Roddenberry Podcasts

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "Juggernaut," the Malon are up to what they usually do, hauling around toxic waste, trying to hide it where no-one will find it. This particular ship springs a leak right in Voyager's path though, and the resulting spill traps both vessels along with a deadly monster seeking revenge. Juggernaut goes into the Mission Log. Hosted by John Champion and Bill Smith Wel...

A series of memos from the earliest days of The Next Generation contemplate the scientific advances of the new Enterprise. Specifically, the bridge would undergo a radical redesign to emphasize a more comfortable, thoughtful interaction of the crew. In addition, the special effects advances since the 1960s meant that the views of space could be much more realistic. We welcome back Dr. Barrett Cald...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "Think Tank," Voyager encounters the most insufferable type of interstellar consulting firm. Sure, they'll help you out of a bind, but the price for their service is far above industry standard. Special guest host John Billingsley sizes up the Thank Tank on Mission Log. Hosted by John Champion & John Billingsley *Learn more about the Hollywood Food Coalition and...

This week on The Trek Files, we focus our ears on the sounds that make Star Trek. From TOS to the movies, we are pleased to bring you exclusive behind-the-scenes audio clips like you've never heard them before. Those, along with our document from Gene's archive, are illuminated by our special guest Steve Lee, veteran audio expert and "sound wrangler" for film and television. Steve currently archiv...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "The Fight," Voyager enters a region of "chaotic space" where the normal rules don't apply and every move is countered with danger. Meanwhile, Chakotay enters a boxing ring where the normal rules don't apply and every move is countered with danger.  Hosted by John Champion & Earl Green Welcome to Mission Log , a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast, where we explore...

In October 1988, the Star Trek production team started rolling in Yosemite National Park. We catch up with Dan Madsen, the head of the official fan club, who was in regular contact with director William Shatner and well aware of the anticipation - and anxiety - among fans about the next Trek feature film. We cover everything from Levi's to marshmallows to purple horses on this week's episode of Th...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "Course: Oblivion," it's a great time to be on Voyager! Tom and B'Elanna are getting married. There's a new warp drive that will get the crew home. There's just a couple of problems: the sneaking suspicion that nobody is "real" and the ship is melting into a pile of goo.  Hosted by John Champion & Ashley Victoria Robinson Welcome to Mission Log , a Roddenberry En...

It was the first day of shooting on Star Trek III. Fans knew that Spock was likely coming back, but they didn't know about the loss of the Enterprise or other major plot points of the film. One fan who was on the inside had the scoop, though! Dan Madsen joins The Trek Files again to share stories about the "wine and roses" days of Trek and getting the lowdown from Leonard Nimoy himself. Document a...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "The Disease," love is certainly in the air when Harry Kim falls for an alien living aboard a generational starship. Everyone should be thrilled for him, except that he ignored Janeway's orders and caught something more than "the feels" in the process.  Hosted by John Champion & Holly Amos Welcome to Mission Log , a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast, where we exp...

Secrecy around movies is paramount. In early 1978, the announcement for Star Trek: The Motion Picture had not yet been officially made, but one person close to the production had leaked insider information about the production. Studio executive Jeffrey Katzenberg stepped in with a politely worded, but unambiguous, memo to stop the leaks at their source. Document and additional references: Star Tre...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "Dark Frontier," the Borg are back, and the Queen has her eye on luring Seven back to the collective. Meanwhile, Janeway has her eye on stealing some transwarp tech for a shortcut home.  Hosted by John Champion & Ryan Britt " Phasers on Stun " by Ryan Britt Welcome to Mission Log , a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast, where we explore the Star Trek universe one e...

Each season on The Trek Files, we take a break from the interdepartmental memos and deeply technical discussions behind the scenes of Star Trek in order to check in with the fans. Specifically, we peruse Gene Roddenberry's mail bag from the mid 1970s to see what had fans excited a generation ago. This time: graduation wishes, praise for Trek's humanity, and, of course, more requests for any props...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "Bliss," anything can happen in the Delta Quadrant - like a wormhole suddenly appearing that can transport Voyager back to Earth in mere minutes. Another thing that can happen is a giant telepathic space creature masquerading as said wormhole with the sole intent of eating Voyager for lunch.  Hosted by John Champion & Jessica Lynn Verdi Welcome to Mission Log , a...

Science fiction requires a certain amount of science fact to make the stories believable. In the lead up to "The Next Generation," Gene Roddenberry sent a memo to the production team expressing frustration over the balancing act between the two. Jeff Stepp returns to The Trek Files to talk about the similarities in writing for drama and scientific documentary and the possible coolness of "deathstr...

On this special Supplemental edition of Mission Log, we turn our focus to host Norman Lao. In recent weeks, we've added guest hosts for the first time ever, and it's time to share, in Norm's own words, the recent medical concerns that have changed how we produce this podcast along with others at Roddenberry. We hope you are engaged as well as entertained by the discussion of his personal and philo...

In the last years of his life, Gene Roddenberry continued to address audiences with thoughts about science fiction and the intersection of humanity and science. In this speech from 1989-1990 given to an audience of Jungian psychologists, he explored the ways technology and storytelling illuminate the human experience. The Trek Files again welcomes Dr. Barrett Caldwell to share his thoughts on Gene...

In the Star Trek: Voyage episode, "Gravity," a shuttle crash on a desert planet is bad enough. It's worse when time on that planet moves much faster than it does on Voyager and presents a real problem for rescuing the shuttle crew. It's worse yet when Tuvok's emotional repression is challenged when he meets a stranded woman.  Hosted by John Champion & Matt Mira Welcome to Mission Log , a Roddenber...

In a speech to the Fourteenth Space Congress in 1977, Gene Roddenberry laid out the three arguments for human space exploration. Now, we revisit his words with Barrett S. Caldwell, PhD, Professor of Industrial Engineering (and Aeronautics and Astronautics) at Purdue. He reflects on Gene's visionary take on the space program and the inspiration that keeps us returning to the stars. Document and add...

In the Star Trek: Voyage episode, "Bride of Chaotica," alien explorers made up of photonic energy are fascinated by the vivid life playing out on Voyager's holodeck. What they don't know is that they've stumbled into Tom's simulation of "Captain Proton." When the war between photons threatens Voyager's safety, it's time for Captain Janeway to play a new role.  Hosted by John Champion & Jordan Hoff...

David Gerrold joins The Trek Files again for a fun look behind the scenes of Deep Space Nine's 30th anniversary Star Trek episode, "Trials and Tribble-ations." Hear about the painstaking details to recreate 1960s television in the '90s and how returning to tribbles 30 years later was a career highlight. Document and additional references: Trials and Tribble-ations call sheet - August 22, 1996 The...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "Latent Image," The Doctor seems to be having trouble with his memory, and his suspicions about a conspiracy against him turn out to be true. Captain Janeway herself has been tampering with his files, but leaving him alone could cause him to spin completely out of control.  Hosted by John Champion & Elio Lleo Welcome to Mission Log , a Roddenberry Entertainment p...

Phil Weyland returns to The Trek Files with more stories from the set of Star Trek III. As stand-in for DeForest Kelly and, later, William Shatner, Phil had a front-row seat for the extremes from excitement to boredom of making Trek's epic big-screen stories. Document and additional references: Star Trek III call sheet - August 31, 1983 The Trek Files Season 12 on Memory Alpha All episodes and doc...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "Counterpoint," Voyager finds itself in the heart of Devore territory, and that means submitting every so often to annoying inspections. For what? Stowaway telepaths. The crew have secreted them away in the transporter buffer, but soon one of the Devore defects and knows all about the scheme. Does Janeway trust him? Or does she, as the old saying goes, keep her e...

The title says it all. David Gerrold shared his parting words with Gene Roddenberry upon leaving production of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It was a bittersweet moment preceded by conflict. David joins The Trek Files to talk about the state of TNG's production at the time, his frustrations with backstage politics, and the desire to leave on a high note. Don't miss our deep look into the tumult...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "Thirty Days," Tom Paris is drawn to the life aquatic when Voyager encounters and alien species with its own ocean planet. His voyage to the bottom of the sea reveals a deep concern about the ecology of this world, and Tom decides to ignore direct orders so he can help his new friends. Hosted by John Champion & Charlynn Schmeidt Welcome to Mission Log , a Roddenb...