Welcome back to Go See Yerself A Star War, a limited series podcast from the fine folks here at What Am I Making featuring me, Matty C and my daughter, Hannah. In this episode we go back to 1977 where it all began, with the promises of A New Hope. 

Hannah and I kick off our discussion of the film as we ponder whether there are any female Stormtroopers. That leads to me wondering if the Imperial Forces have some sort of “Don’t Ask - Don’t Tell” policies. The Empire hardly seems like a bastion of progressive hiring practices and DEI initiatives.

The questions continue as Hannah wonders how R2 can so easily roll across the desert sands of Tatooine. We also dive into my partially formed theory on the parallels between A New Hope and another film classic centered around the hero’s journey. 

We screened the film via Disney Plus for this pod, and in several moments we were left to wonder why in the Hell George Lucas felt the need to mar his cinematic classic with a bunch of half-baked CGI footage. The streaming version is rife with several minutes of footage not included in the original film. These sequences offer no plot value, very little character information, and distract the viewer from the experience of the original film. 

There is some discussion of the libertarian paradise that is the Mos Eiseley space port. We talk about hookas, racist service policies, and more. Hannah wonders what in the world Luke and Uncle Owen are harvesting, and we both ponder whether one has to be a whiny little bitch to be a young Jedi. 

Beyond that we hit the value of having a bona fide movie star in your film, the reasons why we keep ourselves from getting involved, and the narrative enlightenment that Hannah has found from watching these films in episode order. Here now is our discussion of A New Hope. Enjoy.

Cheers,Matty C

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Welcome back to Go See Yerself A Star War, a limited series podcast from the fine folks here at What Am I Making featuring me, Matty C and my daughter, Hannah Carlson. In this episode we fortify ourselves against The Revenge Of The Sith. 

Hannah and I begin our coverage of the final film in the prequel series with an ode to John Williams. Quite rightly, she points out that no matter how awful the dialogue may be nor how wooden the acting appears, John Williams always brings his best and elevates whatever is happening on screen. George Lucas was incredibly lucky to have him along for the entirety of this nine film ride. 

From there, we dive into the failed attempt to assassinate Chancellor Palpatine which seemed about as dangerous as Donald Trump’s supposed bullet to the ear. It’s amazing how much of what happens in the first three films of this fictional universe echoes the devilish real life people that are using their avarice and greed to guide our nation. 

Padme delivers her big news to Anakin, and Hannah and I are amazed that no one has figured out that Anakin is the father. We both bristle at Padme’s nickname for her beloved brooding Jedi wunderkind. I even manage to make a John Denver based joke at their expense, that of course goes completely over Hannah’s head.

There is discussion of the tremendously artful set design and furniture on Padme’s home planet. We ponder the Trapper Keeper that Palpatine must keep filled with future Sith Lord names like a mother-to-be choosing baby names. We have both decided that the more accurate title for Anakin Skywalker should be The Emo Sith Lord. 

Here now is our discussion of Revenge Of The Sith. Enjoy. 

Cheers,

Matty C

Welcome back to Go See Yerself A Star War, a limited series podcast from the fine folks here at What Am I Making featuring me, Matty C and my daughter, Hannah Carlson. In this episode we fend off an Attack Of The Clones. 

Hannah and I begin by acknowledging what a dreadful slice of cinema this film is. Although the run time sits at around two and half hours, it feels as though very little actually happens in the second installment of the Star Wars saga. 

Hannah walks us through the disgruntled spice miners and vaguely defined separatist movements at the heart of the conflict in Attack Of The Clones. Despite the clunky exposition and wooden dialogue, Mr. Lucas has created a chilling allegory for our current state of democracy in America. From the machinations of members of the senate to the way that democracy itself is in peril, it is utterly shocking how much of this film mirrors our current political mood. 

We break down the awful double rat tail action Annakin is sporting as he attempts to woo Padmè. His trailer park karate style haircut alone is reason enough for Senator Amadala to dump him. I apologize to Hannah for the return of Jar Jar Binks. I had promised in the first episode that he was only in the first film, but I was so very wrong. I also draw a parallel between Annakin’s rage-induced slaughter at the end of the film to the real life actions of Brian Calley and his fellow Marines at the village of Mi Lai during the Vietnam War. 

Despite the poor quality of the film and some of the heavy discussion points, this conversation is hilarious as we roll through Hannah’s notes and try to understand just what it was that George Lucas was thinking when he committed some of this dialogue to ink. Hell, Hannah even wonders if watching the whole movie was just one big fever dream. 

Here now is our discussion of Attack Of The Clones. Enjoy. 

Cheers,

Matty C

Welcome back to Go See Yerself A Star War, a limited series podcast from the fine folks here at What Am I Making featuring me, Matty C and my 24 year old daughter, Hannah. In this episode Hannah and I dive into the world of The Phantom Menace. 

We start off by sharing how pleasantly surprised we both were by how much we actually enjoyed the first film in the series. I for one had remembered it as being rather dreadful, but on re-watch the experience was charming and utterly enjoyable, if not without pretty obvious foibles. 

There is much discussion of the awful dialogue penned by Mr. Lucas and the various acting talents he wastes with his wooden direction and ineffectual language. In fact, Hannah and I have already begun compiling a top ten list of the worst lines in the franchise. I cannot wait to see how the winners shake out on the front. 

I share my vision of Darth Maul’s alternate life as a Vegas-style illusionist, while Hannah wonders what his favorite emo band might be. There is extensive talk of an exposed C3PO, the bizarre age restrictions on training to be a Jedi, and the slightly creepy age gap between Annakin and Padmè.

Of course, there is much discussion surrounding Jar Jar Binks, and all of the troubling baggage that entails. And by the time we’re done, Hannah and I rate the first film in the Star Wars franchise on a scale of 1 to 5 Light Sabers. Be sure to stick around to see how the Phantom Menace made out in our rankings. 

Cheers,

Matty C

Credits:

Go See Yerself A Star War is a production of What Am I Making. It features me, Matty C and my daughter Hannah Carlson. You can subscribe to our show wherever you get your podcasts. Please be sure to like, rate and review the show if you enjoy it. It’s thes best way to get our show in front of new listeners. 

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Thanks for listening. We’ll see you next time when we discuss Episode Two: Attack Of The Clones. 

Welcome to Go See Yerself A Star War, a brand new podcast from the fine folks at What Am I Making. 

What Am I Making is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

In the spirit of being fully candid, this podcast began as a joke. Most afternoons I relax in my armchair and put my feet up on the ottoman for a nap. On a recent afternoon, I remarked to my daughter Hannah that I should just watch all nine of the main narrative films in the Star Wars franchise whilst I slept each afternoon. Within minutes we began joking about the idea of watching all nine films together and keeping track with a podcast. This endeavor might have begun life as a joke, but it has quickly become a reality. 

Over the course of this limited series Hannah and I will go through the Star Wars universe, film by film, to discuss the cultural impact of the franchise, as well as our own personal relationships with the series. My hope is that this exercise will give me and Hannah a unique opportunity to explore our own relationship and our worldview through the conceit of discussing film. This is also a great way for Hannah to dip her toes into the world of podcasting and to refine and show off her chops, so to speak. She is a hilarious young woman, and I am thrilled for you all to get to spend some more time with her.

I’ve long admired the work that my friends Barry and Abigail Hummel do over at the Pops On Hops podcast. The Hummels are a father/daughter duo that talk about music and beer every other week on their terrific show. In exploring some of their favorite albums and some of the country’s best craft beer, they have deepened their bond by taping episodes on a regular basis. My friend S.W. Lauden also has a project with his 19 year old daughter called X/Y Song Trader. It’s another great example of what a multi-generational project can do to strengthen an amazing great relationship.

Be warned though, this is not a pod for purists or nerds looking to suss out the few hidden corners left in the Star Wars canon. Neither Hannah nor I are experts and we have no desire to be viewed as such. There are likely to be moments where we are not well versed in the scriptures of the Force. We are but humble humans with no aspirations of Jedi knighthood. We’re really just here to have some fun. 

In this introductory episode we set the bar for our experiences with the Star Wars franchise and we opine about what the experience of watching these nine films in order might be like. It’s the beginning of what is likely to be a long, hilarious, exciting journey to a galaxy far, far away. 

Our brand new limited series podcast, Go See Yerself A Star War, begins official episodes on Sunday, May the 4th, 2025 and will appear every other week wherever you get your pods. Be sure to subscribe today!

Cheers,Matty C