Before he was an Oscar-winning makeup artist and Star Trek's go-to designer, Doug Drexler was just a teenage fan fighting to save the show he loved.

This week, Doug joins The Trek Files to reflect on a remarkable journey—from the 1968 Newsday article that quoted him as a 14-year-old letter-writing activist, to working for the legendary Federation Trading Post in New York, and eventually becoming one of the franchise's most beloved creative minds.

Doug shares memories of fandom in the '60s and '70s like filming Star Trek episodes off his TV with an 8mm home movie camera, then waiting days for the film to be processed just to rewatch them. That early passion led to a career in Hollywood, where he helped shape the look of Trek for decades, from The Next Generation to Enterprise and beyond.

Plus, a look ahead at the upcoming documentary Trek Star, chronicling Doug's unique Trek story from sidewalk protests to the Paramount lot.

📰 Document of the week: Newsday clipping – "This Group Isn't Way Out, But Its Cause Is" (Feb. 1, 1968)

🎬 Coming soon: Trek Star – The Doug Drexler Documentary on Kickstarter

The Trek Files Season 14 on Memory Alpha

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Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

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Before “merch” was a mainstream business, Star Trek fandom had Lincoln Enterprises—and behind the scenes was a small, tight-knit team led by Majel Barrett Roddenberry. This week, The Trek Files welcomes Reinelda Estupinian, who started as Rod Roddenberry’s nanny in 1974 and later worked directly with Majel beginning in 1980.

Reina shares stories from the early convention circuit: selling scripts, collectibles, and Vulcan jewelry to devoted fans while keeping pace with the growing Trek phenomenon. She also reflects on Majel as both a businesswoman and a “force of nature,” balancing humor, strength, and an unapologetically bold personality (sometimes delightfully embarrassing to those around her).

From Gene Roddenberry’s declining health to Majel’s final convention appearance in 2008, Reina offers rare, heartfelt insight into the personal and professional lives behind the Roddenberry legacy.

📄 Document and additional references: Lincoln Enterprises dealer agreement (circa 1980)

📸 Plus: personal photos of Reina & Majel on the con circuit

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!

The first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation was famously turbulent, but behind the scenes, it was also a hive of creative experimentation and open doors for new voices.

This week, we welcome veteran writer/producer Cash Edwards, whose original story pitch "The True One" caught the attention of Gene Roddenberry, D.C. Fontana, and his longtime friend, producer Herb Wright. Though the script wasn't produced, it sparked genuine enthusiasm, and Herb's memo to Gene is our document of the week.

Cash joins Larry to share memories from TNG's earliest days: working closely with the producers, meeting the cast, and witnessing the scramble for scripts that defined Season One. He also reveals some, let's say colorful, ideas he contributed to the development of the Ferengi's first appearance (laser bolos, anyone? leech grenades?).

It's a window into a time when Star Trek was still figuring itself out and welcoming new creatives into the mix who helped shape the journey.

📄 Document and additional references: Memo from Herb Wright to Gene Roddenberry re: "The True One" (1987)

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!