The Incomparable Mothership

Hit the books and polish up your comm badges, because it’s time to go to school—“Starfleet Academy,” that is. We check in on the first season of Star Trek’s latest (and last, for now?) TV series, and find that despite the YA focus, it’s still just really good “Star Trek” that’s worth your attention. "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" Jason Snell with Dan Moren, Erika Ensign, Moisés Chiullán and Tony Sindelar Referenced Works Star Trek: Starfleet Academy Star Trek (franchise) Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Jason was on “Jeopardy!” Now he breaks the experience down with the help of two former “Jeopardy!” champions, Glenn Fleishman and Dan Moren. Jason on Jeopardy! Jason Snell with Dan Moren and Glenn Fleishman Show Notes & Links Dan Moren on J-Archive Glenn Fleishman on J-Archive Jason Snell on J-Archive "Jamie Ding Game 5" The Incomparable #112 (Glenn's Jeopardy journey) Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

John Moltz, witty pop-culture commentator; Erika Ensign, perceptive panelist with personal reactions; John Siracusa, deep analytical critic. They discuss the show’s lighter, character-driven tone. They highlight Dunk and Egg’s chemistry, surprising reveals about Egg, strong performances, the blend of humor and earned drama, and the series’ small-scale, lived-in world.

Charge up your cyberspace deck and avoid all slamhounds! It’s time for us to discuss the second book in William Gibson’s famed Sprawl trilogy, “Count Zero.” Of course, Count Zero is the name of a great hacker… wait, it’s this kid? This is a book that defies audience expectations, from the title character to the way it follows up—or doesn’t, really—the events and characters in its famous predecessor. But, as our veteran Gibson readers note, it sets the template for his career to come. "Count Zero" Jason Snell with Lisa Schmeiser, Antony Johnston, Glenn Fleishman and Erika Ensign Referenced Works William Gibson Count Zero Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Paul Weimer, returning book-club regular and awards-season reader. Joe Rosensteel, occasional panelist who loves genre mechanics and magic systems. Erika Ensign, close-reader focused on character and pacing. Aleen Simms, analytical contributor attentive to theme and character. They discuss a teacher-centered, partly demonic magic school, an unusual early climax and its aftermath, gritty faculty life, inventive demon mechanics like imps in photocopiers, and reading picks.

Chip Sudderth, a returning multiplayer-shooter fan who shares fresh impressions. Ben McCarthy, a social player who highlights accessibility and emotional reactions. John Siracusa, veteran tech and games analyst offering design and economy critique. They dive into Arc Raiders' extraction loop, friendlier matchmaking, loot and stash mechanics, UI quirks, audio clarity, and how social systems shape play.

Want to see a dead body? Bring your comb, stock up on cherry flavor Pez, and stay really quiet if you see a deer. We return to the 1980s and honor Rob Reiner by discussing 1986’s “Stand By Me,” a movie Jason has somehow never seen. It’s not a movie with Things That Happen, but that’s just fine with us. "Stand By Me" Jason Snell with Kelly Guimont, Erika Ensign, John Siracusa and Shelly Brisbin Referenced Works Stand By Me Rob Reiner Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with The Incomparable. It’s time to discuss that Canadian hockey show everyone’s been talking about. “Heated Rivalry” just wants to know, “Will you come to the cottage this summer?” "Heated Rivalry" Annette Wierstra with Kirsten Goruk, Heather Berberet, Stacy Watnick and Kat Benesh Sponsors Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac. Referenced Works Heated Rivalry Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Guillermo del Toro’s waited his whole life to make a “Frankenstein” movie, and now he’s done it. We carefully select the (Oscar-nominated!) film’s best bits, chop them up, and then sew them back together in the grossest way possible. (We know Del Toro would approve.) You don’t need to have a degree in Frankensteinology to take a seat at the lympahtic charcuterie board, but it helps! "Frankenstein" (2025) Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Brian Hamilton, Monty Ashley, Tony Sindelar and Moisés Chiullán Sponsors Ecamm: Powerful live streaming platform for Mac. Referenced Works Frankenstein (2025) Guillermo del Toro Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.

Hello, Carol. This is a recording. At the tone, you can leave a message to request anything you might need. We’ll do our best to provide it. Our feelings for you haven’t changed, Carol. But after everything that’s happened, we just need a little space. "Pluribus" season 1 Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Tony Sindelar, Moisés Chiullán and Glenn Fleishman Referenced Works Pluribus Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member. Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more.