Nerd Out with the Word Out

Santa Slaps a Heretic: Myths, Legends, and Rumors of Nicaea

Did Nicaea ban books from the Bible? Change the Sabbath? Invent the Trinity? Or feature Santa Claus delivering a holy smackdown? Travis and Brian bust the biggest myths, legends, and rumors surrounding the Council of Nicaea. From Dan Brown-fueled conspiracies to Constantine’s politics, Elvis-style deaths, and the famous “Santa slap,” this episode blends fact-checking, humor, and history into one unforgettable list of top eight Nicaea tall tales.

Inside Nicaea: Constantine, Creeds, and Clergy Rules You Didn’t See Coming

Step into the Council of Nicaea like you’re really there. In this narrative-style episode, Travis and Brian bring the voices, sights, and tensions of 325 CE to life, complete with Constantine’s own words (voiced dramatically), bishops bearing scars from persecution, and the heated debates that forged the Nicene Creed. Along the way, discover the 20 surprising church laws passed (spoiler: “no self-castration” tops the list), and how this single gathering reshaped Christianity forever.

Nicaea or Bust: When Bishops, Empires, and Earworms Collided

Travis and Brian unpack the Council of Nicaea like you’ve never heard it before—Christian Woodstock with bishops limping in from persecution, Constantine footing the bill, and Arius dropping the catchiest theological jingles of the 4th century. From debates over Christ’s divinity to the politics of empire, this episode blends humor, history, and a few college basketball analogies to make sense of one of Christianity’s most pivotal showdowns.

Constantine the Great: Good, Bad, or Just Big Enough to Matter?

Travis and Brian detour from their schism series to tackle the emperor who changed everything: Constantine. From battle visions and mom’s gentle nudges toward Christianity, to founding Constantinople and calling the Council of Nicaea, his impact on history is undeniable—even if his morals are up for debate. Was he truly “great,” or just the guy who made Christianity Rome’s plus-one? Tune in as the hosts mix history, humor, and a dash of Scout Law to break it all down.

Jesus: Same Substance or Something Less? The Arian Debate

Brian and Travis wade into the theological mudslide of Arianism—one of the biggest early church debates. Was Jesus co-eternal with God, or a created being? From John’s Gospel to Constantine’s Council, they unpack the dense doctrine, bad puns, and the empire-shaking consequences of arguing over who Jesus really was.

Holy Rollers: Montanism and the Wild Spirit Ride

In this episode, Brian and Travis unpack Montanism—not Montana. From spirit-filled trances to women leading in the early church, Montanus and his followers shook up Christianity with prophecy, passion, and a bit of elitism. Was it heresy, revival, or just too much enthusiasm? Join us as we trace the line from early church controversies to modern charismatic movements.

Spin Doctrines: Marcion and the First Cut Canon

In this episode of Nerd Out with the Word Out, Brian and Travis dive into Marcionism—an early Christian “spin-off” that tried to cut ties with the Old Testament and put Paul’s letters center stage. From ship-owning heretics to five-volume takedowns, they unpack Marcion’s radical ideas, his edited canon, and why rejecting the struggle of faith might be the real heresy.

Adoptionism: “Surprise, You’re My Son!”

Flooded offices, peach cobbler jokes, and a theological detour into the early church’s wildest “maybe he got his powers at baptism” theory. Travis and Brian wade through ancient Roman adoptions, papal brothers with questionable hot takes, and why Jesus definitely wasn’t Joseph Christ.

Not Erroneous Heresies by Arrhenius

Nerd Out With the Word Out kicks off Season 2 by slicing into Gnosticism—an ancient heresy full of secret knowledge, spiritual elitism, and zero love for cucumbers. Come for the theology, stay for the sarcasm, and whatever you do... don’t be a melon.

Season 1 Recap & the Baby Name Showdown

In the season one finale, Travis and Brian take a meandering but meaningful walk back through the early church, exploring everything from the Roman Empire’s PR problem with Christians to what baptism looked like before indoor plumbing. Along the way, they marvel at how poor people started a spiritual rebellion without swords, unpack how communion looked to confused pagans, and land on a bracket-style battle to crown the best ancient Christian baby name (spoiler: it’s not Justin Martyr). It’s a postmortem, a potluck, and a parade of heretical history—all in one episode.