Geeky Stoics

We are back! To kick off 2017 we catch up on all the feelings we have about Rogue One, the passing of Carrie Fisher, and we of course dive into the rich politics of Rogue One. Joining us for this episode is Tirso Perez, you might know him as the missing host of Beltway Banthas! For the main segment of the show, the politics of Rogue One, we discuss: Rogue One and multiculturalism Star Wars in the Trump era Meaningful quotes from the film with a political tinge Rogue One's portrayal of democracy and anti-establishment politics and lastly Faith in Rogue One and culture. Listener emails this week were from Ross Brown, Nick DiCo, Isaiah Leslie and Landen Kennedy. Thanks so much for your thoughts on galactic politics. And stick around after the show for a little song by Stephen. You can email the show at [email protected] Tweet us @BeltwayBanthas Or connect with us on Facebook Hosts can be found on Twitter! @Stephen_Kent89 @SwaraSalih1 @ItsJustTirso Beltway Banthas is a RetroZap podcast! 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

It’s finally here! Our pre-Rogue One episode! As we get increasingly amped up to see the film, Stephen Swara, and special guest Brittany Hunter delve into a discussion of why rebellions and revolutions occur. To do this we look at case studies including the American Revolution and the Arab Spring, and compare these events to the formation of the Rebel Alliance. We also speculate on what motivates individuals to rebel, and at what point they may be compelled to join movements they were once reluctant to support. Social movements are complicated, so we attempt to dissect that in this special 90 min episode. Leading up the main segment of the show we welcome Joseph Tavano of RetroZap to the show to explain how he started up the website that is now home to Beltway Banthas. Stephen and Swara also address white supremacists and their attempt to boycott Star Wars using #DumpStarWars and also what it means that Bob Iger (Disney CEO) is lending his advice to the incomingTrump administration. Join Beltway Banthas in saying…. #IRebel and have a great week celebrating the release of Rogue One. FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @BeltwayBanthas @stephen_kent89 @SwaraSalih1 @Britt_the_wit Email the show at [email protected] and please leave us a review on iTunes. This makes a huge difference for the growth of the show. Beltway Banthas will take a holiday break and return on January 12th! 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

Cabinet appointments, promotions, and castings...oh my! In this episode of Beltway Banthas, we discuss competitions for power taking place in both Star Wars and our own universe. Stephen and Swara discuss Rogue One’s embroilment in real world politics, the “controversy” it generated and the potential impact on its success. Next we dive into a discussion of how President Elect Trump is going about choosing members of his cabinet, and how some of it reminds us of the rat race within the Empire. We also discuss the latest canon novel Catalyst, its implications for the wider story of Rogue One, and how we both have a new favorite villain in Orson Krennic. 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

Stephen and Swara dig into the results of the 2016 election with guest Bobby Roberts! In the final days and hours of the elections, Star Wars references, memes and jokes abounded as Americans digested what they saw on the news. In this episode, Beltway Banthas seeks to understand why this happens and much more. This election season has been nothing short of exhausting. For some, the results of the election might be more troubling than the process that got us to this point. In this episode of Beltway Banthas, we unload all the feelings we have about the outcome and what it means, in the context of our Star Wars fandom. Star Wars teaches us about democracy, and also teaches us how to stand in the face of oppression and seemingly unsurmountable odds. THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE! Are you a rebel? What does that mean in culture, politics and Star Wars? Force Ghost Bobby Roberts joins the show to help us sort through it all. Follow us on Twitter @BeltwayBanthas @stephen_kent89 @SwaraSalih1 @bobbyrobertspdx 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

Stephen interviews Seth Masket, a professor of political science at Denver University, author and founder of Mischiefs of Faction (VOX). Seth has written a lot in the past about the politics of Star Wars and he was kind enough to come on Beltway Banthas and share his thoughts on the political aims 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

Welcome to the 16th episode of Beltway Banthas! We had the privilege of visiting Richmond, VA for Virginia Comic Con, to do a panel titled "Star Wars Goes to Washington" So we captured the live audio to give you a glimpse inside the panel. Star Wars Goes To Washington is really the crux of this podcast. How has politics and government been impacted by Star Wars? Each generation of Star Wars interacts with the politics of its day in different ways, some that are subtle and some that are the opposite. From Reagan to Obama, election 1980 to election 2016. Enjoy! We'd love to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the show and even questions at [email protected] Find us on Twitter! @BeltwayBanthas Instagram @BeltwayBanthasPodcast Find us on RetroZap: wwww.retrozap.com/beltway-banthas Contact the Hosts on Twitter! Tirso Perez : @itsjusttirso Stephen Kent: @stephen_kent89 Swara Salih: @SwaraSalih1 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, And welcome to a Beltway Banthas holiday special discussion! This week Tirso, Stephen, and our new co-host Swara, take some time on Halloween to discuss costuming, and what it might mean when we all want to dress up as the bad guy. Enjoy! Catch our live video recording of this discussion https://www.facebook.com/BeltwayBanthas We'd love to hear from you! Send us your thoughts on the show and even questions at [email protected] Find us on Twitter! @BeltwayBanthas Instagram @BeltwayBanthasPodcast Find us on RetroZap: wwww.retrozap.com/beltway-banthas Contact the Hosts on Twitter! Tirso Perez : @itsjusttirso Stephen Kent: @stephen_kent89 Swara Salih: @SwaraSalih1 And most importantly of all, have a Happy Halloween! 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 There! And welcome new listeners and long time listeners alike; to the 15th Episode of Beltway Banthas. We had the privilege this week of getting to read Pablo Hidalgo's new book titled 'Star Wars: Propaganda' which offers a detailed look into the journey of the galaxy, through the eyes of propagandists and artists from around the Star Wars universe. And we take the time to discuss some major points, as well as aspects of the book that we found interesting regarding propaganda. Our guest today is Brittany Hunter; persuasive art expert who is well versed in the area of Nazi propaganda. And we have a brief chat with her on the science of persuasive art. So sit back! And enjoy this week's episode of Beltway Banthas Exicted for Star Wars Propaganda by Pablo Hidalgo? Order online here: https://www.amazon.com/Star-Wars-Propaganda-History-Persuasive/dp/0062466828 We'd love to hear from you! You an send us your thoughts on the show or even questions at [email protected] Find us on Twitter! @BeltwayBanthas Facebook: facebook.com/beltwaybanthas Instagram @BeltwayBanthasPodcast Find us on RetroZap: www.retrozap.com/beltway-banthas Tweet the Hosts! @itsjusttirso @stephen_kent89 Guest Brittany @Britt_The_wit 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

Stephen sits down to chat with Eric Geller of POLITICO pro, Cybersecurity writer and well known Star Wars aficionado. Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter @Stephen_Kent89 @BeltwayBanthas @ItsJustTirso and todays guest @EricGeller Beltway Banthas is part of the Retrozap Podcast network! http://www.retrozap.com/shows/beltway-banthas 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 there. This is the 14th episode of Beltway Banthas, now proudly a member of the RetroZap family and podcast network! We are really excited for this next chapter in the podcast as we continue to explore the politics of Star Wars, and how Star Wars has impacted our own worlds politics. That is what this show is all about!! Our guest today is Mike O’ Connor, author of the piece “Sounding Like a Separatist” (Retrozap, Newsweek, RawStory) which offers a liberal interpretation of the Star Wars story. We loved the piece and brought Mike on to talk about it and have some fun banter around the topic. Beltway Banthas is a non-partisan podcast and we are committed to journeying through the many layers of Star Wars fandom and the sagas inner workings. We are committed to respectful, fun and honest discourse. No posturing. Star Wars is for everyone and there is room for lots of interpretations. Except for Mace Windu is Snoke. That may be a bridge too far. We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at…[email protected] Find us on Twitter @BeltwayBanthas Facebook.com/beltwaybanthas Instagram @BeltwayBanthasPodcast Find us on RetroZap: http://www.retrozap.com/beltway-banthas Twitter @Retrozapped @itsjusttirso @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

Hello Banthas! This is a special release of Beltway Banthas that we are excited for you to hear. Stephen has a chat with James Floyd (Club Jade, Big Shiny Robot and StarWars.com), the “force” behind the #WearStarWarsEveryday project. Find out more and get involved at www.GoFundMe.com/WearStarWars2016 and if you contribute, do so ON FRIDAY September 30th. Mention Beltway Banthas in your submission. We want to show the podcast world what awesome listeners we have on this show. 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

This week, we will have order! In this episode we delve into the character of Mas Amedda, that horned blue guy who lingers behind Palpatine throughout the prequels. Yes he is important. Yes he is powerful. His political career is meteoric and something fascinating that we discuss with Mike DeRose of the "You Seek Knowledge" podcast. Mike was an Amedda fan before it was cool. Connect with Mike on Twitter @LiveTheForce Tirso and Stephen also discuss Mark Hamill backing California legislation, Star Wars Rebels and dish bantha fodder. Our audience is amazing and so is this project. #WearStarWarsEveryDay founder James Floyd has a GoFundMe up to benefit the Collateral Repair Project, which helps urban refugees with emergency aid, education, and community building in Amman, Jordan. Please consider checking out this project and giving ON Force Friday, Sept 30th, that is ON Friday the 30th. Cite Beltway Banthas in the description of your donation! Let's show the Star Wars universe that the Force is strong with our audience. Link: https://www.gofundme.com/WearStarWars2016 Find Tirso Perez on Twitter @ItsJustTirso Stephen Kent @Stephen_Kent89 Please do leave us a review on iTunes and shoot us email! We'd love to hear your thoughts on the topics and get your feedback. May the Force be with you this week 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 politics of Harrison Ford. The actor behind Han Solo is mysterious, edgy and also a warm hearted, committed activist. We have long been fascinated by the work Ford has done outside of acting, whether is it environmental work, documentaries, speaking gigs with the Clintons or saving lost hikers in his helicopter. To better understand Ford, we welcome to the show the hosts of The Fordcast Podcast, Lauren Milberger and Rachel Leishman. They run a fantastic podcast that chronicles the career of Ford in a thoughtful and comedic package. Check out The Fordcast Podcast and follow them on Twitter @TheFordcastPC @RachelLeishman and @LaurenMilberger Have thoughts on the show? Ideas for episodes or a SW fan theory you want to share? Email us at [email protected] Twitter: @BeltwayBanthas @stephen_Kent89 @ItsJustTirso Leave a review on iTunes! It means a lot and helps get the show to more people. 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

Welcome back to another installment of Beltway Banthas! This week in the world of Star Wars we all got to experience the amazing trailer for the upcoming Rogue One film. In this weeks episode we dive into the politics of Nostalgia. We discuss the polarization between original fans and prequel fans and how that relates to our politics today. With the help of special guest Riley Blanton of the Star Wars Report, we pose questions regarding the greatness of America and it's connection to our galaxy far, far away. Stay connected with the show on twitter @BeltwayBanthas @Stephen_Kent89 @ItsJustTirso @TheRileyGuy , Remember to help the show by leaving us a review and rating on iTunes, and as always...May the Fore 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

Hello banthas! This week we are happy to bring to you an interview with Tamara Keith, White House Correspondent for NPR and co-host of the NPR Politics podcast. Tamara is a HUGE Star Wars fan and we have a fun discussion about her fandom, her thoughts on new films, old films, Leia, Emperor Trumpatine and more. Review our podcast on iTunes! Every rating helps get this podcast to more people. Connect with us on Twitter @BeltwayBanthas Stephen @Stephen_Kent89 and Tamara at @TamaraKeithNPR Subscribe to NPR Politics for a great weekly podcast and news recaps. You won't regret 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

Welcome back friends & banthas! This weeks episode is packed with Star Wars & politics fun. Our UK contributor Swara Salih is LIVE with us in DC. First we lead we dig into the story last week that Daisy Ridley left Instagram after backlash from a "political" statement on gun violence. The latest is that she says she got off Instagram to be away from a phone more, but the timing does suggest she needed to step away from the onslaught of negativity. Daisy is an intensely positive force online. We hope she comes back! We are also joined by Bria LaVorgna of Tosche Station to talk about the role of monarchies in Star Wars. There are kings & queens galore. Why? Find Bria on Twitter at @ChaosBRia Lastly, Crackpot or Jackpot? Rey Palpatine..... Have a theory you want to share? Email us at [email protected] Connect with us on Twitter @Beltway Banthas @Stephen_Kent89 @ItsJustTirso @SwaraSalih1 Drop us a review on iTunes. It makes a huge difference to the show and hearing your feedback makes our show better everytime. 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

As a continuation of our interview series, today we bring to you a conversation on Star Wars & politics with Rep. Jason Saine of NCs 97th district. This is a really insightful conversation about the rough and tumble of being in politics, as well as how Star Wars fandom plays into the value set and daily grind of a Fan/Lawmaker. Jason makes some really good points about Star Wars and the call to civic duty, as well the nature of who is in power...are they Rebels or the Empire. Star Wars shows us two or three times. insurgent rebels becoming the government. Jason Saine has been through something similar during his time in politics. Leave us a review on iTunes, let us know how we are doing. Connect on Twitter @BeltwayBanthas and with Rep. Saine @JasonSaine97th Email us thoughts, questions and ideas for episodes/guests 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

What a crazy month. In the world of Star Wars we all just experienced in person or through the power of Internet, Star Wars Celebration. Here in the world of current events and politics, lots has changed as well. In this weeks episode the Beltway Banthas share with you some audio from AEI's book talk on "The World According to Star Wars", a love letter to Star Wars by Cass Sunstein (former head of regulatory affairs in the White House under the Obama Admin). Cass talks through the chapters of his book, offering a broad view of why Star Wars was successful, and what lessons we can take away from it as observers of politics. This is a book we highly recommend..for a larger view of the Force. We are also joined by Zuri Davis (Rare Politics) for a dissection of the shooting in Dallas, and the deep & worsening racial divide in America today. This is a part of our developing series "Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering." The dynamic between people of color and police can be looked at through the prism of Yoda's warning to Anakin, so we dive into this tough topic. Thanks for coming on this wild ride of Star Wars + Politics with us! Drop us a review on iTunes and connect with the show on Twitter. @BeltwayBanthas @Stephen_Kent89 @ItsJustTirso @Zuri_Davis 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

Surprise! We have a bonus episode this week from Star Wars Celebration London! Our senior foreign correspondent, Swara Salih, attended the convention and spoke with Bryan Young of Full of Sith, and Riley Blanton of the Star Wars Report about politics & Star Wars. They are really nice people and fun chats so check this out. You can follow Swara on Twitter at @SwaraSalih1 Full of Sith podcast at @FullofSith and Bryan @Swankmotron and the Star Wars Report at @StarWarsReport and Riley @TheRileyGuy Norma episode next Thursday is on the way! Have a great week. 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

OMG one more day till Star Wars Celebration Europe 2016! Also known to the cool kids of Twitter as #SWCE. On this weeks episode we have a little extra fun in the spirit of Celebration. Joined by friend of the show, Michael Nitz, the Beltway Banthas talk over some of the schedule, what may happen at Celebration, what will be revealed? Rogue One gets a new trailer this Friday. Intrigue abounds. Will you be at #SWCE over the weekend? Stephen and Tirso couldn't make it but our Senior Foreign Correspondent Swara Salih will be roaming the convention. Find him on Twitter @SwaraSalih1 Also look out for livestreams from the convention on our Facebook www.facebook.com/beltwaybanthas Please do leave us a review on your podcatcher! Send us an email of feedback or a question to [email protected] We WANT to hear from you and get to know our listeners. As usual you can find us online at www.BeltwayBanthas.com Twitter @BeltwayBanthas. Stephen is @Stephen_Kent89 Tirso is @ItsJustTirso 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

"I love democracy, I love the Republic." Little did the Senate know but Chancellor Palpatine had his fingers crossed. How do democracies descend into tyranny is the primary question of our new episode. Star Wars is riddled with history from ancient Rome, France, Germany and ties to contemporary American politics. Beltway Banthas welcomes to the show David Barnes, Policy Director at Generation Opportunity , an experienced political professional and student of Plato's writings on democracy in ancient Greece. The show received exclusive audio from the lair of Emperor Trumpatine himself, its FANTASTIC and you won't wanna miss it. You can hear from from our overlord Emperor Trumpatine on Twitter @RealTrumpatine . The show is joined by the first addition to our team, Swara Salih, located in the UK and reporting to us as Senior Foreign Correspondant on "Brexit", the British exit from the EU. Swara wrote a piece on our website you must check out to know how Star Wars can make sense of this news in Europe. Star Wars Can Make Sense of Brexit: http://beltwaybanthas.com/2016/06/26/brexit-star-wars-can-make-sense-of-britain-leaving-the-eu/ Please do leave us a review on your podcatcher! Send us an email of feedback or a question to [email protected] We WANT to hear from you and get to know our listeners. As usual you can find us online at www.BeltwayBanthas.com Twitter @BeltwayBanthas and www.Facebook.com/beltwaybanthas Stephen is @Stephen_Kent89 Tirso is @ItsJustTirso 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

Thank you for tuning in for another installment of Beltway Banthas, a Star Wars podcast at the intersection of Coruscant & Washington DC. On this weeks episode, Stephen breaks down his time at AwesomeCon 2016 that brought Kevin Smith and a million Kylo Rens to the nations capital. Stephen assembled a special assembly of the DC Jedi Council for a round table chat about Star Wars fandom. He was joined by Kristen Soltis Anderson (The Pollsters podcast & author of 'The Selfie Vote') and Mike Shields (President of the American Action Network, fmr Chief of Staff of the RNC and Communications Director for Newt Gingrich). We had a great time discussing the films, the politics of the prequels and digging into the role political parties play in a functioning republic. This has been an emotional week for many. Stephen dishes some thoughts on the state of our union and how we can help our friends in Orlando: https://www.gofundme.com/PulseVictimsFund Be good to each other. Love really, truly, always wins. You can find Stephen on Twitter @Stephen_Kent89 Tirso @ItsJustTirso Kristen Soltis Anderson @KSoltisAnderson and Mike Shields @MShields007 Email us your thoughts on the show, a theory you have, ANYTHING at [email protected] and Tweet us @BeltwayBanthas Review us on iTunes PLEASE. It makes a huge difference for getting the show exposure =) May the Force be with you this week...and always 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 another episode of Beltway Banthas! On today's episode we discuss the newest edition to Star Wars canon, Star Wars: Bloodline by Claudia Gray. This is a book in between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens that gives us a view of Leia's political career in this time. SPOILERS will be discussed. If you are going to read the book and don't want it spoiled, tune in another time. What are the politics of the Republic? How can we view the problems of the Republic as similar to our own? Do these controversies sound familiar? You can follow the author on Twitter @ClaudiaGray http://www.claudiagray.com/ Our ending music is brought to you by Jonas Sees In Color, a NC band and friends of this show. Their original song inspired by Star Wars cantina bands is called "El Cantina De La Revolucion" You can check them out here: http://www.jsicband.com/ GREAT band and worth listening to. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter @JSIC Please do leave us a review on your podcatcher! Send us an email of feedback or a question to [email protected] We WANT to hear from you and get to know our listeners. As usual you can find us online at www.BeltwayBanthas.com Twitter @BeltwayBanthas and www.Facebook.com/beltwaybanthas Stephen is @Stephen_Kent89 Tirso is @ItsJustTirso 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

For the first interview episode of Beltway Banthas, Stephen talks to co-host of The Pollsters podcast, Kristen Soltis Anderson. Kristen is co-founder of Echelon Insights, the author of The Selfie Vote, a contributor on Fox, CNN and MSNBC and has made appearances on The Bill Maher Show as well! Did she go toe to toe with the Bernie Sanders' finger wag? Duh! Stephen and Kristen discuss her fandoms beginnings, how she has grown as a Star Wars fan in politics and also touch on polling in regards to Star Wars. You can reach Kristen @KSoltisAnderson or her podcast @ThePollsters. We highly recommend you subscribe to her show for the best in weekly political polling insights. Enjoy! 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 episode IV of Beltway Banthas, Stephen and Tirso talk death & Star Wars. Stephen's grandfather passed away a few backs ago, and we felt this was a good time to talk about it. No better place to do so than on this podcast. If there is one thing the Star Wars saga can guarantee you, it is systematic and cyclical heartbreak, starting with Qui-Gon and ending most recently with Han Solo. "Death is a natural part of life" and so it is a natural part of Star Wars. Which Star Wars deaths have impacted you the most? Has Star Wars helped you deal with the loss of a loved one? Also! We preview our interview with with Kristen Soltis Anderson (The Pollsters, Fox, CNN and MSNBC contributor) Kristen co-founded a DC polling firm, authored The Selfie Vote and has guested a couple times on The Bill Maher Show. If you have some thoughts, reactions or questions about this episode...please email us at [email protected] want to hear from you. Hit us up on Twitter @BeltwayBanthas, Instagram @BeltwayBanthasPodcast and on Facebook. 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

Thanks for tuning in to episode III of Beltway Banthas! It's been a crazy week and this is coming to you on STAR WARS DAY 2016. No better time to release this podcast. On this episode, we discuss some of the latest Star Wars news and chatter about Rogue One. Then, as promised, we get around to some politics. Stephen leads the show on an exploration of the Galactic Senate. How does it work? Why is there gridlock and an inability to get things done? This will be the first of many topical discussions on the politics of Star Wars and we hope you enjoy it. Did we miss anything you think should have been discussed? Let us know and we will touch on it: [email protected] Emo Kylo Ren performance inspired by @KyloR3n : https://twitter.com/KyloR3n Referenced in this episode: Vox: The Galactic Senate Needed A Minority Party - http://www.vox.com/mischiefs-of-faction/2015/10/6/9459735/galactic-senate-minority-party by Seth Masket The Delegation of 2000 meet (Episode III deleted scene): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42jp-O1y1HI&feature=youtu.be&t=2m52s 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 Episode II of Beltway Banthas, we take some time to discuss news of the day. By time you hear this the news will be a few weeks old, but we wanted to share with you our reactions and thoughts on Rogue One. As quick as it came it went. The first trailer for Rogue One debuted on Good Morning America and we at Beltway Banthas had some things to say about it. We discuss the content of the trailer, go over some of the theories surrounding what is seen, and talk about other upcoming stand alone films. What stand alone film do YOU want to see? Tweet us @BeltwayBanthas This podcast will seek to understand how Star Wars impacts the world we live in, while also covering the Star Wars news, gossip and hype of the day. 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 a Star Wars podcast about the intersection of fandom and the things that drive daily life. For hosts Stephen Kent & Tirso Perez, one of those things is politics. Star Wars draws from our worlds politics just as much as it contributes to it by influencing policy makers, journalists and thought leaders. 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