Let us know which holodeck adventures you’d program in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you’re at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram @beyondffpod | Facebook /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Like, rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and pass the pod on to a fellow Trekkie – it genuinely helps us grow.

Beyond the Final Frontier is a Star Trek podcast with Rich Matthews, Ian Spelling and Toby Weidman. Join us on Patreon at BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier. Original music by Alex Weidmann, opening monologue by Sissy Jones, artwork by Russell Seal.

beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram @beyondffpod | Facebook /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Like, rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and pass the pod on to a fellow Trekkie – it genuinely helps us grow.

Beyond the Final Frontier is a Star Trek podcast with Rich Matthews, Ian Spelling and Toby Weidman. Join us on Patreon at BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier. Original music by Alex Weidmann, opening monologue by Sissy Jones, artwork by Russell Seal.

Our trio dives deep into episodes 7 through 10 of Starfleet Academy – "Ko'Zeine," "Life of the Stars," "300th Night" and "RubinCon" – delivering candid, sometimes fiery verdicts on each instalment. From debating the merits of bottle episodes and the perennial problem of 10-episode seasons to clashing over the Our Town storytelling device, the show's on-the-nose political allegory and whether the season finale wrapped things up a little too neatly, Rich, Ian and Toby hold nothing back. We tally up our scores to deliver an overall season ranking, discuss what we hope to see in the already-filmed season two, and reflect on a cast we believe may be the strongest of any new-era Trek series. We then turn the lens on ourselves, sharing highlights from our own first season – from unforgettable guest conversations with Nana Visitor, Gates McFadden, Jeff Combs, John Eaves and Larry Nemecek to Rich's now-legendary love affair with the Enterprise refit. Finally, Toby reviews Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown, a new survival strategy game that lets you captain Voyager your own way – Tuvix moral dilemmas and all.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Engage(!) with us: Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Expect animated series to be ruled out on a technicality, a suspicious surplus of white men (it was the 80s), trailblazer Gabrielle Beaumont, the myth of "two takes Frakes", a director so mysterious the internet has little record of him, and a spooky three-way tie at number three. Plus: Ian's mortifying tape-recorder disaster on the set of The Masterpiece Society, why Aaron Spelling is (probably) no relation, and the director who married his third wife at 90. Let us know what we got right, what we got wrong, and who we criminally left out!

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

What are you fave social commentaries on Star Trek? Which social issue did it do best? Racism, fascism, sexism or a different ism entirely?Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

From the Rules of Acquisition to the rigours of Shakespeare, the pair pull back the prosthetic on decades in the Trek-verse – the makeup-chair marathons, the craft of playing a Ferengi with actual heart, and how the Bard turns out to be surprisingly good training for life under all that latex. The conversation then turns to something far more personal: Kitty and Armin's advocacy for pancreatic cancer awareness, and the remarkable ways Star Trek fandom rallies behind real-world causes.

Expect laughs, a Top Five Ferengi Episodes rundown, an unexpected run-in with Stephen Hawking, a healthy dose of mutual admiration between two actors who clearly adore each other, and a heartfelt reminder that – sometimes – the fans really are the heroes. Let us know your thoughts: which Ferengi episode should have topped the list, and who you'd like us to have on next.

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

Engage(!) with us:
Email: beyondffpod@gmail.com
Insta: @beyondffpod
Facebook: BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Pancreatic Cancer Support & Awareness

We talk about pancreatic cancer in this episode. If you, or someone you love, has been affected, support is available — free and confidential:

United States — Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan) Website: https://pancan.org/ Patient Services: 877-272-6226 (toll-free, Mon–Fri) Email: patientservices@pancan.org

United Kingdom — Pancreatic Cancer UK Website: https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/ Support Line (free, staffed by specialist nurses): 0808 801 0707 Email: nurse@pancreaticcancer.org.uk

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

Expect a healthy debate about whether a vocal theme even counts as a theme (the jury says no, sorry Enterprise), the dawning realisation that the beloved Next Gen music is secretly Jerry Goldsmith's Motion Picture march wearing a trenchcoat – and that fans once accused him of stealing his own tune – plus Alexander Courage's eight little notes turning up in literally everything, the First Contact theme reborn in Picard Season 3, Cliff Eidelman going full Stravinsky, Nami Melumad making history, and Russell Watson, Rod Stewart and Patch Adams all somehow entering a Star Trek conversation. Plus a number one that everyone seems to agree is really two themes in one. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got right, or wrong, and what you'd like to see us cover next.

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

Engage(!) with us:
Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com
Instagram – @beyondffpod
Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world.

Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

The trio kick things off with the elephant in the room – Paramount pulling the plug on Starfleet Academy with season two already in the can – before debating whether the franchise is quietly pivoting back to theatrical under Skydance and David Ellison, what a post-Kurtzman Trek might look like, and the perennial fantasy of a Tarantino Trek movie. Then it's down to business: ranking all 11 season-two openers from "Amok Time" to "The Broken Circle."

Expect surprises, controversies and a fair bit of shouting (just ask Ian's wife) as Rich champions Enterprise's "Shockwave, Part II", Toby goes to bat for "The Stargazer" against the weight of the Picard season-two baggage, and Ian makes the case for "The Child" as a wildly underrated reset for early TNG. Along the way the boys debate Pulaski's bedside manner, Spock's emotional journey across "Amok Time" and "The Broken Circle," whether modern Trek dialogue is really any more anachronistic today than 60 years ago, and the lasting magic of Sharon Lawrence's Amelia Earhart. 

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

If you want to get in contact please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com, join our Patreon or find us on Instagram and Facebook As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world.

Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Everything Trek!

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

If you want to get in contact please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com, join our Patreon or find us on Instagram and Facebook As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world.

Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Engage(!) with us: Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Expect "rules quibbling" on an industrial scale (Ian's list of seven somehow reaches 13), hard numbers on which series dreams the most and which one doesn't dream at all, false awakenings, an evil clown, Cirque du Soleil, holodeck Freud and more. Rigoletto, Fellini and Polanski all get name-checked, so consider this your culture for the week! Let us know what we got right, what we got wrong, and what you'd like us to cover next.

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

Do you agree with us? What is your top 5? Please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com, join our Patreon or find us on Instagram and Facebook As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Which temporal Trek tribulations are your fave? Let us know in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Engage(!) with us: Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Expect Nazi holodecks, moral event horizons, a pirate ship, a legendary interrogation scene, and a genuinely heated three-way stand-off for the number one spot that ends with accusations of hindsight, nostalgia bias, and someone being politely called wrong on air. Plus: unexpected Hugo Award trivia and a fan-mail story that actually paid off.

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

And what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

If you want to get in contact please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world.

Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

This episode special guest Star Trek designer, illustrator and model builder, the genius behind the iconic USS Enterprise NCC-1701-E, John Eaves, joins die-hard Trekkies Rich, Ian and Toby to rank their top 7 fave starships!

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

If you want to get in contact please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com, join our Patreon or find us on Instagram and Facebook As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world.

Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Do you agree and what would be your faves - Discovery S3, TNG season 1, Voyager season 7? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Expect a few predictable picks, a couple of surprises, plenty of nebula-set chess games, and a number one that may or may not have been unanimously agreed before a single phaser was fired. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got right, or wrong, and what you'd like to see us cover next.

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

Engage(!) with us:
Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com
Instagram – @beyondffpod
Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world.

Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

Engage(!) with us: Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Expect a top seven that Deep Space Nine tries to swallow whole no matter how hard anyone fights it, a debate about the difference between the best duo and your favourite duo, an extended Jeeves and Wooster tangent that sends the American host off for a nap, a serious question about whether Geordie is fully functional, and a number one that one host flatly refuses to narrow down. Plus: THOSE teddy bears with six-inch fangs... Let us know what we got right, what we got wrong, and who made your seven!

Don't forget to like, rate, subscribe and share!

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

But what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

NOTE: There were some recordings issues this episode so the audio isn't quite up to Starfleet standards this week. Apologies.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. 

In you want to get in contact please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com, join our Patreon or find us on Instagram and Facebook 

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight. Everything Trek!

Episode 1 introduces the BFF crew and sets out their Star Trek stalls by ranking their favourite Star Treks – episodes, movies, series.

In you want to get in contact please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com, join our Patreon or find us on Instagram and Facebook 

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight. Everything Trek!

Grab your tricorder, click your communicator and prepare to boldly go...
BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER!

What do you make of the latest Nu-Trek show? Let us know in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram @beyondffpod | Facebook /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Expect three lists that overlap far more than any of us expected, starting with McCoy and ending with a choice none of us could argue with. Along the way: why "leave any bigotry in your quarters" reads differently in 2026, the tolerance-versus-acceptance argument it sparks, Spock's warning about serving under computers landing harder now than it did in 1968, and Kirk on humanity as a most promising species... as predators go. Toby makes the case for "The Corbomite Maneuver" as the philosophical heart of the whole franchise and offers a reading of Kirk's final words in Generations that Rich did not see coming. Rich explains how "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer" earned him a high school detention, and why he (wrongly) talked himself out of the obvious number one. Plus: the synagogue origin of the Vulcan salute, whether Scotty really can't change the laws of physics, and the tangled question of who actually wrote the opening monologue.

Like, rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and pass the pod on to a fellow Trekkie – it genuinely helps us grow.

Beyond the Final Frontier is a Star Trek podcast with Rich Matthews, Ian Spelling and Toby Weidman. Join us on Patreon at BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier. Original music by Alex Weidmann, opening monologue by Sissy Jones, artwork by Russell Seal.

Engage(!) with us: Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Expect lens flares, red matter, and a black hole's worth of timeline debate — from a recast crew that shouldn't have worked (but did) to a villain reveal that definitely didn't fool anyone. The trio go deep into the weeds on what the reboot got gloriously right, where it stumbled into the warp core, and whether Beyond was the course correction the franchise deserved. Plus: strong opinions on Karl Urban's McCoy, and at least one hill somebody is prepared to die on.

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

Engage(!) with us: Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Expect a debate about a season that's swinging big on gimmicks but not always on story, a horror episode that splits the room down the middle, an argument over whether the supernatural belongs in Trek at all, some free film-studies lecturing from Rich, and scores that get revised live on air. Plus: THOSE puppets... Let us know what we got right, what we got wrong, and where your scores landed!

Don't forget to like, rate, subscribe and share!

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

And what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

For more from Paul please check out his prolific website: https://scifibulletin.com/.

But what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

CONTENT NOTICE

This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and post-traumatic stress (PTS). Our guest shares her personal experience of sexual violence and the trauma that followed. We are featuring this conversation because survivor stories can help break the silence around sexual violence, validate others' experiences, and increase understanding of trauma's effects.

We recognise this content may be challenging or triggering for some listeners. We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing when deciding whether to listen. You may choose to listen with support, take breaks as needed, or skip this episode entirely.

If you or someone you know needs support:

UK:

• Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 500 2222 (available 24/7) or visit rapecrisis.org.uk
• Rape Crisis Scotland: 08088 01 03 02 (5pm-midnight daily)
• The Survivors Trust: 08088 010 818
• Samaritans: 116 123 (available 24/7)

US:

• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (available 24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988

Please check out Nana's brilliant book Star Trek: Open a Channel: A Woman's Trek (get a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Open-Channel-Womans/dp/B0C7P8NTH2)

If you want to get in contact please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram and Facebook. 

And what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

This episode, die-hard Trekkies Rich, Ian and Toby each list their ultimate fantasy bridge crew from across all incarnations of Star Trek!

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

If you want to get in contact please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com, join our Patreon or find us on Instagram and Facebook As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world.

Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Everything Trek!

Expect a healthy debate about what a "big idea" even is (Toby's still not sure), plenty of overlapping picks that may prove Star Trek has fewer big ideas than they thought, panspermia, the cost of war, the nature of God, free will, false memories, and a Blade Runner comparison or four. Plus a number one that everyone seems to have written the word "better" next to. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got right, or wrong, and what you'd like to see us cover next.

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

Engage(!) with us:
Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com
Instagram – @beyondffpod
Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world.

Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

Engage(!) with us: Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Expect Jeffrey Combs' gloriously unctuous Weyoun, Voyager's Seska, a serial-killing TOS femme fatale with serious daddy issues, the baddest of all the "badmirals", Brad Dourif's chilling Lon Suder, the Borg Queen, Peter Weller going full xenophobe in Enterprise, and Brent Spiner's evil twin Lore – before the inevitable happens and Deep Space Nine swallows the top of the list whole (but with who?!). Toby imposes a brave one-villain-per-series rule (which still can't stop DS9 winning), and a certain infamous augment lands lower than you'd expect...

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram @beyondffpod | Facebook /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Expect three men who have all professionalised their fandom trying to work out whether they can still just be fans. Does a "true fan" have to love every show, or is one enough?

Rich draws the parallel between fandom and religion from his PhD research and admits he's never much liked a congregation, Toby explains the "journalist first, Star Trek fan second" line that got him the editor's job, and Ian goes back to a black and white TV, a salmon shirt, and DeForest Kelley picking him out of a crowd.

Along the way: Gates McFadden dancing with a fan who'd paid a thousand dollars for the moment, the Walmart checkout that turned into the best thing that happened to Rich at a con, and a closing question with no comfortable answer: with Academy cancelled and Strange New Worlds winding down, does the franchise boldly go, or bank the nostalgia?

Like, rate and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and pass the pod on to a fellow Trekkie – it genuinely helps us grow.

Beyond the Final Frontier is a Star Trek podcast with Rich Matthews, Ian Spelling and Toby Weidman. Join us on Patreon at BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier. Original music by Alex Weidmann, opening monologue by Sissy Jones, artwork by Russell Seal.

Let us know your favourite Star Trek aliens in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

Jeff shares memories of watching the original series premiere in 1966, the challenges and joys of working under heavy prosthetic makeup, and the mask work training that helped him bring characters like Weyoun, Brunt and Shran so vividly to life. Together, we count down our top alien species picks, from the Vidians and the Borg to the Ferengi, Cardassians, Klingons and Vulcans, exploring what makes each species resonate as reflections of the human condition. Jeff also reveals behind-the-scenes stories from Deep Space Nine and Enterprise, including lunches with René Auberjonois, stealing Marc Alaimo's shopping cart, and the unfinished business of Commander Shran. 

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Let us know in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

PLEASE NOTE: The second half of this episode has some crunchy audio for which we apologise; Rich's track in particular is a bit harsh so just watch the volume of your earbuds from about the 35-minute mark. Sorry folks!

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. 

In you want to get in contact please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com, join our Patreon or find us on Instagram and Facebook 

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight. Everything Trek!

Gates shares her journey from academic, choreographer and theatre maker to the Enterprise-D sickbay, the dynamics of working alongside the TNG cast, and what it meant to bring a groundbreaking female chief medical officer to life across seven seasons and four feature films. Together, we explore the episodes that define Beverly Crusher, from the haunting 'Remember Me' and the controversial 'Sub Rosa' to the compelling 'The High Ground' and the captaincy of 'Descent, Part II.' Gates also reflects on directing, her InvestiGates podcast, and what Dr Crusher continues to mean to fans around the world. 

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Engage! Rich, Ian and Toby tackle one of Star Trek's most enduring obsessions in a tech-heavy episode, ranking their top seven pieces of Trek tech from across the entire franchise – plus beaming over to the London Science Museum's 60th anniversary Star Trek exhibition for a debrief. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got wrong, and what you'd like us to cover next in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community.

From PADDs to phasers, communicators to cloaking devices, the trio debate which Star Trek inventions they'd actually want in the real world – and which are better left on the holodeck. Cue impassioned tangents on the philosophical horror of the transporter (are you really you on the other side?), the elegance of the Heisenberg compensator as the platonic ideal of Trek techno-babble, real-world tricorders, and the Federation's apparently miraculous solution to obesity.

Expect surprises, sniggering and a fair bit of hijinks as Rich champions warp drive as the ultimate expression of Roddenberry's humanism, Ian unapologetically picks the replicator because he refuses to watch anyone make a f***ing meal, and Toby goes deeply personal at number one with the hypospray. Along the way the boys debate the aesthetics of the original series communicator, whether Counsellor Troi had a built-in fat-burning chip (!?), what they'd actually do on a fully-realised holodeck (Ian wants to flatline and quiz Jimmy Hoffa; Toby just wants to roam the TOS Enterprise), and Rich's enduring, deeply suspicious love affair with starship nacelles. The episode rounds out with a glowing review of the Science Museum's exhibition and a sold-out IMAX screening of The Wrath of Khan — plus the not-entirely-flippant revelation that the Motion Picture's Bob Peak poster is, on reflection, basically a pride poster.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Engage(!) with us: Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

Expect a proper deep dive with the author of the Next Generation Companion into the fine art of the fudge: the in-universe repair jobs, the rules quietly redrawn behind the audience's back, and the contradiction the franchise has pointedly decided it will never, ever explain. Plus a number one that reframes rather more than a single episode. Let us know what we got right, what we got wrong, and what you'd like us to cover next.

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

Get more from Dr Trek at:
https://larrynemecek.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@LarryNemecekTrekland 

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe.

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

Expect a debate over whether the films even count (Toby's only counting the series), a suspicious amount of overlap that suggests the boys share the same three traumas, and a parade of picks: Lorca's Mirror Universe reveal, Sisko deciding he can live with it, the slow violation of Picard into Locutus, the casual murder of Tuvix, a holodeck nightmare, Bashir unmasked as a changeling, and a beloved starship blown to bits. Plus the death of Spock, three different number ones nobody can agree on, a single Picard tear that Ian still refuses to buy (so he polls an AI to settle it mid-recording), and a lengthy detour through choir school, dropped testicles and the Enterprise theme – which Toby maintains is the biggest shock of all. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got right, or wrong, and what you'd like to see us cover next.

Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe!

Engage(!) with us: 
Email – beyondffpod@gmail.com
Instagram – @beyondffpod
Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier

BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world.

Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.

Before the pitching commences, Sean takes the trio through his earliest Trek memory – a father-son trip to see Star Trek: Generations in 1995 Ireland – before everyone rolls up their sleeves and unveils their titles, hooks, settings, casts, threats and USPs. Expect ragtag crews, stolen starships, interdimensional rifts, a procedural with proper bite, an Academy reset built almost entirely from alien teachers and students, and at least one Lancelot-class ship with an unmistakably Arthurian streak. No spoilers on whose is whose, but there's a strong showing for Jeffrey Combs, Doug Jones, Colman Domingo, Emma Mackey and Ella Purnell – plus a Horta named after Ian's wife (!).

Expect surprises, sniggers and a fair bit of mutual brown-nosing as Rich champions "competence porn" and true Trek disguised as new Trek, Toby leans Blake's 7 dark while quietly setting out to "fix Voyager", Ian nakedly stumps for a do-over of you-know-which-recently-cancelled-show, and Sean cheerfully games his interdimensional rift to drop in any era, character or cameo he fancies. Along the way the gang debate whether the Kelvin universe needs sunglasses to watch, why the Discovery bridge could use a good shrinking, Trek's lingering genetic-engineering bugbear, whether Andor should really have been its own separate science fiction property, and what unites all four pitches: a deep, unembarrassed love of Deep Space Nine. Plus, Ian reveals the going rate for a Voyager background extra (spoiler: less than a decent meal out).

As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.