Roddenberry Podcasts

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "Relativity," Seven of Nine dies! But in the confusing world of temporal incursions, she can live again only to be recruited to carry out a dangerous mission in Voyager's past. Meet Captain Braxton again... and again... and again when "Relativity" goes into the Mission Log. Hosted by John Champion and Jessie Earl Welcome to Mission Log , a Roddenberry Entertainme...

After a TV pilot is carefully produced, the task of creating a regular weekly series can get underway. "The Naked Now" was Star Trek: The Next Generation's first series episode, and The Trek Files is pleased to welcome the episodes' director, Paul Lynch, to discuss his work. Find out what actors required the least direction and who studio executives thought the real "star" of the series was at the...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "11:59," Captain Janeway recounts the story of her 20th-century ancestor who helped usher in the space age. Sort of. Maybe. Romance and romanticizing the past bump into urban planning when Mission Log sets the clock for "11:59." Hosted by John Champion and John Arminio Welcome to Mission Log , a Roddenberry Entertainment podcast, where we we explore the Star Trek...

The Trek Files goes back into the world of audio for an in-depth discussion about Star Trek: The Motion Picture. Specifically, the many complexities of character dialogue recording and re-recording are the focus for special guest Mike Matessino who was a post-production supervisor on both of TMP's Director's Editions. A memo from Robert Wise about actor ADR kicks off a discussion about the noisy E...

In the Star Trek: Voyager episode, "Someone to Watch Over Me," Seven of Nine expands her human knowledge by learning about dating and love. Under the Doctor's tutelage, she finds few worthy suitors, but the teacher soon falls for the student. Special guest host Nana Visitor joins Mission Log for "Someone to Watch Over Me." Hosted by John Champion and Nana Visitor Welcome to Mission Log , a Roddenb...

We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of TAS' second season with guest Aaron Harvey, author of "Star Trek: The Official Guide to the Animated Series." In many ways, TAS broke new ground by expanding on what had come from TOS and making the Trek universe a richer place. For the first time, Orion pirates were seen, and they, along with many other TAS creations, have left an indelible mark on the fr...

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...