The Smuggler's Dispatch - A Star Wars Fan Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Smuggler's Dispatch Podcast
Join our hosts Mikel Howarth and Alex Stewart as they traverse the Star Wars galaxy aboard the Raven V, a heavily modified transport vessel, helmed by their repurposed battle droid, CB-7. Our fearless hosts will spend each episode focusing on a single topic within the Star Wars universe. Be it In-Universe (Lightsabers, Sith Lords, Psychometry, etc.) or Out (George Lucas, Dave Filoni's cowboy hat, ILM, The Hero's Journey, etc.), Alex and Mikel approach the topics with a positive, fun, and enlightened approach, all while trying to avoid Imperial notice. Along their journey through the galaxy they'll run into their fair share of friends, outlaws, and the occasional Imperial Blockade. So, tune in and be prepared for the wildest ride in the galaxy!
Still curious about the planet and the people, Al and Mikel have a casual conversation about Duchess Satine over a cup of caf.
Join Al and Mikel as they talk about who Satine is, what she means to the galaxy at large, as well what lessons we can take into the real world from her example. See you on board the Raven!
Skit: 00:00:00 - 00:01:31
Orbiting the surface of the desolated planet Mandalore, the crew of the Raven V discuss the habitability and history of the legendary homeworld of the Mandalorian people.
Join Al and Mikel as they take a dive into the living waters, peer into the eye of the great mythosaur, and generally wax philosophical about this lore-rich piece of Star Wars history! This is the first episode in a series where we will try to get to the bottom of what makes the Mandalorian people so intriguing, engaging, and longstanding. So put on your helmet, grab your blasters and jetpacks, and join us for this special transmission!
Skit: 00:00:00 - 00:03:00
Find Us Online:
Website: www.smugglersdispatch.com
Instagram: @smugglersdispatch
YouTube: Smuggler's Dispatch
Production Credits
Written By: Mikel Howarth & Alex Stewart
Produced By: Mikel Howarth
Directed By: Mikel Howarth and Alex Stewart
Dust off your old Holoprojector, and join us in celebrating a hand-picked collection of the best (or most infamous) Star Wars fan films! There's some old classics and maybe even a few you haven't heard of! Al and Mikel dig into what makes this galaxy such a great sandbox for other storytellers, and how Star Wars itself is in a way a fan film. So pop some Batuu Mix and come celebrate the stories being told by fans across the world!
Skit00:00:00 - 00:01:40
Our Kyber Encrusted Roster of Fan Films
- George Lucas in love
- TROOPS
- Hardware Wars
- Trial on the Island Moon
- The Birth of a Monster
- Shadow of the Republic
- Tukk Tales
Holonet Hero
- Jan Ruppert, creator of Tukk Tales
Find Us Online:
Website: www.smugglersdispatch.com
Instagram: @smugglersdispatch
YouTube: Smuggler's Dispatch
Production Credits
Written By: Mikel Howarth & Alex Stewart
Produced By: Mikel Howarth
Directed By: Mikel Howarth and Alex Stewart
Music Credits
- "Through The Woods" by Shane Ivers (https://www.silvermansound.com)
- "Calling Fanfares" by Konstantin Kasyanov used with permission
The crew finds themselves on the glittering shores of Canto Bight for some clandestine business, hitting some snags and making some new friends along the way. Al and Mikel finally get a transmission out that's all about the Jewel of Cantonica, and what may lie beneath its glamorous surface...
From the production of the set in Croatia, to new revelations about Rian Johnson for Mikel, costumes, and creatures, creatures, CREATURES galore. No matter what kind of midichlorian count you measure TLJ against, we hope you buckle in for this adventure with us. (Just make sure to get a permit from security if you park on the beach)
Skit: 00:00:00 - 00:08:30
Find Us Online:
Website: www.smugglersdispatch.com
Instagram: @smugglersdispatch
YouTube: Smuggler's Dispatch
Production Credits
Written By: Mikel Howarth & Alex Stewart
Produced By: Mikel Howarth
Directed By: Mikel Howarth and Alex Stewart
Music Credits
- "The Chamber" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
- "Secret of Tiki Island" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
- "Calling Fanfares" by Konstantin Kasyanov used with permission
As Al and Mikel get ready for their first day on board the Halcyon, they run into some unexpected friends that join in on an impromptu broadcast over dinner to talk about all things costuming!
This episode features Sara and Steven from the Princess & Scoundrel podcast! We could not be more excited to have them as our first guests on the show, and we hope you enjoy hearing their expertise and thoughts on Galactic Starcruiser costumes! We'll be covering where to find items, how to modify them, what makes a piece look "Star Wars-ey", character background stories, and tips in general for getting the most out of your experience while dressed to fit in a galaxy far, far away!
You can find Sara and Steven all over the Holonet, Be sure to check them out!
Princess & Scoundrel
Facebook group for Starcruiser costuming
Facebook group for Starcruiser info and planning
Book a trip with Sara for your very own Starcruiser Voyage!
Princess & Scoundrel broadcasts as a part of the Thank the Maker podcast network alongside Armor Party, and Thank the Maker, and they also run an amazingly themed Emo night for the ages called Mosh Eisley that makes it's way around the country!
See you on the Halcyon!
Join Mikel and Alex in preparation for a voyage on the glamorous CSL Starcruiser, the Halcyon! As we pack our bags onboard the Raven V, we'll dig into the history of the ship and it's unique architect, look at the creation of the attraction, and share stories that will hopefully inform and enrich the experience for anyone curious about the Galactic Starcruiser. We also share some packing tips and pointers on booking a voyage.
This episode does NOT spoil anything about the experience, it's geared toward giving some history and preparation!
If you aren't planning a voyage anytime soon, this episode's got a riveting game of Sabacc, droid musings, one song from Al, 9 words and phrases Mikel had never heard before, and plenty of other goodness here in this Chunky Gungy of an episode!!
See you on the Raven, uhh I mean the Halcyon!!
After months of searching, the crew is closer than ever to discovering the secrets of the mysterious world between worlds. Come aboard for this full audio drama episode that follows our crew through a daring adventure... Discovery and mystery! Love and loss! Porgs and hyperspace!!
We'll see you onboard The Raven V!
Al and Mikel have finally arrived on Shili to meet L4, the mysterious droid Ceebee is certain can decipher the map to the Keystone... And while the crew is here, they're digging into Ahsoka Tano, the most famous and revered character to ever be born in Shili's lush forests. Join us as we dig into the origins of Ahsoka's story, in and out of universe, and learn some of why she is such a special character to not just us, but a big portion of the fanbase as well, we hope you'll join us!
Join Al and Mikel for the final episode covering the last half of the Kenobi series! Al shares his love of tiny, helpful things, and we dig into Vader, Reva, Kenobi, and the exciting finale! These episodes have taken us all the way to Shili, so we may have to cut this one a little short...
Re-join Mikel and Al for a couple of Toydarian Tauntauns as they continue their discussion of the Obi-Wan Kenobi mini-series! This time the "Cantina" is the galley of our very own Raven V, and on our way to Shili we'll be taking a closer look at Parts 1 - 3 of the Disney Plus series! (One final part yet to come...)
Join Mikel and Al for a glass of Blue (or green) milk at Avilatan's cantina on Ord Mantell as they dive into the Obi-Wan Kenobi mini-series! This is the first of our Casual Cantina episodes with a more conversational approach to different topics. We hope you'll join the crew at a cantina near you, cheers!
Al and Mikel dive deep into the oil bath this time as C-B7 has inspired them to see things from a droids perspective. Join the crew as they learn about what makes droids tick, in and out of the Star Wars universe. From their creation and inclusion in the story, the actors that portray them, visual effects, and finally what their lot in life is in this great big galaxy.
There's a celebration of the galaxy far far away happening onboard the Raven V today! Come join us as we hear from folks in the best fan community ever, as they share what makes Star Wars special to them, stories of their first introduction to the saga, or seeing it opening day in 1977. We'll save a Life Day party hat just for you!
In this episode Al and Mikel dig into the tragic life and origins of one of the infamous child of the Dark Side: Darth Maul. The crew of the Raven will be covering the characters creation and origins, portrayals in live action and animation, and his long and storied journey as a doomed character. Join us, and together we can rule the ga... no wait, Join us as we set course for Dathomir, the ominous homeworld of Maul, shrouded in the Dark Side of the force!
On a journey to uncover the secrets of an ancient relic, Al and Mikel stumble across a treasure trove of artwork by the great Ralph McQuarrie. The crew dives into the impact McQuarrie made on the Star Wars universe, and talk about some of his most famous pieces, and the lasting legacy he has left on the galaxy far far away.
In this episode, C-B7, Alex, and Mikel begin to untangle the rich history of the Mandalorian Darksaber. From its origins thousands of years ago up to its most recent owner Din Djarin, the crew takes a first pass at this mythical weapon, digging into differences and similarities with traditional lightsabers, and tracing back the reason this particular blade is so important to the Mandalorian people. We'll keep an eye out for you on the loading ramp!
The dispatchers invite you on a journey to explore a rare and mysterious force ability called "Psychometry" in this episode. The crew has turned over every rock they could find to share with you the secrets of those few Jedi that can read "Force Echoes". With special focus on Cal Kestis from Jedi: Fallen Order, Quinlan Vos, and Karr Nuq Sin from the book "Force Collector". C-B7 is dying for some new company, so come join us on board the Raven V!
Al and Mikel take a deep dive into the world of the most famous gungan in the galaxy, Jar Jar Binks! We talk about his behind the scenes creation, portrayal, and reception, along with his life as we know it in-universe. We hope you join us on Naboo for this wild journey!
In this episode Al and Mikel dig into the life and history of one of the most famous Jedi of all time: Obi-Wan Kenobi. The crew will be covering the actors that portrayed him, behind the scenes on the sets of the prequels and original trilogy, and the life of the character himself, from his humble beginnings all the way to his iconic end. Join Alex, Mikel, and CB-7 as they set course for Tatooine, and search for the long lost home of the mysterious Ben Kenobi...
In this episode Al and Mikel talk all things lightsabers. From behind the scenes inception to on-screen realization, as well as in-universe history, builds, and meaning to the Jedi and Sith. Join Alex, Mikel, and CB-7 as they set course for Ilum, home of the kyber crystal!
On this very special first episode of The Smuggler's Dispatch, Mikel Howarth and Alex Stewart discuss all of their Star Wars "favorites" using the help of an ancient Jedi relic.
Coming soon to a holo-comm near you!
Created By: Alex Stewart & Mikel Howarth
Written By: Alex Stewart
Directed By: Alex Stewart
Artwork By: Mikel Howarth