This week, we go full warp into the world of on-screen transformation with Emmy-level hair wizard Ryan Reed—the creative force behind the iconic looks of Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Section 31, and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.

From designing bold new alien aesthetics to shaping deeply intentional character arcs through hair, Ryan pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to run a department on a massive franchise. We get into the artistry, the chaos, and yes—the occasional "that wasn't my decision" moments 👀.

We dive into:

• The collaborative (and sometimes complicated) process between designers, producers, and actors
• Crafting culturally authentic and story-driven hairstyles—especially for Black characters and textured hair
• The evolution of Burnham's hair (and why those braids mattered)
• Building unique looks for Klingons, cadets, and brand-new alien species
• The technical magic behind wigs, prosthetics, and continuity (spoiler: it's a LOT of work)
• Why hair is never "just hair"—it's storytelling

Plus, Ryan shares how Michelle Yeoh helped shape her own look, how younger casts bring new creative freedom, and why background aliens deserve just as much love as the leads.

This episode is a love letter to the unsung artistry behind the scenes—and proof that in Star Trek, every strand has a story.

https://www.ryanreedhair.com/

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In this special recap episode, we gather a full roundtable of friends, collaborators, and Star Trek superfans to break down everything that went down in Season 1 of Star Trek: Starfleet Academy. Joining us are Alex from Deosil Designs, Anna Rozay, Jodi from Clonestar, Leigh Ellen, Austin, Jackson, and Matthew Jennings from 1701: A Blerd Story—and no topic is off-limits.

From standout cadets and faculty drama to the season's biggest twists, themes, and surprises, we dig into what worked, what didn't, and what we're hoping to see in Season 2. Along the way, expect passionate debates, hot takes, and plenty of laughs as we explore how this new series fits into the ever-expanding Star Trek universe.

Was Season 1 a promising new chapter for the franchise? Which characters stole the spotlight? And what lessons did Starfleet Academy really teach us?

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Guest info:

• Alex: https://deosildesigns.com
• Anna: https://www.youtube.com/@ObservationLounge2
• Austin: https://www.instagram.com/austinpsmith96/
• Jackson: https://www.instagram.com/jacksonjuniper/
• Jodi: https://linktr.ee/jodipickens
• Leigh Ellen: https://www.instagram.com/leighellenm/
• Matt: https://www.indiegogo.com/en/projects/mattjennings-10709363/1701-a-blerd-story

Order in the court! ⚖️ This week we convene a very special session of Q's Court, where the fate of the Star Trek franchise hangs in the balance. Presiding over the chaos is our all-powerful judge, Honorable Judge Lanita Q Ward-Jones, with Austin dutifully serving as the bailiff and keeping the proceedings (somewhat) under control.

Joining us for this cosmic courtroom debate are returning guests Anna Rozay and Jodi Pickens, who present their cases, along with Mike Jones & Damizon for who should take the captain's chair behind the scenes of Star Trek. The contenders? A powerhouse lineup of Trek talent:

• Terry Matalas

• Tawny Newsome & Mike McMahan

• Kirsten Beyer

• Jonathan Frakes

Each candidate is put on trial as we debate their vision, past Trek contributions, and what kind of future they could chart for the franchise. From bold cinematic leadership to character-driven storytelling to chaotic comedy energy, we weigh the merits of each would-be steward of the Final Frontier.

Arguments are made. Evidence is presented. Objections are (probably) ignored. And ultimately, Judge Lanita must decide who deserves to guide Star Trek into its next era.

Court is now in session. 🖖