Ep.2.21: “May La Forge Be With You” with LeVar Burton

[@ShuttlepodShow]

THIS EPISODE IS NOT AVAILABLE ON VIDEO. OUR CHOICE WAS TO RELEASE AN AUDIO VERSION OR RELEASE NOTHING. WE CHOSE TO RELEASE THE CONVERSATION FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO LISTEN TO THIS AMAZING PERSON. WE SET IT TO A SLIDE SHOW OF OUR BEHIND THE SCENES PHOTOGRAPHS TO HELP CONTEXTUALIZE THE MOMENT IN TIME. OUR FUTURE EPISODES WILL CONTINUE TO BE PRODUCED AND RELEASED ON VIDEO. THIS IS A UNIQUE SITUATION. MR. LEVAR BURTON IS AN AMAZING MAN WITH AN AMAZING STORY AND WE ARE LUCKY TO HAVE SPENT THIS TIME WITH HIM. WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF YOU WHO CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE US AND FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE THIS SHOW. THANK YOU ALL!

[@matthewche]

Sometimes the audio and video don't sync and you got to go screenshot or still.

[@WretchPlays]

You may need to pin this to the top of the comments, friendos.

[@giorgiogirardi4661]

@@neural1 Lame and disrespectful.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

@@neural1 Haha... no, not at all. It was not a $ issue. Constructive criticism and genuine concern or curiosity is always welcome... we got SO MUCH HATE so immediately that it was rather overwhelming. Threats and vicious attacks. Of course people are disappointed to not see video. We are disappointed too.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

@@WretchPlays Thank you! Pinned!

[@amyvanzyl3016]

I dont know what the change has been in Dom over the last few weeks but it has been great. He has stopped interupting people and the show feels so much more relaxed for it. I can enjoy how funny Dom is now because he isn't overbearing. Thank you for whatever the change is and keep it up 🎉😊

[@BaneGrievver]

I second this! He has transformed into a wonderfully patient host, letting the guests get more story time in.

[@ryanmarquardson1980]

He did interrupt a lot. to the point I almost quit watching.

[@glenyoung1809]

I think they do read the comments in these videos and if it’s honest feedback they’re actually listening and trying to improve the show. It seems Dom is willing to learn and grow as an interviewer which is more than can be said for quite a few other YT hosts on other shows which never consider their audience’s reaction and don’t frankly care as long as the clicks keep coming in. This show has a lot of potential in it and there is still a very large audience of ST fans from the past 60 years who have yet to discover it.

[@kenblood6848]

Totally agree!! This show is just about perfect now

[@ShuttlepodShow]

@@glenyoung1809 Thank you for this, Glen. We read every single comment. We care about the community we are privileged to be a part of and we want to engage and participate in the awesome conversation about Star Trek with all of you.

[@Sean_Piper]

I just love hearing his warm and comforting voice. LeVar is a treasure. I grew up with him as a constant role model in Reading Rainbow and TNG

[@tranzphaziktorpedo]

I know I'm late to the party - or early, depending on your teacher from the Temporal Mechanics Dept. at The Academy 😉 - but I love the 3-shot panel of Andy "Garak" Robinson saying his famous Shuttlepod Show line!! 😀 Oh, yeah! Lol! Be safe and healthy! LLAP 🖖 😎

[@jorymil]

LeVar Burton is truly a hero of mine: he is such a humble, positive force. I grew up as a Reading Rainbow child, graduated to Star Trek, and now as an adult, I'm so grateful to be able to take lessons from him on humility and faith in humanity.

[@ThomasHaberkorn]

Geordi was one of the reasons I eventually got interested in engineering and got to study it

[@MysteriousTimes]

Thank you for your hard work!

[@ThomasHaberkorn]

@@miller-joel :)

[@mybrainisshortcake]

If he were British he'd be a Sir - *for sure* - and wow, just the kind of person we need far more of. So glad we have this one, and that yall interviewed him.

[@alvincura]

Our nearest in the USA is the Kennedy Center Honours. Which Mr. Burton certainly deserves.

[@wexwuthor1776]

Ironically Geordi La Forge is exactly the guy you would want around in case of technical difficulties. 😂😂😂😂

[@CalledTurnAGundam]

I take issue with people who call LeVar Burton a "national treasure". He's a world treasure. Nay, a galactic gem. What this simple human performer has achieved in a generation is the most meaningful exploration of character and personhood in every level of development. He taught us how to read, placed a big heavy painful history book in front of us and made us read it, and then, he took our hand, and guided our gaze upward, and through his talents as an actor breathed life into a person who may not exist in this reality, but does somewhere out there. He taught us we can see without eyes, and we can be good, even with a bad hand. LeVar Burton the actor, the public persona, the human being, and the characters he portrays are all foundations of the 21st century. Without him, and the team of people who brought him to our view, this world would be a much bleaker place. He is a light. Star Trek has a habit of turning everyday shmucks in Hollywood into not just icons, but literal life. savers.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Hahaha. Agreed!

[@wyldelf2685]

​@@ShuttlepodShowthe subtitle of this interview could've been , "Live LaForge and Prosper" , keeping it in Trek brand o course 😂👍👍

[@paradigm-wx6bn]

Then Mr. Haley's (Plagaristic impatience!) of The MISAPPROPRIATION of Kunta Kintaes NAME!!! PLAGIARISM being a Sacramental ritual for Black Marxist Activists from Martin Luther King to the now EX-PRESIDENT of Harvard University!!! Some things NEVER CHANGE!!!

[@PolygonAttic]

Watching the Shuttlepod show makes me feel like we get the extra seasons that we never got with Enterprise; not as far as the sci-fi storyline is concerned but with these two great actors we've loved for the past twenty years. Erica and Mark are delightful as well and a great addition to the team. Enterprise was my introduction to Star Trek and I learnt to love every other Trek show ever since. I absolutely love Geordi but I only got a chance to know him thanks to the one and only Trip. A shout-out from Greece!

[@AudiophileTommy]

Exactly ❤

[@ChipsAplentyBand]

Well-said, and I feel the same about Connor and Dom, though I still hold out hope to see them back in their roles, if not in a 'three more seasons' reboot then perhaps in an ENTERPRISE film (or three). 🙂

[@AquaFrost777]

Agreed. I also feel like I am getting more episodes of Enterprise, which I was so sad to not get. Enterprise was just coming into it's own when it abruptly ended. I am so glad Dom and Conner started The Shuttlepod Show!

[@dee_mcgee11]

I'm NOT an audio podcast person. That being said, I couldn't wait to see what Levar was going to choose for Connor's desert island! He's a gentle soul and a genuine human being.

[@wickideazy]

I have always been a Star Trek fan, from watching reruns of TOS with my parents as a kid, to TNG, to DS9 and Voyager and beyond. Geordi was always one of my favorite characters because I always found him to be one of the most relatable, but even that is not the main reason why I will always love and respect LeVar Burton the way I do. The reason I hold Mr. Burton in such high regard is because I was a child growing up in the 1980s who loved to read. My parents always encouraged us to read whatever we could and we had shelves and shelves of books, but even so, Reading Rainbow exposed us to so many amazing stories that we wouldn't have heard or known about otherwise. Mr. Burton and Reading Rainbow helped shape my childhood in the most wonderful way, and for that, I will always be profoundly grateful...but you don't have to take my word for it. :) Thank you, LeVar Burton, and we'll see you next time.

[@ravipeiris4388]

The pinnacle of podcasts ❤

[@maryanne8935]

Just discovered The Shuttlepod show. LeVar Burton my first listen. I'm hooked.

[@joegrimes9232]

LeVar was a real stand out in Picard. Just, seriously powerhouse stuff. The pleading to Lore especially. As an audience member - I felt that moment right there in the room. It wasn't just a rompy adventure, it slammed into a real "oh ****, yeah Geordie lost his best friend" - amazing work.

[@MrPlasticrobot]

I have become spoiled with the constant awesomeness that this channel provides. love this channel

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Thank you MrPlasticRobot! We promise to disappoint as rarely as possible.

[@MrAndroidData]

I love LeVar's voice, he always sounds so relaxing calm, geordi was my 2nd fav on tng

[@Vulcanerd]

LeVar has entered the chatroom, "And why am I not #1, Mat?? Hmm??" 🤣

[@MrAndroidData]

@@Vulcanerd oops....erm... matched alongside Data then

[@TomUlcak]

As a white male teenager military brat when 'Roots' came out, it changed my life. It was like a tsunami. So POWERFUL. Wrenching and emotional. Mr. Burton, you have changed the world. My parents had already taught us kids that we are all the same, but, in society, not equal. My parents thought that we should all be equal. Imagine that. 'Roots' was/is a force of nature that was bold that changed everything. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing a shining light into the world, Geordi. Kunta Kinte. And, Star Trek. Oh, and Reading Rainbow.

[@SpidersHandle]

Amen. Same here. I just wonder if these people DO realize how much they, their crew and production staff and their fellow actors and writers, have enriched our lives and our souls.

[@andromedaone3640]

I remember Roots, ime sure he was in Roots The Next Generation that's were they must have had the idea for the second Star Trek name, his name always sounded rude lol

[@TomUlcak]

@@andromedaone3640 hmm.. you are babbling and making no sense. are you trying to sound smart?

[@EHuffy09]

Met him at a convention in 2007. One of the most warm, friendly, welcoming, and personable childhood Trek heroes I have ever met. Stellar episode everyone!

[@JimSmith-u5g]

You and Trek have done that Mr. Burton because I tooI have a disability cerebral palsy so thank you again your treat Live long and be blessed

[@cindyhill9091]

Reading aloud is also my favourite way to tell stories. I volunteered for years with a radio reading service for blind people. It's such a warm and intimate way to speak to many people and enjoy reading. LeVar is my hero in so many ways.

[@webbaron1]

Love this one. I deeply appreciate how Mr Burton expressed having imposter syndrome. It can be so debilitating at times. Hearing from someone with his stature is reassuring to someone still working at breaking into the industry (illustrator/writer). Also love the conversation on the Noetic Sciences and hearing about the concerns for humanity. I remember years ago (as a big Star Trek fan in all incarnations) wondering how the economy in such a culture would work. After pondering this for decades, I came across the Resource Based Economy (RBE) model. This economic model is, imo, the closest to what Star Trek represented. At it's core, famine and greed cannot exist. Nothing can stop an idea who's time has come. Love the real talk on the Shuttle Pod Show , guys. Thank you. Cheers from the Great White North ( Ku lu ku ku, ku lu ku kuuu....eh). Bob.

[@ThizzRyuko]

As someone who was born in 88 in central Florida. I was blessed to have teachers that were passionate about conservation and space discovering TNG as a child and watching Reading Rainbow in my early childhood. Seeing what my home state of Florida has become has infuriated me beyond belief. Don't give up on us, join our state and national struggle. Read, listen, learn, and educate each other, talk with each other, and grow. Thank you to everyone in this podcast for your hard work and for the actors, writers, crew hands and etc. Thank you for a great show during my childhood, teens and adult years. Live long and prosper 🖖🏽

[@alejandronopasanada5302]

I was doing yard work the entire time and when they said “this is fun” I said “WOW, it HAS been”. This show is a real treat and Mr. Burton was wonderful.

[@alejandronopasanada5302]

@@miller-joel Yeah, as I said, I was busy but I DID mean to look into that. You know anything about that?

[@alejandronopasanada5302]

@@miller-joel Yeah, just being honest….I’m a huge Star Trek fan but too many don’t see some of these actors for the part they are useful for. This was a good show and a good hour or so but I would never want to really be around some of these people. Look at Patrick Stewart, what an absolute weirdo clown of a man. He was the breath behind STP season 1&2. Levar Burton has done some great scripted things and I grew up on reading rainbow but in real life, these Hollywood weirdos are Hollywood weirdos.

[@munchkinmodelingman72GAM2]

this is different but I prefer seeing this in video format.still one hell of a show.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Yeah- this was a unique situation. Our show will carry on as normal.

[@darthpaul490]

​@@ShuttlepodShow what was the unique reason?

[@OptimusGPrime]

@@darthpaul490 They refuse to say, so it's probably something that would reflect badly on the show or the guest. *shrug*

[@scottofengland]

@@OptimusGPrime I think its just because it's in a different location. looks like an auditorium?

[@Mark_LaCroix]

@@OptimusGPrime Yeah, I don't understand. Like, even if it was a dumb avoidable mistake, then so what who cares, mistakes happen and people are allowed to mess up every now and again. Just super weird that they won't say what the issue was, even in a general way. It's not like the fans are going to abandon the show or the people who make it.

[@daveagreg]

This was a _fantastic_ chat with LeVar Burton - he really is a gem and so intensely focused on all of the projects he touches. You can tell he considers his varied work a vocation and calling to uplift, educate, and inspire. Thank you so much @ShuttlePodShow and for putting out this format so we could all share in this conversation! ❤💛💙🤓🖖🏾

[@glennwallace9203]

For those that have found Dom annoying (and I mean, honestly, who hasn't .... :) the real measure of success is how comfortable the guests feel, and this of course will be related to how they are treated. The episode with Jimmy Darren set a new high bar of "this guest is having such a great time with Connor and Dom, he doesn't want to leave". I don't know if Dom is interrupting less, but as long as the guests are having a good time, then it all flows from that! Bravo!

[@carolhenry7495]

Not to take anything away from Dom, but I don't think many actually CAN interrupt Jimmy Derrin!! But I totally agree with you. Dom (in my humble opinion) wasn't bad in the first place. But yes, he is much more relaxed and respectful.

[@mikecdiaz]

Wow... this interview is magical. Levar Burton is a true television legend. When the initial publicity for TNG hit the British media (just days before the series premiered over here), I remember being amazed to see that Levar Burton was in the cast. A decade before, Roots literally stopped the planet. Shuttlepod Crew - thank you for this fascinating interview and all the others. Each one has been special. Live long and podcast 🖖🏽

[@lindaanderegg7920]

What an interesting conversation with National Treasure Levar Burton. Thanks Shuttlepod Show 💜

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Thank you Linda! You are rad!

[@bigguy130]

I recall I first became aware of him seeing him in the music video Word Up by Cameo. Been a fan ever since.

[@eliotanders3488]

Thank you Mr. Burton and Shuttlepod show. 1:06:48 Mr. Burton, you are speaking of about why Gene Roddenberry created Star Trek. He envisioned humanity overcoming these darker tendencies you spoke of and showing us a world we can all achieve just by being the better part of us. I applaud you, sir. Thank you!

[@ShariMurnane]

I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I enjoy the relaxed conversation style of the interviews. It allows a glimpse into the person the actor is rather than just the characters they played. Keep up the great work.

[@HeritageRoad99]

LeVar Burton is one of my hero's. He encouraged me to read as a kid when i struggled with reading comprehension. Reading Rainbow is a national treasure for education 🖖

[@pattimason6613]

Wonderful. I don’t have as much time to listen lately and usually put on episodes while trying to catch up with work at home. Typically there’s the beginning section where you’re getting into the conversation, but by the middle of the episode I am so taken with what I’m hearing that all I can think about is how will I remember all of the things I want to comment on. I also remember being transfixed like the rest of the nation watching roots. I also remember seeing McQueen’s last film but don’t recall Burton’s role, but the last time I saw it was at the theatre when it came out. I loved hearing Levars thoughts about Fred Roger and what he meant and I appreciated his perspectives on feeling like an imposter, considering all he’s done. On the other hand while I love learning about and always striving for peace in this life, and facing life with optimism when we can, as a scientist I can’t help but see noetics as more pseudoscience. I mean no offense to anyone but in my humble opinion the best way forward is always through learning and making decisions based on the scientific method and the data available. Thank you all, and Levar, for such a wonderful discussion.

[@MrAndroidData]

"he runs a beautiful room, which is an artform" - brilliant words

[@StoptheInsanityofRegressivism]

I have always admired and respected Lavar Burton, and thought him a perfect member of the Star Trek universe. He seems like such an amazing person and easy to like. He's such a handsome man who seems to also have a heart of gold. I would love to spend time just talking with him and listening to his many stories and perspective on life. I bet he has so much wisdom to share. He's just a great guy.

[@Ther0]

Being a non native english speaker i do find easier to listen to you guys with video, however i appreciate the effort on releasing the episode regardless with still images, if anything because SOME Shuttlepod Show is better than no Shuttlepod Show, the pictures are awesome and i spit a bit of my coffee in laugh with Andy's message also being in still images. Love you guys, keep up the great work. Cheers from Italy

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Hahaha! Grazie!

[@WW-wf8tu]

Belated gratitude and love for this episode. Levar is a true inspiration to the human race. Was a joy to sit down and listen to the show. It would have been nice to have had a "taped" show for visual realism for when people are laughing and getting along. There is such a joy to witness the live expressions from people we admire and adore. But I was still in tears of happiness to hear this audio rendition.

[@bawintermage8351]

I grew up watching Avant Garde films, additionally I remember early pod cast type shows where this format was the norm. I image there was so technical difficulty and the producer's pulled an artistic rabbit out of the hat and gave us this. Radio is so powerful, it allows us to sink into someone's voice and cadence. Here the story became chief and not the set, the blinking, lighting, ect. This was the best of both worlds. Thank for for bringing on Mr. Burton.

[@andrewharrison1194]

Sad for missing the video, but you no doubt had your reasons that you didn't want to divulge. Good to hear Mr LeVar Burton though. 😊

[@surferdude4487]

The first time I ever saw LeVar was his role in "Roots". I knew back then that he was going to be a star. I was really happy when I learned that he was going to be in TNG.

[@rolexmongerthethird]

Subscribed. Loving this series. Very well put together. Dominic is right, leVar would be a Sir if he was british for contributions to dramatic arts. I'm british and Dominic during his early days of his career was a bit of a trail blazer himself. In the UK, He used to be involved in 'Desmonds' which was one of the firsts in UK TV where it was led by a predominately African-Carribean cast in a time where british TV still stereotyped African-Carribean actors. Great series in itself.

[@andrewelliott1939]

RE the barrel of whisky mentioned at 18:20.......... I saw that barrel during a distillery tour at Oban, on the west coast of Scotland. They were very proud of it. 😊🥃

[@ThizzRyuko]

Also the mark, Mark, Mark flash of the seagulls had me dying.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

HA!

[@AbdiqalisMohamud010]

Geordi was and is still a major inspiration for me. Great show

[@EricBangle]

This is just fine. Thank you everyone. I'm sure everything happens for a reason. ❤

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Thank you Eric! We appreciate your understanding.

[@OptimusGPrime]

@@ShuttlepodShow We'd understand more if you showed your fans respect, and gave an actual answer why...

[@danielbloomquist9810]

​@@OptimusGPrime#DontBeAnAsshole

[@tonyshane1]

It took a minute for my brain to adjust but this was awesome! When you're focused on the audio I found myself actually getting more detail from the conversation. Well done guys!

[@professormarvel4229]

I haven't even finished watching/listening to this episode and I know this is one of my favs. There's something about radio (which I guess this episode was) that makes it more intimate. It also occurred to me that, even though your not getting a lot of views, these interviews are no doubt Star Trek essentials for understanding the Trek universe and they are likely to be quoted by professional historians at some point in the future. I have a recording of my great grandmother from an early radio broadcast (very early) and I can imagine the great grandchildren of these actors listening to these interviews knowing this is a real perspective on their grandparents lives, it contextualises their history. It's great stuff, a legacy really.

[@RA10H56]

Mr. BURTON, you live on in the hearts of all men. You have been a part of my life from my first memories to right now

[@elizabet78]

I was a bit confused at first as to why this format, but after listening to this amazing podcast I felt like I was there. It really pulls you in as it goes on. I understand now why audio only this time, great job !!!

[@KorbinX]

Nearly two full hours with all of you? Fantastic! Thank you so much, everyone at The Shuttlepod Show, for your hard work! You've always had amazing guests and this one is definitely a national treasure. Appreciate everything you do! Cheers

[@JamesCairney]

What? No video! I'll just listen then, it'll still be good.

[@JamesCairney]

36:18 a little known fact, the abolition of slavery gave "human rights" to white working class, military and navy personnel that didn't have any "human rights" up until the abolition of slavery. One of the objections to the abolition was "do we really want to give sailors and soldiers human rights?" The abolition of slavery gave human rights to those that were not the one percenters. The "one percenters" were the slave owners, the rest of the population were slaves, even the working class in the Uk. Not all "white people" have "links to slavery" infact as a Scottish person of Irish decent, we were the original slaves. People should stop pretending that "all white people are guilty" it is far from the truth. No one heard of the Highland clearances? There are more slaves in existence now than there was when the "west" kept slaves, the west has no slavery, the rest of the planet can not say the same. Why is no one calling for an end to slavery today?

[@HeritageRoad99]

🎶 Butterfly in the sky...I can fly twice as high 🎶 everybody now!

[@damiandarc8643]

“Take a look! It’s in a book! A reading rainbow!” - Chaka Khan

[@kanton4108]

This video is just filled from start to finish with beautiful photos. Kudos to the photographer. And a big shout out to the editor. You did such a fantastic job.

[@RJAnalyzer]

To those complaining: 1. Just be grateful we get anything, they don't have to do this. 2. These stills have SO MUCH MEME POTENTIAL!!!

[@edwardpado6754]

Absolutely enjoyed this episode. Saw part on you tube, listened to some of it talking our dog for a walk and the rest whilst washing the car. Lever is just so interesting to listen to and what a great interview. Who cares if there was no video, brilliant effort all. 🍷🍷Ed from South Australia

[@edwardpado6754]

Levar bloody spell check

[@capedwonder2833]

I wasn't sure how I would feel about not having a video to go along with this episode. But it works with this one because LeVar's voice is awesome and Dominic & Connor are getting better at interviewing and seem more relaxed and comfortable now. Thanks for another great one guys.

[@sidman4040]

Currently listening to this. Whatever the reasons are for not having video, I’m still grateful for the opportunity to hear LeVar being interviewed. The slideshow of BTS photos is great and goes some way to elevating the voice only to somewhere in between. What I do get is that the interview ‘feels’ a little more relaxed. There’s more laughter, more life, just more of everything in the voices. Maybe it’s the relief of pressure from being on camera…? Tbh, if there were future episodes with interview subjects who are happy interviewing but don’t want to be on camera, I’d be really happy for the chance to have it in this format again. I’d rather hear an interview than know you can’t release just because there’s no video…good jobs guys - and missing Erica’s presence too!

[@christophermarshall2052]

Now I wanna know more about Brannon's "Peculiarities" 🤣

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Hahaha

[@andrewelliott1939]

What a lovely, lovely man.

[@melodyparkinson8770]

Thank you for doing the best you could with this episode. You guys always put your best foot forward and you are appreciated. Sorry that people take that for granted and give you a hard time.

[@Greatblue56]

What a beautiful person and a personal hero. This was a wonderful episode and I am so thankful to hear it. To see him in the ST universe was wonderful. I am in awe of his body of work from Roots, to TNG and beyond, and even Reading Rainbow. He is so wonderful and I truly enjoyed this interview. Thank you so very much.

[@matthewrobbins663]

We are proud ministers of The Universal Life Church, famous for being in the the back of Rolling Stones Magazine! I've performed a few ceremonies. Once reading the sermon from an autographed Incredible Hulk comic, looked like a wedding invite, signed by Stan Lee at the Flamingo Hotel in Vegas. About 30 feet from the topless pool. Good times!

[@Trains-With-Shane]

I feel like Jonathan Frakes and LeVar Burton are two friends that every human should have in their lives. But you don't have to take my word for it.

[@WillGuthrieUK]

An amazing interview this one guys; thank you so much to everyone involved. The lack of video wasn’t a dealbreaker for me, in fact I’d go as far as to say it made for an interesting, entertaining experience allowing us the audience to really focus on the words, stories & amiable interactions between the participants. Such a great guest this week, probably my favourite so far in truth given LeVar’s breadth, talent &life experience. God, that laugh, I could listen to it all night, Dom too; I was in stitches at some points. Keep on doing what you’re doing guys & gals, you’re finding your stride now for sure. Hope to see the lovely Erica in the next episode, take care 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@laramiles8063]

Slide show was perfect. Well done. 🦋

[@Scorpwanna]

I dunno why there's so much hate about there not being video. I'm ok with the audio only thing, this is Levar Burton, you can see his "body language" in his voice by imagining, just like in a book! Great Episode guys! :) But you don't have to take my word for it!

[@martyanderson3390]

Geordi and Scotty definitely inspired me. I was employee number 34 at spacex before I retired. Love you guys, thanks for the adventure. Loved enterprise and season three of Picard. Was like going home again.

[@david.mcmahan]

LeVar's laugh is so wonderful, I'd listen to just that for over an hour. Great conversation! ("But you don't have to take my word for it...")

[@leanneosullivan1404]

This is a phenomenal interview, thank u guys so much xxx

[@FreihEitner]

Love LeVar! One of the true greats. I grew up with Reading Rainbow in the 80s and then Star Trek: The Next Generation.

[@robslater-n1c]

thank u when i feel there is no hope in world hearing u 3 and seeing star trek keeps me going

[@ShuttlepodShow]

You are rad. Forever. We got you!

[@jamesrizza2640]

I don't understand the angst about your series opening song. I absolutely loved it and thought it was high time that someone come up with one for the star trek franchise. I liked it because it was a song about struggle and overcoming the impossible. It was about hope and the future. What was not to like. Rhetorical question only.

[@jammicnix]

First time I saw Levar Burton was on Roots .. and saw brilliance back then and now graced the screens with Le Forge with the rest of the team .. TNG, DS9 VOY and so on.. well done sir..and love the channel guys and girlz ..Trekkie forever !!

[@vedettemcguire3918]

Another great episode. Love how the guests seem so relaxed and just enjoying the conversation. Fabulous stuff.

[@SantaPorter420]

I grew up going to porocial school, 5 years or so, it would have been 6 but at Mass I put my finger in the holy water and screamed "It burns!"

[@whalemonstre]

Joyous. I'd kinda inferred over the years a mental image of the stellar human being that Levar is, from bits and pieces here and there, things he's said, his priorities etc. but listening to him speaking at length, the way he expresses himself, the things he's interested in, and have it all confirmed and more... just wonderful. And what a voice! The audio-focused format of this ep worked really well for me - taking away the video focused my attention more keenly on the words and sound. So many of your guests are exceptional people with big ideas and kindness in their hearts (as we'd expect from members of the ST family) so I'll probably end up writing similar adoring reviews more than once, apologies! I just love listening to like-minded, good hearted, interesting people - it's so affirmative. And it propagates outwards. Shuttlepod does wonders for my mood - leaves me feeling uplifted. ❤As always, thank you, and long may it continue. 🖖

[@Beandipforyou]

As a younger man and a late fan I found Geordi's character to be the most relatable. I'm no engineer, or anything fancy, but I am in charge a lot at work, seeing Geordi work his way up to chief and being challenged by people "under" him and having trouble managing Barclay and genuinely trying to help instead of ignoring him. Really made me feel like I'm not failing I'm just going through the process. The process takes time, and you need to be patient. Even with people like Barclay.

[@NaanProphet]

The lack of video but having still pictures reminds me of watching Classic Doctor Who Reconstructions of missing episodes from the 60s. Took a second to get used to it but it’s totally cool. Love what you guys do regardless and wouldn’t miss an ep with LeVar for the world.

[@QuicksilverSG]

The slideshow really filled in the gap, I didn't miss the video at all. Excellent selection of photos and editing!

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Thank you! Positivity is amazing. We appreciate you!

[@christopherallen9580]

I agree! The slideshow was so amazing!

[@PCat2385]

What a wonderful interview. LeVar has touched so many lives in various mediums. as s kid while I was just out of the Reading Rainbow demo I did watch with my little sister and hearing LeVar and the crew discuss brought back great memories. LeVar Burton is a treasure and there are not enough words to describe all he has done. Thank you all for yet another enjoyable podcast and hope Erica is back soon

[@viv-i-vangoesforth]

good job guys! A totally different vibe that allowed Levar to shine in conversation. I loved this experiment in creativity. You should certaiinly do more like this. Thanks for a brilliantly enjoyable pod cast. Regards and respect - Kenny

[@CraigUntlNytTym]

Finding out Connor Trinneer is a fan of his dark materials has made my day

[@sarahg67]

Getting all the answers. Y'all are great. Thank you.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Thank you

[@MrAndroidData]

i think i said this before, but what i love about the shuttlepod show, is that it brings us fans closer to the stars we love, just listening and feeling emotions from your guests, is so binding and connecting

[@PaulBeard1990]

Just like Jimmy Daren, Levar has one of them voices where he could read a breakfast menu to you and you would be drawn in and listen to everything he says.

[@christopherallen9580]

Great episode love Levar!

[@MrAndroidData]

this was one of the best shuttlepods so far

[@louisea966]

wonderful episode to just listen to. also great pics. cheers The Shuttlepod Show!

[@FORSIGHTPARADIGM]

Really good interview. I knew Richard Arnold, Roddenberry's long-time assistant, and he told me Levar Burton was by far the most "spiritual" of the TNG cast. His comments about coincidence here caught my attention and prompted me to share this from one of my favorite books "Enlightenment Now"-Steven Pinker: "Spirituality" is often taken to mean more than a gratitude for one's existence, awe at the universe, and humility before the frontiers of human understanding. It's taken to mean a conviction that the universe is somehow personal, that everything happens for a reason. But the first step toward reason is the realization that the laws of the universe don't care about you. The next is the realization that this does not imply that life is meaningless, because people care about you, and vice versa. A major breakthrough of the Scientific Revolution was to refute the notion that the universe is saturated with purpose in some grand cosmic morality play. Events are caused by conditions in the present, not goals in the future. Humans have goals, of course, but projecting those goals onto the workings of nature is an illusion. Things can happen without anyone taking into account their effects on human happiness." And yeah the fact of the scale of human suffering through history alone attests to this. The book also linked this funny short with Amy Schummer and Bill Nye called "The Universe" to make the point: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJbUdJSfrNKlla8

[@BigCowProductions]

Of course I'm dreadfully curious about the "special considerations", but I have to point out the effort of making this slideshow. Thanks, guys!!!!!

[@CarlosDeBernardMrAgapi]

i love the program I hear it today. LeVar if you reading THANKS. thanks to all. the audio program was amazing. the reason, is not important. some old style ways still works perfect and more with you guys doing it thanks!

[@BongoWongoOG]

My favourite guests on my favourite channel from my favourite hosts. I keep saying it almost every week, but Shuttlepod Show gets better and better each episode. My thanks to you all.

[@ZaryaMain]

It's interesting, I first watched both Roots and TNG with my grandmother in the early 90s as a 5th grader. Both had a really big impact on me.

[@j.f.monahan3589]

LeVar. 10/10.

[@JohnLaRue-zp2uj]

What a great posting. Love watching and I certainly appreciate the work you all do together. Thank you Levar for bringing us up to speed (Your choice of Warp)...Take care and stay safe folks!

[@klantic2]

As much as I love to hear about their time on Star Trek it was fabulous that more time was spent on reading and other accomplishments near and dear to Mr. Burton.

[@davidredmond292]

Thank you all. Another great conversation with an incredible person!

[@carolhenry7495]

I totally forgot about "One in a million" I loved That movie as a kid. I lived in MS at the time, and one of my friends little sister O.D.'Ed at 15. When I saw Madge SinClair playing Geordie's Mom Silvia LaForge... I knew where it was from. But I'd totally forgotten.

[@werewolfskinvhs]

Connor, Dom and Mark - congrats on another awesome episode! Format was a little different than usual but not unwelcome in the slightest, your hard work putting it out anyways despite the constraints (which are nobodies business but your own) is greatly appreciated. To me personally, having just audio was a nice of way of getting to solely focus on everyone's voice and feel a bit more immersed in the overall experience. (C'mon people, you gotta admit the seagull pictures during trivia were pretty dang funny!) LeVar was an absolutely lovely guest, very well spoken and warm. He truly comes off like such a super cool guy, in every respect. I had no idea he started the business so young, it's good to know he had someone looking out for him, that's sadly not the case for alot of young actors. Quite enjoyed hearing him discuss his love of reading and all the advocacy and positive impact he's had in regards to literacy, you could really hear it in his voice that it's something that continues to mean a great deal to him. Always warms my heart whenever Connor and Dom talk with the guest about how much pride they all have in being a part of Trek. It's a legacy that'll last a lifetime, that's for sure. All n all, another wonderful episode, I can't wait to see what next week has in store! Happy Shuttlepod Sunday everyone! 😊🖖💚🍃

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Thank you Hal! As always- we appreciate your support and kind words!

[@werewolfskinvhs]

@@ShuttlepodShow That means so much to me, thank YOU!

[@rochamonica]

I'm so glad you decided to share the audio of such a FANTASTIC conversation with us!! Thank you !!! ❤❤❤