My Next Generation

Rik Carranza

Welcome to My Next Generation, the father and son Star Trek podcast where lifelong fan Rik introduces his son, Jonah, to the Star Trek universe one episode at a time. Each week, we watch and review an episode together, capturing the hilarious, honest, and surprisingly insightful reactions of a child discovering Starfleet, the Federation, Klingons, Borg, and more for the very first time. A celebration of Star Trek, fatherhood, family, and passing the love of sci-fi to the next generation.

  1. 5d ago

    Introducing a 5-Year-Old to Star Trek: Voyager. Ep21 Caretaker, Part 1

    Welcome to Season 3 of My Next Generation! After two seasons of loving Star Trek: Prodigy, Rik takes a leap into 90s live-action sci-fi by introducing his 5-year-old son, Jonah, to Star Trek: Voyager—starting with the series premiere, "Caretaker, Part 1." Was Jonah too nervous to meet a whole new crew? Will live-action Star Trek hold his attention? Listen in as Jonah shares his unfiltered thoughts on Captain Janeway, discovers Quark on Deep Space Nine, draws clever connections back to Prodigy, and asks the question every Trekkie has pondered for decades: Why don't starships have seatbelts? In this episode: Transitioning from animated Prodigy to 90s live-action Voyager Jonah’s first impressions of Janeway, Chakotay, Tom Paris, and Harry Kim The ultimate Starfleet safety violation: The seatbelt dilemma Is 90s Star Trek still considered family-friendly in 2026? Join the Conversation:What Voyager episodes do you think are essential—or skippable—for a 5-year-old? Let us know in the comments or reviews! Support the Show:If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a 5-star rating, and share it with fellow fans!Support the podcast on PatreonCheck out Rik's YouTube channel Pre Intro Music Matt Blair Intro Music "Destiny Day" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

  2. Sep 28

    Saying Goodbye to Star Trek: Prodigy Ep20 Ouroboros Pt 1&2

    Join us for a very emotional season finale of the My Next Generation podcast as a lifelong Trekkie and his 5-year-old son, Jonah, sit down to watch the final two episodes of Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2: Ouroboros Parts 1 and 2. In this episode, we break down the epic conclusion to the Star Trek: Prodigy series. We discuss the final showdown between Gwyn and Ascencia, the return of the time-eating Loom, Wesley Crusher's brilliant plans, and the incredible moment a whale navigates the USS Voyager through a wormhole. We also dive into the beautiful character arcs of Dal, Rok-Tahk, Zero, Jankom Pog, and Murf as they finally become Starfleet cadets. Beyond the sci-fi action, this episode takes a heartfelt turn as we discuss what it means to share the Star Trek universe with the next generation. Listen in as Jonah experiences the true emotional weight of a Star Trek finale for the very first time, and find out which classic Star Trek series we will be reviewing next when the podcast returns from hiatus! Whether you are a lifelong Star Trek fan, a parent looking to introduce your kids to the franchise, or a massive fan of Star Trek: Prodigy, this episode is for you. Don't forget to subscribe to the My Next Generation podcast on your favorite platform, and please leave us a rating and review to help other Star Trek fans find the show.

  3. Sep 21

    When Bad Guys Turn Good Ep 19 Brink & Touch of Grey

    In this episode of My Next Generation, a father and his 5-year-old son, Jonah, sit down to review Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2, Episodes 17 and 18, Brink and Touch of Grey. As the animated series nears its epic conclusion, tensions are higher than ever for the young crew of the Protostar. Join us as we break down the daring rescue mission to Solum. We discuss the crew's dangerous efforts to save Ilthuran and Wesley Crusher from the villainous Asencia, the terrifying return of the Loom (or as Jonah calls them, the slow-motion bugs), and the thrilling rescue of our favourite characters by Janeway, Chakotay, Wesley Crusher and the Hologram Doctor. Listen in to hear a 5-year-old's unique perspective on complex Star Trek themes, including redemption arcs, the difference between good guys and bad guys, and Jonah's final thumbs-up or thumbs-down verdict. Plus, we discuss Jonah's newfound love for the Prodigy theme tune and tease our upcoming transition into live-action Star Trek, starting with a classic episode of The Original Series. Whether you are a lifelong Trekkie or introducing the franchise to your own children, this family-friendly Star Trek podcast has something for everyone. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to My Next Generation, leave us a five-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and share the show with your fellow Star Trek fans. Let us know what classic live-action Star Trek episodes Jonah should watch next!

  4. Sep 14

    Space Battles, Wesley Crusher, and Facing Fears Ep18 Ascension 1&2

    Welcome back to My Next Generation, the podcast where a father introduces his 5-year-old son to the Star Trek universe, one episode at a time. This week, Rik and Jonah are tackling the massive two-part episode of Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2, "Ascension" (Parts 1 and 2). Join this father-son Starfleet crew as they break down all the incredible action and character moments. Jonah shares his excitement over Zero getting a brand new body, Murf taking the controls as a ship gunner, and the epic return of Wesley Crusher (and his amazing sweaters). They also discuss the thrilling space battle featuring the Protostar, Voyager A, Nova Squadron, and Asencia's Rev-1. However, things take a serious turn in Part 2. Rik opens up about an unexpected parenting challenge when a temporal weapon that causes rapid aging genuinely frightens Jonah. Rik reflects on the importance of pausing the screen, validating a child's emotions, and helping them safely navigate their fears. This moment also sparks a greater conversation about how Rik plans to vet future live-action episodes of The Original Series and The Next Generation before showing them to his son. Whether you are a Star Trek fan or a parent raising the next generation of geeks, this episode is full of heartwarming moments, funny kid reviews, and honest parenting takeaways. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to My Next Generation on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Leaving a 5-star review helps a one-man show like this reach a wider audience. Finally, Rik needs your help! As they prepare to move on from Prodigy, reach out to Rik Carranza on social media and let him know which kid-friendly episodes of The Original Series, The Animated Series, or The Next Generation he should watch with Jonah next. ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Threads⁠ ⁠BlueSky

  5. Sep 7

    Meeting Evil Tribbles and Evil Janeway Ep17 A Tribble Called Quest & Cracked Mirror"

    Welcome back to My Next Generation, the podcast where a father introduces his 5-year-old son, Jonah, to the Star Trek universe, one episode at a time. This week, we are diving into Star Trek Prodigy Season 2, exploring Episode 13 ("A Tribble Called Quest") and Episode 14 ("Cracked Mirror"). Join us as Jonah discovers the fluffy, multiplying, and sometimes terrifying world of Tribbles, as well as the dark alternate reality of the Mirror Universe. In this episode, we discuss: Jonah's reaction to genetically modified, rock-eating Tribbles and a Klingon Bird of Prey. The parenting lessons hidden inside Star Trek, specifically about making mistakes and learning how to fix them. The shock of the Mirror Universe, featuring an "evil" Captain Janeway. The fandom debate: What actually constitutes "Real Star Trek"? We break down why animated series like Prodigy are just as valid as live-action shows. We also share an exciting update on the future of the podcast! With only a few episodes of Prodigy left, we reveal our plans to transition into curated, kid-friendly episodes of The Original Series and The Next Generation. If you love sharing your passion for sci-fi with the next generation, please help this independent podcast grow. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform. Please leave a review, connect with us on social media, and share this episode with fellow Trekkies and parents!

  6. Aug 31

    Chakotay Returns! Ep16 Last Flight of the Protostar pt 1&2

    Welcome back to My Next Generation, the Star Trek podcast where I introduce my 5-year-old son, Jonah, to the final frontier—one episode at a time! This week, we are diving into Part 2 of Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2, "Last Flight of the Protostar." We finally catch up with Captain Chakotay, who has been marooned for 10 years, and watch as Dal, Gwyn, Rok-Tahk, and Jankom Pog prove that you don't always need to be in command to be a leader. In this episode, Rick and Jonah discuss the beautiful parenting lessons hidden in Prodigy, from dealing with failure and loss to learning how to work as a team. We also talk about those amazing legacy character cameos (including Beverly Crusher!) and why Star Trek: Prodigy is the absolute perfect gateway show for young kids. Plus, Jonah gives his honest 5-year-old review of the episode—recorded straight from the bus! In this episode we cover: Recap and 5-year-old reactions to Last Flight of the Protostar The return of Chakotay and Hologram Janeway Important life lessons in Prodigy: teamwork, leadership, and hope Why Star Trek: Prodigy needs to be saved and renewed for Season 3! Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss a mission! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify (it helps other Starfleet families find us!)

  7. Aug 24

    Bearded Chakotay, Wesley’s Sweater & The Space Bugs (Prodigy Mid-Season Finale) Ep15 The Devourer of All Things pt 1&2

    What happens when you introduce a 5-year-old to time paradoxes, terrifying space bugs, and Wesley Crusher? Welcome to My Next Generation, the heartwarming and chaotic Star Trek podcast where a lifelong fan introduces his young son, Jonah, to the final frontier! In this episode, Rik and Jonah sit down for the epic two-part mid-season finale of Star Trek: Prodigy Season 2 ("The Devourer of All Things"). Listen in as a 5-year-old navigates the scary reality of the Loom, tries to offer a holographic Janeway some grapes, and uses Maui's Hook to defend the living room. Plus, Rik shares a special "Geek Parenting" trick involving an Infinity Stone to help kids be brave during scary TV moments. In this episode, we cover: A major tech upgrade (and Jonah’s hilarious reaction to hearing his own voice). First impressions of the terrifying "Loom" and how to help kids watch scary scenes. The return of Wesley Crusher (and his excellent sweaters). Chakotay's new beard and the epic return of Admiral Janeway. Jonah's crossover toy battles featuring the Starship Enterprise, Thanos, and Moana. Whether you’re a lifelong Trekkie, a parent trying to share your nerdy passions with your kids, or just looking for a good laugh, grab a seat on the couch with us! Don't forget to hit Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and follow Rik on social media (@RikCarranza) for more father-son nerdy adventures! (And be sure to check out Rik's other podcast, The Geekatorium, for deep dives into Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and more!)

  8. Aug 17

    Kazon Racing, Chosen Families, and Smelly Armpits! Ep14 The Fast and the Curious & Is There in Beauty No Truth?

    What happens when you introduce a 5-year-old to the Kazon, Borg-esque computers, and high-speed space races? Welcome to My Next Generation, the Star Trek podcast where a lifelong fan introduces his young son, Jonah, to the final frontier! In this episode, Rick and Jonah sit down to watch Star Trek: Prodigy  Season 2, Episodes 7 and 8: "The Fast and the Curious" and "Is There in Beauty No Truth." Listen in as a 5-year-old processes complex Trek themes like the moral gray areas, the beauty of "chosen families," and Zero’s ultimate sacrifice. Plus, expect plenty of hilarious father-son detours, including why Jonah shushed his dad during a tense scene, a surprise inspection of armpit smells, and a post-episode playtime with the original USS Enterprise. In this episode, we cover: First impressions of the Kazon and deadly transwarp conduits. A 5-year-old's take on morality: Are all bad guys really bad? Zero getting a new body and the importance of chosen family. Why Jonah thinks Dad needs to be quiet when the show is on. Engage with us!Which episode of Star Trek should Jonah watch after we finish Prodigy? Let us know! Don't forget to hit Subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and follow Rik on social media for more father-son nerdy adventures! (And check out Rik's other podcast, The Geekatorium!)

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About

Welcome to My Next Generation, the father and son Star Trek podcast where lifelong fan Rik introduces his son, Jonah, to the Star Trek universe one episode at a time. Each week, we watch and review an episode together, capturing the hilarious, honest, and surprisingly insightful reactions of a child discovering Starfleet, the Federation, Klingons, Borg, and more for the very first time. A celebration of Star Trek, fatherhood, family, and passing the love of sci-fi to the next generation.

Information

  • Creator
    Rik Carranza
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Rik Carranza
  • Show Website
    My Next Generation

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