Discussing Trek
Clarence Brown
Discussing Trek is the ultimate podcast for all things Star Trek! Whether you're a lifelong Trekkie or just beginning your journey into the final frontier, our passionate hosts explore the rich universe of Star Trek, diving deep into each series, dissecting iconic episodes, and analyzing beloved characters. Join our vibrant community of fellow fans as we embark on an unforgettable exploration of all things Trek! In addition, expect more tangential science-fiction related content. Stay tuned! Hosted by Clarence Brown and Larry Erby.
Episodes
Season Break: Why I'm Pausing the Show
Subscribe on YouTube @DiscussingTrek.This will be the last Discussing Trek podcast to hit the podcast feed for a while. I'm pressing pause on the podcast — not canceling it — to throw everything at the YouTube channel's watch-hour push by February 1st. The stream and podcast prep are a second full-time job sitting on top of the thing that actually needs the hours, so something had to give. I'd rather pause it properly than let it turn into something I'm phoning in.Patrons: billing is paused too. The page stays up, nothing gets deleted, nobody gets charged while nothing's being delivered. When the show comes back, you'll get a post — no re-signup needed.When the channel hits monetization, the live and podcast stream will come back as a monthly event until the weekly livestreams start back in March with Starfleet Academy.Thank you for listening, along with your kindness and patience. LL&P.
Strange New Worlds (S4, E10) "Tomorrow’s Enterprise" Review
Season 4 ends with a time-bending Uhura two-hander: a white hole, a future where Kirk commands the Enterprise, a dead Scotty who isn't, and a cosmic birth no one saw coming. We break down the full episode — the swap, the Midwives, the space baby — then deliver our verdict: did the finale save Season 4?
Strange New Worlds (S4, E9) "Once La'an a Time" Review
The Enterprise goes full fairy tale! Join me LIVE as we break down Strange New Worlds Season 4, Episode 9 — "Once La'an a Time." La'an as a spoiled princess. A REAL fantasy planet. A dragon for the Enterprise to fight. And it's all a sequel to Season 1's "The Elysian Kingdom" — with Onitra Johnson back and Christina Chong finally getting the episode she says she always wanted. Was the fairy tale worth the wait? Did the dragon deliver? And what does this mean for La'an going into the season finale? Bring your hot takes.
Off-Trek: Lanterns Part 01
The Discussing Trek crews veers off the beaten path to discuss the highly popular HBO Series Lanterns. Larry hosts the episode, as he schools Clarence on all things Lanterns. Join in as we discuss a show that everyone should be watching.
Strange New Worlds (S4, E8) "Orders of Magnitude" Review
Join us for a chat about the latest episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, "Orders of Magnitude" — the highest IMDb-rated episode of the season at 8.4.A Starfleet admiral ordered the murder of 5,000 people. Kirk may have committed mutiny stopping him. Was Reeger right? Was Kirk justified? Clarence and Larry (Trek Historian) break it all down — plus the Andorian B-plot, the cordrazine callback, and where Season 4 stands.
Strange New Worlds (S4, E7) "Like Chronitons Through the Hourglass" Review
Join us for a chat about the latest episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, 'Like Chronitons Through the Hourglass'. Where a temporal anomaly traps the crew inside a soap-opera reality while Pike confronts a life he lost.
Strange New Worlds (S4, E6) "Off-Hour" Review
Join us for a chat about the latest episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, 'Off-Hour'. Where the Enterprise falls into a slipstream that pushes them to a catastrophic warp threshold.
Strange New Worlds "Level-Five Transporter Accident" Live Discussion
A transporter malfunction turns most of the crew into puppets while Spock fights to reclaim the ship.
Strange New Worlds "A Case of Chiaroscuro" Live Discussion
Join of as we discuss the latest episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, A Case of Chiaroscuro -- a case of mistaken identity pins Una as a virtuous kingpin against a Klingon occupation, and challenges her core understanding of what it means to be an effective leader.
Strange New Worlds "Human Best Friend" Live Discussion
In the latest episode of Strange New Worlds, titled "Human Best Friend", Shore leave on a pleasure planet turns dangerous when the crew's promised escape stops behaving like fun. Join us as we unpack the episode and more.
Strange New Worlds "The Griffin Incident" Live Discussion
Spock, La'An and Kirk board a lost Federation ship, where an old mystery becomes a survival crisis.
Strange New Worlds "Valles Marineris" Live Discussion
Pike leads the crew into a stellar storm, which sends the Enterprise back 65 million years — to the time of dinosaurs. The crew must find their way home before their actions affect the past and change the distant future.
Why is there so much HATE in Star Trek... and other Sci-Fi?
Star Trek fandom can sometimes be a very divisive place. If you've been on the internet for any amount of time, then you certainly know what I’m talking about. But if we really step back and think about it, is the recent rift in Trek fandom so unique? I’m willing to bet history will tell us otherwise.
COMPUTER, INITIATE ANTI-WOKE FILTERS: Starfleet Academy Season One Is Not The Downfall of Trek
The internet is furious about Starfleet Academy Season One, calling it the downfall of Trek, but did the haters miss the fundamental message? This deep-dive breakdown argues that the young-adult drama is far more than just "messy" and "dramatic"—it's a smart exploration of what it means to rebuild Starfleet in the fragmented, post-Burn Federation-era. The show brilliantly mirrors the cadets' journey of self-definition with the Federation's struggle to determine "What are you now?". We break down how the trauma loop involving Caleb Mir, Chancellor Nahla Ake, and Nus Braka is the true emotional core, and how the cadets ultimately choose Starfleet ideals—empathy, sacrifice, and truth—by forming a powerful "chosen family".
Starfleet Academy "Rubincon" Live Discussion
When an old enemy resurfaces as an existential threat to the Federation, Nahla must outwit a vengeful foe with a personal vendetta against her – as the cadets and instructors undertake a dangerous, seemingly impossible, mission to save everyone and everything they hold dear.
Starfleet Academy "300th Night" Live Discussion
As the year comes to an end, Caleb must choose between the life he thought he wanted and the life he’s built for himself at Starfleet Academy. Meanwhile, Nahla breaks protocol in one final gambit to keep a promise to Caleb.
Starfleet Academy "The Life of the Stars" Live Discussion
A visiting instructor arrives at the Academy and uses an unorthodox method to help the cadets process the emotions of recent trauma. At the same time, a cadet faces an unexpected challenge that will alter the trajectory of her life forever.
Starfleet Academy "Ko'Zeine" Live Discussion
As our cadets return home for their first school holiday, they must choose between what their families expect of them and their own dreams for the future – including an aspiring captain who's secretly willing to risk everything to re-write her own past, and an aristocratic cadet called to serve his planet way before he's ready.
Starfleet Academy "Come, Let's Away" Live Discussion
During the cadets' first training mission on an abandoned ship, they encounter a dangerous new enemy. As our cadets fight for survival, Nahla must risk everything to save them by seeking help from an unexpected, untrustworthy, source.
Starfleet Academy "Series Acclimation Mil" Live Discussion
As a cadet sets out to solve an ancient Starfleet mystery, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns the value of forging her own path. Meanwhile, Nahla agrees to help a fellow chancellor with an elaborate alien ritual.
Starfleet Academy "Vox in Excelso" Live Discussion
When an existential crisis threatens to wipe out a beloved but infamous Star Trek species, a cadet is forced to confront his past and strained relationship with his family. As he pursues an unexpected method of coping, Nahla races against time to save this species from extinction.
Starfleet Academy "Vitus Reflux" Live Discussion
Cadets compete to join an elite team while battling escalating pranks from a rival school.STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.
Starfleet Academy "Kids These Days" and "Beta Test" Live Discussion
STAR TREK: STARFLEET ACADEMY introduces viewers to a young group of cadets who come together to pursue a common dream of hope and optimism. Under the watchful and demanding eyes of their instructors, they discover what it takes to become Starfleet officers as they navigate blossoming friendships, explosive rivalries, first loves and a new enemy that threatens both the Academy and the Federation itself.
Strange New Worlds "New Life and New Civilizations" Mini-Review: Love Hurts
Join us to unpack the high-stakes Strange New Worlds Season 3 finale, "New Life and New Civilizations" — a potential series ending? We examine the tragic, redemptive fates of Captains Pike and Batel; Batel's destiny as the Beholder gives Pike an Inner Light-esque gift. We'll also break down the Vezda's ancient evil and explore the episode's finality and fresh start, wondering what kind of Captain Pike will be now and where Strange New Worlds goes as it sets up the final two seasons and the Five-Year Mission. #strangenewworlds #newlifeandnewcivilizations #startrek
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Official Trailer Discussion
In this episode we give our thoughts on the Star Trek: Starfleet Academy trailer released at NYCC 2025. We dive into each of the characters and ponder about the premise of the series. Join in on the fun!
Strange New Worlds "Terrarium" Mini-Review: Half-Savage, Full of Heart
In this review of Strange New Worlds Season 3, Episode 9, "Terrarium," we explore a classic Star Trek-inspired narrative that deeply challenges our understanding of survival as Ortegas faces being stranded with a Gorn. We delve into Ortegas's surprising bond with the Gorn, Uhura's critical yet controversial decisions, the Metrons' appearance and their assessment of humanity, and numerous Trekkie easter eggs including references to Captain Matt Decker. As a spiritual remake and prequel to "Arena," "Terrarium" delivers the heart and understanding synonymous with Star Trek while maintaining its unique identity. #Terrarium #TheEnemy #Darmok #Arena #Dawn
Strange New Worlds "Four-and-a-Half Vulcans" Mini-Review: What the Heck Just Happened
Strange New Worlds “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans”, is an episode that missed the mark despite its intriguing premise. This review dives into the crew's transformation into Vulcans and the ensuing chaos, highlighting standout performances like Melanie Scrofano's Captain Batel amidst the lackluster plot and character inconsistencies. Discover why the episode's attempt at humor and dramatic tension fell flat, and whether its Trekkie nods truly saved it from being excised from the catalog. #StrangeNewWorlds #StarTrek #FourAndAHalfVulcans
Strange New Worlds "What is Starfleet?" Review
In this episode, we dive deep into Strange New Worlds Season 3 Episode 7, "What is Starfleet?" Join us as we dissect the thought-provoking questions posed by Umberto Ortegas and his in-universe documentary: What separates a Federation from an Empire? We'll explore the moral quandaries faced by Pike and his crew while aiding a war-torn planet and the profound decision surrounding the sentient Jikaru. Tune in as we ponder whether Starfleet's identity truly rests on its people's adherence to their beliefs and ideals.
Strange New Worlds "The Sehlat Who At Its Tail" Mini-Review: That Ship Has A Face
Captain Kirk's first command turns chaotic when a planet-destroying scavenger ship consumes the Enterprise, leaving the crew trapped and drained of energy. While Kirk struggles with his newfound leadership, the combined ingenuity of his future crew, including Scotty, Spock, Uhura, Chapel, must find a way to defeat the beast. This episode explores the "dog who caught the car" idiom as Kirk confronts the unexpected realities of achieving his Starfleet dream, all while introducing a mysterious, post-WW3 human antagonist. #StrangeNewWorlds #TheSehlatWhoAteItsTail
Strange New Worlds "Through the Lens of Time" Review
Discussing Trek breaks down "Through the Lens of Time," Strange New Worlds Season 3, Episode 5! Join Clarence and Larry Erby as they explore this part-horror, part-escape room episode, diving into Ensign Dana Gamble's story and the chilling presence of Vezda, while also unpacking the dynamics between Chapel, Corby, Spock, and La'An, and speculating on the Q homeworld connection, including whether Vadia IX was truly the Q's long-lost homeworld and the secret to their immortality.
Strange New Worlds "A Space Adventure Hour" Review
Join in on this week's discussion as Clarence, Larry, and Tasha of Tasha Pierce Unwrapped dissect the latest episode of Strange New Worlds: A Space Adventure Hour. This one is sure to ruffle some feathers as we get a look at the holodeck's origin along with a meta-narrative of the early days of Star Trek. Meanwhile, La'An attempts to solve a murder mystery with a twist and Scotty gets an early lesson in teamwork. Welcome to The Last Frontier! #StarTrek #StrangeNewWorlds #Holodeck #ASpaceAdventureHour #TheLastFrontier
Strange New Worlds "Shuttle to Kenfori" Review
Join in on this week's discussion as Clarence and Larry dissect the latest episode of Strange New Worlds, Shuttle to Kenfori. But first, news is in order as the duo cover big news out of the San Diego Comic Con. Starfleet Academy is looking good, while Strange New Worlds continues to take big swings. Finally we dive deep into our zombie-centric episode of Strange New Worlds, where truth is uncovered and emotions take their toll.#StarTrek #StrangeNewWorlds #ShuttleToKenfori #Zombies
Strange New Worlds: "Hegemony Part II" and "Wedding Bell Blues" Review
Join in as Clarence and Larry discuss the two episode premiere of Strange New Worlds Season 3. In "Hegemony, Part II," Pike leads a perilous rescue mission behind enemy lines against a deadly enemy. They discuss the Gorn conflict, Pike's prayers for Batel, and standout performances. In "Wedding Bell Blues," an uninvited guest disrupts Spock's celebration. They discuss memorable lines, the Spock-Chapel-Korby awkwardness, theories on Captain Batel's future and the new Q, Sam's mustache comment, and Wanda-Vision vibes.#StrangeNewWorlds #StarTrek #HegemonyPartII #WeddingBellBlues #StarTrekReview
Writing Star Trek with Derek Tyler Attico: The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko and More
We finally get to have a virtual sit down with the writer of The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko, Derek Tyler Attico. We start out chat talking about his introduction to Star Trek, his short stories "The Dreamer and the Dream" and "Alpha and Omega", before diving into the Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko. Honestly, we still have even more question of Mr. Attico that we didn't get to talk about. Be sure to follow Derek's podcast "The Soul of the Story" over on the Syfy Systas YouTube channel.
I Will Come Back! The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko Ch. 25-28 and Conclusion
Welcome back to the Trekkie Book Club, ah, The Dream — where we try to decipher reality as the dream gets deeper. We wrap up our discussion of The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko, written by Derek Tyler Attico, as we cover chapters 25 through 28, along with the conclusion. In this episode, Benjamin talks about hard choices, love, war, and coping with the ups and downs. Join us as we chop it up and conclude our discussion of what has been a fantastic read!
Turning Terok Nor into Deep Space Nine and Personnel Choices: The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko Ch. 21-24
Welcome back to the Trekkie Book Club, ah, Tri-ox Compound — where we give you specialized treatments where you can read faster and go stronger (wait, that doesn't work). We resume our discussion of 'The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko' written by Derek Tyler Attico, as we cover chapters 21 through 24. In this episode, Benjamin talks about picking his personal for Deep Space Nine, becoming the Emissary to the Bajoran people, Cardassians, and betrayal. Join us as we chop it up!
Star Trek Section 31 Movie Review: What Happened?
Star Trek: Section 31 starring Michelle Yeoh... what happened? Join us as we dissect this universally panned Star Trek movie and try to find any redeeming qualities. We'll explore what, if anything, works, and more importantly, where it all went wrong. Prepare for some strong opinions! #StarTrek #Section31 #MichelleYeoh #MovieReview #StarTrekReview
Project Defiant and Moving Up The Ranks: The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko Chapters 17-20
Welcome back to the Trekkie Book Club, ah, Project Defiant — where we deal with our rage with the world by reading Star Trek books. We resume our discussion of 'The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko' written by Derek Tyler Attico, as we cover chapters 17 through 20. In this episode, Ben moves up the ranks by acts of heroism, and as you guess, more heartbreak. Damn you Locutus. Get the Book: https://amzn.to/3E6rzEC #TheAutobiographyOfBenjaminSisko
Star Trek Lower Decks 5.10 Series Finale "The New Next Generation" Review
In Star Trek: Lower Decks "The New Next Generation", the USS Cerritos goes on a mission to close a rift in spacetime that threatens to destroy their reality. Join us as we chat about all the details, determine if the series ended with a bang, and ask ourselves is this truly the end.
Star Trek: Lower Decks Season 5 Eps. 8-9 (Upper Decks and Fissure Quest) Review
In this weeks review, we are back aboard the USS Cerritos, although our wacky crew of Lower Deckers are nowhere to be found. Join us as we review two lower decker-light adventures that give us both a look at the life of the Upper Decks of the Cerritos, as well as the exploits of a familiar character on a Quantum Fissure Quest to save the multiverse. As alway, we'll be discussing the good, the bad, and the Trekkie.
Star Trek Lower Decks Season 5 Episode 7 Fully Dilated
In Fully Dilated, it's a pre-warp society undercover Girls Trip.
Star Trek Lower Decks Season 5 Eps. 5-6 Review: Starbase 80 and Of Gods and Angles
In Starbase 80, The crew of the Cerritos returns from a mission on Piskes 9 when Cetatean Ops informs the captain that navigational processing is malfunctioning, and the closest station is Starbase 80. In Of Gods and Angles, The Cerritos hosts peace talks between warring civilizations.
Star Trek Lower Decks Season 5 Episode 4 Review: A Farewell to Farms
In this weeks review, we are once again aboard the USS Cerritos, and in a very feathery situation. Join us as we review episode four of season five A Farewell to Farms, where Dr. Migleemo cooks up some hot dishes while Mariner prefers hers served cold. As alway, we'll be discussing the good, the bad, and the Trekkie.
Star Trek Lower Decks Season 5 Eps. 1-3 Review
In this weeks review, we are back aboard the USS Cerritos, rubbing elbows with its wacky crew. Join us as we review the first three episodes (Dos Cerrito, Shades of Green, The Best Exotic Nanite Hotel) of season 5. As alway, we'll be discussing the good, the bad, and the Trekkie.
Sisko FINALLY finds Jennifer and Befriends a certain Old Man (TAOBS Ch. 15-16)
Welcome back to the Trekkie Book Club, ah, George's Party — where we just throw away the book and party on lunar craters. We resume our discussion of 'The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko' written by Derek Tyler Attico, as we cover chapters 15 and 16. In this episode, Benjamin finally finds Jennifer, looses Jennifer, and finds her again. Also, Benjamin befriends a certain old man! Join us as we dive into the deets, look for connections to Trek-lore, and much more.
Discussing KHAN!!! The Musical: A Parody Trek-tacular with creator Brent Black
Join in as we sit down with comedian, musician, and video game developer Brent Black ( @brentalfloss ) to talk about his musical KHAN!!! The Musical: A Parody Trek-tacular. We talk all about the upcoming Star Trek-inspired musical, along with how he got his start into music and comedy, and how geek-culture has influenced his career. Join me in welcoming Brent to the show.
Sisko's HEARTBREAK and Making Friends in a Crisis (TAOBS Ch. 13-14)
Welcome back to the Trekkie Book Club, ah, the Heartbreak Hotel — where we attempt to cope with yet another Benjamin Sisko tragedy. We resume our discussion of 'The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko' written by Derek Tyler Attico, as we cover chapters 13 and 14. In this episode, Benjamin makes friends while navigating the yearly Starfleet Academy Crisis Protocol, and also has to deal with more heartbreak while prepping for the Kobayashi Maru! Join us as we dive into the deets, look for connections to Trek-lore, and much more. Get the Book: https://amzn.to/3WdVtxQ #TheAutobiographyOfBenjaminSisko
Sisko's Epic Leadership Moment & Challenging the Prime Directive (TAOBS Ch. 11-12)
Welcome back to the Trekkie Book Club, ah, The Lafayette Library — where we run our library as efficiently as a Sisko kitchen! We resume our discussion of 'The Autobiography of Benjamin Sisko' written by Derek Tyler Attico, as we cover chapters 11 and 12. In this episode, Benjamin stands up for Starfleet values in Prime Directive 101, finds love in an unlikely place, and unknowing becomes a leader! Join us as we dive into the deets, look for connections to Trek-lore, and much more.
STOP Ignoring Star Trek's Beta Canon!
How does beta canon contribute to the overall lore of the Star Trek universe? How do novels, comics, and games enhance or conflict with the primary canon?Join us as we discuss it all and more with @WindgraceProject from YouTube.
After Dark: What We're Watching, Multiverses, Trek Questions, and More
Join us for an open discussion about science fiction both Trek and non-Trek related. We take a deep dive into what we're watching, talk multiverses, and even the direction of Trek going forward.