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Who am I, where am I, and why did I wake up with two podcasts, one them dressed as a Mugato? Mission Log: Reactor gets the party started as John and Jessica recap Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' "Human Best Friend", followed by Mission Log Live, where John and Holly hear our callers' opinions (but no karaoke open mic night)! If you missed our Mission Log: Reactor episode covering "Human Best Friend," be sure to check it out on YouTube for our full recap and review. Sign up at: https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog Then join us every Monday at 7pm PT / 10pm ET for Mission Log Live, our weekly audience call-in show where you can share your thoughts about the latest Star Trek episodes. Streaming FREE on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/missionlog For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/
What did Star Trek fans have to say in 1976? John Champion returns to The Trek Files for a look through Gene Roddenberry's fan correspondence. This season's selection captures a moment in Star Trek history, ten years after the original series debuted, but before the arrival of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. A Cincinnati attorney credits Spock's logic for helping persuade a jury. An artist shares his hand-painted "Mr. Spock" portrait… on an egg. A teacher explains how she's bringing Star Trek into the classroom, while another fan gently reminds Gene that he still owes her friend for a videotape. Documents and Additional References Fan corresponsence with Gene Roddemberry - 1976 Letters to Star Trek by Susan Sackett Gene Roddenberry's Inside Star Trek album NASA's Space Shuttle Enterprise
It's two podcasts for the price of one! Mission Log: Reactor gets creeped out as John and Jessica recap Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' house of space horrors, "The Griffin Incident", followed by Mission Log Live, where John and Holly scare up a number of reactions from our callers! If you missed our Mission Log: Reactor episode covering "The Griffin Incident," be sure to check it out on YouTube for our full recap and review. Sign up at: https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog Then join us every Monday at 7pm PT / 10pm ET for Mission Log Live, our weekly audience call-in show where you can share your thoughts about the latest Star Trek episodes. Streaming FREE on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/missionlog For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/
Authors John and Maria Jose Tenuto return to The Trek Files to share a seemingly ordinary filming notice distributed to guests at the Monterey Bay Aquarium during production of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. But for John, it's much more than a production handout, it's a family keepsake. In April 1986, John's parents unknowingly visited the aquarium on a day when Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, and the Star Trek IV cast were filming. They saved the notice, recorded the production on a home VHS camcorder, and brought home an extraordinary piece of behind-the-scenes history. Decades later, that footage and flyer helped document one of the franchise's most beloved films. Larry, John, and Mary Jo explore the logistics of filming at a working public aquarium, Leonard Nimoy's commitment to the film's environmental message, and how a family vacation unexpectedly became part of Star Trek history. Documents and Additional References Document of the Week Monterey Bay Aquarium visitor filming notice for Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (April 1986) Additional References Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Monterey Bay Aquarium Leonard Nimoy William Shatner John Tenuto Maria Jose Tenuto The Making of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home by John and Maria Jose Tenuto (Titan Books) Previous The Trek Files appearance by John and Maria Jose Tenuto discussing Star Trek II, Star Trek III, and Star Trek IV production history.
Following last week's look at the earliest concepts for Star Trek: The Next Generation, Larry Nemecek welcomes back author and historian Ben Robinson to examine Gene Roddenberry's handwritten response and the surprising conversation it sparked. Revisiting documents first explored in earlier seasons of The Trek Files, Larry and Ben trace the pivotal weeks of September 1986, when Gene challenged early ideas for a Starfleet Academy-centered series, questioned the show's heavy emphasis on Klingons, and argued that Star Trek's true strength had never been its characters alone but the stories it told. Some of Gene's observations proved remarkably prescient. Others reveal how his own thinking had evolved since the 1960s. Together, they paint a portrait of a franchise at a crossroads, just weeks before The Next Generation officially became the series we know today. Documents and Additional References Document of the Week Gene Roddenberry's response to the early Star Trek: The Next Generation series proposal (September 19, 1986) Additional References Early Star Trek: The Next Generation series proposal by Greg Strangis (September 1986) (revisited from Season 1, Episode 4) Gene Roddenberry Greg Strangis Rick Berman Ben Robinson Star Trek: The Next Generation Related Trek Files episodes: Season 1, Episode 4 — Early The Next Generation series proposal Season 13, Episode 2 — Gene Roddenberry's response to Paramount's proposal Season 15, Episode 11 — Greg Strangis' earliest notes for The Next Generation
After our Mission Log: Reactor review of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' season four premiere, "Valles Marineris," it's time to open the hailing frequencies. On this week's Mission Log Live, John and Holly say "hey" not to dinosaurs, but to our callers, sharing their reactions to the season premiere! If you missed our Mission Log: Reactor episode covering "Valles Marineris," be sure to check it out on YouTube for our full recap and review. Mission Log Patrons get Mission Log: Reactor a day early! Sign up at: https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog Then join us every Monday at 7pm PT / 10pm ET for Mission Log Live, our weekly audience call-in show where you can share your thoughts about the latest Star Trek episodes. Streaming FREE on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/missionlog For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/
Okay, in nearly a century of science fiction from the minds of Asimov, Roddenberry, Dick, Vergne, Card, Speilberg, Wells and "literaryly" every sci-fi writer out there, not one author or creator of stories has even thought of an endless infinite earth? You've got to be kidding me and these are the minds of our times that put Science Fiction on the map and they can't even touch on the subject of an earth other than a globe or going inside of it or some kind of simulation or interstellar travel to planets. Come on man, who are you fooling it looks like an agenda has been laid out. It looks like a line of demarcation has been painted on the sci-fi-hi-way. It ooks like we're under a null-info alert. While no one else wants to go there Art Stimmel has been there and back and he's here to tell you all about it with the assistance of Annie his AI assistant. Òh, yes, they also tackle the G-O-Deeeeeeeeply.Clickhearpodcast@protonmail.com
It's been a long road… and Mission Log is finally back with a long-overdue check-in. John, Norman, and Rod talk about where the show has been, what's ahead, and how the journey continues as we set a course for Star Trek: Enterprise. Along the way, they reflect on the evolution of the show, the state of Roddenberry Entertainment, and what it takes to keep a 2,000+ episode legacy going strong. Oh, and before we're done, a new voice joins the conversation. Stay tuned. Hosted by John Champion and Norman Lao Special guest Rod Roddenberry Welcome to Mission Log, a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast, where we explore the Star Trek universe one episode at a time. Each week, Mission Log examines a single episode of Star Trek, diving into its ethical subtext, metaphors, and cultural significance. From the show's most iconic moments to its hidden gems, we analyze what makes Star Trek one of the greatest science fiction sagas of all time. In every episode of Mission Log we… Recap the story and analyze key moments. Discuss the morals, messages, and meanings of the dilemmas presented. Debate whether the episode holds up and if the themes are still relevant. Join the Conversation: For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our exclusive Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and weekly video chats with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog SPECIAL THANKS the supporters of this week's show: Chris Garis, Julie Miller, Stuart, Michael Park, Paul Shadwell, Matt Esposito, Alan Simonis, Mike Richards, David Takechi, Mike Schiable, VADM Erickson, and Lars Seme Thanks to all of our Patreon Supporters https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/sponsors/ Want to share your thoughts on an upcoming episode? Email us at MissionLog@Roddenberry.com for a chance to be featured during the episode. Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryEntertainment THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Did you know we're on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn more about how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/roddenberryofficial THE RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/theroddenberryfoundation THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:Listeners like you - Support Mission Log on Patreon for early access to shows and the Mission Log Discord! Subscribe and Stay Updated:Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your preferred podcast player, leave a review, and join Mission Log on the journey of weekly deep dives into the Star Trek universe. Technical Director - Earl Green Producer - John Champion Associate Producer - Jessica Lynn Verdi Executive Producer - Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry Roddenberry Entertainment | All Rights Reserved
We're back! And it's time to go BACK in time with Strange New Worlds! Join us Mondays at 7PM PT/10PM ET for our live talkback for each episode, FREE on Patreon. We'll hear your thoughts and questions as we embark on this journey together! Sign up at https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog Jessica Lynn Verdi and John Champion return to Mission Log Reactor to chat about the Strange New Worlds Season 4 premiere, "Valles Marineris," and the question isn't WHERE are we...it's WHEN are we... SPOILERS ABOUND. Also! For more Trek Content, visit https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/ Join our community on Discord to share your own theories about the premiere. Subscribe for weekly Star Trek discussion breakdowns, and let us know in the comments: which classic adventure influences do you hope to see in future episodes?
Before Captain Picard. Before the Enterprise-D. Before Gene Roddenberry stepped back into the captain's chair of his own creation... This week on The Trek Files, Larry Nemecek is joined by author and Star Trek historian Ben Robinson to examine one of the earliest surviving documents in the development of Star Trek: The Next Generation: a September 1986 memo from writer Greg Strangis to producer Rick Berman outlining the first concepts for a new Star Trek television series. The document reveals some fascinating ideas: a Starfleet Academy setting, a young captain, a Klingon observer serving aboard a Federation starship, familiar themes of friendship, diplomacy, and the Prime Directive, but viewed through the lens of Cold War politics and 1980s television. Together, Larry and Ben explore why some of these ideas disappeared, why others evolved into the Next Generation we know today, and how the process of reinventing Star Trek began long before Gene Roddenberry ultimately reshaped the concept himself. Documents and Additional References Greg Strangis to Rick Berman — Early Notes on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (September 4, 1986) Additional References Greg Strangis Rick Berman Star Trek: The Next Generation Gene Roddenberry Ben Robinson Related Trek Files episodes: Season 1, Episode 4 — Early Star Trek: The Next Generation series treatment Season 13, Episode 2 — Gene Roddenberry's response to the early Next Generation proposal
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan is regarded as one of the finest entries in the franchise, but even classics continue to evolve right up until release. This week on The Trek Files, Larry Nemecek welcomes authors and historians John and Maria Jose Tenuto to examine a fascinating production document: a March 23, 1982 retake script created just weeks before the film premiered. The pages reveal subtle but important changes to some of the movie's most memorable moments, from Kirk's first encounter with David Marcus to the famous "Remember" scene between Spock and McCoy. How much did Kirk originally know about his son? Who actually performed the mind-meld hand seen in the reshoot? And how did a handful of pickup shots help shape what would become one of Star Trek's greatest films? Along the way, John and Maria Jose pull back the curtain on Nicholas Meyer's production, Harve Bennett's stewardship of the franchise, and the extraordinary efficiency that turned a modestly-budgeted sequel into a science-fiction masterpiece. Documents and Additional References Document of the Week Star Trek II Retakes Script Pages — March 23, 1982 Additional References Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan: The Making of the Classic Film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan Nicholas Meyer Harve Bennett Titan Books author page for Maria Jose Tenuto
Rec Deck™️ Welcome to the Third Romulans Bearing Gifts Cutbits aka REC DECK episode! Cutbits originated on the mother stream, Mostly Harmless Cutaway—little bits of audio tape that ended up on the cutting room floor, now packaged into a nice little program. In this Cutbit, we join the Romulans Bearing Gifts crew (Carl, Caleb and Eric) as they discuss the website/youtube channel, The Roddenberry Archive. This is a lost cut bits episode from 2023. Non-Chronological Release. WARNING: This discussion contains miscellaneous SPOILERS pertaining to the film(s) discussed and Doctor Who! If you are 100% spoilerphobic to films not yet seen, do not complain to us. The commentary is littered with EXPLICIT terms, concepts, and as always expect strokes of innuendo throughout. DISCLAIMER: Note: These Cutbits conversations are completely impromptu audio tapings and should be treated as such. This Cutbit was recorded Live on sometime in 2023. COMING SOON: RBG #90 LLAP |VL Caleb @CalebAlexader Cat @fancyfembot Carl @Robominister Eric @BullittWHO Prognosis Negative @ProgNeg Email: guidetothewhoverse ~at~ gmail ~dot~com Website: prognosisnegative.libsyn.com Patreon: patreon.com/progneg Facebook: facebook.com/progneg Produced by E.A. Escamilla
What if Star Trek's most iconic technology was really just a clever budget solution? This week on The Trek Files, Larry Nemecek welcomes back actor, writer, and Does It Fly? co-host Tamara Krinsky to explore one of the foundational documents of Star Trek: an excerpt from Gene Roddenberry's August 1966 Writer-Director Information guide. Among its many insights is an early explanation of the transporter, the device that would become one of the franchise's most recognizable inventions. What began as a practical solution to avoid expensive weekly landing sequences quickly evolved into a storytelling engine unlike anything else in science fiction. Together, Larry and Tamara examine how the transporter shaped Star Trek's pacing and opened the door to some of the franchise's most memorable stories. Drawing on Tamara's work analyzing science fiction concepts on Does It Fly?, the conversation ventures into questions of physics and philosophy. Is transporting matter actually possible? What happens to consciousness during transport? And how did a production shortcut become one of the most enduring ideas in popular culture? From Gene Roddenberry's original vision to modern discussions of science and storytelling, this episode beams directly into what makes Star Trek work. Documents and Additional References Star Trek Writer-Director Information (Revised August 30, 1966) – transporter section and production notes Gene Roddenberry Transporter Tamara Krinsky Does It Fly? podcast Does It Fly? – Is Star Trek's Transporter Really Possible?
Before Star Trek or The Lieutenant Gene Roddenberry explored his role as a television creator by developing a series for one of Hollywood's biggest stars: Joan Crawford. This week, Larry welcomes Roddenberry Podcasts Technical Director and Gene-ology co-host Earl Green to examine a 1961 memo in which Gene proposes major revisions to The Joan Crawford Show, a legal drama pilot titled A Man's World. The project never made it to series, but the document reveals a writer already demonstrating the storytelling instincts, character focus, and production savvy that would later define his career. Along the way, Earl and Larry explore Crawford's complicated transition from film to television, the realities of early TV development, Gene's final months at Screen Gems, and the behind-the-scenes negotiations that surrounded the project. They also discuss why the pilot script itself—examined in depth on Gene-ology—may rank among Gene Roddenberry's strongest pre-Star Trek works. What begins as a rewrite memo becomes a look into Hollywood in transition and Gene Roddenberry honing his craft years before the Enterprise ever left spacedock. Documents and Additional References Joan Crawford rewrite memo (April 28, 1961) Gene Roddenberry Joan Crawford on IMDb The Lieutenant on IMDb DeForest Kelley Gene-ology: A Man's World episode
Welcome to Gene-ology, a podcast by Roddenberry Entertainment that dives deep into the early TV writing works of Gene Roddenberry. To fans, they were the Great Bird of the Galaxy and the First Lady of Star Trek. To their friends and co-workers, Gene Roddenberry and Majel Barrett Roddenberry were, perhaps, slightly less mythic figures with their own very human quirks, but still beloved and admired. In this panel from the TrekTalks 5 telethon in support of the Hollywood Food Coalition, Gene and Majel are remembered by those who knew them. Podcast hosted by Earl Green & Ashley Thomas TrekTalks panel hosted by John Champion Panel guests: Fred Bronson, Denise Crosby, Ernie Over, Rod Roddenberry About Gene-ology Gene-ology explores Gene Roddenberry's early television scripts, including his lesser-known works before Star Trek using the Mission Log format popularized by Roddenberry Podcasts. We analyze the themes, writing style, and cultural impact of his scripts, and we even unearth stories from the Roddenberry archives that were never produced. Join us as we trace the roots of Gene's creative genius. In This Episode Memories of Gene Roddenberry and Majel Barrett Roddenberry from those who knew and worked with them Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments in the comments or reach out to us on social media or email us at missionlog@roddenberry.com Did you know Roddenberry Podcasts is on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, Mission Log: The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts BLUESKY https://bsky.app/profile/roddenberrypod.bsky.social THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryPodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryOfficial RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/TheRoddenberryFoundation Support the Show For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our Mission Log Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and a weekly video chat with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog Subscribe and Stay Tuned Be sure to subscribe to Gene-ology for more deep dives into Gene Roddenberry's early works. New episodes are released regularly as we uncover more of Gene's television legacy. – Gene-ology is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.com for more great content. Edited by Earl Green.
Artificial intelligence is beginning to transform how Alabama families access legal help during some of life's most difficult moments. From birth injuries and nursing home neglect to medical malpractice and other serious injury cases, families often face trauma, grief, uncertainty, and potentially life-altering consequences while trying to understand their legal rights. Now, "Mama," an AI-powered legal assistant, is serving as a first point of contact, helping families gather information, organize facts, identify potential issues, and obtain answers faster than traditional legal intake models. This timely discussion explores whether AI represents the next major advancement in legal services, healthcare accountability, access to justice, and consumer empowerment. Can AI improve access to legal help for families in communities large and small? Can it identify patterns humans might miss? Can it reduce barriers that prevent people from seeking answers? And what happens when artificial intelligence and human legal expertise work together to serve families more efficiently? Supporters say the technology can reduce delays, streamline case evaluation, and help families obtain guidance more quickly during times of crisis. At the intersection of artificial intelligence, healthcare accountability, consumer trust, and access to justice, technology is beginning to reshape the future of legal services.
Earlier this season, we explored an unusual piece of Star Trek history: a proposed sitcom starring Lwaxana Troi. Now, the story takes an unexpected turn. When listeners helped identify one of the creators behind the never-produced project, The Trek Files tracked down writer and media innovator Jack Myers, who hadn't seen the pitch document in decades. Together, Larry and Jack revisit Lwaxana in the 24th Century, uncovering how the project came together, Majel Barrett Roddenberry's personal investment in the series, and why Hollywood never gave it a chance. Jack shares memories of Majel's determination, her frustrations with the industry's limitations, and her belief that Lwaxana could carry a series of her own. Looking back today, many of the pitch's ideas (from AI-powered homes and android assistants to questions of identity, family, and cultural division) feel surprisingly ahead of their time. It's a rare opportunity to hear the history behind an unproduced Star Trek project directly from one of the people who helped create it, while reflecting on the changing world of television and the legacy of Majel Barrett Roddenberry. Documents and Additional References Lwaxana in the 24th Century pitch treatment (circa 1992) Majel Barrett Roddenberry Lwaxana Troi Jack Myers official site Star Trek: The Next Generation Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
The story of Star Trek's officially licensed 1994 stage production continues this week on The Trek Files as actor Adrian Cohen returns to share even more memories from Star Trek: The Lost Voyage of the Enterprise. Using a rare 1995 review from Total Theatre Magazine as the document of the week, Adrian and Larry Nemecek dig deeper into the ambitious London production that somehow brought transporters, Klingons, time travel, and a full-scale Enterprise bridge to the live stage — all during the height of 1990s Trek mania. This time, Adrian shares stories from the chaotic opening night when the lighting system catastrophically crashed just hours before curtain, forcing the audience to wait until 9:30 PM for a performance that somehow still became a hit with fans. He also reflects on the enormous pressure of portraying Mr. Spock, the audience reaction to seeing the crew materialize live on stage, and the bittersweet realization that the production's planned Broadway future would never quite materialize. Along the way, the conversation uncovers surprising connections to Adrian's later move to America, the early career of producer John Gore, and how one strange theatrical experiment became an almost-forgotten chapter of Star Trek history. Documents and Additional References Total Theatre Magazine review of Star Trek: The Lost Voyage of the Enterprise (Spring 1995) Adrian Cohen on IMDB Reference: Leonard Nimoy John Gore on IMDB John Gore on BroadwayWorld The Trek Files Season 15 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
Before there was streaming Trek or "immersive experiences," there was something almost unbelievable: an officially licensed Star Trek stage play in London in 1994. This week on The Trek Files, Larry Nemecek welcomes actor Adrian Cohen (credited at the time as Adrian Neil), who played Mr. Spock in the ambitious theatrical production mounted during the height of the Star Trek: The Next Generation era. Using a clipping from the London Evening Standard as the document of the week, Adrian recounts the surreal experience of stepping onto a full-scale Enterprise bridge in front of packed houses of passionate British Trek fans. What began as a skeptical audition ("I can't play Spock!") quickly evolved into a whirlwind production featuring transporter effects, Klingons, time travel, elaborate costume changes, and even an Enterprise flying out over the audience. Adrian and Larry explore how producer John Gore approached the material with both reverence and playful theatricality, creating something that celebrated Star Trek rather than parodying it. Along the way, Adrian shares memories of discovering just how intense Trek fandom could be, the pressure of channeling Leonard Nimoy's iconic presence, and the unexpectedly emotional reaction from audiences seeing Star Trek brought to life on stage for the very first time. This week, The Trek Files points a spotlight at a little-known corner of improbable yet completely inevitable Trek history. Documents and Additional References London Evening Standard clipping covering the 1994 Star Trek stage production Reference: Adrian Cohen on IMDB Reference: Leonard Nimoy John Gore on IMDB John Gore on BoradwayWorld The Trek Files Season 15 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
Thirty years ago, Star Trek: First Contact brought one of the franchise's most important moments to life: humanity's first meeting with the Vulcans. This week on The Trek Files, host Larry Nemecek welcomes actor, writer, and Does It Fly? co-host Tamara Krinsky for a uniquely personal look behind the scenes of that iconic sequence. Using an original production call sheet from April 23, 1996, the conversation takes us to the nighttime shoot at Charlton Flats in the Angeles National Forest, where dozens of extras helped populate the post-war settlement that would witness history. Among them was a young aspiring actor named Tamara, hoping to gain experience and maybe earn a coveted SAG card. What happened next was something straight out of Hollywood legend. During filming, director Jonathan Frakes singled Tamara out from among the crowd, rebuilding part of the scene around her reaction shot. Her featured appearance in the finished film earned her a day-player contract, a SAG membership, and a memory that has stayed with her ever since. Along the way, Tamara shares stories of chilly overnight shoots, watching the legendary cast at work, and experiencing firsthand the creation of one of Star Trek's most beloved cinematic moments. Documents and Additional References Star Trek: Generations II (Star Trek: First Contact) production call sheet, April 23, 1996 Reference: Star Trek: First Contact Reference: Tamara Krinsky Reference: Jonathan Frakes Reference: James Cromwell Reference: Patrick Stewart Does It Fly? podcast The Trek Files Season 15 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
This week on Geekstorians, we're boldly going into one of the strangest survival stories in geek culture: Star Trek, the franchise that has been cancelled, revived, mismanaged, overextended, rebooted, and pushed through nearly every major shift in modern entertainment.Born in 1966, cancelled in 1969, and kept alive by fans who refused to accept that decision, Star Trek became something far bigger than a struggling network sci-fi show. It became a constituency. A culture. A future people wanted to believe in.Dave traces the franchise from NBC's infamous letter-writing campaign and the death-slot third season, through Lucille Ball's unexpected role in getting the original series made, the rise of conventions and syndication, the expensive chaos of Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and the leaner, sharper rescue mission of The Wrath of Khan.Then it's into The Next Generation, first-run syndication, Roddenberry's complicated legacy, the rocky early years, the franchise boom of Deep Space Nine, Voyager and Enterprise, the Kelvin timeline films, and the streaming era of Discovery, Picard, Lower Decks, Prodigy and Strange New Worlds.Because Star Trek doesn't survive because it is well run.It survives because the idea underneath it is too good to kill.Geekstorians is the Webby-nominated documentary-style podcast from Geektown, exploring the strange, messy, brilliant history of geek culture.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/geektown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Trek Files welcomes back visual effects veteran Stuart Ziff for a firsthand trip into the making of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. This time, the documents are original production call sheets from April 1986, detailing the now-legendary "B-Tank" shoot where the Klingon Bird-of-Prey splashed down into San Francisco Bay with George and Gracie the humpback whales. Stu recalls the practical filmmaking wizardry behind the scenes: giant wave machines, lightning rigs, whale effects, and an enormous outdoor water tank built on the Paramount lot. Along the way, he shares stories about building a mechanical whale eye (for the wrong side of the whale), experimenting with blue dye for the tank water, and watching old Hollywood effects crews create movie magic in real time. Larry and Stu also circle back to Star Trek: The Motion Picture and Stu's experiences during the turbulent Robert Abel & Associates era, including a revealing memory involving a young Paramount executive named Jeffrey Katzenberg. It's a fond look back at the kind of filmmaking that required wind machines, carbon-arc lightning effects, scuba divers, towels, and "wetsuits for cast and crew." Plus: Stu discusses the new documentary being produced about his life and career, and how fans can help support it. Documents and additional references Star Trek IV production call sheets, April 18–24, 1986 Stuart Ziff documentary campaign: Indiegogo – The Stuart Ziff Documentary Reference: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home Reference: Leonard Nimoy The Trek Files Season 15 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
Before Star Trek: The Motion Picture reached theaters, its visual effects production was already becoming legendary… for all the wrong reasons. This week on The Trek Files, Larry Nemecek welcomes visual effects veteran Stuart Ziff for a firsthand account of the chaotic early days of TMP production under Robert Abel & Associates. Using internal memos and legal correspondence from 1977 and 1978, Larry and Stu trace the rapidly escalating budget, the mounting pressure from Paramount, and the growing realization that the ambitious effects work was spiraling out of control. But this isn't just a story about production disaster. Stu shares what it was actually like inside Abel's experimental effects operation during a revolutionary moment in Hollywood filmmaking, where engineers, artists, and filmmakers were inventing techniques on the fly in the years between Star Wars and the digital era. Along the way, Stu reveals how some of his work survived the production shakeup and made it into the finished film, including contributions to the unforgettable V'Ger probe sequence aboard the Enterprise bridge. It's a candid look at one of the most turbulent creative periods in Star Trek history, and a reminder that sometimes cinematic magic emerges from absolute chaos. Documents and additional references: December 6, 1977 legal correspondence regarding Robert Abel & Associates' agreement for Star Trek: The Motion Picture. May 17, 1978 Paramount memo objecting to Robert Abel & Associates' revised visual effects budget. Guest: Stu Ziff Reference: Star Trek: The Motion Picture Additional reference: the upcoming Stu Ziff documentary crowdfunding campaign at Indiegogo – Stuart Ziff Documentary Project The Trek Files Season 15 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
What if Star Trek had spun off into a full-blown sitcom starring Lwaxana Troi? To kick off Season 15 of The Trek Files, Larry Nemecek welcomes actor, writer, comedian, and Star Trek: Lower Decks star Tawny Newsome for a deep dive into an early-1990s pitch centered on Majel Barrett Roddenberry's Betazoid ambassador. The document up for discussion is a never-produced sitcom concept built around Lwaxana Troi; equal parts fish-out-of-water comedy, family chaos, and larger-than-life Trek energy. Together, Larry and Tawny unpack why the pitch feels both very of-its-time and strangely ahead of its time, especially now that Star Trek comedy has found new life through projects like Lower Decks. As someone who has not only starred in Trek comedy but also developed her own comedic Trek ideas, Tawny brings a unique perspective to the conversation: what makes sci-fi comedy work and how Gene Roddenberry's world always had room for humor alongside the philosophy and adventure. It's a fascinating look at a road not taken in Star Trek history and a reminder that sometimes the weirdest ideas in the archive are the most revealing. Documents and additional references ca. 1992 sitcom pitch centered on Lwaxana Troi and a proposed Star Trek comedy spinoff Guest: Tawny Newsome Reference: Lwaxana Troi Additional reference: Star Trek: Lower Decks The Trek Files Season 15 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
Listen below or click here for full show notes Subspace Chatter Kelvin Star Trek films are now FREE to watch on this streaming site William Shatner Hints at Return of “Star Trek” to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 – San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog “Big Star Trek Event” Planned For San Diego Comic-Con 2026, According To William Shatner – TrekMovie.com >>> Star Trek’s William Shatner on if Tarantino’s R RATED version is still possible Comic Con Liverpool – YouTube Trek Long Island – Long Island’s Trek Convention The real-world influence of Star Trek’s U.S.S. Enterprise | WUNC News Review: ‘The Art Of Star Trek: Lower Decks' Is A Beautiful Celebration And Window Into Roads Not Taken – TrekMovie.com In Vulcan, Alberta, Canada news… Vulcan County man proposing to build large data centre in the county | Calgary Herald Vulcan County celebrates Economic Development Week – HighRiverOnline.com Special Weather Statement issued for Foothills, Vulcan County, as spring storm approaches – OkotoksOnline.com CLICK HERE to see our ratings for Star Trek episodes and movies we have discussed on the show. Ratings ata compiled and maintained by Listener Diane Here are links to 47 additional stories.broken out by series, movies and other categories. CLASSIC TV SERIES (in order of premiere) Star Trek: The Original Series (1966 – 1969) [3 seasons] Star Trek’s Original Crew Was Changed By A Sexist Demand From NBC Spock’s 5 Best Star Trek: The Original Series Episodes, Ranked – AOL Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 – 1994) [7 seasons] Every Season of Star Trek: The Next Generation Ranked Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993 – 1999) [7 seasons] 10 Worst Episodes Of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Star Trek: Voyager (1995 – 2001) [7 seasons] Star Trek: Voyager Documentary Blu-ray Release Date And Special Features Revealed 30 Years Ago, Star Trek Created A Bizarre Controversy That Still Haunts The Franchise STREAMING SERIES AND MOVIES (in order of premiere) Star Trek: Short Treks (2018 – 2020) [2 seasons] The Forgotten Star Trek Show That Solved a Historic Canon-Breaking Spock Error Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022 – present) [4th season yet to premier, 5th/final season filmed] Star Trek Has Officially Replaced Captains Kirk & Picard Star Trek: SNW’s ‘exciting’ Spirk relationship continues in season 4 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 Promises Exploration And Adventure Analysis: ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' S4 Teaser Reveals A Series Finally Exploring The Final Frontier – TrekMovie.com Every Star Trek: Strange New Worlds actor CONFIRMED for season 4 Interview: ‘Strange New Worlds' Cast Hypes Seasons 4 And 5, Talks Hope For ‘Star Trek: Year One' – TrekMovie.com Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 4 & 5 Tease ‘Final Boss Energy’ NickALive!: Star Trek: Strange New Worlds | Cast Shares Their Favorite Scenes | Paramount+ Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season 4 image teases rad landing party Star Trek Actors “Cried At Every End” Of Strange New Worlds' Final Season Episodes Star Trek: SNW actor teases ‘fantastic horror episode’ in season 4 Star Trek: SNW season 4’s synopsis may disappoint fans Star Trek Actress’ Three Words About ‘Strange New Worlds’ Seasons 4 and 5 Have Fans Pumped Paramount’s 5-Part Space Opera Deserves More Than Its 94% Rotten Tomatoes Score Star Trek: Starfleet Academy [2026 – present] [season 2 will end series] Star Trek’s Tawny Newsome felt she ‘hit the jackpot’ working on SFA season 1 Unannounced “Star Trek: Year One” series SNW’s Kirk & Spock reveal if they’d join Star Trek: Year One (should it be greenlit) Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Cast Tease The Arrival Of Sulu And Bones THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES (in order of premiere) Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982) Star Trek: Wrath of Khan Has Better Space Battles Than Star Wars Star Trek: First Contact (1996) Star Trek Nearly Recruited H.R. Giger To Revamp The Franchise’s Scariest Villains Star Trek Beyond (2016) Why Karl Urban Almost Didn’t Return As Dr. McCoy In Star Trek Beyond Trek movies that never were, for one reason or another, [such as Tarantino’s movie] 4 Lost ‘Star Trek' Films of the 70s: Roddenberry, Kirk and Kennedy, Black Holes and More (Exclusive) Quentin Tarantino’s R-Rated Star Trek Movie Gets an Update From William Shatner – ComicBook.com OTHER MEDIAStar Trek books, audio books New Star Trek Release Finally Reverses a Major Picard Injustice – ComicBook.com Star Trek Is Bringing Back Wil Wheaton’s Wesley Crusher In An Excellent Way, And Fans Won’t Want To Miss It New Star Trek book will detail rebuilding a beloved starship Review: ‘The Art Of Star Trek: Lower Decks' Is A Beautiful Celebration And Window Into Roads Not Taken – TrekMovie.com Star Trek Comics/graphic novels/magazines Early Look At ‘Star Trek: The Last Starship' #7 With Exclusive Preview From The Authors – TrekMovie.com Watch Star Trek actor celebrate first comic book appearance New Star Trek Release Collects the Best Trek Series in Years – ComicBook.com MISCELLANEOUS Franchise-wide/Miscellaneous Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were In Star Trek The 10 Best Performances In The Star Trek Movies, Ranked These Are the Best Star Trek TV Series as the Series Turns 60 – AOL How Star Trek Created Modern Blockbuster Movie Franchises by Accident The 20 Best Star Trek Episodes Of All Time—Ranked All 7 Banned Star Trek Episodes, Explained The “Lost Years” That Led Gene Roddenberry Back To Star Trek – Reactor ‘Star Trek’ Movie, ‘Star Trek: Year One’ and the Franchise Leaving TV Star Trek’s future is addressed by Paramount CEO Convention news/fandom NickALive!: Engage! The Highlight Video From Star Trek: The Cruise IX is Live! | Star Trek: The Cruise Main Mission Star Trek: The Next Generation novel“Q-Space”The first of 3 books in the “Q Continuum” storyPublished August 1998Written by Greg Cox End Of Show It’s about time to refill the dilithium chamber and get on out of here. Find Clinton at Comedy4Cast Find Chuck and Kreg at Technorama Podcast If you liked the show, please be sure to tell a friend about it. And subscribe, so you’ll never miss an episode. We’d love to hear from you. Follow us on BlueSky (@thetopicistrek), visit our Facebook page or call us at 816-TREKKER, that’s (816) 873-5537 Don’t put on the red shirt!
Welcome to Gene-ology, a podcast by Roddenberry Entertainment that dives deep into the early TV writing works of Gene Roddenberry. It features Lee Marvin in front of a high-tech viewscreen, but this is no starship - Gene-ology opens its investigation into a very unusual foray into "true crime" with Gene Roddenberry adapting the particulars of a notorious Seattle murder case into dramatic form. It's also a career milestone for Gene: the last script he would write for a show that he didn't also create. Hosted by Earl Green & Ashley Thomas About Gene-ology Gene-ology explores Gene Roddenberry's early television scripts, including his lesser-known works before Star Trek using the Mission Log format popularized by Roddenberry Podcasts. We analyze the themes, writing style, and cultural impact of his scripts, and we even unearth stories from the Roddenberry archives that were never produced. Join us as we trace the roots of Gene's creative genius. In This Episode A breakdown of key moments and themes in "Queen Anne Killer Unidentified: The Michael Olds Story". Exploring Gene Roddenberry's evolving style and storytelling. How this episode ties into the broader TV landscape of the time and reflects the early seeds of Roddenberry's visionary work. Guest stars and unique production elements that bring this episode to life. Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments in the comments or reach out to us on social media or email us at missionlog@roddenberry.com Did you know Roddenberry Podcasts is on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, Mission Log: The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts BLUESKY https://bsky.app/profile/roddenberrypod.bsky.social THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryPodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryOfficial RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/TheRoddenberryFoundation Support the Show For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our Mission Log Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and a weekly video chat with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog Subscribe and Stay Tuned Be sure to subscribe to Gene-ology for more deep dives into Gene Roddenberry's early works. New episodes are released regularly as we uncover more of Gene's television legacy. – Gene-ology is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.com for more great content. Edited by Earl Green.
Welcome to Gene-ology, a podcast by Roddenberry Entertainment that dives deep into the early TV writing works of Gene Roddenberry. With his own show just months away from launching, Gene Roddenberry racks up one last rodeo, so to speak - his final script for a TV western, and a fairly prestigious one at that, with famous faces and a message or two along for the ride with The Virginian. Hosted by Earl Green & Ashley Thomas About Gene-ology Gene-ology explores Gene Roddenberry's early television scripts, including his lesser-known works before Star Trek using the Mission Log format popularized by Roddenberry Podcasts. We analyze the themes, writing style, and cultural impact of his scripts, and we even unearth stories from the Roddenberry archives that were never produced. Join us as we trace the roots of Gene's creative genius. In This Episode A breakdown of key moments and themes in "Run Away Home". Exploring Gene Roddenberry's evolving style and storytelling. How this episode ties into the broader TV landscape of the time and reflects the early seeds of Roddenberry's visionary work. Guest stars and unique production elements that bring this episode to life. Special Segment: Dramatic Recreation Since this script is not available to the public, we've brought it to life with a dramatic recreation! Special guests Duncan K. Fraser, Kevin Ibbotson, Alan Simonis, Matthew Corey and Heather Engholm perform a key section of the script. Listen in as they bring the story to life in this exclusive performance. Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments in the comments or reach out to us on social media or email us at missionlog@roddenberry.com Did you know Roddenberry Podcasts is on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, Mission Log: The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts BLUESKY https://bsky.app/profile/roddenberrypod.bsky.social THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryPodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryOfficial RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/TheRoddenberryFoundation Support the Show For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our Mission Log Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and a weekly video chat with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog Subscribe and Stay Tuned Be sure to subscribe to Gene-ology for more deep dives into Gene Roddenberry's early works. New episodes are released regularly as we uncover more of Gene's television legacy. – Gene-ology is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.com for more great content. Edited by Earl Green.
Welcome to Gene-ology, a podcast by Roddenberry Entertainment that dives deep into the early TV writing works of Gene Roddenberry. One sweltering day in Hell's Kitchen in the 1930s. One policeman. Five wanted men. Five bullets left. And no one in the crowd who wants to help call for backup. Gene Roddenberry collaborated on a single episode of the anthology series G.E. True in 1962, and it's a half-hour powderkeg of true-crime dramatic tension. Hosted by Earl Green & Ashley Thomas About Gene-ology Gene-ology explores Gene Roddenberry's early television scripts, including his lesser-known works before Star Trek using the Mission Log format popularized by Roddenberry Podcasts. We analyze the themes, writing style, and cultural impact of his scripts, and we even unearth stories from the Roddenberry archives that were never produced. Join us as we trace the roots of Gene's creative genius. In This Episode A breakdown of key moments and themes in "V Victor 5". Exploring Gene Roddenberry's evolving style and storytelling. How this episode ties into the broader TV landscape of the time and reflects the early seeds of Roddenberry's visionary work. Guest stars and unique production elements that bring this episode to life. Special Segment: Dramatic Recreation Since this script is not available to the public, we've brought it to life with a dramatic recreation! Special guests Ashley Thomas, Jason Smith, Kevin Ibbotson and Dominic Nigro perform a key section of the script. Listen in as they bring the story to life in this exclusive performance. The original G.E. True episode can be seen on YouTube. Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments in the comments or reach out to us on social media or email us at missionlog@roddenberry.com Did you know Roddenberry Podcasts is on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, Mission Log: The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts BLUESKY https://bsky.app/profile/roddenberrypod.bsky.social THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryPodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryOfficial RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/TheRoddenberryFoundation Support the Show For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our Mission Log Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and a weekly video chat with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog Subscribe and Stay Tuned Be sure to subscribe to Gene-ology for more deep dives into Gene Roddenberry's early works. New episodes are released regularly as we uncover more of Gene's television legacy. – Gene-ology is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.com for more great content. Edited by Earl Green.
Andrija Puharich, telepathy, psychedelics, magic mushrooms, Glen Cove, The Séance That Changed the World, The Nine, The Sacred Mushroom, the extent of Puharich's papers, the staggering amount of channeled sessions Puharich did with the Nine, Ossining, the destruction of Puharich's lab, Gene Roddenberry, Roddenberry's Nine session, when did Rodenberry first learn of The Nine, Star Trek, Roddenberry's Lab Nine screenplay, Faraday cages, Puharich's use of Faraday cages when channeling the Nine, Bobby Horn, how long Puharich channeled The Nine, CIA, Pentagon, Navy, Army, Project ARTICHOKE, Project Pelican, Morse Allen, Uri Geller, Ira Einhorn, Itzhak Bentov. Puharich's possible links to Israeli intelligence, Greg's upcoming Puharich documentary, the Cosmic ClockThe Cosmic ClockMusic by: Keith Allen Dennishttps://keithallendennis.bandcamp.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Gene-ology, a podcast by Roddenberry Entertainment that dives deep into the early TV writing works of Gene Roddenberry. There are a million stories in the Naked City, and Gene Roddenberry told just one of them - but it was an unusual specimen for 1962 prime time, a story that decisively put women, including some with future involvement in Star Trek, at the forefront of a complex, challenging story. Hosted by Earl Green & Ashley Thomas About Gene-ology Gene-ology explores Gene Roddenberry's early television scripts, including his lesser-known works before Star Trek using the Mission Log format popularized by Roddenberry Podcasts. We analyze the themes, writing style, and cultural impact of his scripts, and we even unearth stories from the Roddenberry archives that were never produced. Join us as we trace the roots of Gene's creative genius. In This Episode A breakdown of key moments and themes in "The Rydecker Case". Exploring Gene Roddenberry's evolving style and storytelling. How this episode ties into the broader TV landscape of the time and reflects the early seeds of Roddenberry's visionary work. Guest stars and unique production elements that bring this episode to life. Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments in the comments or reach out to us on social media or email us at missionlog@roddenberry.com Did you know Roddenberry Podcasts is on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, Mission Log: The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts BLUESKY https://bsky.app/profile/roddenberrypod.bsky.social THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryPodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryOfficial RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/TheRoddenberryFoundation Support the Show For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our Mission Log Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and a weekly video chat with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog Subscribe and Stay Tuned Be sure to subscribe to Gene-ology for more deep dives into Gene Roddenberry's early works. New episodes are released regularly as we uncover more of Gene's television legacy. – Gene-ology is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.com for more great content. Edited by Earl Green.
Tim Russ joins Mission Log for a wide-ranging conversation about his life before, during, and after Star Trek: Voyager. From music to directing, from the discipline of Tuvok to the chaos of television production, Tim shares stories from a career that stretches far beyond the Delta Quadrant. Along the way, we dig into how characters are shaped, how stories are told, and why sometimes the most logical approach isn't enough. Mission Log welcomes Tim Russ for a conversation that goes well beyond "fascinating." Hosted by John Champion and Earl Green Welcome to Mission Log, a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast, where we explore the Star Trek universe one episode at a time. Each week, Mission Log examines a single episode of Star Trek, diving into its ethical subtext, metaphors, and cultural significance. From the show's most iconic moments to its hidden gems, we analyze what makes Star Trek one of the greatest science fiction sagas of all time. In every episode of Mission Log we… Recap the story and analyze key moments. Discuss the morals, messages, and meanings of the dilemmas presented. Debate whether the episode holds up and if the themes are still relevant. Join the Conversation: For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our exclusive Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and weekly video chats with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog SPECIAL THANKS the supporters of this week's show: Chris Garis, Julie Miller, Stuart, Michael Park, Paul Shadwell, Matt Esposito, Alan Simonis, Mike Richards, David Takechi, Mike Schiable, VADM Erickson, and Lars Seme Thanks to all of our Patreon Supporters https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/sponsors/ Want to share your thoughts on an upcoming episode? Email us at MissionLog@Roddenberry.com for a chance to be featured during the episode. Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryEntertainment THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Did you know we're on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn more about how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/roddenberryofficial THE RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/theroddenberryfoundation THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:Listeners like you - Support Mission Log on Patreon for early access to shows and the Mission Log Discord! Subscribe and Stay Updated:Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your preferred podcast player, leave a review, and join Mission Log on the journey of weekly deep dives into the Star Trek universe. Technical Director - Earl Green Producer - John Champion Associate Producer - Jessica Lynn Verdi Executive Producer - Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry Roddenberry Entertainment | All Rights Reserved
Show notes provided by Joe No TV show hits the small screen (Can we still say that?) fullyformed. Ideas, concepts, scripts need to be generated, and eventually come together in a "pilot" episode. The networks and advertisers need multiple reasons to put it on the air. TV is a business, and who is going to green light a program that doesn't make money? So the pilot has got to get it right the first time. Right? Well, maybe not. Since the medium took root back in the late 1940's, many initial pilots did not hit with "the suits'. And more often than not these projects died on the vine--never to be seen again. On to the next offering. One can picture studio execs walking out of the screening room harrumphingtheir way to another liquid lunch. Is that what happened on the Desilu lot on January 22nd,1965 when Gene Roddenberry's sci-fi opus--"The Cage" was dismissed as too cerebral? In an alternate reality (a staple of science fiction) there is a world where Star Trek died that day, never making it to TV screens across the world. Never going "where no man has gone before"! Bummer! But someone saw something with this "strange new world" story,and another pilot was ordered. Not unprecedented, but still rare for the time. Beam aboard the bridge of the NCC-1701 with James, Josh, John, and Commodore Joe as they explore the trappings, decisions, and pitfalls, and ultimately the triumphs of "The Cage", and "Where No Man Has Gone Before" the two TV pilots that begat the sci-fi classic--STAR TREK! Like the vast Alpha Quadrant that looms before the Enterprise, the guys navigate their way through the "trials and tribulations" Roddenberry and his staff had to endure to get their vision of a hopeful, exciting, exploratory future onto the small screens of the 1960's. And as you will see, it was no small task. So sit back in your center seat with your beverage of choice (I'deschew the Romulan Ale. It won't be legalized until the Dominion War.), and enjoy this compelling history of early TREK.
After our Mission Log: Reactor review of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 10, "Rubincon," it's time to open the hailing frequencies. On this week's Mission Log Live, John and Jessica welcome callers to share their reactions to Starfleet Academy's first season finale. Listeners have thoughts on Nus Braka's past and his future, and predictions (and wish lists) for the second season. If you missed our Mission Log: Reactor episode covering "Rubincon," be sure to check it out on YouTube for our full recap and review. Mission Log Patrons get Mission Log: Reactor a day early! Sign up at: https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog Then join us every Monday at 7pm PT / 10pm ET for Mission Log Live, our weekly audience call-in show where you can share your thoughts about the latest Star Trek episodes. Streaming FREE on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/missionlog For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/
Mission Log Reactor wraps up Season 1 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy with our recap and review of Episode 10, "Rubincon." Jessica Lynn Verdi and John Champion take their seats in the jury box as Nus Braka puts the Federation itself on trial. With an Omega particle threat hanging over billions of lives, the crew of the Athena must hold things together while the cadets step up in ways no one expected. Can a last-minute plea change a verdict? And what happens when Starfleet's ideals are forced to defend themselves in front of the entire galaxy? Join us for a spoiler-heavy discussion of the season finale as we break down the big moments, the character arcs, and the questions the episode raises about justice, truth, and the Federation's place in the future. Mission Log Patrons get the video version of Mission Log Reactor a day early! Support the show and get early access for as little as $1/month: https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog And don't forget: Join us Monday nights at 7PM PT / 10PM ET for our Mission Log Live talkback, where we hear your thoughts and questions about the episode. The livestream is FREE on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/missionlog With the Starfleet Academy finale behind us, Mission Log Reactor will take a short break until the next new season of Star Trek arrives. Until then, keep the conversation going with us on the Mission Log Discord! For more Mission Log and Roddenberry podcast content, visit: https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/
After our Mission Log: Reactor review of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 9, "300th Night," it's time to open the hailing frequencies. On this week's Mission Log Live, John and Jessica welcome callers to share their reactions to the first part of Starfleet Academy's first season finale. Listeners have thoughts on Caleb's behavior, theories aplenty about how the cliffhanger plays out, and thoughts on the wisdom of pre-installing party lighting on the Starfleet ships of the future! If you missed our Mission Log: Reactor episode covering "300th Night," be sure to check it out on YouTube for our full recap and review. Mission Log Patrons get Mission Log: Reactor a day early! Sign up at: https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog Then join us every Monday at 7pm PT / 10pm ET for Mission Log Live, our weekly audience call-in show where you can share your thoughts about the latest Star Trek episodes. Streaming FREE on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/missionlog For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/
We're back with a fresh recap & review of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1, Episode 9, "300th Night"! Jessica Lynn Verdi and John Champion celebrate the Academy's 300th night with Klingon bonding rituals, awkward turbo-lift heart-to-hearts, and one very questionable plan involving a stolen shuttle. Meanwhile, the return of the Omega particle raises the stakes across Federation space as the cadets race headfirst into danger. Join us for a spoiler-heavy conversation as we break down all the latest twists, character moments, and penultimate-episode drama from this exciting new television series. Mission Log Patrons get the video a day early! Get Mission Log Reactor first thing on Thursday morning for as little as $1. Sign up at: https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog Also! Join us Mondays at 7PM PT / 10PM ET for our live talkback for each episode, FREE on Patreon. We'll hear your thoughts and questions as we embark on this journey together! https://www.patreon.com/missionlog For more Trek content, visit: https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/
After our Mission Log: Reactor review of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 8, "The Life of the Stars," it's time to open the hailing frequencies. On this week's Mission Log Live, John and Jessica welcome callers to share their reactions to an episode that blends Thornton Wilder's Our Town with some deeply emotional Star Trek history. Listeners weigh in on the role of the humanities at Starfleet Academy, whether theater really helps the cadets process trauma, and why the story of The Doctor and SAM struck such a powerful chord. Along the way, we get thoughtful insights from fellow theater kids, teachers, and parents about how art, empathy, and storytelling shape how we understand ourselves and each other. If you missed our Mission Log: Reactor episode covering "The Life of the Stars," be sure to check it out on YouTube for our full recap and review. Mission Log Patrons get Mission Log: Reactor a day early! Sign up at: https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog Then join us every Monday at 7pm PT / 10pm ET for Mission Log Live, our weekly audience call-in show where you can share your thoughts about the latest Star Trek episodes. Streaming FREE on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/missionlog For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/
A quick check-in from John about the future of Mission Log. After wrapping Star Trek: Voyager, the show has been in transition, and this update shares what's next. We'll cover what's happening behind the scenes, what's coming up (including Enterprise), and how you can stay connected while we prepare for the next chapter. Mission Log isn't going anywhere. This is just a brief transmission to say thank you and to let you know what's ahead. Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryEntertainment THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:Listeners like you - Support Mission Log on Patreon for early access to shows and the Mission Log Discord! Subscribe and Stay Updated:Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your preferred podcast player, leave a review, and join Mission Log on the journey of weekly deep dives into the Star Trek universe. Technical Director - Earl Green Producer - John Champion Associate Producer - Jessica Lynn Verdi Executive Producer - Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry Roddenberry Entertainment | All Rights Reserved
We're back with a fresh recap and review of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1, Episode 8, "The Life of the Stars." In this spoiler-heavy discussion, Jessica Lynn Verdi and John Champion set the stage for an episode that stretches from Thornton Wilder's Our Town to SAM's home planet and straight into some of the biggest emotional questions of the season. Trauma, time, theater, and the Doctor's growing existential crisis collide as Academy attempts to reckon with the aftermath of the Miyazaki disaster. Does art heal? Does counseling help? And what happens when a character built to observe life demands the chance to actually live it? If you'd like to watch the full video version of Mission Log: Reactor — and get it a day early — you can join us on Patreon for as little as $1. Sign up at https://www.patreon.com/MissionLog (Patrons get Reactor first thing Thursday morning!) And don't forget: Join us Mondays at 7PM PT / 10PM ET for Mission Log Live, our FREE audience call-in talkback show covering each new episode. Bring your questions, theories, agreements, disagreements — and maybe even written notes. patreon.com/missionlog For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: missionlogpodcast.com
Spring Break for Starfleet Academy means desert weddings, warp slugs, forged transcripts, and a brand-new word entering the Trek lexicon: Ko'Zeine. After our spoiler-heavy review on Mission Log: Reactor, it was your turn to take the mic. On this week's Mission Log Live, callers weighed in on tonal whiplash, Darem's royal detour, Genesis' risky shortcut to command, and whether Caleb is the hero we're meant to root for… or the cadet we most need to yell at. Is "Ko'Zeine" a welcome breather after the Miyazaki disaster? Did the Khionian wedding work for you? Are we shipping the right couples? And what does it mean when Starfleet Academy swings from trauma to rom-com in a single jump? From Klingon bonding rituals to desert couture, you brought sharp insight, strong opinions, and just the right amount of chaos. If you caught our initial review on Mission Log: Reactor, this is the next step, the community conversation. If you didn't, you can always start there for our first impressions before diving into the live debate. Watch Mission Log: Reactor on YouTube youtube.com/@MissionLogPodcasts (Patreon members get Reactor a day early!) Join us Mondays for Mission Log Live Our audience call-in talkback show covering each new episode Streaming FREE every Monday at 7pm PT / 10pm ET on Patreon: patreon.com/missionlog For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: missionlogpodcast.com
Welcome to Gene-ology, a podcast by Roddenberry Entertainment that dives deep into the early TV writing works of Gene Roddenberry. Is this the best television script Gene Roddenberry wrote prior to creating Star Trek? Gene's singular episode of the popular medical drama Dr. Kildare is a powerful story full of rich characters and raw emotions - the bedrock of great television drama. Hosted by Earl Green & Ashley Thomas About Gene-ology Gene-ology explores Gene Roddenberry's early television scripts, including his lesser-known works before Star Trek using the Mission Log format popularized by Roddenberry Podcasts. We analyze the themes, writing style, and cultural impact of his scripts, and we even unearth stories from the Roddenberry archives that were never produced. Join us as we trace the roots of Gene's creative genius. In This Episode A breakdown of key moments and themes in "A Distant Thunder". Exploring Gene Roddenberry's evolving style and storytelling. How this episode ties into the broader TV landscape of the time and reflects the early seeds of Roddenberry's visionary work. Guest stars and unique production elements that bring this episode to life. Special Segment: Dramatic Recreation Since this script is not available to the public, we've brought it to life with a dramatic recreation! Special guests Jeff Gauntt and Bonnie Gordon perform a key section of the script. Listen in as they bring the story to life in this exclusive performance. Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments in the comments or reach out to us on social media or email us at missionlog@roddenberry.com Did you know Roddenberry Podcasts is on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, Mission Log: The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts BLUESKY https://bsky.app/profile/roddenberrypod.bsky.social THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryPodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryOfficial RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/TheRoddenberryFoundation Support the Show For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our Mission Log Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and a weekly video chat with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog Subscribe and Stay Tuned Be sure to subscribe to Gene-ology for more deep dives into Gene Roddenberry's early works. New episodes are released regularly as we uncover more of Gene's television legacy. – Gene-ology is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.com for more great content. Edited by Earl Green.
We're back with a fresh recap & review of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Season 1, Episode 7, "Ko'Zeine." Spring Break hits Starfleet Academy, and while some cadets plan a quiet getaway, others get swept into royal weddings, questionable science experiments, and decisions that could derail a pre-command future. Jessica Lynn Verdi and John Champion unpack the cultural clash on the Khionian "sunset moon," the consequence of cutting corners on the USS Athena, and what this episode has to say about truth and accountability. It's a spoiler-heavy discussion as we break down the latest chapter of this new Trek series' the hits, the head-scratchers, and the character turns that may shape the rest of the season. Prefer to watch? Mission Log: Reactor premieres weekly on YouTube: youtube.com/@MissionLogPodcasts Want it early? Patreon members get Mission Log: Reactor a day before the public release — for as little as $1: patreon.com/missionlog And join us Mondays at 7PM PT / 10PM ET for Mission Log Live, our audience call-in talkback show — streaming FREE on Patreon: patreon.com/missionlog For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion: missionlogpodcast.com
After our Mission Log Reactor recap of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Episode 6, "Come, Let's Away," we opened the channel, and our Star Trek Pals delivered. This week's live discussion dives deep into the moral calculus of trusting Nus Braka (again), whether Starfleet's diplomacy still works in a fractured galaxy, and if the Federation's reputation for paternalism is something it simply can't shake. Callers unpack Ake's choices, debate whether letting the villain monologue is negotiation or naïveté, and question whether Starfleet has truly learned to meet other cultures where they are. Along the way, we get sharp psychological analysis, comparisons to Janeway and the Borg, musings on Shakespeare references, comic book lore in a post-Burn galaxy, and the eternal question: how much premise-swallowing is too much premise-swallowing? This is Mission Log Live: thoughtful disagreement, sharp insight, a few laughs, and space to wrestle with the bigger ideas behind the action. Watch our initial reactions on Mission Log: Reactor: youtube.com/@MissionLogPodcasts (Patreon members get Reactor a day early!) Join us Mondays for Mission Log Live, our audience call-in talkback show. Streaming FREE every Monday at 7pm PT / 10pm ET on Patreon: patreon.com/missionlog (Audio-only versions drop immediately after the live show.) For more Star Trek podcasts, videos, and discussion, visit: missionlogpodcast.com
Before she was Tasha Yar, she was Lieutenant Commander Macha Hernandez. For the Season 14 finale of The Trek Files, Denise Crosby joins Larry Nemecek to revisit her original 1987 audition sides for Star Trek: The Next Generation, including early character descriptions that reveal a very different version of the Enterprise's security chief. Denise first read for Deanna Troi before Gene Roddenberry made a pivotal switch, reshaping the role of Macha Hernandez into Tasha Yar to fit Denise's strengths. In this week's episode, Denise reflects on the audition process, her favorite scene between Troi and Yar that was never filmed, and what those early creative decisions revealed about the direction of TNG. She also shares memories of those uncertain early days of production, the risk of launching a syndicated sequel to an iconic series, and the emotional complexity of stepping into (and eventually stepping away from) such a historic role. Along the way, Denise speaks movingly about loss after the Palisades fire, resilience, fandom, and what it means to revisit Star Trek decades later. It's a revealing look at how a character evolves, how casting can reshape canon, and how even discarded script pages tell the story of Star Trek's creative DNA. Documents and additional references Star Trek: The Next Generation Casting Character Bios & Audition Sides (January 30, 1987) Original description of Lieutenant Commander Macha Hernandez and early security chief character concepts. Star Trek: The Next Generation Pilot Casting Sides (February 11, 1987) Troi/Yar audition scene never filmed for TNG. The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
Welcome to Gene-ology, a podcast by Roddenberry Entertainment that dives deep into the early TV writing works of Gene Roddenberry. Target: The Corruptors! was a short-lived crime drama that unfolded from the perspective of an ace newspaper reporter. Gene turned in a single script that was significantly altered prior to broadcast, resulting in him receiving only a story credit. Find out what happens in both versions of "To Wear A Badge". Hosted by Earl Green & Ashley Thomas About Gene-ology Gene-ology explores Gene Roddenberry's early television scripts, including his lesser-known works before Star Trek using the Mission Log format popularized by Roddenberry Podcasts. We analyze the themes, writing style, and cultural impact of his scripts, and we even unearth stories from the Roddenberry archives that were never produced. Join us as we trace the roots of Gene's creative genius. In This Episode A breakdown of key moments and themes in "To Wear A Badge". Exploring Gene Roddenberry's evolving style and storytelling. How this episode ties into the broader TV landscape of the time and reflects the early seeds of Roddenberry's visionary work. Guest stars and unique production elements that bring this episode to life. Special Segment: Dramatic Recreation Since this script is not available to the public, we've brought it to life with a dramatic recreation! Special guests Shawn McDaniel and Brendan Berndt perform a key section of the script. Listen in as they bring the story to life in this exclusive performance. Join the Conversation What did you think of this episode? Share your thoughts, theories, and favorite moments in the comments or reach out to us on social media or email us at missionlog@roddenberry.com Did you know Roddenberry Podcasts is on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, Mission Log: The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube. Subscribe now! https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1 Follow us on Social Media: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts BLUESKY https://bsky.app/profile/roddenberrypod.bsky.social THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, follow us here: RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryPodcasts RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryOfficial RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/TheRoddenberryFoundation Support the Show For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our Mission Log Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and a weekly video chat with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog Subscribe and Stay Tuned Be sure to subscribe to Gene-ology for more deep dives into Gene Roddenberry's early works. New episodes are released regularly as we uncover more of Gene's television legacy. – Gene-ology is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.com for more great content. Edited by Earl Green.
This week, we're joined once again by Cash Edwards, who shares an intimate look at his longtime friendship with Star Trek: The Next Generation producer Herbert J. Wright. Their relationship, and shared history with Gene and Majel Roddenberry, sparked a bold attempt to revive one of Gene's most personal concepts: The Questor Tapes. In 2004, Herb, Cash, Rod Roddenberry, and a team that included Mike Okuda and Jules Urbach put together a new pitch for Questor—a project updated for the post-9/11 world but still driven by the timeless Roddenberry themes of evolution, ethics, and survival. From detailed series bibles to pilot treatments and fan outreach, Cash walks us through the chaotic early years of TNG, the roots of Questor, and the bittersweet story behind its final pitch. Document and additional references: Questor promo revision 10 - 2004 The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3 When Star Trek: Strange New Worlds premiered as a spin-off of Star Trek: Discovery, many fans were over the moon with the return to episodic televisions with tie-ins to The Original Series. For a time, it felt as if Trek's golden age was back. But as the series evolved, the producers and writers began to see it as a playground for experimental storytelling within the Roddenberry framework. In this episode of The Ready Room, hosts C Bryan Jones and Larry Nemecek look back at Season 3 and ask how well the limited 10-episode canvas was used and how the writers' strike impacted the quality of the stories and continuity of the stories as we examine each episode one by one. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Initial Thoughts (00:01:16) The Writers' Strike (00:10:42) There Are Ten Slots (00:16:08) Writing for a Wrap-up? (00:27:57) "Hegemony, Part 2" (00:31:27) "Wedding Bell Blues" (00:39:01) "Shuttle to Kenfori" (00:52:42) "A Space Adventure Hour" (00:57:58) "Through the Lens of Time" (01:10:19) "The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail" (01:23:11) "What Is Starfleet?" (01:31:39) "Four-and-a-Half Vulcans" (01:36:45) "Terrarium" (01:48:06) "New Life and New Civilizations" (01:54:46) Final Thoughts (02:06:50) Closing (02:19:21) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Larry Nemecek Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)
Writer/producer Mike Sussman returns to The Trek Files with a personal favorite: the creative and very meta preface to Gene Roddenberry's novelization of Star Trek: The Motion Picture. In it, Gene (writing as himself and as Admiral Kirk) casts the original Star Trek series as a fictionalized dramatization of real events. Wait… what? Join Mike and Larry Nemecek as they unpack Roddenberry's playful (and possibly defensive) retcon of Trek canon, written at a time when Gene was emerging as a sci-fi thought leader in the post-Star Wars, post-lecture-circuit era. It's Roddenberry as revisionist historian, spinning group consciousness, mind control revolts, and alternate human evolution… all in the introduction to his own movie tie-in novel. You may never look at the "real" Kirk, or Trek canon, the same way again. Documents and additional references: Admiral Kirk's Preface, Star Trek: The Motion Picture novelization by Gene Roddenberry (1979) Reference: Star Trek: The Motion Picture novelization – Memory Alpha The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
What happens when your sci-fi franchise is also a part-time science think tank? This week, Rick Sternbach returns to The Trek Files to discuss a set of internal memos he and Michael Okuda sent to the TNG production team, an essential peek behind the curtain at how plausible science and week-to-week TV production collided during the Berman era. These "tech notes" weren't just background noise. They helped shape the direction of key episodes, lent credibility to futuristic concepts like nanotechnology and AI, and quietly preserved Trek's internal logic. From computer core comparisons to white dwarf fragments, Rick walks us through how the art department helped make the 24th century feel real and even got a line read by Scotty. Whether you're a longtime fan of the TNG Technical Manual or just someone who geeks out over starship systems, this one's for you. Documents and Additional References: Technical Memo: "Evolution" – notes on nanotechnology, AI behavior, and micro-replication systems in TNG S3E1 Technical Memo: "Hollow Pursuits" – science commentary and plausible extrapolations for the episode's holodeck failure storyline Technical Memo: "The Most Toys" – suggestions on transporter physics and energy beam effects Naren Shankar (science advisor and writer, TNG Seasons 3–7) Joan Pearce (continuity consultant, Roddenberry-era Star Trek) The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!
Maman! Hey, Maman! I'm glad we caught you! I wanted to invite you to take a trip with Effie and myself to New York City of 1968. Specifically 811 East 68th Street, Apt 12B – a quite extraordinary apartment with an exceptional new tenant – Class 1 supervisor 194 – Codename: Gary Seven. He, his "cat" Isis and his secretary Roberta Lincoln will be taking over the season 2 finale of Star Trek – and while they were making it, they may have even thought it would the series finale. Crazy times call for crazy parachutes, Maman.