Coming in May
on Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World
Jimmy and Dom discuss Christianity and Near-Death Experiences; continue in the Lost Scriptures series with 1 Esdras; venture into the mystery of the Year; and explore animal end-of-life experiences. Subscribe today!
Coming in May
on the Secrets of Star Wars
Our panel dives into the new season of Andor with the first four episodes of the series that many fans and non-fans alike think is the best Star Wars series. Be sure to subscribe today!
Coming in May
on the Secrets of Movies and TV Shows
We start a new occasional series of discussions on classic Westerns with John Wayne’s The Searchers and continue our Studio Ghibli series with Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. Be sure to subscribe today!
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Listen Now
Fan Films
From backyard battles to cinematic gems, Jeff Haecker and Thomas Salerno dissect three Tolkien fan films—highlighting heartfelt efforts, haunting blades, and heroic calls for aid. Featuring Halifirien, Legend of Gurthang, and the excellent Horn of Gondor.
Andor: S2, Ep 4: Ever Been to Ghorman?
From Gorman’s Les Mis vibes to Bix’s trauma and Mon Mothma’s political struggle, Jeff Haecker, Kathryn Laffrey, and Jon Koral unpack the moral decay, slow-burn tension, and rising stakes of Andor S2E4.
Our Man Bashir (DS9)
Bashir’s spy fantasy turns lethal when crewmates are trapped in his holosuite program. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack the Bond tropes, tech absurdities, Garak’s cold realism, and what makes a real hero.
Critical Mass (SGA)
As Atlantis faces sabotage from within, a deadly bomb and a hidden Goa’uld force tough decisions. With crossovers, moral dilemmas, and cultural contrasts, Victor Lams, Jeff Haecker, and Lisa Jones unpack this high-stakes episode.
The Mystery of the Year
What is a year, and how did we learn to track it? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli chart the evolution of calendars, from lunar to Gregorian, and even ponder timekeeping on Mars, with insights from history, religion, and science.
The Smart Home Letdown: Why the Future Still Isn’t Plugged In
Smart homes still aren’t that smart—Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Thomas Sanjurjo unpack what’s gone wrong. Plus: streaming 24/7, Nintendo’s overreach, and cheating with AI in college. With insights, laughs, and solid tech picks.
The Secrets of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Power, peace, and poisoned earth—Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind sparks a deep conversation on ecology, war, and Miyazaki’s early genius. Patrick Mason, Victor Lams, Jeff Haecker, and Thomas Salerno unpack its lasting resonance.
The Story and The Engine
A cosmic barbershop in Lagos reveals the power—and peril—of storytelling. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Chip Hines debate mythic gods, racial identity, barbershop culture, and whether this character-centric episode cuts too deep.
Andor: S2, Ep 3: Harvest
Hard choices as Mon Mothma faces betrayal and moral compromise, Robert King, Jeff Haecker, and Jon Koral discuss how Bix reclaims her agency through violence,and Cassian returns too late to save everyone.
The Vengeance Factor (TNG)
Ancient vendettas, broken diplomacy, and a tragic assassin—Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack TNG’s The Vengeance Factor and its moral echoes.
Breathtaking Basilicas: Sagrada Familia
Discover the breathtaking Sagrada Familia as Alix Murray and Kathryn Laffrey unpack Gaudí’s artistry, symbolism, and sainthood. From soaring towers to hidden symbols, they reveal the sacred story behind Barcelona’s iconic basilica.
Ripple Effect (SG1)
Parallel realities collide as SG-1 faces rogue counterparts and moral dilemmas in “Ripple Effect.” Jack Baruzzini, Lisa Jones, Jeff Haecker & Victor Lams unpack fan favorites, tech trivia, and hidden layers.
Lost Scriptures: 1 Esdras
How could a “lost scripture” one day be recognized by Catholics? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli unpack 1 Esdras—its dramatic tale, canonical debates, and what it reveals about faith, history, and unity.
Cloud Storage Uncovered: What Works, What Fails, and What Costs Too Much
From Dropbox’s hidden costs to OneDrive’s syncing chaos, Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter weigh your best cloud storage options—plus AI’s unsettling spiritual role and Apple’s courtroom loss.
Lucky Day
Ruby Sunday’s uneasy return to ordinary life takes center stage as Dom Bettinelli, Father Chip Hines, and Jimmy Akin tackle UNIT’s startling decisions and dissect Lucky Day’s pointed take on influencer culture and trust in authority.
Tolkien the Artist
From Middle-earth maps to Smaug’s lair, Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno & artist Alix Murray unpack the genius of Tolkien’s art, its symbolism, and its deep ties to his stories. Discover hidden gems of Tolkien’s creative world.
Andor: S2, Ep. 2: Sagrona Teema
Power plays and personal betrayals churn as Cassian tangles with a chaotic rebel cell on Yavin 4, while Mon Mothma faces threats close to home. Patrick Mason and Jeff Haecker unpack Andor’s deepening stakes and sharp commentary.
The Ambergris Element (TAS)
An aquatic world forces Kirk and Spock to become water breathers in The Ambergris Element. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin unpack the science, tech quirks, and cultural clashes of this animated adventure.
Can AI Handle the Housework?
Could your next housemate be a robot? The team talks Neo Gamma, the AI-powered humanoid assistant from X1. Caroline Knight, Lindsay Sant, and Lino Saubolle weigh the promise—and pitfalls—of a future with home-helping bots.
Epiphany (SGA)
The team debates Atlantis’ bold use of time dilation, McKay’s problem-solving streak, and why the ancients’ quest for ascension feels so hollow. Jack Barruzini, Jeff Haecker, Lisa Jones & Victor Lams unpack this layered episode.
Christianity and Near-Death Experiences
Are near-death experiences compatible with Christianity? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli break down key data, dispel myths about reincarnation and universalism, and highlight Jesus’ unique role in NDEs.
Sacred Secrecy: Tech Behind the Papal Conclave
Peek inside the tech shielding the papal conclave—from Faraday cages to anti-drone systems. Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier & Victor Lams unpack the fascinating blend of ancient ritual and modern security.
The Secrets of The Searchers
What makes The Searchers one of the most iconic Westerns ever? Dom Bettinelli, Thomas Salerno, Victor Lams, Patrick Mason & Fr. Chip Hines unpack its moral tension, visual power & cultural legacy.
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