The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast

Latest Episodes:

14-6 Star Trekkies Maintain the Faith – 50 Years of Fandom Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

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!

14-5 Animated, Allegorical, and Ahead of Its Time Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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!

14-4 Hugh, Borg, and the Burden of Lore Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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!

14-3 Artifacts and Aspirations – Trek's Smithsonian Legacy Sep 23, 2025

Show notes

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!

14-2 Beaming into the Smithsonian – Star Trek's First Museum Mission Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Long before Star Trek props toured conventions and museums, one historic copy of the pilot episode found 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!

14-1 George Takei: Where No Man Had Gone Before Sep 09, 2025

Show notes

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!

13-24 "Fire." – Jonathan Frakes on Best of Both Worlds Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

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!

The Launch of Discovery – and the Franchise Era of Star Trek Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

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!

13-22 Lost Pages from Star Trek II: the Peeples Draft, part 2 Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

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!

13-21 Lost Pages from Star Trek II: SsAVIK and the Peeples Draft Jun 17, 2025

Show notes

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!