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Artwork for The Orb: A Star Trek Deep Space Nine Podcast

The Orb: A Star Trek Deep Space Nine Podcast

TFM
Deep Space Nine
Bajor
Kira
Cardassians
Odo
Kira Nerys
Sisko
Bajoran Spirituality
Bajoran Mythology
Bajoran System
Rumpelstiltskin
Buck Bokai
Baseball
Imagination
If Wishes Were Horses
Dramatis Personae
Bajoran Culture
Jake and Nog
Telepathic Virus
Michael Piller

The Orb is a Trek.fm podcast dedicated entirely to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, hosted since 2013 by C Bryan Jones and Matthew Rushing. In January 2023, we begin a 30th-anniversary retrospective that will take you through all of DS9, one episode at a time, as we shift from our format of exploring the minutiae of the show to celebrating 30 years of the greatest chapter in the Star Trek franchise wit... more

PublishesMonthlyEpisodes180Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
TV & FilmSociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Orb: A Star Trek Deep Space Nine Podcast

Latest Episodes

“Sanctuary” 30th-anniversary reflections

When a group of refugees from the Gamma Quadrant come through the wormhole, Sisko naturally extends Federation hospitality. These aliens, the Skrreeans, flew through what they call the Eye of the Universe in ... more

“Second Sight” 30th-anniversary reflections

On the anniversary of the Battle of Wolf 359, Benjamin Sisko finds himself surprised that such an important date could almost slip by. Four years have passed since he lost his wife, and life without her is... more

“Necessary Evil” 30th-anniversary reflections

When someone attempts to kill Quark, Odo starts down a path that leads him to reopen a five-year-old murder investigation. Dating back to the days of Terok Nor, that mystery centered on a familiar face: ... more

"Necessary Evil" 30th-anniversary reflections

When someone attempts to kill Quark, Odo starts down a path that leads him to reopen a five-year-old murder investigation. Dating back to the days of Terok Nor, that mystery centered on a familiar face:... more

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Hosts

Christopher Jones
Host of The Orb podcast, long-running DS9 analyst with deep knowledge of Star Trek lore and culture.
Matthew Rushing
Co-host with a balanced analytical and accessible style, contributes extensive DS9 and Trek FM network knowledge.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 254 ratings
  • Love!

    Huge Star Trek fan since I was a kid. Discovered this podcast a few months ago. I commute 3 hours roundtrip per day and these podcasts have changed my commute from stressful and agonizing to something I look forward to each day! DS9 used to be my least favourite Trek but after completing the entirety of The Orb podcasts I have a new appreciation that has possibly made it one of my favourites. Hearing these deep analysis' each day as I did my latest rewatch changed everything I used to think abou... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    STKR2015
    Canadaa year ago
  • DS9 saved my life

    The Orb is an intelligent and witty show hosted by two people who approach analyzing DS9 from different perspectives, but there is no rancor between the hosts. Finding this podcast was thrilling to me, because DS9 holds a very special place in my heart. The first two episodes of season one delivered me from 10 years of unrelenting despair after my beloved husband was killed in a car crash. Perhaps I am projecting too much of myself into the episodes that followed, but it appears to me that Cisco... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Brendaelisabeth
    United States3 years ago
  • Fav DS9 Podcast

    I love the thoughtful discussion. There’s a celebration and wonder toward DS9 here, not criticism and nitpicking. It’s refreshing, and it’s making me love DS9 more than I already did!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Tslam
    United States3 years ago
  • I love DS9, and CBJ and MR know it inside out! It is tons of fun, and thought-provoking, too!

    Podchaser
    5
    brendat.thimke
    3 years ago
  • Great podcast for Star Trek and DS9 fans

    Very likeable and resourceful hosts with great insights, discussions and views on DS9, imo the best Star Trek show ever. Brings back lovely memories.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rusbeh K.
    Germany3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Loyal fans praise deep, thoughtful analysis and camaraderie between hosts.
Some reviews note pacing or pronunciation quirks but overall high quality and consistency.
Guests and hosts are well-prepared, insightful, and engaging.
Shows help long-time listeners revisit DS9 and attract new fans.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

171: Columbodo
Q: What does Kira's statement about choosing a side imply about Odo's character?
It challenges the notion of neutrality, implying that even Odo's search for justice involves moral choices that can lead to taking a side.
171: Columbodo
Q: How did the setting of Terok Nor work compared with Odo's investigation in the present aboard DS9?
The Terok Nor setting provided a richer backdrop that enhanced Odo's character development and allowed for a deeper exploration of Bajoran history and struggles during the occupation.
157: Dal’Rok Has Left the Building
Q: What are your final thoughts on "The Storyteller"?
It's a fun episode. It's not a great episode, but I think that it also for all that we're able to talk about it and I think this episode does what a lot of the first season does, which is it finds a way to plant seeds that are going to grow in the series.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show invites DS9 fans into thoughtful, episode-by-episode discussions that unpack character arcs, cultural themes, and moral complexities across Deep Space Nine. With a long-running co-host duo, the format now leans into a 30-year retrospective, turning episodes into a lens for broader Star Trek analysis, including Bajoran history, occupation-era politics, and the evolving dynamics on the station. Notable strengths include thorough prep, a balanced exchange of viewpoints, and a warmth that makes deep cuts accessible for both longtime followers and newer listeners.

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. To The Journey: A Star Trek Voyager Podcast

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 13 years ago and published 180 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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