Best Beyond Footnotes Podcasts (2025)

1
BARD - Faith in the System: Courts, Crisis, and Constitutional Calm 16:30

Play Pause

1h ago16:30

16:30

Mark and Gary dig into recent legal headlines and unpack why, despite rampant political division, America’s judicial system is still functioning as designed. They examine Justice Amy Coney Barrett’s comments on the rule of law, debate whether public fears of constitutional collapse are overblown, and dissect a federal ruling against Trump’s Nationa…

1
The Pain of Betrayal 19:50

4h ago19:50

19:50

How do you process betrayal without letting it consume you? In this episode, Pastor Scott reflects on Judas’ betrayal of Jesus, the psalmist’s lament, and his own past painful experiences of broken trust. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]…

1
BARD - Cardi B in Court: Comedy, Chaos, and Legal Lessons 14:09

7d ago14:09

14:09

On this holiday weekend edition, Mark and Gary dive headfirst into the courtroom circus that is the Cardi B civil trial—a case so absurd, it’s practically writing its own punchlines. From viral testimony and “Temu lawyer” comparisons to the plaintiff’s questionable motives and Cardi’s unfiltered charisma on the stand, they unpack the legal spectacl…

1
A Brief History of Napoleon Bonaparte’s Sisters 25:18

6d ago25:18

25:18

(Host: Christine) One of Napoleon Bonaparte’s favorite methods of expanding control was to place his siblings in positions of power. Here, Christine takes a look at the lives of Napoleon’s three dynamic sisters (Elisa, Pauline, and Caroline), their rise to imperial prominence, and how they were impacted by the fall of their brother. For further rea…

1
BARD - Maxwell’s Interview, Epstein’s Death, and a Parole Board in Chaos 27:14

14d ago27:14

27:14

Mark and Gary tackle a whirlwind of legal drama in this week’s episode. From Ghislaine Maxwell’s newly released “queen for a day” interview to her claims about Jeffrey Epstein’s death, the hosts unpack what’s fact, what’s speculation, and why the audio quality became a talking point of its own. Then, Mark dives into the messy Menendez parole hearin…

1
Summer's End 20:55

13d ago20:55

20:55

As summer gives way to fall, Pastor Scott discusses family, milestones, and the rhythm of ministry seasons. He also opens up about his lifelong pattern of melancholy during this time and how therapy, prayer, and reflection have helped him learn to “sit with sadness.” Outro Song: John Prine - Summer's End Click here to send us a text message! For co…

1
BARD - Menendez Brothers Face the Parole Board: A Defining Week Ahead 13:49

21d ago13:49

13:49

Mark and Gary discuss the upcoming parole hearings for the Menendez brothers, a pivotal moment in a decades-long legal battle. They reflect on the remarkable progress made over the past two years, the brothers’ rehabilitation behind bars, and the emotional weight carried by their family and supporters. Plus, they break down a jaw-dropping courtroom…

1
Simon de Montfort Revisited 25:20

23d ago25:20

25:20

(Host: Christine) In the 13th century, nobleman Simon de Montfort led an infamous and bloody rebellion against his brother-in-law, King Henry III of England. Simon’s fight against royal power (and controversial life!) caused him to be a focus of one of Footnoting History’s earliest episodes. Now, over a decade later, we are revisiting his story for…

1
BARD - Uncle Sam on Steroids, Virginia’s Curious Law, and Malibu’s High-Profile Civil Case 17:03

28d ago17:03

17:03

Mark and Gary unpack ICE’s bizarre new recruitment ads hitting Los Angeles, examine a Virginia law raising questions about reproductive product privacy, and dig into a Malibu wrongful death case that’s drawn attorney Alan Jackson back to the spotlight. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Doubt video content on YouTube exclusively at …

1
Beauty and the Footnote: Universities and the Study of Literature 1:01:09

26d ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Stefan Collini, FBA. Professor Emeritus of Intellectual History and English Literature, University of Cambridge. The Donald Winch Lectures in Intellectual History.University of St Andrews. 11th, 12th & 13th October 2022. In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, universities expanded to include a wide range of what came to be regarde…

1
BARD - High Stakes and Higher Office: Gilbert Arenas, Political Rumblings, and Legal Twists 17:28

1M ago17:28

17:28

Mark and Gary unpack the wild federal indictment against ex-NBA star Gilbert Arenas, who’s accused of running a poker ring with Israeli mob ties. The hosts also speculate on Kamala Harris’s political ambitions, analyze the potential runs for California governor by Rick Caruso and Antonio Villaraigosa, and discuss the legal ripple effects of the Jac…

1
Too Much Life 21:22

1M ago21:22

21:22

What would an existence with built-in breathing room look like? In this episode, Pastor Scott explores the need for emotional, physical, and spiritual margin, drawing from Dr. Richard Swenson’s book and the example of Jesus unhurried life. Margin by Richard A. Swenson “Moving from Solitude to Community to Ministry” by Henri Nouwen Click here to sen…

1
Pockets! And Why Women Don’t Have Them 13:41

1M ago13:41

13:41

(Host: Samantha) Ladies, do you ever feel frustrated by the lack of pockets in your clothes? Gentlemen, have you ever heard a woman friend complain about her pockets or been asked to stow a phone or a wallet for a companion? This phenomenon isn’t new. Since the introduction of the three-piece suit in the seventeenth century, men have had a near mon…

1
Beauty and the Footnote: Universities and the Study of Literature 54:04

1M ago54:04

54:04

Stefan Collini, FBA.Professor Emeritus of Intellectual History and English Literature, University of Cambridge. The Donald Winch Lectures in Intellectual History.University of St Andrews.11th, 12th & 13th October 2022. In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, universities expanded to include a wide range of what came to be regarded …

1
BARD - Beyond Epstein: Armenia, Artsakh, and the Politics of Silence 13:36

1M ago13:36

13:36

As global powers look away, Armenians face displacement and erasure in Artsakh, aided by international arms deals and political apathy. While alleged ties between Israel and Azerbaijan fuel ethnic cleansing, U.S. aid remains minimal and outrage scarce. At the same time, Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein, and discussion about justice and ad hominem comment…

1
Beauty and the Footnote: Universities and the Study of Literature 1:06:10

2M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Stefan Collini, FBA. Professor Emeritus of Intellectual History and English Literature, University of Cambridge. The Donald Winch Lectures in Intellectual History. University of St Andrews. 11th, 12th & 13th October 2022. In the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, universities expanded to include a wide range of what came to be regard…

1
BARD - Downtown L.A., Fentanyl Alley, and the Wildfire Land Grab Bill 22:01

2M ago22:01

22:01

Mark and Gary reflect on the surreal state of downtown Los Angeles, from billion-dollar skyscrapers overshadowed by fentanyl use and homelessness to the slow erosion of iconic landmarks. They also dive into a controversial wildfire recovery bill that would have allowed the state to acquire burned land for low-income housing—until public backlash fo…

1
Love Like Christ 18:39

2M ago18:39

18:39

What does it mean to love your wife as Christ loved the Church? In this episode, Pastor Scott reflects on 41 years of marriage, Scripture from Ephesians 5, and the deep responsibility husbands carry to love, sacrifice, and nurture. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]…

1
Beyond Sad Gruel: Food and Diet in Medieval Europe 15:06

2M ago15:06

15:06

(Host: Lucy) Seasonal eating and regional eating were the variables responsible for the most widespread differences in what people ate, although then as now, wealth and class played a significant role in what was available to and prized by diners. Contrary to Hollywood myth, though, sad gruel was not the norm. This episode explores cooking, eating,…

1
BARD - Breaking: Menendez Brothers Habeas Petition Advances in Major Legal Victory 7:52

2M ago7:52

7:52

Mark Geragos reveals a pivotal update in the Menendez brothers’ case: an order to show cause has been issued, opening the door to challenge their conviction. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Doubt video content on YouTube exclusively at YouTube.com/ReasonableDoubtPodcast and subscribe while you're there See Privacy Policy at https…

1
BARD - Diddy, Defense, and a Daughter’s Big Win: Mark Finally Speaks 18:12

2M ago18:12

18:12

After weeks of radio silence due to a gag order, Mark Geragos finally opens up about one of the most high-profile trial victories in recent memory — the acquittal of Sean “Diddy” Combs on major federal charges. In a deeply personal and revealing episode, Mark reflects on watching his daughter, Teny Geragos, help lead the defense team to a landmark …

1
Wrestling with Waiting 20:14

2M ago20:14

20:14

David’s cry in Psalm 13, “How long, O Lord?” captures something many of us feel but don’t always express. In this episode, Pastor Scott explores what it means to bring our real emotions before God. Through biblical insights and personal reflections, he breaks down how lament & waiting can lead to worship—and how faith doesn’t mean pretending everyt…

1
BARD - Newsom vs. Fox, SCOTUS on Injunctions & Fat Joe Fallout 18:16

2M ago18:16

18:16

Mark and Gary dive into Gavin Newsom’s headline-grabbing lawsuit against Fox News, SCOTUS’s big ruling on nationwide injunctions, and the bizarre twist in Fat Joe’s legal saga involving a process server and an arrest. Plus, speculation on jury timing ahead of the holiday weekend. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Doubt video conten…

1
BARD - Fat Joe Lawsuit, Dog Rights Ruling, and SCOTUS Footnotes 17:45

3M ago17:45

17:45

Mark and Gary break down the $20M lawsuit against rapper Fat Joe, explore a New York judge’s landmark ruling that pets can be considered immediate family, and dive into the Supreme Court’s latest controversy over Justice Jackson’s fiery footnote. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Doubt video content on YouTube exclusively at YouTub…

1
Antisemitism 17:53

3M ago17:53

17:53

As antisemitism resurges globally, how should Christians respond? In this episode, Pastor Scott addresses common misunderstandings about the New Testament’s portrayal of Jewish people & acknowledges the Church's painful role in perpetuating the problem. The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Why the Jews? (13-minute video) Click here to send u…

1
BARD - Boarded Windows & Buried Truths: No Kings Day, Karen Read, and LA in Decline 15:35

3M ago15:35

15:35

Mark and Gary reflect on a boarded-up downtown LA, escalating protests, and constitutional clashes over the National Guard—plus updates on Karen Read and Weinstein trials. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Doubt video content on YouTube exclusively at YouTube.com/ReasonableDoubtPodcast and subscribe while you're there See Privacy P…

1
Fathers & Sons 19:30

3M ago19:30

19:30

**This episode contains personal reflections that include discussion of mental illness and suicide. Listener discretion is advised.** Pastor Scott shares deeply personal reflections ahead of Father’s Day, reading letters from his late father and exploring the long journey of grief, healing, and grace following suicide and loss. 988 Lifeline America…

1
BARD - Trump vs. Musk: The Billionaire Battle That Escalated Fast 23:54

3M ago23:54

23:54

This week, Mark and Gary dive into the fast-escalating feud between Donald Trump and Elon Musk, breaking down how a spat over spending turned into a full-blown political and personal clash involving Jeffrey Epstein allegations and deleted tweets. Plus, the hosts weigh short-term wins vs. long-term influence, with insight from Geragos’s other podcas…

1
BARD - Karen Read’s Defense Strategy, AI in Courtrooms & a SCOTUS Bombshell 21:08

3M ago21:08

21:08

Mark and Gary reunite to unpack the defense’s momentum shift in the Karen Read trial and why the prosecution’s closing move may have backfired. They also dive into the controversial use of AI-generated victim impact statements, debating what role technology should play in the courtroom. Plus, a strange case out of Milwaukee involving a judge and a …

1
Rethinking Assumptions 19:28

3M ago19:28

19:28

We often believe we know what others think, but do we? In this Episode, Pastor Scott unpacks how self-awareness, asking clarifying questions, and resisting labels can help us love others more like Jesus. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected]…

1
BARD - The Diddy Distraction, Expert Witness Blunders, and AI Mayhem 16:20

3M ago16:20

16:20

Mark and Gary dive into how the Diddy case has dominated media attention, overshadowing major trials like Harvey Weinstein’s retrial and the Karen Read case. They break down a viral courtroom moment where a prosecution expert gets dismantled over his phony credentials—and what it says about the state of expert testimony. Plus, they share a few AI-s…

1
When Evil Serves Good 19:45

4M ago19:45

19:45

Can we trust a God we don’t fully understand? From Joseph to Jesus, Scripture consistently shows us how human evil never derails God’s plan. In this episode, Pastor Scott reflects on what this truth means for our failures, our faith, and our future. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: footnotespod@vis…

1
BARD - Menendez Resentencing: A 30-Year Fight for Parole and the Road Ahead 19:20

4M ago19:20

19:20

Mark and Gary break down the landmark resentencing of the Menendez brothers, the emotional family testimonies, and the long, winding road to potential freedom. From the early habeas filings to the game-changing court decisions, this episode captures the key moments that reignited the brothers’ case and explores what comes next as they approach thei…

1
William and Caroline Herschel, Astronomer Siblings 21:20

4M ago21:20

21:20

(Host: Christine) In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, siblings William and Caroline Herschel dedicated their lives to studying the stars. Among their accomplishments were discovering a planet (William) and comets (Caroline), causing them to leave their marks on the field of astronomy forever. This episode of Footnoting History explores their…

1
BARD - Read, Menendez and One Angrier Man Collide 22:42

4M ago22:42

22:42

Mark and Gary break down the latest twists in the Karen Reed retrial, including explosive cross-examinations and surprising judicial moves, before diving into the long road to resentencing for the Menendez brothers. Plus, Mark shares his thoughts on the controversial return of the death penalty in L.A. County. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and al…

1
Even His Brothers Didn’t Believe 20:42

4M ago20:42

20:42

Why does Jesus’ full humanity matter? In this episode, Pastor Scott unpacks early skepticism from Jesus’ own family and how understanding His true human nature should deepen our faith and confidence in His ability to relate to our own struggles. Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: footnotespod@visitdv…

1
BARD - Karen Read Cross-Exam Bombshells and Diddy Jury Preview 14:55

4M ago14:55

14:55

Mark Geragos and Gary Smith dissect key moments from the Karen Read trial, including a pivotal admission on the stand, and preview what’s ahead as jury selection begins in the Diddy case. From media misperceptions to real trial strategy, they explore what resonates with jurors—and what doesn’t. Watch Beyond A Reasonable Doubt and all Reasonable Dou…

1
How Much Bible Should I Know? 19:54

4M ago19:54

19:54

In this episode, Pastor Scott tackles a thoughtful listener question: What does God expect us to know about Scripture? Click here to send us a text message! For comments, questions or suggestions email: [email protected] Scott Fisher

1
Say ȝes to the Chausemles: Fashion in the Medieval West 26:40

4M ago26:40

26:40

(Host: Kristin) Medieval clothing was much more than simply a way to keep warm and decent: it was a statement about social class, wealth, and increasingly personal taste. Clothing meant something – and what people wore could change with a mood or the day or the family they were born into. Find out what medieval people were wearing, this week on Foo…

1
Sin Eater 24:08

4M ago24:08

24:08

Reflecting on a tense conversation that led him to examine emotional boundaries, Pastor Scott offers encouragement to listeners who struggle with misplaced guilt. He also calls for a more empathetic approach to supporting victims of abuse within Christian communities, challenging harmful advice sometimes found in churches. Resources mentioned: Lesl…

1
BARD - Judicial Immunity on Trial: Wisconsin Judge’s Arrest Sparks Supreme Court Debate 20:23

4M ago20:23

20:23

Mark and Gary dive deep into the arrest of a Wisconsin judge accused of helping a defendant evade ICE agents—raising urgent questions about judicial immunity, civil vs. criminal protections, and parallels to recent presidential immunity rulings. Plus, updates on Luigi Mangione, Scott Peterson, and Mark’s fiery clash with Nancy Grace. Watch Beyond A…