Geeky Stoics

Michael Steel is a Republican strategist and partner for Hamilton Place Strategies. He served as a communications officer for the likes the Jeb Bush, Paul Ryan and John Boehner. He caught the eye of Beltway Banthas when on Kasie DC (MSNBC) he knocked the Trump administration for approaching staffing like it was the Mos Eisley Cantina. Now he speaks with Beltway Banthas about his love of Star Wars and much more. We get into his career, how Jeb Bush & Marco Rubio's 2016 feud sparked this podcast into being and also how Star Wars makes the case for democracy...but perhaps not with total devotion. MAILING LIST: https://t.co/OMthDa39Tt?amp=1 Guest: @michael_steel This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

No tyrant can fully control a people if they believe in something higher than their worldly ruler. This is reason all memory of the Jedi must be wiped out by the Empire. The Force is a threat. Ashwin Verghese of the Internation Campaign for Tibet sees this struggle playing out between the Tibetan people and the Chinese government. He joined Beltway Banthas to share his fandom, talk about Tibet, China, Yoda, Naboo and the future of Star Wars. Follow Ashwin Verghese: https://twitter.com/Ashwin_Tibet Subscribe to our NEWSLETTER: https://mailchi.mp/01c4273308e7/starwarspolitics Star Wars Identity Crisis: https://reason.com/2020/04/26/star-wars-identity-crisis/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Mayor Betsy Hodges may be the former mayor of Minneapolis and now Washington, D.C., but she's really a citizen of Tatooine. In this special interview episode, the progressive activist and mayor joins Beltway Banthas to share how Star Wars saved her life (The Mary Sue). Beyond her personal story, which is a remarkable one, Stephen Kent and Betsy Hodges trace how Star Wars explains redemption and why that matters for the world we live in. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

To supplement your social distancing we have a bonus episode with Ben Domenech, publisher of The Federalist. Ben and Stephen review the ending of the sequel trilogy and the case for The Mandalorian as the future of Star Wars storytelling. Ben makes a compelling point about why Star Wars raises some questions about the value and trade off's of democracy, and why people like Anakin Skywalker end of wanting something else. Sign up for the podcast newsletter here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Season 7 of The Clone Wars is live on Disney+ and it's as political as ever. In Episode 5, Ahsoka Tano enters the underworld of Coruscant and meets people struggling to survive on the most opulent planet in the galaxy. Characters have to make real hard moral choices given the constraints of their economic status, which is the making of a great Beltway Banthas episode. Bernie Sanders organizer Mohammed Shakibnia joins the show to dissect The Clone Wars political themes. Plus! Herb Scribner of the Deseret News makes a guest appearance to reflect on the messages of "The Bad Batch" episodes, and what they say about war, trauma and fandom. Follow our guests: Mohammed Shakibnia @momoshakibnia Herb Scribner @HerbScribner This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Gene Park may have been the very first Star Wars fan to buy a ticket for Episode I: The Phantom Menace. It's true! In this special Bantha interview, Washington Post gaming reporter Gene Park talks about his Star Wars fandom and how storytelling methods from video games have crept in and out of blockbuster films. Gene memorably wrote in for WaPo about how the ‘Rise of Skywalker’ embraces all the worst parts of video game storytelling' and he's on the podcast to explain why that is, but why he's hopeful for the future of the franchise. Follow Gene Park on Twitter @GenePark This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Beltway Banthas is back! In Episode 81, host Stephen Kent and guest host Maggie Lovitt (SAG AFTRA actress and contributor to Cantina Cast) review the latest Star Wars news including The High Republic era and The Rise of Skywalker novelization. We discuss theories around central planning and how some of the classic mistakes of governance might apply to the oddities in Star Wars storytelling since 2015. In our main segment, Maggie and Stephen discuss the principles of Star Wars that improve American politics and life. "Hope" and "Redemption" is what we get into and it's one of the best conversations yet on Beltway Banthas! From our Bantha Fodder segment, read up on the new article from Stephen Kent: The end of an era at Disney (Work left undone by Bob Iger) Follow our guest Maggie Lovitt @MaggieOfTheTown Email the show: [email protected] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Look around the world today and you will see otherwise advanced societies overrun by misinformation, myth and conspiratorial thinking. Information echo chambers and media disruption has helped to polarize communities on everything from political viewpoints to opinions on Star Wars. Buzzfeed's Ryan Broderick wrote The “Star Wars” Misinformation Hell Is The New Future Of Everything" and he couldn't be more right. On this episode, Stephen Kent and guest Andrew Kenlon discuss the rise of #ReleaseTheJJCut and conspiracy theory within Star Wars fandom. It's always been there, but only recently has it been impossible to look away from, and that matters not only for Star Wars...but for our politics. Also, Stephen offers some updates on the show and what to expect in the weeks-months ahead. Listeners have till Saturday, January 11th to leave a review of Beltway Banthas on Podchaser.com to win one of two awesome Star Wars informational books. Don't miss out! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

What a merry time of year it is!! Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker crashed into theaters and has concluded the 42 year run of the Skywalker story that started in 1977. Stephen Kent saw it opening night and again the first weekend, and this is your REVIEW episode of the film. Stephen is joined by friends of the show to look at how The Rise of Skywalker does as a conclusion to STAR WARS, the good, the great, the bad and the ugly. We also feature reviews from LISTENERS: John Liang, Mike Harris, Ari Chavez, Andrew Kenlon, Andy Seiner, Nick Dico, Connie Shih, Anne Evangelista. This episode is a real adventure and a joy. We hope you take a ride through the entire thing. AND PLEASE: Join in our giveaway contest for TWO Star Wars books by leaving us a review on Podchaser.com/beltwaybanthas ---> Simply create an account, write a review, leave some stars and BOOM. You are entered in to win. May the Force be with you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters this week! To discuss the hype and stakes for the film, comedian and baritone geek Andrew Heaton joins Beltway Banthas. We get into the return of Emperor Palpatine, Rey, fanboys vs The Last Jedi and Heaton's recent interview of Jonathan Last, who notoriously penned "The Case For Empire" in the Weekly Standard. Andrew Heaton and Stephen Kent review how and if the political right's penchant for trolling online tracks with Star Wars fandom and the common arguments in favor of the Empire over the Rebel Alliance. On Reddit, this part of fandom lives on in r/EmpireDidNothingWrong. If you want Star Wars and a healthy dash of politics, this is the podcast you are looking for. Andrew Heaton is the host of The Political Orphanage Podcast and his new sci-fi show, Alienating the Audience. This episode is the beginning of a giveaway contest! You can win Star Wars: The Ultimate Pop Up Galaxy or Star Wars: Rebel Starfighters: Owners' Workshop Manual by writing Beltway Banthas a review at PODCHASER.COM by January 7th, 2020. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

The world loves The Mandalorian! This week on Beltway Banthas, guests Josh Gilliland (The Legal Geeks Podcast) and Gio Insignares (WUSA Channel 9 DC) join to discuss the new Star Wars series on Disney+. We review the show itself, Baby Yoda and the legal questions raised by the entire profession of bounty hunting. Gilliland helps us understand The Mandalorian in a whole new way. Then, Stephen reviews Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge: The Official Black Spire Outpost cookbook from Insight Editions just in time for Thanksgiving. These foods from a galaxy far, far away will change the way you see food for the better. Follow Gio @Gio_Insignares and Josh @BowTieLaw | Follow Stephen @Stephen_Kent89 | Follow Beltway Banthas @BeltwayBanthas | Send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. Join us on Discord here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This week on Beltway Banthas, the one and only Kennedy of Fox Business joins the show to share her Star Wars stories. You know her from Fox News, or perhaps from her time as a VJ on MTV. Either way, the Force is strong with this one. Kennedy and Stephen talk about everything from Luke vs Han, Jar Jar and the Leia bikini to U.S. foreign policy and Deadliest Catch. Before the interview, John Liang gets Stephen up to speed on the latest in Star Wars canon with the release of 'Resistance Reborn.' This new book shines a light on the period between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker, so you'll want to catch this part of the episode for some fun context to the upcoming movie. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This week on Beltway Banthas, author Michael Harris joins the show to preview his upcoming book, "Welcome to the Rebellion: A new hope in radical politics. Michael and Stephen discuss how Star Wars can inspire a young, new-left movement to confront the most pressing issues of the day for progressives: capitalism, income inequality, climate, nationalism and more. To start things off, we review the big trailer release for The Rise of Skywalker, get into "Bendemption" and Stephen goes over his experience at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge in Anaheim. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Welcome back for another great show! This week Riley Blanton of The Star Wars Report and Mouse & Castle joins the show for a whirlwind of political chatter about a galaxy, far, far away. If you noticed the international controversy surrounding the NBA and their handling of political statements about the Hong Kong protests, this issue extends far beyond pro basketball. Disney actively makes some of the same calculations and accommodations for the Chinese Communist Party, as does every other American company operating there. Riley Blanton and Stephen Kent mix it up on how Star Wars fares in China, the tumultuous Democratic primary and cable news debates. And to start the show, Riley gives Stephen his insights into how to best experience STAR WARS: Galaxy's Edge, the new theme park at Disney where you can live your own Star Wars story. Stephen is going to the park soon and Riley is *the* guy you need to talk to before planning your own visit. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

During The Clone Wars a young Jedi turned against the war and Jedi Order's involvement in it. Convinced she had no other way to send a message of disaffection, Barriss Offee bombed the Jedi Temple and framed another Jedi for the act of terror. She was right about the war, and the Jedi, but did something very wrong. This week Danielle Adams, progressive and climate activist, joins the show as guest host to take us into the story of Barriss Offee and why it matters. We also dive into a few rumors about The Rise of Skywalker and excerpts from Bob Iger's new memoir detailing tension with George Lucas over the new Star Wars films. Follow hosts @stephen_kent89 and @DanielleAdamsNC on Twitter and Beltway Banthas @BeltwayBanthas This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Hold on to something! This week we've got a bonus episode of Beltway Banthas, a conversation with Glenn Beck, radio show host and founder of Blaze Media. Stephen Kent met up with Glenn at FreedomFest in Las Vegas to talk about his earliest memories with Star Wars, lessons on the political power of fear, generational change and the evolution (plus consistency) of Star Wars' message. Now, THIS is podcasting!! If you follow this show closely you know that Stephen started appearing of Glenn's show regularly since 2017 to break down nerd culture and Star Wars news, so this marks the first time Glenn has come on Beltway Banthas turf. If you liked this you should also check out an interview of Glenn's longtime collaborator and co-host, Stu Burguiere. You can find that here. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

The week on Beltway Banthas, in a 90-minute marathon run, we cover a lot of ground on Star Wars, politics and religion. In the main segment Stephen Kent is joined by Matthew Neugebauer to analyze Star Wars fandom and its troubles over the decades. A video from Wisecrack serves as the starting point for an analogy of fandom by understanding Protestant Reformation and the concept of a 'legitimation crisis'. Basically, in social science, what does it take to unravel social order and how can that be applied to the life of Star Wars fans. Starting off the show, Caleb Franz guests to talk about D23 announcements and the new Rise of Skywalker teaser, an Obi-Wan Kenobi series and much more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Welcome back Banthas! The Beltway Banthas podcast has returned with regular shows now through 2020. Starting off this new season of Star Wars & politics chatter, Stephen Kent is joined by guest host Nick DiColandrea for a dive into the political conscience of Padme Amidala. In Revenge of the Sith, she opens up to Anakin about her uncertainty with the Republic's democratic virtue. What got Padme to the point of questioning her entire political position and that of the "democracy" she has served? Stephen and Nick also spent time on the 2020 Democratic primary, what Nick is seeing on the ground and the state of Star Wars in the Disney era. Bloomberg reports that Star Wars Galaxy's Edge isn't catching fire, we'll talk about why and the demographic challenge Disney is facing. Follow Nick @NickDico Follow Stephen @Stephen_Kent89 Follow Beltway Banthas @BeltwayBanthas This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Hello Banthas! Since it's launch in 2015 during the heat of the presidential primaries for 2016, Beltway Banthas has been a proud home of political discourse within Star Wars fandom. We've featured prominent politicians, journalists and political operatives on the show to explore how Star Wars impacted their worldview and careers. 70 official episodes and well over 120 episodes including interviews and bonus content. The Force of Star Wars' politics is strong. Let's discuss! Follow Joe Tavano @JoeyWanKenobi John Liang @JuanJohnJedi Stephen Kent @Stephen_Kent89 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Star Wars deals very directly with questions of justice and injustice. Mohammad Shakibnia wrote an article for ElevenThirtyEight on the messages of social, racial and economic justice than can be derived from the Clone Wars animated series. He joins the podcast this month to co-pilot the show and discuss these themes with host Stephen Kent. Stephen and Mohammad get into the weeds of Clone Wars era politics, talk about Star Wars Celebration, their entry into fandom and share Bantha Fodder. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This week on Beltway Banthas, Robby Soave of Reason Magazine joins the show to talk the politics of Episode I: The Phantom Menace. We cover trade disputes, slavery on Tatooine, the aloof Jedi Order and Vladimir Putin. Robby and Stephen get into the weeds of Star Wars Episode I and also share thoughts on the Gillette controversy, the Women's March and what is like to write a book. Follow Robby Soave on Twitter @RobbySoave This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This week on Beltway Banthas, a discussion of the prequel trilogy as George Lucas' broadside against the neoliberal world order and capitalism. Stephen is joined by his brother, Michael Kent of the Toxic Schlock horror movie podcast to discuss and debate Lucas' critique of neoliberalism since the 1980's and how well he executed his analysis in Star Wars. Michael and Stephen also chat about the role horror played in Star Wars early on, old Star Wars horror novels and the battle between Netflix and the Academy establishment. -- -- -- -- --- -- -- -- -- - Read the discussion piece at Making Star Wars on neoliberalism in Star Wars here Follow guest Michael Kent on Twitter @Mikeyago_go and @ToxicSchlock This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Dr. Andrea Letamendi (Lattes with Leia, The Arkham Sessions) joins Swara as they discuss not only one of the central themes of Star Wars, but also redemption and the grievance of galactic victims, both individual and galaxy wide. Does the franchise do a good job of exploring trauma of aggrieved parties like Rey, Luke, and Leia? What causes villains like Darth Vader and Kylo Ren to commit egregious actions, and how can they repent and atone? Swara and Drea also talk a bit about Episode IX title and teaser rumblings and further legal troubles for the Trump administration. We cover all our bases! Connect with Us Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn. Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Jar Jar Binks changed the course of galactic history during the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Love him or hate him, this bumbling alien is important. This week we review Jar Jar Binks rise and fall in politics, the impact he made and what we as citizens in a republic can learn from his story. Swara and Stephen also react to some new Star Wars books, talk trash about some real-world politicians and opine on the latest Star Wars news making the rounds this week. Connect with Us Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn. Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Rogue One contains a powerful message about engaging in the world around you. Jyn Erso accepted oppression as a status quo while Cassian Andor was raised in the fight for freedom. On this weeks show we are joined by Kate Sanchez of But Why Tho? for a discussion of Cassion Andor's complex, the midterm elections and why people get involved in politics. We also react to news of a new Cassian Andor series coming on Disney Plus, assess the "blue wave" and offer some Bantha Fodder as usual. Thanks to Kate Sanchez for joining us this week and offering her perspective on Star Wars and politics. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Were the Jedi sincere in their pursuit of balancing the Force? Luke Skywalker didn't seem to think so in The Last Jedi when describing the Jedi Order to an impressionable Rey. He sees balance as allowing for light and dark to co-exist, compliment and challenge the other. How far can one take this before people get hurt? In this episode, Swara and Stephen discuss the wildly varied outcome of the 2018 midterm election. It was a purple spatter more than a blue wave. Is there something Star Wars can teach about why this is good for society? Hopefully, we will come to an answer you can appreciate. Connect with Us Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn. Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Welcome back! This week Swara Salih and producer John Liang dig into the new Star Wars series "Resistance". There are several rich political elements in the background of the animated series, and we leave no stone unturned. Also, Star Wars author Chuck Wendig was fired by Marvel and taken off the future Star Wars comics. He presumably won't be used by LucasFilm and Disney for books in the future. Wendig is notably the author of the Aftermath series and is known for his aggressive political rhetoric on Twitter. Marvel fired him, citing the Tweets as vulgar and out of step with their expectations. Is there merit to this move by Marvel and what is the best defense of Wendig? We'll get into it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Are Russian bots behind the divide around The Last Jedi? Stephen chatted with researcher Morten Bay to discuss the results of his study on Twitter reaction to the film. Swara and Stephen discuss whether or not Russian bots and trolls amplified the negative reaction to the film. Stephen and Swara also hash out their reactions to the new animated series Resistance, dish out their Bantha Fodder, and much more! Connect with Us Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn. Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Beltway Banthas and brace yourself for a ride through hyperspace in higher quality audio with host, Stephen Kent. The show had some hiccups this week with the whole team migrating to new homes and getting unpacked, but Stephen found a closet and an article in SyFyWire about Star Wars politics to review. Ana Marie Cox and Cher Martinetti sounded off on how RD-D2 and other characters would vote in a piece titled "SPACE THE NATION: R2-D2 IS A LIBERTARIAN". Naturally, this is provocative but perfect for a spin on Beltway Banthas. Join Stephen for s 30 min review of the analysis with his own spin on the characters signed up by SyFyWire to vote! Connect with Us Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn. Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Welcome back to Beltway Banthas! Swara and Stephen are BOTH moving this week to new homes and this was as good a time as any to share some audio from over the summer. Stephen met up with New York Times op-ed columnist Ross Douthat for a discussion on Star Wars and politics. It's a well rounded conversation with a lot of focus on Star Wars strengths AND weaknesses. We hope you enjoy and aren't distracted by the ambient noise of the conference. Here are supplemental materials for Douthat's writing about Star Wars https://www.nationalreview.com/2017/12/star-wars-last-jedi-review-lost-space/ https://douthat.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/12/08/the-politics-of-star-wars-2/ https://douthat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/01/24/the-politics-of-star-wars/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Bethany Lacina is an associate professor of political science at the University of Rochester and she took a dive into "Star Wars Twitter" to get a better understanding of fandom and why it's so toxic. She looked at the vitriol surround Kelly Marie Tran and wrote "How common is such harassment? In my research, I have investigated this phenomenon on Twitter, where offensive language and hate speech have a modest but clear presence — not because of automated accounts (“bots”) but because of humans. People use degrading language more frequently when they talk about women and minorities and when they talk to female fans." There are a lot of fascinating numbers and takeaways from the study WHICH CAN BE FOUND HERE. This interview with Bethany was taped on September 7th and goes over the findings + her broader views on Star Wars fan culture. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Hello Banthas! Swara and Stephen are back for Episode 60 to with some exclusive audio from Dragon Con 2018, a great panel on Crime & Politics in Star Wars. We also riff on the bombshell anonymous op-ed in the New York Times by a member of the Trump administration about the work being done on the inside to restrain his worst impulses from the inside. Is there a Star Wars tie-in? You bet there is! And finally, we talk about the Disney union workers vote for higher wages - with a little disagreement to be had on the topic. Dragon Con Panelists include Thomas Harper (@thomasLharper) , Matt Rushing (mattrushing02) , Bethany Blanton (@BethanyLBlanton), and Brandy Blanton (@BrandelineB) Swara Salih, Data Analyst at Johns Hopkins' Center for Government Excellence (GovEx) Connect with Us Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn. Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

BONUS EPISODE! Beltway Banthas Contributor John Liang chats with author Max Brooks about Star Wars and the lessons that can be applied to today's modern military. Brooks wrote "Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict" This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

The Empire is coming for your moisture farm! Today on the show we discuss politically charged deleted scenes that never made it into the final cut of Star Wars films. Our main focus is a discussion between Biggs and Luke Skywalker about the "imperialization" of industry. Abby Gleason fills in for Swara and we are joined by Brittany Hunter to talk socialism in space, bourgeois Biggs and more. Also on this episode, Abby and Stephen talk about the latest in Trump drama surrounding Michael Cohen and Paul Manafort. Also, an op-ed from Kelly Marie Tran (Loan) about her identity, race, consumerism and toxic fandom. This is a jam-packed episode you don't want to miss. Kelly Marie Tran OP-ED (NYT) Star Wars Deleted Scene Shows Socialism of the Empire (FEE) Connect with Us Join us now on our Discord channel to keep this episodes' conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn. Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

We're back! Stephen and Swara are back to discuss whether President Trump treats the media like Palpatine treated the Jedi Order during the Clone Wars. Both institutions are meant to be a positive check on power and injustice, but has Trump succeeded in changing the public narrative against the media as Palpatine did with the Jedi? Tune in to find out! We also discuss the state of toxic fandom as reported in the past several months, and how and whether we can take steps to combat it and make fandom a more welcoming place. Join us now on Discord to keep the conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @Stephen_Kent89 Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

We have a jam-packed episode for y'all before our hiatus! First Stephen and Swara give their review of Solo. We then present Swara's conversation with Matt Rogers (@Politodope) to talk about the politics of the Resistance on the Left and parallels we find with Star Wars, all from the prequels to the sequels. Finally the hosts give their final Bantha Fodders for the season before our two month hiatus! Matt also discusses his project to get young people involved in politics: "Politodope", Stephen and Swara debate the controversial issues surrounding Solo, and much more! Join us now on Discord to keep the conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn Announcement: Beltway Banthas is going to be taking a summer break during June and July with a comeback set for early August. This show has been going strong for two years with weekly episodes and we felt now is a good time to pause, do a summer of research, reading and thinking about what topics to tackle this year. THE SHOW WILL GO ON! We hope you'll stay in touch with us on break on Twitter and Discord, where politics & Star Wars never sleep. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Mark Hamill is a Hollywood legend for his depiction of Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars movies. He is also a staunch believer in speaking on about politics. In this weeks episode we look at Mark Hamill's public stand on gun control, President Trump and how he balances Star Wars with politics alongside the fans. This is part of a larger conversation on pop culture and whether or not our hyper politicized society has made it harder to enjoy art. In the intro Swara & Stephen give final thoughts on Solo: A Star Wars Story and dive into the controversy around Lando's sexuality as described by screenwriter Jon Kasdan. We also share Bantha Fodders and make some announcements which are laid out below. Join us now on Discord to keep the conversation going at: https://discord.gg/zYc9uYn Announcement: Beltway Banthas is going to be taking a summer break during June and July with a comeback set for early August. This show has been going strong for two years with weekly episodes and we felt now is a good time to pause, do a summer of research, reading and thinking about what topics to tackle this year. THE SHOW WILL GO ON! We hope you'll stay in touch with us on break on Twitter and Discord, where politics & Star Wars never sleep. Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @Stephen_Kent89 | @AbbyGleason | @Britt_the_wit Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. If you like this episode, check out our previous one! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

The Star Wars franchise has been becoming more visibly diverse on the screen, but will LucasFilm go further on issues of representation? Swara, the hosts of Book Wars Pod and Rebel Grrrl, are joined by Star Wars: Last Shot author Daniel Jose Older and others to discuss this topic. The online campaign that emerged as a result of this effort is called #SWRepMatters. Come check out and join the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #SWRepMatters! Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @lu_sitania | @semirose | @spacejessss | @shannonjoy26 | @djolder | @ohcatrina Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. If you like this episode, check out our previous one! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Abby and Swara discuss and analyze the life of one of their favorite fictional politicians of all time, the wonderful and estimable Bail Organa of Alderaan. What drove him to sacrifice so much for the good of the galaxy? How can we learn from his amazing example? Why does he give us so many feels?!? Listen to find out! We also dig into the Donald Glover's appearance on SNL, his "This is America" music video, the latest in the Trump scandal news, dish out our Bantha Fodders, and much more! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Beltway Banthas turned two this month! The experiment of blending Star Wars and politics has turned into an adventure the likes of which we could never has anticipated. THANK YOU for sticking with us all this time and making it so much fun. We are excited on this May 4th, Star Wars Day, to announce the addition of new hosts to the show: Brittany Hunter and Abby Gleason. On this episode we get to know Abby and Brittany and talk about the past and future of Beltway Banthas. Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @Stephen_Kent89 | @AbbyGleason | @Britt_the_wit Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. If you like this episode, check out our previous one! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Finally we discuss the man, the Sith Lord, the Emperor, Sheev Palpatine! What lessons on democracy and our political institutions can we draw from our dear Uncle Palpy and his political career? Stephen and Swara delve into the political life of their favorite Star Wars politician to discuss! At the start of the show we also talk about French President Macron's US visit and the prospect of international war in Syria, Kanye West's apparent support for the President, and much more in this discussion of executive power in the real world and the Star Wars universe! Also a special guest appearance by political scientist Seth Masket (University of Denver, Vox) Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @Stephen_Kent89 Become a supporter of the show on Patreon at www.patreon.com/beltwaybanthas This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

We join our friends at Tosche Station and the Book Wars Podcast to talk about Star Wars Multimedia Empire at Awesome Con! How do the books and comics in the Expanded Universe differ from the current canon books? Why do we read these books when we have the film? How do the books deepen and enrich politics in the Galaxy Far, Far Away? How can Lucasfilm do better with diversity and inclusion? We discuss all this and more! The new canon structure for the books may be confusing now, but we attempt to break it all down! We also discuss the degree to which the new books are accessible to new fans, and whether we might see book characters in the films. Enjoy this great panel discussion on all things multimedia! Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @SwaraSalih1 | @lu_sitania | @ChrisSedor | @LaneWinree | @bookwarspod | @Tosche_Station This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

DJ has a bad reputation after selling out our heroes in The Last Jedi. Some have said he embodies the self interested nature of libertarianism, Ayn Rand and a school of thought known as Objectivism. Today we go into the weeds with Brittany Hunter of FEE to learn a bit about Objectivism, rational self interest and how DJ does or does not fall into that category. Before the main topic we talk about Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook and the departure of Paul Ryan from Congress. It's whirlwind episode of Beltway Banthas you don't want to miss. Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 @Britt_the_witt Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. If you like this episode, check out our previous one! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

This past weekend we were at Awesome Con in Washington DC! Stephen and John join Nanci Schwartz, Brian Larsen and Bria Lavorgna of Tosche Station, and Jay Shah of Eleven-ThirtyEight to discuss the theme of redemption in the galaxy far, far away. If Vader can be redeemed, can anybody? Is Kylo Ren able to truly atone for the crimes he's committed? Tune in for a rich panel discussion of one of the franchise's major themes. Redemption has been a crucial part of Star Wars since 1983, but how often do we pause to think critically about what it entails? We believe this panel may answer some questions you may have on the topic. Major thank you to Brian of Tosche Station for capturing and sharing this audio, and to Bria Lavorgna for having Beltway Banthas on the panel. Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:@Stephen_Kent89 | @JuanJohnJedi | @nancipants | @LaneWinree | @chaosbria Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. If you like this episode, check out our previous one! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Poe Dameron, beloved ace pilot of The Resistance, is he a sexist as some fans have claimed? Or was it simply his frustration under pressure and Vice Admiral Holdo's secrecy that led him to mutiny in The Last Jedi ? Let's talk gender politics in The Last Jedi! We welcome back our good friend Kate Sanchez of But Why Tho? The Podcast to discuss! Stephen, Swara, and Kate also discuss the March For Our Lives in DC this past weekend, Trump's attack on Amazon and the Austin TX bombings. We conclude with a lively Bantha Fodder segment from Kate and the hosts. Enjoy! By Kate on the But Why Tho? blog: Poe isn’t the Bad Guy Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @OhMyMithrandir Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. If you like this episode, check out our previous one! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

On this week's episode, we welcome Jon Lovett, one of the co-hosts of Pod Save America and host of Lovett or Leave It. Lovett explains to us how he got into Star Wars with the Special Editions, why he loves Rogue One and what motivates his political activism. Jon also offers his thoughts on a potential Star Wars political drama, that Hagerman dude who went off the grid to avoid Trump and Saw Gerrera. On Beltway Banthas, Stephen and Swara discuss politics, Star Wars, and all the ways they intersect. On this episode we also discuss the DC snow storm, climate change and how we feel about the March for our Lives event weekend. To close we read and respond to listener email on last week's episode on fascism and the First Order. Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @JonLovett Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

In a super light and not-at-all serious discussion this week (JK!), we dig into the First Order and extremism! How did George Lucas, JJ Abrams, and others envision the main bad guys of the Original Trilogy and Sequel Trilogy? Have they grown beyond the label of "Space Nazis" at all? Where do communism, fascism, terrorism, and other extremist ideologies come into play? Join the discussion on Beltway Banthas! Stephen and Swara also talk about trade wars in Star Wars and real life, the President's proposed "Space Force", and have our Bantha Fodder segment with patron and dear friend of the show Connie Shih! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Dan Wallace is the author of beloved Star Wars books "The Jedi Path" "Book of the Sith" and "Imperial Handbook". Now he has penned another behind the scenes manuel for the Rebellion and joins the show to talk about it. John Liang interviewed Wallace last week and got the scoop on what the book reveals about the rebellion, galactic politics and more. Stephen and Swara also convene in the start of this episode to review the finale of Star Wars Rebels on Disney XD. It was a whirlwind final episode that left our hearts full and minds spinning. Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @JuanJohnJedi Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. If you like this episode, check out our previous one! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Rey and Kylo are seemingly total opposites...until the events of The Last Jedi. Through the Force and circumstance, these two foes connect in a way they never expected. Turns out - they have a lot in common. This week we are joined by Caitlin and Charlotte of the Skytalkers Podcasts to discuss "Reylo" and how it might relate to our own worlds broken politics. Get in touch with everyone on the show! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @SkytalkersPod Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at [email protected]. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe

Let's get political! This week on Beltway Banthas we are rejoined by Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson of The Pollsters Podcast. Kristen is a huge Star Wars fan and came on to talk with Stephen about Rotten Tomatoes scores and how trolls factor into public perception of a movie. In addition to looking at The Last Jedi's scores, we discuss what an ideal method of gauging reaction to a movie would look like. Kristen offers reactions to The Last Jedi as a whole, and we also banter about feminism on screen and how audiences react to messages in film. This is an episode you don't want to miss! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.geekystoics.com/subscribe