Representations of older women in pop culture often echo familiar stereotypes. Karen Chuplis joins us to discuss these tropes and the extent to which Star Trek is able to break free, examining characters like Pulaski, Lwaxana Troi, Cornwell and Amanda.…
The crew takes a look at the DS9 Season 4 two-parter “Homefront” and “Paradise Lost,” discussing themes like security, individual liberty, government overreach, fear and paranoia, and arming yourself against the threat of an “invisible enemy.” Download Now (right-click and…
This week, we talk to film and television director Hanelle M. Culpepper about her background, her directing experience, her thoughts on the popularity of science-fiction stories, and of course her work on Star Trek Discovery (and Picard – a tiny…
The crew discusses the history of queercoding in Hollywood, and the more recent phenomenon of queerbaiting, then examines Star Trek for signs of each. We also share the characters that we interpret as queer and what positive representation can mean…
We’re joined by Jacqueline Lichtenberg – creator of the Kraith fanfic series, author of Star Trek Lives!, and founder of the Star Trek Welcommittee – to discuss everything from her professional writing career to her thoughts on the future of…
In “Cogenitor” the Enterprise NX-01 crew encounters a species that requires a “third gender” to procreate. We discuss our impressions of this episode as an allegory for trans issues and to what extent it holds up today. Content note: Discussion…
Season 2 of Star Trek Discovery was jam-packed with new and reimagined characters, exciting action, plot twists and Emotions with a capital E. We discuss favorite moments, lingering questions, and what might be in store for our heroes in Season…
The crew is joined by Mary Chieffo, L’Rell of Star Trek Discovery, to discuss her deep-dive into Trek canon, the changes in L’Rell’s character from Season 1 to 2, how her struggles in the Klingon Empire can reflect our own,…