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.

When Pauline Dakin's mother finally revealed why she'd had such a bizarre childhood it explained so much. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli reveal that this was only the beginning however, and what she would subsquently would change everything again.

The return of the Mara. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this 5th Doctor story that was partially inspired by tales of Christian snake handlers, but also uses concepts out of Asian religions and philosophies.

In the second part of their discussion of this movie, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli continue to talk about the Cold War themes, the responsibility of a starship captain, and putting aside personal grudges and loyalties for the sake of duty and doing what's right.

Pauline Dakin's family moved a lot and her mom would only say she'd explain when Pauline was older. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the odd childhood Pauline experienced and the surprising reason Pauline's mother gave for why they kept moving around the country.

The Doctor, Amy, and Rory are on a mission from the Daleks to stop even worse Daleks. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the turn in the relationship between Amy and Rory and the first appearance of the "Impossible Girl".

Is Star Trek VI the best Star Trek movie? In Part I of their discussion, Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss whether the last of the films featuring the whole Original Series cast is the best one of all; its end of the Cold War glasnost vibe; and how it almost didn't get made.

The US gov't released a long-expected report on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in June 2021. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the unclassified, public version and look at what it does and doesn't say; what we read between the lines; and what the future holds for UFO study.

The 4th Doctor fights a mad scientist and his horrific creation. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the classic story and its implication that the Doctor had many more than the tradition 13 (or 14) incarnations, and how that relates to the Timeless Child.

The Menagerie was the only two-parter in TOS. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the frame narrative of Spock's betrayal of Kirk out of loyalty to Pike that surrounds the original pilot The Cage (which they discussed wat back in episode 20).

Are Haitian zombies just mentally ill people or is there something more sinister going on? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore reports that Haitian sorcerers are turning people into zombies using a combination of magic and poisons.

The Doctor riffs on Narnia, but misses just a bit. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this Christmas special in which pretty much nothing the Doctor does makes any difference to the main action of the plot, but at least there's sentient trees and a happy reunion.

The drama of Discovery's first season reaches its penultimate moment. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the attempt to show the Federation's goodness in contrast to the Empire's evil as well as the first hints that Emperor Georgiou is more than just an evil warlord.

Zombies have become a staple of pop culture, but as Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss, they are a real and recognized phenomenon in the nation of Haiti. What are these zombies, what causes them, and are they really the dead brought back to life?

The 3rd Doctor deals with the Master who poses as village vicar summoning demons. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about how the BBC ordered no mention of God; the science vs. occult theme; and the occurence of horned beings through mythology. Plus Morris dancing! We also remember in prayer Damaris Hayman, who played Miss Olive Hawthorne in this episode and just died on June 8, 2021.

It's Vulcans vs. Andorians and humans are caught in the middle again. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about this Cold War-style hostage crisis, the problematic sexualization of T'Pol, and Archer's questionable lies to solve his problem.

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.

The 6th season of New Who wraps up with a wedding. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the trick for getting out of the impossible situation set up at the beginning of the season, as well as where it leaves all our characters, including making the Doctor small again.

Chakotay's spirit floats around Voyager, trying to warn the crew! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the plot holes, but also the spiritual ramifications of disembodied floating spirits, of prayer as medicine, and Native American spirituality in the show.

In the second part of his interview with former military psychic spy Paul Smith, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk with Paul about his biggest psychic "hit", his reflection on the difficulty of using Remote Viewing for anomalous targets, how it compares to mediumship and channeling, and his faith perspective.

The 2nd Doctor deals with climate change! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this srtory that deals with the climate change worry of the 1960s, namely a forthcoming ice age. Plus the introduction of the Ice Warriors from Mars and more 60s-era worries about computers.

A father sees his son give his whole life up to save his. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this DS9 story that explores the love of father and son and son for father and the limits of what Jake will do to save Ben Sisko, including killing himself.

In 1983, US Army junior officer Paul H. Smith was asked to become a psychic spy for the military. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli welcome Paul to the show to discuss his work doing secret intelligence jobs, the nature of Remote Viewing, and what happened with Project Star Gate.

The 11th Doctor meets up with Craig again and now Craig's son, Stormaggedon. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Cybermen story, the way this episode bridges to the season finale, and what it does right and wrong.

Data in command. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this episode where Data has to take command all by himself to deal with life and death situation and learn what leadership is.

In 1994, a young woman was rushed to an ER and as she was being treated bizarre things started to happen to the nurses and doctors. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at what happened to Gloria Ramirez and the hospital staff and what could explain the strange events surrounding her death.

The First Doctor in an ambitious science fiction story for its time. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this serial that features very alien characters and situations, some clever and witty dialogue, and trenchant social commentary.

A missing philantropist is found by the Enterprise, but how are the Romulans involved? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this story that at the time could only have been realized in animation, plus the amazing voice work of guest star Ted Knight.

The 16th century French seer Nostradamus continues to fascinate the public. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask whether he could predict the future, how we should interpret his prophecies, and what was the secret technique he used to compose them.

The 11th Doctor stuck in the Labyrinth. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory examine this story that features a Minotaur-like creature that feeds on faith, as if faith was a kind of emotional energy and places it at the level of superstition. Does it do a disservice to religious faith?

Kirk on trial! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about this episode, which has Kirk being tried for causing the death of a member of his crew, an old classmate who resented him. They discuss the depiction of justice in the future, but also the mistrust of technology in the Sixties.

Nostradamus is one of the most famous seers of the last millennium and his prophecies are often applied to all sorts of past, current, and future events. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli delve into who Nostradamus was, what secret techniques he used, and whether he could really tell the future.

The 8th Doctor is in a future Venice facing a cataclysm. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about this audio story that bears remarkable resemblance to later TV episodes and how the story has a very fairy tale quality about it.

In this first season episode, we get our first glimpse of Emperor Georgiou. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how this character changed the show, the shocking evil of the Terran Empire, and the big reveal about Lorca.

It's a fifth Friday so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin more weird questions from listeners, including whether the pope would be Bishop of Rome if humans left Earth; the practicalities of sacraments in space; could Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) be baptized?; what are the giants in the Bible?; and more.

This time it's Amy who waits for Rory and the Doctor. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about another story of doppelgängers and duplicates and alternate time streams; discuss the question of which Amy is the real one; whether it is moral to sacrifice one; and if the Doctor is being cruel.

The Enterprise comes across a ship of Klingons in distress and come to their aid. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the rendering of aid to ungrateful recipients and Archer's education in Klingon diplomacy. Plus, a bonus discussion of the latest Star Trek TV & movie news.

In 1962, the Joint Chiefs of Staff sent Operation Northwoods to JFK as a daring, covert plan to stop a potential Soviet invasion. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this now declassified plan, the shocking series of secret actions it proposed, and Kennedy's response.

The 7th Doctor and Ace go to a demented circus. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss fear of clowns, hippie circuses, werewolves, and the gods of Ragnarok, plus Sylvester McCoy's realy magic tricks he performs on-screen.

The premiere of Voyager's season 4 saw the introduction of Seven of Nine to the cast. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss why the change happened, whether it was good for the show, and how she changed its trajectory.

Since Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World began, Jimmy and Dom have covered numerous mysteries in 150 episodes. And because Jimmy is always doing research, he wants to update listeners on what he's learned since originally covering these fascinating topics.

The 11th Doctor comes to the aid of a scared little boy whose night terrors become real. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha this fairy tale horror story about the unconditional love of a father for his unusual son.

The introduction of the Nagus changed Ferengi and Quark on DS9 from that point. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about Wallace Shawn's great portrayal, how the story expanded and rehabbed the Ferengi, and the Godfather homage scene.

Every so often, there are reports of people bursting into flames for no apparent reason, reducing most of their body to ashes, but with little or no fire damage around them. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss what we should make of these reports of spontaneous human combustion and what could be causing them.

The Trial of a Time Lord begins! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the first part of the 6th Doctor's "trial" season that brings him to an "alien" planet that turns out to be a post-apocalyptic Earth run by a domineering robot. Plus lots of Valeyard name puns.

Is a justice system where death is the punishment for every crime really just? Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss this TNG story that is supposed to evoke Eden with a vengeful god/alien and (not-so-)innocents.

Australia is known for many strange, dangerous animals, but one famous cryptid from Down Under is the fearsome Drop Bear. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli, with help from Matt Fradd and the Catholics of Oz, recount what we know about the Drop Bear and how to protect ourselves against it.

With the Doctor tracking down Amy and Rory's missing baby, they encounter a mysterious group tampering with time. Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss the ethics of punishing historical criminals in the way described here as well as an element introduced here to be important later.

Some say the best Star Trek movie made was Galaxy Quest. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this thinly-veiled comedic homage to Trek and how it presaged the rise of fandom and the triumph of the geeks in pop culture.

Rumors have surrounded the Vatican Secret Archives for ages and some think the Vatican is hiding shameful or shocking secrets. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore the history of the Archives, what they contain, and how secret they really are.