Random Trek 270: "Brothers" (TNG) with Aleen Simms

In 1932, Joan Crawford made Letty Lynton, a film that represented a milestone in her career. But it’s barely been seen since the 1930s. That’s because of a thorny legal dispute over a story that the movie’s only partially based on. Thanks to one of her grandsons and the Warner Archive, Letty is now available to view on disc or steaming. We’ll tell you the story of its long journey back to the screen, and all about “that dress”. Host Shelly Brisbin with Micheline Maynard, Nathan Alderman, and Randy Dotinga.

What do you do while you’re waiting? If you’ve been waiting for another episode of Sorkin’ In It, good news, because Lex and Brian are here for you. The Panthers have a bye week, but that just gives everybody time to do other things, like sue the coach, or work through family issues, or just be moody. We hope you’re in a good mood, though, and can’t wait to Sorkin’ In It with you. Hosts Lex Friedman and Brian Warren.

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.

Some nights it’s just so hard to find a good place to bury a body. Especially when the body owes someone money. Host Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, James Thomson, Kat Griffiths, and Mikah Sargent.

This week we turn back to Marvel and the third show in the Jac Schaeffer-verse: VisionQuest. Terry Matalas is running the show this time out. Can he capture a similar magic as WandaVision and Agatha all Along? How many Star Trek actors are in this show? What’s the newly rebuilt Vision been up to all this time? Read along and find out! Hosts Dan Moren, John Moltz, and Guy English.

In Jason’s absence, Shelly indulges her fondness for disaster movies, a genre that peaked in the 1970s. And what better way to revel in disaster than with a draft? From shipwrecks to nuclear war to runaway planes and trains, we’ve got you covered in cinematic mayhem. There’s even a zeppelin. Host Shelly Brisbin with David J. Loehr, Monty Ashley, and Micheline Maynard.

From the Relay St. Jude fundraising campaign comes this game where three familiar Incomparable voices with a bit of televised game show history compete in a game of answers and questions! Host Dan Cassino with Dan Moren, Glenn Fleishman, and Jason Snell.

Norah takes a breath from racing between errands to share a high performance geek-out. (Special thanks to the Romancing the Vote 2026 auction for bringing Norah to the show!) Host Sandra Wong with Norah Woodsey.

Shocktober continues with a dead hug, mushy terrain, and the logistics of generosity. Host Tony Sindelar with Aleen Simms, Annette Wierstra, James Thomson, Kat Griffiths, and Mikah Sargent.

Beauty is only skin deep, but podcasts go clean to the bone. Shaenon K. Garrity discusses four short stories by Dorothy Parker. Host John McCoy with Shaenon K. Garrity.