Todd Stashwick, Captain Liam Shaw in Star Trek: Picard joins me to discuss our individual journeys to Los Angeles, how his Midwestern upbringing shaped his adulthood, and how his love of Dungeons and Dragons has enhanced his life as a father and human. With the energy of a two year old, and the wisdom of a 100 year old, Todd shocks and surprises in this candid, must-listen episode that touches on his time in Second City, his love of coffee, and of course… Viking Lore!

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Sonequa Martin-Green’s talent, humor and leadership abilities shine through in this episode that touches on her strength of character and the impactful moments in her life that led her to a successful career in acting. From her role as Cmdr. Michael Burnham in “Star Trek: Discovery” to her portrayal of Sasha Williams in “The Walking Dead", Sonequa has become a household name in entertainment through likability and incredible acting chops.

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Actor, Visual Artist and Model Jess Bush is a delightful young woman with a fantastic sense of humor.  She radiates talent and beauty everywhere she goes, with an uncanny ability to be approachable, honest and grounded. Her role as Christine Chapel in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is just the beginning of her incredibly bright future and career. Amongst many other topics, Jess dives deep into the inspiration behind her love of visual art and how her art has shaped her career throughout adulthood.

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Actor, Activist, and Artist Michelle Hurd plays Raffaela Musiker in Star Trek: Picard. Her range of roles is enormous, from her portrayal of Detective Monique Jeffries in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", to Colleen Manus in "The Glades”. Michelle joins me to discuss today’s political climate in America, the historic SAG-AFTRA strike, and her family’s longtime dedication to activism, and the impact it’s had on her life.

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Anson Mount played Captain Pike on Paramount Plus’ Discovery and now on Strange New Worlds. His background was theatre before he was scooped up by Hollywood. He is a lover of carpentry, nature, and podcasting. Smart and funny, he opens up about how he got into acting and his growing up going to school in Tennessee.

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Ed Speleers is my surprise guest. Someday know him from his work on Downton Abby and Outlander, but if you listen to our podcast you will learn lots of new things about this fantastic actor who is one of the stars of Picard Season 3. You are going to fall in love.

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Terry Matalas, executive producer and show runner of Picard Season is on the fast track to become one of the most prolific and creative writer-producers in Hollywood. Among his many credits, he co-created 12 Monkeys and just finished directing his pilot for Disney. We find out a bit of what makes him tick on this episode.

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Alexander Siddig has a long resume of film and television work. His performances are full of mystery, grace and surprises. So too is his conversation with Gates. He speaks about his wonderful, crazy life beginning with his Sudanese and British roots and how he ended up living in Massachusetts.

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Today’s guest is a well-known character actor you have seen a million times but did not always recognize due to his acting talent—John Billingsley. The beloved Doctor from Star Trek Enterprise is full of surprising stories about his family and upbringing.

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Rosalind Chao, the actress of Star Trek TNG and DS9 fame, talks theatre, television and film. She acted in one of my favorite films, The Joy Luck Club and has rarely been out of work since. Not only an actor with a wide range, she has recently become a “Matchmaker.” Take a listen and find out more.

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The talented Jack Quaid, a star in both Amazon Studios’ The Boys, and Paramount Plus’ The Lower Decks, is the episode guest. It is a fun conversation since this is Gates’ first encounter with Jack since their initial 10 minute meet and greet at the San Diego Comic Con.

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