Brett Whalen

Join medieval historian Brett Whalen, an expert on the papacy, and comedian Alison Spittle for a dive into the chaotic world of the early medieval papacy. They explore the absurdities of 9th-century Rome, including the outrageous Cadaver Synod—where a dead pope was put on trial! Brett reveals the tumultuous turnover of popes and the power struggles that reshaped the Church. Alison spices it up with her comedic insights. Together, they unravel the drama and debauchery of a pivotal time in papal history.

Historian Brett Whalen explores the role of the papacy in the Middle Ages, discussing influential popes, the existence of Antipopes, and the intriguing belief of a pope having a pet demon. The podcast also covers the origins and evolution of the papacy, chaos, scandals, and politics surrounding the medieval papacy, the causes of major splits in the Christian church, the importance of nationality in medieval popes, critiques of papal authority, and the concept of anti-popes throughout history.

Greg Jenner is joined by guests Prof Brett Whalen and comedian Alison Spittle in 9th-century Rome to explore the early medieval papacy. As the political heart of the papacy is plunged into chaos, we step into a world consumed by debauchery and a thirst for power and hear about perhaps the most unhinged courtroom trial of all time.Research by Jessica Honey Written by Emma Nagouse, Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow and Greg Jenner Produced by Emma Nagouse and Greg Jenner Assistant Producer: Emmie Rose Price-Goodfellow Project Management: Isla Matthews Audio Producer: Steve HankeyYou’re Dead To Me is a production by The Athletic for BBC Radio 4.