they enter the majestic Sistine Chapel.

Featuring historically renowned art pieces such as the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment, the Pope's private chapel is a spectacle that millions travel to witness every year.

But did you know how it was built? Or how Michelangelo got roped into (sort of against his will) painting his now-famous ceiling?

It's a pretty sweet story, and we're excited to share it with you.

Join John, Tom, and Tay as we share the interesting lore behind Rome's beloved residence. Also, we'll talk about our Christmas gifts (shoutout to humidifiers) and whether zen gardens are kosher or not.

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Merry Christmas, Chump Nation!

Each year, we find ourselves immersed in traditions that range from decorating a tree, hanging large socks over the fireplace, and preparing for the arrival of a magical Arian puncher.

But where do all of these traditions come from? Join us as we explore the vast range of Christmas Day customs and the different nooks and crannies of church histories where they originate from.

And to any Puritans that may be listening today: give Christmas a chance. It's a lot of fun, we promise.

Thanks for listening, friends!

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Bienvenidos, amigos.

It's the 16th century. The Aztec Empire has recently fallen at the hands of the Spanish conquistadores. Colonialism is spreading throughout New Spain, and with it, a rise of the Spanish faith: Roman Catholicism.

The Native population is apprehensive, as they deal with the social collapse of their civilization and the health crises of crippling diseases. Until one December morning, when a humble Aztec peasant is walking to Mass, and sees something that will change the course of Mexican history forever.

Join us as we discuss Our Lady of Guadalupe, and share our (hopefully humble) Protestant takes.

Also Taylor confesses that he doesn't know anything about technology, while John shares about how he's the best hospice chaplain in town.

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We all knew this day would come.

For many of our friends in the Baptist tradition, there is no competition as to who the greatest Baptist is to grace the pulpit. Only a battle for second place. The gold medal belongs to Charles Spurgeon, the cigar smoking, quip quipping, Bible preaching, pulpit shaking, rootinest, tootinest cowboy in the wild, wild west.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, often known as the Prince of Preachers, built a reputation for bold, spirited teaching in his decades of service to Metropolitan Tabernacle Baptist Church in London, England.

Join us as we discuss his conversion, transition to ministry, and the harsh trials that he endured through his life of service.

Also, we'll talk about Taylor's love of acronyms, and we'll geek out about how excited we were to see everyone's Spotify Wrapped from last year.

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