Trek Geeks: A Star Trek Podcast

Sixty years ago today, Star Trek premiered. The countdown rolls on. On this episode of Trek Geeks, Bill and Dan pick right back up with Star Trek's 60 Greatest Moments, moving into the next ten on Star Trek Day itself as we celebrate the franchise's 60th anniversary. Last time we cracked open the list with 60 through 51. This time the stakes climb a little higher and the picks start to sting a little more. We're counting down entries 50 through 41, ten more moments pulled from every corner of the final frontier. From the Original Series to the movies, from Next Gen to the modern era, these are the scenes that made us gasp, the lines we've been quoting for decades, and the beats that remind us why this franchise has lasted as long as it has. A few of these are locks you saw coming. Others are going to spark exactly the kind of "wait, how is that not higher?" reaction we live for. Half the fun of a countdown is the fight over it, and our live audience didn't hold back. If you've got your own picks, or a moment you'll never forgive us for leaving off, come find us on social and let us have it. With every installment, the list gets harder to argue about. Happy 60th, Star Trek. Here's to the next sixty. Trek Geeks: Thursday Night Geeks presented by FanSets streams live every other Thursday at 8pm ET on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Live long and prosper. 🖖

Vegas is in the books, and we're debriefing. This week on Trek Geeks: Thursday Night Geeks presented by FanSets, we're joined by Mike Slamer and Ashley Thomas from We Are Starfleet, right here on the Trek Geeks Podcast Network. Both of them made the trip to STLV: Trek to Vegas for the first time, and there's no better year to do it than the 60th anniversary. Five days at the Rio, a guest list nearly 200 deep, and the entire franchise under one roof. Ashley didn't exactly ease into it, either. She pulled double duty as DJ and Trivia Host at this year's FanGeeks Party, which means her first Vegas included running the room while the rest of us were in it. We get the story from behind the decks and the mic. We also get the first-timer perspective on everything else. What hit exactly the way they hoped. What nobody warns you about until you're standing in your fourth line of the day. The panels that stopped them cold, the moments that only happen in that room, and whether the whole thing lived up to sixty years of buildup. Plus our own takes on the week, the highlights worth revisiting, and the honest answer to the question every fan eventually asks: is Vegas worth it? Trek Geeks: Thursday Night Geeks presented by FanSets streams live every other Thursday at 8pm ET on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Smart Trek talk, every week. 🎙️

The road to 60 years of Star Trek starts here. In this episode of Trek Geeks, Bill and Dan launch an all new series counting down Star Trek's 60 Greatest Moments, building right up to the franchise's 60th anniversary this September. Six decades, hundreds of hours of television and film, and one impossible question: which moments actually made the cut? The countdown begins now. This time out, the guys open with entries 60 through 51, the first ten slots in a list that spans every era of the final frontier. From the Original Series to the movies, from Next Gen to the modern shows, these are the scenes, the lines, and the gut punches that earned their spot. Some picks you will nod right along with, a few you will want to argue about, and at least one that will have you shouting "that is only number 57?" at your earbuds. The best part of a countdown like this is the debate, and we want to hear yours. Which moments are you already worried we left off? What did we rank too low? Reach out and let us know, because your picks help shape where this conversation goes over the coming weeks. If you enjoy the show, follow or subscribe wherever you listen, leave a rating and a review, and share this one with a fellow fan. Then settle in as we begin the countdown to 60. Live long and prosper.

This week on Trek Geeks, Bill and Dan are pointing the sensors straight at the elephant in the room: artificial intelligence. From Data's quest to be more human to the Doctor demanding his own holonovel rights, Star Trek has been wrestling with what it means for a machine to think, feel, and occasionally take over the ship for the better part of sixty years. We dig into the franchise's best and weirdest takes on AI and ask what the writers got right, what they got hilariously wrong, and what suddenly feels a little too close to home. Of course, you can't talk about AI in Trek without talking about AI in your actual living room. We look at where real-world artificial intelligence stands right now, how fast it's moving, and how it stacks up against the rosy — and not so rosy — futures Trek has been showing us all along. Nobody on this show has a degree in machine learning, but we've all yelled at a chatbot at least once, so consider us experts. That brings us to the big question we genuinely cannot agree on: when the dust settles, is our AI future going to look more like Zora, the warm and weirdly wise heart of the USS Discovery, or more like a certain time-traveling cyborg who is absolutely not here to make friends? We've also got some very exciting news to share. The Trek Geeks network is growing, and we're introducing brand new shows joining the family. You'll want to hear who's coming aboard and what they've got in store. So grab a drink, charge your favorite device responsibly — we don't want any uprisings — and let's figure out together whether the future is going to save us or come back in time to ruin our whole day.

This week on Trek Geeks, we're peeling back the layers of prosthetics to sit down with a true cinematic legend. Star Trek: Discovery's Saru himself, Doug Jones, joins the show alongside Executive Producer Derek Maki to discuss their upcoming documentary, "Get Me Doug Jones" — a film that chronicles the incredible career of a man who has spent decades bringing film and television's most iconic creatures to life while remaining one of the industry's most humble (and huggable) figures. The documentary is far more than a highlight reel of silicone and spirit gum; it's an intimate exploration of the man under the mask. From his early days as a mime to his transformative, award-winning work in The Shape of Water, Pan's Labyrinth, and Hellboy, Derek Maki and his team capture the physical discipline and emotional vulnerability required to dominate the genre. We discuss the creative process behind the film, the challenge of condensing such a prolific career into a single narrative, and why Doug's story is essentially the heart of modern creature effects. We get the inside scoop on the production, the footage being unearthed for the project, and what it's like for Doug to finally step out from behind the makeup for a retrospective this personal — complete with plenty of behind-the-scenes stories and the usual brand of banter. Grab a drink and join the conversation. Whether you're a fan of Saru, the Silver Surfer, or just high-quality documentary filmmaking, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Star Trek Mixtape, Volume 2 is here, and Bill Smith and Dan Davidson are back at it, adding more tracks to the ultimate Star Trek marathon playlist. The concept is simple but irresistible: curate a collection of Star Trek episodes the way you'd build a perfect mixtape, where every selection fits a theme and each one flows into the next as part of a larger story. No random favorites here. Every track has to earn its place. In this volume, Bill and Dan dig deeper into the ideas that have always defined Star Trek: empathy, identity, sacrifice, and the enduring hope that humanity can become something better. From intimate character studies to big philosophical swings, these are the episodes that remind you why Star Trek still resonates across generations of fans. Expect passionate debate, a few unexpected picks, and the kind of conversation that makes you want to fire up your own marathon the moment the episode ends. What would your Star Trek mixtape sound like? Hit play and find out. 🖖📼

This week on Trek Geeks , we're bringing you the best moments from a recent Thursday Night Geeks where things got bold, loud, and unapologetically opinionated. Bill and Dan took a stand on "The Trek Hill I'm Willing to Die On," sharing the Star Trek hot takes they'll defend to the very end. No fence-sitting. No safe answers. Just pure, unfiltered fandom. From controversial episodes and underrated characters to creative decisions that still spark debate, nothing across the Trek universe was off limits. Along the way, there's plenty of laughter, some spirited back-and-forth, and a few moments that might have you shouting at your podcast app. And of course, the community weighed in too, proving once again that every fan has their hill. The real question is: what's yours? So settle in and get ready...because this is one climb you won't want to miss.

GOLDEN GLOBE WINNER & TWO-TIME OSCAR NOMINEE! In this special episode of Trek Geeks, we present our Trek Talks panel featuring acclaimed actor and Star Trek fan Paul Giamatti. Known for his incredible range across film and television, Paul joins us for a conversation that blends his love of storytelling, his appreciation for Star Trek, and his thoughts on what makes science fiction such a powerful lens for exploring the human condition. During the panel, Paul discusses his relationship with Star Trek, the impact the franchise has had on generations of fans, and why science fiction continues to resonate in a world that often feels like it's catching up to the stories we've been telling for decades. The conversation explores fandom, creativity, performance, and the unique optimism that sits at the heart of Star Trek. We also talk about the importance of storytelling in uncertain times, the responsibility artists sometimes feel when contributing to beloved franchises, and how Star Trek continues to inspire hope, curiosity, and empathy. It's a thoughtful, funny, and engaging discussion that Trek fans and film fans alike will truly enjoy. YOU CAN HELP THE HOLLYWOOD FOOD COALITION TODAY! Trek Talks is more than just conversations like this one. It's an annual telethon that brings together Star Trek actors, writers, and fans to raise money for a truly important cause while celebrating the community that Star Trek has built over nearly 60 years. If you'd like to support Trek Talks and the Hollywood Food Coalition, you can donate by visiting https://givebutter.com/trektalks5 or by texting TREK to 53-555 . Every donation helps provide meals and support for people in need, and we're incredibly grateful for your support.

This week on Trek Geeks , Bill and Dan welcome a special guest and good friend of the show, Trek Talks co-producer Laurie Ulster from TrekMovie.com! With Trek Talks just around the corner, Laurie joins the show to preview this year's telethon, talk about what viewers can expect, and share some behind-the-scenes insight into how this incredible annual event comes together to support the Hollywood Food Coalition. In addition, Bill and Dan discuss the surprising and disappointing news that Star Trek: Starfleet Academy has reportedly been canceled by Paramount. What does this mean for the future of Star Trek on streaming? Is this part of a bigger shift for the franchise? The guys will share their thoughts on what we know so far and what it could mean for Trek fans moving forward. But it's not all serious news. There's also a new rumor floating around about a potential new Star Trek LEGO set that could be arriving later this year, and Bill and Dan will break down what we're hearing and what they hope to see if the rumor turns out to be true. It's news, rumors, Trek Talks, and plenty of laughs, so join us! TREK TALKS IS SATURDAY, MARCH 28! Visit https://trektalks.net to get all the information and to donate securely to the Hollywood Food Coalition!

In this special episode of Trek Geeks presented by FanSets , hosts Bill Smith and Dan Davidson celebrate the 60th Anniversary Year of Star Trek with a look back at the moments, series, and stories that shaped the franchise across six decades. Sixty years after the debut of Star Trek: The Original Series , Star Trek continues to inspire new generations of fans, creators, and dreamers. Bill and Dan explore the legacy of the franchise from the optimism of The Next Generation to the moral complexity of Deep Space Nine , the resilience of Voyager , and the bold spirit of Strange New Worlds . Along the way, they discuss the characters, episodes, and themes that still resonate today, and how Star Trek has continued to evolve while holding onto its hopeful vision of the future. The conversation also touches on what this milestone anniversary means for fandom today, from conventions and collectibles to the exciting new productions expanding the universe. Plus, the guys are joined by a surprise guest: Cirroc Lofton , beloved for his role as Jake Sisko on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and recently seen reprising the character on Starfleet Academy . Cirroc drops in to share his thoughts on Star Trek's legacy, fandom, and what it means to return to the role of Jake all these years later. It's a celebration of sixty years of Star Trek filled with great conversation, plenty of laughs, and a reminder of why this franchise continues to boldly go where no one has gone before.

Visiting the Past and Discovering the Future We kick off our 2026 in a big way as we celebrate the 60th Anniversary Year of Star Trek with a show built for fans who love both the history and the future of the franchise. This premiere is all about connection. Connection to the real places where Star Trek was made and connection to where the universe is headed next. First up, we're joined by Larry "Dr. Trek" Nemecek and Teras Cassidy from Geek Nation Tours to talk about Exploring Trek shooting locations. From iconic West Coast filming sites to the unforgettable landscapes of Nevada's Valley of Fire, we'll dive into what makes these locations so special and why standing where Star Trek history was made hits differently in an anniversary year. If you've ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of your favorite crews, this conversation is for you. Then we shift gears to the future with a spoiler-light discussion of the premiere of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. We'll share our impressions of the first two episodes, what immediately grabbed us, and where the series feels like it's boldly going. From tone to characters to themes, we'll break down what's working and what we're excited to see develop as the season unfolds. It's the perfect way to launch a new season of Trek Geeks: Thursday Night Geeks. Part celebration, part exploration, and part thoughtful fandom chat with friends. Whether you're planning your next Trek adventure or just settling in to watch the next chapter of Star Trek begin, this Season Two premiere sets the tone for what's ahead.

EMMY AND ACADEMY AWARD WINNER This week, we're beyond thrilled to welcome a true legend of Star Trek and Hollywood craftsmanship — the one and only Doug Drexler! From his early days in the makeup department on Star Trek: The Next Generation to his groundbreaking work in visual effects on Deep Space Nine, Enterprise, and Battlestar Galactica, Doug's creative fingerprint can be found across some of the most beloved moments in science fiction. He's an Academy Award and Emmy Award winner, a designer, an artist, and above all, a lifelong fan whose passion for Trek helped shape the look and feel of entire eras of the franchise. Doug joins us to talk about his incredible career and his newest adventure — the upcoming documentary Trek Star, now crowdfunding on Kickstarter. Directed by Jason Smith, Trek Star explores how a kid from the Bronx became one of Star Trek's most influential creative minds, chronicling a career that's as inspiring as it is entertaining. From the bridge of the Enterprise to the design labs of Hollywood, this is the story of a fan who truly made his dreams real. We'll dive into Doug's time in makeup on Dick Tracy, his collaboration with icons like Michael and Denise Okuda, his work designing for Star Trek: Enterprise and Picard, and his love for the fans who have supported him throughout his journey. Expect laughs, insight, and heartfelt reflection as we celebrate one of Star Trek's most passionate visionaries. This is an unforgettable conversation with the incomparable Doug Drexler — a man who embodies the creative spirit of Trek itself. This is one episode you won't want to miss. SUPPORT THE TREK STAR DOCUMENTARY NOW! Head on over to DrexlerFilm.com to find out more and support the Kickstarter campaign!

The galaxy is calling once again, and Thursday Night Geeks presented by FanSets is answering! This week, Bill and Dan take a deep dive into Season 3, Episode 4 of Strange New Worlds, "A Space Adventure Hour." With a title like that, you know fans are in for a ride that blends exploration, danger, and the kind of heartfelt storytelling the series has become known for. This episode manages to balance character development with classic Trek-style wonder. Our hosts will unpack the way it captures the essence of what makes Strange New Worlds feel both nostalgic and fresh. Expect a thoughtful conversation about themes of teamwork, leadership, and the choices that define the crew as they continue their journey. As always, the guys will bring their trademark humor and passion to the discussion. They'll connect the dots between what longtime fans love and what newer audiences might find exciting, all while keeping the conversation lively. If you've seen the episode, you'll nod along; if you haven't--what are you waiting for? So grab your favorite drink, settle into your command chair, and join Thursday Night Geeks presented by FanSets for another night of geeky fun. "A Space Adventure Hour" may only be one episode, but it's sure to spark a galaxy's worth of conversation. Plus, stay tuned after the end theme for an all-new outtake!

SPOILER ALERT This week, we're bringing you the audio as we dig into Strange New Worlds Season 3, Episode 3: "Shuttle to Kenfori." It's an hour of Trek that leans hard into horror, complete with fast-moving zombies, eerie ruins, and Klingons with secrets of their own. We talk through the episode from start to finish, spoilers and all, including the tension-filled performances, character dynamics, and what this story might mean for the rest of the season. From Pike and M'Benga's haunted mission to Ortegas' growing unease, we're breaking it all down. So if you missed the livestream or just want to experience it again in podcast form, sit back, grab your favorite mug of raktajino, and get ready to revisit one of the creepiest corners of the final frontier.

New Star Trek Action Figures from The Nacelle Company We're diving deep into the world of Star Trek collectibles with none other than Brian Volk-Weiss, CEO of The Nacelle Company! Fresh off the exciting announcement of their brand-new line of Star Trek action figures, Brian joins us to discuss what fans can expect from these highly anticipated releases. From the design process to character selection and the passion behind bringing these figures to life, this is an episode no Trek collector will want to miss! But that's not all--we'll also chat with Brian about his incredible career in entertainment and toy production. As the mastermind behind The Toys That Made Us and The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek, he has a deep love for pop culture and storytelling that shines through in every project he touches. He'll share insights into his journey, the challenges of creating high-quality collectibles, and why Star Trek remains such an enduring phenomenon. Join us live for a fun and geeky conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive details on the new Star Trek figures, and maybe even a few surprises along the way! Whether you're a hardcore collector or just love geeking out over all things Trek, this is a Thursday Night Geeks episode you won't want to miss. Set your reminders, grab your favorite Trek memorabilia, and beam in for the conversation!

Things get gloriously weird as we dive into "Wedding Bell Blues," the second episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3. After a three-month time jump, the Enterprise is docked at Starbase One for the Federation's 100th anniversary, but Spock has something more personal on his mind: the return of Nurse Chapel. Unfortunately for him, she's not alone. Enter Chapel's date, Dr. Roger Korby, her old mentor, and the unfortunate spark for Spock's emotional tailspin. What begins as an awkward love triangle quickly warps into a full-blown rom-com fever dream. Spock wakes up engaged to Chapel, the crew is prepping for a wedding instead of a centennial celebration, and reality itself seems to be playing fast and loose with the facts. While some members of the crew are blissfully swept up in the festivities, others start to sense something is very, very off--especially a confused and suspicious Dr. Korby. We'll dig into the emotional core of the episode, including Ethan Peck's fantastic performance as a Vulcan barely holding himself together, and how Strange New Worlds continues to blend genres without losing its heart. Director Jordon Canning, who brought us last season's rom-com "Charades," once again balances comedy, sci-fi, and surprising depth in a story that explores how emotions shape our reality.

After almost two full years, Strange New Worlds is finally back and we're jumping straight into the action with the highly anticipated Season 3 premiere, "Hegemony, Part 2." This week, we're breaking it all down in real time, just hours after the episode drops. Pike and the Enterprise crew are back and there's no easing back into this one. We'll be digging into all the fallout from last season's cliffhanger, exploring how the show handled the return to the Gorn conflict and whether the emotional stakes lived up to the build-up. Did Pike make the right call? Was the rescue worth the cost? And what does this episode signal for the rest of the season? We've definitely got thoughts. Of course, it wouldn't be Trek Geeks without some hot takes, speculation, and your live comments fueling the chaos. This is a *spoiler-filled* discussion, so if you haven't seen the episode yet, maybe warp out and come back after. But if you have watched, grab a drink, fire up the viewscreen, and join us as we kick off another season of SNW with the passion only Trek Geeks can deliver.

AUDIO FROM THURSDAY NIGHT GEEKS Bill and Dan are boldly going where few fans dare to tread: straight into the heart of Star Trek controversy. Everyone has a hot take, but not all opinions are created equal—and tonight, they're putting theirs on display. From the final frontiers of franchise canon to the captains, crews, and creative choices that divide the fandom, no corner of the Trek universe is safe. Expect a lively and honest conversation that challenges long-held beliefs and re-examines the things we all thought were settled. The guys are pulling no punches as they each share five of their most unpopular Star Trek opinions—and believe us, some of them might raise a Vulcan eyebrow or two. Whether it's about storylines, characters, or what should (or shouldn't) count as "real Trek," these takes are bound to get people talking. Of course, it's all in good fun. Thursday Night Geeks is a celebration of everything Star Trek—disagreements and all. So pour a raktajino, strap in, and get ready to yell at your screen (or maybe nod in silent agreement). You might not agree with everything said... but you'll definitely have an opinion about it. Be sure to hang around after the end theme for a brand-new outake from Bill and Dan recorded after this episode livestreamed! ======================================= Music for Trek Geeks is provided by the world's greatest Star Trek band, FIVE YEAR MISSION! They're recording one song for each episode of the original Star Trek. Get all their albums at fiveyearmission.net!

Audio from Thursday Night Geeks We're charting a course straight into the explosive Season 2 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — "Hegemony." With tensions high and the Gorn deadlier than ever, the crew of the Enterprise faces a nightmare scenario that pushes Starfleet ideals to the breaking point. We'll examine how the series handles high-stakes conflict, moral dilemmas, and the weight of command in this harrowing final chapter of the season. We'll dive deep into Captain Pike's impossible choice and the toll it takes—not just on him, but on his relationships with his crew. From Spock's desperate search for Christine Chapel to La'an's cold tactical edge, every major character is tested under fire. We'll also take a closer look at the return of the Gorn as a modern Trek threat—what works, what terrifies, and what it all means for Starfleet going forward. And of course, we'll talk about that ending. The final moments of "Hegemony" leave us on the edge of our seats and wondering how the crew can possibly regroup. Has the Enterprise ever been this outmatched? Join us as we unpack the emotional weight, story structure, and cinematic style of the episode that's redefining what a Trek finale can be. Thanks for listening to this special episode of Trek Geeks, featuring the audio from our Thursday Night Geeks livestream! If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with your fellow Trek fans. It really helps us grow the community. Want to be part of the fun as it happens? Join us live for Thursday Night Geeks every week on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/trekgeeks. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a stream. We'd love to have you in the chat, sharing your thoughts and Trek takes in real time. Until next time... Live Long and COCONUT!

Audio from Thursday Night Geeks We're thrilled to welcome actor, artist, and all-around creative force Bruce Horak to the livestream! Best known to Star Trek: Strange New Worlds fans as Hemmer, the gruff but endearing Aenar engineer of the U.S.S. Enterprise, Bruce brings a unique perspective as the first legally blind actor to play a recurring character in the *Star Trek* franchise. Join us as we talk about his time on the show, his experience stepping into the Trek universe, and how he helped redefine what representation in science fiction can look like. But Bruce's journey doesn't stop with Strange New Worlds. He's embarking on a deeply personal new mission: a documentary titled "Boldly Going", which chronicles his life as a visually impaired artist, performer, and now cultural trailblazer. We'll explore the inspiration behind this project, how fans can support it through his current Indiegogo campaign (https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/boldly-going-documentary#/), and why this story of resilience, creativity, and vision is so important in today's media landscape. Expect laughs, insights, and maybe even a few tears as Bruce shares how his love of storytelling—and Star Trek itself—has shaped his path. We'll also dig into his stage work, his incredible portrait paintings, and what it means to truly "go boldly" as an artist who defies expectations at every turn. And of course, it wouldn't be Thursday Night Geeks without some behind-the-scenes tidbits. Set phasers to "inspired" and don't miss this heartwarming, eye-opening episode with one of the most fascinating voices in modern Trek. Thanks for listening to this special episode of Trek Geeks, featuring the audio from our Thursday Night Geeks livestream! If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with your fellow Trek fans. It really helps us grow the community. Want to be part of the fun as it happens? Join us live for Thursday Night Geeks every week on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/trekgeeks. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a stream. We'd love to have you in the chat, sharing your thoughts and Trek takes in real time. Until next time... Live Long and COCONUT!