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

From Bastrop To Bullitt

Dec 13th, 2017 23m 29s

Like Forrest Gump, he 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.

When Our Institutions Fail

Dec 14th, 2017 16m 33s

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?

Check Out Our New Investigative Podcast, Dig

Dec 19th, 2019 25m 38s

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 d

The Pope's Wife

Mar 5th, 2018 16m 25s

We knew the story wasn't over at the end of the last chapter — but no one could've known what would happen next. +

An Accusation Of Molestation

Dec 14th, 2017 15m 50s

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.

An Empire Built On Blind Faith

Dec 14th, 2017 19m

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.

Trailer

Introducing The Pope's Long Con

Nov 29th, 2017 56s

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 f