Sohail aka Starfleet Boy

Another day, and another interview! This time we have another special guest with us, Sohail aka Starfleet Boy. He's the creator of the Starfleet Boy podcast over iTunes and YouTube where he hosts a casual and informal discussion about Star Trek. Currently he and his faithful companion, The Doctor talking through each episode of the Next Generation. This podcast is full of surprises and guest as well - like myself every now and then, so that's for self promotion, lol - and it's always entertaining! I had the honor to sit down with Sohail and discuss his connection with Star Trek in this special interview!

What is your first memory about Star Trek? How long have you been a fan of the show?

I have been a fan of the show for as long as I can remember and I am now in my late 30’s, very late 30’s in fact… My first memory is very lovely to me. My father brought home a Television that he bought from someone at work or whilst he was working and it was our first television since we moved to the United States. I reckon that I was very young, probably 5 or 6 years old and after my father turned on the television and flipped through the channels for something appropriate to watch with the family, he discovered a re-run of Star Trek (TOS) was on and so we started watching that. I can’t remember, nor can he, what episode it was but what I do remember as we all sat there watching is that my father was astonished that Star Trek was in color. Growing up his family only had a black and white television. So it was a few firsts. First time for me watching Star Trek, been hooked ever since and first time for my father seeing it in color. We watched every week together. 

How has your life changed since you discovered Star Trek?

I don’t even know how to answer this question fully, but what comes to mind is that I’ve learned that there are infinite possibilities for diversity in infinite combinations. It has truly enabled me to live a more enriched and peaceful life to remember this idea in that I do my best not to group people into clumps or clicks or categories. We are all individual in a very real sense and while we all share very important similarities, it is our differences that define us and it is worth it to try to cherish and explore these difference with an open heart and mind.

Favorite series, movie, episode, captain, villain?

Like you it is difficult for me to choose a favorite as each series and aspect of Star Trek has value however I find myself drawn over and over to Star Trek the Next Generation and to the Original Crew’s Film era. This was the NEW and current Star Trek as I was growing up so its very real and important to me. There are many moments of my life which are defined by a moment in Star Trek during this time. So if I have to choose: Favorite Series: TNG -  Favorite Movie: Undiscovered Country - Favorite Episode: Inner Light/All Good Things - Favorite Captain: Captain Kirk and Captain Picard (its a tie) - Favorite Villain: Khan (Ricardo Montalban)

Any memorable encounter with a Star Trek actor/actress you met?

I have not really met any of the cast, however when I was a kid there was a convention in Miami that I got to attend that William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy were at - I didn’t get to meet them but saw them from a distance and that was cool. Of course I would love to meet any member of the crew, perhaps one day soon.

What made you make videos on YouTube?

It feels like formats like Youtube will outlast us, so it feels like a tiny legacy that I will leave behind for anyone who stumbles upon my show. Its also a really great way to have discussions because of the built in “Hangouts” tool. It is so much fun for me to be able to talk to my friends and fellow fans about my favorite show in the universe.

As a YouTuber which of your videos are you the most proud of?

This question is a little tough to answer as I try not to review or look back, so I would have to say that I am the most proud of the most current video I’ve made, whatever that is, because I do genuinely try improving every time I press that broadcast button.

Which part of your Star Trek collection are you the most proud of?

I have a very small collection but I think I am most proud of my Star Trek TOS Movie Era insignia pin. I’ve worn it on one episode so far because it rips huge holes in your clothing.

Any dream collectible on your list?

I don’t have space for it but if I did, I would love to own one of the large scale models of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-A.

Apart from Star Trek which other sci-fi shows that you like?

I also love, Battle Star Galactica (new) and some of the Star Wars shows. I liked Firefly and occasionally watched Stargate.

If you would be able to live in a world of Star Trek, what would you do and who would you be?

I would be myself as captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise (preferably the E after Picard)

And a tricky one for the end... what does Star Trek mean to you?

For me, Star Trek means that there is a future for Humanity, it means that if we even try to emulate it there is hope for us. So far I think we are on track more or less.

Afterword

I would love to extend my special thank you towards Sohail who participated to this interview. I'm really honored that I can call him as a friend. He's a faithful Trekkie, a brilliant photographer and an amazing podcast host. If you haven't already please go ahead to starfleetboy.com or search for StarfleetBoy on YouTube and subscribe today in order to don't miss out the next discussion about Star Trek! :) _\\//