Podcasts about Alderaan

Star Wars is all about community, and for Episode 559 of Skywalking Through Neverland, we gathered reactions from friends and fans across an entire week of screenings for The Mandalorian & Grogu. First up are Julie and James Gildersleeve, proud members of the Skywalking Force and our wonderful "tauntauns" from the LiningUp Charity Bash. Then Peter Genovese and Ryan Wiltberger from LiningUp.net share their immediate HOT TAKES on the film, followed by Jeff Caffrey of the Virtual Cantina Network, who *might* rank the movie among his top Star Wars films. Skywalking Force member Bryn McKinnon offered heartfelt insight into Din Djarin's parenting journey with Grogu through the lens of being a mom herself. Their relationship became one of the strongest emotional through-lines discussed throughout all our interviews, especially centered around the powerful message: "The old protect the young, and the young protect the old." This episode also features great insights from: James Burns of Jedi News Brandon Winardi of Talking Bay 94,  Mike Celestino of Laughing Place along with his mom!  Kelly Turckel of the Skywalking Force Nancy Steinman of the Skywalking Force longtime contributor Dave Skale longtime LiningUp members Stefanie and Jessica Vance. From emotional family themes to creepy-crawly creatures, hilarious Grogu moments, easter eggs, and crowd reactions, this episode is a celebration of the fans who make Star Wars special. Now it's your turn — GO SEE THIS FILM and vote for Star Wars with your dollars! Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni INTERVIEW: Behind the Scenes of The Mandalorian & Grogu | Star Wars https://youtu.be/IRO4Q26whFY PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

Star Wars is all about community, and for Episode 559 of Skywalking Through Neverland, we gathered reactions from friends and fans across an entire week of screenings for The Mandalorian & Grogu. First up are Julie and James Gildersleeve, proud members of the Skywalking Force and our wonderful "tauntauns" from the LiningUp Charity Bash. Then Peter Genovese and Ryan Wiltberger from LiningUp.net share their immediate HOT TAKES on the film, followed by Jeff Caffrey of the Virtual Cantina Network, who *might* rank the movie among his top Star Wars films. Skywalking Force member Bryn McKinnon offered heartfelt insight into Din Djarin's parenting journey with Grogu through the lens of being a mom herself. Their relationship became one of the strongest emotional through-lines discussed throughout all our interviews, especially centered around the powerful message: "The old protect the young, and the young protect the old." This episode also features great insights from: James Burns of Jedi News Brandon Winardi of Talking Bay 94,  Mike Celestino of Laughing Place along with his mom!  Kelly Turckel of the Skywalking Force Nancy Steinman of the Skywalking Force longtime contributor Dave Skale longtime LiningUp members Stefanie and Jessica Vance. From emotional family themes to creepy-crawly creatures, hilarious Grogu moments, easter eggs, and crowd reactions, this episode is a celebration of the fans who make Star Wars special. Now it's your turn — GO SEE THIS FILM and vote for Star Wars with your dollars! Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni INTERVIEW: Behind the Scenes of The Mandalorian & Grogu | Star Wars https://youtu.be/IRO4Q26whFY PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

Learn all about The Mandalorian & Grogu from the creatives that worked on the film! Thanks to Fangirls Going Rogue, Sarah and Richard had the opportunity to visit the Adelphi Base set and Mandoverse prop-house, speak with creatives including Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, AND attend the World Premiere. We bring it all to you with special guest Tricia Barr (Fangirls Going Rogue). Hear fun behind-the-scenes stories about Grogu, Sigourney Weaver, runaway mouse droids, giant jungle sets, and how the filmmakers are continuing George Lucas' vision of a lived-in Star Wars galaxy. Composer Ludwig Göransson, production designers Doug Chiang and Andrew L. Jones, prop master Josh Roth, and visual effects supervisor John Knoll discuss bringing The Mandalorian from Disney+ to the big screen. Plus, Imagineer Asa Kalama talks about the role of Star Wars music inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. And finally, we share footage and reactions from the World Premiere, along with our non-spoiler review of The Mandalorian & Grogu! Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni INTERVIEW: Behind the Scenes of The Mandalorian & Grogu | Star Wars https://youtu.be/IRO4Q26whFY PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

Learn all about The Mandalorian & Grogu from the creatives that worked on the film! Thanks to Fangirls Going Rogue, Sarah and Richard had the opportunity to visit the Adelphi Base set and Mandoverse prop-house, speak with creatives including Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni, AND attend the World Premiere. We bring it all to you with special guest Tricia Barr (Fangirls Going Rogue). Hear fun behind-the-scenes stories about Grogu, Sigourney Weaver, runaway mouse droids, giant jungle sets, and how the filmmakers are continuing George Lucas' vision of a lived-in Star Wars galaxy. Composer Ludwig Göransson, production designers Doug Chiang and Andrew L. Jones, prop master Josh Roth, and visual effects supervisor John Knoll discuss bringing The Mandalorian from Disney+ to the big screen. Plus, Imagineer Asa Kalama talks about the role of Star Wars music inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. And finally, we share footage and reactions from the World Premiere, along with our non-spoiler review of The Mandalorian & Grogu! Jon Favreau & Dave Filoni INTERVIEW: Behind the Scenes of The Mandalorian & Grogu | Star Wars https://youtu.be/IRO4Q26whFY PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

This episode is a mashup of Mando Monday Merch (specifically the Bath & Body Works collab) and a recap of our Universal FanFest Nights experience with our whole Skywalking crew. We round it off with Star Wars Trivia charades featuring Dee Tails (Star Wars performance artist/creature performer). Enjoy this fun episode as we lead into THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU release week!! The second annual Universal FanFest Nights was a blast. Universal is knocking it out of the park with their after-hours ticketed event. Courtney and Kelly Turckel, Julie and James Gildersleeve joined us to share their favorite moments. We covered: Harry Potter "Save the Hippogriff" Forbidden Forest walkthrough Universal Monsters + Scooby Doo "Mystery on the Backlot" One Piece Grand Pirate Show Jurassic Park character interactions Harry Potter Three Broomsticks specialty food  Watch the YouTube version here for the best experience. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

This episode is a mashup of Mando Monday Merch (specifically the Bath & Body Works collab) and a recap of our Universal FanFest Nights experience with our whole Skywalking crew. We round it off with Star Wars Trivia charades featuring Dee Tails (Star Wars performance artist/creature performer). Enjoy this fun episode as we lead into THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU release week!! The second annual Universal FanFest Nights was a blast. Universal is knocking it out of the park with their after-hours ticketed event. Courtney and Kelly Turckel, Julie and James Gildersleeve joined us to share their favorite moments. We covered: Harry Potter "Save the Hippogriff" Forbidden Forest walkthrough Universal Monsters + Scooby Doo "Mystery on the Backlot" One Piece Grand Pirate Show Jurassic Park character interactions Harry Potter Three Broomsticks specialty food  Watch the YouTube version here for the best experience. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

The Season 1 finale of STAR WARS: MAUL - SHADOW LORD delivered everything we hoped for: emotional betrayals, jaw-dropping visuals, terrifying horror vibes, and the long-awaited confrontation between Maul and Darth Vader. Richard and Sarah break down Chapters 9 and 10, from Dryden Vos and Crimson Dawn connections to Devon's tragic fall toward the dark side, and the MANY deaths along the way. Did Brander Lawson survive? We want your opinion, because Richard and Sarah are split! MAUL - SHADOW LORD composers Kevin, Deana, and Sean Kiner sneak in many musical references to "Duel of the Fates," "Battle of the Heroes," and "Anakin's Dark Deeds," all from the Prequel trilogy. We analyze how each of these callbacks help the overall storytelling of this series.  One of the standout elements of the finale is Vader himself. His silent entrance through the misty forest instantly joins the ranks of iconic Vader reveals from A New Hope, Rogue One, and even Splinter of the Mind's Eye. The horror-inspired music, jump scares, and brutal fighting style made Vader feel unstoppable. Meanwhile, Maul manipulated events exactly as planned, allowing Devon's rage over Master Daki's death to push her into becoming his apprentice. The symbolism throughout the finale — broken bridges, collapsing temples, and fractured Jedi ideals — gave the battle emotional weight beyond the lightsaber clashes. We get into all of it! Is this the first Maul vs Vader battle in Star Wars history?While it's their first major onscreen showdown, the two previously dueled in the 2001 comic Star Wars Tales #9. Richard and Sarah explore that deep-cut Expanded Universe story.  PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

The Season 1 finale of STAR WARS: MAUL - SHADOW LORD delivered everything we hoped for: emotional betrayals, jaw-dropping visuals, terrifying horror vibes, and the long-awaited confrontation between Maul and Darth Vader. Richard and Sarah break down Chapters 9 and 10, from Dryden Vos and Crimson Dawn connections to Devon's tragic fall toward the dark side, and the MANY deaths along the way. Did Brander Lawson survive? We want your opinion, because Richard and Sarah are split! MAUL - SHADOW LORD composers Kevin, Deana, and Sean Kiner sneak in many musical references to "Duel of the Fates," "Battle of the Heroes," and "Anakin's Dark Deeds," all from the Prequel trilogy. We analyze how each of these callbacks help the overall storytelling of this series.  One of the standout elements of the finale is Vader himself. His silent entrance through the misty forest instantly joins the ranks of iconic Vader reveals from A New Hope, Rogue One, and even Splinter of the Mind's Eye. The horror-inspired music, jump scares, and brutal fighting style made Vader feel unstoppable. Meanwhile, Maul manipulated events exactly as planned, allowing Devon's rage over Master Daki's death to push her into becoming his apprentice. The symbolism throughout the finale — broken bridges, collapsing temples, and fractured Jedi ideals — gave the battle emotional weight beyond the lightsaber clashes. We get into all of it! Is this the first Maul vs Vader battle in Star Wars history?While it's their first major onscreen showdown, the two previously dueled in the 2001 comic Star Wars Tales #9. Richard and Sarah explore that deep-cut Expanded Universe story.  PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

What's the real story behind Marrok from Ahsoka and Maul: Shadow Lord? Actor and stunt performer Paul Darnell joins Richard and Sarah for a behind-the-scenes look at bringing the mysterious Inquisitor to life. A master of storytelling through movement, Paul shares fascinating insights into performing as Marrok — including the surprising detail that Marrok's mask had a removable face-plate so he could better see while filming. Paul also talks about other key scenes in Ahsoka, like portraying the Night Troopers falling down stairs for multiple takes as they battled Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka and Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati. The conversation dives into Marrok's possible backstory, Nightsister magick, fan theories, and whether the masked assassin could still return after dissolving into green mist. Paul's career stretches far beyond Star Wars. He's an accomplished parkour expert and stunt performer who has doubled for major Hollywood stars, including Henry Cavill as Superman and Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen in Twilight. Pattinson even publicly thanked Paul during the 2009 MTV Movie Awards for his stunt work on the film. And if you want to meet Paul Darnell in person, fans will have the chance this August at the Boonta Eve Special Edition in Frisco, Texas on Friday, August 7. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

What's the real story behind Marrok from Ahsoka and Maul: Shadow Lord? Actor and stunt performer Paul Darnell joins Richard and Sarah for a behind-the-scenes look at bringing the mysterious Inquisitor to life. A master of storytelling through movement, Paul shares fascinating insights into performing as Marrok — including the surprising detail that Marrok's mask had a removable face-plate so he could better see while filming. Paul also talks about other key scenes in Ahsoka, like portraying the Night Troopers falling down stairs for multiple takes as they battled Rosario Dawson as Ahsoka and Ivanna Sakhno as Shin Hati. The conversation dives into Marrok's possible backstory, Nightsister magick, fan theories, and whether the masked assassin could still return after dissolving into green mist. Paul's career stretches far beyond Star Wars. He's an accomplished parkour expert and stunt performer who has doubled for major Hollywood stars, including Henry Cavill as Superman and Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen in Twilight. Pattinson even publicly thanked Paul during the 2009 MTV Movie Awards for his stunt work on the film. And if you want to meet Paul Darnell in person, fans will have the chance this August at the Boonta Eve Special Edition in Frisco, Texas on Friday, August 7. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

There is no shortage of Star Wars content in 2026, and right now all eyes are on Maul: Shadow Lord. In this episode, we dive into the midpoint of the season (Episodes 1–6) and explore how the story is unfolding, especially through the insights we learned from our recent roundtable with voice actors Sam Witwer and Gideon Adlon. We explore Devon's internal struggle, Maul's influence, and whether he's manipulating her into becoming something far more dangerous. We've had so many YouTube comments, and one of the main questions we want to address is the connection between Devon Izara and Darth Talon. Is this Padawan on a path toward the dark side? And more specifically… is she being shaped into the iconic Sith assassin from Star Wars Legends? We break down everything you need to know about Darth Talon's origins, her role in the Legacy comics, and even George Lucas' original plans to bring her to the big screen alongside Maul. PLUS: Episode 5 & 6 analysis  Inquisitor Marrok's return That epic train sequence Maul's true motivations What it all means for the rest of the season Is Devon the future Darth Talon… or is this a misdirect? Let us know what YOU think in the comments! PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

There is no shortage of Star Wars content in 2026, and right now all eyes are on Maul: Shadow Lord. In this episode, we dive into the midpoint of the season (Episodes 1–6) and explore how the story is unfolding, especially through the insights we learned from our recent roundtable with voice actors Sam Witwer and Gideon Adlon. We explore Devon's internal struggle, Maul's influence, and whether he's manipulating her into becoming something far more dangerous. We've had so many YouTube comments, and one of the main questions we want to address is the connection between Devon Izara and Darth Talon. Is this Padawan on a path toward the dark side? And more specifically… is she being shaped into the iconic Sith assassin from Star Wars Legends? We break down everything you need to know about Darth Talon's origins, her role in the Legacy comics, and even George Lucas' original plans to bring her to the big screen alongside Maul. PLUS: Episode 5 & 6 analysis  Inquisitor Marrok's return That epic train sequence Maul's true motivations What it all means for the rest of the season Is Devon the future Darth Talon… or is this a misdirect? Let us know what YOU think in the comments! PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

After months of planning, our LiningUp.net Mandalorian and Grogu Charity Kick-Off Bash brought our Star Wars community together for one unforgettable day at Scum & Villainy Cantina! The goal - to raise $2,500 for Starlight Children's Foundation, helping kids in need. Did we do it?? With trivia, charity raffles, a silent auction, and games like Force Feud and Draw Wars, our friends and fans showed up in full force to support the Starlight Children's Foundation and LiningUp.net. From tauntaun escorts and Mandalorian cosplayers to an animatronic Grogu and incredible Star Wars prizes, the event was packed with fun, fandom, and fundraising. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed, participated, and made this event such a success. In this episode we share pictures and video on the event, along with our colorful commentary. And this is just the beginning—join us and LiningUp.net on May 19th through 21st as we line up for The Mandalorian and Grogu at the TCL Chinese Theatre, followed by a May 21st screening and after party sponsored by IMAX. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

After months of planning, our LiningUp.net Mandalorian and Grogu Charity Kick-Off Bash brought our Star Wars community together for one unforgettable day at Scum & Villainy Cantina! The goal - to raise $2,500 for Starlight Children's Foundation, helping kids in need. Did we do it?? With trivia, charity raffles, a silent auction, and games like Force Feud and Draw Wars, our friends and fans showed up in full force to support the Starlight Children's Foundation and LiningUp.net. From tauntaun escorts and Mandalorian cosplayers to an animatronic Grogu and incredible Star Wars prizes, the event was packed with fun, fandom, and fundraising. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed, participated, and made this event such a success. In this episode we share pictures and video on the event, along with our colorful commentary. And this is just the beginning—join us and LiningUp.net on May 19th through 21st as we line up for The Mandalorian and Grogu at the TCL Chinese Theatre, followed by a May 21st screening and after party sponsored by IMAX. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

We go behind the scenes (spoiler-free!) of Maul: Shadow Lord with voice actors Sam Witwer (Darth Maul) and Gideon Adlon (Devon), along with executive producers Athena Yvette Portillo and Matt Michnovetz (writer), and supervising director Brad Rau as they break down how this bold new Star Wars series came together.  Sam Witwer get candid about evolving Darth Maul, while Gideon Adlon shares what it's like stepping into Star Wars for (almost) the first time. Plus, the creative team dives into the story, themes, and the painterly, cinematic animation style that sets this series apart. Maul: Shadow Lord premieres April 6 with two episodes. The 10-episode series picks up one year after the events of The Clone Wars Season 7, as the Empire tightens its grip on the galaxy. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

We go behind the scenes (spoiler-free!) of Maul: Shadow Lord with voice actors Sam Witwer (Darth Maul) and Gideon Adlon (Devon), along with executive producers Athena Yvette Portillo and Matt Michnovetz (writer), and supervising director Brad Rau as they break down how this bold new Star Wars series came together.  Sam Witwer get candid about evolving Darth Maul, while Gideon Adlon shares what it's like stepping into Star Wars for (almost) the first time. Plus, the creative team dives into the story, themes, and the painterly, cinematic animation style that sets this series apart. Maul: Shadow Lord premieres April 6 with two episodes. The 10-episode series picks up one year after the events of The Clone Wars Season 7, as the Empire tightens its grip on the galaxy. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

With McCormick oot on a diplomatic mission to Alderaan, Mick and Andy Mac are here with another tap 5 list episode - this time tackling oor favourite multiplayer games.

On this daring episode, we break down DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Season 2, starting with a quick refresher on Season 1—because let's face it, these Marvel Disney+ shows can be dense. We revisit where the key characters left off and where they stand as this new season begins. From there, we share a spoiler-free review of the full season, focusing on the character dynamics that drive the story—from Matt and Karen's renewed partnership to the unsettling relationships within Fisk's inner circle. We dig into Buck's influence over the young and impressionable Daniel, and the tension Bullseye brings into the mix. There are some surprising parallels to Star Wars, so listen in for those nuggets! This season leans heavily into moral complexity, challenging both its characters and the audience with questions about loyalty, power, and whether the ends can ever justify the means. We also cover the structure, performances, and standout moments, and even connect the dots to SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY. Dare to dive in… PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

On this daring episode, we break down DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN Season 2, starting with a quick refresher on Season 1—because let's face it, these Marvel Disney+ shows can be dense. We revisit where the key characters left off and where they stand as this new season begins. From there, we share a spoiler-free review of the full season, focusing on the character dynamics that drive the story—from Matt and Karen's renewed partnership to the unsettling relationships within Fisk's inner circle. We dig into Buck's influence over the young and impressionable Daniel, and the tension Bullseye brings into the mix. There are some surprising parallels to Star Wars, so listen in for those nuggets! This season leans heavily into moral complexity, challenging both its characters and the audience with questions about loyalty, power, and whether the ends can ever justify the means. We also cover the structure, performances, and standout moments, and even connect the dots to SPIDER-MAN: BRAND NEW DAY. Dare to dive in… PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

Our good friend Scott Johnson sent us 4 beers from Virginia's Three Notch'd Brewing Co! Pairs with Jars, a 25lb bag of sand, and Alderaan. Duke Of Clouds Whisker Lickinnn' Minute Man Biggie S'Mores Theme Music by Adrian Quesada of Black Pumas End Credits Music: Cyberpunkz by Splasher! Additional music licensed through Epidemic Sound And we have shirts! Get them at the Hello Crawlers store! The Beerists are John Rubio, Grant Davis, Pam Catoe, and Mark Raup. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or point your podcatcher to our RSS feed. You should also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Support us by making a per-episode pledge at patreon.com/thebeerists and get some sweet rewards! Follow us on twitter, facebook, and instagram. Want to send us beer? Check our beer donation guidelines, and then shoot us and email at info@thebeerists.com

March is here, which means The Mandalorian and Grogu is getting closer to its big May 22nd release! In this episode, we're joined by Peter Genovese from LiningUp.net for some major reveals you won't want to miss. The tradition of fans lining up for a new Star Wars film stretches back decades. In 1980, Terri Hardin camped outside the Egyptian Theatre for The Empire Strikes Back. The practice grew even bigger during the prequel era and continued through 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the sequel trilogy. Now, as The Mandalorian and Grogu prepares to hit theaters, that fan tradition is about to ignite once again. Peter shares the history behind LiningUp.net and reveals the official start date for fans ready to line up and celebrate the next chapter of the saga. Episode links: Terri Hardin Ep. 221 https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/221-terri-hardin-imagineer-star-wars/ Contest winner Steve Lang: https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/1980-kenner-star-wars-sweepstakes-winner-steve-lang/ Starwait.com and George Lucas interview:  Today in Star Wars History 3/2/1980 - 46 years ago - This was a day long remembered by Richard - An ad appeared in the Sunday newspaper promoting a Kenner sweepstakes to see a special premiere of The Empire Strikes Back with R2-D2 and C-3PO in Washington, D.C. Six-year-old Steve Lang was one of the Grand Prize Winners! Along with the screening of the film he also won a complete collection of Kenner's Empire Strikes Back toys and got to meet Star Wars actors. He also did a written interview with us: https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/1980-kenner-star-wars-sweepstakes-winner-steve-lang/ PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

March is here, which means The Mandalorian and Grogu is getting closer to its big May 22nd release! In this episode, we're joined by Peter Genovese from LiningUp.net for some major reveals you won't want to miss. The tradition of fans lining up for a new Star Wars film stretches back decades. In 1980, Terri Hardin camped outside the Egyptian Theatre for The Empire Strikes Back. The practice grew even bigger during the prequel era and continued through 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens and the sequel trilogy. Now, as The Mandalorian and Grogu prepares to hit theaters, that fan tradition is about to ignite once again. Peter shares the history behind LiningUp.net and reveals the official start date for fans ready to line up and celebrate the next chapter of the saga. Episode links: Terri Hardin Ep. 221 https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/221-terri-hardin-imagineer-star-wars/ Contest winner Steve Lang: https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/1980-kenner-star-wars-sweepstakes-winner-steve-lang/ Starwait.com and George Lucas interview:  Today in Star Wars History 3/2/1980 - 46 years ago - This was a day long remembered by Richard - An ad appeared in the Sunday newspaper promoting a Kenner sweepstakes to see a special premiere of The Empire Strikes Back with R2-D2 and C-3PO in Washington, D.C. Six-year-old Steve Lang was one of the Grand Prize Winners! Along with the screening of the film he also won a complete collection of Kenner's Empire Strikes Back toys and got to meet Star Wars actors. He also did a written interview with us: https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/1980-kenner-star-wars-sweepstakes-winner-steve-lang/ PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

It's another HUGE week for The Mandalorian & Grogu! Did the new trailer deliver everything you were hoping for? James Burns (Jedi News) joins us to break down the biggest moments, including surprise character reveals, Sigourney Weaver's role as Colonel Ward, and a "revenge" storyline that has us wondering. At the time of recording, James had just wrapped all four days at Toy Fair in New York. This isn't your typical fan convention, it's an industry-only showcase offering an exclusive first-look (and some they were sworn to secrecy) at the year's biggest merchandise launches. James shares insights from the Star Wars: Most Wanted campaign, highlighting standout reveals from LEGO, Hasbro, Jazwares, Funko, and more. And if you've ever dreamed of owning a green Grogu Furby that somehow makes you crave a Shamrock Shake, you're definitely in for a treat. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

It's another HUGE week for The Mandalorian & Grogu! Did the new trailer deliver everything you were hoping for? James Burns (Jedi News) joins us to break down the biggest moments, including surprise character reveals, Sigourney Weaver's role as Colonel Ward, and a "revenge" storyline that has us wondering. At the time of recording, James had just wrapped all four days at Toy Fair in New York. This isn't your typical fan convention, it's an industry-only showcase offering an exclusive first-look (and some they were sworn to secrecy) at the year's biggest merchandise launches. James shares insights from the Star Wars: Most Wanted campaign, highlighting standout reveals from LEGO, Hasbro, Jazwares, Funko, and more. And if you've ever dreamed of owning a green Grogu Furby that somehow makes you crave a Shamrock Shake, you're definitely in for a treat. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

This episode of Star Warsologies we talk to earthquake geologist Wendy Bohon about planets, lava and lots and lots of explosions! Dr. Wendy Bohon joins us this month to discuss how life might begin and be sustained on planets in a galaxy far, far away. The answer is earthquakes! Or are they called Tatooine-quakes and Hoth-quakes? We dive into Naboo's watery core and discuss whether Mustafar was the right place to build an evil lair. And of course we get in to the Death Star's ability to destroy planets. Alderaan is in pieces but what happened during the tests on Jedha and Scarif? Show Notes: Follow Wendy on YouTube, Instagram, BlueSky, and other social media sites. And check out her website! Learn more about the Cave of the Crystals Wendy mentions, that reminds her of Crait and the crystal foxes! If you can't get enough geology talk, give our debut episode (from 2021!) a listen. We also talked more about Mustafar in our Revenge of the Sith panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025. You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads! Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here! Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group! Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.

By now you've probably seen the Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl "Big Game" commercial, and you have an opinion. In this episode, we break down our reactions, explore what may have led Lucasfilm and Disney to make such a bold creative choice, read listener comments, and deliver a detailed deep-dive analysis. In the weeks leading up to Super Bowl 60, fans expected a traditional trailer packed with story clues. Instead, we got something completely unexpected: a cinematic parody inspired by the legendary Budweiser commercials. The 36-second spot, narrated by the iconic Sam Elliott and directed by Jon Favreau, opens on a sleigh racing across a snowy tundra. At first glance, it looks like a team of horses—but the camera reveals they're actually tauntauns. Din Djarin passes the reins to Grogu as they glide forward together, guided by the galloping creatures. The commercial closes with Grogu gently reaching toward a tauntaun's nose while the narrator reminds audiences that The Mandalorian and Grogu is coming "only to theaters." Unsurprisingly, the fan response has been sharply divided, and we also discuss the overwhelming reactions shared across our social media. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

By now you've probably seen the Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl "Big Game" commercial, and you have an opinion. In this episode, we break down our reactions, explore what may have led Lucasfilm and Disney to make such a bold creative choice, read listener comments, and deliver a detailed deep-dive analysis. In the weeks leading up to Super Bowl 60, fans expected a traditional trailer packed with story clues. Instead, we got something completely unexpected: a cinematic parody inspired by the legendary Budweiser commercials. The 36-second spot, narrated by the iconic Sam Elliott and directed by Jon Favreau, opens on a sleigh racing across a snowy tundra. At first glance, it looks like a team of horses—but the camera reveals they're actually tauntauns. Din Djarin passes the reins to Grogu as they glide forward together, guided by the galloping creatures. The commercial closes with Grogu gently reaching toward a tauntaun's nose while the narrator reminds audiences that The Mandalorian and Grogu is coming "only to theaters." Unsurprisingly, the fan response has been sharply divided, and we also discuss the overwhelming reactions shared across our social media. PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

This episode is a celebration of film and TV milestone anniversaries with special guest Kevin Reitzel, co-founder of the Fandom Podcast Network. Together, we reflect on the films, TV shows, and music that shaped our fandoms and continue to inspire audiences decades later. Sarah reflects on classics like West Side Story (65 years), An American Tail (40 years), and Hook (35 years), sharing personal memories surrounding each film. Kevin reveals how Aliens (40 years) and Highlander (40 years) brought him and his wife together! He also shares his love of Independence Day (30 years) and The Muppet Show (50 years). Richard rounds out the conversation with nostalgic favorites including 1976's King Kong (50 years), The Monkees (60 years), Howard the Duck (40 years), and Big Trouble in Little China (40 years). What films and TV shows celebrating anniversaries in 2026 are your favorites? PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

This episode is a celebration of film and TV milestone anniversaries with special guest Kevin Reitzel, co-founder of the Fandom Podcast Network. Together, we reflect on the films, TV shows, and music that shaped our fandoms and continue to inspire audiences decades later. Sarah reflects on classics like West Side Story (65 years), An American Tail (40 years), and Hook (35 years), sharing personal memories surrounding each film. Kevin reveals how Aliens (40 years) and Highlander (40 years) brought him and his wife together! He also shares his love of Independence Day (30 years) and The Muppet Show (50 years). Richard rounds out the conversation with nostalgic favorites including 1976's King Kong (50 years), The Monkees (60 years), Howard the Duck (40 years), and Big Trouble in Little China (40 years). What films and TV shows celebrating anniversaries in 2026 are your favorites? PODCAST SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

Today we continue the Young Jedi Knights series with Shards of Alderaan. The Shadow Academy has been defeated. Now it's time to rebuild the Jedi Temple. While Zekk is no longer under the sway of the dark side, he knows he can't stay on Yavin 4. The only problem is, he doesn't know where he'll go next. Leia's birthday is coming up, and Jacen and Jaina want to get her a special present. And Raynar Thul's life is about to change in ways he could never imagine.

Are you wondering whether Wonder Man is worth your time? In this episode, we break down Marvel's latest Disney+ series, give you the essential background on the character, and explain what you actually need to know before diving in. From Simon Williams' comic book origins to his surprising connections with Vision, Scarlet Witch, and the Avengers, we cover the fun facts, controversies, and powers that shaped Wonder Man long before his MCU debut. We also dig into how Wonder Man fits into the MCU under the Marvel Spotlight banner—designed to be more grounded, character-driven, and accessible without deep MCU homework. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as a struggling actor hiding dangerous superpowers, and Ben Kingsley returning as Trevor Slattery, the series leans hard into Hollywood satire, mentorship, and the bizarre "Doorman Clause" that bans super-powered people from acting. Our reactions are… mixed. While the show shines as a personal story about ambition, insecurity, and creative survival—anchored by a standout performance from Ben Kingsley—it struggles with tone, realism, and the weight of its MCU identity. We talk about what works, what doesn't, and whether Wonder Man feels like a forgotten experiment or a meaningful setup for something bigger down the road. Watch the YouTube version here for the best experience. Listen to the podcast episode here: Written WONDER MAN Review Wonder Man is the 19th television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (including both live-action and animated projects) and arrives as part of Phase 6. The series was created by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Andrew Guest (Hawkeye, Community, Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, crossing superhero franchises after playing Black Manta in DC's Aquaman films, stars as Simon Williams, a struggling actor auditioning for the lead in a remake of Wonder Man, a low-budget 1980s action film that Simon once bonded over with his father. Simon carries a dangerous secret: he has explosive superpowers that he can't fully control. Worse, he must keep those powers hidden if he wants any chance at an acting career thanks to the Doorman Clause, a rule that bars super-powered individuals from working as actors. One episode dives into the origins of this clause, and it's easily among the series' most entertaining and imaginative chapters. Ben Kingsley returns as Trevor Slattery, the infamous actor hired to portray the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. Since then, the character has appeared in the Marvel short All Hail the King and film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Here, Trevor is once again chasing relevance—and is also auditioning for a role in the Wonder Man remake. Interestingly, the series never clearly states where it fits into the MCU timeline. There are only light references—photos on walls, casual mentions of "shield throwing." Frankly, that restraint is welcome. It's firmly set in the present day on the main MCU Earth, and that's more than enough. Had this been set on another timeline or Earth, this review probably wouldn't exist. Character Over Capes At its core, this is a strong, personal story about two people supporting each other in a brutal industry. Simon approaches acting with intense seriousness—reminiscent of Dustin Hoffman's character in Tootsie—while Trevor, as a mentor figure, pushes him to loosen up and trust the words on the page. Wonder Man is far more interested in the relationship between Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery than in building a new costumed icon. Through their conversations, the series thoughtfully explores what it actually means to be an actor. Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley make for an engaging, surprisingly balanced duo. The show wisely avoids leaning into easy odd-couple clichés, which elevates their dynamic. If you enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at show business in The Studio or Hacks, there's a lot here to like. Wonder Man ups the stakes by adding uncontrollable superpowers into an already stressful industry where almost nothing goes your way. Tone & Reality Gaps Tonally, Wonder Man struggles. It can't always decide whether it wants to be serious and emotional or silly and farcical. It oscillates between the two. The dialogue is often grounded and well-written, but the situations frequently feel forced—bent to serve the script rather than emerging naturally from reality. Living in Los Angeles, where the series is set, makes some of these moments especially hard to ignore. Being under a tight deadline to submit an audition tape and deciding to drive from Hollywood to Malibu and back—congratulations, you've just wasted three hours. These issues extend to the on-set scenes. Having worked in the film industry, many of these moments rang false. A day player wouldn't halt production because they have extensive notes. There are numerous story hiccups where disbelief must be suspended simply to keep the plot moving. A test audience likely would have flagged many of these. Performances & Standout Moments Any time Ben Kingsley is on screen, he's impossible not to root for. Simon, by contrast, is difficult to like until the final two episodes. That's clearly intentional—he's closed off and emotionally blocked—but watching someone repeatedly sabotage themselves is frustrating, even if it's thematically justified. One unquestionable highlight is the episode centered on the Doorman Clause, "Doorman". Josh Gad's appearance, along with his reworked version of "In Summer," is delightful and injects much-needed energy and creativity into the series. Release Strategy & Final Verdict Marvel continues to undermine its TV output with its release strategy. Ironheart dropped its six episodes across two days. Echo released all five at once. Wonder Man follows suit with all eight episodes dropping in a single day. The result? These shows are consumed quickly and forgotten just as fast. By the time Daredevil Season 2 arrives in March, this will likely be one of those "Oh yeah… what happened on Wonder Man again?" series.I went in with an open mind and high expectations—this is Marvel, after all. In the end, I liked Wonder Man, but too much got in the way of loving it. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

Are you wondering whether Wonder Man is worth your time? In this episode, we break down Marvel's latest Disney+ series, give you the essential background on the character, and explain what you actually need to know before diving in. From Simon Williams' comic book origins to his surprising connections with Vision, Scarlet Witch, and the Avengers, we cover the fun facts, controversies, and powers that shaped Wonder Man long before his MCU debut. We also dig into how Wonder Man fits into the MCU under the Marvel Spotlight banner—designed to be more grounded, character-driven, and accessible without deep MCU homework. Starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as a struggling actor hiding dangerous superpowers, and Ben Kingsley returning as Trevor Slattery, the series leans hard into Hollywood satire, mentorship, and the bizarre "Doorman Clause" that bans super-powered people from acting. Our reactions are… mixed. While the show shines as a personal story about ambition, insecurity, and creative survival—anchored by a standout performance from Ben Kingsley—it struggles with tone, realism, and the weight of its MCU identity. We talk about what works, what doesn't, and whether Wonder Man feels like a forgotten experiment or a meaningful setup for something bigger down the road. Watch the YouTube version here for the best experience. Listen to the podcast episode here: Written WONDER MAN Review Wonder Man is the 19th television series in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (including both live-action and animated projects) and arrives as part of Phase 6. The series was created by Destin Daniel Cretton (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) and Andrew Guest (Hawkeye, Community, Brooklyn Nine-Nine). Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, crossing superhero franchises after playing Black Manta in DC's Aquaman films, stars as Simon Williams, a struggling actor auditioning for the lead in a remake of Wonder Man, a low-budget 1980s action film that Simon once bonded over with his father. Simon carries a dangerous secret: he has explosive superpowers that he can't fully control. Worse, he must keep those powers hidden if he wants any chance at an acting career thanks to the Doorman Clause, a rule that bars super-powered individuals from working as actors. One episode dives into the origins of this clause, and it's easily among the series' most entertaining and imaginative chapters. Ben Kingsley returns as Trevor Slattery, the infamous actor hired to portray the Mandarin in Iron Man 3. Since then, the character has appeared in the Marvel short All Hail the King and film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings. Here, Trevor is once again chasing relevance—and is also auditioning for a role in the Wonder Man remake. Interestingly, the series never clearly states where it fits into the MCU timeline. There are only light references—photos on walls, casual mentions of "shield throwing." Frankly, that restraint is welcome. It's firmly set in the present day on the main MCU Earth, and that's more than enough. Had this been set on another timeline or Earth, this review probably wouldn't exist. Character Over Capes At its core, this is a strong, personal story about two people supporting each other in a brutal industry. Simon approaches acting with intense seriousness—reminiscent of Dustin Hoffman's character in Tootsie—while Trevor, as a mentor figure, pushes him to loosen up and trust the words on the page. Wonder Man is far more interested in the relationship between Simon Williams and Trevor Slattery than in building a new costumed icon. Through their conversations, the series thoughtfully explores what it actually means to be an actor. Abdul-Mateen II and Kingsley make for an engaging, surprisingly balanced duo. The show wisely avoids leaning into easy odd-couple clichés, which elevates their dynamic. If you enjoyed the behind-the-scenes look at show business in The Studio or Hacks, there's a lot here to like. Wonder Man ups the stakes by adding uncontrollable superpowers into an already stressful industry where almost nothing goes your way. Tone & Reality Gaps Tonally, Wonder Man struggles. It can't always decide whether it wants to be serious and emotional or silly and farcical. It oscillates between the two. The dialogue is often grounded and well-written, but the situations frequently feel forced—bent to serve the script rather than emerging naturally from reality. Living in Los Angeles, where the series is set, makes some of these moments especially hard to ignore. Being under a tight deadline to submit an audition tape and deciding to drive from Hollywood to Malibu and back—congratulations, you've just wasted three hours. These issues extend to the on-set scenes. Having worked in the film industry, many of these moments rang false. A day player wouldn't halt production because they have extensive notes. There are numerous story hiccups where disbelief must be suspended simply to keep the plot moving. A test audience likely would have flagged many of these. Performances & Standout Moments Any time Ben Kingsley is on screen, he's impossible not to root for. Simon, by contrast, is difficult to like until the final two episodes. That's clearly intentional—he's closed off and emotionally blocked—but watching someone repeatedly sabotage themselves is frustrating, even if it's thematically justified. One unquestionable highlight is the episode centered on the Doorman Clause, "Doorman". Josh Gad's appearance, along with his reworked version of "In Summer," is delightful and injects much-needed energy and creativity into the series. Release Strategy & Final Verdict Marvel continues to undermine its TV output with its release strategy. Ironheart dropped its six episodes across two days. Echo released all five at once. Wonder Man follows suit with all eight episodes dropping in a single day. The result? These shows are consumed quickly and forgotten just as fast. By the time Daredevil Season 2 arrives in March, this will likely be one of those "Oh yeah… what happened on Wonder Man again?" series.I went in with an open mind and high expectations—this is Marvel, after all. In the end, I liked Wonder Man, but too much got in the way of loving it. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

It's our annual year-end wrap-up spectacular!! We take a look back at 2025 - this year's conversation is packed with personal fandom highlights, expectations that were met (and wildly exceeded), and a few things that didn't quite live up to the hype. As always, the real joy of these episodes is revisiting the moments that made the year special—and it was even better doing it with friends. We were thrilled to welcome Bobby Robertson from Rebel Scum Con and Jenn Diz from the Disneyholics Podcast to share their own 2025 standouts and pop-culture takeaways. From conventions to theme parks, 2025 was a huge year for fandom experiences. We all attended a BRAND NEW theme park - Epic Universe!  Also, Rebel Scum Con stood out for its sense of community and the unmatched joy of staying right at the host hotel. We also dove into Universal's FanFest Nights, where the Back to the Future immersive experience completely stole the show, even for devoted Star Trek fans. On the screen, we debated what was overrated and underrated like Skeleton Crew, Fallout and Thunderbolts*. As we wrapped up the year, we reflected on what 2025 meant on a personal level: the shows we binged, the films that moved us, and the lessons we'd pass along to our younger selves. What lesson would you tell your 16-year-old self? Looking ahead to 2026, we're setting our sights on hosting even more convention panels, expanding our trivia game shows, and finally unveiling a very exciting, top-secret Star Wars project coming this fall. We can't wait to see where the next year takes us. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

It's our annual year-end wrap-up spectacular!! We take a look back at 2025 - this year's conversation is packed with personal fandom highlights, expectations that were met (and wildly exceeded), and a few things that didn't quite live up to the hype. As always, the real joy of these episodes is revisiting the moments that made the year special—and it was even better doing it with friends. We were thrilled to welcome Bobby Robertson from Rebel Scum Con and Jenn Diz from the Disneyholics Podcast to share their own 2025 standouts and pop-culture takeaways. From conventions to theme parks, 2025 was a huge year for fandom experiences. We all attended a BRAND NEW theme park - Epic Universe!  Also, Rebel Scum Con stood out for its sense of community and the unmatched joy of staying right at the host hotel. We also dove into Universal's FanFest Nights, where the Back to the Future immersive experience completely stole the show, even for devoted Star Trek fans. On the screen, we debated what was overrated and underrated like Skeleton Crew, Fallout and Thunderbolts*. As we wrapped up the year, we reflected on what 2025 meant on a personal level: the shows we binged, the films that moved us, and the lessons we'd pass along to our younger selves. What lesson would you tell your 16-year-old self? Looking ahead to 2026, we're setting our sights on hosting even more convention panels, expanding our trivia game shows, and finally unveiling a very exciting, top-secret Star Wars project coming this fall. We can't wait to see where the next year takes us. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

Join us as we continue celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Force Awakens with a holiday-themed trip back to December 2015! In this episode, we dig into the audio archives to relive THE FORCE AWAKENS Global Press Conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring cast and filmmakers including Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Kathleen Kennedy, and J.J. Abrams, with standout moments moderated by Mindy Kaling. We also revisit the Chinese Theatre forecourt, sharing original audio recorded straight from the line with friends like Matt Baird, Emelia Lindgren, Obi-Shawn Crosby, and highlights that capture how Star Wars fandom and "lining up" culture evolved between the prequel and sequel eras.  We wrap up with a look back at THE FORCE AWAKENS itself—our first reactions and how it holds up ten years later. Have you watched it recently? Let us know what you thought! SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

Join us as we continue celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Force Awakens with a holiday-themed trip back to December 2015! In this episode, we dig into the audio archives to relive THE FORCE AWAKENS Global Press Conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring cast and filmmakers including Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Kathleen Kennedy, and J.J. Abrams, with standout moments moderated by Mindy Kaling. We also revisit the Chinese Theatre forecourt, sharing original audio recorded straight from the line with friends like Matt Baird, Emelia Lindgren, Obi-Shawn Crosby, and highlights that capture how Star Wars fandom and "lining up" culture evolved between the prequel and sequel eras.  We wrap up with a look back at THE FORCE AWAKENS itself—our first reactions and how it holds up ten years later. Have you watched it recently? Let us know what you thought! SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

BEFORE WE BEGIN – the best way to enjoy today's stupidity is in the form of video, which as a special thank you to all of you for another great year, I have edited together and made FREE at patreon.com/funeralkazoo. No strings attached. Just a gift to you all, with hopes for happy holidays and a fantastic new year. –––––You ever watch a big, blockbuster sci-fi action adventure movie that turns out to be so bereft of technical and scientific merit or accuracy that you almost start to like it? Me neither! On today's very special Christmas Disaster Moviesode: we'll start by joining the shortest, worst, and probably my personal favourite business presentation of all time; we'll learn how the US government tried to spite it's enemies by giving the planet the Alderaan treatment, twice; and we'll meet the man tasked with fixing all this, and saving Earth, and everything on it, but who doesn't even know how to put on a coat.Welcome to the return of the disaster moviesode! We haven't done this in a while, but our last episode on Michael Bay's 1998 shlocktacular Armageddon was so popular, there was no way we weren't coming back to this. I promise if I win the lotto over the holidays, I'll make moviesodes a regular thing thing.Today's story, currently sits at 34% on Rotten Tomatoes. This is a film that critics called “a modestly fun exercise in disappointment”, and “as aggressively loud and obnoxious as it is tiresomely stupid”. It's 2 hours and 15 minutes, which I sat through so you didn't have to… it is my distinct pleasure to bring you this very special presentation, the 2003 Aaron Eckhart disaster masterpiece, The Core, made free to one-and-all here on Patreon as a thank you for another great year. Grab your popcorn and your safety glasses and kick your kids out of the room because otherwise this is going to make them stupider, and let's begin.–––––THANK YOU. Most shows survive at the whim of production companies and corporate sponsors, built from the top down. Doomsday doesn't exist because some network exec believes in it – it exists because actual people do. It's built from the bottom up, and it's been my privilege to bring you these stories. Just you, me, and a microphone. I don't do this for you, so much as I do this because of you. If you'd like to support the show at Buy Me A Coffee, or join the club over at Patreon for AD-FREE EPISODES, LONGER EPISODES, EXTRA CONTENT, all that good stuff.All older episodes can be found on any of your favorite channels  Apple : https://tinyurl.com/5fnbumdwSpotify : https://tinyurl.com/73tb3uuwIHeartRadio : https://tinyurl.com/vwczpv5jPodchaser : https://tinyurl.com/263kda6wStitcher : https://tinyurl.com/mcyxt6vwGoogle : https://tinyurl.com/3fjfxattSpreaker : https://tinyurl.com/fm5y22suRadioPublic : https://tinyurl.com/w67b4kecPocketCasts. : https://pca.st/ef1165v3CastBox : https://tinyurl.com/4xjpptdrBreaker. : https://tinyurl.com/4cbpfaytDeezer. : https://tinyurl.com/5nmexvwt Follow us on the socials for more Facebook : www.facebook.com/doomsdaypodcastInstagram : www.instagram.com/doomsdaypodcastTwitter : www.twitter.com/doomsdaypodcastTikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@doomsday.the.podcastSafety google off. We'll talk soon. And thanks for listening. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/doomsday-history-s-most-dangerous-podcast--4866335/support.

We take a nostalgic trip back to the Walt Disney Company Investor Day in December 2020—one of the biggest reveal events in recent Star Wars history. That day, Lucasfilm unveiled a galaxy's worth of upcoming Star Wars projects, from new series to feature films. Now that a few years have passed, it's time to look back with clear eyes and ask: What actually happened to all those announcements? In this episode, we break down every Star Wars project revealed that day and explore which ones successfully launched, which ones quietly faded away, and which are still somewhere in hyperspace limbo.  Do you remember your reaction to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, Rangers of the New Republic, and Rogue Squadron? It's a fun mix of reflection, industry insight, and fan speculation as we revisit that ambitious roadmap and evaluate how things have played out across Disney+, Lucasfilm, and the wider Star Wars universe. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

We take a nostalgic trip back to the Walt Disney Company Investor Day in December 2020—one of the biggest reveal events in recent Star Wars history. That day, Lucasfilm unveiled a galaxy's worth of upcoming Star Wars projects, from new series to feature films. Now that a few years have passed, it's time to look back with clear eyes and ask: What actually happened to all those announcements? In this episode, we break down every Star Wars project revealed that day and explore which ones successfully launched, which ones quietly faded away, and which are still somewhere in hyperspace limbo.  Do you remember your reaction to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, Rangers of the New Republic, and Rogue Squadron? It's a fun mix of reflection, industry insight, and fan speculation as we revisit that ambitious roadmap and evaluate how things have played out across Disney+, Lucasfilm, and the wider Star Wars universe. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

It's time to embrace our witchy obsession as we review Wicked: For Good, the long-awaited second chapter of Elphaba and Glinda's story! Sarah is joined by Julie Gildersleeve, Courtney Turckel, and Kelly Turckel; we head to Oz together for a spoiler-filled discussion of how this film expands on the stage musical while weaving more tightly into the events of The Wizard of Oz. With Elphaba in exile and Glinda rising as the "Good" face of the Wizard's regime, the story explores friendship, perception, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be seen as "wicked" or "good." We break down the emotional weight of the film — from Glinda's heartbreaking loneliness beneath her bubbly public persona, to Elphaba's fierce determination to protect the animals and expose the truth. We also dive into standout musical moments, including the heart-breaking "For Good," the haunting "No Good Deed," the introspective "The Girl in the Bubble," and the love song "As Long As You're Mine." The vocals, cinematography, and performances (especially Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo) are nothing short of stunning. We also explore the tragic origins of the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow, calling out the storytelling hidden in the costume design and emotional consequences of each character's transformation. But more than anything, this group of girlfriends dives into the heart of the story — Elphaba and Glinda — and how their friendship, and ours, has been changed for good. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

It's time to embrace our witchy obsession as we review Wicked: For Good, the long-awaited second chapter of Elphaba and Glinda's story! Sarah is joined by Julie Gildersleeve, Courtney Turckel, and Kelly Turckel; we head to Oz together for a spoiler-filled discussion of how this film expands on the stage musical while weaving more tightly into the events of The Wizard of Oz. With Elphaba in exile and Glinda rising as the "Good" face of the Wizard's regime, the story explores friendship, perception, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be seen as "wicked" or "good." We break down the emotional weight of the film — from Glinda's heartbreaking loneliness beneath her bubbly public persona, to Elphaba's fierce determination to protect the animals and expose the truth. We also dive into standout musical moments, including the heart-breaking "For Good," the haunting "No Good Deed," the introspective "The Girl in the Bubble," and the love song "As Long As You're Mine." The vocals, cinematography, and performances (especially Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo) are nothing short of stunning. We also explore the tragic origins of the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow, calling out the storytelling hidden in the costume design and emotional consequences of each character's transformation. But more than anything, this group of girlfriends dives into the heart of the story — Elphaba and Glinda — and how their friendship, and ours, has been changed for good. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

Happy Life Day! A Celebration of the Star Wars Holiday Special It's that time of year again — Life Day is here! We're giving thanks to Lucasfilm and CBS for blessing us with the wonderful Star Wars Holiday Special. This episode, we're celebrating in true Life Day fashion — by diving into the Holiday Special and exploring how it connects to the larger Star Wars universe in our own creative and humorous way. How did Mermeia influence the Clone Wars? How did Ackmena go from Naboo handmaiden to Halcyon bartender and end up working at the Cantina? Joining us is fellow Holiday Special enthusiast Tom Spina from Regal Robot, who brings behind-the-scenes insight and expertise to the iconic Cantina sequence. If you think you know these creatures, hang onto your gloved hooves and repainted masks!  And for a Holiday Special update: starting November 17th, Chewbacca at Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland will be donning his Life Day red robe! If you want that perfect photo with the red-robed Wookiee, don't wait — it's only available for a limited time! We'll go over all the details, plus food and merchandise, in the episode. So grab your glowing orbs, gather your clan, and join us for a joyful celebration of the weirdest, most wonderful piece of Star Wars history ever made. Show Links The Richard Pryor Show - Star Wars Bar (1977) New Regal Robot Indiana Jones Collectibles

Happy Life Day! A Celebration of the Star Wars Holiday Special It's that time of year again — Life Day is here! We're giving thanks to Lucasfilm and CBS for blessing us with the wonderful Star Wars Holiday Special. This episode, we're celebrating in true Life Day fashion — by diving into the Holiday Special and exploring how it connects to the larger Star Wars universe in our own creative and humorous way. How did Mermeia influence the Clone Wars? How did Ackmena go from Naboo handmaiden to Halcyon bartender and end up working at the Cantina? Joining us is fellow Holiday Special enthusiast Tom Spina from Regal Robot, who brings behind-the-scenes insight and expertise to the iconic Cantina sequence. If you think you know these creatures, hang onto your gloved hooves and repainted masks!  And for a Holiday Special update: starting November 17th, Chewbacca at Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland will be donning his Life Day red robe! If you want that perfect photo with the red-robed Wookiee, don't wait — it's only available for a limited time! We'll go over all the details, plus food and merchandise, in the episode. So grab your glowing orbs, gather your clan, and join us for a joyful celebration of the weirdest, most wonderful piece of Star Wars history ever made. Show Links The Richard Pryor Show - Star Wars Bar (1977) New Regal Robot Indiana Jones Collectibles

The Creature From the Black Lagoon trilogy just celebrated its 70th Anniversary, so what better time to dive into this influential classic horror series than Halloween? Our guest, Gary Gerani—Topps trading cards editor and co-writer of Pumpkinhead—joins us to share his memories of seeing The Creature from the Black Lagoon for the first time, his insights into the enduring appeal of the Gill Man, and why this Universal monster continues to captivate audiences seven decades later. We kick things off with an overview of the Universal Horror legacy, then explore each film in the Creature from the Black Lagoon trilogy, complete with fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories. And here's a teaser: do you know which future A-list actor and director got his start in the sequel Revenge of the Creature? Go ahead—make his day and tune in to find out! To pick up Gary Gerani's Card King Chronicle books, visit:

We've been looking forward to experiencing Universal Orlando's brand-new Epic Universe: Dark Universe for well over a year, and finally we made it! Walking through the fog into Darkmoor Village felt like stepping inside a classic monster movie. We rode Curse of the Werewolf and were blown away by Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. There's a reason all the vloggers keep praising this attraction. We also share our thoughts on food, merchandise, characters, and atmosphere. Meeting the NEW Bride and Frankenstein in person was the perfect ending to an unforgettable visit. Next, we joined our friend Tati Perez for a wet and wild time at Halloween Horror Nights Orlando, where ten haunted mazes awaited us—and nonstop Florida rain. But hey - it's a story! We each share our Top 3 horror mazes. Five Nights at Freddy's topped our list with its creepy animatronics, while others impressed with their artistic environments. Between mazes, we wandered through eerie “Scare Zones” like The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane, where trick-or-treaters slowly turned into feral cats under glowing jack-o'-lanterns. What's not to love about spooky season!! There are 4 other “lands” or “portals' at Epic Universe, but to keep to our Halloween theme, we focued on Dark Universe in this episode. To hear more about our entire trip, including our Skywalking Meet-up, Ministry of Magic attraction, and How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Burke, watch our Livestream dated 10/13.

We're joined by legendary author Barbara Hambly, whom we met at Legacy Expo: A Star Wars Expanded Universe convention in Burbank (Sept 13–14). After seeing her on a panel hosted by Star Warsologies' Melissa Miller, we couldn't resist inviting her on—what was meant to be a quick chat turned into a full conversation. Barbara shares stories from writing Children of the Jedi, Planet of Twilight, and her beloved short stories in Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina and Tales from Jabba's Palace—and even answers fan-favorite questions about Luke Skywalker's love life.

We're thrilled to welcome author (and good friend) Thomas Riddle to the podcast as he shares insights from his inspiring new book, Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth. What happens when teachers borrow imagineering principles—immersive storytelling, worldbuilding, and design—and bring them into the classroom? Could this be the key to unlocking deeper engagement and curiosity in students? Thomas makes a compelling case that this approach is tantalizingly possible. Blending lessons from both classroom practice and immersive design, Imagineering Education offers educators a practical framework for transforming schools into places of wonder, creativity, and authentic connection. In our conversation, we explore not only the powerful ideas in his book, but also our own public school experiences and the state of education in the U.S. today. It's a fascinating discussion you won't want to miss. Check out Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth here: Amazon link. TODAY in Star Wars History 9/22/2025 We're recording today from Long Beach, CA, on September 22, 2025—a date that's sure to be remembered in Star Wars history. Why? Because it marks the debut of the second trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu (yes, the second one—not the first!). SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

Just when we thought we found all the actors who've played Darth Vader, another emerges. Tom Bewley was the first actor to portray the Dark Lord of the Sith on screen after Return of the Jedi. He appeared in the Frank Oz-directed 1985 film, The Indian in the Cupboard. In his very first podcast interview, Tom opens up with never-before-heard stories from behind the mask. He shares what it was like stepping into Vader's boots for The Indian in the Cupboard, his duel with the Energizer Bunny in a now-legendary commercial, memories from the Star Wars 10th Anniversary convention preshow with George Lucas, and plenty more surprises. TODAY in Star Wars History 9/16/1977 48 years ago... ABC aired The Making of Star Wars as Told by C-3PO and R2-D2, an hour-long special hosted by R2-D2 and Anthony Daniels as C-3PO. Coming in the same month as Donny & Marie, Richard Pryor, and Saturday morning Star Wars previews, the special stood out by placing R2 and 3PO in a futuristic Star Wars setting to share behind-the-scenes stories. It was a clever move—fans didn't have to wait for The Empire Strikes Back to get “new” Star Wars, all thanks to Charlie Lippincott's promotional vision. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

In Part 4 of our Rebel Scum Con experience, we go behind the scenes with MORE talented artists who gave life to a few of our favorite Star Wars characters. We sat down with Toby Philpott, one of the puppeteers behind the massive Jabba the Hutt. From controlling Jabba's grotesque expressions to (maybe?) licking Princess Leia, his stories from the set are not only fascinating but filled with tips and tricks for any aspiring puppeteers out there. Next up, Femi Taylor, who played the ill-fated (but always fabulous) Oola, shares her experience on the set of RETURN OF THE JEDI. She dives into what it was like returning to the role years later and how the character still connects with fans today.. And if that wasn't cool enough, Howie Weed gives us a detailed look at his time inside the suit of the terrifying Wampa, and shares his experience with George Lucas directing! Howie even drops a hint or two about the Wampa's survival odds after that little run-in with Luke Skywalker. Each guest was incredibly generous with their time and insights, offering a mix of behind-the-scenes stories, performance techniques, and even a dash of "what if" when it comes to the fate of their characters. We couldn't get enough. Each interview is also available separately on our YouTube channel—subscribe here. Rebel Scum Con, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Throughout the next month we are sharing ALL that content, so look up episode 525 to and 526 for more interviews. TODAY in Star Wars History 9/2/2014 11 years ago... Star Wars: A New Dawn, written by John Jackson Miller with a foreword by Dave Filoni, was released by Del Rey. Serving as a prequel to Star Wars Rebels, it holds the distinction of being the very first novel in the official new Star Wars canon. We celebrated the book's 10th anniversary back in episode 481—well worth a listen if you missed it! SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you. SUPPORT THE SHOW Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content. CONTACT US Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook. If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review! Never Land on Alderaan!

We've asked what's the plan, Alderaan but this week we're going even deeper and asking WHAT'S UP WITH YOU, R2-D2? Our favorite little astromech droid had a secret mission from Princess Leia but just what else was going on? On close examination of other Star Wars stories, this mission may have been much more personal for the droid! And what if the Jawas never captured him? And what's he saying in Obi-Wan's hut? Think about these questions with us, take a sip of Star Wars wine, listen today and celebrate the love! JOIN THE BLAST POINTS ARMY and SUPPORT BLAST POINTS ON PATREON! NEW ANDOR SEASON 2 EPISODE COMMENTARIES! COMMENTARIES FOR EVERY SKELETON CREW EPISODE! NEW EMPIRE STRIKES BACK COMMENTARY! Theme Music! downloadable tunes from episodes! Extra goodies! and so much MORE! www.patreon.com/blastpoints Blast Points T-SHIRTS are now available! Represent your favorite podcast everywhere you go! Get logo shirts while supplies last! Perfect for conventions, dates, formal events and more! Get them here: www.etsy.com/shop/Gibnerd?section_id=21195481 If you dug the show, please leave BLAST POINTS a review on iTunes, Spotify and share the show with friends! If you leave an iTunes review, we will read it on a future episode! Honestly! Talk to Blast Points on twitter at @blast_points "Like" Blast Points on Facebook Join the Blast Points Super Star Wars Chill Group here www.facebook.com/groups/ BlastPointsGroup/ we are also on Instagram! Wow! www.instagram.com/blastpoints Your hosts are Jason Gibner & Gabe Bott! contact BLAST POINTS at : contact@blastpointspodcast.com May the Force be with you, always! This podcast is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.