This Week in Space Podcast Episode 227 Features Michael Okuda

This Week in Space’s 227th episode spotlighted the creative force behind the iconic Star Trek aesthetic. Host Rod Pyle and co‑host Tariq Malik welcomed Michael Okuda—designer, writer, and longtime contributor to the franchise’s visual and narrative language—to discuss his career and the evolution of the series’ look and feel. Okuda, who has worked on every major Star Trek production since the 1970s, shared insights into the collaborative process that shaped the franchise’s distinctive style, from set design to costume and visual effects.

The conversation delved into Okuda’s partnership with his wife, who has also played a pivotal role in the series’ development, as well as the broader team of artists and technicians who bring the Star Trek universe to life. Pyle and Malik explored how the show’s visual identity has adapted to changing technology while maintaining continuity across decades of storytelling. The episode offered listeners a behind‑the‑scenes look at the creative minds that have kept the franchise’s aesthetic both recognizable and fresh for new and longtime fans alike.