It’s our second Comic-Con panel! Stephen and Swara are joined by friend of the show Nick Dicolandrea of Coffee With Kenobi to discuss “Star Wars goes to Washington,” and a bit of the international perspective of Star Wars as well. In our live panel at Oak City Comic-Con, we discuss political use of Star Wars from the 1980s to modern day, why it resonates with people of various political persuasions, and we even delve into some international political perceptions of Star Wars. In the Q&A sect...
Mar 23, 2017•53 min
To inaugurate 25 episodes of Beltway Banthas, we sit down to talk about the evolution of the podcast. In a fun and free-wheeling conversation we share some of our favorite moments doing this show and what we have learned along the way. Also on the menu for this weeks episode, Stephen and Swara dig into Star Wars news and updates including The Last Jedi, Empires End and the upcoming Thrawn novel. Stephen shares how he is missing out on a chance to hang with Snoop Dogg, and goes over a few upcomin...
Mar 16, 2017•1 hr 8 min
Most Star Wars fans love the Empire to one degree or another. They’re orderly, professional, and have the best fashion sense in the Galaxy. But is our love for them misplaced? Are we so enamored with Emperor Palpatine, Darth Vader, and their subordinates that we forget they were based on real life fascist regimes? Why do we love villains anyway if they’re so awful? To discuss this challenging topic, we spoke with Dr. Andrea Letamendi of Lattes with Leia and Tyler Westhause of the Star Wars Podca...
Mar 02, 2017•1 hr 31 min
The next in our interview series! This week, we speak with Alexandra Petri, columnist and satirist for The Washington Post. She and Swara talk about keeping up with the crazy politics of the day, how it affects satire, her love of Star Wars, parallels between the real and Star Wars political worlds, and so much more! Listen to the conversation that is sure to lighten up your day and make the daily political craziness much more palatable. For more of her humor, follow Alexandra @petridishes on Tw...
Feb 23, 2017•39 min
This week Beltway Banthas was joined by Tamara Keith & Scott Detrow of the NPR Politics Podcast. In a conversation any political and public radio junkie won't want to miss, we dive into the politics of Star Wars and some of Star Wars most enduring cultural themes that resonate with people from 1977 to today. We start by catching up with friend of the show and White House Correspondent for NPR, Tamara Keith, previously featured for a interview on Beltway Banthas. She shares her thoughts on Ro...
Feb 16, 2017•1 hr 7 min
This week Stephen and Swara discuss the key points of the article “Star Wars Politics Part Two: The Right Side Strikes Back.” How does the franchise reach out to and inspire conservative audiences? Did Star Wars take any inspiration from family values, limited government, and other issues on the political right? Also on this weeks jam packed episode: We connect with our friend Michael O’Connor (@oconnoblog) on his article “Phantom Menaces: Star Wars Tribalism.” We also discuss the Women’s March ...
Feb 02, 2017•1 hr 42 min
This interview with U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer is a continuation of the Beltway Banthas interview series! Stephen spoke with U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer (D) of the state of Washington's 6th District in his DC office. This conversation is a landmark for Beltway Banthas because it is our first chat with a sitting member of Congress It was nothing short of honor to be on Capitol Hill talking Star Wars with someone as busy as Derek Kilmer. We want to thank him and his staff for making it possib...
Jan 26, 2017•25 min
This week on Beltway Banthas we discuss the Confederacy of Independent Systems AKA The Separatists. The theme of disenchantment with government is never more relevant than in 2017, so we dug back into the prequel era to discuss this movement, why it happened and who was involved. To better understand this era we are joined by Dennis Keithly of the podcast STARSHIPS, SABERS and SCOUNDRELS. Follow him on Twitter linked below. We are going to be launching bonus content soon for subscribers to a sup...
Jan 19, 2017•1 hr 12 min
This week as a continuation of our interview series, Stephen spoke with Cheston Lee, a listener of the show and fmr staffer for the Hillary Clinton 2016 campaign. It is an illuminating conversation on many levels regarding politics and Star Wars fandom, and we know you will enjoy it! Cheston Lee hails from Brooklyn, NY where he lives with his partner James, two mischievous cats and a lot of in box Power of the Force action figures. Cheston worked on the Hillary for America Technology team as a S...
Jan 12, 2017•55 min
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 ...
Jan 04, 2017•1 hr 22 min
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 reluc...
Dec 14, 2016•1 hr 39 min
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...
Dec 01, 2016•1 hr 11 min
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 Bel...
Nov 16, 2016•1 hr 12 min
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...
Nov 11, 2016•28 min
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 oppos...
Nov 03, 2016•39 min
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 @BeltwayB...
Nov 01, 2016•19 min
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 t...
Oct 20, 2016•1 hr 2 min
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...
Oct 13, 2016•53 min
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 s...
Oct 06, 2016•1 hr 17 min
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 wi...
Sep 29, 2016•16 min
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...
Sep 22, 2016•53 min
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 ...
Sep 07, 2016•53 min
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 ...
Aug 25, 2016•47 min
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...
Aug 18, 2016•43 min
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 onl...
Aug 11, 2016•1 hr 24 min
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...
Aug 03, 2016•46 min
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 hi...
Jul 28, 2016•54 min
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 @TheRileyG...
Jul 21, 2016•32 min
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 Corresp...
Jul 14, 2016•57 min
"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 anci...
Jun 30, 2016•1 hr 3 min
