The Orb is an intelligent and witty show hosted by two people who approach analyzing DS9 from different perspectives, but there is no rancor between the hosts. Finding this podcast was thrilling to me, because DS9 holds a very special place in my heart. The first two episodes of season one delivered me from 10 years of unrelenting despair after my beloved husband was killed in a car crash. Perhaps I am projecting too much of myself into the episodes that followed, but it appears to me that Cisco truly tried to live fully again after the profits asked him why, if time is linear for humans, he could not leave the moment when Jennifer died. DS9 returned me, emotionally, to my four children and other people that I love. The Orb is my favorite podcast by far! Bravo!

I love the thoughtful discussion. There’s a celebration and wonder toward DS9 here, not criticism and nitpicking. It’s refreshing, and it’s making me love DS9 more than I already did!

This Podcast and Trek FM are definitely must listen for any Trek fans. Thank you so much to the hosts for bringing us this content.

Sooooo glad to see newer podcasts of The Orb again as my favorite Trek show is, was and always DS9!! Ever wonder if the reason the station and Bajor had a 26 hour day was related to the 26 episode seasons? 🤓

Do you love Star Trek: Deep Space Nine? I bet you don’t love it as much as Chris and Matt, your hosts providing in-depth discussions of characters, episodes, and topics portrayed in this beloved Star Trek series. Give it a listen; you won’t regret it!

Great Treck talk. Easily the best.

no new episodes? No goodbye? NOTHING????

I really enjoy listening to The Orb. It is full of interesting insights and commentary on the best Star Trek Series. Deep Space Nine is amazing and it is astounding how applicable it is to the present day. Chris and Matthew are throughly entertaining and very easy to listen to. They give me new things to consider while watching Deep Space Nine episodes and help me appreciate the series even more. I can’t wait for the next podcast! Thank you! Beth, from Provo, Utah

i started out a 1 podcast kind of woman slash die hard greatest generation fan(atic), but it got me so excited that other people exist who love hilarious star trek references that i googled nyc start trek bar trivia and found an event (which was one of the most fun and hilarious nights ever, by the way....the organizers and geek life rules are amazing!!!!)...anyway...i decided i needed some TOS schooling (without captain kirk distracting me!!!), so i turned itunes for some related recommendations and found The Ready Room. (btw...looooove that podcast, too! and i'll have you know that i'm getting to be a real star trek trivia contender thanks to your entertaining tutelage:)!!). ...anyway, since DS9 is obvi the most amazing work of art of all (and because i always want more DS9 in my life), I had to check out The Orb the second I heardd about it! ...This podcast totally blows me away every time I turn it on! Chris and Matt are so thoughtful and really go above and beyond with their preparation and research and amazing ability to continue to come up with great creative new ppdcast "episode" (if that's what they're called?) topics. Above all, I can't get enough of their sense of humor!!!! You have to have really mastered the 100s of hours of Star Trek universe material to be able to make so many brilliant deep cut jokes!!! ...Oh and also it's so relaxing and adorably endearing when Chris says, "alright" to reign in the tangential conversations! Thank you guys! Your dedication/devotion is very much appreciated! And maybe start sprinkling in more impressions, Matt, if your "Breeen" was anything to go by!! I've been giggling about that all week! Amazing!!...The only thing I'd add is that I can never make up my mind who I'd rather date...Quark or Garak...--->please discuss. (...who you would choose, i mean, ...and not my choice of dream date (since i'm assuming that everyone asks themselves this questions and not just me!)).

Christopher and Matthew do a wonderful job analyzing one of the best shows ever to be broadcast on television. It is my escape from today’s negative news and headlines. And for that I’m grateful. Well done gentlemen. My only criticism is for Matthew, and not for his slightly infuriating pronunciation of Jadzia (I die inside a little bit every time he says it). First, I support his freedom to express his conservative political views, but Trek.fm is my escape from politics. In ep. 113 and 114 he attacks welfare, and sanctuary cities. He claims government screws everything up. He is befuddled by the issues raised by college students, which might speak to the total comfort of his privilege. And without self awareness, he—as a Christian—attacks modernity for its detachment from reality. With that catharsis expressed, these two wonderful hosts keep on topic and politics is rarely discussed in overtly partisan terms. And I actually enjoy their corny humor. I wish Christopher and Matthew all the best. Five stars.

I listen to a lot of Star Trek podcasts, but this one is my favorite! DS9 is my favorite show, but this podcast is set apart by the interesting topics the hosts contemplate and their camaraderie. They are both insightful and I enjoy hearing their thoughts on my favorite series of all time. Keep up the good work!

I have been listening to Trek.fm shows for about a year now and this has to be my favorite. Of course DS9 was my favorite of all the treks. That being written this show is great because it brings to light different ways to look at the episodes and highlights things that I missed or new ways to interpret episodes that I didn’t think of before. I look forward to each episode. I do wish that the hosts would expand beyond just the tv episodes and talk about the characters development with what has happened in the novels that expanded the DS9 show.

I love listening to fellow Niners. I randomly walked by the TV when the Emssary premiered here in Iceland as a teenager and it sucked me into the entire world of Star Trek, for which I am eternally grateful. I love listening to both of your views, being a Buddhist myself for the past 20 years, I really love hearing how others see DS9 with different perspectives. DS9 expresses the human experience genuinely and asks tough questions without always saying what is right or wrong. When I rewatch DS9 I feel like that was what tought me to think critically and see things from many perspectives as a teenager.

I am slowly working thru all of the TrekFM podcasts, and this is definitely my favorite. Matthew and Bryan are great hosts, and they work so well together. The more I watch all of the Star Trek series, the more I appreciate the genius behind DS9. Regardless of how well I think that I know each of the DS9 episodes, this podcast touches on new points and ideas that I never thought of. I enjoy each of The Orb podcasts, and look forward to the upcoming podcasts. Keep up the great work, and please continue with the DS9 discussions.

I've subscribed and am only up to episode 4, but I like this discussion so far. DS9 has always been the Trek series that I've liked the LEAST, but I wanted to listen to this in part as I rewatch the series with an open mind and try to appreciate the show at a deeper level.

You two are so wonderful. Both so thoughtful and intelligent and positive. Thanks Matt for showing me all the Christian themes in my favorite Star Trek theories that I didn't even realize as a believer. I love your love and honesty. And Chris thanks for making this amazing network I just recently found and wish I had a long time ago

I have been a Star Trek fan forever and consider DS9 to be the best written and my favorite series. That said, I never even thought to look for a podcast on a tv series that ended 18 years ago and found The Orb while searching for a podcast on Star Trek Discovery. I'm so excited I found The Orb and Trek.FM in general. Even though DS9 is my favorite Star Trek series, I'm loving all the Trek FM shows and have spent the last couple of months listening to all the past episodes for a podcast network I wish I would've known about sooner. The hosts, Chris and Matthew, are true DS9 fans and the depth to which they discuss the nuances and the character journeys DS9 explored is nothing short of awesome. With humor and intelligence, this podcast gives the kind of discussions every Niner wants.

The hosts do a wonderful job of covering everything that makes DS9 amazing. I like how organized they are. With some podcasts, the host go into each topic without a clear outline and end up wandering around and wasting a lot of airtime with pauses and meanderings, but these folks know their stuff. They're thoughtful, professional, engaging, insightful, and you should definitely give The Orb a go!

I am so happy you make this podcast. I love DS9 but living in the south it was hard to find anyone to talk or watch Trek. Even though it’s a one sided conversation, it’s been great to hear others views about my favorite Trek show.

The insight regarding the characters, their development & growth and the story arc (for the most part) is entertaining. However, after listening to the first 5 or 6 episodes, I was so bothered by the way one of the hosts was unable to simply say a couple of the characters names correctly! Namely, the way he repeatedly called Quark, Quirk and even worse was calling Jadzia, Janzia! What was even more irritating to me, was the one co-host was saying their names correctly but, the other guy kept getting their names wrong. (And his co-host never corrected him) for that reason, I had to stop listening.

A great podcast! This is the jewel podcast of Trek FM, not because Deep Space Nine is the best Star Trek show (it isn't), but because of the quality of the hosts and of the intelligent, thoughtful, substantive discussions that take place on this podcast. Each discussion is head and shouldlers above anything else I've heard. I could not recommend it more highly. (The only concern is the fact that they can't record as often as I'd like)

Thoughtful reflection of the best Trek.

The only thing that isn't great about this podcast is when Mathew says Jadzia and it sounds like Janzia. Keep up the great work!

Just found this podcast. I'm already a few episodes in, and I'm really enjoying it!

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is my favorite show and I love this podcast. Every episode gives new insight into DS9 episodes I've seen many times and the hosts have a great time doing it. A joy to listen to!

DS9 is my favorite Star Trek series and The Orb does a great job in their discussions and analyses. I especially like the banter between Chris and Matthew.

Great show for a great series. Just wish they had time to do them more often.

Bryan and Matthew layout a delicious assortment of Deep Space Nine trivia, character analyses, episode-by-episode reviews, insightful interviews with DS9 cast members… basically what are you reading this for? go Subscribe Now! Lots of fun and passionate debates on this complex Sci-Fi epic, a must listen for all Fans. Keep up the great work!

I finally got into DS9 a couple years ago and quickly realized just how great it is. The depth of the characters and the qualitiy of the stories are unmatched in the Star Trek Universe. The Orb is a testament to that. The show provides fascinating and incredibly detailed discussion from very knowledgeable hosts on every aspect of Deep Space Nine. A must listen for any die hard Niner.

Back in the 90's I was turned off by DS9 because of the politics and the war. I gave DS9 a second chance during my deployment last year. This show is so relatable to the world today it has become my favorite Trek. Chris and Matt deep dive into the issues and characters and all the nerdiness we Trek fans love. I mean they did a whole podcast about the Bajorean system based off a fleeting screen grab in one episode. I only wish you could put it out more often.

With a series that is so diverse and wide ranging, it can be difficult finding a podcast that handles the nuances of DS9 in an enjoyable and effective way. The gentleman of "The Orb" handle this challenge with aplomb. Very highly recommended.

If you are looking for a great DS9 podcast you have come to the right place. Like the other series podcasts on trek.fm (which are also great), The Orb doesn’t only do episode reviews. The topics on the show vary each week, and are often fascinating discussions on some of the intense issues that DS9 covers. The hosts, Matt and Chris, have great, respectful discussions, and often make me consider things in a new light. I am not sure if it is just the darker more serious tone of DS9 itself, but The Orb is not quite as funny and lighthearted as some of the other shows on the network, but I think that works to its’ advantage as the topics they cover seem to generate a lot of listener discussion. Listening to The Orb has me watching DS9 more often, which can only be a good thing :)

I've listened to 10 podcasts, jumping around from the first, to the latest and picking and choosing podcasts in the middle. This is not an episode at a time review podcast - but topics from throughout picking and choosing individual threads from the fabric of DS9. The quality of this podcast is insanely high. The conversational style of the hosts Chris and Matt compliment each other very well! Smart and well studied. One religious one not, but never combatant about it - this show is the DS9 podcast you were looking for for conversation on your favorite episodes, characters, and stories with great insight. They love the show just like you do if you're reading this comment. Be prepared for an hour on average of great discussion about Star Trek DS9. Your Crazy Uncle Galwron and The John McClaine of DS9 will change how you refer to the characters forever. Keep up the great work guys.

Deep Space Nine was always my favorite Star Trek, and I'm glad to hear a podcast finally giving it its due. What a wonderful podcast. I've been listening for the last eight months, joined the Babel Conference, and recently gone back started listening to the podcast from the beginning. Thanks for enriching my life, Trek.FM!!!

You have to finish watching DS9 to avoid being spoiled by the Orb, but it's a great podcast to linger in the Star Trek universe. The hosts are well read, low-key funny, and it's especially nice to hear an atheist and a Christian being so respectful of each other's points of view. Nice job and lots of content.

I was originally a DS9 denier, but it is now one of my all time favorites! I love Chris & Matt's review of the different characters & story lines. (Not to mention that awesome commentary on the best Star Trek episode ever, In the Pale Moonlight!) you guys are rocking it! Keep up the great work! 😄

This is my first podcast ever but it's amazing. Started with episode 1 and just finished listening to all of them. Each one is unique and enlightening. Fantastic work

Simply the best of the Trek series.

I absoultely love this podcast! I would have to say that it's my favorite Star Trek podcast of all of them! Deep Space Nine is my favorite series and to listen to an hour long discussion of my favorite series is just awesome! I recommend this to any Star Trek: Deep Space Nine fan and if you're not a fan of the seires, after hearing a few of theses casts, I think you would reconsider, Enjoy!

Chris and Matthew cover all the bases in this wonderful podcast about DS9. A winning game in anybody's book!

I managed to never watch DS9 t.v. when it aired. Rewatching all the series on NetFlix I realized that DS9 is the best Star Trek Series. Want to know why? Listen to The Orb, the hosts are amazing, I've learned some behind the scenes stuff, reasons why I like the characters and they have confirmed why I feel like DS9 is the best Star Trek can be. Can't wait for BluRays and Garek is the best!

Tied for first place series, DS9 is the exception to the rule. By all accounts, it should have flopped, but the ability to tell an ongoing story was needed in Star Trek, and DS9 fit the bill perfectly. Chris and Matt are excellent hosts and expound on those things that make this a great series. This one is a must listen!

I discovered trek.fm podcasts about six months ago and have been listening religiously ever since. The various shows have quickly become my drive-time entertainment of choice. During its original run, Deep Space Nine grew to become my favorite Trek. And The Orb is a chance to revisit a dear friend and reminisce.

I've been listening to some of TrekFM's podcasts since early last year. I listen to them while I'm driving on my way to and from school. I find myself so engrossed in the conversation, and I wish I was there! The people who work on this podcast are real Trekkies/Trekkers too, making the conversation all that more interesting because of their extensive knowledge of Trek lore.

This is a very entertaining podcast. They don't just review episodes the get into deep discussions about the characters and themes of Deep Space 9. I highly recommend the show

In this one person's opinion, DS9 was the Star Trek series that took the most risks, and was the most rewarding to watch. If you agree, you'll love this podcast. If you disagree, you'll love shouting at this podcast as you listen to it in your car. I have done both. Now I am currently trawling through the back catalogue so ticked off I didn't find it sooner so I could weigh in on the forums and comments on all the stuff they talked about earlier. I'm not missing a single one now. This podcast is truly worthy of being called both boss and awesome, and is, ergo, bawsome.

If your a Star Trek DS9 fan, or shall I say, if your a Niner, you will love this pod cast. Matthew Rushing is the best contributor to the network. He brings a great perspective to DS9 that others do not. Chris and Matt contrast each other very will and make for wonderful discussions into alll things DS9.

Star Trek: Deep Space 9 is clearly (at least to me) the best of the Trek series, and The Orb treats the show with the respect it is due. I appreciate the thoughtful discussions and news that may help others revisit this overlooked show. Great job.

I love DS9 so I listen to The Orb. Got it?

DS9 is one of my favorites and this podcast does it justice. The hosts take the time to look at the big arcs and themes of the series, but also get into the details that truly made this show great.