The Star Trek Academy Podcast

A podcast about new Star Trek episodes in all series from a media prof and a philosophy prof, both real college faculty members. We look beyond the "Easter eggs," considering storylines, character development, morals, ethics, and lessons to be learned from each new episode.

Episode 138: Discovery S5xE9, Lagrange Point

The Academy faculty deconstruct part 1 of the Star Trek Discovery series finale, Lagrange Point, including strengths, things that might have been handled differently, and thoughts about the conclusion of the series next time.

05-28
38:52

Episode 137: Discovery S5xE8, Labrynths

Star Trek Discovery S5xE87, Labrynths, is a hard core character development episode. Ridney and Michael deconstruct new insights into Burnham's fears, as well as new understanding about Moll and Ruhn.

05-19
36:03

Episode 136: Discovery S5xE7, Erigah

Join Dr. Rodney and Dr. Michael for Star Trek Discovery S5xE7, Erigah, as the story balances "the needs of the many" with self-determination for Moll and puts us on course for a final clue in the Progenitor Tech quest.

05-13
36:13

Episode 135: Discovery S5xE6, Whistlespeak

Join us for Star Trek Discovery S5xE6, Whistlespeak, addressing spiritualism in a way Star Trek may never have done before. There is a lot of meaning to talk about in this episode.

05-06
42:27

Episode 134: Discovery S5xE5, Mirrors

We reflect on the Star Trek Discovery S5xE5 episode Mirrors, a strong character development episode supporting season-long themes of connections, change, and choices.

04-28
33:46

Episode 133: Discovery S5xE4, Face the Strange

We examine the Star Trek Discovery S5xE4 time loop episode Face the Strange. We deconstruct the episode, including a lot of production details plus the messages and themes.

04-21
32:14

Episode 132: Discovery S5xE3, Jinaal

We examine Star Trek Discovery S5xE3, Jinall. This episode has a strong theme of Connections, which we examine from multiple directions.

04-14
37:06

Episode 131: Discovery S5xE 1 & 2

Michael and Rodney examine the first two episodes of Star Trek Discovery's final season, including a lot of production details as well as the ethics and themes of the episodes.

04-07
41:42

Episode 130: Discovery S2xE 12, 13 & 14

The Academy professors finish their rewatch of Star Trek Discovery Season 2, including a lot of the discussion of the themes and ethics seen in the episodes, including how to make AI ethical.

03-31
43:07

Episode 129: Discovery S2xE 8, 9, 10 & 11

The Academy professors rewatch Star Trek Discovery Season 2, episodes 8, 9, 10 & 11, including the implications of the story arc of the season using AI as the "Big Bad" antagonist and how that connects to today.

03-24
41:20

Episode 128: Discovery S2xE 4, 5, 6, & 7

The Academy professors rewatch Star Trek Discovery Season 2, deconstructing episodes 4, 5, 6, & 7, focusing on the growing complexity of the story arc and new insights about the characters.

03-17
33:00

Episode 127: Discovery S2xE 1, 2 & 3

The Academy professors rewatch Star Trek Discovery Season 2, deconstructing episodes 1, 2 & 3, including production details, creative decisions, and portrayal of ethics.

03-04
35:16

Episode 126: Discovery S1xE 14 & 15

The Academy professors wrap up their coverage of Star Trek Discovery Season 1, looking at the final two episodes and the overall messages of the season.

02-18
32:32

Episode 125: Discovery S1xE 10, 11, 12, 13

Our special series rewatching Star Trek Discovery, seasons 1 & 2 continues, looking at the four S1 episodes set in the Mirror Universe. We look at the production design as well as the philosophy and messages that are coming forward as the season nears its end.

02-04
37:00

Episode 123: Discovery S1xE1, 2, 3 & 4

The Academy faculty begin a special series of podcasts rewatching Star Trek Discovery, seasons 1 & 2. This time, they look at the first four episodes, considering the production design as well as the philosophy and messages of the four episodes.

01-07
48:51

Episode 122: Lower Decks S4xE10 - Old Friends, New Planets

The Academy faculty talks Star Trek Lower Decks S4xE10, Old Friends, New Planets, including the important context between the Mariner and Locarno characters, and the take-away lessons of the season finale.

11-05
37:20

Episode 121: Lower Decks S4xE9 - The Inner Fight

The Academy faculty deconstructs Star Trek Lower Decks S4xE9, The Inner Fight, including a lot of talk about what we learn about Mariner in this episode and a huge prediction about next week's season finale.

10-29
38:02

Episode 120: Lower Decks S4xE8 - Caves

The Academy faculty deconstructs Star Trek Lower Decks S4xE8, Caves, including a lot of talk about the lessons about conspiracy theory, friendship, and storytelling in the episode.

10-22
36:26

Episode 119: Lower Decks S4xE7 - A Few Badgeys More

The Academy faculty considers Star Trek Lower Decks S4xE7, A Few Badgeys More. Badgey, Peanut Hamper, and Agimus return for a story filled with messages about parenting and decision-making.

10-16
35:34

Episode 118: Lower Decks S4xE6 - Parth Ferengi's Heart Place

The Academy faculty considers Star Trek Lower Decks S4xE6, Parth Ferengi's Heart Place, featuring the return of Rom and Leeta as Ferenginar asks to join the Federation, and Mariner grappling with her chaotic lifestyle.

10-09
32:26

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