This week on The Clonestar Podcast, Jodi Pickens sits down with veteran Star Trek author Greg Cox to discuss his latest novel, Identity Theft, written to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Star Trek: The Original Series.Set across two pivotal eras, Identity Theft revisits the legacy of Captain James T. Kirk and the USS Enterprise, while placing Pavel Chekov at the heart of a political mystery that questions how fragile peace really is. What once seemed like effortless diplomacy on the planet Voyzr begins to unravel, revealing old resentments, hidden agendas, and a dangerous plan waiting decades to be triggered.In this conversation, Greg talks about:• Writing Chekov as a central point-of-view character• Exploring the long-term consequences of “easy” peace• Balancing classic TOS voices with later-era continuity• Crafting a story that honours Trek’s past while questioning its ideals• What it means to write Star Trek at a milestone anniversaryThoughtful, timely, and deeply rooted in Trek’s moral core, Identity Theft is a story about identity, memory, and the uncomfortable truth that peace must be actively protected. This is a must-watch for fans of classic Trek and Star Trek novels alike.

This week on The Clonestar Podcast, Seo sits down with actor Timothy Carhart to talk about his unforgettable role as Lieutenant Commander Christopher Hobson in the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Redemption II.”Carhart reflects on stepping into the USS Sutherland as Data’s first officer, portraying a character written with sharp edges, buried prejudice, and a pivotal role in one of TNG’s defining command stories.

We explore how he approached playing a Starfleet officer who doubts an android captain — and why that tension remains one of the most memorable parts of the episode.We get into:

• His path through film, television, and theatre• Crafting Hobson’s fraught dynamic with Captain Data

• What it was like bringing emotional conflict into a story built on logic

• Behind-the-scenes memories from filming Redemption II

• Why the episode still resonates with fans decades later

Insightful, honest, and full of great storytelling, this conversation digs into what makes Redemption II such a standout moment in the TNG legacy.

This week on The Clonestar Podcast, Mike Overton sits down with the remarkable Avaah Blackwell—stunt performer, creature actor, and the woman behind some of the most unforgettable aliens in Star Trek: Discovery and Strange New Worlds.

From wrestling heavy prosthetics to bringing movement, emotion, and life to characters hidden beneath layers of makeup, Avaah shares what it really takes to build Star Trek’s aliens from the inside out. She talks about her time on Discovery, her return in Strange New Worlds, and the physical and creative craft that most fans never get to see.

We dig into:

• Her journey into stunt work and creature performance

• What it’s like working inside full-body prosthetics for long shoot days

• The collaborative process with makeup, VFX, and stunt teams

• How she shaped the movement, personality, and presence of multiple Trek species

• Her favourite behind-the-scenes moments from both series

If you love the artistry behind Trek’s aliens — or just want to hear from one of the franchise’s hardest-working performers — this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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This week on The Clonestar Podcast, Jodi Pickens and Mike Overton sit down with veteran Star Trek writer and producer Mike Sussman for an in-depth look at his time shaping two defining eras of modern Trek — Voyager and Enterprise.

From the alternate realities of “Twilight” to the fan-favourite “In a Mirror, Darkly” and the thought-provoking “Author, Author”, Sussman reflects on the creative process behind some of the most memorable episodes of 1990s and early-2000s Star Trek.

He shares candid stories from the writers’ room, the challenges of balancing continuity and innovation, and what it was like collaborating with Trek icons from Janeway to Archer.

If you love discovering how the best Star Trek episodes were imagined and built, this is an interview you won’t want to miss.

This week on The Clonestar Podcast, Mike Overton sits down with the brilliant Susan Diol to explore her remarkable career and her unforgettable role as Dr. Danara Pel in Star Trek: Voyager.From her moving on-screen chemistry with the Doctor in “Lifesigns” and “Real Life,” to her diverse career across stage and screen, Susan shares candid stories from her time on set, her connection to the character, and what it meant to bring compassion and depth to one of Voyager’s most touching episodes.We also look back on her wider career — from early guest roles in television classics to her ongoing creative work today — and reflect on how Star Trek continues to inspire both actors and fans alike.Join us for a heartfelt and insightful conversation celebrating one of Trek’s most beloved guest stars.

This week on The Clonestar Podcast, Jodi Pickens sits down with Marcus Bagala and Sam Bagala, the brilliant composing duo behind the powerful and immersive score for the new Star Trek: Khan audio series.

Together, they break down how they built the sonic identity of Khan Noonien Singh — balancing legacy, emotion, and menace — while weaving musical threads that honour Star Trek’s rich history. From creating bold new themes to capturing the psychological intensity of one of Trek’s most iconic figures, this conversation dives deep into the art and emotion behind the music.

🎧 Tune in for insights on:

• The creative process behind Star Trek: Khan’s score

• How sound design shapes storytelling in audio drama

• Honouring classic Trek motifs while exploring new sonic frontiers

• The unique collaboration between Marcus and Sam Bagala

Whether you’re a Trek fan, a musician, or just love hearing how sound brings stories to life, this is one you won’t want to miss.

This week on The Clonestar Podcast, Seo sits down with New York Times bestselling author David Mack to discuss his latest novel, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds – Ring of Fire.

In this gripping new adventure, Captain Christopher Pike and the crew of the USS Enterprise are dispatched to Kathara Station, a secret research facility orbiting a black hole — where sabotage, buried secrets, and unresolved guilt threaten to tear everything apart.

David reveals the inspirations behind the story’s emotional core, from Pike’s haunted past to Una’s moral dilemmas and the tangled relationships among Spock, Chapel, and La’an. Together, they unpack how Ring of Fire captures the spirit of Strange New Worlds — blending high-concept science fiction with intimate human storytelling.

Join us for an insightful conversation about redemption, character, and the timeless Trek themes of hope and forgiveness — straight from one of the architects of modern Star Trek storytelling.

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This week on The Clonestar Podcast, Mike and Seo sit down with veteran actor Spencer Garrett, whose unforgettable performance as Ensign Simon Tarses in Star Trek: The Next Generation’s “The Drumhead” remains one of the most powerful moments in Trek history.

Spencer shares the story behind that iconic episode — how a quiet med tech became the centre of one of Star Trek’s most timeless allegories about truth, fear, and prejudice — and reflects on how its message still resonates decades later.

But that’s only part of his incredible journey. From working with Quentin Tarantino in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood to his appearances in Mad Men, Winning Time, and Air Force One, Spencer’s career has spanned film, television, and theatre with versatility and grace.

Join us as we explore his Star Trek legacy, his remarkable Hollywood career, and the enduring impact of storytelling that challenges us to look inward.

In this episode of the CloneStar Podcast’s Women of Strange New Worlds series, host Jodi Pickens is joined by Rhianna and Ashlyn from The Duras Sisters Podcast to spotlight one of the most layered and compelling characters aboard the Enterprise: La’an Noonien-Singh.

As Chief of Security, survivor of the Gorn, and descendant of Khan Noonien Singh, La’an carries both the weight of history and the scars of trauma. Together, we unpack her defining moments—from “Memento Mori” to “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow”—exploring how themes of survival, resilience, legacy, and chosen family shape her arc across Strange New Worlds.

We’ll also highlight Christina Chong’s powerful performance, La’an’s evolving relationships with her crewmates, and why she has become one of the most striking characters in modern Star Trek.

Featuring guest insights from Rhianna and Ashlyn of The Duras Sisters Podcast, known for their witty, passionate, and thoughtful Star Trek deep dives.

✨ Don’t miss this celebration of La’an Noonien-Singh and the women of Strange New Worlds. Subscribe for more episodes in the series!

We’re heading into Sickbay for the first medical mission of our Women of Strange New Worlds series—spotlighting Nurse Christine Chapel. Once a background presence in The Original Series, Chapel has become one of Strange New Worlds’most dynamic, witty, and emotionally rich characters thanks to Jess Bush’s layered portrayal.

Joining host Jodi Pickens is guest Amy Imhoff—writer, speaker, and Star Trek commentator—who brings her sharp insight and deep fandom knowledge to this conversation. Together, they explore Chapel’s defining episodes (Ghosts of Illyria, Charades, and more), her relationships, and the real-world resonance of her story.

From medicine to mischief, we examine how Christine Chapel went from Sickbay sidekick to scene-stealing star—and why her journey matters in modern Trek.