Episodes

56
Nov. 25, 2021

Discovery "Anomaly" Review

Join the ASNP crew on this Thanksgiving edition of the pod as the team reviews Star Trek Discovery's second episode of season four, "Anomaly."

On episode 402, Saru returns to help the U.S.S. Discovery uncover the mystery of an unusually destructive new force. As Burnham leads the crew, she must also find a way to help Book cope with an unimaginable loss.

How did this week's episode compare to the season premiere? Do we get more answers about the anomaly, and how does Book handle the loss of hi...
55
Nov. 19, 2021

Discovery "Kobayashi Maru" + Prodigy "Terror Firma" Reviews

For the first time in 22 years, two separate Star Trek series debuted new episodes on the same day.

This week, the crew reviews Star Trek Prodigy's first mid-season finale, "Terror Firma." How did the episode wrap up the first five episode arc? What exactly is a protostar drive, and is the team invested in the series moving forward?

Then, Star Trek Discovery makes its return with season four and a whole lot more dilithium. How did the season premiere stack up against the previous three? How wa...
54
Nov. 12, 2021

Aaron Waltke Interview + Prodigy "Dreamcatcher" Review

On this very special edition of A Strange New Pod, the crew welcomes the co-executive producer and writer of Star Trek Prodigy, Aaron Waltke to the show.

Aaron talks all things Prodigy including the show's second season renewal, its roadmap, making sure the team gets the tone of the show right for the next generation of Star Trek fans, and so much more. Did we mention he also knows a lot about dilithium?

The crew also reviews the fourth episode of Prodigy's first season, "Dreamcatcher," as the...
53
Nov. 5, 2021

Prodigy "Starstruck" Review

After a stunning two-part series premiere, Star Trek Prodigy returned this week with it's third episode, "Starstruck." Also returning? Ensign Admiral Erin!

"Even with the guidance of their hologram advisor Janeway, the crew of the Protostar is tested when their ship is on a dangerous cosmic collision course."

What did the crew think of the show now that the premiere is out of the way? Who are some of their favorite characters and who might rub the crew the wrong way? Also, what did everyone th...
52
Oct. 29, 2021

Star Trek Prodigy Premiere: "Lost & Found" Review

It's an exciting time for Trek fans as the latest series in the franchise, Star Trek Prodigy, has made its series debut. Prodigy is the first show in the franchise geared towards kids and what better way to review the show than welcome two members of the target audience to help the crew review it?

ASNP welcomes Julian's daughter Cadet Cecily and Erik's daughter, Cadet Kateri to give their thoughts on some of their favorite moments and characters. The team also asks them the important question: ...
Oct. 22, 2021

The Autobiographies of Kathryn Janeway & Mr. Spock

Join Julian and Erin as they welcome New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Dr. Una McCormack back to the show to talk about not one, but two of her recent novels.

How was it writing for two very complex characters? What do these two icons have in common when it comes to family? Dr. McCormack deep dives both The Autobiography of Kathryn Janeway and The Autobiography of Mr. Spock on this very special edition of A Strange New Pod.

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Guest: Una McCormack
51
Oct. 15, 2021

"First First Contact" Lower Decks S2 Finale Review + Season Wrap-Up

Star Trek Lower Decks sophomore season wrapped up an incredible run this past Thursday and the ASNP crew are at their stations as they review the finale, "First First Contact."

Joining the show once again is David Majors from Promenade Merchants Podcast!
What did the team think about the cliffhanger ending? What are their theories looking ahead to season three?

The team also takes a look back at the ten-episode second season. What worked, what didn't, who grew, and who took a step back? We try...
Guest: David Majors
50
Oct. 8, 2021

Lower Decks "wej Duj" Review + Trivia Night!

It's the 50th episode of A Strange New Pod! Join the crew for this very special edition of the podcast.

First, it's trivia night as Girafe, Brittany, Hawk, and Erik get asked 13 Trek questions each by Julian as they play for members of the ASNP Patron Collective. Who won for their member? Did anyone go 13 for 13?

Then, it's onto this week's review of Star Trek Lower Decks, as episode nine marks the penultimate episode of season two.

Was Boimler able to find a bridge buddy? Who is behind the P...
49
Oct. 1, 2021

Lower Decks "I Excretus" Review

Join Julian, Brittany, and Hawk this week as another episode of Lower Decks warps into the system.

On this week's episode, it's training day! Ensigns are Captains and Captains are Ensigns. We have easter eggs galore, and some amazing moments in this episode.

Plus, the Strange New Loop, mailbag, and much more on episode 49 of ASNP.

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48
Sept. 24, 2021

Lower Decks "Where Pleasant Fountains Lie" Review

Season two of Lower Decks warps right along as the ASNP crew reviews episode seven, "Where Pleasant Fountains Lie."

This week, we found out that Billups is royalty, probably ace, and his mom is a Queen who lives on a ren fair in space. If that doesn't excite you, Jeffrey Combs also made his triumphant return to the Trek Universe.

What did the team think about how the episode handled Billups's sexuality? Was Jeffrey Combs' return to Star Trek worth the wait? And finally, did Boimler hit a new b...
47
Sept. 17, 2021

Lower Decks "The Spy Humongous" Review

Star Trek Lower Decks season two has officially reached its back half! On this week's episode of ASNP, we're joined by special guest David Majors from the Promenade Merchants Podcast!
David joins Julian, Brittany, and Hawk as Mariner, Tendi, and Rutherford go through one of the lesser tasks aboard a starship: anomaly consolidation day. This week's episode also sees Brad Boimler join the Mean Girls of Star Trek, also known as the Red Shirts.

Did Tendi bite off more than she can chew? Is Bradword...
Guest: David Majors
46
Sept. 10, 2021

Lower Decks "An Embarrassment of Dooplers" Review

We've hit the midway point of Lower Decks season 2, and the ASNP crew are here with their review of "An Embarrassment of Dooplers."

This week is all about growth. Boimler and Mariner finally have it out over his sudden promotion to the Titan, and Rutherford finally comes to terms with the fact that he's lost a year of his life with Tendi by his side.

Why did the team hype up this episode so much, and why do they think it's a top episode of Star Trek? Plus, the Strange New Loop, a big announcem...
Sept. 9, 2021

Star Trek Day 2021 Wrap-up & Reaction

Join the ASNP crew as they wrap up what ended up being one of the best Star Trek Days in recent memory.

From the Prodigy trailer to Cadet Uhura being played by Celia Rose Gooding in Strange New Worlds; Hawk asks, "how do they have the Borg Queen on ice?" in season two of Star Trek Picard. This 55-year celebration of Trek pulled out all the stops, and the team react to all of it.

Plus, Erik on Enterprise and the possibilities of the Starfleet Academy series, Brittany on the amazing LGBTQ Discov...
45
Sept. 3, 2021

Lower Decks "Mugato, Gumato" Review

This week on ASNP, CBS and Paramount dropped some big Star Trek Prodigy and Picard news! The crew reacts to the beautiful new opening credits for Prodigy, composed by Michael Giacchino.

Plus, Annie Wersching has been cast as the Borg Queen in Picard season two. Julian, Erik, Brittany, Hawk, and Giraffe give their thoughts on what this means for the series and the possible interactions between the Queen and Q.

And finally, the team review this week's episode of Lower Decks, S2EP4, "Mugato, Guma...
Aug. 30, 2021

The John Jackson Miller Interview - Star Trek Picard: Rogue Elements

On this bonus edition of A Strange New Pod, the ASNP Book Club sit down with New York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller to talk about his latest novel, Star Trek Picard: Rogue Elements.

From Simon and Schuster:

Starfleet was everything for Cristóbal Rios—until one horrible, inexplicable day when it all went wrong. Aimless and adrift, he grasps at a chance for a future as an independent freighter captain in an area betrayed by the Federation, the border region with the former Romulan...
44
Aug. 27, 2021

Lower Decks "We'll Always Have Tom Paris" Review

This week on ASNP, the crew review the aptly titled third episode of Lower Decks season 2, "We'll Always Have Tom Paris."

How much Tom Paris did we get, and was it enough? How did Mariner and Tendi's girl trip turn out? And finally, which major character made their return to the show?

Find out on episode 44 of A Strange New Pod. Plus, the Strange New Loop, mailbag, and much more.

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43
Aug. 20, 2021

Lower Decks "Kayshon, His Eyes Open" Review

Lower Decks season two rolls along with its second episode of the season, with stories this week onboard both the Cerritos and Titan.

What happens when Mariner, Rutherford, and Tendi beam down to a station full of Trek easter eggs with Ensign Jet and new security officer, Lt. Kayshon?

And what kind of trouble does Boimler get into when he goes undercover with members of Captain Riker's senior staff?

Spotted Giraffe fills in for Ensign Brittany this week, as the crew gives their takes on this ...
42
Aug. 13, 2021

Lower Decks S2 Premiere: "Strange Energies" Review

Star Trek Lower Decks is back for its second season and the ASNP bridge crew is here to review the season premiere!

Three months after the events of "No Small Parts," The Cerritos is on a second contact mission where, as Mariner puts it, "sci-fi stuff" is going on. This results in Commander Ransom absorbing "strange energy," as chaos and Ransomites ensue on Apergos.

Julian, Brittany, Erik, and Hawk give their thoughts on the premiere, and also take a spoiler-free look at what's to come over th...
41
Aug. 6, 2021

The Cardassian Reunion | The Best of the Cardassians on DS9

On this edition of A Strange New Pod, the team wraps up the "Best Of" Cardassians series as they head over to Deep Space Nine.

From "Duet" to "The Maquis," Brittany, Hawk, and Erin break down one of the more powerful Star Trek enemies with returning guest Michael Schaus. And, who are the Cardassians without Gul Dukat?

Plus, the Strange New Loop and more on episode 41 of ASNP.

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40
July 30, 2021

Animation For the Next Generation

Join the crew of A Strange New Pod this week as they break down the trailers for both the first season of Star Trek Prodigy and Star Trek Lower Decks Season 2.

The team also talks about what they expect from both series, as well as new team-ups in Lower Decks.

Plus, our Patrons Choice topic for this month, retcons in the past and future of Star Trek.

All that and more on our 40th episode!

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39
July 23, 2021

Warping Into Representation

On this edition of A Strange New Pod, the team welcomes back Spotted Giraffe as a co-host, as they tackle and talk about the evolution and history of representation in Star Trek.

Julian, Brittany, Hawk, and Giraffe cover a wide range of topics including multiracial identities, LGBTQ representation, aging and elder care, and mental health.

All that and more on this very important episode of ASNP.

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38
July 9, 2021

Six Degrees of Trek Fixation

This week on ASNP, Ensign Brittany takes the crew on a journey of all things Star Trek adjacent.

From shows like The Orville to the classic Trek love letter Galaxy Quest, the crew warps into the fandom from a different point of view.

Plus, 55th Anniversary news, and updates on Strange New Worlds.
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37
July 2, 2021

Keeping Up With the Cardassians | Best of the Cardassians on TNG

A Strange New Pod's Best Of Species series continues with the military might of the Cardassian Union.

In this episode, the crew takes a look back at the early days of the Cardassians in Star Trek: The Next Generation, from episodes like "The Wounded," and "Chain of Command," all the way to the penultimate episode of TNG, "Preemptive Strike."

Why was Starfleet so passive after the Border Wars, and why were Admirals being manipulated by Cardassian Guls? Why was the Maquis formed? The ASNP crew a...
36
June 18, 2021

The Road Not Taken | Captain Picard Day 2021

Join the ASNP crew this week as they break down what was a busy week in the Alpha Quadrant.

First, Trek fans were delighted to be introduced to the cast of the upcoming animated series, Star Trek Prodigy. The team talks about the voice cast, the character breakdowns, and where they think the show might be headed.

Then, it was an eventful Captain Picard Day, as Paramount dropped the second teaser trailer for Season 2 of the Patrick Stewart-led series, featuring the man, the myth, the legend him...