270: "Brothers" (TNG) with Aleen Simms

The Incomparable Jason Snell joins Scott to discuss “The Empath” (TOS S3E8). Topics include Patrick Stewart (does not appear in “The Empath”), Walter Koenig (also does not appear in “The Empath”), blackbox theaters, and the magic of mime. Host Scott McNulty with Jason Snell.

Aleen Simms, writer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Brothers” (TNG S4E3). Topics include how nice it is to watch a good episode of Star Trek, how complicated families can be, old man Scott remembering how people used to watch television, and when it is ok to just leave your kids unattended on the Enterprise whilst you enjoy your sabbatical. Host Scott McNulty with Aleen Simms.

Tony Sindelar, famed Dungeon Master and adventure writer, joins Scott to discuss “Unexpected” (ENT S1E5). Topics include Tony’s Kickstarter (you should back it!), trying to remember the names of Enterprise main characters, and if it is wise to stick your hands in random alien boxes. Host Scott McNulty with Tony Sindelar.

Lex Friedman, the force behind Lex.Games and Strategery, joins Scott to discuss “A Private Little War” (TOS S2E19). Topics include costumes (both tiny and ridiculous), when everyone gets their wigs at the same store, and finally settling the eternal question: is Spock a robot? Host Scott McNulty with Lex Friedman.

Antony Johnston, author and dapper fellow, joins Scott to discuss “The House of Quark” (DS9 S3E3). Topics include Klingon accounting practices, forced marriages played for laughs, and the versatility of the High Council chambers. Host Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston.

Steven Schapansky, podcaster producer and podcaster, joins Scott to discuss “Data’s Day” (TNG S4E11). Topics include the power move of having your wedding near the Neutral Zone, Service Merchandise and Consumers Distributing, and who you’d rather get bad news from: Data or Geordi. Host Scott McNulty with Steven Schapansky.

Liz Barr, co-host of Antimatter Pod, joins Scott to discuss “Dragon’s Teeth” (VOY S6E7). Topics include the strength of Starfleet vessels, which character we’d most like to kiss (consensually), and the sadness that we don’t see the Vaadwaur in any other episodes. Liz blogged about Dragon’s Teeth too, in case you can’t get enough! Host Scott McNulty with Liz Barr.

Guy English, podcaster and programmer, joins Scott to discuss “Eye of the Beholder” (TNG S7E18). This episode of TNG starts off with a scene depicting suicide. Support is available if you are struggling. Topics include the portrayal of mental health issues, “it was all a dream,” and Riker’s pajamas. Host Scott McNulty with Guy English.

Joe Rosensteel, podcaster and writer, joins Scott to discuss “Terra Nova” (ENT S1E6). Topics include the Dutch, the wasted potential of Enterprise, and the judicious use of diggers. Host Scott McNulty with Joe Rosensteel.

John Moltz, freelance writer, podcaster (The Rebound and Biff!), joins Scott to discuss “These are the Voyages” (ENT S4E22). Topics include how bad this episode is on many levels, shocking cameos, great characters in not so great shows, and inexplicable deaths. Host Scott McNulty with John Moltz.