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 #54: DJ & The Politics of Self Interest Apr 12, 2018

Show notes

DJ has a bad reputation after selling out our heroes in The Last Jedi. Some have said he embodies the self interested nature of libertarianism, Ayn Rand and a school of thought known as Objectivism. Today we go into the weeds with Brittany Hunter of FEE to learn a bit about Objectivism, rational self interest and how DJ does or does not fall into that category.

Redemption in Star Wars (Live from Awesome Con) Apr 05, 2018

Show notes

This past weekend we were at Awesome Con in Washington DC! Stephen and John join Nanci Schwartz, Brian Larsen and Bria Lavorgna of Tosche Station, and Jay Shah of Eleven-ThirtyEight to discuss the theme of redemption in the galaxy far, far away. If Vader can be redeemed, can anybody? Is Kylo Ren able to truly atone for the crimes he's committed? Tune in for a rich panel discussion of one of the franchise's major themes.

Redemption has been a crucial part of Star Wars since 1983, but how often do we pause to think critically about what it entails? We believe this panel may answer some questions you may have on the topic. Major thank you to Brian of Tosche Station for capturing and sharing this audio, and to Bria Lavorgna for having Beltway Banthas on the panel.

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 | @JuanJohnJedi | @nancipants | @LaneWinree | @chaosbria

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.

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

Ep #53: Poe, Holdo, and Gender Politics of The Last Jedi Mar 29, 2018

Show notes

Poe Dameron, beloved ace pilot of The Resistance, is he a sexist as some fans have claimed? Or was it simply his frustration under pressure and Vice Admiral Holdo's secrecy that led him to mutiny in The Last Jedi ? Let's talk gender politics in The Last Jedi! We welcome back our good friend Kate Sanchez of But Why Tho? The Podcast to discuss!

Interview: Jon Lovett of Pod Save America Mar 22, 2018

Show notes

On this week's episode, we welcome Jon Lovett, one of the co-hosts of Pod Save America and host of Lovett or Leave It. Lovett explains to us how he got into Star Wars with the Special Editions, why he loves Rogue One and what motivates his political activism

Ep #52: Nazis, Communists, Fascists, and Star Wars Mar 15, 2018

Show notes

In a super light and not-at-all serious discussion this week (JK!), we dig into the First Order and extremism! How did George Lucas, JJ Abrams, and others envision the main bad guys of the Original Trilogy and Sequel Trilogy? Have they grown beyond the label of "Space Nazis" at all? Where do communism, fascism, terrorism, and other extremist ideologies come into play? Join the discussion on Beltway Banthas!

Beltway Banthas Interview: Dan Wallace of The Rebel Files Mar 08, 2018

Show notes

Dan Wallace is the author of beloved Star Wars books "The Jedi Path" "Book of the Sith" and "Imperial Handbook". Now he has penned another behind the scenes manuel for the Rebellion and joins the show to talk about it. John Liang interviewed Wallace last week and got the scoop on what the book reveals about the rebellion, galactic politics and more. Stephen and Swara also convene in the start of this episode to review the finale of Star Wars Rebels on Disney XD.

Ep #51: Rey, Kylo and Political Force Discourse Mar 01, 2018

Show notes

Rey and Kylo are seemingly total opposites...until the events of The Last Jedi. Through the Force and circumstance, these two foes connect in a way they never expected. Turns out - they have a lot in common. This week we are joined by Caitlin and Charlotte of the Skytalkers Podcasts to discuss "Reylo" and how it might relate to our own worlds broken politics

Kristen Soltis Anderson on The Last Jedi, Reviews & Trolling Feb 22, 2018

Show notes

Let's get political! This week on Beltway Banthas we are rejoined by Republican pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson of The Pollsters Podcast. Kristen is a huge Star Wars fan and came on to talk with Stephen about Rotten Tomatoes scores and how trolls factor into public perception of a movie.

Ep #50: Celebrating Chancellor's Day Feb 15, 2018

Show notes

Swara and guest host Heath Williams of Rogue Podron discuss parallels between US presidents throughout American history and the various chief executives of Star Wars. From Chancellors Vallorum to Villecham, we trace the trends of executive leadership and how they compare to various occupants of the White House.

Beltway Banthas Interview: Stu Burguiere of The Glenn Beck Program Feb 08, 2018

Show notes

Hello Banthas! This week we are joined by radio producer and head writer for Glenn Beck, Mr. Stu Burguiere. Stu is a big time Star Wars fan and all around enjoyable radio personality. We thought you'd enjoy this behind the curtain conversation with a notable conservative radio personality and fan. Stephen and Stu discuss his career trajectory, working with Beck, Star Wars role in his life and how the theme of the new films is exposing frauds.

Every other week we try to introduce our listeners to people in politics or media for whom Star Wars has made a difference in their lives. This mission spans the political spectrum and we hope you'll check out this interview to learn something new. You check out Stu's take on The Force Awakens and his belief that it is A New Hope rehash here, and then listen to Stephen of Beltway Banthas challenge that theory on his show here.

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 | @WorldOfStu

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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Beltway Banthas

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Beltway Banthas

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

If you like this episode, check out our previous one!

Get in touch with everyone on the show!

Related Podcasts

1

2

3

4

5

6