Random Trek 268: "A Private Little War" (TOS) with Lex Friedman

Unlike us, Listener Jerry has spent his entire career on robots. Listener Jerry helps us understand why the term “cobot” exists, and what it really means. Thank you, Listener Jerry. Hosts John Siracusa and Jason Snell.

Things in Rushville come to a head as Hal tries to take down the Manhunter all by himself. Meanwhile, John and Zoe get to know each other a little better just before all hell breaks loose. Then we’re back to the present day as the plot picks up again when John’s mother brings Hal back into his life. Hosts Dan Moren, John Moltz, and Guy English.

Scott has the command codes and Jason has been banished to a spooky haunted starship, or is a puppet now, or maybe is fighting his fairy-tale doppelganger? Meanwhile, three lovely guests are joining Scott to discuss the just-concluded season of “Strange New Worlds.” Host Scott McNulty with Antony Johnston, Joe Rosensteel, and Heather Berberet.

Erika and Steven start watching a story that Erika doesn’t remember at all! Hosts Erika Ensign and Steven Schapansky.

Once a subcategory for mysteries, “cozy” feels like the latest craze in publishing with every genre getting in on the act. Is it really a new thing? Are authors able to take sci-fi or horror and turn it into something to be read while cuddled into a warm blanket with a cup of tea at one’s elbow? Our panel discusses what makes a piece of media cozy, drafts a few books (sometimes with media tie-ins), and then throws it open to anything that gives us that cozy feeling. David includes tea pairings with his choices and Antony tells us how he ended up writing a cozy mystery series. Host Shannon Sudderth with Antony Johnston, Annette Wierstra, Shelly Brisbin, David J. Loehr, and James Thomson.

From white hole to black hole, from the near future to the present (of the future), it’s time for Scott and Jason to wrap up another season of “Strange New Worlds” with a delightful time-bending episode that puts Uhura(s) at the center. (Don’t miss Scott’s triumphant return to Random Trek! And stay tuned soon for our season-wrap-up panels both here and on The Incomparable!) Hosts Scott McNulty and Jason Snell.

Episode 8 is chock full of injuries, intrigue, and investigations (and perhaps other “in-” words this blurb writer can’t think of at this late hour)! Higgins gets the tip to “follow the anger”, but Brian, Kathy, and Chip are certainly not angry today. Grab a high heel, break a window, and settle in for another episode of Football Is Life. Hosts Chip Sudderth and Brian Warren with Kathy Campbell.

I cannot rest from podcasting. Jill Hoffman returns to discuss three poems by Alfred, Lord Tennyson: “Charge of the Light Brigade” (1854), “Lady of Shalott” (1832, 1842), and “Ulysses” (1833). Host John McCoy with Jill Hoffman.

Kellye generously allows us a peek (hands behind our backs!) at a collection that means a lot to her. Host Sandra Wong with Kellye Garrett.

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.