Beltway Banthas: Star Wars, Politics & More

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.

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

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.

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 beltwaybanthas@gmail.com 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

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 beltwaybanthas@gmail.com 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!

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 beltwaybanthas@gmail.com 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

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

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…BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com 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

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 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 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 BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com 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!

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!

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!

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 BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com 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!

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 BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com