Back in the 80s, Paul Bennewitz became deeply alarmed at evidence of an alien presence on Earth. He reported his discoveries to officials who took them seriously. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss how he became convinced we had to fight back and so developed the attack plan Project Beta.

In part 2 of this story, the 11th Doctor gets a doppelgänger and then sets up the big reveal for the next two episodes. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the Doctor's deception, the two kinds of gangers, and whether they are really alive.

With the 4th season of DS9, the writers decided to shake things up with the addition of Worf and a return to the Klingons as villains. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the changes and how this began the series' best run of episodes.

For 40 years, people have wondered who was the mysterious Robert Christian who commissioned the Georgia Guidestones and the meaning of the 10 principles inscribed on it. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli identify who Christian really was and examine what the 10 guidelines really mean.

In the first of a two-part story, the 11th Doctor encounters the gangers. Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss the ethics and morality of sentient duplicates, plus the wider implications for the Who season story arcinvolving a ganger.

A Wesley science experiment goes wrong and not only threatens a vital scientific endeavor and everyone on the Enterprise, but creates new life. Oh, Wesley. Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss how Wesley gets away with it with no repercussions, plus the return of Bev Crusher.

In 1980, a massive granite monument was unveiled in a small Georgia town, bearing 10 principles for the future guidance of humanity. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the Guidestones' origin and purpose and the mysterious man who commissioned them.

The 2nd Doctor in the Himalayas. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this complex story involving a monastery, robots, an alien intelligence, a British explorer, a centuries-old guru, and Yeti.

Shakespeare on the Enterprise. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about this Original Series episode that has Kirk confronting a Shakespearean actor who may or may not be a mass murderer from Kirk's past and discuss the ethics of both men's actions.

The four Gospels have been a primary source of information about Jesus Christ for 2,000 years, but in recent times, some skeptics have said they were written so late after Jesus, they aren't reliable. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli find out what tradition, Church teaching, and historical sources tell about when the Gospels were really written.

Neil Gaiman's first outing as a Doctor Who screenwriter results in this fan favorite exploration of the Doctor's relationship to the Tardis. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the revelations about the Doctor, the Tardis, other Time Lords, and more all wrapped up in clever dialogue.

The second half of the 1st season of Discovery took us to a new universe. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this as the moment when the show really started to get its legs under it and why that is. Plus the mystery of Ash Tyler and the reveal of Captain Killy.

It's a fifth Friday so Jimmy Akin is answering more weird questions from listeners, including whether Baby Yoda needs to fast; do AIs have souls?; is the Prime Directive ethically defensible?; should we destroy vampires?; and more.

The Doctor meets Nero! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 1st Doctor story of ancient Rome that has some strong comedic elements, but also brings the Doctor into contact with persecuted early Christians.

What happens when you meet a truly alien species? Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Enterprise episode focused on Malcom Reed that also explores how humans are truly pioneering into dangerous, unknown territory. Should they be more defensive in first contacts?

The Book of Revelation describes a terrifying beast with the number 666 and that people had to take the mark of the beast on themselves. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli consider what the mark is: a literal tattoo, a computer chip, a vaccine, or even the Covid vaccine?

Ahoy! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the 11th Doctor's pirate adventure that allows for a lot of pirate jokes, but lets in a lot of plot holes and loose ends as well. But there's also self-sacrifice and trust and parental and spousal relationship.

Beowulf in space! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Voyager story that takes the Doctor onto the holodeck to become a Viking hero of the sagas and how this episode was the first to expand the character from a blank slate to a person with possibilities.

The Eighth Doctor and Charley encounter the Cybermen in this audio story. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the origin in fan-made stories from the 80s, the fast pacing of the story, and the Doctor's handling of moral dilemmas he encounters between humans, Cybermen, and someone else.

Discovery's 3rd season comes to an end and Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory dig into the wrap up of the plot, that the season's quality went up as it ended, and look at where the show is going in seasons 4 and beyond.

The World Economic Forum has proposed to use the Covid-19 pandemic as an opportunity to have a "Great Reset" to fundamentally transform the way the world works. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore what the WEF is, what the Great Reset is, and whether this is a sinister conspiracy.

The 13th Doctor is back along with Graham, Ryan, Yaz, and Capt. Jack. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory agree that it was a very good episode and discuss the return of Jack Robertson, then talk about the news of next season, a new companion, and rumors of a new Doctor.

https://www.sqpn.com/2021/01/revolution-of-the-daleks/

Discovery's 3rd season reaches a dramatic climax in what Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory agree is the best episode of the season. With lots of action tempered by character development moments and a tense negotiation and turn by the antagonist, the stage is set for the finale.

Happy New Year! Jimmy Akin is answering more weird questions, including whether indulgences can be retroactively applied; if UFO aliens could be demons; what happens to cremated saints who should be incorruptible; and whether aliens could have souls.

In what could be called the first Doctor Who Christmas special, the 1st Doctor has a brief madcap adventure on the day itself. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the fun, little adventure and then wish all of our listeners a Merry Christmas!

Discovery gets close to the origin of The Burn. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how much this season and this episode depend on discussion of emotion and how the whole season arc may boil down to someone's fear causing tragedy.

Merry Christmas! Jimmy Akin is answering more weird questions, including whether an insane person confessing sins to a cat could result in forgiveness; whether one could baptize with tea in emergency; and whether some bodily mortification is spiritually healthy.

It's the 25th (i.e. silver) anniversary of Doctor Who and Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory enjoy the 7th Doctor and Ace's battle against their silver enemies, the Cybermen, Nazis, an Elizabethan witch, and a weapon from the Doctor's own past. And the Queen!

Mirror, mirror! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the 2nd part of the two-parter, which asks whether it's possible to be a kinder, gentler tyrant and if it's more important to change oneself or to change the world. Plus the big reveal of a Trek favorite.

The Randonautica phone app promises to take you on a magical, mystery journey. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore whether there is anything paranormal about these random journeys or if it's all just random chance. And Jimmy reveals the unexpected results of his own Randonautica trip.

In the 2nd part of the season premiere, the Doctor and companions battle the Silence in 1969. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the vast scope of this story over time, the clever ways they counter the Silence's power, and the first hints at the bigger story arc involving Amy and her child.

StarQuest (SQPN) wishes you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We are grateful for all your support in 2020 whether by listening to our programs, sharing them with your friends, or providing financial support. Please consider supporting our media apostolate with a US tax-deductible gift and help us continue making the programs you love.

Who is the mysterious doorkeeper? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the strange entity who appears, the way the Mirror Universe changes the way the show plays out, and how Mirror Bunrham is a much more interesting character.

In the late 1960s, Carlos Castaneda claimed to reveal the drug-fueled, mystical teachings of a Native American sorcerer, launching the New Age movement. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore who Castaneda was and what he taught and the truth behind the mysteries surrounding him.

With the start of Matt Smith's 2nd season, the Doctor began a new story arc by traveling to the USA in the 1970s. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the surprisingly fair depiction of Nixon, River song's tragic relationship with the Doctor, and starting the season with a surprising death.

Discovery faces down the Emerald Chain. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the latest Discovery episode, including the show's tendency to docus on emotionalism, the interesting side characters we encounter, blowing things up as therapy, and what is going on with Georgiou.

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.

Human beings have been telling lies since the dawn of history and finding ways to detect them has been a high priority. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the polygraph machine, how reliable they are, whether they can be beaten, historical methods of lie detection, and whether you should ever take a lie detector test.

Part soylent green, part Evelyn Waugh novel, this 6th Doctor story brings him up against the Daleks for the first time and leaves Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory searching for the bright spots, including some dark humor amidst the horror, an interesting side character in an assassin with a good heart, and the usual Davros machinations.

Burnham must live up to the legacy of her brother Spock. Dom, Jimmy, and Fr. Cory discuss the episode's resolution of Burnham's sense she doesn't belong any more, their pleasure at seeing Vulcans again, and the show's burgeoning Mary Sue problem.

For this US Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Jimmy Akin answers more weird questions, including whether Star Trek transports are murder machines, what history would be like without Jesus, is the Holy Grail special, a Good God vs. an Evil God, and the eschatological implications of space colonies.

The 5th Doctor catches a Concorde flight back to the Cretaceous. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about how the inclusion of the supersonic Concorde was a nod to then-groundbreaking tech; how the show dealt with the loss of Adric; and whether this return of an old enemy works well.

Burnham and Georgiou go rogue to save book. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the latest episode of Discovery as the crew and ship adapt to the 32nd century and begin to unravel the mystery of the Burn while keeping the trust of future Starfleet.

Continuing their discussion of the reported 1973 abduction of two Mississippi men by a UFO, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli look at the theories and evidence from a reason perspective, including a police secret tape recording of a conversation between the two men.

As the 11th Doctor's first season end, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how Moffat's first season-long arc wraps up, the hints dropped throughout the season of the resolution, and the elevation of Rory from tagalong to romantic hero.

The Discovery crew needs to prove themselves to future Starfleet. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the attempt to provide perspective to a galaxy that's moved on; the subtle machinations involving Georgiou, and the hidden tribute to Trek actor Aron Eisenberg.

In October 1973, two fishermen in Pascagoula, Mississippi, say they were taken on board a mysterious craft by strange creatures in one of the most famous UFO abduction cases in history. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask who were these men, what happened to them, and is it evidence of alien contact?

The first season of the 11th Doctor wraps up the "crack in the universe" arc. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the universal stakes of the story, the array of the Doctor's enemies together, and a certain Roman centurion whose appearance here cements him as a fan favorite.

Everybody is stressed in the latest episode of Discovery! Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the stressed out state of the Discovery crew; the rogue AI that no one seems concerned about; Adira, the impossible girl; and a return to Trill.

Throughout history, people have been fascinated by curses, suspected others have been cursed, have wanted to curse their enemies, and wanted curses removed. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what are curses, how they work, and how worried about them should we be.

The 2nd Doctor catches a flight! Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss another lost Doctor Who story that's been recovered through animation, this time set at London's Gatwick Airport in the 1960s. It's a cross between Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Airport 1970.

Discovery returns to find a very different Earth than it left. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about the distinct changes in Burnham's character, the tropes that crop up in this story, and the introduction of a new member to the crew.

On this fifth Friday of the month, Jimmy Akin answers more weird questions, including whether at the end times people will be resurrected on Mars; could we touch a rediscovered Ark of the Covenant; what was Jesus' religion; did God create aliens; why is capybara licit in Lent; and more!

It's our 200th episode and Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory have a special celebration in which they discuss the Doctor Who stories--Classic and New--that they consider essential for anyone who wants to be a Whovian.

In the second episode of the new season, Discovery shows up. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about macguffins and contrived constraints, as well as a clear homage to the spaghetti Westerns of old and a much more assertive Saru.

In 1857, President-elect James Buchanan became violently ill during a stay at Washington DC's National Hotel, as did hundreds of others, many of whom died. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine whether it was a serial killer, a mysterious disease, or perhaps a presidential assassination plot.

The Doctor and Sarah Jane meet a being who once posed as an Egyptian god and is more than a match for the Doctor. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the ultimate power of Seth, a logic puzzle that is anything but devious, and Sarah Jane's amazing marksmanship.

Discovery season 3 starts with a bang and 1,000 years later. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how Burnham has become more likable, and how the fall of the Federation as a plot point creates interesting storytelling opportunities for Star Trek.

For the last several years, the Canadian Fr. Michel Rodrigue as been reporting revelations of apocalyptic world events to start in October 2020. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask who is Fr. Rodrigue, what does he claim, are his revelations really from God, and how likely are they to happen?

The first season of the animated Trek series "Lower Decks" is complete; Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory have discussed each episode; and they've compiled that discussion into one Secrets of Star Trek. Find out why they think this may be the best first season of any Trek series and why they're looking forward to season 2.

Before he was a late night star, James Corden was a fan favorite guest star on Doctor Who. Jimmy and Dom discuss another episode the Doctor being domestic, the sweet love story that forms the backbone of the episode, and what kind of roommate the Doctor would be.

Some fans call it the worst DS9 episode, but is it really? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory also discuss the concept of a species that values games above all else as well as the practicality and fairness of a game where you have to learn the rules as you play. Allamaraine!

In recent years, some authors have been discussed a proposed prophetic event called the Warning or Illumination of Conscience, even claiming it will happen in 2020. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine how accurate these claims are and whether such an event actually take place.

An important thank you message and update from StarQuest's Dom Bettinelli.

The Doctor and the Master team up to save Earth from Axos. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss this 3rd Doctor story that includes a unique monster, officious government bureaucrats, and a scheming Master.

A trip to a peace conference is delayed by an encounter with energy being. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha look at another Trek story that focuses on an encounter with a being of pure energy who disrupts the ship by taking over crewmembers and appreciate Patrick Stewart's performance.

Supporters of a young Earth challenge the scientific consensus on the dating of the Earth and the universe, claiming radiometric dating doesn't say what others claim and that distant starlight isn't billions of years old. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine their claims and give their bottom line.

The Doctor and Amy meet Vincent van Gogh. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha review a fan favorite of new Who and appreciate how it deftly handles the issues of depression and mental health while also managing to tell an entertaining story.

Tribbles are back and this time they've got a glommer. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli talk about the sequel to the popular TOS episode, including the cameo by writer David Gerrold and why the tribbles and Klingons are pink.

After having considered the faith perspective on whether we must believe the Earth is relatively young, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli now turn to the scientific evidence for whether Earth is young or old, including radiometric dating and changing physical constants.

Jumping between 1966 and 1866, the 2nd Doctor and Jamie destroy the Daleks once and for all. Or not. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the Doctor's guile that almost alienates Jamie and the producers' attempt to kill off the very popular villains.

Lord of the Flies, TOS-style. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about Kirk's traditional views on child-rearing, the awkwardness of a pre-teen crush, and Dr. McCoy's violation of medical ethics in creating vaccines.

For centuries, Jews and Christians have read the Bible and thought the Earth is only a few thousand years old. But the scientific revolution claimed it's billions of years old. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what does the biblical and scientific evidence really say, how is it being misread, and by whom?

Introducing Vicki. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 1st Doctor story that includes the first new Companion to come aboard the show and the Doctor getting physical as they confront a killer's evil plan.

In their re-watch of the 1st season of Discovery, Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory have reached the mid-season finale, where much of the plot threads woven so far come together, and they discuss whether this is where Discovery finally hit its stride.

In his 1998 book, gov't psychic Ingo Swann claimed he'd been hired in 1975 to remote view certain sites on the Moon where he perceived alien bases. In part 2 of their discussion, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss whether Ingo was telling the truth and whether there really could be aliens on the Moon.

In this 2nd part of a 2-parter, the Doctor and Amy both win and lose. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about the losses incurred, a mother's mistakes, and ultimate sacrifices.

Enterprise's temporal cold war plot returns for this episode. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha look at the the cold war arc, the subtle twist on what "enemies" do here, and the inclusion of a religious subplot involving Phlox.

Government psychic Ingo Swann claimed in a 1998 book called "Penetration" that he was asked by a secret agency to do remote reviewing experiments suggesting an alien presence on the Moon. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what we should make of his claims of aliens on the Moon and even on Earth.

We've had so much great feedback lately and so much to say about the mysteries we've been discussing lately that we didn't want to shortchange listener feedback. That's why Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli have created this special BONUS episode dedicated to your Mysterious Feedback.

In part 1 of this 2-parter, Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the return of the Silurians in new Who as written by current showrunner Chris Chibnall and they appreciate the depiction of a loving dad helping a dyslexic son to read with patience.

Is there a spy on board Voyager? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the turning of Seska, the return of the Kazon and their crazy hair, and Chakotay's vulnerability and self-doubt due to being fooled by a spy in his crew, not once, but twice. And a poison apple.

In 1794, a Virginia family began experiencing supernatural manifestations that did not cease until they summoned Catholic priests to help. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask whether it really happened, what could explain the manifestations, whether it was ghosts or demons or both or neither.

We've added the 8th Doctor's Big Finish audio plays to our rotation of Doctor reviews, starting with Storm Warning. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss how different the 8th Doctor is from the TV movie, the use of Britain's dirigible disaster in the story; and the introduction of companion Charley.

The full-of-himself Julian Bashir gets his comeuppance when a criminal hijacks his brain. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the similarities to Jekyll and Hyde and to Les Miserables, plus the very different person that 1st-season Bashir was compared to later seasons.

On August 21, 1992, federal agents engaged in firefight on Ruby Ridge, Idaho, that started an 11-day siege of the Weaver family which left a mother and her son dead. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask how the situation started, who was at fault, and how did it all go so disastrously bad.

It's 2020, Amy is pregnant, Rory is a country doctor, and the Doctor is visiting. But is it real? Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss the Dream Lord (is he real?) and the moment in this season when Amy has to definitively decide whether her feelings lie with Rory or the Doctor.

The first appearance of the enigmatic Traveler starts the prodigy Wesley story arc. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the insufferable Kosinski, prickly Picard, and how everyone ignores poor Wes. Plus the story behind Diane Duane's script.

In August 1945, Americans welcomed the news that Japan had surrendered and World War II would soon be over. Yet Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli reveal that a desperate last-minuted coup plot by the military in the face of humiliating surrender almost derailed peace and prolonged the war.

The 7th Doctor and Ace find the happiest totalitarian state ever. Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory talk about this Orwellian Candy Land where sadness is outlawed and the punishment is death by candy in what was supposed to be a parody of Thatcherism and Margaret Thatcher.

Please enjoy this special sponsored episode of Secrets of Doctor Who that introduces you to season 2 "David Tennant Does a Podcast With...", including an excerpt of David's conversation with Jim Parsons of the Big Bang Theory.

Semi-affectionately also called "The Search for God", STV gives Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory the chance to discuss religion in Star Trek, but also marvel at the cringeworthy plot and secondary characters and even find some parts to praise.

Throughout human history, people in all cultures have sensed the divine and developed a bewildering arrays of beliefs and ideas. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore the conflict between belief in one God vs. many, the journey that God had led his people on through time, and how we should understand these concepts today.

The Doctor battles vampire-like creatures in Renaissance Venice. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the story's deeper connections to the season's story arc and how Rory's character arc begins to grow.

The Enterprise encounters a megalomaniac scientist ... again. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha talk about how this episode deals with the question of prison reform and justice; the origin of the mind meld; and what it all has to do with MacBeth and tantalizing.

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.

It’s a fifth Friday of the month, so Jimmy Akin is answering more weird questions, including did Jesus die to save extraterrestrials, too; can we get Jesus' DNA from Eucharistic Miracles; Is man God's favorite creature; how many angels can dance on the head of a pin; and more.

Jimmy talks about the progress we've made toward Starquest financial stability and how close we are to reaching break even. (We apologize for the second download, but there's an important correction we had to make.)

Jimmy talks about the progress we've made toward StarQuest financial stability and how close we are to reaching break even.