Sixty years ago, the world was locked in a 13-day crisis between the USA and Soviet Union. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the Cuban Missile Crisis and the little-known details about how the world came within a whisker of a global nuclear war.

The 6th Doctor's finale! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the end of the 6th Doctor on TV and the Trial of a Time Lord, including how they see him at the end of his tenure compared to the beginning.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including Bill Ray, Our Lady of Kibeho, Steven Greer, Poltergeists, Dr. Edwin May, Inflation, and Ghost Bride.

It's two stories in one! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode that focuses on Dr. M'Benga and his daughter; about rewriting your ending; and how to let go of a loved one for their own good.

Bilocation is a mysterious phenomenon in which someone appears to be in two or more locations at once. It's been reported for thousands of years, including among some Catholic saints. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what bilocation is and what is really going on.

The 12th Doctor has an Oceans 11-style bank heist with a time travel twist. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the plot misdirections and story twists as well as the moral and ethical questions that arise.

Spock confronts his identity and Pike confronts a pirate. Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the show's attempt a cultural issue discussion in the midst of a pirate attack and also mention the re-introduction of controversial character from the movies.

Harriet Tubman is famous as the escaped slave who became a conductor on the Underground Railroad to freedom. But Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli also explore her reported visions and paranormal experiences and what could have caused them.

The 5th Doctor's farewell to Nyssa. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 2nd story of the Black Guardian trilogy, the connection to Norse mythology, and what really caused the Big Bang.

What if a civilization would thrive for as long as one person had to suffer on their behalf. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that includes moral absolutes and a challenge to Pike's conscience.

Is TV ghost hunting anything like the real thing? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli are joined by parapsychological investigator Loyd Auerbach to discuss his work and in particular about a haunted house in Marin County, California.

Sssshhhh! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 12th Doctor's obsession with a theoretical creature capable of perfect hiding, how Danny Pink and Clara fail to listen, and the elephant-in-the-room loose thread of Orson Pink.

Freaky Friday, Star Trek-style! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Spock's body swap with his fiancée in which hijinks ensue; plus Enterprise bingo and other fun comedy bits.

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.

The 4th Doctor and Sarah Jane are in Renaissance Italy. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the court intrigue, the pagan worship in Catholic Italy, and how the Doctor thwarts an alien presence from conquering Earth.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including Marian apparitions, D.B. Cooper, aphantasia and synesthesia, Pearl Harbor, demons, and the Hindenburg.

Dive, dive, dive! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this submarine battle episode that explore more of La'an's background, brings back the Gorn, and shows all the ways that broken Starfleet tech can contribute to a plot.

Prayer is a human universal, but can you pray for something that's already happened? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at prayer and time and God's relationship to time, with a big twist in the reason perspective.

The Doctor and Clara meet Robin Hood. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 12th Doctor's acerbic encounter with the fictional(?) character, including impossible trick shots and boastful competition and a resolution of questionable morality.

A loose virus is followed by a lockdown on Enterprise. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the clever plot device of a virus that spreads by light, the character revelations, especially about Una, and what we learn about M'Benga.

For as long as people have seen UFOs in the sky, they've claimed to have salvaged materials from them. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what these materials are, where they come from, why is the government studying them, and what tests have revealed.

Our introduction to Peladon. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha dig into this 3rd Doctor and Jo Grant story of a primitive planet on the edge of joining the galactic neighborhood; overcoming preconceived prejudices; and the perils of pretending to be a princess.

In a special bonus episode, Jimmy Akin gives a brief overview of Congresisonal hearings in May 2022 on UFOs/UAPs and then includes the entire hearing for listeners to hear for themselves.

Introducing Uhura. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the re-introduction of our favorite communications officer; the use of faith in the story; Pike's foreknowledge of his fate; and Sam Kirk's mustache.

How did humanity come to know the world around us, the structure of our planet, our solar system, and the universe. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the mystery of the nature of the universe and the historical figures who found the answers we have today.

The story that brought the 9th Doctor back wraps up and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss its highs and lows. Was the story too omplex for audio? Should it have been three parts? And does Christopher Eccleston step right back into the iconic leather jacket?

Pike's Enterprise is here! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the series premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds; its discussion of suffering and how we llive our lives with and despite it; and whether this may be the best first episode of a Trek series.

Season 2 of Picard wraps up and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the episode and season, including a resolution in the Picard-Q relationship; the value of self-forgiveness; and where Picard--the character and the series--will go from here.

In 1970, a woman's body was found in a remote valley in Norway. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli delve into the international investigation that was touched off and the mystery that remains to this day as to the Isdal Woman's identity and how she died.

Part 2! Fr. Cory Sticha and Jimmy Akin discuss the 2nd part of this 9th Doctor audio story, including the complex story building, the interesting new companion and foes, and a connection to old 8-bit video games.

What do the Borg really want? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the penultimate episode of Picard season 2, which contains a lot of action, but also dives into the motivations of the Borg Queen who searches for connection and deals with mental illness and Picard's childhood trauma.

It's a fifth Friday so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin more weird questions from listeners, including whether robots are members of the undead; whether vampires go to hell; could vampires receive the Blood of Christ; and whether demons can read our thoughts; and more.

The 9th Doctor, Christopher Eccleston, is back in Big Finish. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first part of this three-part event, which sees the Doctor dealing with a futuristic VR game, Cold War London, and Romans run amok.

X-Files meets Star Trek. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Picard's encounter with an FBI agent obsessed with aliens; Q's revelation that even he is not immune to death and what that means for him; and the Borg Queen plan to ruin the future.

Many people have wondered or hoped that beloved animals that die continue to live on in heaven, but a common opinion is that they don't Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at that claim and ask if there is any evidence that animals do, in fact, survive death.

Easter special! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the penultimate 13th Doctor story that brings back the Sea Devils and introduces some 19th century Chinese pirates and then talk about the teaser for the upcoming regeneration special that will bring back familiar faces.

Dive into Picard's mind. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the ongoing exploration of Picard and his psychological basis; talk about the redemptive suffering we see; and applaud the excellent casting of James Callis.

UFO researchers have often talked about encountering mysterious floating orbs, including at Skinwalker Ranch. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the blue orbs that induce fear and may even be causing harm and what may explain them.

The Sea Devils are coming back for the 13th Doctor, so Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha review their first appearance with the 3rd Doctor, which was a high seas adventure that included the Master and the Royal Navy!

Is it a filler episode? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this unusually short episode which offers just a few plot advances; then discuss anxiety disorders, Agnes and the Borg Queen, and the possible fates of several main characters.

In an English village in the 1100s, two green-skinned children appeared one day and some have claimed they were aliens or fairies. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli consider who were the green children of Woolpit, where did they come from, and why were they green?

Until recently, most of this 2nd Doctor story was lost, but in 2021 it was completed with animation substituting for the lost footage. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this base-under-siege story of the Great intelligence's return, the robot Yeti, and the introduction of Lethbridge-Stewart.

To the moon, Renee! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard, including an ancestor that must fly, another editing genes, more threads that will need future episodes to be tied, indications of a Queen, and a special voicemail from the Continuum.

To celebrate their 200th episode on April Fools Day, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha give their list of the worst Star Trek episodes in all the classic series. With over 800 total Trek episodes there are bound to be stinkers and we've found them.

In the 1920s, widowed farmer John Seybold sought to end his loneliness by contacting the world of the spirits. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about how he met a ghost named Sarah and ended up marrying her. But were they able to find happiness together?

In the spirit of April Fools Day, Jimmy akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the wonderful Doctor Who spoof from Comic Relief starring Rowan Atkinson, among others, as the Doctor. It's a hilarious non-canonical (or is it?) romp that the panel has fun exploring.

Who is the Watcher? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard episode, including their very favorite scene on a bus; the "new" Guinan; and how the Watcher may be a callback to a TOS episode.

Listeners have noticed that when Jimmy Akin mentions how much something cost in the past, he says it's due to "inflation the government has caused." Now he and Dom Bettinelli are going to explain why he says that, what inflation is, why it happens, and why Jimmy says the government is responsible.

In classic scifi style, the Doctor gets shrunk down to go inside a Dalek. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about how the Doctor himself has to deal with his Dalek-like behavior and attitudes and Clara's role in confronting him with it.

Resistance is futile. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Picard where the crew ends up in 2024, having to navigate the backward and violent society they encounter, while also contending with a revitalized Borg Queen intent on assimilating them all.

In the second part of his interview with Dr. Edwin May, who has spent more than 40 years doing parapsychological research, Jimmy Akin asks Dr. May about some his most unique views, they discuss the role of precognition, and he asks what an "entropy bomb" is.

The first Doctor and his Companions find a space museum where they are the exhibits. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the failing empire and how Vicki foments a rebellion among the young people as well as the early roots of the dangers of the Doctor's time travel.

Timelines! Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Star Trek: Picard, in which Q has called Picard to do penance for some sin and then shows him an alternate timeline of a fascist imperial Earth. Is this just a re-tread of all the past Mirror Universe Trek or is there something new here?

Physicist Dr. Edwin May has made a career working full time in parapsychology after heading up the US gov't psychic spying program Star Gate. Jimmy Akin sits down for an interview with Dr. May to learn what his research found, the challenges of psychic research, and his personal views on the phenomena.

Back to the beginning! It's been over 7 years since we started this podcast with the 12th Doctor's first episode, and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha are revisiting his tenure with a fresh look at this story, including a pondering of the Doctor's moral choices.

The 2nd season of Picard is here! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha dive into the new story involving Picard, time travel, and the powerful being Q; discuss revelations about Picard's past; and consider the Borg and assimilation and forgiveness.

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 in a special bonus release like this one.

The 4th Doctor goes underground. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Tom Baker story that sees him helping yet another society of oppressed underclass, talk about finding the edge of the universe, and think about the Time Lords being seen as gods.

The torch is passed. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the movie that moved from the TOS generation to TNG and saw the final appearance of James T. Kirk. Does the film live up to its significance? And how well did TNG intially translate to the big screen?

For centuries, people have reported strange phenomena of objects moving on their own, flying into walls, even injuring and killing people. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about the phenomenon of poltergeists, what they are what causes them, and what the latest research reveals about them.

It's the 11th Doctor's penultimate story, and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the resolution of several ongoing 11th Doctor story threads, incl. the Impossible Girl, the doom of Trenzalore, and the menace of the Great Intelligence.

Was the Squire of Gothos the prototype for Q? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the quixotic creature Trelane and how the episode plays with expectations by making the near-omnipotent being an alien child in the end.

Dr. Steven Greer for years has led the "Disclosure" movement to have the US government reveal what it knows about extraterrestrials, says he's conducting diplomacy with aliens on behalf of the human race and says he can summon the peaceful aliens and can teach others to do so as well. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask who is Dr. Greer, are the aliens really friendly, and can we really summon aliens?

Lost Skeleton is a lovingly crafted homage to the old sci-fi B movies of the 50s, and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and David Handlos have a blast discussing the hilarious script full of quotable lines, the nods to old-style filmmaking, and just how much fun this film will be for the whole family.

In this 8th Doctor audio play, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss how it uses H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds radio program as a plot element; the old-time radio play production style; and big guest stars like Simon Pegg. Plus how aliens, Nazis, Soviets, and the Mafia come together in one story.

The first season of Discovery is complete and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what worked and didn't work in the show's premiere season; the difficult moral choice presented in the conclusion; and seeing your enemy not as monsters, but as people.

In 1983, seers at Kibeho, Rwanda, received visions of a barbaric conflict and in the 1990s, almost 1 million people died in the genocide. Then in 2001, the apparitions received official Church approval. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at what happened, which visions were genuine, and their significance for us today.

Creepy amusement park filler with Cybermen? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this 11th Doctor story that brings back this classic enemy, but upgrades them; talk about Warwick Davis's guest role; and the Doctor's antics fighting against an evil version of himself.

With the mid-season finale of Star Trek: Prodigy's first season, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the answers received to the show's questions, what questions remain, and the surprising depth for a show aimed at children.

In 1981, a group of children in Rwanda began reporting visions of the Virgin Mary. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss her assurances of God's love and warnings of a terrible disaster; what the girls reported to have seen and heard; and the results of the Church's investigations, including warnings for believers.

The 7th Doctor continues his dark turn with Ace. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the Victorian horror story with a scifi twist and dig into why the Doctor is putting Ace through some harrowing adventures involving some of her worst memories.

As Prodigy approaches its first season midpoint, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how the Prodigy crew has matured during its time together; appreciate the caper plot that is set up for resolution next time; and look at the mystery of The Diviner and his quest.

In this second part of Jimmy Akin's interview with former US Army psychic spy Maj. Bill Ray of Project Star Gate, he hears about some of Bill's most dramatic Remote Viewing experiences, including RV of aliens, UFOs, Roswell, and the Ark of Covenant.

The 11th Doctor in Victorian horror! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Doctor and Clara's team up with the Paternoster Gang against Dame Diana Rigg's villain; what optograms are; and Matt Smith's Yorkshire accent.

Time bubbles! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this latest episode of Prodigy, incuding the common Trek plot of time looping; the lesson about working together as a crew; and a major development for one character. Plus the chicken, fox, and grain logic problem.

Project Star Gate was the Pentagon's psychic spying program from the 1970s to 1990s. Jimmy Akin talks to one of those psychic spies, Major Bill Ray, who also served as commander of the unit for a time and asks him about his experiences, the history of the program, and about Remote Viewing.

The Orient Express in space! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 6th Doctor's new companion, Melanie and the change in tone with her arrival; the continuation of the Trial of a Time Lord; and the prospect of sentient, carnivorous plant people who see humans as livestock.

The Protostar crew meets a Ferengi. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the crew's introduction to transporters, Ferengi, and first contact situations; the morality of the Prime Directive; and the most important lesson being the true friends they made along the way.

The Hindenburg was one of the most impressive airships to ever fly, and when it crashed in 1937, it shocked the world. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the Hindenburg crash, what happened to make it explode, and whether there was sabotage or even a coverup of the facts of the tragedy.

More of the Tardis than we've ever seen before. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that takes us to parts of the Doctor's ship we've never seen, but also addresses questions of personhood and the dignity of each individual.

Prodigy is back and so are some of our Star trek favorites. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the the midseason premiere that sees Dal confront the no-win scenario and meet up some giants of Star Trek history, noting the show's attempt to introduce it's young audience to its lore.

When unexplained phenomena arise, many Christians often leap to the explanation of demons being responsible or they warn that certain activities can open you up to demons. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the accuracy of these claims, how we can really find out when demons are involved, and what can go wrong when we incorrectly think it's demons.

The best Doctor's New Year's Eve yet? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 13th Doctor special, especially its fun guests characters, Sarah and Nick; the fun, lowered-stakes plot device; and the quippy dialogue that overcome the few missteps.

Unusual Vulcans! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how this episode plays with our expectations and sympathies; reveals more about Vulcan culture and society; and develops the character of T'Pol in how she relates to her own people and to humans.

It's New Year's Eve, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, including are there dinosaurs in heaven, can angels lie, are we in a rebooted universe, whether aliens and humans could marry, and much more.

The Brigadier is back again. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the return of Lethbridge-Stewart with the 5th Doctor; the addition of Turlow to the Tardis Companions; attempts to steal the Doctor's regenerations; and this first part of the Black Guardian trilogy of stories.

On Christmas 2021, Jimmy Akin welcomed everyone to his YouTube channel for a special Livestream gathering, especially for those who might be alone on the holiday. Jimmy answered questions on a variety of topics for over two hours and due to popular request, we've made the audio available here.

Evil twins and body horror. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this Voyager story in which B'Elanna gets split in human and Klingon individuals; an alien steals a crewman's face; and they wonder why Starfleet has such dumb flashlights.

It's Christmas, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin Christmas weird questions from listeners, including how we would celebrate Christmas on other planets; when Christmas ends; how we got from St. Nick to Santa; and whether the 12 days of Christmas is a secret code; and more.

The Doctor goes ghost hunting. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the 11th Doctor's search for answers to the mystery of Clara; how it is based on a 1959 movie; and Jimmy's assessment of the paranormal research depicted in the episode.

Bashir and O'Brien run into the Jem'Hadar. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how Bashir's oath as a doctor to help those in need comes in conflict with his oath as a Starfleet officer not to help the enemy, as well as the strain in friendship this causes.

In 1941, the US and Japan engaged in tense negotiations to avoid war, but failed. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss who was responsible for that failure; whether the failure was intended; and what role Soviet agent Harry Dexter White played in all this.

The 4th Doctor v. killer plants! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 4th Doctor story that combines Lovecraft's "Mountains of Madness" and Hawks' film "The Thing From Another World," including a Bond-level villain, an Antarctic base, and an English country estate.

An elderly couple survives an apocalyptic disaster, and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this unexpectedly philosophical story that raises questions of pacifism, guilt, forgiveness, and redemption, along with the limits of power.

As we recall the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss allegations that the US had advance warning of the Japanese attack or even that President Roosevelt proviked the attack to end American isolationism. What is the truth?

The end of the Flux! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this last chapter which jam-packs the end of this 6-episode season, assess the season a whole, and give their predictions for what happens next in the upcoming specials.

When Spock was big. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this original animated story, which as echoes of story elements that would show up in later series and stories. Plus Lower Decks called back to this with an Easter egg in the latest season.

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 in a special bonus release like this one.

Five plot threads race to a conclusion of the Flux as Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory discuss the potentially mythos shattering revelations about the Doctor's true backstory, but will it ruin the mythos to reveal too much?

It's another telepathic planet that shows you what you desire, even if it's dangerous. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this story shows a chivalrous McCoy, a regretful Kirk, and a stereotypical combative Irish named Finnegan.