When Jesse Thorn joins Ben and Adam to relive a conversation with P-Stew, the intro runs almost as long as the interview itself. But when foundational SNL sketches differ, the resulting questions go from glib to sincere and Jesse offers up remote pod viewing directly into his adolescence. If NPR is Godzilla, what is PRI? Where do public radio and Star Trek align? What’s the weirdest thing about having lunch with Jesse? It’s the episode that fantasizes about a very elderly man’s workout routine. ...
Jan 19, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 255
When Ben and Adam need to Q their A’s, Adam Ragusea stops by the pod to lend a hand. But when the trio wants Bonita Applebum and instead they get Apples and Bananas, it looks like things may be off to a rocky start. Where has Kevin been hiding all these years? Is it crenellation or castellation? Does Instacart deliver to the D quad? It’s the episode that asks “What did you think of that?” You can also watch the video version of this episode: https://youtu.be/E95tg4XyG8g Friends of DeSoto for Lab...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 254
When Ben and Adam got to see an early preview of the DS9 retrospective in 2019, they sat down to record a bonus episode about everything it brought to light. But with Voyager’s own documentary on the way soon, how will it compare without a Shat or an Ira to center himself in the story. Who was responsible for a prison experiment at the live screening? Why is this production so kind to Rick Berman? What type of director wouldn’t have used Meredith Brooks? It’s the episode that feels a lot like a ...
Jan 05, 2024•35 min•Ep. 253
When a very important Star Trek person wanders into Ben’s cargo bay, he leaves the handmade gun at home to avoid another encounter with security. But with a 50% hit rate on the backstage rider, “Bowmore 15 or similar” results in something “perfectly drinkable”. How did Waltke Senior inform Rok-Tahk’s mouth? Is Kevin Uxbridge being discussed inside of Big Rodd’s pocket? Does Nickelodeon slime have a shelf life? It’s the episode that’s made for specialized collectors of Star Trek V memorabilia! Fr...
Dec 29, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 252
When a really good crew takes a redshirt on an away mission, he turns out to be more of a cowboy than they expected. But when they agree to a really big score, they might meet their match with a crew playing for the other team. What's the URL for Craig's List but for heists? What do you call guys that aren't Wayne Knight, but kind of are? Is the Sizemore Special a smart thing to order for breakfast on the morning of a heist? Everybody knows that Heat isn't a holiday movie. What this special epis...
Dec 22, 2023•2 hr 24 min•Ep. 251
When yet another awards show rolls through The Beverly Hilton Ballroom, Greatest Trek’s biggest stars gather to honor an entire year of NuTrek. But when none of the winners show up to receive their awards, it becomes clear why some presenters were also nominees in their category. Who doesn’t even watch Star Trek? Where can you buy Patrick Stewart’s book? Which beloved series will be unceremoniously excluded? It’s the episode with a pretty loose grasp on its own classics! Friends of DeSoto for La...
Dec 15, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 250
When Adam and Ben resume their trip through Very Short Treks, they find the booger jokes and philosophy class exactly to their tastes. But when Tendi offends the olds with more figures of speech, Riker breaks into a song that blows the whole genre up. How might a mini fridge affect a party? What is Ensign HAZMAT actually there for? Who is always a safe choice for Edward Larkin? It’s the episode that’s also good but not great on purpose! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the production of Great...
Dec 01, 2023•45 min•Ep. 249
When Ben and Adam set a course for Very Short Treks, they don’t know where they’re going but it’s familiar once they arrive. But when Captain Pete Holmes can’t say anything right and Spock’s comedy logic bombs, we’re left to pick up the many exploding pieces. What’s the problem with brassieres? How do you play marriage on hard mode? Which technology paved the way for carpeted starships? It’s the episode that wants to take it to series! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the production of Greate...
Nov 17, 2023•41 min•Ep. 248
When Nick Locarno tries to relive his glory days with a Nova Fleet recruitment drive, his assumptions about Mariner are proven spectacularly wrong. But when Tendi’s big gamble puts her in debt to her sister, Mariner’s mutiny turns Locarno’s legacy into something meaningful. What is the misophonia community very willing to do? Are bioweapons allowed in barter by combat? Which Passaro is NuTrek trying to celebrate? It’s the episode that gives you yet another reason to always carry cash! Friends of...
Nov 03, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 247
When Mariner’s recklessness becomes the main issue for her crewmates, the Betas keep her occupied with a mission of distraction. But while Captain Freeman struggles to complete the real mission, a new Klingon friend helps Mariner understand her bad behavior. What makes a public park truly scary? Why aren’t there more gateways? Did Girl Scout Cookies Corporation get something wrong? It’s the episode that does the most dangerous thing a podcast can do. Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the produ...
Oct 27, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 246
When the Lower Deckers get trapped in yet another Star Trek cave, they recount past cave missions for inspiration about how to escape. But when a carnivorous moss starts looking to connect, Tendi’s story about friendship passes the Vendorians’ test. Which two characters are secretly married? When does Grottonous Season start? Who buys the drinks at a pants-optional affair? It’s the episode with a public apology and more slash fic! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the production of Greatest Tr...
Oct 20, 2023•59 min•Ep. 245
When the megalomaniacal heavy hitters show back up on Lower Decks, the Bynars take a shot that reveals more about the tilt ship. But when Rutherford can’t convince Badgey to go good with a hug, pulling straight from the Spock playbook splits his creation into its only three parts. Whatever happened to Houdini? Why do we need to dismantle the internet? What comes out of Agimus’ cloaca? It’s the episode that’s too floppy and dangerous to ride! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the production of ...
Oct 13, 2023•57 min•Ep. 244
When it’s time for the Grand Nagus to sign on the Federation‘s dotted line, Captain Freeman’s shrewd negotiating skills end up closing the deal. But when the Lieutenant J.G.s struggle with Rick Steves duty on Ferenginar, Ransom’s mentorship brings them through a few more uncomfortable lessons. What mean sheaf? Which types of crack should be treated seriously? How do furries handle clean up? It’s the episode that needs to lay off the Lower Decks porn! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the produ...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 243
When the Cerritos picks up some undercover Betazoid woo girls for an Uber mission, the celebration in the mess hall starts getting pretty intense. But as T’Lyn searches for the true cause of everyone’s psychosis, Boimler gets put through the security team’s program. What’s the brand promise of the Royal Sonesta? Is there a bar for being able to stand on a bar? Do cats get ice cream headaches too? It’s the episode where absolutely no one is playing it cool! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the...
Sep 29, 2023•53 min•Ep. 242
When Tendi is professionally pressured into an away mission to attend her sister’s wedding, Mariner and T’Lyn join her for a knife-and-phermone-filled girl’s trip tour of Orion. But when Brutherford’s twin Twaining proves to not be universally diplomatic, Little Boney might need more than a watery hug in the morning to recover. What are the rules of murder bug drinking game? Would Kahn do orange peel teeth at a soccer match? How come a Chalnoth can’t eat red puck but they can eat a bonsai? It’s ...
Sep 22, 2023•52 min•Ep. 241
When the Cerritos gets a mission to install an overdue software update, Captain Freeman’s reboot puts everyone on the ring world at risk. But when boss Boimler becomes a control freak about his first away mission as commander, the rest of the Betas start Home Alone-ing Lt. Dirkhead. How many plot holes are in the isolinear chip junction room? Where do you go when you’re Inner Lighted? Why wouldn’t the catman be a good roommate? It’s the episode where big-teeth Ransom continuity was not preserved...
Sep 15, 2023•58 min•Ep. 240
When Mariner is on a mission to get herself demoted, Ransom’s stellar management shows her a pathological pattern of self sabotage. But while the new Lieutenant J.G.s settle into their promotions, Rutherford gets into a minor-improvements-measuring contest with the new guy in engineering. What is the screen of the mouth for a baby? Who was pedantic van kid? Should the B and C stories casually cross more often? It’s the episode that wants more action in the produce department! Friends of DeSoto f...
Sep 12, 2023•53 min•Ep. 239
When the Cerritos gets a super secret mission, Voyager’s deepest cuts end up both ruining and saving the day. But with the tiniest key bump of a promotion on the line, the ensigns pull together to get Voyager safely back to Earth. Are standards too low among Star Trek fans? What type of erasure is Lower Decks guilty of? If a Borg Cube was an earth animal, which would it be? It’s the episode warmed by 24 ounces of cake shake! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the production of Greatest Trek Mus...
Sep 08, 2023•57 min•Ep. 238
When Ben and Adam find themselves in the off season, they invite back composer extraordinaire and reluctant YouTube sensation, Adam Ragusea, to chat about Trek. But when the jazz gummies hit and the podcast fluid keeps flowing, the conversation may not stay on target. What's the right way to make fun of Disco? Can Ragusea convince the guys to rotate through TNG again? What's more difficult, a self rim or a pull-down? It's the episode that asks you to do bits on casinos. You can also watch the vi...
Sep 01, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 237
When the team heads to Vegas for an increasingly unlicensed convention, FODs show up in force to make it the best STLV yet. But when the Rio itself gets downright scary, even an excellent staff can’t save hotel points from being deducted. Which type of summer camp includes bingo? What was the beverage of choice for STLV ’23? Should Prodigy explore its darker themes? It’s the episode as bewildering as the extremely liminal pizza place inside the Rio! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the produc...
Aug 25, 2023•54 min•Ep. 236
When Captain Batel’s priority one mission goes sideways, the Entrepreneur finds a disaster orbiting Parnassus Beta. But with everyone hiding in a Johnny Rockets and no way to beam out, a daring rescue mission brings Captain Pike face to face with his demons. What does an ideal America look like to Michael Bay? Which things should Star Trek use sparingly? How does Doctor M’Benga cut his waffles? It’s the episode that’s a successful ball of knots! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the production...
Aug 11, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 235
When the Entrepreneur finds a rare space crack, sending a musical theatre number in makes it come unzipped. But when the junk that spills out puts everyone in a singing mood, dishonored Klingons raise the stakes for the grand finale. What’s the most dangerous conversation with a partner? Why does La’an keep her braid so tight? Can transporters take care of family planning too? It’s the episode that makes an ass out of its own ass! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the production of Greatest Tr...
Aug 04, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 234
When the Entrepreneur is assigned an Uber mission that involves shuttling a Klingon ambassador with a lengthy curriculum mori, M’Benga forgets about waffles and starts leaning into his dark side. But when Chapel starts experiencing similar horrors, no one can be sure if the line dividing morality and criminality is strongly defined. Is Adam on the side of the AMPTP? Is the Kelcie Mae the ugliest Federation starship? Is the wooden train whistle the best elementary school instrument? It’s the epis...
Jul 28, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 233
When Boimler gets a portal suck that lands him in the past, he’s worried he might be responsible for an authentically creepy Spock. But when Mariner joins the party and they solve the horonium puzzle, convincing the portal pirates requires everyone’s best diplomacy. How do Orions utilize their refractory period? In what way is Starfleet like Orthodox Judaism? Are surprise parties a crime? It’s the episode that’s definitely not promotional! Friends of DeSoto for Labor Support the production of Gr...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 232
When “organizational difficulties” plague Starfleet’s new gas station, the Enterprise and the Farragut arrive to stir up fluids at the stellar nursery. But when Lieutenant Ramon starts having a bit of a moment, Uhura’s own Frank makes her think she’s next in line. What’s the only way to get things done around the house? Who is the Cosmo Kramer of Strange New Worlds? Is there anything Jim Kirk’s erection can’t tear through? It’s the episode that ran out of foot fetish specifics. Friends of DeSoto...
Jul 21, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 231
When a perfectly avoidable shuttlecraft accident causes Spock to be reassembled as human-only, he and the crew have the privilege of experiencing the whole spectrum of his myriam adolescent emotions. But when his judgy future in-laws insist on performing some pre-wedding rituals, Chapel persuades her ride-or-dies to Jake a shuttle in order to convince a stoned AI voice assistant to hand over its ancient medical technology. Was this episode penned by theater nerds? Why let someone else scan your ...
Jul 14, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 230
When Captain Pike revisits Rigel VII to clean up an old mess, the away team lose their memory and wake up in The Cage. But while the crew of the Enterprise work through their own Conundrum, Pike’s trip to the castle reconnects everyone with their past. Is there an ideal timing for death as a podcaster? What are the physics of Captain Batel’s dimple? How many pips are possible in one promotion? It’s the episode still obsessed with the luggage of Star Trek! Support the production of Greatest Trek ...
Jul 07, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 229
When La’an bloops onto an alternate Enterprise, she gets handed a temporal mission without much of a briefing. But when Captain Kirk gets grabby with her time-travel gadget, they both bloop back to stop a secret agent from arresting humanity’s development. What do you need to make a leather jacket look good? Did Star Trek miss a rare Vermont product placement opportunity? Is it still cheating in a different time-space continuum? It’s the episode that’s ready to pitch a new comic series to IDW! S...
Jun 30, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 228
When Pike finds a defense attorney inside a toxic nebula, it’s more aspera than astra when Una doesn’t accept the plea deal. But when Starfleet’s principles end up on trial, the whole truth comes out and justice gets a start. How can you tell when Pike’s not in work mode? Which book should really be wearing a uniform? What’s the best way to make an argument in sex court? It’s the episode that will take three right turns to avoid a left turn! Support the production of Greatest Trek Music by Adam ...
Jun 23, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 227
When Captain Pike takes a few days off during the premiere, a very Niles Crane version of Spock is left in charge of the Entrepreneur. But when a distress call from La’an turns Season 2 into Star Trek III, Dr. M’Benga and Nurse Chapel realize they never left the war. Should there be a rank threshold for sabotage? Who has the best view in Starfleet? What’s the sine qua non of science fiction comedy? It’s the episode that‘s very dedicated to the flap-tent lifestyle! Support the production of Great...
Jun 16, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 226
