Ceti Alpha 3: A Star Trek Podcast

Language in Trek/Potpourri Talk  The universal translator is a technology in Star Trek that is often taken for granted. Darren, Phillip, and Daniel look at how it works, doesn't work, and shouldn't work in all the television series and films in Trek franchise. The trio also goes off-script into a general discussion of their Trek knowledge with a look at bridge designs ("jim jams" v. touch screen),...

The Federation Government We see the President of the United Federation of Planets but we don't see how he was elected or who voted for him? Is there campaigning? How often does the species change? We delve into the political structure of Star Trek.

Writing the Next Kelvin Universe Film Star Trek fans have a variety of reactions, hopes, and appreciation of the movies Star Trek, Star Trek into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond. The trio decides to dust off the whiteboard to write the next sequel in the Kelvin Universe film series.  What elements are you hoping to see in any future J.J. Abrams produced Trek movies?

Darren, Daniel and Phillip brainstorm how to bring Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive VCR Board Game, A Klingon Challenge into the 21st century.

The crews reaction to the second Discovery Trailer

Star War Games - A Trek Trivia Game Show Phillip plays host as Darren and Daniel battle each other for three rounds. With questions that span 50 years of Star Trek: Who will become the first victor of Star War Games and face the dreaded bonus round?   

The Tip of the Spear Star Trek: Discovery is currently in the works but Daniel, Darren, and Phillip decide to re-concieve the series. The trio starts with a blank page and establish the time setting, ship size, characters, mission, and more for the next Star Trek series. Join them as the U.S.S. Discovery journeys into uncharted Romulan space in the 25th Century with an unusual crew and a humanitar...

3 Holographic AI The trio dive into three holographic personalities. Dr. James Moriarty, The Doctor and Vic Fontaine.

Trek Weddings With Phillip getting married this week, the Ceti Alpha 3 trio looks at the various marriage ceremonies in the Star Trek franchise, along with real-life weddings with Star Trek aspects. The stranded crew also receives some RSVP drop-ins courtesy of Charlynn Schmiedt, Colin Higgins, and Mike Schindler.  Which Star Trek wedding do you hope to get invited to attend? And what would make a...

Monoculturalism in Trek One of the many strengths of Star Trek - the diversity of alien cultures in strange, new worlds - can also be its weakness. Why don't Vulcans, Ferengi, and other species have the same variety of people and beliefs that humans do? And how interesting is human society cutlure as a whole? And what species are accepting of change and welcoming new civilizations? The trio delves...

Space stations. Starships are usually the main setting throughout Star Trek, but there are several space stations that serve home for many memorable stories. The stranded trio covers Deep Space Nine to K7 to Earth Spacedock, with some curious stops at Star Trek Monopoly. What's your favorite station and why?

Favorite Planets and Places There are many intruguing places an away team can find themselves exploring. From pleasure planets to famous Trek locales, the trio discusses what planets and places they would like to beam to for recreation and tourism. They also ponder what is "real" in the Nexus. What planet would you like to lead a landing party? #AskCA3 TheNerdParty.com  @JoinNerdParty on Twitter T...

The Captains. Whomever wears the four pips on their collar sets the tone for each Trek series. From Archer to Janeway, with some speculation about the new Discovery captain, the CA3 crew looks at each series' leader.

Musical Appreciation in Star Trek. Star Trek has lots of great music both from the characters and as soundtracks to the various episodes and movies. The trio discusses the use of music throughout the franchise. What is your favorite musical track? Which character's musical ability do you enjoy the most? Tweet us at #AskCA3.

Retconning. "Retroactive continuity" is a phenomenon that is not unique to Star Trek. However, the franchise has been known to use it ... often. The trio discusses how successful, or not, various retcons were throughout the series and move. Which retcon works well? And which one still has you scratching your head? Tweet us at #AskCA3.

First Officers Star Trek has given us many memorable characters in command. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip discuss the First Officer or Executive Officer and how it changes from series to series. Who is your favorite number 1? Tweet us at #AskCA3.

Temporal Investigations Time travel has been used from time to time in the Star Trek franchise. The stranded trio does a rough sampling of the various chrono-adventures of all the series and movies. What was your favorite time travel episode and which one gave you the biggest Janeway-headache? Tweet us at #AskCA3.

Hobbies     In the Trek-verse, there are not many times we see characters out of uniform, just being themselves. But in those rare moments when we catch them indulging in their off-duty interests, it can provide insight into their personalities. No matter what series it is from water polo to clarinets  there are many interesting hobbies seen in Star Trek. Which character do you think had the most...

Security/Tactical Officers     Those red shirts, and more commonly in the 24th Century - yellow shirts, who serve as tactical/security officer provide unique personalities and characterizations throughout the Trek franchise, even if their roles are similar.  Should there be separate security and tactical roles? Which phaser firer is your favorite? Let us know at #AskCA3.

Ships of the Line Everyone has their favorite series' ship, whether it's the original NCC-1701, NX-01 or the D, perhaps even Voyager or the Defiant. However, what about the other great vessels, both Starfleet and alien? This round robin episode features the co-hosts favorite Starfleet and non-Starfleet ships, from a Romulan warbird to the experimental U.S.S. Prometheus. We tackle the most importan...

Theatricality in Trek The influence of stage theatre is seen throughout the Trek franchise, along with the many stage actors it features. Guest co-host, Jessica Nunn of the Phoenix Theatre Company, joins the trio to discuss the theatricality of ENT "A Night in Sickbay," TOS "Conscience of the King, TNG "Frame of Mind," and DS9 "In the Pale Moonlight." Let us know what episode you would like to see...

Chief Medical Officers     The doctors of Star Trek provide great characters with their own unique challenges and storylines. We discuss the men and women in blue who saved lives and faced various diseases. Let us know your favorite doctor at #AskCA3

Star Trek: First Contact Commentary     This new year of 2017 marks a continuing celebration of 30 years of Star Trek: The Next Generation. The second film in the TNG film franchise, though its first solo-TNG crew movie, is widely regarded as the best cinematic outing for Captain Picard and his crew. Let us know your favorite moments from First Contact at #AskCA3.

50th Anniversary Our special franchise celebrated 50 years of history in 2016. Phillip, Daniel, and Darren discuss their favorite commemorations last year and some of their disappointments about how it was handled. The trio also looks at how other sci-fi franchises spotlighted special times, how Star Trek did past celebrations, and what future anniversaries will bring. Fans can tweet their favorit...

Engineers They are the ones who make things, things to make us go. Engineers are a special breed in the ranks of the Federation. This week on Ceti Alpha 3, Daniel, Darren and Phillip talk about the keepers of the warp drive and why Lily deserved a statue of her own in central Montana.