Smugglers' Galaxy: A Star Wars Collecting Podcast Smugglers' Galaxy : A Star Wars Collecting Podcast

Galoob was a small toy company based in San Francisco that developed and sold several toy lines. In the early 90s, they were able to acquire a license to incorporate Star Wars vehicles in one of their most successful lines, MicroMachines. Jim Fong worked his way up to the roll of design director, and oversaw the development of Star Wars MicroMachines and the Action Fleet line. During this discussion Jim shares how he got the job at Galoob, the first time he saw Star Wars (it was early), how he became friends with Ralph McQuarrie, the Easter eggs he was able to hide in the toy line, visiting Skywalker Ranch, how MicroMachines were made, and shares some behind the scenes photos (watch those on YouTube!). Jim also shares his attempt to incorporate bathrooms in Action Fleet vehicles and also shares what might have been if Galoob wasn’t bought by Hasbro. All the while, Jason is geeking out! Download and listen this very special episode!

Jim would like to add: ”I wish to thank the whole Galoob Team that made it such a great place to work. Without them, it would not have been as special as it was, and I thank the Galco team in Hong Kong for making our vision happen, and putting up with our constant changes. The company is gone but we will live forever in molded plastic!”

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Star Wars has been around for nearly 50 years now, and adult fans have been with the franchise most of that time. But, as the franchise ages, so does the fan base. One day, if nothing is done about it, Star Wars will fade away as the fans become one with the force.

On this episode of the Smugglers’ Galaxy podcast, Glen and Jason discuss the current pains of the Star Wars franchise. As they develop content for a younger fan base, the older group feels as though Lucasfilm abandoned them. How does one navigate this issue? What should an older fan do?

They also discuss the third episode of The Acolyte, pickups, news and more!

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On this episode of the Smugglers’ Galaxy podcast, Glen and Jason are hanging out and Jason‘s backyard sitting by a fire, and they are joined by Jordan Ghastly and Richard (AKA punx_for_plastic on Instagram). Glen and Jason were able to attend a screening of The Acolyte and talk about their experience, seeing the showing in advance. They talk about what they like about the show, where they think it’s heading, and more. Additionally, the Haslab Cantina has been announced and the four talk about their opinions of the project. And with this offering came the opportunity to cross off two boxes on the 2024 bingo card!

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On this episode of the podcast, Jason returns from Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and shares his experience at that theme park. Then they pivot from Universal to Disney to discuss the Jenny Nicholson viral four-hour long video about her experience aboard the Galatic Starcruiser, better known as the Star Wars Hotel. This video has permeated pop culture, even as far as Rolling Stone Magazine. Glen and Jason discuss the points that Nicholson makes and wonders if Disney will respond by listening to the critics or if they will dismiss it and only focus on stock prices. They also talk about “influencers” in general. Glen also picked up some melting rebels! Download and listen.

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On this very special episode of the Smugglers’ Galaxy Podcast, we play one of the panels from Rogue Fun: Santa Shopped There: Star Wars and the Golden Age of the Sears Wish Book by Jerry Hancock (Ki-Adi Randy).

This panel examines the history of the Sears Wish Book and how it helped expand the hottest toy line in the galaxy. Following the success of the Star Wars Early Bird campaign, Kenner continued to use the power of mail order as a means to market exclusives and preview new releases during the holiday season.

Jerry Hancock is a Georgia-based Star Wars collector, educator and historian. His collection focuses on Star Wars exclusives offered through the Sears catalog. He is the author of “Ponce City Market: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Atlanta’s Largest Building,” which originally served as the Sears Southeast Catalog Distribution Center and Retail Store in Atlanta. While researching his master’s thesis on Sears and its cultural impact on the American South, he conducted interviews with dozens of former Sears employees and executives.

As an added bonus, Jerry joins us at the start and conclusion of the panel to provide what it was like to present this at Rogue Fun!

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On this episode of the Smugglers’ Galaxy Podcast, Glen and Jason are joined by Jerry Hancock, also known as Ki-Adi Randy on Facebook and the old Rebel Scum forums. Jerry was a presenter at Rogue Fun, and he provides his perspective as a panelist at the event. Together, they finish up their thoughts on the event. They also discuss room sales, the Kennesaw Run, bowling and more. Jerry was also present when Steve Sansweet stopped at Tim Conner’s residence to check out his collection and shares what happened when Steve saw Tim’s massive collection. Download and listen!

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