Skywalking Through Neverland: Keeping the Star Wars Magic Alive

Latest Episodes:

542: Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics #57 "BATTLE ON BESPIN" with Mark Newbold Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, we're diving into Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic Issue #57: "Battle on Bespin" with Mark Newbold (Fantha Tracks) - who has a special attachment to this issue. Originally released on December 15, 1981, Battle on Bespin follows Lando Calrissian as he faaaaaaallls rapidly towards the planet Bespin, having been thrown off Cloud City by Imperial Captain Treece in the last issue. Lobot and Lando find themselves among a village of disgruntled, excitable Ugnaughts hell-bent on getting the best possible camera footage for their "Action Tidings" live news program. Later Luke Skywalker and Shira Brie look for their friend on Cloud City only to be cornered by Imperial troops. How will they get out of this? Join us as we unpack the story, art, and legacy of this issue.

Issue 57: Battle on Bespin

Release date: December 15th, 1981
Written by David Michelinie, Louise Jones, Walt Simonson
Artwork by Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer
Coloring by Glynis Wein
Cover Art Walt Simonson

Today in Star Wars History - January 6, 1977

Happy 49th Birthday to Genevieve O'Reily. Genevieve joined the Star Wars universe as Mon Mothma in the deleted scenes in Revenge of the Sith but reprised the role as her animated self in Rebels. Then came back for Rogue One, Andor, and Ahsoka.

We take our Facebook Group Comments on the cover into account as we analyze this issue. Become a part of our Facebook Group to contribute!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland

Join us every week on YouTube for a behind-the-scenes look at our show.

Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

541: Skywalking Through 2025 and Beyond! Jan 01, 2026

Show notes

It's our annual year-end wrap-up spectacular!! We take a look back at 2025 - this year's conversation is packed with personal fandom highlights, expectations that were met (and wildly exceeded), and a few things that didn't quite live up to the hype. As always, the real joy of these episodes is revisiting the moments that made the year special—and it was even better doing it with friends. We were thrilled to welcome Bobby Robertson from Rebel Scum Con and Jenn Diz from the Disneyholics Podcast to share their own 2025 standouts and pop-culture takeaways.

From conventions to theme parks, 2025 was a huge year for fandom experiences. We all attended a BRAND NEW theme park - Epic Universe! Also, Rebel Scum Con stood out for its sense of community and the unmatched joy of staying right at the host hotel. We also dove into Universal's FanFest Nights, where the Back to the Future immersive experience completely stole the show, even for devoted Star Trek fans. On the screen, we debated what was overrated and underrated like Skeleton Crew, Fallout and Thunderbolts*.

As we wrapped up the year, we reflected on what 2025 meant on a personal level: the shows we binged, the films that moved us, and the lessons we'd pass along to our younger selves. What lesson would you tell your 16-year-old self? Looking ahead to 2026, we're setting our sights on hosting even more convention panels, expanding our trivia game shows, and finally unveiling a very exciting, top-secret Star Wars project coming this fall. We can't wait to see where the next year takes us.

SPONSORS

Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland
Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!

Never Land on Alderaan!

540: The Force Awakens at 10 - Part 2 - Global Press Conference! Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

Join us as we continue celebrating the 10-year anniversary of The Force Awakens with a holiday-themed trip back to December 2015! In this episode, we dig into the audio archives to relive THE FORCE AWAKENS Global Press Conference at the Los Angeles Convention Center, featuring cast and filmmakers including Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Kathleen Kennedy, and J.J. Abrams, with standout moments moderated by Mindy Kaling.

We also revisit the Chinese Theatre forecourt, sharing original audio recorded straight from the line with friends like Matt Baird, Emelia Lindgren, Obi-Shawn Crosby, and highlights that capture how Star Wars fandom and "lining up" culture evolved between the prequel and sequel eras.

We wrap up with a look back at THE FORCE AWAKENS itself—our first reactions and how it holds up ten years later. Have you watched it recently? Let us know what you thought!

SPONSORS

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland
Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!

Never Land on Alderaan!

539: The Force Awakens at 10! Part 1 Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

"There has been an awakening - have you felt it?" We kick off our 10th anniversary celebration of Star Wars: The Force Awakens by traveling back 10 years to the excitement and anticipation of 2015. We're joined by TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX line-organizer Ric Peralta of LiningUp.net and actor Dee Tails, who appeared in the film as the always-smiling Cratinus in Maz Kanata's castle. Together, we reminisce about the anticipation surrounding Disney's first Star Wars sequel and how The Force Awakens became a defining moment for modern Star Wars fandom and forged lifelong friendships along the way. This is Part 1 of our celebration, with more premiere and press event memories coming next week.

Our conversation dives into our weeks spent camping outside the TCL Chinese Theatre and the electric energy leading up to opening night. Ric discusses lining up traditions and surprise celebrity encounters during The Force Awakens line in Hollywood. Dee shares behind-the-scenes stories straight from Maz Kanata's castle - including the impact of J.J. Abram's direction and seeing Harrison Ford as Han Solo.

We also share Skywalker memories—from camping out at the TCL Chinese Theatre and meeting BB-8 in person, to celebrating birthdays, first family Star Wars screenings, and the emotional impact of that opening night. Looking back ten years later, The Force Awakens still holds a special place in our hearts—not just for the film itself, but for the friendships and community that grew out of that unforgettable release.

SPONSORS

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland
Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!

538: Disney Investor Day 2020 - 5 Years Later Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

We take a nostalgic trip back to the Walt Disney Company Investor Day in December 2020—one of the biggest reveal events in recent Star Wars history. That day, Lucasfilm unveiled a galaxy's worth of upcoming Star Wars projects, from new series to feature films. Now that a few years have passed, it's time to look back with clear eyes and ask: What actually happened to all those announcements?

In this episode, we break down every Star Wars project revealed that day and explore which ones successfully launched, which ones quietly faded away, and which are still somewhere in hyperspace limbo. Do you remember your reaction to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka, Rangers of the New Republic, and Rogue Squadron? It's a fun mix of reflection, industry insight, and fan speculation as we revisit that ambitious roadmap and evaluate how things have played out across Disney+, Lucasfilm, and the wider Star Wars universe.

SPONSORS

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland
Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!

Never Land on Alderaan!

537: Wicked For Good Review - the Coven Goes to Oz Nov 27, 2025

Show notes

It's time to embrace our witchy obsession as we review Wicked: For Good, the long-awaited second chapter of Elphaba and Glinda's story! Sarah is joined by Julie Gildersleeve, Courtney Turckel, and Kelly Turckel; we head to Oz together for a spoiler-filled discussion of how this film expands on the stage musical while weaving more tightly into the events of The Wizard of Oz. With Elphaba in exile and Glinda rising as the "Good" face of the Wizard's regime, the story explores friendship, perception, sacrifice, and what it truly means to be seen as "wicked" or "good."

We break down the emotional weight of the film — from Glinda's heartbreaking loneliness beneath her bubbly public persona, to Elphaba's fierce determination to protect the animals and expose the truth. We also dive into standout musical moments, including the heart-breaking "For Good," the haunting "No Good Deed," the introspective "The Girl in the Bubble," and the love song "As Long As You're Mine." The vocals, cinematography, and performances (especially Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo) are nothing short of stunning.

We also explore the tragic origins of the Cowardly Lion, Tin Man, and Scarecrow, calling out the storytelling hidden in the costume design and emotional consequences of each character's transformation. But more than anything, this group of girlfriends dives into the heart of the story — Elphaba and Glinda — and how their friendship, and ours, has been changed for good.

SPONSORS

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland
Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!

Never Land on Alderaan!

536: Star Wars Holiday Special Connections with Tom Spina Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

Happy Life Day! A Celebration of the Star Wars Holiday Special

It's that time of year again — Life Day is here! We're giving thanks to Lucasfilm and CBS for blessing us with the wonderful Star Wars Holiday Special.

This episode, we're celebrating in true Life Day fashion — by diving into the Holiday Special and exploring how it connects to the larger Star Wars universe in our own creative and humorous way. How did Mermeia influence the Clone Wars? How did Ackmena go from Naboo handmaiden to Halcyon bartender and end up working at the Cantina?

Joining us is fellow Holiday Special enthusiast Tom Spina from Regal Robot, who brings behind-the-scenes insight and expertise to the iconic Cantina sequence. If you think you know these creatures, hang onto your gloved hooves and repainted masks!

And for a Holiday Special update: starting November 17th, Chewbacca at Galaxy's Edge in Disneyland will be donning his Life Day red robe! If you want that perfect photo with the red-robed Wookiee, don't wait — it's only available for a limited time! We'll go over all the details, plus food and merchandise, in the episode.

So grab your glowing orbs, gather your clan, and join us for a joyful celebration of the weirdest, most wonderful piece of Star Wars history ever made.

Show Links

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

SPONSORS

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland
Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!

Never Land on Alderaan!

535: Creature from the Black Lagoon: Classic Horror Revisited with Gary Gerani Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

The Creature From the Black Lagoon trilogy just celebrated its 70th Anniversary, so what better time to dive into this influential classic horror series than Halloween? Our guest, Gary Gerani—Topps trading cards editor and co-writer of Pumpkinhead—joins us to share his memories of seeing The Creature from the Black Lagoon for the first time, his insights into the enduring appeal of the Gill Man, and why this Universal monster continues to captivate audiences seven decades later.

We kick things off with an overview of the Universal Horror legacy, then explore each film in the Creature from the Black Lagoon trilogy, complete with fun facts and behind-the-scenes stories. And here's a teaser: do you know which future A-list actor and director got his start in the sequel Revenge of the Creature? Go ahead—make his day and tune in to find out!

To pick up Gary Gerani's Card King Chronicle books, visit: 👉Fantastic Press Store

For more classic horror, check out our Frankenstein episode 488.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

SPONSORS

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SkywalkingPod
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland
Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!

Never Land on Alderaan!

534: Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics #56 "COFFIN IN THE CLOUDS" with Jason W. Christman Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we're diving into Classic Marvel Star Wars Comic Issue #56: "Coffin in the Clouds" — and we've been saving this one for the Halloween season for more than one reason. Originally released on November 24, 1981, Coffin in the Clouds follows Lando Calrissian as he returns to a mysteriously deserted Cloud City after the events of THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. Joining us for this eerie adventure is Star Wars artist and our good friend Jason W. Christman, who helps us unpack the story, art, and legacy of this issue. Issue 56: Coffin in the Clouds

Release date: November 24th, 1981
Written by David Michelinie, Louise Simonson, Walt Simonson
Artwork: Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer
Coloring by Glynis Wein
Cover Art Walt Simonson

Synopsis:

Lando Calrissian returns to Cloud City only to find that it has been completely abandoned. He soon discovers Imperial bombtroopers arriving to disarm a series of bombs left behind by disgruntled Ugnaught workers.

Lobot who was critically damaged by the Ugnaughts has been reprogrammed to destroy anyone who enters the city including Lando Calrissian. With the help of Imperial Captain Treece, they have to disarm the bombs and THE LOBOT!

Today in Star Wars History - September 21, 1956

Happy 69th Birthday to our forever princess, Carrie Fisher, born on this day, October 21, 1956. Today we're celebrating her incredible legacy by sharing our favorite films and books that showcase her wit, talent, and unforgettable spirit.

We take our Facebook Group Comments on the cover into account as we analyze this issue. Become a part of our Facebook Group to contribute!

Instagram: http://instagram.com/skywalkingpod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skywalkingthroughneverland

Join us every week on YouTube for a behind-the-scenes look at our show.

Send emails to share@skywalkingthroughneverland.com and follow us on Facebook.

533: Epic Universe's Dark Universe + Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2025 Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

We've been looking forward to experiencing Universal Orlando's brand-new Epic Universe: Dark Universe for well over a year, and finally we made it! Walking through the fog into Darkmoor Village felt like stepping inside a classic monster movie. We rode Curse of the Werewolf and were blown away by Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment. There's a reason all the vloggers keep praising this attraction. We also share our thoughts on food, merchandise, characters, and atmosphere. Meeting the NEW Bride and Frankenstein in person was the perfect ending to an unforgettable visit.

Next, we joined our friend Tati Perez for a wet and wild time at Halloween Horror Nights Orlando, where ten haunted mazes awaited us—and nonstop Florida rain. But hey - it's a story! We each share our Top 3 horror mazes. Five Nights at Freddy's topped our list with its creepy animatronics, while others impressed with their artistic environments. Between mazes, we wandered through eerie "Scare Zones" like The Cat Lady of Crooked Lane, where trick-or-treaters slowly turned into feral cats under glowing jack-o'-lanterns. What's not to love about spooky season!!

There are 4 other "lands" or "portals' at Epic Universe, but to keep to our Halloween theme, we focued on Dark Universe in this episode. To hear more about our entire trip, including our Skywalking Meet-up, Ministry of Magic attraction, and How To Train Your Dragon: Isle of Burke, watch our Livestream dated 10/13.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

TODAY in Star Wars History 10/12/1982

43 years ago - Del Rey published The Jedi Master's Quizbook by 11-year-old Rusty Miller (now Matthew).

Contained 425 questions and answers about Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back; original manuscript had 631 questions.
Rusty was inspired by a Tolkien trivia book and created one for Star Wars, which had not been done before.
George Lucas personally supported the project after initial hesitation from Lucasfilm.

SPONSORS

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.