Fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation have reason to celebrate as two of the show’s most iconic stars, Brent Spiner (Lt. Commander Data) and Jonathan Frakes (Commander William Riker), reunite off-screen for a brand-new podcast venture.
Announced just days ago on January 3, 2026, Dropping Names… and Other Things with Brent and Jonny (often shortened to Dropping Names) promises a mix of Hollywood anecdotes, celebrity encounters, and personal stories from the duo’s decades-long careers. The podcast’s official tagline captures its playful spirit: “Two familiar faces. Zero phasers. Way too many stories.”
According to the podcast’s newly launched website (droppingnames.com) and YouTube channel, the show focuses on the “sparks” that ignite admiration and careers—those pivotal moments like seeing a poster on a wall, a backstage handshake, or an inspiring word from a hero. Each episode will feature a celebrity guest discussing their first encounters with influential figures, steering clear of typical red-carpet gossip, awards chatter, or box-office drama.
In the launch trailer, Spiner and Frakes emphasize that this isn’t exclusively a Star Trek podcast. “This is not a Star Trek podcast,” they joke, before admitting with a laugh, “We’ve surrendered to fate—Star Trek will probably come up.” Given their nearly 40-year history saving the galaxy aboard the Enterprise (from TNG in 1987 through Star Trek: Picard season 3 in 2023), fans can expect plenty of behind-the-scenes tales from the final frontier alongside broader Hollywood insights.
The first guest is reportedly fellow TNG alum LeVar Burton (Geordi La Forge), setting high expectations for nostalgic reunions.
Spiner and Frakes have shared the screen for decades, from The Next Generation‘s seven seasons and four feature films to recent appearances in Picard. Their on-screen rapport—Data’s logical curiosity bouncing off Riker’s charismatic confidence—translates perfectly to real-life banter. Convention panels and interviews over the years have showcased their effortless humor and friendship, making them a dream team for podcasting.
This project joins a growing trend of Star Trek actor-hosted podcasts. Gates McFadden (Dr. Beverly Crusher) kicked off the wave with InvestiGates in 2021, while Connor Trinneer and Dominic Keating (Enterprise) run The D-Con Chamber. Now, Spiner and Frakes bring a TNG-specific duo to the mix, completing representation for major ’90s/’00s Trek series.
No exact premiere date has been announced yet, but the podcast is already set up on major platforms (links available on their site). Episodes will likely blend interviews, personal stories, and the duo’s signature wit—perfect for long-time Trekkies and casual listeners interested in celebrity origins.
In an era where podcasts offer intimate access to stars, Dropping Names stands out for its focus on inspiration over scandal. As Frakes and Spiner step away from the spotlight (phasers holstered), they’re inviting listeners into decades of “way too many stories.” Set your podcasts to subscribe—this one’s bound to be engaging, hilarious, and full of surprising name-drops.
