In 2016, Danny Ray Johnson was elected to state office. The fast talking biker-preacher known as "The Pope" paints himself as a 9/11 hero. He says he raised the dead! But our seven month investigation uncovered a much different picture: Attempted arson. Another mysterious fire. Alleged bootlegging and molestation in the church. For years, Johnson broke laws. Now he helps make them. What happens when the institutions we rely on look the other way? How does a liar slip through the cracks into a position of power? This six-part series attempts to find out. From Louisville Public Media.
8 Available Episodes (8 Total)Average duration: 00:16:55
Dec 19, 2019
Check Out Our New Investigative Podcast, Dig
00:25:38
From the newsroom that brought you the Pope’s Long Con, check out our newest podcast, Dig. In the first season, we bring you the results of a yearlong look at how rape cases are investigated in Louisville. What we’ve learned: here, the police defer to prosecutors on rape cases — and prosecutors reject the vast majority of cases presented to them. Due to this unusual relationship, most people accused of rape here will never face consequences. Most won’t be arrested or convicted. And the case will be closed anyway.
(Note: There are descriptions of a rape, and audio from a police body camera on the scene of a rape investigation, throughout this episode.)
For more, visit kydig.org.
Mar 05, 2018
The Pope's Wife
00:16:25
We knew the story wasn't over at the end of the last chapter — but no one could've known what would happen next. +
Dec 14, 2017
When Our Institutions Fail
00:16:33
Over and over, there were warning signs for law enforcement, political leaders and others. What happens when the institutions we rely on look the other way? How does a liar slip through the cracks into a position of power?
Dec 14, 2017
An Accusation Of Molestation
00:15:50
A teenage girl thought of Johnson as a second dad. Her family trusted the pastor. But in 2013, he allegedly molested her. Hear her story. And listen to Johnson's extraordinary response.
Dec 14, 2017
An Empire Built On Blind Faith
00:19:00
Go inside the Heart of Fire Church and meet the motorcycle-friendly congregation and gun choir. Check out the fellowship hall — or biker bar — and learn more about Johnson's dark past.
Dec 13, 2017
From Bastrop To Bullitt
00:23:29
Like Forrest Gump, "The Pope" just so happens to be in the front row, playing a pivotal role in America’s biggest moments. Time after time. Decade after decade. He's held some of the country's loftiest titles. Or not. In this episode, find out about his early days, his first brush with the law and his alligator. Yes, his alligator!
Dec 13, 2017
Welcome To The Pope's House
00:17:32
Meet Danny Ray Johnson, Kentucky's fast-talking preacher-turned-politician who is known as the Pope. He paints himself as a 9/11 hero, healer of the sick and miracle maker. Behind this persona — cultivated, built up and fine-tuned over decades — is a web of lies and deception. A mysterious fire. Attempted arson and false testimony. Alleged molestation in his church.
Nov 29, 2017
Introducing The Pope's Long Con
00:00:56
What happens when the institutions we depend on fail at every level? What happens when lies go unchecked? From the pulpit to the statehouse, one man claims to serve his fellow man. But does he? Find out in this series from the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting and Louisville Public Media.
Dec 19 | 00:25:38
Check Out Our New Investigative Podcast, Dig
Mar 05 | 00:16:25
The Pope's Wife
Dec 14 | 00:16:33
When Our Institutions Fail
Dec 14 | 00:15:50
An Accusation Of Molestation
Dec 14 | 00:19:00
An Empire Built On Blind Faith
Dec 13 | 00:23:29
From Bastrop To Bullitt
Dec 13 | 00:17:32
Welcome To The Pope's House
Nov 29 | 00:00:56
Introducing The Pope's Long Con
This podcast could use a review!
This podcast could use a review! Have anything to say about it? Share your thoughts using the button below.