Two fan favorites from the Star Trek universe—Brent Spiner (Data, Lore, Dr. Soong) and John de Lancie (Q), took the stage at FanX Salt Lake City to swap stories, tease each other, and reflect on careers that stretch far beyond the Final Frontier. What unfolded was a lively, heartfelt, and hilarious panel that explored everything from Breaking Bad and My Little Pony to truth-telling in acting and the evolving humanity of their iconic characters.

Houston Roots and Astroworld Memories: Spiner began with stories about Houston, Texas, and their early days performing at Astroworld. What started as gunfighting shows quickly evolved into creative theater, with Spiner even co-writing a “medicine show” alongside fellow actor Trey Wilson. The pair reminisced about the unpredictability of live performance and the strange lessons learned under the summer sun.

Breaking Bad and the Outsider Experience: De Lancie also shared his time on Breaking Bad, where he immediately sensed he was stepping into something special. “You can tell almost immediately whether the show is really clicking when you walk on the set. Everybody was playing at a high level.” As a guest actor, he described the balancing act of finding his place in a family that had already been working together for years.

Star Trek used philosophy and morality as story engines: Spiner pointed to The Measure of a Man as a defining episode about personhood and slavery, while de Lancie emphasized Q’s dynamic with Picard as a constant battle of wills. Both acknowledged the audience’s role in shaping how they now see their characters and themselves.

“We could not do our work properly if we went up there to lie. We actually are looking for the truth.” – John de Lancie

Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

LABYRINTH

Frustrated with her baby brother, sixteen-year-old Sarah wishes the goblins would take him away—only to have her wish granted. Given thirteen hours to navigate a fantastical labyrinth, she must journey through a maze of strange creatures and challenges to rescue him from the Goblin King.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Derek McCaw talk about the deception of nostalgia, the power of David Bowie, post–Comic-Con chit chat and the movie “Labyrinth” On this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

0:59

Craig, Elisabeth and Derek McCaw talk about San Diego Comic Con.

6:20

Craig, Elisabeth and Derek discuss "Labyrinth"

37:48

Recasting

55:41

Double Feature

1:01:31

Final Thoughts

1:04:36

A preview of next week's episode "Revenge of the Sith"

September is in the air and the Matinee Heroes traditional month of rest will be all live! Pre-recorded of course. First, a live recording of "Revenge of the Sith" from Comicpalooza!

AIR FORCE ONE

Air Force One falls into the hands of violent radicals demanding freedom for their captured leader. With the First Lady and her family trapped on board, the clock ticks as the hijackers threaten to kill a hostage every half hour. But hidden below, the President prepares to strike back and reclaim both his family—and his plane.

Craig, Elisabeth and Paul Hitchcock talk about Craig’s favorite president, movies trapped in time, Tim being Tim and the movie “Air Force One” on this week’s Matinee birthday!

Show Notes

1:03

Craig, Elisabeth and Paul talk about fictional and factual presidents.

8:46

Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "Air Force One"

1:01:47

Recasting

1:24:14

Double Feature

1:28:00

Final Thoughts

1:32:07

A preview of next week's episode "Labyrinth"

Next week, we continue finish our fairy tales with an all time classic "Labyrinth"

https://youtu.be/O2yd4em1I6M?si=LLR8pJKC1yQNURFx

WILLOW

A young farmer is thrust into an epic quest when he’s tasked with protecting a magical child from an evil queen. Along the way, he’s joined by a roguish swordsman, fierce allies, and a touch of sorcery. Together, they face dark forces in a battle where destiny hangs in the balance.

Craig, Elisabeth and guest Paul Hitchcock talk about a young Warwick Davis, fantasy in the 80s, the reputation of reshoots and the movie “Willow” on this week’s Matinee Heroes

Show Notes

1:04

Craig, Elisabeth and Paul talk about reshoots.

11:44

Craig, Elisabeth and Paul discuss "Willow"

55:56

Recasting

1:26:10

Double Feature

1:28:18

Final Thoughts

1:36:12

A preview of next week's episode "Air Force One"

Next week, we continue deal with a different type of fairy tale dealing with politics and the most kick-ass president ever in "Air Force One".

https://youtu.be/FItgZOuaPVY?si=lDGdq_E3owSpgGtd

LADYHAWKE

After escaping a dungeon, young thief Phillipe Gaston crosses paths with Capt. Navarre, a man bound by a strange curse. He and his beloved, Lady Isabeau, have been doomed by the wicked Bishop of Aquila to never be together except at twilight. With Gaston’s help, they set out on a perilous mission to overthrow the Bishop and shatter the enchantment.

Craig and Elisabeth are joined by birthday boy Alan to talk about being 56, a Comicpalooza recap, horrible scores and the movie “Ladyhawke’ on this week’s Matinee Birthday!

Show Notes

1:17

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan talk about Comicpalooza and turning 56.

12:36

Craig, Elisabeth and Alan discuss "Ladyhawke"

44:52

Recasting

1:12:39

Double Feature

1:14:54

Final Thoughts

1:22:35

A preview of next week's episode "Willow"

Next week, we continue a month of fairytale movies with "Willow".

Recorded live at Horrorthon 2018, this episode of CONversations with Craig features a captivating, insightful, and often humorous conversation with legendary horror filmmaker Mick Garris. From adapting Stephen King’s novels into iconic miniseries like The Stand and The Shining, to creating the influential Post Mortem podcast, Garris shares compelling behind-the-scenes stories from his illustrious career. Whether he's revealing secrets about working with Anthony Perkins on Psycho IV or sharing his approach to storytelling, Garris delivers wisdom, wit, and an authentic passion for horror.

King's Collaborator: Garris dives deep into his frequent collaborations with Stephen King, discussing why their creative partnership works and the unique challenges of adapting King's deeply personal and often complex stories.

Perkins and Psycho: An intense and illuminating experience directing Anthony Perkins revealed critical insights into character-driven filmmaking, cementing Garris’s ability to navigate complicated creative dynamics.

Horror with Heart: Garris reflects on the true power of horror—not just scares, but its capacity to explore profound human emotions, societal anxieties, and personal loss through storytelling.

“Horror has the ability to use social and political situations as metaphor without being preachy. It puts you in touch with fears that feel personal.” – Mick Garris

Want more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the people who bring your favorite characters to life? Subscribe to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or on your favorite podcasting platform for more behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive interviews.

EVER AFTER

After her father’s death, Danielle is forced into servitude by her cruel stepmother. While her stepsisters vie for status, Danielle toils in silence—until she meets the charming Prince Henry. Their connection sparks a love that defies class and expectation.

Craig and Elisabeth talk about 90’s feminism, fairy tales, grounded fantasy and the movie “Ever After” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

1:00

Craig and Elisabeth talk about fairy tales.

5:04

Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Ever After"

26:30

Recasting

46:34

Double Feature

49:41

Final Thoughts

55:26

A preview of next week's episode "Ladyhawke"

Next week, we celebrate Alan's birthday with "Ladyhawke"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGs4o_5jyhw&ab_channel=WarnerBros.Rewind

CONTAGION

Beth Emhoff comes home from a business trip to Hong Kong feeling off, blaming it on jet lag. Two days later, she’s dead—and doctors can’t explain why. As others show the same symptoms, a global pandemic erupts. While doctors race to contain the deadly virus, society unravels and a rogue blogger fuels mass paranoia.

Craig and Elisabeth talk about pandemics, COVID parallels, science as savior and the movie “Contagion” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!

Show Notes

1:03

Craig and Elisabeth talk about their pandemic experiences.

10:55

Craig and Elisabeth discuss "Contagion"

45:44

Recasting

1:01:33

Double Feature

1:04:53

Final Thoughts

1:11:20

A preview of next week's episode "Contagion"

Next week, we start Fairy Tale month with "Ever After"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szP9U0uLl5U&ab_channel=FilmTrailerChannel

THE IMPOSSIBLE

Maria, Henry, and their three kids spend Christmas in Thailand, hoping for a warm, relaxing escape. Their dream vacation turns into a nightmare when a massive tsunami strikes without warning, wreaking havoc and tearing the family apart. In the aftermath, each of them must fight to survive and hold onto the hope of reuniting against all odds.

Craig and Elisabeth talk about survival, the horrors of the ocean, looking out for one another and the movie “The Impossible” on this week’s Matinee Heroes.

Show Notes

1:09

Craig and Elisabeth talk about disasters they've encountered.

10:20

Craig and Elisabeth discuss "The Impossible"

40:07

Recasting

55:30

Double Feature

58:07

Final Thoughts

1:02:51

A preview of next week's episode "Contagion"

Next week, we bring you a disaster that was predicted!! Soderbergh's "Contagion"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sYSyuuLk5g&ab_channel=RottenTomatoesTrailers

THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE

On New Year’s Eve, the S.S. Poseidon is capsized by a massive tidal wave en route from New York to Greece. With the captain dead, a small group of survivors led by the determined Rev. Scott must navigate the overturned ship from the ballroom to safety. Battling fire, flooding, and crumbling wreckage, they fight for survival in a race against time.

Craig and Elisabeth talk about cruise ships, helping yourself vs helping others, disasters they’ve lived through and the movie “The Poseidon Adventure” on this week’s Matinee Heroes!!

Show Notes

1:08

Craig and Elisabeth talk about disasters they've encountered.

12:45

Craig and Elisabeth discuss "The Poseidon Adventure"

47:02

Recasting

1:11:51

Double Feature

1:14:46

Final Thoughts

1:21:43

A preview of next week's episode "The Impossible"

Next week, we bring you another disaster...I mean, episode focusing on nature's fury in "The Impossible"!