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Artwork for PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

Pontifacts
Papal History
Monasteries
Italy
Pope John XII
Medieval History
Pavia
Otto I
Agapetus II
Cluniac Reform
St. Benedict
Monastic Reform
Holy Roman Empire
Gubbio
Stephen VII
Morozia
Relics
Carolingian Empire
Monastic Rules
Pope John XI
Scrofula

A light hearted, only slightly blasphemous papal history podcast, ranking the Popes from Peter to Leo XIV

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes243Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Religion & SpiritualityHistory

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

Latest Episodes

Callixtus might have been the ballsiest man to take the papacy since Gregory VII. In his episode, we discuss his impressive family, his audacious forgeries, and the END of the INVESTITURE CONTROVERSY!!

Support Pontifacts:

Patreon:  www.patr... more

Introducing Pope Gelasius, a monk who fixed the papal bull miniscule! In his episode, we discuss an early attack, evading an attack, and a follow up attack.

Support Pontifacts:

Patreon:  www.patreon.com/pontifactspod

Paypal: www.... more

Its time to follow another one of the papal greats, and we know how this usually goes, don't we? 

Introducing Pope Paschal II! In his episode, we discuss shifting antipapacies, the Crusade of the Faint Hearted, the Privilegium, and papal butts.

**D... more

We have reached yet another juggernaut in the High Middle Ages: Urban II! 

In his episode, we discuss bigamous marriages, incestuous orgies, the First Crusade, and "Deus Vult".

Pontifacts is speaking at Intelligent Speech 2026! Get your tickets at ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

John Sexton
Professor of literature and co-host of Saga Thing
Bridgewater State University
Episode: Crossover: Judging Benedict with Saga Thing!
Dr. Barry Torch
Papal historian and supporter
Episode: Bonus: Papal Doomsday Theories Pt.2
Greg Gassman
Host of POPULAR HISTORY
Episode: Bonus: Papal Doomsday Theories
Gregg Gassman
Editor of PONTIFACTS and host of both Popular History and Cardinal Numbers
Episode: Sede Vacante: The Cardinals Pt. 1 (The Papabili) with Popeular History
Dr. Rutger Kramer
Expert in medieval history, focusing on monastic life
Utrecht University
Episode: Bonus: Monasteries with Dr. Rutger Kramer

Hosts

Fry
Co-host known for their engaging storytelling and humor, providing insights into papal history and light-hearted commentary.
Bree
Co-host who brings a unique perspective and humor to the discussions, enhancing the dynamic between the hosts with engaging dialogue.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 647 ratings
  • Great Hosts

    Fun and informative!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PelopsMum
    United States2 months ago
  • All I could Pope For

    Really enjoying this series! Just started and appreciate the levity mixed with historical understanding!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    4763
    United States6 months ago
  • Informative and entertaining

    I started listening to the show midway through my theology studies. It was a lighthearted way to keep general Catholic Church history fresh in my mind. And I was always learning something new. Although I do not agree with all the hosts’ opinions, they complement each other well and offer delightful content.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Marchartier
    Canada7 months ago
  • Hope You Can Cope With All These Dope Popes*

    A really entertaining spin on the RexyPod format, the hosts have fantastic chemistry and are both hilarious. (*not all popes guaranteed to be dope)

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nathan Redland
    United Kingdom7 months ago
  • Bri is full of info, and Fry is a good foil. Not overly reverent, but not deliberately sacrilegious.

    Podcast Addict
    5
    Kurt
    8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners note the humor can be irreverent, suggesting it's best for those open to a less traditional exploration of papal history.
Listeners appreciate the blend of humor and historical insight, finding the content both entertaining and educational.
The chemistry between the hosts is a highlight, fostering a fun listening experience that's easy to get hooked on.
The engaging format, with witty commentary and storytelling, is praised for making complex historical narratives enjoyable.
Many reviews express enjoyment for the light-hearted take on what could be a dry topic, making it accessible even for those outside the religious context.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#250
Italy/History
Apple Podcasts
#135
South Africa/History
Apple Podcasts
#158
Israel/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Crossover: Judging Benedict with Saga Thing!
Q: What role do you think in terms of Christianity clearly being brought over by someone who was not essentially a missionary?
John discusses the complexities of Iceland's conversion, noting the unconventional ways that Christianity was introduced and negotiated.
Crossover: Judging Benedict with Saga Thing!
Q: How did you first come in contact with the history of Benedict IX originally?
John became interested in Benedict IX while studying church history and discovering the odd references to this rich kid throwing orgies in the Vatican.
Bonus: Friday the 13th!
Q: Do you think the charges against the Templars were politically motivated?
Yes, it was a play on Philip's part to invalidate them using previously effective charges.
Bonus: Friday the 13th!
Q: Did the revived order of Knights Templar attempt to sue the Papacy?
No, not really. They succeeded in getting Pope Benedict XVI to issue an apology, but it was waved off as a bluff scheme.
Crossover: The Agony and the Ecstasy with Biopic: A Podcast Story
Q: Is there a biopic that you love?
Yeah, I'm not usually one to watch biopics. I've seen the rare one here and there.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes

What is PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series offers a unique and humorous take on papal history, combining entertainment with educational value. By ranking popes from Peter to Leo XIV, the discussions often intertwine historical facts with lively anecdotes and engaging commentary. The hosts strive to make church history accessible and enjoyable, often incorporating witty banter and a light-hearted tone that permeates the exploration of serious topics such as church reform and the relationships between popes and secular rulers.

Listeners can expect a blend of deeply researched content illustrated through funny stories and the hosts' delightful chemistry. This podcast is particularly appealing for history enthusiasts, those curious about the Catholic Church, and fans of edu... more

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Which podcasts are similar to PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes?

These podcasts share a similar audience with PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes:

1. Rex Factor
2. Battle Royale: French Monarchs
3. Tsar Power
4. Pirates: Totalus Rankium
5. Prime Time Prime Ministers

How many episodes of PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes are there?

PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes launched 8 years ago and published 243 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes?

Recent guests on PONTIFACTS: Ranking the Popes include:

1. John Sexton
2. Dr. Barry Torch
3. Greg Gassman
4. Gregg Gassman
5. Dr. Rutger Kramer

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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