Random Trek

Tony Sindelar, podcaster and Total Party Kill DM, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Time Squared (S2E13). Scott and Tony make the most out of a subpar episode of TNG that includes replicator food logistics, a time loop, and a lack of proper corpse management. There’s probably a Dr. Pulaski Fan Club somewhere, but this isn’t it. Tony also watched Star Trek: Discovery recently, so don’t listen past 37:50 if you haven’t seen Season 1 of Star Trek: Discovery! <p>Scott McNulty with Tony Sindelar.</p>

Seth Fried, writer and author of The Municipalists, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s Someone to Watch Over Me (S5E22). Topics of conversation include a guest actor from Kids in the Hall, which character is the Chandler of Voyager, and some plot points that do not age well. <p>Scott McNulty with Seth Fried.</p>

Scott is joined by Jen Usellis, the Klingon Pop Warrior, to discuss TNG’s The Nth Degree (S4E19). After revealing their favorite Klingons in Star Trek, Jen and Scott debate the merits of Reginald Barclay, Star Fleet’s Holodeck policies, and marvel at a bizarre ten-day jump in the narrative. <p>Scott McNulty with Jen Usellis.</p>

Katie Mack, astrophysicist and author, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Justice (S1E8). Their feelings about Wesley Crusher, a bizarre God Orb, and scantily clad aliens are discussed as Katie and Scott get a true TNG Season 1 Experience. Be sure to pre-order Katie’s book “The End of Everything: (Astrophysically Speaking).” Note: This episode was also recorded in the “before time” when we weren’t dealing with a global health crisis. <p>Scott McNulty with Katie Mack.</p>

Helene Wecker, writer and Scott’s Internet pal, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s When The Bough Breaks (S1E17). Listen as we struggle to remember watching this episode for the first time, chat about picky kidnappers, and say hello and goodbye to the Aldeans for the first and last time. Please note: This episode was recorded several months ago in the “before time.” COVID-19 wasn’t even a thing, so listen with that context. <p>Scott McNulty with Helene Wecker.</p>

Liz Myles, writer, proper Dr. Who fan, podcaster, and fan of certain Star Trek shows, joins Scott to discuss TOS's Operation -- Annihilate! (S1E29). Topics include the trinity of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Kirk's mysterious family, episodes in which women die, and killer plastic vomit. <p>Scott McNulty with Lizbeth Myles.</p>

Jean MacDonald, podcaster, community manager, and frequent Incomparable panelist, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s Alice (S6E05). We spoil the end of Voyager (they get home. Get over it). Addition topics include if you should watch this episode, the risks of hooking up your brain to a mysterious alien ship, and SPACE RACES! <p>Scott McNulty with Jean MacDonald.</p>

Aleen Simms, podcaster, writer, and frequent Incomparable panelist, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Inquisition (S6E18). Spoilers abound in this episode, as usual, but they happen pretty early this time. You’ve been warned! Topics include Scott’s impending babies (who have arrived!), if we like Dr. Bashir, Aleen’s shocking Capt. Kirk opinions, and Section 31. <p>Scott McNulty.</p>

Aaron Reynolds, the person behind the hit Twitter accounts Swear Trek and Effin Birds (now a book! Buy the book!), joins Scott to discuss TNG’s Ethics (S5E16). A very light barrel falls on Worf with oddly disastrous results! Topics include why this episode could only happen in the 5th season, how much we like Capt. Styles, and the sorry state of Klingon medicine. This episode of TNG, and the podcast, discuss suicide. Remember, you aren’t alone. Please reach out for help if you need it. <p>Scott McNulty with Aaron Reynolds.</p>

Scott’s “Vulcan Hello” co-host Jason Snell joins him to discuss the Comic-Con trailer for “Star Trek: Picard”, coming in 2020. And what better episode to pair with that discussion than “Coming of Age” (S1E18), in which Picard’s ability as a Starfleet Captain is questioned while Wesley makes new friends and is punked by the Federation’s answer to Ashton Kutcher. <p>Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.</p>

Brian Hamilton, breakfast lover, joins Scott to chat about VOY’s “Drive” (S7E3). Topics include breakfast, why anyone would leave the holodeck, and last names. <p>Scott McNulty with Brian Hamilton.</p>

John Siracusa, podcaster and man about the Internet, joins Scott to chat about TNG’s “Deja Q” (S3E13). Topics include how much Scott loves this episode, Corbin Bernsen’s little baby face, and whether or not we like Q as a character. <p>Scott McNulty with John Siracusa.</p>

Antony Johnston, writer and dapper man, joins Scott to blah blah blah about TOS’s “Miri” (S1E11). Topics include why Antony had never seen this episode before, how effective it is at creeping us out and Scott’s opinions about the supporting actors looks. <p>Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston.</p>

Joe Rosensteel, Defocused host and man about town, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Rock and Shoals” (S6E02). Topics include seeing famous people in ordinary places and what you should do, visual effects, and sneaky Vortas. <p>Scott McNulty with Joe Rosensteel.</p>

Justin Michael, guy on the internet and 2019 daily poet, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Worst Case Scenario” (S3E25). Topics include Scott’s excitement to see the tools one uses to write a holonovel, whether or not holodecks have their own integrated power systems, and the shocking reveal of Seska… which is shocking if you remember who Seska is. <p>Scott McNulty with Justin Michael.</p>

Becky Sweger, data engineer, Western MA booster, and long time pal of Scott, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Family” (S4E2). Topics include Scott nerding out about the Star Trek significance of this episode, Becky making very good points about the episode’s themes, and a discussion about how the heck the Picard’s get to keep all that land on Earth. Can anyone have a vineyard in the future? <p>Scott McNulty with Becky Sweger.</p>

Lisa Schmeiser, writer, editor, and Incomparable panelist, joins Scott to discuss ENT’s “Cogenitor” (S2E22). Topics include scouting, westerns, space grandpas, and how good this episode almost ends up being. <p>Scott McNulty with Lisa Schmeiser.</p>

Scott celebrates the 200th episode by answering some questions from listeners like you. Fire off the party phasers and engage the fun. <p>Scott McNulty.</p>

Erika Ensign, tireless podcaster, joins Scott to discuss ENT’s “Regeneration” (S2E23). Topics include which captain would make the best Doctor, fake snow, and how Borg implants work (or don’t work). <p>Scott McNulty with Erika Ensign.</p>

Marisa McClellan, cookbook author, canner and Scott’s better half, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Body Parts” (S4E25). Topics include why you should buy Marisa’s latest book, if doing this podcast has impacted Scott’s enjoyment of Star Trek, Quark’s complicated character, and an announcement is… announced. Also, buy Marisa’s book. You’ll like it! <p>Scott McNulty with Marisa McClellan.</p>

Dan Moren, podcaster and novelist, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Concerning Flight” (S4E11). Topics include why you should buy Dan’s latest book, how Leonardo DiCaprio is not in this episode, and the surprising lack of tension or stakes in the story. Did we mention that you should buy Dan’s book? Because you should. <p>Scott McNulty with Dan Moren.</p>

Anne Zander, performer, writer, and producer, joins Scott to discuss ENT’s “Shadows of P’Jem” (S1E15). Topics include where to find the best doughnuts in Portland, OR, why Archer won’t let T’Pal make her own decisions, and why Archer seems to be a jerk. <p>Scott McNulty with Anne Zander.</p>

Guy English, Star Trek fan and Incomparable man about podcasting, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Final Mission” (S4E9). Topics include how Wesley can be right and yet still annoying, why you should really just listen to Capt. Picard, and Starfleet Academy’s strict admission requirements. <p>Scott McNulty with Guy English.</p>

Glenn Fleishman, journalist and type enthusiast, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Hollow Pursuits” (S3E21). Topics include how the Enterprise crew reactions to someone not as confident as they are, troubling HIPAA violations, and the ethics of making holodeck programs featuring your crewmates. Don’t forget to back Glenn’s Tiny Type Museum! <p>Scott McNulty with Glenn Fleishman.</p>

James Thomson, indie developer of PCalc and occasional Incomparable panelist, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Valiant” (S6E22). Topics include the always winning combo of children and Ferengi, where DS9 actors are now, troubling Starfleet HR practices, and whether or not Aron Eisenberg has a podcast (it seems like Scott just made that up. He’s tricky like that). <p>Scott McNulty with James Thomson.</p>

Gerry Canavan, Professor of 20th- and 21st-Century Literature at Marquette University, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Human Error” (S7E18).Topics include the ethics of using the Holodeck to generate simulations of your crewmates, what happens when you sleep in the Holodeck, and lots more Holodeck talk. <p>Scott McNulty with Gerry Canavan.</p>

Kennelley, Updates Editor at Wirecutter, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Emanations” (S1E09). We have many questions about the science of this episode, question why Harry Kim is so excited to crack open some corpses, and how Neelix waits for us all in Heaven. <p>Scott McNulty with Kennelly.</p>

Clint Ecker, man about town and Enterprise fan, joins Scott to discuss ENT’s “Fortunate Son” (S1E10). Clint and Scott attempt to remember the names of the characters in Enterprise, shirtless captains, the space freighter lifestyle, and the finer points of space law. <p>Scott McNulty with Clint Ecker.</p>

Jacqui Cheng, self-described “local artist”, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s In Theory (S4E25). Topics include: is replicated chocolate cake good for you, the proper response to someone offering to organize your closet, and who on the Enterprise one should ask for relationship advice. Also, fair warning: this episode includes some salty language. <p>Scott McNulty with Jacqui Cheng.</p>

Tony Sindelar, noted DM and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Nemesis” (S4E4). Topics include: Scott appreciating listener Kyle, fathoming the language used in this episode, and what kind of Klingons Scott and Tony would be. Check out TPK Shocktober 2018 for some good D&D fun. <p>Scott McNulty with Tony Sindelar.</p>

John Moltz, writer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The First Duty” (S5E19). Topics include: when is Tom Paris not Tom Paris? How old is Capt. Picard in this episode? And why isn’t anyone creeped out by the groundskeeper? <p>Scott McNulty with John Moltz.</p>

Lawrence M. Schoen, author, psychologist, and Klingon speaker, joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “Tomorrow is Yesterday” (S1E21). Topics include the Klingons (of course), the importance of the Original Series, and how you should probably just watch Yesterday’s Enterprise instead. <p>Scott McNulty with Lawrence M. Schoen.</p>

Eric Vilas-Boas, writer and editor, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Afterimage” (DS9 S7E3). Topics include why we love DS9 so much, what’s the deal with Ezri, and how problematic of a character Ezri is for our favorite character’s lives when you think about it. <p>Scott McNulty with Eric Vilas-Boas.</p>

Kathy Campbell, fellow member of The Incomparable and co-host of both the Sestracast and Friends In Your Ears, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Lower Decks” (TNG S7E15). Topics include the Amish, who the heck are all these new characters, the unexpected sadness of this episode, and how you should never take the tubrolift with Capt. Picard. <p>Scott McNulty with Kathy Campbell.</p>

Jason Snell joins Scott to discuss the wave of “Star Trek” related news to hit this month, including news of new actors playing Pike and Spock in “Star Trek: Discovery”, the return of Jean-Luc Picard in an entirely new TV project, and more. <p>Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.</p>

Monty Ashley, co-host of The Villain Edit, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s Empok Nor (S5E24). Topics covered Forged in Fire, Top Shot, the eating options on DS9, and corpse robbing for fun. <p>Scott McNulty with Monty Ashley.</p>

Jim Metzendorf, the man behind “The Professional’s Guide to Audio Podcast Production,” and the editor of some of your favorite podcasts (plus this one!), joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Ties of Blood and Water” (S5E19). Topics include filler sounds, dealing with the death of a loved one (this episode gets a little heavy, people), and Cardassians vs. Romulans. <p>Scott McNulty with Jim Metzendorf.</p>

Doug Savage, creator of Savage Chicken and Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Ferengi Love Songs” (S5E20). Topics include the wide variety of alien vermin that must infest DS9, the problematic nature of Ferengi, and sweet elderly lobe love. <p>Scott McNulty with Doug Savage.</p>

Mikah Sargent, co-host of podcasts devoted to The Office and the sleeping, joins Scott to discuss Enterprise’s “Rogue Planet” (S1E18). Topics include that theme song (yes), fake shutter noises, slugs, and what to do when you hear a creepy whisper coming from the forest. <p>Scott McNulty with Mikah Sargent.</p>

Marisa McClellan, canner and podcaster, joins Scott yet again to discuss Voyager’s “In the Flesh” (S5E4). Topics include My Favorite Martian, coffee, and Chakotay’s aversion to changing his camera’s default settings. <p>Scott McNulty with Marisa McClellan.</p>

Jean MacDonald, one half of the Sestra Cast joins Scott to discuss VOY’s “Think Tank” (S5E20). Hey, isn’t that George from Seinfeld? Yes, it is. Was he miscast? We talk about it! Also, Jean tries her best to convince people that they really should watch Voyager. Check out her great Star Trek: Voyager - A Viewer’s Guide to be convinced! <p>Scott McNulty with Jean MacDonald.</p>

Jason Snell, the head honcho of the Incomparable and Six Colors, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s two parter “Equinox” (Part 1, Part 2) (S5E26, S6E1). Topics include Voyager’s super clean carpets, the proper amount of Harry Kim, and Starfleet’s stunning lack of security (again!). <p>Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.</p>

Steven Schapansky, podcaster many, many times over, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Second Skin” (DS9 S3E5). Topics include the wonders of Garak, random bag tossing, and Starfleet’s generous leave policies. <p>Scott McNulty with Steven Schapansky.</p>

Cicero Holmes, host of Spawn on Me and Discovery Debrief, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “Night Terrors” (S4E17). Topics include pillows and bedwear OF THE FUTURE, how to best get a concept across to aliens in a dreamscape, and Kes vs. Neelix. <p>Scott McNulty with Cicero Holmes.</p>

Anna Marquardt, one of the people behind the blog “Fashion it So”, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Quality of Life”. Cute robots! But are they alive? No, they aren’t alive… but they might be sentient! Plus particle fountains, Capt. Picard judging things he knows nothing about, and a lack of interesting costumes. <p>Scott McNulty with Anna Marquardt.</p>

Geraldine DeRuiter, writer, joins Scott to discuss TOS’s “That Which Survives” (TOS S3E14). Topics include how chill everyone is about mysterious appearing women, how rude Spock and Kirk are to everyone, navel covering costume panels, and the troubling thing that Capt. Kirk thinks survives. <p>Scott McNulty with Geraldine DeRuiter.</p>

Lisa Schmeiser, podcaster, columnist, and editor, joins Scott to discuss TNG’s “The Loss” (TNG S4E10). Topics include how dreamy Capt. Picard is, why Deanna thinks so poorly of her own abilities (we blame the writers), and we pitch our new show, “Star Trek: HR.” CBS, you can just send us a ton of money right now. <p>Scott McNulty with Lisa Schmeiser.</p>

Moisés Chiullán, writer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss DS9’s “Favor The Bold” (S6E5). Topics include Scott not realizing this episode is the first half of a two parter (though it does stand alone), Dukat’s management style, and Odo’s stamina. <p>Scott McNulty with Moisés Chiullán.</p>

Anže Tomić, podcaster, radio show host, and writer, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s “Demon” (VOY S4E24) which Scott thinks should have been called “Silver Blood.” Topics include volunteering your DNA, sleepytime Neelix, and a more confident Harry Kim. <p>Scott McNulty with Anže Tomić.</p>

Seth Heasley, host of The Hugos There podcast, joins Scott to discuss Voyager’s “The Thaw” (VOY S2E23). Harry Kim isn’t the only clown on this episode. Topics include questioning the central premise of this episode (we recommend not doing this, the episode is better without too much thought), Voyager’s poor sound dampening, and the things that scare us all. <p>Scott McNulty with Seth Heasley.</p>