PoliTreks: A Star Trek Podcast

PoliTreks is gearing up for the spooky season! Special guest Felicity Pickens a.k.a RadMissFliss jumps in with Shashank to confront the horrors of the Borg species. Resistance may be futile, but discussion is not, and everything about the Borg including their look, the concept of assimilation, theories about their origin, species 8472 and more are on the table. What did you think of this episode? Please let us know about your thoughts by writing to us at @politreks on Twitter or by sending us an e-mail to politrekspodcast@gmail.com! This episode of PoliTreks is sponsored by FanSets! PoliTreks is a proud member of the Trek Geeks Podcast Network.

PoliTreks closes out the discussion on diseases in Star Trek with guest host Che. They discuss the DS9 episodes Babel, Quickening, the Enterprise episode Stigma, and the Voyager episode Scientific Method. What did you think of this episode? Please let us know about your thoughts by writing to us at @politreks on Twitter or by sending us an e-mail to politrekspodcast@gmail.com!

While much of the developed world begins a slow path toward recovery from COVID-19, the disease has taken a toll of near apocalyptic proportions on our co-host Shashank's homeland of India. With that as our backdrop, he and Barry take a look at the diseases in Star Trek. Some are physical, some mental, some flavor of the week, some that stretch across seasons, but all of them are thought provoking and discussion worthy. What did you think of this episode? Please let us know about your thoughts by writing to us at @politreks on Twitter or by sending us an e-mail to politrekspodcast@gmail.com! This episode of PoliTreks is sponsored by Fansets! PoliTreks is a proud member of the Trek Geeks Network.

Co-hosts Barry and Shashank return to PoliTreks after an extended hiatus. They discuss their reasons for being away and jump straight to the main topic - the terrorist attack on the US Capitol. On January 6th, the US Capitol, the citadel of American Democracy, was attacked and almost succumbed to a fascist mob. Terrorism and fascistic governments in Star Trek, the extraordinary evil nature of such an act from a Trek perspective and more are brought up along with thoughts about democracy's future and the future of PoliTreks. Cover Photo by Andy Feliciotti on Unsplash

PoliTreks is back with a very candid interview with our friend Bryson to talk about representation of Indigenous People throughout the life of Star Trek. Bryson brings his perspective as a member of the Mi’kmaq (*Pronounced Mig-maw) People of the east coast of Canada and the USA. We lay criticism where it is due, all while speaking about context and considering the social make-up of the time. Episode-wise, we cover the two major first entries (Paradise Syndrome - TOS; Journey’s End - TNG), along with a discussion of the character and characteristics of Chakotay. In true PoliTreks fashion, we move into concepts of settler-colonialism, imperialism, and white-supremacy, and how western society by its very founding, has had to struggle with its relationship to such concepts. In all, this conversation is just the beginning. Bryson is an avid Trek fan and as our conversation went longer than anticipated, we agreed there will be more to discuss. If you are looking to get a head start, check out "How Sharper Than a Serpent’s Tooth," written by Indigenous author and artist, Russel Bates! More to come there! This is Bryson’s first podcast experience and we are honored he came to provide his insights. You can find him at @ArnallLabrador on Twitter, and the link to the YouTube video we mention is below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99-LoEkAA3w&feature=youtu.be

PoliTreks returns for the continuing analysis/review series of each episode of Star Trek: Picard! Shashank and a guest host break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes and metaphors. In this episode, Shashank, who is doing this episode by himself and stuck in quarantine, much like Crusher who is left all by herself on the Enterprise, wondering if something is wrong with her or the universe, tries to make sense of the Broken Pieces of Picard. A summary of the episode later he talks about the crew's reaction to Jurati's murder confession and how this might derail the series' narrative power. He also reacts to Seven as the Borg Queen, Rios' breakdown and more.

PoliTreks returns for the continuing analysis/review series of each episode of Star Trek: Picard! Shashank and a guest host break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes and metaphors. Shashank is not happy about this episode but to balance out with positive vibes, Sara from Rewind joins him on this spatial transporter escape to a heavenly planet. The complex philosophy of a pacifist hunter, the end of the road for Hugh, the return of Troi and Riker and more are discussed in this episode!

Barry and Shashank get to chat with the talented and engaging Amrit Kaur, Indian-Canadian Actor who played Cadet Thira Sidhu in Star Trek: Short Treks - Ask Not! We delve into Amrit's career as an actor, writer, and activist, getting to know her inspirations, other projects, and what may be in store for her in the future! We discuss many topics that range from feminism to being an Indian-Canadian actor in the arts, landing roles, creating stories, and sending messages.

PoliTreks returns for the continuing analysis/review series of each episode of Star Trek: Picard! Shashank and a guest host break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes and metaphors. To unlock the mystery box that is episode 6 "The Impossible Box", John Krikorian of Trek Profiles guides Shashank through the Zhal Makh! The theme of Pinocchio, Borg assimilation and PTSD, understanding the Zhal Makh and more come up in our discussion.

PoliTreks returns for the continuing analysis/review series of each episode of Star Trek: Picard! Shashank and guest host Aly Martinez break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes and metaphors. Accompanying Shashank on this exciting journey to Freecloud for the discussion of "Stardust City Rag" is the co-host of Literary Treks, Bruce Gibson! Addiction in Star Trek, Seven of Nine and the Fenris Rangers, that opening scene, that closing scene and more are all on the table. Shashank with an eye patch and Bruce with a feather in his hat are going all in!

PoliTreks is back again with another installment of the Engaging with Star Trek Picard series. This time on the Artifact Grey Zone operating table is episode 4, Absolute Candor. Joining Shashank for this dissection is Jenn Tift, co-host of Snap Trek! Together, Shashank and Jenn break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes, metaphors and lament the continuing absence of Number One. Female warrior nuns in history, the return of Seven Of Nine, the terrible real world parallels of the ROMULANS ONLY sign and more are on the table for this episode, and that's not all! Aly Martinez closes the episode with her thoughts on Absolute Candor in "Research Officer's Log".

PoliTreks returns for the continuing analysis/review series of each episode of Star Trek: Picard! Shashank and guest host Aly Martinez break down in detail every scene of the episode, discuss easter eggs, overall themes, metaphors and lament the continuing absence of Number One. The End Is The Beginning marks the return of Hugh and Shashank couldn't be more happy that Hugh has returned. He also couldn't be more jealous of Jonath Del Arco's rugged good looks. Thankfully, Aly keeps things in line by delving deep into Romulan mythology, the usage of religion to help with trauma, the mystery of Soji, that one spectacular action scene and more.

In this episode Shashank dives right into a discussion/review/analysis/gleeful screaming of "Maps and Legends", episode 2 of Star Trek: Picard. Joining him to share the excitement and to keep him in line is the delightful Aly Martinez! Shashank and Aly, his Who Is Trek co-host, elaborate on the episode's deeper themes and metaphors. Secret societies and espionage from our history, the usage of derogatory language like "plastic people", the evolution of Starfleet and the depressing lack of Number One and more are on the table. #justiceforNumberOne #brownRomulans

In this episode Shashank breaks down some important news items that are ongoing, and some that we missed while we were gone. The Australian bush fires, the passing of Rene Auberjonois and more are discussed before jumping into the main topic: STAR TREK PICARD! Shashank struggles to get a review out for the pilot episode, Remembrance, in between excited fanboy cheering. The importance of a good PR campaign leading up to the show debut, comparisons to Blade Runner and Battlestar Galactica, the quiet power of Jeff Russo's score and more are on the table as PoliTreks engages in deep discussion with Picard.

On this episode, Shashank and Barry dig into the essential characters that drive the plot. We spend a fair bit of time on the unique featured characters of Krall and Jayla. We also look at the conditions of the franchise when the movie was released, what it was responding to, and some of the pitfalls it succumbs to in its delivery. Call backs, self-reference, movie tropes, and cliche get a fair bit of time but as a deeper discussion of how Trek has always experimented with its storytelling to varied success. In all, we both love Beyond and hope this gives you the inkling to revisit this already three-year-old movie! Barry also gives is a Canadian Federal Election news segment!

In this episode, Shashank and Barry react to the news of the great Aron Eisenberg's passing. This was recorded day-of, so there are some raw moments, however we delve into the lasting memory Aron and Nog, the beloved character he played will live on in our hearts.

In this episode, Shashank and Barry discuss Star Trek Discovery: Season 2. We cover some of the main characters (Pike and Burnham especially), discussing their motivations and permutations, along with the stories told in this season and how they shape and connect to Trek as a whole. We take a constructive look at elements of the season that worked and may not have worked as well. This takes us through the concept of time travel, as often portrayed by Star Trek and how it matches up with other SF franchises, and how it connects to some hypotheses around how actual time travel might work. As this is an expansive series with a great many elements, we do not get to everything, however more conversation is welcome on our Twitter page and on Camp Khitomer! The news segment covers the fires in the Amazon Rainforest, crisis in Kashmir, TMP's limited theatrical anniversary run, and some great news from some of our friends!

On this episode, Shashank and Barry discuss the political, historical, and social aspects of Season One of Discovery. On the news, we discuss a corruption scandal involving a government-appointed anti-corruption firm. Obvious connections to Cardassian tactics of deceit. The next news item is a farewell to Peter Allan Fields who passed away while we were on hiatus. Our main topic is a tad top-heavy as we get into the character of T'Kuvma, highlighting points of his opening speech and playing 'what-if' with his character. We ask questions about Burnham's choice to mutiny and what it implied about the type of character we are encountering. Finally, no conversation on season one is worth it without a look at the Mirror Universe arc within the season. There is also discussion on how streaming culture has begun a takeover of modern media consumption. This leads us to DSC being a product of this new reality, so we take time to discuss the implications that will have on Trek as a franchise.

Join us as we announce our affiliation with the Trek Geeks Podcast Network with special guests Bill Smith & Dan Davidson!

In this Episode, Shashank and Barry take a deep dive into the great Kelvin Universe/JJ-verse/soft-reboot/Fast And Furious In Space movie Star Trek, released in 2009 after almost half a decade of no official Trek TV or cinema. We look at our relationship to the movie, cultural perception then and now, character portrayals (both compelling and uncanny), and how for some of us, brought Trek back into our lives in a big way.