Trek Switch Season 2.

For a second time, Phillip, Daniel, and Darren explore a season's worth of Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes and decide which stories might be better explored in their sister Trek series. In Earl Grey 124 "Hide and Trelane," the trio delved into the inaugural season of Next Gen - this time it is season two's turn to be "Trek Switched." As usual, the co-hosts can choose to either rewrite an episode or make it a prequel/sequel story for Enterprise, The Original Series, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager.

This episode asks how would Captain Jonathan Archer and the NX-01 crew deal with the "explorer" Nagilum in the 22nd Century? Earl Grey re-visits controversial ground by setting "The Child" in the series it was originally meant for - the original NCC-1701. The threat of the Dominion War causes Captain Benjamin Sisko and his Starfleet crew to face off against their Bajoran militia co-workers in a version of "Peak Performance." Lastly, Captain's Assistant (or Assistant to the Captain) Naomi Wildman causes a great debate about the prime directive when she ends up with a new "pen pal."

Join Earl Grey as they "Trek Switch" season two of The Next Generation with all the other live action Trek TV series.

CHAPTERS
Enterprise (00:03:58)
Phillip - Loud as a Whisper
Daniel - The Outragous Okona
Darren -   Where Silence Has Lease

TOS (00:12:54)
Daniel - The Child
Phillip - Time Squared
Darren - Q Who

DS9 (00:21:18)
Darren - Peak Performance - May the Odds be in your favor
Phillip - The Royale
Daniel - The Icarus Factor

VOY (00:36:06)
Phillip - The Dauphin
Darren - Elementary, Dear Data / Captain Proton's Revenge (00:37:42)
Daniel - Pen Pals

Final Thoughts

August 3 thru 7, 2016 is coming up at warp nine - soon Star Trek fans from across the world will converge on Las Vegas to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our favorite science fiction franchise. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip all plan to be in Vegas - in order to prepare themselves and all new (or veteran) Las Vegas con-goers, they are joined by Amy Imhoff, of the "Shoes and Starships" blog (http://www.shoesandstarships.com). 

Amy is a regular attendee of STLV - she has been featured on fan panels, from topics ranging from  "Literature in Star Trek" to "Trek Girl" (Feminism & Trek). She explains in this episode what to expect at STLV - from what you should pack before you leave to the best places to eat around the Rio Suites Hotel. Amy describes the rooms at the Rio, what the "unwritten rules" are when you spot a Trek celebrity, and how to avoid "con crud." 

Join Earl Grey as they share the best way to prepare for the upcoming 50th Anniversary Star Trek Las Vegas convention.

CHAPTERS
Everyone's Con Experience (00:03:37)
Packing (00:15:13)
Rooms at the Rio (00:25:28)
Meds (00:27:19)
Closing (00:54:22)

HOSTS

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

GUEST
Amy Imhoff

PRODUCTION

Darren Moser (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Michael E Hueter  (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Religion in TNG.

The classic topics that are considered impolite to discuss with company are money, religion, and politics. Since Earl Grey already did an episode about money ("EG 58: Scarcity, Scarcity, Scarcity"), it is now time for them to discuss religion. Most fans know that Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry was an atheist who believed that humans would "outgrow" religion by the 23rd and 24th centuries. The Next Generation features a diverse crew who do not seem to display any beliefs that one would characterize as "religious." Phillip, Daniel, and Darren nevertheless examine Lieutenant Worf's Klingon culturalism and his battles with faith ("Rightful Heir"), Lt. Cmdr Data's search for self-actualization with his "creator" ("Brothers"), and Capt. Picard's role as a leader of a crew with various religious/non-religion beliefs.

The trio also examines the "guest star" aliens' religious beliefs, from Ensign Ro's "cultural Bajora-ism," the conflict in "Who Watches the Watchers?", to the enduring Native American spiritualism in "Journey's End,"; from Ardra's role as the Devil ("Devil's Due"), to the role of "doctrine" in "The Outcast." Join Earl Grey for a discussion about the nature of religion and personal beliefs in The Next Generation.


CHAPTERS
Intro (00:02:05)
Enterprise Crew religions/beliefs
Worf (00:03:42)
Data (00:14:26)
Ro (00:20:18)
Picard (00:27:53)
Riker/La Forge/Troi/Crusher - ???
Alien religion/beliefs
Ardra (00:35:27)
Journey's End (00:40:31)
The Outcast (00:44:21)
Closing (00:48:40)

HOSTS

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

PRODUCTION

Darren Moser (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Michael E Hueter  (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

 

Essential TNG Season 2.

Daniel, Darren and Phillip continue the proud Trek.fm "essential" tradition of breaking down a season of their favorite series, sorting through which episodes should be officially kept. The trio begins, reluctantly, with "The Child" and makes their way through Next Gen's too short a season, all the way to "Shades of Grey." There are quite a few 2-1 votes for whether an episode is considered "essential" in this installment - that is, whether it embodies the spirit of TNG or sets up much-needed elements for later Next Gen or later parts of the subsequent Trek series. Earl Grey discusses when Lwaxana Troi should "officially" show up, whether "Q Who?" should be "very essential" or "most essential," and if Worf's "two bridges?!?!" must officially be retired.

Season two of Star Trek: The Next Generation suffered from a series of writer strikes and bad plots, along with captivating stories ("The Measure of a Man"), new characters (e.g., Guinan and Dr. Pulaski), and promotions for our crew. Join Earl Grey as they hold up season two to the "essential" winnowing process.


CHAPTERS
Episodes (00:05:09)
The Child (Yes)
Where Silence Has Lease (No)
Elementary, Dear Data (Yes)
The Outrageous Okona (No)
Loud As A Whisper (Yes)
The Schizoid Man (No)
Unnatural Selection (No)
A Matter Of Honor (Yes)
The Measure Of A Man (No)
The Dauphin (No)
Contagion (Yes)
The Royale (No)
Time Squared (No)
The Icarus Factor (Yes)
Pen Pals (Yes)
Q Who (Yes)
Samaritan Snare (Yes)
Up The Long Ladder (No)
Manhunt (Yes)
The Emissary (Yes)
Peak Performance (Yes)
Shades of Gray (No)
12 Yes / 10 No
Final Thoughts (00:54:59)

HOSTS

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

PRODUCTION

Darren Moser (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Michael E Hueter  (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Holodeck Tools.

It's a Star Trek cliche in the 24th Century - the Holodeck breaks down, threatening our favorite Starfleet crew members, and hijinx ensue. However, the concept of the Holodeck means more than just using it for off-hour recreational purposes. The use of holographic technology changes the way the crew of the NCC-1701-D approach their work and the way they view their lives. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip dissect The Next Generation's use of the Holodeck as a tool in the workplace.

The Federation flagship, like the modern office, must conduct employee training - but instead of tedious PowerPoint presentations, officers take tests in the Holodeck for promotion ("Thine Own Self"). Instead of researching documents on LexisNexis, crewmembers can call up holographic recreations of facilities and people who can directly give needed information ("Booby Trap"). Groups who need to reconstruct people's memories or eyewitness accounts can congregate in the Holodeck to see if they can create the same picture ("Schisms"/"A Matter of Perspective"). Join Earl Grey as they outline the many non-fantasy uses of the Holodeck.

CHAPTERS
Troi - Officers Exam Main Engineering (Thine Own Self) 7/16 (00:03:17)
Geordi - Utopia Planitia (Booby Trap) 3/6 (00:12:13)
Nikolai - Scenery and Caves (Homeward) 7/13 (00:16:19)
Geordi - Away Mission (Identity Crisis) 4/18 (00:21:38)
Enterprise - Train to New Vertiform City Simulation (Emergence) 7/23 (00:25:23)
Barcly - Interface Chair (The Nth Degree) 4/19 (00:31:16)
Picard - Covert Mission Training (Chain of Command) 6/10 (00:33:01)
Riker - Table Making (Schisms) 6/5 (00:35:00)
Picard - Science Station (A Matter of Perspective) 3/14 (00:37:17)
Daniel's Soap Box (00:42:00)

HOSTS

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

PRODUCTION

Darren Moser (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Michael E Hueter  (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

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La Forge Character Moments.

Star Trek: The Next Generation features great characters, but there's no doubt that Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Lt. Commander Data get the bulk of fan attention. Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge does not often get the spotlight, so in this episode, Phillip, Darren, and Daniel showcase his best moments. The trio goes round-robin, discussing episodes like "The Arsenal of Freedom," "I, Borg," and "Interface."

Levar Burton embodied a memorable character for seven years on television and in four feature films - whether portraying a desire for sight, a strong friendship with an android, or a passion in his beliefs. His laughter and ability to emote behind the VISOR makes Lt. Commander La Forge a great member of the TNG family. Join Earl Grey as the discuss their favorite Next Gen moments featuring La Forge.

CHAPTERS
Intro (00:02:05)
Favorite Moments (00:03:00)
Honorable Mentions (00:46:50)
Conclusion (00:48:18)

HOSTS

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

PRODUCTION

Darren Moser (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Michael E Hueter  (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

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Tracee Lee Cocco.

Star Trek: The Next Generation viewers may notice a frequent appearance of a buzz-cut Starfleet officer either manning the helm, walking down the corridor, or attending Ten-Forward performances. She is known as "Lt. Jae" and was played by Tracee Lee Cocco (http://www.ltjae.com) in seasons four thru seven, as well as the Star Trek: Generations, Star Trek: First Contact, and Star Trek: Insurrection. Tracee discusses with Daniel, Darren, and Daniel about her time aboard the NCC-1701-D, both as Jae and other roles.

Tracee performed many stunts on the series and movies, as well as appearing as several aliens on Deep Space Nine and Voyager. She has been an Antican, Borg, Tak Tak, and countless more. Tracee shares her experiences in Hollywood, as well as her many encounters with fans at conventions across the country. Her upcoming convention appearances include:

Phoenix Con, June 3rd – 5th

Hollywood Show, July 10th

Pride Con, July 29 - 30th

Classic Comic Con, October 1st – 2nd (http://www.steamhousecoffeeco.com/) 

SciFi and Beyond Cruise, October 5th - 9th

Join Earl Grey as they discuss exploding consoles, cosplaying, and life on the Enterprise with Tracee Lee Cocco.

CHAPTERS
Tracee Lee Cocco Interview (00:01:20)
Convention Appearances (00:21:29)
Star Trek Beyond Trailer Event (00:30:38)
Beyond Trailer Reactions (00:35:39)
Closing (00:46:00)

HOSTS

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

PRODUCTION

Darren Moser (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Michael E Hueter  (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

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BridgeMates - Women at Warp.

BridgeMates is a game that asks a team of two trek.fm co-hosts whether they really know their BridgeMate. Team Free Enterprise, comprised as always of Daniel and Darren, add another letter to their logo and attempt to win their first victory. This time, they are up against one half of trek.fm's Women of Warp show - Jarrah Hodge and Andi VanderKolk. This Council of Mistresses are ready to take on the wide variety of The Next Generation-based questions to ensure Daniel and Darren keep their losing streak.

Phillip hosts this popular trek.fm Earl Grey game show. The two teams must make it through three rounds of questions. In the first two rounds, each co-host team member "leaves" the mic, while their partner-in-crime answers questions about their co-host. We then see if BridgeMates can "match" answers when their co-host returns to answer the same question. The third round involves BridgeMates "matching" the answers of their co-hosts on previously e-mailed questions. Will Team Free Enterprise make it to the Bonus Round for the first time? Will the Council of Mistresses join the ranks of Team Lizard Babies and the Maroon Monsters? Join Earl Grey, and their Women at Warp guests, for the latest episode of BridgeMates.

CHAPTERS
Intro (00:01:27)
Round 1 (00:03:52)
Round 2 (00:18:51)
Round 3 (00:34:09)
Bonus Round (00:51:12)
Conclusion (00:58:14)

HOSTS

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

GUESTS
Jarrah Hodge and Andi VanderKolk.

PRODUCTION

Darren Moser (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Michael E Hueter  (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

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Essential Trek Season 1.

Daniel, Darren and Phillip begin a journey through Star Trek: The Next Generation to determine which episodes are "Essential" to the Trek viewing experience. Battle lines will be drawn, Justice will be debated, and coins will be flipped. Season 1 has been a contentious point in past episodes, how will it fare under the scrutiny of the Earl Grey Team?

CHAPTERS
Episodes (00:09:56)
Encounter at Farpoint (Yes)
The Naked Now (Yes)
Code of Honor (No)
The Last Outpost (No)
Where No One Has Gone Before (Yes)
Lonely Among us (No)
Justice (Yes)
The Battle (Yes)
Hide and Q (Yes)
Haven (No)
The Big Goodbye (Yes)
Datalore (Yes)
Angel One (No)
11001001 (Yes)
Too Short a Season (No)
When the Bough Breaks (No)
Home Soil (No)
Coming of Age (Yes)
Heart of Glory (Yes)
The Arsenal of Freedom (Yes)
Symbiosis (No)
Skin of Evil (Yes)
We'll Always Have Paris (No)
Conspiracy (Yes)
The Neutral Zone (Yes)
15 Yes / 11 No
Final Thoughts (01:07:29)

HOSTS

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

PRODUCTION

Darren Moser (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Michael E Hueter  (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

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Earl Grey AMA

It's time to turn the table on the three co-hosts - instead of them talking about their chosen topic, the trio answers listener-submitted questions in the first "Ask Me Anything, Earl Grey Edition." Through e-mail and Babel Conference comments, Darren, Daniel, and Phillip reveal their non-Trek-based hobbies, favorite podcasts, and how they got start with the trek.fm network. Daniel is put on the spot about his feelings on "Time's Arrow (Parts 1 and 2)" and Commander Flipper's career track. Darren explains his many Star Wars-based real life adventures. Phillip talks about creating his many "Star Trek: The Next Generation"-based games.

This AMA also reveals a hidden talent of Daniel's, as well as almost stumping the hosts about what non-TNG episodes should be placed in Next Gen. The co-hosts end up "submitting" questions of their own to be answered, takes some questions for future episode ideas, and drop hints about upcoming episode topics. Join Earl Grey as they answer your questions in their first ever "Ask Me Anything" episode. 


CHAPTERS
Questions (00:01:47)
Conclusion (00:47:16)

HOSTS

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

PRODUCTION

Darren Moser (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Executive Producer) Michael E Hueter  (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Will Nguyen (Content Manager)

Send us your feedback!
Twitter: @trekfm Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm
Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm
Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact
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Support the Network!
Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm