The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast

What happens when fans learn their beloved Star Trek is returning, but not the way they expect? This week on The Trek Files, we take a mid-season dive into the pre-internet letter-writing era of fandom with a look at Interstat #109, a Star Trek "LOC-zine" published just after the announcement of The Next Generation in late 1986. With Mission Log host and producer John Champion joining Larry, we revisit that first wave of passionate, skeptical, and sometimes prophetic reactions from fans adjusting to the idea of Star Trek without Kirk, Spock, or the original cast. From fears about recasting to early excitement about a new crew, these letters reveal a fandom both resistant to change and deeply hopeful for Trek's future. And while the tone may be more thoughtful than today's drive-by social media culture, the underlying emotions haven't changed. Together, John and Larry reflect on how fandom evolves, why backlash often masks deep investment, and how publications like Interstat helped shape the Trek we know today—slowly, one stamp at a time. 📄 Document and additional references: Interstat Issue #109 (November 1986) The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

In the 1993 Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Interface," Geordi La Forge uses experimental technology to remotely explore a stranded starship and is confronted by a deeply personal mystery. Was the image of his mother real, or something else entirely? This week, returning guest Dr. David Williams joins Larry to explore the real-world science behind this episode. Using a vintage press summary as our entry point, they discuss how TNG anticipated advances in virtual interfaces and robotics: technologies that now drive space exploration through probes, planetary rovers, and immersive control systems. From the Voyager missions to Mars rovers and the growing role of augmented reality in mission planning, Star Trek's tech continues to align with our scientific future. Along the way, Dave and Larry reflect on the emotional themes of "Interface," and how fiction about space helps us prepare for its most human dimensions. 📄 Document and additional references: Paramount press summary for TNG "Interface" (1993) The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Imagine being invited to visit the Star Trek: The Next Generation set before it even aired by none other than Bob Justman. This week, The Trek Files welcomes back Doug Drexler to share the story of his very first visit to the TNG set in 1987, spurred by a letter from legendary Trek producer Robert H. Justman. That visit changed everything. Doug quickly transitioned from fan to crew member, taking any job that would get him in the door as he built the career that would shape the look of Star Trek for decades to come. With his signature energy and humility, Doug talks about what it meant to go from wide-eyed visitor to behind-the-scenes creative force, and why, even now, he understands fans who struggle with change in the franchise he loves so much. Plus, we're in the final stretch of the Kickstarter campaign for Trek Star, the documentary chronicling Doug's incredible Trek journey. 📄 Document of the week: Letter from Robert H. Justman to Doug Drexler – August 12, 1987 🎬 Support the doc: Trek Star – The Doug Drexler Documentary on Kickstarter The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Before he was an Oscar-winning makeup artist and Star Trek's go-to designer, Doug Drexler was just a teenage fan fighting to save the show he loved. This week, Doug joins The Trek Files to reflect on a remarkable journey—from the 1968 Newsday article that quoted him as a 14-year-old letter-writing activist, to working for the legendary Federation Trading Post in New York, and eventually becoming one of the franchise's most beloved creative minds. Doug shares memories of fandom in the '60s and '70s like filming Star Trek episodes off his TV with an 8mm home movie camera, then waiting days for the film to be processed just to rewatch them. That early passion led to a career in Hollywood, where he helped shape the look of Trek for decades, from The Next Generation to Enterprise and beyond. Plus, a look ahead at the upcoming documentary Trek Star, chronicling Doug's unique Trek story from sidewalk protests to the Paramount lot. 📰 Document of the week: Newsday clipping – "This Group Isn't Way Out, But Its Cause Is" (Feb. 1, 1968) 🎬 Coming soon: Trek Star – The Doug Drexler Documentary on Kickstarter The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Before “merch” was a mainstream business, Star Trek fandom had Lincoln Enterprises—and behind the scenes was a small, tight-knit team led by Majel Barrett Roddenberry. This week, The Trek Files welcomes Reinelda Estupinian, who started as Rod Roddenberry’s nanny in 1974 and later worked directly with Majel beginning in 1980. Reina shares stories from the early convention circuit: selling scripts, collectibles, and Vulcan jewelry to devoted fans while keeping pace with the growing Trek phenomenon. She also reflects on Majel as both a businesswoman and a “force of nature,” balancing humor, strength, and an unapologetically bold personality (sometimes delightfully embarrassing to those around her). From Gene Roddenberry’s declining health to Majel’s final convention appearance in 2008, Reina offers rare, heartfelt insight into the personal and professional lives behind the Roddenberry legacy. 📄 Document and additional references: Lincoln Enterprises dealer agreement (circa 1980) 📸 Plus: personal photos of Reina & Majel on the con circuit The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

The first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation was famously turbulent, but behind the scenes, it was also a hive of creative experimentation and open doors for new voices. This week, we welcome veteran writer/producer Cash Edwards, whose original story pitch “The True One” caught the attention of Gene Roddenberry, D.C. Fontana, and his longtime friend, producer Herb Wright. Though the script wasn’t produced, it sparked genuine enthusiasm, and Herb’s memo to Gene is our document of the week. Cash joins Larry to share memories from TNG’s earliest days: working closely with the producers, meeting the cast, and witnessing the scramble for scripts that defined Season One. He also reveals some, let’s say colorful, ideas he contributed to the development of the Ferengi’s first appearance (laser bolos, anyone? leech grenades?). It’s a window into a time when Star Trek was still figuring itself out and welcoming new creatives into the mix who helped shape the journey. 📄 Document and additional references: Memo from Herb Wright to Gene Roddenberry re: “The True One” (1987) The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Long before the internet brought fans together, the Star Trek community thrived through newsletters, potlucks, and passionate word of mouth. This week, The Trek Files celebrates the 50th anniversary of the United Federation of Phoenix (UFP), the longest-running independent Star Trek fan club, with guest Dr. David Williams, UFP member and Arizona State University planetary scientist. Using a 1975 Arizona Republic article as our time capsule, we look back at how a group of Arizona fans kept the Trek spirit alive in the years between the show’s cancellation and its cinematic rebirth. From screening parties and fan films to homemade uniforms and sci-fi socials, UFP didn’t just preserve the legacy, it expanded it. Dave and Larry explore the roots of early fandom, the transition from stamps to screens, and why clubs like UFP still thrive after half a century of community-building. 📰 Document and additional references: Arizona Republic article – “Star Trekkies Maintain the Faith” (1975) The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

In 1973, Star Trek: The Animated Series debuted as a Saturday morning cartoon, but early reviewers quickly realized it was something far more ambitious. A contemporary article from the Pantagraph (Bloomington-Normal, IL) praised the show’s complex themes and emotional storytelling, declaring it a breakthrough in children’s animation that adults could take just as seriously. This week, The Trek Files welcomes back Adam Kotsko, author of Late Star Trek, to explore the deeper legacy of TAS from its psychological depth and allegorical storytelling to its role as the franchise’s first major reinvention. With Gene Roddenberry at the helm and the original cast returning, The Animated Series wasn’t just a placeholder between live-action runs; it was a bold step into new narrative territory. Was it canon? Does it matter? Adam and Larry unpack how TAS laid the groundwork for later series, balanced nostalgia with innovation, and helped define Star Trek’s long-standing ability to evolve with its audience. 📰 Document and additional references: Pantagraph review of Star Trek: The Animated Series – September 29, 1973 📘 Adam's book: Late Star Trek: The Final Frontier in the Franchise Era The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

The introduction of Hugh in Star Trek: The Next Generation’s “I, Borg” added emotional depth to the franchise’s most terrifying villains and reshaped Trek’s approach to individuality and redemption. This week on The Trek Files, returning guest Adam Kotsko joins us to examine the legacy of Hugh’s first appearance, using a March 6, 1992 call sheet as our launch point. From behind-the-scenes insights on day one of filming to Picard’s rare role as the obstacle to resolution, we dive deep into the character’s mythological weight and long-lasting fan impact. Adam also explores how Star Trek’s modern “franchise era” grapples with this legacy—sometimes successfully, sometimes not—especially as lore becomes both a storytelling tool and a trap in the prestige TV arms race. 📄 Document and additional references: I, Borg call sheet – March 6, 1992 📘 Adam's book: Late Star Trek: The Final Frontier in the Franchise Era The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

How did Star Trek go from television soundstage to national treasure? This week, we continue our conversation with Glen Swanson, former NASA historian and author of Inspired Enterprise, to explore a deeper chapter in Trek’s relationship with the Smithsonian. Through an exchange of letters between Gene Roddenberry and F.C. Durant, Assistant Director of the National Air and Space Museum, we trace the efforts to secure original Star Trek props and artifacts—including what would ultimately bring the 11-foot U.S.S. Enterprise model into the museum’s collection. Beyond acquisition logistics, these letters reveal Durant’s belief in the inspirational power of Star Trek, how its optimistic vision of the future helped fuel real-world enthusiasm for space exploration. From ZAP pistols to starship models, this is the story of how Star Trek boldly went into the Smithsonian… and stayed. 📄 Documents and additional references: 1970–1972 correspondence between Gene Roddenberry and the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum 📘 Guest’s book: Inspired Enterprise by Glen E. Swanson The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Long before Star Trek props toured conventions and museums, one historic copy of the pilot episode its way into the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum with help from Leonard Nimoy and Gene Roddenberry. This week, The Trek Files welcomes Glen Swanson, former NASA historian and author of Inspired Enterprise, to share the remarkable story of Star Trek’s first contact with one of America’s most iconic institutions. From a 1967 inquiry to Leonard Nimoy, to Gene’s formal letter offering his 16mm color print of Where No Man Has Gone Before for the Smithsonian’s collection, these early documents chart Star Trek’s leap from TV series to cultural touchstone. We’ll explore rare correspondence, photos of Gene at the museum, and even a telegram from 1968—just as Star Trek was renewed for its third season—that shows how the Smithsonian connection helped boost Trek’s profile in a critical moment. 📄 Documents and additional references: Correspondence between Gene Roddenberry and the National Air and Space Museum (1967–1968) 📘 Guest’s book: Inspired Enterprise by Glen E. Swanson The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

We’re kicking off Season 14 with a legend. George Takei joins The Trek Files to reflect on landing the role of Sulu in Star Trek’s second pilot, “Where No Man Has Gone Before”—filmed 60 years ago in July 1965. With humor and honesty, George recalls the early days on set at Desilu’s Culver Studios, working alongside James Doohan, and navigating the challenges of being a closeted gay actor in 1960s Hollywood. In a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation, George also shares his early talks with Gene Roddenberry about Star Trek’s inclusive vision—and what it meant to see that future taking shape on screen, even in its earliest days. 📄 Document and additional references: Call sheet and shooting schedule from Where No Man Has Gone Before – July 19, 1965 George's book: It Rhymes with Takei The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

We’re ending the season with a bang. Literally. In our finale, The Trek Files revisits a seemingly ordinary Next Generation call sheet from 1990… the day a single scene changed Star Trek history. That’s when Commander Riker gave the iconic order to fire on a Borg cube with Captain Picard aboard. Joining us is the man who gave that order himself, Jonathan Frakes, for a wide-ranging, no-holds-barred conversation. From TNG finally hitting its stride to squashing long-standing rumors, and yes, a truly bizarre story involving a stolen truckload of Star Trek costumes and a trade deal for none other than K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider, Frakes brings humor, honesty, and unforgettable behind-the-scenes insight to one of Trek’s most pivotal moments. Document and additional references: The Best of Both Worlds, Part I – Script excerpt and call sheet (1990) Adam's book: Late Star Trek: The Final Frontier in the Franchise Era The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

For the first time, The Trek Files sets course for Trek’s modern streaming era, and it all begins with a ship. We’re looking back at the 2016 press release that introduced the U.S.S. Discovery to the world at San Diego Comic-Con, marking the first step into a new era of Star Trek on television. Our guest is Adam Kotsko, scholar and author of Late Star Trek, who joins Larry to examine how Discovery and the shows that followed have reshaped the franchise for the 21st century. From universe-building to “fan service,” and from mythology to modern IP, this episode dives into the creative, commercial, and cultural tensions that define the current Trek landscape. Whether you’re a fan of Strange New Worlds or still grappling with Picard, there’s something here for every Trek-O-File. Document and additional references: U.S.S. Discovery unveiled at Comic-Con International - July 23, 2016 Adam's book: Late Star Trek: The Final Frontier in the Franchise Era The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

The journey through Samuel A. Peeples’ early story treatment for Star Trek II continues, and this week, we’re venturing into some of the most imaginative territory yet. Long before the final script for The Wrath of Khan took shape, Peeples envisioned a film that introduced entirely new characters to the Trek universe. There’s a brilliant young doctor with unorthodox methods and a bold romantic interest in Dr. McCoy. Then there’s Sub-Commander Thal Arctos: a towering, genetically engineered officer who's all Starfleet and part polar bear. These ideas never made it to screen, but they offer a fascinating look into the creative what-ifs of Star Trek’s cinematic future. Returning guest Ben Robinson helps us unpack these bold swings, what they tell us about the era, and why some of Trek’s most intriguing concepts are the ones fans have never seen... until now. Document and additional references: Samuel A. Peeples’ Star Trek (The New Movie) – July 30, 1981 (excerpt, part 2) ENTER TO WIN - the Borg Queen Skull from Star Trek: First contact, exclusively in partnership with Factory Entertainment The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Before The Wrath of Khan became the fan-favorite sequel we know today, Star Trek II went through multiple story pitches, including one from original series contributor Samuel A. Peeples. In the summer of 1981, Peeples outlined a new character: Commander SsAVIK, a half-Vulcan, half-Romulan officer with a sharp intellect and complex heritage. This week on The Trek Files, Ben Robinson joins Larry to discuss Peeples’ early concept for SsAVIK, how it evolved into the Saavik we met on screen, and the wider creative tug-of-war between Gene Roddenberry, Harve Bennett, and Nick Meyer as the sequel took shape. Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, featuring two more unused characters from Peeples’ draft! Document and additional references: Samuel A. Peeples’ Star Trek (The New Movie) – July 30, 1981 (excerpt) ENTER TO WIN - the Borg Queen Skull from Star Trek: First contact, exclusively in partnership with Factory Entertainment The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

We’re back with Ronald D. Moore for part two of our dive into the wonderfully strange 1976 spoken-word album Inside Star Trek. This time, things get weird... in the best way. From Sarek (Mark Lenard) debating Vulcan mating rituals with Gene Roddenberry, to William Shatner performing a time-bending double act as both himself and Captain Kirk, the album takes some truly unexpected turns. Ron shares his favorite moments, what they say about Trek’s early self-awareness, and how even the quirkiest bits helped shape his own fnadom. Document and additional references: Inside Star Trek album and liner notes (1976) ENTER TO WIN - the Borg Queen Skull from Star Trek: First contact, exclusively in partnership with Factory Entertainment The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

Before he was a celebrated Star Trek writer and producer, Ronald D. Moore was a fan, just like so many of us, watching reruns, devouring The Making of Star Trek, and listening to Gene Roddenberry’s 1976 spoken-word album Inside Star Trek. In part one of our two-part conversation, Ron reflects on how that Columbia Records release shaped his early views of the franchise. We explore the stories that resonated with him most, including Gene’s candid recollections of his own childhood challenges, and how those moments helped inspire Ron’s own journey into the Star Trek universe. Document and additional references: Inside Star Trek album and liner notes (1976) Sponsored by - Bold Bubbles The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

From its earliest concept stages, Star Trek: The Next Generation set out to break new ground, including the intentional addition of a disabled crewmember to the Enterprise-D. Inspired by and named for a real fan, George LaForge, this character was part of a push for greater representation and inclusivity on screen. This week, The Trek Files welcomes actor and artist Bruce Horak, known to fans as Hemmer from Strange New Worlds. Bruce shares his personal journey as a blind actor stepping into Star Trek’s universe, the impact of authentic representation, and his new documentary Boldly Going, where he paints portraits of people who have overcome significant challenges in their own lives. Content note: The historical document featured in this episode contains outdated language and descriptions of disabled individuals. While we do not endorse these terms, we present the full text in the interest of transparency and historical context. Document and additional references: Memo exchange discussing the inclusion of a disabled crewmember in TNG – October 1986 Support Bruce’s documentary: Boldly Going on Indiegogo The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!

It wasn’t just the series finale of Star Trek: Enterprise. “These Are the Voyages” marked the end of an 18-year era of continuous Star Trek on television, dating back to The Next Generation in 1987. Emotions ran high on set, and not all of them were celebratory. Returning guest Mike DeMeritt, First Assistant Director on Enterprise, brings us a candid look behind the scenes of Trek’s broadcast-era farewell. From dismantled sets to discarded call sheets (but not underwear), we explore the atmosphere and aftermath of one of Trek’s most controversial finales. Document and additional references: "These are the Voyages" shooting schedule and strip board - February 25, 2005 The Trek Files Season 13 on Memory Alpha All episodes and documents: The Trek Files on Memory Alpha Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise. The conversation continues on Discord with live chats and the Roddenberry Podcasts community! Join today!