Christophe Chazalon

Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast.

History EN ↓ 24 episodes

Step into the cobblestone streets of 16th-century Geneva, where faith, politics, and daily life collide in the shadow of John Calvin's influential reforms. This podcast that we could have called "Echoes of Reformation: Calvin's Geneva Unveiled" peels back the layers of history to reveal a city in transformation, bringing you face-to-face with the characters, controversies, and cultural shifts that defined an era. Join historian Dr. Christophe Chazalon as he unearths hidden gems from the "Registers of the Council of Geneva," breathing life into forgotten stories and challenging long-held assump...

Author

Christophe Chazalon

Category

History

Podcast website

podcast.ausha.co

Latest episode

May 21, 2026

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Episodes

Genève - 1545 : la peste, la peur et la bonne conscience... Enfin, en théorie ! 21.05.2026

Bienvenue dans « Vraiment Calvin, est-ce là une vie idéale ? Un podcast historique ». Aujourd’hui, nous vous proposons de plonger au cœur d’une année sombre pour la cité de Genève : 1545, marquée par le retour brutal de la peste. À travers les archives du Conseil, c’est toute une société confrontée à la peur, à l’urgence et à l’invisible qui se dévoile. Avant d’entrer dans le détail de ces registr...

New episode of 05/21 1:40 PM 21.05.2026

This historical popularization podcast is developed as part of the interdisciplinary project entitled "A semantic and multilingual online edition of the Registers of the Council of Geneva / 1545-1550" (RCnum) and developed by the University of Geneva (UNIGE), as part of funding from the Swiss National Scientific Research Fund (SNSF). For more information: https://www.unige.ch/registresconseilge/en...

Trump et les Démocraties occidentales, tout DOIT disparaître ! (2026) 09.05.2026

Le constat est clair : Donald Trump est une erreur humaine. Mais Donald Trump est aussi le dernier point pour le renouveau de l'Humanité. Car oui, les extrêmes arrivent au pouvoir toujours plus nombreuses, mais ce n'est pas contre les démocraties occidentales créées après guerre ni leurs institutions internationales. Les extrêmes arrivent au pouvoir, car l'Humanité est à un carrefour : le Vieux Mo...

Trump: the meeting point of extremes, or Satan incarnate 09.05.2026

This podcast episode offers a powerful and fresh perspective on Donald Trump's policies and the evolution of humanity by 2100. Caught between communism and fascism, Donald Trump appears to be the Chosen One, the point of convergence between the fascist and communist visions. Humanity is at a crossroads. The Old World must disappear to make way for a New World. The question remains: how, and at wha...

Notre futur : Wall-E ? 09.05.2026

Cet épisode de podcast est tourné vers le futur immédiat. Que va-t-on devenir ? Vous allez être surpris, le futur n'est peut-être pas celui auquel vous pensez ! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

The Body, the Law, and the Scalpel: Geneva’s Unfolding Secret (16th Century) 21.10.2025

Welcome to “Really, Calvin – is this an ideal life? A historical podcast.” Today, we’re delighted to share a special episode by our friend Isabella Watt, co-editor of the Registers of the Genevan Consistory in the Time of Calvin . She brings us a surprising and colorful story at the crossroads of medicine, faith, and the human body: the moving case of Estienna Costel and Jean Cugnard—a 16th‑centur...

Le Corps, la Loi et le Scalpel : le secret dévoilé de Genève (XVIe siècle) 21.10.2025

Bienvenue dans « Vraiment Calvin, est-ce là une vie idéale ? Un podcast historique ». Aujourd’hui, nous sommes ravis d'accueillir un nouvel épisode proposé par notre amie Isabella Watt, co-éditrice des "Registres du Consistoire de Genève au temps de Calvin". Elle nous propose un surprenant et truculent épisode à la croisée de la médecine, de la croyance et du corps : le cas bouleversant d’Estienna...

Les frasques scandaleuses de noble François Bourdon 26.07.2025

Bienvenue sur « Vraiment Calvin, est-ce là une vie idéale ? Un podcast historique ». Aujourd’hui, cap sur Genève au XVIe siècle, où l’on découvre que même les familles les plus distinguées n’étaient pas forcément des modèles de vertu — en témoigne François Bourdon, notable bien en vue… mais catalogué client régulier du Consistoire. Sous le regard scrutateur de Calvin et de ses alliés, la Réforme œ...

Caring for the Poor: The True Role of Geneva’s Hospitals in the Reformation Era 18.04.2025

Welcome to Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. In today’s episode, we dive into some fascinating excerpts from a French academic study that takes a deep dive into the history of Geneva’s "hospitals" during the Reformation—a time when things were changing faster than you can say “John Calvin.” Using a treasure trove of Geneva’s archives—think dusty Council records, financial...

Meat, Power, and Politics: Geneva’s Butcher Games (1536-1550) 09.04.2025

Welcome to Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. In today's episode, 'Meat, Power, and Rebellion: Geneva's Butchers vs. Authority (1536-1550),' we dive into the simmering tensions of Reformation-era Geneva. Picture this: a city caught between Calvin's strict moral order and a defiant butchers' guild determined to carve out their own rules. From price disputes to tax rebellion...

Geneva: Reformation and the Birth of Administration Archives 20.03.2025

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." Today, we're exploring the administrative transformation of Geneva during the Reformation era. In the 16th century, Geneva wasn't just experiencing religious upheaval; it was also undergoing a significant organizational revolution. The city's administrative documents, once in disarray, became the focus of a concerted effort t...

Ink, Reformation, and Revelation: Illustrated Books in Geneva's Tumultuous 16th Century 12.03.2025

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In today's episode explores the fascinating history of illustrated books in Geneva from 1478 to 1600, delving into how political and religious shifts shaped their creation. We'll divide our journey into three key periods: the early Catholic era, the strictly Calvinist period, and the intellectually curious post-Calvin era. Du...

The Geneva Councils: Power and Transition in a Reforming City 11.03.2025

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In this episode, we delve into the intricate workings of Geneva's political institutions during a pivotal decade marked by the rise of the Reformation. Through an in-depth analysis of council records and historical documents, the study uncovers the mechanisms that shaped governance in the city. The research focuses on the Pet...

Geneva's Golden Austerity: Calvin, Luxury, and the Reformation 03.03.2025

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." In today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of 16th-century Geneva in this captivating podcast exploring the complex relationship between luxury and austerity during the Reformation. We'll challenge the common perception of strict Calvinist austerity, revealing how sumptuary laws aimed for moderation rather than as...

Special guests // Stepchildren of the Reformation: Calvin's Family Drama 24.02.2025

Welcome to "Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast." Today, we're delighted to bring you an episode created by our special guests, Isabella Watt and Professor Jeff R. Watt, who are the editors of the "Registers of the Consistory of Geneva in the Time of Calvin". They invite us to dive into the juicy family drama of 16th-century Geneva, where even the great reformer John Calvin...

Geneva Funerals: Death and Burial in the 16th Century 16.02.2025

Welcome to " Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. " Journey back to 16th century Geneva in this captivating podcast exploring the city's management of death following the adoption of the Reformation. Discover how the authorities implemented new regulations for burials, established dedicated cemeteries, and appointed official gravediggers. We'll delve into the gradual develop...

Cleanliness in Geneva: The Struggle for Urban Hygiene in the 16th Century 15.02.2025

Welcome to " Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. " In today's episode, we delve into the fascinating history of Geneva in the 16th century, a time when the city was grappling with cleanliness and hygiene issues. This podcast explores the challenges faced by Genevan authorities during the Reformation, from 1536 to 1600, in maintaining the cleanliness of the streets. Discover...

Insanity in Calvin's Geneva 06.02.2025

Welcome to " Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. " In today's episode, we delve into the complex world of mental illness in 16th-century Geneva under Calvin's leadership. The Council of Geneva's archives reveal a nuanced approach to managing madness, with authorities distinguishing between local residents and foreigners. The city's response varied depending on the individua...

Geneva's Fisheries and the Reformation 31.01.2025

Welcome to " Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. " In today's episode, we dive into the murky waters of 16th-century Geneva's fishing industry. Under the seigneury regime, fishing wasn't just about catching fish; it was a complex web of administrative and legal challenges. The Council of Geneva's records reveal a fascinating tale of conflict and regulation surrounding this...

Geneva's Reformation and Independence 28.01.2025

Welcome to " Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. " In today's episode, we delve into the fascinating journey of Geneva's independence during the tumultuous years of the Reformation. Christophe Chazalon's research reveals a complex and gradual process that shaped the city's destiny. Geneva's path to autonomy was paved with significant milestones: the acquisition of civil jur...

Genevan Hygiene, 1536-1564 22.01.2025

Welcome to " Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. " Today, we're peering into the homes and families of 16th-century Geneva, uncovering a world both familiar and alien to our modern sensibilities. Between 1536 and 1564, Geneva's family structure was deeply patriarchal, with women generally occupying subordinate roles, though exceptions did exist. This wasn't just about socia...

Hunting Regulations in Geneva (1536-1550) 19.01.2025

Welcome to " Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. " In today's episode, we're exploring the fascinating world of hunting regulations in 16th-century Geneva. Between 1536 and 1550, the city's leaders, known as the Seigneurie, implemented a complex system of ordinances to manage wildlife resources. These laws prohibited hunting certain species during specific seasons, primaril...

Calvin's Reluctant Return to Geneva 19.01.2025

Welcome to " Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. " In today's episode, we focus on John Calvin. In September 1541, Calvin made a reluctant return to Geneva, a city that had expelled him just three years earlier. This pivotal moment in Reformation history was not, as often believed, an immediate triumph for Calvin. Instead, it was the culmination of complex political maneuve...

The Misdeeds of François Bourdon 19.01.2025

Welcome to " Really Calvin, is this an ideal life? A historical podcast. " In today's episode, we delve into the scandalous life of François Bourdon, a wealthy bachelor in 16th-century Geneva. Consistory records paint a vivid picture of a man who repeatedly found himself on the wrong side of Calvin's moral courts. Bourdon faced multiple charges of debauchery, including several cases of illegitimat...

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