Hello Banthas! This week we are excited to be joined by renowned science-fiction and fantasy author Ken Liu.  His short stories have appeared in F&SF, Asimov's, Analog, Lightspeed, Clarkesworld and he recently debuted in Star Wars canon helming The Legends of Luke Skywalker. Ken joined our producer John Liang for a call where they discuss his background, Asian themes in Star Wars and the experience of adding to the new universe.

Join us now on Discord to keep the conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn

Announcement: Beltway Banthas is going to be taking a summer break during June and July with a comeback set for early August. This show has been going strong for two years with weekly episodes and we felt now is a good time to pause, do a summer of research, reading and thinking about what topics to tackle this year. THE SHOW WILL GO ON! We hope you'll stay in touch with us on break on Twitter and Discord, where politics & Star Wars never sleep.

No tyrant can fully control a people if they believe in something higher than their worldly ruler. This is reason all memory of the Jedi must be wiped out by the Empire. The Force is a threat. Ashwin Verghese of the Internation Campaign for Tibet sees this struggle playing out between the Tibetan people and the Chinese government. He joined Beltway Banthas to share his fandom, talk about Tibet, China, Yoda, Naboo and the future of Star Wars. 

Follow Ashwin Verghese: https://twitter.com/Ashwin_Tibet

Subscribe to our NEWSLETTER: https://mailchi.mp/01c4273308e7/starwarspolitics

Star Wars Identity Crisis: 

https://reason.com/2020/04/26/star-wars-identity-crisis/

Bethany Lacina is an associate professor of political science at the University of Rochester and she took a dive into "Star Wars Twitter" to get a better understanding of fandom and why it's so toxic. 

She looked at the vitriol surround Kelly Marie Tran and wrote "How common is such harassment? In my research, I have investigated this phenomenon on Twitter, where offensive language and hate speech have a modest but clear presence — not because of automated accounts (“bots”) but because of humans. People use degrading language more frequently when they talk about women and minorities and when they talk to female fans."

There are a lot of fascinating numbers and takeaways from the study WHICH CAN BE FOUND HERE. 

This interview with Bethany was taped on September 7th and goes over the findings + her broader views on Star Wars fan culture. 

Hello Banthas! Since it's launch in 2015 during the heat of the presidential primaries for 2016, Beltway Banthas has been a proud home of political discourse within Star Wars fandom. We've featured prominent politicians, journalists and political operatives on the show to explore how Star Wars impacted their worldview and careers. 70 official episodes and well over 120 episodes including interviews and bonus content. 

The Force of Star Wars' politics is strong. Let's discuss!

Follow

Joe Tavano @JoeyWanKenobi

John Liang @JuanJohnJedi

Stephen Kent @Stephen_Kent89

Beltway Banthas turned two this month! The experiment of blending Star Wars and politics has turned into an adventure the likes of which we could never has anticipated. THANK YOU for sticking with us all this time and making it so much fun. 

We are excited on this May 4th, Star Wars Day, to announce the addition of new hosts to the show: Brittany Hunter and Abby Gleason. On this episode we get to know Abby and Brittany and talk about the past and future of Beltway Banthas. 

 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @Stephen_Kent89 | @AbbyGleason | @Britt_the_wit

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

The First Order are an ideological and vicious military organization dedicated to one thing: making the galaxy great again. But for whom? This week with guest Ross Brown of FanGirlBlog.com we look at how the First Order rose to be such a threat to the galaxy. 

In the wake of the events in Charlottesville, VA - we thought it necessary to talk about a how cultural resentment and political ideology can fuse into a radical movement. The First Order seek to reclaim the glory, order and promise of the Empire. They capture the essence of neo-fascist movements across our own world, as well the chaos of nuclear proliferation by rogue states like North Korea. 

Follow our guest Ross Brown on Twitter at @Wolfesghost 

Holy Star Wars Batman! Stephen was interviewed by Jason Flatt about defining redemption through the lens of Christianity. Together they apply this conversation to Star Wars and also our worlds nastiest politics - the politics of hate. 

This interview originally appeared on the Holy Star Wars podcast. We felt it was an awesome enough conversation on relevant topics to Beltway Banthas to share with you. Jason and Stephen go through the definition and cultural understanding of redemption. Next they tie the theme through Star Wars and also the film American History X, a dark tale of a mans descent and escape from dark well of racism & hate. 

 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Follow Jason Flatt on Twitter @FlatterYou | Follow Holy Star Wars on Twitter @Holy_Star_Wars

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@JuanJohnJedi |@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality everytime someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

"For over a thousand generations the Jedi were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic." Were the Jedi effective were they as galactic peacekeepers? Should they have been so beholden to Republic law? This week with guests Steele Saunders of the Steele Wars podcast and Mark Eldridge of the Jedi Archives podcast and ElevenThirtyEight, we discuss this topic and much more!

We go through the representation of the Jedi in the films, whether they had a good system with the Old Republic, and ponder if the Jedi could have stopped the First Order. We also talk about the latest Han Solo movie news, new vehicle reveals from The Last Jedi, and much more!

Follow Steele Saunders on Twitter at @SteeleWars

Follow Mark Eldridge on Twitter @quigonsmith

Welcome back Banthas! The Beltway Banthas podcast has returned with regular shows now through 2020. Starting off this new season of Star Wars & politics chatter, Stephen Kent is joined by guest host Nick DiColandrea for a dive into the political conscience of Padme Amidala. In Revenge of the Sith, she opens up to Anakin about her uncertainty with the Republic's democratic virtue. What got Padme to the point of questioning her entire political position and that of the "democracy" she has served? 

Stephen and Nick also spent time on the 2020 Democratic primary, what Nick is seeing on the ground and the state of Star Wars in the Disney era. Bloomberg reports that Star Wars Galaxy's Edge isn't catching fire, we'll talk about why and the demographic challenge Disney is facing. 

Follow Nick @NickDico 

Follow Stephen @Stephen_Kent89

Follow Beltway Banthas @BeltwayBanthas 

Dr. Annalise Ophelian, the driving force behind Looking for Leia, joins us for a discussion on women in fandom, sexism, social movements, how to ensure fandom is inclusive.

Looking for Leia is an upcoming documentary film that "features interviews with an intergenerational and culturally diverse group of female fans" who discuss entering Star Wars fandom, what Star Wars has meant to them, and the continuing trends of sexism they face. We also talk about her career and background, how Star Wars has informed her politics, social movements, why people misinterpret Saw Gerrera and the Partisans, and much more!

 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Follow Dr. Annalise Ophelian on Twitter @Dr_Ophelian | Follow Looking for Leia on Twitter @LeiaFangirlFilm

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@JuanJohnJedi |@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality everytime someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

This week on Beltway Banthas we discuss Inferno Squad, the new Star Wars book by Christie Golden. The story takes us inside a faction of Saw Gerrera's Partisans with Iden Versio, an undercover Imperial with the elite - Inferno Squad.

We talk about political violence, legitimate forms of resistance and how it's not always if you fight that matters - but how you fight. This was a timely book to say the least. It took us to talking about groups like Antifa and how they play into the #resist movement. Our team hopes you enjoy this conversation. Email us or Tweet your thoughts about the episode.

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @JuanJohnJedi

Follow the author of Inferno Squad on Twitter at @ChristieGolden

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality everytime someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

We're back! Stephen and Swara are back to discuss whether President Trump treats the media like Palpatine treated the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars. Both institutions are meant to be a positive check on power and injustice, but has Trump succeeded in changing the public narrative against the media as Palpatine did with the Jedi? Tune in to find out!

We also discuss the state of toxic fandom as reported in the past several months, and how and whether we can take steps to combat it and make fandom a more welcoming place.

Join us now on Discord to keep the conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @Stephen_Kent89 

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

On this week's episode, we welcome Jon Lovett, one of the co-hosts of Pod Save America and host of Lovett or Leave It. Lovett explains to us how he got into Star Wars with the Special Editions, why he loves Rogue One and what motivates his political activism. Jon also offers his thoughts on a potential Star Wars political drama, that Hagerman dude who went off the grid to avoid Trump and Saw Gerrera. 

On Beltway Banthas, Stephen and Swara discuss politics, Star Wars, and all the ways they intersect. On this episode we also discuss the DC snow storm, climate change and how we feel about the March for our Lives event weekend. To close we read and respond to listener email on last week's episode on fascism and the First Order.

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @JonLovett

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Also! We are joined for a special segment by David Mark of the Morning Consult. They released a poll this week on American's opinions about Star Wars politics. The results are intriguing. We also discuss the most favorable characters and movies found in the poll. You won't want to miss this!

BECOME A PATRON at 

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 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @DavidMarkDC

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Star Wars deals very directly with questions of justice and injustice. Mohammad Shakibnia wrote an article for ElevenThirtyEight on the messages of social, racial and economic justice than can be derived from the Clone Wars animated series. He joins the podcast this month to co-pilot the show and discuss these themes with host Stephen Kent. 

Stephen and Mohammad get into the weeds of Clone Wars era politics, talk about Star Wars Celebration, their entry into fandom and share Bantha Fodder. 

Chuck Wendig is author of The Aftermath Trilogy, a series of stories that take place in the tumultuous time after Return of the Jedi. For our 40th episode, we chatted with Wendig about the politics of the era and how a Star Wars author learns about the galaxy in which they are writing. 

Also on this episode, Swara and Stephen give their quick thoughts on JJ returning to Star Wars as a director, Roger Stone and his meeting with House Intelligence on the hill and of course - Bantha Fodder! Thanks for joining us for this special episode and for sticking with the Beltway Banthas podcast!

 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @JuanJohnJedi

Follow the author of the Aftermath Trilogy on Twitter at @ChuckWendig

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality everytime someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

Season 7 of The Clone Wars is live on Disney+ and it's as political as ever. In Episode 5, Ahsoka Tano enters the underworld of Coruscant and meets people struggling to survive on the most opulent planet in the galaxy. Characters have to make real hard moral choices given the constraints of their economic status, which is the making of a great Beltway Banthas episode. Bernie Sanders organizer Mohammed Shakibnia joins the show to dissect The Clone Wars political themes. Plus! Herb Scribner of the Deseret News makes a guest appearance to reflect on the messages of "The Bad Batch" episodes, and what they say about war, trauma and fandom. 

Follow our guests:

Mohammed Shakibnia @momoshakibnia

Herb Scribner @HerbScribner

The topics we discuss include Alderaan’s role and the politics of the Rebellion; Breha and Bail; Mon Mothma, leader of the Rebel Alliance; Leia’s links to her mother Padme Amidala; the Apprentice Legislature; and Leia's interactions with Grand Moff Tarkin. We also talk about the most recent behind the scene trailer for the The Last Jedi, the return of Star Wars: Rebels, and much more!

 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Follow Tricia on Twitter @fangirlcantina  | Follow Fangirls Going Rogue on Twitter @FGGoingRogue

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@JuanJohnJedi |@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 

This week on Beltway Banthas, the one and only Kennedy of Fox Business joins the show to share her Star Wars stories. You know her from Fox News, or perhaps from her time as a VJ on MTV. Either way, the Force is strong with this one. Kennedy and Stephen talk about everything from Luke vs Han, Jar Jar and the Leia bikini to U.S. foreign policy and Deadliest Catch. 

Before the interview, John Liang gets Stephen up to speed on the latest in Star Wars canon with the release of 'Resistance Reborn.' This new book shines a light on the period between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, so you'll want to catch this part of the episode for some fun context to the upcoming movie. 

Clayton Sandell is a digital news reporter and correspondent for ABC News. You may know his work during the launch of Rogue One: A Story Wars Story when ABC went behind the scenes to see how Tarkin was brought back to life.

Clayton is a deep fan of Star Wars and someone who has been working in news for decades. It was really awesome to speak with him about his career, Star Wars fandom and how he managed to professionally merge the two. This episode jumps right into the interview and we hope you enjoy it and draw some inspiration for your own life and fandom.

 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Follow Clayton Sandell on Twitter @Clayton_Sandell

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@JuanJohnJedi |@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

The galaxy is total upheaval! The events of Episode VII left the political order of Star Wars in a fascinating state of disarray. This week on Beltway Banthas the crew looks at The Last Jedi and it's political questions. This is an episode of speculation, intrigue and analysis about a movie we are all dying to see. 

Swara, Stephen and John Liang also banter about Thanksgiving, Star Wars Battlefront 2, EA Games big controversy and much more!

Want to support the show? Visit us on Patreon at www.patreon.com/beltwaybanthas

 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @JuanJohnJedi |

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

Star Wars Deleted Scene Shows Socialism of the Empire (FEE)

Connect with Us

Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn.

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Were the Jedi sincere in their pursuit of balancing the Force? Luke Skywalker didn't seem to think so in The Last Jedi when describing the Jedi Order to an impressionable Rey. He sees balance as allowing for light and dark to co-exist, compliment and challenge the other. How far can one take this before people get hurt? 

In this episode, Swara and Stephen discuss the wildly varied outcome of the 2018 midterm election. It was a purple spatter more than a blue wave. Is there something Star Wars can teach about why this is good for society? Hopefully, we will come to an answer you can appreciate. 

Connect with Us

Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn.

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is a movie about control, and what happens when someone with a great deal of power cannot bear the idea of living with unpredictability. It's relatable. We all want a certain degree of control over our lives and destinies. 15 years after Revenge of the Sith and its message about control and safety vs security...what can we take from it that applies to the world today? TV producer Andrew Kenlon joins the podcast to look back on Episode III and apply its lessons to the Coronavirus lockdown. 

This episode was recorded in mid-May before a wave of unrest and protests against police brutality & racism that have moved the entire world. We've put an introduction at the start of the episode to set this tough conversation in context. 

Jar Jar Binks changed the course of galactic history during the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Love him or hate him, this bumbling alien is important. This week we review Jar Jar Binks rise and fall in politics, the impact he made and what we as citizens in a republic can learn from his story.

Swara and Stephen also react to some new Star Wars books, talk trash about some real-world politicians and opine on the latest Star Wars news making the rounds this week.

Connect with Us

Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn.

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Eleven-ThirtyEight is a living journal of news and opinion dedicated to producing analytical pieces on all things Star Wars. In this week's interview episode, we talk to the creator and Editor-in-Chief of the site, Mike Cooper! We talk about the political message of the prequels, the creative process for Star Wars, his vision behind the website and much more!

Eleven-ThirtyEight avoids reactionary takes and instead has a keen focus on long-form analytical pieces on characters, politics, filmmaking, canon and virtually all the aspects of Star Wars. In many way Beltway Banthas is has the same mission, to promote deeply thoughtful and analytical discussion and it was a delight to have Mike on.

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Follow Mike Cooper on Twitter @NoTheOtherLeft | Follow Eleven-ThirtyEight on Twitter @eleventhirtyate

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@JuanJohnJedi |@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality everytime someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Star Wars author E.K. Johnston just put out her latest book on Padme, "Queens Peril". This new canon novel takes a look at Padme's rise the political power on Naboo and the days leading up to the Droid Invasion of Star Wars: Episode I. E.K and Stephen talk Naboo politics, how real-world principles over trade and immigration impact a galaxy, far, far away and what Padme teaches us about the virtue humility. 

Buy "Queens Peril" by E.K. Johnston TODAY and learn more about WHY Naboo ever became a target of the Trade Federation for a trade blockade, the dark history of the Naboo and Gungans & much more. 

Finally we discuss the man, the Sith Lord, the Emperor, Sheev Palpatine! What lessons on democracy and our political institutions can we draw from our dear Uncle Palpy and his political career? Stephen and Swara delve into the political life of their favorite Star Wars politician to discuss!

At the start of the show we also talk about French President Macron's US visit and the prospect of international war in Syria, Kanye West's apparent support for the President, and much more in this discussion of executive power in the real world and the Star Wars universe! Also a special guest appearance by political scientist Seth Masket (University of Denver, Vox)

 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @Stephen_Kent89

Become a supporter of the show on Patreon at www.patreon.com/beltwaybanthas

In this episodes Bantha Fodder segment, we kick off our new Patreon Bantha Fodder series patron Isaiah Leslie, who sent in his own Fodder from his home out in California. 

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

Beltway Banthas is back! In Episode 81, host Stephen Kent and guest host Maggie Lovitt (SAG AFTRA actress and contributor to Cantina Cast) review the latest Star Wars news including The High Republic era and The Rise of Skywalker novelization. We discuss theories around central planning and how some of the classic mistakes of governance might apply to the oddities in Star Wars storytelling since 2015. In our main segment, Maggie and Stephen discuss the principles of Star Wars that improve American politics and life. "Hope" and "Redemption" is what we get into and it's one of the best conversations yet on Beltway Banthas!

From our Bantha Fodder segment, read up on the new article from Stephen Kent: The end of an era at Disney (Work left undone by Bob Iger)

Follow our guest Maggie Lovitt @MaggieOfTheTown

Email the show: BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com

Kat Rosenfield wrote for Reason Magazine a feature piece on how Star Wars' three trilogies aligns almost perfectly with the politics of the time they were made in. What makes the sequel trilogy so unique, Episodes VII-IX, is that their chaotic nature almost mirrors the era we live in today. 

Stephen Kent and Kat discuss her article, living during COVID-19 and Kat shares a solid TV recommendation. 

Read Kat's article here: https://reason.com/2020/04/26/star-wars-identity-crisis/

Stream Stephen's EP, Color Me In With Green, on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1jJYBRBRhnbfYHFAtWsqXv?si=NHZd4ghMRemIdCrLLrn49g

Are Russian bots behind the divide around The Last Jedi? Stephen chatted with researcher Morten Bay to discuss the results of his study on Twitter reaction to the film. Swara and Stephen discuss whether or not Russian bots and trolls amplified the negative reaction to the film. 

Stephen and Swara also hash out their reactions to the new animated series Resistance, dish out their Bantha Fodder, and much more!

Connect with Us

Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn.

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

BONUS EPISODE! Beltway Banthas Contributor John Liang chats with author Max Brooks about Star Wars and the lessons that can be applied to today's modern military. Brooks wrote "Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict"

Dan Wallace is the author of beloved Star Wars books "The Jedi Path" "Book of the Sith" and "Imperial Handbook". Now he has penned another behind the scenes manuel for the Rebellion and joins the show to talk about it. John Liang interviewed Wallace last week and got the scoop on what the book reveals about the rebellion, galactic politics and more. 

Stephen and Swara also convene in the start of this episode to review the finale of Star Wars Rebels on Disney XD. It was a whirlwind final episode that left our hearts full and minds spinning. 

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @JuanJohnJedi

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

 We also give a reaction to the new Solo trailer and much more.

Dr. Andrea Letamendi (Lattes with Leia, The Arkham Sessions) joins Swara as they discuss not only one of the central themes of Star Wars, but also redemption and the grievance of galactic victims, both individual and galaxy wide. Does the franchise do a good job of exploring trauma of aggrieved parties like Rey, Luke, and Leia? What causes villains like Darth Vader and Kylo Ren to commit egregious actions, and how can they repent and atone?

Swara and Drea also talk a bit about Episode IX title and teaser rumblings and further legal troubles for the Trump administration. We cover all our bases!

Connect with Us

Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn.

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Mayor Betsy Hodges may be the former mayor of Minneapolis and now Washington, D.C., but she's really a citizen of Tatooine. In this special interview episode, the progressive activist and mayor joins Beltway Banthas to share how Star Wars saved her life (The Mary Sue). Beyond her personal story, which is a remarkable one, Stephen Kent and Betsy Hodges trace how Star Wars explains redemption and why that matters for the world we live in. 

Abby and Swara discuss and analyze the life of one of their favorite fictional politicians of all time, the wonderful and estimable Bail Organa of Alderaan. What drove him to sacrifice so much for the good of the galaxy? How can we learn from his amazing example? Why does he give us so many feels?!? Listen to find out!

We also dig into the Donald Glover's appearance on SNL, his "This is America" music video, the latest in the Trump scandal news, dish out our Bantha Fodders, and much more!

Stephen and Swara discuss the role of money in politics in the Star Wars universe. The discussion covers the role of the Trade Federation in The Phantom Menace, and how the concern of money in politics is plays out in our own world.

George Lucas' message in prequel trilogy on the dangers of money in politics was pretty clear. We discuss the roots of that message and how average Americans feel about this issue. Stephen and Swara also touch upon some real world political news, read a listener e-mail on Mon Mothma and offer their regular bantha fodder. 

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @BeltwayBanthas |

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

What a merry time of year it is!! Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker crashed into theaters and has concluded the 42 year run of the Skywalker story that started in 1977. Stephen Kent saw it opening night and again the first weekend, and this is your REVIEW episode of the film. Stephen is joined by friends of the show to look at how The Rise of Skywalker does as a conclusion to STAR WARS, the good, the great, the bad and the ugly.

We also feature reviews from LISTENERS: John Liang, Mike Harris, Ari Chavez, Andrew Kenlon, Andy Seiner, Nick Dico, Connie Shih, Anne Evangelista.

This episode is a real adventure and a joy. We hope you take a ride through the entire thing. 

AND PLEASE: Join in our giveaway contest for TWO Star Wars books by leaving us a review on Podchaser.com/beltwaybanthas

---> Simply create an account, write a review, leave some stars and BOOM. You are entered in to win. May the Force be with you. 

Today on Beltway Banthas we shine our politician spotlight on the greatest politician the Star Wars universe has ever known, the beloved Princess, Senator and General...Leia Organa. Our very special guests are Charlotte Errity and Caitlin Plesher of the Skytalkers Podcast and show producer John Liang. Together we discuss the history, politics and power of Star Wars most iconic politician/princess. 

Obviously with the loss of our beloved Carrie Fisher this was a difficult episode to record. Throughout our conversation we discuss how Leia and Carrie have inspired each of us. We look at  how Leia & Carrie inspired the world at large through cinema and real life. We also discuss The Last Jedi sizzle reel from D23, what Carrie's role might be like in the film. Enjoy!

Follow Charotte on Twitter @crerrity!

Follow Caitlin on Twitter @caitlinplesher!

Follow John on Twitter @JuanJohnJedi!

Today on Beltway Banthas, Swara and Stephen reconcile a dispute. Representation and diversity on screen is the hot topic of the day and it's more charged than ever. We discuss a disagreement had off the air in total transparency. Our goal was to better understand some feelings about identity politics in pop-culture.  

The reason we say feelings, and not arguments, is because there is a time for for both. People seek to be understood, listened to and not disparaged for the feelings they are trying to explain. On Beltway Banthas we want that to be something we can take on, perhaps while many in Star Wars fandom and on social media struggle to communicate on this topic. 

This episode was a delight to do. Hard at times, but rewarding. All we ask of you the listener is be gracious - to the hosts - and to other fans - as we all attempt to open these dialogues. We want to hear from you about this episode, so please email us at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com if you have something you'd like to have discussed in the future. 

During The Clone Wars a young Jedi turned against the war and Jedi Order's involvement in it. Convinced she had no other way to send a message of disaffection, Barriss Offee bombed the Jedi Temple and framed another Jedi for the act of terror. She was right about the war, and the Jedi, but did something very wrong. This week Danielle Adams, progressive and climate activist, joins the show as guest host to take us into the story of Barriss Offee and why it matters. 

We also dive into a few rumors about The Rise of Skywalker and excerpts from Bob Iger's new memoir detailing tension with George Lucas over the new Star Wars films. 

Follow hosts @stephen_kent89 and @DanielleAdamsNC on Twitter

and Beltway Banthas @BeltwayBanthas

Join us now on Discord to keep the conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn

Announcement: Beltway Banthas is going to be taking a summer break during June and July with a comeback set for early August. This show has been going strong for two years with weekly episodes and we felt now is a good time to pause, do a summer of research, reading and thinking about what topics to tackle this year. THE SHOW WILL GO ON! We hope you'll stay in touch with us on break on Twitter and Discord, where politics & Star Wars never sleep.

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @Stephen_Kent89 | @AbbyGleason | @Britt_the_wit

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

The week on Beltway Banthas, in a 90-minute marathon run, we cover a lot of ground on Star Wars, politics and religion. In the main segment Stephen Kent is joined by Matthew Neugebauer to analyze Star Wars fandom and its troubles over the decades. A video from Wisecrack serves as the starting point for an analogy of fandom by understanding Protestant Reformation and the concept of a 'legitimation crisis'. Basically, in social science, what does it take to unravel social order and how can that be applied to the life of Star Wars fans. 

Starting off the show, Caleb Franz guests to talk about D23 announcements and the new Rise of Skywalker teaser, an Obi-Wan Kenobi series and much more. 

We join our friends at Tosche Station and the Book Wars Podcast to talk about Star Wars Multimedia Empire at Awesome Con! How do the books and comics in the  Expanded Universe differ from the current canon books? Why do we read these books when we have the film? How do the books deepen and enrich politics in the Galaxy Far, Far Away? How can Lucasfilm do better with diversity and inclusion? We discuss all this and more!

The new canon structure for the books may be confusing now, but we attempt to break it all down! We also discuss the degree to which the new books are accessible to new fans, and whether we might see book characters in the films. Enjoy this great panel discussion on all things multimedia!

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @lu_sitania | @ChrisSedor | @LaneWinree | @bookwarspod | @Tosche_Station

In addition to looking at The Last Jedi's scores, we discuss what an ideal method of gauging reaction to a movie would look like. Kristen offers reactions to The Last Jedi as a whole, and we also banter about feminism on screen and how audiences react to messages in film. This is an episode you don't want to miss!

Hold on to something! This week we've got a bonus episode of Beltway Banthas, a conversation with Glenn Beck, radio show host and founder of Blaze Media. Stephen Kent met up with Glenn at FreedomFest in Las Vegas to talk about his earliest memories with Star Wars, lessons on the political power of fear, generational change and the evolution (plus consistency) of Star Wars' message. 

Now, THIS is podcasting!!

If you follow this show closely you know that Stephen started appearing of Glenn's show regularly since 2017 to break down nerd culture and Star Wars news, so this marks the first time Glenn has come on Beltway Banthas turf. 

If you liked this you should also check out an interview of Glenn's longtime collaborator and co-host, Stu Burguiere. You can find that here. 

Welcome back! This week Swara Salih and producer John Liang dig into the new Star Wars series "Resistance". There are several rich political elements in the background of the animated series, and we leave no stone unturned. 

Also, Star Wars author Chuck Wendig was fired by Marvel and taken off the future Star Wars comics. He presumably won't be used by LucasFilm and Disney for books in the future. Wendig is notably the author of the Aftermath series and is known for his aggressive political rhetoric on Twitter. Marvel fired him, citing the Tweets as vulgar and out of step with their expectations. Is there merit to this move by Marvel and what is the best defense of Wendig? We'll get into it. 

DJ has a bad reputation after selling out our heroes in The Last Jedi. Some have said he embodies the self interested nature of libertarianism, Ayn Rand and a school of thought known as Objectivism. Today we go into the weeds with Brittany Hunter of FEE to learn a bit about Objectivism, rational self interest and how DJ does or does not fall into that category. 

Before the main topic we talk about Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook and the departure of Paul Ryan from Congress. It's whirlwind episode of Beltway Banthas you don't want to miss.

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 @Britt_the_witt

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

The latest in our interview series! Swara interviews staff writer at the New Republic magazine, Graham Vyse! We cover everything from his fandom, to Virginia politics, national politics, Star Wars parallels and more!

The New Republic is one of the oldest progressive publications in the U.S., and Graham is one of their best new writers. We had a great discussion about the origin of his fandom, how Star Wars informed his politics, and cover state and national politics. Later we go into what Star Wars and George Lucas were trying to teach us about our own government and how to counter illiberalism.

Follow Graham on Twitter @GrahamVyse!

Hello Banthas! Swara and Stephen are back for Episode 60 to with some exclusive audio from Dragon Con 2018, a great panel on Crime & Politics in Star Wars. We also riff on the bombshell anonymous op-ed in the New York Times by a member of the Trump administration about the work being done on the inside to restrain his worst impulses from the inside. Is there a Star Wars tie-in? You bet there is! And finally, we talk about the Disney union workers vote for higher wages - with a little disagreement to be had on the topic. 

Connect with Us

Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn.

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Welcome back to Beltway Banthas! Swara and Stephen are BOTH moving this week to new homes and this was as good a time as any to share some audio from over the summer. Stephen met up with New York Times op-ed columnist Ross Douthat for a discussion on Star Wars and politics. It's a well rounded conversation with a lot of focus on Star Wars strengths AND weaknesses. We hope you enjoy and aren't distracted by the ambient noise of the conference. 

Here are supplemental materials for Douthat's writing about Star Wars

https://www.nationalreview.com/2017/12/star-wars-last-jedi-review-lost-space/

https://douthat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/08/the-politics-of-star-wars-2/

https://douthat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/24/the-politics-of-star-wars/

Stephen and Swara also talk about trade wars in Star Wars and real life, the President's proposed "Space Force", and have our Bantha Fodder segment with patron and dear friend of the show Connie Shih!

Gene Park may have been the very first Star Wars fan to buy a ticket for Episode I: The Phantom Menace. It's true! In this special Bantha interview, Washington Post gaming reporter Gene Park talks about his Star Wars fandom and how storytelling methods from video games have crept in and out of blockbuster films. Gene memorably wrote in for WaPo about how the ‘Rise of Skywalker’ embraces all the worst parts of video game storytelling' and he's on the podcast to explain why that is, but why he's hopeful for the future of the franchise. 

Follow Gene Park on Twitter @GenePark

Welcome back for another great show! This week Riley Blanton of The Star Wars Report and Mouse & Castle joins the show for a whirlwind of political chatter about a galaxy, far, far away. If you noticed the international controversy surrounding the NBA and their handling of political statements about the Hong Kong protests, this issue extends far beyond pro basketball. Disney actively makes some of the same calculations and accommodations for the Chinese Communist Party, as does every other American company operating there. 

Riley Blanton and Stephen Kent mix it up on how Star Wars fares in China, the tumultuous Democratic primary and cable news debates. And to start the show, Riley gives Stephen his insights into how to best experience STAR WARS: Galaxy's Edge, the new theme park at Disney where you can live your own Star Wars story. Stephen is going to the park soon and Riley is *the* guy you need to talk to before planning your own visit. 

Show notes:

1. Introduction and Background (0:00-1:00)
   • Riley Blanton, the founder and long-term host of The Star Wars Report podcast, announces the new podcast "Walk the Way" co-hosted by Stephen Kent.
   • Both hosts have a long history of Star Wars podcasting and intend to create a space that focuses on the philosophy and stories that define who we are.
2. The Concept of "Walk the Way" Podcast (1:01-2:05)
   • The podcast aims to delve deep into the stories and mythologies that inspire us and shape our identities.
   • We hope to move beyond the surface-level Star Wars news of the week and the controversies that havedivided the fandom.
3. Help us Launch! (2:06-2:50)
   • Subscribe, leave a rating, and review the new podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever they get their podcasts to help kick off the show.
4. Introduction to the First Episode (2:51-3:45)
   • The first episode includes an audio excerpt from Stephen's latest "Walk the Way" video on the new YouTube channel about his experience visiting Iceland.
5. Stephen Kent's Life Lessons from Iceland (3:46-17:50)
   • Importance of valuing time with family over money (3:46-7:15)
   • Being present and finding solace in any environment while traveling (7:16-10:00)
   • The need to be a stable, calming presence in the face of life's chaos (10:01-13:45)
   • Relearning how to deal with potential disappointments (13:46-17:50)
6. Conclusion (17:51-19:20)
   • Stephen asks listeners to engage leaving comments and sharing the content.
   • Join the community on substack at https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

In this debut episode of Walk the Way, Riley and Stephen discuss the philosophy behind Rey Skywalker's choice to take on the Skywalker name in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. They talk about the theme of self-definition and identity in Star Wars and how pop culture stories can shape our worldviews and teach us virtues. They explain the focus of the Walk the Way podcast - diving deep into the philosophy they can learn from popular movies, TV shows, and books and how to apply those lessons to their own lives.

Timestamps:

[0:00:00] Riley and Stephen introduce the podcast and discuss their previous collaborations.
[0:08:32] Rey Skywalker - you can choose a new name - we discuss Stephen's substack about the philosophy of Rey Skywalker in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
[0:16:42] Self-definition in Star Wars - we discuss the theme of self-definition in Star Wars and Rey choosing the Skywalker name.
[0:22:01] Walk the Way podcast - we discuss the focus of the Walk the Way podcast, talking about the philosophy we can learn from pop culture.
[0:32:50] How to get the word out. 

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

Yoda's ruse was a test of Luke's patience. Tests in life are often unannounced.

Inward vs Outward focus - Stephen missed a flight and lost the opportunity to properly engage with a kind stranger who gave him a ride. 

All is not as it seems

Why we should always give people our best selves - tests are often unannounced.

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

This episode of The Walk Away Podcast discusses the difference between courage and bravado through the lens of a quote from the movie Glass Onion. Stephen and Riley argue that true courage involves demonstrating wisdom, temperance, and discipline when faced with difficult situations, while bravado often involves speaking recklessly without considering whether one's words are true or good.

Takeaways:

1. [0:00:00] - Courage is demonstrating wisdom, justice, temperance, and other virtues when facing challenges. Bravery alone is not courage.
2. [0:07:46] - Some people mistake speaking recklessly for truth-telling. Truth requires inward and outward searching and discipline with words.
3. [0:13:22] - People see influencers who speak without restraint as courageous due to a culture of censorship, but they may lack self-control.
4. [0:19:48] - Aim for Aristotle's golden mean by slowing down and choosing words carefully to communicate in a way that is both true and good.
5. [0:25:39] - The goal is to improve every day, though there will be imperfections along the way.

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

In this bite-sized episode, Stephen examines "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," exploring the narrative and the more prominent themes it represents. The discussion delves into the portrayal of aging, the generational disconnect, and the societal treatment of the elderly.

Takeaway: Reconnect with the elders in our lives! Dial of Destiny serves as a springboard for a deeper conversation about the value, respect, and understanding we owe to our older generations.

Links and Resources:

• https://thisistheway.substack.com/ Subscribe to the newsletter.
• Dial of Destiny (2023)

Connect with us:

• Follow Walk The Way on Twitter, Instagram
• Join the podcast community on Discord.

Support the Show:

• Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.
• Tell a friend!

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

In this episode, Stephen dives into the cultural phenomenon of Barbie, exploring her historical symbolism and what it means for our understanding of femininity and beauty. He analyzes the 2023 Barbie movie, featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, to uncover its rich social commentary. Stephen also delves into Stoic philosophy, gender dynamics, societal discontentment, and the authenticity of natural beauty.

Links and Resources:

• https://thisistheway.substack.com/ Subscribe to the newsletter.
• Barbie Movie (2023)
• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Connect with the Host:

• Follow Walk The Way on Twitter, Instagram
• Join the podcast community on Discord.

Support the Show:

• Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.
• Tell a friend!

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

Big Idea: Bad bosses who rely on fear and intimidation fail to inspire their teams to achieve goals. 

On this episode of Walk the Way, Riley and Stephen discuss their experiences with intimidating bosses and how good ideas can overcome bad leadership. They share stories from the military and office environments, highlighting the importance of speaking up for your values, knowing the mission, and encouraging your team with courage instead of fear. 

Listen in to learn how good ideas can help you overcome an intimidating boss and inspire better performance from your team.

[0:00:07] Introduction - The idea of leadership through intimidation fails to inspire, true leadership stems from respect and integrity. 

[0:01:23] Don't be Kylo Ren.

[0:02:14] Overview of the Lizzo story - Lizzo is facing lawsuits from dancers over intimidation, body shaming, and sexual harassment.

[0:02:37] The importance of remembering employees are people on their own journeys, not just tools. Treating them as "NPCs" will always backfire.

[0:03:59] Anecdote from The West Wing about Rob Lowe defying his boss to protect him. The importance of knowing the mission and goals.

[0:09:46] Riley's experience with an intimidating supervisor in Korea for a short time. The environment focused on making the boss happy instead of accomplishing goals.

[0:16:29] Riley's regret at not speaking up and defending his values during an interaction. The experience has helped him moving forward.

[0:25:00] Poor "Leaders" can be like bad bosses anywhere, using fear and intimidation.

[0:32:57] Good ideas can overcome bad bosses. When teams face courage and encouragement, they perform well.

Links and Resources:

• https://thisistheway.substack.com/ Subscribe to the newsletter.
• Riley's original piece 

Connect with us:

• Follow Walk The Way on Twitter, Instagram
• Join the podcast community on Discord.

Support the Show:

• Leave a review on your preferred podcast platform.
• Tell a friend!

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

Big Idea:  Focus on things within your control and choose the stories you tell yourself after difficult experiences.

In this episode of Walk the Way, Riley and Stephen discuss resiliency, trigger warnings, and mental health through the lens of Stoicism and the importance of perspective. Stephen shares an Atlantic article on trigger warnings and how they may have damaged the resiliency of a generation. Riley shares his experience working with MQ-9 operations in the military and how perspective shaped his view on mental health.

[0:00:01] Introduction - Resiliency and trigger warnings

[0:01:01] Trigger warnings controversy and Stoicism

[0:02:01] Riley's experience with drone operations and mental health in the military

[0:06:22] Balance between experienced trauma and perceived trauma

[0:10:00] Importance of perspective in shaping experiences

[0:15:44] "Post-traumatic Growth" and free will vs determinism

[0:22:09] Stoicism and focusing on things within your control

[0:25:29] Measuring policies by results, not intentions

[0:31:24] Viktor Frankl and choosing how you respond

[0:35:12] Teenage self-consciousness and perceiving everything as an attack

[0:39:58] Perspective of Marines during the Afghanistan Evacuation

[0:44:19] Choosing the story you tell yourself after tragedy

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

Alexandra Hudson, author of the upcoming book "The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves" joins Walk The Way to discuss the book. Hudson reacts to scenes from James Cameron's Titanic and helps answer how to employ civility when being asked for your pronouns when you'd prefer not to answer.  

Pre-order THE SOUL OF CIVILITY before its October launch and get $700 worth of FREE GIFTS for you to enjoy RIGHT NOW from Alexandra Hudson

You can order the book and claim your gifts here:

These gifts include:

• A course: Four Civility Books that Will Change Your Life (a $350 value)
• A toolkit: How to Talk to Anyone about Anything (a $47 value)
• An ebook: Cultivating Curiosity (a $12 value)
• Monthly calls with Alexandra Hudson and some of the most interesting and curious people of our day (a $250 value)
• A free year of Civic Renaissance (a $70 value)

(And with a purchase of 20+ copies, enjoy a private virtual workshop, a $5000 value

Watch the video trailer for Alexandra's book
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fb6Oa0gAU0Y

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

This episode of the Walk the Way podcast covers Riley's experience visiting the Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco to attend a screening of the new Ahsoka television series. Riley reflects on how this opportunity arose unexpectedly after he had let go of his past desires for validation through Star Wars fandom. He explains how his trip to Lucasfilm reinforced his views on detachment and focusing on the story of Star Wars over the competition in online fandom.

Timestamps:

• Intro to walk the way. 0:07
  • Today's episode is about how sometimes good things can come out entirely outside of one's own control.
  • Housekeeping
• The coincidences of life and Star Wars. 1:58
  • The coincidences of life and how Riley became a retired Star Wars podcaster.
  • The desire for reputation and validation
• Star Wars and the Presidio. 3:56
  • Life throws you a bone when you are least expecting it.
  • A preview fan event at the Presidio
• The Yoda Fountain. 5:49
  • Lucasfilm is the beating heart of the Star Wars universe.
  • Star Wars fan content creators tend to chase validation.
• Why I joined This is the Way. 7:45
  • Why it was the right choice to shift the focus to dive into the philosophy behind the stories.
  • Yoda says that attachment leads to jealousy and the shadow of greed.
  • Learn to let go

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

Change is painful, and yet it can still be so beautiful. In this episode, Stephen Kent reflects on parenting and a new song from musician Noah Gundersen called "Haunted House"

Listen to the song here
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYTg47b2Xv4


Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

Follow us on Substack and join the community
https://thisistheway.substack.com/

Join Walk The Way on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A

This past weekend we were at Awesome Con in Washington DC! Stephen and John join Nanci Schwartz, Brian Larsen and Bria Lavorgna of Tosche Station, and Jay Shah of Eleven-ThirtyEight to discuss the theme of redemption in the galaxy far, far away. If Vader can be redeemed, can anybody? Is Kylo Ren able to truly atone for the crimes he's committed? Tune in for a rich panel discussion of one of the franchise's major themes.

Redemption has been a crucial part of Star Wars since 1983, but how often do we pause to think critically about what it entails? We believe this panel may answer some questions you may have on the topic. Major thank you to Brian of Tosche Station for capturing and sharing this audio, and to Bria Lavorgna for having Beltway Banthas on the panel.

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:@Stephen_Kent89 | @JuanJohnJedi | @nancipants | @LaneWinree | @chaosbria

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

Look around the world today and you will see otherwise advanced societies overrun by misinformation, myth and conspiratorial thinking. Information echo chambers and media disruption has helped to polarize communities on everything from political viewpoints to opinions on Star Wars. Buzzfeed's Ryan Broderick wrote The “Star Wars” Misinformation Hell Is The New Future Of Everything" and he couldn't be more right. On this episode, Stephen Kent and guest Andrew Kenlon discuss the rise of #ReleaseTheJJCut and conspiracy theory within Star Wars fandom. It's always been there, but only recently has it been impossible to look away from, and that matters not only for Star Wars...but for our politics. 

Also, Stephen offers some updates on the show and what to expect in the weeks-months ahead. Listeners have till Saturday, January 11th to leave a review of Beltway Banthas on Podchaser.com to win one of two awesome Star Wars informational books. Don't miss out!

Also on this episode, Stephen and guests discuss the indictments made by Bob Mueller in the investigation into Russian collusion with the Trump campaign. Josh explains the charges made against Paul Manafort and more. Later, we share our week in bantha fodder and read a bunch of awesome listener email. Lots of treason this week!

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Follow Josh and Kate on Twitter @BowTieLaw and @OhMyMithrandir 

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @JuanJohnJedi |

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

To supplement your social distancing we have a bonus episode with Ben Domenech, publisher of The Federalist. Ben and Stephen review the ending of the sequel trilogy and the case for The Mandalorian as the future of Star Wars storytelling. Ben makes a compelling point about why Star Wars raises some questions about the value and trade off's of democracy, and why people like Anakin Skywalker end of wanting something else. 

Sign up for the podcast newsletter here

This week, Stephen and Swara are joined by good friend of the show, blogger at BrownsReview.com and Fangirlblog.com, Ross Brown! We discuss the politics of Timothy Zahn's novel Thrawn. The Banthas discuss insights into Imperial social hierarchy, the Empire's alien policy, the meteoric rise of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Governor Pryce and much more! 

We also discuss what we think of Colin Trevorrow directing episode IX after his latest film has been trashed by critics, delve into our Bantha Fodder, and much more on this packed episode!

Follow Ross on Twitter @Wolfesghost

In this jam packed episode, we seek wise counsel from The Legal Geeks podcast. Jessica Mederson and Josh Gilliland run The Legal Geeks blog and podcast, where they break down the burning questions of law in sci-fi. They joined Beltway Banthas to address droids rights, liability for the Death Star, Han's right to stand his ground and much more. 

The Last Jedi trailer dropped this week! Our team also digs into the trailer and offers their takeaways. Swara and John also share their experiences from New York Comic-Con. Stephen & Swara share thoughts on Breitbart, the alt-right, Harvey Weinstein and sexual harassment and also a new metal band that plays Star Wars music. 

We love to hear your thoughts on the show! Shoot us an email to be read on the show at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com. Chat with us on Twitter @BeltwayBanthas, Stephen @Stephen_Kent89, Swara @SwaraSalih1, John @JuanJohnJedi

Our special guests The Legal Geeks are worth following and listening to. Check them out: http://thelegalgeeks.com/

On Twitter

@BowTieLaw

@eDiscMatters

@TheLegalGeeks

Happy Thanksgiving! Beltway Banthas is taking this week off to connect with family & friends, but we did want to speak to you on this holiday. First, we want to thank you! This audience is amazing. We also share things we are thankful for in Star Wars and politics, as well as read your Tweets. Finally...some important announcements about the future of the show. Stick around for those in this holiday broadcast. 

 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@JuanJohnJedi |@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

Seth Masket, political scientist and professor at the University of Denver, sees something ominous in the background of the Star Wars Holiday Special. He wrote about the politics of the campy Star Wars program in Mischiefs of Faction, a blog for Vox. The piece is called Amusing Ourselves Into Tyranny, sound familiar? 

Before the interview, Swara and Stephen react to news of Disney pulling out of their deal with Netflix and the promise of a Disney streaming service. Is this capitalism run amok or the best thing that's ever happened? Join us for the discussion. 

Follow Seth Masket on Twitter @Smotus

Swara @SwaraSalih1

Stephen @stephen_kent89

and Beltway Banthas @BeltwayBanthas

The Star Wars franchise has been becoming more visibly diverse on the screen, but will LucasFilm go further on issues of representation? Swara, the hosts of Book Wars Pod and Rebel Grrrl, are joined by Star Wars: Last Shot author Daniel Jose Older and others to discuss this topic. The online campaign that emerged as a result of this effort is called #SWRepMatters.

Come check out and join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #SWRepMatters!

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @lu_sitania | @semirose  | @spacejessss | @shannonjoy26 | @djolder | @ohcatrina 

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

It's the first of our in-depth discussion on The Last Jedi. This week we discuss the politics of Canto Bight! Joining us to discuss is political scientist Seth Masket! We discuss war profiteering, socioeconomic inequality, whether we think the sequence carries apt allegories, partisan interpretations of the sequence, and much more!

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @smotus

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

The world loves The Mandalorian! This week on Beltway Banthas, guests Josh Gilliland (The Legal Geeks Podcast) and Gio Insignares (WUSA Channel 9 DC) join to discuss the new Star Wars series on Disney+. We review the show itself, Baby Yoda and the legal questions raised by the entire profession of bounty hunting. Gilliland helps us understand The Mandalorian in a whole new way. 

Then, Stephen reviews Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost cookbook from Insight Editions just in time for Thanksgiving. These foods from a galaxy far, far away will change the way you see food for the better. 

Follow Gio @Gio_Insignares and Josh @BowTieLaw | Follow Stephen @Stephen_Kent89 | Follow Beltway Banthas @BeltwayBanthas |

Send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Join us on Discord here

This week on Beltway Banthas, author Michael Harris joins the show to preview his upcoming book, "Welcome to the Rebellion: A new hope in radical politics. Michael and Stephen discuss how Star Wars can inspire a young, new-left movement to confront the most pressing issues of the day for progressives: capitalism, income inequality, climate, nationalism and more. 

To start things off, we review the big trailer release for The Rise of Skywalker, get into "Bendemption" and Stephen goes over his experience at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Anaheim. 

Hello Banthas! This week we are joined by radio producer and head writer for Glenn Beck, Mr. Stu Burguiere.  Stu is a big time Star Wars fan and all around enjoyable radio personality. We thought you'd enjoy this behind the curtain conversation with a notable conservative radio personality and fan. Stephen and Stu discuss his career trajectory, working with Beck, Star Wars role in his life and how the theme of the new films is exposing frauds. 

Every other week we try to introduce our listeners to people in politics or media for whom Star Wars has made a difference in their lives. This mission spans the political spectrum and we hope you'll check out this interview to learn something new. You check out Stu's take on The Force Awakens and his belief that it is A New Hope rehash here, and then listen to Stephen of Beltway Banthas challenge that theory on his show here.

 Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @WorldOfStu

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

BONUS EPISODE! Today on this special release of Beltway Banthas Stephen & Swara talk about the Vanity Fair Star Wars spread, are joined by Stephen's daughter and discuss fan theorizing. Next, AdmiralNick22 (follow him on Twitter) of the ElevenThirtyEight blog joins Stephen to talk about his recent piece outlining the political cartography of the galaxy after Return of the Jedi. It's a fascinating and in-depth piece of work we highly recommend you go check out for peak Star Wars nerdom. 

Read the blog here: http://eleven-thirtyeight.com/2017/04/republic-rising-a-political-and-cartographic-look-post-galactic-concordance-galaxy/ 

Follow everyone from this week's episode on Twitter

@BeltwayBanthas

@StephenOfKent

@SwaraSalih1

@AdmiralNick22

Subscribe to Beltway Banthas and tune in next week for our episode with Amy Radcliff about the Politics of Disney!

The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters this week! To discuss the hype and stakes for the film, comedian and baritone geek Andrew Heaton joins Beltway Banthas. We get into the return of Emperor Palpatine, Rey, fanboys vs The Last Jedi and Heaton's recent interview of Jonathan Last, who notoriously penned "The Case For Empire" in the Weekly Standard. Andrew Heaton and Stephen Kent review how and if the political right's penchant for trolling online tracks with Star Wars fandom and the common arguments in favor of the Empire over the Rebel Alliance. On Reddit, this part of fandom lives on in r/EmpireDidNothingWrong. 

If you want Star Wars and a healthy dash of politics, this is the podcast you are looking for. 

Andrew Heaton is the host of The Political Orphanage Podcast and his new sci-fi show, Alienating the Audience. This episode is the beginning of a giveaway contest! You can win Star Wars: The Ultimate Pop Up Galaxy or Star Wars: Rebel Starfighters: Owners' Workshop Manual by writing Beltway Banthas a review at PODCHASER.COM by January 7th, 2020. 

Hello Banthas and welcome to our first interview of 2018! This week we had the distinct honor of meeting the real humans behind the curtain of @RealTrumpatine, Twitters most prolific Star Wars and politics account. Every day the Emperor Trumpatine account pumps out amazing comedic content echoing whatever President Trump is Tweeting that day. It has kept us laughing from 2015 to today. This has been a year in the making, so meet Dan Udell and Tom Hunt, the two halves of the Trumpatine brain. 

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @RealTrumpatine

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

By Kate on the But Why Tho? blog: Poe isn’t the Bad Guy 

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @OhMyMithrandir

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

LIES! DECEPTIONS! In our latest interview episode, John Liang speaks with Vince Houghton, historian and curator at the International Spy Museum. He's a massive Star Wars fan. They talk about how he he fell in love with Star Wars, why he thinks Princess Leia is the most famous fictional rebel spy in history, and all the great lies and deceptions in Star Wars spy craft! This is really unique conversation we know you'll enjoy! 

Follow Vince Houghton on Twitter @intelhistorian

Follow John Liang on Twitter @JuanJohnJedi

To welcome July 4th, Stephen, Swara, and Brittany Elisa discuss the concept of freedom in the Star Wars universe. We discuss what it might mean to different characters such as Luke, Rey, Jyn Erso, and even Emperor Palpatine!

In the spirit of our Independence Day celebrating freedom, this is a free-flowing discussion touching upon all things from freedom of opportunity, economic freedom, the ability to pursue your dreams and much more. We also answer your emails asking about all things politics and Star Wars!

Andrew Heaton is a comedian in NYC who is a growing staple of libertarian media. He worked with John Stossel at Fox Business and now at Reason Magazine working on The Mostly Weekly Show. Andrew is an incredibly funny guy and uniquely deep Star Wars fan that go on and on with anyone about the politics, philosophy and humor at length.

He has a voice for radio and TV that could have only been made by Zeus himself and it was really great to get his take on Star Wars humor and more. Andrew shares his fondness of Ewoks, why he thinks Jar Jar fell flat and Obi Wan’s comedic sensibility.

We also talk about where politics and science fiction collide, and if stories thrive when politics are put first rather than second.

From the children on Canto Bight rebelling against their oppressors to Rey being from "nowhere," we see a rejection of legacy and hierarchy in the latest Star Wars film. What's the history of populism in Star Wars? Is populism a good force in the real world or has it led to more destabilization? In this discussion we hope to find at least some of the answers.

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @Breznican

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

This week on Beltway Banthas, a discussion of the prequel trilogy as George Lucas' broadside against the neoliberal world order and capitalism. Stephen is joined by his brother, Michael Kent of the Toxic Schlock horror movie podcast to discuss and debate Lucas' critique of neoliberalism since the 1980's and how well he executed his analysis in Star Wars. 

Michael and Stephen also chat about the role horror played in Star Wars early on, old Star Wars horror novels and the battle between Netflix and the Academy establishment. 

-- -- -- -- --- -- -- -- -- -

Read the discussion piece at Making Star Wars on neoliberalism in Star Wars here

Follow guest Michael Kent on Twitter @Mikeyago_go

and @ToxicSchlock

This was a live show in front of an audience. We recorded the the program for you to enjoy! The group discusses the politics of Star Wars, some polling by the Morning Consult of fandoms politics and we celebrate the launch of The Last Jedi.

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @DavidMarkDC | @KSoltisAnderson |

@BDomenech | @TamaraKeithNPR | @ScottDetrow

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

This week on Beltway Banthas we continue our interview series, where one of our hosts interview someone of note who works in or around politics about their fandom of Star Wars. 

Stephen went to Hillsdale College's Kirby Center to chat with Ben Domenech, host of The Federalist Radio Hour and publisher of The Federalist. We talk about Ben's deep Star Wars roots, why Star Wars continues to be culturally compelling and also a bit about The Federalist's approach to content and Star Wars. I ask him about their piece on Galen Erso and the Death Star as an historical parallel to America's founding and monster of slavery. Ben and I also talk about Porkins, yes Porkins...as well as The Last Jedi, morality of super-weapons and why R2-D2 is his favorite character. 

Beltway Banthas just celebrated it's ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY! We are 40 shows and 12 months deep into this podcast. For our birthday all we want is your love (Padme line wink wink) and we'd love a review or rating on iTunes. 

Shoot us an email at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com, Tweet us @BeltwayBanthas and today's guest Ben Domenech @BDomenech. 

This week for our interview series, Stephen sits down with David Barnes of Generation Opportunity and Al Downs of Americans for Prosperity. Barnes is a former guest of the show and Al is a first timer. Both come with a deep love and knowledge of Star Wars. 

We discuss the political message of the prequels, libertarianism and how it does or does not fit into Star Wars and also how vulnerable America may be to dictatorship. Al Downs and David Barnes dissect the Republic's deregulation of the banks and whether or not that is an accurate reflection of how government handles crisis, and they also share their favorite moments in the saga.

Follow Al Downs on Twitter @AlbertJDowns 

Michael Steel is a Republican strategist and partner for Hamilton Place Strategies. He served as a communications officer for the likes the Jeb Bush, Paul Ryan and John Boehner. He caught the eye of Beltway Banthas when on Kasie DC (MSNBC) he knocked the Trump administration for approaching staffing like it was the Mos Eisley Cantina. Now he speaks with Beltway Banthas about his love of Star Wars and much more. We get into his career, how Jeb Bush & Marco Rubio's 2016 feud sparked this podcast into being and also how Star Wars makes the case for democracy...but perhaps not with total devotion. 

MAILING LIST: https://t.co/OMthDa39Tt?amp=1

Guest: @michael_steel 

This weeks interview is with Dave Summers of Americans for Prosperity, a grassroots organization affiliated with the Koch brothers. Dave is a huge Star Wars fan and a Governor Tarkin enthusiast. Stephen and Dave talk about his fandoms roots, why Tarkin is so awesome and how a strong corporate culture like that of the Koch's could have helped Tarkin succeed in his most desperate hour.

If you enjoyed this interview check out our back catalogue of amazing politico Star Wars fans. Do you know someone in the DC area who needs to be on this show? Tell us about them. Tweet us @BeltwayBanthas or @Stephen_Kent89.

Is Star Wars different in the era of Disney? In this episode we look at how the internal politics of Disney impact creative and business choices for Star Wars. Amy Ratcliffe of Lattes With Leia joins us for the discussion and shares her insights on how Disney functions and what motivates their thinking on issues of the day. 

This is a fun conversation you don't want to miss. Stay up to date with Beltway Banthas by subscribing on iTunes or Google Play. Also follow us on Facebook to catch our new bonus content series, Beltway Banter, where hosts Stephen and Swara debate an issue in Star Wars or politics. 

Follow guest Amy Ratcliffe on Twitter

@Amy_Geek

and your hosts 

@StephenofKent

@SwaraSalih1

@beltwaybanthas

Welcome back to Beltway Banthas and brace yourself for a ride through hyperspace in higher quality audio with host, Stephen Kent. The show had some hiccups this week with the whole team migrating to new homes and getting unpacked, but Stephen found a closet and an article in SyFyWire about Star Wars politics to review. 

Ana Marie Cox and Cher Martinetti sounded off on how RD-D2 and other characters would vote in a piece titled "SPACE THE NATION: R2-D2 IS A LIBERTARIAN". Naturally, this is provocative but perfect for a spin on Beltway Banthas. Join Stephen for s 30 min review of the analysis with his own spin on the characters signed up by SyFyWire to vote! 

Connect with Us

Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn.

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

This week on Beltway Banthas, Robby Soave of Reason Magazine joins the show to talk the politics of Episode I: The Phantom Menace. We cover trade disputes, slavery on Tatooine, the aloof Jedi Order and Vladimir Putin. 

Robby and Stephen get into the weeds of Star Wars Episode I and also share thoughts on the Gillette controversy, the Women's March and what is like to write a book. 

Follow Robby Soave on Twitter @RobbySoave

Rogue One contains a powerful message about engaging in the world around you. Jyn Erso accepted oppression as a status quo while Cassian Andor was raised in the fight for freedom. On this weeks show we are joined by Kate Sanchez of But Why Tho? for a discussion of Cassion Andor's complex, the midterm elections and why people get involved in politics. 

We also react to news of a new Cassian Andor series coming on Disney Plus, assess the "blue wave" and offer some Bantha Fodder as usual. Thanks to Kate Sanchez for joining us this week and offering her perspective on Star Wars and politics.