Calling all Jedi: this is the Scarlet Skull! Join us for our discussion on the latest High Republic middle-grade novel "Escape from Valo" by Daniel José Older and Alyssa Wong. We dive into this journey full of grief, fear, attachment, and compassion by looking through the eyes of Ram Jomaram and the three Jedi Padawans that he takes under his wing. Independent Bookstore of the Week: Violet Valley Bookstore (Water Valley, MS) Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Linktree: https://linktr.ee/friendsoftheforce Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Ruth, Travis, Topher, and Tom. #StarWars #TheHighRepublic #EscapeFromValo

In this week's coverage of The Bad Batch, we're discussing the long-awaited return of Asajj Ventress, local Florida Men (aka Wrecker and Hunter), and a stressful two-parter on both Mount Tantiss and Pabu! Spoilers ahead for episodes 308-311. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Linktree: https://linktr.ee/friendsoftheforce Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Ruth, Travis, Topher, and Tom. #StarWars #TheBadBatch

⁠Alyssa Wong⁠ joins the podcast to discuss their debut High Republic novel ESCAPE FROM VALO, which is a wildly fun and heartfelt middle-grade story alongside Daniel José Older. Spoiler warning: we talk about key plot points from the entirety of the book. We definitely recommend reading Alyssa's award-winning short-fiction story 'Hungry Daughters of Starving Mothers' ⁠here⁠. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Linktree: https://linktr.ee/friendsoftheforce Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Ruth, Travis, Topher, and Tom. #StarWars #EscapeFromValo #TheHighRepublic

This is about power, and who's allowed to use it. The first official trailer for THE ACOLYTE has finally arrived and we're foaming at the mouth! We're picking apart every detail one could find in two minutes of footage and what we know about the characters thus far. We also highlight some of the brilliant Leslye Headland quotes making the rounds about power, institutions, and emotional catharsis. Sources include Star Wars.com, Collider, and The Hollywood Reporter. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Linktree: https://linktr.ee/friendsoftheforce Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Ruth, Travis, Topher, and Tom. #StarWars #TheAcolyte #TheHighRepublic

We continue our coverage of The Bad Batch season three with episodes four through seven including an action-packed two-parter! We talk about emotional reunions, clone rebellion and identity, and more proof that Tech lives! Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Linktree: https://linktr.ee/friendsoftheforce Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Ruth, Travis, Topher, and Tom. #StarWars #TheBadBatch

The Bad Batch returns for their final ride in the third and final season! We're discussing the three-part premiere with friend of the show Mollie (@DarthMaullie) as we unpack the secrets of Project Necromancer, speculate about the Batch's endgame, yell over this arc's thrilling conclusion, and more. Check out Mollie's Etsy store here, which includes the coveted Cute Gunray pin. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Linktree: https://linktr.ee/friendsoftheforce Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Ruth, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #TheBadBatch

We welcome digital illustrator Ella (@cherriielle) whose dream of creating official High Republic artwork is now *bangs the Daniel José Older gavel* CANON! After manifesting it two years ago, Ella finally had the opportunity to create a variant cover for "The High Republic Adventures" issue no. 3 featuring Zeen Mrala, Svi'no Atchapat, and Sian Holt. Ella shares why her Star Wars journey began with an Instagram follow, how she got comfortable with her art style, why she loves the High Republic, and more! Check out some of Ella's amazing stickers at her Etsy store here. To see more of her artwork, you can also visit her website: https://cherriielle.com/ Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Linktree: https://linktr.ee/friendsoftheforce Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Ruth, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #TheHighRepublic

It's a High Republic party and everyone, and we mean everyone, is invited! This week, we're talking with authors Amy Richau and Megan Crouse about their work on "The High Republic Character Encylopedia" from DK Publishing. We reflect on the High Republic's three-year anniversary, why this era is special to so many fans, and what went into researching this book — and yes, there's even a tiny bit of #EggTalk in here. Thank you DK Publishing for providing us with a review copy and organizing this interview! Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Linktree: https://linktr.ee/friendsoftheforce Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Ruth, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #TheHighRepublic #StarWarsBooks

In celebration of the four-year anniversary of the STAR WARS RESISTANCE series finale, we're joined by the duo of Chris "Doc" Wyatt and Kevin Burke, who co-wrote five episodes across both seasons. They discuss their time in the writer's room at Skywalker Ranch with Dave Filoni, the show's depiction of fascism and how it resonates with the 'Andor' series, and much more! Note: this episode was recorded during the 2023 WGA strike and several days prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike. In solidarity with the actors and writers, we decided to not host #RememberingResistance Day in August, when this episode would have been released. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Linktree: https://linktr.ee/friendsoftheforce Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Ruth, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #StarWarsResistance #StarWarsPodcast

Travel with us to a galaxy far, far away as we embark on the journey of a lifetime! Comic writer Tommy Stella joins us to see who can build the best Star Tours adventure. In this friendly competition, we select a pilot, dive deep into the lore of our rides, and choose six destinations among the following categories: the High Republic; the prequel, original trilogy, and sequel eras; live-action and animated television; and a special "wild card" selection. Visit the Rad as Heck website here. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/friendsoftheforce.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #StarTours #StarWarsPodcast

Lucasfilm junior creative executive Emily Shkoukani joins us to talk about their work on "DAWN OF REBELLION," the latest Star Wars visual guide they co-authored alongside Pablo Hidalgo that covers the 19 years following Revenge of the Sith. Thank you to DK Publishing for the review copy! Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/friendsoftheforce.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #DawnofRebellion #StarWarsBooks

It's the beginning of the end as we take our first steps into The High Republic Phase 3 with "The Eye of Darkness" by George Mann. We discuss the identity crises weighing down on Elzar Mann and Avar Kriss, the game of chess between the Republic and the Nihil, hope surviving in the darkest of times, why turning fear into strength is the key to the Nameless problem, and more. Independent Bookstore of the Week: The Bookshop (Nashville, TN) Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/friendsoftheforce.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #TheHighRepublic #TheEyeOfDarkness

Star Wars author George Mann joined us on Life Day to celebrate the release of his newest book "The Eye of Darkness," which kicks off The High Republic Phase 3 one year after the events of Phase 1. We discuss Avar Kriss and the weight of expectations, Marchion Ro's methods and motivations, Elzar Mann reeling from the loss of Stellan, and more. Plus, we get a very small tease of George's next book "Tears of the Nameless." Spoiler Warning: spoiler talk begins around the 23:00 mark. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/friendsoftheforce.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #TheHighRepublic #TheEyeofDarkness

We are so back baby! With the launch of The High Republic Phase 3: Trials of the Jedi, we're previewing what's to come for our heroes as we reunite with them one year after the fall of Starlight Beacon. What exactly are the "trials" of the Jedi? Is confronting fear the destiny of a Jedi? How exactly do we solve the Nameless problem? We're exploring all of these ideas and so much more as we try to define the Jedi's role in the galaxy. Plus, we recap some (old) NYCC news and discuss several key takeaways from "SHADOWS OF STARLIGHT" issue one. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/friendsoftheforce.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #TheHighRepublic #TrialsoftheJedi #StarWarsBooks

Adam Lance Garcia joins the podcast to reunite us with the beloved Dexter Jettster in his short story "The Veteran" — featured in 'From A Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi.' We discuss Dex's appearances across multiple eras, the guilt he carries from one Kamino saberdart, and the Empire's end reigniting hope for a brighter future. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/friendsoftheforce.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Series artwork by Kara DJ: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/intoalargerworldbykara/ Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #ReturnoftheJedi #AttackoftheClones

We're diving into "Tales of Light and Life," the newest short-story anthology spanning all three phases of the High Republic, to discuss where our characters have been, where they may be going, and the aftermath of Starlight Beacon's fall. Independent Bookstore of the Week: Joseph-Beth Booksellers (Cincinnati, OH) Note: this episode was recorded during the 2023 ⁠⁠⁠⁠SAG-AFTRA strike⁠⁠⁠⁠. Without the actors currently on strike, Star Wars wouldn't have been made possible. Consider helping out through the Entertainment Community Fund ⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/friendsoftheforce.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, DSizzle, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Katy, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #TheHighRepublic #TalesofLightandLife #StarWarsBooks

This week's episode is a gift freely given! We're joined by author Tessa Gratton whose short story "A Closed Fist Has No Claws" appears in the newest young-adult anthology 'Tales of Light and Life.' We dive into the continuation of Marda Ro's path, planting the seeds of Nihil ideology, writing in second-person POV, the definition of "home" in the High Republic era, and much more! Note: this episode was recorded during the 2023 ⁠⁠WGA⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠SAG-AFTRA strike⁠⁠⁠. Without the writers and actors currently on strike, Star Wars wouldn't have been made possible. Consider helping out through the Entertainment Community Fund ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/friendsoftheforce.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Series artwork by Kara DJ: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/intoalargerworldbykara/ Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, DSizzle, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Katy, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #TheHighRepublic #TalesofLightandLife #StarWarsBooks

This week, we had the pleasure of speaking with Del Rey / Random House Worlds senior editor Tom Hoeler, who has worked on numerous Star Wars publishing projects including the most recent anthology “From A Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi.” Tom shares his insights into the making-of process on all three entries as well as the opportunities that come about with 40 stories from 40 authors. Thank you to Random House Worlds for our review copies. Note: this episode was recorded during the 2023 ⁠WGA⁠ and ⁠⁠SAG-AFTRA strike⁠⁠. Without the writers and actors currently on strike, Star Wars wouldn't have been made possible. Consider helping out through the Entertainment Community Fund ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/friendsoftheforce.bsky.social Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Series artwork by Kara DJ: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/intoalargerworldbykara/ Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, DSizzle, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Katy, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #StarWarsBooks #StarWarsPodcast

Delilah S. Dawson joins us to discuss "Star Wars Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade," which marks her first full-length Star Wars novel since 2019. We cover Iskat Akaris' fall to the Dark Side, the Jedi as instruments of war, the appeal of Inquisitor-focused stories, and more. Thank you to Random House Worlds for our review copies. Note: this episode was recorded during the 2023 WGA and ⁠SAG-AFTRA strike⁠. Without the writers and actors currently on strike, Star Wars wouldn't have been made possible. Consider helping out through the Entertainment Community Fund ⁠here⁠. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, DSizzle, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Katy, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #StarWarsBooks #RiseoftheRedBlade

The High Republic Phase 2 comes to a shocking conclusion in "Path of Vengeance" by Cavan Scott, and we're excited to finally chat about it! We dive into the Path of the Open Hand's transformation into the Nihil, Marda and Yana's conflicting motives, Matty's greatest test yet in the face of fear, and much more. Plus, we turn #EggTalk all the way up by defining the sin done to the Nameless, Planet X's paracausal properties, and, most importantly, why Azlin Rell is the key to all of this (!!!). Independent Bookstore of the Week: ⁠Left Bank Books⁠ (St Louis, MO) Thank you to Disney Books for the review copies! Note: this episode was recorded during the 2023 WGA strike and before the SAG-AFTRA strike. Without the writers and actors currently on strike, Star Wars wouldn't have been made possible. Consider helping out through the Entertainment Community Fund here. Website: http://www.friendsoftheforcepod.com Join our Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/friendsoftheforce Twitter: https://twitter.com/FriendsOfForce Threads: https://www.threads.net/@friendsoftheforce?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendsoftheforce/?hl=en YouTube: https://bit.ly/36w7bsd Thank you to all of our Patrons, including our Luminous Beings: Brian, Dylan, DSizzle, Emma, Huong, Jenn, Katy, Lee-Ann, Lucy, Travis, and Tom. #StarWars #TheHighRepublic #PathOfVengeance