Tales of the Force

Hello there! Welcome the 24th episode of Tales of the Force. Joining me today is Kent.

Kent is 29 years old. He is a lifelong Star Wars fan, avid con goer,  traveler, collector, husband, and cat Dad to Kenobi. 

Don’t forget this is Kent’s personal story. It is not my place on the show to dismiss, diminish, judge, or have an opinion on his story. Any views, thoughts, or opinions expressed are his own. Any comments on this episode and story are expected to be respectful. 

Trigger Warning: This episode does include some mature language and mentions of suicide, which can be triggering for some listeners.

If you or someone you know is suicidal, please, contact your physician, go to your local ER, or call the suicide prevention hotline in your country. For the United States, the numbers are as follows:

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255), or message the Crisis Text Line at 741741. Both programs provide free, confidential support 24/7.

Mental Health Resources: 

988lifeline.org

afsp.org

www.nami.org

Follow Kent:

https://www.instagram.com/sir_lanz_alot_

Hosted and Produced by: Jessica McNair

Theme Music by: Michael Hoover

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and to subscribe to the YouTube Channel:

www.instagram.com/talesoftheforce⁠⁠

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www.youtube.com/@talesoftheforce

General Disclaimer: 

This podcast and YouTube channel is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.

Hello there! Welcome the 23rd episode of Tales of the Force. Joining me today is Mark.

Mark aka The Canerdian Jedi is a lifelong Star Wars fan from Nova Scotia, Canada. He runs the Holocron Chronicles podcast as part of the Secret Friends Unite Podcast Network, and enjoys sharing his love of Star Wars through his @canerdian_jedi accounts, including his newfound love of cosplaying original characters like The Pirate Jedi, Bananakin Skywalker, The Jurassic Jedi, and more. He hopes his positivity for all things Star Wars shines through in everything he does, and reminds people that Star Wars is for everyone.

Don’t forget this is Mark’s personal story. It is not my place on the show to dismiss, diminish, judge, or have an opinion on his story. Any views, thoughts, or opinions expressed are his own. Any comments on this episode and story are expected to be respectful. 

Follow Mark:

https://www.instagram.com/canerdian_jedi

www.threads.net/@canerdian_jedi

www.tiktok.com/@canerdian_jedi

www.youtube.com/@SecretFriendsUnite

www.secretfriendsunite.com

Hosted and Produced by: Jessica McNair

Theme Music by: Michael Hoover

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and to subscribe to the YouTube Channel:

www.instagram.com/talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.threads.net/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.tiktok.com/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠⁠

www.youtube.com/@talesoftheforce

General Disclaimer: 

This podcast and YouTube channel is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.

Hello there! Welcome the 22th episode of Tales of the Force. Joining me today is Jon Flake.

Jon has been a Star Wars fan and an athlete as long as he can remember. He had the OT on VHS, he was in 8th grade when Episode 1 came out, and grew up a prequels kid. Like a lot of fans his age it wasn’t as much of a focus in college, mostly because there wasn’t anything new coming out. As a college athlete he didn’t have as much time for hobbies and other things. His love of Star Wars was rekindled once Disney bought it, and announced there would be more movies. He was quickly wrapped back up in the stories from a galaxy far, far away. After visiting Galaxys Edge he was introduced to the world of props and costumes, which became a huge passion for him. Professionally he used to work training professional athletes, now he runs his own athlete training business specializing in training/mentoring youth athletes. The company is a representation of him and who he is, so it’s inspired by the themes and designs of Star Wars.

Don’t forget this is Jon’s personal story. It is not my place on the show to dismiss, diminish, judge, or have an opinion on his story. Any views, thoughts, or opinions expressed are his own. Any comments on this episode and story are expected to be respectful. 

Follow Jon:

www.instagram.com/jpfxart

www.threads.net/@jpfxart

www.instagram.com/forceperform

www.threads.net/@forceperform

www.force-performance.com

Hosted and Produced by: Jessica McNair

Theme Music by: Michael Hoover

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and to subscribe to the YouTube Channel:

www.instagram.com/talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.threads.net/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.tiktok.com/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠⁠

www.youtube.com/@talesoftheforce

General Disclaimer: 

This podcast and YouTube channel is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.

Hello there! Welcome the 21th episode of Tales of the Force. Joining me today is Jeff.

Jeffrey Cagle is a 39-year-old husband and father of two boys who lives in Northern VA just outside of DC. He is an indoor and a beach volleyball coach. He also has an academic background in Religious Studies, Philosophy, and Theological Studies. Jeff shares his love of Star Wars on his blog, The Imperial Talker, and also on Threads and Instagram where he is always up for meeting new fans and hearing about their journey with Star Wars.

Don’t forget this is Jeff’s personal story. It is not my place on the show to dismiss, diminish, judge, or have an opinion on his story. Any views, thoughts, or opinions expressed are his own. Any comments on this episode and story are expected to be respectful. 

Follow Jeff:

www.instagram.com/theimperialtalker

www.threads.net/@theimperialtalker

www.imperialtalker.com

Hosted and Produced by: Jessica McNair

Theme Music by: Michael Hoover

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and to subscribe to the YouTube Channel:

www.instagram.com/talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.threads.net/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.tiktok.com/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠⁠

www.youtube.com/@talesoftheforce

General Disclaimer: 

This podcast and YouTube channel is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.

Hello there! Welcome the 20th episode of Tales of the Force. Joining me today is Ron.

Ron is a 20+ year Star Wars fan and co-host of The Pod Awakens. As a former pro wrestling and football commentator, he now uses his love of being behind a microphone to spread his passion for a galaxy far, far away to fans old and new. He hopes to help create a fair and accepting place for Star Wars fans from all walks of life to come together.

Don’t forget this is Ron’s personal story. It is not my place on the show to dismiss, diminish, judge, or have an opinion on his story. Any views, thoughts, or opinions expressed are his own. Any comments on this episode and story are expected to be respectful. 

Follow Ron:

www.x.com/jedigenasi

www.tiktok.com/@jedigenasi

www.instagram.com/jedigenasi

Follow The Pod Awakens:

www.youtube.com/@podawakens

www.instagram.com/podawakens

www.x.com/podawakens

www.tiktok.com/@podawakens

www.threads.net/@podawakens

Jessica’s Shirt is by: www.instagram.com/crafting_on_ilum

Jessica’s “Family Stone” is by: www.instagram.com/afanof____

Hosted and Produced by: Jessica McNair

Theme Music by: Michael Hoover

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and to subscribe to the YouTube Channel:

www.instagram.com/talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.threads.net/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.tiktok.com/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠⁠

www.youtube.com/@talesoftheforce

General Disclaimer: 

This podcast and YouTube channel is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.

Hello there! Welcome the 19th episode of Tales of the Force. Joining me today is David.

A long, long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a boy who disdained space and sci-fi movies. He didn't care for the 1980s action figures or starships. What he did love was...  Caravan of Courage, recorded on a nondescript VHS tape amongst other shows and movies. This boy is our guest today, David. After a journey through various fandoms, David finally fell in love with the Star Wars trilogy, and fell harder for the books. During high school, he found others who were equally enthralled and his connections to the force has continued to the present day through the movies, shows, music, roleplaying games, video games, comics, and all that encompasses the fandom that is Star Wars.

Don’t forget this is David’s personal story. It is not my place on the show to dismiss, diminish, judge, or have an opinion on his story. Any views, thoughts, or opinions expressed are his own. Any comments on this episode and story are expected to be respectful. 

Follow David and Tales of the Fandom Podcast:

www.talesfromthefandom.com

www.facebook.com/talesfromthefandom

www.instagram.com/talesfromthefandom

www.threads.net/@talesfromthefandom

www.x.com/talesftfandom

talesftfandom.bsky.social

Honorable mentions:

Nikki: www.instagram.com/mandalorian.princess

Victor Dandridge: www.instagram.com/hardest_working_man_in_comics

Hosted and Produced by: Jessica McNair

Theme Music by: Michael Hoover

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and to subscribe to the YouTube Channel:

www.instagram.com/talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.threads.net/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.tiktok.com/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠⁠

www.youtube.com/@talesoftheforce

General Disclaimer: 

This podcast and YouTube channel is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.

Hello there! Welcome to the 18th episode of Tales of the Force. Joining me today is Aaron.

Aaron invests his time and energy speaking at the intersection of faith and fandom. Particularly, he brings a unique perspective in discussing culturally accepted concepts of weakness and happiness. Aaron does this by melding heroic journey stories - such as Star Wars and Marvel films - with his own story. He applies this understanding to share wisdom affirmed through four decades of overcoming medical and mobility challenges as he’s chased dreams across the globe. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a newborn. He overcame those early years of low expectations and a presupposed poor quality of life to graduate from college and spend his 20's working on Capitol Hill.

Presently he lives and works in Washington, DC. Aaron has shared his story with outlets such as NBC Nightly News, Roll Call, and various radio programs. His writing has been featured by a variety of publications and presented at conferences and conventions. He is the creator and moderator of the Council of Nerds film discussion series at the Miracle Theatre in Washington, DC and served as a co-host for the Two Geek Soup podcast. 

Don’t forget this is Aaron’s personal story. It is not my place on the show to dismiss, diminish, judge, or have an opinion on his story. Any views, thoughts, or opinions expressed are his own. Any comments on this episode and story are expected to be respectful. 

Follow Aaron:

www.aaronrwelty.com

www.instagram.com/aaronwelty

Twitter/X @arwelty, and on

Facebook.

Hosted and Produced by: Jessica McNair

Theme Music by: Michael Hoover

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and to subscribe to the YouTube Channel:

www.instagram.com/talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.threads.net/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.tiktok.com/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠⁠

www.youtube.com/@talesoftheforce

General Disclaimer: 

This podcast and YouTube channel is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.

Hello there! Welcome the 17th episode of Tales of the Force. Joining me today is Moshé.

He is a lightsaber expert and is known on social media as THEDRIPJEDI. He likesto describe himself as one part Sneakerhead, and one part Star Wars fan! Star Wars has given him hope and courage through hard times, even the loss of his father. He encourages people to “love what you love". You are a Star Wars fan to him regardless of what brought you into it, when you started liking it, or what you love about it. Shé will also be going to FanExpo Chicago this week and can be found at the Legion Sabers booth with his brother!

Don’t forget this is Moshé’s personal story. It is not my place on the show to dismiss, diminish, judge, or have an opinion on his story. Any views, thoughts, or opinions expressed are his own. Any comments on this episode and story are expected to be respectful. 

Follow Moshé:

www.instagram.com/thedripjedi

www.tiktok.com/@thedripjedi

www.x.com/thedripjedi

www.youtube.com/@thedripjedi

Hosted and Produced by: Jessica McNair

Theme Music by: Michael Hoover

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and to subscribe to the YouTube Channel:

www.instagram.com/talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.threads.net/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.tiktok.com/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠⁠

www.youtube.com/@talesoftheforce

General Disclaimer: 

This podcast and YouTube channel is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.

Hello there! Welcome the 16th episode of Tales of the Force. Joining me today is Eric Clayton.

Eric, a life long Star Wars fan, is an award-winning writer, speaker, storyteller, and sought-after retreat leader. He is the deputy director of communications for the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. He has a BA in creative writing and international studies from Fairfield University and an MA in international media from American University. Eric writes Story Scraps on Substack. He lives in Baltimore, Maryland, with his wife, two daughters, and family cat. Clayton is the author of Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith and My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars.

Don’t forget this is Eric’s personal story. It is not my place on the show to dismiss, diminish, judge, or have an opinion on his story. Any views, thoughts, or opinions expressed are his own. Any comments on this episode and story are expected to be respectful. 

Spoiler Warning:

While talking with Eric about how Star Wars relates to his life and spiritual journey, we touch on all of Star Wars’ current canon. Because of this there are a lot of Star Wars spoilers in this episode. Proceed with caution especially if you do not want to be spoiled on any Star Wars TV shows, animated or live action.

Follow Eric:

www.instagram.com/eclaytopia

www.threads.net/@eclaytopia

facebook.com/eclaytopia

Eric A. Clayton (@eclaytopia) on X

ericclaytonwrites.com

Hosted and Produced by: Jessica McNair

Theme Music by: Michael Hoover

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and to subscribe to the YouTube Channel:

www.instagram.com/talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.threads.net/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.tiktok.com/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠⁠

www.youtube.com/@talesoftheforce

General Disclaimer: 

This podcast and YouTube channel is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.

Hello there! Welcome the 17th episode of Tales of the Force. Joining me today is Jimmy.

Jimmy Kelly is a storyteller who has found a way to bridge his professional side with his creative aspirations. Graduating from UNCSA (a top film school in the world), Jimmy has done feature work, short films, and tv commercials and owns a production company specializing in business marketing across various media. As a cosplayer, Jimmy has put the pun in fun with silliness and experimental posts to try to spread positivity.

Don’t forget this is Jimmy’s personal story. It is not my place on the show to dismiss, diminish, judge, or have an opinion on his story. Any views, thoughts, or opinions expressed are his own. Any comments on this episode and story are expected to be respectful. 

Follow Jimmy:

www.instagram.com/jimmyk_foe

www.threads.net/@jimmyk_foe

www.tiktok.com/@jimmyk_foe

youtube.com/@jimmyk_foe

Follow Jimmy’s company:

fightonentertainment.com

facebook.com/fightonentertainment

www.youtube.com/@fightonentertainment7386

Hosted and Produced by: Jessica McNair

Theme Music by: Michael Hoover

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and to subscribe to the YouTube Channel:

www.instagram.com/talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.threads.net/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠

www.tiktok.com/@talesoftheforce⁠⁠⁠

www.youtube.com/@talesoftheforce

General Disclaimer: 

This podcast and YouTube channel is not affiliated in any way with Lucasfilm Ltd. LLC, The Walt Disney Company, or any of their affiliates or subsidiaries.