Spellbreakers Ep. 116: Vatican Conclaves, Historical Time Hoaxes, and the Last Wednesday Show

In the final Wednesday edition of Spellbreakers, Matt Trump goes deep into Vatican intrigue, papal history, and movie symbolism, using the 1968 film The Shoes of the Fisherman as a jumping-off point for a wide-ranging cultural and historical analysis. With the next real-life papal conclave approaching, Matt unpacks the power dynamics inside the College of Cardinals, explaining the ideological battle between modernist and traditionalist factions, potential candidates like Cardinal Robert Sarah and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and why the next Pope could shape global spiritual and political narratives.

The episode weaves through Catholic tradition, the Latin Mass debate, and the unlikely return of Rome’s influence, all while delivering a personal and humorous farewell to the show’s longtime midweek time slot. Along the way, Matt dives into the Vatican’s archives, Jesuit legacy, and even the Phantom Time Hypothesis, suggesting 300 years of recorded history might never have happened.

With pop culture references, a love for historical cinema, and a mix of scholarly depth and casual wit, this episode blends religion, geopolitics, and storytelling in true Spellbreakers style. As the show prepares to move to Friday nights, Matt invites listeners to continue the journey with him into deeper territory, and maybe even a new pope.