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.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including the Lonnie Zamora UFO incident, the spiral staircase of Loreto; Lee Harvey Oswald's 1st assassination attempt, and more.

Season 3 of Picard is here and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what's good and maybe not as good, including what makes this season different from the first two so far and what they expect from the rest of the season.

The practice of dowsing has been used for hundreds of years, at least, to find water, gold, oil, and more. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk to an expert on dowsing to ask what it is, what we know about it, and how it works.

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.

Moriarty is another familiar face in Picard, Season 2, so Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha revisit his last episode on TNG and consider the limits of AI and holograms and Sherlock Holmes' greatest foe.

In the 20th century, scientists began to theorize what Christians have long held: that the universe had a definite beginning. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what is the Big Bang, what evidence points toward it, and what are its implications.

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.

Data's brother, Lore, will play a role in Picard season 3, so Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Lore's first appearance on TNG and the initial setup of his antagonism and personality.

In 1901, two Englishwomen visiting the French palace of Versailles had a strange experience. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss their encounters with strangely dressed people in what has become known as a time-slip and what could explain it.

Ferengi who? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Trek veteran-laden story that sees the Ferengi show up long before Farpoint in a Die Hard-style battle of wits with the Enterprise crew.

Giants have been part of history and mythology all over the world. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what giants are, how big humans can get, what's responsible for giants, and the report of giant people in legends and the Bible.

How do you forgive someone who has something so evil? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that sees Neelix struggle with forgiveness for someone who has done much evil to him and in general and now appears repentant.

In 1915, during a particularly bad drought, San Diego hired rainmaker Charles Hatfield, who gave them more than they bargained for. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli get to know Hatfield, how he tried to make it rain, and what happened in San Diego.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including astrology, spoon bending, the secret Cuban missile crisis, and 7th Day Adventist prophet Ellen G. White, plus fan art and a poem.

Humanizing the monster. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this DS9 episode where Kira is confronted with a humanized view of Gul Dukat, a man who did unspeakable evil to her people and the idea of setting aside old wounds for a common good.

Mummies have long been an object of fascination, but how they were made has been a mysterious trade secret of the "men of Anubis." Jimmy Akin continues his conversation with Dr. Bob Brier discuss what he's learned about mummies as one of the world's foremost experts.

Prime directive! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of the advanced alien species being mistaken for gods. What are the ethics of the Prime Directive? Does Picard go too far in what he says about religious belief?

The idea of the afterlife is universal in human history, ancient Egyptians incuded. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli welcome famed Egyptologist Dr. Bob Brier to discuss what the ancient Egyptians believed, including it was similar and different from Judeo-Christian beliefs.

Prodigy season 1 has ended and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the season finale, where the next season might go, and their thoughts on Prodigy as a whole.

It's the New Year, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, about topics like Capt. America; Johnny Cash; St. Patrick and snakes; did Mary have two spouses?; Jesus' wounds; and baby Jesus' umbilical cord.

In a new Christmas tradition, Jimmy Akin welcomed everyone, especially those who might alone, to join him for a livestream festive gathering on Christmas day where he answered many questions for four hours. We're making the audio available as a special bonus.

It's another bonus episode, this time of Jimmy Akin's guest appearance on The Catholic Talk Show to discuss the Book of Revelation, how to interpret, and what most people get wrong about it. Check out the The Catholic Talk Show podcast.

With the penultimate episode of Prodigy's first season, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the story's willingness to leave no easy way out for the heroes and appreciate the deep cuts from Tek lore.

It's Christmas, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin Christmas weird questions from listeners, including was the Star of Bethlehem a UFO?; What's the deal with Krampus?; What is the morality of Santa Claus?; and more.

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.

Freaky Friday! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this story which features the classic body swap trope and Kate Mulgrew's performance in essentially three roles in this story, plus how the writers have dealt with the twisted plot threads.

The Loch Ness Monster has been a worldwide sensation for ages. After examining the history of the mystery, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli now analyze the theories of what it is, including the claim that a creature from the age of the dinosaurs is living in the loch.

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.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including Shadow People, Patron questions, Spring-Heeled Jack, Edgar Cayce, God's Wife, weird questions, and more!

Jimmy Akin has a special message as we approach the Christmas season. If you enjoy Mysterious World and want it to continue, it's very important that we hear from you this Advent and Christmas.

What could have been a Star Trek trope becomes a compelling twist. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this holodeck episode that undermines our expectations and presents a conundrum for the crew, another layer of betrayal. Who can they trust?

In 1933, the world turned its attention to Loch Ness, a long, thin lake in Scotland, where a monster was reported to be living. In the years since there have many more reports, photos, and even films. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the monster sightings and the scientific surveys to see if the Loch Ness Monster really exists.

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.

Revealed! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, which provides new backstories for Rok-Tahk, Zero, Jankom Pog, and the Diviner's race, plus what happened to Capt. Chakotay.

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.

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.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including the Cuban missile crisis; Close Encounters of the Third Kind; Urim and Thummim; Robert Righi; Kabbalah; Eucharistic Miracles; and more.

Be yourself. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, including its message of self-care and being happy with you are created to be, plus the surprise reveals about several characters and Okona's outrageous behavior.

It's the day after Thanksgiving, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin more weird questions from listeners, including lucid dreaming and morality; whether aliens would worship Jesus; would you die if you touched the Blessed Mother; time travel to the future and presumption; and more.

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.

Outrageous! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Protostar crew's much-anticipated encounter with Admiral Janeway and her crew that goes horribly wrong and their escape with the help of Thadium Okona, aka the Outrageous Okona.

Lee Harvey Oswald is most famous for the official conclusion that he was the lone assassin of John F. Kennedy. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the claim that Oswald may have made an earlier assassination attempt on a public figure, including who it was and why.

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.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including Art's Parts, Time Travel Prayer, Patron Questions, the Haunted House of Marin County, Harriet Tubman, Bilocation, and more.

Beware the Gallow! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, in which a primitive society has structured itself around its garbled knowledge of the James T. Kirk's Enterprise and the Protostar crew has to help them.

A group of nuns in Santa Fe, New Mexico in the late 1800s needed a special staircase built for their chapel, so they prayed a novena and a mysterious workman came and built it. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what makes the spiral staircase special, who built it, and whether it could have been St. Joseph himself.

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.

Resistance is NOT futile. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, in which the crew encounters a Borg cube and hope it offers a solution to their problem without making a worse, new one.

In 1964, when Officer Lonnie Zamora heard an explosion outside Soccoro, NM, what he found was an egg-shaped craft that took off into the sky. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore what the police officer saw that day and why this is one of the most intriguing UFO cases of the 1960s.

Prodigy is back! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the the return of Prodigy and the crew of the Protostar, including the emphasis on action and the return of biological Janeway in addition to her holographic counterpart.

California vs. Texas! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the season finale of Lower Decks, season 3; it's slightly more serious tone, the state rivalry mined for comedic effect, and the maturation of some of the characters.

Seventh-day Adventist founder Ellen White reported receiving more then 2,000 visions from God and that her writing were divinely inspired. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask whether Ellen was a genuine prophetess and if her visions were really from God.

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.

Lower Decks tells us not to trust the media. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha also discuss the story's subtext of a parent having to change how she sees her child, plus the great callback to a TNG episode and a set up for the season finale.

Ellen G. White was co-founder and prophetess of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the life of this woman and what her visions disclosed and then ask whether she was a genuine prophetess.

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.

Boimler's holomovie gets derailed by a search for the meaning of life. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha all the Easter eggs and references to nearly every star Trek movie as well as the existential angst over the meaning of life when can seem meaningless.

The Cuban Missile Crisis of October 1962 is well-known, but as Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss it was followed in November by a second, secret Cuban missile crisis that the Soviets hid from the world.

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?

When a rogue exocomp stumbles on a primitive world, it can find redemption with Starfleet. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha look at the funny situation that brings up Castaway and Moana, and a multi-layered scheme that's mathematically perfect.

In the 1970s and 80s, spoon bending and metal bending using your mind became a sensation. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss how the phenomenon began and search for the truth. Is it really mind over matter or is it a hoax?

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.

In this mysterious bonus episode, Jimmy Akin and Cy Kellett discuss the origins of astrology, what it is and isn't, and whether it's permissible for Catholics to follow astrology.

Back to Bajor! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Lower Decks' return to Deep Space 9, including appearances by Kira and Quark. They also discuss why this episode appeals to Trek fans so much and the many Easter eggs found in it.

It's a fifth Friday so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin more weird questions from listeners, including secret societies; binding demons; reenacting Catholic history; killing vampire-human hybrids; Neanderthals in the afterlife; and more.