Jimmy Akin Podcast

The Pyramids of Mars - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

That Hope Is You, Part 1 (DIS) - The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

The Apostle of the Last Times? (Fr. Michel Rodrigue, Apocalyptic Prophecy, Private Revelation, Last Days, End Times) - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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?

Star Trek: Lower Decks, Season 1 - The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

The Lodger - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

Move Along Home (DS9) - The Secrets of Star Trek

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!

The Warning? The Illumination of Conscience? (Catholic Prophecy?) - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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 Update from StarQuest's Dom Bettinelli

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

The Claws of Axos - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

Lonely Among Us (TNG) - The Secrets of Star trek

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.

Science, Starlight, and the Age of the Universe (Creationism, Creation Science) - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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.

Vincent and the Doctor - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

More Tribbles, More Troubles (TAS) - The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

Does Science Show We're Living on a Young Earth? (Creationism, Creation Science)

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.

The Evil of the Daleks - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

Miri (TOS) - The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

Does the Bible Teach We're Living on a Young Earth? (Creationism, Creation Science) - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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?

The Rescue - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

Into the Forest I Go (DIS) - The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

Alien Moon Bases & Remote Viewing (Ingo Swann's Penetration) - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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.

Cold Blood - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

Cold Front (ENT) - The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

Remote Viewing Aliens on the Moon (Ingo Swann's Penetration) - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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.

The Hungry Earth - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

State of Flux (VOY) - The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

A Wizard Clip (Early American Catholic Ghost Story; Early Skinwalker Ranch?) - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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.

Storm Warning - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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 Passenger (DS9) - The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

Ruby Ridge - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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.

Amy's Choice - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

Where No One Has Gone Before (TNG) - The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

Desperate Coup in Japan! (WWII Emergency! The Kyujo Incident 1945) - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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 Happiness Patrol - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

Special: David Tennant Does a Podcast With...

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.

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier - The Secrets of Star Trek

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.

God and the gods - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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 Vampires of Venice - The Secrets of Doctor Who

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.

Dagger of the Mind (TOS) - Secrets of Star Trek

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.

George Washington, Vampires, Ancient Nukes, the Beatles, 9/11, Killer Bees, and other Patron Questions

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.

Did Jesus Die for Aliens? (And More Weird Questions) - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

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.

An important update from Jimmy Akin (CORRECTION)

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.)

An important update from Jimmy Akin

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

Timelash - The Secrets of Doctor Who

The 6th Doctor and Peri bounce between the 19th century and the far future while battling the Borad. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the identity of the young man named Herbert they encounter in 1885 Scotland and this story's connection to the 3rd Doctor.

Si Vis Pacem, Para Bellum (DIS) - The Secrets of Star Trek

The episode's title means, "If you want peace, prepare for war." Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how that applies to this episode in which the Discovery crew tries to recruit a new species into its war with the Klingons and the consequences of such.

The Cottingley Fairies - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

In 1917, two English girls claimed to have photographic proof that fairies, tiny, human-like creatures, lived in the woods near their home. Even Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes, agreed that it was proof. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine whether the photos prove fairies exist and look at the implications if they do.

Earthshock - The Secrets of Doctor Who

The 5th Doctor goes from dinosaur bones to Cybermen in space and back. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story clearly inspired by the movie "Aliens" and its at-the-time unprecedented ending. But were they celebrating or sad?

Fortunate Son (ENT) - The Secrets of Star Trek

FBI Secrets Exposed! - Jimmy Akin's Mysterious World

How did a group of 9 citizens expose the FBI's biggest dirty secrets in a daring 1971 break-in? In the second of two parts, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore their secret plan, how the FBI tried to catch them, and what secrets the FBI was trying to keep from the public's knowledge.

Flesh and Stone - The Secrets of Doctor Who

For the second part of this two-parter, Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss how the story advances the season-long arc about the crack in time, the revelations about Amy's role, and the beginning of River Song's increasing prominence in the Doctor's story.

Prime Factor (Voyager) - The Secrets of Star Trek

The Voyager crew has the tables turned when an alien species' Prime Directive stops them from getting home faster. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the morality of the Prime Directive, the limits of logic, and the danger of smooth-talking, French-accented aliens.