Beyond the Final Frontier - A Star Trek Podcast
'Beyond the Final Frontier' brings together three storied Star Trek veterans for an ongoing mission to celebrate the vast Trek universe. Host Rich Matthews, former senior editor and 20+year contributor to the official Star Trek Magazine and current Trekademic, is joined by his bridge crew: the renowned Ian Spelling, entertainment journalist who has covered Star Trek extensively since the late 1980s for the New York Times, Starlog Magazine, and the official Star Trek Communicator, before editing StarTrek.com for a decade, and Toby Weidmann, former editor of the official Star Trek Magazine, BAFTA comms wizard and launch editor of the official Walking Dead Magazine. Each episode, our trio shocase and discuss favorite episodes, themes, characters – everything Trek! – in depth, sharing insights from their decades of experience covering the franchise. From beloved moments to Trek history and developments in the modern era, plus occasional special guests joining the voyage... Grab your tricorder and prepare to beam aboard as we boldly go Beyond the Final Frontier!
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BFF#38: VEGAS BABY – DR TREK IS BACK! Top 5 Canon Retrofits with Larry Nemecek
08/02/2026
BFF#38: VEGAS BABY – DR TREK IS BACK! Top 5 Canon Retrofits with Larry Nemecek
This week on Beyond the Final Frontier: On the eve of Star Trek's biggest 60th birthday party at the Rio in Las Vegas, Rich and Ian pack their tricorders for Sin City and our trio mark the occasion by welcoming back fellow Khaaaan-goer, the one and only Larry "Dr. Trek" Nemecek, for a countdown of the Top 5 canon retrofits, those moments when Star Trek (sometimes...) quietly reached back into its own past and rewrote it. Engage(!) with us: Email – | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier Expect a proper deep dive with the author of the Next Generation Companion into the fine art of the fudge: the in-universe repair jobs, the rules quietly redrawn behind the audience's back, and the contradiction the franchise has pointedly decided it will never, ever explain. Plus a number one that reframes rather more than a single episode. Let us know what we got right, what we got wrong, and what you'd like us to cover next. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe! Get more from Dr Trek at: BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.
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BFF#37: We review the JJ Abrams' Kelvin Star Trek movies!
07/13/2026
BFF#37: We review the JJ Abrams' Kelvin Star Trek movies!
This week on Beyond the Final Frontier: Rich, Ian and Toby beam into the Kelvin Universe to tackle J.J. Abrams' big-screen reboot trilogy – Star Trek (2009), Into Darkness and Beyond – debating the good, the bad and the Khan of it all. Engage(!) with us: Email – | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier Expect lens flares, red matter, and a black hole's worth of timeline debate — from a recast crew that shouldn't have worked (but did) to a villain reveal that definitely didn't fool anyone. The trio go deep into the weeds on what the reboot got gloriously right, where it stumbled into the warp core, and whether Beyond was the course correction the franchise deserved. Plus: strong opinions on Karl Urban's McCoy, and at least one hill somebody is prepared to die on. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe! BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.
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BFF#36 - Top 7 Double Episodes of Star Trek!
07/06/2026
BFF#36 - Top 7 Double Episodes of Star Trek!
This week on Beyond the Final Frontier: Rich, Ian and Toby rank their favourite two-part Star Trek episodes — no season premieres, no finales, and a "part one and two" rule that gets stretched, bent, and openly mutinied against within minutes. Engage(!) with us: Email – | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier Expect Nazi holodecks, moral event horizons, a pirate ship, a legendary interrogation scene, and a genuinely heated three-way stand-off for the number one spot that ends with accusations of hindsight, nostalgia bias, and someone being politely called wrong on air. Plus: unexpected Hugo Award trivia and a fan-mail story that actually paid off. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe! BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.
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BFF35: Top 7 Trek TV Villains!
06/29/2026
BFF35: Top 7 Trek TV Villains!
This week on Beyond the Final Frontier: Rich, Ian and Toby turn to the dark side and count down their favourite villains from across the Star Trek TV-verse – small-screen baddies only, so the film-only foes (no Kruge, sorry) are sitting this one out. Engage(!) with us: Email – | Instagram – @beyondffpod | Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier Expect Jeffrey Combs' gloriously unctuous Weyoun, Voyager's Seska, a serial-killing TOS femme fatale with serious daddy issues, the baddest of all the "badmirals", Brad Dourif's chilling Lon Suder, the Borg Queen, Peter Weller going full xenophobe in Enterprise, and Brent Spiner's evil twin Lore – before the inevitable happens and Deep Space Nine swallows the top of the list whole (but with who?!). Toby imposes a brave one-villain-per-series rule (which still can't stop DS9 winning), and a certain infamous augment lands lower than you'd expect... Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe! BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek-universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.
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Ep34: Top 5 Opening Titles & Theme Tunes with Kate O’Shaughnessy!
06/23/2026
Ep34: Top 5 Opening Titles & Theme Tunes with Kate O’Shaughnessy!
This week on Beyond the Final Frontier podcast: Rich, Ian and Toby get tuneful – and call in some actual musical backup – as they count down the greatest main title themes in all of Star Trek, the fanfares, marches and one deeply controversial power ballad that have been getting under our skin for sixty years. They're joined by Irish drummer and content creator Katie O'Shaughnessy of Lyterian, who brings a real musician's ear to a ranking the boys are otherwise prepared to conduct entirely by humming. Expect a healthy debate about whether a vocal theme even counts as a theme (the jury says no, sorry Enterprise), the dawning realisation that the beloved Next Gen music is secretly Jerry Goldsmith's Motion Picture march wearing a trenchcoat – and that fans once accused him of stealing his own tune – plus Alexander Courage's eight little notes turning up in literally everything, the First Contact theme reborn in Picard Season 3, Cliff Eidelman going full Stravinsky, Nami Melumad making history, and Russell Watson, Rod Stewart and Patch Adams all somehow entering a Star Trek conversation. Plus a number one that everyone seems to agree is really two themes in one. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got right, or wrong, and what you'd like to see us cover next. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe! Engage(!) with us: Email – Instagram – @beyondffpod Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.
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Ep33: Top 7 Shocks & Twists in Star Trek!
06/15/2026
Ep33: Top 7 Shocks & Twists in Star Trek!
This week on Beyond the Final Frontier podcast: Rich, Ian and Toby brace for impact as they count down their Top 7 Shocks and Twists in all of Star Trek – the heel-turns, gut-punches and out-of-nowhere deaths and surprises that left them reeling. Expect a debate over whether the films even count (Toby's only counting the series), a suspicious amount of overlap that suggests the boys share the same three traumas, and a parade of picks: Lorca's Mirror Universe reveal, Sisko deciding he can live with it, the slow violation of Picard into Locutus, the casual murder of Tuvix, a holodeck nightmare, Bashir unmasked as a changeling, and a beloved starship blown to bits. Plus the death of Spock, three different number ones nobody can agree on, a single Picard tear that Ian still refuses to buy (so he polls an AI to settle it mid-recording), and a lengthy detour through choir school, dropped testicles and the Enterprise theme – which Toby maintains is the biggest shock of all. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got right, or wrong, and what you'd like to see us cover next. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe! Engage(!) with us: Email – Instagram – @beyondffpod Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.
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Ep32: Biggest Big Ideas in Star Trek!
06/08/2026
Ep32: Biggest Big Ideas in Star Trek!
This week on Beyond the Final Frontier podcast: Rich, Ian and Toby go cerebral as they count down their Top 7 Big Ideas in Star Trek — the lofty, philosophical, occasionally pretentious notions that separate Trek from its imitators. Expect a healthy debate about what a “big idea” even is (Toby’s still not sure), plenty of overlapping picks that may prove Star Trek has fewer big ideas than they thought, panspermia, the cost of war, the nature of God, free will, false memories, and a Blade Runner comparison or four. Plus a number one that everyone seems to have written the word “better” next to. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got right, or wrong, and what you’d like to see us cover next. Don’t forget to like, rate and subscribe! Engage(!) with us: Email – Instagram – @beyondffpod Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.
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Ep31: ARMIN SHIMERMAN & KITTY SWINK, plus Fave Five Ferengi Episodes!
06/01/2026
Ep31: ARMIN SHIMERMAN & KITTY SWINK, plus Fave Five Ferengi Episodes!
This week on Beyond the Final Frontier podcast: Rich, Ian and Toby roll out the red carpet for two very special guests, as Armin Shimerman and Kitty Swink beam aboard to talk careers, Quark's lobes, and a cause close to their hearts. From the Rules of Acquisition to the rigours of Shakespeare, the pair pull back the prosthetic on decades in the Trek-verse – the makeup-chair marathons, the craft of playing a Ferengi with actual heart, and how the Bard turns out to be surprisingly good training for life under all that latex. The conversation then turns to something far more personal: Kitty and Armin's advocacy for pancreatic cancer awareness, and the remarkable ways Star Trek fandom rallies behind real-world causes. Expect laughs, a Top Five Ferengi Episodes rundown, an unexpected run-in with Stephen Hawking, a healthy dose of mutual admiration between two actors who clearly adore each other, and a heartfelt reminder that – sometimes – the fans really are the heroes. Let us know your thoughts: which Ferengi episode should have topped the list, and who you'd like us to have on next. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe! Engage(!) with us: Email: beyondffpod@gmail.com Insta: @beyondffpod Facebook: BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier Pancreatic Cancer Support & Awareness We talk about pancreatic cancer in this episode. If you, or someone you love, has been affected, support is available — free and confidential: United States — Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCan) Website: Patient Services: 877-272-6226 (toll-free, Mon–Fri) Email: United Kingdom — Pancreatic Cancer UK Website: Support Line (free, staffed by specialist nurses): 0808 801 0707 Email: BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.
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Ep30 - Top 7 Trek Space Battles!
05/25/2026
Ep30 - Top 7 Trek Space Battles!
This week on Beyond the Final Frontier podcast: Rich, Ian and Toby bring the pew pews as they rank their Top 7 Star Trek Space Battles, from photon torpedo skirmishes to fleet-shaking showdowns. Expect a few predictable picks, a couple of surprises, plenty of nebula-set chess games, and a number one that may or may not have been unanimously agreed before a single phaser was fired. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got right, or wrong, and what you'd like to see us cover next. Don't forget to like, rate and subscribe! Engage(!) with us: Email – Instagram – @beyondffpod Facebook – /BFF: Beyond The Final Frontier BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER sees three entertainment journalists, who have written about Star Trek for decades, bringing their extensive geek universe knowledge and longtime camaraderie to the podcast world. Each episode, Rich, Ian and Toby explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal Trek favourites to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom.
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Ep29: SEAN FERRICK & Our Dream Trek Show Pitches!
05/18/2026
Ep29: SEAN FERRICK & Our Dream Trek Show Pitches!
Lock in coordinates and engage! BFF welcomes a special guest as Rich, Ian and Toby are joined by Trekker extraordinaire Sean Ferrick of Trek Culture ( – to pitch their very own brand-new Star Trek TV series. Four hosts, four shows, one increasingly thinly veiled audition reel for Skydance. Let us know which pitch you'd greenlight, what you think we got wrong, and what you'd like us to cover next in the comments, email us at or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Before the pitching commences, Sean takes the trio through his earliest Trek memory – a father-son trip to see Star Trek: Generations in 1995 Ireland – before everyone rolls up their sleeves and unveils their titles, hooks, settings, casts, threats and USPs. Expect ragtag crews, stolen starships, interdimensional rifts, a procedural with proper bite, an Academy reset built almost entirely from alien teachers and students, and at least one Lancelot-class ship with an unmistakably Arthurian streak. No spoilers on whose is whose, but there's a strong showing for Jeffrey Combs, Doug Jones, Colman Domingo, Emma Mackey and Ella Purnell – plus a Horta named after Ian's wife (!). Expect surprises, sniggers and a fair bit of mutual brown-nosing as Rich champions "competence porn" and true Trek disguised as new Trek, Toby leans Blake's 7 dark while quietly setting out to "fix Voyager", Ian nakedly stumps for a do-over of you-know-which-recently-cancelled-show, and Sean cheerfully games his interdimensional rift to drop in any era, character or cameo he fancies. Along the way the gang debate whether the Kelvin universe needs sunglasses to watch, why the Discovery bridge could use a good shrinking, Trek's lingering genetic-engineering bugbear, whether Andor should really have been its own separate science fiction property, and what unites all four pitches: a deep, unembarrassed love of Deep Space Nine. Plus, Ian reveals the going rate for a Voyager background extra (spoiler: less than a decent meal out). As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep28: Top Star Trek Tech Ranked!
05/11/2026
Ep28: Top Star Trek Tech Ranked!
Engage! Rich, Ian and Toby tackle one of Star Trek's most enduring obsessions in a tech-heavy episode, ranking their top seven pieces of Trek tech from across the entire franchise – plus beaming over to the London Science Museum's 60th anniversary Star Trek exhibition for a debrief. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got wrong, and what you'd like us to cover next in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. From PADDs to phasers, communicators to cloaking devices, the trio debate which Star Trek inventions they'd actually want in the real world – and which are better left on the holodeck. Cue impassioned tangents on the philosophical horror of the transporter (are you really you on the other side?), the elegance of the Heisenberg compensator as the platonic ideal of Trek techno-babble, real-world tricorders, and the Federation's apparently miraculous solution to obesity. Expect surprises, sniggering and a fair bit of hijinks as Rich champions warp drive as the ultimate expression of Roddenberry's humanism, Ian unapologetically picks the replicator because he refuses to watch anyone make a f***ing meal, and Toby goes deeply personal at number one with the hypospray. Along the way the boys debate the aesthetics of the original series communicator, whether Counsellor Troi had a built-in fat-burning chip (!?), what they'd actually do on a fully-realised holodeck (Ian wants to flatline and quiz Jimmy Hoffa; Toby just wants to roam the TOS Enterprise), and Rich's enduring, deeply suspicious love affair with starship nacelles. The episode rounds out with a glowing review of the Science Museum's exhibition and a sold-out IMAX screening of The Wrath of Khan — plus the not-entirely-flippant revelation that the Motion Picture's Bob Peak poster is, on reflection, basically a pride poster. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep27: S2 Ranking STAR TREK Season 2 Openers! Plus, STARFLEET ACADEMY cancellation discussion!
05/04/2026
Ep27: S2 Ranking STAR TREK Season 2 Openers! Plus, STARFLEET ACADEMY cancellation discussion!
We're back, baby! Rich, Ian and Toby launch season two of Beyond the Final Frontier with a double-header: a candid post-mortem on the cancellation of Starfleet Academy, and a full ranking of every season-two opener across the entire Star Trek franchise. Let us know your thoughts on our rankings, what you think we got wrong, and what you'd like us to cover next in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. The trio kick things off with the elephant in the room – Paramount pulling the plug on Starfleet Academy with season two already in the can – before debating whether the franchise is quietly pivoting back to theatrical under Skydance and David Ellison, what a post-Kurtzman Trek might look like, and the perennial fantasy of a Tarantino Trek movie. Then it's down to business: ranking all 11 season-two openers from "Amok Time" to "The Broken Circle." Expect surprises, controversies and a fair bit of shouting (just ask Ian's wife) as Rich champions Enterprise's "Shockwave, Part II", Toby goes to bat for "The Stargazer" against the weight of the Picard season-two baggage, and Ian makes the case for "The Child" as a wildly underrated reset for early TNG. Along the way the boys debate Pulaski's bedside manner, Spock's emotional journey across "Amok Time" and "The Broken Circle," whether modern Trek dialogue is really any more anachronistic today than 60 years ago, and the lasting magic of Sharon Lawrence's Amelia Earhart. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep26: STARFLEET ACADEMY full season review, new Star Trek: Voyager videogame review, look back over our 1st season!
03/17/2026
Ep26: STARFLEET ACADEMY full season review, new Star Trek: Voyager videogame review, look back over our 1st season!
In our season one finale Rich, Ian and Toby bring the inaugural run of BFF to a close with a comprehensive roundup of the second half of Starfleet Academy season one, reflections on our own first season as a podcast, and a bonus review of the new Star Trek: Voyager video game. Let us know your thoughts on Starfleet Academy and what you'd like us to cover in season two in the comments, email us at or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Our trio dives deep into episodes 7 through 10 of Starfleet Academy – "Ko'Zeine," "Life of the Stars," "300th Night" and "RubinCon" – delivering candid, sometimes fiery verdicts on each instalment. From debating the merits of bottle episodes and the perennial problem of 10-episode seasons to clashing over the Our Town storytelling device, the show's on-the-nose political allegory and whether the season finale wrapped things up a little too neatly, Rich, Ian and Toby hold nothing back. We tally up our scores to deliver an overall season ranking, discuss what we hope to see in the already-filmed season two, and reflect on a cast we believe may be the strongest of any new-era Trek series. We then turn the lens on ourselves, sharing highlights from our own first season – from unforgettable guest conversations with Nana Visitor, Gates McFadden, Jeff Combs, John Eaves and Larry Nemecek to Rich's now-legendary love affair with the Enterprise refit. Finally, Toby reviews Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown, a new survival strategy game that lets you captain Voyager your own way – Tuvix moral dilemmas and all. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep25: GATES McFADDEN!
03/10/2026
Ep25: GATES McFADDEN!
In this very special episode of Beyond the Final Frontier, we're thrilled to welcome the wonderful Gates McFadden – Star Trek: The Next Generation's Dr Beverly Crusher – for a celebration of her career and a countdown of our favourite Crusher episodes. Let us know your favourite Dr Crusher moments in the comments, email us at or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Gates shares her journey from academic, choreographer and theatre maker to the Enterprise-D sickbay, the dynamics of working alongside the TNG cast, and what it meant to bring a groundbreaking female chief medical officer to life across seven seasons and four feature films. Together, we explore the episodes that define Beverly Crusher, from the haunting 'Remember Me' and the controversial 'Sub Rosa' to the compelling 'The High Ground' and the captaincy of 'Descent, Part II.' Gates also reflects on directing, her InvestiGates podcast, and what Dr Crusher continues to mean to fans around the world. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep24: Fave Aliens with JEFFREY COMBS!
03/03/2026
Ep24: Fave Aliens with JEFFREY COMBS!
In this special episode of Beyond the Final Frontier, we're joined by the legendary Jeffrey Combs – Star Trek's ultimate chameleon – for a wide-ranging conversation about his iconic roles across the franchise and a deep dive into our favourite Star Trek alien species. Let us know your favourite Star Trek aliens in the comments, email us at or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Jeff shares memories of watching the original series premiere in 1966, the challenges and joys of working under heavy prosthetic makeup, and the mask work training that helped him bring characters like Weyoun, Brunt and Shran so vividly to life. Together, we count down our top alien species picks, from the Vidians and the Borg to the Ferengi, Cardassians, Klingons and Vulcans, exploring what makes each species resonate as reflections of the human condition. Jeff also reveals behind-the-scenes stories from Deep Space Nine and Enterprise, including lunches with René Auberjonois, stealing Marc Alaimo's shopping cart, and the unfinished business of Commander Shran. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep23: Top 7 Prime Directive Eps of Trek! (RE-UPLOAD)
02/24/2026
Ep23: Top 7 Prime Directive Eps of Trek! (RE-UPLOAD)
In this episode of Beyond the Final Frontier, we delve into the complexities of the Prime Directive in Star Trek, exploring its implications on ethics, morality, and the consequences of interference. Let us know your favourite Prime Directive moments in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. We discuss various episodes across the franchise, highlighting how different series interpret and challenge the Prime Directive, from TNG's 'Who Watches the Watchers?' to DS9's 'In the Pale Moonlight.' The conversation also touches on the philosophical underpinnings of Starfleet's mission and the moral dilemmas faced by its captains. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep22: STARFLEET ACADEMY Eps 2-6
02/17/2026
Ep22: STARFLEET ACADEMY Eps 2-6
This episode we give our reactions to the first half of season one of Starfleet Academy - "Beta Test", "Vitus Reflux", "Vox in Excelso", "Series Acclimation Mil" and "Come, Let's Away". What do you make of the latest Nu-Trek show? Let us know in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep21: Top 7 Love & Romance on Trek!
02/10/2026
Ep21: Top 7 Love & Romance on Trek!
In this special Valentine's episode of "Beyond the Final Frontier," hosts Rich Matthews, Ian Spelling, and Toby Weidman delve into the romantic themes of Star Trek, discussing their favorite love stories across various series and films. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted banter about the nature of romance in Star Trek, leading to a countdown of their top romantic episodes. Each host shares their insights on iconic couples, the chemistry between characters, and the emotional weight of certain storylines, highlighting episodes like "City on the Edge of Forever" and "Attached." The discussion is filled with humor, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for the storytelling that has made Star Trek a beloved franchise. Let us know in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep20: Top 5 Trek Social Commentary Episodes with Dr Chris Nunn
02/03/2026
Ep20: Top 5 Trek Social Commentary Episodes with Dr Chris Nunn
Assistant Film Professor at the University of Birmingham, Dr Chris Nunn, joins us to discuss Trek at its most analytical, when it takes on contemporary social issues garbed in 23rd, 24th and 32nd Century uniforms. What are you fave social commentaries on Star Trek? Which social issue did it do best? Racism, fascism, sexism or a different ism entirely?Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep19: Top 7 Time Travel Episodes!
01/27/2026
Ep19: Top 7 Time Travel Episodes!
It gets all timey-wimey on BFF this week, as we look at our favourite episodes that showcase that old Trek staple, time travel. Which temporal Trek tribulations are your fave? Let us know in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep18: STARFLEET ACADEMY pilot review!
01/20/2026
Ep18: STARFLEET ACADEMY pilot review!
We offer our hot take on the brand new Star Trek series, STARFLEET ACADEMY! Has Nu-Trek dished up Dawson's Fleet or is this the bold new frontier for Trek? Have a listen to find out. And what do you think? Let us know in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep17: Top 7 Fave Seasons of Star Trek
01/13/2026
Ep17: Top 7 Fave Seasons of Star Trek
This is a biggie as we pick our favourite seasons from across the whole of Star Trek... with a nice big controversy when we get to our number ones, so listen to the end to hear if Toby's head does actually explode!? Definitely worth a rate and review this one. Do you agree and what would be your faves - Discovery S3, TNG season 1, Voyager season 7? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep16: Top 7 Trek Tearjerkers!
01/04/2026
Ep16: Top 7 Trek Tearjerkers!
Happy 2026! As we enter the 60th anniversary year for Star Trek, we warp into the new year with the episodes that made us cry, in our first reader-requested themed episode. And as we navigate life, death, love, family and friendship, we finally find Toby's feline kryptonite... And what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep15: Holiday Star Trek Episodes!
12/23/2025
Ep15: Holiday Star Trek Episodes!
Happy Holidays! A quick episode to lead us into the festive period where we look at Holiday episodes in Star Trek before we take a brief break to energise back into action in January. And what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep14: Top Trek with No Villains!
12/16/2025
Ep14: Top Trek with No Villains!
Most drama needs conflicts and most conflicts need baddies... Not Star Trek! Some of its finest moments are not about villains but about situations, problems and obstacles to overcome. So what are our favourite Star Trek episodes WITHOUT villains? Find out in this week's episode... And what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep13: Top 7 Comedy Star Trek Episodes
12/08/2025
Ep13: Top 7 Comedy Star Trek Episodes
Which Star Trek has the most funnies? Who gets more laughs - Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway, Archer, Burnham or Pike? This episode we look at the episodes of Trek that make Rich, Ian and Toby giggle the most. And yes, there are Tribbles aplenty. But what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. NOTE: There were some recordings issues this episode so the audio isn't quite up to Starfleet standards this week. Apologies. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep12: Top 5 Romulan Episodes with Paul Simpson
12/02/2025
Ep12: Top 5 Romulan Episodes with Paul Simpson
This episode we're joined by author, journalist and editor Paul Simpson, a fellow ex-official magazine captain, to dissect all things Romulan. For more from Paul please check out his prolific website: https://scifibulletin.com/. But what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep11: Who Saved Star Trek with DR TREK, Larry Nemecek!
11/25/2025
Ep11: Who Saved Star Trek with DR TREK, Larry Nemecek!
This episode we're joined by Dr Trek himself, Larry Nemecek, to talk about the people who saved Star Trek, those key folks who pulled the franchise back from the brink or reanimated it for a new generation, or just plain helped make and keep it great. Get more from Dr Trek at: Who would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep10: Star Trek MOVIES Ranking
11/18/2025
Ep10: Star Trek MOVIES Ranking
Will it be Spock, Khan, V'Ger, whales, Kelvin or Klingons?!? This episode, die-hard Trekkies Rich, Ian and Toby rank ALL the Star Trek theatrical movies from The Motion Picture to Beyond. Will you agree with our choices? Which will come out on top? Which do we think is the worse? Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. If you want to get in contact please email us at or find us on Instagram and Facebook As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.
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Ep9: NANA VISITOR part 2! Beyond Star Trek
11/10/2025
Ep9: NANA VISITOR part 2! Beyond Star Trek
This episode we return to our amazing interview with Major Kira Nerys from Deep Space Nine herself, Nana Visitor! CONTENT NOTICE This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and post-traumatic stress (PTS). Our guest shares her personal experience of sexual violence and the trauma that followed. We are featuring this conversation because survivor stories can help break the silence around sexual violence, validate others' experiences, and increase understanding of trauma's effects. We recognise this content may be challenging or triggering for some listeners. We encourage you to prioritise your wellbeing when deciding whether to listen. You may choose to listen with support, take breaks as needed, or skip this episode entirely. If you or someone you know needs support: UK: Rape Crisis England & Wales: 0808 500 2222 (available 24/7) or visit rapecrisis.org.uk Rape Crisis Scotland: 08088 01 03 02 (5pm-midnight daily) The Survivors Trust: 08088 010 818 Samaritans: 116 123 (available 24/7) US: RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 (available 24/7) Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 Please check out Nana's brilliant book Star Trek: Open a Channel: A Woman's Trek (get a copy here: If you want to get in contact please email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com, or find us on Instagram and Facebook.
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