Humanist Trek

When a reclusive alien race becomes unable to have children, they steal some from the Enterprise. While Wesley leads a rebellion on the planet, the adults on the D science the problem. Will a 3rd grade recorder concert convince the aliens to let the children go? Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Bluesky Mastodon Discord YouTube Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch 6:31 - Teaser 12:39 - Act 1 22:29 - Act 2 33:20 - Act 3 41:03 - Act 4 47:44 - Act 5 57:27 - Humanist Themes 1:04:24 - Patron Shout Outs 1:05:05 - Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge

3/20/25 • 70:19

When a crusty old Admiral is sent to negotiate for hostages with a man he negotiated with 45 years prior, the Enterprise uncovers a 3-layer dip of revenge. But when the Admiral OD's on some Harry Mudd de-aging pill, Sarah is sent on a midlife 'funk'. Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Bluesky Mastodon Discord YouTube Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch 3:07 - Teaser 6:38 - Act 1 14:59 - Act 2 22:49 - Act 3 29:05 - Act 4 34:07 - Act 5 38:13 - Humanist Themes 49:58 - Honor the Dead 51:02 - Patron Shout Outs 52:17 - Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge

3/13/25 • 56:15

While Riker endulges in some holoporn, an alien race of non-binaries hijack the D in order to save their homeworld. But when Picard drops into the Holodeck and ruins the mood, both Riker and Picard are held hostage by a Real Doll. Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Bluesky Mastodon Discord YouTube Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch 6:00 - Teaser 16:38 - Act 1 24:45 - Act 2 35:52 - Act 3 42:04 - Act 4 46:58 - Act 5 56:15 - Humanist Themes 59:59 - Patron Shout Outs 1:00:41 - Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge

3/6/25 • 66:41

Leonard Crofoot (Trent) joins us for this review and discussion of TNG's "Angel One"! When the Enterprise visits a matriarchal society while looking for survivors from a Federation freighter, they find themselves in the middle of a gender revolution. But when the survivors refuse to leave, Trent's Angels sentence them to death. How hard is it for a society to adapt? How hard is Riker in Mistress Beata's bed? Learn more about Leonard Crofoot at LeonardCrofoot.com. Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Bluesky Mastodon Discord YouTube Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch 7:50 - Teaser 11:36 - Act 1 27:19 - Act 2 38:17 - Act 3 48:08 - Act 4 52:14 - Act 5 58:20 - Humanist Themes 1:09:01 - Patron Shout Outs 1:09:37 - Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge

2/27/25 • 79:02

The Enterprise visits the old farm where Data grew up, hoping to learn about Data's past. But when Star Trek introduces an "Adam and Stuart Chandler" dynamic into this Soap Opera in Space, the crew face almost certain destruction. Do androids have SSD's? Is it really that bad to hard shutdown your android? Is Lore also "fully functional"? AND - A special guest joins us to take on Becca's Impossible Starfleet Academy Quiz Question! Support the production of Tilly and Susan’s short film “Long Away” at https://tinyurl.com/longawayshort Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Bluesky Mastodon Discord YouTube Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch 8:13 - Teaser 13:29 - Act 1 23:04 - Act 2 32:55 - Act 3 46:11 - Act 4 59:43 - Act 5 1:16:11 - Humanist Themes 1:25:46 - Patron Shout Outs 1:26:57 - Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge

2/20/25 • 93:14

Adam Nimoy, former lawyer and director (ST:TNG "Rascals" and "Timescape") talks about his new book, "The Most Human: Reconciling With My Father, Leonard Nimoy". Adam discusses the cycles of difficult relationships between fathers and sons, the cycles of addiction, how playing Spock impacted Leonard's parenting, and shares how the tools of 12 Step Recovery helped both he and Leonard find ways to reconcile in Leonard's final years. Purchase your copy of "The Most Human: Reconciling with my Father, Leonard Nimoy" from BookShop.org using our special link to support Adam, your local bookstores, and your favorite Star Trek Podcast! If you find yourself in need of support, please reach out to one of these great organizations. And if one doesn't work for you, keep trying! They all approach addiction a bit differently, keep looking until you find the right fit for you. We believe in you! Alcoholics Anonymous Narcotics Anonymous LifeRing Secular Recovery SMART Recovery SOS Sobriety Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Bluesky Mastodon Discord YouTube Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

2/13/25 • 42:48

When Star Trek revisits the 1940's mob scene, Picard and some friends get trapped in a malfuctioning Holodeck with the safeties off. While young Wesley rewires the controls, a diplomatic deadline quickly approaches. Will Boy Wonder save the day (again)? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Bluesky Mastodon Discord YouTube Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch 8:41 - Teaser 16:16 - Act 1 27:02 - Act 2 36:01 - Act 3 47:08- Act 4 53:55 - Act 5 1:01:31 - Humanist Themes 1:08:39 - Patron Shout Outs 1:09:28 - Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge

2/6/25 • 74:05

Bill Riker's hard-on gets crushed when Deanna Troi's long lost fiance shows up, but before any knots can be tied, an old plauge ship shows up threatening to give everyone small pox. Will the wedding go on? How many Steve Miller Band jokes can one podcast make? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Bluesky Mastodon Discord YouTube Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch 5:40 - Teaser 10:02 - Act 1 23:36 - Act 2 33:43 - Act 3 43:21 - Act 4 50:23 - Act 5 1:01:48 - Humanist Themes 1:06:06 - Patron Shout Outs 1:07:42 - Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge

1/30/25 • 74:05

When Q offers Riker an invitation to join the cult, Riker is tempted. But when the power starts corrupting absolutely, Picard and crew must remind Riker of his humanity. Would you have saved that dead child? And what was a child doing at a mining operation, anyway? Doesn't the Federation have child labor laws? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Bluesky Mastodon Discord YouTube Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch 6:20 - Teaser 12:03 - Act 1 21:39 - Act 2 34:46 - Act 3 39:58 - Act 4 49:59 - Act 5 58:36 - Humanist Themes 1:05:49 - Patron Shout Outs 1:07:45 - Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge

1/23/25 • 73:35

When DaiMon Ahab of the Ferengi turns up with Picard's old ship, Picard begins having headaches and reliving an old battle. Is there ever profit in revenge? Will we ever cure headaches? Is Dr. Crusher the Dom to Picard's Sub? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Bluesky Mastodon Discord TikTok YouTube Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch 4:56 - Teaser 8:50 - Act 1 22:41 - Act 2 38:16 - Act 3 46:10 - Act 4 54:48 - Act 5 1:02:26 - Humanist Themes 1:06:19 - Patron Shout Outs 1:08:19 - Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge

1/16/25 • 73:45

While distracted by side boob and peek-a-boo butt cheek on yet another paradise planet, young Wesley accidentally breaks a law and is to be put to death. Lawyer Picard must argue with a less developed species for his freedom. Is ignorance of the law a valid defense? Why didn't the Prime Directive stop us from visiting this planet in the first place? Isn't the injustice that we don't just provide care to all people as a right and not that Mario's brother was radicalized by dealing with the US heath "care" system to the point where he shot a healthcare exec? Murder is wrong, and a crime -- what of justice? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch 8:06 - Teaser 12:56 - Act 1 27:36 - Act 2 39:34 - Act 3 45:30 - Act 4 57:53 - Act 5 1:12:45 - Humanist Themes 1:22:28 - Patron Shout Outs 1:25:38 - Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge

1/9/25 • 90:09

When the D visits its first Melllvar cloud, mysterious things start happening to some of the crew. But when Picard himself is beamed away as energy, Data must assume the persona of Sherlock Holmes to unravel the mystery. Will the "one weird transporter trick" make any more appearances? Were these two separate stories smashed together like peanut butter and chocolate? And what the #^&% is this diamond-shaped "statue" we're supposed to see? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch Teaser 8:57 Act 1 17:17 Act 2 29:27 Act 3 35:23 Act 4 45:37 Act 5 50:50 Humanist Themes 1:00:06 Honor the Dead 1:05:24 Patron Shout Outs 1:06:16 Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge 1:07:53

1/2/25 • 79:18

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1 (aka The Original Series Season 4) continues this week when the Enterprise is thrown to a faraway galaxy by a mysterious alien. When the alien becomes ill, everyone on board must Care Bear Stare to get us home. Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch Teaser 4:10 Act 1 12:11 Act 2 19:04 Act 3 24:21 Act 4 31:24 Act 5 38:57 Humanist Themes 43:39 Honor the Dead 50:10 Patron Shout Outs 51:20 Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge 51:56

12/26/24 • 55:06

When the Enterprise and a Ferengi ship get trapped by an energy-sucking planet, the diplomatic approach is "Better Together". But when they trigger an ancient alien Brinks Home Security System, Riker must answer the challenge. Is fear our greatest enemy? Were the Metrons part of the Tkon Empire? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch Teaser    6:05 Act 1    9:30 Act 2    21:20 Act 3    29:18 Act 4    35:57 Act 5    44:20 Humanist Themes    56:21 Patron Shout Outs    1:00:02 Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge    1:01:13

12/19/24 • 64:51

When the Enterprise Crew negotiate with a racist stereotype, Tasha Yar must fight to the death. But when they pull an Amok Time, King Jaffe Joffer, ruler of Zamunda threatens to cancel the vaccine deal. Mentioned in this Episode: Gayish Podcast Episode on Humanism UK Gay Humanists Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch Teaser 6:12 Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge 1:19:48 Act 1 14:20 Act 2 21:39 Act 3 31:24 Act 4 47:36 Act 5 1:00:07 Humanist Themes 1:10:44 Honor the Dead 1:17:01 Patron Shout Outs 1:17:46  

12/12/24 • 84:38

When Star Trek: The Next Generation revisits an old TOS episode, people get blown out airlocks and Tasha gets blown by Data. But when the cure Those Old Scientists used doesn't work this time, a drunk teenager and android must fight their intoxication to save the day. Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch This episode briefly uses AI voice technology to demonstrate the perils of Deepfake AI. Teaser    9:07 Act 1    16:06 Act 2    31:31 Act 3    44:36 Act 4    52:47 Act 5    1:03:29 Humanist Themes    1:10:28 Patron Shout Outs    1:17:35 Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge    1:19:11

12/5/24 • 83:26

When humanity is put on trial by an omnipotent being, the new crew of the USS Enterprise must prove themselves by playing a game of CLUE. Is this really a good test of humanity? Why doesn't Data know basic English words? Does Dr. Crusher sew? Where did those apples come from, anyway? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch Act 1 3:58 Act 2 20:25 Act 3 29:40 Act 4 44:55 Act 5 59:30 Act 6 1:13:51 Act 7 1:30:47 Act 8 1:42:32 Act 9 1:46:05 Humanist Themes 1:59:13 Honor the Dead 2:05:50 Patron Shout Outs 2:07:37 Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge 2:10:25

11/28/24 • 135:12

Do we remember anything about Star Trek: The Saturday Morning Special? What are we looking forward to in TNG? Loads of listener mail PLUS a special announcement? ENGAGE! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

10/17/24 • 76:05

In the final installment of Star Trek: The Saturday Morning Special, the Enterprise gets pulled into a nove into a universe where everything is backwards. Do babies give birth to old people? Do old people just spontaneously appear in their La-Z-Boy recliner suddenly alive? Stop overthinking a cartoon and let Becca's sex operator voice twist your widdershins! Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

10/10/24 • 50:18

When the Enterprise gets stuck in a Hamilton Gifts Star Trek Snow Globe from 1993 after discovering a whale probe, the crew is transported into a "Legends of the Hidden Temple of Doom" game show hosted by yet another alien god wannabe. Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

10/3/24 • 54:42

When McCoy is arrested for visiting a plague upon the people of Dramia II, Kirk and Spock must find the evidence to exonerate him before the people of Dramia drop the hammer of justice. Does anyone actually believe he's innocent? Are we actually feeling something positive for McCoy? Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

9/26/24 • 48:25

When Star Trek: The Saturday Morning Special tries to teach a lesson about playing practical jokes, chaos ensues. Does the practical joker learn a lesson? How could we have forgotten that Romulans used Klingon ships designs because the original TOS Romulan ship models were destroyed? Is a giant Macy's Day Parade balloon of the USS Enterprise available from Intergalactic Trading Company? Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

9/19/24 • 47:46

When Kirk and Company take a newly discovered alien on a police ridealong, they all end up captured by lizard people. Will they escape? Can they diplomacy their way out? What will become of the Lizard People of Delta Theta 3, anyway? Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

9/12/24 • 55:53

As the Enterprise recovers from a nasty pandemic, we learn that Spock has a terminal case. Only one drug in the galaxy can save him, but when Orion pirates intercept the marijuana shipment, Kirk makes an offer they (almost) can't refuse in order to save his friend.   Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

9/5/24 • 60:19

Star Trek meets Mission Impossible this week as Kirk and Spock join the cast of a heist movie, "ONE OF OUR CUNEIFORM TABLETS IS MISSING!" Will they recover the lost ark and keep the peace in the Middle East? Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

8/29/24 • 52:41

First, we wrap up the weekend at Fort Collins Comic Con. Then, when KSM become the zoo animals, we revisit our discussion from the very first Star Trek episode "The Cage". Are zoos a net good? What of animal autonomy? Will Becca ever recover from hitting that groundhog? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media!   Discussed on this weeks episode: USS Tiburon - The International Star Trek Fan Association Siren Sundries Robin's Nerd Supplies Thomas Freeman, Droid Builder (R2-F7) Fort Collins Public Media Dr. Erin Macdonald   Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch   8/23 - Audio file replaced to correct clip alignment 

8/22/24 • 86:31

If that time capsule your class did in 1987 was opened in a billion years, what would they think of your polaroid picture from your summer vacation to Gatorland, some poisoned raw meat, and a Bop It!? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media!   Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

8/15/24 • 57:24

When Kirk and Spock are medically converted to fish people, they discover a whole civilization of fish people in danger of quakes. The Youngs and the Olds have different ideas about a lot of things, and their solution to their differences is not something we expected from Saturday morning / after school special style television! Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media!   Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

8/8/24 • 41:59

When the Enterprise falls into the coat pocket of the universe, astrophysics Ph.D. Erin Macdonald beams up to debunk the junk and make us laugh! Will we successfully network a Mac and a PC? Does Scotty have a box of old cables and adapters? Will this episode of Star Trek: The Afterschool Special get us all to set aside our differences and get along already? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media!   Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

8/1/24 • 74:17

When "Honey, I Shrunk the Enterprise Crew" kicks off, they discover a civilization in need. What's a teeny tiny species gotta do to get some attention 'round here!? Play along with our Starfleet Academy Cadet Challenge -- Share this episode using the hashtag #StarfleetChallenge on social media! Congrats to Anders, who joins us in "Loser Corner" this week!   Visit our website at humanisttrek.com Support the show at patreon.com/humanisttrek Pick up your merch at humanisttrek.com/merch Socials Mastodon Facebook Instagram Threads Bluesky Discord Starfleet Officer maker by @marci_bloch

7/25/24 • 51:15