Jimmy Akin Podcast (Secrets of Doctor Who)

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.

Direct download: WHO363.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO362.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO361.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO360.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO359.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO358.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO357.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO356.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO355.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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?

Direct download: WHO354.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO353.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO352.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO351.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO350.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO349.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO348.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO347.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO346.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO345.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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?

Direct download: WHO344.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO343.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO342.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO341.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO340.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO339.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO338.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO337.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO336.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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"?

Direct download: WHO335.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO334.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO333.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO332.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 9:00am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO331.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO330.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO329.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO328.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO327.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO326.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO324.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO323.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO322.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO321.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO320.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO319.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO318.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO317.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO316.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO315.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO314.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO313.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO312.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO311.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO310.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO309.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO308.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO307.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO306.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO305.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO304.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO303.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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?

Direct download: WHO302.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO301.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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?

Direct download: WHO300.mp3
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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.

Direct download: WHO299.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO298.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO297.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO296.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

River, the Doctor, and the Quantum Vatican! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Big Finish story featuring the 10th Doctor and River and their flirty second date through time on their way to rob the Apocalypse vault.

Direct download: WHO295.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Victoria's final journey! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this 2nd Doctor story that exists only in animation now and features a tense base-under-siege story of sentient seaweed attacking gas drilling rigs.

Direct download: WHO294.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Return to the Moon Egg! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha revisit this 12th Doctor story that presents a more implausible and less scientific than usual plot contrivance to create dramatic tension between the Doctor and Clara. Our commentary may be more entertaining the episode itself.

Direct download: WHO293.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Goodbye Ian and Barbara. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the departure of these Companions and the arrival of a new one in this story that takes the Doctor through a bunch of mini-adventures pursued by Daleks.

Direct download: WHO292.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Fourth Doctor Lord President. Jimmy akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that sees the 4th Doctor become Time Lord President only to seemingly turn traitor, plus we get to see a lot more of the Tardis interior.

Direct download: WHO291.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

Time loops within time loops. Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 8th Doctor Big Finish story, including a character who says he kills the Doctor in his future; the Roman cult of Mithras; and loose threads connecting to later stories.

Direct download: WHO290.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

All about Missy! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Big Finish audio story featuring Missy, the Doctor's female nemesis, in which she becomes part of a TV true crime documentary ... or does she?

Direct download: WHO289.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

The Doctor goes back to school and meddles in Clara's love life. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Doctor's animus toward soldiers, Danny's controlling behavior, and the enduring presence of Coal Hill School.

Direct download: WHO288.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO287.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO286.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO285.mp3
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Sssshhhh! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 12th Doctor's obsession with a theoretical creature capable of perfect hiding, how Danny Pink and Clara fail to listen, and the elephant-in-the-room loose thread of Orson Pink.

Direct download: WHO284.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO283.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO282.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO281.mp3
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The story that brought the 9th Doctor back wraps up and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss its highs and lows. Was the story too omplex for audio? Should it have been three parts? And does Christopher Eccleston step right back into the iconic leather jacket?

Direct download: WHO280.mp3
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Part 2! Fr. Cory Sticha and Jimmy Akin discuss the 2nd part of this 9th Doctor audio story, including the complex story building, the interesting new companion and foes, and a connection to old 8-bit video games.

Direct download: WHO279.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO278.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO277.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO276.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO275.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO274.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO273.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO272.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO271.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO270.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO269.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO268.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO267.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO266.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO265.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO264.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

Direct download: WHO263.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT