Ceti Alpha 3: A Star Trek Podcast

Unique Ship PositionsEach television series of Star Trek brings something unique to the franchise. From ship's navigator to chef to tailors to barbers, there are special ship positions that we only see once. Phillip, Darren, and Daniel review those unique ship positions, and whether they should have been used again.Which special ship position was your favorite? What unique role do you think will be brought for Discovery?

Character CrossoversThe characters of Star Trek sometimes cross between shows. Giving us tastes of how they would react to the situations of different crews and ships. This week on Ceti Alpha 3, Daniel, Phillip and Darren talk about their favorite character crossovers.

Cloaking DevicesIt's one of the most interesting technologies outside of the Federation - the ability to cloak. Throughout Star Trek history, we have seen the Suliban, Romulans, Klingons, and more employ it against our heroes. The trio examines the use of the cloak in the franchise, including Starfleet's attempts. They stumble upon a never-before-seen discussion regarding Rom and the Romulans, as well as debate the morality of cloaking in battle.Do you think the Federation should have used cloaking technology?

Early Alien Visits to EarthThe surprise Vulcan arrival on Earth in the mid 21st Century changed history forever. However, despite this epic event being filed under "First Contact" in the history books, Star Trek repeatedly shows aliens visiting Earth from the planet's beginnings. Join Phillip, Daniel, and Darren as they jump across our planet's history with the Preservers, Apollo, Ferengi, and more.Which alien encounter with Earth is your favorite?

"Tuvix" DebateStar Trek tackles many controversial episodes, but no episide can bring out more fan debates like the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Tuvix." The trio tackles Captain Katherine Janeway's decision to end the life of newly-created Tuvix in favor of bringing back her crewmembers, Lieutenant Tuvok and Neelix.Do you agree with Captain Janeways decision? What would you have decided? 

Star Trek: Discovery PreviewThe sixth live-action Star Trek series revealed more cast, storylines, character relationships, etc., at the 2017 San Diego Comic Con. Daniel Proulx, Darren Moser, and Phillip Gilfus discuss what they are looking forward to, what secrets remain hidden, and what the latest trailer means for the newest part of the Trek franchise.What are you looking forward to most in Star Trek: Discovery? 

Starfleet Uniforms, Part 2Daniel, Darren and Phillip continue their discussion about Starfleet Uniforms. Picking up at The Next Generation through the new Star Trek Discovery designs.

Theatricality in Trek, Part TwoThe trio is once again joined by Jessica Nunn of The Phoenix Theatre Company, a.k.a. Phillip's wife. They examine three Star Trek episodes from a theatre perspective: "Shuttlepod One" (Enterprise), "Hard Time" (Deep Space Nine), and "Muse" (Voyager). How could these shows be placed on the stage? What scenes could be cut? And how many laser effects would be needed? Join the quartet as they pass the whiskey bottle through the audience and create a shaking stage floor.What episode do you think would work best on the stage?

Starfleet Uniforms, Part 1From the original pilot "The Cage" to Star Trek: Generations and the Kelvin Universe movies, we have seen a variety of Starfleet uniforms used in the 23rd Century. Daniel, Darren, and Phillip talk about the costume evolution, as well as dish about the latest developments in Star Trek: Discovery.

Language in Trek/Potpourri Talk The universal translator is a technology in Star Trek that is often taken for granted. Darren, Phillip, and Daniel look at how it works, doesn't work, and shouldn't work in all the television series and films in Trek franchise. The trio also goes off-script into a general discussion of their Trek knowledge with a look at bridge designs ("jim jams" v. touch screen), games & comics, and the Death Star versus a Dyson's Sphere. Join this group of Trekperts and friends as they talk all things Trek!

The Federation GovernmentWe see the President of the United Federation of Planets but we don't see how he was elected or who voted for him? Is there campaigning? How often does the species change? We delve into the political structure of Star Trek.

Writing the Next Kelvin Universe FilmStar Trek fans have a variety of reactions, hopes, and appreciation of the movies Star Trek, Star Trek into Darkness, and Star Trek Beyond. The trio decides to dust off the whiteboard to write the next sequel in the Kelvin Universe film series. What elements are you hoping to see in any future J.J. Abrams produced Trek movies?

Darren, Daniel and Phillip brainstorm how to bring Star Trek: The Next Generation Interactive VCR Board Game, A Klingon Challenge into the 21st century.

The crews reaction to the second Discovery Trailer

Star War Games - A Trek Trivia Game ShowPhillip plays host as Darren and Daniel battle each other for three rounds. With questions that span 50 years of Star Trek: Who will become the first victor of Star War Games and face the dreaded bonus round?  

The Tip of the SpearStar Trek: Discovery is currently in the works but Daniel, Darren, and Phillip decide to re-concieve the series. The trio starts with a blank page and establish the time setting, ship size, characters, mission, and more for the next Star Trek series. Join them as the U.S.S. Discovery journeys into uncharted Romulan space in the 25th Century with an unusual crew and a humanitarin mission for the future of the Alpha Quadrant. 

3 Holographic AIThe trio dive into three holographic personalities. Dr. James Moriarty, The Doctor and Vic Fontaine.

Trek WeddingsWith Phillip getting married this week, the Ceti Alpha 3 trio looks at the various marriage ceremonies in the Star Trek franchise, along with real-life weddings with Star Trek aspects. The stranded crew also receives some RSVP drop-ins courtesy of Charlynn Schmiedt, Colin Higgins, and Mike Schindler. Which Star Trek wedding do you hope to get invited to attend? And what would make a cool Trek addition to any real life wedding?

Monoculturalism in TrekOne of the many strengths of Star Trek - the diversity of alien cultures in strange, new worlds - can also be its weakness. Why don't Vulcans, Ferengi, and other species have the same variety of people and beliefs that humans do? And how interesting is human society cutlure as a whole? And what species are accepting of change and welcoming new civilizations? The trio delves into these issues and more.Which alien race had the most diversity? #AskCA3

Space stations.Starships are usually the main setting throughout Star Trek, but there are several space stations that serve home for many memorable stories. The stranded trio covers Deep Space Nine to K7 to Earth Spacedock, with some curious stops at Star Trek Monopoly. What's your favorite station and why?