Random Trek

38 years ago today the Human Adventure began with Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and it continues. Topics include those uniforms and if you can hide a phaser in them, the wonderful score, and if this movie has a plot. Also, this podcast features several long sequences of the participants staring off into the distance. Scott McNulty with Moisés Chiullán, David J. Loehr and Jean MacDonald.

David J. Loehr, writer and compulsive Incomparable podcaster, joins Scott to discuss a rare ENT two-parter: “Affliction” (S4E15) and “Divergence” (S4E16). Topics include why did this need to be two episodes, the ever changing look of Klingons, and the debate over which Enterprise character is least memorable (is it that one guy with the accent? Or the other dude who is a pilot or something?). Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.

Gavia Baker-Whitelaw, staff writer at the Daily Dot and co-host of Overinvested Podcast, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Prototype” (S2E13). Topics include the perils of picking up random robots in space, Star Trek: Discovery, and B’Elanna. Scott McNulty with Gavia Baker Whitelaw.

Marisa McClellan, canning expert and one half of Local Mouthful joins Scott to discuss ENT’s “Future Tense” (S2E16). Topics include odd firing stances, the Temporal Cold War, and the many ways this episode could have been improved. Scott McNulty with Marisa McClellan.

Husani Oakley, CTO, speaker, and thinker, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Rascals” (S6E07). Topics include child actors, Riker being the best dad, and how non-threatening Ferengi are even when they are threatening to murder children. Scott McNulty with Husani Oakley.

Aleen Simms, podcaster and App Launcher, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “ Defiant” (S3E09). Topics include how pretty William T. Riker is, why Kira needs to solve everyone’s problems, and Scott’s continual failure to pronounce names correctly. Be sure to check out the Star Trek: Discovery Flashcast. Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms.

Glenn Fleishman, the original Unsolicited Pundit, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “The Collaborator” (S2E24). Topics include how awesome DS9 is, why all Bajorans seem to vote for the Kai, and Vedek Winn’s hat. Scott McNulty with Glenn Fleishman.

Helene Wecker, author of “The Golem and the Jinni”, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy” (S6E4). Topics include the reasons not to project someone’s fantasies in the holodeck, Harry Kim being the worst, and dramatically appearing pips. Scott McNulty with Helene Wecker.

John Moltz, freelance writer and podcaster (tech here, parenting here), joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” (S1E9). Topics include strange rock formations, why you should never trust anyone who claims to own an android, and Capt. Kirk’s magic kisses. Scott McNulty with John Moltz.

Kathy Campbell, Unicorn, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Most Toys” (S3E22). Topics include Scott’s amazing ability to remember the names of Star Trek series, the lack of any Data nudity in this episode, and shooting at poisoned water. Scott McNulty with Kathy Campbell.

Don Melton, Incomparable panelist and guy enjoying retirement, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “A Matter of Honor” (S2E8). Klingons do the wackiest things! And have poorly constructed ships. Also, Riker just likes doing things first. Scott McNulty with Lisa Melton.

Jason Kottke, purveyor of Fine Hypertext Products, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Q Who” (S2E16). Another Q episode! Topics include Sonya Gomez, Guinan’s super powers, and if the Borg are truly happy. Scott McNulty with Jason Kottke.

Angelica Bastién, essayist and writer, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Q-Less” (S1E7). Topics include how the Klingons have had enough time in the limelight, Ezri Dax (not appearing this in episode), and how terrible Wesley Crusher is (who also doesn’t appear in this episode). Fair warning, this episode of Random Trek features some red alerts. You’ve been warned. Scott McNulty with Angelica Jade Bastién.

Clint Ecker, programmer and snazzy dresser, joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “The Lights of Zetar” (S3E18). Topics include sexism IN SPACE, Scotty’s loneliness, and Shari Lewis. Scott McNulty with Clint Ecker.

Katie Mack, astrophysicist, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Where No One Has Gone Before” (S1E6). Topics include Wesley’s sweaters, the secrets of the universe (and why you shouldn’t email your theories to Katie), and jerky engineers with no ranks or communicators. Scott McNulty with Katie Mack.

Jean MacDonald, community manager at Micro.blog and founder of AppCamp4Girls, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Trials Tribble-ations” (S5E6). Topics include how great this episode is, Scott’s favorite parts, and if this is a good episode to introduce Deep Space Nine to your non-Star Trek interested friends. Scott McNulty with Jean MacDonald.

Melissa Bright, Star Trek fan and cat enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “Assignment: Earth” (S2E26). Topics include comic books, cats, the liberal usage of rocket footage, and blasé time travel. Scott McNulty with Melissa Bright.

Mikah Sargent, podcaster extraordinaire, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Counterpoint” (S5E10). Topics include the many talents of Capt. Janeway, how you can’t trust charming men, and what the heck happened to Tuvok anyway? Scott McNulty with Mikah Sargent.

Dan Moren, promising young novelist, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Fair Haven” (S6E11) Topics include Dan’s first novel (“The Caledonian Gambit,” which you should buy), how Irish caricatures are offensive (Top o’ the morning to ya!), and the questionable choice of the Doctor to perform religious ceremonies. Scott McNulty with Dan Moren.

Jason Snell, head honcho of the Incomparable network, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Critical Care” (S7E5). Topics include the fact that neither Jason nor Scott had seen this episode before, healthcare, if the Doctor is a robot (or not), and Tuvok’s poor job performance. Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.