Secrets of Doctor Who

Uncover the 3rd Doctor's Time Warrior with Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin with the debut of the Sontarans, a medieval warlord, Sarah Jane's debut, and the origins of Gallifrey. The post The Time Warrior appeared first on StarQuest Media.

StarQuest needs your support to continue our mission of bringing faith and culture together in ways that educate, inspire, and entertain with all of our shows. The post A Special Advent Message appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Jimmy Akin invites you to join him in Italy in 2025 for the Holy Year for a once-in a lifetime, 12-day pilgrimage to the mysterious shrines and holy sites of Rome, Assisi, and more. The post Join Jimmy and Dom for Livestream Event on 12/12/24 appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Dive with Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin into The Space Pirates, a 2nd Doctor story full of space Western vibes and colorful characters, but also with pacing issues, stretched plotlines, and minimal Doctor agency. The post The Space Pirates appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The First Doctor and the Earth’s destruction! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story of the Doctor encountering the last humans and a race of Monoids in a tale of disease, suspicion, conflict, and betrayal, highlighting the time-jumping narrative, Dodo’s introduction, and more. The post The Ark appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A metal scarce planet, a metal-rich one, and a dictator. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this 4th Doctor and Romana story, especially the humor and clever wordplay, the problematic creature design, and economic themes. The post The Creature from the Pit appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 8th Doctor in dystopia. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story of an Orwellian society, memory manipulation, state-enforced happiness, manipulated rebellion, and a twist that could only occur in an audio story. The post The Natural History of Fear appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 7th Doctor in a heist caper! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the turn of Mel and her relationship with Doctor given her crime connection; the unique alien crime bosses; the moral ambiguity in Lefty's journey; and how the Doctor chooses mercy and compassion even for monsters. The post A Life of Crime (Big Finish) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 5th Doctor encounters psychic snails and a human colony on the edge of extinction. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss Turlough's evolution from whiny traitor to capable companion; the destruction of the Tardis; and the Doctor's moral stance on intervening in human history. The post Frontios appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Romana and the 4th Doctor in Paris! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this Parisian romp that featured excellent guest stars and light-hearted, witty dialogue with some very timey-wimey elements. The post City of Death appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 3rd Doctor in a Welsh coal mine! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story of AI run amok, environmental disaster, and corporate corruption, plus a Companion leaves and we get the first female Doctor? The post The Green Death appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 2nd Doctor and the Ice Warriors. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this story of an invasion via the Moon and themes of hubris and overreliance on technology; redemption for prior cowardice and treason; and dynamic between Jamie and Zoe. The post The Seeds of Death appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 11th Doctor and Kazran Sardik caught up in the a giant tree. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this audio story featuring a colossal tree in space, acidic sap, space insects, and human castaways making a most odd ecology. The post The Top of the Tree (Big Finish) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 1st Doctor and Stephen end up in the midst of France's Wars of Religion. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the religious background of the Catholics and Huguenots; the significance of the Doctor's double; and how the story ended up as audio-only. The post The Massacre appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 4th Doctor and a regenerated Romana return to Skaro. Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the conundrum of getting caught between two robot-like enemies and how their logic drives a stalemate and how self-sacrifice confounds them. The post Destiny of the Daleks appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 8th Doctor and Charley in the Divergent Universe! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss their encounter with the termite-like Kromon whose society has been modeled on a soulless corporate bureaucracy and the resistance to their tyranny by the normally peaceful C'Rizz, a new Companion. The post The Creed of the Kromon appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Missy is back in this audio story as discussed by Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin. This is capricious and malevolent Missy, manipulating and exploiting others for personal profit, but also amusement in a cautionary tale of dehumanization and cruelty. The post The Belly of the Beast (Big Finish) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Six and Ten together! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this audio story that brings David Tennant and Colin Baker together to face the Weeping Angels and a possible bootstrap paradox with all the fun banter you'd expect. The post Wink (Big Finish) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Reenactment gone awry! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss this 5th Doctor story of an ancient alien evil feeding off psychic energy in a small village, including parapsychological elements and the capacity for violence by otherwise reasonable people. The post The Awakening appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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. The post The Armageddon Factor appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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. The post The Planet of the Daleks appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 2nd Doctor takes on The Krotons! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of world where humans have been bred to be a fuel source for aliens, harvesting the most intelligent for their mental energy and how the Doctor almost accidentally ignites a rebellion. The post The Krotons appeared first on StarQuest Media.

StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for all listeners and supporters of StarQuest's shows. The post A Special Message from StarQuest appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Does the 15th Doctor's season finale provide a satisfying conclusion? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the resolution of the season-long story arcs and the connections to classic Who lore, plus lots of feedback and a farewell. The post Empire of Death appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Who is Ruby? And who is the One Who Waits? Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the answer we get to one of those questions, as well as all the misdirections and dives into the deep lore of Doctor Who in this penultimate episode of the season. The post The Legend of Ruby Sunday appeared first on StarQuest Media.

On the latest episodes of the 15th Doctor, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the cautionary tale of social media bubbles and class/race insularity as well as the Doctor's jaunt in Regency England with an awkward, sudden relationship. The post Dot and Bubble and Rogue appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Ruby on her own. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the latest 15th Doctor-less Doctor Who story that touches upon the folk horror genre and spins up an intriguing mystery that be related to Ruby's true identity. The post 73 Yards appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 15th Doctor and Ruby land in a minefield. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the stories complex attitude toward faith (both positive and negative) and the exploitation of war for profit as well as the mysterious actor who keeps showing up in different roles. The post Boom appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 15th Doctor's season begins and Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the first two episodes, discussing how this Doctor echoes and differs from the 9th; the building mystery of Ruby Sunday; and the potential for a big "Twist" in the season. The post Space Babies and The Devil’s Chord appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 4th and 10th Doctors together! Dom Bettinellli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this audio story that brings Tom Baker and David Tennant together in the a monastery outside of time, the Cathedral of Contemplation as they work to keep the Daleks out. The post Out of Time (Big Finish) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The epic conclusion! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha delve into the final part of this 1st Doctor story, highlighting the tragic sacrifices, the dramatic and tense atmosphere, and the ambitious nature of the 12-part series. The post The Dalek’s Master Plan (Ep. 9-12) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The Master Plan continues! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha continue their discussion of this 1st Doctor story, including the return of the Meddling Monk as well as the struggle for power, the consequences of blind obedience, and the complexities of moral decision-making. The post The Daleks’ Master Plan (Ep. 5, 6, 8) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Tackling the first part of this mega 1st Doctor story, Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss Nicholas Courtney's first appearance on Who; the first Companion death; and the moral ambiguity surrounding characters like Mavic Chen and Sarah Kingdom. The post The Daleks’ Master Plan (Ep. 1-4) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 4th Doctor vs. giant squid monster. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the allegory of colonization and displacement of indigenous groups; the use of humor and wit in the dialogue; and the avoidance of simple good/bad guy divisions. The post The Power of Kroll appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A story that can really only be told in audio. Dom Bettinelli and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 8th Doctor audio story that delves into the nature of music and its importance to human existence; self-sacrificial love and mortality; and the evolution of Charlie's relationship with the Doctor. The post Scherzo (Big Finish) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

A 9th Doctor murder mystery, Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this Big Finish audio story of a murder mystery on a space station, highlighting the Doctor's quippy nature against the cynical attitudes of the other characters and how it sets the stage for his TV adventures. The post The Butler Did It (Big Finish) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 7th Doctor at The Rapture. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this audio story that takes the Doctor and Ace to Ibiza where they encounter two angels and the imminent Rapture. They discuss the Rapture within Christian belief; Ace's existential crisis; and the true story of Blessed Francisco Palau. The post The Rapture (Big Finish) appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 5th Doctor is caught in an undersea Cold War thriller that mixes in two old foes as well. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the highs and lows of the story; the more than usually bad effects; and the ethical underpinnings of the Silurians and Sea Devils. The post Warriors of the Deep appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Prisoner of Zenda in space! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 4th Doctor story and Romana's active role in it; the use of androids and technology in a feudal society; and the story's exploration of social class, technology, and hierarchy. The post The Androids of Tara appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 3rd Doctor on the frontier! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story of conflict between Earth and the Draconian Empire, manipulated by the Master and the Daleks, including the Cold War themes, political prisoners, and Jo's character development. The post Frontier in Space appeared first on StarQuest Media.

UNIT's origin. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 2nd Doctor story of a Cyberman invasion of Earth featuring the Brigadier. They discuss the ethical dilemmas of technology raised, as well as parallels to some contemporary figures in society. The post The Invasion appeared first on StarQuest Media.

River Song and the 10th Doctor are back. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this audio story featuring exploding jewels, an alien ghost, and a deadly sea voyage, including the ethical dilemmas around the preservation of civilizations. The post Precious Annihilation appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The First Doctor in the Trojan War! Dom Bettinelli and Jimmy Akin discuss the humor and history of the Doctor's visit to Troy; the departure of Vicki; connections to the Iliad and the Odyssey; and the "true" origin of the Trojan Horse. The post The Myth Makers appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 4th Doctor needs to solve an Agatha Christie style set of murders. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this story that includes good and bad robots, a decadent culture, and a giant sand crawling transport. The post The Robots of Death appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Romana is back! Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this 8th Doctor audio story that resolves Charlie's paradox, including a dicussion on free will, the ethical and moral implications of the manipulation of time, the impact of power, and more. The post Neverland appeared first on StarQuest Media.

The 6th Doctor meets Beep the Meep in this audio story. Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss this pre-2023 appearance of the villain; the story's commentary of television media and especially reality TV in the early 2000s; and how appearances can be deceiving. The post The Ratings War appeared first on StarQuest Media.

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? The post The Church on Ruby Road appeared first on StarQuest Media.

Clara's time with the 12th Doctor concludes and Dom Bettinelli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the story, including the unsatisfying ending of the Hybrid arc and Clara's fate; the theme of Companion tragedy; and the morality of the Doctor's actions. The post Hell Bent appeared first on StarQuest Media.

As the 60th anniversary specials conclude, Dom Bettinellli, Jimmy Akin, and Fr. Cory Sticha discuss the big change to regeneration; NPH's Toymaker as antagonist; the evolution of Donna Noble as Companion; the 14th Doctor's trauma and fate; and what may be next. The post The Giggle appeared first on StarQuest Media.

StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli has a special message for listeners as we approach the Christmas season. We need to hear from you this Advent and Christmas at sqpn.com/give The post A special message from StarQuest CEO Dom Bettinelli appeared first on StarQuest Media.