Beyond the Final Frontier - A Star Trek Podcast

Rich Matthews, Ian Spelling, Toby Weidmann

'Beyond the Final Frontier' brings together three storied Star Trek veterans for an ongoing mission to celebrate the vast Trek universe. Host Rich Matthews, former senior editor and 20+year contributor to the official Star Trek Magazine and current Trekademic, is joined by his bridge crew: the renowned Ian Spelling, entertainment journalist who has covered Star Trek extensively since the late 1980s for the New York Times, Starlog Magazine, and the official Star Trek Communicator, before editing StarTrek.com for a decade, and Toby Weidmann, former editor of the official Star Trek Magazine, BAFTA comms wizard and launch editor of the official Walking Dead Magazine. Each episode, our trio shocase and discuss favorite episodes, themes, characters – everything Trek! – in depth, sharing insights from their decades of experience covering the franchise. From beloved moments to Trek history and developments in the modern era, plus occasional special guests joining the voyage... Grab your tricorder and prepare to beam aboard as we boldly go Beyond the Final Frontier!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Ep21: Top 7 Love & Romance on Trek!

    In this special Valentine's episode of "Beyond the Final Frontier," hosts Rich Matthews, Ian Spelling, and Toby Weidman delve into the romantic themes of Star Trek, discussing their favorite love stories across various series and films. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted banter about the nature of romance in Star Trek, leading to a countdown of their top romantic episodes. Each host shares their insights on iconic couples, the chemistry between characters, and the emotional weight of certain storylines, highlighting episodes like "City on the Edge of Forever" and "Attached." The discussion is filled with humor, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for the storytelling that has made Star Trek a beloved franchise. Let us know in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

    55 min

  2. 3 FEB

    Ep20: Top 5 Trek Social Commentary Episodes with Dr Chris Nunn

    Assistant Film Professor at the University of Birmingham, Dr Chris Nunn, joins us to discuss Trek at its most analytical, when it takes on contemporary social issues garbed in 23rd, 24th and 32nd Century uniforms.  What are you fave social commentaries on Star Trek? Which social issue did it do best? Racism, fascism, sexism or a different ism entirely?Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

    1h 30m

  3. 27 JAN

    Ep19: Top 7 Time Travel Episodes!

    It gets all timey-wimey on BFF this week, as we look at our favourite episodes that showcase that old Trek staple, time travel.  Which temporal Trek tribulations are your fave? Let us know in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

    1h 3m

  4. 20 JAN

    Ep18: STARFLEET ACADEMY pilot review!

    We offer our hot take on the brand new Star Trek series, STARFLEET ACADEMY! Has Nu-Trek dished up Dawson's Fleet or is this the bold new frontier for Trek? Have a listen to find out. And what do you think? Let us know in the comments, email us at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

    52 min

  5. 13 JAN

    Ep17: Top 7 Fave Seasons of Star Trek

    This is a biggie as we pick our favourite seasons from across the whole of Star Trek... with a nice big controversy when we get to our number ones, so listen to the end to hear if Toby's head does actually explode!? Definitely worth a rate and review this one. Do you agree and what would be your faves - Discovery S3, TNG season 1, Voyager season 7? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

    1h 6m

  6. 4 JAN

    Ep16: Top 7 Trek Tearjerkers!

    Happy 2026! As we enter the 60th anniversary year for Star Trek, we warp into the new year with the episodes that made us cry, in our first reader-requested themed episode. And as we navigate life, death, love, family and friendship, we finally find Toby's feline kryptonite... And what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

    58 min

  7. 23/12/2025

    Ep15: Holiday Star Trek Episodes!

    Happy Holidays! A quick episode to lead us into the festive period where we look at Holiday episodes in Star Trek before we take a brief break to energise back into action in January. And what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

    39 min

  8. 16/12/2025

    Ep14: Top Trek with No Villains!

    Most drama needs conflicts and most conflicts need baddies... Not Star Trek! Some of its finest moments are not about villains but about situations, problems and obstacles to overcome. So what are our favourite Star Trek episodes WITHOUT villains? Find out in this week's episode... And what would be your top picks? Let us know at beyondffpod@gmail.com or find us on Instagram and Facebook. And while you're at it, please rate and review the pod to help us grow our Star Trek community. Every week our intrepid trio continue on their ongoing mission to explore and celebrate the strange new worlds of the vast Star Trek universe. As three entertainment journalists who have written about Star Trek for decades, Rich, Ian and Toby are bringing their extensive geek universe experience, longtime camaraderie and in-depth behind-the-scenes knowledge to the podcast world. Each BEYOND THE FINAL FRONTIER mission will see our trio explore a unique topic from across the Trek-verse, discussing everything from their personal favourite stories, characters and themes to the ongoing cultural impact of the science fiction phenom. Expect deep-dives into beloved moments in Star Trek history, extensive breakdowns of developments in the modern era and occasional special guests from the Star Trek cast and crew to provide even greater insight.

    1h 1m
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

'Beyond the Final Frontier' brings together three storied Star Trek veterans for an ongoing mission to celebrate the vast Trek universe. Host Rich Matthews, former senior editor and 20+year contributor to the official Star Trek Magazine and current Trekademic, is joined by his bridge crew: the renowned Ian Spelling, entertainment journalist who has covered Star Trek extensively since the late 1980s for the New York Times, Starlog Magazine, and the official Star Trek Communicator, before editing StarTrek.com for a decade, and Toby Weidmann, former editor of the official Star Trek Magazine, BAFTA comms wizard and launch editor of the official Walking Dead Magazine. Each episode, our trio shocase and discuss favorite episodes, themes, characters – everything Trek! – in depth, sharing insights from their decades of experience covering the franchise. From beloved moments to Trek history and developments in the modern era, plus occasional special guests joining the voyage... Grab your tricorder and prepare to beam aboard as we boldly go Beyond the Final Frontier!

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