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Each Holy Saturday, the Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem emerges from the tomb of Christ with the Holy Fire that goes out around the world. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli ask if the fire is lit by God or does it have a natural source and what we can learn about this historic rite.
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Every year, tech geeks get new software and gadgets, so Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Joseph Sund, and Victor Lams discuss their favorite tech from 2023, including retro gaming, home appliances, and more. Plus the problems of zombie scientific studies and other headlines.
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Focusing on Peter Jackson’s Fellowship of the Ring, Jeff Haecker, Thomas Salerno, and Alix Murray share their experiences of the film; highlights, including Boromir’s redemptive death; its cultural impact; controversies about changes from the books; and more.
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Eminent domain! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss DS9’s “Progress,” including themes of societal good vs. individual rights; the limits of governmental authority, and Kira’s transition from rebel to government official and her ethical and moral dilemmas.
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Dr. Felger is back! Jack Baruzzini, Lisa Jones, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Victor Lams discuss the story’s humor, the on-set ad libs, and character dynamics, as well as speculate why fans initially panned this episode. Plus how close to a real computer coding environment it gets.
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Many reports of near-death experiences sound positive and uplifting and blissful. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss those that are reported as distinctly negative and distressing. What happens in them, what do they mean, and what are their implications?
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A marketing company has claimed it can listen in on people’s smartphones and digital assistants. Dom Bettinelli and Joanne Mercier discuss why it is likely untrue, but also how we can all do more to protect our privacy and be aware of how we “leak” data about ourselves all the time.
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The animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender is known for its rich mythology and profound themes. Robert King, Kathryn Laffrey, Jeff Haecker and Thomas Salerno discuss how it appeals to all ages, and the themes of unity, balance, and the journey toward self-awareness and acceptance.
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The 15th Doctor starts his run and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss everything, including what they think of the new Doctor, his new Companion, the fairytale shift, the themes of family and goodness of babies, and who is Mrs. Flood?
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Dive into LEGO Star Wars animated series Droid Tales, as Robert King, Kathryn Laffrey, and Thomas Salerno discuss its humor, nostalgia, and deeper emotional connections with the Star Wars universe. Explore themes of friendship, loyalty, and ethics and the character development of C3PO.
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It’s a standard scifi plot of a dangerous race in space, but Jack Baruzzini, Lisa Jones, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Victor Lams each find something they like about it, from the interesting aliens to the comedic elements to the character chemistry.
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We’re celebrating Life Day during Christmas. Angela Sealana, Thomas Salerno, Kathryn Laffrey, Patrick Mason, and special guest Fr. Andrew Kinstetter discuss their Star Wars Christmas gifts, take SW-themed quizzes, and have a SW-themed party in a video livestream!
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It’s almost New Years, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, about topics like can you marry an alien; baptizing faeries or unborn babies; what the Soul Gem or the Borg do to your soul; time travel and alternate universes; and more weird questions.
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One of Jimmy Akin’s favorite Old Time Radio shows is Lum and Abner, featuring the general store owner in Pine Ridge, Arkansas, and his employee. Every Christmas they did a special episode that gets at the true meaning of Christmas and so Jimmy wanted to share it with the listeners in a bonus episode.
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In what has become an annual tradition, Jimmy Akin spends a few hours on Christmas in a livestream, hanging out and answering questions, in particular for those who don’t have anyone to be with for the holiday.
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Over 23 years Tolkien wrote a series of letters from Father Christmas to his children. Thomas Salerno, Jeff Haecker, and Patrick Mason discuss their experiences of the letters; Tolkien’s whimsical, playful side; his devotion as a father; and the enduring magic of his imagination.
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Explore the science of Christmas trees with Caroline Knight, Lindsay Sant, and Lino Saubolle, including traditional trees from Europe and North America, but also some native Australian trees that would make great living Christmas trees.
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Ghost in the darkness? Jack Baruzzini, Fr. Cory Sticha, and Victor Lams discuss this story of a clash of species; the themes of respect and honor; how the understanding of the Unas shifts from beasts to intelligent beings; and the balance of security with diplomacy.
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In a Christmas special episode, Jimmy Akin and Cy Kellett discuss the mystery of the very first Christmas, what we really know about Jesus’ birth, and how we know it.
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In our last Christmas gift guide of 2023, Dom Bettinelli, Pat Scott, and Fr. Andrew Kinstetter give some ideas for last-minute gifts (or early Epiphany gifts!) Plus, they discuss Microsoft pushing OneDrive; DoorDash pushing tipping; and Google Maps pushing legibility.
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