Damian, Lanita, and Mike dive into Legacy Returns, the latest installment from Trek Shorts from Power 543 Fan Films and friend of the pod, Samuel Cockings. From performances and production value to story choices and deep-cut Trek references, nothing is off-limits in this full breakdown review. The crew shares what worked, what surprised them, and where the film lands in the ever-growing world of fan-made Star Trek. Expect sharp insights, a few laughs, and some honest takes as they explore how Legacy Returns carries the torch of Trek storytelling.

See Legacy Returns Here: https://youtu.be/WzmJN_XQpEU?si=1jMAsL_tjl7ZqOwE

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This week, we're diving into the world of Star Trek fan films with filmmaker Samuel Cockings, the creative force behind Trek Shorts. Known for turning limitations into cinematic strengths, Samuel shares how he built a loyal following through interconnected storytelling, innovative visual effects, and a deep love of Trek.

We talk about the realities of indie filmmaking in the Star Trek universe, the challenges of working within fan film guidelines, and how Trek Shorts manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh. Plus, Samuel gives us insight into his creative process, lessons learned along the way, and all about their kickstarter!

Support Short Treks: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2015270242/trek-shorts-2026-the-big-one

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Hop in the ARGO as we continue our "Lanita Watches Trek for the First Time" series with a no-holds-barred review of Star Trek: Nemesis—and let's just say… we have thoughts. A lot of them.

Joined by guest co-host Leigh Ellen, we break down everything from questionable plot choices and missed character opportunities to the chaotic energy of Shinzon and that very intense final act. For Lanita, it's a first-time voyage into one of Trek's most divisive films—and her reactions do not disappoint.

Expect laughs, hot takes, and a healthy amount of "wait…why did they do that?" as we dig into what works, what really doesn't, and whether Nemesis deserves its reputation… or a second look.

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This week, we go full warp into the world of on-screen transformation with Emmy-level hair wizard Ryan Reed—the creative force behind the iconic looks of Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Section 31, and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

From designing bold new alien aesthetics to shaping deeply intentional character arcs through hair, Ryan pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a department on a massive franchise. We get into the artistry, the chaos, and yes—the occasional "that wasn't my decision" moments 👀.

We dive into:

• The collaborative (and sometimes complicated) process between designers, producers, and actors
• Crafting culturally authentic and story-driven hairstyles—especially for Black characters and textured hair
• The evolution of Burnham's hair (and why those braids mattered)
• Building unique looks for Klingons, cadets, and brand-new alien species
• The technical magic behind wigs, prosthetics, and continuity (spoiler: it's a LOT of work)
• Why hair is never "just hair"—it's storytelling

Plus, Ryan shares how Michelle Yeoh helped shape her own look, how younger casts bring new creative freedom, and why background aliens deserve just as much love as the leads.

This episode is a love letter to the unsung artistry behind the scenes—and proof that in Star Trek, every strand has a story.

https://www.ryanreedhair.com/

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In this special recap episode, we gather a full roundtable of friends, collaborators, and Star Trek superfans to break down everything that went down in Season 1 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Joining us are Alex from Deosil Designs, Anna Rozay, Jodi from Clonestar, Leigh Ellen, Austin, Jackson, and Matthew Jennings from 1701: A Blerd Story—and no topic is off-limits.

From standout cadets and faculty drama to the season's biggest twists, themes, and surprises, we dig into what worked, what didn't, and what we're hoping to see in Season 2. Along the way, expect passionate debates, hot takes, and plenty of laughs as we explore how this new series fits into the ever-expanding Star Trek universe.

Was Season 1 a promising new chapter for the franchise? Which characters stole the spotlight? And what lessons did Starfleet Academy really teach us?

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Guest info:

• Alex: https://deosildesigns.com
• Anna: https://www.youtube.com/@ObservationLounge2
• Austin: https://www.instagram.com/austinpsmith96/
• Jackson: https://www.instagram.com/jacksonjuniper/
• Jodi: https://linktr.ee/jodipickens
• Leigh Ellen: https://www.instagram.com/leighellenm/
• Matt: https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/mattjennings-10709363/1701-a-blerd-story

Order in the court! ⚖️ This week we convene a very special session of Q's Court, where the fate of the Star Trek franchise hangs in the balance. Presiding over the chaos is our all-powerful judge, Honorable Judge Lanita Q Ward-Jones, with Austin dutifully serving as the bailiff and keeping the proceedings (somewhat) under control.

Joining us for this cosmic courtroom debate are returning guests Anna Rozay and Jodi Pickens, who present their cases, along with Mike Jones & Damizon for who should take the captain's chair behind the scenes of Star Trek. The contenders? A powerhouse lineup of Trek talent:

• Terry Matalas

• Tawny Newsome & Mike McMahan

• Kirsten Beyer

• Jonathan Frakes

Each candidate is put on trial as we debate their vision, past Trek contributions, and what kind of future they could chart for the franchise. From bold cinematic leadership to character-driven storytelling to chaotic comedy energy, we weigh the merits of each would-be steward of the Final Frontier.

Arguments are made. Evidence is presented. Objections are (probably) ignored. And ultimately, Judge Lanita must decide who deserves to guide Star Trek into its next era.

Court is now in session. 🖖

This week we're joined by writer and fandom historian Jackson Torii Bart for a deep dive into the origins of Kirk/Spock slash fiction and the larger history of fan-created slash.

From mimeograph machines to modern fan archives, we unpack the creativity, resistance, community-building, and joy that fueled early slash writers—many of them women and queer fans carving out space in a media landscape that rarely reflected them. We also talk about the stigma slash faced, the evolution of fanfiction platforms, and why Kirk/Spock remains such a powerful pairing more than half a century later.

It's a thoughtful, celebratory, and occasionally spicy conversation about fandom history, queer subtext, and the radical act of fans telling the stories they needed to see. 🖖

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This week, we're heading to the Briar Patch and asking the big question: is Star Trek: Insurrection the most underrated Star Trek film… or a 2 hour episode?

Lanita is back in the captain's chair for another first-time watch as we continue her journey through the Trek films — and this one comes with fountains of youth, space diplomacy drama, and some extremely questionable Federation ethics. 👀

Joining us Lucy Blueskies, who brings big theatrical energy and sharp insight as we unpack this classic film.

Is it a rebellion? A midlife crisis? A pastoral fever dream in space? We debate it all — with laughs, hot takes, and plenty of love for the crew of the Enterprise-E.

Strap in. Lower the sails. And maybe avoid the metaphasic radiation unless you're ready to glow up. ✨

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