Strange New Pod | A Star Trek Podcast

Join Girafe, Emcee, and Erik as they break down everything that happened, or we should say, DIDN'T happen during this year's Star Trek First Contact Day celebrations. 

We are thrilled to welcome special guest Matt Jennings to the bridge to help us navigate the latest news, or lack thereof, and discuss the current state of the franchise. From the deafening silence on certain projects, we’re diving deep into what is next for the Star Trek universe. Grab your favorite beverage, engage with us in the live chat, and let’s talk about the future of Tr...

Racing Against the Flames | The Cries of Mars
The Cries of Mars continues this month as the crew of the Thunder Bay race to evacuate the USS Shepard, one of the many vessels that came under attack during the synth strike on Mars.

Follow along as Doctor Neldan and Commander Vinar attempt to triage both the survivors aboard the Shepard and its failing systems, while Commander Marik and the crew aboard the Thunder Bay do everything they can to prevent the situation from deteriorating even more.

🎙 Credits:

🔹 Produced & Edited by: Julian...

Join Girafe and Emcee as they sit down to review and deep dive into the recently released Star Trek Deviations One Shot from IDW Publishing, "Threads of Destiny!"

This special one-shot features Lieutenant Nyota Uhura. In the 23rd century, she explores far-flung star systems with her crew on the Enterprise as part of her mission to communicate and build bridges with life found across the Galaxy. But in the 20th century, humankind was working to build understanding among themselves, with African Americans on Earth championing the Civil Rights Movement and using their voices and acts of protest...

The final frontier meets the center stage! Join Giraffe along with Amy and Trevor as they break down Star Trek night on The Masked Singer. 

We are joined LIVE by Giraffe, who was in the audience for the taping and is ready to answer all your questions about the performances and the atmosphere on set.

We are also diving into the Star Trek 60th Anniversary!

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We've come to the end of the year at Starfleet Academy. The SNP Crew is reviewing Starfleet Academy's season finale, “Rubincon!”

Episode Synopsis: 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 our cadets and instructors undertake a dangerous, seemingly impossible, mission to save everyone and everything they hold dear.

That, plus our episode breakdown, reactions, and your thoughts from the mailbag, on Episode 278 of Strange New Pod.

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Welcome to Session 0 of our special Strange New Adventures one-shot! This game is a direct love letter to the classic thriller Crimson Tide, set right in the gritty Enterprise era of Star Trek.

With the galaxy on a quadrant-wide red alert following the Earth-Romulan War, peace is hanging by a thread. In this kickoff episode, we set the stage for our high-stakes mission and dive into the precarious political climate surrounding the rogue Romulan Admiral Nikal.

Watch as the cast goes through collaborative character creation! We then wrap up by building our starship, the Birmingham...

The title says it all. It's the 300th Night of school at Starfleet Academy! We’re reviewing Starfleet Academy Episode 109, “300th Night.”

Episode Synopsis: 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.

That, plus our episode breakdown, reactions, and your thoughts from the mailbag, on Episode 277 of Strange New Pod.

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The fire is spreading!

Strange New Adventures, our Star Trek Adventures Actual Play series, returns for a relentless Season 2 premiere. Mars is no longer a beacon of ambition; it is a graveyard choked in ash and wreathed in flame. High above the smoldering ruins, the USS Thunder Bay cuts through a lethal field of shattered starships and stolen lives.

The Parliament-class vessel is outclassed by the sheer scale of the devastation, yet her crew must hold the line. In "Adrift in the Crimson Inferno," every sensor ghost is a tragedy and...

This week on Strange New Pod, Tilly returns to teach these kids some valuable lessons! We’re reviewing Starfleet Academy Episode 108, “The Life of the Stars.”

Episode Synopsis: A visiting instructor arrives at the Academy and uses an unorthodox method to help our 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.

That, plus our episode breakdown and reactions on Episode 276 of Strange New Pod.

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This week on Strange New Pod, the cadets get a break after the grueling events on board the Miyazaki. We’re reviewing Starfleet Academy Episode 107, “Ko'Zeine.”

Episode Synopsis: 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.

That, plus our episode breakdown, reactions, and your thoughts from the mailba...

This week on Strange New Pod, the training wheels are coming off! We’re reviewing Starfleet Academy Episode 106, “Come, Let’s Away.”

Episode Synopsis: 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.

That, plus our episode breakdown, reactions, and your thoughts from the mailbag, on Episode 274 of Strange New Pod.

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This week on Strange New Pod, it's all about S.A.M. We’re reviewing Starfleet Academy Episode 105, “Series Acclimation Mil.”

Episode Synopsis: 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.

That, plus our episode breakdown, reactions, and your thoughts from the mailbag, on Episode 273 of Strange New Pod.

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This week on Strange New Pod, we’re reviewing Starfleet Academy Episode 104, “Vox in Excelso.”

Episode Synopsis: 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.

That, plus our episode breakdown, reactions, and your thoughts from the mailbag, on Episode 272 of Strange New Pod.

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The galaxy changed forever in 2385.

In this Session 0 of our Star Trek Adventures campaign, The Cries of Mars, we set the stage in the aftermath of the Synth Attack that destroyed Utopia Planitia and left Mars burning. With the Romulan evacuation effort dead, Starfleet in crisis, and Admiral Picard resigned, what remains of the fleet has been reassigned to rescue, relief, and evacuation around the Red Planet.

Our story begins aboard the USS Thunder Bay, a Parliament-class vessel sent into the wreckage.

In this episode, we establish the setting...

Strange New Pod reviews Starfleet Academy, “Vitus Reflux.”

As our cadets compete for a spot on an elite Academy team, things get a little less… Starfleet when an escalating prank war erupts between the Academy and a rival school. With tensions rising, friendships tested, and a blossoming romance caught in the crossfire, the stakes climb fast.

We’re sharing our live reactions, breaking down the character moments, themes, and Trek DNA, plus opening up the mailbag to hear what you think.

All that and more on Episode 271 of Strange New Pod.

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Alternative Space is thrilled to welcome Star Trek: Strange New Worlds fan favorite Melissa Navia, the talented actor behind helmswoman Erica Ortegas.

In this episode, Amy sits down with Melissa for a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation about her Latina heritage and the importance of meaningful representation in Star Trek. Melissa also speaks passionately about being an advocate for women in space and STEM, how Ortegas embodies that spirit, and what it means to help inspire the next generation of explorers.

The chat takes flight as Melissa shares...

This week on Strange New Pod, we’re diving headfirst into Starfleet Academy Episode 102, “Beta Test.” Girafe is joined by Emcee and Hawk to break down the episode’s biggest moments, character beats, and what this early Academy test run tells us about the future of Starfleet. 

Episode Synopsis: With the start of the new academic year, Caleb’s unease about his future at Starfleet Academy persists. But when a delegation from a former Federation ally arrives, and Caleb is tasked with showing their leader's daughter around campus, he must put his uncertainty aside to discover what life at the...

Thursday's Starfleet Academy premiere kicks off a brand-new era for the franchise, and we are digging into everything from character introductions and world-building to themes, canon connections, and what this premiere sets up for the future of Starfleet. 

Join Girafe and the gang as they share their immediate reactions, favorite moments, and a spoiler-filled deep dive into the episode.

Episode Synopsis: After being on the run since age 6, 21-year-old Caleb, a brilliant street kid, is offered the chance of a lifetime: to join the first new Starfleet Academy class in San Francisco in over a c...

We are officially ONE WEEK OUT from Starfleet Academy, and that means it’s time for WANTS & DON’T WANTS on Strange New Pod.

This episode is primarily YOUR SHOW as we dig into your hopes, concerns, and expectations for the series, along with a few of our own. And for this special edition, we can finally address some of those wants and don’t wants without spoilers, because the review embargo lifted TODAY.

Let’s talk about what we’re hoping Starfleet Academy gets right and...

Kick off the New Year with a brand new episode of Strange New Pod as Julian and Giraffe sit down with writer and game designer Carlos Cisco for a wide-ranging conversation spanning Star Trek and tabletop RPGs.

Carlos dives into his work as a writer on Star Trek: Discovery, his contributions to Star Trek Adventures, and his role in helping develop the brand new TTRPG Daggerheart. They also take a deep look at his latest release, Pistolheart, a Western-inspired supplement for Daggerheart that brings six-shooters, frontier justice, a...

Merry Christmas and welcome to a special holiday edition of Strange New Pod. 

Julian sits down with Jim Johnson, Project Manager for Star Trek Adventures at Modiphius, for an overdue and insightful conversation about the past, present, and future of STA.

They discuss Jim’s background and love of theater, reflect on how Star Trek Adventures Second Edition has grown since its 2024 launch, and why the Starter Set remains such a strong entry point for new players. The episode also touches on the game’s place in today’s expanding TTRPG scene...

This week, we are diving into some of our favorite under-the-radar Star Trek episodes that deserve a lot more love. Deep cuts, strange choices, and episodes that quietly say a lot about the franchise we love.

This week’s picks:

Julian revisits TNG Season 1’s “Arsenal of Freedom,” a rough era classic packed with big ideas, strange tech, and early-series charm.

Hawk breaks down TNG Season 6’s “Schisms,” one of the creepiest and most unsettling hours of Star Trek ever aired.

Emcee charts a course through Deep Space Nine’s <...

With Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount, the Trek movie landscape has shifted once again. The Kelvinverse looks to be shelved (again), and now rumors are swirling about a brand new cinematic take on Star Trek from Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves writers Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley.

So what’s changed since our Trek at the Movies panel at Trek Long Island? A lot.

We’re breaking it all down with our friend and guest Jean Kang! The studio shakeups, the creative rumors, the possibilities for Trek’s next big-screen era, and what thi...

In the latest episode of Alternative Space, host Amy Imhoff sits down with the brilliant Susan and Tilly Bridges for a thoughtful, candid, and energizing conversation about representation across the Star Trek universe and beyond. Together, they dig into the realities of being women and trans creators in the writers' room, the complexities of being the “token” guest on convention panels, and how diversity has evolved (and de-evolved) throughout the Paramount era of Trek.

They also dive deep into their acclaimed new Star Trek: Voyager comic mini-series, Homecoming, now three issues in an...

This week on Strange New Pod, we honor the legendary Tony Todd on what would have been his birthday and a little over a year since his passing. 

We look back at his unforgettable impact on Star Trek, from Kurn, brother of Worf, to Older Jake Sisko in "The Visitor," to the formidable Hirogen Alpha on Voyager. 

We also celebrate his powerful legacy in film and genre storytelling, reflecting on why his presence continues to resonate with fans everywhere.

Join us as we remember, celebrate, and pay tribute to an icon.

Se...

Strange New Pod beams up an incredible trio for this special episode as Julian sits down with the writers behind the Star Trek Adventures Second Edition Starter Campaign: Al Spader, Meric Moir, and Michael Dismuke. 

Together, they dive into the creative heart of the campaign, exploring the inspiration behind its story, how it welcomes brand-new TTRPG players into the Final Frontier, and the guiding philosophy that shaped its design.

From crafting accessible mechanics to building a narrative that captures the spirit of Trek, this conversation goes boldly i...

This week on SNP, we’re sitting down with two titans of the Star Trek universe: David Mack and Kirsten Beyer, the brilliant writers behind Star Trek: Khan. 

We’ll dive deep into the origins of one of Trek’s most iconic villains, explore how they brought new depth to Khan’s legacy, and get a peek behind the curtain of writing within the Star Trek canon.

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Star Trek Adventures: Whatever Should Be Done Must Be Done — Act III “The Codex” Second Edition Starter Campaign Finale!

After seven months of exploration, discovery, and danger, the SNA crew reaches the grand finale of the Star Trek Adventures Second Edition Starter Campaign. What will they uncover in The Codex? Can they protect the ideals of the Federation when science and survival are at odds?

The crew of the Challenger has finally made contact with Dr. Urotoxa, uncovering secrets buried deep beneath an alien world. What begins as a scientific investigation into an ancient site quickl...

Join us live as we dive into Star Trek: Khan, the brand-new scripted podcast that expands one of Trek’s most legendary stories. This week, Girafe and the crew break down the finale of the series, "Eternity's Face!"

Episode Synopsis: Dissent among Khan's followers threatens Venture's launch. Khan faces one last threat to his rule, and a final decision that seals his fate.

Plus your thoughts on the finale and more in the mailbag!

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Join us as we dive into Star Trek: Khan, the brand-new scripted podcast that expands one of Trek’s most legendary stories. This week, Girafe, Julian, and Hawk break down the penultimate episode of the series, "Original Sin!"

Episode Synopsis: Five years after disaster sweeps the planet, Khan's people and the Elboreans prepare their joint, single venture toward salvation. Khan learns the truth behind their predicament. 💬

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Strange New Adventures: “Into the Shadow Maw Nebula” (Act Two of whatever Should Be Done Must Be Done)

The chase intensifies as the crew of the Challenger follows Urotoxa’s trail deep into the mysterious Shadow Maw Nebula, a swirling expanse of volatile energy and treacherous gravitational currents. On a moon shrouded within, Urotoxa and her team may have uncovered something that could rewrite history itself. With time running out and the nebula’s storms threatening to tear their ship apart, the crew must risk everything to find her and uncover the truth before it’s lost to the sha...

Join us as we dive into Star Trek: Khan, the brand-new scripted podcast that expands one of Trek’s most legendary stories. This week, Girafe and Hawk are joined by our friend and special guest Jessie Earl to break down episodes six and seven, "The Good of All" and "I am Marla.""

The Good of All" Synopsis: Khan struggles to understand the Elboreans and their leader, Delmonda, while his own people’s distrust of the newcomers increases in the face of impending catastrophe. 

"I am Marla" Synopsis: Forging a tenuous alliance, Khan’s followe...

As the crew of the USS Challenger embarks on the final chapter of the starter campaign, Commander Xanthus th’Raviq faces a difficult test. Admiral Robert April personally conducts a debriefing, questioning whether this crew is truly suited to continue the hunt for the fugitive Dr. Urotoxa.

With the Admiral’s reluctant blessing, the Challenger sets course for Federation Starbase 323, a glittering hub of trade and diplomacy at a crucial junction of interstellar commerce. The starbase’s interlocking rings hum with life, hosting everything from sleek Starfleet vessels to worn freighters. At its heart, the Galactic Galleria bursts...

It’s time to boldly go… to a party in the Cerritos Lounge five years in the making! 🚀Join us LIVE as we celebrate the fifth anniversary of Star Trek: Lower Decks Season One, the series that turned ensign chaos, heartfelt storytelling, and deep-cut Trek references into an animated phenomenon!

We’re joined by special guest Jean Kang, Lower Decks storyboard artist and assistant director (Seasons 2 and beyond), to talk about the show’s evolution, the art of bringing Trek humor to life, and what it’s like working behind the scenes on one of the fu...

With Ensign Tennan critically injured but still determined to lend his expertise, the crew of the U.S.S. Challenger faces its greatest trial yet. As they make first contact with the mysterious Bryozoan Conveyer, the truth of the Colony’s invasion finally comes to light: the species is not seeking conquest, but survival, driven to desperate measures by forces tearing their existence apart.

With time running out, the crew must decide how far they will go to help these new beings they have encountered while racing to repair their failing warp core. The trimetric fracture threatens to...

We’re beaming up to break down everything Trek fans were treated to this weekend! From the first look at Strange New Worlds Season 4 to the second official trailer drop for Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, there’s a lot to talk about, and we’ve got thoughts.

Join us as we dig into all the big reveals, panel highlights, surprise moments, and yes, even Stephen Colbert’s turn as the Digital Dean of Students. We’ll talk character theories, story teases, and what these new clips mean for the future of Trek.

So grab your badge and...

On this bonus edition of Strange New Pod, Julian and Emcee welcome New York Times bestselling author David Mack aboard to talk all about his brand-new Star Trek: Strange New Worlds novel, Ring of Fire!

Get ready for a deep dive at warp speed as they explore everything from Pike’s haunted past and Una’s hidden secrets to Spock, Chapel, and La’An’s tangled emotional web. David opens up about the book’s high-stakes setting above a black hole, the themes of guilt, redemption, and moral sacrifice that drive the story, and how hi...

Join the SNP crew as they dive into Star Trek: Khan, the brand-new scripted podcast that expands one of Trek’s most legendary stories. 

This week, Girafe and the crew break down episode five, "Imagination's Limits!"

Episode Synopsis: Khan and his people prepare for inescapable calamity, and learn they are no longer alone on this world. Are these mysterious new arrivals enemies, or possible allies?

Plus the mailbag and more on episode 256 of Strange New Pod.

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On this episode of Alternative Space, Girafe sits down with Dr. Tiffany Chow, a leading physician and neuroscientist specializing in Alzheimer’s and other dementias. They explore the latest insights into neurodegenerative disorders, discuss the unique ways space travel affects the brain, and reflect on the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Sarek,” drawing parallels between science fiction and real-world neuroscience. Along the way, Dr. Chow shares her expertise on caregiver advocacy, clinical research, and the frontiers of cognitive science.

Join us for a conversation that bridges the cosmos and the mind.

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Join us live as we dive into Star Trek: Khan, the brand-new scripted podcast that expands one of Trek’s most legendary stories. This week, Girafe and Hawk break down episode four, "Magical Thinking!"

Episode Synopsis: Marla McGivers identifies an urgent threat to the colony. Khan grapples with leading his followers through increasingly difficult times, and a startling revelation from Marla 

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell so you never miss a Trek discussion.

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