Ep.2.33 "Married... with Klingons" with Michael & Denise Okuda

[@acidtwin]

These two should be running the franchise, they should be left to put a creative team together. It won't happen but one can dream.

[@Stay_at_home_Astronaut81]

THIS.

[@vickiwinn909]

Awesome show

[@ianlassitter2397]

They will never be allowed. They believe in merit, hard work and learning…so against Hollywoods woke standards of skin color matters first, entitlement is the way and if you don’t repeat the message in full compliance in all media you are black listed.

[@pedrohicken3884]

I’m so glad we are seeing alot of the backstage staff coming forward in this show. They were just as important in making the Star Trek we all knew and loved to this day.

[@IamZed]

Shuttlepod has fast become my favorite show on the internet.

[@prince_julius]

The Okuda interfaces got me into graphic design. Love the artistry.

[@FreihEitner]

The Okudas are such a great working team and seem like such a great couple. Their contributions to Trek are immeasurable. Thank you Mike & Denise!

[@fgdj2000]

They seem also like genuinely best friends… which is what makes the best couples I think.

[@nigelobrien71]

The Okuda's are Terk Royalty man. Big time. Looking forward to sitting down later to watch this.

[@HUNVilly]

What legends, I remember Mike from the TNG DVD Extras, probably the first person from behind the cameras whose name I learned.

[@NeonVisual]

Protect these two at all costs

[@wrorchestra1]

Happy Anniversary to the Okuda's!

[@RyGuy5320]

Loved hearing about Mike's idea for "Battle Configuration" instead of saucer separation.. in a way the idea did get used years later, the USS Prometheus had "Multi-Vector Assault Mode!"

[@gorgonaught]

Thank you so much for continuing to showcase these amazing people behind the scenes. It's so easy to get wrapped up in just the actors and story and forget or not even know about all the people who made everything else happen.

[@Greatblue56]

Holy cow, what an incredible interview. What a beautiful couple. They are radiant together. Thank you so much for this.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@annika_panicka]

The brilliant Okudas are an inspiration as artists and human beings. What a model (no pun intended) for a solid marriage. May they LLAP!🖖 Thanks to them for sharing their love for Star Trek with @The Shuttlepod Show and thanks to TSS for having them on.

[@pierre-yvesdurand6749]

At least i succeed to like your comment have a great day annika see you , live long and prosper 🖖

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Well said! Thanks Annika

[@charlesyeo5528]

Hi annika how are you hope to hear from you soon take care of your health

[@chocolatemonk]

I really appreciated the Star Trek Encyclopedia that came out during Next Gen. Michael and Denise were the authors. Thank you . . .so much time spent reading that and the CD-ROM that gave us the virtual enterprise. LCARS

[@chocolatemonk]

also after watching this and reflecting a bit I think that when any story / show / universe / IP gets big enough you need someone who is a gatekeeper of the original vision, watcher of the present and planner for the future. . Someone who wants the best for it. Here They are

[@BeauSmithFtl]

The Okudas are truly Star Trek royalty, and this was a delightful episode. You can plainly see their talent, their passion and their love not only for Star Trek, but also for astronomy and space exploration. How cool!

[@JoshuaMPatton]

I love this show, but I love this episode in a special way. Thanks to all involved for bringing us this episode. I'd take ten episodes with the Okudas.

[@iix23]

Great show. Living legends.

[@danielceo4694]

Love the Okudas, love their work! Their designs defined Star Trek for a very long time.

[@reluctantme5183]

The Okudas and Doug Drexler are the nicest people in Hollywood !!! 🖖🖖🖖

[@sunshinehomeactivist3642]

Thank you Max Headroom!

[@kathydee1111]

Thank you for having the Okudas on! How wonderful that we get to see and hear them talk so openly to share their experience behind the scenes with Star Trek. LLAP 🖖

[@Starchface]

This is a magnificent episode. Michael and Denise are amazing guests. This was such an entertaining and fun interview with two of the most important Star Trek icons. I really enjoyed this as always! You all are creating history with Shuttlepod Show. While you're obviously not the first to interview Star Trek cast, crew and other luminaries, you may be the first to do it on such a scale. And the sky is the limit. I do think we need to figure out how to get more eyeballs. There were some nice ideas for future guests. I am going to single out James Cawley, producer and actor in the fan-made series Star Trek Phase II (aka New Voyages) which can be found here on YT. He, the cast and crew completed ten episodes before CBS changed the rules concerning fan-made productions. Now, the involvement of anyone who had worked on official Star Trek productions was forbidden, including Cawley himself who had made a cameo appearance in the 2009 Star Trek film. Production therefore ended in 2016, but the episodes they did complete were exceptionally well done with appearances by Walter Koenig, Denise Crosby, George Takei and other actors from various Star Treks. Acting, often a weak point of fan-made productions, is excellent. Cawley spent 14 years and $100,000 out of his pocket building the sets, and it is those sets that Michael and Denise discussed. It's really quite remarkable.

[@cjc363636]

Absolutely two of the best guests on Shuttlepod. Thanks so much! The Okudas are just wonderful ambassadors for Trek, art and creativity.

[@marcquestenberg8385]

They are absolute legends and contributed significantly to the success of Star Trek in the 80s and 90s.

[@automatics1im]

The Okudas know Star Trek, live Star Trek. Really looking forward to this.

[@aldunlop4622]

They ARE Star Trek…

[@sunnydaze2712]

Star Trek Royalty and power couple!!! The insight we get to the behind the scenes is the coolest thing ever!!! Another incredible podcast! Thank you!

[@annika_panicka]

1:17:58 The optimistic philosophy - I timestamped this so I (and anyone else you wants to) can listen to it repeatedly. The Okudas and Star Trek's core values give us hope and a model for a brighter tomorrow (and today). 🖖💕

[@pierre-yvesdurand6749]

I totaly agree with you, Gene Roddenberry has brought a positive vision of future of humanity, as Spock says there always possibilités may this vision who is currently our hope to go forward be the reality for the next generations to come to as captain Picard said acquisition of wealth is no longer our driving force in our lives we better ourselves and the rest of humanity that's why i reality love Star Trek

[@charlesyeo5528]

Yeah backstage staff of star trek the back Ground crew needs alot of appreciation as well as good and noble hearted writers

[@centralWisconsin1]

Great episode!!! Thank you Michael & Denise for coming onto The Shuttlepod Show, and for all your contributions to the Star Trek WORLD!!!

[@tanman99]

The thing that impresses me the most is their constant humbleness and respect that have for the show and what they’ve done. They’ve never been anything but gracious for the opportunities that they’ve been given and take the responsibilities with great gravitas. Such absolute class acts.

[@mafnoor]

Excellent guests-- wonderful questions, wonderful reminiscences-- thanks @The Shuttlepod Show !

[@leandabee]

I just loooove the behind the scenes of excellence. Thank you Michael and Denise 👌👏👏

[@susanscott8653]

Another amazing show! Thanks Shuttlepod crew. ❤

[@GB00K44]

Wow! Royals in the house. Super enjoyable episode as always. Thank you cast & crew! 🖖

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JayLand1973]

Hope they r on again. Amazing people!!!!

[@MrSpock002]

If Gene Roddenberry is the brains of Star Trek the Okudas are the creative blood flowing through it's shows and movies.

[@bigfrankfraser1391]

genes the brains, okudas are the heart

[@told2stop]

Trek royalty, so grateful for everything they've done for trek over the years. So glad they were on. Great interview

[@mr51406]

The Okudas are brilliant and adorable too. Thanks for making the future look beautiful. This was totally a wish interview come true.🖖🏼

[@Stu047]

Fantastic episode! I'm a huge fan of the creative forces behind the artistry in Star Trek and the Okuda's contributions to the look of that universe is truly off the scale. Their reference books are absolute must own materials for any Star Trek fan; the fourth edition of the encyclopedia was truly mega (at over 1000 pages!).

[@usa1mac]

I highly recommend the Ticonderoga, NY TOS set tour. It's amazing. My wife and I were lucky enough to have a personal tour since we visited off peak. Simply amazing for any Trek fan.

[@TheSecretVault]

Michael and Denise, wuch a lovely couple. They seem so gentle and humble. Amazing influence on the Universe.

[@austinvieira8720]

Two legends, I will forever love them for the LCARS!

[@newyorkerinvegas]

I grew up reading the works for the Okudas and loving everything they created on Star Trek. I was honored to meet them this year at STLV. They are legends. They are kind. They are what Star Trek is all about.

[@livenbelieve4819]

When the news of the world is sad, there is nothing better than you all to make it better, whether watching you in character on Enterprise, or as unique, kind, interesting individuals just chatting. Thank you! The Okudas - so delightful. Love you guys scrunches 🧡🦁🧡 Lisa

[@dbcanada]

Another delightful episode! Thanks to all.

[@Goettel]

They are some of the best of us, real fans.

[@attakonbass]

To the Okudas, thank you for everything. You have shaped so many lives through your work.

[@ProfessD]

I've been waiting for these beautiful people to show up. Legends

[@terryloh8583]

So great too see that they are just as wonderful as their work. What a delightful interview, and another enlightening look behind the curtain! What Michael Said about Ralph Winter surprises me not at all. I was in middle school at the time of ST III, and I was working on my own Star Trek board game. I had some questions about the Bird of Prey, so I got it in my head to call Paramount and ask someone about it. I didn't choose Gene Roddenberry or Harve Bennett or Nimoy because I knew there was little to no chance they would talk to me. I settled on the Associate Producer because it sounded important to know the answers to my questions, but no so important as to blow me off. I called the Paramount switchboard, they put me through to his office... and he answered! I'm certain they were well into production or pre-production on STIV at this point yet he took the time to talk to me. I remember him telling me that the scales were not accurate or the shuttle that was blown up in the beginning would have been the size of a Chrysler. Looking back at it, I realize now just how kind he was, how generous with his time, didn't rush me or talk down to me or say anything in the least bit discouraging. A real mensch!

[@mark-nm4tc]

Great show Connor & Dominic, I miss Enterprise, it was a great show. Denise is right, you should have equalled the other Trek shows. Really enjoyed this one, good to see behind-the-scenes names we all know get to chat with you. Hope to see you both in the UK sometime. LLAP😊.

[@Sardarkhan69]

What an amazingly talented couple!! So great to see the people who make the magic behind the scenes

[@sakkarabeirre]

Enterprise was also my gateway Trek!!

[@bdchiaccio]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview and you guys have come a long way with the shows. I share them whenever I can.

[@TheTuubster]

This was a fascinating interview with Michael and Denise Okuda that provided wonderful insights into their acclaimed careers in Star Trek production design. As lifelong fans themselves, their genuine passion for the franchises shines through in rich anecdotes that gave glimpses into the creative process. However, what I found most inspiring was how their thoughtful, collaborative work across decades helped advance technology skills and diversity appreciation both within entertainment and in inspiring real scientists. Though at times discussion of disappointments or challenges faced could have benefited from slightly more context, the overall positivity modeled qualities we could all stand to embody more of in discussions. Most especially praised was the way collaboration and advocacy for all crew members were central to the Okudas' generous approaches. I sincerely thank them and the interviewers for sharing these experiences that continue enlightening new generations. In closing, I wanted to reach out and say how much I appreciated the passion, expertise and ethics all of you brought to this conversation. For those with careers influencing culture on such vast scales, you remain wonderfully down to earth - qualities that likely contributed greatly to the beloved status of the works you helped shape. While technology evolves rapidly, the timeless dreams of inspiration and cooperation seem well worth continuing to envision. Thank you for the work you do keeping those hopes alive.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@davidlavigne207]

What a beautiful and brilliant couple! I love how they compliment each other and support one another. Their love of the original series has endeared them to me as I too grew up with TOS as my Star Trek gateway drug. Enterprise was my second favorite BTW. I loved the more gritty and less sophisticated way that the Enterprise NX-01 presented the transition of Star Fleet from a Solar system based organization to a true interstellar "enterprise." The sets were fantastic, and the acting was superb. It was nice to listen to two people who had so much to do with the success of so many deviations of the Star Trek franchise.

[@thelazy0ne]

These two are a treasure! Thank you for bringing them in. It was very fun 😊👍

[@daveagreg]

Such a great time with the Okudas - LEGENDARY!!! They are charming and fun to meet in person and are a dynamic duo for sure! Happy Anniversary to you both!! Thanks @ShuttlePodShow ! ❤💛💙🤓🖖🏾

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Couldn't agree more! Thank you, Dave!

[@100CupsColombia]

These two are the key

[@michaeldes1658]

Such an amazing episode, truly Star Trek Legends!!!!

[@deLimitedProductions]

This was a wonderful deep dive... x 2!

[@Robert-rt9ho]

I love these two so much they are the heart of the trek they make

[@filipjanik87]

Wonderful podcast. Wonderful guests. Full stop.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Thank you very much!!

[@Ma55ey]

I've seen Mike and Denise talk in a few behind the scenes clips on the dvds. I'm a model maker, and for years have had a picture of mike with the studio model of voyager in a workshop on my reference wall.. So this was a delight to watch thank you again guys..

[@Hairball786]

I missed the first hour of the premier. Watching it now. 🖖 My thanks to everyone who puts this show together! ❤

[@Susieqski]

It could easily be argued that The Shuttlepod Show is the best talk show on KZbin. The content, the creators, the hosts and guest list is simply top notch. The show is fairly clean, mostly family friendly with a generous and refreshing mix of the past and the present. It is classy, and that is saying something in this day! Thank you for what you do! I do watch The Ready Room, but that show feels rushed, and like they are trying to squeeze too much content into too little time. I enjoy The Shuttlepod Show more. Gene would approve!

[@colinleat8309]

It was a LONG week waiting for this episode with the Okuda's, but well worth it!! ❤️❤️🖖😁🤘🇨🇦

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Hahaha

[@fromthedumpstertothegrave3689]

Not had time to watch yet but can't wait, these guys are synonymous with the design and creative side of trek.

[@justinpressley2757]

So great to see these two on the show. I have been such a fan of theirs since STTNG onward. Such great contributors to the Trek Legacy. Thanks guys!

[@chromabotia]

I love the Okuda's! This is the best Shuttle Pod show ever!!

[@bmac1205]

Get Matthew George Frewer on the SP Show. He portrayed and voiced MHR and was on a THG episode.

[@susanscott8653]

Yes!

[@kaziu312]

They work on For All Mankind! My day just got better!!!!!!!! 🚀🌕🧑‍🚀👨‍🚀

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Hahaha! I know the feeling! Fun.

[@johnsieverssr8288]

Great show. Thanks, guys ❤️

[@BongoWongoOG]

OMG, what a lovely chat today (they're always lovely!) but this was very special to me. Smashing team and their collective work stays with me forever. Great job. Thank you so much.

[@dtremethick8769]

Thank you for your awesome dedication to you values.

[@pierre-yvesdurand6749]

It was an amazing and extraordinary episode with 2 legends🖖🇨🇵

[@MrSpock002]

Shuttlepod is now my favorite pod cast - long live the Okuda's!!!

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Wow! Thank you!

[@sgising2]

I LOVED Denise's sarcastic air quotes around "canon".

[@aldunlop4622]

Me too man.

[@RA10H56]

I've been waiting for them! Well done!

[@BlackieBloomberg]

Oh HELL yes, I've been waiting for this one. Thanks, guys.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@mpjohns]

One of the best episodes that you have made. !

[@planktonrecords]

Love these two special people even more now. The whole Star Trek world owes them so much

[@margitmargann3099]

Thanks to you all❣👍🏼💛🌻

[@PunksterNL]

This was a fascinating exchange. Never knew any of the behind the scenes stuff before, so every anecdote is a new laugh or touching moment. Thank you loads for providing those. And yes, soon as able I shall put some participation money where my mouth is. Waiting for the website memberships to pop up.

[@ChipsAplentyBand]

Erica, in every episode you are-and remain-The Rose (pun intended). Our beloved guys are all lucky to have you. LOVED hearing the Okudas, y'all!

[@tomdewey9690]

As a ST fan I love seeing, meeting and talking to Trek actors. It’s so great! But I get really emotional when I see or read something that the Okuda’s are in! How absolutely awesome are they?!!! Thank you both!

[@mrhumpty]

A fantastic show as usual. I wish I had thought to ask a question ahead of filming. Would they be willing to facilitate the updating of the Technical Manual & Timeline books. I'd love a new edition to add to my collection. These two are royalty and I wish more knew their names.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

That would be cool! You and us both! Thank you for the support. You are appreciated.

[@xp7575]

This is most def one of the best episodes

[@marywood8794]

Love this interview! I always love to hear about the behind the scenes, especially art design things, on TV shows and movies of any kind. Just an aside: I wish they would think about some magnet merch, like magnet car bumper stickers. I would love to get a "TRIP IS NOT DEAD" magnet bumper sticker for my car!

[@danapeck5382]

What a treat, thanks!

[@dammitspock]

What a delightful couple. Loved their work for decades. I hope if DS9 & Voyager are ever remastered, they are involved.

[@williamsrdan]

My biggest fan boy freak out was Michael Okuda... It was BlasterCon 2012, the first one. I was in the back row to do photos, on staff, and I looked to my left and there Micheal was..... I spasmed and just stared in awe for a moment. My cellphone is LCARS gui. That was a panel for Bill Blair and his make-up artist whose name i can't remember, but they were demonstrating Klingon makeup. I later put a tribble on Bill's Klingon head, and we're friends forever. I didn't get to talk to Micheal, but I love him. Max Headroom was his too!?!? My love for his art is even more than I knew it was before. The Okudas are such beautiful people. (Biggest fan boy moment, and I've taken groceries to the cars of Adam Sandler and Eddie Murphy, and was a passenger when we accidentally drove up Jack Nicholson's driveway... He came out in a brown robe, sunglasses, and a cigar, looking pissed off.....)

[@charlesyeo5528]

Wow this is GoinG to be awesome Yeah cant wait

[@BarrySteindel]

You guys are knocking them out of the park consistently. Thanks to Michael & Denise for a wonderful show (I'm thankful for your shared experiences). Everyone on the show is working very well in tandem. I can't wait to see what Liz is up to. You should give us a sneak peek. 😁

[@mikehess4494]

Thank you.

[@ShuttlepodShow]

Thank YOU!

[@JM1701ABCD]

I want a book series from Mike and Denis documenting and telling their story about their time on Trek.

[@ThizzRyuko]

The Okuda island sounds amazing

[@stevedaytona]

I've been waiting for someone to say Asimov! ❤

[@harmonbrentdm]

Santiago Cabrera was the actor who played Chris Rios for the La Sirena and than the Stargazer

[@KensToys74]

I needed this today. Thank you.

[@johndavis6119]

Another great episode. Thank you

[@tommyburton9986]

LCARS was made into a working computer screen GUI using Windows XP