Review Fix Exclusive: Dave Marinaccio Talks ‘All I Really Need To Know I Learned From Watching Star Trek’

Review Fix chats with Dave Marinaccio, author of “All I Really Need To Know I Learned From Watching Star Trek,” who discusses the book and why the epic sci-fi series has endured for a half-century.

About Dave Marinaccio:

Dave Marinaccio is an international bestselling author and successful marketing business entrepreneur. His bestselling book, All I Really Need To Know I Learned From Watching Star Trek, is drawn from his long career in the advertising business. He is co-founder and SVP, CCO of Laughlin Marinaccio & Owens in Arlington, VA, which is now the largest shop in the Washington area with over $100 million in billings. In the course of his 30-year career as a copywriter and creative director, Marinaccio has worked at several leading national advertising agencies and has created ads for Pizza Hut, Sunkist, American Dairy Association, McDonald’s, Gillette, Jovan, Oscar Mayer, 7-UP, Warner Lambert and many other national brands. He is an Edward R. Murrow Award recipient and has given lectures at The Smithsonian, IBM, and Star Trek conventions. He is a regular contributor on marketing issues at News Channel 8 in DC.

Review Fix: What made you trek into Gene Roddenberry’s world and write this book?

Dave Marinaccio: I was hooked on Star Trek from the time I watched my first episode which was, in fact, the very first episode. Later I began to realize there was a guiding philosophy on Star Trek, one that very much mirrored my own.

Review Fix: What was the process like?

Marinaccio: Once I started the process I was surprised there was such a wealth of material.  I bought the entire original series and rewatched all of it.  That was actually pretty fun.

Review Fix: Did anyone from the series help you?

Marinaccio: No. But after the book came out I met most of the cast. William Shatner told me that he had heard of the book but hadn’t read it. Great guy though, very nice to me.

Review Fix: What did you learn that you didn’t expect?

Marinaccio: Great question.  I learned that Scotty was very popular with female viewers. He actually inspired many women to consider engineering as a profession.  True.

Review Fix: Who’s your favorite Star Trek character and why?

Marinaccio: Kirk was always my favorite.  He was strong, intelligent, creative, a leader who inspired incredible loyalty, he drove the fanciest starship in town and got the girls. What’s not to like?

Review Fix: Most underrated character?

Marinaccio: For me, there is no such thing.

Review Fix: Why do you think shows like “Big Bang Theory” borrow from the Star Trek library of knowledge all the time?

Marinaccio: Because Star Trek is still relevant.  It is so woven into the popular culture that it provides a touchstone for audiences to access BBT. Everyone knows that Spock is logical. Phrases like, “Beam me up Scotty,” are part of the lexicon. It gives the characters on the show and in the audience something in common.

Review Fix: There are lots of Star Trek books out there, what makes this one special?

Marinaccio: It was the first Star Trek philosophy book. Up to that point, Star Trek in print consisted of novels and technical manuals. My book was really the first to look at the life lessons and heart of the series. I also like to believe that people find the book both entertaining and useful.

Review Fix: Bottom line, why should someone buy this book?

Marinaccio: Because it’s true. Every situation you will face in life has already been confronted by the captain and crew of the USS Enterprise. It will prepare you for life’s little episodes and leave you smiling.

Review Fix: What’s next for you?

Marinaccio: My newest book, “Admen Madmen and the Real World of Advertising,” is a fun and informative read on the on another American cultural phenomenon, advertising. It’s on sale now! My publisher thanks you for that question.