Random Trek
262 episodes - English - Latest episode: 27 days ago - ★★★★★ - 147 ratingsScott McNulty discusses a randomly selected episode of “Star Trek” — all series, all seasons — with a non-random guest.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
262: "These are the Voyages" (ENT) with John Moltz
June 07, 2024 15:43 - 53 minutes - 24.7 MBJohn Moltz, freelance writer, podcaster (The Rebound and Biff!), joins Scott to discuss “These are the Voyages” (ENT S4E22). Topics include how bad this episode is on many levels, shocking cameos, great characters in not so great shows, and inexplicable deaths. Scott McNulty with John Moltz.
261: "Live Fast and Prosper" (VOY) with Monty Ashley
May 24, 2024 21:04 - 45 minutes - 21.2 MBMonty Ashley, Incomparable host and all around nice guy, joins Scott to discuss “Live Fast and Prosper” (VOY S6E21). Topics include Scott explaining The Traitors, expressions of love for Taskmaster and Drag Race Espana, and eventually Star Trek. Scott McNulty with Monty Ashley.
260: "Genesis" (TNG) with James Thomson
May 02, 2024 19:09 - 47 minutes - 22.2 MBJames Thomson, the developer behind PCalc and Dice by PCalc (and other things), joins Scott to discuss "Genesis" (TNG S7E19). Topics include the many similarities between James and Neil Diamond, Blockbuster Video, and dubious science in this episode. Scott McNulty with James Thomson.
259: "Things Past" (DS9) with David J. Loehr
April 12, 2024 03:37 - 46 minutes - 21.6 MBDavid J Loehr, writer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Things Past” (DS9 S5E8). Topics include the lack of Neelix, Odo’s tortured soul, and the creepy uncanny vibe that allows for effective, and cheap, Star Trek episodes. Next on Random Trek: “Genesis” (TNG S7E19) with James Thomson. Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.
258: "Daedalus" (ENT) with John Siracusa
March 28, 2024 17:47 - 46 minutes - 22 MBJohn Siracusa, developer, writer, and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Daedalus” (ENT S4E10). Topics include being a professional podcaster, the emotions of Vulcans, and Captain Archer’s judgment (or lack thereof). Next on Random Trek: “Things Past” (DS9 S5E8) with David J Loehr. Scott McNulty with John Siracusa.
257: "The Siege of AR-558" (DS9) with Grant Jun Otsuki
March 14, 2024 18:43 - 50 minutes - 23.4 MBGrant Jun Otsuki, a cultural anthropologist, joins Scott to discuss "The Siege of AR-558" (DS9 S7E8). We attempt to have a lighthearted conversation about a very heavy episode of Deep Space Nine. Topics include which Captain you'd want to work for, how great Avery Brooks' performance is in this episode, and why the heck was Quark allowed to hang around in this situation. Be sure to read Grant's fantastic McSweeney's piece "Due to Falling Enrollments, We Will No Longer Offer Courses In Romu...
256: "Day of the Dove" (TOS) with Jason Snell
November 02, 2023 21:23 - 45 minutes - 21.3 MBJason Snell, Random Trek’s most frequent guest, joins Scott to discuss “Day of the Dove” (TOS S3E11). Topics include our favorite Klingons, whatever the deal is with these energy aliens, and the “hidden” message of this episode. Watch “Day of the Dove” for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount+ Blu-Rays Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.
255: "Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night" (DS9) with Claire L. Evans
October 18, 2023 01:08 - 45 minutes - 20.7 MBClaire L. Evans, writer and musician, joins Scott to discuss “Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night” (DS9 S6E17). Topics include how great Dax is, war crimes, and the ease of time travel when you’re a Bajoran. Just a warning -given the content of this episode, we talk about some mature topics. On a lighter note, read Claire’s history of the corporate presentation. Watch Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs Scott McNulty with Claire L. E...
254: "The Voyager Conspiracy" (VOY) with Erika Ensign
September 20, 2023 02:52 - 42 minutes - 20.1 MBErika Ensign, podcaster and trivia enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss “The Voyager Conspiracy” (S6E9). Topics include conspiracy theories, the many possible loves of Capt. Janeway, and the complete lack of Reginald Barclay in this episode. Watch “The Voyager Conspiracy” for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs Scott McNulty with Erika Ensign.
253: "Our Man Bashir" (DS9) with Jean MacDonald
September 06, 2023 14:47 - 45 minutes - 21.4 MBJean MacDonald, Micro.blog community manager and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Our Man Bashir” (DS9 S4E10). Topics include Jean’s conversion to a DS9 fan, whether or not Bashir is the Tom Paris of DS9, and just how much fun all the actors seem to be having in this episode. Watch Our Man Bashir for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs Scott McNulty with Jean MacDonald.
252: "A Matter of Perspective" (TNG) with Antony Johnston
August 24, 2023 20:20 - 48 minutes - 22.5 MBAntony Johnston, writer, podcaster, and snappy dresser, joins Scott to discuss “A Matter of Perspective)” (TNG S3/E14). Topics include Law and Order, who volunteers to be a nude model on the Enterprise, and how clever (or not) the mystery in this episode is. Get yourself a copy of Antony’s The Dog Sitter Detective, you won’t regret it! Watch “A Matter of Perspective” for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus Blu-Ray Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston.
251: "The Savage Curtain" (TOS) with Dan Moren
August 08, 2023 20:10 - 39 minutes - 18.7 MBDan Moren, writer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss "The Savage Curtain" (TOS S3E22). Topics include Dan's Gene Roddenberry impersonation, Kirk's quick acceptance of space Lincoln, and the perplexing moral of this episode (is there one?!). Want more details about TOS Season 3? Check out Marc Cushman's "These Are the Voyages - TOS: Season Three" and find out more than you ever wanted to know. Watch "The Savage Curtain" for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount+ Blu-ray Scott McNul...
250: "In the Hands of the Prophets" (DS9) with Shelly Brisbin
July 26, 2023 03:14 - 44 minutes - 20.7 MBShelly Brisbin, host of Lions, Towers & Shields and Parallel and author of iOS Access for All, joins Scott to discuss “In the Hands of the Prophets” (DS9 S1E20). Topics include TCM movies, faith vs. science, and the wonder that is Louise Fletcher. Watch In the Hands of the Prophets for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs Scott McNulty with Shelly Brisbin.
249: "Phantasms" (TNG) with Joe Rosensteel
July 11, 2023 17:00 - 53 minutes - 25 MBJoe Rosensteel, VFX artist and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Phantasms” (TNG S7E6). Topics include why Joe watches Star Trek, where the crow is, and stalking people in the bright corridors of the Enterprise D. Watch Phantasms for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus Bluray Scott McNulty with Joe Rosensteel.
248: "A Simple Investigation" (DS9) with Katie Mack
June 28, 2023 14:10 - 43 minutes - 20.5 MBKatie Mack, astrophysicist and author, joins Scott to discuss “A Simple Investigation)” (DS9 S5E17). Topics include the evolving nature of DS9 characters, Odo’s furniture, and the problems with the Idanian spying system. Watch A Simple Investigation for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs Scott McNulty with Katie Mack.
247: "Revulsion" (VOY) with Tony Sindelar
June 13, 2023 16:04 - 45 minutes - 21.2 MBTony Sindelar, your internet DM and Lego enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss “Revulsion)” (VOY S4E5). Topics include Tony’s Voyager epiphany, the poor treatment of Tuvok, and why anyone would design a tool that never leaves a room to have feelings. Watch Revulsion for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus DVDs Scott McNulty with Tony Sindelar.
246: "Vanishing Point" (ENT) with Cicero Holmes
May 30, 2023 14:48 - 42 minutes - 19.8 MBCicero Holmes, frequent Incomparable panelist, Discovery Debrief co-host, and What The Fun, joins Scott to discuss “Vanishing Point” (ENT S2E10). Topics include video games, how awesome Hoshi is, and poor old Cyrus Ramsey. Watch Vanishing Point for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Paramount Plus Blurays Scott McNulty with Cicero Holmes.
245: "The Immunity Syndrome" (TOS) with John Siracusa
May 16, 2023 16:33 - 51 minutes - 24 MBJohn Siracusa, podcaster and developer, joins Scott to discuss “The Immunity Syndrome” (TOS S2E19). Topics include the joys of the colonoscopy (seriously, if you’re avoiding getting one…just get it done!), the effectiveness of 50 year old special effects, and space racism. Scott McNulty with John Siracusa.
244: "Macrocosm" (VOY) with David J. Loehr
May 02, 2023 17:30 - 45 minutes - 21.3 MBDavid J. Loehr, your favorite artist in residence and one of the people behind Where or When, joins Scott to discuss “Macrocosm” (VOY S3E13). Topics include why there was no sense of peril in this episode, the lack of complete silence, and action hero Janeway. Watch “Macrocosm” for yourself: Amazon Paramount Plus DVDs On the next Random Trek - The Immunity Syndrome (TOS). Scott McNulty with David J. Loehr.
243: "Damage" (ENT) with Marisa McClellan
April 18, 2023 15:25 - 40 minutes - 19.1 MBMarisa McClellan, canning expert, joins Scott to discuss "Damage" (ENT S3E19). Topics include why Scott took such a long “break” from Random Trek, exactly how many seasons Enterprise had, doctor/patient confidentiality, and the ethics of just taking whatever you want. Watch “Damage” for yourself: Amazon Paramount Plus DVDs Scott McNulty with Marisa McClellan.
242: "...Nor the Battle to the Strong" (DS9) with Seth Heasley
April 04, 2023 15:25 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBSeth Heasley, podcaster and patient podcast guest, joins Scott to discuss "…Nor the Battle to the Strong)" (DS9 S4E4). Topics include what to do when you run out of topics for your podcast, the forgotten Klingon/Federation war, and the all-consuming terror of parenthood. Watch “…Nor the Battle to the Strong” for yourself: Amazon Paramount Plus DVDs The next episode discusses: "Damage" (ENT S3E19).
241: "Hero Worship" (TNG) with Anne Zander
June 04, 2021 18:54 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MBAnne Zander, performer, writer, and producer, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Hero Worship (S5E11). Topics include oddities of the pandemic, android haircare, how being a real boy isn’t all it is cracked up to be, and the promising career of this young director “Patrick Stewart.”
240: "Fight or Flight" (ENT) with Dave Bradley
May 21, 2021 03:44 - 44 minutes - 31 MBDave Bradley, journalist, editor, and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss ENT’s “Fight or Flight” (S1E3). Topics include why this episode is the second episode in a new Star Trek series, slugs, and how this first contact doesn’t go as well as it might have.
239: "Too Short a Season" (TNG) with Helene Wecker
May 14, 2021 03:38 - 50 minutes - 23.4 MBHelene Wecker, author, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Too Short a Season” (S1E16). Topics include book hoarding, indie bookstore websites, The Hidden Palace (it is good, you should buy it and then read it), and bad old age makeup.
238: "Masks" (TNG) with Gerry Canavan
May 09, 2021 03:49 - 44 minutes - 30.5 MBGerry Canavan, Professor of 20th- and 21st-Century Literature at Marquette University, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Masks” (S7E17). Topics include Brent Spiner’s relishing of his various roles, Capt. Picard’s leap of faith, and the fact that Star Trek writers really don’t know how computers work. Plus, this episode includes the return of everyone’s favorite segment: Pope Talk!
237: "Battle Lines" (DS9) with Guy English
April 29, 2021 19:01 - 43 minutes - 20.1 MBGuy English, the best Biff! co-host, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Battle Lines” (S1E13). Topics include introduction of our brand new segment, “Pope Talk,” exiling fight-y people, and how we will never speak of Kai Opaka again.
236: "The Defector" (TNG) with Moisés Chiullán
April 23, 2021 03:45 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBMoisés Chiullán, a man of many talents with an Electric Shadow, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Defector” (S3E10). Topics include: our favorite Trek movies, Romulans in vineyards, and surprise Klingons. You can also listen to Scott and Moisés discuss Star Trek VI, if you dare!
235: "The Alternative Factor" (TOS) with Jason Snell
April 14, 2021 19:52 - 45 minutes - 20.8 MBJason Snell, the man behind Six Colors, The Incomparable, and co-host of Vulcan Hello, joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “The Alternative Factor” (S1E20). Topics include: how bad this episode is, how the premise is actually good, wacky film filters, and surprise time travel.
234: "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country" with Shelly Brisbin, Moisés Chiullan, and Joe Rosensteel
April 08, 2021 17:34 - 1 hour - 34.3 MBIt is Undiscovered Country week on the Incomparable network! Following up on the Incomparable episode covering Star Trek VI Scott has assembled a crackerjack crew to discuss the final TOS movie. This is a movie all the panelists love, despite what our conversation may lead you to believe. But nothing is without flaws, and we talk about those for awhile.
233: "A Matter of Time" (TNG) with Joe Rosensteel
April 02, 2021 01:39 - 45 minutes - 31 MBJoe Rosensteel, podcaster, and Incomparable panelist, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “A Matter of Time” (S5E9). Topics include: time travel, original castings for this episode, and the puzzling reasons why Capt. Picard just trusts this random dude.
232: "Chrysalis" (DS9) with James Thomson
March 26, 2021 14:00 - 48 minutes - 33.6 MBJames Thomson, developer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Chrysalis” (S7E7). Topics include: the complex and problematic nature of this episode, Wait Wait… Don’t tell me!, and Dr. Bashir’s love life.
231: "Once More Unto the Breach" with Jean MacDonald
March 19, 2021 14:38 - 40 minutes - 28 MBJean MacDonald, podcaster and community manager, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Once More Unto the Breach” (S7E7). Topics include: bookstores, getting older, and the wonders of Klingon society.
230: "Rapture" (DS9) with John Siracusa
March 12, 2021 05:03 - 45 minutes - 31.4 MBJohn Siracusa , programmer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Rapture” (S53E10). Topics include: John’s lack of experience with DS9, his surprising choice for the most annoying DS9 character, and the magic of reflective surfaces.
229: "The Survivors" (TNG) with Steven Schapansky
March 05, 2021 04:44 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBSteven Schapansky, podcaster and producer, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Survivors” (S3E3). Topics include: Star Trek: The CCG (specifically the Kevin Uxbridge and Husnock Ship), how TNG is a warm blanket, and what the heck is happening to Troi.
228: "The Ultimate Computer" (TOS) with John Moltz
February 25, 2021 18:47 - 51 minutes - 23.8 MBJohn Moltz, writer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “The Ultimate Computer” (S2E24). Topics include: Capt. Kirk’s job security, the mysteries of the M5’s interface, the episode’s surprisingly high death rate.
227: "Sons and Daughters" (DS9) with Dan Moren
February 18, 2021 20:15 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBDan Moren, novelist and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Sons and Daughters” (DS9 S6E03). Topics include Klingon culture, Worf’s parenting skills (or lack thereof), and being surprised by the ending of an episode we’ve both seen both.
226: "Infinite Regress" (VOY) with David J. Loehr
February 13, 2021 19:17 - 42 minutes - 19.5 MBDavid J. Loehr, a man of many talents joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Infinite Regress” (S5E07). We spend a lot of time talking about what we don’t like about this episode only to reveal, shockingly, that we liked it overall. Worth the price of admission to see all the characters Jeri Ryan does! Plus Harry Kim is almost not in the episode.
225: "Profit and Loss" (DS9) with Lynne M. Thomas
February 04, 2021 19:05 - 45 minutes - 21 MBLynne M Thomas, librarian, geek, and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Profit and Loss (DS9S2E18). We talk about a Kickstarter that has been completed (Support Uncanny Magazine!), Dr Who, Cardassians, and Cybermen.
224: "The Child" (TNG) with Antony Johnston
July 03, 2020 01:28 - 45 minutes - 21 MBAntony Johnston, writer, podcaster, and short film maker, joins Scott to discuss “The Child)” (TNGS2E1). Topics include how many firsts happen in this episode, being impregnated by an orb, and what’s the deal with Dr. Pulaski hatin’ on Data? Watch Antony’s short film Crossover Point.
223: "Parturition" (VOY) with Annette Wierstra
June 18, 2020 23:37 - 39 minutes - 18 MBAnnette Wierstra, creative dabbler and the Director of Agents of SMOOCH, joins Scott to discuss “Parturition” (S2E7). Topics include Scott struggling to properly pronounce the title of the episode, how Kes is critical to the plot of this episode and yet she doesn’t get to do much, and how cute baby puppets are. Watch Parturition for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Netflix DVDs
222: "Amok Time" (TOS) with Jason Snell
June 12, 2020 04:01 - 50 minutes - 23.2 MBJason Snell, captain of the USS Incomparable, joins Scott to discuss the iconic TOS episode “Amok Time” (S2E1). Topics include how great the music is in this episode, how sexy Spock is, and Vulcan interior design. Be sure to check out Vulcan Hello if you’d like to hear Jason and Scott to talk about new Star Trek. Watch Amok Time for yourself: Amazon Instant Video Netflix Blu-rays
221: "Tattoo" (VOY) with Marisa McClellan
May 29, 2020 02:43 - 30 minutesMarisa McClellan, canner, podcaster, and spouse to Scott, joins Scott to discuss “Tattoo”. Topics include how tired Scott and Marisa were, the fact that they watched the episode over a week ago and only found time to record the podcast much later, and the major success of recording the whole episode without waking a single sleeping twin. Also Chakotay’s father issues.
220: "Sacred Ground" (VOY) with Shelly Brisbin
May 22, 2020 04:43 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBShelly Brisbin, writer and Incomparable host, joins Scott to discuss "Sacred Ground" (VOY S3E7). Topics include why Kess is just randomly walking into temples, how this should have been a Neelix episode (but we're glad it wasn't), and the fact that Tom Paris directed this episode. Check out Lions, Towers & Shields episode 4 for some old movie recommendations.
219: "Encounter at Farpoint" (TNG) with Dan Moren
May 14, 2020 13:41 - 59 minutes - 27.2 MBDan Moren, three time novelist and guy who talks on the Internet a lot, joins Scott to discuss "Encounter at Farpoint" (TNG S1E1). Topics include Dan's new book (buy it!), how our beloved TNG friends changed over the course of 7 seasons, and if this episode was as bad as we remember it being, and the fact that Farpoint Station isn't a space station.
218: "The Expanse" (ENT) with David J. Loehr
May 07, 2020 19:33 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBPlaywright and Incomparable panelist David J. Loehr joins Scott to discuss Enterprise’s The Expanse (S2E26). After David attempts a Random Trek coup, topics include contrasting using the third dimension in space battles, some unconvincing performances, and Faceless Exposition Guy. The word of the day is “Drab” for this Enterprise season finale.
217: "Time Squared" (TNG) with Tony Sindelar
April 30, 2020 17:41 - 44 minutes - 20.6 MBTony Sindelar, podcaster and Total Party Kill DM, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Time Squared (S2E13). Scott and Tony make the most out of a subpar episode of TNG that includes replicator food logistics, a time loop, and a lack of proper corpse management. There’s probably a Dr. Pulaski Fan Club somewhere, but this isn’t it. Tony also watched Star Trek: Discovery recently, so don’t listen past 37:50 if you haven’t seen Season 1 of Star Trek: Discovery!
216: "Someone to Watch Over Me" (VOY) with Seth Fried
April 23, 2020 18:41 - 42 minutes - 19.7 MBSeth Fried, writer and author of The Municipalists, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s Someone to Watch Over Me (S5E22). Topics of conversation include a guest actor from Kids in the Hall, which character is the Chandler of Voyager, and some plot points that do not age well.
215: "The Nth Degree" (TNG) with Jen Usellis
April 16, 2020 15:19 - 42 minutes - 19.6 MBScott is joined by Jen Usellis, the Klingon Pop Warrior, to discuss TNG’s The Nth Degree (S4E19). After revealing their favorite Klingons in Star Trek, Jen and Scott debate the merits of Reginald Barclay, Star Fleet’s Holodeck policies, and marvel at a bizarre ten-day jump in the narrative.
214: "Justice" (TNG) with Katie Mack
April 09, 2020 16:03 - 43 minutes - 19.9 MBKatie Mack, astrophysicist and author, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Justice (S1E8). Their feelings about Wesley Crusher, a bizarre God Orb, and scantily clad aliens are discussed as Katie and Scott get a true TNG Season 1 Experience. Be sure to pre-order Katie’s book “The End of Everything: (Astrophysically Speaking).” Note: This episode was also recorded in the “before time” when we weren’t dealing with a global health crisis.
213: "When the Bough Breaks" (TNG) with Helene Wecker
April 02, 2020 14:38 - 45 minutes - 41.8 MBHelene Wecker, writer and Scott’s Internet pal, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s When The Bough Breaks (S1E17). Listen as we struggle to remember watching this episode for the first time, chat about picky kidnappers, and say hello and goodbye to the Aldeans for the first and last time. Please note: This episode was recorded several months ago in the “before time.” COVID-19 wasn’t even a thing, so listen with that context.