1345 “The Flying Saint: Did the Church Witness Levitation… or Bury the Truth?”
From Richard Syrett's Strange Planet by Richard Syrett & Glassbox Media
April 13, 2026 · 1h 13m
About this episode
Richard Syrett and Michael Johnson explore the mysterious case of Joseph of Cupertino, a friar who reportedly levitated in front of witnesses during the Counter-Reformation.
FOLLOW RICHARD Website: https://www.strangeplanet.ca YouTube: @strangeplanetradio Instagram: @richardsyrettstrangeplanet TikTok: @therealstrangeplanet EP. # 1345 “The Flying Saint: Did the Church Witness Levitation… or Bury the Truth?” In Counter-Reformation Italy, under the watchful eye of the Roman Inquisition, a humble friar defied gravity—rising before stunned witnesses. Was Joseph of Cupertino a true mystic… or something far stranger? Tonight, Richard Syrett and Michael Johnson investigate one of history’s most unsettling supernatural cases. GUEST: Michael Johnson is a novelist and independent researcher who writes under the pen name Brother Ludovico. He is the author of A Little Bird On A String, a meticulously researched historical novel exploring the life and mystery of Joseph of Cupertino. Blending theology, history, and the paranormal, Johnson examines the uneasy boundary between sanctity and the unexplained. BOOK: A Little Bird on a String: A Book About a Monk that Flew SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! QUINCE Luxury, European linen that gets softer with every wash! Turn up the luxury when you turn in with Quince. Go to Quince dot com slash RSSP for free shipping on your order…
People in this episode
Host: Richard Syrett
Guest: Michael Johnson
Topics covered
- levitation
- supernatural
- history
- theology
- mysticism
- Counter-Reformation
- paranormal
Keywords
- levitation
- Joseph of Cupertino
- supernatural
- mysticism
- Counter-Reformation
- theology
- paranormal
- Michael Johnson
- historical novel
Sponsors
Quince, CarGurus
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Roman Inquisition
Books & works: A Little Bird On A String
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