Star Wars Generations Podcast • Beyond the Screen!

Maul: Shadow Lord • Full Series Look Back

TruStory FM — Thu, 14 May 2026 03:00:00 -0700

“Maul: Shadow Lord” just finished its first season, and the full trio is back to take stock of the whole thing. Matthew, Alex, and Erin dig into what the show got right, what that Vader appearance in the final episodes actually means, and where a certain young Jedi is headed now that her master is dead.

The conversation covers a lot of ground. How does Vader’s cold, strength-heavy fighting style land against Maul’s more tactical approach, and is some part of him carrying the memory of Anakin’s history with this guy? What does Spy-Bot’s death reveal about Maul that the deaths of loyal Mandalorians do not? And what does Devin’s arc, her doubts, her rage, and that final scene where she grips the dark side with a quiet smile, say about who she is going to become?

The hosts also get into the bigger picture: Asajj Ventress and the question of whether she shows up in season two, the Night Sisters lore threading through “Ahsoka” and where it might cross into Maul’s world, and a genuinely heated debate over which is the worse Star Wars film, “Attack of the Clones” or “The Rise of Skywalker.” The answer, it turns out, depends on whether you think cinema is about craft or story, and how much being part of a larger story matters to that question.

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This episode is a production of Star Wars Generations, an Ethical Panda podcast and part of the TruStory FM Entertainment Podcast Network. Check out our website to find out more about this show and our sister podcast Superhero Ethics.

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Maul: Shadow Lord • Reflections After Episode 10

TruStory FM — Fri, 08 May 2026 03:00:00 -0700

Darth Vader shows up in Maul: Shadow Lord without saying a single word — and somehow that’s the most terrifying thing he’s done in years. Matthew Fox is joined by Pete Wright and AK Ahab to wrap up Season 1: the Vader reveal, Devan’s accelerating fall, Spybot’s acid-bath farewell, and the Crimson Dawn cliffhanger hiding a very familiar face from Solo: A Star Wars Story.

The core debate here is one the show earns: is Maul an anti-hero, or is Maul: Shadow Lord just cosplaying as one? All three hosts land in the same place, Maul is a villain, full stop, who generates genuine sympathy without ever earning redemption, and the show is better for refusing to let him off the hook. They work through Vader’s fighting style (blunt-force strength, no Anakin artistry), the AI voice question hanging over Season 2, Devan’s Anakin-parallel point of no return, and whether Lawson’s sacrificial-father arc earns its place or takes the easy road.

AK Ahab raises the throughline from The Clone Wars to Rebels that reframes the whole season: this encounter is likely where Maul first starts to figure out who Vader actually is, and that context makes every frame of their confrontation land differently.

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Maul: Shadow Lord • Episodes 9 & 10

TruStory FM — Wed, 06 May 2026 03:00:00 -0700

Darth Vader shows up in Maul: Shadow Lord episodes 9 and 10, and not a single character in the room knows what he is. Matthew and Erin close out the first season of the Maul: Shadow Lord Disney+ series with a deep dive into the finale’s most jaw-dropping choices: the silent Vader entrance, the lightsaber choreography that deliberately echoes Return of the Jedi, and what it means that this version of Vader is barely two years removed from being Anakin Skywalker.

Why was keeping Vader silent both an ethical and a narrative win. How Maul starts putting together who Vader actually is, laying the groundwork for Rebels. Devon’s fall to the dark side, Daki’s off-screen death, and Spy-Bot’s brutal final moment. The Inquisitors feeling more genuinely dangerous here than in previous animated appearances. And a real debate about Dryden Voss’s arrival; was it the right call, especially with a recast voice in place of Paul Bettany?

Matthew and Erin also pull out for the longer view: what Vader’s inability to clean up this mission might mean for his standing with the Emperor, how the Lawson sacrifice played, and what pieces are left on the board for a potential season two.

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Maul: Shadow Lord • Episodes 7 & 8

TruStory FM — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700

Maul: Shadow Lord episodes 7 and 8 hit different, and Erin is here to tell you exactly why. From one of the most viscerally cool fight sequences in recent Star Wars animation to a solo episode-length descent into Maul’s fractured psyche, these episodes make a case for animated storytelling as genuine cinematic art.

Episode 7 delivers the action: Maul versus the Inquisitors, Devin making a pivotal choice to fight alongside him rather than flee, a souped-up speeder chase, and a Mandalorian mutiny that ends exactly as it should. Episode 8, “The Creeping Fear,” slows everything down and goes inside Maul’s head; flashbacks to Sidious’s torture, Savage’s death, and the moment Maul realizes Kenobi is already gone. Erin, a nursing student, reads the voices and emotional volatility as possible markers of schizophrenia, and the framing makes you feel the weight of it without the show ever having to say it directly.

The conversation also touches on animation vocabulary; what do we call a “shot” when there’s no camera?, and why Spybot remains the best character in the series.

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Maul: Shadow Lord • Reflections After Episode 6

TruStory FM — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700

Maul is the only one in the room telling the truth and nobody will believe him. At the halfway point of Maul: Shadow Lord, Matthew Fox is joined by returning guests Pete Wright and AK Ahab to dig into what kind of show this actually is and what to make of a character who has been a Sisyphean tragic figure across every corner of Star Wars canon.

The three hosts debate whether Maul is genuinely manipulative or just agenda-driven and honest. AK’s reading, that Maul is too deep in self-deception to deliberately deceive anyone else, reshapes the whole conversation. They also get into the show’s tonal balancing act: the crime noir Lawson subplot, the casting of a major actress in what might be a very small role, and the very real risk that the show trades its freshest ideas for a predictable Order 66 beat and a Padawan-falls arc. The meditation sequence in episode 6 alone sent AK back to rewatch The Phantom Menace fight, because Maul’s fighting form here doesn’t match his onscreen history, and that gap is either a brilliant character insight or an oncoming problem.

There’s genuine enthusiasm for Maul: Shadow Lord in this conversation, and genuine anxiety about where the back half is headed. Both feel earned.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Maul: Shadow Lord • Episodes 5 & 6

TruStory FM — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700

The Empire has arrived and no one asked for it — least of all Maul, Lawson, Daki, or Devin. Maul: Shadow Lord episodes 5 and 6 bring the full weight of Imperial authority crashing down on every faction at once, and Matthew, Alex, and Erin are here to sort through the wreckage.

The hosts dig into Two Boots’ catastrophic naivete (snitch? narc? rat? — there’s a Morgan Freeman monologue that settles it), the ideological tug-of-war between Daki’s passive-voice hope and Maul’s active-voice hunger, and whether Devin’s arc is really a dark side fall or something closer to what happened to Dooku. The animation’s quietest moment — a father and son unknowingly mirroring the same nervous gesture — lands as one of the most emotionally precise beats the show has delivered.

Also on the table: the first-ever double-bladed lightsaber versus double-bladed lightsaber duel, the Darth Talon question (with a George Lucas sequel-trilogy bombshell attached), and whether Marrok’s Nightsister-adjacent death in Ahsoka means he might not have plot armor here after all.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Maul: Shadow Lord • Episodes 3 & 4

TruStory FM — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700

Maul doesn’t threaten Devon — he listens to her, needles her anger, and offers to be whatever monster she needs him to be. Matthew and Alex dig into episodes three and four of Maul: Shadow Lord, breaking down why Maul’s approach to dark side recruitment is so much more effective than anything Palpatine ever tried, and what it means for where Devon is heading.

The hosts debate the droid at the center of the episode’s most divisive moment. Is Two Boots a narc, a snitch, or just a cop following his programming, and pull that thread into a bigger conversation about free will, droid autonomy, and what it takes for a character like this to switch sides. Meanwhile, the Empire is closing in, and the fault lines between Devon and her master Daki are starting to show.

From a one-handed lightsaber duel that’s really a power move in disguise, to speculation about Inquisitors, surprise voice actors, and whether a certain character bisected on screen is actually dead — this is a fun, fast-moving reaction conversation with a lot to say about one of Star Wars animation’s most exciting new chapters.

Mentioned in This Episode

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Maul: Shadow Lord • Episodes 1 & 2: A Bit of War Crime as a Treat

TruStory FM — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0700

A heist on a crime-syndicate planet, a “Duel of the Fates” needle drop that hasn’t been heard since The Phantom Menace, and a Sith lord who barely has to break a sweat... Maul is off to a hell of a start. Matthew and Alex welcome TruStory FM co-owner Pete Wright to break down the first two episodes of the new animated series, set in the lawless underworld of Janix at the dawn of the Empire.

The conversation covers the Blade Runner-meets-cop-noir world-building, the “sandwich prequel” problem of writing a character whose beginning and end we already know, and the big question: can Maul sustain eight episodes as a title character? Matthew makes the case that Maul is a Cassandra figure — he sees Palpatine’s plan clearly and completely, but his methods mean no one will listen to him. Meanwhile, Pete brings a sharp outside perspective on what the show owes to Andor’s willingness to let crime politics breathe.

There’s also spirited debate over Devin Izara and her Jedi master, whether the show’s hallway fight scene has earned its place in a now-crowded genre, and where Crimson Dawn fits into Maul’s long game — because Palpatine, as it turns out, is playing Candyland, and the outcome was never really in doubt.

Star Wars Generations

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Maul: Shadow Lord • Episodes 1 & 2

TruStory FM — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 01:00:00 -0700

The long wait is over — Maul: Shadow Lord is here, and episodes one and two make one thing clear: this is not a redemption arc. Matthew and Erin bring their first reactions to a Star Wars series that plants its villain firmly at the center, broken and dangerous, with Sam Witwer delivering a performance that is already carrying the whole show.

The hosts dig into a surprisingly grounded world: a cop-dad navigating custody and local crime politics, a droid turf war between Two Boots and Spybot, and a young Jedi prisoner who knew Maul’s name the second he walked in — sparking discussion about just how notorious Maul actually was at this point in the timeline. Meanwhile, Erin zeroes in on Maul’s recruitment pitch and the gap between what he tells his prisoner (“it’s not as simple as good and evil”) and what he admits to his Mandalorian ally (“I will mold her into something powerful”). The show is already playing with a fascinating central question: can someone who has already started bending the Jedi code to survive really resist what Maul is offering?

Whether the prisoner turns out to be Darth Talon or someone else entirely, both hosts are hooked — and ready to find out how this broken, revenge-obsessed man tries to rebuild an empire from scratch.

Mentioned in This Episode

Star Wars Content Discussed

The Clone Wars (referenced throughout, particularly the Shadow Collective arc and Season 7)
Star Wars Rebels (Maul’s appearances referenced)
Andor (compared to Shadow Lord’s local law enforcement storytelling)
Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (the Duel of the Fates theme moment)

Links

Connect with Matthew: matthew@theethicalpanda.com · TikTok · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter/X
Connect with Erin: Instagram · TikTok

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Maul: Shadow Lord • A Primer

TruStory FM — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 03:00:00 -0700

Darth Maul was cut in half at the end of The Phantom Menace — and then he spent a decade going slowly insane on a trash planet, came back, conquered Mandalore, and watched it all collapse again. With Maul: Shadow Lord arriving, Matthew and Erin lay out everything you need to know about how one of Star Wars’ most iconic figures ended up here. Whether you’re walking into Maul: Shadow Lord as a lifelong lore obsessive or someone who just remembers the double-bladed lightsaber, this is the episode that gets you ready.

They trace Maul’s full arc from Lotho Minor to the Siege of Mandalore: his obsessive fixation on Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Shadow Collective he built from crime lords and Death Watch soldiers, and the moment he used Satine’s death to make Kenobi feel what he had felt for years. They also dig into what Order 66 actually cost him — not just the Shadow Collective, but the only two purposes that had been animating his life since The Phantom Menace.

The conversation lands on what makes Maul: Shadow Lord such a compelling premise: Maul is the man who saw it all coming and was ignored by everyone. Now the war is over, his enemies are gone, and he has to figure out what he’s fighting for. Plus, Erin makes a strong case for why Sam Witwer’s voice performance is the reason anyone is this excited about a Maul show in the first place.

Mentioned in This Episode

Links

Connect with Matthew: matthew@theethicalpanda.com · TikTok · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter/X
Connect with Erin: Instagram · TikTok

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Maul Before the Myth

TruStory FM — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700

Darth Maul was never meant to be a true Sith and the Legends novels make that case with devastating clarity. Matthew is joined by Jonah Kellman, host of the Legends novel podcast The Archives Are Incomplete and director of the Judge Program for Star Wars: Unlimited, for a deep dive into the pre-Disney expanded universe books about Maul: Shadow Hunter, Lockdown, Saboteur, and the sweeping Darth Plagueis.

Together they build a portrait of Maul as a deliberately broken weapon, a child raised in isolation, and psychologically destroyed by Sidious to ensure he could never pose a real threat. Jonah traces Maul’s underworld connections across multiple Legends texts, showing how his return to the criminal fringes of the galaxy after The Phantom Menace is less a plot convenience and more an inevitability. They draw out the sharpest contrast in the canon: Darth Maul versus Darth Tyranus, brute force versus political cunning, down to the meaning of their names and the mechanics of their fighting styles.

This episode is essential listening before Maul: Shadow Lord — a primer on who this character was before he became the man rebuilding himself outside the Sith.

About Jonah Kellman

Jonah Kellman is the host of The Archives Are Incomplete, a podcast dedicated to the Star Wars Legends novel canon — currently on hiatus, but still findable online. By day he directs the Judge Program for the Star Wars: Unlimited trading card game. In his downtime, he paints Star Wars minis and runs a TTRPG campaign set during the final days of the Republic and the dawn of the Empire.

The Archives Are Incomplete on Spotify

Mentioned in This Episode

Star Wars Content Discussed (and episodes where we covered it)

Links

Star Wars Generations
Learn more about supporting this podcast by becoming a member. It’s just $5/month or $55/year. Visit our website to learn more.
Check out the other show in the Ethical Panda family:
- Superhero Ethics
Connect with Matthew: matthew@theethicalpanda.com · TikTok · Facebook · Instagram · Twitter/X

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Umbara Arc • Clone Wars S4: Eps 7-10

TruStory FM — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700

Pong Krell doesn't just make the clones suffer; he makes the audience question everything the Republic claims to stand for. Matthew and Alex dig into The Clone Wars' Umbara arc, one of the darkest and most ethically uncompromising storylines in all of Star Wars, in which a Jedi general treats the 501st as expendable cannon fodder, refuses to learn their names, and engineers a situation where clone kills clone. This is Star Wars Generations Podcast, where different generational perspectives meet every corner of the galaxy.

The conversation moves from the Umbarans as an uncomfortable allegory for resource-driven invasion, to the specific character arcs of Rex, Fives, and Dogma, to a genuine debate about whether the arc's big Krell reveal is a bold storytelling choice or a missed opportunity. Matthew argues the show flinches by making Krell a calculated traitor rather than a Jedi genuinely broken by war. Alex thinks the horror lands either way. They also get into whether Palpatine deliberately set this whole situation in motion — and what it means for Order 66 that clone trust in the Jedi was already fracturing here.

What makes the Umbara arc so enduring is that it works on every level at once: it's a war story, a character study, a political parable, and a piece of dark foreshadowing that pays off across multiple seasons. Fives, Rex, and Dogma all leave Umbara different people, and this episode tracks exactly how and why.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Ahsoka & Asajj on the Run • Clone Wars S4: Eps 14, 19-20

TruStory FM — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0700

Just as Asajj Ventress finally finds a community that wants her for herself, Grievous shows up and takes it apart — and that's only one of three Clone Wars arcs Matthew and Erin are dissecting this episode. They're covering Season 4 episodes 14, 19, and 20: Ahsoka's stubborn, sweet, and slightly chaotic mission to protect Lux Bonteri on Carlac; the brutal fall of the Nightsisters; and Asajj's first steps into bounty hunter territory alongside a twelve-year-old Boba Fett running his own crew.

The Ahsoka half of the conversation centers on a pointed question — when does protective loyalty tip into willful stubbornness? Matthew lays out exactly where Ahsoka ignores every off-ramp Lux offers her, Erin traces what this episode sets up for both characters down the line, and they both agree that their goodbye at the escape pod is quietly heartbreaking. The Nightsister arc gets the weight it deserves: why losing them stings so much, what Mother Talzin's fate actually means, and how the defoliator finally gets its moment after seasons of setup.

Then there's the train heist — a Firefly-flavored caper on a pressurized planet you can't land on, with Bossk, Latts Razzi, Dengar, Highsinger, and Asajj coming around to the idea that some cargo isn't cargo. Matthew and Erin dig into what makes Boba Fett work as a character here: funny and tragic in equal measure, with just enough humanity to make the right call when it counts.
Mentioned in This Episode

Star Wars Content Discussed

If this episode reminded you how rich the edges of the galaxy can get, that's exactly the point — no Anakin, no Obi-Wan, no Jedi Council required.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

How Maul Took Mandalore: Death Watch, Satine, and Palpatine's Endgame

TruStory FM — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 03:00:00 -0800

Darth Maul doesn't just survive; he conquers. With Matthew out of town, Alex and Erin take over Star Wars Generations to dig into Maul's arc across The Clone Wars Seasons 4 and 5: the Death Watch alliance, the takeover of Mandalore, and the cold, calculated murder of Satine — engineered specifically to break Obi-Wan.

The hosts trace how Maul goes from drifting through space to ruling a planet and commanding multiple crime syndicates in a matter of weeks, and what it reveals about his obsession with Kenobi. They also reckon with Palpatine's stunning arrival on Mandalore — dual-wielding lightsabers, dissolving Savage to nothing — and what it means that the Emperor kept Maul alive on purpose. Plus: the tragic arc of Savage Opress, Almec's return as a puppet ruler, and the surprisingly deep roots these episodes put down for The Mandalorian, Rebels, and everything that came after.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Anakin’s Got Game?!? • Clone Wars S4: Eps 11-13

TruStory FM — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800

Anakin lets someone die to keep his cover. That’s where The Clone Wars Season 4 goes in episodes 11–13, and Matthew and Erin are here for every uncomfortable moment of it. Erin brought these three episodes as her Season 4 picks for Star Wars Generations, the show where hosts with different generational lenses dig into every corner of the Star Wars universe together. The arc: Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ahsoka, and Rex go undercover to dismantle the resurgent Zygerrian slave empire, and almost everyone comes out of it a little darker.

Matthew and Erin trace the arc’s argument that Palpatine’s war has been quietly breaking the Jedi this whole time; normalizing moral compromise, putting Jedi in situations they were never built for, and handing Anakin one impossible choice after another. They dig into the Zygerrian Queen’s argument that Jedi are just slaves to the Republic, Obi-Wan’s torture-as-strategy, Anakin’s escalating use of lethal force, Anakin showing a flirting talent he never had in the prequels, and the devastating final question: if the Jedi once destroyed an entire slave empire, why did they never go back for Tatooine?

Erin also brings a close eye to the Togrutan colonists—their distinct biology, culture, and what their vulnerability in this arc means for Ahsoka’s relationship to her own people. And Rex closes it out with one of the best lines in the series.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Clone Wars S4 • Obi-Wan Undercover: Eps 15-18

TruStory FM — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800

Clone Wars S4 • Obi-Wan Undercover: Eps 15-18

When Obi-Wan fakes his death to infiltrate a bounty hunter plot against Palpatine, the mission succeeds—but the Jedi Council's deception shatters Anakin's trust and pushes him closer to the dark side. Matthew and Erin explore how this arc becomes a rehearsal for Revenge of the Sith, revealing Palpatine's long-game manipulation and the cracks forming in both the Jedi Order and Anakin's loyalty.

Episodes Covered

Season 4, Episode 15—"Deception"
Season 4, Episode 16—"Friends and Enemies"
Season 4, Episode 17—"The Box"
Season 4, Episode 18—"Crisis on Naboo"

Key Discussions

Why hiding Obi-Wan's survival from Anakin was the Council's biggest tactical mistake
How Palpatine uses this kidnapping plot as a dry run for Revenge of the Sith
Clone trooper corruption in Republic prisons—what does it reveal about the war?
Cad Bane's refusal to ditch his iconic hat despite being the galaxy's most wanted
The "Star Wars Squid Game" death trap of The Box
Anakin's chilling threat: "You should have quit while you were still alive"

From Anakin's explosive grief to Palpatine's calculated smirk when Anakin nearly kills Dooku, this arc captures the tragedy of a hero's fall—one justified lie at a time.

Related Episodes

Learn More

Deception arc on Wookieepedia

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Clone Wars S3 • Heroes on Both Sides + Ahsoka Hunted for Sport

TruStory FM — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800

Erin’s Season 3 Favorites—Heroes on Both Sides and Ahsoka Hunted for Sport

What happens when you mix separatist political intrigue, a classic mob betrayal, and one of the darkest survival stories in Star Wars animation? Matthew and Erin dive into four standout episodes from The Clone Wars Season 3—Episodes 9 – 10 and 21 – 22—spanning Senate-era moral complexity, underworld drama, and Ahsoka’s most brutal test yet. From Sy Snootles’ mob-wife energy in “Hunt for Zero,” to the political nuance of “Heroes on Both Sides” (and Ahsoka’s iconic new outfit debut), to the terrifying Trandoshan hunt arc, these episodes show just how wide—and how dark—The Clone Wars can get.

Episodes Covered

Season 3, Episode 9—“Hunt for Zero”
Season 3, Episode 10—“Heroes on Both Sides” (Ahsoka’s new look debut)
Season 3, Episodes 21 – 22—The Trandoshan Hunting Arc
- “Padawan Lost”
- “Wookiee Hunt”

Questions We Discussed

Would Anakin have turned to the dark side if Quinlan Vos had been his master instead of Obi-Wan?
Does “Heroes on Both Sides” actually succeed in showing heroism among the Separatists?
Why is the Trandoshan hunting arc one of the darkest storylines Star Wars has ever told?
How does Ahsoka’s relationship with Anakin evolve when she operates independently?
What makes Sy Snootles the perfect mob wife character in Star Wars?
How does meeting Lux Bonteri influence Ahsoka’s understanding of the war’s complexities?

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Maul: Shadow Lord • Trailer Breakdown + Clone Wars Return

TruStory FM — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 03:00:00 -0800

Maul Returns: Breaking Down the Shadow Lord Trailer and His Clone Wars Survival

The Star Wars timeline between Revenge of the Sith and Rebels remains one of the franchise’s most intriguing periods, and the upcoming Maul: Shadow Lord series drops us right into the early Imperial era. With the trailer now public, we’re revisiting how Maul survived being bisected in The Phantom Menace and examining the Clone Wars episodes that revealed his shocking return, along with the trailer itself. From spider-legged madness to criminal syndicate mastermind, Maul’s journey through the underworld of the galaxy takes center stage as he faces Inquisitors, builds his empire, and potentially trains a new apprentice in Darth Talon.

In this episode, we discuss:

When does Maul: Shadow Lord take place in the Star Wars timeline, and how does it connect to The Bad Batch and Solo?
What are Maul’s motivations during the early Imperial era, and why is he building a criminal empire?
How does the character of Savage Opress differ from Maul in his approach to brutality and the dark side?
Why does Maul constantly seek apprentices, and what does this reveal about his psychological state after being abandoned by Palpatine?
What makes the Clone Wars episodes revealing Maul’s survival so important for understanding his character arc?
How does Maul’s obsession with both destroying and mimicking the Sith master-servant dynamic define his actions?

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Clone Wars S3 • Clone Cadets: Ep 1

TruStory FM — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800

Clone Cadets: Where Domino Squad Learned to Stop Failing

Before Fives uncovered Order 66 and Echo became a cyborg, they were just cadets who couldn't pass basic training. This Season 3 premiere of Clone Wars takes us to Kamino's training facilities where Domino Squad—Echo, Fives, Hevy, Droidbait, and Cutup—face decommissioning if they can't learn to work as a team. With Shaak Ti advocating for compassion, Bric sabotaging their test, and 99 offering unexpected wisdom, these misfits must prove that clone troopers are more than their numbers.

Matthew, Erin, and youngest fan Aurelia (age 11) explore why this training episode hits differently when you know where these characters end up, and how Dee Bradley Baker manages to voice an entire squad talking to themselves.

Questions We Discussed:

Why does leaving a man behind result in automatic failure, and how does that theme echo throughout Clone Wars?
How does Shaak Ti's motherly compassion toward the clones contrast with her minimal role in the prequel films?
What makes 99 such a compelling character despite his brief appearances in the series?
Why do clone naming conventions matter so much to characters like Fives and Echo?
What makes Dee Bradley Baker's voice work in clone-heavy scenes so impressive when each character remains instantly identifiable?
How does knowing Fives' and Echo's eventual fates change the way we watch their origin story?

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Book Club • Why We Love Star Wars Novels

TruStory FM — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800

Why We Love Star Wars Novels: Behind the Scenes of Star Wars Generations Book Club

The Star Wars Generations hosts pull back the curtain on their popular book club series, explaining what makes the written word such a powerful medium for galaxy far, far away storytelling. Erin, Alex, and Matthew share their personal journeys with Star Wars literature and preview upcoming selections.

What makes Star Wars books worth reading when the franchise is so visual? While Star Wars is known for spectacular lightsaber duels and space battles, novels provide something films cannot: direct access to characters' internal thoughts and emotional struggles. This inside-the-head perspective reveals motivations, moral conflicts, and character development that external observation alone cannot capture, making quieter characters and complex political situations come alive.

How did Karen Traviss's Republic Commando series revolutionize clone representation? Traviss transformed clones from the faceless soldiers seen in Attack of the Clones into fully realized individuals. By exploring what it means to be a 10-year-old mind in a warrior's body—someone with combat training but limited life experience—the series gave clones emotional depth and raised profound questions about creating sentient beings designed for war.

Why do some fans prefer Senate politics to lightsaber battles? Books allow for detailed exploration of governmental intrigue and bureaucratic maneuvering that would never sustain a film or TV show. Whether it's Claudia Gray's Bloodline following Princess Leia through New Republic politics or imagining literal Senate meeting minutes from the late Republic era, novels serve readers who find the talking more compelling than the fighting.

How do novels keep the Star Wars universe alive between screen content? For fans who grew up with limited films and shows, books opened doors to unexplored corners of the galaxy and filled gaps that visual media cannot cover. From the original Timothy Zahn Thrawn trilogy to modern canon novels, books answer lingering questions, develop side characters, and create the connective tissue between major events—including crucial story elements like Vader discovering Padmé's grave that many fans miss in comics.

Other Topics Covered:

How the Darth Plagueis novel makes the prequel trilogy more meaningful
The value of reading movie novelizations for additional character insight
How Thrawn's journey from Legends books to Rebels to Ahsoka demonstrates the book-to-screen pipeline
The challenge of reading established film characters on page versus original literary creations
Doctor Aphra's successful transition from comics to audio dramatization
The hosts' different relationships with comics versus prose
Important canon revelations happening in comics that fans might miss
How books serve readers at different ages and knowledge levels

The hosts invite listeners to read along and share their own Star Wars reading recommendations, with advance notice of upcoming topics for group discussion.

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Star Wars 2025 in Review

TruStory FM — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 03:00:00 -0800

As 2025 draws to a close, the Star Wars landscape looks radically different than it did a year ago. The Acolyte's cancellation sent shockwaves through the fandom, Skeleton Crew emerged as an unexpected gem, and Andor Season 2 proved why some stories are worth the wait. Matthew, Erin, and Alex reunite to reflect on a tumultuous year that saw creative risks, behind-the-scenes drama, and a franchise at a crossroads.

Questions We Explored

How did Skeleton Crew defy expectations to become one of the year's standout shows? From Jod Na Nawood's complex villainy to the show's Amblin-inspired heart, we discuss what made this series work when skepticism ran high.
Did Andor Season 2 deliver on its promise as prestige Star Wars television? We break down why this season elevated political drama in the franchise and why the three-episode arcs proved so effective.
What does the Mandoverse's future look like after The Mandalorian and Grogu film announcement? We explore Dave Filoni's expanding role and whether interconnected storytelling helps or hinders individual shows.
How has Star Wars animation evolved with Tales of the Empire and The Bad Batch's conclusion? We discuss Morgan Elsbeth's origin story, Barriss Offee's redemption, and whether animated content is carrying the franchise's creative torch.
What role did fandom toxicity play in shaping this year's Star Wars conversation? From review bombing to the Acolyte controversy, we examine how online discourse impacts creative decisions and cast members.
Where should Star Wars go next to recapture its creative momentum? We offer our perspectives on what stories the franchise should tell, which risks are worth taking, and how to balance nostalgia with innovation.

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Star Wars: Visions Volume 3

TruStory FM — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800

With a new season of Star Wars: Visions out, we’re talking about the stories we love, the ones that made us think, and the ones that made us scratch our heads.

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Clone Wars S3 • The Nightsisters Arc: Eps 12-14

TruStory FM — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 03:00:00 -0800

When Count Dooku betrays Asajj Ventress on Palpatine's orders, she returns to her origins on Dathomir—and the revenge plot that unfolds introduces one of the most tragic characters in Star Wars. This three-episode arc of Clone Wars explores the dark magic of the Nightsisters, Mother Talzin's machinations, and ends with a shocking revelation: Darth Maul is alive. Matthew, Erin, and Alex break down Ventress' survivor mentality, the brutal Sith training methods on display, and why Savage Opress' story hits harder than you might expect.

Questions we discussed:

Does the infamous "kiss of death" scene represent peak Star Wars femme fatale energy or peak cringe?
Why does Palpatine really order Dooku to eliminate Ventress—is it about power or loyalty?
How does Mother Talzin's magic compare to traditional Force abilities in the Star Wars universe?
What makes Savage Opress one of the most tragic characters in the Clone Wars series?
How does Dooku's abusive training of Savage contrast with his compassionate mentorship of Qui-Gon Jinn?
Why doesn't Obi-Wan immediately recognize that the Zabrak warrior isn't actually Darth Maul?

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Clone Wars S3 • The Mortis Arc: Eps 15-17

TruStory FM — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800

Matthew, Erin, and Alex dive into the Clone Wars' most mystical and mind-bending storyline: the Mortis arc. When Anakin, Obi-Wan, and Ahsoka are summoned to a Force-rich realm where three powerful beings—the Father, the Son, and the Daughter—control the balance between light and dark, everything we thought we knew about the Chosen One prophecy gets turned upside down. These episodes introduce cosmic Force mythology that reverberates throughout Star Wars, from Rebels to Ahsoka, yet they leave more questions than answers about destiny, balance, and what it truly means to be the Chosen One.

Questions We Discussed:

What does the Chosen One prophecy actually mean, and did Anakin fulfill it?
How do the Father, Son, and Daughter represent the different aspects of the Force?
Why does the Father's passivity lead to disaster, and what does that say about the Jedi Order?
Does "balance" mean equal light and dark, or the destruction of the Sith?
How does Mortis connect to later Star Wars series like Rebels and Ahsoka?
What makes these episodes so different from the rest of Star Wars storytelling?

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Clone Wars S2 • Senatorial Drama: Eps 4 & 15

TruStory FM — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 03:00:00 -0800

“Today it’s breaking a chair. Tomorrow, the Death Star.”

The Clone Wars S2E4 "Senate Spy" & S2E15 "Senate Murders"

The hosts examine two Padmé-focused episodes that explore The Clone Wars beyond the battlefield. "Senate Spy" depicts Anakin's toxic jealousy when Padmé goes undercover with former acquaintance Senator Clovis, while "Senate Murders" delivers a political whodunit following the assassination of Senator Onaconda Farr during debates over military funding.

Topics Discussed:

Is Anakin's jealousy romantic or a red flag? How the episode portrays possessiveness and attachment as warning signs rather than endearing qualities
Does Clovis treat Padmé better than Anakin? Examining moments of genuine sacrifice versus entitled possession in their respective relationships
How did Anakin build an idealized version of Padmé in his head? The trauma bonding of their first meeting versus ten years of fantasizing about "the perfect woman"
Does "Senate Spy" lay groundwork for Revenge of the Sith? Comparing strong Padmé here versus her weakened characterization in Episode III
What makes "Senate Murders" relevant to modern politics? Parallels between fictional war profiteering and real-world military-industrial influence in government
Why was Lieutenant Tan Divo such a condescending diva? The inspector's on-the-nose name and his dismissive treatment of both Jedi and senators

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Clone Wars S2 • The Deserter: Ep 10

TruStory FM — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700

The Clone Wars S2E10 "The Deserter"

The hosts dive into one of The Clone Wars' most thought-provoking episodes, examining Rex's encounter with Cut Lawquane—a clone who abandoned the war to build a family. This episode raises uncomfortable questions about choice, duty, and whether the clones are essentially slave soldiers fighting a war they never agreed to join.

Topics Discussed:

Are Cut's children biologically his? The math doesn't add up with the war's timeline, but does it matter for the story being told?
Can clones reproduce? Examining the evidence for and against clone fertility in Star Wars canon
Is desertion justified when you never had a choice? How Cut's arguments challenge Rex's understanding of duty and honor
Why does this pivotal episode come so early? Should this moment have fundamentally changed Rex's character going forward?
How does the non-chronological storytelling affect character development? The frustrations and benefits of The Clone Wars' scattered timeline
What's the historical context? How late-2000s attitudes about Iraq and Afghanistan inform this episode's themes

Star Wars Generations Podcast is transitioning to an every-other-week schedule while covering older Clone Wars material.

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The Mandalorian and Grogu • Trailer Response

TruStory FM — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 03:00:00 -0700

The first trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu has dropped, and Erin and Alex dive deep into every frame while Matthew sits this one out (spoiler-free as always). From Zeb's live-action bow staff combat to Rotta the Hutt's surprising return, the hosts unpack what this May 2026 release might mean for the Star Wars galaxy post-Empire.

In this episode we discuss:

What does Grogu's increased independence and combat capability signal for his character development?
Will Zeb's fighting style from Rebels translate effectively to live action?
How does Rotta the Hutt's transformation from Clone Wars connect to this film's story?
What role will the Anzellans (Babu Frik's species) play in the movie?
Is this film setting up a larger confrontation with Thrawn and the Imperial Shadow Council?
Where does this story fit in the timeline relative to Ahsoka and other Disney+ shows?
What can we expect from Sigourney Weaver's New Republic officer character?
Why is the return of Star Wars to theaters after six years so significant?

Hosts: Erin & Alex (Matthew abstaining to avoid spoilers)

Note: Contains spoilers for The Mandolorian and Grogu trailer and discussion of footage shown at Star Wars Celebration.

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Clone Wars S2 • The Geonosian Arc: Eps 5-8

TruStory FM — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700

The Geonosian Arc Deep Dive (Star Wars: The Clone Wars S2 E5-8)

Erin and Matthew dissect one of Star Wars: The Clone Wars' most complex story arcs, examining the Second Battle of Geonosis and its haunting brain worm invasion. This four-episode storyline reveals disturbing parallels between wartime ethics and the Jedi's moral contradictions, while showcasing the contrasting mentorship styles that would ultimately shape the galaxy's fate.

Key Discussion Points:

What makes Barris Offee and Ahsoka's partnership so compelling? Their contrasting styles — methodical preparation versus creative improvisation — demonstrate how opposing approaches create an effective Jedi team dynamic
Was Luminara wrong to accept potential sacrifice while Anakin fought to save lives? Their conflicting philosophies reveal fundamental ideological differences shaping the Order's future
How do the Geonosians challenge our understanding of "enemy combatants"? The storyline draws uncomfortable parallels between Republic invasion tactics and real-world military ethics
Why does the Republic treat Geonosian lives differently than droid casualties? Even respected Jedi like Ki-Adi-Mundi adopt concerning wartime rhetoric that dehumanizes their opponents
Does Anakin's torture of Poggle the Lesser reveal his dark side tendencies? His actions raise crucial questions about whether desperate circumstances can justify abandoning core Jedi principles
How does the brain worm horror storyline prepare Ahsoka for Order 66? Facing mind-controlled clones becomes crucial training for future betrayal
What can we learn from comparing Obi-Wan's scientific curiosity to Anakin's aggressive pragmatism? Their opposing approaches highlight the growing philosophical divide within the Jedi Order

Featured Episodes: "Landing at Point Rain," "Weapons Factory," "Legacy of Terror," "Brain Invaders"

Hosts: Matthew, Erin (with baby Penn making cameo appearances and Alex contributing via audio clips)

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Clone Wars • Season 2 Eps 12-14: Mandalore Arc

TruStory FM — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700

The Mandalore Plot Arc: Obi-Wan's Lost Love and Anakin's Dark Path

Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ Season Two's Mandalore trilogy of episodes explores one of the most pivotal character arcs in Star Wars. This three-episode storyline introduces Duchess Satine, reveals Obi-Wan's romantic past, and showcases a chilling moment that foreshadows Anakin's fall to the dark side.

Key Questions Explored

Is pacifism realistic in wartime? The hosts debate whether Duchess Satine's complete rejection of Mandalore's warrior culture was the right approach, or if her pacifism actually enabled the very violence she sought to prevent.

How did Obi-Wan's forbidden love shape his mentorship of Anakin? The episode reveals that Obi-Wan once considered leaving the Jedi Order for Satine, raising questions about whether his own romantic struggles made him too lenient with Anakin's secret marriage to Padmé.

What makes Anakin's cold-blooded killing so significant? When Anakin executes Senator Tal Merrick without hesitation, the hosts analyze how this moment perfectly captures his path toward becoming Darth Vader—choosing expedient violence over Jedi restraint.

Should the Republic have respected Mandalore's neutrality? The discussion examines Palpatine's manipulation tactics and whether the Senate's willingness to ignore Mandalore's sovereignty mirrors real-world political interventions.

Episodes covered: "The Mandalore Plot," "Voyage of Temptation," and "Duchess of Mandalore"

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Rogue One After Andor: How the Series Transforms the Film

TruStory FM — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:00:00 -0700

The hosts of Star Wars Generations reunite after their hiatus to discuss rewatching Rogue One following the conclusion of Andor Season Two. This episode explores how the Disney+ series fundamentally changes the viewing experience of the 2016 film, adding emotional depth and context that wasn't there before.

How does Cassian Andor's character development in the series change his role in Rogue One? The hosts examine how knowing Cassian's backstory makes every decision and mannerism more impactful, particularly that opening scene where he shoots his informant Tivik. Understanding his journey from reluctant participant to committed rebel adds weight to moments that previously felt surface-level.

What does Andor reveal about the Empire's political machinery? Beyond the obvious evil of planet-destroying superweapons, the series shows the propaganda, political maneuvering, and systematic oppression that drives people to rebellion. The hosts discuss how this context makes characters like Director Krennic more menacing and the rebels' desperation more understandable.

How does the Rebel Alliance's internal structure affect the story? Seeing the fractured, bureaucratic nature of the rebellion in Andor makes the "going rogue" aspect of Rogue One more meaningful. The hosts explore how the series shows rebels literally rebelling against their own leadership.

What's the real nature of Cassian and Jyn's relationship? The episode tackles online discourse about whether their connection was romantic, especially given Cassian's relationship with Bix in Andor. The hosts argue for a more nuanced interpretation that doesn't require choosing sides or diminishing either relationship.

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Andor • Season 2 Feedback

TruStory FM — Thu, 29 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Andor Series Finale Discussion & Summer Hiatus Announcement

The Star Wars Generations team concludes their deep dive into the Andor series on Disney+ with a discussion of its darkest moments, compelling character arcs, and thought-provoking political themes. Hosts Matthew, Alex, and Erin share their thoughts on the series finale's shocking revelations and announce an upcoming summer hiatus as Matthew prepares to welcome a new addition to his family.

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Rogue One • Rebroadcast

TruStory FM — Thu, 22 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Rebroadcast of Rogue One Coverage

Andor has come to an end, and after a month of recording within 24 hours of the episodes going live—and the recent baby shower for my soon-to-arrive new Padawan—we need a week off. In this episode, we’re sharing details about our new release schedule and revisiting Rogue One with a rebroadcast of our in-depth coverage. Since Andor leads directly into Rogue One, it’s the perfect time to revisit this pivotal film!

In this rebroadcast episode of the Star Wars Generations podcast, hosts Matthew, Erin, and Alex dive deep into their analysis of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The hosts take a break from their Andor coverage to revisit this pivotal film that connects directly to the original Star Wars trilogy.

Why Rogue One Stands Out in the Star Wars Universe

The hosts discuss what makes Rogue One unique among Star Wars films. Erin describes it as her favorite Star Wars movie, praising how it grounds the franchise in realism and brings a more adult tone to the universe. The hosts appreciate how the film shows that not every "good guy" is truly good, creating moral complexity that was later expanded upon in Andor.

Character Development and Moral Complexity

The discussion focuses on Cassian Andor's character, noting how the film introduces him shooting his own ally to escape—an action that sets the tone for a morally complex story. This portrayal differs dramatically from traditional heroic characters in Star Wars. Jyn Erso's character development receives significant attention, with the hosts praising Felicity Jones' performance and how she portrays someone initially driven by selfish reasons who gradually buys into the rebellion's cause.

The Film's Impact on Star Wars Storytelling

Matthew highlights how important Rogue One was for expanding the Star Wars universe, demonstrating that compelling stories could be told without Force-using protagonists and focusing on characters who contribute to small battles rather than winning the entire war. This approach opened doors for projects like Andor, which the hosts consider among the best Star Wars content produced.

Topics Discussed:

How did the darker, grittier tone of Rogue One differentiate it from traditional Star Wars films?
What made K-2SO one of the most memorable droid characters in the franchise?
How does Orson Krennic embody the Empire's bureaucratic infighting and ambition?
Why was Saw Gerrera's transition from animation to live-action significant?
What continuity issues exist between Rogue One and A New Hope, and why don't they matter?
How does the film's ending connect emotionally to the original Star Wars?
Why is the Darth Vader hallway scene considered one of the most iconic moments in Star Wars?

The episode concludes with all three hosts affirming Rogue One as one of their favorite Star Wars films, with Erin declaring she'll "preach about it till the day I die" and Alex suggesting it's the perfect film to recommend to people unsure about Star Wars or who think the franchise has been ruined.

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Andor • S2 E10-12

TruStory FM — Fri, 16 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Star Wars Generations: Andor Season 2 Finale Reactions - The Dawn of Rebellion

The groundbreaking Andor series reaches its powerful conclusion, connecting directly to Rogue One and reshaping how we view the Star Wars universe. In this episode, hosts Matthew and Alex share their immediate reactions to the final episodes of Andor Season 2, examining how the show bridges crucial gaps in the Rebellion's formation while delivering some of television's most compelling character arcs.

How Does Andor Enhance the Larger Star Wars Narrative?

The hosts explore how Andor doesn't just stand alone but actively enriches the entire Star Wars saga. By connecting seamlessly to Rogue One and A New Hope, the series makes the sacrifices in the original trilogy even more meaningful. The show provides essential context for understanding the Rebellion's origins, showing the personal costs and moral compromises that went into fighting the Empire long before Luke Skywalker entered the picture.

What Makes Luthen Such a Complex Character?

Luthen embodies the moral complexities at the heart of revolution, raising uncomfortable questions about means and ends. As Matthew notes, the character "troubles me the most, and I think that's the point," drawing comparisons to historical revolutionary figures who employed violent tactics in service of just causes. Luthen's own words resonate throughout the series: "I'm condemned to use the tools of my enemy to defeat them," highlighting the central ethical dilemma facing all resistance movements. The hosts debate whether his methods were justified and how his character forces viewers to question their own moral judgments about real-world resistance movements.

How Does the Empire Treat Its Own People?

The fate of Imperial officers like Dedra Meero and Partagaz reveals a brutal truth: "You could do everything for the Empire, you could give yourself to it... but in the end, no matter how loyal you are, you're expendable." The hosts discuss how the series brilliantly portrays the Empire's callous treatment of even its most dedicated servants, creating a system where middle-management bullies like Krennic thrive while true believers are discarded when no longer useful.

What Legacy Is Left Behind?

The final moments of the series spark discussion about how characters' sacrifices ripple through the timeline. As Luthen states in his powerful speech, "I burned my life to make a sunrise that I know I'll never see," foreshadowing the future that Cassian and others will help create but never witness themselves. The hosts debate the controversial ending for Bix's character and whether it serves the narrative or relies too heavily on common tropes.

Other Topics Covered:

How K2-SO's introduction creates both comedic moments and surprisingly tense action scenes
The significance of Easter eggs connecting to other Star Wars properties, including Rebels
Whether Kleya and Cassian might be siblings, and why making this connection would undermine the story
How actors delivered Emmy-worthy performances across multiple complex roles
The perfect execution of Andor as a complete two-season story with clear vision from start to finish
Why Orson Krennic's introduction establishes him as the quintessential Imperial middle-manager bully
The visual parallels between key scenes in the finale and Rogue One's ending

Andor has redefined what Star Wars storytelling can achieve on television, creating a rare series that appeals equally to hardcore fans and newcomers to the galaxy far, far away. By focusing on ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances, the show illuminates the personal costs of resistance while never losing sight of why the fight against tyranny matters—even when victory seems impossible and the path forward requires difficult compromises.

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Andor • S2 E7-9

TruStory FM — Fri, 09 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Ghorman Massacre, Mon Mothma's Speech, and Political Parallels

In this gripping episode of Star Wars Generations, hosts Matthew, Alex, Erin, and Aaron dive deep into what many consider the pinnacle of Star Wars television (at least until next week): Andor Season 2 Episodes 7-9. The discussion centers on the shocking Ghorman massacre, Syril and Dedra's complex relationship, and Mon Mothma's pivotal speech that formally launches the Rebel Alliance.

The hosts analyze how Episode 8's Ghorman massacre serves as a chilling parallel to real-world protests and government responses. They point out how the Empire deliberately created conditions for violence by barricading the plaza, strategically opening it, and then using a planted sniper to incite riots—tactics reminiscent of how governments have historically responded to protests in our world. When the protesters chant "The galaxy is watching," the hosts draw comparisons to the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests in Chicago where demonstrators shouted "The whole world is watching" as police violently responded.

The discussion turns to how the Empire controlled the media narrative, with news reports spinning the massacre as "terrorist violence" rather than a government atrocity—highlighting the parallels between Star Wars and our own media landscape. The hosts examine how Tony Gilroy's writing makes explicit connections between the Empire's tactics and contemporary political situations.

Syril and Dedra's relationship takes a dramatic turn when Syril discovers Dedra's role in orchestrating the Ghorman massacre. After nearly strangling her in his rage, Syril abandons the Empire to pursue Andor, whom he still blames for the deaths that started his journey. The hosts discuss how Syril's character arc represents someone who believed in justice through institutional power only to discover the system's corruption, leading to his violent rejection of Dedra—whom he once idolized.

One of the most significant moments explored is Mon Mothma's powerful speech denouncing the Empire, which formally launches the Rebel Alliance. The hosts analyze her journey from working within the system to finally breaking away after being gradually isolated and betrayed by those around her. Her speech about the "death of truth" being "the ultimate victory of evil" resonates powerfully with contemporary political discourse, showing how Star Wars continues to reflect real-world struggles against authoritarianism.

Key Topics Discussed:

How does Episode 7 set up the characters for the dramatic events in Episodes 8-9?
What real-world protest events did the Ghorman massacre parallel?
How did Syril's character evolve from Imperial loyalist to someone who attacks Dedra?
Why did Bix choose to leave Andor rather than stay with him?
What made Mon Mothma's speech so powerful and relevant to today's political climate?
How does Andor's role in helping Mon Mothma escape connect to his ultimate fate in Rogue One?
What significance does K2SO's introduction have for the final arc of the series?

The hosts conclude by praising Andor as possibly the best Star Wars media ever produced, while acknowledging that the franchise benefits from having a variety of tones across different shows. With only one more arc left in the series, they express both excitement to see K2SO in the final episodes and disappointment that this groundbreaking show is nearing its conclusion.

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Andor • S2 E4-6

TruStory FM — Fri, 02 May 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Matthew, Alex (also known as "Where is Jimmy"), and Erin (also known as "A Sapphic Love Affair") dissect the middle chapters of Andor Season 2. The group dives into how these pivotal episodes mark the halfway point of both the season and the entire Andor series, discussing the show's transformation into a sophisticated spy drama within the Star Wars universe.

The hosts analyze how Cassian Andor has transitioned from a side character in the first three episodes to now taking center stage. His complex relationship with Bix becomes a major focus, with the hosts questioning whether their relationship is healing or codependent. What began as a seemingly sweet reunion ultimately reveals deep trauma, culminating in a shocking revenge scene that surprised everyone.

Key Storylines and Discussion Points

The hosts examine multiple concurrent plotlines developing across different planets. Saw Gerrera's militant rebel faction introduces bizarre elements like "radonium huffing" that may explain his physical deterioration by Rogue One. Meanwhile, the Ghorman storyline showcases inexperienced rebels making fatal mistakes despite warnings from more seasoned fighters like Cassian.

The Imperial Security Bureau (ISB) scenes particularly captivated the hosts, with Syril's complex double-agent role generating significant discussion. The memorable phrase "turn out the lights" between Dedra and Syril sparked playful speculation about their unconventional relationship, while Mon Mothma's careful political maneuvering at an Imperial gala showcases her walking a dangerous line.

Additional topics discussed:

Did the shocking Dr. Gorst murder scene feel earned or rushed?
How does Tony Gilroy excel at writing powerful monologues, particularly Val's heartbreaking speech after Cinta's death?
Why was Benjamin Bratt's recasting as Bail Organa jarring for some fans?
What connections exist between the rebel base location and The Force Awakens?
How do the Ghorman massacre references cleverly incorporate EU/Legends material into canon?
What parallels exist between Imperial loyalty oaths and real-world nationalist rituals?
Which moments highlight the stark contrast between amateur and professional rebels?

The hosts conclude by noting they attended a theatrical screening of Revenge of the Sith, teasing bonus content for premium subscribers in their next episode. This mid-season analysis captures how Andor continues to elevate Star Wars storytelling with sophisticated character development, political intrigue, and morally complex takes on rebellion.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Andor • S2 E1-3

TruStory FM — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700

The hosts of Star Wars Generations dive deep into the first three episodes of Andor Season 2, which premiered with a triple-episode release. Matthew, Erin, and Alex explore how the show immediately establishes its political commentary and continues its unflinching portrayal of life under the Empire's fascist regime.

What makes Andor Season 2 so politically charged?

Within the first five minutes, the show tackles current political issues through its storytelling. The hosts discuss how the plot involving undocumented workers (referred to explicitly as not having "visas") on a farming planet directly parallels real-world immigration issues. The Empire's plan to exploit the planet Ghorman for resources regardless of environmental or human cost also serves as commentary on resource exploitation and colonialism.

How does the show portray different facets of the Empire?

The podcast hosts examine how the show depicts various characters within the Imperial system. From Dedra and Syril's domestic life to the cold Imperial board meetings with Krennic, the series demonstrates how ordinary people participate in and enable fascist regimes. The stark contrast between the comfortable lives of Imperial officers and the struggling rebels highlights the inequality within the Star Wars universe.

What connections to the wider Star Wars universe appear in these episodes?

The hosts identify several connections to the animated series Rebels, including Cassian stealing what appears to be a TIE Interceptor (a project championed by Grand Admiral Thrawn) and the mention of Ghorman (which Mon Mothma later condemns the Empire for abusing in Rebels). They theorize these connections may lead to appearances from characters like Thrawn or depict events referenced in other Star Wars media.

Other topics discussed:

The controversial scene involving attempted sexual assault against Bix and its portrayal of power abuse within the Empire
Mon Mothma's storyline involving Chandrilan wedding traditions and her strained family relationships
Brasso's death and the ambiguity around whether Andor was responsible
The portrayal of squabbling rebel factions on Yavin 4 and what it says about resistance movements
The parallels between the lavish Chandrilan wedding ceremony and the violence occurring simultaneously on other planets
Dedra and Syril's domestic relationship and interactions with his mother
The Imperial strategy meeting discussing how to create justifications for destroying Ghorman

The hosts conclude that while some storylines (particularly the Yavin 4 sequence) felt somewhat drawn out, the overall quality of the show remains exceptional. They express excitement about where the season is heading and how it will connect to the events of Rogue One, noting that these early episodes have already paid off some of their predictions while setting up compelling new storylines.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Andor Season 2 Primer

TruStory FM — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700

What to Expect Before the Star Wars Series Returns

Matthew and Alex talk about everything we need to know for Andor Season 2! The new season will bridge the gap between the first season and Rogue One, showing the evolution of the Rebellion during a crucial five-year period.

Matthew and Alex reflect on what made Andor Season 1 such a groundbreaking addition to Star Wars storytelling — its mature themes, complex moral questions, and unprecedented quality of writing and acting. The hosts discuss how Season 1 presented a more "adult" version of Star Wars that wasn't afraid to explore the moral complexities of rebellion and resistance.

What loose threads from Season 1 might Season 2 address?

One of the major talking points is how Season 2 might resolve storylines introduced but not concluded in Season 1. The hosts discuss the possibility of exploring Cassian's search for his sister — including a fan theory that Kleya, Luthen's assistant, might actually be Cassian's long-lost sister. They also wonder if we'll learn more about Cassian's feelings regarding his adoption by Maarva.

How will Mon Mothma's story progress?

The hosts speculate on Mon Mothma's storyline, particularly regarding the potential arranged marriage of her daughter to secure funding for the Rebellion. They note how Season 1 explored themes of tradition across different cultures, and how this might continue to play a role as Mon Mothma navigates her responsibilities to both family and revolution.

What other Star Wars characters might appear in Season 2?

Will Orson Krennic's role expand as the show moves closer to the Rogue One timeline?
How might the show depict the formation of the Rebel Alliance from disparate resistance cells?
What role might Bail Organa play in Season 2?
Could characters from other Star Wars media like Rebels make appearances?
Will we see how Cassian meets K-2SO?
How might the show depict Emperor Palpatine and the Imperial Senate?

The hosts conclude by expressing optimism about the new season while acknowledging the high bar set by Season 1. They note that the series creators had planned for exactly two seasons from the beginning and took their time with production, both factors that bode well for maintaining quality. While they acknowledge some nervousness about expectations, their excitement for the continuation of what they consider one of the best Star Wars properties—and one of the best television shows in general—is evident.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor: Reflections & Responses • Rebroadcast

TruStory FM — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Rebroadcast: Reflecting on Andor Season One and What’s Ahead

In this rebroadcast of the Star Wars Generations podcast, host Matthew brings together two guests, Danielle WrittenInTheStarWars and AJ Starkiller (Jedi Starkiller), to reflect on Andor's first season and prepare viewers for season two.

The discussion explores how Andor recontextualizes the original trilogy by revealing the true cost of rebellion. Both guests praise the series for its nuanced portrayal of the harsh realities of fighting fascism, with AJ noting it gives viewers "a reason for why Star Wars is what it is." Danielle highlights Episode 10 (the prison escape) as possibly her "most favorite written piece of media period."

However, the conversation takes a critical turn when examining Cassian Andor's backstory. How did the series handle Cassian’s indigenous origins and his removal from Kenari? The guests argue that the show marketed itself as a migrant story but failed to meaningfully follow through on this premise. Danielle and AJ, both biracial Latinas, express their disappointment in how Maarva's removal of young Cassian from his home planet was presented without nuance or consequences.

Despite their criticisms, all three speakers emphasize their love for the show and its accomplishments. They conclude that Andor represents some of the best storytelling in Star Wars while acknowledging that bringing more diverse voices into the writing room could have made it even stronger, particularly in addressing Cassian’s backstory and cultural identity.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Andor: Season One Finale • Rebroadcast

TruStory FM — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700

With Star Wars: Andor Season 2 just weeks away, we're revisiting our coverage of Season 1!

In this episode, we dive into Season 1 Episode 12, Rix Road, the epic season finale. As our hosts gear up for the next chapter, they reflect on the powerful storytelling, emotional stakes, and unforgettable moments that defined Andor’s first season. Don't miss this deep dive into Cassian Andor’s journey and the rebellion’s fight against the Empire.

Get ready for Season 2 by reliving the finale with us!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Clone Wars S1 • Matthew’s Favs: Eps 11-14

TruStory FM — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Star Wars Generations, host Matthew takes control to discuss his favorite episodes from Season 1 of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, specifically episodes 11–14. These episodes cover two distinct arcs: the "Dooku Captured" storyline and the Lurmen episodes, "Jedi Crash" and "Defenders of Peace."

The first arc introduces fans to the infamous pirate Hondo Ohnaka as he captures Count Dooku, then subsequently captures Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker when they come to verify Dooku's imprisonment. The hosts discuss how this storyline showcases the comedic potential of The Clone Wars through the witty banter between Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Dooku. They examine how this arc highlights characters who aren't invested in the war but are simply trying to profit from it.

What does the Lurmen arc reveal about Jedi philosophy? The hosts explore how the second storyline presents thought-provoking questions about war, peace, and the Jedi Order's role as "peacekeepers." When Ahsoka Tano, Anakin Skywalker, and Aayla Secura crash-land on a planet inhabited by the pacifist Lurmen, they encounter a society that challenges their fundamental beliefs about violence and defense.

Topics the hosts discussed:

How Hondo Ohnaka's introduction marks a memorable debut despite his character evolving significantly in later appearances
Whether the strict pacifism of the Lurmen is portrayed as admirable or impractical
How Ahsoka serves as an audience surrogate for young viewers grappling with complex ethical questions
What Tee Watt Kaa's challenge to Aayla Secura about true peacekeeping reveals about the Jedi's contradictions

The episode concludes with the hosts looking forward to upcoming discussions, including their book club covering Mask of Fear from the Reign of the Empire series and their planned coverage of Andor Season 2 when it releases next month.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Clone Wars S1 • Alex’s Favs: Eps 5, 10, 15

TruStory FM — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 1: Alex's Favorite Episodes

In this episode of Star Wars Generations, Matthew and Alex continue our coverage of Star Wars: The Clone Wars Season 1 by discussing Alex's favorite episodes. After covering Erin's favorites in our previous episode, we dive into Alex's selection of three self-contained stories: Episode 5 "Rookies," Episode 10 "Lair of Grievous," and Episode 15 "Trespass."

We begin by exploring why Alex chose these particular episodes, noting how they effectively establish major themes that run throughout the entire series. Each episode, while self-contained, provides crucial insights into different aspects of the Clone Wars conflict—from clone individuality to the war's effect on Jedi, to the impact on neutral worlds caught in the crossfire.

What makes "Rookies" a standout episode?

"Rookies" introduces key clone characters like Echo and Fives, who later become essential to the series' narrative. We discuss how the episode demonstrates that despite being genetically identical, the clones develop distinct personalities and approaches to problem-solving. The episode highlights the sacrifices made by clone troopers and establishes Captain Rex's leadership style as someone who leads from the front.

How does "Lair of Grievous" reveal the war's impact on the Jedi Order?

We examine how this episode explores the transformation of Jedi through the character of Nahdar Vebb, Kit Fisto's former Padawan. We discuss how the war has changed Nahdar, making him more aggressive and vengeful—traits that ultimately lead to his death. The episode foreshadows Anakin's potential fall and showcases the pressure the war places on Jedi who may not be ready for its challenges.

Why is "Trespass" significant to the larger Star Wars narrative?

We break down how "Trespass" tackles themes of colonization and indigenous rights through the conflict between the Pantorans and the Talz. We discuss how the episode portrays the growth of Senator Riyo Chuchi as she finds her voice and chooses diplomacy over war, contrasting with the Chairman's rigid militaristic stance.

Other topics we cover include:

The origins of General Grievous and the horror elements in his portrayal
How rushed training affects both clone troopers and Jedi Padawans during wartime
Captain Rex's character traits that make him a fan-favorite
The connection between the Talz and characters seen in the original Star Wars film
Senator Riyo Chuchi's character development and her later importance in the series
Yoda's concern that the war is threatening the Jedi's identity

The discussion concludes with a reminder about our sponsor, Level Up Lightsabers, and information about becoming a podcast member to access bonus content including our continuing coverage of the From a Certain Point of View book.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Clone Wars S1 • Erin’s Favs: Eps 19-21

TruStory FM — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0700

Star Wars Generations: Revisiting The Clone Wars Season 1 Ryloth Arc

In this episode of Star Wars Generations, hosts Matthew and Erin dive into the Ryloth arc (episodes "Storm Over Ryloth," "Innocents of Ryloth," and "Liberty on Ryloth") from the first season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Rather than doing a complete rewatch, they're focusing on their favorite episodes from each season, sharing perspectives across different generations of Star Wars fans.

Erin chose the Ryloth arc, which focuses on the Republic's attempt to liberate the Twi'lek homeworld from Separatist occupation. The hosts break down the three-episode storyline, examining how each episode builds upon different aspects of war – from space battles to ground assaults to the civilian impact.

What lessons does Ahsoka learn about command?

The hosts discuss how "Storm Over Ryloth" shows Ahsoka Tano's early leadership struggles when she disobeys orders during a space battle, resulting in lost clone trooper lives. Matthew and Erin analyze how this mirrors Anakin Skywalker's own leadership style and foreshadows later character development. They debate whether the Jedi's approach to military command shows their fundamental unsuitability for wartime leadership.

How does "Innocents of Ryloth" show the human side of clone troopers?

Erin explains why "Innocents of Ryloth" resonates so deeply with her. The story follows clone troopers Waxer and Boil as they encounter a young Twi'lek girl named Numa. The episode showcases the clones' humanity beyond their military purpose, with Waxer's immediate compassion contrasting with Boil's initial reluctance. This connection becomes even more poignant when listeners learn that Waxer appears later in the series during the Battle of Umbara.

What political themes emerge in the Ryloth liberation storyline?

Matthew highlights how the Ryloth arc explores the complex political reality of war, where planets and their people become caught between opposing forces. The hosts discuss the conflict between Twi'lek freedom fighter Cham Syndulla (father of Rebels character Hera Syndulla) and Senator Orn Free Taa, examining how this storyline shows that not all Republic-aligned characters have the best interests of their people at heart.

Other topics discussed include:

Rose Tico's famous quote from The Last Jedi ("We don't win by fighting what we hate, we win by saving what we love") and how it connects to the clone troopers' mission on Ryloth
Separatist leader Wat Tambor's portrayal as a calculating villain focused on stealing Ryloth's resources
How the storyline foreshadows events in later Star Wars series like Rebels and The Bad Batch
The Clone Wars' consistent examination of how wars impact civilian populations caught in the crossfire
Numa's character and her later appearances in Star Wars Rebels
Clone trooper individuality and personality development through visual and character choices

The hosts wrap up by teasing next week's episode featuring Alex's picks: "Rookies," "Lair of Grievous," and "Trespass," which will explore a newly knighted Jedi, the Kaleesh cyborg general, and more Clone Wars adventures.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Droids • The Animated Series + Intro to Book Club: Queen’s Shadow

TruStory FM — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 03:00:00 -0800

Star Wars: Droids – The Forgotten First Animated Series

In this episode of Star Wars Generations, hosts Erin and Matthew explore Star Wars: Droids, the first-ever Star Wars animated series. This often overlooked show from the mid-1980s follows the adventures of C-3PO and R2-D2 before they joined Princess Leia, offering viewers a glimpse into their earlier escapades.

The hosts examine how this episodic series was structured around three main story arcs, each following our droid heroes as they encounter new masters and get involved in various adventures across the galaxy. Despite being non-canonical in current Star Wars lore, the show provides interesting early concepts that would later influence the franchise.

What makes Droids unique in Star Wars history?

As one of the earliest Star Wars TV productions (second only to the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special), Droids represents an interesting moment in franchise history. The hosts discuss how the show's 1980s animation style resembles other cartoons of the era like He-Man and She-Ra, appearing somewhat amateurish by today's standards but groundbreaking for its time.

How does Droids handle character development?

The hosts analyze how C-3PO's personality differs slightly from his film portrayal, occasionally expressing desires to be a "freedom fighter" while still maintaining his characteristic anxiety and complaints. They also note the show's treatment of droids as property, with slavery being normalized in ways that modern viewers might find uncomfortable.

What connections exist between Droids and later Star Wars properties?

The hosts point out several interesting connections between elements in the show and later Star Wars productions, such as the character "Kybo Ren" potentially inspiring the name "Kylo Ren" years later, as well as appearances by characters like Boba Fett, Sy Snootles, and Max Rebo.

Other topics discussed:

The three main story arcs featuring different masters and adventures
Early concepts of land racing that predated pod racing in The Phantom Menace
The surprisingly dark "disappearing disease" featured in one episode
C-3PO's memorable quips, including threats toward pets
Appearances by familiar characters like Sy Snootles and Max Rebo
The show's approach to magic and mysticism not typically seen in Star Wars
How merchandising drove much of the show's creation

Despite its simplistic storylines and now-outdated animation, Star Wars: Droids offers fans a fascinating look at early expanded universe content before the concept of a cohesive canon existed. While not essential viewing for casual fans, the hosts suggest it might interest completionists looking to experience every corner of the Star Wars universe.

AND—stick around after the episode for a preview of this month's Star Wars Book Club Member's Only Episode on Queen's Shadow!

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars • The Movie

TruStory FM — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0800

The Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated movie marked a pivotal moment in Star Wars history, though its initial reception was mixed. In this episode of Star Wars Generations, hosts Matthew, Alex, and Erin explore how this 2008 theatrical release laid crucial groundwork for the beloved Star Wars: The Clone Wars TV series while introducing key characters like Ahsoka Tano and Asajj Ventress.

Was giving Anakin Skywalker a Padawan learner actually a good idea? The hosts debate whether Yoda and Obi-Wan's decision to pair him with Ahsoka helped ground him or ultimately contributed to his fall. They examine Yoda's prescient warning that, while Anakin was ready for a Padawan, he wasn't ready to let one go.

How did the movie handle the moral complexities of the Clone Wars? The hosts discuss the significance of the Jedi being forced to work with criminal elements like Jabba the Hutt, drawing parallels to real-world wartime compromises and examining how this eroded Jedi principles.

What was the significance of Asajj Ventress's introduction? The conversation explores her complex dynamic with Obi-Wan Kenobi and how their flirtatious antagonism would develop throughout the series.

Other Topics Covered:

The hosts' personal experiences watching the film at different ages
Rex and Ahsoka's early dynamic and the realities of military command structures
The evolution of Christopher Lee and Samuel L. Jackson voicing their live-action characters
The development of Anakin and Ahsoka's teaching relationship
The origins of nicknames like "Snips" and "Sky Guy"
Padmé's characterization and how it maintained her proactive role from Attack of the Clones

The episode concludes by reflecting on how the movie, despite its initial lukewarm reception, successfully established character dynamics and themes that would become central to Star Wars: The Clone Wars series while planting early seeds of Anakin's eventual fall to the dark side.

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Star Wars: Clone Wars • The 2D Micro-Series

TruStory FM — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0800

Star Wars: Clone Wars – The Forgotten 2D Micro-Series

The Star Wars Generations podcast dives into one of the earliest Star Wars animated series—the 2003–2005 Clone Wars 2D micro-series. Released between Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, this unique series introduced several key characters and plot points that would later become staples of Star Wars lore.

How does this series differ from the later Clone Wars show? The hosts explore how the micro-series format, with episodes ranging from 3 to 15 minutes, allowed for experimental storytelling and distinctive animation styles. They discuss the series’ origins as both a bridge between movies and a vehicle for toy sales.

What made the show’s portrayal of Force powers unique? The hosts examine how Jedi abilities were depicted more dramatically than in other Star Wars media, particularly in scenes featuring Mace Windu and other masters demonstrating their full capabilities.

Key topics discussed:

The first appearances of characters like General Grievous and Asajj Ventress
The show’s unique atmospheric storytelling and minimal-dialogue approach
The series’ connection to Samurai Jack creator Genndy Tartakovsky
How the show bridges directly into Revenge of the Sith
The portrayal of Anakin’s relationship with Obi-Wan and the lingering influence of Qui-Gon
Character designs that never made it to other parts of the Star Wars universe
The series’ balance of serious character moments with humor
The kidnapping of Chancellor Palpatine on Coruscant

The episode concludes with the hosts debating whether certain elements from this experimental series should have carried over into later Star Wars productions, while acknowledging its place as an interesting artifact of early 2000s Star Wars animation.

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Skeleton Crew with Danielle and Riki

TruStory FM — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0800

Star Wars Generations dives deep into Disney+'s Skeleton Crew in this wrap-up discussion. Host Matthew joins returning guests Riki and Danielle to explore how this coming-of-age adventure series fits into the broader Star Wars universe while charting new territory with its young protagonists.

The hosts tackle key questions about the show's unique approach: How does Skeleton Crew manage to be both a "kids show" and compelling viewing for adults? What makes the series stand apart from other Star Wars content by focusing on ordinary suburban life in the galaxy? The discussion explores how the show handles complex character development, particularly with antagonist Jod, whose villainous turn avoids typical redemption arc tropes.

Why did Skeleton Crew avoid the controversial reception that met other recent Star Wars shows? The hosts examine how the series balanced traditional storytelling with modern family representations, featuring diverse family structures while maintaining broad appeal. They also analyze how the show succeeded in giving each of its young protagonists meaningful character development within just eight episodes.

Other topics covered:

How SM-33's character serves as an improved version of the Jar Jar Binks archetype
The significance of Neel's pacifist nature and his relationship with Hayna
KB's groundbreaking representation of disability in Star Wars
The show's potential connections to The Mandalorian timeline
The future possibilities for these characters and the planet At Attin
Comparisons to 1980s adventure films and Stranger Things

The conversation concludes with speculation about potential future storylines and whether the show needs a second season, with the hosts agreeing that while the story feels complete, there's rich potential for these characters to appear elsewhere in the Star Wars universe.

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Star Wars Animation

TruStory FM — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 03:00:00 -0800

We're going to be focusing on Star Wars animated TV shows for the next little while, and in this episode, we kick off with an overview! What happens when Star Wars moves from live-action to animation (and in some cases, back again)? We talk about some of our favorite dynamics from animated Star Wars, the new kinds of stories it opens up, some aspects we think work better in live-action or in animation, and discuss listener feedback on this topic!

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Book Club • Why We Love Star Wars Novels • Member Bonus

TruStory FM — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800

Join the hosts of Star Wars Generations for the 2025 kick off of the Book Club, the special member episodes that come out every month, exploring different books and how they tie into the Star Wars Universe. From political intrigue to intimate character studies, Matthew, Erin, and Alex explore how novels expand and enrich the Star Wars Universe beyond what we see on screen. While normally these episodes are members only, we’re making this one available to all, to show you the kind of great content you get as a member.

We discuss how books like Karen Traviss’ Republic Commando series transformed our understanding of clone troopers, showing the humanity and complexity behind the helmets. We explore how getting inside characters' heads provides insights impossible to convey through film alone.

What makes certain Star Wars books particularly impactful? We highlight standouts like Lost Stars by Claudia Gray, which offers a fascinating look at why ordinary citizens might support the Empire, and the Queen's Shadow series, which adds rich depth to Padmé Amidala's character.

Looking ahead to 2025's most anticipated Star Wars books, we talk about upcoming releases including The Bad Batch: Sanctuary and The Mask of Fear trilogy. We explore how these new books might tie into and expand upon upcoming shows like Andor Season 2.

Other topics covered:

How audiobooks have become the preferred way for many fans to consume Star Wars literature
The importance of Senate politics and "behind the scenes" storylines that books can explore
Why the Thrawn book series has had such a lasting impact on Star Wars canon
Discussion of how books bridge gaps between different Star Wars eras
Excitement for upcoming Acolyte tie-in novels that will expand on the show's characters
The unique value of novelizations of Star Wars films
The hosts' varying experiences with Star Wars comics

Books we mentioned that you can buy through our sponsors:

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Skeleton Crew Wrap-Up and Listener Feedback

TruStory FM — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800

Join Erin and Matthew as they dive into the first season of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew! They discuss key moments, themes, and respond to your feedback, wrapping up with their final thoughts. Don't miss it!

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Skeleton Crew • Episode 8

TruStory FM — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800

Star Wars: Skeleton Crew Finale Deep Dive — Episode 8 Analysis

Join hosts Matthew Fox and Alex Kormann as they unpack the season finale of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. In this episode, they dive into how the show successfully stuck its landing — a feat not always achieved by Disney+ series. With Erin unable to join due to nursing school commitments, Matthew and Alex offer their comprehensive thoughts on how this coming-of-age Star Wars story wrapped up its first season.

The hosts particularly praise the show's handling of Jod Na Nawood, played by Jude Law, as a morally ambiguous antagonist. Rather than falling into typical redemption arc tropes, the series maintained Jod's complex character through to the end — allowing him to remain a pirate while showing glimpses of humanity. They also appreciate how his backstory as someone briefly trained by an unnamed Jedi adds fresh perspective to the post-Order 66 era without retreading familiar ground.

The discussion explores how each young character's journey reached a satisfying conclusion, with Wim (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Fern (Ryan Kiera Armstrong), KB (Kyriana Kratter), and Neel (Robert Timothy Smith) all showing remarkable growth from their initial appearances. The hosts note how the show successfully balanced parent-child relationships — a refreshing take for both Star Wars and adventure stories in general.

Other Topics Covered:
• The reveal of the Supervisor as a droid and its somewhat anticlimactic destruction
• Questions about At Attin's future now that its barrier is down
• The slightly abrupt ending and desire for more epilogue content
• KB's successful repair of SM-33 (voiced by Nick Frost)
• The possibility of connections to upcoming Star Wars projects like The Mandalorian & Grogu
• Speculation about Jod's fate and potential future storylines

While noting some minor quibbles with certain plot points, Matthew and Alex rank Skeleton Crew among their favorite Disney+ Star Wars shows, alongside Andor and The Mandalorian. The hosts conclude by praising how the series managed to tell a complete story while leaving just enough doors open for potential future seasons.

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Skeleton Crew • Episode 8 • Instant Reaction

TruStory FM — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800

One of our youngest fans joins Erin and Matthew to give our first reactions to the finale of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew!

We talk about our favorite characters and moments, letting Jod be a villain without redemption and discuss the eternal wisdom “you can’t un-burn a pancake.”

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Skeleton Crew • Episode 7

TruStory FM — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800

Erin and Matthew break down Episode 7 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, bringing us closer to the highly anticipated finale. As the series approaches its climactic end at At-Aton, our hosts dive deep into the shocking revelations about Jod's true nature and the mysterious vault planet's secrets.

What turned Jod from a potential ally into the show's main antagonist? The hosts explore this dramatic shift as they discuss his brutal actions, including the shocking decapitation of SM33 and his cruel taunting of the children. They examine whether his past and possible connection to the Jedi Order might explain his antagonism toward the "sheltered and spoiled" kids of At-Aton.

Why is At-Aton so significant in the Star Wars universe? Matthew and Erin unpack the revelation that this secretive world serves as a Republic vault planet, complete with rare Deerity coins and strict protocols for receiving emissaries. They question the timeline of these diplomatic visits and debate the effectiveness of the planet's security measures.

Key topics discussed:

The parents' desperate attempt to send a distress beacon and their encounter with the unnervingly polite security droids
The significance of "claimsies" and the pirate code in the children's escape attempt
How Jod's possession and use of a lightsaber changes our understanding of his character
The possibility of SM33's survival despite being decapitated
Parallels between Skeleton Crew and classic 1980s adventure films
The show's accessibility to casual Star Wars fans
Comparisons to other pirate-themed media like Black Sails

No bonus content this week

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Skeleton Crew • Episode 6

TruStory FM — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 03:00:00 -0800

How does Star Wars handle disability representation through KB's character? The hosts explore how Skeleton Crew Episode 6 portrays the complex dynamics between KB and her friend Fern, highlighting the challenges of communication when dealing with disabilities. Matthew particularly commends the show for avoiding the common sci-fi trope of "fixing" disabilities with technology, instead showing realistic struggles with augmentations and friendship.

What happens when Jod meets the pirates? The crew discusses Jod's theatrical defense before a pirate tribunal, where he uses his silver tongue and knowledge of old pirate shanties to potentially save himself from being spaced. His dramatic emergence covered in stolen treasure leads to an interesting debate about his true nature and intentions.

The episode concludes with the hosts speculating about the remaining two episodes of the season and what awaits the young crew on At Attin. They also share their mixed feelings about the Onyx Cinder's surprising transformation, debating the physics and practicality of its emergency hull-shedding capability.

Other topics discussed:

Winn's endearing but misguided attempt to follow giant crabs as "locals"
The show's careful handling of invisible illnesses and varying types of disabilities
Neel's character development from cautious to brave
The mysterious control panel on the ship's exterior
Technical details of KB's augmentations and processor maintenance
The practical challenges of having four children pilot a spaceship

Whether you're a Star Wars fan interested in thoughtful character development or someone who appreciates meaningful representation in sci-fi, this episode of Star Wars Generations offers engaging discussion and analysis of Skeleton Crew's latest installment.

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Skeleton Crew • Episode 5

TruStory FM — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Matthew, Alex, and Aaron dive deep into Episode 5 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, bringing their signature blend of analysis and enthusiasm even during the holiday season. While most podcasts take a break, the team couldn't wait to discuss this treasure-hunting adventure that perfectly captures the spirit of classics like National Treasure, The Goonies, and Pirates of the Caribbean – all with a unique Star Wars twist.

Is Jod truly villainous, or could his harsh actions be a tough-love attempt to protect the kids? What's the significance of the mysterious Old Republic currency and could it connect to the ancient era of Star Wars history thousands of years ago? The team explores how this episode masterfully balances high stakes for its young protagonists while maintaining the show's overall lighter tone in the broader Star Wars universe.

The discussion delves into the fascinating implications of the Old Republic mint on Atten, with the hosts theorizing about whether this could be the first major live-action connection to the true Old Republic era, distinct from both the High Republic and pre-Empire periods. They also examine Wim's memorable (and nearly disastrous) encounter with a lightsaber, debating how this moment perfectly encapsulates the show's ability to blend humor with classic Star Wars elements.

Bonus Member Content: 2024 Wrap Up and Hopes for 2025

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Skeleton Crew • Episode 4

TruStory FM — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Matthew, Erin, and Alex dive deep into Episode 4 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, exploring the mysterious world of clone planets and childhood rebellion. The episode showcases Neel's diplomatic approach to conflict resolution, challenging the show's typical adventure narrative with a thoughtful perspective on war and peace.

The hosts explore the revelation that multiple versions of Atten exist, each with identical infrastructure but wildly different outcomes. They debate whether these planets are part of an experiment, a failed utopia project, or something even more sinister lurking in the galaxy's shadows.

Why did Fern's leadership crisis matter? The episode tackles a pivotal moment for Fern's character development as she questions her ability to lead, revealing the pressure she feels to live up to her mother's example. The hosts discuss how this vulnerable moment reshapes their understanding of her character and her relationship with Wim.

What made SM-33's dark turn so significant? The team unpacks the chilling moment when the droid receives an override command to "pull them apart," exploring the implications of this violent directive and what it might reveal about the mysterious former captain's true intentions.

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Skeleton Crew • Episode 3

TruStory FM — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Erin, Alex, and Matthew dive deep into Episode 3 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, exploring the mysterious planet of At Atan and its connection to an ancient system of legendary treasure worlds. The hosts share their excitement about how the show continues to deliver a great blend of adventure, humor, and mystery.

What makes Jod Na Nawood's force abilities so intriguing? The hosts debate whether he's a former Jedi padawan or simply someone with natural force sensitivity using it for his own gain. They discuss how his character brings a fresh perspective to force users in the Star Wars universe without necessarily connecting to Order 66.

How does At Atan fit into the larger Star Wars galaxy? The hosts unpack the fascinating revelation that it is one of six legendary planets known for their incredible wealth, and the only one that managed to successfully hide itself from raiders. They explore the implications of a society that knows about the Republic but remains mysteriously isolated from galactic events.

What makes the parent-child dynamics in Skeleton Crew so compelling? The hosts analyze the touching scene where parents react to their children's disappearance, highlighting how the show portrays diverse family structures naturally and meaningfully while maintaining focus on the emotional core of the story.

Other topics covered:

The impressive performance of the child actors, especially Neil's actor
The introduction of Khymm, the mysterious owl-like character
The significance of the Star Wars Holiday Special easter egg
The functionality of the ancient ship and its possible importance
The tense chase sequence with New Republic X-wings
SM33's memorable confrontation with Jod

The hosts conclude by celebrating how Skeleton Crew manages to tell a unique story within the Star Wars universe while maintaining its own identity, comparing it to Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy in terms of its distinct tone and style. This episode highlights why Skeleton Crew continues to surprise and delight both longtime Star Wars fans and newcomers alike.

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Skeleton Crew • Episodes 1-2

TruStory FM — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Alex and Matthew discuss episodes 1-2 of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew!

This was a rough week for us: Erin was unavailable and Matthew was having tech problems, so this episode is a bit rough. Alex winds up carrying most of the episode (and does a great job) but have no fear we’ll do a full recap with the gang and have things working a lot better next week!

No bonus content this week.

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The Rise of Skywalker

TruStory FM — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0800

In this spirited discussion of Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker, hosts Matthew, Alex, and Erin dive deep into the controversial conclusion of the Skywalker saga. From shocking revelations to questionable plot decisions, the hosts explore both the film's greatest strengths and most puzzling weaknesses, offering unique perspectives on why this final chapter divides fans so deeply.

Did Emperor Palpatine's return undermine Anakin's sacrifice? The hosts tackle this contentious plot point, with Alex arguing that while the execution was flawed, having Palpatine as the ultimate puppet master makes thematic sense within the larger Star Wars story. They explore how subsequent Star Wars shows have actually helped retroactively justify this controversial choice.

Was Rey's Palpatine heritage reveal worth undoing The Last Jedi's "nobody" twist? The discussion examines how this dramatic shift impacted Rey's character arc and the larger themes of the sequel trilogy, particularly the message about heroism coming from anywhere.

Should Ben Solo have survived? The hosts debate the controversial ending, including the kiss between Rey and Ben, questioning whether his death was necessary and if it served the story effectively.

Other key topics covered:

How the rushed 16-hour timeline affected the film's pacing and credibility
The underutilization of Rose Tico and the real-world circumstances that led to it
The mystery of Finn's unspoken message to Rey
The wasted potential of the Knights of Ren
The surprising effectiveness of Hux as a spy and his abrupt death
The visual spectacle of Exegol and the film's impressive set pieces
The powerful moment featuring voices of past Jedi
Lando's return and the revelation about Jannah's identity

Despite its flaws, the hosts acknowledge the film's strengths as a fun adventure movie with stunning visuals and exciting moments. While it may not have stuck the landing as the conclusion to a nine-film saga, The Rise of Skywalker remains an entertaining, if divisive, entry in the Star Wars canon that continues to spark passionate discussion among fans.

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Erin goes Solo on Solo

TruStory FM — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0800

What sign is Han Solo?

With Matthew & Alex unavailable, solo host Erin dives deep into her unique perspective on Solo: A Star Wars Story, offering a fresh take on the controversial Star Wars film. Erin explores why this often-criticized film holds a special place in her heart.

Key Discussion Points:

Does Alden Ehrenreich capture Harrison Ford's Han Solo?

How does Qi'ra's character arc reflect the realities of survival? Erin explores the compelling dynamic between Han's romanticism and Qi'ra's pragmatic evolution.

Why does the Kessel Run sequence work so well? Erin breaks down how this legendary feat lives up to expectations through stunning visuals and character dynamics.

Other Topics Covered:

The scene-stealing performance of Donald Glover as Lando Calrissian
L3-37's revolutionary spirit and memorable quotes
The significance of Enfys Nest's reveal and the early rebellion
Clone Wars connections and Easter eggs throughout the film
The complex mentor-mentee relationship between Beckett and Han
The origin of Han and Chewie's iconic partnership
Darth Maul's surprise appearance and implications
And the most important question of all - what sign is Han Solo?

In conclusion, Erin makes a compelling case for Solo as an entertaining space western that, while perhaps not perfectly aligned with Han's original trilogy character, offers enough thrilling sequences and compelling character moments to stand on its own merits. She suggests it might be the perfect Star Wars film to introduce casual fans to the broader universe.

Matthew would like to register a word of protest that he is NOT old enough to have ever loved Celine Deon.

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Star Wars, Rebellion, & Hope

TruStory FM — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0800

How does Star Wars help us understand resistance and maintain hope in challenging times? In this timely episode of Star Wars Generations, host Matthew welcomes back Paul Hoppe for a deep dive into the themes of rebellion, resistance, and the ongoing fight against oppression through the lens of Star Wars storytelling.

The conversation explores how Star Wars has evolved from presenting "good versus evil" narratives to tackling more complex questions about resistance movements. How do people move from hopelessness to action? What makes someone willing to stand up against oppression? Through analysis of key moments from the original trilogy, The Last Jedi, Andor, and other Star Wars media, Matthew and Paul examine how the franchise portrays the messy realities of rebellion.

A central focus emerges: what happens when hope seems lost and "no one is coming to help"? The hosts draw parallels between General Organa's abandoned call for aid in The Last Jedi and real-world movements for change, discussing how communities can maintain hope while acknowledging harsh realities.

The discussion culminates in an analysis of Andor's groundbreaking portrayal of rebellion, examining how it presents multiple valid but conflicting approaches to fighting oppression through characters like Mon Mothma and Luthen Rael.

Other key topics covered:

The evolution of Imperial imagery and metaphors from the Original Trilogy to modern Star Wars
How Anakin's fall in the prequels mirrors modern authoritarian mindsets
The role of fear and hope in both Star Wars storytelling and real resistance movements
Comparisons between fictional rebellions and historical liberation movements
The importance of community and collective action in effective resistance
The complex moral choices faced by characters in Rogue One and Andor

Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan seeking deeper meaning in the saga or someone looking for hope and inspiration in difficult times, this episode offers thoughtful perspectives on how Star Wars continues to help us process and understand the ongoing struggle between oppression and resistance.

Note: This episode would normally have been released on Thursday, November 14th, but we decided to move it up given its relevance to recent events.

You can support the podcast and purchase the various pieces of media we discussed this episode through the following links!

Links:

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The Last Jedi • Part II

TruStory FM — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 03:00:00 -0800

The hosts of Star Wars Generations return for a deeper dive into The Last Jedi, tackling questions from listeners and exploring overlooked aspects of this controversial Star Wars film. From surprising character deaths to stunning visual moments, this episode examines both the triumphs and missed opportunities in Rian Johnson's contribution to the sequel trilogy.

Was Supreme Leader Snoke's death a brilliant subversion or a wasteful plot twist? The hosts debate whether killing such a mysterious and menacing character in the second film of the trilogy was the right creative choice, especially given Andy Serkis' compelling performance and the questions left unanswered about Snoke's origins and power.

How did Captain Phasma's early demise impact Finn's character arc? The discussion explores how the decision to eliminate Gwendoline Christie's chrome-armored commander may have undermined future storytelling possibilities, particularly regarding Finn's journey as a former stormtrooper.

What made the Holdo Maneuver such a memorable moment? The hosts break down why this controversial scene, with its stunning visuals and effective use of silence, stands as one of the most impactful sequences in Star Wars cinema, despite debates about its logic within the universe.

Other topics discussed:

General Hux's character development and daddy issues
The significance of Kylo Ren's decision to remain on the dark side
Rey's preservation of the Jedi texts
Luke's reaction to Han's death
The hosts' personal experiences with cosplay
Deleted scenes that could have enhanced character moments

The episode concludes by highlighting how The Last Jedi, despite its divisive nature, delivers some of the sequel trilogy's strongest emotional moments and most striking visuals, even as it makes controversial choices with beloved characters and established lore.

Bonus member content about Added Muscle by Paul Dini, the next chapter in From a Certain Point of View: A New Hope.

Use these links to find the media we discussed and support the podcast!

#StarWars #TheLastJedi #StarWarsTheLastJedi #RianJohnson #KyloRen #podcast #StarWarsPodcast

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Rebroadcast • Star Wars Terrifying Tales

TruStory FM — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0700

REBROADCAST: J Scotty and I are getting spoooooooky as we dive into the newest Star Wars Lego Team Up - Terrifying Tales!

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The Last Jedi • Part I

TruStory FM — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Welcome to Star Wars Generations, where hosts Erin, Alex, and Matthew dive deep into the galaxy far, far away! In this episode, the trio tackles the controversial yet thought-provoking film, The Last Jedi. Buckle up for a thrilling discussion that challenges expectations and explores new perspectives on the Star Wars universe. This movie had so much to discuss that we’ll likely to return to some of the themes we didn’t get to explore in a part II.

The hosts kick off by addressing the burning question: Is The Last Jedi a masterpiece or a misfire? (Spoilers, we love it). They explore how the film subverts traditional Star Wars tropes and pushes the boundaries of what fans expect from the franchise. The conversation delves into the movie's portrayal of failure and its impact on character growth, particularly for Luke, Rey, Poe, and Finn.

One of the most hotly debated topics is Luke Skywalker's character arc. The hosts ponder: Does Luke's portrayal in The Last Jedi stay true to his legacy? They discuss the significance of Luke's disillusionment with the Jedi Order and how it reflects larger themes within the Star Wars Saga.

The episode also tackles the controversial Canto Bight sequence. The hosts examine whether this subplot serves a greater purpose in the narrative or if it's a distracting detour. They debate the effectiveness of the film's commentary on war profiteering and its place within the Star Wars universe.

Other topics covered include:

The stunning visuals of the Holdo Maneuver and its implications for Star Wars lore
Vice Admiral Holdo's leadership style and its reception among fans
Rey's journey and the reveal of her parentage
The evolving relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren
Leia's use of the Force and its execution on screen
The film's approach to the nature of the Force and balance

As the discussion wraps up, the hosts reflect on how The Last Jedi challenges viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about Star Wars. They emphasize the film's bold choices and its potential impact on the future of the franchise. Whether you love it or hate it, this episode of Star Wars Generations offers a fresh perspective on one of the most divisive entries in the Skywalker saga. Don't miss this engaging exploration of The Last Jedi and its place in Star Wars history!

Bonus content on the upcoming Star Wars: Skeleton Crew!

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Rogue One

TruStory FM — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Matthew Fox, Erin McGowan, and Alex Korman explore Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Prepare for an exhilarating discussion that will make you see this beloved movie in a whole new light!

The hosts kick off by examining what sets Rogue One apart from other Star Wars films. How does its darker, more realistic tone impact the viewing experience? They delve into the movie's unique approach to storytelling, from its lack of an opening crawl to its (spoilers) bold decision to kill off all main characters.

How does Rogue One challenge our perceptions of heroism in the Star Wars universe? The hosts explore the morally complex character of Cassian Andor.

The conversation then turns to Jyn Erso's character arc. How does her journey from cynicism to hope embody the spirit of rebellion? The hosts praise Felicity Jones' nuanced performance and discuss how Jyn's story resonates with real-world struggles.

Other topics covered include:

The brilliance of K-2SO as comic relief in a serious film
Orson Krennic as the embodiment of Imperial ambition and bureaucracy
The impact of Saw Gerrera's live-action debut
The iconic Darth Vader hallway scene and its significance
How Rogue One connects to and enhances A New Hope
The film's groundbreaking use of CGI to recreate actors

As the discussion wraps up, the hosts reflect on Rogue One's legacy and its impact on the Star Wars franchise. They ponder: How did this film pave the way for more diverse storytelling in the Star Wars universe, such as the critically acclaimed Andor series?

Links

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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James Earl Jones’ Legacy and the Future of AI in Media

TruStory FM — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Matthew Fox and Riki Hayashi dive into the legacy of James Earl Jones and explore the evolving role of AI in creative media. From the iconic voice of Darth Vader to the ethical implications of AI-generated performances, this episode tackles pressing questions at the intersection of technology and entertainment.

Note: given its relevance to both podcasts, this episode is going out on both Superhero Ethics and Star Wars Generations.

We start by remembering James Earl Jones, talking about why he was such a vital part of Star Wars, and some of his other works that effected Matthew and Riki.

Then we ask how James Earl Jones' agreement with Disney to use his voice for future Darth Vader performances impacts the future of acting. The hosts discuss the potential consequences of this decision, weighing the benefits of preserving iconic performances against the importance of allowing new interpretations and opportunities for emerging actors.

What are the ethical considerations of using AI to recreate performances of deceased actors? Matthew and Riki examine recent examples from films like Alien: Romulus and debate the implications for both the entertainment industry and the legacy of performers.

Is AI in creative media a threat to human creativity or a tool to enhance it? The conversation explores how AI is changing the landscape of film, television, and voice acting, and what it might mean for the future of storytelling.

Other topics covered include:

The impact of James Earl Jones on Star Wars and beyond
The use of AI-generated voices in the Terminator franchise
The evolution of AI representation in science fiction
The challenges of recasting iconic roles
The potential for AI to perpetuate biases in media

Member Bonus content about Terminator Zero

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Rebroadcast • The Hidden Fortress • The Samurai Movie that Inspired George Lucas

TruStory FM — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 03:00:00 -0700

For our last rebroadcast, lets go back to the origins of Star Wars!

What is The Hidden Fortress, and how did it influence George Lucas as he came up with Star Wars? Paul Hoppe joins me to talk about this Kurosawa classic about peasants and samurai in feudal Japan.

Paul Christopher Hoppe AKA ZenMadman is a writer, teacher, and student of poker, chess, language, and life. Find out more here:http://zenmadman.com/

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Rebroadcast • How is Dooku Remembered

TruStory FM — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Would Dooku be the Che of the Star Wars Galaxy? Would Nemik have a poster of him, or Luthen be inspired? As the Empire fulfilled so many of the predictions that Dooku made about the Republic, would people look to Dooku as a prophet or the cause of the fall?

AJ (Jedi_Starkiller) joins Erin (Lady.Tano.Creates) and I to talk about the legacy of Count Dooku.

AJ is a Star Wars fan, MtG Commander Player, Movie Buff, Comic Book Fan, family man, and dog dad. Find Content on: @Jedi_Starkiller on TikTok and YouTube, he/him

Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her on Tik Tok & Instagram: ladytanocreates

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Rebroadcast • Star Wars Top 3 Lists

TruStory FM — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0700

As part of our September hiatus, enjoy this rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes!

What are the 3 best duels in Star Wars? Best acting performances? Paul and I challenge each other to come up with top lists on the fly in one of the more fun, and more ridiculous, episodes we've had in a while. Stick around to the end to hear how this episode created a second!

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Rebroadcast • Cosplay with Guest Erin McGowan

TruStory FM — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0700

As our 1st rebroadcast during our September hiatus, we’re bringing you one of Erin’s first episodes, in which she talks with us about Cosplay. We talk about the community, how to become a part of it, and some of the questions it raises about fandom and how we interact with the stories we love and each other.

Erin McGowan grew up on the prequels and Clone Wars and has a LOT to say about all things Star Wars-related! She also cosplays as her all-time favorite character – Ahsoka. Learning to build a cosplay has brought so much joy to her life, and she does all she can to share that with others.

Links and Notes:

Find out more about Erin’s cosplay and what she’s working on at Instagram or TikTok.
Creators We Reference
- Juli Ko
- Dolores from Imperial HR

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Acolyte Cancelled! Response Episode

TruStory FM — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 03:00:00 -0700

The hosts of Star Wars Generations address the disappointing cancellation of the Disney+ series, The Acolyte. Join Matthew, Erin, and Alex as they unpack the news, discuss the show's merits, and examine the potential reasons behind Disney's decision.

This episode explores:

The Cancellation: Was a second season ever truly planned? The hosts break down the timeline of announcements and the lack of clarity surrounding the cancellation.
Performance and Perception: Despite passionate fans, The Acolyte may not have met Disney's viewership expectations. The hosts analyze the available data and address the disparity between vocal online negativity and actual fan response.
Fandom and Toxicity: The cancellation has exposed a troubling trend of online hate directed at the show, often rooted in prejudiced views. The hosts discuss the impact of toxic fandom and the importance of diverse representation in Star Wars.
The Future of Star Wars: What does this cancellation mean for the future of the franchise? The hosts consider the possibility of the story continuing in other mediums, the shift towards a movie-focused strategy, and the potential impact on representation in future Star Wars projects.

Discussion Points:

The show's unique setting and exploration of the High Republic era.
Standout performances, particularly from Manny Jacinto as a compelling dark-side user.
The importance of giving new stories and characters time to resonate with audiences.
The dangers of catering to the loudest, most negative voices in any fandom.
The need for balance between movies and TV shows in the Star Wars universe.
Hope for the continuation of these characters and storylines in other forms.

Call to Action:

Share your thoughts on The Acolyte and its cancellation using the hashtag #SaveTheAcolyte.
Support diverse representation in Star Wars and beyond.
Continue the conversation with us on social media!

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The Force Awakens • Part II

TruStory FM — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Star Wars Generations continues their deep dive into The Force Awakens, exploring the movie's characters, plot twists, and hidden Easter eggs. Hosts Matthew Fox, Erin McGowan, and Alex Korman continue their passionate discussion about the film that reignited the Star Wars franchise for a new generation.

The hosts kick off by examining the complex character of Finn, the stormtrooper-turned-hero. They ponder: How does Finn's background shape his interactions with Rey and his journey throughout the film? The conversation then shifts to Rey, the mysterious scavenger with untapped Force potential. The hosts debate: Why was Rey chosen to seek out Luke Skywalker, and what does this mean for her character arc?

A highlight of the episode is the hosts' analysis of Supreme Leader Snoke. They ask: Who is this enigmatic villain, and what role will he play in the trilogy? The discussion also touches on the often-overlooked Captain Phasma, with the hosts lamenting her limited screen time despite her intriguing design.

Other topics covered include:

BB-8's charm and how he compares to other iconic Star Wars droids
The movie's use of humor and memorable one-liners
Easter eggs and cameos, including Daniel Craig's secret appearance
The impact of the film's cliffhanger ending
How The Force Awakens sets up plot threads for future movies

The hosts wrap up by reflecting on the movie's balance of nostalgia and new elements, and how it succeeded in reinvigorating the Star Wars franchise.

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The Force Awakens • Part I

TruStory FM — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Join hosts Matthew Fox, Erin McGowan, and Alex Korman as they dive deep into Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the movie that reignited the franchise for a new generation. This episode explores the film's impact, characters, and how it set the stage for the sequel trilogy.

Key Discussion Points:

How did The Force Awakens balance nostalgia with introducing new characters and storylines?
What made Rey and Finn groundbreaking protagonists for the Star Wars universe?
How did Kylo Ren's character development and internal conflict drive the story?
Was the First Order a compelling successor to the Empire?
Did the film effectively set up mysteries and plot threads for future installments?

Other Topics Covered:

The hosts' personal experiences seeing the film for the first time
Han Solo's death scene and its impact
The lightsaber duel between Rey, Finn, and Kylo Ren
Comparisons between Rey and Luke's Force abilities
J.J. Abrams' directorial choices and vision for the trilogy

Conclusion: While The Force Awakens successfully revived Star Wars for a new era, it also sparked debates that would define discussions around the sequel trilogy. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the film's strengths, controversies, and lasting influence on the franchise.

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The Wire, the Jedi, and the Danger of Institutions

TruStory FM — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Host Matthew Fox and guests Paul Hoppe and Pete Wright dive deep into the unexpected parallels between HBO's The Wire and the latest Star Wars series, The Acolyte. We explore institutions, morality, and the blurred lines between light and dark.

Are the Jedi more like police officers? Over zealous social workers? The hosts unpack this provocative question, examining how both The Wire and The Acolyte portray the complexities of institutional power and individual agency. They discuss how characters in both shows grapple with loyalty to their organizations versus their personal moral compasses.

How do The Wire and The Acolyte challenge our perceptions of good and evil? The conversation delves into the nuanced portrayal of characters in both series, highlighting how they subvert traditional hero-villain dichotomies. The hosts explore how these shows force viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about authority, justice, and the nature of power.

What can Star Wars learn from The Wire about storytelling and world-building? Matthew, Paul, and Pete praise both series for their richly developed characters and intricate plots that illuminate larger societal issues. They discuss how The Acolyte brings a fresh, grounded perspective to the Star Wars universe by incorporating elements reminiscent of crime dramas.

Other topics covered include:

• The role of family and legacy in shaping characters' paths in both series
• How institutions can corrupt even well-intentioned individuals
• The challenge of reforming deeply entrenched systems
• The importance of nuanced, realistic characters in conveying complex themes
• The balance between cynicism and hope in storytelling

As the episode concludes, the hosts reflect on the power of these narratives to make us question our assumptions about morality and institutions. Whether you're a die-hard Star Wars fan, a devotee of prestige TV, or simply someone who loves thought-provoking discussions, this episode of Star Wars Generations offers a fascinating new perspective on two beloved franchises. Don't miss this deep dive into the dark alleys of Baltimore and the shadowy corners of a galaxy far, far away!

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Talking The Acolyte with Danielle WrittenintheStarWars

TruStory FM — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0700

In this episode of Star Wars Generations, host Matthew Fox and guest Danielle (Written in the Star Wars) dive into a comprehensive analysis of Star Wars: The Acolyte. They explore the series' narrative structure, character development, and its place within the broader Star Wars timeline. Special member’s only section on romance and sensuality in the show.

The discussion kicks off with an examination of the show's pacing and episodic format. How effective was the weekly release schedule compared to binge-watching? The hosts debate the pros and cons of each approach.

Part of the conversation revolves around the character arcs of Osha and May. How does their relationship evolve throughout the series, and what does it reveal about the nature of familial bonds in the Star Wars universe?

The role of Sol in the narrative sparks an intriguing debate. Was he a villain, or simply misguided? The hosts explore the complexities of his character and the implications of his actions.

Other topics covered include:

The portrayal of the Jedi Order and its evolution from the High Republic era
The show's depiction of the dark side and its seductive qualities
Vernestra's character development and her role in the larger story
The series' fight choreography and visual aesthetics
Potential directions for a second season

The episode concludes with thoughts on the show's representation and its significance within the Star Wars franchise. The hosts discuss the importance of diverse leads and storylines in expanding the Star Wars universe.

Links

Buy Rise of the Red Blade on audiobook, eBook, or hard copy

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You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Tragedy of Darth Maul, the Checkered

TruStory FM — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 03:00:00 -0700

From the moment that second blade emerged, Darth Maul has been a fan favorite. With Matthew away, Erin and Alex dive deep into this seminal character, and the tragic arc of his story.

Bonus content on the upcoming Skeleton Crew!

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars: The Acolyte • Wrap Up

TruStory FM — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Now that Star Wars: The Acolyte is fully released, we dive in, dissecting the highs and lows of this new Star Wars series. Hosts Matthew Fox, Erin McGowan, and Alex Korman offer a generational perspective on the show's impact and its place in the Star Wars universe.

How does The Acolyte compare to other Star Wars shows? The hosts rate it between 6.5 and 8 out of 10, praising its nuanced storytelling and character development while noting some pacing issues. They discuss how the show's format of short weekly episodes may have hindered its storytelling potential.

What did The Acolyte reveal about the Jedi Order? The hosts explore how the series presents a more flawed and human portrayal of the Jedi, challenging viewers' perceptions of the Order. They draw parallels between the Jedi's institutional problems and real-world issues in law enforcement and other organizations.

Who were the standout characters and performances? The hosts highlight Amanda Stenberg and Lee Jung Jae's performances as some of the best in Star Wars history. They also discuss the intriguing dynamics between characters like May, Osha, and Master Kimer.

Other topics covered include:

The show's exploration of light and dark side duality
The potential connection to Darth Plagueis and Sith lore
How The Acolyte fills in crucial gaps in Star Wars history
The effectiveness of the show's flashback sequences

Bonus member content: Speculation about a potential second season!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Acolyte • Episode 8

TruStory FM — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Erin and Matthew dive into eighth and final episode of Star Wars: The Acolyte!

Due to travel issues, we don’t have member bonus content this week, but we’ll be doing more content on this show, for both everyone and members, soon!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Acolyte • Episode 7

TruStory FM — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Erin, Alex, & Matthew dive into Episode 7 of Star Wars: The Acolyte!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Acolyte • Episode 6

TruStory FM — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Star Wars: The Acolyte Episode 6 gave us a LOT to talk about. We cover topics ranging from different attitudes towards the dark side, to where Sol’s journey is leading him, to whether a younger Yoda would have a full head of hair. Erin and Alex start the conversation, with Matthew joining in towards the end.

Bonus member content on what it means to ‘fall’ to the dark side, and whether its a fixed moment or a gradual process.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Acolyte • Episode 5

TruStory FM — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:00:00 -0700

Erin and Matthew team up to talk about Star Wars: The Acolyte, season I, episode 5!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Acolyte • Overview: 1st Half of Season I

TruStory FM — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0700

We're having a great time doing episode by episode coverage of Star Wars: The Acolyte. Now that the show is halfway over, I invited some great Star Wars minds to join me in taking a wider lens to talk about some of the key themes and characters from Season I, Episodes 1-4. Danielle of WrittenInTheStarWars is back, and Brian Kowal makes his first appearance on a podcast about movies and TV! Brian is a local game store owner Magic the Gathering player, commentator, and tournament organizer, as well as a Star Wars superfan.

This week, we're giving the bonus content to everyone! In our member bonus section, we did a deep dive into Sol, which turned into such a great discussion that we wanted to share it with all of you. This way, you can get a taste of what members receive every week. If you like it and want to hear more, become a member today!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Acolyte • Episode 4

TruStory FM — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Erin and Matthew dive into the thrilling events and revelations of Star Wars: The Acolyte season I episode four, exploring character developments and plot twists in the Star Wars universe.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Acolyte • Episode 3

TruStory FM — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Erin, Alex, and Matthew dive into Star Wars: The Acolyte season I episode three.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Acolyte • Episodes 1-2

TruStory FM — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Star Wars: The Acolyte is finally here, and Alex and Matthew dive into episodes 1-2!

Note: Due to the fast turn around on these episodes, we will not always have bonus content. This episode does not have any.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Revan Who?

TruStory FM — Sat, 01 Jun 2024 03:00:00 -0700

If you spend any time around old school Star Wars fans you’re likely to hear the name Revan, or Darth Revan? But who was this character from thousands of years before the Skywalkers? What are the many, many, MANY twists and turns of his life, why is it so important that Revan can be played in video games as either male or female, and what can his story teach us about Star Wars as a whole?

Matthew is away, so Erin and Alex dive into this great topic.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Revenge of the Sith

TruStory FM — Sat, 25 May 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Erin, Alex, & Matthew continue their journey through the Star Wars movies as they take on Revenge of the Sith!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • In Review

TruStory FM — Sat, 18 May 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Danielle and Riki join me to look back at Star Wars: The Bad Batch. We talk about the overall message and meaning of the show, how the story wrapped up, and what the show taught us about the larger Star Wars story and universe.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Tales of the Empire: Part One

TruStory FM — Sat, 11 May 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Erin, Alex, and Matthew dive into Tales of the Empire, the second season of the animated Star Wars: Tales anthology series on Disney+.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episode 15: ‘The Cavalry Has Arrived’

TruStory FM — Thu, 02 May 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Star Wars: The Bad Batch is over, but our discussion has just begun! Join Alex, Erin, and Matthew as we dive into the series finale of this great show.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episode 14: ‘Flash Strike’

TruStory FM — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Both sides are moving the pieces into place for the series finale and Erin and Matthew are here to discuss it as we cover Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Season 3, Episode 14!

Bonus content explores WHY that cantina on Tattooine didn’t allow droids as we talk about “We Don’t Serve Their Kind Here,” by Chuck Wendig, the next chapter in Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View - A New Hope.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episode 13: ‘Into the Breach’

TruStory FM — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Erin, Alex, and Matthew talk about the ins and outs of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Season 3 Episode 13!

Note: Matthew’s sound is a little off in this episode. We’ll make sure that gets fixed by next episode.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episode 12: ‘Juggernaut’

TruStory FM — Sat, 13 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0700

With Matthew relegated to comments in the chat, Erin and Alex dive into Episode 12 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Season 3.

Bonus content on upcoming Star Wars video games.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episodes 10-11: ‘Identity Crisis’, ‘Point of No Return’

TruStory FM — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Can Matthew and Erin process the emotions these episodes brought up? Can we survive Alex’s absence? Can Erin hold in her laughter as Matthew makes a poignant and nuanced take that is based on a plot detail he’s totally wrong about? Check out our coverage of Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 3 Episodes 10-11 to find out!

Bonus member content: Erin’s feelings about episode 9.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episode 9: ‘The Harbinger’

TruStory FM — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0700

We had a BIG reveal on this episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Season 3 Episode 9, and Alex and Matthew are here to talk about it.

The reveal was teased in the trailer, and we recorded a bonus member episode on the Star Wars book that is deeply relevant to this part of the story. This week, our bonus content – available to everyone – is an excerpt from that episode.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episode 8: ‘Bad Territory’

TruStory FM — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Sometimes Matthew runs a tight ship, keeping the discussion moving along with the occasional tangent for education, edification, or entertainment thrown in.

Today was not that day. With Matthew's video not working, and thus being unable to give his two co-hosts the "don't make me turn this podcast around" face, things went a bit off the rails. Erin showcases her Mystique cosplay, Matthew sings, Alex sows chaos, and amidst the lively detours, we still manage to get some great discussion in along the way.

Amidst the antics, the trio also takes a deep dive into Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Season 3, Episode 8, followed by an exclusive bonus for members where they unpack the thrilling The Acolyte trailer.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Clones, Clones, Clones! The Bad Batch and Clone Appreciation

TruStory FM — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Regular guest and clone expert Danielle, aka "Written in the Star Wars," joins me to discuss the first seven episodes of Season 3 of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, with a particular focus on the return of Rex and Wolfe.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episodes 6-7: ‘Infiltration’, ‘Extraction’

TruStory FM — Sat, 16 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0700

Erin, Alex, and Matthew dive into Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Season 3, Episodes 6-7.

Bonus Content: Discussion of "Not for Nothing," by Mur Lafferty, the next story in Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View: A New Hope.

Bonus Content: Matthew's internet died, leaving Erin and Alex talking into hot mics for 10 minutes.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episode 5: ‘The Return’

TruStory FM — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Matthew is out this week, but Erin and Alex have all the hot takes on Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Season 3, Episode 5, titled "The Return."

The duo delves into the dynamics between Hunter and Crosshair — exploring the complexities of their brotherhood — and discusses Wrecker's unique knack for uniting the team. They also ponder over why the Bad Batch could really use a pet.

Members: don't miss our bonus segment on "The Luckless Rodian," a captivating story by Renée Ahdieh from the anthology Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View: A New Hope.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episode 4: ‘A Different Approach’

TruStory FM — Sat, 02 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Can Omega and Crosshair find a way to work together? What has Alex so excited about Project Necromancer? Can our hosts stick to this episode without diving into a discussion of Saw Gerrera, Andor, the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to fight the empire, and events in our own world? (That one is clearly a "no.")

We continue our journey along with Crosshair, Omega, Hunter, Wrecker, and the rest of our favorites in our coverage of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, season 3, episode 4: "A Different Approach". With bonus content for members on "Beru Whitessun Lars," by Meg Cabot, a short story from Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View, A New Hope.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season III, Episodes 1-3: ‘Confined’, ‘Paths Unknown’, ‘Shadows of Tantiss’

TruStory FM — Sat, 24 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Join hosts Matthew Fox and Erin McGowan as they dive deep into the first three episodes of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, season three. They analyze key plot points, discuss character arcs and development, explore major themes, and speculate on what's to come in the rest of the season. Whether you're a diehard Star Wars fan or just enjoy compelling storytelling, this episode offers insight that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next episodes.

Key Questions Discussed:

How did Omega and Crosshair end up imprisoned and what is their dynamic like now?
What do the experiments at Hemlock's lab imply about Palpatine’s motivations regarding cloning technology?
How does the horror vibe of the vine planet tie into larger themes of scientific amorality in the show?
What does Emery's perspective reveal about the complex power dynamics under oppression?
Does Omega’s compassion for Crosshair and Emery reveal a character flaw or moral strength?

Other Topics Covered:

Speculation about Omega’s origins and Force sensitivity
Analysis of villains like Dr. Hemlock and their detachment from consequences
The emotional significance of the Bad Batch being split up
Importance of clone identity and found family in the show
How the squad’s coordinated escape plan connects them despite past conflict
Clone aging and the introduction of young clone characters

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • Season 3 Primer / The Bad Batch • Season 2 Wrap-Up • Rebroadcast

TruStory FM — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0800

It’s Erin’s world - we’re just living in it! With Matthew and Alex unavailable, Erin McGowan (Lady Tano Presents) goes over the key characters and plot points of Star Wars: The Bad Batch season 2 and all the reasons she's so excited for the upcoming season 3. Her mini episode leads into a rebroadcast of our The Bad Batch Season 2 Wrap Up episode we did after the last season finished.

Whether you're a diehard Batcher, or you've never seen an episode but might check out season 3, this is the episode for you!

Bonus Content for Members: Erin talks about the 2010 book Star Wars: Red Harvest by Joe Schreiber. Force zombies? Force zombies!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Attack of the Clones

TruStory FM — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Could the Galactic Republic have just let the Separatists go? Is Padawan Anakin a romantic figure or a walking red flag? Does Jango Fett get a bad rap, and can we find things in this movie to love, and how freaking cool were seismic charges?

Alex, Erin, & Matthew dive into Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones. We explore the above questions and more, including:

Was Count Dooku right in what he said to Obi-Wan Kenobi? Did he intend to join with Kenobi against Darth Sidious?
What draws Padmé to Anakin, and why can she look past his murder of the Tusken Raiders?
What does this movie teach us about the hubris of the Jedi, and the number of Jedi Masters who ignored Anakin's warning signs?
Why does Matthew call lightsaber-wielding Yoda a bouncing green ball of ableism?

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Phantom Menace

TruStory FM — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Join hosts Erin McGowan, Alex Kormann, and Matthew Fox as they discuss Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. What was our first viewing of the movie like? How have our feelings on it changed over the years? We discuss what we liked and what didn’t work for us, how the movie fit into the version of the past the Original Trilogy paints, and then dive into ethical questions such as the nature of the Force, was Qui-Gon Jinn wrong to try and use mind tricks on Watto, and why Natalie Portman’s Queen Amidala was giving side eye flirts to a 9 year old Anakin Skywalker.

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Rebels • S4 E15 — Final Episode

TruStory FM — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Join host Matthew Fox and guests Riki Hayashi and Sarah Hayashi as we discuss the Star Wars Rebels series finale, "Family Reunion and Farewell." They explore the events of the last episode, analyze key character arcs, praise the show's found family theme, and share their thoughts on what makes it a satisfying conclusion.

Overview of the finale's plot wrapping up the Lothal storyline and showing where the characters end up 5 years later after Return of the Jedi
Strong performances from recurring guests like Hondo and satisfaction seeing secondary characters return
Excellent portrayal of Emperor Palpatine by Ian McDermid and Ezra resisting his manipulation
Callus completing his redemption arc and earning Zeb's trust and love
The show's found family theme mirrored in the Ghost crew's connections versus Thrawn and the Empire's isolation
Powerful ending for the Clone troopers Gregor and Rex fighting for a cause they believe in
Ezra foregoing temptation to have his parents revived to stay true to his found family
Hera, Rex and Zeb/Callus' roles in the later Rebellion and New Republic

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Original Trilogy In Review

TruStory FM — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0800

We wrap up our discussion of the Star Wars original trilogy—things we noticed, favorite characters and storylines, issues, and parts of which we want more.

Key Discussion Points

Our greater appreciation for the original trilogy and characters like Han, Luke, and Leia after analyzing them more closely as adults
We examine issues around the "Slave Leia" outfit and the need for more diversity in the original trilogy casts
Lucas was a creative visionary but needed editors and collaborators to refine his ideas into an accessible story
The trilogy holds up well as a coherent narrative, more so than the prequels or sequels
Highlights include the droids as connective threads and Greek chorus, the consistent humor of C-3PO, and Mark Hamill's layered performance as Luke

Other Topics Covered:

Flaws like the Leia sibling reveal, underdeveloped characters like Chewbacca, and logic gaps around the Falcon being tracked
Possible spinoff shows around characters like Lando Calrissian and backstories of figures like Mon Mothma
Whether a standalone Darth Vader movie is needed or if appearances in other stories would be better
Cosplay charity events for kids with communication disorders

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Bonus Episode: Bad Batch • S3 Trailer

TruStory FM — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0800

The first trailer for season three of Star Wars: The Bad Batch is live, and Alex Kormann joins me to talk about it!

Stay tuned for episode coverage of Hunter, Wrecker, Echo, Crosshair, and Omega, starting in February.

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Feedback Roundup

TruStory FM — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0800

With Matthew delayed by Midwest weather, Alex & Erin dive into some fan questions about Return of the Jedi, the debate over slave/Jabba's slayer Leia, and Alex's continued efforts to work Revenge of the Sith into every conversation possible!

Bonus content for members, hear Erin gives her version of a Krayt Dragon roar, while they talk about "Rites," by John Jackson Miller, a short story in From a Certain Point of View: A New Hope.

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Rebels • S4 E13-14

TruStory FM — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0800

This week Matthew and Riki discuss two pivotal episodes from season 4 of Star Wars Rebels. In episode 13, "A World Between Worlds," we're introduced to a mystical realm that connects all of time and space in the Star Wars universe. Ezra is able to pull Ahsoka from her fateful duel with Darth Vader in this mystical world between worlds. While captivating visually, Matthew and Riki have some concerns about introducing this level of power over time and space into the Star Wars canon. It could act as an all-powerful plot device or retcon elements, which they worry may undermine storytelling. However, the concept allows Ahsoka to realistically survive and still be unavailable during the original trilogy.

Episode 14, "A Fool's Hope," brings together a lovable ragtag group including Hondo, Gregor, Wolffe, and Ketsu to help liberate Lothal. Their fierce loyalty to Ezra feels genuinely earned after years of friendship and camaraderie. Ryder's fake betrayal of the rebels fools both the audience and the arrogant Governor Pryce, contrasting her ego with Grand Admiral Thrawn's true cunning. Visually, a standout moment involves the Loth-wolves' glowing eyes emerging from darkness to terrify the imperials.

After the plot discussion, Matthew and Riki go into spoilers, analyzing how these episodes connect to Ahsoka's mysterious absence after Return of the Jedi and her role in the recent Ahsoka TV show. Riki continues to be moved by the special relationship between Ezra and his master Kanan. They also recommend the new Thrawn books for more context on these events. As always, this episode offers thoughtful insight for both casual and diehard fans of Star Wars and its beloved animated series.

No member bonus content for this one.

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2023 Star Wars Year in Review

TruStory FM — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0800

Join hosts Matthew Fox and Erin McGowan, plus regular guest Danielle (Written in the Star Wars), as they recap an exciting year in the Star Wars galaxy! The trio of fans reflects on standout moments from new shows, books, comics and more in 2023.

Disney+ series like Ahsoka and The Mandalorian deliver compelling new characters and long-awaited live action appearances. The subtle bonds between Ahsoka and Sabine resonate, while shifty new villain Shin leaves an impression. Seeing legendary strategist Thrawn rendered in live action is a landmark for many devotees of the expanded universe.

The group also sings the praises of The Bad Batch's second season and its exploration of the Mandalorian diaspora. The appearance of charismatic clone trooper Mayday is a particular delight. Over in publishing, the Doctor Aphra audio book helps bring that fan-favorite comic character to life in a new medium.

It isn't all perfect - some disappointing franchise tie-in books and the continued overlooking of pivotal characters like Satine Kryze leave them wanting. But the hosts find the year marked by diversity of perspective in stories like Rise of the Red Blade.

While a few letdowns stick out, overall 2023 offers Star Wars fans new avenues into the galaxy far, far away. Matthew, Erin and Danielle can't wait to see what adventures and revelations 2024 will bring! May the Force be with you!

Member bonus content: our expectations for 2024.

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Return of the Jedi

TruStory FM — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Ewoks, yay or nay? Yub Nub or Victory Celebration? Why does Luke defeat Vader, and how does this movie stand up 40 years later? These are just some of the questions we dive into as we talk about Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi!

With bonus content about “The Red One”, by Rae Carson, the next chapter in Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View - The Empire Strikes Back.

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The Empire Strikes Back

TruStory FM — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0800

We dive into one of the most beloved Star Wars movies—The Empire Strikes Back!

Here is the article Matthew mentioned about changes to the scene between Vader and the Emperor from the original to the remastered version of the movie.

Members get bonus content on the next story in From a Certain Point of View: A New Hope, “Reirin”, by Sabaa Tahir.

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Ahsoka • S1 E8

TruStory FM — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Erin and I finished our episode-by-episode coverage of Ahsoka as we discuss episode eight!

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Ranking the Movies

TruStory FM — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Alex, Erin, & Matthew discuss their rankings of all 11 of the live action Star Wars movies!

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Ahsoka • S1 E7

TruStory FM — Sun, 10 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0800

What is Thrawn's plan? How do we feel about live action Ezra, and just how hilariously lost will perennial co-hosts Erin & Alex get without founding host Matthew to guide the ship! All that and more on this discussion of Ahsoka, Season 1, Episode 7.

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Ahsoka • S1 E6

TruStory FM — Sat, 09 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0800

With Matthew unavailable, Erin invites cosplayer and Star Wars fan extraordinaire Alex Kormann to co-host as they talk about Ahsoka, episode 6!

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A New Hope

TruStory FM — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0800

We kick off our intergenerational discussion of the movies with the one that started it all - Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope!

Bonus content: "Stories in the Sand," by Griffin McElroy (yes, THAT Griffin, of My Brother, My Brother, and Me and other McElroy fame).

Note: We recorded an earlier episode on ranking the movies, which had some technical difficulties, but will be coming soon. It will include bonus content of the story we skipped, "The Sith of Datawork" by Ken Liu.

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Rebels • S4 E11-12

TruStory FM — Sun, 03 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0800

The crew of the Ghost each deals with tragedy in their own way in Star Wars Rebels seasons 4 episodes 11 and 12, and Riki and I are here to talk about it.

Note: This episode was recorded during the hiatus.

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Who Is Your Ahsoka?

TruStory FM — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0800

Erin and Alex Share Their Exciting Experiences Meeting Ahsoka Voice Actress Ashley Eckstein

With Matthew away, Erin and Alex reminisce about their wonderful experiences meeting voice actress Ashley Eckstein, who voices Ahsoka Tano in The Clone Wars and Rebels, at Twin Cities Comic Con.

They discuss:

Waiting in line for hours and their eager anticipation to meet her
How thoughtful, warm-hearted and engaged Ashley was with every fan
Ashley's embodiment of Ahsoka through her charity work and relatability
Getting emotional sharing how much Ahsoka has meant to them during tough times
The poignant experience of telling Ashley how her character "saved" them
Fun behind-the-scenes stories Ashley told about the return of The Clone Wars

Erin and Alex explore the profound impact voice actors like Ashley have had, thanks to characters like Ahsoka, on many fans' lives. Their infectious enthusiasm reliving these moments captures why conventions create such memorable experiences.

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We’re Back! Star Wars Generations!

TruStory FM — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Introducing Star Wars Generations - A New Voice for All Star Wars Fans

In this first episode under a new name, hosts Matthew Fox, Erin McGowan, and Alex Kormann introduce themselves and the vision for their rebranded podcast - Star Wars Generations!

They discuss:

Their personal histories with Star Wars and the movies/shows that meant the most growing up
How Star Wars appeals across generations, and their goal is to represent diverse perspectives
The shows, topics and characters they're most excited to analyze going forward
Their favorite emotional moments and reflections on how hope emerges from darkness
Responding to fan questions about connecting through different eras of Star Wars
Ways to contact them and get involved in the Star Wars Generations community

This fun, insightful conversation lays the groundwork for a podcast that celebrates fandom beyond generational divides. Their infectious passion promises many lively debates and insights to come - including the Mortis arc, the World Between Worlds, and those original films!

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Ahsoka • S1 E5

TruStory FM — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0800

A Deep Dive into Ahsoka Episode 5: Anakin's Return, Young Ahsoka, and Clones

In this spoiler-filled discussion of Star Wars: Ahsoka episode 5, host Matthew Fox is joined by cosplayer Erin McGowan and photographer Alex Kormann to unpack everything that happened in this emotional installment.

Topics covered include:

Their reactions to seeing Hayden Christensen as Anakin again with Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka
How the episode explores Ahsoka's unresolved trauma and guilt over Anakin's fall to the dark side
The significance of Anakin acknowledging his role as Vader for the first time
Appreciating the debut of young Ahsoka in live-action played wonderfully by Ariana Greenblatt
Noticing the callbacks to Rebels with Ahsoka's new white outfit and mention of Kanan Jarrus
Speculating on the role of Hera Syndulla's son Jacen Syndulla as a force-sensitive character
Theories about the mysterious Jedi/Sith warrior Tenth Brother and his connections to Dathomir

Whether you grew up on the prequels and The Clone Wars or came to Ahsoka later, this fun back-and-forth covers some of the key themes and powerful moments that made this installment so meaningful. A must-listen for in-depth analysis from three passionate Star Wars experts!

Links:

Erin on Instagram and TikTok
Alex on Instagram, X (Twitter), and the Web

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Ahsoka • S1 E4

TruStory FM — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0800

This week on Star Wars Universe Podcast, hosts Matthew Fox and Erin McGowan are joined by professor Matthew Kapell to discuss the huge revelations in episode 4 of the new Disney+ series Ahsoka. In this mid-season episode, Ahsoka takes a shocking fall in her fight against the mysterious Balen, leading to an emotional reunion years in the making between Ahsoka and her former master, Anakin Skywalker.

For the first time ever, the fan-favorite Jedi pairing are brought to life in stunning live action. What will Ahsoka and Anakin say to each other after so many years apart? How will Hayden Christensen’s return as Anakin impact Ahsoka’s journey going forward? Tune in as our hosts share their excitement, speculation, and at times disagreement over this monumental moment for Star Wars fans.

Other topics discussed include:

Sabine's fateful choice and whether she can be trusted
The surprise reveal of Anakin's theme music at the end
How the prequels and Clone Wars shaped perspectives on Anakin
Guesses about the mysterious realm Ahsoka finds herself in

Join Matthew, Erin, and professor Kapell for a spirited discussion you won't want to miss! Whether you're up to date on Ahsoka or waiting to binge, this deep dive offers something for every Star Wars fan.

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Ahsoka • S1 E3

TruStory FM — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Erin joins me to talk about episode 3 of the Ahsoka TV show.

We recorded this shortly after the episode first came out, but held it back until now to respect the strikes by the SAG and WGA unions.

Thank you to everyone who has been patient with us during the strikes. I'm thrilled to be uploading the content we recorded during the strike, as well as some new stuff coming soon, including exciting news about some changes to the podcast!

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Rebels • S4 E9-10

TruStory FM — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Riki and Matthew are back talking Star Wars: Rebels, Season 4, Episodes 9-10!

Bonus member content about From a Certain Point of View!

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Ahsoka • S1 E1-2

TruStory FM — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Danielle and Erin join me to talk about episodes 1-2 of the Ahsoka TV show! Bonus content about characters from other Star Wars media we hope to see in Ahsoka.

We recorded this shortly after the episode first came out, but held it back until now to respect the strike.

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Star Wars Animation • Favorite Moments • Rebroadcast

TruStory FM — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Another blast from the past, as we prepare for the podcast relaunch with our new podcast hosts! Enjoy this great episode of Paul and I discussing our favorite moments from Star Wars Animation, and stay tuned for our new episodes on Dec 7th! Matthew wrote down his favorite moments. Paul was too lazy (lol).

Matthew's Favorite Moments from Star Wars Animation

Ahsoka and Vader duel, Rebels Season 2 Episode 22 "Twilight of the Apprentice Part 2"
Ahsoka and Maul realize where they both stand, The Clone Wars Season 7 Episode 10 "The Phantom Apprentice"
Zeb and Kallus connect over the fall of Lasan, Rebels Season 2 Episode 17 "The Honorable Ones"
Maul: "Filth, you will pay for your insolence." Hondo: "Insolence! We are pirates! We don't even know what that means.", The Clone Wars Season 5 Episode 1 "Revival"
Satine Kryze: "Senators, I presume you are acquainted with the collection of half-truths and hyperbole known as Obi-Wan Kenobi?" Obi-Wan Kenobi: "Your Highness is too kind." Satine Kryze: "You're right, I am.", The Clone Wars Season 2 Episode 13 "Voyage of Temptation"
Ezra pushes the walker off the edge, Rebels Season 3 Episode 1 "Steps Into Shadow"
Crosshair alone, The Bad Batch (unknown episode)
Thrawn!!!!!!, Rebels Season 3 Episode 1 "Steps Into Shadow"
Star Wars Visions samurai has a red lightsaber, Visions Episode 1 "The Duel"

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Update & Book Club • Darth Plagueis • rebroadcast

TruStory FM — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Update on when we'll be returning with new episodes, followed by an old favorite - our episode on Darth Plagueis.

Who was Palpatine, and what led him to the Sith? What led Count Dooku to turn his back on the Jedi and the Republic? Who was Darth Plagueis and what role did he play in the Star Wars saga? Brian V. Klein, Paul Hoppe and Matthew Fox explore these questions and more as they dive into the Star Wars novel Darth Plagueis by James Luceno.

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Ahsoka: The Novel

TruStory FM — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Before she got her own TV show, even before her defining experiences in Clone Wars Season 7, Ahsoka Tano got her own book—the first of the new Disney canon. Author E.K. Johnston tells the story of Ahsoka's first years after Order 66, and Erin McGowan joins me to dive into the book and what it means for Ahsoka and the wider Star Wars world.

Erin grew up on the prequels and Clone Wars and has a lot to say about all things Star Wars-related! She also cosplays as her all-time favorite character: Ahsoka! Learning to build a cosplay has brought so much joy to her life and she does all she can to share that with others.

You can find updates on what Erin is up to on Instagram and TikTok, both @ladytanocreates.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Star Wars: Thrawn Trilogy • Thrawn: Treason

TruStory FM — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Is Thrawn committing treason against the Galactic Empire, or against the Chiss Ascendancy? Is an Imperial Governor's theft of the Galactic Empire's resources a form of treason, or is it treason even for a high ranking Imperial officer? Is Eli Vanto a traitor to the Empire? Is anyone in Timothy Zahn's Thrawn: Treason not committing some kind of treason against someone?!?

Thrawn: Treason is full of both treason and betrayal, and Danielle is back to talk about it with me, closing out our conversations about Timothy Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy.

Danielle is a PhD researcher who spends too much time thinking about Star Wars and The Last of Us and the rest of her time working through a towering to-be-read pile. You can find her on TikTok at writteninthestarwars, Twitter at danies394, and Instagram at writteninthesw, and her writings on The Bad Batch and other topics at Temple of Geek.

If you're interested in reading this book, you can find it here.

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Star Wars: Thrawn Trilogy • Thrawn: Alliances

TruStory FM — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0700

So, Darth Vader and Admiral Thrawn walk into a bar. No wait, Thrawn and Anakin Skywalker walk into a bar. Those aren’t the starts of jokes - they both literally happen in Thrawn: Alliances, book two of the Star Wars: Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn kicked off by Thrawn, and Danielle is back to talk about it with me.

Danielle is a PhD researcher who spends too much time thinking about Star Wars and The Last of Us and the rest of her time working through a towering TBR pile. You can find her on TikTok at writteninthestarwars, Twitter at danies394, and Instagram at writteninthesw, and her writings on The Bad Batch and other topics at Temple of Geek.

If you're interested in reading this book, you can find it here.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Star Wars: Thrawn Trilogy • Thrawn

TruStory FM — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Who is Admiral Thrawn? Why did he join the Imperial Navy, how did he rise to the position of Grand Admiral, and what does his background tell us about him and the Empire itself? Danielle (Written in the SW) joins me to discuss Thrawn, book one of the Star Wars: Thrawn Trilogy written by Timothy Zahn in the Disney canon.

Danielle is a PhD researcher who spends too much time thinking about Star Wars and The Last of Us and rest of her time working through a towering TBR pile. You can find her on TikTok at writteninthestarwars, Twitter at danies394, and Instagram at writteninthesw, and her writings on The Bad Batch and other topics at Temple of Geek.

If you're interested in reading this book, you can find it here.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Master & Apprentice

TruStory FM — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Riki Hayashi joins me to discuss "Master & Apprentice," the Claudia Gray novel that explores the relationship between Qui-Gon and a young Obi-Wan, alongside flashbacks to Qui-Gon's own upbringing under Dooku.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade

TruStory FM — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 03:00:00 -0700

What leads a Jedi to the dark side, and who bears responsibility? How did the Clone Wars hinder the Jedi in aiding struggling padawans, and how did Palpatine exploit this? Matthew and guest Danielle discuss these questions surrounding Delilah S. Dawson's "Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade." Purchase this book to support the Star Wars Universe Podcast.

Danielle is a PhD researcher who immerses themselves in Star Wars, The Last of Us, and tackling an endless TBR pile. Follow them on TikTok writteninthestarwars, Twitter danies394, and Instagram writteninthesw. Read Danielle's writings on The Bad Batch and more at Temple of Geek.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Cosplay with Guest Erin McGowan

TruStory FM — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Erin McGowan joins me to talk about Cosplay. We talk about the community, how to become a part of it, and some of the questions it raises about fandom and how we interact with the stories we love and each other.

Links and Notes:

Find out more about Erin’s cosplay and what she’s working on at Instagram or TikTok.
Creators We Reference
- Juli Ko
- Dolores from Imperial HR

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Glup Shittos: The Obscure Characters Somebody Loves

TruStory FM — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Star Wars fans love their Glup Shittos. But what does that term mean? Riki and Sarah join me to talk about Glup Shittos, why they are such a great part of fandom, and some of our listener’s favorites!

As a lifelong Star Wars fan — no, really, his parents took him to a Star Wars film as a 2-year-old — Riki loves the technical side of things. He’s spent more time looking at starship specs than he would like to admit and obsesses over the lack of safety standards on Imperial ship designs. Where are the guardrails?! Find his musings on Twitter @mtgRikipedia.”

Sarah grew up in the wilds of Saskatchewan, Canada, where she worked at a local comic book store running Magic: the Gathering tournaments and promoting all things nerdy. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California, where she is pursuing her MFA in studio art, and thinks the ideal day out involves dressing up like a background character in Star Wars, hanging out in the Star Wars section of Disneyland, and pretending she’s a space pirate.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Lightsabers & Martial Arts

TruStory FM — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Star Wars has inspired an incredible range of creative minds, who make everything from art, to cosplay, to original music, to lightsabers! Friendly Neighbor Master Alan of Level Up Sabers joins me to talk about lightsabers and how decades as a martial arts instructor has shaped his view of the stories we love.

Alan has been kind enough to offer a discount code for lightsabers! Listen to find out more.

Master Alan first saw Star Wars in the long ago days of the late 1900s—when Friendly Neighborhood Master Alan was simply, Alan. A lot has happened in the in between time. There have been more Star Wars movies, lots of martial arts training, copious life experiences, and going viral on TikTok. And of course, there’s the lightsabers. What started as a martial arts class has become several martial arts classes and an online training platform with a merch shop. A viral video later and Master Alan finds himself saying “Better Than A Stick!” in ridiculous fashion multiple times a week. The upside is sometimes awesome people ask to talk to Master Alan about Star Wars, Lightsabers, Life, The Universe, and everything.

Find all his links below or at:https://beacons.ai/leveluplight1

Level Up Sabers: http://www.LevelUpSabers.com
TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@leveluplight1
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/leveluplight/
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@levelupsabers2541
Better Than A Stick Table Top Game:https://youtu.be/JN9ZgivqBx0

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Lost Stars • A Star Wars Novel

TruStory FM — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0700

What does romance look like in the Star Wars setting? What happens when two childhood friends grow up believing in the peace and stability the empire will bring, only to witness the destruction of Alderaan? Claudia Gray explores these questions in her great novel Star Wars: Lost Stars, and Riki joins me to talk about it!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Hidden Fortress • The Samurai Movie that Inspired George Lucas

TruStory FM — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0700

What is The Hidden Fortress, and how did it influence George Lucas as he came up with Star Wars? Paul Hoppe joins me to talk about this Kurosawa classic about peasants and samurai in feudal Japan.

Paul Christopher Hoppe, AKA ZenMadman, is a writer, teacher, and student of poker, chess, language, and life. Find out more here:

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Book Club • Resistance Reborn

TruStory FM — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Resistance Reborn: Star Wars Book Club

How did the Resistance rebuild after The Last Jedi? How did Leia and Rey support each other after Luke’s passing, and how did Poe come to terms with his mutiny and its tragic results. Star Wars: Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhouse addresses these questions and Riki joins me to discuss them and more!

Riki’s Pokemon Go Twitch Stream can be found here: twitch.tv/rikipediago

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Podcasts & Picket Lines

TruStory FM — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Riki and I talk about the writers and actors strikes, what it means for us as podcasters, and some non struck media we're excited to cover while the strike continues.

During the strike, I will be donating 25% of all member contributions to the strike funds.

Riki’s Pokemon Go Twitch Stream can be found here- twitch.tv/rikipediago

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S4 E7-8

TruStory FM — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Riki and Sarah Hayashi join me to talk Star Wars Rebels S4 E7-8

Riki’s Pokemon Go Twitch Stream can be found here- twitch.tv/rikipediago

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S4 E5-6

TruStory FM — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Riki and Sarah Hayashi join me to talk Star Wars Rebels S4 E5-6

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S7 E9-12: Ahsoka Primer 1

TruStory FM — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0700

The wait is over- we're talking about the last four episodes of Season 7 of The Clone Wars. We talk about a wide range of characters, but Ahsoka is a fundamental part of the story and so this is the first in our series of Ahsoka primer episodes to get ready for her show in August! Whether you're a die hard Clone Wars fans, or have never seen the show, this is for you.

Years ago, Paul and Matthew recorded episodes on all of Season 7 of The Clone Wars, but our episode on the last two episodes of the season got deleted sometime since then. Many of you have asked us to re-do it, and since this arc is such an important of Ahsoka's story we thought it was the right time to cover these!

Lastly, I'll be going back into the world of streaming again soon, talking about Star Wars and Superheroes while I play poker or Magic the Gathering. Stay up to date on https://www.twitch.tv/theethicalpanda/videos

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S4 E3-4

TruStory FM — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Riki Hayashi and I talk about Saw Gerrera, Mon Mothma, the ethics of rebellion, and Star Wars Rebels, Season 4, Episode 3-4!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars • What Comes Next & What You Need to Know

TruStory FM — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0700

So much new Star Wars content coming out, and you want to keep up to date without having to watch all the shows and read all the books? Or you've read every page and wanted to hear us go in-depth? Either way, we got you! Pete Wright of Marvel Movie Minute & The Next Reel Film Podcast joins me to talk all things Star Wars - what is coming down the pike and what you need to know to be ready for it.

Pete is a co-founder of TruStory FM and a producer and host of podcasts across the spectrum of education and entertainment. From movies to mental health, Pete has produced thousands of episodes and lives to help others tell their next great story.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S4 E1-2

TruStory FM — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Need more Dark Saber, Bo-Katan, and Mandlore in your life? Check out our coverage of Star Wars Rebels: Season 4, Episodes 1 & 2, Heroes of Mandalore! With myself and Riki Hayashi.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S3 E21-22

TruStory FM — Wed, 24 May 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Rebels fans, we are back! Riki Hayashi joins me to talk about his newest favorite episodes, season 3 episodes 21-22, Zero Hour!

Riki’s Pokemon Go Twitch Stream can be found here- twitch.tv/rikipediago

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Bloodline: Senator Leia Organa

TruStory FM — Thu, 18 May 2023 03:00:00 -0700

We’ve seen Leia as a Princess and a General, but what about a Senator? Riki Hayashi joins me to talk about the novel Star Wars: Bloodline, and all the great topics it raises. Where did the New Republic go wrong? Does the world need West Wing: Hosnian Prime? Can Riki tell us the best way to govern the galaxy far away? As with all our book discussions, you don’t need to have read the book to follow along.

Jonah Kellman’s podcast, The Archives are Incomplete, can be found here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Riki’s Pokemon Go Twitch Stream can be found here- twitch.tv/rikipediago

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Celebration 23

TruStory FM — Tue, 02 May 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Danielle (WrittenintheSW) went to Celebration and she joins Matthew Kapel and I to talk about it, and all the future plans that got announced!

Danielle (she/her) spends her days talking too much about Star Wars, MCU, and The Last of Us. She’s also a PhD researcher in Text & Image Studies, which basically means she gets read lots of comics and call it work. You can find her on TikTok at writteninthestarwars, Twitter at danies394, and Instagram at writteninthesw. You can find more of her content on the Bad Batch on Templeofgeek.com.

Matthew Wilhelm Kapell has taught everything from human genetics to film studies at universities and colleges in California, Michigan, the UK, and now New York City at Pace University. Currently he edits an academic book series on the study of digital and tabletop games. You can find out about his books and other stuff at matthewkapell.com. He never forgets that too many “Hero’s Journeys” are also “Heroine’s Ordeals."

**************************************************************************

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The Bad Batch • Season 2 Wrap Up

TruStory FM — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Season 2 of The Bad Batch is over, but we've got a lot of wrap up questions to dive into.

Paul Hoppe and Erin McGowan join me to talk about all that we learned this season, the various character arcs and how we felt about the ending. Patrons get access to bonus content with every episode!

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The Mandalorian • S3 E8

TruStory FM — Sun, 23 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Ashley and I jump into The Mandalorian, Season 3, Episode 8!

Ashley Coffin claims many titles, including Stranded Panda Supreme Leader, MCUCast Co-Host, Empress of all Things Thirst, F*ck Around & Find Out Enforcer, co-host of Bill & Ashley’s Terror Theater, and frequent guest on both this and the Superhero Ethics podcasts. She would also like you to tell your dog she said hi.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandolorian • S3 E8 Quick Response

TruStory FM — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Ashley and I will be recording our normal coverage on Friday but I knew I wanted to get a quick response out there, and Erin McGowan (Lady Tano, my Bad Batch co-host) was kind enough to join me)

Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her atTik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.creates.

The podcast I mentioned about the EU books is called The Archives are Incomplete.

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How is Dooku Remembered

TruStory FM — Sun, 16 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0700

AJ (Jedi_Starkiller) joins Erin (Lady.Tano.Creates) and I to talk about the legacy of Count Dooku.

AJ is a Star Wars fan, MtG Commander Player, Movie Buff, Comic Book Fan, family man, and dog dad. Find Content on: @Jedi_Starkiller on TikTok and YouTube, he/him

Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her on Tik Tok & Instagram: ladytanocreates

**************************************************************************

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S3 E7

TruStory FM — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0700

I got left alone without supervision, so it's me, myself, and I talking about Mandalorian, Season 3 Episode 7, The Spies!

I'm on the road, and Ashley is swamped, so I had to do this one on my own and on my laptop. So recording quality is not to usual standards, but hopefully, there is still lots to enjoy, and we'll be back to the whole gang by the next episode!

Note: due to the recording conditions, this episode has no bonus content, but look for more coming soon!

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The Mandalorian • S3 E6

TruStory FM — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Its About Damn Time that Ashley and I jump into The Mandalorian, Season 3, Episode 6!

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The Mandalorian • S3 E5

TruStory FM — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 04:00:00 -0700

Ashley Coffin and I dive into Mando, Season 3, Episode 5!

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The Bad Batch • S2 E15-16

TruStory FM — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Patron friends- Unfortunately, while editing this one, the bonus content was deleted. We'll have more bonus content with future episodes!

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The Bad Batch • S2 E14

TruStory FM — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Matthew and Erin talk about the thing. The Bad Batch, Season 2, Episode 14 thing.

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The Mandolorian • S3 E4

TruStory FM — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Ashley Coffin and Paul Hoppe talk Star Wars and stuff.

Stuff being Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 4, and whatever else was on their mind.

Whatever else because I, Matthew, was on a plane when they recorded it, and I still haven't heard it, but I'm publishing it anyway because I make bad choices.

I mean, because Paul and Ashley are great.

But seriously, they have great perspectives on this stuff, check it out, and I'll be back next week!

Ashley Coffin claims many titles, including Stranded Panda Supreme Leader, MCUCast Co-Host, Empress of all Things Thirst, F*ck Around & Find Out Enforcer, co-host of Bill & Ashley’s Terror Theater, and frequent guest on both this and the Superhero Ethics podcasts. She would also like you to tell your dog she said hi.

Paul Christopher Hoppe, AKA ZenMadman, is a writer, teacher, and student of poker, chess, language, and life. Find out more here:

**************************************************************************

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S3 E3

TruStory FM — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Ashley Coffin and I dive into Mando, Season 3, Episode 3!

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • S2 E13

TruStory FM — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0700

Danielle (WrittenintheSW) joins Erin and I to talk The Bad Batch, Season 2, Episode 13. Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her on Tik Tok & Instagram: ladytanocreatesDanielle (she/her) spends her days talking too much about Star Wars, MCU, and The Last of Us. She’s also a PhD researcher in Text & Image Studies, which basically means she gets read lots of comics and call it work. You can find her on TikTok at writteninthestarwars, Twitter at danies394, and Instagram at writteninthesw. You can find more of her content on the Bad Batch on Templeofgeek.com https://templeofgeek.com/author/danielle/ Patrons get access to bonus content with every episode!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S3 E2

TruStory FM — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Ashley and I dive into The Mandalorian Season 3, Episode 2.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Bad Batch • S2 E12

TruStory FM — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 03:00:00 -0800

Erin and I had a LOT to say about this week's Bad Batch episode! I also have a special announcement for all things Ethical Panda.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Mandalorian • S3 E1

TruStory FM — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 06:10:02 -0800

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The Bad Batch • S2 E11

TruStory FM — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 10:55:04 -0800

Star Wars dives back into the world of Godzilla movies, and we're diving with them, as we cover The Bad Batch, Season 2, Episode 11.

Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her atTik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.creates

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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The Bad Batch • S2 E10

TruStory FM — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 15:27:14 -0800

Paul makes his Ali-like return to the mic to talk with me about The Bad Batch, season 2, episode 10.

Paul Christopher Hoppe, AKA ZenMadman, is a writer, teacher, and student of poker, chess, language, and life. Find out more here:

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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • S2 E9

TruStory FM — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 19:40:30 -0800

Danielle (Written in the Star Wars) stole the keys to the podcast, and took Erin off on a joyride without me! Aka, I was out of town this week, and these two awesome creators took over the podcast for me, recording their thoughts on The Bad Batch, Season 2, Episode 9, along with bonus content about the best bounty hunters in the galaxy.

Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer, she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her:
Tik Tok @amateurahsoka
Instagram: lady.tano.creates

**************************************************************************

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • S2 E7-8

TruStory FM — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 14:38:26 -0800

Danielle (Written in the Star Wars) joins Erin and I to talk clones, conspiracies, & consequences as we dive into The Bad Batch, season 2, episodes 7-8.

Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer, she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her:
Tik Tok @amateurahsoka
Instagram: lady.tano.creates

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • S2 E6

TruStory FM — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 12:02:31 -0800

Erin and I continue our coverage of The Bad Batch with season 2, episode 6.

Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her atTik Tok @amateurahsokaInstagram: lady.tano.creates

**************************************************************************

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • S2 E5

TruStory FM — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 08:50:49 -0800

AJ (Jedi_Starkiller) joins Erin and I to talk The Bad Batch, Season 2, Episode 5.

Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her at
Tik Tok @amateurahsoka
Instagram: lady.tano.creates

AJ is a Star Wars fan, MtG Commander Player, Movie Buff, Comic Book Fan, family man, dog dad. Find Content on: @Jedi_Starkiller on TikTok and YouTube, he/him

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • S2 E4

TruStory FM — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 12:45:30 -0800

We're talking Mario Kart, we're talking Tech, we're talking Crosshair's emotional damage and why so many of us relate to it- its Erin McGowan and I talking The Bad Batch Season 2, Episode 4.

My cohost Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her at
Tik Tok @amateurahsoka
Instagram: lady.tano.creates

Lily Bean, the cosplay Erin mentioned, can be found at - https://www.instagram.com/lily.bean.cosplay/

**************************************************************************

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • S2 E3

TruStory FM — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 12:25:19 -0800

Erin and I come to you from the frozen plains of Hoth (Minnesota) to talk The Bad Batch, Season 2, Episode 3.

Thank you to our newest members, Riley and Mary Garrett!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • S2 E1-2

TruStory FM — Wed, 04 Jan 2023 14:36:49 -0800

Erin McGowan and I jump into The Bad Batch, season 2, episodes 1-2.

For more on UnWhiteWash the Bad Batch, check out - https://unwhitewashthebadbatch.carrd.co/

**************************************************************************

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Bad Batch • S2 Primer

TruStory FM — Thu, 29 Dec 2022 06:50:01 -0800

With The Bad Batch Season 2 a week away, we look back at the characters and story lines from season one, bringing you up to speed with all you need to know for season 2!

We'll be releasing episode by episode coverage, so be sure to subscribe to Star Wars Universe Podcast so you can follow along!

My guest Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her at
Tik Tok @amateurahsoka
Instagram: lady.tano.creates

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Resistance • S1

TruStory FM — Thu, 22 Dec 2022 06:15:02 -0800

Erin McGowan and I dive into Season 1 of Star Wars Resistance! We talk about the main characters and their journeys, and how the story depicts the reasons for the fall of the New Republic and the rise of the First Order.

Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her at
Tik Tok @amateurahsoka
Instagram: lady.tano.creates

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

2022 Recap Part 1: Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Book of Boba Fett

TruStory FM — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 01:52:59 -0800

Matthew and Paul embark on a quest to discuss every bit of Star Wars released in 2022. Part 1 covers Andor, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Book of Boba Fett. Part 2 will cover Tales of the Jedi and Star Wars Summer Vacation, as well as novels and video games.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor & Ashoka • Feedback and Reflections

TruStory FM — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 11:49:58 -0800

Ashoka Cosplayer and Star Wars SuperFan Erin McGowan joins Paul and myself to talk Andor & Ashoka, and some of the great feedback you've all been sending us!

Erin McGowan is a Twin Cities based cosplayer. she/her, who is new to cosplay and LOVING it. You can find her at
Tik Tok @amateurahsoka
Instagram: lady.tano.creates

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • Reflections & Responses

TruStory FM — Sun, 04 Dec 2022 21:41:20 -0800

Danielle (Written in the Star Wars) and AJ (Jedi_Starkiller) join me to look back at Andor and deep dive into our thoughts on the stories that were and weren't covered.

AJ is a Star Wars fan, MtG Commander Player, Movie Buff, Comic Book Fan, family man, dog dad. Find Content on: @Jedi_Starkiller on TikTok and YouTube, he/him

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 E12

TruStory FM — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 23:26:51 -0800

The finale is finally here!
Prof Matthew Kappell returns to join Paul and myself to talk about Andor ep 12.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 E11

TruStory FM — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 09:40:00 -0800

Prof Matthew Kappell returns to join Paul and myself to talk about Andor ep 11.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 E10

TruStory FM — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 13:26:47 -0800

Paul and I talk about Andor Ep 10!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 E9

TruStory FM — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 15:55:32 -0700

Paul and I talk episode 9 of Andor. We do our best to get into questions about the characters and plotlines, but I admit its hard when we want to talk about just how damn good the show is.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Tales of the Jedi • Ashoka

TruStory FM — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 17:12:09 -0700

Prof Matthew Kapell joins Paul and I to talk about the Ashoka episodes (1,5,6) of Tales of the Jedi!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 E8

TruStory FM — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 21:55:26 -0700

Prof. Matthew Kapell joins Paul and I to talk Andor, episode 8. We get into light topics like anthropological readings of the characters, the nature of rebellion, & what Lenin would think of the show. We even find a few things to quibble about! (though they are very small quibbles).

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 E7

TruStory FM — Sun, 23 Oct 2022 21:39:15 -0700

Wil Freeland of Hype is my Superpower joins me to talk about Andor, episode 7!

Note- I am SO sorry this comes so late, I thought I hit upload, then I left town for a few days.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 E6

TruStory FM — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 08:50:31 -0700

Danielle, aka @WrittenInTheStarWars on TikTok returns to talk with Paul and myself about Andor, Episode 6!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 E5

TruStory FM — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 12:55:31 -0700

AJ, aka Jedi_Starkiller of TikTok and Twitter fame joins Paul and myself to talk Andor Ep. 5!

AJ is a Star Wars fan, MtG Commander Player, Movie Buff, Comic Book Fan, family man, dog dad. Find Content on: @Jedi_Starkiller on TikTok and YouTube, he/him

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 E4

TruStory FM — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 09:49:45 -0700

Continuing coverage of Andor, as we dive into episode four!

You can find the video of our live stream of the podcast (for the next two weeks) on Paul's Twitch channel- https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1597635468. Please subscribe and tune in every Wednesday at 8:30 PM Eastern as we do episode by episode coverage.

As mentioned on the podcast, both Paul and I have started discords!

You can join my server and jump into the conversations about Andor and all your favorite media at https://discord.gg/3rWaRdDXm6

You can join Paul's server and join in the great discussions of poker, chess, languages, and more, at
https://discord.gg/z3KYnrFB8d

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 E1-3

TruStory FM — Thu, 22 Sep 2022 10:04:11 -0700

Paul and I kick off our coverage of Andor by talking about episodes 1-3!

As mentioned on the podcast, both Paul and I have started discords!

You can join my server and jump into the conversations about Andor and all your favorite media at https://discord.gg/3rWaRdDXm6

You can join Paul's server and join in the great discussions of poker, chess, languages, and more, at
https://discord.gg/z3KYnrFB8d

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Andor • S1 Primer (No Spoilers!)

TruStory FM — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 06:05:02 -0700

Wanna talk about Star Wars: Andor, but you've been avoiding trailers? We're doing a primer on the show, based on what we know about the character and the time period from already released movies and shows- no spoilers!

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Top 3 Lists

TruStory FM — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 08:18:47 -0700

What are the 3 best duels in Star Wars? Best acting performances? Paul and I challenge each other to come up with top lists on the fly in one of the more fun and ridiculous episodes we've had in a while. Stick around to the end to hear how this episode created a second!

We announced some big things I wanted to share links for.

First, Paul and I are now doing a LIVE STREAM recording of podcast episodes on Wednesdays at 8:30 PM Eastern on https://www.twitch.tv/zenmadman

We'll go back and forth between the two podcasts, but starting on September 21st, we'll be doing episode-by-episode coverage of Andor!

I've also decided to join all the other cool kids and create a Discord server! We talk about the different episodes, along with all kinds of topics about star wars and other things we love.
Email Matthew@theethicalpanda dot com to get an invite link.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S3 E19-20: Twin Suns!

TruStory FM — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 08:51:30 -0700

Twin Suns! Sarah Hayashi and Paul Hoppe join me to talk about this pivotal episode of Star Wars Rebels, along with a fun droid episode of 'filler' episodes and why Rebels uses them so well.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Lego Summer Vacation

TruStory FM — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 06:05:02 -0700

Lego Master Will Freeland joins me to talk about the Star Wars Lego Summer Vacation!

You can find Will's lego adventures at https://www.twitch.tv/sylverdreamer

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S3 E17-18

TruStory FM — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 06:05:02 -0700

Sarah and Matthew continue their discussion of Star Wars Rebels, with season 3, episodes 17-18.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Count Dooku

TruStory FM — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 06:05:02 -0700

Count Dooku had so much potential- Jonah and Paul join me to discuss the character from movies, TV and books from both Legends and Disney Canons. Why did he leave the Jedi? What drove the Separatist cause? How would his character, and the overall story, have been if he wasn't working for Sidious all along?

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S3 E14-16

TruStory FM — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 09:34:44 -0700

Matthew is joined by Sarah Hayashi and Paul Hoppe to discuss episodes 14, 15, and 16 of Star Wars Rebels. Warhead, Trials of the Darksaber, and Legacy of Mandalore.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S3 E12-13

TruStory FM — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 06:00:02 -0700

We're back on the Rebels train, talking about Season 3, Episodes 12-13, with Paul and Sarah.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Animation • Favorite Moments

Superhero Ethics — Thu, 14 Jul 2022 06:20:02 -0700

Paul and I dive into all the reasons we love Star Wars animation, and discuss our favorite moments from each of the animated shows.

Matthew's List

Ashoka and Vader
Rebels S2 Ep 22, Twilight of the Apprentice part 2, Rebels S2

Ashoka and Mail realizing where they both stand
Clone Wars, S7 Ep 10 The Phantom Apprentice -

Zeb and Kallus connect over fall of Lasan
Rebels S2 Ep 17- The Honorable Ones

Maul: “Filth, you will pay for your insolence.” Hondo: “Insolence! We are pirates! We don’t even know what that means.”
Clone Wars S5 Ep 1 - Revival

Satine Kryze : Senators, I presume you are acquainted with the collection of half-truths and hyperbole known as Obi-Wan Kenobi?
Obi-Wan Kenobi : Your Highness is too kind.
Satine Kryze : You're right, I am.
Clone Wars S2 Ep 13- Voyage of Temptation

Ezra pushed the walker off the edge
Rebels S3 Ep 1 - Steps into Shadow

Cross hair alone
The Bad Batch- can’t remember episode

Thrawn!!!!!!
Rebels S3 Ep 1 - Steps into Shadow

Star Wars Visions- samurai has a red lightsaber
Visions Episode 1 The Duel

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Kenobi • S1: Wrap-Up

TruStory FM — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 07:07:35 -0700

Kenobi is done, but we're not done discussing it! Danielle, of the WrittenintheStarWars tiktok returns to join Sarah and I as we wrap up this show.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Kenobi • S1 E6: Epic Showdown v. Vader

TruStory FM — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:48:36 -0700

Paul and Ashley join Matthew to discuss the Sith and final episode - wait no - sixth episode of Obi-Wan Kenobi! An epic lightsaber and rock bending duel that would make both Maul and Toph proud, questions about character arcs and where they lead from here, and some bonus feedback at the end make this episode as long as the rumors said this finale would be. We had fun recording and hope you have fun listening.

More from Ashley: strandedpanda.com
Check out Bill & Ashley's Terror Theater wherever you listen to podcasts.
More from Paul: zenmadman.com and ZenMadman all the places.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Kenobi • S1 E4-5: Feedback

TruStory FM — Tue, 21 Jun 2022 05:06:23 -0700

Riki and Sarah are back to answer your feedback on episodes 4-5 of Obi-Wan Kenobi!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Kenobi • S1 E5

TruStory FM — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 22:04:03 -0700

Paul and Ashley join Matthew to discuss Kenobi, episode 5! We talk about the episode itself, the nature of the dark side, how and when to use content warnings, and so much else!

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Kenobi • S1 E1-3: Feedback

TruStory FM — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 12:53:36 -0700

We're talking Kenobi feedback and answering your questions with Riki & Sarah Hayashi!

Note- we had some audio problems with this one, and apologize for the sound quality being a bit off, but we're get back to our standards with the next one!

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Kenobi • S1 E4: Leia v. Reva

TruStory FM — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 00:33:09 -0700

Paul and Ashley join Matthew to discuss Kenobi, episode 4! We talk about embracing one's power, and turning off the power for some good old lightsaber action in the dark.

More from Ashley: strandedpanda.com
More from Paul: zenmadman.com
To watch the video of this podcast, head over to https://youtu.be/Xqj1k2ZgXyQ
And please hit like and subscribe to help us grow the channel.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Kenobi • S1 E1-3: Matt Carroll's Thoughts

TruStory FM — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 06:00:03 -0700

Matt Carroll is back to share his thoughts on Obi-Wan Kenobi eps 1-3!

To find videos of many of our podcasts, go to the ZenMadman channel on Youtube, https://youtu.be/oQlrOWg8sYA, and please hit like and subscribe to help us grow the channel.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Kenobi • S1 E3

TruStory FM — Wed, 01 Jun 2022 21:52:29 -0700

Paul and Ashley join Matthew to discuss Kenobi, episode 3! We talk about the episode itself, various perspectives on the importance of continuity, the way Moses Ingram has been treated and get Ashley’s thoughts on our discussion of Celebrity Culture and the Heard/Depp trial.

To watch the video of this episode go to https://youtu.be/0saIfvoIFDU
And please hit like and subscribe to help us grow the channel.

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Kenobi • S1 E1-2

TruStory FM — Fri, 27 May 2022 20:41:40 -0700

We're talking about Obi-Wan Kenobi, episodes 1-2! With Paul Hoppe, and Sarah & Riki Hayashi.

For the full video of this podcast, including a special message from our "sponsors", click here: https://youtu.be/FzkJy9ebFpo . And please hit like and subscribe to help us grow the channel, where you’ll find video recordings of all our podcasts going forward, along with some great content around older ones.

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Path to Kenobi Part 4

TruStory FM — Thu, 26 May 2022 14:07:42 -0700

24 hours till Obi-Wan Kenobi- did we get Matt Carroll to find nuance in Star Wars? Check out our last episode on the Path to Kenobi!

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Kenobi • Clone Wars Primer

TruStory FM — Tue, 24 May 2022 07:07:28 -0700

Kenobi is almost upon us - have you watched every episode of The Clone Wars to get ready? Want to hear a full primer that will bring you up to date on his story without 7 seasons of TV? Check out our primer episode, with Riki & Sarah Hayashi, and special guest, Danielle, aka writteninthestarwars on tiktok!

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Star Wars Rebels • S3 E9-11

TruStory FM — Thu, 19 May 2022 06:00:02 -0700

Less than 10 days until the Obi-Wan Kenobi show, and while our favorite sassy Jedi doesn't appear on screen, he casts quite a shadow over the episodes of Rebels that Riki, Sarah, and I are talking about- Season 3 Episodes 9-11!

This episode is made possible in part by Manscaped!
Get 20% OFF + Free Shipping with promo code HEROETHICS at MANSCAPED.com!

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Star Wars Rebels • S3 E6-8

TruStory FM — Thu, 12 May 2022 06:15:02 -0700

Riki, Sarah, and I continue our path to Kenobi with Rebels, Season 3 Episodes 6-8.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Star Wars Rebels • S3 E3-5

TruStory FM — Tue, 03 May 2022 07:30:30 -0700

We're continuing our journey through Star Wars Rebels, covering S3 Eps 3-5. Less than a month till Kenobi!!!!

This episode is made possible in part by Manscaped!
Get 20% OFF + Free Shipping with promo code HEROETHICS at MANSCAPED.com!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Path to Kenobi Part 2 • S2 of Clone Wars

TruStory FM — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 06:00:02 -0700

Matt Carroll and I continue our path to Kenobi, talking about the character in Clone Wars Season 2.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S3 E1-2

TruStory FM — Sun, 24 Apr 2022 06:05:02 -0700

We're wrapping up season 2 of Rebels and diving into episodes 1-2 of season 3!

This episode is made possible in part by Manscaped!
Get 20% OFF + Free Shipping with promo code HEROETHICS at MANSCAPED.com!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S2 E21-22

TruStory FM — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 10:31:54 -0700

Twilight of the Apprentice is widely considered one of the best pieces of Star Wars Media ever created, and today we're talking about it, with Paul Hoppe joining our normal Rebels team.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Book Club • Star Wars Thrawn Series

TruStory FM — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 08:33:49 -0700

Can decent people serve in the Imperial Military? What happens when Grand Admiral Thrawn spends time with Anakin Skywalker, and then Darth Vader many years later? And has Timothy Zahn fallen in love with his own character, and forgotten he is supposed to be a villain? Rob McKenzie get into those questions and more as we discuss the Star Wars Thrawn series- the first canon trilogy focused on fan favorite Thrawn.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S2 E19-20

TruStory FM — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 12:56:55 -0700

Riki and I take about Season 2 of Rebels, Ep 19-20.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S2 E17-18

TruStory FM — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 07:32:36 -0700

We continue our coverage of Star Wars Rebels with Season 2, Episodes 18-19.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Path to Kenobi Part 1 • Movies and S1 of Clone Wars

TruStory FM — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 12:47:29 -0700

Kenobi is coming out soon and we're getting ready! Today we're covering Obi-Wan in the movies and season 1 of the Clone Wars TV show, giving you a primer to get ready for the upcoming show!

Famed Star Wars Agnostic Matt Carroll of the MCU joins the show, giving me the chance to demonstrate once and for all that Star Wars is a lot more than cool ships and laser swords.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S2 E14-16

TruStory FM — Sun, 13 Mar 2022 06:35:02 -0700

Sarah and I dive into Rebels, Season 2, Rebels 14-16.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S2 E11-13

TruStory FM — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 06:00:02 -0800

Riki and Sarah Hayashi join me to give our thoughts on Rebels, Season 2, episodes 11-13. along with give our thoughts on Book of Boba Fett.

For those who want to avoid spoilers, we end our discussion of Book of Boba Fett at 14:45.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S2 E8-10

TruStory FM — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 06:05:02 -0800

Riki joins me to discuss Star Wars Rebels, Season 2, Episodes 8-10

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Star Wars Rebels • S2 E5-7

TruStory FM — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 06:00:04 -0800

We're talking Star Wars Rebels, Season 2, episodes 5-7!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Book of Boba Fett • E7

TruStory FM — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 11:43:11 -0800

Would people see this show differently if it had a different title? What does the future hold for our (anti?) heroes? And can we now apply the term, Chekov's Rancor? Paul and Ashley join me to dive into these questions and more as we wrap up The Book of Boba Fett with episode 7.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Book of Boba Fett • E6

TruStory FM — Thu, 03 Feb 2022 06:05:02 -0800

We're talking episode 6 of The Book of Boba Fett with Jay Shepherd!

Having grown up on comics, television and film, “Jovial” Jay feels destined to host podcasts and write blogs related to the union of these nerdy pursuits. You can find his podcasts, which include Superhero Suite, Enjoy Stuff, and Scarlet Velocity, and written work, which includes Sci-Fi Saturdays, at www.RetroZap.Com. He also has ten years worth of Star Wars literature discussions on Jedi Journals at www.Forecast.net, and an exhaustive list of Marvel Cinematic Universe filming locations at MCULocationScout.com.

https://www.retrozap.com/superhero-suite/
https://www.retrozap.com/enjoy-stuff/
https://www.retrozap.com/scarlet-velocity/
https://www.retrozap.com/tag/sci-fi-saturdays/
http://www.retrozap.com/
https://forcecast.net/c-jedijournalsnews.asp
http://mculocationscout.com/

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Book of Boba Fett • E5

TruStory FM — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 19:51:09 -0800

Matthew and Ashley are joined by Hayley Hobbs to discuss episode 5 of The Book of Boba Fett!

Hayley Hobbs is one of the hosts of the Source Pages podcast. She loves many geeky things - especially Star Wars!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Book of Boba Fett • E4

TruStory FM — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 11:43:20 -0800

Zuhair Ali joins me to talk Book of Boba Fett, episode 4!

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The Book of Boba Fett • E3

TruStory FM — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 18:45:01 -0800

There is SO MUCH in this episode I want to reference, but its all spoilers. Suffice to say, Paul, Ashley and myself had a great time talking about this utterly wonderful, utterly ridiculous, episode of television.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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The Book of Boba Fett • E2

TruStory FM — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 17:42:08 -0800

We're talking Book of Boba Fett, episode 2, w Ashley Coffin

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The Book of Boba Fett • E1

TruStory FM — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 19:03:36 -0800

We're talking Book of Boba Fett, episode 1! With Paul Hoppe and Ashley Coffin

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S2 E3-4

TruStory FM — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 05:30:01 -0800

Rex! Our heroes connect with some old friends from the Clone War days, and Riki and Sarah join me to talk about it! Season 2, Episodes 3 and 4.

Check out Sarah's Etsy store- https://www.etsy.com/shop/HayashiCeramics

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S2 E1-2

TruStory FM — Tue, 07 Dec 2021 11:42:07 -0800

We're talking about Season 2, episode 1-2. SO many character reveals!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S1 E13-15

TruStory FM — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 06:05:17 -0800

Riki, Sarah, and myself talk about the end of Season 1, and all the big reveals!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Terrifying Tales

TruStory FM — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 06:20:06 -0800

It may be November, but J Scotty and I are getting spoooooooky as we dive into the newest Star Wars Lego Team Up - Terrifying Tales!

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S1 E10-12

TruStory FM — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 06:05:16 -0700

Join Sarah, Riki, and myself as we discuss Star Wars Rebels, Season 1, Episodes 10-12!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S1 E8-9

TruStory FM — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 12:05:59 -0700

Riki and Sarah join me to discuss Rebels Season 1, episodes 8-9, along with the recent news that Hayden Christensen will be joining the cast of the Ahsoka TV show!

Are you not happy with this news, or are you a Hayden Christenstan? (Blame the bad pun on Riki)

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S1 E6-7

TruStory FM — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 06:05:18 -0700

RIki & Sarah joins me to talk about Star Wars Rebels, Season 1, Episodes 6-7!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars Rebels • S1 E3-5

TruStory FM — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 09:41:30 -0700

Riki, Sarah, and I continue our coverage of Rebels. Today we cover S1 Episodes 3-5.

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SWUP Legends and Canon

TruStory FM — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 12:24:42 -0700

What are the Legends books, and why do they stir up so much passion among fans? What happened when Disney took over, and why did it make some fans mad? And how are characters and stories from the Legends books showing up in recent canonical Star Wars stories?

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Star Wars Rebels • S1 E1-2

TruStory FM — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 12:15:38 -0700

The wait is over- we're diving into Star Wars Rebels with Season 1, Episodes 1-2! Riki & Sarah Hayashi join me to talk about why we love this show, its importance in connecting the gaps and filling in plot holes between the prequels and the original movies, and the characters these first two episodes introduce us to.

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Book Club • Republic Commandos

TruStory FM — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 09:46:15 -0700

Were the Clone Soldiers slaves? Can they fall in love? Does Order 66 make more sense if we understand why the Clones feel bitter and resentful towards the Jedi? Jonah Kellman returns as we dive into the Republic Commando book series, and talk about how it influenced The Clone Wars and The Bad Batch.

Jonah Kellman (He/Him) started watching Star Wars half-way through A New Hope on TV one night, then discovered that there were books and Lego sets, and never looked back. Outside of Star Wars, he designs tabletop games, and is always on the prowl for new ideas. You can catch more of his thoughts on The Archives are Incomplete, a podcast covering all of the Legends Canon Novels at fatelfgames.com/archives or wherever podcasts are found, and you can reach him on twitter @Jedi_Archives.

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Book Club • Darth Bane Trilogy

TruStory FM — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 12:57:42 -0700

We're back from hiatus and we're talking about the creator of the rule of two- Darth Bane. Why did he change the Sith, and what were they before? What can these books teach us about the Sith in the time of the Skywalker story? And why are Sith just as bad at romance as the Jedi?

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The Bad Batch • S1 E16

TruStory FM — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 06:05:17 -0700

Paul Hoppe and Sarah & Riki Hayashi join me to wrap up Season 1 of The Bad Batch

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The Bad Batch • S1 E15

TruStory FM — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 07:34:48 -0700

Paul Hoppe and I discuss episode 15 of The Bad Batch!

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The Bad Batch • S1 E14

TruStory FM — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 13:47:56 -0700

Zuhair and J Scotty join me to discuss episode 14 of The Bad Batch

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The Bad Batch • S1 E13

TruStory FM — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 15:01:30 -0700

The Animation Deliberation Hosts, J. Scotty and Zuhair join me to discuss The Bad Batch, Ep 13.

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The Bad Batch • S1 E12

TruStory FM — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 13:15:42 -0700

Riki & Sarah Hayashi join J. Scotty St. Clair and Paul Hoppe as we try not to crash the ship while Matthew is away. We talk about the Bad Batch Episode 12 in this recording that was streamed live on Twitch.

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The Bad Batch • S1 E11

TruStory FM — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 18:22:33 -0700

Paul and J Scotty join us to talk The Bad Batch, episode 11!

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The Bad Batch • S1 E10

TruStory FM — Sat, 03 Jul 2021 08:15:03 -0700

Paul Hoppe and Zuhair Ali join me to discuss The Batch Batch, Episode 10, live on twitch!

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The Bad Batch • S1 E9

TruStory FM — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 16:35:04 -0700

Riki & Sarah Hayashi make their triumphant return as we talk about Bad Batch ep 9!

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Star Wars: Episode IX The Rise of Skywalker

TruStory FM — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 06:15:05 -0700

The long wait is over- we're talking about Rise of Skywalker!
Can Matthew find something positive to say about this movie?
Can Paul get past his schadenfreude over Matthew now hating a Star Wars movie?
Can Ashley stop laughing at these two knuckleheads?

We go into all this and more- and even talk about the movie some along the way!

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The Bad Batch • S1 E8

TruStory FM — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 05:55:17 -0700

Paul and J. Scotty join me to talk about The Bad Batch, Episode 8!

We recorded this live on twitch, which meant the episode includes questions and feedback from our awesome fans, including top level trolling by Supreme Leader Ash.

To see more of our episodes on twitch, follow or subscribe to our two channels
Matthew https://www.twitch.tv/theethicalpanda
Paul https://www.twitch.tv/zenmadman

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The Bad Batch • S1 E7

TruStory FM — Sun, 13 Jun 2021 08:48:40 -0700

Zuhair Ali and J Scotty St. Clair of the Animation Deliberation Podcast join me to talk about The Bad Batch, Ep 7!

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The Bad Batch • S1 E6

TruStory FM — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 06:05:05 -0700

Paul and Matthew watched the 6th episode of the Bad Batch the moment it went live, and recorded an episode on it at 2:30 AM Matthew's time because they have the self-preservation instincts of Wrecker! Enjoy our conversation about droid moral value, the return of two great sisters, and our podcasting heroes attempt to stay awake while recording.

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The Bad Batch • S1 E5

TruStory FM — Fri, 28 May 2021 14:12:11 -0700

Paul Hoppe, aka ZenMadman, and J Scotty St. Clair of the Animation Deliberation Podcast join me to discuss Star Wars: The Bad Batch, episode 5!

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The Bad Batch • S1 E4

TruStory FM — Fri, 21 May 2021 12:45:35 -0700

Brian V. Klein and J Scotty St Clair join me to discuss The Bad Batch, episode 4!

All of our Bad Batch coverage is done in partnership with the Animation Deliberation Podcast, of which J Scotty is a co-host. Check them out!

Each of these episodes is live recorded and streamed at 9am Central on Friday, on https://www.twitch.tv/strandedpandatv. Come join us, ask questions, or give us feedback for us to discuss on air. After we wrap up, we continue our double feature with a live watch and then recording on M.O.D.O.K, hosted by the Animation Deliberation folks.

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Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

TruStory FM — Tue, 18 May 2021 06:05:09 -0700

Who is Cal Kestis, and what role does he play in the Star Wars saga? Where did the Inquisitors come from, and how did the aftermath of Order 66 help shape them? And what happens when you use a platformer video game to tell a canonical Star Wars story?

We explore these questions and more as we talk about Jedi: Fallen Order, with Riki and Sarah. Whether you've beaten the game 5 different times, or never played it for a moment, we bring up questions relevant to any Star Wars fan.

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The Bad Batch • S1 E3

TruStory FM — Fri, 14 May 2021 18:38:40 -0700

We're talking about Star Wars: The Bad Batch, episode 3, with myself, J Scotty St. Clair, and Sarah Hayashi!

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The Bad Batch • S1 E2

TruStory FM — Sun, 09 May 2021 10:31:40 -0700

We're talking about The Bad Batch, episode 2, with J Scotty St. Claire of The Animation Deliberation podcast, and with regular guest, Paul Hope.

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The Bad Batch • S1 E1

TruStory FM — Wed, 05 May 2021 06:05:19 -0700

The first episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch is out and we're talking about it! I'm joined by J. Scotty St. Clair, of the Animation Deliberation podcast and Stranded Panda regular, Brian V. Klein.

We recorded this while all in the same place, which means the audio quality is not quite what it will normally be. By next episode we will all be back to our studios, and the sound quality will be back to normal.

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The Bad Batch • Primer

TruStory FM — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 06:20:16 -0700

Are you interested in the upcoming Star Wars: The Bad Batch, but don't know/remember much about that part of the story? A die- hard fan who wants to listen to a great discussion of what we're hoping for? We've got you covered!

We're teaming up with the Animation Deliberation podcast and reviewing every episode of The Bad Batch as it comes up. This primer will bring you up to speed on everything you need to know to be ready when the first Bad Batch episode comes out on May 4th.

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The Clone Wars • S6 E10-13

TruStory FM — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 06:05:11 -0700

We finish our run of Clone Wars Episodes by looking at Season 6, episodes 10-13, with Riki and Sarah. Paul and I reviewed Season 7 when it came out, all of which can be found on our podcast page or in the podcast history of your app!

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The Clone Wars • S6 E5-9

TruStory FM — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 05:55:06 -0700

Riki, Sarah, and myself, talk about Season 6, Episodes 5-9 of The Clone Wars

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The Clone Wars • S6 E1-4

TruStory FM — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 06:20:17 -0700

Intrigue! A clone spy thriller! The origins of order 66! We jump into these topics as we discuss The Clone Wars, S6 Ep 1-4

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Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi

TruStory FM — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 06:00:07 -0700

We're talking about The Last Jedi on a live recorded episode with myself, Ashley Coffin, and Sarah and Riki Hayashi

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The Clone Wars • S5 E17-20

TruStory FM — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 06:00:12 -0700

Ahsoka leaves the Jedi Order as they lose touch with the people they claim to serve. Does this accelerate Anakin's slide towards the dark side? Matthew, Sarah, and Riki discuss the end of Season 5 (ep 17-20) of the Clone Wars.

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The Clone Wars • S5 E14-16

TruStory FM — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 07:30:16 -0700

Riki and Sarah join me to talk about The Clone Wars, Season 5, episodes 14-16.

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The Clone Wars • S5 E10-13

TruStory FM — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 06:15:20 -0700

The droids are off on an adventure, and Sarah and Riki join me to talk about Clone Wars, Season 5, Episodes 10-13.

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The Clone Wars • S5 E6-9

TruStory FM — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 08:31:32 -0800

We're talking about The Clone Wars, Season 5, Episodes 6-9, with Riki and Sarah.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens

TruStory FM — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 06:00:18 -0800

Ashley and Paul join Matthew to discuss The Force Awakens, for this live streamed episode!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S5 E1-5

TruStory FM — Thu, 04 Mar 2021 08:37:35 -0800

Riki and Sarah join Matthew to discuss episodes 1-5 of season 5 of The Clone Wars!

We have some great upcoming events for Star Wars Fans

This Sunday, March 7th, we're covering The Force Awakens with a live watch and episode recording!

Live Watch!
2:00 PM EST
Join us in the chat room for the live watch all you need is Google Chrome and the Scener extension.
Scener.com/TheEthicalPanda

Then hop on Twitch to watch and take part as we record our podcast episode about The Force Awakens! Ask questions and give us feedback to respond to!
Twitch.com/StrandedPandaTV

And if that wasn't enough, NEXT Sunday, March 14th, we're having the first ever Star Wars Universe Podcast Trivia Night!

3:00 PM EST, First Question at 3:15.
Twitch.com/StrandedPandaTV

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Book Club • Darth Plagueis

TruStory FM — Thu, 25 Feb 2021 06:10:02 -0800

Who was Palpatine, and what led him to the Sith? What led Count Dooku to turn his back on the Jedi and the Republic? Who was Darth Plagueis and what role did he play in the Star Wars Saga? Brian, Paul, and Matthew explore these questions and more as they dive into the Star Wars novel Darth Plagueis.

In this series, each month we'll dive into new book or book series, exploring the story, where it falls in the larger universe, and what it tells us about the new Star Wars content coming at the end of this year.

Whether you read every page, or didn't read but want to know what happens and what it means, these podcasts are for you!

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S4 E19-22

TruStory FM — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 06:10:01 -0800

Tales from the Dark Side! We wrap up season 4 of The Clone Wars with stories about Dark Side users outside of the Sith. Riki joins me to discuss episodes 19-22 of season 4.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S4 E15-18

TruStory FM — Thu, 11 Feb 2021 11:14:41 -0800

“Clones and civilians die because of what Obi-Wan does “

Obi-Wan goes undercover, Anakin is hurt to not be trusted. Cad Bane chews scenery! Matthew, Riki, and Sarah, discuss all this and more as we dive into The Clone Wars, S4 Episodes 15-18

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S4 E11-14

TruStory FM — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 06:00:04 -0800

"How can Anakin be charming to everyone BUT Padme?"
Bo Katan's first appearance!
Fighting slavers takes Anakin further towards the dark side, and Riki, Sarah, and myself discuss a Jedi Academy rom com, on this episode as we dive into episodes 11-14 of Season 4 of The Clone Wars.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S4 E7-10

TruStory FM — Thu, 28 Jan 2021 06:05:15 -0800

What happens when a general sees their troops as tools, not people? Can clones, trained from birth to obey orders, question them when necessary? We're talking about all that and more, as Riki, Sarah, and Matthew dive into episodes 7-10 of Season 4 of The Clone Wars.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Book Club • Light of the Jedi

TruStory FM — Sun, 24 Jan 2021 06:00:21 -0800

We're kicking off the first episode of the Star Wars Book Club with the 1st High Republic book- Light of the Jedi!

Whether you read every page, or didn't read but want to know what happens and what it means, these podcasts are for you!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S4 E1-6

TruStory FM — Thu, 21 Jan 2021 06:05:05 -0800

Water Wars with Ackbar! C3P0 and R2 go on Gulliver's Travels! We're talking about all that and more, as Riki, Sarah, and Matthew dive into episodes 1-6 of Season 4 of The Clone Wars

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S1-3 Primer & Review

TruStory FM — Thu, 14 Jan 2021 08:44:21 -0800

Today we go over all we talked about for Seasons 1-3 of The Clone Wars, talking about the major themes and charecters as we get ready to dive into S4 and the rest of the show!

Whether you're a long time Clone Wars fan, or are just interested in knowing more because of The Mandalorian, or to get ready for the upcoming new content, we got you!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S3 E18-22

TruStory FM — Thu, 07 Jan 2021 11:42:54 -0800

The Clone Wars episodes are back! Whether you're just checking out the show because Mandalorian made you want to learn more about Ahsoka and the rest or you're a long time fan, these episodes are for you! Even if you haven't seen the show- these episodes are a great way to get caught up on all that happens, and what it means as we explore new parts of the galaxy far, far, away.

Today we are diving into the last 5 episodes of Season 3. You can find all of our old episodes, including our discussions on every past episode of The Clone Wars on the Star Wars Universe Podcast.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S2 Wrap-Up

TruStory FM — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 08:49:28 -0800

Season 2 of Mando may be over, but we're not done talking about it! Paul and Ashley join me to talk about what we loved about this season including Din's character development, what Jim Henson would think of how far puppeting has come, how well the shows brought in content from Clone Wars and Rebels without alienating newer fans, and revisiting the eternal debate about weekly shows vs. binges.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S2 E8: Jet Pack Parkour

TruStory FM — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 06:05:02 -0800

It's the Mando season finale and the whole gang’s here to talk about it. Jeff Randle, Ashley Coffin, Paul Hoppe join Matthew Fox discuss the episode, wrap up the season, and talk about what we might see going forward.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Ahsoka? Kenobi? Big Star Wars News! Hype & Discussion Inbound!

TruStory FM — Mon, 14 Dec 2020 07:38:55 -0800

Ahsoka gets a TV show! Kenobi gets a TV show! Disney just announced all the new Star Wars content and we are diving into questions, opinions, and theories about everything coming out!

What will tie the three shows in the Mando timeline together? What is the value, and danger, of expecting any new product to not change canon? Is Anakin vs. Obi-Wan the fight we’ve all been waiting for? We dive into these questions and more.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S2 E7

TruStory FM — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 22:16:42 -0800

Matthew teams up with Ashley Coffin and Paul Hoppe to talk about The Mandalorian, Season 2, Episode 7, The Believer.

Each week we’ll be releasing a new episode soon after the next episode of The Mandalorian drops.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Ahsoka • Primer

TruStory FM — Thu, 10 Dec 2020 06:10:16 -0800

Who is Ahsoka Tano, and what role might she play in the future of the Star Wars Universe? What is her history, and where does she fit in the story of Anakin’s fall? Why did fans get so excited to see her in The Mandalorian?

With The Mandalorian introducing so many characters and references from The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and other sources, we're offering a primer for those who haven’t seen (or may not remember) all those details. These episodes will get you up to speed and offer theories about where things may go in the future. Our first primer was about Thrawn, and we will soon record on Bo Katan and the history of the Mandalorians, and anything else you need to know to understand everything going on in the Mandalorian!

The podcast I referenced is called Desi Geek Girls. Check it out! https://desigeekgirls.libsyn.com/ The episodes I was inspired by are the April 3rd and May 8th.

Here is a list of best Ahsoka episodes from The Clone Wars and Rebels: https://screenrant.com/mandalorian-ahsoka-clone-wars-rebels-episodes-before-debut/

Each week we’ll be releasing a new episode soon after the next episode of The Mandalorian drops.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S2 E6

TruStory FM — Mon, 07 Dec 2020 07:34:25 -0800

Matthew teams up with Riki Hayashi and Paul Hoppe to talk about The Mandalorian, Season 2, Episode 6, The Tragedy.

Each week we’ll be releasing a new episode soon after the next episode of The Mandalorian drops.

Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!

You can post questions, or respond to our episode threads in our Star Wars Universe Podcast Facebook Group, or talk to us on the podcast’s SWUPodcast Twitter account, or email us at StarWarsUniversePodcast@gmail.com, or follow Matthew at CapedEthicist, https://twitter.com/CapedEthicist

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • Primer: Grand Admiral Thrawn

TruStory FM — Fri, 04 Dec 2020 06:15:13 -0800

Do you want to know who this Grand Admiral Thrawn is, that so many folks went nuts about when Ashoka said his name? Are you a Thrawn fan but want to know more about him, or about theories of what role he might play in live action stories going forward? Riki and Matthew dive deep into a discussion of our favorite blue skinned military genius.

With Mandalorian introducing so much content from The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels and other sources, we want to offer a primer for those who haven’t seen, or may not remember, all those details. These episodes will get you up to speed, and offer theories about where things may go in the future. Say tuned for follow up primers on Ashoka Tano, Bo Katan and the history of the Mandalorians, and anything else that seems relevant!

Click here to see Jon Favreau go on Binging with Babish to teach you how to make the macarons that grogu stole! https://youtu.be/IGS0JouUgjM

Each week we’ll be releasing a new episode soon after the next episode of The Mandalorian drops.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S2 E5

TruStory FM — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 10:18:23 -0800

I’ll be honest- I have no idea how to describe our discussion of Mando S2 EP 5 without massive spoilers. So I’ll just say, Paul, Ashley, Jeff, and myself loved this episode and had a lot of fun talking about why. We laughed, we cried, it was better than cats.

Each week we’ll be releasing a new episode soon after the next episode of The Mandalorian drops. We’ll also be hosting an online live chat watch party every week!

The watch parties will be every Friday, starting Oct 30th at 8:30 PM EST. All you need is a Disney+ subscription and the Scener extension for Chrome which you can easily download for free. Join us at https://scener.com/theethicalpanda to watch the episode and live chat with us about it.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S2 E4

TruStory FM — Sat, 21 Nov 2020 08:24:00 -0800

Matthew is back with Paul and Ashley to dive into The Mandalorian, Season 2, Episode 4- The Siege

Below are two of the links we mentioned in this episode.

Paul Sun-Hyung Lee’s interview on being a super-fan who got to be in Mandalorian, and why, in his words “a Korean-Canadian in the Star Wars Universe gives hope to a lot of people that dreams to come true, this is obtainable.” https://youtu.be/b8Wfwkve890

Ice Cream Man - https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Willrow_Hood?fbclid=IwAR23DMW9SOF8zajG_a4FjovmzIrkn8laWuYFMbNjU8nP9bKNVKeSrlxb_Vo

Each week we’ll be releasing a new episode soon after the next episode of The Mandalorian drops. We’ll also be hosting an online live chat watch party every week!

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S2 E3

TruStory FM — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 06:09:50 -0800

OMG Bo-Katan is back, and we learned about the different kinds of Mandalorians, and why he never takes off his mask but the rest of them do, and we’re gonna meet Ashoka Tano, and, and, and not a single frog eat gets eaten!!!!!

*deep breath *

Can you tell we’re a bit excited about this episode?

Riki Hayashi and Jeff Randle join Matthew Fox to discuss Mando S2 EP3.

Each week we’ll be releasing a new episode soon after the next episode of The Mandalorian drops. We’ll also be hosting an online live chat watch party every week!

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S2 E2

TruStory FM — Mon, 09 Nov 2020 06:00:08 -0800

Was baby yoda kind of a jerk this episode? What happens when X-wing pilots pull traffic duty? And could Moff Gideon be an ex-Mandalorian himself?

We’re talking Mando, Season 2, Episode 2, with Jeff Randle, Ashley Coffin, and Matthew Fox, exploring this episode and diving into

Each week we’ll be releasing a new episode soon after the next episode of The Mandalorian drops. We’ll also be hosting an online live chat watch party every week!

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S2 E1

TruStory FM — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 23:05:04 -0700

We’re talking Mando, Season 2, Episode 1, with Jeff Randle, Ashley Coffin, Paul Hoppe, and Matthew Fox. WIll Mando and Bobba Fett become buddies? What did we learn about the world and the last few years? And just how many banthas had to die to take out one krayt dragon?

Each week we’ll be releasing a new episode soon after the next episode of The Mandalorian drops. We’ll also be hosting an online live chat watch party every week!

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S2 Hype S1 Review

TruStory FM — Wed, 28 Oct 2020 06:00:17 -0700

Mandalorian Season Two is almost here and we are pumped! We kick off our coverage by taking a look back at season one, then talking about our theories and hopes for the new season. We consider the interplay of a dark, cynical show with one of the most adorable characters ever to appear on screen, discuss what we might learn about the Great Purge and the origins of the Mandalorian Creed, and dive deep into theories about The Child, Moff Gideon, and Ahsoka.

For the next 8 weeks, this podcast will be focusing on the Mandalorian Season 2! We'll start each week with a Friday night online watch party for the new episode of Mando, then drop an episode of our own shortly thereafter.

The watch parties will be every Friday, starting Oct 30th at 8:30 PM EST. All you need is a disney+ subscription and the Scener extension for Chrome which you can easily download for free. Join us at https://scener.com/theethicalpanda to watch the episode and live chat with us about it.

You can download the episode with a right click and clicking “save link as” or subscribe by searching for Star Wars Universe Podcast on Itunes, Spreaker, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S3 E15-17

TruStory FM — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 06:00:16 -0700

Riki, Sarah, and Matthew go deep on the Mortis plot episodes, where Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ashoka meet living embodiments of the force, who test them. What is the nature of the force, outside of the Jedi and Sith? What was the prophecy about Anakin, and does he fulfill it? And what kind of jedi is Anakin teaching Ashoka to be?

You can download the episode with a right click and clicking “save link as” or subscribe by searching for Star Wars Universe Podcast on Itunes, Spreaker, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi

TruStory FM — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 05:55:02 -0700

Matthew is back with a wife, a new name (Matthew Davis McCreary Fox) and an excitement to dive into Return of the Jedi! We’re talking about Vader and why he turns, how this movie holds up almost 40 years later, and why we all need more Yub-Nub in our lives. Joining Matthew are Ashley Coffin and Paul Hoppe.

On a different note- as I mentioned early in this episode, I know that I have not done enough to diversity the voices being heard on this or other podcasts I’m a part of, or to lift up voices of people from perspectives different than my own. Toward that end I want to ask you- if there are writers, podcasters, or other content creators with voices different than my own (white, male, straight-cis) you want to recommend, please let me know. Post them here or send them to me at StarWarsUniversePodcast@gmail.com

You can download the episode with a right click and clicking “save link as” or subscribe by searching for Star Wars Universe Podcast on Itunes, Spreaker, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S3 E12-14

TruStory FM — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 07:07:29 -0700

It's time for the night witches! Riki, Sarah, and Matthew dive into one of the best plot arcs of the whole show as we look at Clone Wars Season 3, episodes 12-14. What does the dark side look like outside of the sith? Is magick a part of the force, or something altogether different? And is Darth Maul still alive?!?

You can download the episode with a right click and clicking “save link as” or subscribe by searching for Star Wars Universe Podcast on Itunes, Spreaker, or wherever else you get your podcasts.

Want to continue the discussion with us? Agree or disagree with what we talked about, or want to add your own thoughts? We’ve got options for you!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back

TruStory FM — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 06:00:16 -0700

We’re talking about one of the greatest Star Wars properties of all time- The Empire Strikes Back! What makes this movie so iconic? What drives Darth Vader? What makes Yoda such a good teacher, and what does a space worm eat?

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Justice for Finn • A Star Wars Universe Podcast Special Episode

TruStory FM — Tue, 15 Sep 2020 05:55:05 -0700

‘Do not market a black character as important and then push them aside.’ - John Boyega, GQ Magazine https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/john-boyega-interview-2020

In a recent interview, John Boyega, the actor who played Finn, expressed his frustration and anger at how the character was treated in the Star Wars postquels. Jared Sylva and Matthew Westfox use that interview as a jumping-off point to discuss all the potential this character had and how they weren’t realized. Could we have had two Jedi? What stories could you tell by digging deep into the mindset of a stormtrooper who goes rogue, and how does he inspire others? What happens when a soldier raised by the army from birth has to shoot at his former compatriots who are also former child soldiers?

Jared Sylva is a lifelong Star Wars fan and a professional geek as the Organized Play department manager for Star City Games. who loves sharing the movies and shows he loves with his two young children. You can reach out to Jared on Twitter @JaredSylva.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope

TruStory FM — Wed, 09 Sep 2020 08:50:46 -0700

Jeff and Matthew go back to the beginning with the movie that started it all - A New Hope.
How has the original held up over all these years? What is the power of seeing this so soon after Rogue One? And did we find all the ways that the prequels don’t match this existing continuity?

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clones Wars • S3 E8-11

TruStory FM — Tue, 01 Sep 2020 05:55:09 -0700

Intergalactic politics War profiteering and a chance to find friends on the other side. And the tragic romance of a hut gangser, and his Pa'lowick femme fatale. Matthew, Riki, and Sarah dive into these questions and more as we discuss The Clone Wars, Season 3, episodes 8-11.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

TruStory FM — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 05:55:03 -0700

For the first time, Matt and Jeff get to talk about a Star Wars movie they loved! We’re diving deep on Rogue One- what made this movie so good, how to do a prequel, and our take on Darth Vader telling dad puns.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S3 E4-7

TruStory FM — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 06:00:09 -0700

Galactic politics! Mandolorian plots! Episodes without clones or droids! The Clone Wars gang is back, and we’re talking about Season 3, episodes 4-7.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith

TruStory FM — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 06:00:16 -0700

Our movie reviews are (finally) back, and we're talking Revenge of the Sith. We talk about the fall of the Jedi, re-write Anakin's plot arc, decry the waste that was Natalie Portman's talent, and did that Wookie really make a Tarzan yell? (Yes. Yes he did, the subtitles prove it.)

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S3 E1-3

TruStory FM — Wed, 05 Aug 2020 06:00:14 -0700

Clone Wars is really hitting its stride as we start Season 3, and Riki, Sarah, and Matthew are here to talk about it. We learn about the clone training program, and how it shapes who they are today. We learn about diplomacy, and what it takes to get a neutral system to support the Republic. And we find out that Toydarians don’t have to be anti-semetic!

We also get reintroduced to Boba Fet- the most murderous tween in the Galaxy. What do we learn about him and the rest of the bounty hunters? Is he the bounty hunter who rises?

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Ethics of the Clone Wars • Vacation Cast

TruStory FM — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 10:04:43 -0700

I'm on vacation this week, and the internet is a lot worse than I had hoped up here, so I couldn't produce a new episode. Instead, here is an episode that went out on Superhero Ethics about the Ethics of the Clone Wars TV show, so it also seemed deeply relevant to this 'cast. Enjoy, and we'll be back with new episodes soon!

The Clone Wars TV show takes the well-known stories of the fall of Anakin and the Jedi, gives them nuance and moral complexity, and explores questions relevant to our world. What happens to peacekeepers when they become generals? What is the moral value of clones, and how were they treated? And what happens when people fight a war without asking why?

Star Wars fans and former guests Paul Hoppe and Jonah Kellman join me to dive into these questions and more as we look at the ethical questions from The Clones Wars TV show.

Paul Christopher Hoppe, AKA ZenMadman, is a writer, teacher, and student of poker, chess, language, and life. Find out more here:

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S2 E18-23

TruStory FM — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 05:45:08 -0700

Riki and Sarah are back as we wrap up Season 2 of The Clone Wars. We continue our Star Wars homage to Japanese cinema with Godzilla... In.... Sppaaaccce. Are the Dugs the villains, or are the Jedi insensitive colonizers?

We also get reintroduced to Boba Fet- the most murderous tween in the Galaxy. What do we learn about him and the rest of the bounty hunters? Is he the bounty hunter who rises?

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • FINAL SEASON Review

TruStory FM — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 09:35:56 -0700

Today we’re wrapping up our watch of the final season of The Clone Wars, season 7. We’re looking at the clones and how their story plays out, we’re looking at Ashoka in her days after leaving the Jedi, and... drumroll please... we’re learning more about Order 66.

Jeff and I were not able to make our schedules line up this week, but he will be back to talk about our next movie, Revenge of the Sith, soon.

Meanwhile, we have two exciting pieces of news!

First, the Stranded Panda Podcast Network, of which both this ‘cast and my other one, Superhero Ethics are proud parts, has launched a new podcast that I’m a part of- Panda Vision! Here we talk about shows with superhero or other geek themes, that don’t fit nearly into a ‘verse. Our inaugural episodes where on The Boys, and we’ve got more coming soon about Umbrella Academy- both to gear up for the upcoming next seasons. Check it out at https://www.strandedpanda.com/pandavision or by searching for PandaVision on your podcast app.

Secondly, our sister podcast, Superhero ethics is coming up on its 100th Episode, and it'll be live on Twitch, this Thursday, 7/16 at 6 PM Central! https://strandedpanda.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=5fc1377689adb53795e32c2a3&id=498b7bd79d&e=54bd30a755

We will have a panel of five (five!) all-star Superhero Ethics personalities, as we talk about some of our favorite geeky ethical questions. Come be a part of it live! Share your thoughts, ask us questions, and we'll respond as best we can.
You can also add questions beforehand by emailing superheroethics@gmail.com

Our full line up of guests includes former co-hosts Paul Hoppe and Jacob Milicic, and regular guests Becky Allen, Jess Plummer, and Matthew Carroll.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S2 E15-17

TruStory FM — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 06:00:11 -0700

Riki and Sara are back to talk about the Clone Wars. Today we cover Season 2, episodes 15-17. We’re looking at Senatorial politics and murder, we’re talking space combat strategy and the wisdom of giving your super secret ship that has a super specific purpose to Anakin, and we’re talking about seven samurai in space.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones

TruStory FM — Tue, 30 Jun 2020 06:00:19 -0700

Jeff and Matthew continue their movie watch with Attack of the Clones! Can we find some good in this oft paned movie? How does this movie tell the story of the fall of Anakin, the Jedi, and the Republic? And after watching two hours of Anakin being creepy towards Padme, tell her how much it hurts that she won’t kiss him back AND call her m’lady throughout- is he the patron saint of the f*ck boys?

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S2 E12-14

TruStory FM — Tue, 23 Jun 2020 09:46:55 -0700

This week we dive into the first Mandalorian Arc of The Clone Wars. What does it mean to be neutral during a galactic civil war? Why do the Jedi fear personal attachment, and is it a realistic goal to deny it? And is Obi-Wan the rom-com star we never knew we needed? We get into these and other questions and have some good disagreements.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace

TruStory FM — Tue, 16 Jun 2020 05:50:10 -0700

Jeff and I are watching every Star Wars movie, in the chronological order of the story, and that means we’re starting with Phantom Menace! We talk about what we liked, what we didn’t, and how this movie fits into the overall story. In particular we talked about the stories we hoped the movie would tell-- the start of the fall of the republic and the fall of Anakin, and why a movie aimed at kids was the wrong choice for that particular story.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S2 E9-11

TruStory FM — Tue, 09 Jun 2020 05:55:17 -0700

This is our Goldilocks episode- we’ve got one Clone Wars episode that is pretty bad, one that is ok, and one that may be one of the best in the whole show. Who is a clone, if they decide not to fight in the war, and is that desertion, freedom, or both? Why does Grevious hate the Jedi so much? And why are the Jedi so susceptible to pickpockets?

Riki, Sarah, and I get into those questions and more as we talk about The Clone Wars, Season 2, Episodes 9-11.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S1 E8: Redemption

TruStory FM — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 05:55:06 -0700

We’ve come to the end of Season 1, and there’s a lot to talk about! Is Moff Gideon a force user? Did Mando learn to trust a droid? And how is it that everyone in the galaxy forgets the Jedi ever existed every time it's convenient?!?

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • FINAL SEASON E11

TruStory FM — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 05:55:19 -0700

Today we cover Episode 11 of the last season, season 7, of The Clone Wars.

Note- this contains spoilers for the entire run of Clone Wars up to these episodes, so do not listen if you aren't fully caught up. We will continue releasing regular episodes on Clone Wars and Mandalorian in order on Tuesdays. Consider this a special bonus of the new season.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • FINAL SEASON E9-10

TruStory FM — Fri, 29 May 2020 09:29:51 -0700

Today we cover Episodes 9 and 10 of the last season, season 7, of The Clone Wars.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • FINAL SEASON E7-8

TruStory FM — Thu, 28 May 2020 14:27:33 -0700

Today we cover Episodes 7 and 8 in our watch of the Clone Wars new/last season!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • FINAL SEASON E5-6

TruStory FM — Wed, 27 May 2020 05:45:07 -0700

Today we cover Episodes 5 & 6 in our watch of the Clone Wars new/last season!

Note: this contains spoilers for the entire run of Clone Wars up to these episodes, so do not listen if you aren't fully caught up. We will continue releasing regular episodes of Clone Wars and Mandalorian in order on Tuesdays. Consider this a special bonus of the new season.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • S2 E5-8

TruStory FM — Tue, 26 May 2020 07:30:46 -0700

We’ve got the grittiness of war. We’ve got zombies and horror. We’ve got Riki and Sarah back to talk about The Clone Wars, S2 Ep 5-8. Is a competitive body count part of the Jedi ethos? Is killing Geonosians the same as killing droids? And is Obi-Wan the galactic Steve Irwin?

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • FINAL SEASON E4

TruStory FM — Fri, 22 May 2020 14:10:49 -0700

Episode 3 in our watch of the Clone Wars new/last season!

Note: this contains spoilers for the entire run of Clone Wars up to this episode, so do not listen if you aren't fully caught up. We will continue releasing regular episodes of Clone Wars and Mandalorian in order on Tuesdays. Consider this a special bonus of the new season.

**************************************************************************

We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

TikTok · Twitter/X · Instagram · Facebook · Email

To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
Use Audible for audiobooks. Sign up for a one-year membership or gift one through this link.
Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Clone Wars • FINAL SEASON E3

TruStory FM — Thu, 21 May 2020 06:34:00 -0700

Episode 3 in our watch of the Clone Wars new/last season!

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The Clone Wars • FINAL SEASON E2

TruStory FM — Tue, 19 May 2020 13:55:30 -0700

In this episode, we mention Jeff Randle's new podcast about re-writing movies/tv shows. It has not come out yet, and will likely be coming out under a slightly different name than what was mentioned on the episode today. Stay tuned for more news.

Note: this contains spoilers for the entire run of Clone Wars up to this episode, so do not listen if you aren't fully caught up. We will continue releasing regular episodes on Clone Wars and Mandalorian in order on Tuesdays. Consider this a special bonus of the new season.

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The Mandalorian • S1 E7: Protect the Child!

TruStory FM — Tue, 19 May 2020 05:50:18 -0700

We’re coming to the end of the season, and the Mandalorian is getting the band back together! We talk about scary mynocks and Kuill’s last ride. We talk about The Client and the new Moff. And we talk about how FREAKING excited we are to watch the last episode and talk about it!

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The Clone Wars • FINAL SEASON E1

TruStory FM — Mon, 18 May 2020 19:10:23 -0700

The new/last season of The Clone Wars is out, and we're doing a daily episode review! Paul Hoppe joins me to talk about episode 1 of the new season, and we'll be dropping an episode every weekday till we get to the end.

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The Clone Wars • S2 E1-4

TruStory FM — Tue, 05 May 2020 05:55:14 -0700

Cad Bane is back! We’re kicking off season 2 with a 3 part holocron heist, followed by a visit to the techno guild. Does war now have real consequences? Have the droids become a little menacing? And how do we feel about Sen. Clovis getting left behind?

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The Mandalorian • S1 E6

TruStory FM — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 05:55:09 -0700

We’ve got a heist episode! This week we talk about Mandalorian, Season 1, Episode 6- The Prisoner. We talk about the Mando’s past, we talk about X-wings to the rescue, and we ask- does no one in Star Wars care about door safety?

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Clone Wars • S1 E19-22

TruStory FM — Tue, 21 Apr 2020 06:10:20 -0700

Season 1 comes to a close with our favorite story arc to date, along with a zany one off. What are the dehumanizing effects of war, is it helpful or hurtful to show characters being racist as part of a story about why racism is wrong, and do the Hutts belong down on the Bayou? We dive into these questions and more.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Jedi & Sith

TruStory FM — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 07:55:15 -0700

Matthew is moving, so no new episode this week, but enjoy this Superhero Ethics episode about the Jedi and the Sith

Are the Sith the mustache-twirling villains they initially appear to be, or is there a method to their madness? Where did the Jedi go wrong? Are emotions something to be held back or fully embraced in a space wizard, and how did the Jedi and Sith codes inform each other?

Jacob and Matthew jump into these questions with the help of a friend and fellow Star Wars Nerd Extraordinaire Jonah Kellman. Jonah cares far too much about Star Wars, particularly the extended universe. When not ranting, he can be found reading, playing video games or delving into worldbuilding. Find him on Facebook or around the internet as Muscratt.

Here are some books and other products we discussed on the show.

Darth Bane - The Story of the creation of the modern Sith and the Rule of Two.
Darth Plagius - The Sith who trained Emperor Palpatine
Republic Commandos - Stories of Clone soldiers
Kenobi - Adventures of Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi in the years after the fall of the Republic
The Clone Wars- Animated TV show that shows the Jedi's corruption and the Republic's fall. Much better than the movies or any of the prequels.

Each of your co-hosts also has their own twitter,
Matthew is CapedEthicist, https://twitter.com/CapedEthicist
Jacob is BotsRPeopleToo https://twitter.com/BotsRPeopleToo

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Mandalorian • S1 E5

TruStory FM — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 05:45:05 -0700

We’re going back to Tatooine! This week, we’re talking Mandalorian Season 1 Episode 5: The Gunslinger! If that title sounds like a western cliche, the episode will not disappoint. We get a classic story of the naive young bounty hunter who needs the help of a grizzled veteran to bring in a dangerous mark. And we get to find out what the sand people have been up to after the war!

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The Clone Wars • S1 E15-18

TruStory FM — Tue, 31 Mar 2020 06:00:05 -0700

What happens when a clone decides they don’t want to fight anymore? What do colonialism and imperialism look like in the Star Wars world? And why do mad scientists have to have bad German accents? We talk all this and more as we dive into The Clone Wars, Season 1, Episodes 15-18.

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The Mandalorian • S1 E4: Cara Dune and the ATST

TruStory FM — Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:00:10 -0700

We’re back to the Mandalorian, and this time we’re talking about Episode 4: Sanctuary. We meet Cara Dune, we learn more about Mandalorian culture, and we see Imperial Tech once again defeated by nature-- but we still don’t see what his face looks like!

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The Clone Wars • S1 E11-14: Peace Through Violence?

TruStory FM — Mon, 16 Mar 2020 08:06:43 -0700

We are back, and so are those fun loving clones! This week, we follow their adventures as they free themselves from pirates, learn the dangers of attachment, and ask for help from a pacifist community that wants no part in their war. In particular, we focus on the pacifist lurmen and the way they challenge the Jedi, and our, understanding of the war. Do we side with the Lurmen leader when he sarcastically asks the Jedi, “Freedom and Peace require violence and death?”

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The Mandalorian • S1 E3: The Mando Josey Wales

TruStory FM — Fri, 21 Feb 2020 06:55:46 -0800

Mando is back to the main quest line, so it’s time to return to the quest giver, pick up his reward, buy some new gear, and level up! What makes him go back? What do we learn about the Mandalorian Culture and our protagonist himself?

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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The Clone Wars • S1 E6-10

TruStory FM — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 14:07:34 -0800

Clone Wars S1 Ep 6-10 In search of R2.

It's Clone Wars week, and Riki and Sarah are back to talk about Season 1, episodes 6-10. What does Anakin’s search for his missing droid tell us about him? Why are Jar-Jar and the Trade Federation so racist? And can YOU, the listener, tell the difference between the Clone Wars episode intro text, and a fortune cookie message?

Post your guesses on our facebook or twitter, and PLEASE don’t spoil the answers if you know them for sure, or look them up.

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The Mandalorian • S1 E2: The Jawa Honey Pot

TruStory FM — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 09:50:26 -0800

This week Jeff is back to talk Mando, season 1, episode 2! What are we learning about our protagonist? Will we learn the origins of the child, and do we want to? And is this show an RPG video game, and is this episode a side quest, a spur, or a main quest filler?

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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The Clone Wars • S1 E1-5

TruStory FM — Tue, 28 Jan 2020 08:48:34 -0800

This week we kick off our Clone Wars series, where each episode I will be joined by my co-hosts Riki and Sarah Hayashi as we go through the whole show, with each episode covering 3-5 episodes of the show, based around plot arcs.

Here we cover season 1, episodes 1-5, as well as intro the show itself. What makes this, ostensibly, kids show, so good? What do these first episodes teach us about the war, the wider world, and the clones? Why do they have such interesting and powerful character moments, wrapped up in so many plot holes? And can our hosts tell the difference between episode intro text and the text of fortune cookies?

Sarah Hayashi was born and raised in the wilds of Saskatchewan, Canada. Her love of Star Wars started when she first saw A New Hope as a teen, and has only deepened through the years (spending 6 years working at her local comics shop and nerding out on the regular definitely helped). She now lives in Virginia where she’s finishing up degrees in Mathematics and Studio Art - Ceramics, and is currently attempting to con her husband into taking her back to Disneyland so they can go pilot the Millennium Falcon again.

Riki Hayashi is a lifelong Star Wars fan. He believes in finding balance in your relationship with the Force, one that embraces both the light and the dark. He also geeks out about the technical side of the Star Wars Universe and hopes to one day build a Star Destroyer of his own.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

The Mandalorian • S1 E1: A New Hope for a New Show!

TruStory FM — Tue, 21 Jan 2020 08:14:27 -0800

Return of the Podcast! We’re back from hiatus with new co-host Jeff Randle, to kick off a series on The Mandalorian! This time we talk about episode 1- the world building, the characters we meet, and, in a spoiler section later in the episode, putting this episode into the context of the larger story the series tells.

In the weeks and months to come we’ll record on every episode of the Mandaloian, along with a second series coming next week about The Clone Wars with other guest hosts I’m excited to introduce!

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Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

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Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Which Skywalker Rises

TruStory FM — Fri, 20 Dec 2019 10:34:51 -0800

Good news! We've found a regular co-host, and this podcast will kick off regular episodes by the end of January. For now, enjoy this episode of the Superhero Ethics podcast, where we explore theories, hopes, and concerns about Rise of Skywalker, recorded before we had seen it.

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Refighting the Clone Wars (on TV)

TruStory FM — Sun, 01 Dec 2019 07:27:50 -0800

Every episode of The Clone Wars TV show is available on Disney+ and we're talking about what makes it such a good show, and why it is such an important part of the canon. Whether you loved the show and are excited for the chance to see it, or are thinking about checking it out for the first time, this episode is for you!

We've started the conversation, but now we want to hear from you!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Purchase any media discussed this week through our sponsored links.

Ranking the Movies & TV Shows

TruStory FM — Tue, 12 Nov 2019 19:36:54 -0800

To kick things off, our first full episode involves myself and guest Paul Hoppe, looking back at all of the Star Wars movies and TV shows to date, ranking them and talking about what we loved or didn't love. Its a great way to get an overview of all that has come up till now, as well as get into some good debates over them!

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We want to hear from you! Keep up with our latest news and send us feedback, questions, or comments via social media or email.

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To learn more about co-host Erin and her incredible cosplay: Instagram · TikTok

Join the conversation in the Star Wars Generations and Superhero Ethics channels on the TruStory FM Discord.

You can also support us through our sponsors:

Purchase a lightsaber from Level Up Sabers, run by friend of the podcast Neighborhood Master Alan.
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Introductions • Welcome to the Universe

TruStory FM — Sun, 10 Nov 2019 11:50:56 -0800