MICHAEL DORN: Setting Star Trek Records, Embracing Worf & Escaping the Hollywood Hamster Wheel
Digest
This podcast episode begins with introductions and promotions, including a Blue Nile ad, Patreon support requests, and announcements about an upcoming Smallville convention and the hosts' Cameo appearances. Ryan's recent COVID-19 experience is also discussed. The main focus is a lengthy interview with Michael Dorn, covering various aspects of his life and career. Dorn discusses his podcast listening habits, emphasizing engaging content and the importance of the host's voice. He details his transition to a vegan lifestyle following a prostate cancer diagnosis, highlighting the positive impact on his health and energy. He reflects on his career choices, his approach to retirement, and his focus on health and fitness. The interview also delves into his experiences at conventions, his relationships with the Star Trek cast, and the humor on the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Dorn discusses the show's enduring popularity and its exploration of social and moral issues, mentioning the infamous "Code of Honor" episode. The podcast concludes with discussions about the challenges of independent filmmaking, the hosts' plans for a new science fiction film using Star Trek actors, and further Patreon shoutouts.
Outlines
Introduction, Podcast Promotion & COVID Update
The episode opens with introductions, podcast promotion (Patreon, subscriptions), and a discussion of Ryan's recent COVID-19 illness and its effects. Includes a Blue Nile advertisement.
Smallville Con, Merchandise & Interview Introduction
Promotion of the upcoming Smallville convention, Cameo appearances, Rosie's Puppy Fresh Breath, "The Talented Farder," and an introduction to the Michael Dorn interview, highlighting his career and the importance of self-discovery.
Michael Dorn Interview - Part 1: Podcast Preferences & Voice
Dorn discusses his podcast listening habits, emphasizing engaging content and the impact of the host's voice, using Ben Shapiro as an example.
Michael Dorn Interview - Part 2: Health, Veganism & Prostate Cancer
Dorn discusses his health journey, his vegan lifestyle adopted after a prostate cancer diagnosis, and the impact of veganism on his energy levels.
Michael Dorn Interview - Part 3 & 4: Career, Retirement, Conventions & Star Trek Cast
Dorn reflects on his career choices, retirement, health, fitness, convention experiences, fan interactions, and his relationships with the Star Trek cast, emphasizing the camaraderie of the TNG cast.
Michael Dorn Interview - Part 5: Humor on Set & Star Trek's Legacy
Discussion of humor on the set of TNG, the show's enduring popularity, exploration of social and moral issues, and the "Code of Honor" episode.
Filmmaking Challenges & New Project
The hosts discuss the difficulties of getting a Western film made and their new character-driven science fiction film using Star Trek actors, aiming for a claustrophobic, single-set approach for film festival submissions.
Patreon Shoutouts & Upcoming Con Plans
The podcast hosts thank their Patreon supporters and discuss plans for a future Patreon meetup at a convention.
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Keywords
Veganism
A diet excluding all animal products; adopted by Michael Dorn for health reasons after a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Prostate Cancer
A type of cancer affecting the prostate gland; Dorn's experience led him to adopt a vegan diet.
Michael Dorn
Actor known for his role as Worf in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Popular science fiction television series; the interview focuses on Dorn's experiences on the show.
Worf (Star Trek)
Klingon character in Star Trek: The Next Generation; Dorn discusses his portrayal of the character.
Independent Filmmaking
The process of making films outside major studio systems.
Podcast Production
The process of creating and distributing audio content.
Patreon Support
A platform enabling content creators to receive direct financial support from their audience.
Film Festival Circuit
The process of submitting independent films to various film festivals.
Claustrophobic Filmmaking
A filmmaking technique creating a sense of confinement and tension.
Q&A
What led Michael Dorn to adopt a vegan lifestyle?
A prostate cancer diagnosis and his doctor's observation that he'd never seen a vegetarian with prostate cancer.
How did Michael Dorn's experience on Star Trek: The Next Generation shape his acting career?
The unique camaraderie and collaborative spirit of the cast solidified his career and led to later roles.
What makes Star Trek so enduringly popular?
Its weekly morality plays, exploration of social issues, multicultural cast, and ability to provide escapism while tackling complex themes.
What challenges did the speaker face in getting their Western film made?
The speaker encountered significant difficulties navigating traditional film industry channels.
What alternative approach did the speaker take for their new science fiction film?
The speaker chose a smaller, character-driven sci-fi film with a limited setting and small cast for film festival submissions.
How does the speaker engage with their audience?
The speaker utilizes Patreon and interacts with fans at conventions.
What is the speaker's next step in the filmmaking process?
After finishing the script, the speaker will move on to filming.
Show Notes
Michael Dorn (Star Trek, Steelworks) joins us this week to share his record setting tenure throughout Star Trek as Worf along with the grounding and gratitude that has allowed him to maintain a love and passion for his character and cast mates. Michael talks about auditioning for the role with the likes of the late great James Avery and how embracing ‘being outsider’ helped throughout the series. We also talking about escaping the Hollywood hamster wheel, his life changing prostate cancer diagnosis, and a great story onset Rocky where he was uncredited.
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