The Star Trek Academy Podcast

The Academy professors look back to where Star Trek began - the first pilot episode, The Cage. As usual, their focus is on the story, and also the ethics, philosophy, and lessons learned from The Cage, which are rarely discussed these days.

In this special edition podcast, the Academy professors look at the classic 1950s movie Forbidden Planet, and how it paved the way for the Star Trek original series

We conclude our rewatching of the Star Trek films with Star Trek Beyond (while waiting for the next new Star Trek). Join us as we examine the script, production design, ethics and lessons of this final movie of the JJ Abrams alternate timeline trilogy.

The Academy faculty members take a fresh look at the second J.J. Abrams Star Trek movie, Star Trek Into Darkness, including strengths and weaknesses of the story, the visual production design, and the philosophy and ethics displayed.

While we wait for new Star Trek, Rodney and Michael are finishing their retrospective of Star Trek theatrical films, this time considering the first JJ Abrams Trek movie.

Rodney and Michael deconstruct the Starfleet Academy season 1 finale, "Rubincon." It's a blockbuster character-driven episode with lots of emphasis on ethics and take-away lessons for the audience.

The Academy faculty break down part 1 of the two-part season finale of Starfleet Academy season 1, a strong, fast-moving episode setting up a huge threat for the final episode of the season.

The Academy faculty members like the must-watch episode "The Life of the Stars" a lot and take a deep dive into the script, production design, and the meaning behind the story.

The Academy professors dive into the Starfleet Academy episode 7, Ko'Zeine. It's an episode filled with backstory of cadets, character development, and some thoughtful lessons.

"Come, Let's Away" is a dark, intense Starfleet Academy episode. Michael and Rodney find it to be well-paced with strong messages about duty. Join in the conversation!

Is it a loving tribute to Deep Space 9, or (as a few claim) attacking the memory of the series. Michael and Rodney, it turns out, like the episode and take a deep dive into why.

Professors Michael and Rodney unpack this strong Star Fleet Academy episode #4 about self-determination, cultural sensitivity, and "being seen." It is possible the strongest episode of the series so far.

The faculty look in detail at Starfleet Academy episodes 3, in which we learn a lot more about the characters and they begin functioning as a team.

The professors take a deep dive into the two episode premiere of Starfleet Academy, in a podcast that is a bit longer than usual. The story, the characters, the production design, and the ethics and lessons are all on the desk for consideration.

While we wait for the next new TV Star Trek, here's our look at the complete Star Trek Khan podcast audio series, looking at the production design and story, and the ethics and lessons presented by the series.

The Academy faculty members take a fresh look at this controversial final movie with the TNG cast from 2002.

The Starfleet Academy faculty members take a fresh look at the 1998 movie Star Trek Insurrection, including the story, the production design, and the ethics of the characters and the philosophical perspective.

The Academy faculty members take a deep dive into one of the best Star Trek movies, the 1996 movie Star Trek First Contact.

Academy faculty members Michael and Rodney reflect on their rewatch of Generations, including lots of questions about the Nexis, and what motivates the characters.

Join hosts Rodney and Michael as they deconstruct the Strange New Worlds season 3 finale, looking a details of the script and production, plus the philosophy and lessons learned in the story.

Michael and Rodney deconstruct the Strange New Worlds episode Terrarium, as Erica Ortegas is stranded on a hell planet with a Gorn and Enterprise struggles to save her.

"Four and a Half Vulcans" is a comedic episode, but professors Michael and Rodney find a lot of depth to explore in the underlying ideas.

Join us as we consider the Strange New Worlds episode "What is Starfleet?" with its powerful messages about duty and self-determination.

Join Rodney and Michael as they unpack the new Strange New Worlds episode, The Sehlat Who Ate its Tail, with its powerful messages about leadership and empathy.

The professors deconstruct what is likely a pivotal Stranger New Worlds episode and connect the dots of multiple story hints in a surprising way.