Jimmy Akin Podcast
Amnesia strikes the Enterprise crew. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss memory loss and the pain of remembered grief; the rise of Erica Ortegas; and whether a ship captain is allowed a personal life.
Direct download: SST269.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:05pm PDT

Black Elk was a Native American medicine man who had paranormal visions in participated some of the pivotal events in the 19th century US history. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss his remarkable life and the hidden truths about him.

Direct download: MYS266.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 4:30am 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

Another Kirk. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this time travel story that sees a younger Kirk from an alternate timeline team up with La'an and struggle with the question of which timeline should remain.

Direct download: SST268.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 1:00pm PDT

It's time for another set of weird questions posed by Cy Kellet of Catholic Answers to Jimmy Akin, including this time: The Nephilim and Og; asking obscure saints for intercession; Padre Pio and time travel prayer; Captain Kirk, transporters, and the sacraments; Agents of Shield, AI, and the soul; and more.

Direct download: MYS265.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

Cameron Bertuzzi invited Jimmy Akin on his show recently to discuss the latest UAP whistleblower, David Grusch, and all things related to Christianity and UAPs. Now Cameron has graciously allowed us to bring this video to you.

Direct download: MYS264b.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 4:30am 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

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including patron questions, Rudolph Hess, Guadalupe tilma, Thylacines, theistic evolution, Emperor Norton, and more.

Direct download: MYS264a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 4:30am PDT

Court martial! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the trial of Number One and the issues raised about historical injustice, respect for cultures, and persecution, plus favorite callbacks to other series and previous SNW episodes. 

Direct download: SST267.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 1:00pm PDT

The DC Beltway Snipers case in 2002 resulted in the capture of the perpetrators, but there was another side to the case that the public didn't know. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk to Pam Coronado, the psychic detective who helped police solve the crime.

Direct download: MYS264.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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 second season of Strange New Worlds comes roaring out of the gate! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the first episode, including the evolution of Spock, the M'Benga revelations, and the new chief engineer, Pellia. Plus a tribute to Nichelle Nichols.
Direct download: SST266.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

A year after the 9/11 attacks, the Washingon DC area was rocked by a series of random sniper attacks that left 10 people dead. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the shootings, the men behind them, how police caught them, and why they went on their murder spree.

Direct download: MYS263.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including fan art, private revelations, the Versailles Time-Slip, the Big Bang, dowsing, and more.

Direct download: MYS262a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Ghosts or something else? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this Enterprise story that finds Trip flirting with aliens again; learn that Vulcans don't get the creeps; and talk about the superiority of reality to comforting illusion.

Direct download: SST265.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

The Rosenhan Experiment rocked the psychology profession 50 years ago. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the study's look into how mental health patients were treated, why the study was so important, and what it revealed about the human mind.

Direct download: MYS262.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

Maquis and Starfleet clash! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Voyager episode that explores the nature of leadership, loyalty, and duty in an idealistic profession for those who never sought it out.

Direct download: SST264.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

We regularly give Patrons the opportunity to ask Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli their mysterious questions and make them available exclusively to Patrons first and then later to the whole audience. This time the questions cover Angelic possession, Hollow Moon, Genesis flood, Younger Dryas, Philadelphia experiment, Ouija boards, King Arthur, Nation of islam, and more.

Direct download: MYS261.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

Who lives? Who dies? O'Brien tells your story! Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Jimmy Akin discuss this story inspired by "The Man Who Would Be King" and whose theme is that sometimes we make our own monsters to defeat them and feel secure.

Direct download: SST263.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

In 2013, an 11-year-old by was having an inexplicable effect on electronic devices around him, including poltergeist activity. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli interview John G. Kruth who was called in to investigate and dubbed the case the "21st century poltergeist."

Direct download: MYS260.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

Mysterious feedback! Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli answer your mysterious feedback on recent episodes, including fan art, the lost planet Vulcan, weight loss, Dyatlov Pass, lie detectors, Ehyptian afterlife and nummies, rainmaker Charles Hatfield, giants and more.

Direct download: MYS259a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

Love and Duty! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the TNG episode "Haven" and its themes of duty, love, compassion, destiny, and cultural differences, while not missing the Trek debut of Lwaxana Troi and the comedic chaos she brings.

Direct download: SST262.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

Could the human soul ever be scientifically detected? Could it even be weighed? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss a series of experiments that claimed to detect the departure of the soul at death, whether that's even possible, and what other researchers have found.

Direct download: MYS259.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

Before Picard Season 3, there was First Contact and the Borg Queen. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the film's "never meet your heroes" theme; Picard's ongoing trauma; and what makes this movie one of the most popular Trek films.

Direct download: SST261.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

In early 1933, a group of men dubbed the "Murder Trust" conspired to kill Irishman Mike Malloy, who proved very difficult to kill. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the aftermath when they were finally able to kill Mike after 9 attempts, including whether they were ever brought to justice for the murder of Iron Mike.

Direct download: MYS258.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO325.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST260.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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."

Direct download: MYS257.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: MYS256.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: SST258.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS255.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: SST257.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS254.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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?

Direct download: SST256.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS253.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: SST255.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS252.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: MYS251a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: SST254.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS251.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: MYS250a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: SST253.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS250.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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?

Direct download: SST252.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS249.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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 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.

Direct download: SST251.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 1:02pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS248.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: SST250.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS247.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: MYS246a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: SST249.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 1:01pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS246.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: SST248.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS245.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- 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

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.

Direct download: SST247.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS244.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: SST246.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS243.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: SST245.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS242.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS241a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: SST244.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS241.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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?

Direct download: SST243.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS240.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: SST242.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS239.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS238b.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS238a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: SST241.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS238.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: SST240.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS237.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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!

Direct download: MYS236a.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: MW_2022_Advent_Appeal.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 4:45pm PDT

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?

Direct download: SST239.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS236.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am 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

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.

Direct download: SST238.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS235.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT