Tawny and Paul sit down with religious scholar, writer, and commentator Reza Aslan to discuss religion and Star Trek. Sound scary? Don't worry, this week's episode is filled with humor and dry wit as our hosts broach this fascinating topic, and Reza takes us on a deep dive on the symbolism behind a fan favorite, Star Trek: The Next Generation's "Darmok."
 
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Reza Aslan

Join Tawny Newsome (Star Trek: Lower Decks) and Paul F. Tompkins (BoJack Horseman, Comedy Bang Bang) in a wide-ranging and often hilarious take on the Star Trek universe. With unparalleled access to Star Trek luminaries, celebrity superfans, and behind-the-scenes creative professionals, The Pod Directive takes a smart, witty and thoughtful look at all things Trek – both old and new. Offering a high-level discussion of the themes, ideas and characters that resonate across the history of the franchise’s storied universe, episodes will also explore the brand’s 50-plus year legacy and influence. New episodes every other Tuesday.

Star Trek: The Pod Directive listeners can use discount code "TREK20” for 20% off all Star Trek products on ParamountShop.com.

TV & Film

Science Fiction

Fiction

After Shows

Where do fictional languages come from? How are they devised? Hear from the creator of the Klingon language, Marc Okrand, on his process of designing the famous conlang (constructed language) and his first few Star Trek gigs. You'd be surprised by the amount of vocabulary, syntax, and grammar that go into inventing the conlang. Host David Pogue also interviews language creator David Peterson on his conlangs, including Dothraki and High Valyrian from Game of Thrones, and Angela Carpenter, a linguistics professor at Wellesley College on the history of constructed languages. We'll be back with a new episode of the Pod Directive soon!
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The Creation of the Klingon Language | Unsung Science with David Pogue

Ever wondered how warping would work in real life? Astrophysicist Dr. Erin Macdonald knows. Erin takes the inner workings of science and makes them possible in the science fiction universe we love on Star Trek. She also highlights one of her favorite Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes, “The Magnificent Ferengi”, because everyone loves an Iggy Pop appearance. This episode originally aired on May 17, 2021.
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From Fan to Science Fiction Consultant with Erin Macdonald

Quick, before this podcast self-destructs! Longtime “Mission: Impossible” obsessives, filmmaker Charles Hood and entertainment journalist Drew Taylor, are taking their love for the film franchise to the next level. They're bringing star-studded interviews, deep dives into the movies' daring stunts, and behind-the-scenes information you can't get anywhere else. You'll also hear from Ethan Hunt himself, Tom Cruise! New episodes every Tuesday, available wherever you get podcasts. See "Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One ONLY in theatres July 12th.
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Introducing: Light the Fuse - The Official Mission: Impossible Podcast

Author and actor John Hodgman is throwing it back with Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: The Original Series. He and our hosts analyze how these shows have impacted their views on interpersonal relationships and John dives into one of his favorite Next Generation episodes, “Lonely Among Us”. He is also desperately looking for a Judge Q costume if anyone has a spare! This episode originally aired on April 12, 2021.
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John Hodgman’s Favorite Episode of The Next Generation

Sir Patrick Stewart makes a special appearance on The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert. Following Colbert's commentary, he and Stewart discuss the final season of Star Trek: Picard. Stewart also shares tidbits about himself including how he stays so young, his role as King Oberon, and what he sees as the best way to start your day. This is an episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert originally aired in February 2023.
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Reza Aslan

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