Random Trek

Lisa Schmeiser, reporter, podcaster, and newsletter producer (subscribe to So What, Who Cares?), joins Scott to discuss Tears of the Prophets (DS9 S6E26). The discussion includes whether DS9 feels dated, if the Bajorns are a cargo cult, the finer details of Dukat’s charm, and the fate of Jadzia Dax. Next on Random Trek: DS9’s Whispers. Scott McNulty with Lisa Schmeiser.

Joan McNulty, retiree, reader, and Scott’s mom, joins Scott to discuss The Haunting of Deck Twelve (VOY S6E25). The Original Series, how Scott got into Star Trek, whether Neelix is annoying, and the merits of Capt. Janeway are discussed. The merits of being able to fly and which Star Trek tech you wish was real (transporters vs. replicators) are also mentioned. Next on Random Trek: DS9’s The Tears of the Prophets. Scott McNulty with Joan McNulty.

David Chartier, freelance content strategist and thinker, joins Scott to discuss Mirror, Mirror (TOS S2E4). Agonizers, golden belts, and Uhura’s alternate uniform are all discussed. Next on Random Trek: VOY’s The Haunting on Deck Twelve. Scott McNulty with David Chartier.

Manu Saadia, author of the forthcoming book Trekonomics, joins Scott to discuss Singularity (ENT S2E9). The economics of the Star Trek universe are discussed, as is why so many Enterprise episodes feature scenes in the bathroom, the merits of T’Pal, and whether or not Capt. Archer is a good captain (spoiler: he isn’t). Apologies for some of the audio in this episode, it would seem Skype isn’t a fan of Enterprise. Next on Random Trek: TOS’s Mirror, Mirror. Scott McNulty with Manu Saadia.

Aleen Simms, host of Less Than or Equal, joins Scott to discuss A Night in Sickbay (ENT S2E5). Porthos is sick, and it is all Archer’s fault. Plus thoughts on the theme song (yes, again), how Archer isn’t all that great at his job, and some problematic usage of T’Pol. Next on Random Trek: Enterprise’s Singularity. Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms.

James Callan, content strategist and trivia master, joins Scott to discuss The Sword of Kahless (DS9 S4E9). Topics discussed include the details of Klingon archeology, how finding the sword isn’t the point of this episode, and many observations about Klingon society (or the lack thereof). Next on Random Trek: Enterprise’s A Night in Sickbay. Scott McNulty with James Callan.

Marcos Huerta, astronomer, latino, and huge Trek/Sci-fi fan, joins Scott to discuss Man of the People (TNG S6E3). This episode is all Troi all the time (well, it is a lot of Troi, a lot of the time). Topics include how Troi’s character is largely defined by her relationships with other characters, the problematic nature of telepathy, 24th century medaitaror’s shocking lack of prepration for their jobs, and the astounding fact that Star Trek III isn’t as bad as you remember it. Next on Random Trek: DS9’s The Sword of Kahless. Scott McNulty with Marcos Huerta.

Courtney Wilburn, web developer and Levar Burton fan, joins Scott to discuss Symbiosis (TNG S1E22). This is a very special episode of TNG where we learn about the perils of addiction and the questionable tactic of having your entire planet’s economy depend on one crop. Interesting fashion, the allure of TNG, and questions about Dr. Crusher’s medical acumen are all discussed as is the Prime Directive and how Capt. Picard seems to apply it capriciously in this episode. Next on Random Trek: TNG’s Man of the People. Scott McNulty with Courtney Wilburn.

Shareef Jackson, STEM enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss “The Search, Part 1 and Part 2” (DS9 S3E1&2). This episode has everything: the revealing of the Founders, the introduction of the Defiant, and Odo turns into a rock. What more can you ask for? Topics include Star Trek captain’s surprising lack of family, how awesome the Defiant is, and the multilayered character that is Odo. Next on Random Trek: TNG’s Symbiosis. Scott McNulty with Shareef Jackson.

L.M. Myles, writer, podcaster, and Dr. Who fan, joins Scott to discuss “The Visitor” (DS9 S4E3), which, despite the name, doesn’t offer much screentime for Nana Visitor. Old Jake, Young Jake, and an unstuck in time Ben Sisko make for an interesting trio in this episode. Things discussed include popping in on your favorite reclusive writer (they love it!), how Jake causes the death of Dax, and whether or not you’d want to serve on a ship captained by Nog. Next on Random Trek: DS9’s The Search Part 1 & 2. Scott McNulty with Lizbeth Myles.

Frank Wu, Hugo award winning artist, joins Scott to discuss "The Enemy Within" (TOS S1E4). Transporter malfunctions, freezing Sulus, dogs in costumes, and the monster that is inside all of us are all in this episode. Scott and Frank talk about the lyrics to the TOS theme song, what makes us us, the lack of empathy towards Yeoman Rand, and no one thought to take a parka down to an ice planet. Next on Random Trek: The Visitor (DS9).Scott McNulty with Frank Wu.

Kara Scott, poker player and reporter, joins Scott to discuss “Lessons” (TNG S6E19). Awkward kissing, poor Picard wardrobe choices, and a roll out keyboard - This episode has it all. Kara and Scott discuss all manner of things including what it is like to date a Capt. Kirk, mature relationships, and how Capt. Picard makes us a little gooey inside. Next on Random Trek: The Enemy Within (TOS). Scott McNulty with Kara Scott.

Merlin Mann, writer, podcaster, Internet nuisance, joins Scott to discuss Death Wish ( VOY S2E18). This episode proves that the only thing better than one Q is double the Q. Scott and Merlin also discuss timescales when you’re immortal, and if this episode is a good choice for watching with your young daughter. Next on Random Trek: TNG’s Lessons. Scott McNulty with Merlin Mann.

Clint Ecker, programmer and snazzy dresser, joins Scott to talk about “Inside Man” (VOY S7E06). This episode features Reg Barclay, a Random Trek favorite, and Troi. Who doesn’t like Troi? It also has a bonus Reg, creepy stalker behavior, and a great deal of space swimwear. (Next week on Random Trek: Voyager’s Death Wish.) Scott McNulty with Clint Ecker.

Derek Powazek, web developer turned farmer, joins Scott to discuss Deep Space Nine’s “Shakaar” (S3E24). Nothing says a Bajoran DS9 episode like the intersection of religion, internal politics, and agriculture. What do soil reclamators look like? We don’t know and we don’t care. Topics discussed include why we should like the Bajorans more (but we totally like the Cardassians better), dirt farmer, and what does a freedom figher do after they’ve won their freedom. The novel Derek mentions is A Stitch in Time Next on Random Trek: “Inside Man” (VOY). Scott McNulty with Derek Powazek.

Georgia Dow, psychotherapist, senior editor at iMore, and host of Isometric, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s “The Gift” (S4E2). Shed a tear because this is Kes’ last episode (though why didn’t she take Neelix with her?). This also happens to be the first appearance of the deborgified 7 of 9 in her striking uniform (note the corset, people). Topics include: Georgia’s least favorite TNG character, Scott’s reaction to said least favorite character, one sided pancakes, and why the mention of either lucid dreaming or guided mediation is a warning that you might be watching a bad episode of Star Trek. Scott McNulty with Georgia Dow.

Collin Donnell, developer, twitterer, and brank hacker joins Scott to discuss one of the most iconic TOS episodes: The Devil in the Dark (S1E26). Door opening procedures, appropriate miner garb, Phaser 1 and Phaser 2, and basic mining colony administration tips are all discussed. Plus, the devil isn’t who you think it is (or is it? It isn’t). Scott McNulty with Collin Donnell.

Antony Johnston, writer for comics, graphic novels, and videogames in addition to the host of Unjustly Maligned, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Equilibrium (S3E4). Trills, symbiotes, potential underground serial killers, and dodgy doctors are all discussed. Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston.

Steven Schapansky, of Radio Free Skaro and the newly launched Lazy Dr. Who, joins Scott to chat about the TOS classic: “The Squire of Gothos” (TOS S1E17)). They discuss the crazy amount of paperwork Starfleet requires, the power of mirrors, and the differences between early Dr. Who and early Star Trek. Scott McNulty with Steven Schapansky.

Joe Rosensteel (that’s Joe Steel to you, kid), podcaster, infrequent Incomparable panelist, and Star Trek fan, joins Scott to discuss Random Trek’s first two part episode: Workforce Part I and Workforce II (VOY S7E16 and 17). Topics include if this should have been a two parter, factory automation, planet-wide shields, and Ralph Malph. These Are The Voyages (Volume 1) by Marc Cushman is also discussed briefly (and you should read it!). Scott McNulty with Joe Rosensteel.