Jimmy Akin Podcast

The last of the TNG films is widely marked as the weakest. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss th film's strengths and weaknesses and its themes of identity and the moral and ethical considerations of cloning and artificial sentience and more.

Direct download: SST305.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

When a Satanist recently asked Jimmy Akin for help with whether he might be possessed, Jimmy offered his best advice. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss that advice and explore how one could approach a similar situation with empathy, charity, and reason, while taking this kind of situation seriously.

Direct download: MYS302.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 5th Doctor is caught in an undersea Cold War thriller that mixes in two old foes as well. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the highs and lows of the story; the more than usually bad effects; and the ethical underpinnings of the Silurians and Sea Devils.

Direct download: WHO363.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

T'Pol's hero isn't what she seems. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the story's themes of trust, earned, broken, and granted; the clash of human and Vulcan values; and the glimpse of future human-Vulcan friendship.

Direct download: SST304.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

We regularly give Patrons the opportunity to ask Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli their mysterious questions and make them available exclusively to Patrons first and then later to the whole audience. This time the questions cover why God created dinosaurs; Dom & Jimmy's own mysterious experiences; foo fighters; and more.

Direct download: MYS301.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Prisoner of Zenda in space! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 4th Doctor story and Romana's active role in it; the use of androids and technology in a feudal society; and the story's exploraton of social class, technology, and hierarchy.

Direct download: WHO362.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

A-koo-chee-moya! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Dom Bettinelli discuss this Chakotay story featuring guest star Aron Eisenberg, including themes of fatherhood and cultural identity, as well as the missed narrative opportunities while praising the twist ending.

Direct download: SST303.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

We're celebrating our 300th numbered episode and so Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli are discussing more of our listeners' and viewers' mysterious experiences and what Jimmy makes of what you've shared with them.

Direct download: MYS300.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 3rd Doctor on the frontier! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of conflict between Earth and the Draconian Empire, manipulated by the Master and the Daleks, including the Cold War themes, political prisoners, and Jo's character development.

Direct download: WHO361.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Up periscope! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of the USS Defiant in a submarine-like battle. They discuss Kyra's faith, Quark's business acumen, and Worf's leadership style as the crew fights to survive the Jem-Hadar and the environment.

Direct download: SST302.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In 1972, an Italian newspaper published a photo it said was the face of Christ as shown by a machine that could view any point in history. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask whether the photo and the machine, the Chronovisor, was real; who was the priest who claimed to create it; and who has it now.

Direct download: MYS299.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

UNIT's origin. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 2nd Doctor story of a Cyberman invasion of Earth featuring the Brigadier. They discuss the ethical dilemmas of technology raised, as well as parallels to some contemporary figures in society.

Direct download: WHO360.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Poor Geordi. Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this TNG story that combines a ticking clock story with Geordi's awkward romantic track record and a strange holodeck encounter, plus discussion of AI in Trek and Picard's leadership.

Direct download: SST301.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Some pet owners feel a special bond with their pets and at times they even seem to know what their owners are thinking. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine whether people really can have a telepathic connection to their pets and look at what the scientific evidence says.

Direct download: MYS298.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

River Song and the 10th Doctor are back. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this audio story featuring exploding jewels, an alien ghost, and a deadly sea voyage, including the ethical dilemmas around the preservation of civilizations.

Direct download: WHO359.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

To celebrate their 300th episode, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha give their lists of the best episodes in each of the Star Trek series, from The Original Series to Strange New Worlds. The ones they agree on are predictable, but where do they disagree?

Direct download: SST300.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

France, 1764. A terrifying and unknown beast roams the countryside killing more than 100 men, women, and children, and injuring 200 more. A royal reward is even issued for its capture or death. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what made the beast so ferocious, why it attacked so many people, and what kind of beast it actually was.

Direct download: MYS297.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The First Doctor in the Trojan War! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the humor and history of the Doctor's visit to Troy; the departure of Vicki; connections to the Iliad and the Odyssey; and the "true" origin of the Trojan Horse.

Direct download: WHO358.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Mudd's back. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the animated return of con man Harry Mudd, inclluding the eyebrow-raising content for a kid's cartoon, the ethical problems of love potions and their portrayal in popular media, and why Rainn Wilson's Mudd may have been the best.

Direct download: SST299.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

The 2012 announcement of a papyrus fragment called the Gospel of Jesus' Wife caused a huge media sensation over the claim that Jesus did have a wife. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine what this fragment is, what it says, and whether it is an authentic, early Christian document.

Direct download: MYS296.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 4th Doctor needs to solve an Agatha Christie style set of murders. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that includes good and bad robots, a decadent culture, and a giant sand crawling transport.

Direct download: WHO357.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Death by computer. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story's moral implications and real-world parallels with themes of war's human cost, technology's role in conflict, and ethical leadership. Plus Kirk killing another megalomaniacal computer.

Direct download: SST298.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

One of the most pivotal poltergeist cases involved a Catholic family in New York in 1958. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the strange events, including popping bottle caps, and explore why this poltergeist case was so pivotal and what may have been responsible.

Direct download: MYS295.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Romana is back! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 8th Doctor audio story that resolves Charlie's paradox, including a dicussion on free will, the ethical and moral implications of the manipulation of time, the impact of power, and more.

Direct download: WHO356.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Psychic goo alien! Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Enterprise's encounter with an unusual lifeform where they have to discern motive and morality and debate the ethics of extreme measures to save their crew.

Direct download: SST297.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In 1982, 7 people suddenly died in Chicago, having taken Extra Strength Tylenol just before, and police learned the pills had been tampered with. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what happened, who was responsible, and how these events changed American permanently.

Direct download: MYS294.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Nullified! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Chakotay story in all its weird alien word choice, its "don't judge a book by its cover" morale, and the themes of courage, indoctrination, and cross-cultural understanding.

Direct download: SST296.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Each Holy Saturday, the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem emerges from the tomb of Christ with the Holy Fire that goes out around the world. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask if the fire is lit by God or does it have a natural source and what we can learn about this historic rite.

Direct download: MYS293.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 6th Doctor meets Beep the Meep in this audio story. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this pre-2023 appearance of the villain; the story's commentary of television media and especially reality TV in the early 2000s; and how appearances can be deceiving.

Direct download: WHO355.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Eminent domain! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss DS9's "Progress," including themes of societal good vs. individual rights; the limits of governmental authority, and Kira's transition from rebel to government official and her ethical and moral dilemmas.

Direct download: SST295.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Many reports of near-death experiences sound positive and uplifting and blissful. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss those that are reported as distinctly negative and distressing. What happens in them, what do they mean, and what are their implications?

Direct download: MYS292.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 15th Doctor starts his run and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss everything, including what they think of the new Doctor, his new Companion, the fairytale shift, the themes of family and goodness of babies, and who is Mrs. Flood?

Direct download: WHO354.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

It's almost New Years, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, about topics like can you marry an alien; baptizing faeries or unborn babies; what the Soul Gem or the Borg do to your soul; time travel and alternate universes; and more weird questions.

Direct download: MYS291.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

One of Jimmy Akin's favorite Old Time Radio shows is Lum and Abner, featuring the general store owner in Pine Ridge, Arkansas, and his employee. Every Christmas they did a special episode that gets at the true meaning of Christmas and so Jimmy wanted to share it with the listeners in a bonus episode.

Direct download: MYS290b.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

In what has become an annual tradition, Jimmy Akin spends a few hours on Christmas in a livestream, hanging out and answering questions, in particular for those who don't have anyone to be with for the holiday.

Direct download: MYS290a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In a Christmas special episode, Jimmy Akin and Cy Kellett discuss the mystery of the very first Christmas, what we really know about Jesus' birth, and how we know it.

Direct download: MYS290.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Clara's time with the 12th Doctor concludes and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the story, including the unsatisfying ending of the Hybrid arc and Clara's fate; the theme of Companion tragedy; and the morality of the Doctor's actions.

Direct download: WHO353.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In this bonus episode, Jimmy Akin is a guest on the Pints with Jack podcast hosted by David Bates, where they discuss C.S. Lewis' scientific mistakes and the consequences for Christianity of finding intelligent life on other planets.

Direct download: MYS289a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

It was a dimly-lit, smoke-filled backroom where Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha crack open the case of "The Big Goodbye." In a tale as the stars, it's a classic yarn of crew trapped in a haywire holodeck with a twist right out of a 1940s pulp detective novel.

Direct download: SST294.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Jesus of Nazareth is most pivotal figure in world history and after his crucifixion he was buried for 3 days and rose from the dead. But where was he buried? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the various claims, look at the evidence, and identify the most likely place.

Direct download: MYS289.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

As the 60th anniversary specials conclude, Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the big change to regeneration; NPH's Toymaker as antagonist; the evolution of Donna Noble as Companion; the 14th Doctor's trauma and fate; and what may be next.

Direct download: WHO352.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Twenty-five years after its release, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the highs and lows of this TNG movie, the ethical quandaries of forced relocation, and the allure of the fountain of youth, plus the humor and usual plot holes.

Direct download: SST293.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

When you see a written word, do you also see colors in your mind? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore the mystery of synethesia where colors, sounds, letters, and numbers can all mix together in perception. What is synethesia? Who has it? And what is responsible for it?

Direct download: MYS288.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Two plus two equals nothing? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 14th Doctor and Donna story that takes them to edge of the universe where they encounter creepy not-things and must grapple with who they really are.

Direct download: WHO351.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Jimmy Akin has a special message as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from Mysterious World listeners this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give today.

Direct download: MYS287a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Are you of the Body? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of a computer-controlled society suppressing free will and individuality for peace and tranquility, including the religious allegory, the comparison to the Borg, and how the allure of a simpler life could lead to a loss of liberty.

Direct download: SST292.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

We regularly give Patrons the opportunity to ask Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli their mysterious questions and make them available exclusively to Patrons first and then later to the whole audience. This time the questions cover Jesus' suffering; demons protecting us; Adam's wife, Lilith; and more.

Direct download: MYS287.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 14th Doctor and Donna! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the highlights of the return of the Doctor and Donna, the live action debut of the Meep (and its history), and the problematic additions to the show and what it may mean for the future.

Direct download: WHO350.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Al! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the stunt casting of Dean Stockwell as a guest on this episode; the story's analogy to WW2 internment camps for Japanese-Americans; and challenging our stereotypes of others.

Direct download: SST291.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

It's time for another set of weird questions posed by Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers to Jimmy Akin, including this time: what if mankind fell after Adam and Eve; did Jesus know how to build an airplane; what happened with Balaam's donkey; Ed and Lorraine Warren; and more.

Direct download: MYS286.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

It's the 14th Doctor like you've never seen him. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first 14th Doctor story, a series of comics released over the past year, as well as the 2nd 14th Doctor story that brings him to the genesis of the Daleks in an amusing way.

Direct download: WHO349.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Meet your heroes! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that has Janeway meet her hero, Amelia Earhart, and other alien abductees. They also look at the show's aim to show the lost crew settling in together in the Delta quadrant.

Direct download: SST290.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In 1964, the US Air Force was conducting tests of nuclear weapons off the coast of Big Sur, California. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the claim that a UFO shot down one of those missiles designed to carry nuclear devices, whether aliens were responsible, and whether it was meant as a warning to humanity.

Direct download: MYS285.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Five Doctors! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this story that brings together, well, four of the Doctors (plus a brief cameo) to celebrate the show's 20th anniversary along with a passel of Companions who get shuffled among their not usual partners as well as the Master.

Direct download: WHO348.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Dax's past shows up. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this story of Trill taboos; the plot's predictability and manufactured controversy; the portrayal of Sisko as a good friend; and how the end mirrors the end of Casablanca.

Direct download: SST289.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

The tales of King Arthur are filled with mysterious creatures, including one called the Questing Beast. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this strange and mysterious cryptid, whether it was just a creature of Medieval imagination or if it could have a basis in the real world.

Direct download: MYS284.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

This 12th Doctor story gets mixed reviews from Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha. Trapped in an atmospheric, moody castle, pursused by the Veil, the Doctor must make a confession of the truth. An unfortunately implausible wall is one major barrier for this episode though.

Direct download: WHO347.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Season finale! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this fun season ender that brings some great cameos, pays homage to the best Star Trek movie, and leaves us with a character cliffhanger. They als give their season 4 assessment.

Direct download: SST288.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

The game is afoot! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this fan-favorite 4th Doctor story set in Victorian London that features the popular Jago and Litefoot, the Doctor going full Sherlock Holmes, and the mysteries of ancient Chinese myths.

Direct download: WHO346.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Christianity has a long and fruitful history in Egypt, and when witnesses reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary at a coptic church in Cairo suburb of Zeitoun in 1968, thousands of people came to see. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what happened there and whether the apparitions were genuine.

Direct download: MYS283.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

What's going on with Mariner? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the self-destructiveness of Beckett and her surprising admission involving a TNG character, plus the return of another obscure TNG character.

Direct download: SST287.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 1:33pm PDT

Some mothers and fathers report having dreams before the birth or even conception of their baby in which they are told about the child or even talk to the baby himself. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the phenomena and what could be causing them.

Direct download: MYS282.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

It's the end for Clara. Or is it? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 12th Doctor story of betrayal, substitutionary sacrifice, the insularity of small communites, and the tensions of justice and mercy. All overshadowed by a writer fakeout.

Direct download: WHO345.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Ever notice how many Star Trek episodes involve caves? So did the Lower Decks writers. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this not-a-clip show that pays homages and pokes fun at all those very similar-looking, flat-floored, prone-to-collapse caves in Trek.

Direct download: SST286.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

Some claim that UFOs and extraterrestrials are always manifestations of demonic activity. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the prominent hypotheses supporting this view and consider the question of whether it's always alien-demons.

Direct download: MYS281.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Badgey returns! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of these three homocidal megalomaniacal AIs from previous stories and their redemption arcs through love and friendship.

Direct download: SST285.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

In 1896 and 1897, Mystery Airships were reported from California to the Mississippi, which some believed were alien ships. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli eliminated many theories about the airships, and now address the final mystery: what were the airships, who made them, and was the government involved?

Direct download: MYS280.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Lilliputian Doctor! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of the 3rd Doctor and Jo getting shrunk into an alien flea circus of sorts and getting caught up in an attempted coup and a slave rebellion. Who are the real monsters here?

Direct download: WHO344.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Rom and Leeta! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha dicsuss this story that brings Lower Decks to Ferenginar; brings back our favorite Ferengi-Bajoran couple; and makes Tendi and Rutherford confront their suppressed feelings for each other.

Direct download: SST284.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 1:40pm PDT

In the late 1890s, there was a wave of sightings over the US of mysterious airships displaying unusual flight characteristics. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss these unusual airships and the theories that they were aliens, hoaxes, or maybe something else.

Direct download: MYS279.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 9th Doctor on the edge of space! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Stich discuss this audio story featuring Christopher Eccleston, including its connection to a Dickens story; the moral choices the Doctor makes; and how he gives some hope.

Direct download: WHO343.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In this bonus episode, Tyler McNabb of Furthering Christendom welcomes Jimmy Akin on his show to discuss the topic of alien life and its implications for Christianity.

Direct download: MYS278a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Emotional damage! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this T'Lyn-focused episode, discussing telepathic diseases, justified Betazoid paranoia, and how hard it is to memorize the periodic table of elements.

Direct download: SST283.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

It's time for another set of weird questions posed by Cy Kellet of Catholic Answers to Jimmy Akin, including this time: Could an alien be pope; the Omicron variant; could Bigfoot be an alien; conjoined twins and marriage; evolution and morality; ball lightning; and more.

Direct download: MYS278.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 2nd Doctor in the Land of Fiction. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story, including the Master of Fiction, the clever literary references to Gulliver's Travels and Rapunzel and more, and the battle of words.

Direct download: WHO342.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In this bonus episode, Jimmy Akin is a guest of Jay Aruga and Unboxing Catholicism to discuss the Book of Revelation, the anti-Christ, the number of the Beast, and more.

Direct download: MYS277a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Jimmy Akin will be teaching a course on an Introduction to Parapsychology at the Rhine Institute starting October 2023 and you can be part of it! Check it out at http://rhineedu.org

Direct download: RHINE_PROMO.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 11:43am PDT

Time for a wedding! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Orion pirate weddings,the difference between Orion and Ferengi, and the custom of bridal kidnapping and why the Church frowns on it.

Direct download: SST282.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 5:00pm PDT

The kidnapping of Victim F was like something out of a movie. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the bizarre details of the case and how it riveted the nation; the police investigation; and the ultimate, confounding truth behind what happened.

Direct download: MYS277.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 12th Doctor battles sleep. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss human dignity and worth; found footage stories; and this Doctor Who era's fondness for finding horror in the banal.

Direct download: WHO341.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

It's a civilization run by computer, but not in a bad way this time. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the principles of leadership, koalas in the afterlife, and the pros and cons of hazing, all as related to the latest Lower Decks episode.

Direct download: SST281.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

Last time, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli looked at what parapyschologists have found in studying reincarnation and this time they examine the question of reincarnation. Do we truly live again or is there another explanation?

Direct download: MYS276.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

A perfect reconstruction? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinellil, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 1st Doctor story that isn't. The original, which didn't even include William Hartnell, was lost and a group of university students recreated the episode, shot for shot, line by line.

Direct download: WHO340.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Dr. Ben Carson has Jimmy AKin on his show to discuss UFOs and recent claims by retired Air Force officer David Grusch about a secret gov't UFO recovery program, as well as Jimmy's perpsective on the existence of extraterrestrial life and its compatibility with religious beliefs.

Direct download: MYS275a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Promotion repercussions! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this Lower Decks story where Mariner confronts a cute, but terrifying alien; Rutherford tries to get the promotion he deserves; Boimler looks for the right room, and Ensign Gary needs new pants.

Direct download: SST280.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 5:00pm PDT

Season 4 of Lower Decks opens with a love letter to Voyager. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story that includes many, many deep cuts from Voyager, introduces a new season arc villain, and totally calls out Janeway as a murderer!

Direct download: SST279.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

Belief in reincarnation is found in multiple world religions, but it is also studied from a scientific perspective today as well. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what parapsychologists have found about case of the reincarnation type and ask what could explain their findings.

Direct download: MYS275.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

In this bonus episode, we bring you this discussion between Emerson Green and Jimmy Akin about ten common objections to UFO phenomena and alien visitations. Thank you to Emerson for letting us share this show with our audience.

Direct download: MYS274a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Tragedy, loss, and alien trickery. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this TNG story of loss and grief and what makes us human in dealing with the death of a loved one.

Direct download: SST278.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

We regularly give Patrons the opportunity to ask Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli their mysterious questions and make them available exclusively to Patrons first and then later to the whole audience. This time the questions cover the blood of St. Januarius, ultraterrestrials, Mary Suratt, RPGs, the Beloved Disciple, and more.

Direct download: MYS274.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 4th Doctor runs into some druids and an ancient alien pretending to be a Celtic god. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this entertaining story that could be hit or miss, including the modern druid phenomenon, stone circles, and justice lights.

Direct download: WHO339.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In this bonus episode, we bring you this discussion between Michael Lofton of Reason & Theology and Jimmy Akin about the idea of the three days of darkness, where it comes from, and whether it is a legitimate prophecy. Thank you to Michael for letting us share this show with our audience.

Direct download: MYS273a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Back to the Shore Leave planet. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss another Skynet-like computer gone rogue, sparking a man v. machine crisis, exploring themes of consciousness and Uhura's agency.

Direct download: SST277.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

Some ancient sources reportsnakes that had wings and could fly, including Herodotus and even the Bible. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the ancient Greek historian's reports, what Isaiah had to say, and whether there really could have been ancient flying snakes.

Direct download: MYS273.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Whither Shakespeare? Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 8th Doctor story where the Daleks erase Shakespeare from history as part of a plot to take over the Earth in the future and the mystery of Companion Charley deepens.

Direct download: WHO338.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Should the needs of one man outweight the destiny of the future? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first Trek time travel story, which confronts Kirk and crew with the dilemma of saving their future while navigating some funny Sixties military follies.

Direct download: SST276.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

In 1885, when Leo Taxil, a former Freemason, reverted to the Catholic Church, he made some startling revelations about Freemasonry. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine who Taxil was, what he revealed, and how he was embraced by Church leaders, including Pope Leo XIII.

Direct download: MYS272.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The Gorn are back! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Strange New Worlds season finale cliffhanger, including parallels to the movie Alien; Pike as heroic leader; and the introduction of a familiar character; as well as an assessment of the whole season.

Direct download: SST275.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 5:00pm PDT

It's our 5th anniversary and to celebrate this milestone, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli have collected amazing mysterious experiences from our listeners to share some of them and then discuss them from the faith and reason perspectives.

Direct download: MYS271.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

River Song is back with the 5th Doctor. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this audio story which is structured around the courses of a meal; the copious amount of comedy; and the complexity of the structure of the story.

Direct download: WHO337.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT