The Ready Room: A Star Trek Podcast (voyager)
204: Galileo’s Lizard

Distant Origin.

Dinosaurs may have been smarter than we think. Some of them may still be. That’s because they live in space and fly around in ships based on technology 65 million years more advanced than that of Starfleet. When that asteroid headed for Earth all those years ago, these hadrosaurs said sayonara to the planet’s mammals.

In this episode of The Ready Room, we’re joined by Zachary Fruhling and Aaron Harvey to discuss one of Voyager’s most unusual stories, “Distant Origin.” Does the science work? Does it even matter? We follow Voth scientists Gegen and Veer as they put together a galaxy-spanning puzzle made of 47 pieces. We discuss how the story parallels Galileo, Star Trek’s evolutionary arrow, the holodeck as a scientific instrument, the mating rituals of mammals, and more.

Plus, in our news segment, we debate the new name for the JJ Abrams rendition of Star Trek and take a look at the newly refurbished USS Enterprise model, now back on display at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

News
The Kelvin Timeline (00:03:30)
The Enterprise Returns to the Smithsonian (00:13:05)
Sponsor: The Eaglemoss Official Star Trek Starships Collection (00:21:26)

Feature: Distant Origin
Synopsis and Initial Thoughts (00:26:40)
The Science (00:38:06)
Leaving Home (00:44:46)
An Evolutionary Direction (00:49:29)
Technological Advancement (00:51:59)
Galileo’s Lizard (01:00:00)
The Design and Creative Elements (01:13:10)
The Holodeck as a Scientific Tool (01:20:30)
Final Thoughts (01:24:51)
Closing (01:32:13)

Hosts
C Bryan Jones and Zachary Fruhling

Guest
Aaron Harvey

Production
C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Renee Roberts (Associate Producer) Zachary Fruhling (Associate Producer) Sam Piassick (Associate Producer) Kay Elizabeth Janeway (Associate Producer) Tim Robertson (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Direct download: trr-204.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 5:20am MDT

198: Procreation TED Talk

Someone to Watch Over Me.

When you live on a starship, you get to know your neighbors. Sometimes you get to know them well. Especially if you’re Seven of Nine and you’re taking an interest in interpersonal relations. Armed with Borg implants and 24th-century Starfleet technology, gathering data is easy. The only problem is that some of your subjects may not want to be part of the study.

In this episode of The Ready Room, we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt, Zachary Fruhling, and Phillip Gilfus to discuss “Someone to Watch Over Me.” Join us for the Dance of Conception as the Doctor teaches Seven how to land a date, sweep him off his feet … and break his arm … all while mastering the art of small talk. We also delve into the potential of a Doctor-Seven relationship, what happens when you leave Neelix in charge of caring for diplomats, and the exploits of Leisure Suit Kadi.

In our news segment, we discuss Star Trek: The Animated Series coming to Blu-ray, supposed pre-production photos from the new series, and we debate the StarTrek.com poll that asked which was the best Star Trek relationship.

News
Star Trek: The Animated Series coming to Blu-ray (00:03:06)
Star Trek 2017 pre-production photos? (00:11:51)
Poll: Which was the best Star Trek romance? (00:26:24)

Feature: Someone to Watch Over Me
Synopsis and Initial Thoughts (00:31:29)
The Setup: Peeping Seven (00:41:28)
The B’Elanna-Seven Relationship (00:44:16)
Lessons In Love (00:48:24)
The Doctor’s Motivations (01:00:09)
Tom Paris: Audience Surrogate (01:05:35)
The Most Awkward Date Ever (01:09:26)
Leisure Suit Kadi (01:19:01)
The Doctor-Seven Relationship (01:25:59)
Final Thoughts (01:34:59)

Hosts
C Bryan Jones and Charlynn Schmiedt

Guests
Phillip Gilfus and Zachary Fruhling

Production
C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Renee Roberts (Associate Producer) Zachary Fruhling (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Direct download: trr-198.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 5:30am MDT

193: He's a Fake!

Deadlock.

Voyager is known for telling stories that rely heavily on technobabble. Sometimes it supports the story, sometimes it doesn’t. Season Two’s “Deadlock” is one of those cases in which technobabble was inescapable, but also necessary. How else do you explain two Voyager’s, two disheveled buns of steel, and Harry Kim’s dopplegänger?

In this episode of The Ready Room, we’re joined by Larry Nemecek, Charlynn Schmiedt, and Brandon-Shea Mutala to discuss the oddity that is “Deadlock,” parallel universes, Vidiians, generational ships, Chakotay’s weird baby comments, an inordinate number of script changes, and much more.

In our news segment, we look back at 19 years of First Contact and 29 years of The Voyage Home, talk with Terrace Cassidy about Geek Nation Tours’ new “Touch the Stars” program, and try to unravel the mysterious case of Enterprise stunt director Vince Deadrick’s disappearing chair.

News
29 Years of Star Trek IV (00:03:21)
19 Years of First Contact (00:13:23)
Vince Deadrick's Missing Chair (00:21:12)
GNT Touching the Stars (00:26:09)
Holiday Gifts and Specials! (39:26)

Feature: Deadlock
Synopsis and Initial Thoughts (00:48:11)
A Rainbow of Script Changes (00:56:54)
Saving Ensign Harry (01:03:17)
Parallel Universes (01:08:49)
More of Brannon’s “Weird Shit” (01:12:05)
(Not) Having Chakotay's Baby? (01:17:07)
Have Your Phase Variance 47 Ways (01:18:18)
Padding Through Technobabble (01:22:41)
Based on a Fake Story (01:32:44)
A Generational Ship (01:35:24)
Deus Ex Vidiian (01:43:07)
Final Thoughts (01:54:44)

Hosts
C Bryan Jones and Larry Nemecek

Guests
Charlynn Schmiedt, Brandon-Shea Mutala, and Terrace Cassidy

Production
C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Renee Roberts (Associate Producer) Zachary Fruhling (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Direct download: trr-193.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 8:35am MDT

Mike Sussman talks Voyager Season Seven.

As Voyager entered its final season, fans had a lot of questions. Would the crew get home? Would it happen before the finale? Would Neelix and Seven make the trip to Earth? Would Janeway and Chakotay finally hook up? Would Harry die one more time? Lots of questions. We know what we ultimately got on screen, but what went on behind the scenes?

In this special episode of The Ready Room, we’re joined by someone who was there in the writers room, Mike Sussman. After successfully selling the story that would become “Unimatrix Zero,” Mike then landed a spot of the writing staff for Voyager’s final season, and would go on to become a writer and producer on Enterprise.

Mike joins C Bryan Jones, Larry Nemecek, and Charlynn Schmiedt to discuss many moments and aspects of Season Seven, including “The Haunting of Deck Twelve,” “Prophecy,” “Repentance,” and of course “Unimatrix Zero” and the Borg. We also discuss writing The Doctor, stories pitched but not produced, the development of Enterprise while wrapping Voyager, and much more.

In our news segment, we discuss a restoration project for the original Enterprise filming model, get an update on Portal 47, and look back at the impact of Robert Wise and The Motion Picture on Star Trek.

News
Red Shirt Diaries Season Two Premiere (00:01:54)
Restoring the original Enterprise shooting model (00:08:09)
Robert Wise and the impact of The Motion Picture (00:18:55)
Portal 47 update (00:33:29)

Feature: Voyager Season Seven with Mike Sussman
Going from Fan to Staff Writer (00:44:59)
Mike’s Early Spec Scripts and Pitches (00:54:00)
Joining the Voyager Staff (01:01:06)
The Haunting of Deck Twelve (01:07:30)
Third Chances and the Enterprise Transition (01:13:34)
Voyager in the Shadow of Enterprise (01:18:20)
Prophecy and Delta Quadrant Klingons (01:20:48)
Unimatrix Zero and the Borg (01:28:48)
Repentance (01:34:32)
Writing the Doctor (01:38:49)
A Talented Writing Team (01:42:06)
Voyager’s (Alternate) Ending(s) (01:44:20)
Conflicts with Enterprise? (01:51:05)
Looking Back as a Fan (01:54:11)

Hosts
C Bryan Jones and Larry Nemecek

Guests
Mike Sussman and Charlynn Schmiedt

Production
C Bryan Jones (Editor and Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Charlynn Schmiedt (Executive Producer) Renee Roberts (Associate Producer) Zachary Fruhling (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Direct download: trr-187.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 5:38am MDT

182: Getting It Done In a Nighty

Eye of the Needle.

When Voyager first started making its way home from the Delta Quadrant, the crew were full of hope that they would find a way home that was as quick as the one that stranded them. In “Eye of the Needle,” such a thing almost happened, and the helping hand came from a familiar foe: the Romulans.

In this episode of The Ready Room, we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt, Will Nguyen, and Zachary Fruhling to discuss this story from when Voyager was still fresh, the Doctor’s identity dilemma, the crew’s family connections, and the science behind it all.

In our news segment we take a first look at Hallmark’s 2016 Star Trek ornaments lineup, William Shatner and the Autobiography of Captain James T. Kirk, and discuss Idris Elba’s role as lead villain in the first Peggverse film.

 

Hosts

C Bryan Jones and Charlynn Schmiedt

 

Guests

Will Nguyen and Zachary Fruhling

 

Editor and Producer

C Bryan Jones

 

Executive Producers

Matthew Rushing and Norman C. Lao

 

Associate Producers

Renee Roberts and Zachary Fruhling

 

Production Manager

Richard Marquez

 

Content Manager

Will Nguyen

 

News

First look at Hallmark’s 2016 ornaments (00:05:42)

Shatner reads Captain Kirk’s autobiography (00:18:06)

Idris Elba and Star Trek Beyond’s lead villain (00:22:59)

 

Feature: Eye of the Needle

Initial Thoughts (00:33:14)

The Science of It All (00:43:48)

Delta Debbie Downer (00:58:14)

The Doctor’s Identity Crisis (01:04:38)

All in the Family (01:14:58)

Too Soon to the Well? (01:20:16)

Final Thoughts (01:28:25)

 

Send us your feedback!

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Direct download: trr-182.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 3:58am MDT

175: Don’t Knock the Cucumber Sandwiches

Persistence of Vision.

Someone didn’t have their coffee this morning. And when you’re a starship captain with little faith in your first officer, you gotta have your joe. There’s never enough time to do everything that needs to be done, and keeping the ship running smoothly has left Janeway with little time to eat (but apparently time to go goth—not in the way you think).

In this episode of The Ready Room, we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt, Suzanne Abbott, and Phillip Gilfus to unravel the mysteries of “Persistence of Vision,” Janeway’s exhaustion and hallucinations that may be caused by a creepy alien (but may be due to problems with the holodeck… or both), why Sybok is in the Delta Quadrant, and, of course, to get down with Mrs. Templeton.

In our news segment we share our thoughts on the Latino Review article claiming that CBS is preparing to bring Star Trek back to television, Simon Pegg’s comments about the next film, and we kick off our traditional speculation on a possible villain (this time we’re sure it’s not Khan).

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Charlynn Schmiedt

 

Guests

Suzanne Abbott and Phillip Gilfus

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

Production Manager

Richard Marquez

 

Content Coordinator

Will Nguyen

 

News

CBS looking to being Star Trek back to TV? (00:04:13)

Simon Pegg, Idris Elba, and Star Trek 3 (00:14:06)

 

Feature: Persistence of Vision

Intro and Synopsis (00:22:50)

Gothic Janeway (00:27:20)

Grumpy Janeway (00:37:31)

Lonely Janeway (00:46:26)

Tom’s Mystery Dad (00:51:16)

Voyager’s Sybok (00:55:15)

B’Ekotay (00:59:54)

Random Notes (01:04:42)

Final Thoughts (01:14:28)

Closing (01:21:47)

 

Send us your feedback!

Twitter: @trekfm

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Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Direct download: trr-175.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 7:39pm MDT

168: It’s Not a Lie If You Believe It

Live Fast and Prosper.

How much would you pay for Federation membership? Apparently in the Delta Quadrant you can get quick approval if you’ve got enough money—or ten kilotons of bolomite. Given that Voyager was constantly leaving her influence behind as she made her way back to Earth, it’s surprising that more aliens didn’t try impersonating the crew for their own gain. We know that at least one group did, and they played the part with unwavering dedication—especially in the case of faux Tuvok. 

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Charlynn Schmiedt and Matthew Rushing to discuss “Live Fast and Prosper,” the Dala who would be Janeway, Bizarro Chakotay, and Mobar, the alien who truly believed he was Vulcan.

In our news segment we discuss the 20th anniversary of Voyager as we remember the premiere of “Caretaker,” and debate the results of StarTrek.com’s poll about which doctor fans would most want as their own.

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Charlynn Schmiedt

 

Guest

Matthew Rushing

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

Production Manager

Richard Marquez

 

Content Coordinator

Will Nguyen

 

News

Remembering 20 Years of Voyager (00:02:49)

Poll: The doctor fans would most want as their own is… (00:15:04)

 

Feature: Live Fast and Prosper

Intro and Synopsis (00:23:34)

Loose Lips Sink Ships (00:27:22)

Imposters! (00:32:29)

Reputation Harmed (00:42:58)

Flaws In Execution (00:51:05)

Doctor In Drag (00:58:44)

One Redeeming Thing (01:06:15)

Final Thoughts (01:13:32)

Closing (01:20:39)

 

Send us your feedback!

Twitter: @trekfm

Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm

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Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Direct download: trr-168.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 7:39am MDT

163: Strip Down and Get Physical

Macrocosm.

Have you ever felt that Star Trek episodes are a bit too talky? A bit too “high and mighty”? Ever wish you could have a dash of Rambo with your Star Trek? Well, Brannon Braga thought so and thus sent Janeway—ripped biceps, tank top, and all—to save the crew from a giant bug infestation in the third-season episode “Macrocosm.”

In this episode of The Ready Room we’re joined by Phillip Gilfus, Charlynn Schmiedt, and Suzanne Abbott to discuss the germ-filled episode, how well it succeeds in achieving Braga’s goals, its role as CGI testbed for later Voyager, the space podcasting of Neelix, and the origins of the Tak Tak language. If you listen long enough, you may even find out about the Tak Tak version of William Shatner.

In our news segment, we find out what Ensign Williams needs in order to record her second set of Red Shirt Diaries, debate which Enterprise would be the best to captain, and take a moment to reflect on the recent tragedy involving Virgin Galactic.

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Phillip Gilfus

 

Guests

Charlynn Schmiedt and Suzanne Abbott

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

News

Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo crashes during test flight (3:39)

Help make The Red Shirt Diaries Season Two a reality (9:49)

Poll: Which Enterprise would you choose to captain? (17:41)

 

Feature: Macrocosm

Intro and Synopsis (26:38)

The Language of the Tak Tak (30:26)

Neelix: Space Podcaster (38:02)

Getting Gooed On (40:15)

Looking for Some Action (43:51)

Too Much Rambo? (52:48)

CGI Test Run (58:29)

Footloose and Fancy Free (1:04:29)

Ambassador Neelix (1:10:22)

Vibrating Chakotay (1:13:23)

The Doctor Needs Directions? (1:15:42)

Final Thoughts (1:20:24)

Closing (1:27:55)

 

Send us your feedback!

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Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Direct download: trr-163.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 11:57pm MDT

158: Holo-addicts Anonymous

Pathfinder.

Reginald Barclay is a fan favorite from The Next Generation despite appearing in only five episodes. But did you realize he appeared in more episodes of Voyagerthan TNG? It took the writers a long while to bring Reg back after his appearance in the second-season episode “Projections,” but once they did he played a key role in getting Voyager home starting with “Pathfinder” in Season Six.

In this episode of The Ready Room we're joined by Charlynn Schmiedt, Suzanne Abbott, and Jaime Sanchez to discuss Barclay's counseling session with Deanna Troi, his status as top dog of coolness amongst the holographic Voyager crew, what the episode says about those with addictions, and whether or not there should have been more stories throughout the series about Starfleet's search for the missing ship.

In our news segment we look at Rittenhouse Archives' new alien trading cards series, imagine which card series would reel us in, find out what Starship Farraguthas in store for fans, and get an inside scoop on the prospects for DS9 Blu-rays viaThe Digital Bits

 

Hosts

Christopher Jones and Charlynn Schmiedt

 

Guests

Suzanne Abbott and Jaime Sanchez

 

Editor and Producer

Christopher Jones

 

Associate Producer

Renee Roberts

 

News

Rittenhouse Archives unveils new alien trading cards (2:40)

The Digital Bits fields DS9 Blu-ray question (9:45)

Starship Farragut launches Kickstarter for "The Crossing" (15:58)

Join our discussion in The Babel Conference (20:25)

Support Trek.fm through Patreon (25:02)

Sponsor: Audible (27:15)

 

Feature: Pathfinder

Intro and Synopsis (30:09)

Initial Thoughts (37:02)

Reg and Deanna, Welcome Back (45:56)

Crossing the Boundaries of TOS and  TNG (53:33)

Starfleet Remembers Voyager! (56:48)

Commentary on Holo-addiction (1:04:58)

Over the Top or Just Right? (1:17:23)

Final Thoughts (1:20:20)

Closing and Feedback (1:27:52)

 

Support the Network!

Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep Star Trek talk coming every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

 

Send us your feedback!

Twitter: @trekfm

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Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/

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Direct download: trr-158-B.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 9:00pm MDT

152: It's Handy to Have a Hologram

The Thaw.

Over the years Starfleet crews have faced off against a dizzying array of opponents. Mainstream baddies like Klingons, Romulans, and Borg are formidable but straightforward. Technical glitches like holodeck malfunctions or sentient silicon are also fairly routine. But what happens when your opponent isn’t something tangible but rather an emotion? We’ve gone on yellow alert against out own imaginations, but when the personification of Fear comes around it’s not quite so easy to just stop thinking about it. As the Clown said, when your only reality is an illusion, then illusion is reality.

In this episode of The Ready Room we're joined by Megan Calcote of Educating Geeks, Miles McLoughlin of The Scifi Diner, and Charlynn Schmiedt of To The Journey to discuss Voyager's encounter with Fear in the second-season episode "The Thaw," the mixed fan reception this episode has gotten over the years, the unique nature of the story and the visuals—including the Marvin Rush's inspiration as the director—the importance of having a hologram around, and how fear can both benefit and cripple us under different circumstances.

In our news segment we share our thoughts on the ten best Klingons as selected at One Trek Mind Live at Star Trek Las Vegas, recap convention cosplay, and discuss Brannon Braga's thoughts on Seven of Nine and her role on Voyager.

 

Send us your feedback!

Twitter: @trekfm

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Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact

 

News

Brannon Braga talks about Seven of Nine (2:41)

And the ten best Klingons are… (15:54)

Star Trek Las Vegas Cosplay recap (26:36)

Sponsor: Audible (37:08)

 

Feature: The Thaw

Intro and Synopsis (40:52)

Mixed Fan Reaction to a Crazy Clown (43:53)

Bringing Imagination to Life (50:12)

It's Handy to Have a Hologram (55:45)

The Nuances of a Holographic Janeway (1:04:23)

Overcoming Fear (1:12:28)

Creative Approaches to Fear (1:21:06)

Final Thoughts (1:27:49)

Closing and Feedback (1:35:35)

Direct download: trr-152.mp3
Category:Voyager -- posted at: 5:41am MDT