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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

Time and Again

While investigating a massive explosion that destroyed all life on a planet, Janeway and Paris are swept back a day in time, where they must prevent the explosion. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Time and Again" and how it makes a powerful, yet flawed, defense for the Prime Directive. Plus! The guys chat about generic sci-fi cultures, varieties of timepieces, and making a statement by killing an entire planet. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other ep...

Mar 22, 20221 hr 15 min

Assimilation (Teaser)

Picard and the crew travel back to 2024 Los Angeles in search of the "Watcher," who can help them identify the point at which time diverged. Seven, Raffi, and Rios venture out into an unfamiliar world four hundred years in their past, while Picard and Jurati attempt to gather information from an unlikely, and dangerous, ally. This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the second season episode, "Assimilation". To listen to the entire discussion, head over ...

Mar 19, 20228 min

Parallax

Investigating an apparent distress call, Voyager becomes trapped inside the event horizon of a quantum singularity. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Parallax" and why it's the second-best (or is it best second?) episode of Star Trek. Plus! The guys chat about getting excited for science, guessing the right ship, and insulting people for their ignorance regarding temporal mechanics. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! ...

Mar 15, 20221 hr 4 min

Penance (Teaser)

This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season episode, "Penance". To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you'll get full access to our coverage of Picard. Plus! You'll also unlock access to over 100+ podcasts that discuss sci-fi movies, horror anthologies, random topics, and much more. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Penance" and how they are...

Mar 12, 20228 min

Caretaker

The newly commissioned starship Voyager and a Maquis raider are flung into the far reaches of the remote Delta Quadrant by a powerful entity known as the Caretaker. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Caretaker" from Star Trek: Voyager and how it compares to their most recent podcast conquest, Star Trek: Enterprise. Plus! The guys chat about Star Trek: DS9 being too cerebral, the wild west of the Delta Quadrant, and the impotence of Chakotay. Are you looking for older episodes?...

Mar 08, 20221 hr 44 min

The Star Gazer (Teaser)

This audio is a short sample of a much longer discussion that Clay and I had about the Star Trek: Picard second season premiere, "The Star Gazer". To listen to the entire discussion, head over to Patreon and support the show. For only $5 a month, you'll get full access to our coverage of Picard. Plus! You'll also unlock access to over 100+ podcasts that discuss sci-fi movies, horror anthologies, random topics, and much more. In this podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Star Gazer" and how it feels...

Mar 05, 20229 min

Introduction to Star Trek: Voyager

Star Trek: Voyager is the fifth Star Trek series. It was created by Rick Berman, Michael Piller, and Jeri Taylor, and ran on UPN, as the network's first ever series, for seven seasons in the USA, from 1995 to 2001. In some areas without local access to UPN, it was offered to independent stations through Paramount Pictures, for its first six seasons. The series is best known for its familial crew, science fiction based plots, engaging action sequences, and light humor. The writers often noted tha...

Mar 01, 202235 min

Revisiting “Our Man Bashir” with Todd from Computer Resume

A transporter accident replaces the characters in Bashir's secret agent holosuite program with the physical forms of the station's senior staff. In this episode of the podcast, Wes is joined by Todd from the "Computer Resume" podcast to revisit "Our Man Bashir" from DS9's fourth season. Plus! Wes and Todd chat about podcast ethics, being a fan of James Bond, and the reality of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Th...

Feb 24, 20221 hr 11 min

ENT Season 4 & Series Wrap Up

In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss Star Trek: Enterprise's fourth season. They also give their overall thoughts about the series and where it stands in relation to its sister shows. Plus! They talk about the best and worst of the series, the end of "90's" Star Trek, and what's next for the podcast. Thanks for listening! Be sure to support the show on Patreon to ensure continuing coverage of Voyager. You might also want to subscribe to our YouTube channel for our live streams an...

Feb 17, 20221 hr 41 min

These Are the Voyages…

In hopes of receiving some help before making a difficult personal decision, Commander William T. Riker of the Enterprise-D observes a holodeck simulation of the final mission of the original starship Enterprise, as commanded by Jonathan Archer, in the days immediately preceding the birth of the United Federation of Planets over two centuries earlier. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss the series finale of Star Trek: Enterprise, "These Are the Voyages...". Plus! The guys chat a...

Feb 10, 20221 hr 26 min

Terra Prime

A Human isolationist leader threatens to destroy Starfleet Command unless all aliens leave the Sol system immediately. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Terra Prime" and its status as the "true ending" of Star Trek: Enterprise. Plus! The guys talk about redundant dialogue, Paxton's plan with the baby, and everyone getting a piece of the action. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: •...

Feb 03, 20221 hr 7 min

Demons

A xenophobic faction of Humanity threatens to undermine talks to form a new coalition of planets. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Demons" and ending the show where it should have started. Plus! The guys chat about the simplification of complicated issues, the chaos of Trip and T'Pol, and attacking the ones that you love. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepenskyfile...

Jan 27, 20221 hr 6 min

In a Mirror, Darkly

In the mirror universe, Commander Archer mutinies against Captain Forrest in order to capture a future Earth ship found in Tholian space. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss both parts of "In a Mirror, Darkly" and how effective the fourth season of Enterprise is being in delivering "fan service". Plus! The guys talk about captain power rankings, CGI Gorn, and the improved Tholian Web 2.0. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast...

Jan 20, 20221 hr 28 min

Bound

While T'Pol and Tucker discover that they have developed a psychic bond, Captain Archer receives three Orion slave girls as a gift for negotiating with the devious Orion Syndicate – with rather disastrous results. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Bound" and why it's similar to "Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night". Plus! The guys chat about third-wave feminism, the definition of "reactionary", and myopic stories. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other ep...

Jan 13, 20221 hr 13 min

Divergence

With Columbia's help, the Enterprise crew grapples with sabotage to their ship as they pursue the truth behind the kidnapping of Phlox. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Divergence" and Klingon medical protocols. Plus! The guys talk about Section 31's ultimate plan, excellent Klingon acting, and cranial reconstruction surgery. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://thepensky...

Jan 06, 20221 hr 9 min

Affliction

While Enterprise visits Earth for the launch of Columbia, Phlox is kidnapped and forced to help the Klingons deal with a grave threat toward their species. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Affliction" and the solution to Clay's most annoying and consistent complaint. Plus! The guys chat about the ultimate fashion solution, Klingon protocols, and pulsating lights. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listenin...

Dec 30, 20211 hr 8 min

The Aenar

Archer visits Shran's icy homeworld to find an Andorian subspecies called the Aenar, to determine their connection to the marauders destroying ships in the region. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Aenar" and confused endings. Plus! The guys chat about the characterization of Shran, needless canon connections, and when melodrama goes wrong. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: •...

Dec 23, 20211 hr 19 min

United

Archer tries to unify the Andorians, Tellarites, Humans, and Vulcans in a plan to capture a marauder ship threatening to destabilize the region. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay analyze "United" the origins of what will eventually become the Federation. Plus! The guys chat about the definition of a loophole, speaking in subtle code, and condensing complexities into simplicity. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for lis...

Dec 16, 20211 hr 11 min

Babel One

Enterprise journeys to Babel with a Tellarite ambassador on board for peace talks with the Andorians, when a distress call from Shran is received. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Babel One" and the difference between insults and arguments. Plus! The guys chat about characterizing the founding members of the Federation, trying to pack in information, and Romulan fashion choices. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Tha...

Dec 09, 20211 hr 6 min

Observer Effect

A pair of non-physical Organians study the response of the Enterprise crew to the infection of Hoshi Sato and Tucker by a fatal silicon-based virus brought on board during an away mission. In this episode of the podcast, Wes (infected by a silicon-based virus) and Clay discuss "Observer Effect" and how simple tweaks can create novel situations. Plus! The guys chat about unnecessary connections, the deadly art of Aikido, and memory wipes that work. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this an...

Dec 02, 20211 hr 4 min

Daedalus

The inventor of Earth's transporter comes aboard Enterprise for an experiment. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Daedalus" and the Star Trek trope of "megalomaniacal inventors and the inventions that un-do them". Plus! The guys chat about why something "feels" like Star Trek, the return of Angry Archer, and the end (?) 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 listening. Stay co...

Nov 25, 202153 min

Kir’Shara

Archer and T'Pol endeavor to expose an ancient Vulcan artifact to Vulcan society, while Enterprise becomes involved in a standoff between the Vulcan and Andorian fleets. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Kir'Shara" and the conclusion to the Syrannite Arc of Star Trek: Enterprise. Plus! The guys talk about continuity notecards, the spikey thing, and the dearth of Romulan interference. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast !...

Nov 18, 20211 hr 4 min

Awakening

Archer and T'Pol encounter the Syrrannites, the radical group supposedly responsible for a terrorist bombing on Vulcan. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Awakening" and predicting events incorrectly. Plus! The duo chat about things always being in the last place you look, the "greatest" Vulcan who ever lived, and the authority structure of the Vulcan High Command. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listenin...

Nov 11, 202157 min

The Forge

When Earth's embassy on Vulcan is bombed, the investigation puts Archer and T'Pol on the trail of a Vulcan religious faction hiding in a treacherous desert. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Forge" and course-correcting the Vulcans. Plus! The guys chat about Soval's abrupt change of heart, chasing away monsters, and frozen pizzas. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay connected: • https://t...

Nov 04, 20211 hr 3 min

Revisiting “Genesis” with Amanda and Clay (Patreon 2020)

Happy Halloween! This episode of the podcast is a re-release of last year's Patreon podcast where we got together to discuss how "Genesis" works as a piece of horror. If you want to hear our thoughts about "Schisms", you should become a patron - it will be this year's Halloween special. 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-mail: thepenskyfilevideo(at)gmail.com...

Oct 30, 20211 hr 3 min

The Augments

Dr. Soong's Augments acquire additional Augment embryos as well as biological weapons from Cold Station 12. A desperate plan is devised to use the biological weapons to foment a war between the Klingons and Earth in an attempt to flee Earth's control forever. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "The Augments" and the conclusion to the first mini-arc in Enterprise's fourth season. Plus! The guys talk about Soong's motivations, cutting out scenes on the BBC, and heavy-handed refer...

Oct 28, 20211 hr 2 min

wej Duj & First First Contact

In "wej Duj", Boimler tries to find a bridge buddy while the USS Cerritos crew has down time during a long warp trip. In "First First Contact", the USS Cerritos is tasked to aid another starship on a first contact mission. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "wej Duj" and "First First Contact". Plus! The guys talk about improvements in season two, not recognizing characters, and disregarding serialized storytelling. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other e...

Oct 21, 202147 min

Cold Station 12

Soong's Augments take control of a medical facility containing more augment embryos and several dangerous diseases. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Cold Station 12" and the development of the character of Arik Soong. Plus! The guys chat about casting unremarkable actors, clothing that cannot have holes, and being friends with Phlox. CLAIM=563ca71e4e1e9516e3476e4a0e1b42843dbc58e4=CLAIM Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcas...

Oct 14, 20211 hr 6 min

Where Pleasant Fountains Lie & I, Excretus

Mariner and Boimler are stranded on an uninhabited planet with a sentient computer. On the Cerritos, Lt. Commander Billups must prove his engineering abilities to an old adversary. A consultant arrives on the USS Cerritos to run drills that require the lower deckers and bridge crew to swap duties. In this episode of the podcast, Wes and Clay discuss "Where Pleasant Fountains Lie" and "I, Excretus" from the second season of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Plus! The duo chats about riding a joke, doing a ...

Oct 07, 202152 min

Revisiting “Preemptive Strike” with Enchantment of Eternity

Lieutenant Ro is sent undercover to root out a Maquis cell. In this episode of the podcast, Wes sits down with Marc from Enchantment of Eternity to revisit the penultimate episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, "Preemptive Strike". The duo discuss the uniqueness of Ro Laren, Picard being stuck in a DS9 situation, and the Maquis as the connective tissue of '90s Star Trek. Are you looking for older episodes? Find this and every other episode at The Pensky Podcast ! Thanks for listening. Stay c...

Oct 04, 202152 min
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