The Edge: A Star Trek Discovery Podcast

Latest Episodes:

11: He Calls It His Office, But It's a Ready Room Sep 15, 2017

Show notes

The Orville Live Reaction Show.

Star Trek parodies have been around for decades, but never has a full television series tried to deliver a comedic take on Gene Roddenberry's utopian future. But now, Seth MacFarlane has brought his unique talents as comedian, actor, writer, and director to the small screen with the new FOX television series, The Orville.

In this episode of The Edge, host Mike Schindler is joined by Brandi Jackola and Bruce Gibson to provide live reactions as they watch the first episode of The Orville. Plus, stay tuned until the end for a special announcement about the future of The Edge!

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Episode 1 Breakdown (00:02:43) Live Twitter Comments (00:08:13) Back to the Breakdown (00:11:22) More from Twitter, Live! (00:12:30) More Breakdown (00:13:46) Twitter Comment (00:33:33) Episode Thoughts (00:33:55) Again, Twitter (00:47:26) Final Thoughts (00:52:00) Announcement (00:56:04) Closing (01:02:17) Host Mike Schindler Guests Brandi Jackola and Bruce Gibson Production Mike Schindler (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Thomas Puleo (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

P3: Adventurous New Show Sep 14, 2017

Show notes

Voyager Fan Response.

Twenty-three years ago, on September 1, 1994, Paramount Network Television announced a new Star Trek series that would debut on the United Paramount Network with a six-page-long press release that outlined the casting and provided a synopsis of the plot for Voyager.

In this episode of Postcards from The Edge, host Amy Nelson is joined by Justin Oser of Earl Grey to discuss the reaction to the news that Star Trek would continue with a third spinoff. We discuss the characters, a female captain, the Delta Quadrant, the Maquis, and share a range of comments from disappointment to adoration as listeners take themselves back to 1994 and remember their own reactions to the creation of Voyager.

Chapters Intro (00:01:05) The Voyager Press Release (00:01:37) Initial Thoughts (00:03:03) Fan Response (00:05:53) The Low Point of Trekdom (00:07:51) Maquis Crew (00:10:00) Captain Janeway (00:14:16) Opening Credits (00:17:49) Rankings (00:23:22) Final Thoughts (00:26:02) Closing (00:29:39)

Read the Voyager Press Release http://www.startrek.com/article/star-trek-archive-announcing-voyager

Host Amy Nelson

Guest Justin Oser

Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

10: The Women! Sep 08, 2017

Show notes

The Cage Commentary. Much has been said of Star Trek: Discovery's origins. One of the biggest influences from inside the established canon seems to be the original Star Trek pilot, "The Cage." Discovery shares that episode's time period, but the influences do not stop there. Even the character of Burnham has her roots in Majel Barrett's Number One.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Mike Schindler, Amy Nelson, Aaron Harvey, and Brandon-Shea Mutala provide a commentary for "The Cage." We discuss how the episode compares to the final version of The Original Series, how the design of the show differs from that of Discovery, and speculate on the origins of some Discovery characters as they relate to the very first Star Trek story. We also have a special announcement regarding the future of The Edge.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Commentary (00:06:18) Announcement (01:14:10) Closing (01:17:00) Hosts Mike Schindler, Amy Nelson, Aaron Harvey, and Brandon-Shea Mutala Production Mike Schindler (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Thomas Puleo (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

P2: Born into Star Trek Sep 07, 2017

Show notes

DS9 Response. In contrast to the first two series, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was to be set on a space station instead of a starship. In another twist, the main character would be a commander, not a captain; and the show would run concurrently with The Next Generation. How did fans react to this news and the January 1993 premiere?

In this episode of Postcards from The Edge, host Amy Nelson is joined by Brandi Jackola to discuss the announcement of DS9 and hear from listeners about their memories of the lead-up and debut. We share fan thoughts on Avery Brooks as lead, a station instead of starship, the fact that—for the first time—there would be two Star Trek series sharing the airwaves, and why the development of DS9 shares some important parallels with that of Discovery.

Chapters Intro (00:01:08) DS9 Story (00:02:09) Avery Brooks (00:04:04) Immobile Space Station (00:05:26) TNG Characters on DS9 (00:07:56) Fan Response (00:09:04) Babylon 5 (00:13:03) Title Issues (00:21:28) TNG Affection (00:23:55) DS9 Current Thoughts (00:28:55) Thoughts from The Orb (00:30:06) Closing (00:36:44)

Host Amy Nelson Guest Brandi Jackola Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

9: That's from Game of Thrones Sep 02, 2017

Show notes

The Klingons.

Many things from Star Trek have become familiar even to those with little or no knowledge of the show. The Enterprise, Spock, and the Vulcan hand salute are a few examples. When it comes to aliens, the Klingons are one of the most recognized. A staple of the franchise since the first season of The Original Series, these natives of Qo'noS have seen their culture, history, and politics revealed through half a century of stories. The Klingon language, developed by linguist Marc Okrand, has even gained an academic following and can be learned and used just like any earthly one.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Brandon-Shea Mutala and Aaron Harvey are joined by Richard Marquez and Tim Robertson for a general discussion of the Klingons, including how their design has changed over the past 50 years, how their culture has evolved, why they are a favorite of cosplayers, and what we think we can expect from them in Star Trek: Discovery.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Klingon Controversy (00:03:16) TOS and TAS (00:04:35) Films and TNG (00:11:57) Discovery (00:21:30) Comments (00:29:00) Final Thoughts (00:38:19) Closing (00:43:54)

Hosts Brandon-Shea Mutala and Aaron Harvey

Guests Richard Marquez and Tim Robertson

Production Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

P1: Picard Was My Man, Of Course Aug 31, 2017

Show notes

TNG Response. Until 1987, Kirk, Spock, and Bones were Star Trek's essential characters. But with the announcement of a new series, that was set to change—and fans were left wondering how this new incarnation of Gene Roddenberry's vision would compare to the beloved original.

In this episode of Postcards from The Edge, host Amy Nelson is joined by Tim Robertson to discuss the fan response to that announcement. We read and discuss comments from fans in 1986—published in Interstat, a monthly Star Trek letterzine devoted to fan comment, analysis, and reaction that was published by Teri Meyer, Mary Buser, and Ann Crouch from November 1977 to March 1991. We also discuss comments shared with us today by fans who remember the reveal of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Chapters Intro (00:01:05) Promos (00:02:50) 1986 Response (00:05:18) Curious and Cautious (00:10:09) Reluctance (00:11:09) Convention Announcement (00:16:22) Timeline Concerns (00:21:27) Don't Rely on TOS (00:22:28) Summary of Replies (0024:47) Closing (00:26:51)

View the Next Generation advance promos. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeMF32tLw8U Host Amy Nelson Guest Tim Robertson Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

8: Postcards from the Edge Aug 25, 2017

Show notes

Discovery Response. Star Trek fans have been waiting a long time for Star Trek to return to television. Since the end of Star Trek: Enterprise, only the movies have fed our fandom fires. Yet, many feel that Star Trek is best delivered on TV. So, with the announcement of Discovery, reports from fans are as vast as the Alpha Quadrant—from pure excitement to extreme doubt.

In this episode of The Edge, host Amy Nelson and guest Nicolas Anastassiou discuss fan response to news about the show. We discuss our first thoughts on hearing about a new TV series, our worries and concerns, and our hopes and wishes for Star Trek: Discovery.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) First Response (00:02:04) Worries and Critiques (00:13:17) Prequel Concerns (00:20:17) Relying on TOS (00:24:28) Klingons (00:30:09) Books and Comics (00:34:22) Story and Characters (00:36:45) Hopes for Discovery (00:41:42) More Fans (00:47:01) Closing (00:50:47) Hosts Amy Nelson Guest Nicolas Anastassiou Production Amy Nelson (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

7: Blank Space Aug 18, 2017

Show notes

The Evolution of Television. When CBS announced on November 2, 2015, that they would be creating a new Star Trek series—and that it would part of their new streaming service—many fans expressed concern. However, television has never been a stagnant medium, and the move is in keeping with the ever changing way in which programming is offered to consumers.

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Brandon-Shea Mutala and Mike Schindler are joined by Bruce Gibson and Bill Smith of Trek Geeks to discuss how television has changed over the past half century. We look at how Star Trek was used to promote the sales of color television sets, the rise of syndication, the growth of cable, how The X-Files changed consumption habits, the rise of HDTV, and how Netflix transformed the people thought of television.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) TV Origins (00:05:26) Recording and Syndication (00:16:06) DVD and Streaming (00:28:06) Pay TV (00:35:07) New Storytelling (00:56:11) Closing (01:05:46) Hosts Brandon-Shea Mutala and Mike Schindler Guests Bruce Gibson and Bill Smith Production Mike Schindler (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Tom Puleo (Associate Producer) Shoaib Mirza (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

6: Give Me All Your Star Trek Aug 11, 2017

Show notes

Past Premieres.

Star Trek may have started without much fanfare, but its popularity has increased exponentially. As demonstrated by this podcast, the launch of a new Star Trek series is now an event. But how has that manifested itself over the years?

In this episode of The Edge, hosts Aaron Harvey and Mike Schindler are joined by Lee Hutchison and Zach Moore to recount their personal experiences leading up to the release of each modern Star Trek. Was there resistance to The Next Generation? How was Deep Space Nine different? Did Voyager live up to its promise? And did the lead-ups differ from Discovery?

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The Next Generation (00:06:16) Deep Space Nine (00:19:48) Voyager (00:33:00) Enterprise (00:55:53) Discovery (01:10:54) Closing (01:19:38)

Hosts Aaron Harvey and Mike Schindler

Guests Lee Hutchison and Zach Moore

Production Mike Schindler (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

5: Disco Day Aug 04, 2017

Show notes

An STLV 2017 Discovery. With Star Trek: Discovery's big presentation at San Diego Comic-Con, fans were left wondering what presence—if any—the series would have at Creation Entertainment's Star Trek Las Vegas convention. The answer came on the first day of the con with four hours of Discovery panels.

In this episode of The Edge, recorded at STLV, hosts Mike Schindler and Amy Nelson are joined by Bruce Gibson of Literary Treks and Justin Oser of Earl Grey for an in-depth discussion on all four Discovery panels. We break down everything presented by the writers, actors, designers, and tie-in collaborators to give you the full scoop on what to expect from Discovery in the coming weeks.

Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The Writers (00:04:00) The Actors (00:21:19) The Designers (00:34:11) The Books (00:41:59) Closing (01:02:45)

Hosts Mike Schindler and Amy Nelson

Guests Bruce Gibson and Justin Oser

Production Mike Schindler (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Tony Robinson (Associate Producer) Lisa Slack (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

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