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Dropping Names ...and other things
Star Trek, Gladiator, Skyfall - The Stories Behind the Names
In this episode, John Logan sits down to reflect on a career shaped by bold choices and stories that have defined modern film, television, and theater... from Gladiator and Skyfall to Star Trek, Broadway, and beyond.
It’s a candid, wide-ranging look at the moments and relationships that shaped his path as a writer, dramatist, and creative force. We talk about storytelling at scale, protecting the soul of a franchise, collaborating with iconic performers and directors, and what it means to create work that lasts.
Dropping Names ...and other things, is a podcast featuring Brent Spiner and Jonathan Frakes stepping away from the spotlight to share the real stories... the fans, the friendships, the near-misses, the unexpected moments, and the names you never thought they’d drop.
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4. Family Guy to Star Trek and Beyond
59:12||Season 1, Ep. 4Seth MacFarlane joins Dropping Names for a wildly funny, sharp and unexpectedly heartfelt conversation about a career that spans animation, orchestras, sci-fi, and hosting the Oscars… from Family Guy and The Orville to singing at the Hollywood Bowl, working with John Williams, and growing up a Star Trek fan who somehow became a starship captain.They talk about early jobs, breaking into television, building an animated empire, Broadway dreams, directing actors who once inspired him, and what it really feels like walking into a room full of Star Trek legends trying not to grin like a kid.This isn’t an interview. It’s three storytellers swapping stories about Hollywood, music, sci-fi, and the strange path from fan to franchise. Pull up a seat.3. Once We Were ALL Spacemen
56:20||Season 1, Ep. 3Nathan Fillion and Alan Tudyk join Dropping Names for a wildly funny, nostalgic and surprisingly heartfelt conversation about decades in the business… from Firefly and Star Trek conventions to Saving Private Ryan, Disney villains, Shakespeare with Patrick Stewart, and the night Nathan may or may not have saved the crew in Dallas.They talk about early acting jobs, being fired as waiters, soap opera survival, audition heartbreak, working with Spielberg, Tom Hanks, James Gunn, and what it really feels like standing across from fans who’ve waited hours just for a moment.This isn’t an interview. It’s four actors swapping stories from a lifetime in the industry.
1. Beyond the Reading Rainbow, Roots and Star Trek
01:06:11||Season 1, Ep. 1LeVar Burton sits down to reflect on a journey that shaped generations, from the cultural impact of Roots, to opening minds and imaginations on Reading Rainbow, to boldly going into the future with Star Trek.It’s a candid, thoughtful look at the moments, choices, and experiences that defined his path as an actor, storyteller, and cultural icon. We talk about legacy, responsibility, creativity, and what it really means to be part of stories that outlive you.Dropping Names ...and other things, is a podcast featuring Brent Spiner and Jonathan Frakes stepping away from the spotlight to share the real stories... the fans, the friendships, the near-misses, the unexpected moments, and the names you never thought they’d drop.