EMMY AND ACADEMY AWARD WINNER

This week, we're beyond thrilled to welcome a true legend of Star Trek and Hollywood craftsmanship — the one and only Doug Drexler! From his early days in the makeup department on Star Trek: The Next Generation to his groundbreaking work in visual effects on Deep Space Nine, Enterprise, and Battlestar Galactica, Doug's creative fingerprint can be found across some of the most beloved moments in science fiction. He's an Academy Award and Emmy Award winner, a designer, an artist, and above all, a lifelong fan whose passion for Trek helped shape the look and feel of entire eras of the franchise.

Doug joins us to talk about his incredible career and his newest adventure — the upcoming documentary Trek Star, now crowdfunding on Kickstarter. Directed by Jason Smith, Trek Star explores how a kid from the Bronx became one of Star Trek's most influential creative minds, chronicling a career that's as inspiring as it is entertaining. From the bridge of the Enterprise to the design labs of Hollywood, this is the story of a fan who truly made his dreams real.

We'll dive into Doug's time in makeup on Dick Tracy, his collaboration with icons like Michael and Denise Okuda, his work designing for Star Trek: Enterprise and Picard, and his love for the fans who have supported him throughout his journey. Expect laughs, insight, and heartfelt reflection as we celebrate one of Star Trek's most passionate visionaries.

This is an unforgettable conversation with the incomparable Doug Drexler — a man who embodies the creative spirit of Trek itself. This is one episode you won't want to miss.

SUPPORT THE TREK STAR DOCUMENTARY NOW!
Head on over to DrexlerFilm.com to find out more and support the Kickstarter campaign!

The galaxy is calling once again, and Thursday Night Geeks presented by FanSets is answering! This week, Bill and Dan take a deep dive into Season 3, Episode 4 of Strange New Worlds, "A Space Adventure Hour." With a title like that, you know fans are in for a ride that blends exploration, danger, and the kind of heartfelt storytelling the series has become known for.

This episode manages to balance character development with classic Trek-style wonder. Our hosts will unpack the way it captures the essence of what makes Strange New Worlds feel both nostalgic and fresh. Expect a thoughtful conversation about themes of teamwork, leadership, and the choices that define the crew as they continue their journey.

As always, the guys will bring their trademark humor and passion to the discussion. They'll connect the dots between what longtime fans love and what newer audiences might find exciting, all while keeping the conversation lively. If you've seen the episode, you'll nod along; if you haven't--what are you waiting for?

So grab your favorite drink, settle into your command chair, and join Thursday Night Geeks presented by FanSets for another night of geeky fun. "A Space Adventure Hour" may only be one episode, but it's sure to spark a galaxy's worth of conversation.

Plus, stay tuned after the end theme for an all-new outtake!

SPOILER ALERT

This week, we're bringing you the audio as we dig into Strange New Worlds Season 3, Episode 3: "Shuttle to Kenfori." It's an hour of Trek that leans hard into horror, complete with fast-moving zombies, eerie ruins, and Klingons with secrets of their own.

We talk through the episode from start to finish, spoilers and all, including the tension-filled performances, character dynamics, and what this story might mean for the rest of the season. From Pike and M'Benga's haunted mission to Ortegas' growing unease, we're breaking it all down.

So if you missed the livestream or just want to experience it again in podcast form, sit back, grab your favorite mug of raktajino, and get ready to revisit one of the creepiest corners of the final frontier.

New Star Trek Action Figures from The Nacelle Company

We're diving deep into the world of Star Trek collectibles with none other than Brian Volk-Weiss, CEO of The Nacelle Company! Fresh off the exciting announcement of their brand-new line of Star Trek action figures, Brian joins us to discuss what fans can expect from these highly anticipated releases. From the design process to character selection and the passion behind bringing these figures to life, this is an episode no Trek collector will want to miss!

But that's not all--we'll also chat with Brian about his incredible career in entertainment and toy production. As the mastermind behind The Toys That Made Us and The Center Seat: 55 Years of Star Trek, he has a deep love for pop culture and storytelling that shines through in every project he touches. He'll share insights into his journey, the challenges of creating high-quality collectibles, and why Star Trek remains such an enduring phenomenon.

Join us live for a fun and geeky conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive details on the new Star Trek figures, and maybe even a few surprises along the way! Whether you're a hardcore collector or just love geeking out over all things Trek, this is a Thursday Night Geeks episode you won't want to miss. Set your reminders, grab your favorite Trek memorabilia, and beam in for the conversation!

Things get gloriously weird as we dive into "Wedding Bell Blues," the second episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Season 3. After a three-month time jump, the Enterprise is docked at Starbase One for the Federation's 100th anniversary, but Spock has something more personal on his mind: the return of Nurse Chapel. Unfortunately for him, she's not alone. Enter Chapel's date, Dr. Roger Korby, her old mentor, and the unfortunate spark for Spock's emotional tailspin.

What begins as an awkward love triangle quickly warps into a full-blown rom-com fever dream. Spock wakes up engaged to Chapel, the crew is prepping for a wedding instead of a centennial celebration, and reality itself seems to be playing fast and loose with the facts. While some members of the crew are blissfully swept up in the festivities, others start to sense something is very, very off--especially a confused and suspicious Dr. Korby.

We'll dig into the emotional core of the episode, including Ethan Peck's fantastic performance as a Vulcan barely holding himself together, and how Strange New Worlds continues to blend genres without losing its heart. Director Jordon Canning, who brought us last season's rom-com "Charades," once again balances comedy, sci-fi, and surprising depth in a story that explores how emotions shape our reality.

After almost two full years, Strange New Worlds is finally back and we're jumping straight into the action with the highly anticipated Season 3 premiere, "Hegemony, Part 2." This week, we're breaking it all down in real time, just hours after the episode drops. Pike and the Enterprise crew are back and there's no easing back into this one.

We'll be digging into all the fallout from last season's cliffhanger, exploring how the show handled the return to the Gorn conflict and whether the emotional stakes lived up to the build-up. Did Pike make the right call? Was the rescue worth the cost? And what does this episode signal for the rest of the season? We've definitely got thoughts.

Of course, it wouldn't be Trek Geeks without some hot takes, speculation, and your live comments fueling the chaos. This is a *spoiler-filled* discussion, so if you haven't seen the episode yet, maybe warp out and come back after. But if you have watched, grab a drink, fire up the viewscreen, and join us as we kick off another season of SNW with the passion only Trek Geeks can deliver.

AUDIO FROM THURSDAY NIGHT GEEKS

Bill and Dan are boldly going where few fans dare to tread: straight into the heart of Star Trek controversy. Everyone has a hot take, but not all opinions are created equal—and tonight, they're putting theirs on display. From the final frontiers of franchise canon to the captains, crews, and creative choices that divide the fandom, no corner of the Trek universe is safe.

Expect a lively and honest conversation that challenges long-held beliefs and re-examines the things we all thought were settled. The guys are pulling no punches as they each share five of their most unpopular Star Trek opinions—and believe us, some of them might raise a Vulcan eyebrow or two. Whether it's about storylines, characters, or what should (or shouldn't) count as "real Trek," these takes are bound to get people talking.

Of course, it's all in good fun. Thursday Night Geeks is a celebration of everything Star Trek—disagreements and all. So pour a raktajino, strap in, and get ready to yell at your screen (or maybe nod in silent agreement). You might not agree with everything said... but you'll definitely have an opinion about it.

Be sure to hang around after the end theme for a brand-new outake from Bill and Dan recorded after this episode livestreamed!

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Music for Trek Geeks is provided by the world's greatest Star Trek band, FIVE YEAR MISSION! They're recording one song for each episode of the original Star Trek. Get all their albums at fiveyearmission.net!

Audio from Thursday Night Geeks

We're charting a course straight into the explosive Season 2 finale of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — "Hegemony." With tensions high and the Gorn deadlier than ever, the crew of the Enterprise faces a nightmare scenario that pushes Starfleet ideals to the breaking point. We'll examine how the series handles high-stakes conflict, moral dilemmas, and the weight of command in this harrowing final chapter of the season.

We'll dive deep into Captain Pike's impossible choice and the toll it takes—not just on him, but on his relationships with his crew. From Spock's desperate search for Christine Chapel to La'an's cold tactical edge, every major character is tested under fire. We'll also take a closer look at the return of the Gorn as a modern Trek threat—what works, what terrifies, and what it all means for Starfleet going forward.

And of course, we'll talk about that ending. The final moments of "Hegemony" leave us on the edge of our seats and wondering how the crew can possibly regroup. Has the Enterprise ever been this outmatched? Join us as we unpack the emotional weight, story structure, and cinematic style of the episode that's redefining what a Trek finale can be.

Thanks for listening to this special episode of Trek Geeks, featuring the audio from our Thursday Night Geeks livestream! If you enjoyed the conversation, be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with your fellow Trek fans. It really helps us grow the community.

Want to be part of the fun as it happens? Join us live for Thursday Night Geeks every week on our YouTube channel at youtube.com/trekgeeks. Hit subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a stream. We'd love to have you in the chat, sharing your thoughts and Trek takes in real time.

Until next time... Live Long and COCONUT!