Episode
Bittersweet Past: The Borgias: The Original Crime Family
- Podcast
- The Bittersweet Life
- Published
- May 8, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2532
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Summary
On this episode from our archives, we tell a true story of corruption, evil, and avarice... A powerful, unscrupulous man whose two greatest vices are greed and lust. He's close to his family...perhaps too close (particularly his daughter). He has many children by different women, but the three he loves most are two sons and a daughter...a beautiful blond-haired daughter. He holds a position of great power, although the machinations he employed to get it are mired in scandal. Bribery was most certainly involved—and perhaps even blackmail. He is resented by those around him who feel he doesn't deserve his position. Hated by those who see him abusing his power, profiting off his office, and making a mockery of the very institution he rules over. He has placed his children in positions of power and authority within his sphere, and he is positioning them to take over the reins of his power when he is gone, dreaming of turning his elected seat into a family dynasty. If you think you know who I'm talking about, you're probably wrong. Pope Alexander VI, birth name Rodrigo Borgia, is the subject of our latest episode. Tune in to hear all about the "Evil Pope," his corrupt and rapacious family, and all the ways they are so uncannily like another powerful family we know too well. Also, we'll also discuss the places in Rome where Borgia family lived, worked, and played so you can follow along in the footsteps of what Mario Puzo called the "original crime family." *** The Bittersweet Life podcast has been on the air for an impressive 10+ years! In order to help newer listeners discover some of our earlier episodes, every Friday we are now airing an episode from our vast archives ! Enjoy!*** TIP YOUR PODCASTER: Say thanks with a one-time donation to the podcast hosts you know and lo…