A "Jimmy Aiken's Mysterious World" podcast appreciation post

This summer I have been listening to my hands-down newest favorite podcast, “Jimmy Akin’s Mysterious World.” My podcast app recommended I listen to it, and boy did they get me right this time.

Those deep in the world of Catholic apologetic may already be familiar with Jimmy Akin, though I did not know him. And really, I have not followed any of his work outside the show since beginning listening. I bet it’s good, though, because he is an incredibly thorough researcher.

In “Mysterious World,” a show out of the Starquest Production Network, Jimmy and his co-host Dom Bettinelli examine every imaginable mystery in (and out) of our world, from the perspectives of faith and reason. Often, though, there is not much to say from the faith perspective, and for that reason the episodes are still enjoyable to anyone who just enjoys a good mystery. My favorite episodes have been on remote viewing, abduction stories, and the Nephilim, but every episode is worth listening to. How many podcasts do you know where that’s the case?

What’s beautiful about this is that, in addition to each topic being ridiculously researched, Jimmy never characterizes any theory or mystery, or its adherents, as wacky or worthy of ridicule. Instead, he simply looks at each case factually, with grace and humility. Listening to the show has helped me become more rationally skeptical, without compromising my ability to believe.

Thankfully, as they have said on the show, there is no end to the mysteries in this universe worth exploring, and apparently Jimmy and Dom have 8 years’ worth of material. I believe it! Go have a listen.