When Star Trek premiered in 1966, the idea of traveling through space on a ship like the Enterprise was truly futuristic. Today, that same idea is accepted by many to be the inevitable outcome of our technological advancement. But is it really possible?

In this episode of Matter Stream we’re joined by Dr. Athena Andreadis, Associate Professor of Cell Biology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Dr. Andreadis is the author of the book To Seek Out New Life: The Biology of Star Trek, and she spoke earlier this year at the 100-Year Starship Symposium.

Vulcan may have been destroyed in the 2009 J.J. Abrams Star Trek film, but never fear—you can still visit. And the best part is that you don’t even have to leave Earth to do it!

Imagine a landscape stretching from horizon to horizon, the scenery changing unexpectedly, highlighted by breathtaking sunsets. Only it’s not quite as far away as 40 Eridani, the real-world star system that is home to Spock’s birthplace. No, this Vulcan can be found right here on Earth. In this episode of Matter Stream we hop into our shuttle and make the short trip to the Canadian Badlands to talk to Catherine Pooley, Tourism Coordinator for the Town of Vulcan and Vulcan County in Alberta.

Imagine a world where new frontiers are discovered and explored, all children are given the chance to thrive, our environment is treasured and preserved, everybody is given a chance to prosper, disease is a thing of the past, quality education is accessible to all, and innovation and imagination are valued. These are the core ideals of Gene Roddenberry and Star Trek; but they’re more than that. They’re also the ideals that guide The Roddenberry Foundation, the non-profit philanthropic group founded by Gene’s son, Rod Roddenberry.

In this episode of Matter Stream we sit down with Rod to discuss how the Foundation came to be formed, how it works together with those dedicated to making the vision of a better world a reality, and where the Foundation is headed in the future. In addition, we also talk about the upcoming documentary Trek Nation, how Rod learned who his father really was over the course of the 10 years spent making documentary, and what he hopes fans will take away from the show.