Star Trek: The Pod Directive is a podcast about the TV and movie franchise. Star Trek has become one of the most popular science fiction franchises in history. The show was famous for using its space opera setting to deal with real-life, emotional issues. Some people even jokingly called it Liberals in Space. Yet this podcast brings appreciated levity to the subject. It has a fresh and funny approach to discussing and understanding the beloved show. The title is a play on the Prime Directive. That's the idea that time travelers should not interfere with the societies they visit.

Much of the humor and fun in the Star Trek: The Pod Directive podcast comes from its two hosts, Tawny Newsome and Paul F. Tompkins. The two are starring voice actors in the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. They are talented comedians as well. Tawny Newsome plays the lead role of Beckett Mariner on the newest Star Trek series. She is also a singer, actress, and comedian who has worked extensively with Second City in Chicago. Paul F. Tompkins is a comedy icon who has been making audiences laugh for decades. Tompkins has appeared as a voice actor on Star Trek: Lower Decks in various roles since its premiere.

The podcast explores iconic moments from the shows and films as well. Often, a writer, director, or producer who was a part of that moment will join the show to explain more about it. Top names like Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh have guested. Star Trek: The Pod Directive also invites celebrities who are fellow fans of the franchise. Comedians such as Tig Notaro and Ben Stiller have been guests on the show. Many of them tell personal stories about what the franchise has meant to them over the years. New episodes come out every two weeks. Fans of this program may also like Stay F. Homekins: with Janie Haddad Tompkins & Paul F. Tompkins. That's Tompkins' other podcast.