Jimmy Akin Podcast

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST202.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:33pm PDT

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?

Direct download: MYS201.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST201.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:18pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST200.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 10:00am PDT

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?

Direct download: MYS200.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST199.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:53pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS199.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST198.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:19pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS198.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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?

Direct download: SST197.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS197.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

The 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.

Direct download: SST196.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:17pm 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 in a special bonus release like this one.

Direct download: MYS196.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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?

Direct download: SST195.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS195.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST194.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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?

Direct download: MYS194.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: SCR078.mp3
Category:Secrets of Movies and TV Shows -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST193.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS193.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST192.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:18pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS192.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST191.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 1:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS191.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST190.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 1:06pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS190.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST189.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:23pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS189.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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

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

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.

Direct download: SST188.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:53pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS188.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO262.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST187.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS187.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30pm PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO261.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS_2021_Christmas_Livestream.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:46am PDT

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.

Direct download: SST186.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 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.

Direct download: MYS186.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO260.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST185.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS185.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO259.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST184.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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?

Direct download: MYS184.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO258.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST183.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 in a special bonus release like this one.

Direct download: MYS183.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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?

Direct download: WHO257.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST182.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS182.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO256.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST181.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:06pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS181.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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."

Direct download: WHO255.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST180.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:36pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS180.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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?

Direct download: WHO254.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST179.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 11:45am PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS179.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO253.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST178.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 11:34am PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS178.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO252.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST177.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 4:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS177.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO251.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST176.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 11:58am PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS176.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO250.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST175.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 10:47am PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS175.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO249.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST174.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:07pm PDT

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?

Direct download: MYS174.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO248.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST173.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 10:29am PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS173.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO247.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST172.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:48pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS172.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO246.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST171.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 1:30pm PDT

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.

Direct download: MYS171.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO245.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT

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.

Direct download: SST170.mp3
Category:Secrets of Star Trek -- posted at: 12:07pm 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 in a special bonus release.

Direct download: MYS170.mp3
Category:Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World -- posted at: 7:30am PDT

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.

Direct download: WHO244.mp3
Category:Secrets of Doctor Who -- posted at: 12:00pm PDT