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?

Do AI have a soul? In this mysterious bonus episode, Jimmy Akin and Cy Kellett discuss recent claims about artificial intelligence programs, including one at Google, that have a soul.

In a mirror, funny. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the humorous variation on a Trek mirror episode, but this one has bigger series implications. Who is the sinister power behind it all. Plus, Starfleet recruiting booth!

Continuing their discussion of Edgar Cayce, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about his startling claims to have genuine psychic abilities and what the evidence says about the famed "Sleeping Prophet."

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.

God had a wife? In this mysterious bonus episode, Jimmy Akin and Cy Kellett discuss recent claims by some on social media that God originally had a wife, but that she was eventually removed from the Bible.

It's an old-fashioned room lottery! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the latest episode of Lower Decks in which our crew faces off with more rivals in a slapstick adventure reminiscent of Galaxy Quest and the captain forces the engineers to take a spa retreat.

In the mid-20th century, Edgar Cayce became known as the Sleeping Prophet for the psychic readings he gave while in hypnotic trances. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss Cayce, called the most famous pyshic of the 20th century and father of alternative medicine and of the New Age movement.

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.

When you think you've got a bad reputation, but it's the opposite! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Easter eggs and self-referential nods in Lower Decks, including what the crew thinks is a reputation for being screw-ups.

In 19th century London, residents reported a ghostly figure in outrageous costumes would accost them, sometimes bellowing blue flame in their faces, and then vanish in the night. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask who was Spring-Heeled Jack and did he really exist.

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.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including the Green Children of Woolpit, Blue Panic Orbs, animal afterlife, Isdal Woman, How We Found the Universe, UFO/UAP Hearings, and more.

Boimler is the least dangerous game. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Lower Decks that has Mariner trying to prove she isn't insubordinate all the time and Boimler that he's willing to take risks.

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 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.

Lower Decks is back for season 3. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this follow-on to the season 2 cliffhanger that includes plenty of Easter eggs and side trips to familiar locales from other Trek series, plus some fun cameos.

Ever thought you saw a shadowy figure out of the corner of your eye? Or the shadowy silhouette of a person directly in front of you? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the Shadow People, what they are, and where they come from.

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.

Was this the inspiration for Star Trek V? Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Animated Series story that posits a human-friendly Lucifer alien at the center of the galaxy whose race puts the Enterprise crew in the Salem witch trials.

People have reported witnessing miracles involving the Holy Eucharist for centuries, including the Eucharist appearing to turn into visible flesh and blood. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the truth of these reports and what we should make of them. Do they represent genuine miracles?

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.

The Gorn! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the Original Series episode that introduced the Gorn, including Kirk's nearly fatal assumptions and whether you really could build a cannon from the materials he found.

Kabbalism is a school of Jewish mysticism that's made a celebrity splash. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli continue a conversation Dr. Justin Sledge about the controversial millennia-old teachings about God, the creation of the world, the origin of evil, and the afterlife.

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.

Jimmy has been contacted by the Vatican's Dicastery for Communications and was asked to ask for your help with a brief survey.

https://mysterious.fm/vatican

Hunting bad! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Enterprise episode, including the morality and ethics of hunting, including semi-sentient creatures, and the science of rogue planets.

Kabbalah is a school of Jewish mysticism that has been around for centuries, experiencing a revival in popularity. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss with Dr. Justin Sledge the controversies surrounding Kabbalah and its origins and history.

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.

Klingon culture! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode that not only gives us more Klingon background, but also explores the mercurial B'Elanna Torres and her budding relationship with Tom Paris, as well as the ways 7 of 9 disrupts the ship's routine.

It's a fifth Friday so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin more weird questions from listeners, including will we be frozen in time in heaven; did Lazarus have a Near Death Experience; why is the night sky dark; ship of Theseus; and more.

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.

Bye Opaka. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this DS9 story highlighting the good Kai and her role as a peacemaker; the recurring Trek trope of wars that never end; and the morality of causing people's deaths to end their suffering.

Psychic medium Robert Righi has a dramatic life story, including psychic abilities as a small child and helping in Catholic exorcisms as an adult. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine Righi's claims and reveal the results of Jimmy's investigation.

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.

Ultimate power! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this Q story in which the powerful being plays with the Enterprise crew and lets Riker experience what it's like to have ultimate power. The results are somewhat cringey.

The Bible tells us that the Jewish high priest had two mysterious objects known as the Urim and Thummin to help him receive messages from God. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore what they were, how they worked, and what we know about them.

Close Encounters launched the UFO craze of the late 70s and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Salerno, and Mike Denz discuss the cultural impact, the idea of alien contact, and the connections to reported real world UFO encounters.

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?

Crossover! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Strange New Worlds season finale that essentially remakes one of the best Original Series episodes and features some of our favorite characters, plus they discuss their take on the season as a whole.

In 1962, the Cuban Missile Crisis brough the world the brink of nuclear war, 3 times just on one day. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss how we can to the edge of Armageddon and avoided it, as well as the aftermatch and ramifications of the crisis.

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.

Star Trek does Alien and Predator! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that looks very familiar to scifi fans, and includes characters confronting their internal conflicts and a major sacrifice among the crew.

Sixty years ago, the world was locked in a 13-day crisis between the USA and Soviet Union. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the Cuban Missile Crisis and the little-known details about how the world came within a whisker of a global nuclear war.

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.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including Bill Ray, Our Lady of Kibeho, Steven Greer, Poltergeists, Dr. Edwin May, Inflation, and Ghost Bride.

It's two stories in one! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode that focuses on Dr. M'Benga and his daughter; about rewriting your ending; and how to let go of a loved one for their own good.

Bilocation is a mysterious phenomenon in which someone appears to be in two or more locations at once. It's been reported for thousands of years, including among some Catholic saints. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what bilocation is and what is really going on.

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.

Spock confronts his identity and Pike confronts a pirate. Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the show's attempt a cultural issue discussion in the midst of a pirate attack and also mention the re-introduction of controversial character from the movies.

Harriet Tubman is famous as the escaped slave who became a conductor on the Underground Railroad to freedom. But Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli also explore her reported visions and paranormal experiences and what could have caused them.

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.

What if a civilization would thrive for as long as one person had to suffer on their behalf. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that includes moral absolutes and a challenge to Pike's conscience.

Is TV ghost hunting anything like the real thing? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli are joined by parapsychological investigator Loyd Auerbach to discuss his work and in particular about a haunted house in Marin County, California.

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.

Freaky Friday, Star Trek-style! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Spock's body swap with his fiancée in which hijinks ensue; plus Enterprise bingo and other fun comedy bits.

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 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.

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including Marian apparitions, D.B. Cooper, aphantasia and synesthesia, Pearl Harbor, demons, and the Hindenburg.

Dive, dive, dive! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this submarine battle episode that explore more of La'an's background, brings back the Gorn, and shows all the ways that broken Starfleet tech can contribute to a plot.

Prayer is a human universal, but can you pray for something that's already happened? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at prayer and time and God's relationship to time, with a big twist in the reason perspective.

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.

A loose virus is followed by a lockdown on Enterprise. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the clever plot device of a virus that spreads by light, the character revelations, especially about Una, and what we learn about M'Benga.

For as long as people have seen UFOs in the sky, they've claimed to have salvaged materials from them. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what these materials are, where they come from, why is the government studying them, and what tests have revealed.

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.

In a special bonus episode, Jimmy Akin gives a brief overview of Congresisonal hearings in May 2022 on UFOs/UAPs and then includes the entire hearing for listeners to hear for themselves.

Introducing Uhura. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the re-introduction of our favorite communications officer; the use of faith in the story; Pike's foreknowledge of his fate; and Sam Kirk's mustache.

How did humanity come to know the world around us, the structure of our planet, our solar system, and the universe. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the mystery of the nature of the universe and the historical figures who found the answers we have today.

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?

Pike's Enterprise is here! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the series premiere of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds; its discussion of suffering and how we llive our lives with and despite it; and whether this may be the best first episode of a Trek series.

Season 2 of Picard wraps up and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the episode and season, including a resolution in the Picard-Q relationship; the value of self-forgiveness; and where Picard--the character and the series--will go from here.

In 1970, a woman's body was found in a remote valley in Norway. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli delve into the international investigation that was touched off and the mystery that remains to this day as to the Isdal Woman's identity and how she died.

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.

What do the Borg really want? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the penultimate episode of Picard season 2, which contains a lot of action, but also dives into the motivations of the Borg Queen who searches for connection and deals with mental illness and Picard's childhood trauma.

It's a fifth Friday so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin more weird questions from listeners, including whether robots are members of the undead; whether vampires go to hell; could vampires receive the Blood of Christ; and whether demons can read our thoughts; and more.

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.

X-Files meets Star Trek. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Picard's encounter with an FBI agent obsessed with aliens; Q's revelation that even he is not immune to death and what that means for him; and the Borg Queen plan to ruin the future.

Many people have wondered or hoped that beloved animals that die continue to live on in heaven, but a common opinion is that they don't Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at that claim and ask if there is any evidence that animals do, in fact, survive death.

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.

Dive into Picard's mind. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the ongoing exploration of Picard and his psychological basis; talk about the redemptive suffering we see; and applaud the excellent casting of James Callis.

UFO researchers have often talked about encountering mysterious floating orbs, including at Skinwalker Ranch. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the blue orbs that induce fear and may even be causing harm and what may explain them.

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!

Is it a filler episode? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this unusually short episode which offers just a few plot advances; then discuss anxiety disorders, Agnes and the Borg Queen, and the possible fates of several main characters.

In an English village in the 1100s, two green-skinned children appeared one day and some have claimed they were aliens or fairies. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli consider who were the green children of Woolpit, where did they come from, and why were they green?

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.

To the moon, Renee! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard, including an ancestor that must fly, another editing genes, more threads that will need future episodes to be tied, indications of a Queen, and a special voicemail from the Continuum.

To celebrate their 200th episode on April Fools Day, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha give their list of the worst Star Trek episodes in all the classic series. With over 800 total Trek episodes there are bound to be stinkers and we've found them.

In the 1920s, widowed farmer John Seybold sought to end his loneliness by contacting the world of the spirits. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about how he met a ghost named Sarah and ended up marrying her. But were they able to find happiness together?

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.

Who is the Watcher? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest Picard episode, including their very favorite scene on a bus; the "new" Guinan; and how the Watcher may be a callback to a TOS episode.

Listeners have noticed that when Jimmy Akin mentions how much something cost in the past, he says it's due to "inflation the government has caused." Now he and Dom Bettinelli are going to explain why he says that, what inflation is, why it happens, and why Jimmy says the government is responsible.

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.

Resistance is futile. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Picard where the crew ends up in 2024, having to navigate the backward and violent society they encounter, while also contending with a revitalized Borg Queen intent on assimilating them all.

In the second part of his interview with Dr. Edwin May, who has spent more than 40 years doing parapsychological research, Jimmy Akin asks Dr. May about some his most unique views, they discuss the role of precognition, and he asks what an "entropy bomb" is.

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.

Timelines! Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Star Trek: Picard, in which Q has called Picard to do penance for some sin and then shows him an alternate timeline of a fascist imperial Earth. Is this just a re-tread of all the past Mirror Universe Trek or is there something new here?

Physicist Dr. Edwin May has made a career working full time in parapsychology after heading up the US gov't psychic spying program Star Gate. Jimmy Akin sits down for an interview with Dr. May to learn what his research found, the challenges of psychic research, and his personal views on the phenomena.

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.

The 2nd season of Picard is here! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha dive into the new story involving Picard, time travel, and the powerful being Q; discuss revelations about Picard's past; and consider the Borg and assimilation and forgiveness.

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 in a special bonus release like this one.