The Mandalorian, Ch. 6: The Prisoner

Is Mando Batman? Fr. Andrew, Angela, Mike, and Andrew H. discuss Ch. 6, how it draws out how the Mandalorian has changed (and hasn’t) since meeting the Child. Plus all the cameos and Easter eggs scattered throughout this episode.

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St. Mary’s, Galveston

St. Mary Cathedral in Galveston is the Mother Church of the Catholic Church in Texas. Tom and Noelle Crowe tell the story of St. Mary’s and of Catholics in Galveston, who endured together through rapid growth and upheaval, fatal epidemics, and devastating storms.

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Charlie X (TOS)

What if a petulant, immature teenager had god-like powers? That’s the premise of Charlie X, which Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss in this episode, as well as the emergence of Kirk as a 1960’s-style father-figure.

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It’s a Wonderful Podcast

To end the first year of Catholic of Oz, Lindsay and Caroline reflect back on 2019 and on their Advent journey to Christmas; discuss theories about the star of Bethlehem; and recommend their favorite Christmas movies in both drama and comedy genres. Thank you for listening in 2019 and we look forward to 2020.

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Fatal Colares UFO Encounters in Brazil (1977)

When strange objects appeared over Colares, Brazil in 1977, locals were terrified as light rays from the UFOs struck and injured people on the ground and some even died. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask what happened, what the investigations said, and what the objects could have been.

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Security Beyond Passwords

Even good passwords are no longer considered enough to be secure online today, so Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss the basics of two-factor authentication and some best practices. Plus our final installment of Christmas gift ideas for tech geeks.

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Big Finish: Live 34

To start the “Big Finish to 2019,” Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss this innovative 7th Doctor story told in the form of a series of radio broadcasts, a format only possible through an audio play like this. To finish out the year, SDW is doing four special episodes featuring favorite Big Finish audio plays.

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St. Nick and Snow Day

The Betts get their first snow day of the season and Dom discovers he doesn’t have to do all the snow clearing any more. The kids go Scouting for Food, while Melanie re-discovers her baking mojo, and then they discuss when the Immaculate Conception is not the Immaculate Conception.

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The Mandalorian, Ch. 5: The Gunslinger

Is this chapter of The Mandalorian just fan services or does it serve a deeper purpose in the story? Fr. Andrew, Thomas, Angela, and Mike also talk about how the climactic moments remind them of both Eve’s temptation in Eden and Jesus’ temptation in the desert, and the fall that comes from pride.

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Fr. Leo Heinrichs, OFM

Fr. Leo Heinrichs was a Franciscan martyred during Mass in his Colorado parish in 1908. Tom and Noëlle Crowe reveal the story of this humble German friar who was slain by an anti-Catholic anarchist during Holy Communion and at the feet of a statue of Our Lady, where he had said he would choose to die.

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Choose Your Pain (Discovery)

This pivotal first season episode of Discovery introduced both Ash Tyler and Harry Mudd. Jimmy Akin, Dom Bettinelli, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Rainn Wilson’s Mudd, talk about Tyler in light of what we later learn, and highlight Tilly’s prayer for the alien creature.

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Dealing with Christmas Crowds at Disney Parks

Christmas at the Disney Parks can be very crowded, but these tips for navigating the busy throngs apply to any tourist attraction over holidays too. Plus Deborah tells why her favorite spot for quiet is Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Sheri gives tips for taking a nap and finding quiet areas while in the parks.

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The Mysterious Death of Somerton Man (Tamam Shud)

On Dec. 1, 1948, an unknown man died on a beach in Somerton, South Australia and in his pocket was a piece of paper with the words “tamám shud.” Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli explore what it could mean, why the mystery of his identity has endured, and why it may be solved soon.

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The Morality of Impossible Meat

Plant-based meat products are a hot, new technology, but are they morally and ethically superior? Dom Bettinelli, Joanne Mercier, and Jack Baruzzini discuss that and whether you could eat it on Fridays in Lent. Plus more Christmas gift ideas for your gadget geeks.

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Journey’s End

In the final episode of the season, Donna becomes the Doctor Donna and Jimmy, Dom, and Fr. Cory discuss what it means, as well as whether the Meta-crisis Doctor is really a separate person from the Doctor. Plus a roundup for all the “Doctor’s Children”.

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Thanksgiving Misadventure

It was a great Thanksgiving for the Betts, but then Dom ended up in urgent care, while making a turkey leftovers soup. Meanwhile, Melanie wants to know what other people cook on the weekdays before Thanksgiving. Plus a low-key start to Advent.

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The Mandalorian, Ch. 4: Sanctuary

The latest episode of The Mandalorian continues to show the influences of Kurosawa’s ronin films, which Fr. Andrew, Thomas, Angela, Andrew H., and Mike discuss as well as how Mando’s relationships are changing him into a hero and father. And of course, plenty about Baby Yoda!

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William Grace

William Grace was an Irish immigrant to the US, founder of a successful company that remains to this day, a generous philanthropist, and first Catholic mayor of New York City. Tom and Noelle Crowe explore how Grace stood up to political corruption and worked to make a better life for the people of his businesses and city.

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