PoliTreks: A Star Trek Podcast
46 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 3 years ago - ★★★★ - 13 ratingsPoliTreks! Join us for politics, religion, and society around the replicator. Along with special guests, we choose to Boldly Go straight into the social, political, and sometimes spiritual underpinnings at the core of Star Trek. In this podcast, we aim to seek out new perspectives, and discover the ways Trek - past and present - can help us better understand the world as it is, and us as we are. We travel at warp speed through worlds, timelines, and dimensions with one mission: make sense of our reality!
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Episodes
041 - SPOOKY TREKS: The Borg
October 06, 2021 18:08 - 46 minutes - 32.3 MBPoliTreks is gearing up for the spooky season! Special guest Felicity Pickens a.k.a RadMissFliss jumps in with Shashank to confront the horrors of the Borg species. Resistance may be futile, but discussion is not, and everything about the Borg including their look, the concept of assimilation, theories about their origin, species 8472 and more are on the table. What did you think of this episode? Please let us know about your thoughts by writing to us at @politreks on Twitter or by sendin...
040 - Diseases in Star Trek, Part II
September 22, 2021 12:23 - 1 hour - 63.7 MBPoliTreks closes out the discussion on diseases in Star Trek with guest host Che. They discuss the DS9 episodes Babel, Quickening, the Enterprise episode Stigma, and the Voyager episode Scientific Method. What did you think of this episode? Please let us know about your thoughts by writing to us at @politreks on Twitter or by sending us an e-mail to [email protected]!
039 - Diseases in Star Trek: Part 1
May 06, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 44.9 MBWhile much of the developed world begins a slow path toward recovery from COVID-19, the disease has taken a toll of near apocalyptic proportions on our co-host Shashank's homeland of India. With that as our backdrop, he and Barry take a look at the diseases in Star Trek. Some are physical, some mental, some flavor of the week, some that stretch across seasons, but all of them are thought provoking and discussion worthy. What did you think of this episode? Please let us know about your tho...
038 - POLI TREK: INSURRECTION
January 22, 2021 21:39 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBCo-hosts Barry and Shashank return to PoliTreks after an extended hiatus. They discuss their reasons for being away and jump straight to the main topic - the terrorist attack on the US Capitol. On January 6th, the US Capitol, the citadel of American Democracy, was attacked and almost succumbed to a fascist mob. Terrorism and fascistic governments in Star Trek, the extraordinary evil nature of such an act from a Trek perspective and more are brought up along with thoughts about democracy's...
037 - Indigenous Representation in Star Trek
June 09, 2020 20:26 - 1 hour - 50.7 MBPoliTreks is back with a very candid interview with our friend Bryson to talk about representation of Indigenous People throughout the life of Star Trek. Bryson brings his perspective as a member of the Mi’kmaq (*Pronounced Mig-maw) People of the east coast of Canada and the USA. We lay criticism where it is due, all while speaking about context and considering the social make-up of the time. Episode-wise, we cover the two major first entries (Paradise Syndrome - TOS; Journey’s End - TNG),...
036 - Engaging with Star Trek: Picard - Broken Pieces
March 29, 2020 16:58 - 31 minutes - 15.1 MBPoliTreks returns for the continuing analysis/review series of each episode of Star Trek: Picard! Shashank and a guest host break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes and metaphors. In this episode, Shashank, who is doing this episode by himself and stuck in quarantine, much like Crusher who is left all by herself on the Enterprise, wondering if something is wrong with her or the universe, tries to make sense of the Broken Pieces of Picard. A summa...
035 - Engaging with Star Trek: Picard - Nepenthe
March 25, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 46.7 MBPoliTreks returns for the continuing analysis/review series of each episode of Star Trek: Picard! Shashank and a guest host break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes and metaphors. Shashank is not happy about this episode but to balance out with positive vibes, Sara from Rewind joins him on this spatial transporter escape to a heavenly planet. The complex philosophy of a pacifist hunter, the end of the road for Hugh, the return of Troi and Riker a...
034 - Interview with Amrit Kaur from Short Treks: Ask Not
March 18, 2020 03:59 - 1 hour - 51 MBBarry and Shashank get to chat with the talented and engaging Amrit Kaur, Indian-Canadian Actor who played Cadet Thira Sidhu in Star Trek: Short Treks - Ask Not! We delve into Amrit's career as an actor, writer, and activist, getting to know her inspirations, other projects, and what may be in store for her in the future! We discuss many topics that range from feminism to being an Indian-Canadian actor in the arts, landing roles, creating stories, and sending messages.
033 - Engaging with Star Trek: Picard - The Impossible Box
March 06, 2020 01:16 - 1 hour - 73.7 MBPoliTreks returns for the continuing analysis/review series of each episode of Star Trek: Picard! Shashank and a guest host break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes and metaphors. To unlock the mystery box that is episode 6 "The Impossible Box", John Krikorian of Trek Profiles guides Shashank through the Zhal Makh! The theme of Pinocchio, Borg assimilation and PTSD, understanding the Zhal Makh and more come up in our discussion.
032 - Engaging with Star Trek: Picard - Stardust City Rag
February 26, 2020 15:35 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBPoliTreks returns for the continuing analysis/review series of each episode of Star Trek: Picard! Shashank and guest host Aly Martinez break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes and metaphors. Accompanying Shashank on this exciting journey to Freecloud for the discussion of "Stardust City Rag" is the co-host of Literary Treks, Bruce Gibson! Addiction in Star Trek, Seven of Nine and the Fenris Rangers, that opening scene, that closing scene and more...
031 - Engaging with Star Trek: Picard - Absolute Candor
February 19, 2020 12:36 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBPoliTreks is back again with another installment of the Engaging with Star Trek Picard series. This time on the Artifact Grey Zone operating table is episode 4, Absolute Candor. Joining Shashank for this dissection is Jenn Tift, co-host of Snap Trek! Together, Shashank and Jenn break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes, metaphors and lament the continuing absence of Number One. Female warrior nuns in history, the return of Seven Of Nine, the terri...
030 - Engaging with Star Trek: Picard - The End Is The Beginning
February 13, 2020 01:25 - 1 hour - 82.8 MBPoliTreks returns for the continuing analysis/review series of each episode of Star Trek: Picard! Shashank and guest host Aly Martinez break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes, metaphors and lament the continuing absence of Number One. The End Is The Beginning marks the return of Hugh and Shashank couldn't be more happy that Hugh has returned. He also couldn't be more jealous of Jonath Del Arco's rugged good looks. Thankfully, Aly keeps things in...
029 - Engaging with STAR TREK: PICARD - Maps and Legends
February 05, 2020 15:37 - 1 hour - 57.1 MBIn this episode Shashank dives right into a discussion/review/analysis/gleeful screaming of "Maps and Legends", episode 2 of Star Trek: Picard. Joining him to share the excitement and to keep him in line is the delightful Aly Martinez! Shashank and Aly, his Who Is Trek co-host, elaborate on the episode's deeper themes and metaphors. Secret societies and espionage from our history, the usage of derogatory language like "plastic people", the evolution of Starfleet and the depressing lack of ...
028 - Engaging with Star Trek PICARD - Part One: Remembrance
January 29, 2020 08:00 - 1 hour - 47.5 MBIn this episode Shashank breaks down some important news items that are ongoing, and some that we missed while we were gone. The Australian bush fires, the passing of Rene Auberjonois and more are discussed before jumping into the main topic: STAR TREK PICARD! Shashank struggles to get a review out for the pilot episode, Remembrance, in between excited fanboy cheering. The importance of a good PR campaign leading up to the show debut, comparisons to Blade Runner and Battlestar Galactica, t...
27 - The PoliTreks of Star Trek: Beyond
October 30, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBOn this episode, Shashank and Barry dig into the essential characters that drive the plot. We spend a fair bit of time on the unique featured characters of Krall and Jayla. We also look at the conditions of the franchise when the movie was released, what it was responding to, and some of the pitfalls it succumbs to in its delivery. Call backs, self-reference, movie tropes, and cliche get a fair bit of time but as a deeper discussion of how Trek has always experimented with its storytell...
Remembering Aron Eisenberg
September 29, 2019 23:02 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBIn this episode, Shashank and Barry react to the news of the great Aron Eisenberg's passing. This was recorded day-of, so there are some raw moments, however we delve into the lasting memory Aron and Nog, the beloved character he played will live on in our hearts.
26 - The PoliTreks of DSC:S2
September 04, 2019 08:00 - 1 hour - 52.3 MBIn this episode, Shashank and Barry discuss Star Trek Discovery: Season 2. We cover some of the main characters (Pike and Burnham especially), discussing their motivations and permutations, along with the stories told in this season and how they shape and connect to Trek as a whole. We take a constructive look at elements of the season that worked and may not have worked as well. This takes us through the concept of time travel, as often portrayed by Star Trek and how it matches up with ot...
25 - The PoliTreks of DSC S:1
July 31, 2019 04:00 - 1 hour - 68.2 MBOn this episode, Shashank and Barry discuss the political, historical, and social aspects of Season One of Discovery. On the news, we discuss a corruption scandal involving a government-appointed anti-corruption firm. Obvious connections to Cardassian tactics of deceit. The next news item is a farewell to Peter Allan Fields who passed away while we were on hiatus. Our main topic is a tad top-heavy as we get into the character of T'Kuvma, highlighting points of his opening speech and pla...
Special Announcement
July 10, 2019 00:06 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MBJoin us as we announce our affiliation with the Trek Geeks Podcast Network with special guests Bill Smith & Dan Davidson!
24 - The PoliTreks Of: Star Trek (2009)
June 04, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBIn this Episode, Shashank and Barry take a deep dive into the great Kelvin Universe/JJ-verse/soft-reboot/Fast And Furious In Space movie Star Trek, released in 2009 after almost half a decade of no official Trek TV or cinema. We look at our relationship to the movie, cultural perception then and now, character portrayals (both compelling and uncanny), and how for some of us, brought Trek back into our lives in a big way.
23 - The PoliTreks Of: Into Darkness
April 26, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 51.5 MBOn this episode, Shashank and Barry look into the perhaps often maligned episode of the Kelvin Universe, Star Trek: Into Darkness. This movie is ambitious and revisits major characters from movies past. We discuss it all, it's social and political relevance and how ST:ID reflects its time period very succinctly.
22 - Civilizations, Part II
April 17, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 45.8 MBOn this episode of PoliTreks, Shashank and Barry discuss three infamous civilizations in the Star Trek Universe: the Q Continuum, The Romulan Star Empire, and The Terran Empire. We look to their connections to societies, religions, and regimes in contemporary and historical contexts.
21 - Civilizations, Part I
March 08, 2019 17:00 - 58 minutes - 41.1 MBOn this episode, Shashank and Barry discuss the possible human inspirations of the alien races of Star Trek. Much has been covered on this, so our hosts try to think outside of the box, or at least in terms of western paradigms. The news segment has another hot-take, this time from Shashank as he talks about escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. Be sure you did your 'homework'...
20 - Villains
February 05, 2019 17:00 - 59 minutes - 41.5 MBOn this, our maiden voyage of PoliTreks - A (the new 'season'), we look at Villains of Star Trek. This discussion is merely the beginning as Trek has many great portrayals. We also try to bring to the fire villains who may not get as much attention. The news is spicy with, our thoughts on the now ended government shutdown, a hot-take from Barry on Venezuela that may spark some discussion, and a quick nod to the new season of DSC. Join us for all of the political, social, and moral underpin...
19 - Section 25 - A DS9 Celebration Part 4: 25 DS9 Lessons
January 06, 2019 17:00 - 1 hour - 75.1 MBIn the news segment of this episode, Barry and Shashank catch you up on current events from the Trek Lens. The main topic is another part of the Section 25 Series in which Shashank and guest host Jamie McGregor discuss twenty five lessons that they've learned from Deep Space Nine.
18 - Methods Devour Themselves
December 07, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 81.6 MBIn this very ambitious episode, Shashank and Barry have teamed up with our good friend Brett O'Shea from Revolutionary Left Radio, a political science/philosophy/activist podcast, to talk about the book 'Methods Devour Themselves: A Conversation' co-authored by Benjanun Sriduangkaew and J. Moufawad-Paul. The book itself represents a conversation between Speculative Fiction/Fantasy (SFF), which includes Sci-fi, and political philosophy. The works book to imagine new realities and ideas that e...
18.1 - Methods Devour Themselves Raw Interviews
December 07, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 56.2 MBBeing that the episode was coming on 2+ hours in length, and the fact that we could not get both interviews on the show in their entirety, we decided to release both episodes back-to-back in a separate release. This way, you dear listener, can have a chance to engage more with the authors' points themselves. A big thank-you goes out to Benjanun Sriduangkaew and J. Moufawad-Paul for their participation and patience while we got this collaboration underway. That, and much love to Brett and Dav...
17 - Section 25 - DS9 25th Anniversary Celebration (Part 3)
October 29, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 77 MBIn this, our return from hiatus, we bring you the 25 things we love about DS9. In hour discussion, we range from small detail to major story-centric themes, and add in socio-political elements that stand out. Because it's hard to shut up about DS9, this is one of our longest episodes yet! Enjoy!
16 - Jay Kuo Interview
September 09, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 54.8 MBIn this episode, we talk with Mr. Jay Kuo, a member of Team Takei. He is a man of great creativity and talent and we get a chance to get his insights on communication online as it relates to Star Trek and the real world. That, along with the news and some great listener feedback, this is an episode you won't want to miss!
Supplemental #2: STLV 2018
August 11, 2018 17:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBIn this, our second supplemental episode, Shashank and Barry are joined by Jamie McGregor to talk about STLV 2018. This is not merely a recap - here we talk the politics of the Con itself, the actors, the shows, and the people going. We dive into contradictions we see about having the convention itself, and the current political climate as it pertains to the message of Star Trek in the Twenty-First Century. *Banner photo Credit to Benjamin Hager of the Las Vegas Review Journal
15 - Section 25 - DS9 Dubious Characters
July 14, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBIn this episode, Shashank and Barry continue their DS9 25th Anniversary celebration by deep diving the PoliTreks of some of the most dubious characters of the series. In no particular order, these characters offer a tonal shift in the Star Trek story as it developed through DS9's seven seasons. Along with news, that, at time of recording was not fully resolved (we are happy to hear all of the trapped Thai students and their coach were rescued safely, and we are sad to hear of the loss of one...
14 - On Toxic Fandom in Politics and Star Trek
June 18, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 44.8 MBIn this episode, Barry and Shashank discuss, at length, toxic fandoms in the Star Trek Community, and in other communities. Shashank takes into account a core logic of toxic behavior that exists within the current political world, and connects similarities to how many behaviors are mirrored by those who are abusive, hold a narrow view of what a fandom is, and can classically be seen as trolls. Barry, on the other hand uses a perspective of Leftist philosophy to reveal how as political vi...
13 - Teaching Trek
June 01, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 68.9 MBIn News, Shashank and Barry do their best to stay measured while discussing the case of the 1500 children lost by ICE. Shashank shares a couple of odd poll numbers about some world leaders and Barry reacts. Shashank gives us an update on how his newly adopted puppy, General Zod, is doing. For our main topic, special guest Amy Nelson who, among many other things, is a teacher joins Shashank and Barry who are also in the education field and talks about her love of teaching. The trio also dis...
12 - DebateTrek - Is Edward Jellico Good?
May 12, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBFor our main topic, we have one question: IS EDWARD JELLICO GOOD? In the debut episode of DebateTreks, co-host Barry DeFord takes on TrekRanks host Jim Moorhouse in an epic war of words over the topic of Edward Jellico. In News, co-host Shashank Avvaru shares his thoughts about the White House Correspondents Dinner controversy, the Iran deal and explains his absence in the news segment of the previous show.For our main topic, we have one question: IS EDWARD JELLICO GOOD? In the debut episo...
11 - Infinite PoliTreks, Infinite Diversity
April 23, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 54.4 MBIn this week's episode, Shashank and Barry sit down for a wonderful chat with Ryder Wilhelm, and Dan Deevy (the founder of Gaaays in Spaaace!) on the experience of being a member of the LGBTQ+ Community within Trek Fandom. This discussion is both entertaining and illuminating and we are sure you will enjoy it!
10 - Section 25 - DS9 Celebration (Part 1)
April 08, 2018 12:00 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBSection 25 is a series of PoliTreks episodes celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Through critical examination and comparison to the real world, Shashank and Barry rejoice in characters, episodes, moments, dialogs - everything DS9 in lists of twenty five. First up? Five of twenty-five Fascinating DS9 Characters: Kira, Tosk, Jem'Hadar, Tom Riker and the Grand Nagus.
9 - The PoliTreks of The Wrath Of Khan
March 23, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 63.7 MBRevenge politics, nasty tactics of the righteous, and space guerilla warfare! Shashank and Barry continue their 'PoliTreks Of' Series this time with a perennial favorite, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. Join us for a rousing discussion of what political messages come from this movie and what i's real-world contexts and underpinnings can tell us about our society.
8 - The PoliTreks of The Motion Picture
March 09, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBOn our eighth episode of PoliTreks, Shashank and Barry delve deep into the political underpinnings of Star Trek: The Motion Picture in the first of our series - 'The PoliTreks Of'. We look at working relationships and how people in higher positions can sometime usurp those in lower positions, how Artificial Intelligence poses a major existential threat to humankind (something TMP does well at portraying with V'ger), and how the TMP, along with Star Wars, Close Encounters of the Third Kind,...
7 - An Interview With Manu Saadia
February 16, 2018 15:00 - 1 hour - 50.3 MBFor Episode 7, Shashank and Barry get the distinguished pleasure to speak with Manu Saadia, author of 'Trekonomics'. This is the essential book on the discussion of what a 24th Century economy would really look like, socially, politically, and, of course, economically. Manu's book also challenges contemporary views on scarcity and offers changes to our own society. In our interview, we discuss the real-world implications of Trekonomics, along with deep dives into the salient points within hi...
6 - Environmentalism in Star Trek IV
February 01, 2018 19:00 - 1 hour - 55.9 MBIn this episode, Shashank and Barry delve deep into the message of environmentalism in Star Trek: The Voyage Home. Here we discuss the implications of the now 30+ year-old movie to our environmental situation today, how to approach the different challenges we face, and some the things that both Shashank and Barry have applied to their own life with regard to being stewards of the environment. Take heart, there is good news along with some of the heavier things that are discussed and we loo...
5 - Spies in our Starciety (Part 3)
January 17, 2018 17:00 - 1 hour - 46.3 MBIn this, our final part in the Spies In Our Starcity series, Shashank and Barry take a look at the spy as an individual. This time they turn their focus on the venerable Garak!
4 - Spies in our Starciety (Part 2)
December 20, 2017 17:00 - 1 hour - 48.8 MBIn Part 2 of our "Spies In Our StarciEty" three-part series, Shashank and Barry talk about Section 31, linking it to historic and contemporary spy agencies. Using DS9 Episodes "Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges" and "Extreme Measures", we compare the CIA, Gestapo, CSUS, ISI methods, make-up, and tactics.
Supplemental #1: WE INTERRUPT THIS PODCAST
December 13, 2017 17:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBThe line has been drawn. The sides have been chosen. Shashank and Barry interrupt their regularly scheduled podcast to gush, debate, discuss, speculate about the bombshell announcement that Quentin Tarantino is developing a Star Trek movie.
3 - Spies in our Starciety (Part 1)
December 03, 2017 12:00 - 1 hour - 44.5 MBIn episode 3 of PoliTreks, Shashank and Barry tackle a perennial theme in Star Trek: spies! This first part of a three-part series, we use the TNG episode 'Face of the Enemy' from season 6 to explore the plight of the reluctant spy - those who have been b
2 - A Case for the Traveler
November 19, 2017 17:00 - 1 hour - 62.4 MBOn the second episode of PoliTreks, Shashank states a convincing case for The Traveler, while Barry comes to realize that maybe, just maybe, Shashank may be onto something!
1 - Heroes
November 12, 2017 12:00 - 1 hour - 42.7 MBThe first episode of our brand new podcast series, PoliTreks is here! Hosts Barry and Shashank examine the triumphs and failures of heroes in Star Trek and parallels in our real lives.