Not so long ago, in a galaxy very much like our own, the much-anticipated Star Wars Celebration was set to take place in Anaheim, California from the 27th to the 30th of August, 2020. But due to safety concerns amid the global pandemic, the event, like so many others of its kind, was canceled, set to return in the year 2022, and Chewbaccan-like wails were heard around the world! But never fear (because fear, according to Yoda, is the path to the dark side! Yikes!) we’re sharing our favorite Star Wars Podcasts in the Galaxy so that the Celebration can continue in the safety and comfort of your own home! So buckle up and get your lightsabre ready, Padawan, because these Star Wars Podcasts are out of this world!
1. Star Wars Minute
Up first we have Star Wars Minute, the ultimate destination for die-hard Star Wars fans. The name really says it all. In each episode, hosts Alex Robinson and Pete The Retailer analyze, criticize, and philosophize about the movies in the Star Wars franchise…one minute at a time. With over 300 episodes, they’ve dissected The Rise of Skywalker, The Force Awakens, and their most recent escapade covered Rogue One, with the final minute of the film being covered in May this year, so there is plenty of content to binge listen! Alex and Pete’s chemistry and love for the films make this a really great show, not to mention the interesting take-aways and insights they share as they examine these most-beloved movies in minute (pun intended!) detail. Add to the mix the fun recaps and great guests and it’s easy to see why this podcast is loved by so many!
2. Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast
Next up is Rebel Force Radio, another top Star Wars Podcast. Rebel Force Radio is a long-running, award-winning Star Wars program with podcasting veterans Jason Swank and Jimmy Mac at the helm. This podcast seamlessly blends information and entertainment and will have you coming back episode after episode. It’s regarded as a definitive guide to the Star Wars Universe as they cover it all – from the Classic Trilogy to the Prequels, as well as the new kids on the block, including the animated series The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. Rebel Force Radio really puts you on the front lines of fandom. They also feature some stand-out celebrity guests, and throw in some Star Wars news, opinions, comedy, reviews, contests, and much more for good measure! Whether you’ve been a fan since before you can remember, or you’re just discovering this galaxy of entertainment, all are welcome at Rebel Force Radio.
3. Cantina Cast
If you’re feeling a little blue about missing Star Wars Celebration this year, then perhaps a Rey of light can come in the form of The Cantina Cast. This podcast is all about thought-provoking Star Wars discussion and focuses on all aspects of Star Wars. They cover the Sequels, Prequels, and the Originals, paying special attention to the movies and canonical aspects of the saga, but they also cover other branches such as the Star Wars novels, comics, and video games. From the character dissection series, to scene and quote analysis, they look for metaphors and symbolism to history, mythology, and other works of entertainment and literature and attempt to make connections between these. By tuning in, you’ll get access to the biggest and best Star Wars news and you’ll also get the honest opinions of hosts Albert and Jonesy. They are full of Star War knowledge and quick-witted humor, and they are also easy to listen to, ensuring that you get bucket loads of value with every episode.
4. Star Wars 7×7: The Daily Star Wars Podcast
Do you need your Star Wars fix on the daily? Then Star Wars 7×7: The Daily Star Wars Podcast has got you covered! Yup, that’s right! Host Allen Voivod gives you 7 minutes of Star Wars focused news, history, trivia, discussions and so much more, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! If that’s not passion, I don’t know what is! The Star Wars 7×7 Podcast is truly full of Rebel-rousing fun for the everyday Jedi. Besides covering the latest films such as The Rise of Skywalker, The Last Jedi, and The Force Awakens, you’ll also get all the latest scoop on the cartoons, and animated series, the comics, characters, vehicles, toys, books, and so much more. Did we mention you get all of this in just 7 minutes? You can really tell that Allen works really hard to bring his listeners the best content possible, and the quality is never lacking. His love and enthusiasm for the fandom are palpable, meaning that you won’t only get your daily Star Wars fix, but you’ll get a good dose of joy to see you through the day.
5. Steele Wars: Star Wars Podcast
If you like your Star Wars conversations with a healthy dose of humor, the Steele Wars: Star Wars Podcast is the (Obi) Wan for you! In each episode, Comedian Steele Saunders brings top-shelf Star Wars chats with plenty of laughs. Steele is undoubtedly a talented comedian, but his passion for Star Wars rings true as he shares his insights and his own unique take on all things in the Star Wars universe. It’s entertaining, on occasion, emotional, and it’s always exciting! There are some unique episodes – his Trailer Reaction episodes are particularly fun – and Steele has a knack for asking the questions that are on every fan’s mind whenever he has the opportunity to ask them. It feels like a really fan-focused podcast, and Steele simultaneously fuels that child-like wonder we first felt when we fell in love with Star Wars as well as stimulating our intellect with thought-provoking questions and probing insights. And in true fan-focused form, there is even an episode capturing a virtual celebration of Star Wars Celebration. Give this show a listen and you’ll immediately feel closer to the fandom and more connected to the Star Wars community.
6. ForceCenter
From the fandom of comedians and writers Joseph Scrimshaw and Ken Napzok, and actor and host Jennifer Landa, comes ForceCenter which celebrates all things Star Wars right from the center of the galaxy. If this podcast is not in your library, then mistaken you are! You can really “feel” the love the hosts have for the Star Wars franchise as much as hear it – the force is definitely strong with these three! – and you’ll no doubt learn so much from the debates and discussions, and everything in between! They really have such knowledge and insight on a subject that is clearly very dear to their hearts, but they are also able to offer honest criticism where necessary. They bring passion, expertise, and a whole lot of fun to the table and you’ll learn more than you ever thought possible about that galaxy far, far away, AND you’ll have a really great time doing so!
7. Full of Sith: Star Wars News, Discussions and Interviews
Full of Sith is another fun Star Wars centric show dedicated to bringing its listeners the most interesting Star Wars conversations in the galaxy. It’s hosted by Tha Mike Pilot (Mediocre Show, Obviously Oblivious, The Awful Show), Bryan Young (Author, Filmmaker, Contributing Writer for StarWars.com), and Holly Frey (Stuff You Missed in History Class, Fauxthentic History) and together, they bring you all the latest breaking news in the world of Star Wars and interviews with some of the biggest names in the galaxy on a weekly basis. There’s a great mix of hilarious banter and, because of their access to some stellar guests, the interviews are jam-packed with everything your Star Wars-loving heart could wish for. The hosts have a definite love of the franchise but their differences of opinions and points of view add depth to the conversation as they delve the philosophy and influence of Star Wars just as readily as the deep mythology it represents. Full of Sith is full of fantastic content making it another “must-listen”.
8. Coffee with Kenobi: Star Wars Discussion, Analysis, and Rhetoric
If you’re looking for a podcast full of in-depth Star Wars discussion, analysis, and rhetoric BUT free of spoilers, then Coffee With Kenobi is the show for you. Join host Dan Z and his bevy of fascinating guests as they explore the mythology of Star Wars from a place of intelligence and humor. Dan Z is a really great host, balancing entertainment and information effortlessly, making for a super enjoyable listen. You’ll feel like you’re sharing insights with your buddies, and the conversation is always intelligent, respectful, and always has an overall positive vibe. You’ll find yourself drawn in by the thought-provoking analysis and you’ll stay for the good-natured camaraderie, great discussion, and positive energy this show brings time and time again.
9. Star Wars: Beyond the Films – A Podcast About the Latest Star Wars Books, Comics, Video Games and more!
Last but not least, we have Star Wars: Beyond the Films. As its name aptly points out, this is a podcast that goes beyond the films and focuses on all the latest Star Wars themed books, comics, videos games, and infinitely more! In each episode, you’ll join hosts, Mark Hurliman and Nathan P. Butler as they ponder all things Star Wars; from Canon, to Legends, and everything else beyond the galaxy! Through their thorough discussions, you’ll see that the fandom exists well beyond the films. There is no doubt that Mark and Nathan really know their stuff, but most importantly, it’s abundantly clear just how much they love Star Wars. You’ll always learn something you never knew before, and the easy way in which they converse with each other will leave you feeling uplifted and going about your day with a smile on your face.
Closing Thoughts
So while the virus outbreak has Forced us to fly (Hans) Solo for a while, and the lack of social interaction is feeling more and more like a sentence in Carbonite, we can still keep the Force flowing strongly with these top-notch Star Wars podcasts. Add these shows to your library today (I was going to say try some of these podcasts – but I realized my error just in time!), get your Star Wars fix, and may the Force be with you!
NOTE: There is one silver lining for all the Star Wars fans out there. For the first time ever, Star Wars Celebration Exclusive Merchandise will be available to the public at launch. Full, open access to the Star Wars Celebration Exclusive Merchandise Store was made available from Monday, August 31, on StarWarsCelebration.com. So if you’re looking to add some fun merch to your collection, head over to the website pronto!