Cadet School (Starfleet Academy) Reflections on Season 1

This week, we go full warp into the world of on-screen transformation with Emmy-level hair wizard Ryan Reed—the creative force behind the iconic looks of Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Section 31, and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. From designing bold new alien aesthetics to shaping deeply intentional character arcs through hair, Ryan pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a department on a massive franchise. We get into the artistry, the chaos, and yes—the occasional "that wasn't my decision" moments 👀. We dive into: The collaborative (and sometimes complicated) process between designers, producers, and actors Crafting culturally authentic and story-driven hairstyles—especially for Black characters and textured hair The evolution of Burnham's hair (and why those braids mattered) Building unique looks for Klingons, cadets, and brand-new alien species The technical magic behind wigs, prosthetics, and continuity (spoiler: it's a LOT of work) Why hair is never "just hair"—it's storytelling Plus, Ryan shares how Michelle Yeoh helped shape her own look, how younger casts bring new creative freedom, and why background aliens deserve just as much love as the leads. This episode is a love letter to the unsung artistry behind the scenes—and proof that in Star Trek, every strand has a story. https://www.ryanreedhair.com/  Support Us at: https://ko-fi.com/hailingfreqopen

In this special recap episode, we gather a full roundtable of friends, collaborators, and Star Trek superfans to break down everything that went down in Season 1 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Joining us are Alex from Deosil Designs, Anna Rozay, Jodi from Clonestar, Leigh Ellen, Austin, Jackson, and Matthew Jennings from 1701: A Blerd Story—and no topic is off-limits. From standout cadets and faculty drama to the season's biggest twists, themes, and surprises, we dig into what worked, what didn't, and what we're hoping to see in Season 2. Along the way, expect passionate debates, hot takes, and plenty of laughs as we explore how this new series fits into the ever-expanding Star Trek universe. Was Season 1 a promising new chapter for the franchise? Which characters stole the spotlight? And what lessons did Starfleet Academy really teach us? Support us at https://ko-fi.com/hailingfreqopen  Guest info: Alex:  https://deosildesigns.com Anna: https://www.youtube.com/@ObservationLounge2  Austin: https://www.instagram.com/austinpsmith96/  Jackson: https://www.instagram.com/jacksonjuniper/  Jodi: https://linktr.ee/jodipickens  Leigh Ellen: https://www.instagram.com/leighellenm/  Matt: https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/mattjennings-10709363/1701-a-blerd-story 

Order in the court! ⚖️ This week we convene a very special session of Q's Court, where the fate of the Star Trek franchise hangs in the balance. Presiding over the chaos is our all-powerful judge, Honorable Judge Lanita Q Ward-Jones, with Austin dutifully serving as the bailiff and keeping the proceedings (somewhat) under control. Joining us for this cosmic courtroom debate are returning guests Anna Rozay and Jodi Pickens, who present their cases, along with Mike Jones & Damizon for who should take the captain's chair behind the scenes of Star Trek. The contenders? A powerhouse lineup of Trek talent: Terry Matalas Tawny Newsome & Mike McMahan Kirsten Beyer Jonathan Frakes Each candidate is put on trial as we debate their vision, past Trek contributions, and what kind of future they could chart for the franchise. From bold cinematic leadership to character-driven storytelling to chaotic comedy energy, we weigh the merits of each would-be steward of the Final Frontier. Arguments are made. Evidence is presented. Objections are (probably) ignored. And ultimately, Judge Lanita must decide who deserves to guide Star Trek into its next era. Court is now in session. 🖖

This week we're joined by writer and fandom historian Jackson Torii Bart for a deep dive into the origins of Kirk/Spock slash fiction and the larger history of fan-created slash. From mimeograph machines to modern fan archives, we unpack the creativity, resistance, community-building, and joy that fueled early slash writers—many of them women and queer fans carving out space in a media landscape that rarely reflected them. We also talk about the stigma slash faced, the evolution of fanfiction platforms, and why Kirk/Spock remains such a powerful pairing more than half a century later. It's a thoughtful, celebratory, and occasionally spicy conversation about fandom history, queer subtext, and the radical act of fans telling the stories they needed to see. 🖖 Support us: https://ko-fi.com/hailingfreqopen

This week, we're heading to the Briar Patch and asking the big question: is Star Trek: Insurrection the most underrated Star Trek film… or a 2 hour episode?  Lanita is back in the captain's chair for another first-time watch as we continue her journey through the Trek films — and this one comes with fountains of youth, space diplomacy drama, and some extremely questionable Federation ethics. 👀 Joining us  Lucy Blueskies, who brings big theatrical energy and sharp insight as we unpack this classic film.  Is it a rebellion? A midlife crisis? A pastoral fever dream in space? We debate it all — with laughs, hot takes, and plenty of love for the crew of the Enterprise-E. Strap in. Lower the sails. And maybe avoid the metaphasic radiation unless you're ready to glow up. ✨ Support us: https://ko-fi.com/hailingfreqopen  

Class is in session at Starfleet Academy—and we've got thoughts. This week, we're joined by friends of the pod Leigh Ellen and Alex to dig into the characters shaping Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, from the power players at the top to the cadets just beginning their Starfleet journeys. We break down leadership styles, messy brilliance, and the kind of character choices that tell you exactly what kind of future this show is building. On the command side, we unpack Chancellor Capt. Nahla Ake, F. Adm. Charles Vance, Lt. Cdr. Lura Thok, Cdr. Jett Reno, and the ever-iconic Doctor.   Then it's on to the cadets: Caleb Mir, Darem Reymi, Jay-Den Kraag, S.A.M., and Tarima Sadal. We talk chemistry, queer coding, and which of these future officers already feel destined for greatness… or chaos. It's a character-forward conversation full of speculation, affection, and a little side-eye—because if Starfleet Academy is about shaping the future, these people are the ones to watch. 🖖✨ Support Us: https://ko-fi.com/hailingfreqopen Alex's Shop: https://deosildesigns.com/  Col. Bree Fram for Congress: https://teambree.com/  David Gerrold's Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/david-gerrolds-health-and-leukemia-fundraiser 

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jodi Pickens from the Clonestar Podcast for a thoughtful, wide-ranging conversation about storytelling, connection, and the power of asking the right questions. As a co-host with a deep background in storytelling, Jodi brings warmth, curiosity, and emotional intelligence to every exchange. She has a rare ability to put guests at ease while gently steering conversations toward what truly matters—uncovering the human stories behind the work.  Find Jodi at: https://bsky.app/profile/jodipickens.bsky.social Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/hailingfreqopen

We're thrilled to welcome Madot from Star Trek Khan: Zuri Washington! We discuss Zuri's introduction to the Star Trek universe, her career and lived experience as a Black woman working in Broadway and Hollywood today. Zuri speaks candidly about navigating the industry, finding her voice across stage and screen, and the realities—both challenging and rewarding—of building a sustainable, creative career in entertainment. We discuss representation, opportunity, resilience, and the importance of telling stories that reflect who we are and where we've been. This is an honest, inspiring conversation about artistry, identity, and perseverance—one that will resonate with creatives, Trek fans, and anyone interested in how the industry is evolving behind the scenes. More Info: https://zuriwashington.com/ Support us: https://ko-fi.com/hailingfreqopen 

As another year in the Final Frontier comes to a close, we're taking a moment to reflect on Star Trek in 2025—the highs, the surprises, the debates, and the moments that kept the fandom buzzing. From new episodes and familiar faces to the ever-evolving state of Trek on streaming, we look back at what worked, what challenged us, and what it all means for the franchise we love. Then, we set our phasers to the future and talk about what's coming in 2026. What do we know, what are we hoping for, and what questions are still out there? Join us for a thoughtful, fun, and very Trek-loving conversation about where we've been—and where Star Trek boldly goes next. If you enjoy the show and want to help keep us boldly going, please consider supporting us on Ko-fi. Every contribution helps us continue creating thoughtful, independent Star Trek content for the community. 🖖 https://ko-fi.com/hailingfreqopen

The Star Trek movie journey continues with one of the franchise's most talked-about entries: Star Trek: First Contact. For Episode 126, we're joined by special guest host Sonyl Nagale as Lanita watches the film for the very first time, continuing her path through the Star Trek movies as a true film virgin. With the Borg threatening humanity, Picard confronting his trauma, and the unforgettable Borg Queen making her chilling debut, we dig into what makes this film stand out—from its darker tone and action-forward energy to the character moments that still resonate decades later. Seeing it all through Lanita's fresh perspective sparks new conversations and a few surprises along the way. Does First Contact win her over, or is resistance still futile? Join us as we engage with one of Star Trek's most iconic cinematic chapters. Support us at: https://ko-fi.com/hailingfreqopen