Tatooine Sons: A Star Wars Podcast

Tatooine Sons

We're going back to a galaxy far, far away with weekly episodes beginning in May of 2025. Check back soon for more updates and go back to listen to our library of hundreds of episodes.

  1. Star Wars: Nostalgia Trap or Launchpad (Special Guest Heavy Spoilers)

    AUG 19

    Star Wars: Nostalgia Trap or Launchpad (Special Guest Heavy Spoilers)

    Is Star Wars stuck in a nostalgia trap, or can it still launch into hyperspace? This week we're joined by Paul from Heavy Spoilers to dissect the Force... and the flaws. We're asking the tough questions: Are cameos saving Star Wars, or are they sinking it faster than Luke's X-Wing on Dagobah? We look at when fan service works (Han Solo as a mentor? Yes!) and when it face-plants harder than Jar Jar Binks (we're looking at you, rushed celebrity cameos). Paul and I explore why Andor is the rebel alliance against nostalgia bait, offering smart, grown-up storytelling that respects its audience. Plus, we pinpoint the exact moment The Mandalorian jumped the shark (hint: it involves more cameos than a Comic-Con after-party). But it's not all doom and gloom! We discuss the bold moves Star Wars needs to make to escape the nostalgia death spiral and how we, as Star Wars dads, can champion new eras and heroes for our kids. Paul even shares a heartwarming memory of late-night Shadows of the Empire sessions with his own father – a reminder that the moments we create around these stories are what truly matter. Tune in for a discussion about curating our Star Wars experiences, embracing anticipation, and handing the future of the galaxy far, far away to the next generation. Check out Heavy Spoilers on YouTube, follow Tatooine Sons on social media, and subscribe to the podcast! May the Force be with you! Looking for more episodes? https://podfollow.com/tatooine-sons-a-pop-culture-podcast/home Join our Facebook Community SPECIFICALLY for Star Wars Dads! > https://www.facebook.com/groups/starwarsdads

    43 min
  2. From AT-AT Nightmares to Father-Son Fandom

    JUL 22

    From AT-AT Nightmares to Father-Son Fandom

    Okay, so you're a Star Wars-loving dad, or maybe just a Star Wars fan in general, right? Then you've GOT to hear check out this week's episode! We're chatting with Todd and Trent Hoffman, a father-son duo who are seriously next-level when it comes to their Star Wars obsession. Seriously, it's like passing down the Force itself! They dive into their Star Wars origin stories, and trust me, it's hilarious. Todd's got this slightly traumatizing memory of AT-ATs from way back in 1980 (don't worry, it made him who he is today!), and Trent's first word? "Boba." Apparently, Dad was giving him character lessons right there on the changing table! Talk about dedication. But it gets even better. Todd's fandom got a serious boost from the Expanded Universe novels (now Star Wars Legends), and he even joined the 501st Legion! Trent, on the other hand, is the modern Star Wars guru, keeping his dad straight on blaster models and Rancor puppet trivia. It's a generational thing, you know? What's really cool is how Star Wars has become their own special family language. They're quoting Sith showdowns, drawing parallels between Anakin's story and, get this, biblical themes! It's way deeper than just liking spaceships and lightsabers. And they've even started their own podcast, inspired by Tatooine Sons! They talk about meeting other fans, debating whether "Skeleton Crew" is basically "Goonies in space" (it IS, right?), and geeking out over "Andor." Honestly, Todd and Trent are proof that a shared love of Star Wars can be a seriously powerful way to connect. This episode is heartwarming, hilarious, and a total blast (with a blaster, of course!). You absolutely have to tune in! You'll laugh, you'll nod in agreement, and you might even feel inspired to share your own Star Wars story with the next generation.  May the Force (and this podcast episode) be with you! Looking for more episodes? https://podfollow.com/tatooine-sons-a-pop-culture-podcast/home Join our Facebook Community SPECIFICALLY for Star Wars Dads! > https://www.facebook.com/groups/starwarsdads

    50 min
  3. Reimagining Episode IX: Was the Death of Carrie Fisher a Missed Opportunity to Reboot Star Wars?

    JUL 15

    Reimagining Episode IX: Was the Death of Carrie Fisher a Missed Opportunity to Reboot Star Wars?

    Did the Force ghost of opportunity pass right through Disney's hands? In this week's episode, we're diving deep into the galaxy far, far away to dissect a massive "what if" surrounding the sequel trilogy. Specifically, we're asking: could Carrie Fisher's untimely passing and the divisive reception of The Last Jedi have been the catalyst for a bold, new era of Star Wars? Inspired by Paul at Heavy Spoilers, we're tackling the pitfalls of nostalgia and how they might have steered the saga off course. We explore how Leia's intended role in Episode IX was impacted, the Colin Trevorrow exit, and the ripple effects that led to The Rise of Skywalker's… let's just say, conservative approach. Imagine an Episode IX that begins with Leia's death, a Kylo Ren shattered by grief, and a Resistance led by Rey, Poe, Finn, and Rose, standing on their own two feet. Could this have been the clean break Star Wars desperately needed? A chance to forge a truly new path, unshackled from the past? Join us as we dissect this missed opportunity and debate whether a bold reboot could have saved the sequel trilogy. Fire up your thrusters and let us know what you think in the comments – was this a path worth exploring, or were we destined for the Skywalker saga to end as it did? May the Force (and your opinions) be with us! 00:00 - Introduction 01:11 - Personal Updates 06:16 - Nerdy Nonsense: Coca Cola / Star Wars Collaboration 20:58 - Bad News: Disney+ Cuts Three Shows, Marvel and ‘Star Wars’ Fans Disappointed 27:26 - Movie Reviews: Superman and the DCU Reboot 56:37 - Was the Death of Carrie Fisher a Missed Opportunity to Reboot Star Wars? 1:18:11 - Anything Else? Looking for more episodes? https://podfollow.com/tatooine-sons-a-pop-culture-podcast/home Join our Facebook Community SPECIFICALLY for Star Wars Dads! > https://www.facebook.com/groups/starwarsdads

    1h 22m
  4. From Hoth to Homework: Teaching With the Force (and Star Wars)

    JUL 8

    From Hoth to Homework: Teaching With the Force (and Star Wars)

    Ever wondered if the Force could help with… algebra? (Spoiler Alert: It probably cant!) Join us this week as we chat with Craig Dickinson of Reading Between the Reels. Craig shares hilarious and insightful stories of how Star Wars wormed its way into his heart as a kid – remember being four and utterly bewildered by Vader's big reveal? – and how he now uses it to conquer the classroom. Forget boring textbooks! Craig, a board-certified teacher, treats Star Wars like a literary masterpiece, diving deep into narrative structure and cinematography. Think novel study, but with lightsabers! He reveals how active viewing and dissecting character motivations turn even the most reluctant students into Jedi Masters of analysis. But the saga doesn't end in the classroom. Craig also opens up about introducing Star Wars to his own kids – a mission that started with sequel trilogy excitement but has since… well, let’s just say the Force isn't always strong with the younger generation. Can he reignite their passion with the originals? Plus, they explore the incredible Star Wars community, the power of shared fandom, and Craig's top tips for sharing your love of a galaxy far, far away with your kids without turning into a Sith Lord of forced enthusiasm. Get ready for laughs, insights, and maybe even a little homework inspiration! For more from Craig, check out Reading Between the Reels and don't forget to follow Tatooine Sons for all your Star Wars Dad insights! Looking for more episodes? https://podfollow.com/tatooine-sons-a-pop-culture-podcast/home Join our Facebook Community SPECIFICALLY for Star Wars Dads! > https://www.facebook.com/groups/starwarsdads

    46 min
  5. From Fan Fiction to Fantha Tracks A Star Wars Journey with Mark Newbold

    JUN 24

    From Fan Fiction to Fantha Tracks A Star Wars Journey with Mark Newbold

    Ever wondered what it's like to turn a childhood obsession into a dream career? Join us as we journey to a galaxy far, far away with Mark Newbold, Editor-in-Chief of Fantha Tracks! Mark, a lifelong Star Wars devotee, shares his incredible story, from battling illness with the Force by his side to interviewing legends like Anthony Daniels and Jon Favreau. Remember writing Star Wars fan fiction as a kid? Mark does, and he turned that passion into a profession! He reflects on the evolution of fandom, contrasting his early, solitary experiences with the vibrant, interconnected world of today's online community. He shares fascinating insights from his interviews, including a surprising connection between Rick McCullum and actor Michael York! For all you dads out there reliving the magic of Star Wars through your kids’ eyes, this episode is a must-listen. Mark dives into the unique atmosphere of Star Wars Celebration, compares it to the Star Trek universe, and shares his excitement for upcoming projects like "Starfighter" and Rey's return. Plus, he offers inspiring advice for aspiring writers. Get ready to jump to lightspeed and explore the power of passion with Mark Newbold! Follow Mark on socials @prefect_timing Follow Fantha Tracks @fanthatracks Check out www.fanthatracks.com Looking for more episodes? https://podfollow.com/tatooine-sons-a-pop-culture-podcast/home Join our Facebook Community SPECIFICALLY for Star Wars Dads! > https://www.facebook.com/groups/starwarsdads

    48 min
4.5
out of 5
121 Ratings

About

We're going back to a galaxy far, far away with weekly episodes beginning in May of 2025. Check back soon for more updates and go back to listen to our library of hundreds of episodes.

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