Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars: Recent Episodes
part of the Skywalking Network
From archeology to zoology, real-world science is everywhere in Star Wars! Every episode includes an interview with an expert discussing how Star Wars relates to their field of study. Explore the many ways science is represented in a galaxy far, far away with hosts Melissa Miller and James Floyd, both freelance writers for Star Wars Insider magazine. Part of the Skywalking Network
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Deana Weibel about her book "The Ultraview Effect" and how to recognize the sense of awe in a galaxy far, far away (as well as our own!). The ultraview effect refers to astronauts who see the depths of space and are awed by the unknown. There may not be much awe of space travel in Star Wars, but there is awe when it comes to the power of the Force. Luke Skywalker's journey in the original trilogy lines up with an astronaut's journey, including him being humbled and coming back to learn more. We also cover Force Ghosts, how awe can become terror, and how religions and the Force may go hand in hand in a galaxy far, far away. And we also talk about Star Trek and Firefly a bit too and how sci-fi and fantasy gives us a sense of awe in our own lives!
Show Links: Check out Deana's website for more about her book "The Ultraview Effect: What we can learn from astronauts about awe, humility, and exploring the unknown" and her other projects.
Follow Deana on Instagram and BlueSky!
Learn more about Deana's upcoming book about the Voyager Golden Record.
See images and learn more about the recent Artemis II mission's lunar flyby that we talked about, thanks to NASA!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of Melissa's WonderCon 2026 panel "Science of Disneyland!" Watch the YouTube version of this episode for all the amazing behind the scenes visuals shared during the panel!
Panel description: Disneyland is just down the road, so let's take a virtual field trip to explore the parks from a different point of view. We'll cover topics including physics, the psychology of play and Disney adults, the history of witches and magic, and the role of technology and automation in the happiest place on Earth. Our panel of experts includes astrophysicist Lisa Will, historian Beth Pollard, psychologist Drea Letamendi, art historian Roland Betancourt (author, Disneyland and the Rise of Automation: How Technology Created the Happiest Place on Earth), paleontologist Stuart Sumida (advisor, Matterhorn animations and co-author, Disneyland Rocks! The Geology of the Disneyland and California Adventure), and biologist Elizabeth Rega (consultant, Hall of Presidents). Moderated by science writer Melissa T. Miller. All are huge Disney fans who can't wait to geek out and help you experience Disneyland from a whole new angle.
Show Links: Listen to or watch the 2025 panel from WonderCon too. Hopefully we'll get to do this every year!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic
On this episode of Star Warsologies, we chat with chemistry professor (and Melissa's former boss!) Seth Cohen. We get into a discussion of lightsabers, of course, and learn about the real-life crystals involved in laser experiments that sound a lot like Kyber crystals. There's also a lot of cool info about different metals, including how the strength of beskar might not be in the material itself but how it's prepared. We get into some fun new questions about the cortosis helmet in The Acolyte too. Seth calls chemistry "the central science" and we really do find a variety of topics to cover when it comes to Star Wars!
Show Notes: Seth's research group is currently at UCSD but he's moving soon to UC Irvine! And learn more about DARPA projects like Atmospheric Water Extraction and LifeStraw that we talked about.
Learn more about MOFs (the chemistry kind) that earned the Nobel Prize!
You can also check out Mike Sailor's research at UCSD that we talked about in terms of beskar armor!
Check out our related episodes on lasers in Star Wars and one about prosthetics.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
On this episode of Star Warsologies, we chat with Chris Cooper, editor of Star Wars Insider magazine. The final issue is out now! We send our beloved Star Wars Insider magazine off with a fond farewell discussion with editor Chris Cooper. Hear James and Melissa's origin stories in terms of their work for the magazine! Listen to us compliment each other on our favorite articles that the other has written! Learn more about Chris's work and fandom, and what he wants to do next. And then go pick up your copy of Star Wars Insider issue 237, the end of an era.
Show Notes: Read Chris's writing in the Doctor Who universe!
Learn more about Chris and his work in the Star Wars universe on his Wookieepedia page!
Here's the starwars.com article James wrote and where he and Melissa met for the first time!
Check out the list of Melissa's Insider bylines on Wookieepedia.
Check out the list of James's Insider bylines on Wookieepedia.
You can find the Donny and Marie Star Wars special on YouTube.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
On this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk cybersecurity (or lack thereof) in Star Wars with expert Malia Mason. There's a lot of plot points around stolen data in Star Wars - Rebel Base locations, Death Star plans, undercover ISB agents just to name a few. Malia talks about her work and whether she would work for the good guys or end up recruited by the Imperials. Of course we cover R2-D2's ability to plug into a random port on the Death Star and download information. Could that be because he was once Anakin Skywalker's droid and has outdated permissions? And what does our expert think of data centers like on Scarif? Would she have cleared Galen Erso to work on something as critical to the Empire as the Death Star? We also talk about the meta level, as Star Wars uses deep fakes to de-age actors for prequels and uses artificial intelligence to bring us Darth Vader's voice.
Note: We recorded this conversation on February 27, 2026 - the day before the US began attacks on Iran, so our discussion of cyberwarfare does not include breaking news.
Show Notes: If you haven't already, listen to our previous episode about wearable technology, which we discuss in terms of cybersecurity of all that personal medical data.
Check out this article about cybersecurity lessons in Star Wars!
And it's never a bad time to rewatch Saturday Night Live's Undercover Boss: Starkiller Base sketch, and the follow up sketch.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
On this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to bioengineering professor Benjamin Smarr about technology integrated into the body. There's tons of wearable tech in Star Wars! Luke has a prosthetic hand and Darth Vader is more machine than man. How does that technology integrate into their bodies and minds? Benajmin Smarr shares his insights from researching health technology that helps people understand the patterns our bodies go through. He also speculates about projects he'd pursue if he was a professor in the Star Wars galaxy - including whether Jedi's midichlorian count changes are they age, train, or even just don't sleep well. We also get into women's reproductive health. How could Padme's pregnancy with twins have gone overlooked? Here on Earth, why are there still so many mysteries surrounding the female body? We also tackle circadian rhythms and (just weeks into daylight savings time) ponder how so many species from hundreds of planets manage to adjust to a standard time.
Show Notes: Check out the Smarr Lab's website for tons more info about his research projects and publications.
Book recommendations by Benjamin about circadian rhythm: Satchin Panda's "The Circadian Code" and "The Inner Clock" by Lynne Peeples.
Learn more about UCSD's Center for Microbiome Innovation.
Listen to our feminism episode mentioned in this conversation. And also our episode about prosthetics!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
This episode of Star Warsologies we talk to earthquake geologist Wendy Bohon about planets, lava and lots and lots of explosions! Dr. Wendy Bohon joins us this month to discuss how life might begin and be sustained on planets in a galaxy far, far away. The answer is earthquakes! Or are they called Tatooine-quakes and Hoth-quakes? We dive into Naboo's watery core and discuss whether Mustafar was the right place to build an evil lair. And of course we get in to the Death Star's ability to destroy planets. Alderaan is in pieces but what happened during the tests on Jedha and Scarif?
Show Notes: Follow Wendy on YouTube, Instagram, BlueSky, and other social media sites. And check out her website!
Learn more about the Cave of the Crystals Wendy mentions, that reminds her of Crait and the crystal foxes!
If you can't get enough geology talk, give our debut episode (from 2021!) a listen. We also talked more about Mustafar in our Revenge of the Sith panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
This episode of Star Warsologies we delve into classical studies - languages, archeology, and epigraphy, which is study of ancient inscriptions! Giraffe joins us to talk about her early introduction to languages with Stargate and The Mummy. She explains the difference between scripts and languages. She also answers important questions like: Does Yoda talk that way just to be different? and Why does anyone hang out with C-3PO? We also get into the inevitable discussion of AI's role in translating and understanding ancient languages and scripts, as well as how the Empire removing people from their individual cultures comes straight from the colonizer's playbook.
Show Notes: Check out Giraffe on the Star Trek podcast Strange New pod, which is live every Thursday at 6:30pm Pacific time! And find her on Instagram and BlueSky!
We mentioned some relevant past episodes during this discussion: check out our languages episode with David Peterson, who created languages for Game of Thrones, Marvel movies, and more, and our anti-fascism episode with historian and author Chris Kempshall.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
As a holiday bonus, please enjoy this recording of a panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2025 - Celebrating the Puppetry Arts!
Panel Description: Puppets have entertained and educated the masses for centuries but the artistry also changes and advances with new technology. Professional puppet builders and performers share insights from their careers working on franchises like Star Wars and the Muppet movies, as well as their experiences with non-traditional puppetry like animatronics, motion capture, and claymation. Panelists include Cheralyn Lambeth (puppet builder, Dinosaurs!, Avenue Q), Kirk Thatcher (writer and director, The Muppets Haunted Mansion), and Fon Davis (model maker, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Coraline). Moderated by Melissa T. Miller (Star Warsologies podcast).
Links from the panel discussion:
Check out Adam Kreutinger's @PuppetNerd YouTube Channel and the Stan Winston School for puppetry building tips.
Watch the Tested video Fon mentioned where he shows Adam Savage around Fonco Studio's effects lab.
Here's the TikTok video Kirk mentioned where the baby in Dinosaurs talks back to the director.
If you want to hear more about Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas, check out the LA Comic Con panel about those movies that Melissa and Fon did together in 2024.
This episode of Star Warsologies is all about maps! We talk with Jason Fry, who helped map the galaxy far, far away in The Essential Atlas. How do you map a galaxy? Storytellers get to add their own details in movies, books, comics, TV shows, and even board games, so it's a huge job and nearly impossible to keep it all straight. Jason shares what went into creating the lore for Star Wars: The Essential Atlas and how the book is literally a childhood dream come true. It turns out a lot of the mapping framework came from a video game mechanic!
Show Notes: Follow Jason on BlueSky @jasoncfry and send any cartographic errors you find to essential.atlas@gmail.com
Check out the official Galaxy Map on starwars.com!
Buy your copy of Jason's Star Wars: The Essential Atlas, or peruse some of the maps on Wookieepedia.
Check out all of Jason Fry's other Star Wars books, including The Last Jedi (adult novelization) and Rebels: Servants of the Empire series.
Other books mentioned in this episode include Atlas of Middle Earth, Atlas of Medieval History, The Mask of Fear from the Reign of the Empire series.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
This episode of Star Warsologies covers feminism and gender representation in Star Wars with author and historian Becca Harrison. Becca Harrison tallied up all the screen time for female characters in Star Wars movies over the decades and even made cuts of the film with only dialogue from female characters. They get a lot more screen time these days and we talk about why that's important. We discuss feminism, gender identity, and the importance of representation when it comes to Star Wars, including within the fandom itself. Becca is a freelance academic who has studied Star Wars from multiple academic angles including historical, data technology, gender identity, and even environmental.
Show Notes: Check out Becca's website for more of her work on Star Wars as well as resources for for film analysis and research.
Get your copy of Becca's book "The Empire Strikes Back (BFI Film Classics)"
Listen to our episode recreating the panel from 2023's Celebration in London about Andor that included Becca and other experts.
Find out more about the Galaxy Tour science field trip. And if you do sign up to go, make sure to put "Star Warsologies" in the Order Notes when you check out!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
This episode of Star Warsologies is our LA Comic Con panel about critters in a galaxy far, far away! Hear our panel of experts talk about their favorite animals in Star Wars! Melissa and James are joined by herpetologist Earyn McGee, conservation biologist Sam Wynns, and geochemist Randy Flores. Also check this episide out on YouTube as it includes our slides and other visuals!
From womp rats to wampas, Star Wars creatures great and small are a beloved part of the galaxy far, far away. Moderator S.T. Bende (author of Star Wars Bestiary, Vol. 1: Creatures of the Galaxy) will quiz this panel of animal experts and fans on how everything from porgs to purrgil are adapted to their environments and show similarities to life here on Earth. New members to the Galactic Society of Creature Enthusiasts are welcome, bring questions about your favorite sci-fi and fantasy animals!
Show Notes: Buy the Star Wars Bestiary!
Check out our episode with panelists Earyn McGee, all about lizards, and with Sam Wynns about wildlife conservation!
We love to talk about critters, as you may have noticed. Here's our panels from Star Wars Celebration 2022 and Legacy Expo 2025!
Find out more about the Galaxy Tour science field trip. And if you do sign up to go, make sure to put "Star Warsologies" in the Order Notes when you check out!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
This episode of Star Warsologies covers mass media, propaganda, and media literacy in a galaxy far, far away! Author Samuel Spitale joins us to talk about the difference between journalism, news, propaganda, advertising, and other media terms. He posits that the lack of media in the original series was a deliberate (and wise) choice for storytelling. While it plays a role in the recent series Andor, there are also some hints in the holiday special, so of course we talk about that! Join us to help fight misinformation with the truth!
An illustration from "How to Win the War on Truth: An Illustrated Guide to How Mistruths Are Sold, Why They Stick, and How to Reclaim Reality" provided by Samuel Spitale. Show Notes: Check out Samuel's website and YouTube channel. He's also on Instagram.
Get a copy of Samuel's book "How to Win the War on Truth: An Illustrated Guide to How Mistruths Are Sold, Why They Stick, and How to Reclaim Reality"
Get a copy of Samuel's coffee table book "Collecting a Galaxy - The Art of Sideshow"
Find out more about the Galaxy Tour science field trip. And if you do sign up to go, make sure to put "Star Warsologies" in the Order Notes when you check out!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
This episode of Star Warsologies covers space exploration topics with an operator of the Mars rover! Katherine Winchell is an astrogeologist whose love of Star Wars has a lot to do with her career in the space program. She is also the head organizer of the upcoming Legacy Expo convention, which takes place in Burbank on September 13-14, 2025. We talk about the con (and Star Warsologies will be there!), but we also dive deep into the similarities between Mars and Tatooine and how early travelers explored the galaxy far, far away. Since Katherine is so well-versed in the Extended Universe books, we also talk about the few examples of scientific exploration present there.
Show Notes: Get involved in the Save NASA Science advocacy from the Planetary Society, including participation in October 5-6 Days of Action!
Learn more about NASA's Perseverance rover and the Europa Clipper mission that Katherine mentioned.
Check out Melissa's Nerdist article about the Mars samples that look like lightsabers!
Find out more about the Galaxy Tour science field trip. And if you do sign up to go, make sure to put "Star Warsologies" in the Order Notes when you check out!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
This episode of Star Warsologies is our San Diego Comic-Con 2025 panel entitled "Star Wars Andor - From Resistance to Rebellion" and features Dr. Drea Letamendi, Desmond Hassing, Jendia Gammon, Robert Dagnall, and Dr. Catherine Hicks as panelists, moderated by podcast co-host James Floyd.
Panel description:
Fighting the tyranny of the Galactic Empire is dangerous work, whether in the halls of power on Coruscant or in the dark recesses of the Outer Rim. Panelists will dive deep into the popular show Star Wars: Andor, especially season 2, and examine themes of resisting authoritarianism and aspects of outright rebellion. How do the choices made by Cassian Andor, Mon Mothma, and Luthen Rael make the galaxy more free but also more perilous? Psychologists Drea Letamendi (Lattes with Leia, The Arkham Sessions, Aliens Expanded) and Catherine Hicks will take you into the minds of Imperial loyalists like Dedra Meero and insurgent fighters like Saw Gerrera. Also charging into the fray will be speculative fiction author Jendia Gammon (Atacama, Doomflower, The Inn at the Amethyst Lantern), San Diego State rhetoric and writing instructor Robert Dagnall, and American Indian studies professor Desmond Hassing. Hosted by James Floyd (Star Wars author, Star Wars Insider regular contributor, Star Warsologies podcast co-host). Fight the Empire!
Check out the slides from the panel as well as some panel photos on the YouTube version of the episode: https://youtu.be/zEdBI5R-5D4
Full show notes page, including how to find the panelists online
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Nenko Genov, a huge Star Wars fan who grew up in Bulgaria. We met Nenko through Star Wars Celebration and it was so interesting to learn about his experience growing up in Bulgaria in the 70s and 80s. He shared how hard it was to find Star Wars content and connect with other fans. Nenko is now the Bulgarian translator for Star Wars and other comics, so we also chat about how that came about.
Show Links: Follow Nenko on Instagram and BlueSky.
Nenko is also an author. All his books are in Bulgarian (no English translations yet!), but check him out on Goodreads or through publishers Artline and Hermes. Plus audiobooks from Storytel!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to historian and author Chris Kempshall about how Star Wars is rooted in politics and anti-facism, and has been since the beginning. Chris Kempshall joins us to talk about the definition of fascism and how to rebel against it. Star Wars may be fiction but there's plenty of timely lessons, especially in the recently completed show Andor. How can that help us understand what's happening in American politics? Can we practice resistance in an immersive environment like Galaxy's Edge and use it to talk about the ongoing ICE raids? Is there reason to hope? And of course we chat about Order 66.
Show Links: Check out Chris's books "The History and Politics of Star Wars" and "The First World War In Computer Games."
The books Chris recommended are "The Empire Triumphant" by Kevin J. Wetmore and "The World According to Star Wars" by Cass R. Sunstein.
Listen to Chris's earlier appearance on the podcast in our Andor season 1 panel. Chris also joined James's panel at Star Wars Celebration 2025 "Droids, AI, and Sentience."
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of Melissa's WonderCon 2025 panel "Science of Disneyland!"
Panel description: Disneyland is just down the road, so let’s take a virtual field trip to explore the parks from a different point of view. There’s something to discover in every land - life on other planets in Galaxy’s Edge, dinosaurs roaming the railroad, and majestic rock formations in Cars Land - just to name a few. There’s also robotics everywhere, from the original audio-animatronics to the advanced Spider-Man that swings across Avengers Campus. Our panel of experts includes astrophysicist Lisa Will, geologist Garrett Vice, paleontologist Stuart Sumida (who worked on the Matterhorn animations), and biologist Elizabeth Rega (who consulted on the Hall of Presidents). All are huge Disney fans who can’t wait to geek out and help you experience Disneyland from a whole new angle.
Show Links: Listen to the episode Geology of Galaxy's Edge, where Garrett dives even deeper into the cool rocks around both Disneyland parks in California!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of our our Star Wars Celebration Japan panel "The Secret Miniatures of the Star Wars Prequels" with Fon Davis! Watch the YouTube version of this episode for all the amazing behind the scenes visuals shared during the panel!
You should also watch the YouTube video we refer to in (and showed during) the panel, which includes many of the miniatures in the Star Wars prequels.
Panel description: Episodes I, II, and III revolutionized the use of computer graphics in film but did you know that the ILM model shop was still in full swing during production? There are more miniatures in each of the prequels than the original trilogy combined! Fon Davis, an ILM model maker during the Special Edition and prequels era, takes us through his favorite behind the scenes photos and stories - many of which involve explosions. From the podracing arena on Tatooine to the lava flows of Mustafar, a surprising number of miniatures were created and used in tandem with other visual effects. Take a deep dive into the movie magic!
Show Links: Watch season 2 of Light & Magic on Disney+ now for more from Fon and other ILM behind the scenes images and stories!
For more ILM stories, check out the Episode II panel from SiliCon 2022 with Fon Davis, John Goodson, Kim Smith, Nelson Hall, and Don Bies!
Fon has also joined us for convention panels about Galaxy Quest, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline, as well as at Star Wars Celebration in London in 2023!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of our our Star Wars Celebration Japan panel "Droids, Artificial Intelligence, and Sentience" Panel description: R2-D2 and C-3PO. BB-8. Battle droids. Star Wars isn't Star Wars without its lovable droids. We'll examine the science of robots, the programming of personality and the ethics of sentient mechanicals in society, plus go behind the scenes on designing droids for the movies. Why do droids in Star Wars look the way they do? Why do we all love R2-D2? How close are we to having droid intelligence and personality in our own world? Let's go inside the gears and processing units to explore all the possibilities. Our team of experts includes Yukie Nagai (Project Professor, International Research Center for Neurointelligence, University of Tokyo), Fon Davis (ILM Model Maker - Star Wars), Chris Kempshall (author, Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire and The History and Politics of Star Wars) and Joel Welch (PhD Law candidate at Western University, Emerging Technology Policies & SciFi). Moderated by James Floyd (Star Wars Insider; Star Warsologies, Star Wars Crossword Puzzles).
Show Links: Check out Yukie Nagai's robotics website.
Check out Chris Kempshall's website.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of our our Star Wars Celebration Japan panel "Science of Revenge of the Sith" Panel description: Revenge of the Sith is full of connections to real world science and technology - from droids and starfighters to the ecosystems of Mustafar and Utapau. How could we make a working lightsaber? Can you really battle over a river of lava? How would wildlife thrive on Coruscant? Are we close to making robots similar to C-3PO and R2-D2? We'll try to tackle these questions and more with our lineup of experts in all sorts of fields, including Dr. Yukie Nagai (robotics), Dr. Takafumi Maruishi (volcanology), Dr. Kazuo Tanaka (particle physics), Gabriel Santos (paleontology), and Melissa Miller (science communicator). Join host James Floyd (Star Wars author, Star Wars Insider regular contributor, Star Warsologies podcast co-host) in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Episode III with a look into its science and technology.
Show Links: Check out Yukie Nagai's robotics website.
Check out Kazuo Tanaka's at home particle detector
Check out Takafumi Maruishi's volcanic research.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Tom Hoeler, an editor of Star Wars novels and editorial director for Random House Worlds! Tom tells us how Star Wars books come into being and gives us advice for how to get started with the amazing (but daunting) content of The High Republic. We also dive into in-galaxy books and publishing, like the holo-books seen in Skeleton Crew. Who edits and publishes books? Did the Empire erase or burn all books about the Jedi? Did that lead to a renaissance after Return of the Jedi, with stories of Luke Skywalker turning into everything from fairy tales to fan fiction?
Show Links: Check out all the amazing Star Wars books available from Penguin Random House!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Karen Yu about lasers! PEW PEW! This episode, we dive into lasers in Star Wars but it turns out that many of the examples are likely actually something else entirely - plasma! Though lightsabers are sometimes called laser swords, Karen breaks down the reasons that light / lasers simply wouldn't work this way. Same goes for the Death Star's mighty weapon. Somehow we also end up talking about repulsor vehicles, invisible tires, and a lot of other physics and engineering quandaries. Enjoy!
Show Links: Want to know more about transparent chicken? Of course you do! Here's the paper Karen mentioned.
Listen to our Celebration London panel that Karen was part of, The Science of Return of the Jedi, which we referenced a few times during our discussion!
Learn more about metamaterials and rail guns that Karen mentioned in this episode.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Dr. Ryder Waldron, a dentist and huge Star Wars fan! On this episode, we talk about mouths - teeth, tongues, and lips all contribute to how an animal eats, sounds, and plays musical instruments. Do clone troopers have baby teeth or did they skip right to adult teeth? How might Max Rebo and Sy Snootles eat? Why do Sith Lords have such terrible oral hygiene? We also talk about porgs, of course!
Show Links: Check out Ryder's Star Wars podcasts! Star Wars School of Dentistry, follow the show on Instagram, and Idiot's Array, also on Instagram!
He's also part of the Dental Realists podcast.
Here's the video Ryder mentioned where Temuera Morrison gets a smile makeover.
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Dr. Krista Noble about Eastern philosophical traditions and their similarities to the Force! Dr. Krista Noble joins us this episode on Star Warsologies to talk about her new book, One with the Force: 18 Universal Truths in Star Wars. Krista is a professor of Vedic studies and shares what she knows about George Lucas's connection to Eastern philosophies. We also cover the roles of the light and dark sides, supernatural abilities, and intuition. When characters say, "I've got a bad feeling about this," it's more than just a running joke, it's a philosophical moment! We hope you enjoy the episode and your next Star Wars rewatch with some more insights into the connections between the Jedi and real-life traditions.
Show Links: You can buy Krista's book on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org!
Check out Krista's website.
Book summary:
Why are the Star Wars films so popular? Of course, viewers love the characters, the plot, the music, and the special effects. However, there is a deeper reason why these films resonate with audiences: Star Wars contains universal truths—principles that are "true for all time, all places and all people." The same principles can be found in religions and philosophies throughout the world, including the Vedic tradition of ancient India, Buddhism, Taoism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Native American/First Nations beliefs.
In One with the Force: 18 Universal Truths in Star Wars, Krista Noble explores these principles. She delves into a rich array of topics, from the Force to collective consciousness, and from enlightenment to immortality. Readers will see that the philosophy of the Jedi doesn’t only apply "in a galaxy far, far away"; it is also highly relevant to everyday living. Like Luke Skywalker, we should all look within to discover the deepest truths of life, pursue our individual destinies, and strive to reach our full potential as human beings. In these ways, we can embody the wisdom of the Jedi.
Advance praise:
"An intriguing addition to Star Wars scholarship, which reveals the timeless substructure underpinning the space-age saga. If you watched the Star Wars movies with a feeling in your bones that you were seeing something unfold that was not merely the product of modern creative storytellers but something ancient and powerful, this book will tell you why."
—Joe Holland, Instructor of Consciousness & Human Potential, Maharishi International University
"One with the Force reveals why Star Wars touches the souls of its fans, showing that this iconic film series has much more to it than meets the eye. Noble’s book expounds on the universal principles in Star Wars that inspire us and sustain the cosmos."
—Marci Shimoff, #1 NY Times bestselling author of Happy for No Reason and Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul
"This lucid study takes up a topic dear to my heart—the uses of fiction as a wisdom path—and traces essential principles from South Eastern and other traditions of wisdom and spirit appearing in Star Wars. The parallels mentioned by the author are evocative and even archetypal. The image of a path of spirituality emphasizing balance, experience, mindful action, and unity found in difference speaks strongly to our time of culture wars and increased questioning of traditional creeds."
—Craig Chalquist, PhD, author of Soulmapper
"Krista Noble's insightful presentation of the Star Wars trilogy highlights and magnifies the inherent nobility of this blockbuster film series, as she unearths and identifies age-old universal principles of life and living embedded in the story. Noble's book provides a happy hunting ground for exploring the profound truths of the world's cultural, spiritual, and religious traditions. A magnificent read!"
—Dr. Judy Booth, retired faculty member at Maharishi International University, continuing to serve in an advisory capacity
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to a geologist and paleontologist about their recent field trip to Disneyland! Garrett Vice recently led field trips into Disneyland during a scientific conference in Anaheim. So nerdy, right?! He and other geologist and paleontologists scoped out the features of Galaxy's Edge, along with other areas like Big Thunder Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Matterhorn. Give it a listen and, like us, you'll see the parks in a brand new light next time you visit, no matter how many times you've been before! What a gift!
Show Links: Check out Garrett's YouTube Channel Earth and Time!
He's also on Instagram!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
Dr. Samantha Porter joins us to chat about her work using lasers and other technology to map archaeological sites without disturbing them. We delves into the historical significance of the ruins of Yavin and whether it's ethical for the Rebellion to hide out there. And of course we cover Star Wars's favorite archaeologist - Dr. Aphra! We even get a little bit into ancient alien conspiracies.
Show Links: Check out Samantha's website and follow her on Instagram!
Check out Samantha showing off her LIDAR on the show Mission Unstoppable!
Read the paper Samantha mentioned, "Body Ritual Among the Nacirema"
And also check out the Mayan archaeology content creators Samantha mentioned in the show.
Stephan Milo (YouTube)
Miniminuteman (YouTube, TikTok)
Flint Dibble (YouTube, Twitter)
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Instagram or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
Enjoy this recording of our LA Comic Con panel about the 25th anniversary of Galaxy Quest! This bonus episide is also available on YouTube with images from the slideshow!
Panel description: Let's celebrate 25 years of Galaxy Quest with behind the scenes stories from creatives who worked on the movie, including ILM model maker Fon Davis. He'll be joined by fans who were inspired by Galaxy Quest in their own creative work, including Erin Macdonald, the science advisor for the current Star Trek shows, and Jack Bennett, the director of “Never Surrender,” a documentary about making the movie. Moderated by science writer Melissa T. Miller. By Grabthar’s Hammer, what a panel!
Stan Winston Studio Galaxy Quest "Making of Images" courtesy of the Stan Winston Studio Archives Learn to create your own alien makeups, costumes, and puppets with Hollywood's master FX artists at Stan Winston School of Character Arts: www.stanwinstonschool.com
Enjoy this recording of our LA Comic Con panel about Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas! This bonus episide is also available on YouTube with images from the slideshow including storyboard art and behind the scenes photos!
Panel description: As we kick off spooky season, let’s celebrate the 15th anniversary of Coraline and the 30th anniversary of The Nightmare Before Christmas with some of the creatives who brought these movie masterpieces to life. Fon Davis (set builder, assistant art director), Kirk Scott (production assistant, stage manager), and Jorgen Klubien (storyboard artist) share their favorite stories and photos from the production of both films and answer all your questions.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk about all things Acolyte at Los Angeles Comic Con! We headed to LA Comic Con and talked about The Acolyte! Ecologist Sawyer Markham weighed in on all the critters! Planetary scientist Michaela Leung tells us about Brendok, Khofar, and that unknown planet! Dr. Drea Letamendi delves into the psychology! And James makes sure we're all up on the Star Wars lore (and there's a lot!). Thanks to all who came out to see us in person and to LACC for having us.
Show Links: Follow Sawyer on TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter.
Follow Dr. Drea and her podcast The Arkham Sessions.
You can pre-order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk space travel with a NASA project support specialist! At San Diego Comic-Con, James struck up a conversation with Johnathan Brendle at the NASA exhibit booth and he agreed to come on the podcast! We cover tons of space travel questions, including: What are hyperspace tunnels (purgill holes maybe?)? Do you need headlights in space? Is the Death Star basically a microwave?
Show Links: Follow Johnny on TikTok and Instagram!
Learn more about NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and some of the projects Johnny mentioned, like the Solar Dynamics Observatory, Solar System Exploration.
If you're interested in working at NASA, check out their internship and fellowship programs, or search USA Jobs for positions at NASA.
You can pre-order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we take the show on the road to the local science center's dome theater to talk about the science of Episode I. The panel includes neuroscientist Ashley Juavinett, cell biologist Claire Meaders, paleontologist Gabriel-Philip Santos, and engineer Mike Tolley. We chat midi-chlorians (of course) and whether they've got a mind of their own. Does Jar Jar have a brain? Is Magneto a Jedi? Plus some wacky real science like arming cockroaches with canons and testing telepathy.
Show Links: Watch the Ted Talk about brain to brain communications here. Read more about the Brain Gate project that turns thoughts into verbal communication.
Follow the Fleet Science Center on Instagram and YouTube. And check out their After Dark events!
Follow Ashley on Twitter and Instagram!
Follow Gabriel on Instagram and Cosplay for Science on Instagram! You can also watch him on PBS Eons on YouTube and TikTok! And check out Cosplay for Science’s first publication about how science communication at comic conventions.
Follow Mike on Twitter and check out his lab's website! Or check out the art exhibit Mike's lab assisted with at the Beall Center for Art + Technology.
Follow Claire on Twitter!
You can pre-order James's crossword puzzle book now!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we're joined by Sawyer Markham to talk about urban ecology! Known as @Sawyeurism online, our expert this month breaks down her love of delving into the science of Star Wars, just like hosts James and Melissa. Sawyer talks the effects of urbanization and climate change on reptiles and amphibians and also shares some of her science education fun facts, like the Hutts having pouches like marsupials and why the son of Hera and Kanan has green hair. Above all, we learn that life finds a way!
Show Links: Follow Sawyer as @sawyeurism on all platforms, including TikTok and Twitter, and check out the Yep Sesh podcast!
Here's her TikTok explanations of Jabba the Hutt's anatomy and why Jacen Syndulla has green hair.
Read Sawyer's article about the biology of Fallout! And her scientific paper about hot lizards!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we're joined by Gabriel-Philip Santos to talk about marine biology! Star Warsologies dives deep into the marine biology of Star Wars. Think water planets like Mon Cala and Kamino. As Qui-Gon says, there's always a bigger fish! We answer such pressing questions as: Are those thicc thala-sirens evolutionarily viable? Are we all evolving into crabs? We did talk for a long time and yes, I did edit out some of Gabe's negative comments about porgs!
Show Links: Follow Gabriel on Instagram and follow PBS Eons on YouTube and TikTok!
Follow Cosplay for Science on Instagram!
Listen to Gabriel as part of episode 22, our "Science of Jurassic World" panel at SDCC 2022!
Check out the short documentary-style video Melissa created about ocean creatures in Star Wars!
We've previously interviewed Star Wars creature designers Jake Lunt Davies (twice!) and Terryl Whitlatch!
Learn more about life evolving into crabs in this PBS Eons video.
Learn more about Gabriel's cool walrus in this article, or read the scientific paper!
Check out Cosplay for Science's first publication about how science communication at comic conventions.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we're joined by the curator of the San Diego Automotive Museum and chat about ships, speeders, and other vehicles in Star Wars! What does the state of the Millennium Falcon say about Han Solo, especially since we know it was much nicer when Lando owned it? Why is it important that the Imperial and Rebel are so distinct from each other? Maria Romano de León answers these questions and shares insights about vehicles and culture throughout Star Wars, including a way to think about those shiny speeder bikes in Book of Boba Fett that annoyed so many fans. What's your favorite ship or speeder - and what does that say about you?
Show Links: Listen to Maria's episode of The Facts & The Furious podcast!
Check out the San Diego Automotive Museum's website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Here's videos of the Naboo starfighter repair scene and speeder bike chase scene we mention in the episode, for those who haven't seen Book of Boba Fett!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we hear from an ornithologist about birds in Star Wars, along with invasive species and extinction events! Justin Hite joins us for this episode to chat about his career studying birds and the environmental chaos they put up with. We get into whether Rey was exposed to harmful chemicals during her years salvaging parts from downed Star Destroyers and of course all the devastation the Death Star wreaks. We also cover more cheerful topics like birds being tiny dinosaurs and . Being a group of 80s kids, we also talk about how great the show Ewoks is!
Show Links: Check out the Birds Not Mosquitoes website and Instagram to learn more about the project Justin works on.
You can read the fictional account of a wildlife ranger in the Outer Rim that Melissa wrote while watching The Mandalorian. And the opinion piece she wrote for Nerdist about the killings in that show.
And to learn more about how porgs are like puffins, check Melissa's my Insider article where I interviewed a puffin scientist and the concept artist that created porgs.
Check out ebird.org for bird species to see wherever you live or are traveling.
Check out Justin's Instagram feed, scroll back for more birds!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we learn the difference between empathy, compassion, and sympathy and how each is represented in Star Wars! Professor Maureen Day shares her insights with James and Melissa about virtue ethics and vices, and their roles in our galaxy and in Star Wars. Can we forgive the atrocities of Vader and Kylo Ren knowing their backstory of complicated young me? What makes the Sith a good example of empathy? What's the best redemption arc in Star Wars? There's more questions than answers in this episode, but we hope you enjoy pondering these topics for yourself!
Show Links: A reading list from our expert, Maureen Day!
- Richard M. Gula, Reason Informed by Faith
- Richard M. Gula, The Call to Holiness
- Christian Smith, To Flourish or Destruct: A Personalist Theory of Human Goods, Motivation, Failure, and Evil
Check out Maureen's website for more about her research, books, and appearances!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, conflict resolution experts weigh in on the wars, negotiations, and other conflicts in Star Wars! Jen Reynolds and Noam Ebner authored the book "Star Wars and Conflict Resolution: There Are Alternatives To Fighting" and speak with us about the lessons we can learn from Padme, Obi-Wan, and other characters who fight the good fight. From everything from hiring the Millennium Falcon to galactic wars, negotiations occur throughout the saga and mirror the real world in many ways. Apparently there's four ways people typically react to conflict: avoidance, cooperation, competitiveness, and yielding. Which type are you? Which type are your favorite Star Wars characters?
Show Links: Buy "Star Wars and Conflict Resolution" on Jen and Noam's website and stay updated about the second book and other offerings.
Follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
In this episode of Star Warsologies, an anatomy professor weighs in on the importance of designing aliens that make sense! Dr. Elizabeth Rega is an anatomy professor who consults on movies and video games to help creators add an element of realism to their projects. She worked on Mulan, The Emperor's New Groove, and even the Madden series. Melissa and James ask Elizabeth to speculate wildly about what we can tell about some of our favorite aliens based on the traits they share with humans. Is Klaud related to axolotls? Do Gungans breathe through their butts? What does Yoda look like under his Jedi robes? Fun questions for our anatomy expert!
Show Links: Read Stephen Jay Gould's paper about the evolution of Mickey Mouse. Check out the Max Rebo maquette showing off his two limbs. Listen to episode 46 where Elizabeth joined our LA Comic Con panel of science advisors. Check out Elizabeth's paper about a new species of sloth.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, or join our Facebook fan group!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
It's the finale! Lisa and Melissa chat about the physics of the final franchise installment (for now). They're joined by Dr. Erin Macdonald, the science advisor for all the current Star Trek shows. Together, they answer important questions like, is a dam just a vertical road? Do bad guys make good shock absorbers in plummeting elevators? Just how much therapy has Jakob had since the last movie? Is Little B destined for a Nobel Prize in Physics? Will anything come of Little Nobody swiping right on Han's dating profile?
We hope you had as much fun listening to these bonus episodes as we had making them! We'll return once there's a new F&F movie out!
Follow Erin on Instagram and subscribe to her YouTube channel!
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
Listen to episode 10 here
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever!
Subscribe so you won't miss our return once the next movie comes out!
Faaaaaaaacts in Spaaaaaace! Melissa and Lisa welcome NASA JPL systems engineer Bobak Ferdowsi (aka the Mohawk Guy!) to chat about the pros and cons of launching a Pontiac Fiero into space. But that's not the only physics nonsense in this movie - there's also magnets, mines, and more! As Bobak eloquently states, the science of Fast & Furious movies are like La Croix - there may not be any real science in the movie but it seems like the creators saw some science at one point or another.
Learn more about the NISAR program Bobak is working!
Follow NASA on Twitter and Instagram!
Bobak is also (sometimes) on Twitter and Instagram.
Learn more about the NASA internship program!
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
Listen to episode 9 here
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever!
Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
Does Brixton's heads-up display actually give him helpful information? Can you really hold a helicopter down with a tow truck? Our resident physicist Lisa weighs in on those questions and more. There's plenty of medical jargon in the spin-off movie Hobbs & Shaw, but it turns out the physics holds up for the most part! Melissa and Lisa also interview Joy Phillips and Parag Katira from San Diego State University about the virus, immunology, and biomedical devices that make up a huge part of the plot. Find out what's realistic and what's pure fantasy!
Check out Parag Katira's website and follow him on Twitter.
And contact Joy Phillips if you have more immunology questions!
And if you haven't recently watched Jason Statham dancing in a leopard print speedo while very oily, you should watch it here. Right now.
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
Listen to episode 8 here
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever!
Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
Melissa moderates this panel of scientists who consult on everything from books and video games to the MCU and Disney animation! Panelists include paleontologist Stuart Sumida (How To Train Your Dragon, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom), registered nurse Toby Wareham (9-1-1: Lone Star, How To Get Away With Murder), physicist Clifford Johnson (Avengers: Infinity War, Paper Girls), biologist Elizabeth Rega (Strange World, The Lion King), and stem cell scientist Ron Coleman (Joe Ledger book series).Thanks to all those who came out!
Show Links * Follow Clifford Johnson on Instagram * Follow Stuart Sumida on Twitter * Listen to Elizabeth Rega and Stuart Sumida talk the science of Disney's Strange World on NPR's podcast Short Wave * Read Cave 13 and The Werewolf's 15 Minutes to see characters based on Ronald Coleman! * Watch Code Black and 9-1-1: Lone Star to see Toby Wareham's work!
Here's the images Melissa and Stuart talked about! Images of Stitch courtesy of Walt Disney Feature Animations, credit: Alex Kuperschmidt. Photo credit of Darwin Sumida: Stuart Sumida. Images courtesy of DreamWorks Feature Animation. More relevant screen shots and photos coming soon on YouTube! Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and Star Wars!
Melissa moderates this panel of Star Warsologies favorites! Sam Wynns and Gabe Santos share their critter knowledge when it comes to Loth cats and purgill! Lisa Will and Paul Wynns talk navigation from one galaxy to the next! And James brings us up to date with all the Star Wars lore sprinkled throughout the show. We had a great audience with tons of questions for us. Thanks to all those who came out!
Follow Dr. Lisa Will and the Fleet Science Center on Instagram
Follow Paul Wynns and Flex Air on Instagram
Follow Gabe Santos and Cosplay for Science on Instagram
Follow Sam Wynns and Cabrillo National Monument on Instagram
Check out the episode on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon)
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Melissa and Lisa talk about the (relatively) toned down physics nonsense in the 8th installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, Fate of the Furious. Lisa and Melissa are also joined by Bea Gandica, a computer scientist, to talk about all the hacking, ghost flights, and of course Cipher and the Gods Eye. Listen in to answers to important questions like: What does hacking look like in real life? Did Tej go to a coding boot camp at some point? Was the wrecking ball a good idea?
Learn more about the free workshops on coding and cybersecurity from the Nuevo Foundation
Follow Bea Gandica and Nuevo Foundation on Instagram
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
Listen to episode 7 here
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever!
Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
Melissa and Lisa break down the physics nonsense in Furious 7. Can you jump between skyscrapers in a car? What happens when you drop cars out of an airplane with only a parachute? Clinical psychologist Dr. Drea Letamendi joins for a discussion about grief and forgiveness. How important is found family? Should Dom be in therapy? How does Brian's ending help us process Paul Walker's death?
Check out Dr. Drea's website! Follow her on Instagram!
And listen to her podcast The Arkham Sessions.
Read the psychological profiles Drea writes for Fandom
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
Listen to episode 6 here
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever!
Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
James and Melissa chat about the megafauna of The Mandalorian with Dr. Stuart Sumida. Stuart is a paleontologist, a teacher, and a science consultant for movies, TV shows, and video games. He answers questions for us, including: Do mythosaurs use echolocation? How many Mandalorians would those raptor babies be able to eat in one sitting? Would riding on a horse-wolf actually be comfortable?
- Follow Stuart on Twitter!
- Hear Stuart's interview on NPR's Short Wave podcast
- Listen back to episode 22 when Stuart joined our Jurassic World panel at SDCC 2022
- Check out the nature documentaries we made for Star Wars Celebration 2022
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Fast & Furious 6 gives us perhaps the most physics-defying hijinks of the franchise. Dom's leap of faith, him taking a bullet, and that epically long runway - there's a lot to discuss. Melissa and Lisa also chat with locations scout Kerry Patten, who worked on the movie. Hear from her about the logistics of filming a car chase in the streets of (not actually) London.
Here's an article calculating just how long the runway would have to be. And writer Chris Morgan's response is fun too.
Kerry shared some great videos for people who want to learn more about location scouting and management.
More about location scouting and tech scouting.
Insights from location scout Roger Deakins.
A cinematographer's guide to location scouting.
Check out the Location Manager's Guild International website.
You can take a location management course at the National Film and Television School.
Search the database of international filming locations.
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
Listen to episode 5 here
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever!
Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
Let's look at the music of Star Wars! So much of what we associate with the galaxy far, far away is connected to the soundtracks composed by John Williams. We take a look at the diagetic music of the films, from the cantina band tracks to the celebratory songs by Ewoks and Gungans. We also examine the common musical themes that John Williams built into the audio DNA of the saga, as well as musical pieces that may have influenced Williams in his composition. Our guest expert is Dr. Jason Giachetti, who teaches music at the college and high school level. He has a doctorate in music education, with an emphasis on percussive instruments.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
To better understand the music, Dr. Giachetti prepared a presentation that showcases the musical notation in the score, and the YouTube version of this episode has his slides synched up to the podcast audio.
You can watch the original Jabba's Palace song on YouTube.
Watch the end of A New Hope without any music!
Here's Darth Vader's scene with a romantic song playing. Redouble our efforts indeed!
Check out the Hans Zimmer Master Class that Jason mentioned.
And here's the books he recommended:
The Film Music of John Williams by Emilion Audissino
Creative Strategies in Film Scoring by Ben Newhouse
Musical Composition: Craft and Art by Alan Belkin
Melissa and Lisa welcome two guest experts to cover Fast Five, the movie that really accelerates the franchise into greatness. Prison escapes, train heists, and a bank vault crashing through the streets of Rio make up the action, but the movie is also about family (of course) and reunites some of our favorite characters. A city planner and a visual effects artist who worked on Tokyo Drift join our podcast family in this high speed episode!
Here's a great behind the scenes video about the practical stunts in the bank vault sequence!
And where we got the math about whether Dom and Brian could really tow the vault!
Follow James Floyd on Twitter and Instagram.
And check out his Star Wars filming location tours, Galaxy Far, Far Away Journeys!
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever!
Listen to episode 4 here
Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
Melissa and Lisa discuss Fast & Furious, the fourth movie in the Fast saga. The car chases and stakes are finally high! Letty's (maybe) dead! Dom is bulletproof! Lots to discuss. Melissa and Lisa also welcome Dr. Jackson Vane to the show to discuss medical issues throughout the franchise, including the most important question - how are these characters even still alive??!
Check out Jackson's Hi Everybody! A Bad Medicine podcast including the episode about Hobbs & Shaw!
And follow Jackson's podcast on Twitter.
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever!
Listen to episode 3 here
Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
We chat blue food in Star Wars and here on Earth, where's it's not nearly as prevelant. Dr. Changqi Liu from San Diego State University shares his expertise about flowers, berries, and other foods. But does he know why blue raspberry flavoring exists? Cook up some blue noodles, pour yourself a glass of blue milk, and enjoy!
More about butterfly pea flower lemonade!
More about color-changing gin!
Find out more about Changqi's research!
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and Star Wars!
In this episode, Melissa and Lisa chat about Tokyo Drift and interview a stunt driver. Lisa explains the physics of drifting and Melissa posits whether the saga takes place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie may feel out of place, but all is forgiven because it introduces Han to the franchise.
Check out the Motion Picture Driving Clinic's website and on Instagram
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever!
Listen to episode 2 here
Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
Voice actor extraordinaire Vanessa Marshall joins us on this episode of Star Warsologies! She is the voice (and soul) of "space mom" Hera Syndulla from Star Wars: Rebels, among many other credits. We talk about the importance of found family, fandom, and Joseph Campbell's hero's journey template. Vanessa is such a force for good and we are so excited to geek out with her about Star Wars and tons of other topics. Enjoy!
Find Vanessa on Twitch, Instagram, and Twitter!
You can visit her at one of these upcoming convention appearances:
Fairfax Comic Con August 26-27, 2023 in Virginia
Superstar Comic Con September 23-24, 2023 in Savannah, GA
SPOOKALA October 6-8, 2023 in Tampa, FL
uWu Con October 27-29, 2023 in Mesa, AZ
Also, hear her voice as Wonder Woman in season 4 of Harley Quinn now streaming on HBO / MAX!
Here's the link to the Metal Gear Solid event Vanessa mentioned, with ongoing online content.
And you can even take an acting class from her on SkillsHub.
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and Star Wars!
No Dom, no problem! Lisa and Melissa dive into the physics of 2003's 2 Fast 2 Furious. Welcome Roman, welcome Tej. Don't let those pesky laws of gravity keep you down. Also weighing in is legal expert Stephen Lee, a former federal prosecutor. Hear what he has to say about Brian's terrible record as an undercover cop, can you earn a "clean record," and other ongoing leagal themes of the saga.
Check out Stephen's Substack for more of his legal analysis of pop culture, including Andor, The Flash, Glass Onion, and more! https://moderndetection.substack.com/
https://www.stephenleelaw.com/
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever!
Star Warsologies hosted "Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion", a panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023. The Star Wars series Andor speaks powerfully to today’s audience about fighting oppression. Examining the first season of the Disney+ series, we will explore the motivations and actions of Cassian Andor, Mon Mothma, Luthen Rael and other characters as they put it all on the line to resist and rebel against the Empire. What type of people are drawn to stand up to tyranny? How do individual dissenters start forming movements? When can you fight inside the system, and when do you have to fight from the outside? Why does this show resonate so well at this time? Panelists include Robert A. Dagnall (MA candidate in Rhetoric and Writing Studies / instructor, SDSU), J. Dianne Dotson (sci-fi and fantasy author, producer, science writer, biologist), Dr. Drea Letamendi (psychologist at UCLA, host of the Arkham Sessions podcast), Desmond Hassing (lecturer of American Indian Studies, SDSU), Jake Rowlett (PhD candidate, SDSU/UCSB). Moderated by James Floyd (STEAMpop Network, Star Warsologies podcast, Star Wars Insider contributor). Join us as we tackle the nature of the fight to restore freedom to the galaxy. Show notes for this episode are available on Skywalking Network:
It all begins with this episode of The Facts & The Furious covering the low stakes of the first movie, 2001's The Fast and the Furious. As Melissa and Lisa realize, very few laws of physics are broken but there's still find plenty to talk about. Our guest expert is Maria Romano de Leon, curator of the San Diego Automative Museum. Learn about NOS, car culture, and why a lack of traffic may be the most unrealistic thing that happens in this movie.
Follow Melissa @melissatruth
Follow Lisa @dustchick
Follow the San Diego Automotive Museum on Facebook and Instagram
The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts.
Here's another of our San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panels! The Science of Superpowers brought together amazing scientists to talk about how realistic superheroes and supervillains are and whether there's any version of their powers in real life.
Here's video from our panel, plus slides we presented in the room. Thanks to everyone who came out and asked questions. We're so glad you found us online too, we love bringing our convention content to everyone for free!
Panel Description:
Humans have been fascinated with the potential to gain superpowers for generations. Would a lab accident really transform your DNA? Is it possible to harness regenerative powers from the animal kingdom? Could a mutation make you telekinetic? Hear about the up-to-date science and technology bringing humanity closer to becoming superheroes (and potentially supervillains). Melissa T. Miller (STEAMpop Network, Star Warsologies) moderates a panel of experts that includes Lataisia Jones, Ph.D. (neuroscientist), Erika Anderson, M.S. (reliability engineer), Michelle Nolasco, Ph.D. (science communication consultant, SDSU), Ester Kwon, Ph.D. (nanoscale bioengineer, UCSD), Catherine Schrankel, Ph.D. (cell biologist, SDSU), and Beata Mierzwa, Ph.D. (molecular biologist and science artist, UCSD).
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and how they connect to Star Wars. Every episode, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller interview a guest about how their area of expetise intersects with the galaxy far, far away.
Star Warsologies hosted the "Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaelogy, History, and Punching Fascists" panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023. This podcast episode contains the audio of the panel, with the slideshow images from the PowerPoint presentation. Our panelists are Bailey Jorgensen (archaeologist, Alf Museum of Paleontology), Kara Vetter (senior director of cultural resources, Museum of Us), and Dr. Becca Peixotto (archaeologist and IF/THEN ambassador).
Panel description:
Indiana Jones is back for more fortune and glory, and the Indy films have shaped the public’s view of the world of archaeology and artifacts for more than 40 years. Now with the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, let’s examine the legacy of the man with the whip and the hat. What do the Indiana Jones films get right and wrong about real world archaeological adventures? Do the antiquities collected by Dr. Jones really belong in a museum - and does he? How do historical artifacts connect to modern politics? How has Indiana Jones impacted the archaeological field? Panelists include Dr. Becca Peixotto (archaeologist, IF/THEN Ambassador), Bailey Jorgensen (historical archaeologist; collections manager, Alf Museum of Paleontology), Kara Vetter (senior director of cultural resources, Museum of Us). Moderated by James Floyd (STEAMpop Network, Star Warsologies podcast, Star Wars Insider contributor). Join our panel of globe-trotting archaeologists, historians, and cultural resource experts in discussing the science and ethics of his adventures as we follow the trail of Indiana Jones around the 20th century world.
Star Warsologis is a podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and how they connect to Star Wars. Every episode, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller interview a guest about how their area of expetise intersects with the galaxy far, far away.
This episode, we're chatting with Gracie Ermi, and expert in machine learning. Are droids sentient? Is it ethical to wipe their memories and reprogram them? Other than the well-publicized art and writing controversies, what are some ways AI is already part of our lives? Are we close to a Star Wars level of robotic intelligence or an uprising? These are just some of the subject we cover in this episode.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos (coming soon)! Show Links Check see Gracie at the STEAM Fair at the Comic-Con Museum July 21-23
Follow her on Instagram and Twitter!
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Trailer for the new podcast The Facts & The Furious with Dr. Lisa Will and Melissa Miller. Two scientists break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Hear from a stunt driver, a medical doctor, a psychologist, a lawyer, and others fans who have something to say about how things would go down in real life. This deep dive is also a fun rewatch of all 11 Fast & Furious movies.
This episode, we're chatting with linguist David Peterson, who constructs languages for properties like Game of Thrones, Elemental, House of the Dragon, the MCU, and many more! He weighs in on Aurebesh as a written language, as well as Binary, Shyriiwook, Gungan, and other spoken languages. It's a fascinating conversation with someone who clearly loves talking about language. Enjoy!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and Star Wars!
Show Links Some images of the Super Bomber text David likes are here and here.
You can check out David's website and buy his book "The Art of Language Invention"
More information about constructed languages is available from conlang.org
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Star Warsologies hosted "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance" panel at Star Wars Celebration Europe in April 2023 in London. Because the panel audio ended up not recorded by accident, we invited the original panelists back to re-create the panel and add some new content, just for our listeners. Coming back we have Chris Kempshall, Rebecca Harrison, Oli Mould, and Jake Rowlett. Unfortunately panelist Prof. Manuel Barcia was unable to rejoin us. Moderated by James Floyd, one of the hosts of Star Warsologies.
Panel description:
Star Wars is full of conflict between good and evil, and the stories of the galaxy far, far away center on that fight against oppression. Using real world history of resistance and rebellions, we will examine the entire saga and the Andor series in particular to see how and why our heroes seek to stand against the Galactic Empire in their own ways. Our panelists include Chris Kempshall (author, The History and Politics of Star Wars: Death Stars and Democracy; co-author, Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy), Rebecca Harrison (author, BFI Classics: The Empire Strikes Back), Manuel Barcia, Oli Mould, and Jake Rowlett. Join host James Floyd (Star Wars Insider regular contributor, Star Warsologies podcast) in exploring the freedom fighters that helped topple the Empire.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Show notes page:
https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/new-podcast-star-warsologies-35-celebration-andor-the-empire-and-a-history-of-resistance/
Check out the YouTube version of the panel with relevant slides from the panel presentation:
https://youtu.be/YqvI3NETAD4
Here's another one of our panels from Star Wars Celebration! Melissa welcomes creatives who have worked on the movies and TV shows to share their insights and wonderful stories. Hear from Fon Davis (ILM model maker for the special editions, prequels, and The Mandalorian), Jake Lunt Davies (concept and creature designer from everything from The Force Awakens to Andor), Brian Herring (puppeteer for BB-8 and many other favorite characters), and Lee Towersey (droid wrangler at Pinewood Studios). Make sure to check out the images below and watch via YouTube to see all the amazing behind the scenes photos the panelists shared.
Check out the video version of this podcast!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Follow our panelists and their research on social media!
Fon Davis on Twitter and Instagram.
Brian Herring on Twitter.
Jake Lunt Davies on Twitter and Instagram.
Lee Towersey on Twitter.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
This episode is a recording of a panel at Star Wars Celebration, hosted by James Floyd. From sarlacc biology to the physics of lightsabers and the ecosystem of Endor, Return of the Jedi is full of connections to real world science. How might a Hutt evolve? What goes into making a Death Star superlaser? Why do the Ewoks worship C-3PO? Our all-star lineup brings together experts in all sorts of fields, from paleontology and physics to meteorology and history. Join host James Floyd (Star Wars Insider regular contributor, Star Warsologies podcast) in celebrating the 40th anniversary of ROTJ with a look into its science and technology. Thanks to everyone who came to the panel and especially those who asked such great questions!
Panelists include Karen Yu (optics and lasers), Manuel Barcia (history of empires), Heda Agić (paleobiology), Carsten Welsch (physics), and LeeAnn Allegretto (atmospheric science).
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon) Show Links Follow our panelists and their research on Twitter! Heda Agić, Manuel Barcia, Carsten Welsch, LeeAnn Allegretto, and Karen Yu.
The panel was highlighted in this story from the University of Liverpool!
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
This episode we talk to concept and creature artist Terryl Whitlatch about her amazing designs for creatures in the Star Wars Special Editions and Episode I. Are there reptomammals on Earth or did Terryl just invent that term? Why was the sando aqua monster her favorite creature to design? What's your favorite Star Wars critter?
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon) Show Links Follow Terryl Whitlatch on Instagram and Art Station! You can even take a class with her on Schoolism!
Get your own copy of The Wildlife of Star Wars: A Field Guide to see more of Terryl's designs.
Get your own copy of The Wildlife of Star Wars: A Field Guide to see more of Terryl's designs.
Or check out Terryl's other books
Animals Real and Imagined: The Fantasy of What Is and What Might Be
Principles of Creature Design: Creating Imaginary Animals
Science of Creature Design: Understanding Animal Anatomy
The Katurran Odyssey: An Epic Adventure of Courage, Discovery, and Hope
Hear more insights from Terryl on Melissa's 2020 ForceFest panel
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
This episode we talk about dancing and choreography in Star Wars with Nicholas Foote, a professional dancer. We chat Ewoks, Gungans, and Wookiees. Do Hutts have a mating dance? Do Bothans get the zoomies? And is the ballet in Revenge of the Sith really called Squid Lake?!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon) Show Links Follow Nicholas Foote on Twitter and Instagram!
Watch the barn dance scene from the movie Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Watch Gene Kelly talk about dance as an athletic pursuit.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
This episode we talk about reptiles and amphibians in Star Wars with Dr. Earyn McGee. There's plenty of examples on Tatooine and Dagobah to discuss and we learn more about Earyn's research here on Earth. As always, the best advice is...don't touch it and definitely don't lick it!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon) Show Links Follow Dr. Earyn McGee on Instagram and Twitter to play #FindThatLizard!
Learn more about reptiles and amphibians in California through californiaherps.com
Check out the Partners in Reptile and Amphibian Conservation website.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
This episode we look at the representation of Indigenous people in Star Wars. From the Tuskens to the Ewoks, there's examples in the original trilogy and that lore is still being expanded 45 years later in shows like The Book of Boba Fett. Cultural educator Jared Ten Brink joins us to share his connection to Star Wars and the positive and negative ways culture and colonization are depicted.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon) Show Links Reading list from Jared Ten Brink:
The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer
An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
Research articles by Megan Bang
Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto by Vine Delori, Jr.
Books by Eve Tuck
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
NASA climate scientist Dr. Kimberley Miner and her Star Wars-loving husband Walter Beckwith, a science writer at Science Magazine, chat with us about how the Empire affects the planets and environments in a galaxy far, far away. We tackle Bespin, Hoth, Dagobah, and other favorite locales.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon) Show Links Follow Dr. Kimberley Miner on Twitter.
Follow Walter Beckwith on Twitter.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
In the latest episode of Star Warsologies, Melissa joins the LA Comic Con panel "The Living Force: Evolution in the Star Wars Galaxy"! Gabe Santos of Cosplay for Science moderates this great panel about Star Wars. Panelists include Melissa Miller (Nerdist, Star Warsologies), Michaela , Phil , Rick O'Connor
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon) Panels at Los Angeles Comic Con Show Links Check out Cosplay for Science on Instagram and YouTube!
Learn more about the pop-up museum at LA Comic Con!
Follow moderator Gabe Santos and the Alf Museum!
Check out the GFFA Journeys Facebook group for Star Wars filming location travel!
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
In this latest episode of Star Warsologies, we talk about all molecular and cellular biology in Star Wars! Let's look at the DNA of Star Wars! You might not expect Star Wars to connect to the world of molecular and cellular biology (the field of biology looking at things at the cellular level and smaller), but it does in a few key ways: the genetic manipulation and cellular development that goes into making clones like Boba Fett as well as midichlorians and their real-life inspiration, mitochondria. We examine the microscopic world of living cells in the galaxy far, far away with our guest expert Karim Si-Tayeb, PhD, in the field of genetic reprogramming and stem cells, and owner of Librairie Ludique Portails, a store specializing in sci-fi and fantasy books, comics, and games, in Nantes, France.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Dr. Karim Si-Tayeb in the molecular and cellular biology laboratory.
Inside Librairie Ludique Portails, the book and game store owned and managed by Karim Si-Tayeb in Nantes, France
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! Show Links * Karim Si-Tayeb's store: Libraire Ludique Portails * Les Utopiales, international science-fiction convention in Nantes * The Body on a Chip, a Utopiales 2018 panel on organoids, with Karim Si-Tayeb and Jim C. Hines (in French) * Article about Karim Si-Tayeb's post-doctoral work at the Medical College of Wisconsin * Online course video: Karim Si-Tayeb explaining stem cell differentiation into liver cells (in French) * List of scientific articles by Karim Si-Tayeb on PubMed * Karim Si-Tayeb on Twitter
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
In this latest episode of Star Warsologies, we talk about all adoption in Star Wars! From the Skywalker twins going to separate homes as children, to Mandalorian Din Djarin taking on baby Grogu as a foundling, Star Wars is full of adoption tales and styles. In honor of November being National Adoption Awareness Month, we examine the world of adoption and family in the galaxy far, far away. Our guest expert Carrie Goldman, author of the award-winning blog "Portrait of an Adoption" and the Jazzy's Quest books, chats with us about how adoption plays a pivotal role in Star Wars and family dynamics.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Carrie Goldman shows off her books at San Diego Comic-Con
Carrie Goldman and her adopted daughter showing off their homemade R2-D2 cake.
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! https://youtu.be/Riz77Tk1mhM Show Links * Carrie Goldman's website * Her books: + BULLIED: What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs To Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear + Jazzy's Quest: Adopted and Amazing + Jazzy's Quest: What Matters Most + Jazzy's Quest: Camp to Belong
- National Adoption Awareness Month
- Follow Carrie Goldman @CarrieMGoldman on Twitter!
- Portrait of an Adoption Facebook page
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
In the latest episode of Star Warsologies we talk about the holograms in Star Wars! From Leia's iconic plea to Darth Vader Force-choking someone over Zoom, our guest expert Thomas Conner breaks down what's a hologram and what we just call holograms. And how Star Wars really changed the game in 1977.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Show Links More info about Thomas Conner's Comic-Con panel here.
Learn more about PROTO Hologram's cool booths and check out the company's website.
Here's an explainer and example of Pepper's Ghost
https://youtu.be/KF1S3M3PZi0 Someone made a mashup of the (NSFW) Tupac hologram and Star Wars. And here's more information about how that was done.
Follow Thomas Conner @thesonginmyhead on Twitter! And check out his website.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
In the latest episode of Star Warsologies we team up with the hosts of "Hi Everbody! A Bad Medicine Podcast" Guests Dr. Jackson Vane and Johnny Kolasinksi join us to talk bacta tanks, lightsaber wounds, and why Darth Vader is taller than Anakin Skywalker.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube! Show Links Here's the marshmallow experiment we referenced in relation to what would happen to the human body in the vacuum of space.
https://youtu.be/DXQo2SAHpF8 Follow our guests online!
Bad Medicine podcast on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Dr. Jackson Vane on Twitter.
Johnny Kolasinski on Twitter.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
In the latest episode of Star Warsologies we team up with the hosts of "Hi Everbody! A Bad Medicine Podcast" Guests Dr. Jackson Vane and Johnny Kolasinksi join us to talk bacta tanks, lightsaber wounds, and why Darth Vader is taller than Anakin Skywalker.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube! Show Links Here's the marshmallow experiment we referenced in relation to what would happen to the human body in the vacuum of space.
https://youtu.be/DXQo2SAHpF8 Follow our guests online!
Bad Medicine podcast on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram!
Dr. Jackson Vane on Twitter.
Johnny Kolasinski on Twitter.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Presenting "The Science of Jurassic World" This episode of Star Warsologies is one of our panels from San Diego Comic-Con 2022! Star Warsologies usually focuses on the galaxy far, far away, but for San Diego Comic-Con, we decided to branch out from a long time ago to 65 million years ago with this panel on the Jurassic Park and Jurassic World franchise, given that the final chapter, Jurassic World Dominion was released earlier this summer. Moderated by podcast host James Floyd, we brought out a group of scientists to talk about the science behind making dinosaurs and having them run amok in our world. Recorded at San Diego Comic-Con on July 22, 2022.
Panel description: The Science of Jurassic World - In the Jurassic World movies, the dinosaurs get from the island park to our cities and wilderness. We chat with scientists who are fans of the franchise to explore the real-world science of bringing dinosaurs back to life and letting them loose. We'll ask the big questions: What do the films get right and wrong about these extinct creatures? What are the technical challenges and ethical considerations of re-creating and genetically tinkering with different species? What is the impact of introducing megafauna into different environments? Once dinos are loose, what rights do they have to survive? Does life really find a way? Our team of scientists include paleontologist Stuart Sumida (technical consultant, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Camp Cretaceous), herpetologist Earyn McGee ("#FindThatLizard"), conservation biologist Sam Wynns, cell and developmental biologist Claire Meaders, paleontologist Gabriel Santos, and geneticist, ecologist, and sci-fi author J. Dianne Dotson (Questrison Saga). Moderated by James Floyd (podcast host, Star Warsologies, regular freelance contributor, Star Wars Insider magazine). July 22, 2022 - 6 pm to 7 pm, Marriott Marquis - Grand Ballroom 12 & 13
Note: Due to illness, Claire Meaders and J. Dianne Dotson were unable to attend the panel.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with the slides from "The Science of Jurassic World" panel PowerPoint presentation so you can see what we are talking about! Show Links Follow our panelists online!
Dr. Stuart Sumida on LinkedIn
Dr. Earyn McGee (@Afro_herper) on Twitter and Instagram. Website: earynmcgee.com. Use the hashtag for #FindThatLizard
Sam Wynns (@steambosssammie) on Instagram
Gabriel Santos (@PaleoParadoX) on Twitter and Instagram.
Dr. Claire Meaders on Twitter and Instagram.
J. Dianne Dotson (@jdiannedotson) on Twitter and Instagram.
IF/THEN Initiative (ifthenshecan.org) on Twitter and Instagram.
Cosplay for Science (cosplayforscience.com) on Twitter and Instagram.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
The latest episode of Star Warsologies is one of our panels from San Diego Comic-Con 2022! Presenting "The Mandalorian: Under the Helmet" We recorded this panel at San Diego Comic-Con on July 23, 2022. Moderated by host Melissa Miller, we brought out a group of experts to talk about where real-life jobs collide with our favorite Mandalorian's story.
Panel description: The Mandalorian is a complicated character—a loner who becomes a loving caretaker, a bounty hunter who learns compassion. Host Melissa Miller (Nerdist, Star Warsologies) talks with experts about the man behind the mask. Psychologist Dr. Drea Letamendi (Arkham Sessions, Mindfulness-Based Therapy Using Star Wars) shares insight into Mando’s changing loyalties. Real-life bounty hunter Matt Laird shares stories from on the job. Blacksmith and materials scientist Waltteri Vakki provides insight on the creation and significance of beskar arms and armor. Aerospace engineer and former Navy jet pilot Paul Wynns talks about piloting and maintenance of the Razor Crest and Naboo starfighter. And actor Chris Bartlett (The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett) ties it all together with his experience playing mercenaries, teachers, and bartenders in Star Wars.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with the slides from "The Mandalorian: Under the Helmet" panel PowerPoint presentation so you can see what we are talking about! Show Links Follow our panelists online!
Paul Wynns on Instagram @goflexair and @wynnterfel
Dr. Drea Letamendi on Twitter (@arkhamasylumdoc) and Instagram (@arkhamasylumdoc)
Chris Bartlett (@ChrisFBartlett) on Twitter and Instagram
Matt Laird on Facebook
Walterri Vakki at Escondido Blacksmith or via email Tombandyblacksmith@gmail.com
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
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The latest episode of Star Warsologies wraps up our interview with Don Bies, an actual Star Warsologist! Don Bies joined James and Melissa just after Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022 for an extensive chat about his time as an ILM model maker, Lucasfilm archivist, and all around Star Wars creative. In part 2, we get some great on-set stories covering Don's on-screen appearances, including the infamous Boba Fett scene from Return of the Jedi's Special Edition!
Listen to part one, which covered everything R2-D2 related.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Show Links Reserve tickets for Don's program at the Academy Museum. And you can buy Don Bies autographed goodies.
Don Bies on Instagram (@donbies)
Learn more about the Grant Imahara STEAM Foundation.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
The latest episode of Star Warsologies is part one of our interview with Don Bies, an actual Star Warsologist! Don Bies joined James and Melissa just after Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022 for an extensive chat about his time as an ILM model maker, Lucasfilm archivist, and all around Star Wars creative. Part one covers everything R2-D2 related. From operating the droid to character appearances, hear it straight from Don! R2 is his favorite character, and Melissa's too.
Part 2 is coming soon with more of this wonderful interview. Topics include Don's on-screen appearances, including the infamous Boba Fett scene from Return of the Jedi's Special Edition!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Show Links Reserve tickets for Don's program at the Academy Museum. And you can buy Don Bies autographed goodies.
Don Bies on Instagram (@donbies)
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
The latest episode of Star Warsologies is one of our panels from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022! Panel description: From clonetroopers to planetary rings to Anakin’s moral struggles, Attack of the Clones is full of connections to real world science. How might seismic charges work? Can you really accelerate clone growth? What would an ocean planet like Kamino be like? How healthy is Anakin and Padmé’s relationship? Our all-star lineup of experts include Fon Davis (prequel model maker, Fonco), Dr. Drea Letamendi (psychologist, Lattes with Leia podcast), Dr. Jim Lehane (geologist, Talkin' Tauntauns podcast), Dr. Lisa Will (astrophysicist), and J. Dianne Dotson (sci-fi author, science writer, and biologist). Join host James Floyd (Star Wars Insider regular contributor, Star Warsologies podcast) in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Episode II with a look into its science and technology.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Coming Soon to our YouTube channel! Show Links Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
The latest episode of Star Warsologies is one of our panels from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022! Videos of the wildlife documentaries are available on our YouTube channel!
From the desert of Tatooine to the abyss of Naboo, wildlife is everywhere in Star Wars. Creatures big and small capture our attention and leave us curious to know more. Science writer Melissa Miller (Nerdist, Star Wars Insider) brings together a panel of experts to speculate about everything from dianogas to porgs, womp rats to purgills, the Zillo beast to rathtars. Clips of these wonderful critters will be narrated in the style of a nature documentary and discussed by scientific experts including herpetologist Frank Santana (reptiles and amphibians), ophthalmologist Amit Patel (eye specialist), and paleoecologist Jim Lehane (prehistoric life). Conservation biologist Samantha Wynns will share how to help animals threatened by technology, invasive species, and even galactic war. Bring your questions and the panelists will discuss habits and lifestyles based on what we know about critters here on Earth.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Coming Soon to our YouTube channel! Show Links Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group!
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
It's the long-awaited economics episode of Star Warsologies on exploring the taxation of trade routes in outlying systems! This time we examine various aspects of economics in the galaxy far, far away with not one, but two economists, Alex Parret, PhD (econometrics), and Elizabeth Molly Maloney, PhD candidate (microeconomics and labor market discrimination). How does the galactic economy work? Can you hide the money trail on a project as big as the Death Star? Will Republic credits do fine in the Outer Rim or do you need a better currency? And the big question everyone is dying to know the answer to: can you explain the taxation of trade routes in outlying systems! Check out this episode on Star Wars & economics and find out!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic, scientific, or technological by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Show Links Discussed in the episode: "It's a Trap: The Emperor's Poison Pill" by Zachary Feinstein, a scholarly examination of the financial repercussions of the destruction of two Death Stars and the dissolution of the Empire. The Economics of Star Wars: How the Empire Collapses covers the basics of Feinstein's paper.
Discussed in the episode: Star Warsologies episode 8: Journalism
Website of Molly Maloney: www.elizabethmollymaloney.com/
Alex Parret on Twitter: @adparret
Molly Maloney on Twitter: @emmaloney314
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Please subscribe, like, and rate our show!
This episode of Star Warsologies explores faith, religion, and the Force This time we examine religious beliefs and practices in the galaxy far, far away with Fr. Andrew Kinstetter, a Roman Catholic priest in the diocese of Cheyenne, Wyoming. What is monasticism and how do the Jedi practice it? Why would the Ewoks worship C-3PO as a golden god? How does spirit of the law vs. letter of the law play out with Din Djarin's Children of the Watch sect? What's wrong with the Jedi Code? We also learn how Catholic priests have a master/apprentice connection! Check out this episode on Star Wars & religion and find out!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic, scientific, or technological by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! https://youtu.be/f2fXxT8rU5Y Show Links Fr. Andrew's podcast, The Secrets of Star Wars on SQPN
Fr. Andrew Kinstetter on Instagram: @fatherfett
Fr. Andrew Kinstetter on Twitter: @akinstetter
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Please subscribe, like, and rate our show!
This episode of Star Warsologies explores the world of conservation biology. Joining us in our discussion of wildlife conservation in the galaxy far, far away is Sam Wynns, a conservation biologist and science educator for Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego. In a huge galaxy, how would you select which places and species to protect? With all the interplanetary travel, are there any native species left? How do sarlaccs reproduce? Is there a real world explanation for why wampas and tauntauns are so large? We also learn why New Zealand is tops in protecting their unique habitats, and see who can make better tauntaun sounds! Check out this episode on Star Wars & conservation biology and find out!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic, scientific, or technological by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! https://youtu.be/M00tDZ-NzzA Show Links National Park Service: Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument website
2022 BioBlitz at Cabrillo National Monument
2022 EcoLogik Summer Day Camp at Cabrillo National Monument
Sam Wynns on Instagram: @steambosssammie
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Please subscribe, like, and rate our show!
The latest episode of Star Warsologies examines the "Wars" of "Star Wars" Andrew Liptak, historian, writer, and sci-fi geek chats with us about how real world military history connects with the galaxy far, far away. How did 20th century conflicts shape what we see in Star Wars (and how does Star Wars in turn affect 21st century military thought? Why is it important to humanize the clonetroopers (and to a lesser extent, battle droids?) We also examine the importance of leaders seeing the big picture and even how comfortable stormtrooper armor is when trooping with the 501st Legion! Check out this episode on Star Wars & military history and find out!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic, scientific, or technological by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! https://youtu.be/tjUGf6PEPBo Show Links Author Andrew Liptak's website
https://www.andrewliptak.com/
Transfer Orbit, his sci-fi newsletter
The subtle ways the War on Terror has crept into Halo, an article by Andrew Liptak
Andrew Liptak on Twitter: @andrewliptak
Andrew Liptak's upcoming book: Cosplay: A History
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on managing air (and space) traffic in Star Wars! Brendan Conboy, a designer of air traffic control systems, joins us for a discussion about how coordinating space traffic might work and not work in the galaxy far, far away. How do aircraft interact with the controllers at an airport? How did the shuttle Tydirium manage to land in the forest without the Empire noticing? What redundant systems might keep the system working even when Anakin clips the tower while crash landing on Coruscant? What is that lonely guy up in the little tower on Yaving IV really doing? We also talk about traffic management on Coruscant and even why air traffic control systems still look like they did in the 70s! Tune in to this episode on Star Wars air traffic control and find out!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic, scientific, or technological by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! https://youtu.be/NqN4SOcj3BM Show Links The Federal Aviation Administration's Collegiate Training Initiative for Air Traffic:
https://www.faa.gov/jobs/students/schools/
Video link: That One Rebel Guy You Briefly See On Yavin IV: A Star Wars Story
https://youtu.be/vVJbmQgt2kc Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter.
We have a special episode of Star Warsologies! This episode is our "Science of Star Wars" panel at San Diego Comic-Con: Special Edition, from November 27, 2021. Our "Science of Star Wars" panel at Comic-Con: Special Edition 2021 had several awesome guests! Fon Davis (creative director, Fonco Studios) shared behind-the-scenes knowledge from working on over 40 feature films, including the Star Wars prequels. Scientists included Lisa M. Will, PhD (astrophysics professor, San Diego City College), Frank Santana (herpetologist, San Diego Natural History Museum), Amit K. Patel, PhD (ophthalmologist, University of California San Diego), and Melissa Miller (science writer, Star Wars Insider magazine, Nerdist). The panel was moderated by James Floyd (freelance writer, Star Wars Insider and podcast host, Star Warsologies) and sponsored by the Fleet Science Center.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or watch on YouTube with the relevant slides from our panel and other photos! https://youtu.be/5mgN8Bg2Nks Show Links Our panelists and where to find them on social media:
- Fon Davis, Fonco Studios - @fonhdavis on Twitter and @fonhdavis on Instagram
- Lisa Will, PhD, astrophysics professor - @dustchick on Twitter. She was also a guest on Star Warsologies episode 9: Astronomy
- Frank Santana, herpetologist - @bobafrank on Instagram
- Amit K. Patel, PhD, ophthalmologist
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter.
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Interested in more Star Warsologies?
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on limb replacement and prosthetics in Star Wars! Dr. Gerald Stark, senior clinical specialist and prosthetician for Ottobock, joins us for a discussion about bionic limbs, exoskeletons, and other prosthetics and orthotics. How close are we to Luke's bionic hand in real life? How is the work of a prosthetician much more than just fitting a replacement body part? How do Paralympians go for designs that exceed human functionality? We also talk about General Grievous, clonetrooper Echo and even prosthetics for llamas and other animals! Tune in to this episode on Star Wars prosthetics and find out!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! https://youtu.be/QZJ_YpaE2vQ Show Links * Follow Dr. Stark on TikTok and check out Ottobock, where Dr. Stark works.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter.
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on astrophysics in Star Wars! Astrophysics professor Dr. Lisa Will joins us for a discussion about planets, moons, and asteroids. She breaks down just what the phrase "a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" actually means in terms of space and time as we know it. We also learn about real-life planets and moons with mono-climates, but there's still plenty that's fantasy! What would Lisa do if she had one fandom wish? Tune in to find out!
Lisa also joined us for our Comic Con @Home panel (episode 5), so definitely check that out too! She will join us again as we host an in-person panel at the upcoming Comic Con Special Edition.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Show Links Follow Lisa on Twitter and check out "The Sky Tonight" virtual planetarium shows she's hosted at the Fleet Science Center.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter.
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on recording history in Star Wars! Join us for a discussion with journalist and historian Chelsea Tatham Zukowski. Learn about the important role of journalism in a just society and how the Empire managed to erase the history of the Jedi. Chelsea talks about what beat she would like to work, and why Anakin would be on any good journalist's speed dial. In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Chelsea enjoyed reading the story of journalist Rhil Dairo. Chelsea on a visit to Galaxy's Edge. Show Links Follow Chelsea on Twitter and Instagram and check out her writing projects on her website.
And check out this fan film on The Skywalking Network about what news might look like in Star Wars! TPZ - A Star Wars Fan Film for fuzzballs who want to laugh it up. TMZ in the Star Wars Universe!
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter.
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on alcohol and brewing in Star Wars! Join us for a discussion with Reed Miller about brewing, fermentation, and distilling. What we see in cantinas and casinos isn't the full story.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Listen to Star Warsologies 6: Brewing Show Links Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter.
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on psychology in Star Wars! Join us for a discussion with Dr. Drea Letamendi about the psychology of our favorite characters in Star Wars. How is The Mandalorian coping with the knowledge that he was raised in a cult? How does Leia handle her grief? And why is Kylo Ren so emo? Drea's thoughts on pop culture characters is endless and insightful.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
BB-8 made a special appearance at Drea's wedding! Listen to Star Warsologies 6: Psychology Coming Soon to YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! Show Links Check out Dr. Drea Letamendi's website and follow her on Instagram @arkhamasylumdoc!
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter.
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
A special bonus episode of Star Warsologies is up! Star Warsologies comes to Comic Con At Home 2021! Thanks to The Fleet Science Center in San Diego for hosting this great panel, The Science of Star Wars. James and Melissa moderate a panel of three scientists (geologist, biologist, and astronomer, oh my!) plus a concept designer who has worked on all five of the recent Star Wars films! Come for the insights into the salt flats of Crait, the mysteries of Kessel, and the scientific method itself, stay for the porg recipes and a discussion of the morality of eating sentient creatures. Concept art by Jake Lunt Davies for Star Wars: The Last Jedi Concept art by Jake Lunt Davies for Star Wars: The Force Awakens Check out the YouTube version of this episode for more amazing concept art from Jake Lunt Davies, some of which is making its public debut! You can also view the Comic-Con@Home Panel here.
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Listen to Star Warsologies 5: Comic Con At Home, The Science of Star Wars Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! https://youtu.be/nw5_fttq-Wc Show Links Follow our experts on social media!
Jake Lunt Davies on Twitter and Instagram.
Angela Zoumplis on Twitter and Instagram.
Lisa Will on Twitter.
Jim Lehane on Twitter and Instagram.
The Fleet Science Center is on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter.
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
The latest episode of Star Warsologies is up! Electrical engineer Justin Gagne joins us to chat about designing technology to go into space. What starts as a discussion of real-life ion engines also covers radiation exposure, landing telemetry, and even quantum entanglement. Justin worked on the Mars helicopter Ingenuity and does a great job helping all us non-physicists and engineers understand these concepts. More info about ion engines and small satellites.
More info about how Perseverance landed on Mars.
More info about space radiation.
Check out the YouTube version of this episode for more graphics.
Curiosity Rover, launched in 2011. In contrast to this older technology, only 1/10,000th of the launch weight for Perseverance was science equipment. The Perseverance Rover landed on Mars using new telemetry technology, as described by Justin Gagne in this episode In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Listen to Star Warsologies 4: Engineering for Space Travel Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! Show Links Follow the NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars, on Twitter at @NASAPerseverance and the helicopter using #MarsHelicopter.
Got follow up questions for Justin or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
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Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Polar biologist Angela Zoumplis joins us for an episode all about life at the extremes. What do tauntauns eat to maintain their large size? How is life adapted to the heat of Mustafar? And how does that space slug survive in an asteroid when ships aren't flying right down its throat? It turns out there are similarities to bacterial life here on Earth in each of these cases. Our guest astrobiologist is an expert and a huge Star Wars fan so we geek out about these topics and more!
In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars!
Purrgils in Star Wars: Rebels Angela Zoumplis in the dry valleys of Antarctica. Listen to Star Warsologies 3: Life at the Extremes Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0awxZjBiAII Show Links Follow our guest expert, Angela Zoumplis, on Twitter at @angelazoumplis and Instagram @angelazoumplis.
Got follow up questions for Angela or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
It's the second episode of Star Warsologies! In the NEW podcast Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. The newest addition to the Skywalking Network brings you a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars.
For our second episode, we are off to Dagobah with restorative ecologist Traci Degerman, who has worked for the US Forest Service and National Park Service at Mount Ranier National Park! We discuss the circle of life on a wetlands world and speculate how Luke avoided pathogens when he jumped into the swamp. What's the real reason Yoda chose to live on Dagobah? What makes a wetlands environment work? Are they trees or really giant spiders? We answer these questions and more with our expert guest ecologist!
Traci Degerman in the field Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0awxZjBiAII Show Links Follow our guest expert, Traci Degerman, on Twitter at @starwarsbrat and @tracidegerman.
Got follow up questions for Traci or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Welcome to the debut episode of Star Warsologies! Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. The newest addition to the Skywalking Network brings you a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars.
Up first, an interview with geologist and paleontologist Dr. Jim Lehane focusing on Tatooine. Did you know the Krayt dragon skeleton in A New Hope is a cast of a real dinosaur? Or that the landscapes shown in the podrace scene of The Phantom Menace prove that Tatooine once had water? Neither did we!
Jim also had us on his podcast Talkin Tauntauns, listen to episode 62 where we geek out about science and Star Wars together!
Follow Jim on Twitter and check out his writing and other podcasts, including Drunk on Geology.
Got follow up questions for Jim or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com
Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and Spotify.
Follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
Star Warsologies is a Podcast about Science and Star Wars! From archeology to zoology, real-world science is everywhere in Star Wars! Every episode of Star Warsologies will include an interview with an expert discussing how Star Wars relates to their field of study.
Explore the many ways science is represented in a galaxy far, far away with hosts Melissa Miller and James Floyd, both freelance writers for Star Wars Insider magazine.
Coming to you monthly on the Skywalking Network.
- Our social media links: https://twitter.com/StarWarsologies https://www.instagram.com/starwarsologies/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO8bJZorWRklcTgjiDNElYg