Dive with Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin into The Space Pirates, a 2nd Doctor story full of space Western vibes and colorful characters, but also with pacing issues, stretched plotlines, and minimal Doctor agency.

All the time dilation, stranded, Prime Directive tropes. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this comedic take on a stranded away team cut off in time, including lots of callbacks and Easter eggs from nearly every Trek series and a special guest appearance.

It's a fifth Friday, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, about topics like the serpent in the Garden of Eden; Time Lords and Sunday obligation; Adam and the apple; and more weird questions.

It's another Romeo and Juliet story. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this story of conflict over small differences, another Boimler hare-brained scheme, and an ensign grappling with her demigod origins and lame superpower.

The Vatican has said that nothing obstructs the faithful from having a devotion to Medjugorje, but hasn’t specified whether the phenomenon is of supernatural or natural origin. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the arguments for and against and come to their own conclusions.

The First Doctor and the Earth’s destruction! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story of the Doctor encountering the last humans and a race of Monoids in a tale of disease, suspicion, conflict, and betrayal, highlighting the time-jumping narrative, Dodo’s introduction, and more.

The infamous Starbase 80 finally appears. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the latest episode of Lower Decks, including the Easter eggs, Ransom's gel fixation, Freeman's career obsession, and callbacks to obscure episodes.

In 1981, six young people in Medjugorje reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary. In the following 43 years, the Church at all levels has looked at whether they are authentic. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the Vatican's ultimate decision on the apparitions.

A metal scarce planet, a metal-rich one, and a dictator. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this 4th Doctor and Romana story, especially the humor and clever wordplay, the problematic creature design, and economic themes.

How do you keep a Klingon down on the farm? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this story of a disgraced Klingon catain who gets honor back with the help of Mariner and a Boimler going through his Klingon phase.

The Virgin Mary has reportedly been appearing to 6 young people in Medjugorgje in Bosnia-Herzegovina since 1981. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli begin a 3-part look at what is happening, the Vatican's long-awaited decision on the phenomena, and whether the apparitions are genuinely supernatural.

The 8th Doctor in dystopia. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story of an Orwellian society, memory manipulation, state-enforced happiness, manipulated rebellion, and a twist that could only occur in an audio story.

Mariner relationship woes and Boimler undercover. Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the latest Lower Decks, including Boimler's development, passive-aggressive breakups, and a possible interdimensional rift season arc.

We're back with more Halloween-related weird questions as Cy Kellet of Catholic Answers Live asks Jimmy Akin about topics like baptizing Frankenstein's monster, poltergeist phenomena, children seeing ghosts, soul-sucking pumpkins, and more!

The 7th Doctor in a heist caper! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the turn of Mel and her relationship with Doctor given her crime connection; the unique alien crime bosses; the moral ambiguity in Lefty's journey; and how the Doctor chooses mercy and compassion even for monsters.

Lower Decks is back for its final season! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the first two episodes, including the expanson of Tendi's storyline; the heartwarming family message; and a possible alternate universe character swap.

We're on the verge of Halloween, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners about Halloween topics like Samhain, favorite candies; Dracula; Annabelle; and Addams Family or Munsters; and more.

The 5th Doctor encounters psychic snails and a human colony on the edge of extinction. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss Turlough's evolution from whiny traitor to capable companion; the destruction of the Tardis; and the Doctor's moral stance on intervening in human history.

Pontius Pilate may be the most famous Roman governor because of his role in Jesus' death. But who was he? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look into who Pilate was and competing claims as to whether he was a villain or a saint.

It's the end! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the season (and likely, series) finale of Prodigy, assessing how the show met or exceeded expectations; provided a continuing story for Voyager, and showed us adolescent characters grow into their potential.

In this "lost scripture" called the Ascension of Isaiah, the prophet gets a tour of the heavens. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what Isaiah sees, including what sees concerning Jesus, and what it means for us today.

The climactic moment! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the big showdown with Ascensia featuring an obvious trap and a dangerous Loom as well as heroic sacrifice, cunning deception, and the possibilities of redemption.

This "lost scripture" focuses on the bibllical prophet Isaiah and contains traditions about Jesus not recorded in the Gospels. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the Ascension of Isaiah, when it was written, what it says, and its relationship to the Bible.

Romana and the 4th Doctor in Paris! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this Parisian romp that featured excellent guest stars and light-hearted, witty dialogue with some very timey-wimey elements.

Learn Introduction to Parapsychology and Religious Perspectives on Psi with Jimmy Akin as your instructor! MORE INFORMATION: www.RhineEdu.org

We save everyone. Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this Prodigy episode, includng Wesley's self-sacrifice, how Gwyn and Dal are both maturing; and how Asencia and Ilthurian's future characters are shaped by their environment and choices.

Over the course of years and in dozens of cities across the world, strange tiles with bizarre messages began showing up affixed to streets. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinellil discuss the Toynbee Tiles, the bizarre ideas they convey, and who is behind them.

The 3rd Doctor in a Welsh coal mine! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story of AI run amok, environmental disaster, and corporate corruption, plus a Companion leaves and we get the first female Doctor?

Face the Incursor! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the two-part showdown between our heroes and Asencia's time technology, including Dal and Gwyn's growing maturity; Gwyn's evolving sense of home; and individual heroism and self-sacrifice.

We continue our examination of the Zodiac killer who terrorized California in the late 60s. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli looks at this extensive correspondence with newspapers and his bizarre claims ask why he wanted so much attention.

The 2nd Doctor and the Ice Warriors. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story of an invasion via the Moon and themes of hubris and overreliance on technology; redemption for prior cowardice and treason; and dynamic between Jamie and Zoe.

Through the lookingglass. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the latest Prodigy episode which takes the crew through alternate realities, including the Mirror Universe, where they get to see if Mirror Janeway retains any good in her from Prime Janeway.

The Zodiac Killer struck fear into the heart of San Francisco in the late ‘60s, leaving a trail of cryptic letters, chilling ciphers, and unsolved murders. Who was this self-named killer, and what drove him to taunt the police and the public with his gruesome game? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli delve into the mind of Zodiac to piece together clues that could finally reveal his identity.

The 11th Doctor and Kazran Sardik caught up in the a giant tree. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this audio story featuring a colossal tree in space, acidic sap, space insects, and human castaways making a most odd ecology.

Tribbles are a favorite plot element in modern Star Trek. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss their latest appearance; their changes in this story; and what makes the Klingon disdain for them so interesting.

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.

Castaway Chakotay! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the return of the former Voyager first officer; new depths to his backstory; heroic leadership; hints of faith; and the maturation of Dal.

It's a fifth Friday, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, about topics like mechanical telepathy; NEanderthals in Genesis; aliens in the afterlife; convert popes; and more weird questions.

The 1st Doctor and Stephen end up in the midst of France's Wars of Religion. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the religious background of the Catholics and Huguenots; the significance of the Doctor's double; and how the story ended up as audio-only.

This two-parter kicks the plot into gear and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss how the story is a straight-up homage to Doctor Who with some elements of the Langoliers and Avengers: Endgame thrown in.

We've talked about remote viewing, but now Jimmy Akin has taken part in a remote viewing experiment and discusses his experience with Dom Bettinelli. What was his role? What did the study do? And what were the results?

The 4th Doctor and a regenerated Romana return to Skaro. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the conundrum of getting caught between two robot-like enemies and how their logic drives a stalemate and how self-sacrifice confounds them.

A non-corporeal being gets embodied. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the philosophical implications and how the writers may have untintentionally said something important about bodily integrity.

People have lots of questions about guardian angels and they often get posed to Jimmy Akin, so in this episode Jimmy and Dom Bettinelli discuss what the Bible and other ancient Jewish and Christian literature and Church teaching say about guardian angels.

The 8th Doctor and Charley in the Divergent Universe! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss their encounter with the termite-like Kromon whose society has been modeled on a soulless corporate bureaucracy and the resistance to their tyranny by the normally peaceful C'Rizz, a new Companion.

Pog-racing! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this episode of Prodigy, the crew's sidetrack into a race; Zero's self-sacrifice; and speculation as to what could stop time on Voyager.

Some believe the ancient Book of Enoch is a book of Scripture and so Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli continue their discussion of the book, focusing on the first known as the Book of the Watchers, which focuses on angels, fallen angels and demons.

Missy is back in this audio story as discussed by Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin. This is capricious and malevolent Missy, manipulating and exploiting others for personal profit, but also amusement in a cautionary tale of dehumnization and cruely.

Beware the imPOGster! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this episode of Prodigy where the crew creates faulty holo-doubles in order to start their rescue mission and hijinks ensue.

Who was Enoch, what is his book, and why is it a "lost scripture"? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the mysterious Enoch, the references to him in the New Testament, and what makes his book so fascinating and mysterious.

Six and Ten together! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this audio story that brings David Tennant and Colin Baker togther to face the Weeping Angels and a possible bootstrap paradox with all the fun banter you'd expect.

Who is Murf really? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss this next episode Prodigy and the mystery surrounding the alien Murf and t he unknown entity trying to communicate through him.

The Vatican has released new rules for evaluating reports of supernatural phenomena. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli conclude their two-part discussion by looking at the rules themselves; the possible categories; and how the investigations are to be carried out.

Reenactment gone awry! Dom Bettinellli and Jimmy Akin discuss this 5th Doctor story of an ancient alien evil feeding off psychic energy in a small village, including parapsychological elements and the capacity for violence by otherwise reaosnable people..

The basics of time travel. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the next episode of Prodigy; the ways the show keeps subverting the expected story path; and the themes of loyalty and friendship the show conveys.

In May 2024, the Vatican issued new norms for how to evaluate reports of supernatural phenomena. In the first of a two-part discussion, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine how the new rules radically change the way these phenomena are classified.

TO SIGN UP FOR THE COURSE, GO TO: www.RhineEdu.org

The 4th Doctor wraps up the Key to Time story. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Romana I's final appearance, the introduction of the Black Guardian; and the immoral illogic of mutually assured destruction.

Time paradox. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the 2nd episode of Prodigy season 2 and the future changes that affect the present, plus the clash of fear vs. hope.

Whitley Streiber's 1987 book Communion told his story of alien abductions and became a bestselling book and movie. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine Streiber's claims about the Visitors he describes and ask what really happened.

The Daleks want the planet! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 3rd Doctor story and the themes of courage, survival, and self-sacrifice that are found throughout, as well as the warnings against glorifying war and violence.

Prodigy season 2 begins! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the return of the Protostar crew, now a part of the new Voyager crew under Admiral Janeway, including the nuances of plot and character that elevate this above a simple children's cartoon.

Throughout history, there have been books some people considered scripture and others didn't. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss one of those books, Jubilees. What was does it say? Could any of it be true? What should Christians today think of it?

The 2nd Doctor takes on The Krotons! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of world where humans have been bred to be a fuel source for aliens, harvesting the most intelligent for their mental energy and how the Doctor almost accidentally ignites a rebellion.

Upgrade gone wrong! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the unusual Bynar race, Riker's cringeworthy "relationship" with Minuet; and the theme of overreliance on technology. Plus a farewell to a friend.

Jimmy Akin has a special message for all listeners and supporters of Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World.

A deathbed vision is a vision that someone has just before they die and they've been reported throughout history. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss how they're just being scientifically studied only recently, what they are, what happens in them, and what they might tell us about the afterlife.

Does the 15th Doctor's season finale provide a satisfying conclusion? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the resolution of the season-long story arcs and the connections to classic Who lore, plus lots of feedback and a farewell.

The Kelvin reboot of Star Trek gave fans alternate versions of their favorite characters. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the movie, the decision to make it an alt-history reboot, and what they like and dislike about the changes.

After reviewing the history of unicorns from pre-history to today, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the reality that unicorns have existed and still exist; the basis for the historical accounts; and what the future holds for them.

Who is Ruby? And who is the One Who Waits? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the answer we get to one of those questions, as well as all the misdirections and dives into the deep lore of Doctor Who in this penultimate episode of the season.

Khan! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the introduction Khan Noonian Singh; his magnetic (and improbable?) ability to sway Marla McGivers; and Dr. McCoy's surprisingly cool response to Khan's threat of physical harm.

Pop culture imagines unicorns as horses with a single horn in their forehead and associates them with cartoons and rainbows and social movements. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore their deep roots in history and long association with the Christian faith and whether there could be real unicorns.

On the latest episodes of the 15th Doctor, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the cautionary tale of social media bubbles and class/race insularity as well as the Doctor's jaunt in Regency England with an awkward, sudden relationship.

Did the writers take shore leave too? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Enterprise entry which seemed to have all side plots and no main plot without any meaningful character or dramatic development. But Porthos was cute!

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.

It's a fifth Friday, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, about topics like getting married after civilization collapses; what is Sh'ol; can Padre Pio still absolve living penitents; and more weird questions.

Ruby is on her own. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest 15th Doctor-less Doctor Who story that touches upn the folk horror genre and spins up an intriguing mystery that be related to Ruby's true identity.

Inception for the Doctor. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this dream-like episode focusing on the Doctor who is stuck in a dream-like state and must decide which reality is real and the Doctor's struggle with identity and conciousness.

Some skeptics say that if God were real, then we'd see miracles of amputated limbs regrown and we don't. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine a reported of just that, where a young main 17th-century Spain regrew his leg.

The 15th Doctor and Ruby land in a minefield. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the stories complex attitude toward faith (both positive and negative) and the exploitation of war for profit as well as the mysterious actor who keeps showing up in different roles.

When Quark, Nog, and Rom end up in 1947 Roswell, history takes a beating. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the change in Nog, similarities between 20th-century humans and Ferengi, and how this story pays homage to 1950s B movies.

Sometimes, near death, a person with dementia will suddenly regain clarity and lucidity and give loved ones a chance to say goodbye. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the phenomenon called terminal lucidity, what could cause it, and whether it tells us anything new about the brain, soul, and consciousness.

The 15th Doctor's season begins and Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the first two episodes, discussing how this Doctor echoes and differs from the 9th; the building mystery of Ruby Sunday; and the potential for a big "Twist" in the season.

The plot may not be unique, but Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how this story executes well and raises moral and ethical questions about obligations to our enemies and overcoming prejudices. Plus the introduction of the excellent Andreas Katsulas as Tomalak.

Last time, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discussed Joe Fisher's mid-1980s experiences with spirit guides, and they continue to look at what he learned as he researched the guides and their claims and come to their own conclusions about what had entered Joe's life.

The 4th and 10th Doctors together! Dom Bettinellli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this audio story that brings Tom Baker and David Tennant together in the a monastery outside of time, the Cathedral of Contemplation as they work to keep the Daleks out.

As the Enterprise crew gets shrunk to Lilliputian proportions, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the surprising metaphysical and theological implications, the practical and scientific discrepancies, and the character dynamics.

Joe Fisher research into spirit guides led him to past life revelations and even a spirit romance. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss how Joe was encouraged to investigate these paranormal claims, the evidence he found, and what he eventually concluded.

The epic conclusion! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha delve into the final part of this 1st Doctor story, highlighting the tragic sacrifices, the dramatic and tense atmosphere, and the ambitious nature of the 12-part series.

Spock and the Enterprise crew stick it to the Man, aka Kirk. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this TOS story that reminds us that there is no utopia outside of heaven; the call of duty; and the contaxt of 1960s counterculture.

It's a fifth Friday, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, about topics like how Adam and Eve relate to other early human ancestors; could dark matter and energy be angelic or demonic; can you pray for souls in hell; and more weird questions.

The Master Plan continues! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha continue their discussion of this 1st Doctor story, including the return of the Meddling Monk as well as the struggle for power, the consequences of blind obedience, and the complexities of moral decision-making.

Is one man's freedom fighter another man's terrorist? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of Enterrpise getting mixed up in some local conflicts on a desert planet; the ethical implications; and whether Zabral is a good guy or bad guy.

Some are convinced that an ancient clay pot found in Iraq is an electric battery made 2,000 years ago. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the claim and whether it might be advanced, ancient technology or even evidence of extraterrestrial contact.

Tackling the first part of this mega 1st Doctor story, Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Nicholas Courtney's first appearance on Who; the first Companion death; and the moral ambiguity surrounding charaters like Mavic Chen and Sarah Kingdom.

A homicidal hologram that hates people. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this psychological thriller of an emotionally fragile and homicidal alien hologram with a chilling intensity; as well as Harry Kim's cringeworthy attempted romance with Seven of Nine.

After hearing many stories of people reporting After Death Communications from deceased loved ones, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the reports from the faith and reason perspectives. Are they just imagination? Is it the grief talking? Could it be demons?

The 4th Doctor vs. giant squid monster. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the allegory of colonization and displacement of indigenous groups; the use of humor and wit in the dialogue; and the avoidance of simple good/bad guy divisions.

Millions of people report spontaneous experiences of contact with departed loved ones, hearing their voices, seeing their faces again. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what After Death Communications are, what they are like, and whether they really could be forms of contacted with our lost loved ones.