TV & Film
**Beltway Banthas**

Beltway Banthas is a monthly Star Wars podcast about the intersection of Star Wars and politics. Host, Stephen Kent, draws from politics IRL and connects the big problems we face to lessons in the Star Wars universe. Whether it be discourse about redemption, empathy, humility or hot button topics ranging from racial justice to cancel culture, Beltway Banthas takes it all on.

Latest Episodes:

Ep #37: The First Order's Fire & Fury Aug 17, 2017

Show notes

The First Order are an ideological and vicious military organization dedicated to one thing: making the galaxy great again. But for whom? This week with guest Ross Brown of FanGirlBlog.com we look at how the First Order rose to be such a threat to the galaxy.

Return of the Masket: Amusing Ourselves Into Tyranny Aug 10, 2017

Show notes

Seth Masket, political scientist and professor at the University of Denver, sees something ominous in the background of the Star Wars Holiday Special. He wrote about the politics of the campy Star Wars program in Mischiefs of Faction, a blog for Vox. The piece is called Amusing Ourselves Into Tyranny, sound familiar?

Ep #36: Race, Representation & Reconciliation Aug 03, 2017

Show notes

Today on Beltway Banthas, Swara and Stephen reconcile a dispute. Representation and diversity on screen is the hot topic of the day and it's more charged than ever. We discuss a disagreement had off the show in total transparency and seek to better understand some feelings about identity politics in pop-culture.

Interview: David Barnes (Generation Opportunity) & Al Downs (Americans for Prosperity) Jul 27, 2017

Show notes

Al Downs and David Barnes dissect the Republic's deregulation of the banks and whether or not that is an accurate reflection of how government handles crisis, and they also share their favorite moments in the saga.

Ep #35: Politician Profile of Leia Organa Jul 20, 2017

Show notes

Today on Beltway Banthas we shine our politician spotlight on the greatest politician the Star Wars universe has ever known, the beloved Princess, Senator and General...Leia Organa. Our very special guests are Charlotte Errity and Caitlin Plesher of the Skytalkers Podcast and show producer John Liang. Together we discuss the history, politics and power of Star Wars most iconic politician/princess.

Obviously with the loss of our beloved Carrie Fisher this was a difficult episode to record. Throughout our conversation we discuss how Leia and Carrie have inspired each of us. We look at how Leia & Carrie inspired the world at large through cinema and real life. We also discuss The Last Jedi sizzle reel from D23, what Carrie's role might be like in the film. Enjoy!

Follow Charotte on Twitter @crerrity!

Follow Caitlin on Twitter @caitlinplesher!

Follow John on Twitter @JuanJohnJedi!

Interview: Graham Vyse (New Republic) Jul 13, 2017

Show notes

The latest in our interview series! Swara interviews staff writer at the New Republic magazine, Graham Vyse! We cover everything from his fandom, to Virginia politics, national politics, Star Wars parallels and more!

The New Republic is one of the oldest progressive publications in the U.S., and Graham is one of their best new writers. We had a great discussion about the origin of his fandom, how Star Wars informed his politics, and cover state and national politics. Later we go into what Star Wars and George Lucas were trying to teach us about our own government and how to counter illiberalism.

Follow Graham on Twitter @GrahamVyse!

Ep #34: Defining Freedom in Star Wars Jul 06, 2017

Show notes

To welcome July 4th, Stephen, Swara, and Brittany Elisa discuss the concept of freedom in the Star Wars universe. We discuss what it might mean to different characters such as Luke, Rey, Jyn Erso, and even Emperor Palpatine!

In the spirit of our Independence Day celebrating freedom, this is a free-flowing discussion touching upon all things from freedom of opportunity, economic freedom, the ability to pursue your dreams and much more. We also answer your emails asking about all things politics and Star Wars!

Interview: Andrew Heaton (Reason) Jun 29, 2017

Show notes

Andrew Heaton is a comedian in NYC who is a growing staple of libertarian media. He worked with John Stossel at Fox Business and now at Reason Magazine working on The Mostly Weekly Show. Andrew is an incredibly funny guy and uniquely deep Star Wars fan that go on and on with anyone about the politics, philosophy and humor at length.

He has a voice for radio and TV that could have only been made by Zeus himself and it was really great to get his take on Star Wars humor and more. Andrew shares his fondness of Ewoks, why he thinks Jar Jar fell flat and Obi Wan’s comedic sensibility.

We also talk about where politics and science fiction collide, and if stories thrive when politics are put first rather than second.

Ep #33: The Politics of Thrawn Jun 22, 2017

Show notes

This week, Stephen and Swara are joined by good friend of the show, blogger at BrownsReview.com and Fangirlblog.com, Ross Brown! We discuss the politics of Timothy Zahn's novel Thrawn. The Banthas discuss insights into Imperial social hierarchy, the Empire's alien policy, the meteoric rise of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Governor Pryce and much more!

We also discuss what we think of Colin Trevorrow directing episode IX after his latest film has been trashed by critics, delve into our Bantha Fodder, and much more on this packed episode!

Follow Ross on Twitter @Wolfesghost

Interview: Dave Summers (Americans For Prosperity) Jun 16, 2017

Show notes

This weeks interview is with Dave Summers of Americans for Prosperity, a grassroots organization affiliated with the Koch brothers. Dave is a huge Star Wars fan and a Governor Tarkin enthusiast. Stephen and Dave talk about his fandoms roots, why Tarkin is so awesome and how a strong corporate culture like that of the Koch's could have helped Tarkin succeed in his most desperate hour.

If you enjoyed this interview check out our back catalogue of amazing politico Star Wars fans. Do you know someone in the DC area who needs to be on this show? Tell us about them. Tweet us @BeltwayBanthas or @Stephen_Kent89.

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Beltway Banthas

The latest in our interview series! Swara interviews staff writer at the New Republic magazine, Graham Vyse! We cover everything from his fandom, to Virginia politics, national politics, Star Wars parallels and more!

To welcome July 4th, Stephen, Swara, and Brittany Elisa discuss the concept of freedom in the Star Wars universe. We discuss what it might mean to different characters such as Luke, Rey, Jyn Erso, and even Emperor Palpatine!

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