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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A story that can really only be told in audio. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 8th Doctor audio story that delves into the nature of music and its importance to human existence; self-sacrificial love and mortality; and the evolution of Charlie's relationship with the Doctor.

A 9th Doctor murder mystery, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Big Finish audio story of a murder mystery on a space station, highlighting the Doctor's quippy nature against the cynical attitudes of the other characters and how it sets the stage for his TV adventures.

The 7th Doctor at The Rapture. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this audio story that takes the Doctor and Ace to Ibiza where they encounter two angels and the imminent Rapture. They discuss the Rapture within Christian belief; Ace's existential crisis; and the true of Blessed Francisco Palau.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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"?

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The 3rd Doctor battles the Master in adventure that takes him to Atlantis. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss early 70s women's lib, his encounter with the Minotaur, and the Doctor's story of the worst day of his life.

11 and 12 together! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Big Finish audio play that brings the 11th and 12th Doctors together to contemplate death, regeneration, and wallowing in loss.

Zoe arrives! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 2nd Doctor story that brings him back into conflict with the Cybermen; sees another autocratic leader go crazy; and introduces new Companion Zoe.

The 12th Doctor deals with the afterlife. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the concepts raised by the story; how the show deals with death; and what makes Missy so compelling as a character.

Missy revealed! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this first of a two-part 12th Doctor season finale that begins with a startling death, which confronts our mortality and discusses our concept of the afterlife.

The 1st Doctor encounters an 11th-century monk who is more than he seems. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Doctor's encounter with a time traveler and Vikings in 1066 England along with new companion Steven.

The 4th Doctor is joined by his new Companion, Romana. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this heist caper that involves grifters, a deposed dictator, and a part of the Key of Time.

The 8th Doctor in a story about aliens and preconceived notions. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how effectively this audio story deals with darkness and blindness in a typical base under siege tale.

At the end of the 13th Doctor era, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha assess the Doctor, the Companions, the stories, and showrunner Chris Chibnall and then look forward to what's next.

The 13th Doctor regenerates! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss all the classic Who Easter eggs; the Master's evil plot; and the surprising result of the Doctor's regeneration and what it could mean for the future.

Missy and River together! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Big Finish audio story that brings together the Doctor's two women in his life who gave him a run for his money ... without the Doctor present.

After the Night at the Museum, the trees! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this 12th Doctor story, which has a completely implausible premise and sees the Doctor completely give up. In fact, is this a Raiders of the Lost Ark story in which nothing our heroes do matter not at all?

Viking, Soviets, and sea monsters! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 7th Doctor story that sees this Doctor at his sneakiest and includes a vicar going through a crisis of faith, all set during World War II.

We're 300! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha celebrate reaching the 300 episode milestone by discussing all the many Companions the Doctor has had over 6 decades and giving them tier rankings. Plus, who qualifies as a Companion?

Dimensions! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 12th Doctor story which imagines a unique species that exists in only two dimensions and sucks dimensionality out of the Tardis.

Farewell Sarah Jane. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 4th Doctor story that sees the departure of popular companion, Sarah Jane Smith; and talk about this story that deals with nuclear power and rock-based super aliens.

Throw the mummy from the train! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 12th Doctor's turn in an Agatha Christie-like story as he contemplates the nature of certain impending death and how to make choices when all you have are bad ones.

The 3rd Doctor is in a story that addresses the 1970s' concerns about the end of colonization and empire. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this unique story that's also about metamorphosis and transformation.