36 episodes

From archeology to zoology, real-world science is everywhere in Star Wars! Every episode includes an interview with an expert discussing how Star Wars relates to their field of study. Explore the many ways science is represented in a galaxy far, far away with hosts Melissa Miller and James Floyd, both freelance writers for Star Wars Insider magazine. Part of the Skywalking Network

Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars part of the Skywalking Network

    • Science
    • 5.0 • 5 Ratings

From archeology to zoology, real-world science is everywhere in Star Wars! Every episode includes an interview with an expert discussing how Star Wars relates to their field of study. Explore the many ways science is represented in a galaxy far, far away with hosts Melissa Miller and James Floyd, both freelance writers for Star Wars Insider magazine. Part of the Skywalking Network

    35: Celebration Panel "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance"

    35: Celebration Panel "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance"

    Star Warsologies hosted "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance" panel at Star Wars Celebration Europe in April 2023 in London. Because the panel audio ended up not recorded by accident, we invited the original panelists back to re-create the panel and add some new content, just for our listeners. Coming back we have Chris Kempshall, Rebecca Harrison, Oli Mould, and Jake Rowlett. Unfortunately panelist Prof. Manuel Barcia was unable to rejoin us. Moderated by James Floyd, one of the hosts of Star Warsologies.
    Panel description:
    Star Wars is full of conflict between good and evil, and the stories of the galaxy far, far away center on that fight against oppression. Using real world history of resistance and rebellions, we will examine the entire saga and the Andor series in particular to see how and why our heroes seek to stand against the Galactic Empire in their own ways. Our panelists include Chris Kempshall (author, The History and Politics of Star Wars: Death Stars and Democracy; co-author, Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy), Rebecca Harrison (author, BFI Classics: The Empire Strikes Back), Manuel Barcia, Oli Mould, and Jake Rowlett. Join host James Floyd (Star Wars Insider regular contributor, Star Warsologies podcast) in exploring the freedom fighters that helped topple the Empire.

    In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
    Show notes page:
    https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/new-podcast-star-warsologies-35-celebration-andor-the-empire-and-a-history-of-resistance/
    Check out the YouTube version of the panel with relevant slides from the panel presentation:
    https://youtu.be/YqvI3NETAD4
     

    • 1 hr 14 min
    Celebration Panel "Making Star Wars Magic"

    Celebration Panel "Making Star Wars Magic"

    Here's another one of our panels from Star Wars Celebration! Melissa welcomes creatives who have worked on the movies and TV shows to share their insights and wonderful stories. Hear from Fon Davis (ILM model maker for the special editions, prequels, and The Mandalorian), Jake Lunt Davies (concept and creature designer from everything from The Force Awakens to Andor), Brian Herring (puppeteer for BB-8 and many other favorite characters), and Lee Towersey (droid wrangler at Pinewood Studios). Make sure to check out the images below and watch via YouTube to see all the amazing behind the scenes photos the panelists shared. 
    Check out the video version of this podcast!
    In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!

    Follow our panelists and their research on social media!

    Fon Davis on Twitter and Instagram.

    Brian Herring on Twitter.

    Jake Lunt Davies on Twitter and Instagram.

    Lee Towersey on Twitter.

    Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com

    Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

    Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!

    Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!

    • 1 hr 1 min
    Celebration Panel "The Science of Return of the Jedi"

    Celebration Panel "The Science of Return of the Jedi"

    This episode is a recording of a panel at Star Wars Celebration, hosted by James Floyd. From sarlacc biology to the physics of lightsabers and the ecosystem of Endor, Return of the Jedi is full of connections to real world science. How might a Hutt evolve? What goes into making a Death Star superlaser? Why do the Ewoks worship C-3PO? Our all-star lineup brings together experts in all sorts of fields, from paleontology and physics to meteorology and history. Join host James Floyd (Star Wars Insider regular contributor, Star Warsologies podcast) in celebrating the 40th anniversary of ROTJ with a look into its science and technology. Thanks to everyone who came to the panel and especially those who asked such great questions!

    Panelists include Karen Yu (optics and lasers), Manuel Barcia (history of empires), Heda Agić (paleobiology), Carsten Welsch (physics), and LeeAnn Allegretto (atmospheric science).

    In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!


    Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon)
    Show Links
    Follow our panelists and their research on Twitter! Heda Agić, Manuel Barcia, Carsten Welsch, LeeAnn Allegretto, and Karen Yu.

    The panel was highlighted in this story from the University of Liverpool!

    Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com

    Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

    Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!

    Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Zoology and Creature Design

    Zoology and Creature Design

    This episode we talk to concept and creature artist Terryl Whitlatch about her amazing designs for creatures in the Star Wars Special Editions and Episode I. Are there reptomammals on Earth or did Terryl just invent that term? Why was the sando aqua monster her favorite creature to design? What's your favorite Star Wars critter?

    In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!

    Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon)
    Show Links Follow Terryl Whitlatch on Instagram and Art Station! You can even take a class with her on Schoolism!

    Get your own copy of The Wildlife of Star Wars: A Field Guide to see more of Terryl's designs.


    Get your own copy of The Wildlife of Star Wars: A Field Guide to see more of Terryl's designs.

    Or check out Terryl's other books

    Animals Real and Imagined: The Fantasy of What Is and What Might Be

    Principles of Creature Design: Creating Imaginary Animals

    Science of Creature Design: Understanding Animal Anatomy

    The Katurran Odyssey: An Epic Adventure of Courage, Discovery, and Hope
    Hear more insights from Terryl on Melissa's 2020 ForceFest panel
     

    Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com

    Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

    Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!

    Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!

    • 44 min
    Dance and Choreography

    Dance and Choreography

    This episode we talk about dancing and choreography in Star Wars with Nicholas Foote, a professional dancer. We chat Ewoks, Gungans, and Wookiees. Do Hutts have a mating dance? Do Bothans get the zoomies? And is the ballet in Revenge of the Sith really called Squid Lake?!

    In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!

    Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon)
    Show Links
    Follow Nicholas Foote on Twitter and Instagram!

    Watch the barn dance scene from the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
    Watch Gene Kelly talk about dance as an athletic pursuit.

    Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com

    Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

    Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!

    Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!

    • 45 min
    30: Herpetology

    30: Herpetology

    This episode we talk about reptiles and amphibians in Star Wars with Dr. Earyn McGee. There's plenty of examples on Tatooine and Dagobah to discuss and we learn more about Earyn's research here on Earth. As always, the best advice is...don't touch it and definitely don't lick it!

    In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!

    Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon)
    Show Links
    Follow Dr. Earyn McGee on Instagram and Twitter to play #FindThatLizard!

    Learn more about reptiles and amphibians in California through californiaherps.com

    Check out the Partners in Reptile and Amphibian Conservation website.

    Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com

    Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.

    Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!

    Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!

    • 38 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

dan725 ,

Underrated. Gem in a sea of podcasts

I’ve worked in Oceanography for nearly 2 decades, and now working as a defense contractor; and just a huge nerd in terms of sci-fi. This podcast beautifully merges both of my professional fields of interest, and lays it on you in concise terms with an amazing interviewing team that keeps the flow going. I just discovered this, and I lament the fact that I haven’t discovered it sooner. The latest episode was just so well done (military history and Star Wars). Both interviewers are just so knowledgeable in many things, that they bring up very very excellent questions to who they interview.

meltmiller ,

Endless possibilities

Maybe I’m biased but I think this is the greatest idea for a podcast ever. Will never run out of ideas!

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