Gandalf the White is in the company of Aragorn and the sons of Elrond when they are joined by Prince Imrahil of Dol Amroth. They are discussing what will happen if the Ring of Power is destroyed and Middle Earth is rid of Sauron. Gandalf makes a remark that leaps from the page as a reminder to think bigger about our role in making good of our time in this world. “Other evils there are that may come; for Sauron is but a servant or emissary. Yet it is not our part to master all the tides of the wo...
Dec 10, 2023•8 min
This weekend has been a difficult one for me. Not to get too personal or whine, but my wife and I just completed in September, a renovation of our unfinished basement, which now functions as an office for my work and a second den. It was beautiful. Now it is not . An underground sewer line has busted, and it flooded half the basement and undid all the hard work we put into making it pretty. I know me. And I know for a fact that two years ago the old me would have lost their damn mind. But as I m...
Dec 03, 2023•5 min
It’s all a matter of perspective, and perspective is often a matter of choice . Have you ever read (or been read) The Snow Queen (1844)? It’s a classic children’s fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen , the storyteller behind The Little Mermaid, The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Princess & The Pea , and The Ugly Ducking . Elements of this fairytale are used in Disney’s Frozen , which hit theaters 10 years ago today, as well as C.S. Lewis ’ The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe . In the tale, the...
Nov 27, 2023•6 min
WE ARE NOW GEEKY STOICS. Enjoy this new episode of the podcast where Stephen Kent walks through a connection between the writings of Seneca and the fall of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode III. 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 20, 2023•8 min
I’ve never met a person who wanted to not live free. The trick with human beings is that we’re all seeking freedom from different things, people, places, and ideas. One man’s prison is another’s retreat. In last week’s edition, What Sets You Free (paywall is now down) I outlined how the Jedi and Sith differ on what defines freedom, and how it relates to our own struggles with living the kind of lives we’d like to live. Today I have something else for you to consider, a controversial point — no d...
Nov 13, 2023•5 min
Qui-Gon Jinn is a quote machine. Probably more than any Jedi Master in Star Wars, even more than Yoda. During his one film, Episode I: The Phantom Menace , Qui-Gon delivers a quip to Jar Jar Binks that is more important than you may realize. Jar Jar almost gets them both killed. Qui-Gon is a tad flustered by this and asks, “What are you, brainless?” Jar Jar says back, “I can speak” Qui-Gon responds, “ The ability to speak doesn’t make you intelligent .” Many of you receiving this email today are...
Nov 07, 2023•5 min
Go through the motions. Mind details. The basics are what save your life. The fundamentals are what set you free to do great things. This is what I learned from reading Star Wars: Master & Apprentice, about the training of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Master Qui Gon Jinn had to teach him that the fundamentals of saber combat are the most timeless and valuable elements, not fancy spins and flipping attacks. Keep it simple. This really hit home for me when I was rock climbing in Virginia, and my partner ne...
Oct 27, 2023•9 min
Don’t let your intellect and curiosity blind you to the motivations and drive of others. Don’t be fooled by the villain with pure bloodlust because another villain has a sympathetic backstory. Darth Vader and Palpatine (for example) are very different people. To confuse one for the other would be a fatal error . Be curious. Use reason. Study history and seek to know more about the way the world works. Learn about other cultures and what they value. And while you do this, you must keep clear of “...
Oct 17, 2023•9 min
I’ve been feeling tired lately. All is well. Nothing out of the ordinary. It’s just that the grind has been more noticeable in my low energy, aching body, and a mind frequently daydreaming of the next vacation. Where in the world could I escape to? Just for a day or two. Surely then I will feel better. You’ve been here before, haven’t you? Like so many vacations I’ve taken in the past, the fact remains that when I finally take the trip I’m stuck there with the same problem: Me “Are you amazed to...
Oct 11, 2023•4 min
Today’s podcast is on an invaluable insight from Master & Apprentice , a novel by Claudia Gray about Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Before we met them in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace , these two Jedi did not always get along. Qui-Gon even wanted to dump Kenobi as his Padawan learner during this time. They were oil and water. Why was Obi-Wan so reactive to Qui-Gon Jinn’s loose nature as a teacher? Young people are contrarian by nature of their age. Here’s what Qui-Gon had to lear...
Oct 04, 2023•6 min
On the podcast today, lessons from The West Wing, Napoleon, and Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid. The number one thing I’m driving at in this podcast is that you need to pay attention to the little things — to focus on the here and now. The greatest risk to you on the road is not the driver who runs the red light, it is the driver barrelling toward the intersection with no signs of slowing down that you did not see coming. Maybe you were changing the playlist on Spotify and looked away for j...
Sep 28, 2023•8 min
What is a Jedi? Is it a religion? To be a warrior? Are they the Light of the galaxy? No hiding the ball on this one. I’ll tell you. To be a Jedi is to act a certain way in any given situation. You’re given hate — respond with gentleness. You’re presented with fear —- you choose faith and courage. You’re given war —- then you fight for peace and with no hatred in your heart. You fight for tomorrow. This new Walk The Way podcast is a rundown of a recent post, Fight For Better Days, inspired by the...
Sep 20, 2023•10 min
My friends, we are now podcasting directly out of Substack. Riley Blanton had a great point when he called me to suggest that we should be making This Is The Way the HQ of all our activities. I want you to get the most possible out of your subscription to this newsletter. What you can expect from our podcast, Walk The Way, is 1-2 “wake up and go” podcasts that borrow from the written articles, and expand a bit on them. If you read When You're Consciously Incompetent , this podcast is the compani...
Sep 18, 2023•8 min
Change is painful, and yet it can still be so beautiful. In this episode, Stephen Kent reflects on parenting and a new song from musician Noah Gundersen called "Haunted House" Listen to the song here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYTg47b2Xv4 Follow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/ Join Walk The Way on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A Follow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/ Join Walk ...
Sep 08, 2023•14 min
This episode of the Walk the Way podcast covers Riley's experience visiting the Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco to attend a screening of the new Ahsoka television series. Riley reflects on how this opportunity arose unexpectedly after he had let go of his past desires for validation through Star Wars fandom. He explains how his trip to Lucasfilm reinforced his views on detachment and focusing on the story of Star Wars over the competition in online fandom. Timestamps: Intro to walk the w...
Aug 28, 2023•12 min
Alexandra Hudson, author of the upcoming book "The Soul of Civility: Timeless Principles to Heal Society and Ourselves" joins Walk The Way to discuss the book. Hudson reacts to scenes from James Cameron's Titanic and helps answer how to employ civility when being asked for your pronouns when you'd prefer not to answer. Pre-order THE SOUL OF CIVILITY before its October launch and get $700 worth of FREE GIFTS for you to enjoy RIGHT NOW from Alexandra Hudson You can order the book and claim your gi...
Aug 21, 2023•52 min
Big Idea: Focus on things within your control and choose the stories you tell yourself after difficult experiences. In this episode of Walk the Way, Riley and Stephen discuss resiliency, trigger warnings, and mental health through the lens of Stoicism and the importance of perspective. Stephen shares an Atlantic article on trigger warnings and how they may have damaged the resiliency of a generation. Riley shares his experience working with MQ-9 operations in the military and how perspective sha...
Aug 14, 2023•54 min
In this episode, Stephen dives into the cultural phenomenon of Barbie, exploring her historical symbolism and what it means for our understanding of femininity and beauty. He analyzes the 2023 Barbie movie, featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling, to uncover its rich social commentary. Stephen also delves into Stoic philosophy, gender dynamics, societal discontentment, and the authenticity of natural beauty. L inks and Resources: https://thisistheway.substack.com/ Subscribe to the newsletter. B...
Aug 11, 2023•7 min
Big Idea: Bad bosses who rely on fear and intimidation fail to inspire their teams to achieve goals. On this episode of Walk the Way, Riley and Stephen discuss their experiences with intimidating bosses and how good ideas can overcome bad leadership. They share stories from the military and office environments, highlighting the importance of speaking up for your values, knowing the mission, and encouraging your team with courage instead of fear. Listen in to learn how good ideas can help you ove...
Aug 07, 2023•38 min
In this bite-sized episode, Stephen examines "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," exploring the narrative and the more prominent themes it represents. The discussion delves into the portrayal of aging, the generational disconnect, and the societal treatment of the elderly. Takeaway : Reconnect with the elders in our lives! Dial of Destiny serves as a springboard for a deeper conversation about the value, respect, and understanding we owe to our older generations. L inks and Resources: https:...
Aug 04, 2023•6 min
This episode of The Walk Away Podcast discusses the difference between courage and bravado through the lens of a quote from the movie Glass Onion. Stephen and Riley argue that true courage involves demonstrating wisdom, temperance, and discipline when faced with difficult situations, while bravado often involves speaking recklessly without considering whether one's words are true or good. Takeaways: [0:00:00] - Courage is demonstrating wisdom, justice, temperance, and other virtues when facing c...
Jul 31, 2023•29 min
Yoda's ruse was a test of Luke's patience. Tests in life are often unannounced. Inward vs Outward focus - Stephen missed a flight and lost the opportunity to properly engage with a kind stranger who gave him a ride. All is not as it seems Why we should always give people our best selves - tests are often unannounced. Follow us on Substack and join the community https://thisistheway.substack.com/ Join Walk The Way on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrtAeMhf3qJcD2xjeMNNE1A This is a publi...
Jul 22, 2023•9 min
In this debut episode of Walk the Way, Riley and Stephen discuss the philosophy behind Rey Skywalker's choice to take on the Skywalker name in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. They talk about the theme of self-definition and identity in Star Wars and how pop culture stories can shape our worldviews and teach us virtues. They explain the focus of the Walk the Way podcast - diving deep into the philosophy they can learn from popular movies, TV shows, and books and how to apply those lessons to th...
Jul 19, 2023•33 min
Show notes: Introduction and Background (0:00-1:00) Riley Blanton, the founder and long-term host of The Star Wars Report podcast, announces the new podcast "Walk the Way" co-hosted by Stephen Kent. Both hosts have a long history of Star Wars podcasting and intend to create a space that focuses on the philosophy and stories that define who we are. The Concept of "Walk the Way" Podcast (1:01-2:05) The podcast aims to delve deep into the stories and mythologies that inspire us and shape our identi...
Jul 09, 2023•13 min
Hello Friends! I had a few people request by email that we release the entirety of my interview with David French (The Dispatch) for the recent episode on dismantling the Death Star threat of our politics + David’s new book “ Divided We Fall ” So…you can stream that right here (above) First, I loved the book. It’s written for anyone left, right or center and is even-handed in describing the problem we face and the upside of David’s solution to every faction. But he is clear-eyed about the risks ...
Nov 22, 2020•44 min
Hello Banthas! We have some important updates about the podcast to share with you. Exciting news to be sure. In this broadcast, you'll get a quick primer on what we're working on and why! The podcast is about to undergo a major transformation and we hope you'll be part of it. At the end of the episode, you can catch the audio of our first foray into YouTube! ** LISTENER SURVEY ** NEWSLETTER SIGNUP: Star Wars, politics and more YouTube Video: Trump 2020 and Rogue One, Krennic parallel This is a p...
Jul 24, 2020•12 min
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith is a movie about control, and what happens when someone with a great deal of power cannot bear the idea of living with unpredictability. It's relatable. We all want a certain degree of control over our lives and destinies. 15 years after Revenge of the Sith and its message about control and safety vs security...what can we take from it that applies to the world today? TV producer Andrew Kenlon joins the podcast to look back on Episode III and apply its lessons to...
Jun 18, 2020•47 min
Star Wars author E.K. Johnston just put out her latest book on Padme, "Queens Peril". This new canon novel takes a look at Padme's rise the political power on Naboo and the days leading up to the Droid Invasion of Star Wars: Episode I. E.K and Stephen talk Naboo politics, how real-world principles over trade and immigration impact a galaxy, far, far away and what Padme teaches us about the virtue humility. Buy " Queens Peril " by E.K. Johnston TODAY and learn more about WHY Naboo ever became a t...
Jun 04, 2020•29 min
Kat Rosenfield wrote for Reason Magazine a feature piece on how Star Wars' three trilogies aligns almost perfectly with the politics of the time they were made in. What makes the sequel trilogy so unique, Episodes VII-IX, is that their chaotic nature almost mirrors the era we live in today. Stephen Kent and Kat discuss her article, living during COVID-19 and Kat shares a solid TV recommendation. Read Kat's article here: https://reason.com/2020/04/26/star-wars-identity-crisis/ Stream Stephen's EP...
May 28, 2020•44 min
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 podca...
May 08, 2020•38 min
