Trek Geeks: A Star Trek Podcast

Bill and Dan return to the mic and take on the classic DS9 episode, "Little Green Men!" On a trip to deliver Nog to Starfleet Acadamy in Quark's brand new shuttle, Quark, Rom, and Nog time travel and crash land in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947 becoming the first extra terrestrials to visit Earth--and possibly to negotiate a deal for profit! Will Quark take over the planet? How will they get home? Plus, don't forget about the premiere of "Thursday Night Geeks," the livestream from Trek Geeks premiering on Thursday, January 30th at 8pm ET! Are you ready for some Star Trek? ;)

VIVA LAS VEGAS! Dan and Bill returned from their annual trip to the Star Trek Family Reunion and had a blast--even though it took Bill forever to edit this episode. Seriously, blame him for why the Trek Geeks haven't been in your ear holes. There was probably a better way to say that. Sorry.  You'll get the full breakdown on their experience at STLV 2024: the good, the bad, and the potential for change. Plus, hear why Bill FINALLY enjoyed staying at the Rio for the first time in TEN YEARS! But wait, there's more! Audio from inside the vendor hall with Dan and Bill with special guest appearances from Lew from FanSets and also our first ever guest on Trek Geeks nearly ten years ago: Michele Specht! It's a super-sized episode and we hope you enjoy it! (Again, still Bill's fault.)

No Panels, No Parties? NO PROBLEM! In Episode 315 of Trek Geeks, hosts Bill and Dan dive into their recent adventure at the Trek Long Island convention. They share their excitement about meeting fellow Trekkies, attending fascinating panels, and exploring the vibrant vendor hall. The hosts recount memorable moments and what made the convention an unforgettable experience. Looking ahead, Bill and Dan eagerly discuss their upcoming trip to Star Trek Las Vegas. They outline their plans for the event which include--for the first time ever--ABSOLUTELY NOTHING! Fret not, though! Despite the fact they have no panels and no parties, they plan to have MORE than their fair share of fun!. Their enthusiasm is palpable as they anticipate the camaraderie and celebration of all things Star Trek. As a special treat for listeners, Bill drops a surprise announcement about an upcoming convention he'll be at on the East Coast. Plus an exclusive reveal for FanSets and all the conventional things on this most unconventional show!

RECORDED LIVE AT TREK LONG ISLAND In this special episode of the Trek Geeks Podcast, join hosts Bill Smith and Dan Davidson as they take you straight to the heart of the Trek Long Island convention. Episode #314 is a treat for all Star Trek enthusiasts as it features exclusive audio from an unforgettable panel with two beloved stars of the franchise: Ethan Phillips, known for his role as Neelix on Star Trek: Voyager, and Armin Shimerman, the iconic Quark from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Recorded live at the convention, this episode captures the dynamic and entertaining conversation between Phillips and Shimerman. With their unique perspectives and decades of experience, they share behind-the-scenes stories, share some memories of Rene Auberjonois, and reflect on the enduring legacy of Star Trek. Fans will relish the camaraderie and humor that these seasoned actors bring to the table, offering insights that only they can provide. Plus, find out why Ethan hates Dan so much! (No, really.)  Whether you're a long-time fan of Voyager and Deep Space Nine or new to the Star Trek universe, this episode is sure to delight and inspire. The engaging dialogue, humor, and heartfelt moments captured at the Trek Long Island convention make Episode #314 a must-listen for anyone who loves Star Trek. Tune in and join the Trek Geeks Podfleet as we celebrate the magic of Star Trek with Ethan Phillips and Armin Shimerman!

They're Back! Calling all Trekkies! Set phasers to "stun" because Bill and Dan are back on the Bridge of the Trek Geeks for another exciting episode, this time diving headfirst into the latest Star Trek news.  This episode promises a warp core-powered discussion of recent developments that are sure to energize any fan. Did you hear that filming for Strange New Worlds season 3 has finished? Bill and Dan will be dissecting what this might mean for SNW's future. Remember how we were all speculating on a new Starfleet Academy series? Well, buckle up, because the rumors have been confirmed with the casting of Holly Hunter in the lead role!  The guys will be exploring what this means for the franchise.  Plus, the Section 31 movie has finally wrapped filming! Bill and Dan talk about what excites them about this project as well as the return of an intriguing character.  And if that wasn't enough to boldly go where no fan has gone before, Bill and Dan will also have some exciting news to share about their very own Trek Geeks panels at the upcoming Trek Long Island convention! So, if you're on the Eastern seaboard and looking for a chance to engage with fellow Trek enthusiasts, be sure to tune in for the details.  Whether you're a Trekkie who's been boldly going since the days of Kirk and Spock, or a newer fan who's just discovering the wonders of the final frontier, this episode of Trek Geeks is sure to have something for you. So, raise a glass of replicated prune juice and get ready to geek out with Bill and Dan! 

The All-Outtake Episode! 2023 was a sad, sad year. The traditional year-end Outtakes Super Edit didn't happen as planned and the dozen of Trek Geeks fans everywhere were crestfallen that their holidays suddenly had no meaning whatsoever. Bill and Dan have decided to make up for it this week with an entire episode about NOTHING!  Now, now...calm down, Andy Fark. We know you're gonna say, "EVERY episode is about nothing," and, while you might be right, this one is even more nothinger. So THERE. Take that, doodoohead. So, this episode is what happens when Bill and Dan have no plan at all. There's some Star Trek in this episode, so all is not lost. However, if you want to hear the origins of the phrases "turkey neck" and "man up or s*it in your hat" in their lives, then be sure to listen all the way through. [Please do not operate any heavy machinery or vehicles while listening to this episode. We are not responsible if you fall asleep.]    

Our scheduled episode of Trek Geeks has been pre-empted for a discussion on the life and career of Kenneth Mitchell who passed away on February 24, 2024 at the age of 49.

The Flagship returns! (We know--we're pretty excited, too.) Bill and Dan take on the Season 4 NextGen episode, "Future Imperfect," where CAPTAIN Will Riker has lost 16 years of his memory, has to complete peace negotiations with the Romulans, and...oh...did we mention he happens to have a son named JEAN-LUC?!?! Something's not quite right in Riker's imperfect future, and we'll discuss it all! Also, Bill calls an audible on next week's episode and a 20 minute outtake?!  You read that right. Stay tuned after the end theme for a TWENTY MINUTE BABBLEFEST! It's all in Episode 310 of The Biggest Little Show This Side of the Alpha Quadrant!

Back in the Saddle Again   (See, this is a Western episode and "Back in the Saddle" is a song sung by a cowb...never mind.)   Some might say that it's been a long road gettin' from there to here. They might also say it's been a long time, but our time is finally near.   Well, that time is NOW! That's right Geeks, the Flagship has entered standard orbit and is beaming down a classic Star Trek episode this week: "Spectre of the Gun."   Bill & Dan have loved this episode since childhood and think it gets unfairly maligned with a good portion of Season 3. They'll tell you why everyone else is wrong and why you should give it another watch!   Plus, a recap of Trek Talks 3, new FanSets product news, and a celebration of 9 years of The Biggest Little Show in the Alpha Quadrant in the episode Bill's wife Kelly calls, "Episode Three Hundred and IT'S ABOUT F***ING TIME!"

We've been away for a while but, this week, we're back and we'll be talking about our annual epic event!   Enterprise's John Billingsley joins us for a preview of the upcoming Trek Talks 3--the streaming telethon inspired by Star Trek to benefit Hollywood Food Coalition! We'll discuss stars, we'll discuss panels, we'll discuss how this event keeps growing and how Star Trek fans help make it the only event of its kind in any fandom!.   Plus, Bill & Dan talk a little about what's kept them away and how good it is to be back in episode 308 of The Flagship!

This week, Bill and Dan welcome Trek Long Island organizer Stefanie Gangone and Matthew Kaplowitz of the Trek Untold Podcast to talk about the 2024 version of the convention! Hear all about how this convention got off the ground and the philosophy behind it, as well as some of the amazing Star Trek celebrities coming to Hauppauge, NY in late May! Stefanie will have an exclusive announcement of two Star Trek villains being added to the slate of guests and you are hearing it here FIRST! In addition, Matthew will talk about the state of Star Trek toys and the latest news from the 2023 North American International Toy Fair that took place recently in New York City. Get all the details in this episode of The Flagship!

This week, we bring you the exclusive live audio of Trek Geeks: Live in Las Vegas from FanGeeks Party 2023 with special guests John Billingsley, Bonnie Gordon, and Michelle Hurd! What do you talk about when you can't talk about Star Trek? Listen this week and find out! Huge thanks to our dear friends and partners at FanSets for an amazing time and to Alex and the entire team at Millennium Fandom for being amazing hosts!

This week on The Flagship, Bill & Dan are joined by actors Natalia Castellanos, Jonathan Del Arco, and John Billingsley for an update on the SAG-AFTRA & WGA strikes AND to tell us about an upcoming themed picket line event September 8th called "United We Trek!"  As fans, we know September 8th as Star Trek Day. This Friday, actors, writers will be joining with other creatives and Star Trek fans to walk the picket lines at the Paramount in both Los Angeles and New York City.   There's a LOT of information in this episode and you don't want to miss it! If you're not able to picket, there are other ways to support what's going on: Information on the letter writing campaign: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NoOUPICe1I3xKKSFItejxvol7SNB0Rmk/edit?fbclid=IwAR2OKy6PEtBCeLwRQTzKztAtK6MDqxn-6NdkEg9qW4cypgxB8jpnJJVsa0U Donate to the SAG-AFTRA Foundation to help those struggling to get by: https://sagaftra.foundation/

Bill & Dan have returned from Fabulous Las Vegas and STLV! There were laughs, there were amazing meals, there were reunions, but more importantly, there was a TON of Star Trek! They'll look back on their entire week in the desert and their return to the Rio All Suites Hotel and Casino for the first time in three years.  Hear about opening night in the Vendor Hall, some of the people they met--including Bill's conversation with a self-described "toxic Star Trek fan," and all about FanGeeks Party 2023 at Millennium Fandom Bar with special guests John Billingsley, Bonnie Gordon, and Michelle Hurd! Plus, they'll each pick their most favorite thing from this trip--and Dan's has absolutely nothing to do with Trek.  It was one of their favorite trips to Vegas EVER, and you get to hear why this week!

Bill & Dan preempt their discussion on Reg Barclay this week to tackle the news regarding the strike called by SAG-AFTRA and its members. With STLV starting in less than two weeks, it's important to know what is allowed for Union members and what isn't. Plus, they'll discuss the bad info that's out there and why fans can't be "scabs," and provide an important update regarding FanGeeks Party 2023! So, sit back, breathe easy, and get ready to pack your suitcase for Las Vegas with the Trek Geeks!

Just for fun, let's copy in what ChatGPT said about this episode! Episode 302 of the Trek Geeks Podcast dives deep into the highly anticipated third and final season of Star Trek: Picard. Hosts Bill and Dan embark on an enthralling exploration of the latest chapter in the life of the iconic Jean-Luc Picard. With a mix of excitement and trepidation, they analyze the key elements of the season, sharing their thoughts on the overall story arc, character developments, and the impact on the Star Trek universe as a whole. In the first segment, Bill and Dan delve into the season's overarching narrative. They discuss the bold direction the writers took, weaving together complex themes of identity, sacrifice, and redemption. The hosts dissect the major plot points, from Picard's quest to save the galaxy once again to the unexpected return of old allies and adversaries. With their trademark enthusiasm, they examine how the season's storylines resonate with the legacy of Star Trek and the enduring character of Jean-Luc Picard. Moving on, the hosts dedicate a segment to the character developments in Season 3. They highlight the growth and evolution of not only Picard but also the supporting cast. Bill and Dan explore the challenges faced by each character and their personal journeys throughout the season. They discuss the emotional depth and nuance brought to the performances, as well as the impact of the events on the characters' motivations and relationships. Fans can expect an engaging analysis of beloved characters and their triumphant or tragic arcs. The final segment of the episode focuses on the broader implications of Season 3 within the Star Trek universe. Bill and Dan reflect on the ways in which the season expands the lore and mythology of Star Trek. They examine the connections to previous series and the potential ramifications for future storytelling. With a keen eye for detail, they explore the Easter eggs, references, and thematic callbacks that will surely delight fans of the franchise. By the end of the discussion, listeners will have gained a comprehensive understanding of the impact of Season 3 on the Star Trek canon. I mean, that's kinda what happens, but not really. Bill & Dan talk about the return of our beloved TNG characters and the amazing performances by newer cast members--oh, and did you SEE that Enterprise D bridge?!  Catch it all in this episode of The Flagship. Without that "comprehensive understanding." I don't know what ChatGPT is talking about.

WEEK OF JUNE 28, 2023 Bill and Dan look at the shocking cancelation of Star Trek: Prodigy after one season, and its removal from the Paramount+ streaming service.

In episode 301 of Trek Geeks, Dan and Bill dive into the first episode of Star Trek: Discovery, "The Vulcan Hello."  The episode begins with Commander Michael Burnham and the crew of the USS Shenzhou investigating a mysterious object in space. When they discover it is a Klingon vessel, tensions rise as the Klingons reveal they are there to protect their territory from the Federation. This leads to a deadly confrontation that sets the tone for the rest of the season. How did they feel about the return of Star Trek to television after twelve years? Find out this week! (Don't forget, when you listen to this one, don't spoil the surprise that's dropped for anyone else!  #IKnow!) It's the start of 5 consecutive episodes of The Flagship, get ready and strap in!

Bill and Dan are back after an unintended and unscheduled hiatus to celebrate their 300th episode! They've planned this episode several times. At first, there were going to be special guests. Then, after that plan was scrapped, they were going to have someone else host Episode 300. After careful deliberation, they decided that the best way to celebrate such an epic landmark was to take it back to basics. So, in this episode, you'll get the guys talking about their friendship and the history of Trek Geeks--and they'll also work in some questions from the Trek Geeks Patreonicles and voice mails from Camp Khitomer! Sincere thanks to everyone that has ever taken the time to listen to the podcast. You are all a part of this journey and the fabric of Trek Geeks and, for that, Bill and Dan are truly grateful. Here's to 1,000 more!

Just a few weeks ago, we were incredibly fortunate to be joined by so many of our Star Trek icons to support the Hollywood Food Coalition in TREKtalks2. Plus, with the help of this amazing fandom, we were able to beat last year's total and then some! This week, we bring are proud to bring you some of the highlights of that day. We'll be joined first by Enterprise's John Billingley to talk about how TREKtalks2 went and get his thoughts on the day--as well as an updated total on fundraising! Then, we bring you the audio of our conversation with the Captain of the Enterprise himself, Anson Mount from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds! After that, it's the Captain of the first Enterprise--the one and only Scott Bakula from Star Trek: Enterprise! Don't forget you can STILL make a donation to the telethon by going to givebutter.com/trektalks today! It's a star-filled 299th episode of Trek Geeks and we hope you'll join us!

The Annual Airing of the Outtakes concludes this week with Part II of our Annual Special! In this second installment of the Outtakes Special, hear Bill and Dan's pre-show conversations from throughout the year. If you listen past the end theme of every episode, you've heard these in small doses. Now, you get them in their own episode. And, yes, people actually ask for us to publish this every year, believe it or not! We'll be back with an all-new episode soon!

It's become a tradition on the Trek Geeks Podcast and one of the most requested episodes we publish every year--the annual Airing of the Outtakes! In this first installment of the Outtakes Special, hear Bill and Dan's pre-show conversations from throughout the year. If you listen past the end theme of every episode, you've heard these in small doses. Now, you get them in their own episode. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll seek therapy*. (* = Trek Geeks cannot be held responsible for any therapy you may seek as the result of listening to the podcast.) Happy New Year, one and all!

So, it's been a few minutes since Dan & Bill have behind the microphone and this week, they're back to catch everyone up on life, the universe, and everything. (Hey, that's got a really nice ring to it!) Find out what they've been up to, the challenges life has presented, their highlights for the past year and their hopes for 2023. Plus, we'll have a special chat with Jay and Kayleigha from Science Division to talk about why they are not renewing their license to produce Tribbles. It's the one where we barely talk about Trek and we hope you'll join us.

This week, Bill & Dan look at the season finale of Star Trek's first season! The Enterprise tries to rid the Deneva colony of single cell organisms that have wiped out an entire city--including Kirk's brother--and now threaten even more life in the galaxy! We'll dive in on this episode and tell you what we love about it--and the things we didn't. And, yes, flying fake vomit and Shatner in a mustache are on the table!

Bill and Dan discuss the cancellation of Star Trek: Mission Seattle by ReedPOP, the officially licensed producer of Star Trek conventions in the United States.   

Our good friend Dr. Erin Macdonald returns to The Flagship to talk about her new book--and it's not what you might expect! Sure, she's an astrophysicist and an official Star Trek science advisor, but she's penned her very first children's book titled "My First Book of Space" and it explains things in space to kids. It also features original illustrations set against real photographs of space, which will let kids see space like they never have before (and get a little Star Trek in their lives)! Plus, she'll answer the question of why the crew of the Protostar doesn't turn into lizards when they travel really fast--and it actually makes sense to Bill and Dan! (No, really...)

Bill & Dan have talked about a LOT of Star Trek in almost 8 years. Every now and then they forget that they've discussed a particular episode but, this time, they forget WHY they wanted to talk about an episode. They'll look at Voyager's "Prey" from Season 4 which features a performance by the wonderful Tony Todd, as well as some standout tension between Seven and Janeway. Oh, and there are a LOT of corridor walk-and-talks in this episode. No, seriously. Like way too many. While they certainly had no idea why this was on the schedule, they sure do find a lot to discuss in this week's episode of The Flagship!

This week, Bill and Dan take a look at the second (and penultimate) season of Star Trek: Picard! Forced into an alternate timeline by the return of Q, Picard and crew must travel back to the 21st Century to protect an ancestor and protect the future that they know. Oh, and there's the Borg Queen, so you know some serious *BLEEP* is going to happen there. It was a season that had a lot going on, and we'll try to make sense of it all--and we'll tell you how we'd rate it, and the answers might surprise you! Plus, Lew from FanSets stops by for an extended conversation about their new pin lines and drops an exclusive announcement on their special 2022 Holiday Pin (pending licensing approval)! And stick around after the closing theme for the longest after-show conversation ever with a special cameo by Bill's wife, Kelly--all in this week's episode of The Flagship!

Ask a lot of long-time fans of the original Star Trek what the worst episode of the series is and, odds are, you'll get a response like this: "UGH....Spock's Brain!" This much-maligned season 3 premiere of TOS has been beaten up for decades and, this week, Bill and Dan stand up in defense of this installment. Find out why this is an episode they love and why they think you need to watch it again. So, strap on that Teacher helmet and learn a whole bunch of reasons to fall in love with this very campy yet high-concept episode of Star Trek this week on The Flagship!

Dan and Bill discuss the 35th Anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation, the off-again 4th Kelvin Timeline movie, revisiting Deep Space Nine, and the death of Academy Award winning actress Louise Fletcher.

This week, Bill and Dan welcome Star Trek royalty to the Trek Geeks Podcast! He's helmed a record 62 episodes of Star Trek across The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise. He's even directed the episode we refer to as "Star Trek's Finest Hour," DS9's "The Visitor," from Season 4. We are thrilled to be joined this week by our very good friend, David Livingston for a discussion about his time on Star Trek, the gift that was "The Visitor," the Hollywood Food Coalition, and meeting David Livingston cosplayers at Trek conventions! We hope you'll join us for an incredibly fun and enlightening discussion!

This week, Bill & Dan review their first Vegas convention in over three years as they recap the goings on at the 56 Year Mission Convention which took place a couple of weeks ago. What went right, what went wrong, and what was up with that live music at the FanGeeks Party, anyway? They'll talk about it all and how they hope next year's return to the Rio All Suites Hotel brings back some qualities this year's show was apparently lacking. All things considered, we still want to thank Creation Entertainment for the great show they put on. As life gets closer to normal in some ways, it's good to be able to come together with our Trek Family. 

For the first time ever, Bill & Dan had one of their legendary Stump the Geek contests live on the Las Vegas Strip as part of Creation Entertainment's 56 Year Mission Convention at Bally's Hotel and Casino! Ten questions. One massive bonus. Eleven lucky winners---and one panel-crashing Denobulan?! Join the Trek Geeks in Vegas and special surprise guest John Billingsley from Star Trek: Enterprise as they engage in the first-ever Stump the Geek LIVE!

After more than 3 years, Bill and Dan FINALLY return to the Vegas Star Trek Convention, and to kick off their trip, they're looking at one of TNG's Season 2 episodes! Five years ago, they reviewed TNG's second season in a See It or Skip It episode. Both Bill and Dan gave "The Royale" a big SKIP IT! Now, they look at this casino-themed episode and explain why their views on it have changed! Plus, how would they rate it today? Find out in this week's episode of The Flagship! VIVA LAS VEGAS!

Kor. Koloth. Kang. Three names which would strike fear into even the bravest of Starfleet officers. They were among the finest warriors in the Klingon Empire in the time of Captain James T. Kirk! Eight decades later, the elderly warriors have arrived at Deep Space Nine to fulfill an oath of vengeance. They're seeking their old ally Curzon Dax, and they are surprised to find their friend looks a little different. Will Jadzia be able to help them complete their Blood Oath?

With the Vegas convention on the horizon, we take a look at a topic that you can generally hear in casual conversation--our favorite episodes of Star Trek! Everyone has their own list, and in this episode of The Flagship, you'll hear ours! These are the episodes we each think are the five all-time best episodes of Star Trek, plus a list of honorable mentions. How does our list compare to yours? Let us know!!

This week, Dan and Bill recall the life, career, and legacy of Nichelle Nichols who passed away at the age of 89 on July 31, 2022. 

Bill and Dan return to The Flagship with a look at a classic episode from the original Star Trek! Season 3 saw Captain Kirk trapped in a different universe after investigating what killed the crew of the U.S.S. Defiant. He can't get back to the Enterprise in time and the crew has precious few chances to get him back in one of Dan's favorite episodes, "The Tholian Web!" We'll look at why this episode is one of Season 3's best, what bothers us about it, and some of the times this episode has been revisited in later Treks. We also announce a return to weekly episodes of The Flagship! HUZZAH!!

This week, it's the return of The News from TrekNews.net: Prodigy premieres on Nickelodeon, Creation announces no discount tickets this year, even more guests for Vegas, and the Season Finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds!

Back in May, Bill wrote an op-ed style piece for TrekNews.net titled, "Star Trek: Discovery Has Problems (& How They Can Be Fixed)," which was a constructive look at the issues many fans feel that Discovery has as far as crisis fatigue. It was an article that caused a lot of discussion and, this week, Bill and Dan return to break down the points the article makes and discuss how this enormously successful show might improve.

Dan and Bill return to The Flagship this week to discuss the third Star Trek film--the feature film directorial debut of Leonard Nimoy, "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock!" This is a movie that the Trek Geeks have been split on over the years and, in this episode, they'll discuss why. From casting, to script, to memorable scenes and what may just be William Shatner's finest performance in Star Trek, they'll cover it all this week on Trek Geeks!