earlgrey

Mental Health and Counselling.  

One of the stand out additions to the Enterprise-D bridge crew when Star Trek returned to television was a ships counsellor . The addition of a counsellor to the crew was a very bold step and reflected the attitudes of the 1980s towards therapy and sharing your feelings. Did The Next Generation's use of a counsellor and episodes tackling mental health help tackle the taboo of discussing mental health? Or did the use of Guinan as a confidenant with a cocktail reflect the type of therapy that many would prefer.  

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez and Lee Hutchison are joined by Duncan Barrett from Trek.fm's Primitive Culture to discuss how The Next Generation views mental health and the role of the ships counsellor. The team discuss their views and experiences of counselling and if the approach used in the series actually would help the Enterprise crewmembers. Richard looks at how counselling is used in the Armed Forces and if it echoes how it is used on a starship.  

Note: There is a minor audio issue in the first nine minutes of this episode.  

Feature  
Introduction - (00:01:07)   
Duncan Barrett - (00:01:37)  
Mental Health and Troi - (00:09:50)  
Sign of the Times - (00:14:17)  
Jarhead - (00:18:39)  
Picard and Troi - (00:31:40)  
Too Familiar - (00:33:56)  
Troi on Voyager - (00:37:54)  
Coming Back (00:39:35)  
I Tend Bar and Listen - (00:42:50)  
Life Experience - (00:47:00)  
Empathy and Skills - (00:53:37)  
Mental Health in Trek - (00:57:35)  
Plugs and Closing - (01:06:22)  
POTFM - (01:10:51)  
Patron (01:12:22)   
Contact (01:45:00)  

Hosts  
Lee Hutchison and Richard Marquez  

Guest  
Duncan Barrett  

Production  
Lee Hutchison (Editor and Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

The Game.

Most kids can relate to having favorite video games and playing these games for hours on end. It is easy to spend days and weeks trying to beat the game and take it to its end when you are young and have few responsibilities. However in this episode of "The Game," this premise is twisted around so the adults are chronically playing the game while Wesley is left to figure out why.

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez and Amy Nelson with special guest Bruce Gibson from Literary Trek, discuss season 5 "The Game". We all agree that Robin Lefler is amazing, Troi eating her chocolate fudge sundae is a serious endeavor, and addiction comes in many different forms. As a side note, "The Game" was the first episode to air after Gene Roddenberry's death on Oct 24, 1991.

Chapters
Introduction (00:00:39)  
Meet up (00:02:35)  
The Game (00:04:34)  
Lefler (00:06:41)  
Spacebook (00:12:25)  
Headsets (00:12:45)  
Google glass (00:16:35)  
Addiction (00:20:00)  
The perfect bite (00:23:53)  
Worf Poundcake (00:27:26)  
Geordi (00:31:48)  
Mother-son relationship (00:37:47)  
VR games (00:44:50)  
Rating (00:51:57)  
Closing (00:53:05)  
Patron (00:54:14)  
Contact (00:56:23)  

Duration
Running Time: 1 hour 00 minutes 19 seconds

Hosts
Amy Nelson and Richard Marquez

Guest
Bruce Gibson

Production
Richard Marquez (Editor) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Star Trek Tech.

Currently in the 21st century, the doubling of computer processing speed every 18 months, known as Moore's Law, is just one manifestation of the greater trend that all technological change occurs at an exponential rate. If we continue at with this same growth rate, we just might realize some of the amazing technology found in the 24th century such as androids, replicators, and interstellar travel.

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Lee Hutchison discuss the imaginative technology used on Star Trek. Science and technology are making tremendous gains in the fields of energy, neuroscience, genetics, and nanotechnology which only feeds the fire for every geek's fandom. We debate whether some of Star Trek's greatest technological fiction could actually be possible.

Chapters
Introduction (00:00:40)
Viewscreen (00:03:33)
Combadge (00:06:42)
Transporter (00:09:10)
Skynet (00:13:45)
Lt. Marquez (00:22:42)
Holodecks (00:27:23)
Video Calls (00:35:35)
Tractor Beams (00:39:46)
Closing (00:54:10)

Hosts
Richard Marquez, Amy Nelson, and Lee Hutchison

Production
Richard Marquez (Editor) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Unsung Episodes: Season 2.

Every season of The Next Generation has episodes that get overlooked or ignored. Well, not here and not today. Most fans will quickly identify "The Measure of a Man" as being their favorite episode from season two. So, if we set that one aside, which other episodes should we celebrate and recognize from this season?

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Lee Hutchison list their three unsung episodes from season two. Each host puts up a good defense on why their chosen episodes should be among the fan favorites or at least viewed with a fresh perspective devoid of preconceived perceptions.

Unsung Episodes is a series that will continue through 2017 highlighting each season in honor of the thirty-year anniversary of TNG.

Chapters
Introduction (00:00:54)
Pulaski (00:2:20)
The Child (00:04:59)
First Pick (00:05:45)
Second Pick (00:07:46)
Spocks Brain (00:12:20)
Third Pick (00:13:13)
Fourth Pick (00:17:08)
Fifth Pick (00:21:56)
Sixth Pick (00:26:30)
Seventh Pick (00:29:14)
Eighth Pick (00:32:47)
Honorable Mention (00:35:30)
Another Honorable Mention (00:37:47)
Last Honorable Mention (00:39:14)
POTFM (00:40:05)
Closing (00:43:57)

Hosts
Amy Nelson, Richard Marquez, and Lee Hutchison

Production
Richard Marquez (Editor) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Interview with Morgan Gendel.

Before The Next Generation's episode "The Inner Light," the only Star Trek episode to be awarded a Hugo award was the original series episode "City on the Edge of Forever." Join us as we talk to Morgan Gendel about what it was like to write episodes of The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine.

In this episode of Earl Grey, Richard Marquez interviews Morgan Gendel about his Hugo Award, writing "The Inner Light," and other Star Trek episodes.

Chapters
Intro (00:00:40)
Innter Light (00:02:35)
Music of Inner Light (00:05:57)
Hugo Award (00:14:28)
Harley Ellison (00:17:20)
Die Hard on the Enterprise (00:19:00)
Dr. Bashir and O'Brien Relationship (00:27:30)
Passengers (00:30:56)
Tekwar (00:32:38)
Future Work (00:34:15)
Closing (00:39:32)

Hosts
Richard Marquez

Guest
Morgan Gendel

Production
Richard Marquez (Editor) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Justin Oser (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Star Trek is known for making forward thinking and social commentaries on today's issues. "The Outcast" is no exception. In The Next Generation's fifth season, we experience first hand the writers' take on gender issues and equality. These issues are just as relevant today as they were in 1992.  

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson discuss the J'naii, an androgynous race. The J'naii consider identifying as male or female as a sickness and as such, must be treated. We learn of this species' treatment of those who are different and reflect upon how we now treat those who are sexually different from ourselves.  

http://trekcore.com/blog/2014/07/reflections-on-lgbt-themes-in-tngs-the-outcast/  

Chapters    
Opening (00:00:00)   
Valentines Day (00:00:38)   
Looking Back To 1992 (00:02:24)   
The Sexes (00:09:22)   
Gender Neutral (00:22:21)   
Bullying and Childhood (00:29:12)   
The Outcast in 2017 (00:32:03)   
Gay Characters in Star Trek (00:39:25)   
I Love You (00:52:15)   
Riker and Troi (00:58:13)   
Individuality (01:00:07)   
This is Star Trek (01:02:00)   
Competition (01:03:15)   
Closing (01:05:44)  

Hosts  
Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

Production  
Lee Hutchison (Editor) Richard Marquez (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

"Acquisition" and the Ferengi in Enterprise.

When developing a premise for a new Star Trek series, Rick Berman and Brannon Braga decided that the successor to Star Trek: Voyager would have its sights set on the past. As a prequel to Star Trek, Enterprise was designed to explain how we got from present day, through World War III, and into the 23rd century. Many aliens that we would see in the show originated with the Star Trek that was created in the sixties. However, the creators did bring in a few other races that we would not see until the era of The Next Generation.

In this episode of Warp Five, Brandon-Shea Mutala is joined by Amy Nelson, co-host of Earl Grey, to discuss the Ferengi, and their appearance in the 22nd century. We talk about seeds laid during "Dear Doctor" for their appearance in "Acquisition," how their portrayal in the 22nd century compares to their portrayal in the 24th century, oo-mox, the actors, and our overall opinions on the episode.


Chapters
Intro (00:00:00) 
Welcome, Boomers! (00:01:22) 
"Acquisition" (00:03:15) 
"Dear, Doctor" (00:06:28) 
Compared to The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine (00:08:08) 
The Actors (00:10:34) 
Opinions on the Episode (00:13:53) 
Final Thoughts (00:28:37) 


Host
Brandon-Shea Mutala

Guest
Amy Nelson

Production
Floyd Dorsey (Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Editor and Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Floyd Dorsey (Associate Producer) Mike Morrison (Associate Producer) Tim Cooper (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Tony Robinson (Show Art) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Tin Man.  

Based on the 1976 short story “Tin Woodman” by Dennis Russell Bailey and David Bischoff, “Tin Man” was the first episode of The Next Generation that Earl Grey co-host Richard Marquez saw, and it is what launched his Star Trek fandom. Originally published in Amazing Science Fiction Stories and later as a novel in 1979, the original “Tin Woodman” story was nominated for a Nebula Award in 1977. Bailey and Bischoff are also credited with writing the TNG episode.  

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Richard Marquez, Lee Hutchison, and Amy Nelson discuss whether this is a good first episode for someone new to The Next Generation, how the name Tin Man correlates with the theme and characters of this episode, and certain sound effects that will make your stomach turn. We also debate if this is a Troi- or Data-centric episode and the social issues of mental health and disability.  

Chapters  
00:00:38 Introduction  
00:02:08 Episode Review  
00:02:40 History  
00:03:10 What did you think?  
00:06:05 Disability  
00:11:11 Jay Chattaway  
00:18:24 Mental health  
00:20:43 First contact issues  
00:24:03 Marina Sirtis  
00:26:54 Touch ups  

Hosts  
Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson  

Production  
Richard Marquez (Editor) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Earl Grey 162: Grr... Yeah  

Recast TNG.  

James T. Kirk and Spock are arguably the most beloved and well-known characters in Star Trek. With the newest movies released, does one prefer William Shatner over Chris Pine or Leonard Nimoy over Zachary Quinto? What will happen if we reboot The Next Generation? As it stands now, Patrick Stewart and Brent Spiner are the names associated with Jean-Luc Picard and Data, respectively. But, who would play these characters now?  

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson look at a recast of The Next Generation. We decide if our interpretation of a reboot series would be in the Prime or Kelvin timeline, or if this reboot takes place now versus the 1980's. Each host prepares and defends their choice of actors that would play the main characters of TNG.  

Chapters  
00:00:39 - Introduction (00:00:39)   
Prime or Kelvin Timeline (00:02:39)   
Wesley Crusher (00:03:52)   
Geordi LaForge (00:06:23)   
Beverly Crusher (00:10:05)   
William Riker (00:12:23)   
Worf (00:17:07)   
Data (00:23:01)   
Deanna Troi (00:27:15)   
Jean-Luc Picard (00:30:57)   
Full List Review (00:35:52)  
Closing (00:40:40)  

Hosts  
Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

Production  
Richard Marquez (Editor) Lee Hutchison (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

Unsung Episodes: Season 1.  

Every season of The Next Generation has episodes that get overlooked or ignored. Well, not here and not today. Most fans will quickly identify "Encounter at Farpoint" as being their favorite episode from season one. So, if we set that one aside, which other episodes should we celebrate and recognize from this introductory season?  

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson list their three unsung episodes from season one. Each host puts up a good defense on why their chosen episodes should be among the fan favorites or at least viewed with a fresh perspective devoid of preconceived perceptions.  

Unsung Episodes is a series that will continue through 2017 highlighting each season in honor of the thirty-year anniversary of TNG.  

Chapters  
Opening (00:00:00)   
Unsung Episodes (00:01:02)   
Datalore (00:03:44)   
We'll Always Have Paris (00:06:14)   
Haven (00:07:50)   
Skin of Evil (00:14:15)   
Conspiracy (00:20:51)   
Angel One (00:21:50)   
Lonely Among Us (00:28:00)   
Code of Honor (00:32:50)   
The Arsenal of Freedom (00:42:04)   
Honorable Mentions (00:48:05)   
Closing (00:52:22)  

Hosts  
Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

Production  
Lee Hutchison (Editor) Richard Marquez (Producer) Amy Nelson (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Patreon Manager)

TNG 30th Anniversary.  

The first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation aired on September 28, 1987. Still today, we are watching, enjoying, and discussing this incredible story—and after thirty years, we do it through rose-colored glasses.  

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson discuss possible future episode ideas and share our hope for this podcast. Hear Lee’s behind-the-scenes wishes, Richard’s hope to travel and meet the cast of TNG and other hosts of Trek.fm, and Amy’s desire to look at individual seasons with a twist. We take this opportunity to share our thoughts and invite everyone to listen throughout 2017.

Chapters   
Introduction (00:00:39)   
Lee's Ideas (00:01:20)   
TNG Memories (00:02:58)   
Amy's Ideas (00:04:17)   
STLV Interviews (00:04:51)   
Richard's Ideas (00:05:48)   
Focus on Panels (00:06:28)   
Behind the Scenes Writers (00:07:17)   
Episodes in Theaters (00:07:43)   
PEZ Sets (00:09:25)   
Closing (00:10:20)  

Hosts  
Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

Production  
Richard Marquez (Editor) Amy Nelson (Producer) Richard Marquez (Producer) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)

Q&A Session.

As the holiday season comes to a close, we have a special gift for you: a chance to unwrap the new hosts of Earl Grey. We are more than just pretty paper and ribbons; we have a great passion for The Next Generation and Star Trek as a whole.

In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson open themselves up to questions posed in The Babel Conference, our listeners group on Facebook. How would we handle a reboot? What are our top three episodes? Who are our favorite secondary characters? Each question is like a gift waiting to be unwrapped.

We thank you for participating in The Babel Conference, and for making this episode possible. We believe our listeners are the ornaments on the tree that allow our fandom to shine. Enjoy this Q&A wonderland with another cup of Earl Grey.

Chapters
Introduction (00:00:00)
Favorite Season and Episode (00:01:50)
Future Episodes (00:04:29)
Ethics (00:05:34)
Set Design and Music (00:08:28)
Top Three Episodes (00:16:35)
Skip Generations? (00:19:20)
Top Three Secondary Characters (00:24:03)
Admirals (00:29:07)
Outside of Trek (00:29:07)
Closing (00:37:35)

Hosts
Lee Hutchison, Richard Marquez, and Amy Nelson

Production
Lee Hutchison (Editor) C Bryan Jones (Executive Producer) Matthew Rushing (Executive Producer) Ken Tripp (Executive Producer) Brandon-Shea Mutala (Executive Producer) Norman C. Lao (Associate Producer) Michael E. Hueter (Associate Producer) Stephen Boyd (Associate Producer) Ron Saarna (Associate Producer) Richard Marquez (Production Manager)