Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
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
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57: Archaeology in Star Wars
11/19/2024
57: Archaeology in Star Wars
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 and ! Check out Samantha showing off her LIDAR on ! Read the paper Samantha mentioned, "" And also check out the Mayan archaeology content creators Samantha mentioned in the show. Stephan Milo () Miniminuteman (, ) Flint Dibble (, ) You can now! For a free puzzle, download ! Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on or join our ! 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.
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Bonus: Galaxy Quest panel at LA Comic Con
11/06/2024
Bonus: Galaxy Quest panel at LA Comic Con
Enjoy this recording of our LA Comic Con panel about the 25th anniversary of Galaxy Quest! This bonus episide is also 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:
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Bonus: Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas panel at LA Comic Con
10/31/2024
Bonus: Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas panel at LA Comic Con
Enjoy this recording of our LA Comic Con panel about Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas! This bonus episide is also 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.
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56: Science of The Acolyte at Los Angeles Comic Con
10/18/2024
56: Science of The Acolyte at Los Angeles Comic Con
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 , , and . Follow and her podcast The Arkham Sessions. You can now! For a free puzzle, download ! Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on , , or join our ! 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.
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55: Space Travel
10/04/2024
55: Space Travel
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 and ! Learn more about NASA's and some of the projects Johnny mentioned, like the , . If you're interested in working at NASA, check out their , or search . You can now! For a free puzzle, download ! Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on , , or join our ! 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.
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54: Science of The Phantom Menace at the Fleet Science Center
08/27/2024
54: Science of The Phantom Menace at the Fleet Science Center
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 . that turns thoughts into verbal communication. Follow the Fleet Science Center on and . And check out their ! Follow Ashley on and ! Follow Gabriel on and Cosplay for Science on ! You can also watch him on PBS Eons on and ! And check out Cosplay for Science’s about how science communication at comic conventions. Follow Mike on and check out ! Or Mike's lab assisted with at the Beall Center for Art + Technology. Follow Claire on ! You can now! Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on , , or join our ! 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.
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53: Urban Ecology with Sawyeurism
07/23/2024
53: Urban Ecology with Sawyeurism
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 and , and check out ! Here's her TikTok explanations of and . Read Sawyer's article about ! And her scientific ! Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on , , or join our ! 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.
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52: Marine Biology
06/29/2024
52: Marine Biology
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 and follow PBS Eons on and ! Follow Cosplay for Science on ! Listen to Gabriel as part of episode 22, our at SDCC 2022! Check out the short Melissa created about ocean creatures in Star Wars! We've previously interviewed Star Wars creature designers () and ! Learn more about life evolving into crabs in . Learn more about Gabriel's cool walrus , or ! Check out Cosplay for Science's about how science communication at comic conventions. Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on , , or join our ! 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.
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51: Car Culture in Star Wars
05/28/2024
51: Car Culture in Star Wars
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 ! Check out the San Diego Automotive Museum's and follow them on and . Here's videos of the and 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 , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on , , or join our ! 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.
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50: Environmental Apocalypse
04/22/2024
50: Environmental Apocalypse
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 and to learn more about the project Justin works on. You can read the in the Outer Rim that Melissa wrote while watching The Mandalorian. And the about the killings in that show. And to learn more about , check Melissa's my Insider article where I interviewed a puffin scientist and the concept artist that created porgs. Check out for bird species to see wherever you live or are traveling. Check out , scroll back for more birds! Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on , , or join our ! 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.
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49: Empathy and Compassion
03/25/2024
49: Empathy and Compassion
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! Check out for more about her research, books, and appearances! Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on , , or join our ! 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.
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48: Conflict Resolution in Star Wars
02/20/2024
48: Conflict Resolution in Star Wars
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 and stay updated about the second book and other offerings. Follow them on , , and ! Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on , , or join our ! 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.
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47: Anthropology in Alien Design
01/23/2024
47: Anthropology in Alien Design
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 about the evolution of Mickey Mouse. Check out the showing off his two limbs. where Elizabeth joined our LA Comic Con panel of science advisors. Check out Elizabeth's . Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , , or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? ! Follow us on , , or join our ! 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.
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11: FasTEN Your Seat Belts, with science advisor Erin Macdonald
01/08/2024
11: FasTEN Your Seat Belts, with science advisor Erin Macdonald
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 and subscribe to ! Follow Melissa Follow Lisa 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!
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10: F9: The Facts Saga, with Bobak Ferdowsi from NASA
12/28/2023
10: F9: The Facts Saga, with Bobak Ferdowsi from NASA
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 Bobak is working! Follow NASA on and ! Bobak is also (sometimes) on and . Learn more about ! Follow Melissa Follow Lisa 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!
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9: Hobbs & Shaw-ence, with experts in immunology and medical devices
12/25/2023
9: Hobbs & Shaw-ence, with experts in immunology and medical devices
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 and . And 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 . Right now. Follow Melissa Follow Lisa 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!
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46: Science Advisors in Science Fiction LA Comic Con panel
12/19/2023
46: Science Advisors in Science Fiction LA Comic Con panel
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 Follow Listen to Elizabeth Rega and Stuart Sumida talk the science of Disney's Strange World on 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 , or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on and . Join our ! Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up ! 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!
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45: The Science of Ahsoka panel at LA Comic Con
12/12/2023
45: The Science of Ahsoka panel at LA Comic Con
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 and the on Instagram Follow and on Instagram Follow and on Instagram Follow and 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 , or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on and . Join our ! Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up ! 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!
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8: Shift+F8 of the Furious, with a computer scientist
11/30/2023
8: Shift+F8 of the Furious, with a computer scientist
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 Follow and Follow Melissa Follow Lisa 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!
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7: Serious 7, with a psychologist
11/19/2023
7: Serious 7, with a psychologist
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 ! Follow her ! And listen to . Read for Fandom Follow Melissa Follow Lisa 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!
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44: Paleontology
11/17/2023
44: Paleontology
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? ! Hear Listen back to at SDCC 2022 Check out Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on and . Join our ! 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!
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6: Fast & Curious 6, with a movie locations expert
10/20/2023
6: Fast & Curious 6, with a movie locations expert
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. . And writer is fun too. Kerry shared some great videos for people who want to learn more about location scouting and management. . . . Check out the . You can take at the National Film and Television School. Search the . Follow Melissa Follow Lisa 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!
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43: Music and Melodies
10/17/2023
43: Music and Melodies
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 has his slides synched up to the podcast audio. You can on YouTube. ! Here's . Redouble our efforts indeed! Check out the that Jason mentioned. And here's the books he recommended:
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5: Facts Five, with city planning and visual effects experts
10/08/2023
5: Facts Five, with city planning and visual effects experts
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 about the practical stunts in the bank vault sequence! And where we got ! Follow James Floyd on and . And check out his Star Wars filming location tours, ! Follow Melissa Follow Lisa 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!
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4: Fast & Physics, with a medical doctor
09/26/2023
4: Fast & Physics, with a medical doctor
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 including the ! And follow Jackson's . Follow Melissa Follow Lisa 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!
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42: Blue Food Science
09/20/2023
42: Blue Food Science
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! Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on and . Join our ! Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up ! 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!
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3: The Facts & The Furious: Toying with Drift, with a stunt driver
09/17/2023
3: The Facts & The Furious: Toying with Drift, with a stunt driver
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 and on Follow Melissa Follow Lisa 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!
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41: Voice acting and storytelling with Vanessa Marshall
08/22/2023
41: Voice acting and storytelling with Vanessa Marshall
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 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 , , and ! You can visit her at one of these upcoming convention appearances: in Virginia in Savannah, GA in Tampa, FL in Mesa, AZ Also, hear her voice as Wonder Woman in season 4 of Harley Quinn ! Vanessa mentioned, with ongoing online content. And you can even . Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on , or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on and . Join our ! Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up ! 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!
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2: 2 Facts 2 Physics, with a legal expert
08/14/2023
2: 2 Facts 2 Physics, with a legal expert
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! Follow Melissa Follow Lisa 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!
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40 Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion (San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panel)
08/07/2023
40 Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion (San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panel)
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:
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