The Shuttlepod Show Season 2, Episode 39: “What a Difference Takei Makes” with George Takei

1

"How to Find Nuclear Wessels" with Walter Koenig

The Voyage Begins Again! It's the first episode of our second season. Connor and Dominic go old school with legendary Star Trek Original Series icon Walter Koenig. After giggling about their summer breaks, they learn about Walter's journey, how the more things change for actors, the more they stay the same. Gain new insights into Star Trek's early struggles to be taken seriously by Network and Studio executives. The guys perhaps draw some parallels to their own series, Star Trek Enterprise. They discuss accents (we get a surprise visit by Chekov himself!), auditions. Deep dives into Star Trek's history. Erica gets some fan questions in. And more. It's a simple conversation episode with a real mensch. It's nice to be back.

72 min

2

"Especially the Lies" with Andrew Robinson

It's the second episode of our second season. Connor and Dominic talk some deep shop with Star Trek Deep Space Nine legend Andrew Robinson. A lot of actor good feels here. They discuss Andrew's life, his father a victim of WWII, his mother and her struggles thereafter. Acting school. Acting after school. Theater. Dirty Harry. How deciding that wanting to F*** Dr. Bashir made a character great. Erica gets some fan questions in and more importantly, dishes on growing up in Hartford, CT with Andy. Plus more. It's another conversation episode, this time with a real fake spy.

66 min

3

"Canadians, Trills, de Boers, Oh My!" with Nicole de Boer

It's the third episode of our second season. Connor, Dominic, and Erica vibe some real life friends chat with Star Trek Deep Space Nine's second Old Man (Ezri Dax) Nicole de Boer. A lot of chill and giggle going on. They discuss Nicole's life, her handsome liar father,, her mother and her Star Trek loving, all around great guy Step Dad. To acting school, or to not acting school. Early successes. Canadian made for TV movies. What it's like to join a show in its seventh season. Erica gets some fan questions in and re-introduces trivia, this time it's "How well do you know your guest" and the guys play for a Patreon Member. Plus more. It's another conversation episode, this time with a lovable Canadian born American.

72 min

4

"The Sisko Kid" with Cirroc Lofton

It's the fourth episode of our second season. Host Dominic Keating is home healing from injury. As such, Connor and Erica are joined by guest host, Producer Mark, to shoot the breeze with an actor we all watched grow up on Star Trek Deep Space Nine: Cirroc Lofton, beloved for his roll as Jake Sisko, son of Captain Sisko. "The kid from DS9" is all grown up and has a lot of terrific stories to tell. They discuss Cirroc's life, his first experiences as a child actor, his thoughts on growing up on Trek, and more. Trek conventions. Trek convention body guards. Launching a restaurant. Hosting his very successful podcast The 7th Rule, which he started with Deep Space Nine bestie, and real life great guy, the late Aron Eisenberg (Nog from DS9). Erica gets some fan questions in, we play Trek Trivia, and more. It's another conversation episode, this time with a real cool cat who happened to grow up a block from where we sat to talk.

72 min

5

"Regardingg Henry" with Gregg Henry

Happy New Year! Season 2, episode 5 is here. Our guy Dominic is still home taking it easy, recuperating. As such, Connor, Mark, and Erica talk some surprisingly insider baseball with the incredible journeyman actor Gregg Henry, known to the world for his roles in huge movies like Guardians of the Galaxy, Slither, Payback, etc., and for being in nearly every notable television show since the ‘80s — a great “been in everything” actor, he is better known to us Trek fans for his role as the Arkonian pilot notorious for shooting down Trip Tucker (Trinneer) and having one of those “we are enemies stuck on a planet and don’t understand each other” episodes in Enterprise episode “Dawn.” He also played Gallatin, the good hearted bad guy in Star Trek: Insurrection. Notably (for us), he ALSO played Sheriff Bourne in an episode of Firefly.

85 min

6

"Deep Space Nana" with Nana Visitor

Season 2, episode 6 is here. Our guy Dominic is still home, recuperating. Connor, Mark, and Erica talk with the amazing Nana Visitor, known to the world for her portrayal of Kira Nerys in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. We learn about Nana's childhood, a daughter of a "very theatrical family" in NYC. How she skipped out on Princeton to dance as a chorus girl, why she likes her hair, where her name "Visitor" came from and how much she loved playing Kira. She's writing a book about women in Trek. She's loving life and it shows. Wash has a new pot. Erica gets some fan questions in, Connor and Nana play for Patreon Member Lee Nickel in this week’s Star Trek Trivia, and Nana plays “Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.”

101 min

7

"Who Do You Think Yar?" with Denise Crosby

Season 2, episode 7 is here. Our guy Dominic is still home, getting better. Connor, Mark, and Erica talk with the iconic Denise Crosby, known for playing Tasha Yar in Star Trek: The Next Generation. We learn about Denise's childhood, her hippy VW Bus accident in Mexico. How she was blah on modeling (but loved Europe), why she posed for Playboy, and why she wanted to leave Star Trek. She produced two movies (and is producing a 3rd) about being Trek Fans: "Trekkies" and "Trekkies 2." Wash's new pot is catching on. Erica gets some fan questions in, Connor and Denise play for Patreon Member Slacktwaddle in this week’s Star Trek Trivia, and Denise plays “Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” It's another badass actress episode of Shuttlepod Show.

111 min

8

"The Dorn Identity" with Michael Dorn

Season 2, episode 8 is here. Dominic is back! He, Connor, and Erica talk with the legendary Michael Dorn, known for playing the original Prune Juice Warrior, WORF on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, TNG movies and more. In this conversation, we learn about Michael's childhood, his time in a rock band. Why and how he got into "the business", why he almost walked away from Star Trek and why he stayed. He flies jets (and normal planes), rides motorcycles, and is vegan. Why is he vegan? Prostates. Wash is quiet today. Erica gets some fan questions in, Connor, Dominic, and Michael play for Patreon Member Jill Sheets in this week’s Star Trek Trivia, and Michael plays “Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” It's another awesome deep dive episode! Today is a good day to chat.

133 min

9

"Russ Hour" with Tim Russ

Season 2, episode 9. Connor, Dominic, and Erica talk with the amazing Tim Russ, known for playing ever logical Tuvok on Star Trek: Voyager. We discuss Tim's upbringing, how he became and actor, his and Dom's familiarity with the Hollywood YMCA, and the shared belief that it was the championing from one Mr. Rick Berman that changed Tim, Dom, and Connor's lives. He is an "amateur" astronomer, gigs around Los Angeles with his band and has a firm position on running for politics. Wash got some gifts. Erica gets some fan questions in, Connor, Dominic, and Tim play for Patreon Member Allen Murotake-Fujikura in this week’s Star Trek Trivia, and Tim plays “Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” It's another awesome conversation, there's little logical about it, and more importantly -- "We ain't found sh*t!"

96 min

10

"The House of Quark" with Armin Shimerman

Season 2, episode 10. Connor, Dominic, and Erica talk with the awesome Armin Shimerman, known for playing everyone's favorite Proprietor, Quark in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. We discuss Armin's upbringing, how he became and actor, his time on Broadway, and the luck that seems to have always shown its favor to him. Balconies. Buffy. Writing the Allyria book series. Shakespeare. Teaching Shakespeare. Voice over work and the amazing writing on Bioshock. Wash has been getting diagnosed. Erica gets some fan questions in, Connor, Dominic, and Armin play for Patreon Member Ian Ramsey in this week’s Star Trek Trivia, and Armin plays “Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” It's another awesome conversation and another opportunity to see more of what our Patreon members get in these full length episodes. Join us at Quark's for a mimosa and a good time.

128 min

11

"The Makeup Man" with Michael Westmore

Season 2, episode 11. Connor, Dominic, and Erica talk with legendary Academy Award and nine-time Emmy Award winning Star Trek Makeup Artist, Michael Westmore. Best known to us for his makeup on TNG, DS9, VOY, ENT and all of the TNG movies. We discuss Michael's upbringing, his hollywood "makeup family", the history of makeup in Hollywood, and how he met Marion - his wife of now 58 years. Prosthetics. Glue. Writing his books. TV vs Film. The success of his children. And of course, Star Trek. Wash has a fan club. Matt, one of our Patreon Members and Live Event volunteers makes a candid appearance. Erica gets some fan questions in, Connor, Dominic, and Michael play for Patreon Member Jober Velasco in this week’s Star Trek Trivia, and Michael plays “Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” It's another awesome conversation and another opportunity to see more of what our Patreon members get in these full length episodes. Mix a mimosa and join us for another good time.

125 min

12

"The Eyes Have It" with Robert O'Reilly

Glory to you... and your HOUSE! That's right - Season 2, episode 12 is here. Connor, Dominic, and Erica have a wonderful conversation with Robert O'Reilly, best known to us as Gowron, smote Chancellor of the Klingon Empire. We discuss Robert's New York City childhood, his Irish family, his failures with carpentry, and how being bad with wood led him to be great at acting. Irish wakes. University of Ohio. Accents. Making it to LA. Writing poetry and short stories. Fighting with his friend JG Hertzler. And of course, booking Star Trek and the birth of "those eyes!" Wash is looking better. Erica gets some fan questions in, this week’s Star Trek Trivia gets chopped because of time, and Robert plays “Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” It's another awesome conversation and another amazing Star Trek icon having some laughs. Scoop some Bloodwine and join us! FOR THE GLORY OF THE KLINGON EMPIRE!!

85 min

13

"The Doctor Is In" with Gates McFadden

The Doctor is in! That's right - Season 2, episode 13 is here. Connor, Dominic, and Erica have a wonderful conversation with Star Trek royalty, Gates McFadden, best known to us as Dr. Crusher. We discuss Gates' childhood in Ohio, running off to France for school, finding her way back to the US, her first first name and more. How booking Star Trek got her to LA and what it's like having the family reunion that is Picard season 3. Wash is looking better than ever. Erica gets some fan questions in, this week’s Star Trek Trivia gets outed as a sham, and Gates plays “Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” It's another awesome conversation and another amazing Star Trek icon having some laughs. The Doctor will see you now, but we already know the prescription... mimosas and fun, so buckle up!

91 min

14

"Keep Your Shirt On" with Connor Trinneer

Season 2, episode 14 is here. Dominic, Erica, and Mark have a wonderful conversation with Starfeet's first chief engineer and host of our show, Connor Trinneer, best known to us as Charles "Trip" Tucker III. We discuss Connor's childhood in Washington, traveling the country for a year in a VW bus with the fam, quitting the football team for drama school, finding his way to Kansas City to wrap his formal education, moving to NYC to be an actor and more. How booking his first soap opera outed him as a non-practicing magician AND gave him is first TV death - this time via the elevator shaft. Moving to LA (twice), almost booking Will and Grace, being big in Japan and getting Star Trek Enterprise. Wash is looking great, has been outside enjoying the LA rain. Erica gets some fan questions in, this week’s Star Trek Trivia is replaced with Who Knows Connor Best Trivia, and Connor plays “Stuck on a Deserted Island with Dominic Keating.”

114 min

15

"B Moore, See Moore, D Moore, Wrong Moore" with Ronald B Moore

Season 2, episode 15 is here. Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark have a wonderful conversation with 5 time Emmy Award Winning visual effects maestro Ronald B Moore, VFX steward of Star Trek TNG, TNG films, VOY, and ENT (not to mention Ghostbusters and more). We discuss Ronald's entry into VFX, breaking into "the business" and long hours. How he helped to push the Television Academy to recognize VFX as its own awards category, just how hilarious his first Emmy loss was and making infamous Planet Dog Poo. Wash is looking great, has been outside enjoying the LA rain. Erica gets some fan questions in, a round of Star Trek Trivia, and we subject Ron to being Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” It's a special one for fans of the sausage factory, 'cause this guy made the ships look good and the transporter swirl... Get cozy with your favorite cocktail or coffee mug, this one's a riot!1

118 min

16

"Does Not Not Compute" with Bonnie Gordon

Season 2, episode 16 is here. Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark have a nerdier than typical conversation with the Computer from Star Trek Prodigy: Bonnie Gordon. We discuss Bonnie's music, her entry into the world of Star Trek, running off to Disney School and she even impresses us all with a wonderful talent: turning anybody into a jingle on the fly. She discusses her cos-play pro status, her TTRPG love, and her newest album release. Wash is looking great. Erica gets some fan questions in, a round of Star Trek Trivia, and we subject Bonnie to being Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” Get your jazz hands out, 'cause this is a live one!

86 min

17

"Badda-Bing Badda-Behr" with Ira Steven Behr

Season 2, episode 17 is here. Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark have an awesome conversation with rockstar Showrunner, Executive Producer, and Writer for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - Ira Steven Behr. We discuss Behr's childhood in the Bronx, his childhood dream to be a horse, pursuing a career as an actor, this thoughts on mentors, running off to deep cleanse in Europe before heading to LA and building his epic writing career. He talks about his stint with Star Trek: TNG, his time on Star Trek: DS9 and his documentary about that time: "What We Left Behind". His unpublished novel and the Spanish Civil War. Wash is looking great. Erica gets some fan questions in, a round of Star Trek Trivia, and we subject Ira to being Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” Get your grown up face on because this one pulls no punches.

123 min

18

"Yeah, It's Been A Weird Week" with Todd Stashwick

Season 2, episode 18 is here. Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark have an awesome conversation with everyone's favorite dipshit from Chicago, Todd Stashwick - Captain Shaw from Star Trek Picard Season 3. We discuss Stashwick's actual Chicago origins, his aspirations to pursue a career as an artist, how wanting to be Bill Murray lead him to comedy and the Second City. He talks about his stint with Star Trek: Enterprise - playing the first Romulan revealed in ST cannon. We discuss his love of Dungeons and Dragons and he gifts us with a copy of his DnD inspired book of cocktails Mystic Libations. Obviously, we discuss his fan-favorite character - hated-to-beloved Captain Shaw. Wash is looking great thanks to a new haircut. Erica gets some fan questions in, we play a round of Star Trek Trivia, and we subject Todd to being "Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer." Get ready to have a laugh with this self-described-nerd, Star Trek's first "gen-x" Captain.

80 min

19

"The Riker Maneuver" with Jonathan Frakes

Season 2, episode 19 is here. Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark have an awesome conversation with living legend - Jonathan Frakes - Commander/Captain William Riker. Thunderbirds. The Star Trek Enterprise Finale. Picard Season 3. Directing. Acting. PANCAN. Picard Season 1. Star Trek The Next Generation. Captain America. This one could have gone on all day and still be great. Wash is out of uniform today, but looking good. Erica gets some fan questions in, we play a round of Star Trek Trivia, and we subject Frakes to being "Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” Get ready to have a laugh with this self-described-nerd, Star Trek's first "gen-x" Captain.

90 min

20

“Fontaine of Wisdom” with James Darren

Dominic, Connor, and Mark have an awesome conversation with everyone's favorite holographic crooner, James Darren - Vic Fontaine of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. This absolute legend has lived a life... South Philly, over 60 years of marriage, signing a studio deal. Touring. Acting. Being close friends & colleagues with all the greats. Vegas, baby, Vegas. TV star. Movie star. Director. And - of course... Star Trek. This conversation could have gone on all day and still be great. Our beloved Erica LaRose is away today, but she will be back soon. Wash is out of uniform again, but looking good. We get some fan questions in, play a round of Star Trek Trivia, and we subject James to being "Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” Get ready to have a laugh.

94 min

21

"May La Forge Be With You" with LeVar Burton

Dominic, Connor, and Mark have an amazing conversation with LeVar Burton - Commodore Geordi La Forge of Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Picard. This man is a national treasure... Army brat and son of a Teacher. The church. Acting. Directing. Roots. Reading Rainbow. Star Trek. Fatherhood. Living a life of service. The importance of inclusion and representation. It's a tale of two engineers (and Reed). Our beloved Erica LaRose is away today, but she will be back soon. We get some fan questions in, play a round of Star Trek Trivia, and we subject LeVar to being "Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” Get ready to have a laugh.

106 min

22

“Stargate Bluniverse” with David Blue

Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark have an awesome conversation with livelong Trekker, David Blue- "Math Boy" Eli Wallace of Stargate Universe. David is a Nerd God. He loves Star Trek. He was the star of Stargate Universe. He plays games. Loves his craft. Loves his rescue dog. Is basically our spirit animal. Our beloved Erica LaRose is back. Wash is amazing, but hiding behind Mark. We get some fan questions in, play a round of Star Trek Trivia, and we subject David to being "Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” Get ready to have a load of laughs.

126 min

23

"I'm an Actor, Not a Nightlight" with Robert Picardo

Season 2, episode 23 is here. Look! We have our own EMH! Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark have an awesome conversation with Star Trek Voyager's Emergency Medical Hologram, the great Robert Picardo! Robert talks about life, career, Star Trek, and resting-bitch-face. It's a hoot!

100 min

24

"It Had To Be Q!" with John de Lancie

Season 2, episode 24 is here and THE TRIAL NEVER ENDS! We have a God in our midst! Connor, Erica, and Mark have an awesome conversation with Star Trek's Iconic, Godlike Judge & Jury - "Q" - John de Lancie. Dominic Keating is off this week - he is driving across this great country in a car. Something everyone should do - travel safe Dom! (We actually suspect Q snapped his fingers and BLAM! Dominic has to drive back to LA.) John de Lancie talks about life, career, Star Trek, and Days of our Lives. Gene Roddenberry. Sailing. Breaking Bad. Performing for art, performing for commerce. Overcoming learning disability. Theater. And more.

105 min

25

"Stargate Atflanigan" with Joe Flanigan

Season 2, episode 25 is here and we have our first #1 on the call sheet! Col. John Sheppard, charismatic hero of Stargate Atlantis is here! Connor, Erica, and Mark have an awesome conversation with Stargate legend, and all around great guy, Joe Flanigan.

156 min

26

"Where Noor Man Has Gone Before" with Dr. Mohamed Noor

Season 2, episode 26 is here and we have our first Real, not-pretend, honest-to-goodness doctor! Star Trek science consultant, Star Trek fan, proper scientist, professor, real life doctor, writer, and scourge of fruit flies everywhere - Dr. Mohamed Noor is our guest!

85 min

27

"Hoisted By His Own Picard" with Terry Matalas

Season 2, episode 27 is here. Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark have an awesome conversation with the brilliant showrunner, writer, director - Terry Matalas. Terry worked on Enterprise, Voyager, Picard and beloved sci-fi cult classic 12 Monkeys.

102 min

28

"A Taste of Curry" with Dan Curry

Season 2, episode 28 is here. Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark have an awesome conversation with 7 time Emmy Award winning visual effects (and knife fighting) master DAN CURRY. Dan is so great, he brought a specific Klingon’s Bat’leth… and other weapons… and an amazing perspective on life and work and the pursuit of wisdom… and the lethality of paper. We discuss Dan's upbringing, immersing oneself in another culture, the benefits of learning and thinking in other languages, inventing the Bat'leth, inventing Worf's other weapons, making waterfalls for $200, the importance of inner strength, the fact that nobody can take your integrity nor your knowledge, and much more. Erica gets some fan questions in, we play a round of Star Trek Trivia, and we subject Dan to being "Stuck on a Deserted Island with Connor Trinneer.” If you like brilliant people, this is a fun one. So grab your mimosa and get ready for some laughs.

91 min

29

"There's Something About Harry" with Garrett Wang

It's season 2, episode 29. Perpetual ensign and co-host of The Delta Flyers, Garrett Wang joins us today! Dominic, Connor, and Mark are ALSO joined by the talented Bonnie Gordon, who sits in for our Erica LaRose in this awesome conversation with "The G-Man."

106 min

30

"Take Me To Your Lolita" with Lolita Fatjo

It's season 2, episode 30. Longtime script coordinator, Trek insider, and all around awesome lady sits with Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark.

75 min

31

"Liz Long and Prosper" with Liz Kloczkowski

It's season 2, episode 31. Art director, builder of the Enterprise D bridge and designer of our new set - Liz Kloczkowski takes a seat in the golden throne to shoot the breeze with Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark.

120 min

32

"Eat, Drink and Be Merri" with Merri D Howard

It's season 2, episode 32. Legendary producer, Godmother of Star Trek, herder of cats (actors)- Merri D Howard talks with Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark about life, career, ST actors going the hospital, and so much more.

117 min

33

"Married... with Klingons" with Michael & Denise Okuda

It's season 2, episode 33. Legendary designers Michael & Denise Okuda chat with Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark about life, career, and Trek.

104 min

34

"Bridge Over Tribbled Water" with Herman Zimmerman

It's season 2, episode 34. Living legend, Production Designer Herman Zimmerman sits to chat with Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark about life, career, and Trek.

97 min

35

"Roddenberry: The Next Generation" with Rod Roddenberry

It's season 2, episode 35. Rod Roddenberry, son of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, and his awesome dog Nuke came and had a live conversation with Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark about life, hope, and Trek.

112 min

36

"Drex, Dougs, & Rock-n-Roll" with Doug Drexler

It's season 2, episode 36. Oscar, BAFTA, and Emmy winning FX artist Doug Drexler came and had a live conversation with Dominic, Connor, Erica, and Mark about life, career, and Trek.

140 min

37

"The Last Tom I Saw Paris" with Robert Duncan McNeill

It's season 2, episode 37. Producer, director, actor - host of The Delta Flyers Podcast - VOY's Tom Paris (or TNG & LD's Nick Locarno... "or both") Robert Duncan McNeill spent some time with Connor, Erica, and Mark to talk about life, career, and Trek.

127 min

38

"Damnit, Jim... Conway" with James L Conway

It's season 2, episode 38. Legendary Director - TNG, DS9, VOY, ENT, The Orville, and more - JAMES L CONWAY stopped by to talk with Connor, Erica, Dominic, and Mark about life, career, and Trek.

113 min

39

“What a Difference Takei Makes” with George Takei

It's the season 2 finale! Living legend, George Takei - Captain Sulu himself stopped by to talk with Connor, Erica, Dominic, and Mark about life, career, and Trek.

153 min