Jimmy Akin Podcast

Darmok is one of the most beloved episode of TNG. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha explore why this is so loved as well as the concept of a culture that communicates only in idiom and metaphor. Plus the unusual circumstance of Starfleet being more aggressive during first contact.

Direct download: SST081.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

It's time for more weird questions with Jimmy Akin, including this time new books in the Bible; Heaven on another planet; impeaching the Pope; time travel & the Eucharist; marrying aliens; zombie apocalypses; and more.

Direct download: MYS076.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Merry Christmas! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha are discussing this set-at-Christmas audio play featuring the Eighth Doctor (Paul McGann), his Companion, and a strange Edwardian household. How does it compare to televised Christmas specials? Our Big Finish of 2019 continues.

Direct download: SDW157.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

This brief animated episode both pays homage to some Original Series stories, but also prefigures The Motion Picture as well. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss planet-eating stellar clouds with digestive and nervous systems, mind melds, and saving the children.

Direct download: SST080.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

The Bible says, that when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, wise men (or in Greek, "magi") came from the East to find Him. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore the mystery of who these magi were; whether they were kings; if there was just three of them; what a magi was; and they knew to come look for Jesus.

Direct download: MYS075.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Continuing our Big Finish of 2019, Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about this Big Finish audio play featuring the Sixth Doctor and the Valeyard. The tables are now turned and it's the Valeyard on trial for his life. And the Doctor has to defend him. But what's really going on?

Direct download: WHO156.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

What if a petulant, immature teenager had god-like powers? That's the premise of Charlie X, which Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss in this episode, as well as the emergence of Kirk as a 1960's-style father-figure.

Direct download: SST079.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

When strange objects appeared over Colares, Brazil in 1977, locals were terrified as light rays from the UFOs struck and injured people on the ground and some even died. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what happened, what the investigations said, and what the objects could have been.

Direct download: MYS074.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

To start the "Big Finish to 2019," Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this innovative 7th Doctor story told in the form of a series of radio broadcasts, a format only possible through an audio play like this. To finish out the year, SDW is doing four special episodes featuring favorite Big Finish audio plays.

Direct download: WHO155.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

This pivotal first season episode of Discovery introduced both Ash Tyler and Harry Mudd. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Rainn Wilson's Mudd, talk about Tyler in light of what we later learn, and highlight Tilly's prayer for the alien creature.

Direct download: SST078.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

On Dec. 1, 1948, an unknown man died on a beach in Somerton, South Australia and in his pocket was a piece of paper with the words "tamám shud." Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore what it could mean, why the man's identity is still unknown, and why the mystery may be solved soon.

Direct download: MYS073.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

In the final episode of the season, Donna becomes the Doctor Donna and Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss what it means, as well as whether the Meta-crisis Doctor is really a separate person from the Doctor. Plus a roundup for all the "Doctor's Children".

Direct download: WHO154.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

One of the best episodes of the first season of Enterprise reintroduced the Andorians. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha recall who the Andorians were, marvel at actor Jeffrey Coombs versatility, and talk about Vulcan religion.

Direct download: SST077.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In months with five Fridays, we bring you a “Weird Questions” edition of Catholic Answers Live where Jimmy Akin gives shorter answers to all kinds of questions, including this time stopping your zombie self, disembodied brains, no more souls, afterlife in another universe, and more.

Direct download: MYS072.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

As Donna Noble's time as Companion winds down, the 10th Doctor is reunited with many of his prior Companions. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the gathering threads by Russell T. Davies as his time as showrunner comes to an end too.

Direct download: WHO153.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

When a wormhole presents itself to the crew of the Voyager they get their hopes up, but it's only the first season. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the dilemma of trying to convince an enemy to trust you about something completely improbable and desperately important. 

Direct download: SST076.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

On November 28, 1953, Dr. Frank Olson plummeted to his death from a New York City hotel room window. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the mystery of his death. Was it an accident as his family was told? Or did it have something to do with the CIA, biowarfare, LSD, and murder?

Direct download: MYS071.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The Fourth Doctor goes to Scotland, meets Zygons, and finds out the truth about the Loch Ness monster. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that features the only outing of the Zygons in classic Who, plus the departure of Harry Sullivan and the Brigadier. 

Direct download: WHO152.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Looking at the parallels to the Tower of Babel in Genesis, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the DS9 episode Babel, including the real world disease called global aphasia and the moment when the character of Quark becomes fully realized in the series.

Direct download: SST075.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

A lot has happened since Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli first discussed AATIP and the US Navy UFO videos in Spring 2019, so Jimmy offers here a roundup of news including claims of amazing futuristic inventions, the President's remarks on UFOs, and more.

Direct download: MYS070.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Everything hinges on one seemingly inconsequential decision by Donna. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about the importance of one decision and one person, what the Trickster Brigade is, and the return of Rose and Bad Wolf.

Direct download: WHO151.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Continuing the difficult first season of TNG, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode that some Trek stars have called racist and which has been widely criticized. Is it really that bad? Does it have any redeeming qualities?

Direct download: SST074.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

For centuries, many people believed a woman had once been pope and the tale of Pope Joan has had a recent resurgence. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore the origins of the story, its common details, its plausibility, and what the faith has to say about the possibility.

Direct download: MYS069.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Celebrating their 150th episode, Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory engage in a typical Who fan exercise of ranking the Doctors from most favorite to least. They decide which Doctor they're most like and then let the other panelists pick for them.

Direct download: WHO150.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Twenty years after Deep Space 9 ended, a quirky, new documentary looks back on the series through interviews with its creators. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how the documentary was made; how these insiders perceive their own creation; and the personalities behind the show.

Direct download: SST073.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In the ancient world, many people believed the Earth is flat and today some still believe that it is a flat disc. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli give a fair and balanced exploration of the arguments and evidence for a flat earth and for a globe earth and offer a solution to this mystery.

Direct download: MYS068.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The Master makes his Doctor Who debut in this 3rd Doctor story. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this first appearance of the Master, as well as this gentle reboot of the 3rd Doctor with a new companion, a new enemy, and a new setting.

Direct download: WHO149.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Kirk and the crew go loopy when they're exposed to a strange substance. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about Leonard Nimoy's great performance, the awful stereotype of Reilly, Sulu's sword work, and how much better it is than TNG's version.

Direct download: SST072.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

After WWI, a mysterious new kind of radio station appeared that transmitted only numbers. Those stations have been with us ever since. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the mysterious stations, asking who started them, what they're for, and what is their mysterious message.

Direct download: MYS067.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 10th Doctor is stuck on a deadly planet called Midnight. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss which is the greater threat: the fatal environment, the mysterious invisible creature, or the fear of his fellow passengers on the broken-down vehicle.

Direct download: WHO148.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Burnham is now part of Discovery's crew and tasked with turning a creature into a weapon, while Stamets must do the same with his spore drive. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the moral quandaries faced by the crew and Klingons. Plus Season 3 and Picard news.

Direct download: SST071.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Famed aviator Amelia Earhart disappeared over the Pacific as she neared the end of her record-breaking, round-the-world flight in 1937. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss Earhart's background and celebrity and then consider the theories for what caused Amelia and her navigator to vanish without a trace.

Direct download: MYS066.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 2nd Doctor and Companions romp on the Moon while repelling another Cybermen invasion plot that uses a gravity beam to control Earth's weather. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this fast-paced adventure, including how parts were reconstructed in animation after being lost.

Direct download: WHO147.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

The Enterprise makes contact with an Earth colony that disappeared mysteriously decades ago. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this story that is one part Lost Colony of Roanoke and one part Lord of the Flies and may be one of the weakest episodes of the series.

Direct download: SST070.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In the second of a two-part discussion of the Third Secret of Fatima, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the theories about the secret, whether it was really released in full in 2000; what it really means; and whether it was fulfilled already.

Direct download: MYS065.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

In 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to three children in Fatima, Portugal, giving them a three-part secret. The third remained secret and speculation ran wild, until it was made public in 2000. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about the history, the speculation, and the disputes.

Direct download: MYS064.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The First Doctor has returned to Earth, but now he and his companions are really small. Jimmy and Dom enjoy this classic "little people in a big world" story that is also a murder-mystery and a cautionary tale of ecological disaster.

Direct download: WHO146.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Voyager encounters another cloud space anomaly while Neelix pitches a fit and Janeway just wants a cup of coffee. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory also discuss the show's handling of native American spirituality and then pay tribute to the late Aron Eisenberg, Nog of DS9.

Direct download: SST069.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

As a thanks to our Patrons, Jimmy and Dom every so often ask for their mysterious question and Jimmy provides his answers on a variety of topics. This special episode was exclusive for patrons for a limited time and is now available to our general audience.

Direct download: MYS063.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Finishing their discussion of the first modern, well-known UFO abduction case, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli evaluate the evidence surrounding the Betty and Barney Hill incident and Jimmy reveals what he thinks really happened.

Direct download: MYS062.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

In the second of this two-part story, the Doctor and Donna come to a costly compromise with the Vashta Nerada. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the sacrifices made, the ongoing ripples through the future of the series, and a writer's inability to commit to finality.

Direct download: WHO145.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

When Odo is the prime suspect in a murder, who investigates the investigator. Jimmy and Dom talk about the smaller than normal main plot which makes room for more introductions of the DS9 cast in this first season story.

Direct download: SST068.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Fifty-eight years ago, a New England couple was driving home when they sighted something strange in the sky, an event which eventually made Betty and Barney Hill the first widely reported UFO abduction. In the first of two episodes, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli review the evidence regarding their experience.

Direct download: MYS061.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The first part of this two-part story introduces us to Dr. River Song and sets up yet another creepy scenario by script writer Stephen Moffat. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha explain why this two-part story is among their favorite New Who episodes.

Direct download: WHO144.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

With Hugh the re-humanized Borg rumored to be coming back in Star Trek Picard, Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory take a look at this TNG episode that introduced the character and perhaps get a glimpse at what he will be doing in the new show.

Direct download: SST067.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In 1846, two French children reported an apparition of the Virgin Mary, who gave them warnings for the world and secrets for the children. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the approval of the apparition by the local bishop and the controversy that has continued to this day.

Direct download: MYS060.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 4th Doctor takes an incredible journey into his brain to fight the Swarm. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about how the episode plays off other "shrink and travel into the body" stories as well as the introduction of a beloved canine companion.

Direct download: WHO143.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Star Trek III is funny, poignant, and action-packed, which Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory conclude makes for a great Trek movie with Leonard Nimoy as the director, the original Enterprise in her swan song, and Christopher Lloyd as a great Klingon.

Direct download: SST066.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Mind-control parasites have been a staple of science fiction for decades. But Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli reveal that not only do they exist in real life, they sometimes affect humans!

Direct download: MYS059.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The Doctor and Donna encounter Agatha Christie and, of course, a murder-mystery ensues. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha enjoy the fun detective tropes, but also make some comparisons with a later episode that features a real-life artist, "Vincent," and see how differently they come out.

Direct download: SDW142.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

The first Trek transporter accident splits Kirk into good and bad versions of himself. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this Jekyll and Hyde story and its examination of whether our positive and negative traits are simple divisions of good and evil.

Direct download: SST065.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In the midst of WWII, the people of Mattoon, Illinois, were terrorized by a madman using gas to disable his victims. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine this 75-year-old unsolved mystery and the theories about it, and then offer up a dramatic twist to the story you may not expect.

Direct download: MYS058.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 7th Doctor drops a Companion and picks up a new one in his adventures on Iceworld that involve a freezing criminal, a pirate named Glitz, and a "dragon" that looks like it should be fighting Sigourney Weaver. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the departure of Mel and arrival of Ace in the midst of this adventure.

Direct download: WHO141.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Continuing their review of Season 1 of Star Trek Discovery, Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the introduction of the Discovery, her crew, and her enigmatic mission and Burnham's first steps to becoming part of them.

Direct download: SST064.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In months with five Fridays, we bring you a “Weird Questions” edition of Catholic Answers Live where Jimmy Akin gives shorter answers to all kinds of questions, including this time whether a virus has a soul; praying to John Wayne; video game morality; cloning unicorns; and the Mandela effect.

Direct download: MYS057.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Has the Doctor met his match when he suddenly gets a fully grown daughter? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about this Doctor-Donna-Martha adventure that brings in David Tennant's future wife/Peter Davison's daughter as a guest star to play his daughter.

Direct download: WHO140.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

When Trip has to help a new alien species with their engines, he gets an unexpected surprise. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory examine how the show deals with unexpected pregnancy and the choices the characters have to make and come away pretty happy with it.

Direct download: SST063.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 9:45am PDT

As an order of warrior-monks, the Knights Templar defended Christians in the Holy Land. But for 700 years, all kinds of rumors and theories of shocking crimes and secrets have surrounded them. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss those theories and claims that the Knights are still among us.

Direct download: MYS056.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 6th Doctor shows up at the start of the Industrial Revolution in 19th century England where the Master and a new foe, the Rani, have joined forces. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss all the scene chewing between the evil villains and the encounters with great historical figures.

Direct download: WHO139.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

When a character is left debilitated and permanently disabled on Star Trek: Voyager, the other characters convince them they have plenty to live for. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how differently this would be handled today.

Direct download: SST062.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Jimmy has an urgent message for listeners to Mysterious World. We need your help right now. Please listen to this brief recording and then visit sqpn.com/give today. Thank you.

Direct download: Aug2019messagefromJimmy.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 6:49am PDT

If intelligent life exists somewhere else in the universe and we encounter it, what would be the implications for the Christian faith? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore what religious views aliens might hold, whether we should evangelize them or if they'd need it, and whether they could even become Christians.

Direct download: MYS055.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

In the 2nd of a two-part story, The Doctor and two Companions deal with a sneaky clone, bad emissions, and a bratty dot-com genius. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the smog moralizing, the world-ending stakes, and someone else who dies in the Doctor's place.

Direct download: WHO138.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Not a bash of Babylon 5 or defense of DS9 by Trekkies, but an homage by two fans of both series, Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha, who look at what made these two series great, how they were similar, and what set them apart.

Direct download: SST061.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

50 years ago, Charles Manson's "family" committed the murders that made him infamous. Why did he do it? Greed? An insane plot to end the world? Or was there another more pedestrian reason? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the evil events and the theories surrounding them (without getting into the gruesome details.)

Direct download: MYS054.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The first of a two-part story featuring the 10th Doctor and two Companions against an old foe. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the return of Martha Jones, the reintroduction of Sontarans for New Who, and world-threatening plots.

Direct download: WHO137.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

The Enterprise is caught in a time loop and only Dr. Crusher notices the clues. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how this episode handles the time issues better than similar Trek stories, and of course, the guest appearance of Kelsey Grammer.

Direct download: SST060.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In 1974, the Betz family found a strange metal sphere in the woods near their home which exhibited numerous unusual behaviors. Jimmy and Dom look at the media reports, investigations, and sinister doings that followed before it disappeared from public view for nearly 50 years.

Direct download: MYS053.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 5th Doctor ends up in the 18th century facing down aliens who want to make Earth their new home by killing off humanity in a deadly plague. Fr. Cory and Jimmy discuss the story whose premise is like so many other like it.

Direct download: WHO136.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In an update to an Old West tale, lovable rogue Harry Mudd is bringing wives to lonely miners through quasi-legal means. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the very Sixties view of relations between men and women and the perhaps surprising way the episode resolves.

Direct download: SST059.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

People have been fascinated by hypnosis for centuries and it's claimed it can stop smoking, help you lose weight, and even surface memories of childhood trauma, past lives, and alien abductions. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the claims to determine what's true and what's not.

Direct download: MYS052.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The Ood have returned as the Doctor and Donna free them from their servitude. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this 10th Doctor story that brings back the Ood and lays the groundwork for significant events at the end of the season.

Direct download: WHO135.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

This animated Spock story told us more about his backstory *and* about Vulcan than any Original Series episode. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about how the revelations here continue to echo in Discovery and the way this story confront younger viewers with the death of a pet.

Direct download: SST058.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Every year in mid-July, a group of politicians, businessmen, and artists gather at a private campground in California. Critics claim they are a sinister conspiracy. Jimmy and Dom examine their origins, their practices, and their membership and discuss whether it's sinister or just a party in the woods.

Direct download: MYS051.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 4th Doctor, Tom Baker, ends his first season with the return of the Cybermen, a solid gold planet, and humanity caught between warring aliens. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the complex story that has multiple antagonists and interesting moral quandaries.

Direct download: WHO134.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Archer and crew camp out on their first Earth-like planet, but something's in the air that's make the crew behave strangely. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss Archer's recklessness and T'Pol's sensible cautiousness, plus the distrust between species that bubbles to the surface.

Direct download: SST057.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Joseph Smith reported receiving divine revelations in the early 1800s, and eventually became the founder of the Mormon religion and his prophecies now influence the lives of millions. Jimmy and Dom consider the evidence concerning Smith's claims to be a prophet.

Direct download: MYS050.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The Doctor and Donna show up in Pompeii on Volcano Day, meet the Doctor's future face, and get caught in a fixed point in time. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the moral conundrum the Doctor faces, the trickiness of seeing the future, and our glimpse at a future Doctor and Companion playing different roles.

Direct download: WHO133.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

What would you do if you knew the world was ending in 24 hours and you couldn't warn anyone? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory tackle this Star Trek Voyager episode that is an early attempt to establish Janeway's character and ethos and how she approaches moral problems.

Direct download: SST056.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

On July 8, 1947, the Air Force announced a flying saucer crashed in Roswell, New Mexico, and then retracted the story. Was it an alien? Was it a weather balloon? Or was it something else? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the claims and evidence for what happened in Roswell.

Direct download: MYS049.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The Third Doctor has to stop a scientist from drilling through the Earth's crust, but has to take a detour to a parallel Earth for the solution. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the evil alternates of the Doctor's friends he encounters and this premise that was based on a real world project.

Direct download: WHO132.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In the 2nd episode of Deep Space 9, we're introduced to Cardassian spy Garak and all the espionage intrigue he brings. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss Bashir's innocence, Garak's trickiness, and Kira's divided loyalties in a story that sets the stage for so much to come. 

Direct download: SST055.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

As a thanks to our Patrons, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli asked for their mysterious questions and Jimmy provided his answers on a variety of topics. This special episode was exclusive for patrons for a limited time and is now available to our general audience.

Direct download: MYS048.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

A group of international movers & shakers called the Bilderberg Group have been meeting every year since 1954. Many attendees won't acknowledge they went or even know of it. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the claims that accuse them of being a global conspiracy for a one-world government.

Direct download: MYS047.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

At the start of season 4, the 10th Doctor (David Tennant) teams up with the popular Companion Donna Noble. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha enjoy that Donna is a breath of fresh air as Companion and discuss Granddad Wilf as one of their favorite New Who characters.

Direct download: WHO131.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

The Naked Now is one of the least liked of all Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes and so Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha delve into all the uncomfortable campiness in a hilariously cringe-worthy discussion.

Direct download: SST054.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

On June 24, 1947, pilot Kenneth Arnold saw something odd in the skies of Washington state. When he landed, he touched off the modern era of UFO sightings. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the theories of what he saw and eliminate them all, until only one remains.

Direct download: MYS046.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 2nd Doctor visits the Lost Civilization of Atlantis where a 20th-century madman plans to destroy the world. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the quality of the story itself and how the special effects of the time may have held it back, the ease with which new Companion 18th century Scotsman Jamie joins in, and whether it's cautionary tale about religion vs. science or just against superstition.

Direct download: WHO130.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

The first Star Trek after the pilot episodes gives us an early look at the Kirk, Spock, McCoy dynamic. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha lift a glass of tranya as they discuss Kirk's leadership, McCoy's insubordination, and Spock's razor-sharp mind and wit as well as Clint Howard's guest spot.

Direct download: SST053.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In 1912, a rare book written in an unknown alphabet containing bizarre illustrations was revealed by Wilfrid Voynich and despite decades of effort, it has never been deciphered. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the theories for what it is, including very recent claims made about the book.

Direct download: MYS045.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

It's Christmas 2007 and the Doctor is on the Titanic. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Voyage of the Damned, where a newly Companion-less Doctor ends up on the ominously named spaceliner Titanic along with singer Kylie Minogue when things go wrong, as they do.

Direct download: WHO129.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Wrath of Khan is perhaps the most popular Star Trek movie of all time. In the second of a two-part discussion, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha look at the vice of hubris, the coming of humility, and the themes of sacrifice and resurrection evident throughout the film.

 

Direct download: SST052.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

A very religious man in Tennessee named John Hendrix made some remarkable prophecies in 1915 after experiencing tragedy and turning to God. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss Hendrix, his startling prophecies that concerned his hometown, the US, and the whole world, and how they apparently came true in some cases decades later.

Direct download: MYS044.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The First Doctor travels back to France’s Reign of Terror where he encounters the infamous Robespierre. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss once again their love of the pure historical stories, the inventiveness of the episode, and the difference between classic and modern Doctors.

Direct download: WHO128.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Wrath of Khan is perhaps the most popular Star Trek movie of all time. In the first of a two-part discussion, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha explore what makes this film stand out above all others, including a great villain, a tight story, and of course, the ultimate self-sacrifice.

Direct download: SST051.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

In months with five Fridays, we bring you a "Weird Questions" edition of Catholic Answers Live where Jimmy Akin gives shorter answers to all kinds of questions, including this time whether the pope can bless an ocean, self-driving cars and the trolley problem, and Medieval UFO art.

Direct download: MYS043.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

The 4th Doctor and companion end up at a Victorian-era lighthouse with an odd bunch of characters being menaced by an alien. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha enjoy the gothic horror style and Tom Baker's near-maniacal glee at unraveling the deadly mystery.

Direct download: WHO127.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

The second episode of Enterprise focused heavily on the difference between humans and Vulcans as well as the newness of deep space exploration. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss Hoshi's fish-out-of-water fears, Archer's anger, and T'Pol's disdain as we get to know this crew.

Direct download: SST050.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

King Tut is one of the most famous pharaohs of Egypt, but a mystery surrounds his death, including being wiped from history for 3,300 years. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss Tutankhamun's life and death and power politics to compare with the Game of Thrones.

Direct download: MYS042.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

As the third season and Martha's stint as a companion come to a close, the Doctor grapples with the Master and takes on Messianic overtones. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Doctor's Year of Hell that ends with him alone.

Direct download: WHO126.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT