Roddenberry Podcasts

Long before the internet brought fans together, the Star Trek community thrived through newsletters, potlucks, and passionate word of mouth.

This week, The Trek Files celebrates the 50th anniversary of the United Federation of Phoenix (UFP), the longest-running independent Star Trek fan club, with guest Dr. David Williams, UFP member and Arizona State University planetary scientist. Using a 1975 Arizona Republic article as our time capsule, we look back at how a group of Arizona fans kept the Trek spirit alive in the years between the show's cancellation and its cinematic rebirth.

From screening parties and fan films to homemade uniforms and sci-fi socials, UFP didn't just preserve the legacy, it expanded it. Dave and Larry explore the roots of early fandom, the transition from stamps to screens, and why clubs like UFP still thrive after half a century of community-building.

📰 Document and additional references: Arizona Republic article – "Star Trekkies Maintain the Faith" (1975)

The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode Q2, Q drops by Voyager for a surprise visit, and he brings Q with him. No, not himself… the other Q. His son. This junior Q is every bit as powerful, unpredictable, and exasperating as his old man, with none of the charm (yet). When the Continuum threatens to de-Q him permanently, it's up to Aunt Kathy to teach Q some responsibility before he's stuck living as an amoeba or worse, a teenager. Mission Log wrangles Q, Q, and more Q in Q2.

Hosted by John Champion and Norman Lao

MISSION LOG SURVEY: Take the survey NOW and you could win rare, original TOS film cells! Offer ends October 10, 2025.

Welcome to Mission Log, a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast, where we explore the Star Trek universe one episode at a time. Each week, Mission Log examines a single episode of Star Trek, diving into its ethical subtext, metaphors, and cultural significance. From the show's most iconic moments to its hidden gems, we analyze what makes Star Trek one of the greatest science fiction sagas of all time. In every episode of Mission Log we…

• Recap the story and analyze key moments.
• Discuss the morals, messages, and meanings of the dilemmas presented.
• Debate whether the episode holds up and if the themes are still relevant.

Join the Conversation: For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our exclusive Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and weekly video chats with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog

SPECIAL THANKS the supporters of this week's show: Chris Garis, Julie Miller, Stuart, Michael Park, Paul Shadwell, Matt Esposito, Alan Simonis, Mike Richards, David Takechi, Mike Schiable, VADM Erickson, and Lars Seme Thanks to all of our Patreon Supporters https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/sponsors/ Want to share your thoughts on an upcoming episode? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured during the episode. Follow us on Social Media:

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryEntertainment

THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Did you know we're on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube.

Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1

Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn more about how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, follow us here:

RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts

RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/roddenberryofficial

THE RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/theroddenberryfoundation

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

Listeners like you - Support Mission Log on Patreon for early access to shows and the Mission Log Discord!

Subscribe and Stay Updated:

Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your preferred podcast player, leave a review, and join Mission Log on the journey of weekly deep dives into the Star Trek universe. Technical Director - Earl Green Producer - John Champion Associate Producer - Jessica Lynn Verdi Executive Producer - Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry Roddenberry Entertainment | All Rights Reserved

In 1973, Star Trek: The Animated Series debuted as a Saturday morning cartoon, but early reviewers quickly realized it was something far more ambitious. A contemporary article from the Pantagraph (Bloomington-Normal, IL) praised the show's complex themes and emotional storytelling, declaring it a breakthrough in children's animation that adults could take just as seriously.

This week, The Trek Files welcomes back Adam Kotsko, author of Late Star Trek, to explore the deeper legacy of TAS from its psychological depth and allegorical storytelling to its role as the franchise's first major reinvention. With Gene Roddenberry at the helm and the original cast returning, The Animated Series wasn't just a placeholder between live-action runs; it was a bold step into new narrative territory.

Was it canon? Does it matter? Adam and Larry unpack how TAS laid the groundwork for later series, balanced nostalgia with innovation, and helped define Star Trek's long-standing ability to evolve with its audience.

📰 Document and additional references: Pantagraph review of Star Trek: The Animated Series – September 29, 1973

📘 Adam's book: Late Star Trek: The Final Frontier in the Franchise Era

The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Just because #StarTrek is off our screens for a while doesn't mean the story is over - Kirsten Beyer drops by to talk about the #StarTrekKhan audio series and hear some questions from Mission Log Live's callers.

🌟 About Mission Log: Live:

Mission Log Live is a call-in show that encourages fan participation. We discuss episodes, themes, and the future of Star Trek while welcoming your thoughts and insights during the broadcast.

🔍 In This Episode:

Open lines for viewers to share their hopes and predictions for the series.

Live reactions to viewer questions and comments, making it an interactive experience!

🔔 Subscribe and Stay Tuned:

Make sure to subscribe for more engaging discussions about Star Trek. We go live every Monday night!

Follow us on Social Media:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/MissionLogPod

THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod

Mission Log Live is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.Com for more great content.

💖 Support the Show:

Join our Patreon for exclusive content, and connect with fellow fans in our Discord community. Every contribution helps us continue our mission to boldly explore the universe of Star Trek.

https://www.patreon.com/MissionLogPod

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode Human Error, Seven of Nine is trying something new: a little music, a little cooking, and a little romantic roleplay—typical holodeck experiments in humanity. But when feelings get real and a Borg failsafe kicks in, the cost of vulnerability may be more than just emotional. Oh, and yes, Voyager is also facing a dangerous space-time shockwave, but honestly? We're just here for the "Human Error," this week on Mission Log.

Hosted by John Champion and Norman Lao

MISSION LOG SURVEY: Take the survey NOW and you could win rare, original TOS film cells!

Welcome to Mission Log, a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast, where we explore the Star Trek universe one episode at a time. Each week, Mission Log examines a single episode of Star Trek, diving into its ethical subtext, metaphors, and cultural significance. From the show's most iconic moments to its hidden gems, we analyze what makes Star Trek one of the greatest science fiction sagas of all time. In every episode of Mission Log we…

• Recap the story and analyze key moments.
• Discuss the morals, messages, and meanings of the dilemmas presented.
• Debate whether the episode holds up and if the themes are still relevant.

Join the Conversation: For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our exclusive Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and weekly video chats with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog

SPECIAL THANKS the supporters of this week's show: Chris Garis, Julie Miller, Stuart, Michael Park, Paul Shadwell, Matt Esposito, Alan Simonis, Mike Richards, David Takechi, Mike Schiable, VADM Erickson, and Lars Seme Thanks to all of our Patreon Supporters https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/sponsors/ Want to share your thoughts on an upcoming episode? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured during the episode. Follow us on Social Media:

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryEntertainment

THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Did you know we're on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube.

Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1

Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn more about how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, follow us here:

RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts

RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/roddenberryofficial

THE RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/theroddenberryfoundation

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

Listeners like you - Support Mission Log on Patreon for early access to shows and the Mission Log Discord!

Subscribe and Stay Updated:

Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your preferred podcast player, leave a review, and join Mission Log on the journey of weekly deep dives into the Star Trek universe. Technical Director - Earl Green Producer - John Champion Associate Producer - Jessica Lynn Verdi Executive Producer - Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry Roddenberry Entertainment | All Rights Reserved

The introduction of Hugh in Star Trek: The Next Generation's "I, Borg" added emotional depth to the franchise's most terrifying villains and reshaped Trek's approach to individuality and redemption.

This week on The Trek Files, returning guest Adam Kotsko joins us to examine the legacy of Hugh's first appearance, using a March 6, 1992 call sheet as our launch point. From behind-the-scenes insights on day one of filming to Picard's rare role as the obstacle to resolution, we dive deep into the character's mythological weight and long-lasting fan impact.

Adam also explores how Star Trek's modern "franchise era" grapples with this legacy—sometimes successfully, sometimes not—especially as lore becomes both a storytelling tool and a trap in the prestige TV arms race.

📄 Document and additional references: I, Borg call sheet – March 6, 1992

📘 Adam's book: Late Star Trek: The Final Frontier in the Franchise Era

The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Capping off our discussion of the third season of #StarTrekStrangeNewWorlds is a discussion with Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry on his own reactions to the show's third year, and its future - and, of course, questions from Mission Log Live's callers!

🌟 About Mission Log: Live:

Mission Log Live is a call-in show that encourages fan participation. We discuss episodes, themes, and the future of Star Trek while welcoming your thoughts and insights during the broadcast.

🔍 In This Episode:

Open lines for viewers to share their hopes and predictions for the series.

Live reactions to viewer questions and comments, making it an interactive experience!

🔔 Subscribe and Stay Tuned:

Make sure to subscribe for more engaging discussions about Star Trek. We go live every Monday night!

Follow us on Social Media:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/MissionLogPod

THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod

Mission Log Live is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.Com for more great content.

💖 Support the Show:

Join our Patreon for exclusive content, and connect with fellow fans in our Discord community. Every contribution helps us continue our mission to boldly explore the universe of Star Trek.

https://www.patreon.com/MissionLogPod

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode Workforce, Captain Janeway's new life comes with decent hours, fair pay, and a promising romantic prospect. There's just one catch: she doesn't remember being Captain Janeway. Most of Voyager's crew have been given new jobs and new identities thanks to some suspiciously convenient amnesia. Is this an alien utopia, or forced labor? Maybe a stranger called "Amal Kotay" can make it all make sense. Mission Log reports for duty in "Workforce."

Hosted by John Champion and Norman Lao

MISSION LOG SURVEY: Take the survey NOW and you could win rare, original TOS film cells!

Welcome to Mission Log, a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast, where we explore the Star Trek universe one episode at a time. Each week, Mission Log examines a single episode of Star Trek, diving into its ethical subtext, metaphors, and cultural significance. From the show's most iconic moments to its hidden gems, we analyze what makes Star Trek one of the greatest science fiction sagas of all time. In every episode of Mission Log we…

• Recap the story and analyze key moments.
• Discuss the morals, messages, and meanings of the dilemmas presented.
• Debate whether the episode holds up and if the themes are still relevant.

Join the Conversation: For as little as $1 a month, you can gain access to our exclusive Discord Community! There, we continue the discussion with dedicated channels and weekly video chats with the hosts. Become a member of our Patreon today! https://www.Patreon.com/MissionLog

SPECIAL THANKS the supporters of this week's show: Chris Garis, Julie Miller, Stuart, Michael Park, Paul Shadwell, Matt Esposito, Alan Simonis, Mike Richards, David Takechi, Mike Schiable, VADM Erickson, and Lars Seme Thanks to all of our Patreon Supporters https://www.missionlogpodcast.com/sponsors/ Want to share your thoughts on an upcoming episode? Email us at [email protected] for a chance to be featured during the episode. Follow us on Social Media:

INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/RoddenberryEntertainment

THREADS https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod Did you know we're on YouTube? Find the video versions of your favorite shows like Mission Log: Prodigy, The Orville, as well as exclusive content only available on YouTube.

Subscribe now: https://www.youtube.com/@RoddenberryEntertainment?sub_confirmation=1

Our shows are part of the Roddenberry Entertainment family. For more great shows and to learn more about how we live the legacy of Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, follow us here:

RODDENBERRY PODCASTS https://www.instagram.com/roddenberrypodcasts

RODDENBERRY ENTERTAINMENT https://www.instagram.com/roddenberryofficial

THE RODDENBERRY FOUNDATION https://www.instagram.com/theroddenberryfoundation

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY:

Listeners like you - Support Mission Log on Patreon for early access to shows and the Mission Log Discord!

Subscribe and Stay Updated:

Never miss an episode! Subscribe on your preferred podcast player, leave a review, and join Mission Log on the journey of weekly deep dives into the Star Trek universe. Technical Director - Earl Green Producer - John Champion Associate Producer - Jessica Lynn Verdi Executive Producer - Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry Roddenberry Entertainment | All Rights Reserved

Our callers have made their hot takes known about each episode in real time - but what about their takes-up-the-whole-widescreen-main-viewer opinion of the season as a whole? Mission Log Live's callers carried on a lively conversation (and ended on a song!).

🌟 About Mission Log: Live:

Mission Log Live is a call-in show that encourages fan participation. We discuss episodes, themes, and the future of Star Trek while welcoming your thoughts and insights during the broadcast.

🔍 In This Episode:

Open lines for viewers to share their hopes and predictions for the series.

Live reactions to viewer questions and comments, making it an interactive experience!

🔔 Subscribe and Stay Tuned:

Make sure to subscribe for more engaging discussions about Star Trek. We go live every Monday night!

Follow us on Social Media:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/MissionLogPod

THREADS: https://www.threads.net/@roddenberrypodcasts

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/MissionLogPod

Mission Log Live is produced by Roddenberry Entertainment. Executive producer Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry. Visit https://Podcasts.Roddenberry.Com for more great content.

💖 Support the Show:

Join our Patreon for exclusive content, and connect with fellow fans in our Discord community. Every contribution helps us continue our mission to boldly explore the universe of Star Trek.

https://www.patreon.com/MissionLogPod

How did Star Trek go from television soundstage to national treasure? This week, we continue our conversation with Glen Swanson, former NASA historian and author of Inspired Enterprise, to explore a deeper chapter in Trek's relationship with the Smithsonian.

Through an exchange of letters between Gene Roddenberry and F.C. Durant, Assistant Director of the National Air and Space Museum, we trace the efforts to secure original Star Trek props and artifacts—including what would ultimately bring the 11-foot U.S.S. Enterprise model into the museum's collection.

Beyond acquisition logistics, these letters reveal Durant's belief in the inspirational power of Star Trek, how its optimistic vision of the future helped fuel real-world enthusiasm for space exploration. From ZAP pistols to starship models, this is the story of how Star Trek boldly went into the Smithsonian… and stayed.

📄 Documents and additional references: 1970–1972 correspondence between Gene Roddenberry and the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

📘 Guest's book: Inspired Enterprise by Glen E. Swanson

The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha

All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha

Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!