Star Trek Voyager: Season 8

In this time-limited episode (will be deleted when Episode 8 arrives), I share updates on Season 8 production, discuss the challenges of using AI voices for this fan project, and respond to the newly enabled listener comments from Spotify. Learn about Episode 8's progress (a Janeway-focused chapter), why I chose AI narration over traditional voice actors, and my thoughts on fan feedback about the series.I also dive into why I'm keeping this project audio-only rather than animated, address licensing concerns with Paramount, and explore how I'm staying true to Star Trek canon while continuing the story 25 years after Voyager's finale.YouTube Version of this discussion: https://youtu.be/fcYt3pm_oIgChapters:0:00 Intro & Episode 8 Status0:27 Episode 8 Writing Details1:02 Evolution from human vocals to AI voices2:45 Main Channel Migration3:13 YouTube & AI-Generated Fan-Animation Challenges4:29 Spotify Comment Moderation Update5:52 Episode 1 - Feedback7:41 Licensing Rules and Audio Drama Formats9:32 Inversely Reading the Show Descriptions10:11 Desiring an EXTRA Cool-Down Episode (Voyager Finale Reflection)10:52 Dealing with "Mid-Sentence Cuts" & Re-recording11:42 AI Voices vs Voice Actors and Discord flaking13:09 Comparing the AI Craft to a "Japanese Chef" vs "Knife Throwing"15:10 Reading Comments - Criticism of AI Voices19:16 Episode 2 - Seven of Nine Accent & Holodecks Logic20:32 Episode 3 - Australian Catch-22 Paradox21:20 Episode 4 - Error Verification Playback25:09 Thoughts on "Star Trek: Destiny" & Large Scale Book Failures29:09 Episode 5 - Trek Economics Explained33:14 Wrap-up & Listener OutroResources mentioned:Jonathan JK Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JonathanJKStar Fleet Dreams YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=16KdIwxoC5IEndless Vigilence: https://twosoberdwarvesproductions.com/endless-vigilance/Starship Excelsior: https://starshipexcelsior.com/This episode makes use of the podcast chapters feature. If your podcast player of choice has this feature you can use it to save your position or skip ahead. A huge thank you to those who have donated and been listening to the story already.Show Links and CreditsTo join the Patreon for early access to episodes and other perks, donate here: www.patreon.com/voyagerseason8Email - crackedbutter@gmail.comX - https://x.com/TrekTrekkieBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/voyagerseason8.bsky.socialNew Podcast - Star Trek: Reverie►►► RSS https://media.rss.com/star-trek-reverie/feed.xml►►► Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/star-trek-reverie/id6801186604►►► Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0346vv1Hlm20g52CqOMpXk?si=747ee700a1694a75Disclaimer"Star Trek" and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other "Star Trek" franchise, and is a non-commercial, not for profit, fan-made audiobook and ebook series intended for recreational use. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.

In this episode, Lt Harry Kim receives some unsettling news and Icheb is assimilating into his time at Starfleet Academy.This episode is thematically all about connection. It's a Harry Kim focused episode with one chapter for Icheb as the B story (also about connection). I really hope people not only enjoy the story, but also all the Star Trek references I've managed to insert.Timestamps0:00 - Pre-Titles (Family Ties)5:36 - Title Sequence7:22 - Family Ties 212:54 - County Cavan20:03 - James Mooney McCallister30:31 - 'Hello, I am Icheb'38:25 - Add Oil 140:46 - Add Oil 2Please turn OFF any features in your podcast app that removes silence or ‘enhances’ the audio.This episode makes use of the podcast chapters feature. If your podcast player of choice has this feature you can use it to save your position or skip ahead. A huge thank you to those who have donated and been listening to the story already.Show Links and CreditsTo join the Patreon for early access to episodes and other perks, donate here: www.patreon.com/voyagerseason8Email - crackedbutter@gmail.comX - https://x.com/TrekTrekkieBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/voyagerseason8.bsky.socialDisclaimer"Star Trek" and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other "Star Trek" franchise, and is a non-commercial, not for profit, fan-made audiobook and ebook series intended for recreational use. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.

In this episode, Chakotay reorientates himself after being discharged by Starfleet. Icheb attends his first class at Starfleet Academy.Timestamps0:00 - Pre-credits - Cadet Icheb12:00 - Ashtabula19:24 - Remember Gul Evek?26:40 - A Howl in the Night33:41 - Mercy Kill38:48 - The Sky Spirits‘Tahyuni’ in the Oneida language means ‘wolf’. Other variations of this word exist, ‘Othahyu:ní’, Thahyu:ni or Tahyuni, all pronounced oh-tah-yoo-nee with a short "o" sound.Please turn OFF any features in your podcast app that removes silence or ‘enhances’ the audio.This episode makes use of the podcast chapters feature. If your podcast player of choice has this feature you can use it to save your position or skip ahead. A huge thank you to those who have donated and been listening to the story already.Show Links and CreditsTo join the Patreon for early access to episodes and other perks, donate here: www.patreon.com/voyagerseason8Email - crackedbutter@gmail.comDiscord - https://discord.gg/tWTKDpZq9NBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/voyagerseason8.bsky.socialDisclaimer"Star Trek" and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other "Star Trek" franchise, and is a non-commercial, not for profit, fan-made audiobook and ebook series intended for recreational use. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.

After Icheb’s send off to Starfleet Academy, the Doctor starts his new career at Pathfinder HQ.Chapters0:00 - Commander R'Mor4:00 - Starfleet Academy9:39 - Q&A16:25 - The Emitter22:45 - The Midnight Oil25:14 - Admiral Curtanis Den Curry28:45 - Bunking on the Holodeck36:19 - Br-briefing the Admiral42:39 - The Devil Take the WaltzShow Links and CreditsTo join the Patreon for early access to episodes and other perks, donate here: www.patreon.com/voyagerseason8Email - crackedbutter@gmail.comX - https://x.com/TrekTrekkieBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/voyagerseason8.bsky.socialDisclaimer:"Star Trek" and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other "Star Trek" franchise, and is a non-commercial, not for profit, fan-made audiobook and ebook series intended for recreational use. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.

The Dominion War ended two years before the USS Voyager arrived, but the war's effects still linger. What is the crew of the lone ship returning to? What is the status of the largest galactic powers and what kind of effect does Voyager have on the Alpha and Beta quadrants?Please turn OFF any features in your podcast app that removes silence or ‘enhances’ the audio.Show Links and CreditsTo join the Patreon for early access to episodes and other perks, donate here: www.patreon.com/voyagerseason8Email - crackedbutter@gmail.comX - https://x.com/TrekTrekkieBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/voyagerseason8.bsky.socialDisclaimer"Star Trek" and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other "Star Trek" franchise, and is a non-commercial, not for profit, fan-made audiobook and ebook series intended for recreational use. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.

With Captain Janeway having departed from Voyager, what’s left for the rest of the crew to do before travelling to Earth?Timestamps:0:00 - Tuvok's News6:17 - To Absent Friends11:56 - Little Green Bag20:33 - We'll Always Have Paris23:57 - Patterson Cake Baker's Man29:32 - Kid's, Who'd Have Them?34:15 - The Alpha Flyers39:03 - We're Home41:45 - Seven Not NinePlease turn OFF any features in your podcast app that removes silence or ‘enhances’ the audio.This episode makes use of the podcast chapters feature. If your podcast player of choice has this feature you can use it to save your position or skip ahead. A huge thankyou to those who have been listening to the story already.Show Links and CreditsEmail - crackedbutter@gmail.comX - https://x.com/TrekTrekkieBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/voyagerseason8.bsky.socialWriting assistance from Chris Bullard.Disclaimer"Star Trek" and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other "Star Trek" franchise, and is a non-commercial, not for profit, fan-made audiobook and ebook series intended for recreational use. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.

After their first full day back in the Alpha Quadrant, the crew of the USS Voyager begin to feel the pressure with returning home, and going their separate paths. Familiar feelings and thoughts greet them in a myriad of ways.Chapters:0:00 - Intro4:45 - "What Did We Miss"?10:06 - Janeway's Slumber15:57 - Top Men21:23 - Let There Be Light23:05 - Flying the Flyer30:27 - Destiny32:41 - WIldman and Wildmen29:31 - Family TiesPlease turn OFF any features in your podcast app that removes silence or ‘enhances’ the audio.This episode makes use of the podcast chapters feature. If your podcast player of choice has this feature you can use it to save your position or skip ahead. A huge thank you to those who have donated and been listening to the story already.Show Links and CreditsTo join the Patreon for early access to episodes and other perks, donate here: www.patreon.com/voyagerseason8Email - crackedbutter@gmail.comX - https://x.com/TrekTrekkieBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/voyagerseason8.bsky.socialWriting assistance from Chris Bullard and @wunderlandcheriDisclaimer"Star Trek" and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other "Star Trek" franchise, and is a non-commercial, not for profit, fan-made audiobook and ebook series intended for recreational use. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.

Upon the USS Voyager’s arrival back at Earth, the crew rejoice and reunite with friends and family. Project Pathfinder under Admiral Paris, prepares Voyager for her refit at Utopia Planitia and her crew are offered four months shore leave.Before that happens, Starfleet Command wants the once wayward vessel to celebrate her return. As they celebrate, the threads from the crew's lives once left behind in the Alpha Quadrant, start to catch up with them.—————Chapters:0:00 - Season 7 Recap3:50 - Voyager Arrives12:50 - Miral and Q19:55 - Chell Laments27:14 - Admirals Arrive35:06 - Paris Reunification41:03 - Chakotay Considers47:57 - B'Elanna Considers52:29 - The Report - Seven & Icheb57:47 - The Pow Wow1:03:50 - The Report - Captain & Commander1:07:31 - San Francisco1:15:18 - The Delta Dinner1:22:19 - The USS Sovereign OrbitsPlease turn OFF any features in your podcast app that removes silence or ‘enhances’ the audio.This episode makes use of the podcast chapters feature. If your podcast player of choice has this feature you can use it to save your position or skip ahead. A huge thank you to those who have donated and been listening to the story already.Show Links and CreditsTo join the Patreon for early access to episodes and other perks, donate here: www.patreon.com/voyagerseason8Email - crackedbutter@gmail.comX - https://x.com/TrekTrekkieBluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/voyagerseason8.bsky.socialDisclaimer"Star Trek" and all related marks, logos and characters are solely owned by CBS Studios Inc. This fan production is not endorsed by, sponsored by, nor affiliated with CBS, Paramount Pictures, or any other "Star Trek" franchise, and is a non-commercial, not for profit, fan-made audiobook and ebook series intended for recreational use. No alleged independent rights will be asserted against CBS or Paramount Pictures.