Exploring Humanity Through Sci-Fi

In this chapter of Star Trek at 60, Tony revisits Star Trek: Insurrection, the ninth film in the franchise and the third cinematic adventure for the Next Generation cast. Directed by Jonathan Frakes and released on December 11, 1998, the film centers on a moral crisis: when the crew of the USS Enterprise‑E uncovers a conspiracy between Starfleet and the alien Son’a to forcibly relocate the peaceful Ba’ku in order to exploit their planet’s rejuvenating properties, Captain Picard and his crew choose to rebel — against orders, against politics, and against the erosion of Starfleet’s ideals.

Featuring performances by Patrick Stewart, F. Murray Abraham, Donna Murphy, and Anthony Zerbe, Insurrection blends ethical drama with character‑driven humor and romance. Though critics offered mixed responses — some praising Stewart’s gravitas and Frakes’s direction, others comparing the film to an extended TNG episode — the movie earned $118 million worldwide and secured nominations for both the Saturn Award and Hugo Award.

This episode draws from Tony’s 1998 roundtable interviews with Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, and Brent Spiner, capturing their reflections at the moment the film was stepping into the world.

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For the fourth chapter of Star Trek at 60, Tony sits down with Ethan Peck, the actor who has carried the mantle of Spock across four modern Star Trek series — Star Trek: Discovery, Short Treks, Strange New Worlds, and Very Short Treks. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Peck comes from a remarkable artistic lineage: he is the grandson of legendary actor Gregory Peck and Greta Kukkonen, and the son of Stephen Peck, a former actor, documentary filmmaker, Vietnam veteran, and longtime leader of U.S. Veterans Initiative. His mother, Francine Matarazzo, is an abstract artist.

Before Trek, Ethan made his mark with a main ensemble role as Patrick Verona in the television adaptation of 10 Things I Hate About You. But it was the role of Spock — one of the most recognizable characters in genre history — that transformed his career and connected him to a global fandom.

This episode compiles Tony’s conversations with Ethan from New York Comic Con before Discovery Season Two and again at the start of Strange New Worlds Season Two, capturing the evolution of an actor finding his place within a legacy.

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In this episode of Star Trek at 60, Tony dives into Star Trek: Lower Decks, the ninth series in the franchise and the first animated Trek since 1974 — as well as the first full‑on comedy in Trek history. Created by Mike McMahan for CBS All Access (later Paramount+), the series debuted in 2020 as part of Alex Kurtzman’s expanded universe and quickly became a fan favorite for its mix of heartfelt storytelling, deep‑cut references, and chaotic energy.

As the foul‑mouthed, no‑nonsense Caitian chief medical officer Dr. T’Ana, Gillian Vigman brings a feral charm and comedic bite that instantly made the character iconic.

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In this installment of Star Trek at 60, Tony turns to the tenth Star Trek series — Star Trek: Prodigy, created by Kevin and Dan Hageman and released from 2021 to 2024 as part of Alex Kurtzman’s expanded universe. As the franchise’s first fully 3D‑animated series and the first designed specifically for younger viewers, Prodigy carved out a unique place in Trek history.

Set in the 24th century, the story follows a group of young aliens who discover the abandoned starship Protostar and, through its holographic mentor Kathryn Janeway, begin learning what it means to be Starfleet. It’s a coming‑of‑age tale wrapped in Trek’s deepest values: curiosity, cooperation, and the courage to grow.

This episode features Tony’s conversations with:

Kate Mulgrew — on playing both Admiral Janeway and the AI Hologram Janeway

Brett Gray —  Dal

Ella Purnell —  Gwyn

Together, they illuminate how Prodigy became a gateway for new fans while still honoring the legacy of Trek’s past.

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A 59-Year Celebration Through Voices, Memories, and Missions

My combined three-volume oral history and tribute, weaving together rare interviews, behind-the-scenes reflections, and heartfelt anecdotes from cast and crew across Star Trek: First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis. Supplemented by intimate conversations with actors from The Next Generation, Voyager, Deep Space Nine, Enterprise, and even a special Star Trek literary event.  

Featuring 

🎙️ Roundtable Revelations: Press junket gems from the TNG movie era

📞 Personal Frequencies: Phone, Zoom, and convention interviews with legacy actors

A blend of nostalgia and discovery—part memoir, part documentary, part celebration. Ideal for fans who want to hear oral memories