10 Years of Star Trek Fart Jokes: Podcast's Hilarious Milestone

A decade is a significant milestone for any creative endeavor, especially in the fast-paced world of podcasting. Remarkably, “a Star Trek podcast by two guys just a little bit embarrassed to have a Star Trek podcast” – The Greatest Generation – has not only survived but thrived, recently celebrating its 10th anniversary on January 25, 2026. Like a fine Château Picard, this podcast has demonstrably improved with age, becoming a beloved fixture for Trekkies and comedy fans alike. This article delves into the podcast’s journey, its impact on the Star Trek community, and what the future holds for hosts Ben Harrison and Adam Pranica.

Rediscovering The Next Generation and Beyond

For many, The Greatest Generation served as a gateway to a deeper appreciation of Star Trek: The Next Generation – often considered a high point in the franchise. The podcast’s unique blend of irreverent humor, celebration of even the most minor characters, and technical fascination with the production of each episode has resonated with a dedicated fanbase. It’s a show that doesn’t take itself too seriously, allowing listeners to rediscover the joy and nuance within the Star Trek universe.

From Side Project to Full-Time Podcasting

What began as a fun side project for Ben Harrison and Adam Pranica has evolved into a full-time career. Over the past decade, both hosts relocated to Los Angeles and dedicated themselves entirely to podcasting. They’ve meticulously completed episode-by-episode recaps of The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager, and are currently nearing the end of their Enterprise journey. And, true to form, they’re playfully threatening – or promising – a complete restart once Enterprise concludes.

The Birth of a Fandom and Unique Lexicon

The Greatest Generation has cultivated its own vibrant and often hilarious fandom. Listeners, affectionately known as “friends of DeSoto,” have developed a unique lexicon filled with inside jokes and recurring segments. Highlights include the legendary “Drunk Shimoda,” the self-explanatory “Bad Bit Moment,” and the endlessly debated “Polo? Polo? Or Pollo?” These elements contribute to a sense of community and shared experience that sets the podcast apart.

Joining the Maximum Fun Family and Expanding the Universe

In 2016, The Greatest Generation joined the Maximum Fun organization, providing a platform for growth and stability. Harrison and Pranica subsequently formed their own company, Uxbridge-Shimoda LLC, named after two obscure characters from The Next Generation, demonstrating their deep-seated love for the franchise’s minutiae. This move allowed them greater creative control and the ability to expand their podcasting empire.

The success of The Greatest Generation spawned a spin-off, now called The Greatest Trek, dedicated entirely to the newer series within the Star Trek universe. This expansion broadened their reach and allowed them to engage with a wider audience. Beyond Star Trek, they’ve also launched two irregularly released, members-only podcasts: Santa Monica Mountains (focused on the 1980s and 90s TV show Baywatch) and Factory Seconds (chronicling their culinary adventures at various Cheesecake Factory restaurants). Most recently, they collaborated with YouTube cooking star Adam Ragusea on Wholesome, a podcast exclusively available to Patreon subscribers.

An Interview with Ben Harrison and Adam Pranica

This interview, conducted earlier this month, offers insights into the podcast’s journey and future. (Edited for clarity and flow.)

The Ars Technica Effect

Ars: When I first spoke to you in 2016, Adam was in Seattle, and Ben was in New York. You were both working in film production, and this felt like a fun side project. Did you anticipate it lasting this long?

Ben: I think our conversation with you played a significant role in its longevity.

Ars: Sorry, not sorry?

Adam: Your GearTech article was instrumental in building our audience, which ultimately allowed us to pursue podcasting professionally for a decade. People still mention it – “I started listening at episode five because of that GearTech article!”

The Future of Greatest Gen

Ars: After a decade, do you feel burnt out? Will Greatest Gen continue as we know it?

Adam: The dynamic has shifted. It started as a hobby, but professionalizing it – hiring employees, being relied upon – adds serious weight. It’s serious funny business. This is the best job I’ve ever had, but I take it more seriously than any other because it impacts our well-being and the enjoyment of our listeners.

Ben: Adam’s right. I’ve even thought about what my life would be like without the show. I’d probably be gearing up for another TNG rewatch. Loving Star Trek is about revisiting it, like rewatching The Simpsons or Seinfeld. And I think Adam and I have grown, both as a comedy duo and as observers of Star Trek and its cultural significance. It feels unfair not to start over and revisit the beginning.

Adam: We’ve learned, especially from live shows, that the podcast isn’t just about Star Trek. It’s about the shared experience, the “hang,” and how Star Trek intersects with your life in that moment.

The Format: A Unique Approach

Ars: I enjoy your conversational style. It resonates more than podcasts with celebrity guests or comedians dissecting a topic.

Adam: Or simply relying on celebrity presence to draw an audience.

Ben: Our format emerged organically from how Adam and I talk to each other, rather than attempting to replicate something else. I don’t really listen to other recap podcasts. We weren’t inspired by any in particular, though The Flop House had some influence. We’ve always identified as a comedy podcast, even though we technically *are* a recap podcast.

Ars: You prioritize sound quality and consistency, never missing a publish date. How do you balance that with everything else?

Ben: The biggest change has been the incredible team that’s grown around us. Our producer, Wynde Priddy, is invaluable in anticipating needs and managing logistics. This allows Adam and I to focus on preparation, recording, and refining the episodes. The core of it remains simple: two friends talking about a show we love.

Adam: We plan ahead, recording multiple episodes each week. We know if one of us gets sick, we need to ramp up production. It’s about being professional and respecting our audience’s expectations. If you’re committed to a weekly release, you make it happen.

The Power of "The Hang" and Finding Refuge

Ars: In a chaotic world, your podcast offers a refuge. Do you intentionally avoid heavy political discussions?

Ben: Absolutely. We’re conscious of creating a space where listeners can escape the horrors of the news. It’s a form of defiance – refusing to be overwhelmed by negativity. We want to provide a positive experience.

Adam: I agree. I’m not interested in injecting negativity into our programs. I believe your politics are reflected in your actions, and I don’t want to compare our show to real-world events. But I think the core of our appeal is the interesting conversations, whether they’re about Star Trek, Baywatch, or food.

Live Shows and Unexpected Connections

Ars: Any memorable moments from live shows over the past decade?

Ben: Doing live shows at all has been a shock! When we first started, we barely knew what we were doing. But I’ve come to *love* performing in front of an audience. We’ve had amazing adventures traveling across the country and even internationally – Canada and London!

Adam: There’s an unexpected quality to the recognition. A week ago, a stranger approached me at a bar to thank me for the show. Those interactions are incredibly meaningful. It’s different from previous jobs where the impact felt more abstract. Knowing that we can make 500 people laugh in a room or 25,000 people laugh on a Monday when a new episode drops is incredibly powerful.

The Allure of Starfleet Academy and the Ultimate Goal

Ars: You’ve received screeners for Starfleet Academy. What are your thoughts, and would you ever pitch yourselves for a cameo?

Ben: I’ve watched two episodes and remain optimistic. It’s a bit melancholy being the only active Star Trek show right now. But I think they’ve done a good job.

Adam: I agree. The hour-long format is surprising. Star Trek is a “place” – it’s not just a ship or a captain. Starfleet Academy feels like an expression of that idea. And yes, we’ve made it known that our ultimate goal is to be blown out of an airlock on a new Star Trek series. We’d even fly ourselves to Toronto and donate any payment to charity!

The story of The Greatest Generation is a testament to the power of passion, humor, and community. For a decade, Ben Harrison and Adam Pranica have created a space where fans can celebrate Star Trek, share a laugh, and find a little bit of joy in a chaotic world. And as they embark on their next chapter, one thing is certain: the fart jokes will continue.