Beltway Banthas

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Ep #32: The Politics of Disney (ft. Amy Ratcliffe) Jun 08, 2017

Show notes

Is Star Wars different in the era of Disney? In this episode we look at how the internal politics of Disney impact creative and business choices for Star Wars. Amy Ratcliffe of Lattes With Leia joins us for the discussion and shares her insights on how Disney functions and what motivates their thinking on issues of the day.

This is a fun conversation you don't want to miss. Stay up to date with Beltway Banthas by subscribing on iTunes or Google Play. Also follow us on Facebook to catch our new bonus content series, Beltway Banter, where hosts Stephen and Swara debate an issue in Star Wars or politics.

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Bonus Episode: AdmiralNick22 on Star Wars Political Cartography Jun 01, 2017

Show notes

BONUS EPISODE! Today on this special release of Beltway Banthas Stephen & Swara talk about the Vanity Fair Star Wars spread, are joined by Stephen's daughter and discuss fan theorizing. Next, AdmiralNick22 (follow him on Twitter) of the ElevenThirtyEight blog joins Stephen to talk about his recent piece outlining the political cartography of the galaxy after Return of the Jedi. It's a fascinating and in-depth piece of work we highly recommend you go check out for peak Star Wars nerdom.

Read the blog here: http://eleven-thirtyeight.com/2017/04/republic-rising-a-political-and-cartographic-look-post-galactic-concordance-galaxy/

Follow everyone from this week's episode on Twitter

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Subscribe to Beltway Banthas and tune in next week for our episode with Amy Radcliff about the Politics of Disney!

Ep #31: Money In Galactic Politics (Part I) May 25, 2017

Show notes

Stephen and Swara discuss the role of money in politics in the Star Wars universe. The discussion covers the role of the Trade Federation in The Phantom Menace, and how the concern of money in politics is plays out in our own world.

George Lucas' message in prequel trilogy on the dangers of money in politics was pretty clear. We discuss the roots of that message and how average Americans feel about this issue. Stephen and Swara also touch upon some real world political news, read a listener e-mail on Mon Mothma and offer their regular bantha fodder.

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter:

@Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @BeltwayBanthas |

Please share our show with a friend, review us on iTunes and shoot us some feedback. We grow in quality every time someone reaches out to tell us what they liked.

We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Ep #30: Mon Mothma - A Life of Public Service May 10, 2017

Show notes

It's time again form Star Wars politics! This week Swara and guest host Carly Lane (Nerdist, Syfywire, Supergirl Radio) delve into the history, political philosophy and escapades of the leader of the Rebel Alliance, Mon Mothma.

Senator/Chancellor/Commander-in-Chief Mon Mothma has been through and seen it all in the Star Wars universe. From her time in the Old Republic, denouncing Palpatine’s authority and to her leadership of the Rebellion to founding the New Republic, Mon Mothma’s life provides the definitive lens through which to view the political history of the Galaxy. Swara and Carly discuss her origins, motivations and all-around awesomeness in this illuminating episode. We also discuss Carly’s recent article in Syfywire on the diverse strength of women in Star Wars (especially with Padme Amidala), the role Carrie Fisher/General Leia will have in future Star Wars properties and much more. Beltway Banthas Episode 30: Mon Mothma - A Life of Public Service Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 | @CarlyLane | @SuperGirlRadio We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com. We are going to be launching bonus content soon for subscribers to a super not-so-secret email list. Sign up here: eepurl.com/cxPyoX

Ep #29: Star Wars Military (Live panel from SWCO) Apr 27, 2017

Show notes

Our good friend John Liang (@JuanJohnJedi) was in Orlando for Star Wars Celebration (SWCO), where he was part of a panel discussing the military history of the Star Wars universe. He joined Thomas Harper, who led the panel, and Jason Fry to discuss the galaxy's history of military engagement, background on weapons and armaments, military justice in the Star Wars universe, and more! Follow these panelists on Twitter for more insight on the military history of Star Wars! John Liang @JuanJohnJedi | Thomas Harper @ThomasLHarper | Jason Fry @JasonCFry We've also got more Celebration banter! Swara also discusses his trip to Orlando and the highlights from Star Wars Celebration and we dig into The Last Jedi teaser trailer! After the military panel, we dish out our Bantha Fodder and have an impromptu Crackpot or Jackpot!

Beltway Banthas Special: Swara's Round Table (Live from Star Wars Celebration) Apr 20, 2017

Show notes

Like so many Star Wars fans, Swara of Beltway Banthas was Orlando last weekend for Star Wars Celebration (SWCO)! It goes without saying that the Force was strong there, and so was a love of politics. Huddled together in a hotel room in Orlando, Swara brought together a group of friends and fans to talk about Star Wars, politics and escapism. Swara's round table featured Carly Lane (Supergirl Radio, Nerdist), Dennis Keithly (Starships, Sabers & Scoundrels) and Joe Tavano (Retrozap, Brews & Blasters) Follow our guests on Twitter! Carly Lane @CarlyLane Dennis Keithly @DJKver2 Joe Tavano @JoeyWanKenobi Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com. We are going to be launching bonus content soon for subscribers to a super not-so-secret email list. Sign up here: eepurl.com/cxPyoX

Ep #28: Budgets, Bombs & Bankers Apr 11, 2017

Show notes

This week we’re discussing the most exciting and most invigorating you could think of: budgets! Specifically, military appropriations and government spending in the Star Wars universe! We’re joined by our friend John Liang, military journalist and mega Star Wars fan, to discuss how fiscal battles played out during the Clone Wars, and how we see that in our own politics. We also discuss John and Swara’s upcoming trip to STAR WARS CELEBRATION ORLANDO (!!!), Rogue One playing on Air Force One, President Trump’s potential military escalation with Syria, and so much more! Follow our guest John Liang on Twitter @JuanJohnJedi! Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @Stephen_Kent89 | @SwaraSalih1 We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com.

Ep #27 : The Powerful Politics Of Padmé Mar 30, 2017

Show notes

No character captures intergalactic and real world politics better than Padme Amidala Naberrie of Naboo. This week we dive into the political ideals of Padme and also her legacy with fans. Allyson Gronowitz (The Mary Sue, Polygon) joins the show to help break down why Padme is beloved, but also divisive for so many fans. Spoiler: It has something to do with politics. Perfect for an episode of Beltway Banthas! We also review some Star Wars themed political ads out of a Congressional race in Georgia and a mayoral race in Memphis. These are funny clips you won’t want to miss. Lastly, Swara and Stephen share their thoughts on Star Wars Rebels, Darth Maul, fandom and the National Endowment for the Arts. Follow our guest Allyson Gronowitz on Twitter @TheFakeFanGirl Leave us a review on iTunes and tell us what you think of the show! Subscribe and connect with us on Twitter: @Stephen_Kent89 @SwaraSalih1 @beltwaybanthas We want to hear from you! You can send us your thoughts on the show and topics at BeltwayBanthas@gmail.com. We are going to be launching bonus content soon for subscribers to a super not-so-secret email list. Sign up here: eepurl.com/cxPyoX

Ep #26: Live at Oak City Comicon Mar 23, 2017

Show notes

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 section, our awesome audience joined us in a conversation of topics such as: Who in politics reminds of Galen Erso, and how do we think of the term “rebel” in the context of being in the American South. Take a listen and be part of the ongoing conversation on the politics of Star Wars! Follow Nick on Twitter @NickDiCo Follow Coffee With Kenobi @CoffeeWithKenobi Follow Stephen @Stephen_Kent89 Follow Swara @SwaraSalih1 Follow Beltway Banthas @BeltwayBanthas

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