We’re joined by legendary author Barbara Hambly, whom we met at Legacy Expo: A Star Wars Expanded Universe convention in Burbank (Sept 13–14). After seeing her on a panel hosted by Star Warsologies’ Melissa Miller, we couldn’t resist inviting her on—what was meant to be a quick chat turned into a full conversation.

Barbara shares stories from writing Children of the Jedi, Planet of Twilight, and her beloved short stories in Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina and Tales from Jabba’s Palace—and even answers fan-favorite questions about Luke Skywalker’s love life.

👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD.

TODAY in Star Wars History 9/28/2023

9/28/2023 - 2 years ago

The Galactic Starcruiser takes its last voyage. The Star Wars-themed hotel experience closes after opening March 1, 2022 and we were very sad.

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Never Land on Alderaan!

We’re thrilled to welcome author (and good friend) Thomas Riddle to the podcast as he shares insights from his inspiring new book, Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth.

What happens when teachers borrow imagineering principles—immersive storytelling, worldbuilding, and design—and bring them into the classroom? Could this be the key to unlocking deeper engagement and curiosity in students? Thomas makes a compelling case that this approach is tantalizingly possible.

Blending lessons from both classroom practice and immersive design, Imagineering Education offers educators a practical framework for transforming schools into places of wonder, creativity, and authentic connection. In our conversation, we explore not only the powerful ideas in his book, but also our own public school experiences and the state of education in the U.S. today. It’s a fascinating discussion you won’t want to miss.

Check out Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth here: Amazon link.

TODAY in Star Wars History 9/22/2025

We’re recording today from Long Beach, CA, on September 22, 2025—a date that’s sure to be remembered in Star Wars history. Why? Because it marks the debut of the second trailer for The Mandalorian & Grogu (yes, the second one—not the first!).

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Just when we thought we found all the actors who’ve played Darth Vader, another emerges. Tom Bewley was the first actor to portray the Dark Lord of the Sith on screen after Return of the Jedi. He appeared in the Frank Oz-directed 1985 film, The Indian in the Cupboard.

In his very first podcast interview, Tom opens up with never-before-heard stories from behind the mask. He shares what it was like stepping into Vader’s boots for The Indian in the Cupboard, his duel with the Energizer Bunny in a now-legendary commercial, memories from the Star Wars 10th Anniversary convention preshow with George Lucas, and plenty more surprises.

TODAY in Star Wars History 9/16/1977

48 years ago... ABC aired The Making of Star Wars as Told by C-3PO and R2-D2, an hour-long special hosted by R2-D2 and Anthony Daniels as C-3PO. Coming in the same month as Donny & Marie, Richard Pryor, and Saturday morning Star Wars previews, the special stood out by placing R2 and 3PO in a futuristic Star Wars setting to share behind-the-scenes stories. It was a clever move—fans didn’t have to wait for The Empire Strikes Back to get “new” Star Wars, all thanks to Charlie Lippincott’s promotional vision.

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Have you, like us, been eagerly awaiting the Star Wars Marvel comics issue that introduces the telepathic, energy-eating Hoojibs?Join us and our special guests in a breakdown of Marvel’s 1981 comic Star Wars #55: “Plif!” — one of the most beloved issues from the original Marvel Star Wars run. You can also listen and read along in 1983’s read-along record Planet of the Hoojibs Read Along Storybook.

Recorded live from Rebel Scum Con, this special presentation features special guests Anna Graves (voice of Duchess Satine Kryze in The Clone Wars) and Jeff Caffrey (VCN Network), who bring the story to life with dramatic flair. 

Don’t worry if you don’t have the comic — the vibrant art by Walt Simonson and Tom Palmer will be projected for all to enjoy.

Today in Star Wars History - September 7, 1985

Happy 40th Anniversary to Ewoks and Droids! Both animated series premiered on September 7, 1985, as The Ewoks and Droids Adventure Hour on ABC-TV. We've even had executive producer Miki Herman on the show to dive into their creation — including that unforgettable Ewoks theme by Taj Mahal!

🖖 And a special shoutout to Star Trek, celebrating 59 years since the debut of the original series (September 8, 1966)!

#55 “PLIF!"

• Release Date: October 20, 1981
• Writer: David Michelinie
• Art: Walt Simonson, Tom Palmer
• Cover: Walt Simonson
• Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Princess Leia leads a Rebel survey team to the forest planet Arbra, hoping to establish a new base after evacuating Hoth. There, they meet the Hoojibs—small, telepathic creatures who feed on electricity and accidentally drain the Rebels’ power. Their leader, Plif, reveals they’ve been displaced by a monstrous creature called the Slivilith. To reclaim the cave and power crystals, the Rebels and Hoojibs must join forces.

We take our Facebook Group Comments on the cover into account as we analyze this issue. Become a part of our Facebook Group to contribute!

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If you dug this episode, click over to iTunes | Stitcher | YouTube and leave us a review!SaveSave

In Part 4 of our Rebel Scum Con experience, we go behind the scenes with MORE talented artists who gave life to a few of our favorite Star Wars characters.

We sat down with Toby Philpott, one of the puppeteers behind the massive Jabba the Hutt. From controlling Jabba's grotesque expressions to (maybe?) licking Princess Leia, his stories from the set are not only fascinating but filled with tips and tricks for any aspiring puppeteers out there.

Next up, Femi Taylor, who played the ill-fated (but always fabulous) Oola, shares her experience on the set of RETURN OF THE JEDI. She dives into what it was like returning to the role years later and how the character still connects with fans today..

And if that wasn’t cool enough, Howie Weed gives us a detailed look at his time inside the suit of the terrifying Wampa, and shares his experience with George Lucas directing! Howie even drops a hint or two about the Wampa’s survival odds after that little run-in with Luke Skywalker.

Each guest was incredibly generous with their time and insights, offering a mix of behind-the-scenes stories, performance techniques, and even a dash of "what if" when it comes to the fate of their characters. We couldn’t get enough.

Each interview is also available separately on our YouTube channel—subscribe here.

Rebel Scum Con, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Throughout the next month we are sharing ALL that content, so look up episode 525 to and 526 for more interviews.

TODAY in Star Wars History 9/2/2014

11 years ago... Star Wars: A New Dawn, written by John Jackson Miller with a foreword by Dave Filoni, was released by Del Rey. Serving as a prequel to Star Wars Rebels, it holds the distinction of being the very first novel in the official new Star Wars canon.

We celebrated the book’s 10th anniversary back in episode 481—well worth a listen if you missed it!

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The Rebel Scum Con fun continues! In this episode, we're serving up double Wedge and a dash of Watto for your Star Wars enjoyment.

 

First up, we’re honored to be joined by Denis Lawson, the legendary actor who portrayed Wedge Antilles in the original trilogy and returned in The Rise of Skywalker. He shares stories from set and reflects on Mark Hamill's hug in the galaxy far, far away.

 

But wait—there's more Wedge to go around! We’re also joined by David Ankrum, the voice of Wedge in A New Hope, who helped bring the iconic pilot to life. And did you know Wedge makes a subtle appearance in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story? We’ll reveal exactly where to hear him.

 

And it wouldn’t be a proper celebration without a visit from one of the galaxy’s most unforgettable hustlers—Watto himself! Andy Secombe, who voiced the junk dealer in The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, stops by for a spirited game of Chance. And no surprise, there’s a bit of funny business going on. Sorry, Watto!

 

Rebel Scum Con, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Throughout the next month we are sharing ALL that content, so look up episode 525 to and 526 for more interviews.

 

TODAY in Star Wars History 8/25/1977

 

48 years ago today... Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and Chewbacca graced the cover of Rolling Stone—Star Wars had officially gone mainstream.

 

Inside, the feature article “The Force Behind George Lucas” gave fans a behind-the-scenes look. For the first time, Lucas dropped a bombshell: Darth Vader once lost a duel with Ben Kenobi and was knocked into a volcanic pit. (Sound familiar, prequel fans?)

 

And in another first, Lucas revealed the voice behind the Dark Lord himself—James Earl Jones.

 

A legendary moment in Star Wars history, captured in print!

 

Here's our Skywalking episode all about it.

 

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Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

 

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Never Land on Alderaan!

Are you ready to hear from some great Star Wars artists? At Rebel Scum Con, we had the amazing opportunity to connect with four talented artists who are not only passionate about Star Wars, but also masters of their craft. These creators opened up about their inspirations, creative journeys, and the unique processes behind their work. Each artist also gave us a personal tour of their booth, offering a closer look at the artwork that brings the galaxy far, far away to life. You'll hear directly from:

 

• Jason W. Christman – known for his bold, graphic style and minimalist takes on iconic Star Wars moments.
•  
• Brian DeGuire – blending classic design with an in-universe propaganda twist.
•  
• Tom Hodges – known for his Star Wars Universe Park Map, well before the announcement of Galaxy’s Edge.
•  
• Spencer Brinkerhoff III – bringing a playful and vibrant approach to the Star Wars universe with his imaginative illustrations and entrepreneurial spirit.

 

The convention, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Throughout the next month we are sharing ALL that content, so look up episode 525 to hear from some Star Wars actors.

 

TODAY in Star Wars History 8/17/2024

 

A rocket-firing J-slot Boba Fett action figure recently sold at a Goldin auction for an astonishing $1.34 million, setting a new record. This 1979 Kenner figure now holds the title of the most expensive toy—and the priciest Star Wars collectible sold that isn’t a movie prop. It surpassed the previous high mark of $525,000, which was set just the prior May by an L-slot rocket-firing Boba Fett figure.

 

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Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

 

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Never Land on Alderaan!

We just got back from the 2nd annual Rebel Scum Con in Frisco, TX, and had an absolute blast! This was the most productive convention we’ve ever been to! Not only did we host two panels, but we also had the opportunity to speak with many Star Wars alumni, from actors to artists. 

 

The convention, held August 8-10, 2025 is a fan-run event, which means the organizers knew exactly what we wanted! Throughout the next month we will share ALL that content, so in this episode you’ll hear from:

 

Omid Abtahi (Dr. Pershing in THE MANDALORIAN) Eric Walker (the original Mace in THE EWOK ADVENTURE films) Dermot Crowley (General Madine in RETURN OF THE JEDI)

 

TODAY in Star Wars History 8/12/1980

 

Once Upon A Galaxy: A Journal of the Making of The Empire Strikes Back, by Alan Arnold, is published by Del Rey.This paperback book includes a journal into the day-to-day making of The Empire Strikes Back, interviews with the cast and crew, and behind-the-scenes photos.

 

 

 

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Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Skywalking Through Neverland. Contact them for a no obligation price quote at www.smallworldvacations.com. Tell them Skywalking Through Neverland sent you.

 

SUPPORT THE SHOW

 

Find out how you can become a part of the Skywalking Force and unlock bonus content.

 

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Never Land on Alderaan!

Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time at San-Diego Comic-Con: GEORGE LUCAS!!!!

 

On Sunday 7/27/2025, George Lucas along with Lucasfilm's senior vice president and executive design director Doug Chiang and filmmaker Guillermo del Toro were guests at a highly anticipated panel highlighting the upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art! The panel was expertly moderated by Queen Latifah.

 

Co-founded by George Lucas and Mellody Hobson, the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art will be the world’s first institution dedicated to the exploration of narrative art, celebrating illustrated storytelling across eras and cultures, from ancient cave drawings and children’s book illustrations to comic books and digital media.  

 

The panel marked one of the most talked about and widely attended sessions in Comic-Con history, drawing over 6,000 on the final day of the convention. And we were there! We will play and discuss favorite quotes from each of the panelists, and give our opinions on the panel.

 

View the Full Panel:

 

https://youtu.be/thPBnvot9mg

 

2019's Lucas Museum Panel at SDCC:

 

https://youtu.be/jJinqNK20DQ

 

TODAY in Star Wars History 7/30/2017

 

Happy Mark Hamill Day! A ceremony is held as a residential street in San Diego, CA is dedicated in honor of Mark Hamill. Mark Hamill lived in the neighborhood on Castleton Drive (aka Mark Hamill Drive.)  

 

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Never Land on Alderaan!

The next big Star Wars convention is just around the corner. We go behind-the-scenes and reveal what we are doing at Rebel Scum Con! This year marks the 2nd annual RSC held August 8-10th, 2025 in Frisco, TX, and we have convention coordinators Ken Tucky and Bobby Roberston on to get us hyped. Even if you’re not attending, this episode has plenty of fun Star Wars discussions.

 

We discuss the special guests including the first U.S. appearance of Kyle Soller (Syril in Andor), Robert Emms aka #HotLonniSummer (Lonni in Andor), The Sackhoff Show with Katee Sackhoff (Bo-Katan in The Mandalorian), and more guests from Andor. 

 

Our friends at The Virtual Cantina Network are putting on Boonta Eve with Star Wars Live Band and Karaoke on the first night of the convention - August 8th, where we will also be selling our books. Tickets are available now.

 

Episode discussion links: Rebel Scum Con Boonta Eve details “You Rebel Scum” actor Barrie Holland interview

 

TODAY in Star Wars History 7/5/2017

 

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman, Bob Chapek, reveals the official name of the new Star Wars land at Disney’s D23 Expo as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  

 

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Never Land on Alderaan!