To The Journey: A Star Trek Voyager Podcast

"Heroes and Demons" 30th-anniversary reflections Harry Kim's disappearance draws the Voyager crew into a medieval mystery as a holodeck recreation of the Old English epic Beowulf starts converting people into energy. There's just one person on the ship who can safely venture into the holographic forest to find the young ensign: the Doctor. That trip into the unknown leads to many firsts for the man briefly called Schweitzer, and reveals a very Star Trek story. In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Voyager, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "Heroes and Demons," how tapping into elements unique to the series creates a story true to the core of Star Trek, how it sets the stage for The Doctor's character, and what we think of his choice of name.  Chapters Intro (00:00:00) The Setting (and the Sets) (00:02:11) A Doctor's Tale (00:13:03) Tapping into the Promise of Voyager (00:17:36) T'Pol Sidebar (00:24:27) Schweitzer! Schweitzer! (00:27:04) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:31:04) Closing (00:32:53) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

"State of Flux" 30th-anniversary reflections A scouting expedition to an alien planet leads to a game-changing discovery. Surprisingly, it's not leola root. Nor is it mushrooms; though these are all pretty tasty finds. Even the Kazon can't lay claim to the title, despite turning out to have Starfleet technology aboard their ship. But we're getting warmer. How did the Kazon get their hands on the tech? It looks like the Voyager crew have a traitor in their midst. As Janeway, Chakotay, and Tuvok set out to solve the Case of the Cream of Mushroom, the trail leads them to a shocking revelation. In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Voyager, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "State of Flux," Seska's big secret, how the story questions Starfleet ideals, and why establishing characters before plot twists matters. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Playing with Promise (00:02:35) Playing with Loyalties (00:06:37) Playing with Chakotay and Seska (00:10:49) Building Character for the Reveal (00:18:18) Questioning Starfleet Ideals (00:22:47) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:26:58) Closing (00:30:53) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

"Prime Factors" 30th-anniversary reflections Having heard stories about Voyager—a ship of aliens from another part of the galaxy, lost in a world so far from home—the Sikarians decide to assist. Drawing in Voyager with a distress signal, their leader, Gath, offers a helping hand. He ain't got a clue how to get them out, but he does think he knows what they need: a little pleasure. When Janeway accepts the offer of shore leave for the crew, Harry quickly finds a girl who's hot for stories and then finds himself miles and miles from nowhere, on the planet Alastria, 40,000 light years away. It turns out the Sikarians have a spacial trajector that can zip them around the quadrant. And with everyone on the planet hot for stories, the crew might just be able to trade all the Federation's literature for a quick ride home. In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Voyager, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "Prime Factors" and how the story challenges the principles of the crew while bringing opposing views together as it leverages the promise of the series premise. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Not Entirely Pleasurable (00:02:13) On the Other Side of the Fence (00:13:00) Conflicting Priorities (00:16:49) Can't Tech That Tech (00:25:23) Can't Flirt with Harry (00:29:25) Desperately Seeking Stories (00:31:55) Tuvok's Betrayal (00:37:45)   Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:48:23) Closing (00:52:53) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

"Emanations" 30th-anniversary reflections Having failed to learn their lesson about roaming around in strange caves, a landing party from Voyager investigates an asteroid when they think they've discovered an unknown element. Instead of minerals, they find bodies—18 of them—and lose one of their own: Harry Kim. The eager ensign finds himself trapped in a coffin on an alien planet. What's worse is that the planet is nowhere near the asteroid. In fact, it's in another dimension. How will he get back? And what secrets of life, the universe, and everything will Janeway and her crew reveal to the poor alien woman who woke up on Voyager? In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Voyager, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "Emanations," the exploration of aging and death, disregard for the Prime Directive, and cocoons. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Why Are We Here?! (00:02:07) How We Deal with Death (00:08:28) Other Dimensions, Other Realms (00:14:34) The Prime What?! (00:20:13) Elders and Euthanasia (00:28:51) A Shallow Exploration (00:33:31) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:38:44) Closing (00:43:39) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

"Ex Post Facto" 30th-anniversary reflections While on the planet Banea, Tom Paris and Harry Kim visit the home of a scientist and are greeted by his young wife, Lidell. When the scientist is killed, Paris is accused of the murder and sentenced to relive the victim's final moments every 14 hours for the rest of his life. The Baneans believe that Lidell and Paris had an affair, and lust led to murder. But Janeway isn't buying it, and Tuvok vows to find out the truth … one memory at a time. In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Voyager, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "Ex Post Facto," the story's film noir foundation, the core science fiction concept, and whether the portrayal of Paris fits the character … to say nothing of the dog. Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

"Eye of the Needle" 30th-anniversary reflections The discover of a wormhole gives the Voyager crew hope that they might soon be home. But there's a catch: the wormhole is just 30 centimeters in diameter. Determined to make use of the anomaly, they figure out how to send a message in a bottle and hope for a response. The answer surprises them. Not only is it from the Alpha Quadrant, it is from a Romulan. Eventually, Janeway convinces the adversary to help them. But their hopes of being rescued are dashed by one more scientific twist. In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Voyager, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "Eye of the Needle," the story's scientific underpinnings, the crew's hopes of getting home, and the unexpected twist. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) She Blinded Me with Science (00:02:31) Inner Thoughts (00:07:03) Jeri Taylor's Janeway Influence (00:13:42) Size Matters (00:15:48) No Doctor Left Behind (00:23:01) Message in a Bottle (00:35:54) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:44:52) Closing (00:50:20) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

"The Cloud" 30th-anniversary reflections Several weeks into their journey home, both Janeway and Voyager find their energy reserves running low. For the captain, a simple trip to what used to be her private dining room for a cup of Neelix's even better than coffee substitute might be all that's needed. For the ship, however, a trip into a mysterious nebula is required. Voyager is hungry for omicron particles, and there seems to be a rich supply just ahead. But this cloud is not what it seems, and Janeway may need to turn to her animal guide to save the crew. In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Voyager, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "The Cloud" and how the science-heavy plot wraps a character-focused story. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) How Do Starfleet Ships Run? (00:03:03) We Are Family (00:12:05) How Many Torpedoes? (00:18:29) Back to Family (00:21:25) Tiptoeing around Chakotay (00:23:34) A Poor Man's Quark? (00:35:02) Strange New Life Form (00:43:17) Sandríne's (00:47:27) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:54:44) Closing (00:57:24) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

"Phage" 30th-anniversary reflections Chakotay, Kim, and Neelix beam into caves on a rogue planetoid to search for dilithium; but they come back empty-handed. Not only do they have no dilithium, Neelix left something even more important behind: his lungs. With these vital organs now in the possession of mysterious aliens, the ship's new self-proclaimed chef will have to postpone the opening of his kitchen and stay in sickbay, where the Doctor has fitted him with holographic lungs. As the crew search for the aliens and try to retrieve Neelix's organs, Janeway is confronted with an unexpected moral dilemma. After being stalked by Vidiians, you may never listen to that famous song by The Police the same way again. In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Voyager, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "Phage" and the introduction of a fascinating alien race in a story that hits right at the heart of Star Trek. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) A Species with Depth (00:02:52) A Neelix Problem? (00:08:34) Cooking Up Storytelling (00:17:01) Ripe for Serialization? (00:21:07) Real-Life Science (00:25:30) Wrath and Compassion (00:28:05) The Doctor and AI Evolution (00:36:02) Kes Finds Purpose (00:42:44) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:44:26) Closing (00:48:22) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

"Time and Again" 30th-anniversary reflections A planet orbiting a red dwarf presents a mystery that Janeway cannot resist, so Voyager makes a pit stop to investigate. She and Tom Paris beam to the surface and discover a timepiece that has stopped working, seemingly indicating the moment that an explosion destroyed all life. Believing there is nothing left to do, they prepare to return to the ship when the world around them suddenly changes. They've jumped back in time one day before the disaster, to a place where a singular color palette rules. In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Voyager, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "Time and Again" and whether another trip to the well of time is the best way to help viewers get to know the series in its third outing. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Going to the Well Too Many Times? (00:02:20) Budget Constraints (00:11:43) Why Are They There?! (00:16:30) Is the Mandate Clear? (00:21:35) Meeting Fan Expectations (00:27:20) Kes, Tom, and Developing Characters (00:32:57) The Technobabble Crutch (00:42:30) One World, One Outfit (00:44:47)   Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:48:38) Closing (00:52:28) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

"Parallax" 30th-anniversary reflections Caught in a galactic escape room, the newly merged Starfleet and Maquis crews must work together to find a way out while fighting with each other. Meanwhile, the Doctor experiences shrinkage and Neelix does wonderful things with vegetables. Can Voyager become one big happy family and continue making their way home or will they remain trapped inside the event horizon of a quantum singularity? In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing continue our 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of Star Trek: Voyager, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "Parallax" and how the story advances the early concepts of the series. We also dive into Jerry Goldsmith's theme and musical mastery. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Crew Conflict (00:02:22) Forever Stranded? (00:10:46) Depth Perception (00:16:54) Better without Technobabble? (00:23:14) Finding the Characters (00:30:35) The Incredible Shrinking Doctor (00:33:31) Goldsmith's Theme (00:38:33) Final Thoughts and Ratings (00:49:33) Closing (00:53:25) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

"Caretaker" 30th-anniversary reflections In pursuit of Maquis rebels, the starship Voyager is pulled across the galaxy and quickly becomes entangled in local affairs. Captain Kathryn Janeway and rebel leader Chakotay, whose ship was also snagged by the entity known as the Caretaker, join forces as they look for a way back to Federation space. But first they must rescue missing crew members with the help of an odd merchant and his girlfriend. Once everyone has been safely returned, Janeway is faced with a difficult decision: take her crew home and abandon a world in need or destroy the Caretaker and strand Voyager 70,000 light years from the Federation. In this episode of To The Journey, hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing bring back our dedicated Voyager podcast in honor of the 30th-anniversary and kick off a retrospective that will take you through all of the series, one episode at a time. In this installment, we discuss "Caretaker" as well as the development of the show and its premise. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Connecting with Voyager (00:04:18) The Premise (00:15:28) Exploring the Great Unknown (00:23:05) Giving Themselves an Out (00:32:42) Getting to Know the Characters (00:39:15) Kate Mulgrew Saves the Day (00:50:34) The Prime Directive vs. Federation Ideals (00:57:27)   Final Thoughts and Ratings (01:04:54) Closing (01:11:14) Hosts C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing Production C Bryan Jones (Editor and Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer)

After 282 episodes, To The Journey is set for another transition as the current hosts disembark. In this special episode of To The Journey, hosts Liam Smart and Suzanne Williamson aimlessly talk about things to do with Star Trek Voyager. We talk about Voyager toys, hot aliens, and a bit of fanfic. Chapters Intro (00:00:00) It's Gonna Smell Terrible (00:04:04) It's Their Eyes (00:13:03) Divine!!! (00:16:21) Harry Dances With a Cow (00:20:29) Closing (00:38:19)  Hosts Liam Smart and Suzanne Williamson Production Suzanne Williamson (Editor) Liam Smart (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Bruce Lish (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Associate Producer) Patrick Carlin (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

With over 160 episodes of Star Trek: Voyager, you could be forgiven for thinking a few can go on the 'meh' pile. There are also a lot of episodes that rise to the top when it comes to thinking of the best of the best. But it is almost impossible to choose just one episode from each series that is not to be missed.  In this episode of To The Journey, hosts Liam Smart and Suzanne Williamson attempt to whittle down each season to just ONE episode that embodies Voyager. Of course they do not agree... Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Season 1 (00:07:40) Season 2 (00:12:58) Season 3(00:17:43) Season 4 (00:21:47) Season 5 (00:27:20) Season 6 (00:32:06) Season 7 (00:36:53) Closing (00:40:30)   Hosts Liam Smart and Suzanne Williamson  Production Suzanne Williamson (Editor) Liam Smart (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Bruce Lish (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Associate Producer) Patrick Carlin (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

One of the many, many (did we say many?) episodes of Star Trek: Voyager to feature the Borg, Season 6's Survival Instinct focuses on members of Seven of Nine's Unimatrix that crash landed with her on a random planet a few years prior to the events of the episode. These now ex-Borg are desperate to find a way of delinking themselves from the mini-collective they were forced to form by Seven, and now require Seven to help them undo it.  In this episode of To The Journey, hosts Suzanne Williamson and Liam Smart are joined by Christopher D Littlefield for a commentary on Season 6 Episode 2, Survival Instinct.  Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Commentary (00:11:55) Closing (00:55:38)   Hosts Liam Smart, and Suzanne Williamson Guest Christopher D. Littlefield Production Suzanne Williamson (Editor) Liam Smart (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Bruce Lish (Associate Producer) Joo Kim (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Associate Producer) Patrick Carlin (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

Farewells in Voyager and Farewell to Zachary.  Star Trek: Voyager had its fair share of farewells, from the departure of Kes and Neelix to some emotional farewells between the Voyager crew and their alien love interests of the week. In this episode of To The Journey, we discuss the many farewells in Voyager—even one goodbye that's more of a "good riddance" than a farewell! And, in this special episode of To The Journey, hosts Suzanne Williamson and Liam Smart say their farewells to fellow host Zachary Fruhling, departing the show for the next leg of the journey, in podcasting and in life.   Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Good Riddance or FU? (00:08:07) Star Trek Men in Black (00:10:06) What Juicy Lungs You Have (00:22:47) Space Hemlock (00:35:29) Why Not All Three? (00:45:32) I Can Whittle You a Bath (00:56:10) To The Google! (01:02:28) Closing (01:14:16)  Hosts Zachary Fruhling, Suzanne Williamson, and Liam Smart  Production Suzanne Williamson (Editor) Zachary Fruhling (Producer) Liam Smart (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Bruce Lish (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Associate Producer) Patrick Carlin (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

Tom/Tuvok Moments.  In this episode of To The Journey, hosts Liam Smart and Zachary Fruhling are joined by TTJ associate producer Patrick Carlin to discuss their favorite Tom/Tuvok moments in Star Trek: Voyager.   Chapters Intro (00:00:00) News (00:08:27) Our Picks (00:12:34) Closing (00:38:14)   Hosts Liam Smart and Zachary Fruhling   Guest  Patrick Carlin   Production Liam Smart (Editor) Zachary Fruhling (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Bruce Lish (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Associate Producer) Patrick Carlin (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

Borg Collective Set, Part 2.  In this episode of To The Journey, hosts Liam Smart, Suzanne Williamson and Zachary Fruhling are joined by Amy Nelson and Joe Keegan of Earl Grey, our sister podcast on Trek.fm dedicated to Star Trek: The Next Generation, for part two of our discussion of the Star Trek Fan Collective Borg episodes. Together with Amy and Joe, we discuss the following Borg episodes from Star Trek: Voyager: "Scorpion" (Parts  1 and 2), "Drone," "Dark Frontier" (Parts 1 and 2) "Unimatrix Zero" (Parts 1 and 2), and the series finale, "Engame."  For part 1 of our Borg Fan Collective discussion, don't miss Earl Grey episode 323: Greebling the Borg.   Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Solar Powered Ocampa (00:06:14) There's Something About One (00:22:57) He's Got a Tiny Little Crown (00:34:36) This is Voyager's Descent (00:51:43) Time-Wimey Stuff Going On (00:59:44) Take it to the Next Level (01:10:10) Closing (01:18:54)  Hosts Liam Smart, Suzanne Williamson, and Zachary Fruhling  Guests Amy Nelson and Joe Keegan  Production Suzanne Williamson (Editor) Zachary Fruhling (Producer) Liam Smart (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Bruce Lish (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Associate Producer) Patrick Carlin (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

When we think of the shows that bring us comfort in difficult times, Star Trek Voyager is always at the top of the list for hosts Suzanne Williamson and Liam Smart. In this episode of To The Journey we pick out our top 5 episodes to get us through this crazy macrovirus quarantine period that the world has been flung into. Liam has typically chosen not to follow the "top 5" rules, however! Chapters Intro (00:00:00) BIG NEWS (00:03:40) Quarantine Playlist (00:07:06) Closing (00:40:22)  Hosts Suzanne Williamson, and Liam Smart  Production Suzanne Williamson (Editor) Liam Smart (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Bruce Lish (Associate Producer) Joo Kim (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Associate Producer) Patrick Carlin (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

Seven of Nine in Star Trek: Picard, Season 1.  Fans of Star Trek: Voyager were excited to see the return of Seven of Nine to the Star Trek universe in the first season of Star Trek: Picard. The Seven of Nine that we see in Star Trek: Picard, however, is quite different than the Seven of Nine we are accustomed to from Star Trek: Voyager. From Borg drone to member of the Voyager crew to Fenris Ranger, hosts Zachary Fruhling, Suzanne Williamson, and Liam Smart discuss Seven of Nine's overall character arc and the differences between her appearances in Star Trek: Voyager and the first season of Star Trek: Picard.   Chapters Intro (00:00:00)  Either Dead or in Jail (00:05:19)  Momma Janeway (00:12:33)  They are Both No Nonsense (00:15:05)  Is it Noble (00:23:02)  You Never Get Over It (00:28:19)  Perfect Plot Device (00:34:36)  Stupid Small Universe Syndrome (00:42:52)  Closing (00:53:26)   Hosts Zachary Fruhling, Suzanne Williamson, and Liam Smart   Production Suzanne Williamson (Editor) Zachary Fruhling (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Bruce Lish (Associate Producer) Joo Kim (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Associate Producer) Patrick Carlin (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

"Fair Trade" Commentary.  In this episode of To The Journey, hosts Liam Smart, Suzanne Williamson, and Zachary Fruhling give an audio commentary on the third-season Voyager episode "Fair Trade" and christen each other with new Talaxian names.   Chapters Intro (00:00:00) Commentary (00:09:06) Closing (00:55:36)  Hosts Liam Smart, Suzanne Williamson, and Zachary Fruhling  Production Suzanne Williamson (Editor) Zachary Fruhling (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Bruce Lish (Associate Producer) Joo Kim (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Associate Producer) Patrick Carlin (Associate Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)