Ever wonder how to build a thriving community around a shared passion? This week, we journey to a galaxy far, far away with Spencer from The Virtual Cantina Network (VCN), a Facebook group boasting over 100,000 Star Wars fans!

Get ready to explore the secrets behind building such a massive and engaged online community. Spencer shares his own Star Wars origin story, sparked by seeing Empire Strikes Back with his dad, and how that experience shaped his lifelong fandom. We’ll delve into the magic of seeing a new generation discover the Force and how that fuels the VCN's mission.

Beyond the digital realm, VCN is famous for its epic in-person meetups, especially the legendary "Boonta Eve" parties at Star Wars Celebration. Spencer paints a picture of the electric atmosphere and offers encouragement for any hesitant dads to join the fun. We also explore the strategies VCN uses to cultivate a welcoming and inclusive environment, and how the community extends beyond Star Wars into deeper connections.

Plus, Spencer shares invaluable advice for anyone looking to build their own community around a shared interest. Tune in to discover how VCN helps dads carve out time for personal enjoyment, what exciting plans lie ahead for the network, and the one piece of Star Wars wisdom that resonates most with Spencer as a fan and community builder.

May the Force (and this episode) be with you!