Podcast Summary: SmartLess Presents ClueLess
Episode 172 – Star Trek Day (Mini Episode)
Host: Elliott Kalan
Producer/co-host: Devin Tory Bryant
Date: September 8, 2025
Length: ~10 minutes
Overview
In this Star Trek Day-themed mini episode of ClueLess, host Elliott Kalan invites listeners to nerd out over Star Trek anniversaries with a couple of clever puzzles and a nostalgic TV deep dive. The episode balances trivia challenges and lighthearted banter, all centered on the cultural legacy and quirky details of the Star Trek franchise.
Elliott is joined by producer Devin Tory Bryant, who keeps things playful as the two guide listeners through math, memory, and media history puzzles—making sure there’s plenty for Star Trek aficionados and puzzle lovers alike.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Star Trek Day Celebration
(01:28)
- Elliott opens with humor about the cultural status of Star Trek:
“It's like Christmas, except instead of celebrating the birth of Christ, it's celebrating the birth of Star Trek. ... It's nice that all these regular people have left us something to feel like nerds about.”
- Marks September 8 as the anniversary of the first Star Trek episode.
2. Puzzle #1: The Deep Space Math Question
(01:52)
- Puzzle:
- If Deep Space Nine (the phrase) has 13 letters, but "Deep Space" contains nine letters, what number would make the title’s total letters equal the number in that title?
- Engages listeners to solve before revealing the answer.
3. Elliot's Tales of Old Time TV Employment
(02:39)
-
Elliott takes a detour into TV history, revealing a Star Trek connection with another show:
- Riverboat (1959), starring Darren McGavin and Burt Reynolds, had a ship named “Enterprise,” just like Star Trek’s iconic vessel.
- Gene Roddenberry was offered to write for “Riverboat” but declined because the producers wouldn’t let him write Black characters into the show.
-
Contrast between “Riverboat” and “Star Trek,” pointing out the progressive themes Star Trek became famous for.
“Now, I don't know about you, but to me that sounds an awful lot like Star Trek, aside from the whole, you know, outer space future aspect of it, which admittedly is kind of the main thing about Star Trek.” (Elliott Kalan, 02:55)
4. Puzzle #1 Answer
(03:48)
- The answer to the “Deep Space” puzzle: 16.
- Calculation: “Deep Space 16” has 16 letters.
“If you said 16, you’re right. … but it would be much farther into Deep Space. I think nine is far enough.” (Elliott Kalan, 03:50)
5. Main Game: Star Trek “Sordum Consortium”
(04:25)
- Elliott introduces the main event:
- Listeners are presented with six Star Trek show titles—one of which is fake.
- The task: place them in chronological order, putting the fake at zero and ordering the rest from oldest to newest.
- Titles given:
- Star Deep Space Nine
- Star Lower Decks
- Star The Next Generation
- Star Explorer (the fake)
- Star The Animated Series
- Star The Original Series
6. Solution & Star Trek TV History
(07:30)
-
After the sponsor break, Elliott gives the correct ordering with dates:
- Zero (Fake): Star Trek Explorer (“…actually a type of Ford SUV. You would not see one … floating through space. Probably.”)
- 1: Star Trek The Original Series (September 8, 1966)
- 2: Star Trek The Animated Series (September 8, 1973)
- 3: Star Trek The Next Generation (September 28, 1987)
- 4: Star Trek Deep Space Nine (January 4, 1993)
- 5: Star Trek Lower Decks (August 6, 2020)
-
Elliott also jokes about how often he’s had to say “Star Trek” in the episode.
“If not, then I'm sorry, you're going to have to repeat your senior year at Starfleet Academy.” (Elliott Kalan, 08:34)
-
Closes with an upbeat message about making any day special:
“Because you know what? A day doesn't need to be a holiday to be a special day. It could just be a day.” (Elliott Kalan, 09:09)
7. Banter & Pod Teasers
(09:12)
- Devin uses the moment to hint at upcoming Season 2, with Elliott giving another playful nudge.
“Now would be a good time to remind our listeners that Clueless Season 2 will be showing up in their podcast feed later this year.” (Devin Tory Bryant, 09:12)
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
Elliott Kalan, Star Trek Day comparison:
“It's like Christmas, except instead of celebrating the birth of Christ, it's celebrating the birth of Star Trek.” (01:31)
-
On Star Trek’s nerd reputation:
“It’s just nice that all these regular people have left us something to feel like nerds about.” (01:38)
-
On fake Star Trek titles:
“Explorer is not a real show. It's actually a type of Ford SUV. You would not see one of those floating through space. Probably.” (07:33)
-
On failing the main game:
“If not, then I'm sorry, you're going to have to repeat your senior year at Starfleet Academy.” (08:34)
-
Elliott's finale:
“A day doesn’t need to be a holiday to be a special day. It could just be a day.” (09:09)
Important Timestamps
- 00:31 – Elliott begins the show with a humorous take on gravity and sets up Star Trek Day theme.
- 01:28 – Introduction to Star Trek Day and nerd culture talk.
- 01:52 – First puzzle: Deep Space Nine math.
- 02:39 – TV trivia detour: Riverboat’s strange link to Star Trek.
- 03:48 – Puzzle #1 answer and transition to main game.
- 04:25 – Main game explained: Sordum Consortium Star Trek edition.
- 07:30 – Answer to main game with historical context.
- 08:34 – Starfleet Academy joke for puzzle missers.
- 09:09 – Elliott’s closing reflection and send-off.
- 09:12–09:22 – Season 2 teaser and friendly banter.
Overall Tone & Style
Light, playful, and engaging—Elliott’s pranks, TV history detours, and puns are balanced by friendly, fast-paced puzzle delivery. The episode is accessible to casual listeners while offering enough detail for die-hard Trekkies to enjoy.
Perfect For:
Anyone wanting a quick, funny, and brain-teasing podcast with a dose of Star Trek nostalgia—and anyone who wants to measure up to the likes of Sean Hayes in puzzle prowess!