Jimmy Akin Podcast

Can technology make a society forget how to survive? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack “When the Bough Breaks,” asking: What happens when a utopia kidnaps for continuity?

For some people who have profound difficulties speaking, alternative communications systems known as Facilitated Communication and Spelling to Communicate have been developed and the results appear miraculous. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the methods, the claimed results, and the controversy surrounding them.

What makes a good Star Trek movie—and does Beyond deliver? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler break down its hits, misses, and mysteries. Does Krall's rage make sense? Why blow up the Enterprise—again?

Did the 12th century Irish bishop St. Malachy predict the popes through the end of the world? And did we just get the last one? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the prophecy of the popes, its accuracy, and what light that recent events shed on it.

What if words had power—and could kill? Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin unpack the chilling concept of a Word Lord who turns everyday speech into deadly traps. From ancient name magic to clever dialogue mechanics, they unravel the story's intricate use of language and its ties to Doctor Who lore.

Is peace always the right path? In this powerful analysis of one of the most popular Trek episodes, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler weigh Kirk's impossible choice, Harlan Ellison's bitter script battle, and the moral limits of pacifism.

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. We have more answers from Patrons' children and then more from the Patrons themselves.

Reality glitches, plot holes widen, and beloved characters are left hanging. In this deep-dive discussion, Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Chip Hines, and Jimmy Akin critique the rushed defeat of Omega, the wasted return of the Rani, Anita's sidelining, and Susan's unresolved arc. Was this truly a fitting end—or just spectacle masking a structural collapse?

What makes a hero? A cloaked mine traps Malcolm Reed outside the Enterprise, and Archer risks it all to save him. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler critique the ethics, logic holes, and missed opportunities.

It's a fifth Friday, so Cy Kellett of Catholic Answers Live is asking Jimmy Akin weird questions from listeners, about topics like why lunch meat is round but bread is square; how much loot the Magi gave the Holy Family; and more.

A perfect world crumbles as the Rani manipulates doubt to unlock the Underverse. Can Time Lord uncertainty crack reality wide open? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Chip Hines unravel the truth in this chilling setup for the finale.

What if Harry Kim had never boarded Voyager? A twisty reality, a washed-up Tom Paris, and a life he may want to keep. Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin ask: would you give up paradise for duty?

While scientists for years have been studying unusual experiences that happen to people as they approach death, they've only just begun studying whether animals have End-of-Life Experiences. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss whether they do, what kinds of experiences they have, and how they compare to human experiences.

A deadly twist on a galactic song contest raises questions of morality, writing quality, and character consistency. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Chip Hines debate the Doctor's actions, sci-fi logic, and the episode's cultural commentary. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

A sinister force stalks the Doctor and Belinda. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Chip Hines discuss the deadly secrets, moral sacrifice, and echoes of "Midnight."

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What if Vulcans beat Zefram Cochrane to first contact? T'Pol's tale of a 1957 Pennsylvania landing sparks debate. Dom Bettinelli, Father Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin unpack the truths and twists of Enterprise's “Carbon Creek.”

Jack the Ripper killed 5 women in 1888 and was never caught and became the most famous serial killer of all time. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli discuss the potential suspects and then Jimmy reveals who he thinks the evidence most strongly points toward.

A sentient cartoon, chaos gods, and 1950s movie magic collide in a surreal showdown. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin unpack Lux, where the Doctor and Belinda outwit a deity using fire, film, and fourth-wall breaks.

Moral boundaries are tested as Voyager's crew is unknowingly experimented on by hidden aliens. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler debate the ethics, character arcs, and sci-fi echoes from TNG.

Jack the Ripper's brief reign of terror gripped 1888 London. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli dissect the five canonical murders, chilling letters, and psychological clues, setting the stage to reveal who the killer might be.

A robot uprising, time fractures, and a reluctant companion spark the 15th Doctor's new season. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Chip Hines debate heavy themes, storytelling finesse, and where the mystery-filled season might lead.

From mutiny tension to eerie character shifts, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler break down DS9's Dramatis Personae, digging into first-season character dynamics, eerie performances, and what this telepathic twist reveals about the crew.

What is parapsychology? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli unravel this misunderstood science—from ESP and PK to life after death—while Jimmy shares the 9 foundational principles that summarize this field of research.

A story loaded with goodbyes, revelations, and fiery drama. Peri debuts, Turlough departs, and the 5th Doctor faces the Master one last time—plus a companion death. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss Planet of Fire.

Aging, guilt, and redemption clash in "Too Short a Season" as a "Badmiral" takes a deadly path to correct his past. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler dissect the episode's message—and its flaws.

A terrifying 1971 encounter in Fouke, Arkansas left two families rattled and a local legend born. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli break down the facts, theories, and shifting views on Bigfoot in this kickoff to a new look at Sasquatch sightings.

A creepy resort, a clone army, and a killer rejuvenation machine! The Fourth Doctor faces time-twisting tech and post-war paranoia in The Leisure Hive. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin unravel the twists in this kickoff to Tom Baker's final season.

What really happened at the infamous house on Ocean Avenue? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli unfold the unsettling tale as they analyze the chilling events behind the Amityville Horror through the lenses of faith and reason. Get a compelling look at one of America's most talked-about supernatural cases.

Is Star Trek Into Darkness a worthy reimagining or a misfire in disguise? Dom Bettinelli, Fr. Jason Tyler, and Jimmy Akin scrutinize its themes of sacrifice, militarism, and identity—while calling out the plot holes and Star Wars-style spectacle. A must-listen for Trek fans who value meaning as much as action.

Many Christians believe in the Rapture, a mysterious event in which all sincere believers will suddenly vanish. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli examine the concept of the Rapture, why it is controversial, and what the Bible has to say about it.

Dinosaurs roam London, but it's all a smokescreen! A twisted plan to restart humanity unfolds as Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin unpack fake spaceships, environmental extremism, and Mike Yates' shocking betrayal in this Third Doctor tale.

Kirk faces the Klingons for the first time, but the real power lies with the mysterious Organians! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler break down Errand of Mercy, the Cold War allegory, Kirk's “soldier vs. diplomat” stance, and its lasting Trek legacy!

The true body count of the Zodiac Killer of the 1960s and 70s may be far higher than previously believed. Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli analyze hidden victims, early crimes, and chilling patterns that suggest a longer reign of terror.

The War Games come to an end! The Second Doctor faces the Time Lords, the War Chief makes his move, and Jamie & Zoe say goodbye. Dom Bettinelli & Jimmy Akin break down the epic finale, its impact on Doctor Who lore, and the Second Doctor's legacy.

Archer's lost in time, the Suliban seize Enterprise, and the fate of the Federation hangs in the balance! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler break down Shockwave Part 2, tackling its time travel twists, conspiracies, and Vulcan tensions.

Strange things are flying in our skies, and the US government has been studying them for years. What are the 5 observables of UFOs—and the mysterious 6th? Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli break down Luis Elizondo's revelations and the tech that might explain them.

The War Games heat up! The Doctor's past collides with his present as the War Chief's true nature is revealed. Mind control, shifting battle zones, and a shrinking SIDRAT raise the stakes. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin break it all down!

Kes faces a life-changing decision as Voyager encounters bizarre space creatures! Is Elogium a compelling character study or a misstep? Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin break down the episode's awkward biology, Neelix's worst behavior, and the generational ship dilemma.

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. This time first answers questions from Patrons' children and then more from the Patrons themselves..

The War Games begin! The Second Doctor, Jamie, and Zoe land in a battlefield where history is out of sync. Strange generals, mind control, and a brewing conspiracy unfold. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin break down the action, twists, and new revelations in this Doctor Who classic.

Worf, Kor, and Dax set out to recover the legendary Sword of Kahless, but ambition threatens to tear them apart! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Jason Tyler unpack this DS9 tale of power, honor, and betrayal. Is the Empire ready for the sword?

In this second part of our look at the USS Hornet, Jimmy Akin and Dom Bettinelli welcome paranormal expert Loyd Auerbach to discuss his investigation of the reports of apparitions and ghost-like phenomena and what he discovered.