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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why are they singing? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the musical episode of Strange New Worlds, which has divided fandom; whether the show should have gone even more into the device; and why the Klingons were the best part.

Can we speak with the dead? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the question of speaking with departed human souls; whether it is permitted by Church teaching; and what cautions we must consider; and they ask if Fr. Nathan Castle's unique ministry to "stuck souls" is permissible.

Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the conclusion to the 12th Doctor's Zygon invasion story, including themes of forgiveness, justice, and war; some inconsistent logic and character motivations; and the joy of seeing the Osgoods again.

Here's more of Jimmy Akin's conversation with Fr. Nathan Castle that didn't fit in our previous episode, but which Jimmy thought was interesting enough to offer as a bonus to our audience.

Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story focusing on war, forgiveness, and redemption, and they delve into the Christian view on forgiveness, mercy, and justice. They also discuss trauma in war and PTSD, how this story draws on past Trek episodes (and M*A*S*H!), but also breaks new ground for Trek for its raw portrayal of the effects of war.

Crossover! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Lower Decks-Strange New Worlds crossover, how well it was executed, the surprising differences between the same characters in animation and live action, and the SNW crew getting to play comedy. Riker!

Suppose you had a dream of a stranger who died and is calling out to you for help from the afterlife? This is. the situaton that confronted Fr. Nathan Castle. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk to Fr. Castle about how he began receiving these dreams and what he has done about them.

The end of the 7th Doctor! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the final story of the Classic Who era, which appropriately enough pits the Doctor against the Master in Ace's hometown. Dare we say, "we laughed, we cried, it was better than Cat's"?

Spooky! Jimmy akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story in which Uhura is hearing voices, including what they think of Paul Wesley's Kirk so far, the rising stature of Uhura in the show, and the first meeting of Spock, Kirk, and Uhura.

More Vulcan hijinks! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss another SNW story that Spock, T'Pring, and a weird biological swap, including problematic Vulcan speciesism, bureaucratic non-corporeal entities, and mutual self-sacrifice between Spock and Chapel.

A woman in London began hearing mysterious voices and what they told her changed her life. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the story of Annabelle and the mysterious voices in her head that probably saved her life.

Two popular books held Lakota medicine man Black Elk as an icon of native American spirituality. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore the truths those books suppressed about Nicholas Black Elk, especially his conversion and devout Catholic faith.

Who doesn't love an Osgood episode? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this tale of good and bad Zygons, the hidden enemies (and friends) living among us, and the inevitable Truth or Consequences.

Amnesia strikes the Enterprise crew. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss memory loss and the pain of remembered grief; the rise of Erica Ortegas; and whether a ship captain is allowed a personal life.

Black Elk was a Native American medicine man who had paranormal visions in participated some of the pivotal events in the 19th century US history. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss his remarkable life and the hidden truths about him.

Kamelion arrives! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this 5th Doctor story of King John, the Master, and the infamous animatronic companion, Kamelion, including Magna Carta, Davison's fencing skills, and why Kamelion was such a bad idea.

Another Kirk. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this time travel story that sees a younger Kirk from an alternate timeline team up with La'an and struggle with the question of which timeline should remain.

It's time for another set of weird questions posed by Cy Kellet of Catholic Answers to Jimmy Akin, including this time: The Nephilim and Og; asking obscure saints for intercession; Padre Pio and time travel prayer; Captain Kirk, transporters, and the sacraments; Agents of Shield, AI, and the soul; and more.

Cameron Bertuzzi invited Jimmy Akin on his show recently to discuss the latest UAP whistleblower, David Grusch, and all things related to Christianity and UAPs. Now Cameron has graciously allowed us to bring this video to you.

The 12th Doctor and the immortal woman! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the reunion of the Doctor and Ashildr, now known as Me, as the Doctor faces the consequences of his actions in their previous encounter and ponders his obligations to her.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including patron questions, Rudolph Hess, Guadalupe tilma, Thylacines, theistic evolution, Emperor Norton, and more.

Court martial! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the trial of Number One and the issues raised about historical injustice, respect for cultures, and persecution, plus favorite callbacks to other series and previous SNW episodes. 

The DC Beltway Snipers case in 2002 resulted in the capture of the perpetrators, but there was another side to the case that the public didn't know. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk to Pam Coronado, the psychic detective who helped police solve the crime.

The 4th Doctor meets Leela! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the story that recalls H.G. Wells' Time Machine; asks what if the Doctor's interventions left him as a mythological figure of evil; and illustrates the shortcomings of AI as a deity.

The second season of Strange New Worlds comes roaring out of the gate! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first episode, including the evolution of Spock, the M'Benga revelations, and the new chief engineer, Pellia. Plus a tribute to Nichelle Nichols.

A year after the 9/11 attacks, the Washingon DC area was rocked by a series of random sniper attacks that left 10 people dead. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the shootings, the men behind them, how police caught them, and why they went on their murder spree.

The Doctor and Clara encounter Vikings of a sort. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the introduction of Ashildr, the Doctor's epiphany about his recycled face, and the themes of heroism, identity, and mortality.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including fan art, private revelations, the Versailles Time-Slip, the Big Bang, dowsing, and more.

Ghosts or something else? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this Enterprise story that finds Trip flirting with aliens again; learn that Vulcans don't get the creeps; and talk about the superiority of reality to comforting illusion.

The Rosenhan Experiment rocked the psychology profession 50 years ago. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the study's look into how mental health patients were treated, why the study was so important, and what it revealed about the human mind.

For anniversaries, Doctor Who often gives us multiple Doctor stories, and this was the first for the 10th anniversary. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the precedents set for the first multi-Doctor story, how well it worked, the expansion of Time Lord mythology with the introduction of Omega.

Maquis and Starfleet clash! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Voyager episode that explores the nature of leadership, loyalty, and duty in an idealistic profession for those who never sought it out.

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 Angelic possession, Hollow Moon, Genesis flood, Younger Dryas, Philadelphia experiment, Ouija boards, King Arthur, Nation of islam, and more.

The 11th Doctor encounters a figure from Time Lord myth, the Calendar Man who knows what is written on our hearts. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this audio story and its theme of guilt and confession and memory and substitutive sacrifice.

Who lives? Who dies? O'Brien tells your story! Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Jimmy Akin discuss this story inspired by "The Man Who Would Be King" and whose theme is that sometimes we make our own monsters to defeat them and feel secure.

In 2013, an 11-year-old by was having an inexplicable effect on electronic devices around him, including poltergeist activity. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli interview John G. Kruth who was called in to investigate and dubbed the case the "21st century poltergeist."

The 2nd Doctor meets the Dominators! Jimmy AKin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of a meek, pacifist people bullied by a violent, warlike race, and the Doctor's attempts to motivate their own self-interest and thereby save them.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including fan art, the lost planet Vulcan, weight loss, Dyatlov Pass, lie detectors, Ehyptian afterlife and nummies, rainmaker Charles Hatfield, giants and more.

Love and Duty! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the TNG episode "Haven" and its themes of duty, love, compassion, destiny, and cultural differences, while not missing the Trek debut of Lwaxana Troi and the comedic chaos she brings.

Could the human soul ever be scientifically detected? Could it even be weighed? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss a series of experiments that claimed to detect the departure of the soul at death, whether that's even possible, and what other researchers have found.

Who is the Doctor willing to sacrifice to save Clara? Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this second part of the story, including free will and predestination, the nature of causality, and the nature of sacrifice and heroism.

Before Picard Season 3, there was First Contact and the Borg Queen. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the film's "never meet your heroes" theme; Picard's ongoing trauma; and what makes this movie one of the most popular Trek films.

In early 1933, a group of men dubbed the "Murder Trust" conspired to kill Irishman Mike Malloy, who proved very difficult to kill. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the aftermath when they were finally able to kill Mike after 9 attempts, including whether they were ever brought to justice for the murder of Iron Mike.

Sacrifice and communication are key themes as Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 12th Doctor story that traps him and Clara under a lake with some odd ghosts, the crew of a mining station, an abandoned spaceship, and a puzzling message.

Jekyll and Hyde? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Original Series story featuring Lazarus, a man obsessed with his alternate reality self who will go to any length to destroy him, and his doppelgänger who is willing to sacrifice his life for the universe.

Michael Malloy was a mysterious Irishman living in NYC in the 1930s who left a mysterious legacy. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss his unbelievable death-defying story that earned him the nickname "Iron Mike" and "Mike the Durable."

The 1st Doctor encounters the Drahvens and Rills. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that features the classic "don't judge a book by its cover" moral and the lesson that humans will help one another and even die for one another.

St. Toribio Romo was born to a poor family in Mexico and became a priest in a time when the Church was being persecuted. He was eventually martyred. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore the saint's life and death and the strange mystery that surrounds him today.

Gems rain from the skies! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 4th Doctor story of a parasitic planet that surrounds and chews up others for their wealth and Romana and the Doctor encounter a Queen who wants to cheat death forever.

Star Trek Picard and the TNG era have come to a close. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the series finale, whether it stuck the landing, the theme of fatherhood and vocation, and where Star Trek goes from here.

In the 19th century, secret societies were all the rage and the Knights of the Golden Circle were among the most famous. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss their origin and aims, their role in the Civil War, and the mysterious surrounding them.

The 6th Doctor's final chapter! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 6th Doctor's final battle with the Valeyard that results in his ultimate sacrifice and sets him up for the 7th Doctor's darker turn.

The D is back! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the penultimate episode of Star Trek Picard, including the implications of Puer Dei and Vox; the return of a familiar ship, and the disappointing departure of a particular character.

In 1980, two women and a boy had a frightening encounter with a UFO blazing light and fire. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinellil discuss the event, the health effects it had, the women's battle with the US gov't over it, and what could be responsible for it all.

For the third installment in the 6th Doctor's audio-only regeneration story, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha Discuss the return of several characters from the 4th Doctor's time, the new Companion Flip, and a man fighting against his dark side in Victorian London.

What is necessary in healing from grief? Dom Bettinellli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard episode, including grief and healing; how love is at the core of identity; and the everchanging theories for what's really going on. Plus what's next for Star Trek?

It's time for another set of weird questions posed by Cy Kellet of Catholic Answers to Jimmy Akin, including this time: whether time travel interferes with God's plans; could an alien 2,000 light years away see Jesus on Earth; the origin of coal and the Great Flood; ghost hunting TV shows; and whether vampires could commit suicide to protect others.

The 2nd stop in the 6th Doctor's last adventure. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the red riding hood connections, the unexpected twists, the Valeyad's creeping plan, and the difference between Companion Charli with the 6th and 8th Doctors.

Big revelations and cameos! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what more we've learned about the story so far, including morally questionable and objectionable actions, plus another hgh profile cameo in this week's Picard.

Joshua Abraham Norton had an amazing life and was a titan among men. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore the story of Norton's life in the 1800s, with his rise from humble circumstances to wealth and power to humility and back again, and learn what made him so amazing.

It's the end of the line for the 6th Doctor. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first part of the 6th Doctor's Last Adventure audio story, which takes him to a creepy train station for an encounter with a couple of old foes.

Can Catholic believe theistic evolution? Michael Lofton welcomes Jimmy Akin onto his show to discuss this topic, as well as old vs. young earth and monogenism vs. polygenism, all from a Catholic perspective.

The gang is all here. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha note that the whole TNG crew is now assembled in Picard and then geek over the ships and discuss all the Easter eggs and fan service as the show prepares for the final stretch.

The Thylacine or Tasmanian tiger lived in Australia for thousands of years, but went extinct in 1936. Or so they thought. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore the reports that there are still thylacines in the wild as well as efforts to bring them back through DNA technology.

Mercy is the key to unlocking the mystery of the Daleks as Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 2nd-part of a two-parter feautring the 12th Doctor, Clara, and Missy, and an apparently repentant Davros.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including a sestina; AI songs; spherification; Loch Ness; Tobit; Santa Claus; the tilma of Guadelupe; hurting God; Captain America; and evolution, plus more.

The surprise return of a TNG character gives Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha lots to discuss, plus the evolution of Changelings, Vulcan criminals, and how adherence to duty is not a substitute for morality.

After World War II, Nazi leader Rudolph Hess was imprisoned in Germany's Spandau prison. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss whether the man in Spandau was Hess or an impostor and whether he died by suicide or was murdered and who would have done it.

Missy is back! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 12th Doctor story that teams up Missy and Clara to find the Doctor, who's preparing for his end as he meets up with his oldest foes.

Riker is going through a existential crisis. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Riker's despair, the afterlife, and how Picard and Shaw man up, put aside their differences, and get to work. Is this one of the best Star Trek episodes ever?

During WWII, Rudolph Hess, a close aide to Hitler, made a secret flight to Scotland, where he was imprisoned. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss who Hess was, why he crossed enemy lines, and the allegations of conspiracies involving British and Nazi leaders.

The 5th Doctor's last confrontation with the Black Guardian. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Doctor's encounter with the Eternals, the ennui of immortality, and the true gift of enlightenment.

The longest 17 seconds of your life! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Picard, including themes of fatherhood and family; good cop/bad cop Worf; and the return of an old foe in a new form.

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. We cover topics such as cryptoterrestrials, crop circles, demoniacs in the Gospels, and more.

The 12th Doctor meets Santa at the North Pole! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Christmas special that reunites Clara and the Doctor in a dreamy, facehugger alien story that is by turns funny, endearing, and creepy.

Is it just a reboot of Wrath of Khan? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the second episode of Picard, season 3, including the similarities to a particular Trek movie, scene-chewing villains, and the bigger than life return of another TNG favorite.

After discussing the history and concept of dowsing with Dr. Paul Smith, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Dr. Smith talk about what the Christian faith has to say about it, what science studies have shown, and what we should make of it.

The Doctor for Lord President! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 4th Doctor story of Time Lord politics, assassination, the Matrix, and the "decayed" Master.