Enterprising Individuals

We are talking LIVE about the #LowerDecks episode "Envoys”! Tweet at @eistpod with the hashtag #discoverage to join our conversation currently in progress!

Hold tight to what's yours as we examine the "The Void"!Astrophysicist, science consultant, and voice actress Dr. Erin Macdonald returns to the show this week to discuss an episode of Star Trek: Voyager that reaffirms the crew's commitment to the ideal of the Federation. When the Voyager becomes trapped in a pocket dimension, she's set upon by desperate scavengers. But, Captain Janeway hatches a plan to turn enemies into allies and makes a last-ditch attempt to get her crew back to normal space!Voyager's most important theme was the idea that, no matter the obstacle or the desperateness of the scenario, cooperation (and not competition) was always the best solution. Throughout their journey through the Delta Quadrant, the crew of Voyager was often tempted to take the easy route, to exploit other societies to achieve their goal of finally getting home, but their dedication to the principles of the Federation, the tenets of peaceful coexistence and benevolence over belligerence, was always their greatest streng

We are talking LIVE about the #LowerDecks episode "Second Contact”! Tweet at @eistpod with the hashtag #discoverage to join our conversation currently in progress!

This week, we go to the 24th century as Fred Love returns to the show to run an introductory game of Star Trek Adventures! Kal, Alan, and Josh beam into the world of the the Galaxy-class USS Venture, assigned to patrol the chaotic Shackleton Expanse. When disaster strikes the ship, they'll have to use their wits, guts, and Starfleet training to save the day!If you're interested in playing Star Trek Adventures, there's never been a better time to get involved! Humble Bundle has a limited-time offer on a huge collection of Star Trek RPG books, and the proceeds go to a great cause. Visit the link below for details!https://www.humblebundle.com/books/star-trek-adventures-rpg-modiphius-books?hmb_source=navbar&hmb_medium=product_tile&hmb_campaign=tile_index_7Check out the newest member of the Just Enough Trope family, Sailor Noob!http://www.twitter.com/noob_sailorCommunicate with us on Facebook and Twitter and the Just Enough Trope Discord!http://www.facebook.com/eistpodhttp://www.twitter.com/eistpodhttps:/

Saddle up because we've got to take back "Starship Mine"!Writer, editor, and educator Ryan Britt joins the show this week to discuss an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation that blends comedy gold with action thrills! The Enterprise is in drydock for a baryon sweep and the crew is scheduled for a little R&R. But when terrorists take over the defenseless ship, Picard must become a one-man army to keep them from obtaining deadly trilithium! One of Trek's greatest strengths is its ability to artfully slide between genres and tones, and this episode is a clinic in the franchise's flexibility. It contains some of Trek's best sly comedic moments and in its "Die Hard" sub-plot, it prefigures the action spectacle of the TNG films, the reboot films, and the Trek series of the new millennium. On this episode, we talk about Trek's facility with pastiche and homage, the brilliance of Trek's subdued world-building, putting Federation morals to the test, the oft-forgotten violence of early Trek, the disapproval of

This week, Justine Mastin and Larisa Garski of Starship Therapise join the show to discuss counseling and mental health in the Star Trek universe, therapeutic fan fiction, why there's so many unhealthy families in genre fiction, the stress and anxiety in a Starfleet career, and the therapeutic tools of the 24th century!#babybetazedCheck out Starship Therapise and follow Justine and Larisa on Twitter!https://blueboxcounseling.com/podcasthttps://twitter.com/PodcastStarshiphttps://twitter.com/mindbodyfandomhttps://twitter.com/SpocksallearsCheck out the newest member of the Just Enough Trope family, Sailor Noob!http://www.twitter.com/noob_sailorCommunicate with us on Facebook and Twitter and the Just Enough Trope Discord!http://www.facebook.com/eistpodhttp://www.twitter.com/eistpodhttps://discord.gg/APk2cCyJoin our crew on Patreon!http://www.patreon.com/eistpodSubscribe to the show on iTunes!https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/enterprising-individuals/id1113165661?mt=2

Break out the ice picks because we're diving into "Timeless"!Writer and musician Fred Love joins the show this week to discuss an episode of Star Trek: Voyager that finds Harry Kim at a crossroads. Ensign Kim has helped design a quantum slipstream drive that could shave decades off of Voyager's journey. But when the drive destroys Voyager and her crew, an older and more embittered Harry enacts a plan to sacrifice himself and 15 years of history for a chance to erase his biggest mistake!Harry Kim doesn't get enough credit (or promotions). He was an instrumental part in the success of Starfleet's most amazing mission: crossing our entire galaxy. But Harry Kim would never think to complain, or be ungrateful, or argue that the universe owes him something. He just wants to be the best Starfleet officer he can be, not just for the good of the Federation, but to satisfy the expectations he's lived with all his life. Prodigies enjoy successes, but it's the failures they can't let go of. On this episode, we talk about

This week, Dr. Athena Andreadis joins the show to discuss biology in Trek, the "moral leaks" of the Federation, the COVID-19 response, and more! Tardigrades in SPAAAAAAAACE!Get "To Seek Out New Life: The Biology of Star Trek" on Amazon!https://amzn.to/2ZeaDDWFollow Athena on Twitter and check out her fiction!https://twitter.com/AthenaHelivoyhttps://www.starshipreckless.com/https://www.candlemarkandgleam.com/Check out the newest member of the Just Enough Trope family, Sailor Noob!http://www.twitter.com/noob_sailorCommunicate with us on Facebook and Twitter and the Just Enough Trope Discord!http://www.facebook.com/eistpodhttp://www.twitter.com/eistpodhttps://discord.gg/APk2cCyJoin our crew on Patreon!http://www.patreon.com/eistpodSubscribe to the show on iTunes!https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/enterprising-individuals/id1113165661?mt=2

Don't bother to bring your stinking badges 'cause we're looking for "The Sword of Kahless"!Musician and podcaster Gooey Fame is back on the show this week to discuss an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that sees our heroes leave the safety of the Federation to go on a dangerous treasure hunt. After years of searching, Dahar Master Kor believes he has found the location of the great Sword of Kahless. But can Worf, Jadzia, and Kor reach the sword before Toral, son of Duras, and will their victory mean the end of their friendships . . . and their lives?Worf (and Worf actor Michael Dorn) is one of the unsung figures of the Star Trek Franchise, having appeared in 3 Trek series and 5 feature films. The strength, gravity, and unintentional levity he brings to his character make him one of the most appealing characters in the franchise, and his portrayal of Worf as a man in conflict with his past, his family, and his legacy has been the font of many a great Trek story (and hopefully more to come). On this episod

This week, we're taking a quick tour of Trek news, including stories about virtual conventions, Janeway statues, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar! Plus, a review of Kate Mulgrew's first book, "Born With Teeth"!There is a Mirror Universe Una McCormack!Get "Born With Teeth" and "How To Forget" on Amazon!https://amzn.to/2UBaklohttps://amzn.to/2AvN2q7Check out the newest member of the Just Enough Trope family, Sailor Noob!http://www.twitter.com/noob_sailorCommunicate with us on Facebook and Twitter and the Just Enough Trope Discord!http://www.facebook.com/eistpodhttp://www.twitter.com/eistpodhttps://discord.gg/APk2cCyJoin our crew on Patreon!http://www.patreon.com/eistpodSubscribe to the show on iTunes!https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/enterprising-individuals/id1113165661?mt=2

A quick update this week about the protests in Minneapolis and where you can donate to support protestors and local businesses. We'll be back next week with our regular programming.#BlackLivesMatterMinnesota Freedom Fundhttps://minnesotafreedomfund.org/We Love Lake Streethttps://www.welovelakestreet.com/United Wayhttps://www.unitedway.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate

Stick a cortical stimulator on that dying swan because it's time to dance the "Coda"!Jen Dallman of the Rosemary's Ladies podcast is back on the show this week to discuss an episode of Star Trek: Voyager that puts Captain Janeway's self-possession on trial. When a temporal anomaly causes her shuttle to crash, Kathryn Janeway is seemingly killed. When an apparition of her father appears to her in her seeming afterlife, she'll be forced to choose between letting go and the self-assuredness she's built her life and career on.Twenty-five years ago, Voyager's finale "Endgame" aired on UPN, leaving the show with an alleged mixed legacy. But with the advent of streaming services and social media, Voyager was introduced to a new generation of fans who have embraced the show's ambitious premise and memorable characters, chief among them Captain Kathryn Janeway, play to the hilt by actress Kate Mulgrew. On this episode, we talk about the barriers that Voyager broke as a Trek series, the hodgepodge of initial ideas that

This week, Mikanhana of the Just Enough Trope podcast returns to the show to ruminate on the latest Trek news! We've got stories about Strange New Worlds, canceled events, Takei's japes, Sid City, and a Voyager reunion! Plus, talk Picard, time murder, the emperor's state of dress, Viacom woes, McDermott vs. Mulrooney, and Face/Off talk . . . a LOT of Face/Off talk.Would a *guy* watch "Chicago"?Follow the Just Enough Trope podcast on Twitter and check out the show!http://www.twitter.com/justenoughtropehttp://www.justenoughtrope.comGet the Voyager 25th Anniversary volume!https://amzn.to/2LNmh2qCheck out the newest member of the Just Enough Trope family, Sailor Noob!http://www.twitter.com/noob_sailorCommunicate with us on Facebook and Twitter and the Just Enough Trope Discord!http://www.facebook.com/eistpodhttp://www.twitter.com/eistpodhttps://discord.gg/APk2cCyJoin our crew on Patreon!http://www.patreon.com/eistpodSubscribe to the show on iTunes!https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/enterprising-individuals/id111

It's a dark and stormy night and we're breaking the bank at "The Royale"!Podcaster and Daily Star Trek News host Alison Pitt joins the show this week to discuss an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation that takes a break from utopian space science fiction to play a little craps. When Riker and his away team step through a mysterious revolving door, they find themselves trapped in a living pulp novel. Now, they'll have to find a way to escape the Royale or they'll end up as dead as the bellboy!One of the benefits of a weekly format is that it lets Star Trek expand beyond its premise and explore storytelling in other genres and formats. "The Royale" is great not only because it's incredibly fun, but also because it allows a storied franchise like Star Trek to sample from and comment on other forms of pop literature. On this episode, we talk about the merits of genre fiction, the tensions behind-the-scenes that sparked creativity on early TNG, why Trek should "go funny" more often, the way holodeck and fanta

This week, Foz Rotten, the frontman of Star Trek punk outfit Boldly Go! stops by the show to talk about music, punk rock, and punk rock Star Trek music! Every Star Trek character seems to play an instrument or is musical in some way and music has always played a signature role in the Trek franchise. During the episode, we talk about Foz's history with Trek and the beginnings of Boldly Go!, as well as the necessity of punk in the Federation's future, the healing power of whale song, jammin' out with space hippies, the future "Metallica", what's in Rios's vinyl crate, Q at Woodstock, Dixieland klezmer, the Paula Cole of the 24th century, Trip and the Dropkick Murphys, and concert night on the NX-01!ANARCHY IN THE UFP!Get the Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan Extended Edition soundtrack on Amazon!https://amzn.to/2SKbYzTFollow Foz and Boldly Go! on Twitter and check out the band's music!https://twitter.com/fozrottenhttps://twitter.com/boldlygobandhttps://boldlygoband.bandcamp.comCheck out the newest member of the Just

Get ready to meet cute this week as we search for "Someone to Watch Over Me"!New York Times and USA Today best-selling author David R. George III returns to the show to discuss an episode of Star Trek: Voyager that puts an intriguing twist on an old standard. Seven of Nine is ready to start dating, and the Doctor makes a bet with Paris that he can show her the ropes of relationships and romance. But when the teacher falls for his student, Voyager's EMH will have to choose between his responsibility to his pupil and his feelings for Seven!Star Trek has never been opposed to borrowing from other media for a good story hook, and some of Trek's best hours have been the product of an "old" idea seen through the lens of a new generation. This episode begins as pure "Pygmalion" (with a little "My Favorite Year" mixed in) and ends as a touching examination of the complexities of romance on a ship of outsiders. On this episode, we talk about love being part of the human adventure, putting your own spin on a classic ta

This week, author and editor Robb Pearlman stops by the show to discuss his new book, "Body by Starfleet", a fitness guide for Star Trek fans of all ages and abilities. During the episode, we talk about Robb's history with Trek, the inspiration behind the book, valuing positive change over big muscles, working out in the holodeck, and how fitness can be just as nerdy as sci-fi. We also discuss this year's Star Trek Cruise, making a book with Charlie Kaufman, Purple Monkey Dishwasher, calming people the F down with puppies, UnderArmor vs. medieval armor, redshirt jokes, and a tourist-free New York City.There's no calories in quarantine!Get "Body by Starfleet" on Amazon!https://amzn.to/2yGqjWSFollow Robb on Twitter and check out his other work!https://twitter.com/msmazeppahttps://www.robbpearlman.comTreat yourself to the "Body by Starfleet" book trailer!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rs5dOO3IvXYCheck out the newest member of the Just Enough Trope family, Sailor Noob!http://www.twitter.com/noob_sailorCommunicat

Step up to the plate this week for our discussion of "Take Me Out to the Holosuite"!Ella Pearson of the Generations Geek podcast joins the show to discuss an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine that shifts from the field of battle to the ball field. Captain Sisko and Captain Solok have hated each other since the Academy, but when Solok and his team of Vulcans challenge the crew of DS9 to a friendly baseball game, Sisko will have to whip his gaggle of lollygaggers into fighting shape! Baseball died minutes after it was born in the Star Trek universe when it was declared that mankind had no time for such frivolous pursuits in its new future. But baseball is all about hope, guts, and heart, the very emotions that will always define humanity, regardless of the century in question. On this episode, we talk about the warmth and emotion present in some of DS9's best hours, how baseball and Michael Piller inspired the development of the series, the rare but welcome moments when Trek "goes funny", the episode of "Fa

This week, educator and social scientist Dr. David A Banks returns to the show to discuss the human rights of artificial life and AI as seen in the Star Trek franchise. Back in the Original Series, Captain Kirk had a knack for talking computers to death, but as the Trek franchise has evolved so has its depictions of and its opinions about artificial intelligence. During our conversation, we discuss Trek's humanoid chauvinism in the depiction of artificial life, the value of AI labor in a Marxian sense, the social sophistication required of cosmopolitan Federation citizens, the possibility of empathy being a finite resource in the future, whether the stagnation of the Federation is inevitable, and why Trek is so far behind in addressing the realities of computational intelligence. We also talk about the depiction of information security and data collection in Star Trek: Picard, how communism is the ultimate ad-blocker, trading our personal data for "fun treats", taking shifts at the Peoples' Data Co-Op, murder

Prepare your best double facepalm because we're meeting "The Offspring"!Anika Dane and Liz Barr of Antimatter Pod are back on the show this week to discuss an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation that represents not only a poignant exploration of what is "human" but also an important turning point in TNG storytelling. After attending a conference on cybernetics, Data is inspired to create a "daughter" named Lal. But when Starfleet learns of the existence of another Soong-type android, Data and Picard are forced to defend Lal's essential humanity as well as Data's right to parent herStar Trek began with "Star Trek Is...", creator Gene Roddenberry's somewhat ambiguous pitch document, but over the course of a half-century, hundreds of writers and creators have worked to deepen Trek's universe and to reinforce the core values of egalitarianism and positivity that he originally proposed. Through their efforts and imagination, Trek went from a quirky TV show with dramatic potential to an exemplar of allegorica