Exploring the Inner Light with Oren

Exploring the Inner Light with Oren

In this episode of Engage with Trekkie and Trekker, we welcome Oren, also known as T’Pan, for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation about Star Trek, space, humanity, and the stories that stay with us. Oren shares how The Original Series first entered her life through watching with her father, and how Trek has continued to connect with her curiosity about science, society, diplomacy, music, and the future. The conversation explores her love of The Inner Light, the meaning of memory and legacy, the responsibilities that come with space exploration, and why a better future requires us to take care of Earth and each other first. From Star Trek cruises and Qowat Milat cosplay to medical technology, first contact, space ethics, and the emotional power of Picard’s lifetime as Kamin, this episode is a heartfelt look at fandom, wisdom, and what it means to carry the light forward.

Genesis of Disaster with Adam

Trekker’s brother Adam beams aboard Engage with Trekkie and Trekker for a conversation that starts with childhood Star Trek memories and a doomed Enterprise-D toy, then warps into the big questions that make Trek fandom so much fun. Adam shares why Dr. Crusher stands out as his favorite character, why The Next Generation episode “Disaster” is such a strong ensemble story, and why the Genesis device might be less about power and more about possibility. From terraforming ethics and frontier life to Strange New Worlds, Dr. M’Benga, Trill symbionts, Starfleet Medical, Lower Decks, and a round of Rapid Phaser Fire, this episode is full of family energy, thoughtful fandom, and plenty of “would you?” Trek debates. Live long, prosper, and maybe don’t detach the nacelles.

Guardian of Forever with Kerry

This week on ENGAGE with Trekkie and Trekker, we’re joined by Kerry, a lifelong Star Trek fan from Oklahoma City whose Trek journey began with The Original Series reruns and deepened when The Next Generation premiered. The conversation also travels through time with Kerry’s favoriate Star Trek invention: the Guardian of Forever. We ask ourselves - "if you had the power to change the past, would you?!" Kerry also shares with us some Star Trek: The Cruise memories and community connections to favorite characters, emotional movie moments, Starfleet ethics, and a pitch for a darker pre-First Contact Trek series. This episode is a heartfelt celebration of fandom, curiosity, hope, and the people who keep the Star Trek community thriving. Join us on our trek as we ENGAGE!

Sharing Kronos with Cassandra

In “Sharing Kronos with Cassandra,” Trekkie and Trekker welcome Cassandra back for a lively conversation about Star Trek conventions, cruises, cosplay dreams, and the friendships that form when fans find each other. Cassandra shares how she entered the convention and cruise world only a few years ago after wanting to go for a long time. What started as one Star Trek cruise quickly opened up a whole new community of friends, podcasts, fan events, meetups, and meticulously planned schedules. It’s a warm, fun episode about fandom as community, planning as survival, and why sometimes the best part of Star Trek is finding your people.

The Search for Janeway's Buns with Scarlett

In “The Search for Janeway’s Buns with Scarlett,” Trekkie and Trekker welcome Scarlett for a fun, heartfelt, and very stylish trip through her lifelong Star Trek fandom. Scarlett treks through a number of topics like Captain Janeway’s iconic bun, Voyager nostalgia, true crime, holodecks, Jadzia Dax heartbreak, Star Trek cruises, and why the franchise shaped her into someone who tries to see every side. It’s a conversation about fandom as memory, style, connection, and the hope that Star Trek can make us a little more considerate.