Podcast

Trek Politics | A Star Trek podcast with Mary L. Trump and Bob Cesca

News, Politics, TV & Film, TV Reviews

Trek Politics is a fun and insightful deep dive into the socio-political and cultural allegory of Star Trek across all series and movies, featuring author and commentator Mary Trump and political podcaster Bob Cesca.

TV Reviews chart
#52
Episodes
59
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
34 min
On air since
2023
Latest episode
1 week ago

Episodes

59 episodes, newest first

  1. Captain Kirk SAVED THE WHALES and Exposed Our Climate Hubris | The Voyage Home Pt. 1

    Show notes

    There be whales here! It's PART ONE of our discussion about Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, balancing hilarity with a serious political message about the climate crisis. Stick around for #Bobservations and #Maryservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

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    38 min
  2. Spock RETURNS! Star Trek's Most EMOTIONAL Reunion | The Search for Spock Pt. 2

    Show notes

    Our review and comment on The Search for Spock concludes! How exactly did Saavik "help" Spock with his pon-farr? Did they do it? And if so, was it weird? Also, is a cloaking device consistent with the Klingon warrior culture? Stick around for #Bobservations and an impromptu #Maryservation. Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

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    46 min
  3. Kirk STEALS the Enterprise in Defiant Starfleet Showdown | The Search for Spock Pt. 1

    Show notes

    It's PART ONE of our discussion about Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. Klingons, a resurrection, a heist, two 80s prime time TV stars, Chekov's comically oversized Pilgrim collar, and more! Stick around for #Bobservations. Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

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    39 min
  4. STAR TREK’S Ultimate No-Win Scenario BREAKS Kirk | The Wrath of Khan Pt. 2

    Show notes

    Our review and discussion about The Wrath of Khan continues with Kirk finally facing a no-win scenario and losing his best friend in the process. Stick around for #Bobservations and #Maryservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    48 min
  5. Khan RETURNS and Kirk Faces His Past | The Wrath of Khan Pt. 1

    Show notes

    Join us for a discussion about the first half of The Wrath of KHAAAAAAANN! Was the entire existence of Khan in the 23rd Century Kirk's fault? What happened to Scotty during shore leave? Stick around for #Bobservations and #Maryservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    45 min
  6. Does the First Star Trek Movie Hold Up? | The Motion Picture, Pt. 2

    Show notes

    This week it's PART TWO of our discussion about The Motion Picture. Suffice to say, we disagree about this one. Join with V'Ger! Stick around for an extra-nitpicky #Bobservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

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    34 min
  7. Debating STAR TREK’S Most DIVISIVE Movie | The Motion Picture, Pt. 1

    Show notes

    We're departing TOS (for now) to dig into the first six movies, starting with the first of TWO episodes about the divisive Star Trek: The Motion Picture, and we kind of disagreed about it. Stick around for #Bobservations and an impromptu #Maryservation! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min
  8. STAR TREK FANS SURGE for 60th Anniversary | Trek Politics at STLV

    Show notes

    This week, Mary and Bob recapped their trip to Star Trek Las Vegas, along with some big news about our part in a brand new 60th anniversary Star Trek documentary! And stick around for #Bobservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    30 min
  9. Star Trek's FUNNIEST Episode Still Wins | "The Trouble with Tribbles" (TOS)

    Show notes

    We found some actual political allegory in "The Trouble with Tribbles". We also found many, many Tribbles. You should watch. Unless you're a Klingon. And stick around for #Bobservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    38 min
  10. Star Trek's Creepy Take on Endangered Species | "The Man Trap" (TOS)

    Show notes

    We're back with an all new discussion about the very first episode of Star Trek, "The Man Trap" featuring the Salt Vampire, and what it says about endangered species and extinction. Stick around for #Bobservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    33 min
  11. Spock Risks EVERYTHING for Captain Pike | "The Menagerie Part II" (TOS)

    Show notes

    This week, we discuss "The Menagerie Part II" (TOS) and its skillful repurposing of the original Star Trek pilot. Is Spock acquitted? Was his mutiny logical? Who's our favorite Captain Pike? Stick around for #Bobservations and an impromptu #Maryservation. Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing the show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    37 min
  12. Spock's MOST Dangerous Mission Ever | "The Menagerie Part I" (TOS)

    Show notes

    This week, we discuss "The Menagerie Part I" and how it skillfully incorporates the first Star Trek pilot into a completely new story about Spock, mutiny, and the death penalty. We'll talk about Part II next week! Stick around for #Bobservations -- and #Maryservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing this show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    34 min
  13. Captain Kirk’s Integrity SHAMES Today’s Leaders | "Court Martial" (TOS)

    Show notes

    This week it's the riveting courtroom drama "Court Martial" and one of the greatest lines ever spoken in an episode of Star Trek ("Humanity fading in the shadow of the Machine" -Sam Cogley). Stick around for #Bobservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing this show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    28 min
  14. 'Charlie X' Warns About Trump’s Abuse of Power | "Charlie X" (TOS)

    Show notes

    This week it's "Charlie X" from season one: another cautionary tale about the dangers of...children. And abuse of power. And be sure to stick around for #Bobservations. Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing this show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    33 min
  15. Star Trek’s Bratty Tyrant Mirrors Trump | "The Squire of Gothos" (TOS)

    Show notes

    This week, it's the flamboyant shenanigans of Trelane in "The Squire of Gothos"! Check out whether we loved or hated this one, and how it relates to current politics. And be sure to stick around for #Bobservations. Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing this show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    34 min
  16. Kirk and Spock DESTROY Authoritarian AI Cult | "The Return of the Archons" (TOS)

    Show notes

    Star Trek predicts AI, authoritarianism, and religious cults in "The Return of the Archons" from season one. Plus, two of our favorite Trek tropes are featured in this one. Join us and stick around for #Bobservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing this show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min
  17. Star Trek’s Creepy Kids STRIKE BACK | "Miri" (TOS)

    Show notes

    This week, it's the season one episode "Miri" about a mysterious plague and a group of feral children who try to "BONK BONK!" Captain Kirk on the head. Join us and stick around for #Bobservations! Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing this show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    35 min
  18. Khan, MAGA and the Seduction of Strongmen | "Space Seed" (TOS)

    Show notes

    We dig into the introduction of KHAAAAAANN! in "Space Seed" -- a fateful episode in the Star Trek saga that will go on to have a profound impact on Kirk, Spock, and the Enterprise crew. Stick around for Bob's nitpicks in our #Bobservations segment. Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing this show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

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    32 min
  19. Trek Episode EXPOSES Leadership FAILURES | "The Tholian Web" (TOS)

    Show notes

    This week it's "The Tholian Web" from season three and what it says about leadership during a crisis. Stick around for Bob's nitpicks in our #Bobservations segment. Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you’re hearing this show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    32 min
  20. Star Trek’s DARKEST Leadership DISASTER | "The Doomsday Machine" (TOS)

    Show notes

    This week, it's Matt Decker and "The Doomsday Machine"! A gigantic ice cream cone threatens to devour the galaxy while an incapacitated, Ahab-esque Starfleet officer seizes control of the Enterprise. Stick around for our #Bobservations segment. Help us out by giving us a five star rating and review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you're hearing this show. Follow Trek Politics on Bluesky, X, and Instagram.

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    31 min