Trek Geeks: A Star Trek Podcast

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

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 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!

After a FOUR YEAR absence, a legendary fan-favorite RETURNS to The Flagship! It's time for another thrilling edition of See It or Skip It, and this time, we're heading back to the golden age of Star Trek with Season 2 of The Original Series! Join Bill and Dan as they revisit the highs and lows of this legendary season, from iconic episodes like Amok Time and The Trouble with Tribbles to some… less memorable outings. Every episode gets a verdict: should it be essential viewing for fans, or is it one you can safely pass by? Joining us for this mission is our Guest Geek, author and podcaster Brian Donahue! As the host of The BIG Sci-Fi Podcast and Planet Zero: An Original Science Fiction Story, Brian brings a deep love of classic sci-fi and some strong opinions about TOS Season 2. Will he agree with Bill and Dan's assessments, or will there be some heated debates over what truly deserves a "See It" rating? Get ready for fun, laughs, and maybe even a few surprises as we break it all down! Whether you're a longtime Trekkie or just discovering The Original Series, this episode is packed with nostalgia, insight, and plenty of friendly banter. So grab your Romulan ale, set phasers to "opinionated," and join us for a lively discussion on one of the most beloved seasons in Star Trek history. Will your favorites make the cut? There's only one way to find out--listen now!

This week on Trek Geeks, we're bringing you a special episode featuring the audio from Thursday Night Geeks, presented by FanSets! Hosts Bill and Dan sit down with the incredible Nana Visitor—best known as Major Kira Nerys on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine—for an insightful conversation about her new book, Open a Channel: A Woman's Trek. In this engaging discussion, Nana shares the inspiration behind her book, which highlights the stories of women who have shaped Star Trek, both on-screen and behind the scenes. She reflects on her own experiences, the groundbreaking women she interviewed, and the impact of female representation in the franchise. Join us as we celebrate Star Trek's trailblazing women and the powerful voices that have paved the way for future generations. Whether you're a longtime DS9 fan or passionate about Star Trek's legacy, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

Bill and Dan return to the mic and take on the classic DS9 episode, "Little Green Men!" On a trip to deliver Nog to Starfleet Acadamy in Quark's brand new shuttle, Quark, Rom, and Nog time travel and crash land in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947 becoming the first extra terrestrials to visit Earth--and possibly to negotiate a deal for profit! Will Quark take over the planet? How will they get home? Plus, don't forget about the premiere of "Thursday Night Geeks," the livestream from Trek Geeks premiering on Thursday, January 30th at 8pm ET! Are you ready for some Star Trek? ;)

Do You Seek Jamaharon? In Episode 316 of Trek Geeks, hosts Bill and Dan dive into the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Captain's Holiday." This fan-favorite episode sees Captain Picard taking a much-needed vacation on the pleasure planet Risa, only to find himself embroiled in an adventure involving a mysterious artifact and a seductive archaeologist named Vash. The hosts explore the lighter side of Picard's character, discussing how this episode showcases his rarely seen off-duty persona and his unexpected knack for romance and intrigue. Bill and Dan also delve into the episode's themes of relaxation and escapism, contrasting Picard's usual stoic demeanor with his more relaxed and adventurous side. They analyze the dynamic between Picard and Vash, highlighting the chemistry and tension that makes their interactions so memorable. The hosts also touch on the episode's humor and how it provides a refreshing break from the more serious and intense storylines typical of the series. As the episode progresses, the hosts share their favorite moments and behind-the-scenes trivia about "Captain's Holiday," including insights into the production and the guest stars. They discuss how the episode fits into the broader narrative of The Next Generation and its impact on Picard's character development. Listeners can expect a thorough and engaging analysis that celebrates the fun and adventurous spirit of this classic episode. In addition to their discussion of "Captain's Holiday," Bill and Dan gear up for the upcoming Star Trek convention in Las Vegas. They share their excitement and this episode serves as the perfect prelude to the convention, leaving listeners eager to join the Trek Geeks community in celebrating all things Star Trek in Las Vegas.

RECORDED LIVE AT TREK LONG ISLAND In this special episode of the Trek Geeks Podcast, join hosts Bill Smith and Dan Davidson as they take you straight to the heart of the Trek Long Island convention. Episode #314 is a treat for all Star Trek enthusiasts as it features exclusive audio from an unforgettable panel with two beloved stars of the franchise: Ethan Phillips, known for his role as Neelix on Star Trek: Voyager, and Armin Shimerman, the iconic Quark from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Recorded live at the convention, this episode captures the dynamic and entertaining conversation between Phillips and Shimerman. With their unique perspectives and decades of experience, they share behind-the-scenes stories, share some memories of Rene Auberjonois, and reflect on the enduring legacy of Star Trek. Fans will relish the camaraderie and humor that these seasoned actors bring to the table, offering insights that only they can provide. Plus, find out why Ethan hates Dan so much! (No, really.) Whether you're a long-time fan of Voyager and Deep Space Nine or new to the Star Trek universe, this episode is sure to delight and inspire. The engaging dialogue, humor, and heartfelt moments captured at the Trek Long Island convention make Episode #314 a must-listen for anyone who loves Star Trek. Tune in and join the Trek Geeks Podfleet as we celebrate the magic of Star Trek with Ethan Phillips and Armin Shimerman!