John Billingsley hosts a spirited conversation with a live audience about the values of Star Trek and how to nurture community spirit. Guests include Jonathan Frakes, Chase Masterson, Kitty Swink, Trektivism team members Matthew Cimone, Heather Rae Barker, Laurie Ulster, and Yvette Blackmon Tom and guests Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Efaon Cobb, and Randy Frank!

For more information: Hollywood Food Coalition, Roddenberry Foundation

We are joined by Heather Wood (CEO/Chair) and Sonyl Nagale (COO/Vice Chair) of To Proudly Go! To Proudly Go is a 501c3 nonprofit organization formed on March 1, 2021 for the purposes of creating safe and supportive spaces that celebrates science fiction, promotes the LGBTQIA+ community and partners with important community causes to empower and foster a kinder and better world. The organization has raised over 10k dollars for queer positive and anti-bullying organizations through fundraising initiatives like their charity drag shows!

Learn more about To Proudly Go at www.toproudlygo.org

This month, we're honored to welcome Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein to the TREKtivsm Podcast. Dr. Prescod-Weinstein, author of "The Disordered Cosmos: A Journey into Dark Matter, Spacetime, and Dreams Deferred" is an Associate Professor of Physics and Core Faculty Member in Women's and Gender studies at the University of New Hampshire. Essence Magazine recognized her as one of 15 Black women Who Are Paving the Way in STEM and Breaking Barriers. Her scientific work intersects particle physics, cosmology, and astrophysics. Our amazing conversation with Dr. Prescod-Weinstein spans the hunt for Dark Matter, Queer and Black representation in STEM, Palestine, feminism, and aiming for that Star Trek future.

Dr. Chanda Prescod-Weinstein's site: https://chanda.science

Other Organizations talked about in this episode:
Dark Sky International https://darksky.org

African American Women in Physics https://aawip.com/

Heather Rae and Matthew interview Efaon Cobb, previous Trektivism panelist and Deputy Director for the ACLU. Efaon discusses his life story, what led him to practicing law, and how he became involved with the ACLU.

CW: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault and police brutality.

ACLU of San Diego and Imperial Counties

For more information: Hollywood Food Coalition, Roddenberry Foundation

Todd Stashwick stops by the show to talk about his D&D campaign livestream fundraiser for The Pablove Foundation. Todd’s event will be streamed live on Twitch.tv/MiniTerrainDomain on Saturday, April 20 starting at 5:00 PM Pacific (8:00 PM Eastern, 1:00 AM BST).

Heather and Matthew interview Kitty Swink, Armin Shimerman, and John Bilingsley about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and the upcoming Purple Stride event. You can support the Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer Team by going to www.purplestride.org click donate, donate to a team, and search for “Trek Against Pancreatic Cancer” as your chosen team. The team is also high in the leaderboard which you can find at the bottom of the mainpage. And we’ve also included the team’s fundraiser link below. Purple Stride is Saturday April 27th and on the purple stride website you can also find a stride near you!
https://secure.pancan.org/site/TR/PurpleStride/PurpleStride?team_id=48986&pg=team&fr_id=2803

For more information: Hollywood Food Coalition, Roddenberry Foundation

Heather, Rae Barker and Matthew Cimone interview Mike Simmons, founder, and CEO of Astronomy for Equity. Astronomy for Equity uses the proven ability of astronomy to foster inclusive programs that inspire, educate, and provide hope for unserved communities.

The discussion explores Mike’s personal history with astronomy and why he founded his organization; the importance of building community and hope by bringing telescopes to refugees and others without accessibility to see the stars; why you should make the Trek to view a solar eclipse; and more!

https://astro4equity.org

For more information: Hollywood Food Coalition, Roddenberry Foundation

Heather Rae Barker and Matthew Cimone recap TrekTalks 3 followed by their TrekTalks panel “Trektivism as Community Building” featuring Yez from LA Away Team; Mel from Sid City Social Club; Mark from Star Trek Family; and Ethan from Trek The Vote.

For more information: Hollywood Food Coalition, Roddenberry Foundation