Podcast: Download
Corruption! Thomas Salerno, Robert King, and Patrick Mason discuss the finale of The Acolyte and its themes of ambition, betrayal, and moral complexity, including the portrayal of the Jedi order as flawed and corrupt. Is this the show we’d hoped for?
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
The basics of time travel. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the next episode of Prodigy; the ways the show keeps subverting the expected story path; and the themes of loyalty and friendship the show conveys.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
This tiny fork fern has the largest known genome of any organism. Caroline Knight tells Lindsay Sant and Lino Saubolle about its discovery and the biological implications of large genomes, such as slower growth and reduced efficiency.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
Home or not? Victor Lams, Lisa Jones, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story’s themes of trust, perception, and communication as they encounter sentient fog that’s only trying to survive.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
In May 2024, the Vatican issued new norms for how to evaluate reports of supernatural phenomena. In the first of a two-part discussion, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine how the new rules radically change the way these phenomena are classified.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece captivates with stunning animation and deep themes of transformation and redemption. Patrick Mason, Jeff Haecker, and Victor Lams discuss these themes and the power of empathy, trust, and forgiveness.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
The 4th Doctor wraps up the Key to Time story. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Romana I’s final appearance, the introduction of the Black Guardian; and the immoral illogic of mutually assured destruction.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
What connects the overall Star Wars saga with The Acolyte’s long-anticipated “Choice”? Angela Sealana, Jon Koral, and Thomas Salerno reflect on new & classic characters’ intentions, pride, fear & manipulation as they review the episode.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
Time paradox. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the 2nd episode of Prodigy season 2 and the future changes that affect the present, plus the clash of fear vs. hope.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
On Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Sunday, Lindsay Sant, Caroline Knight, and Lino Saubolle reflect on the message of Australian Church for the country’s indigenous people; then discuss the science of a remarkable fern; and conclude with some TV picks.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
Mawwiage! Victor Lams, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Jeff Haecker discuss Rya’c’s wedding and the usual pre-ceremony problems and some not-so-usual ones; the significance of Jaffa rituals; and the father/son, mother/daughter dynamics.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
Whitley Strieber’s 1987 book Communion told his story of alien abductions and became a bestselling book and movie. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine Strieber’s claims about the Visitors he describes and ask what really happened.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
Case or no case? Dom Bettinelli and Jack Baruzzini discuss the pros and cons of smartphone cases and screen protectors; the various options; and what steps to take if you decide to keep your phone au natural.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
The Daleks want the planet! Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 3rd Doctor story and the themes of courage, survival, and self-sacrifice that are found throughout, as well as the warnings against glorifying war and violence.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
Inklings! Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Alix Murray discuss literary friends J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, how their shared experiences and academic careers led to the Inklings and how that friendship shaped Narnia and Middle Earth.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
Teach/Corrupt: Love/hate? Thomas Salerno, Kathryn Laffrey, and Patrick Mason discuss their struggles with this series, while delving into its themes of corruption, manipulation, and the struggle of light v. dark.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
Prodigy season 2 begins! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler discuss the return of the Protostar crew, now a part of the new Voyager crew under Admiral Janeway, including the nuances of plot and character that elevate this above a simple children’s cartoon.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
Go is one of the most difficult strategy board games to master for humans and AI alike. Lindsay Sant and Lino Saubolle discuss a documentary about Google’s DeepMind’s 2016 match against human Go master and its significance for how it could tackle real-world challenges.
Listen Now
Podcast: Download
We meet the Genii! Jack Baruzzini, Victor Lams, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the introduction of the Genii, perennial thorns in the side of Atlantis, the challenges of forming alliances; and the ethical quandaries of leaving victims of the Wraith behind.
Listen Now