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.

The torch is passed. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the movie that moved from the TOS generation to TNG and saw the final appearance of James T. Kirk. Does the film live up to its significance? And how well did TNG intially translate to the big screen?

For centuries, people have reported strange phenomena of objects moving on their own, flying into walls, even injuring and killing people. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about the phenomenon of poltergeists, what they are what causes them, and what the latest research reveals about them.

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.

Was the Squire of Gothos the prototype for Q? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the quixotic creature Trelane and how the episode plays with expectations by making the near-omnipotent being an alien child in the end.

Dr. Steven Greer for years has led the "Disclosure" movement to have the US government reveal what it knows about extraterrestrials, says he's conducting diplomacy with aliens on behalf of the human race and says he can summon the peaceful aliens and can teach others to do so as well. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask who is Dr. Greer, are the aliens really friendly, and can we really summon aliens?

Lost Skeleton is a lovingly crafted homage to the old sci-fi B movies of the 50s, and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and David Handlos have a blast discussing the hilarious script full of quotable lines, the nods to old-style filmmaking, and just how much fun this film will be for the whole family.

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.

The first season of Discovery is complete and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss what worked and didn't work in the show's premiere season; the difficult moral choice presented in the conclusion; and seeing your enemy not as monsters, but as people.

In 1983, seers at Kibeho, Rwanda, received visions of a barbaric conflict and in the 1990s, almost 1 million people died in the genocide. Then in 2001, the apparitions received official Church approval. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at what happened, which visions were genuine, and their significance for us today.

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.

With the mid-season finale of Star Trek: Prodigy's first season, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the answers received to the show's questions, what questions remain, and the surprising depth for a show aimed at children.

In 1981, a group of children in Rwanda began reporting visions of the Virgin Mary. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss her assurances of God's love and warnings of a terrible disaster; what the girls reported to have seen and heard; and the results of the Church's investigations, including warnings for believers.

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.

As Prodigy approaches its first season midpoint, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how the Prodigy crew has matured during its time together; appreciate the caper plot that is set up for resolution next time; and look at the mystery of The Diviner and his quest.

In this second part of Jimmy Akin's interview with former US Army psychic spy Maj. Bill Ray of Project Star Gate, he hears about some of Bill's most dramatic Remote Viewing experiences, including RV of aliens, UFOs, Roswell, and the Ark of Covenant.

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.

Time bubbles! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this latest episode of Prodigy, incuding the common Trek plot of time looping; the lesson about working together as a crew; and a major development for one character. Plus the chicken, fox, and grain logic problem.

Project Star Gate was the Pentagon's psychic spying program from the 1970s to 1990s. Jimmy Akin talks to one of those psychic spies, Major Bill Ray, who also served as commander of the unit for a time and asks him about his experiences, the history of the program, and about Remote Viewing.

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.

The Protostar crew meets a Ferengi. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the crew's introduction to transporters, Ferengi, and first contact situations; the morality of the Prime Directive; and the most important lesson being the true friends they made along the way.

The Hindenburg was one of the most impressive airships to ever fly, and when it crashed in 1937, it shocked the world. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the Hindenburg crash, what happened to make it explode, and whether there was sabotage or even a coverup of the facts of the tragedy.

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.

Prodigy is back and so are some of our Star trek favorites. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the the midseason premiere that sees Dal confront the no-win scenario and meet up some giants of Star Trek history, noting the show's attempt to introduce it's young audience to its lore.

When unexplained phenomena arise, many Christians often leap to the explanation of demons being responsible or they warn that certain activities can open you up to demons. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the accuracy of these claims, how we can really find out when demons are involved, and what can go wrong when we incorrectly think it's demons.

The best Doctor's New Year's Eve yet? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 13th Doctor special, especially its fun guests characters, Sarah and Nick; the fun, lowered-stakes plot device; and the quippy dialogue that overcome the few missteps.

Unusual Vulcans! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how this episode plays with our expectations and sympathies; reveals more about Vulcan culture and society; and develops the character of T'Pol in how she relates to her own people and to humans.

It's New Year's Eve, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, including are there dinosaurs in heaven, can angels lie, are we in a rebooted universe, whether aliens and humans could marry, and much more.

The Brigadier is back again. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the return of Lethbridge-Stewart with the 5th Doctor; the addition of Turlow to the Tardis Companions; attempts to steal the Doctor's regenerations; and this first part of the Black Guardian trilogy of stories.

On Christmas 2021, Jimmy Akin welcomed everyone to his YouTube channel for a special Livestream gathering, especially for those who might be alone on the holiday. Jimmy answered questions on a variety of topics for over two hours and due to popular request, we've made the audio available here.

Evil twins and body horror. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this Voyager story in which B'Elanna gets split in human and Klingon individuals; an alien steals a crewman's face; and they wonder why Starfleet has such dumb flashlights.

It's Christmas, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin Christmas weird questions from listeners, including how we would celebrate Christmas on other planets; when Christmas ends; how we got from St. Nick to Santa; and whether the 12 days of Christmas is a secret code; and more.

The Doctor goes ghost hunting. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the 11th Doctor's search for answers to the mystery of Clara; how it is based on a 1959 movie; and Jimmy's assessment of the paranormal research depicted in the episode.

Bashir and O'Brien run into the Jem'Hadar. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how Bashir's oath as a doctor to help those in need comes in conflict with his oath as a Starfleet officer not to help the enemy, as well as the strain in friendship this causes.

In 1941, the US and Japan engaged in tense negotiations to avoid war, but failed. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss who was responsible for that failure; whether the failure was intended; and what role Soviet agent Harry Dexter White played in all this.

The 4th Doctor v. killer plants! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 4th Doctor story that combines Lovecraft's "Mountains of Madness" and Hawks' film "The Thing From Another World," including a Bond-level villain, an Antarctic base, and an English country estate.

An elderly couple survives an apocalyptic disaster, and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this unexpectedly philosophical story that raises questions of pacifism, guilt, forgiveness, and redemption, along with the limits of power.

As we recall the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss allegations that the US had advance warning of the Japanese attack or even that President Roosevelt proviked the attack to end American isolationism. What is the truth?

The end of the Flux! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this last chapter which jam-packs the end of this 6-episode season, assess the season a whole, and give their predictions for what happens next in the upcoming specials.

When Spock was big. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this original animated story, which as echoes of story elements that would show up in later series and stories. Plus Lower Decks called back to this with an Easter egg in the latest season.

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.

Five plot threads race to a conclusion of the Flux as Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory discuss the potentially mythos shattering revelations about the Doctor's true backstory, but will it ruin the mythos to reveal too much?

It's another telepathic planet that shows you what you desire, even if it's dangerous. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this story shows a chivalrous McCoy, a regretful Kirk, and a stereotypical combative Irish named Finnegan.

It's the day after Thanksgiving, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin more weird questions from listeners, including whether Indy would have died opening the Ark; Was Emily Blunt murdering Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow; where did Jesus Y chromosome come from; and more.

In Chapter 4 of The Flux, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about how the lore of the Weeping Angels is greatly expanded and for the better; how much they liked guest character Professor Jericho; and what that mid-credits scene meant.

For the mid-season finale of Prodigy, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the scifi trope of the sentient planet, ignoring transporters for plot purposes, and the lack of good male role models compared to female role models.

Fifty years ago, Dan Cooper boarded a short flight to Seattle and then hijacked the plane. After getting hundreds of thousands of dollars, he parachuted out of the plane, never to be seen again. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask who he really was, how he pulled off the plot, and what happened to him after.

The Flux continues! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this midpoint of the 13th Doctor's last season, incl. fan theories about Vinder; who the odd woman was; and how they want to see more of "Doctor Ruth."

Look out for each other. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest episode of Prodigy, the moral of the story of working together, whether Holo-Janeway is really fooled by the Protostar crew, and if they really are stranded.

For centuries, people have wondered whether there is life on Mars and NASA's 1970s-era rovers seemed to prove there was. But then doubts arose. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at whether there is life on Mars, how it would have got there, what it would be like.

The Doctor goes to Crimea. Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the historical context of the 2nd chapter of the Flux; the return to form of the Sontarans; and the interesting context of What would the Doctor do?

Holo-Janeway and the kids start the long road of building trust. Jimmy Akin and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how they (and the audience) continue to get to know the crew, the ship, and the Star Trek universe as Prodigy continues its work as an intro for a new generation of Trekkies.

After 19th-century astronomers said Mars has a worldwide network of canals, people speculated there was not just life but a civilization there. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore whether there is life on Mars, and if so, how it got there and what it is like.

The 13th Doctor starts her final season with the first chapter in a six-episode arc. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the many threads that are unspooled here and how this may be the best 13th Doctor episode yet.

It's the start of another new Star Trek series and Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory are ready to discuss it. Prodigy is another animated series that is the most Star Wars-like Trek show ever, but it's not a bad thing. It's also not just a show for kids, but for all Trekkers.

It's a fifth Friday so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin more weird questions from listeners, including what guardian angels would do for superheroes; where the Ark of the Covenant is; whether Judas is in Hell; and more.

The Doctor averts World War III by reasoning with a Cold Warrior. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the return of the Ice Warriors, a Companion who finally stays put, and Dom's nitpicking on how submarines work.

For the penultimate episode of DIS season 1, Dom and Fr. Cory discuss the return from the Mirror Universe; the war without (the Klingon War), and the war within between Tyler and Voq, plus the implausbility of the final stratagem.

Dr. Edwin May worked on the US gov't Star Gate Program, which involved a psychic power known as Remote Viewing, eventually becoming head of the project until its end. Jimmy Akin talks to Dr. May about how he became involved and what he has learned in his unique career.

The Third Doctor gets his first encounter with Daleks. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this time-hopping adventure that jumps from Cold War brinksmanship to a future dystopia ruled by collaborators, apemen, and Daleks.

The second season finale of Lower Decks promises to shake up the show. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the twist and misdirection, plus all the usual Trek lore Easter eggs, including the return of one clumsy TNG ensign.

What does the scientific and historical evidence say about the Great Flood in Genesis? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss whether there was a worldwide Flood, whether Noah was a historical person, and how we should understand the biblical passage on Noah, the Ark, and the Great Flood.

Clara and the Doctor go on their first offworld adventure. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about what makes Clara different as a Companion; how the plot of the story resolves in a totally unclear way; and how right off the bat Clara is already taking on the Doctor's role.

What do the Lower Decks look like outside Starfleet? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss wej Duj ("Three Ships"), which shows us the junior crew on Klingon, Vulcan, Pakled, and Borg ships; gives us more insight on the Pakled war; and keeps the laughs coming.

Genesis records that God sent the Great Flood to wipe out mankind because of sinfulness, but that he preserved Noah, his family, and pairs of every animal in an ark. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the questions of whether Noah was a real person, was the flood worldwide, and more.

Patrick Troughton in two roles. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this 60s supervillain thriller in which the 2nd Doctor also plays the bad guy and shows his acting range. Plus the very cool spy-agent Astrid.

The Lower Deckers get put through the ringer in simulations of classic missions. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss all the classic stories that get referenced and then talk about the jokes that are built on more prurient matters.

In 1897, a West Virginia woman was murdered, but then her ghost revealed to her mother from beyond the grave what really happened. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss how her murderer was put on trial and convicted on the testimony of a ghost! What really happened? Were they really guilty?

Clara Oswald's first adventure with the Doctor sees the return of an old, but recent foe. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the beginning of a new era for the Doctor with the Impossible Girl and how the episode is more important for setting the stage than for its own plot.

Evil AI and Ren faire planets! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the Lwaxana Troi analog, Jeffrey Combs as AGIMUS, the fun concept of a Ren faire-based culture, and the curious continued inclusion of less-than-family friendly bits.

For thousands of years, people have claimed supernatural or natural psychic powers. But do they really exist? What happens when parapsychologists test them? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli take tests that could reveal their own psychic functioning.

The First Doctor visits King Richard the Lionheart in the Holy Land during the Crusades. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the story of the Doctor's encounter, the nuanced portrayal of both Richard and Saladin, and dispel some myths about the crusades along the way.

Pakleds! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the latest Lower Decks encounter with the Pakleds, including a not-too-bright spy; the dangers of anomaly consolidation duty; and Boimler's attempt to join the cool-kids' table who turn out to be the school bullies.

Th 9/11 attacks were the deadliest terror attack in US history, but were bin Laden and Al-Qa'eda really responsible? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at claims that other nations were involved or that it was an "inside job" by US officials or that there was a coverup.

The Impossible Girl comes for Christmas! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the season arc involving Clara's curious appearances; interesting guest voice actors; the Pater Noster gang and where their name comes from; and the Great Intelligence as recurring enemy.

Overrun with duplicates! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss another very funny episode of Lower Decks that avoided prurient content while exploring another Star Trek trope involving various kinds of duplicates and doubles. Plus discussion of the latest news on upcoming Star Trek series premieres and new seasons.

On the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the main alternate theories about what happened on that terrible day, including whether it was really planes that caused the deaths of nearly 3,000 people and destruction at three sites.

The 4th Doctor and Leela and taxes! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this story about a company town, unreasonable taxes, a heartless bureaucracy, and a revolution. It sounds like the writer had some issues with the tax system he wanted to express.

Mugato on the loose! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss a Lower Decks episode that features one of the better Original Series monsters, the Mugato, and an ongoing joke based on TOS actors unable to pronounce its name.

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.

Goodbye Amy and Rory! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the end of this era of Doctor Who; the problem of fixed points in time; and the watering down of the Weeping Angels as scary villains.

Tom Paris on the Cerritos! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss Boimler's fanboying on VOY; Mariner and Tendi learning to be friends; Rutherford finding out how Shax isn't dead; and why cats love boxes. Plus Tom Paris commemorative plates.

The diary of Swiss teacher Paul Amadeus Dienach claims he traveled to the year A.D. 3906 and experienced a world of wonder. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore who Dienach was, what he claimed to see, and whether this man really did travel to the future.

The 8th Doctor has lost his mind! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Big Finish audio story in which the 8th Doctor ends up in the US South, encounters a Satanic society, meets dastardly televangelists, and reunites with his old friend, the Brigadier.

A Trek episode, laughingly discussed. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the latest episode of Lower Decks that is chock full of both Easter eggs and literary allusions (but not really metaphors, Jimmy argues).

Forty-four years ago this month, David Berkowitz was arrested and confessed to the Son of Sam shootings. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine whether he acted alone and what role satanism may have played in the murders.

The Doctor comes to stay. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the time the 11th Doctor stayed with Amy and Rory; why they still love Rory's dad; and why there is so much filler in this story.

Lower Decks is back for Season 2! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the new episode of what may be the best new Trek series; including connections to the second pilot of TOS; Cardassian torture Easter eggs; and what Boimler is up to these days.

A terrifying series of killings in NYC in 1976 included letters to police from the killer calling himself "Son of Sam". Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what happened, how David Berkowitz was arrested and confessed, and then ask did he really act alone?

The return of the Brigadier! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the Arthurian roots of this 7th Doctor story, the inclusion of the now-retired Lethbridge-Stewart, the Doctor's dark turn, nuclear brinksmanship, and more.

The ultimate bottle episode. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this lifeboat story of Enterprise that fleshes out the Malcom Reed character, but has more plot holes than a shuttlepod riddled by micro-black stars.

The Bible records the story of Moses and Exodus, the foundational event in the Jewish faith, but some skeptics say it never happened. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the evidence to determine whether the Exodus really occurred.

The Doctor in the Old West. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the balance between justice and mercy, whether the good done today compensates for evil done before, and the Doctor's own conscience about his deeds.

Kes's departure from Voyager was forced by the arrival of 7 of 9. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how she was written out of the show, compare her transformation to religious ecstasy, and the ethics of Janeway forcing 7 of 9 to leave the Borg Collective.

It's a fifth Friday so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin more weird questions from listeners, including would I need to be re-baptized after going through a transporter; what happens to guardian angels of frozen embryos; what about human-animal hybrids; and more.

The 6th Doctor is still on trial and Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the bombastic action by guest star Brian Blessed, the hidden motivations of the Time Lords, and the sudden departure of Peri as Companion.

When Odo's strict code of justice conflicts with a growing sense of compassion and mercy, his character has a moment of growth. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how this episode provides a major leap forward for the changeling character.

The US-Mexico border in San Diego sees thousands of people cross back and forth every year, but few people know that in the 1990s, the area got a reputation as a paranormal hotspot. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine one ghost story from the border and what could explain it.

What if the lone joke of an obscure Samuel L. Jackson movie were morphed into a Doctor Who episode? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss everything that's wrong with this story, including the Doctor's murder of the villain.

The Ferengi are back! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that establishes Capt. Picard's backstory involving the Stargazer; claims headaches don't exist in the future; and sets up the Picard Manuever as the indefensible stratagem.