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The Pensky Podcast

The Pensky Podcastthepenskypodcast.com
This podcast is an attempt to analyze hundreds of hours of Star Trek! From The Original Series to the newly unveiled Star Trek: Discovery, we aim to provide a unique blend of humor, misinterpretation, and conspiracy theory. The Pensky Podcast is going boldly where many have gone before: into an examination of Star Trek!
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Episodes

Borderland

Archer needs the help of a criminal to prevent war with the Klingons. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Borderland" and Star Trek: Enterprise enthusiastically digging into franchise canon. Plus! The guys chat about the acting chops of Brent Spiner, forgetting to augment your acting genes, and the versatility of the Orions. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile...

Sep 30, 20211 hr 10 min

An Embarrassment of Dooplers & The Spy Humongous

In "An Embarrassment of Dooplers", Mariner and Boimler try to track down the location of a legendary Starfleet party while the bridge crew deals with an insecure alien diplomat. In "A Spy Humongous", Anomaly Consolidation Day on the USS Cerritos leaves the Lower Deckers with mixed emotions. Captain Freeman attempts to negotiate peace on the Pakled homeworld. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "An Embarrassment of Dooplers" and "A Spy Humongous". Plus! The guys chat about the re...

Sep 23, 202158 min

Revisiting “The Drumhead” with Lore Reloaded

An overzealous Starfleet admiral begins a witch-hunt aboard the Enterprise, determined to find a conspiracy, and eventually accuses Captain Picard of treason. In this episode of the podcast, Lore Reloaded sits down with Wes to revisit "The Drumhead" from TNG's fourth season. The two discuss the three languages of politics, Picard as an "outdated" liberal, and why "The Drumhead" is so timeless. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks fo...

Sep 20, 202159 min

Home

Once Enterprise finally returns to Earth, the weary crew face repercussions from their journeys, both positive and negative. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Home" and how character-based episodes work at this point in the series run. Plus! The guys talk about the worst aspects of digital video, Vulcans wanting other Vulcans to be happy, and the continuing impact of the first three seasons. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky P...

Sep 16, 20211 hr 14 min

We’ll Always Have Tom Paris & Mugato, Gumato

In "We'll Always Have Tom Paris", Mariner and Tendi team up for a mission to retrieve an heirloom for Dr. T'Ana. Meanwhile, the Cerritos is visited by Lieutenant Tom Paris, much to the excitement of Boimler, who is hoping to meet him. While all this happens, Rutherford is haunted by the mystery surrounding the reappearance of a familiar presence on the Cerritos. In "Mugato, Gumato", the USS Cerritos is dispatched to a planet to investigate an unexplained sighting of a dangerous Mugato. In this e...

Sep 09, 20211 hr 5 min

Revisiting “The Game” with Modi Operandus

In an upcoming run of podcasts, we'll be revisiting episodes we've already covered. Let's see if we have any new perspectives! Wesley Crusher visits the Enterprise only to see everyone behaving strangely on account of an addictive, mind-controlling game. In this episode of the podcast, long-time friend of the show Modi Operandus returns to give some new thoughts about "The Game". Plus! He and Wes discuss Brannon Braga's first foray into Star Trek, mind-wiping Picard, and the metaphor of male vir...

Sep 06, 202140 min

Storm Front

Archer and his crew find themselves in Earth's past, with events of World War II altered by the Temporal Cold War. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss both episodes of "Storm Front" and the end of the Temporal Cold War (huzzah!). Plus! The guys chat about the move to digital video, the logistics of changing the outcome of World War II, and the pointlessness of discussing time travel in Enterprise. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensk...

Sep 02, 20211 hr 11 min

Strange Energies & Kayshon, His Eyes Open

In "Strange Energies", the USS Cerritos is dispatched on a mission where it ends up in a sci-fi event resulting in "strange energy," which Commander Ransom inadvertently absorbs. In "Kayshon, His Eyes Open", our Lower Deckers have trouble bonding with Ensign Jet Manhaver, who has been assigned Boimler's bunk and shift duties. Meanwhile, we get a glimpse of Boimler's life on the USS Titan, which is more intense than he thought it would be. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Str...

Aug 26, 202155 min

ENT Season 3 Wrap Up

The third season of Star Trek: Enterprise focuses on Enterprise NX-01's mission to prevent a second Xindi attack from destroying Earth. Unlike the show's second season, Enterprise's third season embraces a heavily serialized format dedicated to the search for the Xindi primary weapon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay break down Star Trek: Enterprise Season 3 and discuss the year as a whole. Plus! The guys chat about the best and worst episodes of the year, where Enterprise stands whe...

Aug 26, 20211 hr 11 min

Zero Hour

With the weapon on its way to Earth, Archer leads a small team to intercept it before it can strike; T'Pol leads Enterprise on a mission to destroy one of the spheres in the Expanse. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay finish the third season of Enterprise with a discussion about "Zero Hour". Plus! The guys talk about the worst character in the entire Star Trek franchise, Jeffrey Combs auditioning for a captain role, and feeling like C.J. from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. Are you look...

Aug 19, 20211 hr 8 min

Countdown

With help from some Xindi factions, the Enterprise crew attempts to stop the arming of the Xindi weapon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Countdown" and Enterprise reverting to familiar action set pieces. Plus! The guys chat about the death of Major Hayes, motivating the Aquatics, and fish tanks in space. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/ • e-m...

Aug 12, 20211 hr 5 min

The Council

Archer confronts the Xindi Council while T'Pol, Reed and Mayweather infiltrate an Expanse Sphere to gather info about the Sphere Builders. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Council" and its incredible info dump of exposition. Plus! The guys talk about Elder Scrolls RPGs, not being sure about what is going on, and knowing someone is going to die. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay connect...

Aug 05, 20211 hr 10 min

An accident during an attempt to use a Xindi subspace corridor places the Enterprise in a bizarre confrontation… with itself. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "E²" and Enterprise returning, yet again, to time travel. Plus! The guys chat about unnecessary ret-conning, switching the parents and children, and the continuing development of the Trip and T'Pol relationship. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for list...

Jul 29, 20211 hr 12 min

The Forgotten

Two members of the Xindi Council offer to stop the launch of the weapon if Archer can prove that the Xindi have been manipulated; the crew holds a memorial for their dead shipmates. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Forgotten" and whether or not some storylines were truly forgotten. Plus! The guys talk about the best actor in the ensemble, Temporal Agent Daniels being a no-show, and the best Vulcan-Human scene that Enterprise has done so far. Are you looking for older epi...

Jul 22, 20211 hr 3 min

Damage

The Enterprise crew must cope with devastating damage to the ship, with another alien ship needing assistance nearby. T'Pol seeks help from Phlox with a personal problem, and dissent grows in the Xindi Council. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Damage" and the trouble with chasing the dragon of emotion. Plus! The guys chat about Phlox taking his oath too literally, Enterprise's lack of subtlety, and doing something no Star Trek show has done before. Are you looking for older ...

Jul 15, 20211 hr 6 min

Azati Prime

The crew discovers the Xindi weapon and plans to launch a suicide mission to destroy it, with Archer insisting that he be at the helm. But, when Archer is captured, he must convince Degra and the other Xindi leaders, that Humanity is no threat to the Xindi. Meanwhile, the Xindi launch a heavy attack on Enterprise that leaves the ship defenseless and almost destroyed. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Azati Prime" and the upsetting return of Temporal Agent Daniels. Plus! The g...

Jul 08, 20211 hr 22 min

Hatchery

Enterprise finds a derelict Xindi-Insectoid starship carrying a cache of unhatched eggs and Archer takes an increasingly obsessive interest in preserving them. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Hatchery" and additional reasons to avoid close contact with alien eggs. Plus! The guys chat about disrespecting dead alien babies, taking off your helmet, and no one noticing you've gone crazy. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast...

Jul 01, 20211 hr 2 min

Doctor’s Orders

In order to traverse a trans-dimensional disturbance safely, Phlox must put the rest of the crew in stasis and pilot Enterprise himself. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Doctor's Orders" and chat about an "Austin Powers" influenced episode of Star Trek. Plus! The guys talk about choosing neither character work nor plot, the worst way to see Hoshi in the shower, and smashing the warp core with a hammer. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at ...

Jun 24, 20211 hr 2 min

Harbinger

Enterprise rescues an alien from a massive spatial anomaly, but its lone pilot refuses to explain why he was there. Reed and Hayes confront each other over their roles on the ship. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Harbinger" and the potential WB-ness of Star Trek: Enterprise. Plus! The guys chat about the sexual tension between Reed and Hayes, Trip's massage technique, and not being interested in the Xindi. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episod...

Jun 17, 20211 hr 2 min

Stratagem

Enterprise captures Degra, the mastermind behind the Xindi weapon project, and Archer tries to trick him into revealing the location of the final weapon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Stratagem" and solving a problem without fighting. Plus! The guys chat about sticking around, blaming the Insectoid Xindi for everything, and not having any other choice. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay ...

Jun 10, 20211 hr 4 min

Proving Ground

An Andorian ship commanded by Shran unexpectedly appears in the Expanse to help the Enterprise locate the Xindi primary weapon. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Proving Ground" and the benefit of characterization. Plus! The guys chat about getting to know the Xindi, ways the show could have developed the Andorians and Vulcans, and showing respect to the Andorian Mining Consortium. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! T...

Jun 03, 20211 hr 12 min

Chosen Realm

Enterprise is hijacked by a group of religious extremists who worship the mysterious spheres in the Expanse. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Chosen Realm" and the utter failure of the M.A.C.O.'s. Plus! The guys chat about charismatic villains, not having a backup hard drive, and homages to The Original Series. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.com/links/...

May 27, 20211 hr 12 min

Carpenter Street

Archer and T'Pol travel back in time to stop the Xindi-Reptilians in 21st century Detroit. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Carpenter Street" and the logic of the Xindi travelling back to 2004. Plus! The guys chat about the lack of excitement for a Red Sox World Series victory, not finding a purple spacesuit to be all that strange, and using a pizza parlor's ventilation fan to commit genocide. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensk...

May 20, 20211 hr 3 min

Similitude

During an engine performance test, Trip Tucker is critically injured and left comatose in sickbay. Phlox suggests that Tucker's only hope for survival is the creation of a "mimetic simbiot" – in other words, a clone. The crew and Trip's clone have to face the unforeseen emotional ramifications of his creation. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Similitude" and unusual massage positions. Plus! The guys talk about the two versions of Archer, conflict stacking, and novel ideas in...

May 13, 20211 hr 16 min

North Star

Archer and the crew try to discover why a 19th century-era Human settlement has been placed in the middle of the Expanse. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "North Star" and Enterprise finding a genre to match its storytelling habits. Plus! The guys chat about avoiding the Prime Directive, bad alien acne, and not having enough room to give someone a ride. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay con...

May 06, 20211 hr 15 min

Twilight

The effect of a Delphic Expanse anomaly leaves Archer unable to form any new long-term memories. Twelve years later, he wakes up one morning and is stunned to learn the outcome of the Human-Xindi conflict, including the loss of Earth, and the near-annihilation of the Human race. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Twilight" and telling the same story every day. Plus! The guys chat about old-age make-up, using a "reset button", and the time-honored solution of blowing yourself u...

Apr 29, 20211 hr 18 min

The Shipment

Enterprise discovers a Xindi mining outpost where components of the Xindi weapon are being assembled. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Shipment" and making rash decisions you might later regret. Plus! The guys chat about intra-Xindi relationships, constructing the right away team, and getting bugs out of your guns. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile.co...

Apr 22, 20211 hr 12 min

Exile

Hoshi is contacted by a mysterious telepath, who offers to help Enterprise in its mission... for a price. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Exile" and our lack of knowledge regarding Hoshi's dreams, interests, and fears. Plus! The guys break down being truthful about your graveyard, bouncing shuttlecraft, and metaphors about the interaction between fans and stars. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listenin...

Apr 15, 20211 hr 4 min

Impulse

After finding the drifting hull of a Vulcan cruiser inside an asteroid field, Captain Archer and his crew are surprised to find Vulcans "alive" on it. When they are stranded there, they must find out what happened to the crew before T'Pol succumbs to the same fate. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Impulse" and the ability of Star Trek to pull off an hour of zombie shenanigans. Plus! The guys chat about bouncing shuttlepods, Blalock's acting as T'Pol, and logical zombies. Are...

Apr 08, 202157 min

Rajiin

Enterprise takes on board Rajiin, a beautiful, enigmatic passenger with ulterior motives. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Rajiin" and Enterprise's desperate attempts to conjure up an audience. Plus! The guys chat about the Xindi slinky shoulder pads, the potential waste of time that is Vulcan massage sessions, and possible outcomes for the Xindi bio-weapon. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. St...

Apr 01, 20211 hr 4 min
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