A Special Message.A brief special episode this week to remind listeners about an important discussion coming up at the end of the month…Matt and John will be revisiting James Luceno’s 2012 Star Wars Legends novel, Darth Plagueis, for their special Halloween episode!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Merchandising.This week Matt and John explore the role of merchandising in Star Wars’ enduring popularity through the decades, and debate whether the treasures of the past hold a key for the franchise’s future as well.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Jedi Repopulation.John and Matt explore a topic only they could, as they discuss the possibility of Jedi after Order 66 who didn’t just consider it a noble duty to survive, but to procreate in order to ensure the training of a next generation of light-side Force users.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

James Earl Jones: A Legacy.This week Matt and John take a moment to reflect on the tremendous impact of James Earl Jones, not just within the StarWars series, but within the acting community and culture as a whole. They nod to his immense influence on how they have come to appreciate all the facets of the acting craft, and the place he holds within the firmament of pop culture. They look at his past work, the ways he left an indelible mark on them, and how he secured his legacy going forward within the Galaxy Far, Far Away by thinking ahead and crafting things so he can remain a part of our culture so long as Darth Vader is there.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The State of Star Wars.The Chancellor has dispatched 2 guardians, John + Matt, to see if peace can be restored with some Star Wars love and understanding in this episode of Aggressive Negotiations. They look at the state of the franchise, the overall success of the projects,  the growing pains that have strained the fans’ communications, and how the nature of online interactions has changed how fans perceive those who disagree.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Sinister Sith.Join Matt & John on a deep dive discussion about the ultimate Star Wars villains - The Sith. They explore what made them great villains, what makes it necessary to move on from them, and why no attempt to recreate or echo them onscreen has truly reverberated outside of Lucas’ six films or the Clone Wars animated series. It’s time to kick off Spooky Season with the a close look at the Star Wars villains that have always chilled the pure of heart and tempted those characters seeking something more selfish than they should.Plus it’s a call to return to the Legends era with a book club announcement in the spirit of the discussion!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Anakin Decision.This week John + Matt explore one of the core quandaries of the Star Wars saga - if Anakin’s training was so important, why didn’t Yoda handle it? If not Yoda, why not another member of the Council? If it was going to be Obi-Wan regardless, why not break tradition and have another Jedi Master train alongside? You might be surprised by some of their insights!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Acolyte.This week we have another epic crossover with The 602 Club to discuss the first and only season of the latest Star Wars series on Disney Plus, The Acolyte.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Implications of Omega.John and Matt reunite to discuss the implications of Omega as a character for the larger story arcs & themes of Star Wars. What does she mean for midichlorians and the lineage of Jango Fett? How does her own found family relate to others we’ve seen?HostJohn Mills and Guest Tristan RiddellSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Special Guest, Special Edition.While Jedi Master Rushing is out negotiating in the Outbound regions, John is joined by Nerd Party founder and special guest Tristan Riddell to discuss his point of view on the Star Wars Special Editions. It’s a fun discussion, and some special Nerd Party history is shared along the way!HostJohn Mills and Guest Tristan RiddellSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Kentucky Fried Pork.We all love grabbing a bite to eat, and we all assume that it’ll be a safe and clean (enough) experience. But on a galactic scale, whether a Republic or Empire, how could a central bureaucracy even hope to manage the regulations necessary for multiple species to safely eat across thousands of systems? John and Matt try to figure out how difficult it would be, and how much real regulation could even occur.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Issue 365: Force Radar.In the wake of The Acolyte’s 6th episode, Teach/Corrupt, the contentious question arises once again on how accurately sensing Force users really is, given what’s been shown onscreen. Matt & John debate - as longtime fans - how to make sense of how detecting someone else through the Force must work. #StarWars [Light Spoilers]HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

What if Padmé Stayed?Recently we celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Episode I: The Phantom Menace! This set John to ask Matt to ask an unexpected “what if” about the story: What if Padmé had taken Palpatine’s advice and stayed on Coruscant to allow the Trade Federation to maintain their control of Naboo? The chain reaction that sets off takes them down some interesting paths to ponder!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Jedi Fashion Show.Feel the Force…of Fashion! Matt Rushing + John Mills look closely at the fashion of the prequel-era Jedi as compared to The Acolyte, and how those costuming choices can continue to inform audiences about character, story and themes.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Death Star Cell Block.Explore the GFFA again as John Mills + Matthew Rushing discuss the moral implications of the cell blocks on the Death Star, and what the Rebel responsibilities were if prisoners other than Leia were in them during the Battle of Yavin!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Tales of the Empire.In this very special crossover with The 602 Club Matt and John discuss the new animated series Tales of the Empire, digging into the 2 character arcs and so much more!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch: Season Three.In this very special crossover with The 602 Club Matt and John discuss the final season of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, digging into everything the season gave us, what made us cheer, what made us cry and what made us hopeful for the future!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Summit and Plan 99.Tune in as Matt + John wrap up their The Bad Batch Season 2 rewatch with a discussion about the 2-part finale! They discuss heartbreak, loss, action, character cameos, design, and the trick of editing a two-parter that clearly wanted to be one long episode.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Turning Point.This week Matt + John encounter a “Turning Point” during their The Bad Batch Season 2 rewatch and they discuss all the storytelling, animation, and editing accomplishments of the episode as it tees up the end of the second season and acts as a perfect setup for the final season.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Pabu.This week John + Matt visit “Pabu” for the first time as part of their The Bad Batch Season 2 rewatch and they assess their feelings on the episode and its importance for the rest of the series. Have their feelings changed since their first viewing, and how do they feel about Pabu Cuisine? Tune in and find out!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Outpost.TheBad Batch has always been committed to showing the toll of war, duty, and point of view on its core characters as the galaxy changes around them. Join Matt + John as they revisit “The Outpost” for their Season 2 rewatch and discuss the depth of art, storytelling, and meaning discovered there.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Metamorphosis.John and Matt jump into the jump scares with The Bad Batch Season 2 episode “Metamorphosis” as Star Wars resurrects a Clone Wars beastie with a horror-action movie and a bold, new villain enters the scene to set the stage for an arc that will take us through to Season 3.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Crossing & Retrieval.John and Matt discuss how the Star Wars galaxy has changed in the aftermath of #TheCloneWars as they look at #TheBadBatch Season 2 arc “The Crossing/Retrieval” — Syd’s abandonment, processing grief, and the burden of carrying on are all examined against a backdrop of beautiful animation and subtle references in this gripping duology.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Clone Conspiracy & Truth and Consequences.Join Matt and John as they delve into Darth Sidious’ devilish plans-within-plans as he snatches villainous victory from righteous defeat in the two part #StarWars #TheBadBatch Season 2 arc “The Clone Conspiracy/Truth and Consequences.” What does the arc reveal about Omega’s true nature, and what does it say about the mundane ways evil can win? All this and more…Stream below or subscribe to listen at:Subscribe in Apple Podcasts - http://bit.ly/anpoditunesSpreaker - http://bit.ly/anpodspreakerSpotify - http://bit.ly/2anpodspotifyGoogle Play - http://bit.ly/anpodgoogleAmazon Music - http://bit.ly/anpodamazonWebsite - https://bit.ly/anissue353

Tribe.Journey back to Kashyyyk with John and Matt during their StarWars: The Bad Batch Season 2 rewatch with a discussion about “Tribe,” an episode where the squad assists the Wookiee Jedi Gungi get back to his people’s home now that the Jedi have fallen. Warning: Creepy Kashyykian wildlife and Trandoshan slavers await. Only the bravest should apply.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Entombed.Discover lost treasure with John and Matt during their Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2 rewatch with a discussion about “Entombed,” an episode that highlights Wanda Sykes’ character “Phee Genoa,” and layers on references to other classic films from Studio Ghibli to Indiana Jones and The Lord of the Rings.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Faster.Racing comes to the forefront once more as Matt and John continue their Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2 rewatch with a discussion about “Faster,” the infamous episode centered on a wild “riot racing” circuit. Is this a one-and-done episode, or an important character step that leads to later payoff?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Solitary Clone.Join Matt and John as they discuss the stunning 3rd episode of Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2: “The Solitary Clone,,” an examination of the spiritual malaise of Clone Force 99’s defector Crosshair as he teams with Clone Commander Cody to put down an insurrection on an independent planet.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Ruins of War.Join John and Matt as they continue their rewatch and discussion of Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2 with “Ruins of War,” with Clone Force 99’s escape from Serenno with a new perspective on the destruction of the Clone Wars and the evils of the Galactic Empire.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Spoils of War.Join Matt and John as they begin their rewatch and discussion on Star Wars: The Bad Batch Season 2 with “The Spoils of War,” featuring Clone Force 99’s attempt to heist of Count Dock’s riches on Serenno from under the nose of the Galactic Empire.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Potpurri.Sometimes there’s just too much fun to be had diving down a Dagobah rabbit hole. Join John and Matt for a dish of Star Wars potpourri - an intoxicating melange of spicy discussion about a galaxy far, far away!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Threat Within.The Jedi Masters’ first show of 2024 is a robust discussion of Jude Watson’s “The Threat Within,” the last regular book in the Jedi Apprentice series for Star Wars.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

A Jedi Carol.Scrooge got a visit from 3 spirits…why not 3 Force Ghosts for Luke Skywalker? A visit to Rey from those that went before to set her on the right path? Are Force Ghosts naturally a part of that fine Dickens tradition? John and Matt explore the possibilities with, “A Jedi Carol."HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Imperial Broadcast System.The Dead Speak! …but how did they hear it? John and Matt discuss what possible mechanisms could have existed for people to hear Palatine’s mysterious message between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Star Wars Holiday Special 2.John and Matt debate whether the Star Wars Holiday Special deserves a big-budget streaming reboot, or if the time has passed on holiday specials overall, and it’s time to accept that there’s no place for it in Star Wars - or any franchise - anymore.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Star Wars Celebrations.Did the Empire allow holiday celebrations, or was everything turned toward the greater glory of the Emperor and Lord Vader? John and Matt explore this question, along with the deeper implications of a society without joy and how it might have led to the Galactic Empire’s quick demise.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Thanksgungan 2023.The season of thanks has arrived as John Mills and Matthew Rushing celebrate all the things in Star Wars we are thankful for this year! We'd be honored if you would join us.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Urgent Incoming Transmission.It is the time of the season when we talk about what we are thankful for over the last year in Star Wars! Tell us what you are thankful for as we get ready for another Thanksgungan!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Weird Star Wars.Has the Ahsoka series given live action Star Wars the license to get weird again? The themes, story devices and world building elements have kicked open the door for larger audiences to experience Star Wars the way the animated series have for years now: Wild and unrestrained by science fiction’s obsession with rationalization. Matt and John discuss why this is a good thing overall.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

What Makes a Master?Anakin Skywalker never attained the rank of Jedi Master. John and Matt discuss what the full criteria might have been, beyond being named to the Jedi Council. How many pathways were open to a Jedi seeking advancement, and how was it determined? They look at every angle and source, from old EU to current canon.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

The Maul Principle.Sometimes in Star Wars storytelling, the Force is a fickle mistress when it comes to deciding who lives and dies, and it’s led to some controversy in recent years with characters surviving a specific type of wound that killed the venerable Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn. Matt and John ask, though, if there was a bigger precedent there all along set by a certain handsome villain…HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Don’t Give in to Hate! Is Star Wars trapped in a doom loop of trying to appeal equally to fans, non-fans, and Internet trolls who just can’t let it go? John and Matt grab the third rail and ask themselves, why do some people keep watching if they just hate it all? John and Matt try to figure it out.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

The Force of Physical Media. Disney announced that streaming-only series are now getting 4K releases on physical media - what does this mean for Star Wars fans, Star Wars as a brand, and the future of collecting? John and Matt dive into it all!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

The Baby Yoda Effect. Has Star Wars become trapped by the fans’ desire for a big, showy surprise to kick off each show? John and Matt discuss this big question.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

More Galaxies, Farther Away. The new Star Wars series Ahsoka spurs a new question: how expansive is the Star Wars universe after all? Is it a tale of a Galaxy Far, Far Away or is it a tale of multiple galaxies and endless new possibilities? John and Matt discuss what opening that door might do for the future of Star Wars.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Animation Domination. 15 years after the debut of the animated movie Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Ahsoka Tano is getting her own live-action series. Matt and John take a deep-dive look at the Star Wars animation’s lasting impact as it continued and expanded the storytelling tradition of a Galaxy Far, Far Away….HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Dooku Dilemma. Lucasfilm Animation’s Tales of the Jedi, like any great Star Wars storytelling, spurs as many questions as it answers. From one arc springs a question - would Count Dooku have remained a Jedi if he’d been on the Jedi Council? HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Too Much Star Wars?Are we in a Golden Age of Star Wars Content, or is there such a thing as “too much Star Wars”? Bob Iger seems to think we’re getting too much content and has stated he plans to reign in the storytelling and spending in a Galaxy Far, Far Away. John and Matt ask, though: is he right? Or is he off the mark in some important way?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part VI.John and Matt wrap up their retrospective series on the Disney Plus series, how it closes out all the storylines and if it lived up to the hype in the end.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part V.Matt and John offer a commentary-track discussion on the fifth episode of the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney Plus series as they reach the penultimate episode of the series on their anniversary rewatch one year after its airing. Do they continue to find something to love, or discover some more missteps that echo the start of the series?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part VI.John and Matt discuss the fourth episode of the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney Plus series as they continue their exploration of the series one year after its initial release. They discuss the momentum from the third episode, the expectations going into the fourth, and where the episode succeeds (or doesn’t) in its forwarding of the mythology.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part III.Matt and John continue their one-year rewatch of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series with a live commentary episode about the third chapter in the Obi-Wan series where his quest to get Leia Organa to safety is interrupted by a confrontation with his greatest fear: the mistakes of the past as embodied in his unexpectedly alive “former pupil”…Darth Vader.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part II.Matt and John continue their one-year rewatch of the Obi-Wan Kenobi series with a chat about the second chapter in the saga that joins Obi-Wan on his quest to locate, and escape with, Leia Organa from a seedy port planet to reunite her with her adoptive parents and keep her true heritage a secret.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Obi-Wan Kenobi: Part I.Inspired by a recent discussion and the the first anniversary of the show, John Mills and Matthew Rushing embark on a retrospective series about the Obi-Wan series to see how it holds up a year later. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple PodcastsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169635/advertisement

Eavesdropping Empire.John and Matt look at the im/practicality of monitoring the transmissions of a Galaxy Far Far Away to vet all those myriad transmissions for truth, justice, and narrative consistency when trying to quell independent thought and subversive ideas. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Obi-Wan Wonderings.Matt and John discuss a key moment from the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, in the wake of the massively successful limited theatrical re-release of Return of the Jedi for its 40th anniversary. Does a certain scene play differently? Does the echo of the series now change the meaning of key moments? HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Cooking With Midichlorians.John and Matt discuss the implications of what was revealed in Moff Gideon’s plans during the third season of The Mandalorian. They chat about what it means for the future, what it implies about the past, and how it might tie in to Palpatine’s long-range goals.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

REY-Turn of the Jedi.John and Matt engage in a delightful discussion about the announced plans to bring back Rey “Skywalker” to the Star Wars franchise with a new movie focused on her exploits 15 years (!) after the events of Star Wars: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. What does the future hold? They try to peer into the midichlorian-filled Magic 8 Ball for a glimpse of what’s to come, based on their readings of what came before.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Inheritance of The Clone Wars.Matt and John discuss the Bad Batch’s second season and how it reflects the theme of the inheritance of The Clone Wars and what it means for Clone Force 99’s place in the galaxy.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Drinking Laws. John & Matt discuss what might thrill ya, and what might kill ya, when walking into a bar in a galaxy far, far away. From the Mos Eisley Cantina to the most well-stocked lounge on Coruscant, what did drinking laws look like during the Republic, and during the Empire? Strap in for a fun discussion that just might have figured out what Hyperspace Skipping really is. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Kamino Lost.John & Matt complete their Bad Batch Season 1 commentary series with a track for the 16th and final episode in its first season, the stunning “Kamino Lost,” an episode filled with emotional weight, thrilling action, terrific dialogue and a revelation at the end that changes the face of the Star Wars saga onscreen forever after. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Return to Kamino.Matt & John record a commentary track for the Bad Batch’s 15th episode in its first season, the penultimate “Return to Kamino.” The Batch uncover an uncomfortable truth about their brother Crosshair against the backdrop of Rampart’s horrific acts to seal the Empire’s final betrayal of the creators of the clone army. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: War Mantle.John & Matt share a commentary track for the Bad Batch’s 14th episode in its first season, “War Mantle.” The Batch begin to unravel the next insidious phase of the Empire’s accelerating plans as they travel to rescue a brother trooper who’s been imprisoned for what he’s chosen not to do. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Infested.John & Matt share a commentary track for the Bad Batch’s 13th episode in its first season, “Infested.” The Underworld's impact grows and Cid's connections to it - as well as her loyalties - are further exposed as the Batch is forced to pull off a double-cross heist that puts Omega in a strange & new emotional situation.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Rescue on Ryloth.John & Matt share a commentary track for episode 12 of The Bad Batch’s first season, “Rescue on Ryloth.” We get to see Crosshair’s vanity manipulated, the depth of Rampart’s political savvy, and the stakes increase as Ryloth once again serves as a flashpoint for an awakening.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Devil's Deal.Matt & John return to Ryloth with a commentary track for episode 11 of The Bad Batch’s first season, “Devil’s Deal.” The episode examines the methodology of Imperial dominion, and its efforts to take advantage of the exhaustion of war to become the new boss...and what it’s willing to do to lock its power in place.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Common Ground.John & Matt revisit episode 10 of The Bad Batch’s first season, the episode “Common Ground.” The Batch is dispatched to assist people they were trained to hate, leading to a city-based tank battle that cements itself as an all-time Star Wars classic battle sequence and questions about who and what we choose to hate or help.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Bounty Lost. Matt & John revisit The Bad Batch’s encounter with Cad Bane in episode nine from the first season, “Bounty Lost.” More question arise from the shadows as the Batch pursues Bane to a lost city in the clouds where a showdown with another familiar bounty hunter is unfolding.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Reunion.John & Matt share a commentary track for The Bad Batch’s eighth episode from the first season, “Reunion.” Given the history of the Bad Batch, the word carries specific foreboding and intrigue as we hit the halfway point of the season and the characters start their journey toward bigger events on the horizon.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Battle Scars.Matt & John share a commentary track for The Bad Batch’s seventh episode from the first season, “Battle Scars.” A beloved old character is reintroduced, the Batch learns what Order 66 really was, and questions of soldiers’ PTSD and its impact on family are explored.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Decommissioned.John and Matt give their commentary for The Bad Batch’s sixth episode from season 1, “Decommissioned.” Questions of their place in the galaxy hide behind a straightforward mission to retrieve a tactical droid’s head from the scrap heap, and possible hints about Omega’s potential come to light.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Rampage.Matt and John give their commentary for The Bad Batch’s fifth episode from season 1, “Rampage.” A retrieval mission ties in - possibly - to the original films, and the team learns what it means to have Omega with them on adventures.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Cornered.Matt and John give their commentary for The Bad Batch’s fourth episode from season 1, “Cornered.” A supply run leads to parental stress, a kid on the run, and the chronological introduction of the fan-favorite bounty hunter Fennec Shand! HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Thanksgungan 2022.Once more the crisp nights and bright days turn our gaze toward all the things for which we’re thankful, with a special focus on our Star Wars fandom. Join Matt and John as they carve through their special recipe for thankfulness as Star Wars fans in 2022 from current shows to future productions to the special bond that brings all fans together. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Replacements.Matt and John give their commentary for The Bad Batch’s third episode from season 1, “Replacements.” Duty, Honor, Trust and the Incremental Erosion of Freedom all come into play as the themes gain even more clarity. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Cut and Run.John and Matt give their commentary for The Bad Batch’s second episode from season 1, “Cut and Run". HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Bad Batch Commentary: Aftermath.Matt and John celebrate 300 episodes as well as Star Wars: The Bad Batch winning the Saturn Award for best animated series by starting their commentary collection with the first episode, Aftermath! HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Rebellious Morality.John and Matt discuss the question of the morality shown by the rebellion in the Andor series, and whether it’s a necessary reflection of our conflicted natures or too much a divergence from the clearer lessons of Lucas’ films. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

More Star Wars Stories.SPECIAL HURRICANE EDITIONInspired by the highly-anticipated debut of “Andor,” Matt and John discuss other characters whose arcs would be interesting to explore, and the opportunities they carry for world building with them to open the Star Wars galaxy to new viewers.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Are the Jedi Evil?Inspired by a topic on the roster from this year’s DragonCon, John and Matt wrestle with the question, “Are the Jedi Evil?” Their debate looks at all aspects of the question, but most especially what clear indicators the story might show in one direction or the other.And they issue a challenge to listeners late in the show!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

If Obi-Wan Negotiated.John and Matt ponder an interesting possibility from the “What If?” library of Star Wars possibilities and look at what might have happened if Obi-Wan Kenobi decided to “stand down” like Dooku demanded in Episode II during the duel in the hangar on Geonosis.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Only Witness.Matt and John return to Jude Watson’s prequel era books focused on Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan with the penultimate book in the series’ regular run, “The Only Witness.“ They explore Watson’s continued ability to craft recognizable and believable characters on the page, and the place that the lessons have in the larger mythos of Star Wars.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Labor Laws.Matt and John tackle the question of Labor Laws in the Galaxy Far Far Away and the implications for the bureaucratic apparatus and political machines of the Old Republic, the Empire, and the New Republic. Then they dive deep into how the labor laws were used to keep the galaxy off-balance for Palpatine’s goals.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Jedi Artifact Markets.Matt and John examine the Jedi Artifact trade in the Galaxy Far Far Away and discuss its potentialities and implications for the Jedi, the Sith, and the rest of the citizens of the Republic, Empire and other eras.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Hyperspace Vampires.John and Matt explore an unexpected topic spurred by the approaching Fall season: Can vampires become Force Sensitive by draining Jedi? And what are the larger implications of the answer?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Stranger Wars.John and Matt look at a streaming and cultural landscape dominated by the Netflix phenomenon, Stranger Things, and ask what might be preventing Star Wars from reclaiming that part of the zeitgeist. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Hospital.John and Matt look at the evolution of health care in the Star Wars saga, from limb replacement to bacta tanks, social implications to cloning, as well as the reasons and ramifications of access difficulties. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Obi-Wan Awakens.A listener sent in an interesting question about Obi-Wan’s struggle with faith and purpose in the hit streaming show on Disney+, and so Matt and John discuss where they see the character, what motivates him, and what it says about where he’s going.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Force Mind Meld.Force Powers have fluctuated through the course of the Star Wars saga, with fans introduced to unknown powers every few years. In this episode, Matt and John discuss one of the most intriguing: the ability to pull information from people’s minds.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Importance of Obi-Wan.Obi-Wan Kenobi is the Jedi Master on everyone’s minds right now, so Matt and John revisit his decisive turning points, starting with Attack of the Clones and how the character’s reaction to tragedy both defined and broadened our understanding of him.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

We'll Always Have Batuu.Recently Matt got a chance to go to Galaxy’s Edge for the first time, and here on Aggressive Negotiations is your exclusive opportunity to hear all about it! Did he love Dok Ondar’s? Was Oga’s Cantina all it was cracked up to be? Did he eat his fill of Ronto Wraps? Did anyone notice Vi Moradi? Find out the answers to all this...and more!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

By Any Other Name.“What’s in a name? That which we call a rose By any other name would smell as sweet.” - William ShakespeareJohn and Matt explore the titles of the Star Wars movies to date, and discuss their ideas for titles that might work instead.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.Matt and John discuss the first season of The Book of Boba Fett, and some of the issues they’ve considered that may have prevented it from hitting the same mark that The Mandalorian did.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: Shadows of the Empire. It’s been 26 years (!) since Shadows of the Empire debuted to Star Wars fans and the world at large, so Matt and John convened a special session of their Jedi Book Club to revisit and re-evaluate the book as a work.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Animation Comes Alive.John and Matt debate the merits and pitfalls of animated characters crossing over into the new Star Wars live action series, and how they’ve chosen to approach stylistic differences. Also, they discuss the incredibly awesome and wonderful helicopter lightsabers, and how often we should see them in the Obi-Wan Kenobi series.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Obi-Wan Kenobi Reaction Show.Matt and John, both big Obi-Wan Kenobi fans (who isn’t, even if Matt takes it a little far) give their EXCLUSIVE FIRST REACTIONS to that Obi-Wan Kenobi trailer!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Sarlacc Mystery Snack.John and Matt peel another Star Wars story onion as they ponder what the implications are of the stormtrooper that was in the Sarlacc next to Boba Fett. Where did he come from, and how did he get there, and what story possibilities does that open?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Grogu's Choice.John and Matt are joined by special guest Yancy Evans to discuss one of the most polarizing plot points in recent Star Wars history: Luke Skywalker’s choice to Grogu to pursue the Jedi path or the Mandalorian way. Yancy discusses his thoughts on the reflection of choice and selflessness, and joins us to explore how it mirrors Anakin’s choice and pressures as well.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Courtship of Princess Leia.John and Matt revisit one of the original Expanded Universe novels, now relegated to “Legends” status, The Courtship of Princess Leia by Dave Wolverton.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Mod People.Matt and John explore the deeper implications of body modification as a cultural movement and choice as presented in The Book of Boba Fett.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Super People.John and Matt ask a burning question: In a galaxy full of cloning, and genetic engineering, where are our Khan Noonien Singh figures? Do the Jedi fill that role, and so they don’t need them? They ponder all this and more!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Nic Anastassiou Archive: The Clone Wars: Final Season.It’s a very special week, so we’re releasing a very special episode! We journey into the archives of the Jedi Order to share a never before heard interview with Nic Anastassiou, story editor on Clone Wars and Bad Batch, to share his insights on the special labor of love that was creating the final season of Clone Wars and especially The Phantom Apprentice. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

An Extra Serving of Sequel.Kathleen Kennedy recently shared that some sequel trilogy characters could be returning in other projects, and so Matt & John discuss what types of projects they’d like to see in order to extend and enhance what we got with the characters of Episodes VII, VIII & IX.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

More Solo Stories.Solo: A Star Wars Story has been embraced in its home video run and become a respected part of the “canon” of Star Wars. Matt & John share their ideas of where the story should/could go....from a certain point of view.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Thanksgungan 2021.It’s that time of year again! The crisp nights and bright days turn our gaze toward those things we hold dear and for which we’re thankful. Join John and Matt as they share all those things that they find best about being a Star Wars fan in 2021 from new productions to treasured characters to the love shown from fans.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Grievous, Did You Know?General Grievous’ role at the opening of Revenge of the Sith was pivotal in a number of ways, and one decision could have undone any other. John and Matt discuss the repercussions of his actions, how much he knew about Sidious’ real machinations, and how much an obstacle he would have been to an ascendant Anakin.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Defending Ahsoka's Walkabout.When Ahsoka Tano’s first arc hit the screens for the final season of The Clone Wars, fan reaction was surprisingly mixed, and remains so. Matt and John offer some thoughts on why that might be, and their own reactions to the arc with the benefit of time and perspective.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Currency and Trade.John and Matt explore a unique question about the Galaxy Far Far Away...how exactly did the Republic and the Empire set monetary policy, and how did they maintain a valuation system when so many sectors had their own coin of the realm?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Maul Wins!In their continuing exploration of the density and complexity of story in the Star Wars saga, John and Matt discuss if one domino had NOT fallen at the end of The Phantom Menace: How differently would things go if Maul had won?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Visionary Wars.Matt and John discuss Star Wars Visions, whether it’s “true Star Wars,” the place of art in fandom, the silly arguments that people make on social media about timelines and “canon,” and the future of dance lessons at the Jedi Temple.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Ahsoka the Dark?John and Matt ponder one of the most sensitive questions they have in awhile: Could Ahsoka Tano ever have turned to the Dark Side and/or become a Sith?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: Call to Vengeance.Matt and John return to the Jedi Apprentice series reviews with Jude Watson’s A Call to Vengeance, wherein Qui-Gon teeters to the edge of the Dark Side, Obi-Wan progresses a little more to the man we would come to know, and a surprising insight into Mace Windu is found. Also they ask, would there be a law or rule for Jedi who strayed since they were officials of the Republic? All this and more! HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Dirty Jobs.John and Matt have a fun - but occasionally deep - discussion about the professions they’d least want to pursue and jobs they wouldn’t want in the Galaxy Far, Far Away. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Battlefronts!Matt and John discuss their favorite battles from the Star Wars saga, whether they’re space based, land based, or simply iconic. They also discuss the battles that left a little to be desired, but mainly it’s about what made those wars in a galaxy far, far away so memorable.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Lightsaber Lost?Luke Skywalker, whether through luck or The Force, managed to keep his lightsaber while dueling Darth Vader on Cloud City. The Jedi Masters discuss the ramifications if it had fallen away instead of landing on the gantry.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

J.W. Rinzler Appreciation Episode.JW Rinzler’s incredible contribution to Star Wars fandom is the skillful telling of fascinating behind-the-scenes info in a compelling way. In this episode the “Jedi Masters” express their appreciation and gratitude for everything he’s contributed, as well as his other works.He’s currently been given a prognosis that we wish he weren’t a GoFundMe has been established to assist with his medical expenses. All donations beyond the goal will be given to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: https://www.gofundme.com/f/h2qw7z-jonathans-medical-expenses?member=12531375HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Unseen Clone Wars.Matt and John return to debate an interesting question: Would it be worthwhile to return to The Clone Wars with never-before-seen stories, or has that era passed forever?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Morals of Westerns.This week Matt and John field a question from a listener about what they see as the moral and film tradition of the American Western and how successful George Lucas was in taking on and carrying forward its place in cinema.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

What if Palpatine Died?What if Supreme Chancellor Sheev Palpatine had died at the beginning of Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith? This is the question that the Jedi Masters ponder this week, trying to figure what story permutations would happen and if the eventual march to Empire was inevitable under Moff Windu, and what role Citizen Ahsoka Tano or Maul might play.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Heart of the Jedi.Something has awakened in Star Wars fandom...and it was an unpublished book from 1993, made available online! This week the @TheJediMasters discuss their reactions to the “lost book” from the Star Wars Expanded Universe, The Heart of the Jedi by Kenneth C. Flint. They share their take on the themes, the story, and what impact it would have had if it were published a long time ago to contribute to the Galaxy Far, Far Away...HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Disney Era.The Jedi Masters are back! This week they discuss the results of a Twitter poll they ran on the @TheJediMasters Twitter account, and the possible implications of how the votes split.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Return to Endor.John & Matt return to Endor to explore an interesting idea: A new Ewok Adventure movie, rebooting the beloved (?) series and bringing it to the modern day. Who comes back? What stays the same? Is it a root-and-branch reworking? Tune in and find out how they’d pitch the most unlikely Star Wars sequel this side of the Holiday Special!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars: The Bad Batch. Star Wars: The Bad Batch has been released, and is all the talk of fandom. So Matt and John sit down to discuss the first two episodes of this series, giving their reactions to character, plot, artistry, and just about anything else that comes to mind. What did they think? You’ll just have to listen to find out.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Ewoks: The Battle for Endor. John and Matt return to Endor (or is it?) for the second infamous prequel-ish adventure with Wicket’s tribe of Ewoks as they survive attacks by evil pirates led by a fearsome-is general allied with a scary-ish witch and enlist Wilford Brimley to mount a rescue mission in the matte-painting enhanced hills of Skywalker Ra...we mean the Forest Moon of Endor.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Faithful Wookiee. Matt and John look at the legendary cartoon from the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special, “The Tale of the Faithful Wookiee,” which introduced the world for the first - but not last - time to Boba Fett.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Caravan of Courage. John and Matt celebrate the love with a return to Endor for a prequel-ish adventure with the lovable local Ewoks as they meet a stranded family and mount a rescue mission in the hills of Skywalker Ra...we mean the Forest Moon of Endor.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Legacy Characters. Matt and John discuss the importance of legacy characters and whether their presence makes it easier to sell a new Star Wars series, or if it’s all that much a factor. While The Clone Wars brought in legacy characters from the beginning, Rebels searched for an audience early on, but The Mandalorian launched with all original characters. What is the key?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

How Many Jedi?John and Matt explore a question from a listener on Twitter: How many Jedi is “too many” to have survived Order 66? 10? 100? 1000? They also discuss the implications of numbers on either end of the scale.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Irreplaceable?Matt and John field a question they received from a listener about who’s replaceable and who isn’t, in terms of actors in a galaxy far, far away. Does animation show us the way? Is anyone too good to recast? Is Matt the Pope of the Church of Obi-Wan?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Speed Racers.John and Matt explore one of the overlooked aspects of the cool ship designs in Star Wars and share their favorite land vehicles. Did yours make the cut?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

noke Signals.John and Matt revisit all that we know about Snoke, and after that 30 seconds is done, discuss all the missed and continuing opportunities there are to develop the character and create/reveal more of his story.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Making Connections.Matt and John have an honest discussion about when a Star Wars property has the obligation to bring in established characters, whether anything is lost by doing so, and how creators have made their decisions work...or not.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Luke to the Rescue. John and Matt have discussed aspects before, and specific points, but this time they discuss their thoughts and reactions to the entirety of The Mandalorian’s second season.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Death of Hope.Matt and John return to the Jedi Apprentice series with The Death of Hope, a book with quite a number of surprising turns and character developments for Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Last Skywalker.John and Matt return to The Rise of Skywalker to discuss their thoughts with a rewatch one year later. Have our opinions changed for the better or for the worse? You don't want to miss this episode!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Fett History.Matt and John debate what the revelations from The Mandalorian episode, "The Tragedy", mean for the origin story of Jango Fett, and its implications for what we’ve seen about Mandalorian culture.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Paul Duncan: The Star Wars Archives: 1999-2005.Aggressive Negotiations is proud to welcome back, author Paul Duncan as he has completed his newest archive book for Star Wars, this time focusing on the Prequel Trilogy! This is an interview and book not to be missed.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Law & Order: X-Wing.John and Matt discuss the world building of The Mandalorian, and what it reveals about the mistakes the New Republic is making as it tries to establish itself, and how it mirrors the Old Republic and the Empire.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

To Train or Not to Train.John and Matt explore Chapter 13 of The Mandalorian, “The Jedi,” and its implications about the Jedi way, The Mandalorian way, and our questions of free will, destiny, and belonging.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Thanksgungan 2020.Matt and John continue their celebration of everything they’re thankful for within the franchise, legacy, and fanbase for Star Wars.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Sand People Perspectives.John and Matt discuss the story arc of the Tuskens onscreen, and how our growing understanding of their culture mirrors our own growing understanding of the Mandalorians, and the larger elements of Star Wars in general.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Who's the Better Boba?Matt poses one heck of a question in the aftermath of the ninth episode of The Mandalorian: Who’s the better Boba? Or, as some might say, “Who wore it better?”HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Droids!John and Matt discuss their favorite droids, what makes these characters so integral to what makes Star Wars work, and what they’ve seen as the saga developed and our real-world understanding on artificial intelligence grew.This is the way.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

"Redemption" Commentary.Matt and John revisit the final episode season 1 for The Mandalorian, “Redemption,” with a commentary track exploring what they saw as the hallmarks of Taika Waititi’s direction, the places where the humor worked (or didn’t), the exhilarating action, the pacing, and everything else. And of course, they share what they see as the importance of that final reveal for longtime fans.This is the way.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

"The Reckoning" Commentary.Matt and John revisit the penultimate episode of The Mandalorian, “The Reckoning,” with a commentary track exploring everything that made the episode work so well while highlighting its real role as the beginning of a quiet 2-part opening arc for Season 2.This is the way.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

"The Prisoner" Commentary.John and Matt revisit the sixth episode of The Mandalorian, “The Prisoner,” with a commentary track exploring their reactions and opinions on the episode’s successes and its esteemed place among fans, while noting its deft use of action, music, humor and physicality to advance our understanding of character.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

"The Gunslinger" Commentary.John and Matt revisit the fifth episode of The Mandalorian, “The Gunslinger,” directed by Dave Filoni, with a commentary track exploring their reactions and opinions on the episode’s successes and perceived missed opportunities, while noting its place in terms of story progression, character development and possible later payoff.This is the way.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Sanctuary" Commentary.Matt and John revisit the fourth episode of The Mandalorian, “Sanctuary,” directed by Bryce Dallas Howard, with a commentary track exploring their reactions and opinions on the technical achievements of the episode, its place in the “tone poem” mythology of Star Wars, the performances Howard was able to capture, and how the episode informs our expectations going forward.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

"The Sin" Commentary.John and Matt revisit the third episode of The Mandalorian, “The Sin,” directed by Deborah Chow, with a commentary track detailing their initial reactions and later reflections on what makes this episode so special in terms of defying expectations and exceeding conventional shows.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

"The Child" Commentary.Matt and John revisit the second episode of The Mandalorian, “The Child,” directed by Rick Famuyiwa, and offer their own commentary track with reactions and reflections on how the show continued to delight and surprise with a remarkable second installment.This is the way.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

"The Mandalorian" Commentary.John and Matt revisit the first episode of The Mandalorian, directed by Dave Filoni, and offer their own unique commentary track with reactions and reflections.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Skywalker, By Any Other Name.What’s in a name? A Skywalker from any other lineage would be just as sweet. John and Matt, inspired by a listener email, discuss one of the more contentious aspects of the final chapter in the Skywalker Saga, the handling of Rey’s last name.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Power Dynamics.Matt and John weave their way through the internal bureaucracies of the Galactic Empire and examine what made the system so dysfunctional, how players like Krennic could have lived longer in it, and the nature of its evolution to First/Final Order.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Decision Points.What if the echo found in Snoke’s chambers when Kylo tempts Rey in The Last Jedi isn’t from The Empire Strikes Back, but rather from the Emperor’s throne room in Return of the Jedi? John and Matt explore the similarities and differences and what little changes might have impacted Luke’s own decisions.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Mandalorian Keys to Success.Matt and John explore The Mandalorian through the lens of what elements explain its tremendous commercial and critical success, and what it says for the future of Star Wars and streaming television as a whole.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Shadow Score.Matt and John revisit the score to the 1990s Star Wars thought experiment, Shadows of the Empire. They discuss its strong points, its shortcomings, and favorite moments, along with their memories of the score as fans.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

What If...Anakin Surrendered?John and Matt re-enter the What If arena and ponder how Star Wars history changes if, in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Anakin decided to surrender to Obi-Wan.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Canon Fodder.John and Matt finally have the deep dive discussion they’ve been waiting to have for years, focused exclusively on the book publishing empire of Star Wars. They discuss waning interest, multiple reboots, emotional attachments, levels of anticipation for The High Republic era, and what role books have in an era increasingly defined by as many visual channels as there are franchises.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Imperial Cannon Fodder.Matt and John discuss the most famous foot-soldiers across the stars, Imperial Stormtroopers. Also Clone Troopers, Sith troopers, Death Troopers, Shock Troopers, Shore Troopers, and all the other types of trooper you care to name!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Solo Blueprint.John and Matt explore what makes Solo work so well as a world-building film, and what other Star Wars works can learn from it as they move forward to build a galactic continuity. Plus they pick a winner in their review contest!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

What if...The Lars Lived?Matt and John award the runners up in their review contest, and then delve into a curious question: What if Owen and Beru hadn’t been killed? What does Luke’s journey look like?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Ties That Bind.John and Matt return to the Legends era of books with a look at the 13th book in the Jedi Apprentice series, “The Ties That Bind.” What implications are there if this story were to be left in the official continuity? What does it speak to in society today? Join us for a fascinating look at an intriguingly deep book.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Filling in the Sequels.Matt and John field a question from the email inbox about whether a new Expanded Universe of official stories could rehab some fans’ opinions of the sequel trilogy, the way that The Clone Wars rehabilitated some fan's' opinions of the prequels.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Musings at Forty.John and Matt talk about the 40th anniversary of the beloved sequel, The Empire Strikes Back, and John’s own feelings of alienation in the fandom since he doesn’t rank it as his personal Number 1. They also discuss their personal connections and favorite scenes, and how adoration for this wonderful film may limited the series in the modern era.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Life and Times of Rex.Inspired by a note from a long-time listener, Matt and John discuss the beloved character Rex and his journey from The Clone Wars to Star Wars Rebels. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Darth Maul: Son of Dathomir.When we left Maul in season five of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, his brother had been killed by Sidious and he'd been kept alive for unknown nefarious purposes. Before Maul returns in the final season of the show, Dark Horse Comics, in 2014, gave fans an unproduced arc that was meant to be in-between where things left off in season 5 and the Siege of Mandalore. Join us this week as John and Matt discuss this pivotal comic, plus read off new entries in our review contest on Apple Podcasts. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Behind JJ's Scenes.Matt and John explore the extras on the Rise of Skywalker home release, including the 2-hour documentary The Skywalker Legacy, and share some of the latest entries received for their review contest.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Correlation and Causation.The review contest continues! In the meanwhile, Matt and John examine the similarities and themes in the first two arcs of the seventh season of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, focused on The Bad Batch and Ahsoka’s time immediately following her departure from the order.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Can't Keep a Palpatine Down.The review contest continues, while at the same time John and Matt decide to debate the finer points of the surprisingly-eternal Sheev Palpatine, and all the implications it carries. Was it a quick story cheat? An inspired idea in need of more time? A surprising twist that he couldn’t find a new tailor? Debate all this and more!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Rise of the Soundtrack.John Williams music for the Star Wars saga as been called the heart and soul of the series and fans were overjoyed that he was able to complete his work on the series with this final score for The Rise of Skywalker. This week John and Matt dig into the soundtrack from the movie to discuss Williams last contribution to the franchise. Plus we read out the latest reviews in our Apple Podcast review contest!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars "Dominoes".Inspired by a recent rewatch of Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones, John and Matt have a discussion about the impact if Dooku had been killed or captured on Geonosis, which turns into them postulating what other pieces from the Clone Wars had to fall into place at the right moments.Plus they share the first reviews they received for their latest review contest!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Catharsis.If there’s one thing Star Wars knows how to deliver, especially to its fans, it’s emotional release. Given the current state of the world, Matt and John explore the cathartic moments from the saga that speak most strongly to them, and ask you: Where do you find catharsis in Star Wars?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Anakin Conundrum.John and Matt discuss a new tidbit officially entered into Star Wars lore by a recent episode of The Clone Wars: that Obi-Wan knew about Anakin and Padme’s secret relationship. They discuss what motivated him to keep the secret, what it meant for him to keep the secret, and precisely how deep his knowledge ran.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Dangerous Rescue.Matt and John return to the Jedi Book club to discuss Jedi Apprentice: The Dangerous Rescue, the 13th book in the classic Young Adult series. They explore the deep themes that resonate all these years later through a book for younger audiences, the similarities in approach and execution to the Star Wars: The Clone Wars series, their favorite parts, and where the resolution to this three-book arc might have fallen a little short.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Controversial Opinions.In this episode, John and Matt discuss some recent poll results from the @TheJediMasters twitter account, and then John asks Matt his opinions on what turns out to be a very controversial read of The Rise of Skywalker.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Shape of Wars.The 201st issue of Aggressive Negotiations finds Matt and John discussing the decision to have The Clone Wars include the beloved Jedi characters from the prequels, and not focus on the clones exclusively. They look at how that shaped the show, what insights it provided for the characters, the value of small human moments and the philosophical ramifications of war, and more.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Maul, Mandalore & Milestones.200! John and Matt have swept into another milestone episode, offering a commentary on the four-episode Maul arc from The Clone Wars. Sith are setting up syndicates. Obi-Wan is everywhere.They can’t believe it’s been so long since they started this podcast. They appreciate everyone who’s been along for the ride, and look forward to presenting you with more #StarWarsLove in days to come.Join the Jedi Masters for a fun examination of a pivotal arc, which ties in to Season 7 of The Clone Wars, and Revenge of the Sith, in important ways. You can watch along, or just listen....HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Skipping Death Stars.Matt and John make the jump to hyperspace to figure out...hyperspace rules in the Sequel Trilogy era. It all starts with an innocent question about whether a Death Star could use a Sith Wayfinder to get to Exegol, touches on how Lightspeed Skipping might work, and ends up back at things that might make the Millenium Falcon special. Their heads were spinning by the end, and yours just might, too!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Rise of Ghosts.John presents one of his surprise topics with Matt, trying to puzzle through all the possibilities and problems presented by the presence of Jedi voices at the end of Episode IX. What does it mean in terms of Palpatine’s goals? Does it break established lore? Was Ben Solo trained in the retention of identity after death? They discuss all this and more.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Evil Experiment.John and Matt return to the Jedi Apprentice series with a look at Book 12, again authored by Jude Watson, The Evil Experiment. The book spurs discussions about how much the galaxy knows about what makes the Jedi special, the dangers of ethical and moral relativity, and the continuing development of Obi-Wan’s character on an arc that pays off in the prequels.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Parallels.This week John and Matt are inspired by a listener email to discuss the parallels between Anakin and Obi-Wan, as well as the ways they relate to some of the new ideas from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Nature of Evil.As we continue to absorb and discuss The Rise of Skywalker, John and Matt continue the conversation spurred by their examination of the Force Dyad, and discuss the nature of Evil within mythology, within Star Wars, and what lessons it offers the world.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Two That are One.After the Rise of Skywalker, fans have focused on the idea of Rey and Ben being a Dyad, a group of two, connected inextricably through the Force. Matt and John discuss the intention and expression of the idea as it’s found in the movie, and what it might mean within the context of the saga.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdp

Book Club: The Deadly Hunter.As the dust settles from The Rise of Skywalker, Matt and John return to a slightly different timeline for that galaxy far, far away as they look at Book 11 in the Jedi Apprentice series, The Deadly Hunter.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Skywalker Risen.A long time have they waited...and you have too. It’s the inevitable reaction show to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker from the Jedi Masters themselves.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Smuggler's Fun.John and Matt complete their revisit of the Disney-era Star Wars films before The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters as they return to the rip-roaring adventure starring everyone’s favorite scoundrel, Solo: A Star Wars Story.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Padme's Light.Matt and John discuss a note from a listener, whose theory on the meaning and mechanism of Padme’s life and death gives rise to a new interpretation of the character’s arc and the prequels as a whole. Join Matt and John as they explore the meaning of Padme’s light.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Age of the Mandalorian.John and Matt explore the intricate world building of the Mandalorians, and how it’s evolved from the Age of Republic during the Star Wars: The Clone Wars to the Age of Rebellion during Star Wars Rebels, to what can now be called...The Age of The Mandalorian!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Thanksgungan 2019.The holiday season is upon us once more, and that brings with it our own special tradition: An episode where we give thanks for everything we’ve loved about Star Wars - and Star Wars fandom - for the year. That’s right, it’s time for...Thanksgungan!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Fan Balance in Star Wars.Few phrases are as loaded in franchise discussion as “fan service.” With the release of The Mandalorian to Disney+, John and Matt explore the more positive aspects of the term, and exactly what “fan service" might mean in the context of a long-running franchise.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Visions of the Future.“Always in motion is the future,” as a wise green Jedi once said. Given that truth, and the recent news from Disney/Lucasfilm, Matt and John ponder what the future holds for that cherished galaxy far, far away, and what new surprises are in store.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Introducing Star Wars.John and Matt ponder the question, after decades of material and fandom, “How would you introduce Star Wars to someone who’s never seen it before?”HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Vader's Soul(e).Matt and John discuss the Fortress Vader arc that closed out Charles Soule’s time with the Dark Lord, and established his motivations and methods for creating a very foreboding castle on the fiery shores of Mustafar. They share what makes Soule’s work so enduring, and indelibly authentic for a galaxy far, far away. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Faith of the Force.Continuing on a thread spurred from last week’s episode, John and Matt explore the role of faith in the destiny of the Star Wars galaxy. From its impact on the lives of the Jedi to the formative lesson about its importance at the core of the saga, they examine it as only they can.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcast

Power of the Force.As fans eagerly anticipate The Rise of Skywalker, Chris Terrio, who helped JJ Abrams write the film, has teased one of the questions that they contemplated while constructing the story and it's this; "How strong is the Force?". This week John and Matt dive into this question and see where it takes us in the Star Wars universe. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Henry Gilroy: The Ryloth Arc.Writer/producer Henry Gilroy of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels joins John and Matt to discuss the final arc of the first season of The Clone Wars. He shares insights and stories on character and story origins, never-before-heard anecdotes from behind the scenes, and news about his upcoming Netflix project. an animated adaptation of Magic: The Gathering!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Nic Anastassiou: The Yoda Arc.Matt and John are joined by a special guest Nic Anastassiou, veteran editor on The Clone Wars series, to discuss their perspectives on the “Lost Missions” Yoda arc . Revisiting it in a new era, with The Clone Wars about to return with new stories, they discuss how the episodes stretch and reimagine what we knew about the story and the meaning of the Star Wars saga, intrinsic aspects of the storytelling, and so much more. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Last Jedi, Revisited.As part of their re-examination of the saga in preparation for Star Wars: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, Matt and John return to Ahch-To and reassess their takes on Star Wars: Episode VIII: The Last Jedi. Did their opinions shift? Listen and find out!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Ahead of the Curve.Is there an intrinsic part of the Star Wars saga that makes it a more fertile ground for non-linear, non-sequential storytelling? John and Matt discuss in depth what they see as evidence that Lucas laid a framework that will make this franchise more resilient than most.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Rey of Darkness, Rey of Light.John and Matt peel the onion of the latest revealed footage from Star Wars: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, which teases an image of a Dark Rey with a double-bladed red lightsaber. They explore the likelihood of a dark fate for Rey, and along the way share some passing thoughts on Kenobi’s upcoming series and The Mandalorian’s first official trailer.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Shattered Peace.Matt and John continue their Jedi Book Club with the 10th story in the Jedi Apprentice series. “The Shattered Peace,” by Jude Watson, features new planets and cultures, and questions of moving forward from the past. Join the Jedi Masters as they examine the story, themes, and execution on this “Legends” tale.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

All About the Aliens.Star Wars is known for a lot of great elements, and aliens are one of the most visible highlights. Matt and John shine a light on what the aliens in the saga have said about humanity and to humanity, and how their cultures have come into even greater focus with the television series. They also discuss their hopes for the possibilities to explore even more alien cultures in future series.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Possession Question.John and Matt explore an idea that may explain a lot about the Sequel Trilogy and Ben Solo in specific. Or it may not, but either way it leads to an interesting discussion about the possible avenues of story for the end of the Skywalker Saga.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Unknown Regions.Matt and John explore the Star Wars galaxy’s Unknown Regions, a place that franchise authors have explored for years, and now are re-exploring. Even Disney’s parks are starting to look in that direction with Galaxy’s Edge and other materials. Does it mean this is the great new frontier for Star Wars shows and movies going forward, or just a way to sell tie-in materials?HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Who's Your Master?John and Matt discuss and debate the role of the Master in Jedi formation, what sort of Master is best for a Jedi, and examples of those who have helped define not what a Jedi Master was, but what they should be.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Attack of the Surprises.Matt and John revisit Attack of the Clones and share what they thought were the most surprising moments in Star Wars Episode II. From Fetts to finales, genre influences to Dooku, find out what caught the Masters off guard in 2002.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Time and Space in Star Wars.John and Matt celebrate another turning of the Galactic Core for Jedi Master Rushing, as they explore what time, space, and experience mean for a galaxy far, far away.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Last Jedi Score.Matt and John complete their journey through the Star Wars scores with the last stop on the journey to The Rise of Skywalker: John Williams’ score for The Last Jedi.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

#BendemptionJohn and Matt address a hot topic that's fueling a lot of speculation about the plot of Star Wars: Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. They debate the odds of the possible redemption of Ben Solo/Kylo Ren, known online as #Bendemption, what it means to the larger story, and whether it's as satisfying an ending as Star Wars fans might hope.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Galactic Rock.Matt and John explore the soundscape of a galaxy far, far away as established not by the stellar scores and use of leitmotif, but by the in-universe music of Jabba's palace, podracing arenas, Takodana castles, and Zeb's chill time.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Fight for Truth.John and Matt return to the Jedi Book Club to revisit Jude Watson's Jedi Apprentice: Book 9: The Fight for Truth. They discover the enduring lessons, the shift in regard for the Jedi way across different eras, and what the work says about Star Wars stories speaking to universal themes across generations.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Holo Transmissions.Matt and John fulfill a long-standing promise to talk about some communications they've received from across the galaxy, spurring some interesting discussions about Star Wars questions and observations having to do with Rey, lineage, Skywalkers, titles, and a few surprising twists and turns.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Phantom Menace Commentary.To celebrate the 20th Anniversary of The Phantom Menace, Matt and John returned to the the first Episode in a nine-part family saga to bring you a commentary track for Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Nothing was the same after we saw the beginning of it all, with a movie that challenged and expanded everything we thought we knew about the Star Wars galaxy. What was Lucas trying to say with his first foray back to that galaxy far, far away? How did what we learn, change what we thought we knew? Join John and Matt as they walk through this important work with you, and share some new insights they gained along the way.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Jedi Council.John and Matt discuss the world-building, and perception-shifting, appearance of The Jedi Council in Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace. It was one of the things that changed everything about Star Wars twenty years ago, and they discuss their first thoughts, the characters that resonated from the first moment, and the story arcs since that have proven what a rich story George Lucas had created.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Paul Duncan: The Star Wars Archives 1977-1983.This year on May the 4th, the unofficial/official Star Wars Day, Matthew Rushing was able to talk to Paul Duncan, author of The Star Wars Archives. We discussed the way the book came about, finding the key to telling this story and about the book. This is truly an episode not to miss! HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Galaxy's Eats.Matt and John discuss the note about what drinks are going to be served at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. This spurs a fun discussion on the eating habits of a galaxy far, far away, the challenges of galactic food culture, and what Yoda's preferred drink was...among a few other fun notes.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Celebrating Celebration.John interviews Matt about his time at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago. Hear first-hand about the most exciting moments on the panels, the emotional vibe of an amazing crowd, and the impact of all the first-hand exclusives. They discuss the most resonant moments, the most magical memories, and the feelings that need to be carried out through fandom. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

New Republic's End.John and Matt explore an interconnected point between the original Star Wars episodes and the sequel trilogy thus far: the role of Papatine's machinations in bringing about the fall of the New Republic. Starting with a single exchange among the Imperial military on the Death Star, they expound what may have been Palpatine's one true master stroke to ensure everything fell with his Empire.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Sound of an Awakening.Matt and John continue their methodical examination of the Star Wars scores, as they arrive at the sequel trilogy to discuss John Williams' work for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. They discuss triumphant returns, discordant orchestrations, and the genesis of new and memorable themes. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Mother of the Force.John and Matt discuss one of the more mysterious and intriguing figures from the prequel era, Shmi Skywalker. Who was this humble woman? How did she retain such a strong, nurturing outlook in the midst of a slave's life? Why was she the perfect vessel to bring the Chosen One into the galaxy? They examine these questions, and posit others about the Mother of the Force. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

A Pod and a Prayer.Matt and John take a close look at podracing, from the fun and silly to the serious considerations of how you'd regulate such a dangerous sport in a galaxy far, far away. Along the way, they uncover on some surprising considerations and unexpected complexities born from George Lucas' desire to have a visionary space race. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Rogue One Wars.John and Matt continue their journey to Episode IX as they look back at Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the second movie released by Lucasfilm after Disney's acquisition. In one of their most spirited debates in a while, they discuss what did work and what didn't, which characters were their favorites, what moments resonate, and why this Star Wars movie garners such strong reactions. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

#RebelsRemembered.Matt and John reminisce about Star Wars: Rebels a year after it left the air, sharing what they saw as the show's impact, its strengths, and ways it challenged the larger Star Wars audience. Join them as they celebrate a show that was replete with turning points among the various projects launched in the Disney era, and what it could mean for future efforts. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Force Vision Casting.John and Matt look into the future, and discuss what they see as the best path forward for Star Wars as a franchise. They share their thoughts on what types of themes and time periods Star Wars could explore once freed of the Skywalkers, in the wake of Disney executive Alan Horn's recent comments. They debate whether there should be more, or less, content to satisfy the fans and the general public. They look back to the old Expanded Universe for lessons that could shape a way forward, and warnings about paths to be avoided. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Day of Reckoning.Matt and John return to the Jedi book club this week with Book 8 in Jude Watson's classic Jedi Apprentice series, The Day of Reckoning. This book brings to a close the first major arc with Xanatos, Qui-Gon's fallen first student, but also touches on themes and ideas Lucas would return to throughout the prequels and the Clone Wars series. Matt and John discuss the book's successes, its missteps, and its place in the line of Star Wars legends.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Monster Mash.One of the defining characteristics of Star Wars has been its enthusiastic use of monsters, an echo of the movies and books that defined Lucas' own formation as a film fan, and the artists who helped bring the galaxy to life. John and Matt take a look at those iconic beasties and share their thoughts on personal favorites.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Stover's Revenge.As a special topic for the 150th episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Matt and John revisit the gold standard for film novelizations, Matthew Stover's Revenge of the Sith novelization. They discuss what makes it work so well, reminisce about special memories they have of their first time reading it, and analyze how Stover took something magical and made it wonderful in its own right.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

A Certain Point of View.Star Wars fans and authors have spent a great deal of time examining a single line of dialogue from Return of the Jedi, wherein Obi-Wan's spirit shares with Luke that “many of the truths we cling to, depend greatly on our own point of view.” John and Matt look at the meaning behind those words, and whether too much has been made of them over the years, or if they've found a different perspective on them than the general consensus.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Phantom Menace Surprises.20 years ago, Star Wars thundered back onscreen! The Phantom Menace expanded the mythos of a galaxy far, far away....but it wasn't quite what people expected. Matt and John revisit the surprising exploits of Jar Jar Binks, Qui-Gon Jinn, Padme Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and all the rest, to discuss how Star Wars in 1999 challenged their perceptions, and the perceptions of fans in general.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Reawakening the Force.2019 features what will likely be our final Star Wars “Saga” film, Episode IX: As Yet Untitled. John and Matt revisit the film that restarted it all, The Force Awakens. They discuss how their relationships to the film have changed over time, and what factors shifted their perceptions. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Back to Jakku.Matt and John go back to Jakku and discuss why it seems so pivotal to the sequel trilogy, whether our heroes will return to it in Episode IX, and what clues it might offer for the resolution of the saga films.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Gift of Star Wars.John and Matt share a special holiday-themed issue of Aggressive Negotiations, discussing the many gifts of Star Wars in their lives - and fans in general - that make it the enduring touchstone for them and so many others.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Captured Temple.John and Matt continue their deep-dive series on the Jedi Apprentice series from the prequel era, revisiting the seventh book, The Captured Temple by Jude Watson. They discuss what works with the characters, insights about Qui-Gon gleaned from his relationship with Obi-Wan, and ponder a new expanded universe book by Watson wherein lessons from this series are reflected on by Ben in exile while communing with Qui-Gon.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Return of the Music.Continuing their deep-dive analysis of the scores of a galaxy far, far away, Matt and John explore John Williams' work with Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. As only they can, they discuss the impact of the score, where it stands for them in the hierarchy of Star Wars music, and its brilliance as a standalone work from Williams.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Tarkin Infinities.Grand Moff Tarkin is one of the iconic villains of the Star Wars saga. Commander of the Death Star, and bold enough to boss around Darth Vader, he gave shape to the villainy of a galaxy far, far away. John and Matt discuss Tarkin's role in shaping the Skywalker story, his place in the firmament of Imperial power, and ponder what the story would have looked like...if he survived the destruction of the Death Star.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Mighty Chewbacca.Matt and John discuss the illustrious history and blossoming back-story of everyone's first and favorite Wookiee, Chewbacca! They chat about what makes him so magical, why he resonates so well with audiences, and how his presence enriches all of Star Wars.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Thanksgungan 2018.It's that magical time of year when Matt and John discuss the things for which they're most thankful in Star Wars fandom over the last year, from content released to content announced. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Plumbing Palpatine.Sheev Palpatine has captivated Star Wars fans for decades. The embodiment of evil, a living devil sent to tempt and destroy the goodness of the galaxy. But...what if there's more? John and Matt discuss the possibility that, as the Sith are dark mirrors of the Jedi, is it possible that they are continually tempted...by the light? If so, what shows as Palpatine's hidden tendencies for goodness, tenderness, or anything else redeemable? They explore this, and more.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Darth Vader - Legacy's End.The new wave of content for Star Wars has had some real gems, among them the Darth Vader storylines created by Charles Soule for Marvel comics. In this episode, Matt and John look at the second arc of Vader's comic title, which examines the Inquisitorius and Jedi Master Jocasta Nu. They look at what the arc says about Vader's relationship with Sidious, the expanding understanding of what happened to the last of the Jedi Order, and the pieces left in place still to explore in the era of the Sequel Trilogy.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Empire of Music.John and Matt return to the music of the Star Wars maestro, John Williams, for an in-depth look at the score to Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. They discuss the impulses that drove Williams, how they shaped our experiences with the film, and what makes this many fans' most beloved score from the entire series. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Bringing the Force Together.Matt and John continue their quest for clues about the sequel trilogy's direction by looking at the character Lor San Tekka, played onscreen by Max Von Sydow in The Force Awakens. San Tekka's search for artifacts has crept in through the comics, reigniting debates about Balance of the Force, the power of the past, and the identity of the future in Star Wars.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Passing the Baton.A quick fan favorite in the current Star Wars story era, Poe Dameron has become an anchor character tying together numerous arcs which answer various questions. At the core of it, though, is a character about whom we still have questions. John and Matt tackle those questions, including the nature of Poe's relationship with Leia and what that might mean for Ben Solo/Kylo Ren. HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

The Question of Sentience.A conversational seed bearing fruit in the Star Wars galaxy is the question of droid sentience. Spurred on by L3 in Solo: A Star Wars Story, the Jedi Masters pick up on momentum from a DragonCon panel on which John appeared, to discuss the implications and philosophical underpinnings of artificial intelligence, droid sentience, and the role of the robot in terms of the natural order, the Jedi, and the nature of life in the Star Wars galaxy.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Extra Solo.Join John and Matt as they dive deep into the extra materials served with the recent home release of Solo: A Star Wars Story, sharing their reactions to deleted scenes, mini docs, roundtables, and the glimpses at the decisions & reasonings for constructing the origin of a beloved hero from a galaxy far, far away.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Uncertain Path.Join Matt and John as they continue their examination of the Jedi Apprentice series from the 1990s. They discuss its place in the existing storyline, whether it should be recognized as official material for the characters, and the deeply-explored themes of forgiveness, compassion, and understanding the place of the past while moving forward.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Always in Motion.George Lucas said Star Wars was meant to act like a Tone Poem, where certain story beats “rhyme.” To that end, John asks Matt if we see a broken echo between Yoda's decision to let Luke go toward a possible dark fate in The Empire Strikes Back, and Luke's temptation to eliminate Ben's future seen in The Last Jedi. The Masters then examine what this could mean thematically for the series' conclusion.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

World Between Worlds and Sith.Star Wars Rebels introduced us to the World Between Worlds, a metaverse where a Force User could see, and be connected to, the past and the future simultaneously. Inspired by a debate between Henry Gilroy and Timothy Zahn at a Dragon Con panel, John & Matt contemplate whether the Sith ever could have opened a door to this space between moments, and what that would have meant.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Dragon Con: The Clone Wars Tenth Anniversary Panel.This year the Jedi Masters were able to go to Dragon Con and be apart of the Star Wars track. So this week we proudly present one of the panels as Henry Gilroy, Bryan Young, Tom Hutchens and Melissa Pye joined Matthew Rushing to talk about Star Wars: The Clone Wars as it turns ten years old. We discuss it's creation, the movie, favorite arcs and characters, what it adds to the saga, it's return and so much more!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Bounty Hunters.From the beginning, Bounty Hunters have been a part of the Star Wars mosaic, offering an important portrayal of the way justice might be met in a galaxy far, far away. From wild west vibes to anti-hero causes, bounty hunters have always challenged our view of how things worked. John and Matt explore the evolving portrayal of bounty hunters through the saga.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Soundtrack of Solo.One strand of the Star Wars magic is its music, as much a part of its artistic DNA as its visuals. As the saga has progressed, more composers have expanded upon John Williams' stunning work, to create a rich galaxy of sound. Join Matt and John as they discuss the phenomenal work John Powell did on the soundtrack to Solo: A Star Wars Story.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Clone Wars Commentary.Join John and Matt as they continue to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Clone Wars changing fans' perception of their beloved Star Wars saga with an exclusive commentary of the 2008 film directed by Dave Filoni!HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Journey of Ahsoka.Despite initial resistance, Ahsoka Tano came to symbolize all that was best of the Star Wars mythology. Along the way, she gathered a fan base as wide and diverse as the Star Wars galaxy itself. Join Matt and John as they explore what worked so well about this character and why she continues to resonate with fans from The Clone Wars, to Rebels, and hopefully...beyond.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Bond/Solo Connection.Two iconic characters and their shared characteristics: John and Matt explore the similarities between James Bond and Han Solo, and discuss where those tendencies manifest themselves most visibly. They also field a listener question regarding scoring a new trilogy and what the Last Jedi novelization added to the audience's understanding.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Dooku of The Clone Wars.Who Weeps for Count Dooku of Serenno? Just in time for the #CloneWarsSaved announcement, Matt and John discuss Count Dooku as seen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. They discuss his faults from light and dark side perspectives, and how understanding his character reshaped ideas of everyone from Palpatine to Anakin.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Defenders of the Dead.John and Matt renew their look at the Jedi Apprentice book series, picking up with The Defenders of the Dead by Jude Watson. They examine how the book found the voices of the characters, where the story fits in our current understanding of Star Wars lore, and the current potentials of adapting the series in a new format.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Ten Years of The Clone Wars.In April of 2005 at Celebration III, George Lucas told the audience that there would be a new 3D animated series coming that continued the story of The Clone Wars and in August of 2008 fans got their first taste of the series with the theatrical release of Star Wars: The Clone Wars.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations host Matthew Rushing is joined by Nic Anastassiou to talk about ten years of The Clone Wars. We discuss how Nic started with the series, what about this show has captured people's imaginations, The Clone Wars generation, what it adds to the Prequels as well as the over all saga, the most fun arcs to work on, what he learned about Star Wars and what he's most proud of.HostMatthew RushingGuestNic AnastassiouSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

A Youngling's View of Solo.John is joined by a fan-favorite guest, his eldest youngling, “Saber Goddess”. They discuss her reaction to Solo, from story to characters to where she ranks it on her personal scale. They discover some things about  what made it work as a film so well for so many.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Jedi and Spirituality.Matt and John delve  into the meaning of spirituality in Star Wars, examining the meaning of it to those in a galaxy far, far away. Were the Jedi meant to wander the galaxy like Caine from Kung Fu? Was Luke really meant to reestablish a Jedi Order? What did spirituality look like for the thousand generations the Jedi existed before audiences met Obi-Wan in 1977? Matt and John challenge each other with their own answers to these questions, and more.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Yoda, Sequels and Lucas.George Lucas' thoughts about where he would've taken the Star Wars story in the Sequel Trilogy have been revealed, with reactions running the usual gamut. But had Lucas already laid the groundwork? John and Matt explore what wound up as the final episodes of The Clone Wars, “The Yoda Arc.” They discuss Yoda's journey, what it reveals, and more importantly what it establishes about the nature of the Force and where Lucas would have taken the story from there.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Solo with Nic Anastassiou.Our ongoing discussions of the terrific Solo: A Star Wars Story continue as we welcome back longtime friend of the show Nic Anastassiou to discuss his reaction to the film, his insights on what made it excel, takeaways about the effects work, why it's had trouble finding an audience, and how it fits in the tradition of Star Wars.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingGuestNic AnastassiouSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Han's Heart.Solo: A Star Wars Story surprised fans with a new, dynamic female character who had captured Han's heart in youth and provided some insight into the man he was and would become. Matt and John debate whether Qi'ra was Han's one true love, what parts of her he saw in Leia, and possible ways her memory impacted his future relationships. HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Solo: What's Old is New.In the lead-up to the theatrical release of Solo: A Star Wars Story, John and Matt discussed Brian Daley's Han Solo Trilogy, so now that the movie has been released they dive into the ways the movie referenced Daley's work and also call out the other places it uses canon and non-canon sources to weave it's tale of everyone's favorite scoundrel's origin. HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Han Solo and the Lost Legacy.In the run-up to the theatrical release of Solo: A Star Wars Story, Matt and John complete their review of Brian Daley's classic Han Solo trilogy with Han Solo and the Lost Legacy. Released in August 1980, they look at the story structure, expectations going in to the third story in an arc, resemblances to other Lucasfilm stories, and...health spas?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Musical Hope.In the run-up to the theatrical release of Solo: A Star Wars Story, John and Matt return to their retrospective on the Star Wars scores by dusting off the vinyl and spin the 1977 original soundtrack that started it all! With several variant releases through the years, they discuss the score's impact on their own lives, share some personal stories about the work of John Williams, and reveal their favorite moments.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Han Solo's Revenge.Matt and John revisit the second novel in Brian Daley's classic Han Solo series, Han Solo's Revenge. Join them as they explore ways in which Daley's handling and understandong of the character visibly matured, areas that drop hints about future directions onscreen and in the Expanded Universe, and some favorite surprises from a 1979 Star Wars time capsule.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Favorite Aliens.Usually it is John that surprises Matt with a question but this week the tables have turned, Matt asks what John's favorite alien are in Star Wars. Aliens permeate the saga, from ewoks to Embo, from Teeto to twi'lek, what are the Masters favorite aliens?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Han Solo at Stars' End.Matt and John revisit the classic Brian Daley novel that helped shape what Star Wars fans would come to expect from “Expanded Universe” works and their favorite smuggling duo of Han Solo and Chewbacca the Wookiee. Join them as they discuss the work and the lasting impact of Han Solo at Stars' End.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Henry Gilroy: The Zygerrian Slaver Arc.John and Matt gleefully welcome back writer and co-producer from Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, Henry Gilroy! They talk to Henry about his work writing the Zygerrian Slavers arc from the Clone Wars comic series and later adapting it to a three-episode arc from The Clone Wars television series.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Last Jedi Extras.Star Wars fans enjoy extras, and have clamored for more behind-the-scenes material consistently. With The Last Jedi, Disney & Lucasfilm have delivered a cornucopia of extras to make any fan content. Matt and John examine and discuss the extras delivered on The Last Jedi's home release.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Droid That Meets the Eye.Those who grew up with Star Wars also remember another fun franchise: The Transformers. The prequel era introduced us to transforming robots in the Star Wars galaxy, but what if they took the next step and became more than meets the eye? John and Matt imagine what that would be like.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Palpatine: False Angel.Few screen villains have entranced and delighted fans as much as the Star Wars saga's Sheev Palpatine. Matt and John explore the new perceptions of him shared through Star Wars Rebels, and discuss what it means for interpretations of the saga as a whole.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Space Married.Star Wars fans were first introduced to Hera and Kanan via John Jackson Miller's book, "A New Dawn" and their story picked up in the fall of 2014 as the newest animated series was released. Fans immediately picked up on the chemistry between the characters and the hashtag #SpaceMarried was born. This week John and Matt talk about this relationship, it's implication for the Star Wars universe and how season four finally gave fans the moment they'd been waiting to see.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Henry Gilroy: Star Wars Rebels.Henry Gilroy has been an important creative force in the Star Wars galaxy for decades, and has been involved in the creation of some of its most beloved work, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. Matt and John welcome him to Aggressive Negotiations and discuss his starting points in the industry, his experiences, and his legacy.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingGuestHenry GilroySend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Last Temptation of Vader.Marvel recently launched a new Darth Vader comic, examining the earliest development points of his first mission as a Sith Lord. Emperor Palpatine sends out his new apprentice to win a new lightsaber through battle, and the audience gets to see the final moment of Vader's full turn to evil...and so much more.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Give Anakin a Hand.John and Matt explore an important question to the Star Wars galaxy, as they try to figure out why a galaxy of clones can't give Anakin a real hand again. Do the midichlorians figure in? Is it a question of bureaucratic nonsense? They ponder these questions, and more.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Mark of the Crown.Matt and John return to their Star Wars book club to discuss Jedi Apprentice: The Mark of the Crown by Jude Watson. They discuss the perfect characterizations, the authentic feel, and echoes of what came in The Clone Wars series.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Mortis Arc.Star Wars: The Clone Wars explored and expanded on the core principles and philosophies from perspectives fans didn't anticipate. A shining example of this storytelling urge is the Mortis arc from Season 3. To celebrate their official “100th Issue,” Matt and John offer a special commentary track for the entire Mortis arc, with act breaks and discussions between each episode.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Replicants v. Clones.Star Wars changed the cinematic landscape, but a few short years afterward, Blade Runner made an impact and introduced the world to “Replicants.” John and Matt discuss what place Replicants could have had in the Star Wars saga, whether there's still a place for them, and how clones stack up as a similar concept.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

A Youngling's Take: The Last Jedi.In the endless debate about Star Wars: The Last Jedi, it's important to hear from the younglings. Aggressive Negotiations welcomes back special guest “Saber Goddess,” last heard giving her thoughts on The Force Awakens and its novelization. She comes back to share her thoughts on Episode VIII, Porgs, Luke, Captain Phasma's return, Snoke, and Canto Bight, among other things.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

What Good is Redemption?The Star Wars saga has a history of defying expectation. One of the primary, and most indelible, reversals of expectation was the redemptive arc of the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader. Matt and John discuss the meaning of that redemption and what place it occupies as the sequel trilogy continues to develop.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Luke Skywalker Enigma.Star Wars: The Last Jedi has spurred a great deal of discussion around one of the central mythical figures of Star Wars, Luke Skywalker. With the new information conveyed in this latest chapter, John and Matt revisit a question they've posed before...and discover how their answers may have changed.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Last Jedi with Nic Anastassiou.Star Wars: The Last Jedi has garnered a wide variety of reactions from fans since its release. Matt and John welcome back a special guest this week, Nic Anastassiou, to get his reaction to the film and to discuss his perspective on the many philosophical points - as well as technical choices - presented in the newest chapter of the Skywalker saga.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingGuestNic AnastassiouSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Chosen One?Star Wars: The Last Jedi begged just as many questions as it answered. One lingering question left from the Skywalker Story is the Jedi prophecy of the Chosen One. For years it's been debated who the Chosen One really was. John and Matt ask not just whether it might be Rey, but whether the prophecy was true at all.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Who is Rey?"Who are you?". This is the question that everyone meeting Rey seems to ask. Starting with Maz Kanata’s simple question in The Force Awakens, everyone from Luke Skywalker to fans online has been asking the question of who Rey is for two years and now The Last Jedi seems to have answered it. Or did it? We delve into this latest layer to the mystery of just who Rey is and what she means to the Star Wars saga. HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

What Happened to Phasma?Get ready for The Last Jedi as “The Jedi Masters” review and analyze the limited-issue series Star Wars: Phasma, which sheds light on how the enigmatic silver-plated super stormtrooper made her way out of Starkiller Base and into Episode VIII.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

You Must Be This Tall To Ride.John and Matt explore another foggy corner of the Star Wars galaxy this week as they ask whether the denizens of that magical place would seek out thrills in theme parks or on roller coasters. Hear what they think, and then offer your own perspective by contacting the show!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Rogue One Commentary.Get ready for The Last Jedi by breaking out your copy of the smash hit Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and syncing up to a special commentary track from The Jedi Masters, John and Matt! Or, just listen along as they discuss the film and debate their own points of disagreement about it.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Thanksgungan 2017.The Jedi Masters' annual tradition continues as they celebrate “Thanksgungan,” where they share what they're most thankful for as Star Wars fans and friends who  talk about it every week. Let's gather around and enjoy each other's company, pondering all the things  that make us glad to be Star Wars fans and hopeful for the future.  HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Droids, Droids, Droids.Whether a golden butler, rolling Swiss Army knife, or cantankerous power 'droid, people came to understand the humanity of Star Wars characters through the surrouning automata. Matt and John discuss a question about 'droids submitted by a listener, and also discuss  their thoughts on Lucasfilm anointing Rian Johnon as the creative force behind Star Wars' next era.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Live by the Lightsaber.Star Wars' lightsaber battles dominate the imagination of generations. The distinctive hum and unmistakable blades  create an unmatchable thrill, changing with each era. In this issue of Aggressive Negotiations, Matt and John discuss what they love most about this evolving - and unique - form.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Twilight?Shmi Skywalker told Anakin, “You can't stop change any more than you can stop the suns from setting.” But change can be difficult; and so, changes to Star Wars franchise can trigger a host of reactions. John and Matt discuss those reactions in light of a post online that garnered its own strong reactions, what they mean, and what it means to be a Star Wars fan in the “Disney Era.”They also discuss a Twitter poll result about the reaction to the Han Solo title reveal, and share two new reviews entered to win a copy of Star Wars: Phasma!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Book Club: The Hidden Past.Matt and John return to the legends line to discuss the third book in the Jedi Apprentice series, "The Hidden Past". They look at the eternal Star Wars themes explored, the development of Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan's relationship, and other pieces of history revealed - and whether they could be worked back into the general story.They also discuss the shocking result of a poll about The Clone Wars and Rebels.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Mandalore Arc: Season 2.John and Matt revisit a classic arc from Star Wars: The Clone Wars to find fresh insights and story expansions. Starting with “The Mandalore Plot,” they look at revelations about Obi-Wan's past through Duchess Satine, the meaning of Anakin's development, and the critique of what the Jedi are becoming.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Rey/Ezra Connection.Star Wars is a tone poem, with echoes of each generation finding cyclical resonance with the next. In this light, the Jedi Masters ask, “Is it possible Ezra and Rey are an echo of each other?” They look at other echoes in the saga to see if maybe Ezra is a hint of the unknown journey we know Rey has just begun. They also discuss the results of an online poll asking what the audience thinks Lando did with his time after Return of the Jedi.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Lucas IS Lando.An entrepreneur ventures out beyond the boundaries of an Empire hoping to escape its control and build a peaceful life among cloudy dreams. Lando Calrissian? George Lucas? Or maybe both? John and Matt explore the idea of Lucas as Lando (metaphorically) in this episode of Aggressive Negotiations. They also go over the results of a poll asking, “Would you be disappointed if Luke doesn't light up the green lightsaber in The Last Jedi?”HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Henry Gilroy: Star Wars Comics and Animation.Matt and John discuss the results of show polls about JJ Abrams returning for Episode IX, and if Disney should continue making Episodes after the sequel trilogy is complete. Then, they share a panel from Dragon Con featuring Henry Gilroy, a veteran writer of Star Wars comics, as well as Batman: The Animated Series, The Clone Wars, and many others. Gilroy is also co-executive producer and writer on Star Wars Rebels. Henry takes questions from the audience about his time in comics, cartoon writing and Star Wars.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Masculinity in Star Wars.Matt returns from DragonCon and fills John in on all the excellent panels and atmosphere from the Star Wars track. They discuss why Star Wars Phasma is resonating with fans, and present a recording of one of the panels Matt moderated at DragonCon, “Masculinity in Star Wars” with authors Timothy Zahn, Kevin J. Anderson, Claudia Gray, E.K. Johnston, Michael Stackpole and Myke Cole.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Women of Star Wars.John and Matt bring you a very special episode focused on the female characters of the Star Wars galaxy, from Padme to Ahsoka, and Hera to Phasma. They look at how the women of *Star Wars* have changed and grown since the first days of Leia Organa, how their stories have shaped the mythos of that magical space, and what their stories tell us about how the storytelling style of Star Wars has changed.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Genre of Star Wars.Matt and John open the Council Chambers to offer ideas on different genres that could be brought into the Star Wars universe. They discuss what types of films could broaden the scope of a galaxy far, far away in the age of the spinoff film. Along the way, they surprise each other with the genres they think could help keep Star Wars fresh and exciting.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Marvel's Darth Maul.John and Matt look at Marvel's recent Darth Maul limited series. They examine every aspect to find out what it says about the strengths and weaknesses of modern Star Wars comic book storytelling, and what might need to change to keep fans invested. They also discuss some new poll results from questions on the show Twitter account, @TheJediMasters!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Expectations.Every major franchise faces a two-headed monster: Marketing & Expectation, the Fode & Beed of the podrace to  wooing and satisfying an audience. In this episode, Jedi Masters John & Matt explore how they see the marketing shaping up for Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, and whether past Star Wars marketing efforts tell us something about how it's going to play out.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Rebel Flashpoint.A character in another franchise once stated, “History is replete with turning points.” And so it is with Star Wars. The “Jedi Masters” train their gaze on one such turning point in Star Wars history this week: the destruction of Alderaan. They look at it from every angle, from the tragic loss of life to the amplitude of the rallying cry it would serve for a Galaxy finding itself on the verge of revolution.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Rogue Notes.Rogue One: A Star Wars Story made a mark as the first “Anthology Movie” of the Star Wars franchise, but it didn't settle for that. It was also the first Star Wars movie scored by a composer other than John Williams. The revered Michael Giacchino, known for working regularly with JJ Abrams and making pithy puns of his track titles, took up the baton. John and Matt discuss what what notes rang a little untrue and, more importantly, what worked best and why it worked so well.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Destiny's Force.Star Wars: Forces of Destiny is a series of animated shorts that debuted recently on Disney's YouTube channel. The series tells brief stories centered on the famous heroines of the Star Wars galaxy and spans the entire established film timeline with Rey, Ahsoka, Padme, Leia, Jyn, and Sabine all featured. Join Matt and John as they explore these stories and discover what messages they carry to all ages across the fanbase.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Jedi Rumination.More details on the Masters meeting, and their journey to Skywalker Ranch! After numerous requests for more detail, John and Matt return to reminisce about the first time they met in person, and a few more special moments about touring ILM, San Anselmo, the annual Lucasfilm picnic, and of course the fabled slice of paradise in the hills built by Mr. George Lucas.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

A Jedi Pilgrimage.It's a privilege to bring you this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, recorded after a special visit to Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, California. Matt and John are joined by special guest Nic Anastassiou to discuss the impact of what they saw while there, and what it reveals about George Lucas as a person as well as his legacy.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Kyber Calls.It's a special issue for Aggressive Negotiations! Long-time listener @nerf22 on Twitter asked us what we thought our trials would have been, as padawans on Ilum to find our lightsaber crystals. In trademark fashion, we learned a little bit more about ourselves and each other as we imagined how the Force would have guided us to the special kyber crystals that have come to mean so much in a galaxy far, far away...HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

The Dark Rival.Matt and John return to the Jedi Apprentice series with the second book, The Dark Rival, by Jude Watson. Plumbing the depths of the Legends line, they discover once again that there are gems all through the mines of the Star Wars universe. A book for a younger audience, they nonetheless find themselves exploring the dark recesses of the Force, apprenticeship, and the ghosts of Qui-Gon Jinn haunting him into learning the lesson of letting go and trusting Obi-Wan. It's a wonderful trip to see the common threads of what good Star Wars materials have always explored.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Do You Wanna Build a Death Star?The Death Star. Its name is an iconic symbol of a Galactic Empire's power and merciless retribution for those who fail to toe their tyranical line. A massive space station created for the sole purpose of fear and domination.But John and Matt ask a very important question, one that seems to have slipped through the cracks of forty years of Star Wars fans' analysis of the military tactics, weaponry, and philosophy of Palpatine's New Order.Why build a Death Star at all?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Comedy.Few things can be as polarizing as comedy. What tickles a funny bone for one may leave another bored, or even irritated at how the joke is told. Star Wars has, unsurprisingly, found those who like some aspects of its humor and others who like others, and the occasional moments where opinions converge.Join Matt and John as they look back on the chucklers, the gags, the pratfalls and the pranks that have been a part of the Star Wars fabric since the beginning. Find out what made them laugh, smirk and cringe across everyone's favorite space saga.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures.Execute Issue 66! Matt and John welcome two very special guests to Aggressive Negotiations this week, Bill Motz and Bob Roth. The Executive Producers of Lego Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures, sit down and discuss this fantastic animated show with us.Bill and Bob share the inspirations for the show, the challenges in bringing it to screen, and why this is the sort of gem Star Wars fans of all ages should be seeking. It's an interview not to be missed!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

A Personal Star Wars Story.Join John on a special episode as he discusses with Matt the impact that Star Wars has had on him and how it helped him deal with some difficult times in his life. What marks did it leave? Which characters speak to him? Why does that galaxy far, far away still resonate? Learn all that, and more.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Taking Star Wars Personally.Join Matt on a special episode as he discusses with John Mills why Star Wars resonates with him. What are its influences? Which characters means the most? Why does that galaxy far, far away still speak to him? Learn all that, and more.Send us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts 

Lucas' Mythology.When George Lucas created Star Wars, his express purpose was to tap into the wonder and enchantment he saw fading in the (Post-)Modern Era. Seeking to create a “good, wholesome adventure,” he worked to inject an antidote to the creeping cynicism growing out from the battles and scandals of the late 1960s and early 1970s.Join Matt and John as they discuss what comes across from Lucas' intent, what marks he left on the trail to his works' deeper meanings, and the impact they see from what he achieved.  Born in the era of Studio 54 and disco, how did a small film grow to such an impactful cultural work?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Rogue Extras.Rogue One has landed on your digital devices and BluRay players, with a cargo hold full of rebellious extras. Matt and John look at those extras as only Aggressive Negotiations can, examining the approach, the completeness, the successes, and the shortcomings of the behind-the-scenes ephemera that fans and casual viewers enjoy to watch. They compare it to their expectations, and to the extras given just a year ago with The Force Awakens.What do you think of the Rogue One extras they gave to Star Wars fans?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Star Wars Celebration Roundup.Jedi Master Matthew Rushing is back from his travels to #SWCO and shares his thoughts on the exclusives, the engagements, and the show behind the show. Find out from someone who was there first-hand as an emissary of The Nerd Party what you can expect, what you might have missed and what everyone will be talking about in a few short months.The party's not over Master Windu, it's just the beginning!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in Apple Podcasts

Rebel Music.Star Wars Rebels made a splash a few years ago by introducing a new band of heroes from the period in the galaxy far, far away that's shortly before we first meet Luke Skywalker onscreen. The show has met with mixed success in the fanbase's eyes. This being a series of stories from the space opera we all love, music serves as a natural focus for criticism and praise.Join Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills as they take an audio tour through the soundtrack of Disney's first animated venture with Lucasfilm. They analyze what's worked, what's changed, and what you can tell about the evolving nature of the show simply from the notes.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

The Force of Perspective.Obi-Wan Kenobi told Luke that many of the truths we cling to “depend greatly on our own point-of-view.” It was an artful dodge about Luke's lineage, but Star Wars fans have long wrestled with how far this applies to the Truth and the Force.Join Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing as they debate the possibilities in light of a passage from the Journal of the Whills in Empire's End that suggests an unsettling moral relativity for the Star Wars galaxy...from a certain point of view.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

Book Club: The Rising Force.The Star Wars Expanded Universe has been fluid, like a river of ideas, since its inception. In that great river have flowed many works, among them the Jedi Apprentice series released in 1999 which gave the back story of how Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan became student and teacher. Join Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills as they revisit this book to look at its implications, impact and remaining relevance in the Days of Disney. Does it hold up? Is it worth remembering? They talk about the pros and cons of these fading tales of a galaxy far, far away.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

A Different Return of the Jedi.Released in 1983, Return of the Jedi spent decades as the black sheep of the Star Wars saga. Though the conclusion to a legendary film series, as its audience aged they created new complaints with each passing year. Endless comments about Ewoks, endings and supposed alternate visions have become the stuff of legend.Join Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing  as they put on their thinking caps and imagine what they would've pitched had they been in the writer's room so many years ago. They certainly offer some different options for how they would've tried to shape the story.Would their changes have helped or hindered this influential piece of American cinema? Listen and let them know at www.thenerdparty.com/contact (http://www.thenerdparty.com/contact)!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

Favorite Star Wars Toys.Few items in modern times have reached the totemic value of Star Wars toys. From the blockbuster figure line from the 1970s to the modern collectible market of today, even those who have never seen Star Wars have seen its imprint on aisles from Target to their local supermarket and everywhere in between.Join Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills  as they stroll down memory lane to discuss the new legendary toys of today, the tragedy of toys lost, and the warm nostalgia of toys past.What are your favorite Star Wars toy and collectible memories? Share them with us!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

Successful Star Wars Books.A topic around which many passions swirl for Star Wars fans, the Expanded Universe has always been a conglomeration of moving parts. Sometimes they mesh well, sometimes the machine breaks down and catches fire.So what makes it work, and what makes it break down?Join Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills as they explore what it takes to make a galaxy of connected works...work well. And hear the advice they have for Disney/Lucasfilm on how to ensure more success in the future.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

Mandalorian Excalibur.Star Wars has in some ways always been a myth built around family, destiny, and the inheritance of important relics. The Star Wars Rebels series has come to embrace this aspect of the story as it relates to Sabine Wren, Mandalorian and current keeper of the Darksaber, a sword first introduced in The Clone Wars animated series.Join Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing as they explore what it means to possess a sacred relic in that galaxy far, far away, and what these stories tell us about the importance of both honoring and breaking tradition.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

The Umbara Arc.As The Clone Wars series progressed, the gathering darkness of the Star Wars galaxy was explored in more depth. With this essential world building we saw many incremental movements toward the chaos that would mark the opening shot of Revenge of the Sith.Join Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills as they focus on the “Umbara” arc in particular from the fourth season of The Clone Wars, and explore what it told us about what was happening, what was to come, and how the galaxy was never going to be the same again.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

Rey/Jyn.2015 started a new era for Star Wars, focused on female main characters. Rey and Jyn Erso are the new faces of heroism for the franchise, and who they are tell us a lot about what's new and what's constant in the stories we've come to love over the last 40 years.Join Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing as they explore Rey and Jyn's similarities, differences and symbolism. What do you see when you look at these heroines?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

Uncle Owen: The Best Jedi.Uncle Owen spent decades as the model of draconian parenthood for Luke Skywalker, an impediment to dreams and a dreary minder of a darker past for Luke's father. But how does Owen Lars play now? Is he instead a faithful keeper of the flame, the father that Luke needed to be the Jedi who saved the galaxy?Join Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills as they explore the evolved reality of Uncle Owen and his role in the Star Wars saga. As you view this character with older eyes, do you see redemption?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

Star Wars Commentary.20 years ago, George Lucas brought *Star Wars* back to theatres. This was no simple anniversary release, though, as it had “a few new surprises.”Celebrate this special (edition) anniversary with Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing for an exclusive audio commentary track to accompany you on your journey back to that galaxy far, far away.Then complete your trip after the movie with Mike Schindler and John on “Great Shot, Kid!,” (http://www.thenerdparty.com/greatshotkid)  in a special episode recounting their experiences with the special editions for the first time....HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

Rogue One.Rogue One's another certified blockbuster for Lucasfilm under the Disney banner. They've discussed it privately and in other forums, but now that they've had time to absorb its impact, it's time to have an aggressive negotiation about it.Join Matthew Rushing and John Mills as they share their deeper musings and more refined ramblings on everything from most successful characters to least successful moments in Rogue One.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

Hearts of Kyber.In one way or another, Kyber Crystals have always been near the heart of the Star Wars galaxy. From the very early drafts of the original film, George Lucas had conceived of a crystal that could focus the energies of the Force and serve as a link to the ethereal energies that were core to the Jedi Way...or the Sith.In this episode, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing explore the history of the Kyber Crystals, how they've reconciled their revised mythology, and how they've worked within the context of the latest blockbuster, Rogue One.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

Rogue One with Nic Anastassiou.Rogue One has been a massive box office success and a resonant hit with the majority of Star Wars fans. In this very special episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Matt and John welcome friend of the show Nic Anastassiou, a Lucasfilm veteran who worked directly with George Lucas, to discuss his own reaction to the film. They talk with Nic about his special history with the Star Wars galaxy, and explore his reactions to Rogue One both as a professional and as a fan. Join the Jedi Masters as they welcome their very special guest and explore insights to that galaxy far, far away as only they can.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingGuestNic AnastassiouSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes

A Star Wars Wish List.?It's the Holiday Season, a time for thankfulness and...wish lists! In this issue of Aggressive Negotiations, John Mills and Matthew Rushing review their wish lists for Star Wars as they prepare for 2017.What do the fans want from their movies (or at least these fans)? Is there a place in the galaxy for Star Wars: The Broadway Years? What esoteric treats from the Lucasfilm vaults would make their hearts sing?Let them know what you want, and what you think of their wish lists!Send us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMastersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thenerdpartyEmail: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdpartySubscribe in iTunes

There are few characters in Star Wars like Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. They have been explore in movies and a television show but one thing that has not been done in canon is to dig into the years between The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing talk about Marvel's Obi-Wan and Anakin comic mini series. We look at the relationship between these two iconic characters, the influence of Palpatine in this time period and just how far Obi-Wan is willing to take his promise to Qui-Gon.?Send us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMastersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/aggressivenegotiations/Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdpartySubscribe in iTunes

Star Wars Rebels: S3, Part 1. The third season of Star Wars Rebels started off strong, with a very enigmatic new force user, some old friends and enemies. But how did the rest of the season fare?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing look at the first half of season 3. We talk about the wins, the losses and the implications of the winter finale.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

The Jedi Win.What if Obi-Wan and Yoda had faced Sidious together at the end of Revenge of the Sith? To borrow a line from a different franchise, history is replete with turning points. Join your hosts John Mills and Matthew Rushing as they explore what might have happened if a pivotal Star Wars moment - the dual confrontations of at the end of Revenge of the Sith - had gone a bit differently.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

Qui-Gon Jinn.Like a comet, he flashed briefly across the skies of the Star Wars galaxy, spurring questions of prophecy. Would Anakin Skywalker's fate have been different if he lived? Would the Jedi Order have spared itself a painful purge if he hadn't fallen to Darth Maul on Naboo?Join your hosts Matthew Rushing and John Mills as they field a listener question about Qui-Gon's potential impact on the Star Wars timeline had he lived to train the Supposedly Chosen One.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

Favorite Locales.From the sunset hues of Cloud City to the sculpted streets of Theed, Star Wars has always been known as a galaxy far, far above the location design of your average film series. A short hyperspace jump can take you from one amazing aesthetic to another.Join your hosts John Mills and Matthew Rushing as they discuss their favorite locales, finding similarities and differences in their tastes that speak to what locations in the Star Wars saga left the deepest impressions on them.What are your favorite Star Wars locations?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMastersFacebook: facebook.com/thenerdpartyEmail: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty 

Thanksgungan.Sometimes fans take for granted the many ways Star Wars has made our free time so much more enjoyable. We focus on what we want instead of what a great gift it is to have such a rich escape from the many stresses of our days. In short, we can lose sight of what it is that makes being a fan so much fun.So gather together this year with Matt and John as they recount recount the things for which they are most thankful as Star Wars fans in 2016...and overall. Celebrate with them at the first ever...Thanksgungan.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

Mandalorians.When his armor was first glimpsed, Boba Fett captured the heart of Star Wars fandom. As his mythos grew, fans came to know he was “Mandalorian.” But the definition of a Mandalorian has shifted over time. Fenn Shysa told one history in the Marvel comics of the 1980s. They acquired a new origin as the Expanded Universe was rebuilt in the 1990s. Then came The Clone Wars TV series, with a Mandalorian mythos blessed by Lucas himself.So what does it mean to be a Mandalorian, and what will it continue to mean as characters like Sabine Wren give additional opportunities to revise and expand it? Your hosts Matthew Rushing and John Mills discuss these ancient foes of the Jedi and their continuing role in this week's Aggressive Negotiations.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

The “Witches of Dathomir” have lurked in the back edge of fandom since the days of the old Expanded Universe in the 1990s, when they appeared in The Courtship of Princess Leia. They captured the imagination years later, when they were reworked and included in The Clone Wars TV series, woven into the story of Dooku's acolyte, Asajj Ventress, and then revealed to be a part of the backstory of fan-favorite Darth Maul. They took on a life of their own as *Star Wars*' resident spooky storyline, so what better way to celebrate their chilling tales than with a Halloween episode?Chant some Dark Side mantras and join us as we explore...the Nightsisters.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

Star Wars Halloween Special. Imagine a world where the 1978 Star Wars Holiday Special was good and entertaining, and seeking opportunities to capitalize on that success, Lucasfilm was open to making more holiday specials. We could have received a Star Wars Halloween Special.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations John Mills and Matthew Rushing explore the idea of what a Star Wars Halloween Special would contain, what framing devices would be used for the stories, and what story possibilities there would be for a costumed holiday in a galaxy far, far away....HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

The Phantom Menace unleashed Darth Maul into a world ready for an on-screen inheritor to the terror that Darth Vader tapped into in 1977. Then it promptly killed him.That was, of course, not the end of the story. In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations Matthew Rushing and John Mills explore the extended life of Darth Maul, the Energizer Bunny of Star Wars villains. They discuss their reactions to his figurative resurrection, reception of his impact on story, limitations on his character and what they expect to see from him in times to come.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - the movie soundtrack.In 2008, George Lucas took everyone a little off-guard by announcing that the animated Star Wars show in development, The Clone Wars, was going to get its own theatrical release to kick off the series. Debate immediately raged among fans disoriented by the idea of an animated Star Wars movie. What was to be expected? What would it look like? And just as importantly, how could there be a Star Wars movie without John Williams composing for it?John Mills and Matthew Rushing discuss their initial reactions to the film and its reception, then move on to a deep-dive on the subject of the score by Kevin Kiner. What were its strengths? Does it still feel like Star Wars?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

Star Wars Rebels is now in its third seasons and continues to solidify itself as worthy successor to The Clone Wars, carrying on the proud tradition of challenging Star Wars fans with new perspectives to see things from, by deepening the mythology of the saga.In this issue of Aggressive Negotiations our intrepid masters are diving head first the season three premiere of Rebels and plumping the depths of the Bendu, Thrawn, the force and so much more. HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!   

“Die wanna wanga?”Star Wars has always been known for its creative use of languages. Whether a Rodian, a Hutt or a human being, each was given its own tongue to communicate in that galaxy far, far away. And communication was never a real barrier...most of the time.John Mills and Matthew Rushing translate their way through the finer points of language in Star Wars, from conversations with crime lords and Trade Federation viceroys to the different treatments of language across the eras.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!     

What makes Anakin and Luke different, and why were their choices so distinct? This leads into the driving question for The Force Awakens for director JJ Abrams, “Who is Luke Skywalker?” While the answer may seem simple, it's layered with meaning and metaphor built through four decades of filmmaking. Matthew Rushing and John Mills challenge each other with their interpretations of Luke and Anakin, and what the future might hold in Star Wars as Rey joins Luke in a monastic retreat somewhere at the edge of that galaxy far, far away.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!     

Every year in the real-life Mos Eisley known as Atlanta, Georgia, fans of all types and stripes gather to celebrate the slices of geek life they love. This magical gathering is called DragonCon, and for several decades it's been the premiere place for fans to meet, mingle and muse on topics having to do with all their favorite obsessions.Aggressive Negotiations' own Matthew Rushing attended DragonCon this year and sat on the panels of two sessions. Get his perspective on what was discussed and his favorite memories from contributing to the discussions.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

With every original script must come a novelization. Whereas movie properties like Harry Potter are adaptations of written source material, screen concepts like Star Wars are given the reverse treatment. An author must come in and adapt visual shorthand to the written word and find a way to do so compellingly. Often they do so by expanding scenes, inserting internal dialogue, and including moments left on the cutting room floor. As part of the nostalgia wave with The Force Awakens, Lucasfilm once more brought in Alan Dean Foster, ghost writer for the original novelization, to give written life to video concepts.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Master John Mills  is joined by a very special guest, “Saber Goddess,” to examine The Force Awakens novelization and look at its successes, its shortcomings and where she'd rank it on the pantheon of Star Wars material.What did you think of The Force Awakens Novelization?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes! 

Star Wars is a rich tapestry populated by interesting characters with deep back stories. At least, we think it might be.With a plethora of characters and concepts, and media to transmit their stories, one of the great mysteries of the new map Lucasfilm is building of Star Wars history is how many disappointing turns and dead ends you find on your journey. Whether Chewbacca, Vader, or Fett, these characters with amazing possibilities have been frustratingly hit-and-miss.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing examine the back stories from a galaxy far, far away. Where have they built a satisfying piece of the puzzle, where did they go wrong, and how can they make sure they get  the next pieces lined up correctly?What are your greatest hits and misses for Star Wars back stories, both past and present?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes! 

We pitched theoretical television shows, so let's look at what Lucasfilm has on the way in reality.Disney and Lucasfilm launched the animated show *Star Wars Rebels* with the hopes of luring in old fans and a new audience eager for adventures in a galaxy far, far away. After some fitful adjustments in tone and focus, Season 3 debuts soon, and with it another chance to capture the minds of *Star Wars* fans eager to discover the state of the galaxy in the lead up to *Rogue One: A Star Wars Story*.In this episode of *Aggressive Negotiations*, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills talk about what's made *Rebels* work, where it's missed and what they hope to see in the new season.What strikes your fancy about the Gang from Lothal?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!  

In a short while, on a television very near you...Disney and Lucasfilm have fired up the imaginations of fans yet again with the promise of a live-action television show set in the Star Wars galaxy. Immediately we wonder, when it will be set and what characters we will see. Shortly after that, we wonder if we should get head shots and an agent.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing help the Disney machine by pitching their own ideas  for a Star Wars live-action series, and then a few other ideas they want to spitball for some of that sweet syndicated cash.What territory does television open for your Star Wars imagination?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!       

The Revenge of the Sith soundtrack.As the prequel trilogy came to a close, John Williams delivered a linchpin score to tie together six films, and a single story, stitched together over the span of three decades. Revenge of the Sith promised what fans had been demanding since the first announcement of the prequel trilogy in the mid 1990s: the key to understanding the entire journey.  The score, as always, would have to play a central role as the emotional voice of the episode.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills review the soundtrack's strength, its spirit and the struggles of the home-release format for what everyone in 2005 thought was the final Star Wars score from John Williams.What is your opinion of the score for the final Star Wars film to be created by George Lucas?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes! 

But is it Canon?A question that consumes franchise fans, and especially *Star Wars* fans, is the authentic and official nature of non-film works. The religious term adopted for these works is “canon,” the concept of an essential text that is indispensable to the acolyte's complete understanding of the story.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing discuss the concept of Star Wars “canon,” its nature and its ongoing effect on fans' enjoyment of the current body of work.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes! 

Better Call SawSaw Gerrera! Who is he, and why is it so important to fans that he's appearing in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story? In this episode, we lay out the origins of Saw, what themes his character supports, what his inclusion could mean for the Star Wars franchise as a whole, and what you should watch to prepare for his character.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills discuss this character and the pivotal decision to include him in the first Disney Star Wars anthology film. Additionally, they discuss Lucas' remaining influence and how it may have shaped Rogue One in crucial ways.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes! 

Give Clone Peace a Chance.The conflict that is the pivot point for all of the Star Wars is the Clone War, the culminating battle between Good and Evil with heroes determined by a point of view. It is the point around which an entire galaxy spirals into chaos, and a battle that continues all the way into The Force Awakens.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing examine this crucial moment in Star Wars to see how they might have avoided it, how it could have ended previously and the aftershocks that continue through the Disney-era sequel era.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes! 

Issue 22: 8-Bit JediJohn and Matt revisit their pixelated polygon dreams in this issue, discussing the history and the present of Star Wars video games with an eye toward what could work for the future of the franchise. Learn a little bit more about your hosts when they discuss what tickles their midichlorians and what games appeal to them most!In this episode of *Aggressive Negotiations*, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills reminisce about their favorite Star Wars video games and share special stories about how they handled both success and failure.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!

Issue 021: Directing RevengeContinuing their series examining the direction of the Prequel Trilogy, John and Matt ask each other who, if not George Lucas, would have been well-suited to directing Revenge of the Sith? What could a different director have brought, and how would it have shaped the story on the final chapter of George Lucas’ vision for the Skywalker Saga?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing offer a look at alternatives that were open to Lucas, fantasy picks that are a bit outside the wheelhouse, and surprise each other with names the other wishes they’d considered.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] Aggressive Negotiations, and the Nerd Party network, by trying Lootcrate at: www.lootcrate.com/nerdparty Subscribe in iTunes!  

The many places of the Star Wars galaxy.The rich tapestry of Star Wars has always been woven between fantastical places and planets. So project yourself into that place, and ask yourself if there’s somewhere you’d like to live. What jumps to mind, and how do you see yourself there?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills review the travel catalogue of the Star Wars film universe to root out the places they’d like to live, the places they’d like to visit, and the places that would serve as their own personal Hell.So where would you like to live in Star Wars?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes! 

The Attack of the Clones soundtrack.As the prequel trilogy entered its second chapter, John Williams continued to build his sonic oeuvre from a galaxy far, far away. While The Phantom Menace told a tale of wonder, discovery, and heroism, Attack of the Clones was to be a tale of intrigue, mystery, and fateful love. In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing review the soundtrack’s successes, its missteps and its home-release format to see how Williams’ score measured up, and whether he found the right symphonic voice to match Lucas’ increasingly computer-generated visuals.What is your opinion of the score for this much-maligned Star Wars film?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!    

The Case for Revenge of the SithThe prequel trilogy encountered a far chillier reception than the original Star Wars trilogy, or even The Force Awakens. However, there were fans who not only enjoyed the prequels, they’ve dared to find things to love about them. They’ve even chosen one of them as their favorite of the saga.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Master Matthew Rushing asks Jedi Master John Mills to explain and defend his choice of Episode III as the most complete and satisfying Star Wars film of all time.You know his choice for best Star Wars film. What’s yours? HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

Characters on Every Side.The Star Wars galaxy has always been a wonderful example of an expanded story universe. Colorful characters in each frame constructed a fantastic depth to root the stories within a cinematic reality that  compelled you to imagine limitless stories with amazing action.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills explore their favorite side characters. They compare notes on what makes a successful side character for them, which ones resonated most and where they agree  (or disagree?).They’ve shared with you their favorite side characters. Which are yours? HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes! 

Defending Your Star Wars.Two years before The Phantom Menace tore apart friendships, George Lucas tested the world with the Star Wars Special Editions. An opportunity to restore a deteriorating print became a project where Lucas made changes both small and large. What were the pressure points that caused the more extreme reactions, and were there choices that could have been made differently that would have made January 1997 a less tumultuous time of change for fans?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Master Matthew Rushing is put on the stand by Jedi Master John Mills to defend the love of the Special Edition of A New Hope, and argue for why other Star Wars fans should as well. HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes! 

The direction of the prequel films became a contentious point among Star Wars fans as The Phantom Menace hit theatres in 1999. This debate became more pointed when George Lucas stayed in the director's chair for Attack of the Clones, as many fans voiced the opinion he should have handedthe reigns to someone else. So what if Lucas, the victim of stinging criticisms, had decided to do just that?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing offer a look at alternatives Lucas could have chosen if he'd sat back to focus on producing, instead of directing, the second entry in the prequel trilogy. They offer their dream choices, debate their more-realistic picks, and pitch their dark horse candidates for who Lucas would've been able to trust with his tale of galactic intrigue and romance.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMastersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/aggressivenegotiations/Email: [email protected] in iTunes 

The voice of the Star Wars films has always been more than dialogue. John Williams’ inescapable score set the emotional tone and resonance which transcended the words and direction, transporting modern audiences back to the feeling of the Silent Era when music was the only soundtrack provided. His work indelibly marked film culture in a way that grounded future works of fantasy. In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills look at the fourth work of Williams’ Star Wars  oeuvre, accompanying the retroactively-first film in story order, The Phantom Menace. They discuss its impact and reception at the time, the ties it had to the scores which came before and how it set the expectation for what was to come.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

Bonus 001: The Commentary AwakensHappy May the 4th! Celebrated across fandom as “Star Wars Day,” we’re sharing an exclusive commentary to pair with “The Force Awakens.” It’s our way of saying “thank you” for your listenership and support.Joined by Jedi Council members from across the galaxy, or at least the globe, get what Lucasfilm failed to give you on the home release of Episode VII - an insightful, informed commentary track from fandom’s many points of view.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing & John Mills are joined by Tristan Riddell (Nerd Nuptial), and Lee Hutchison & Matt Hansen (The Senate Floor) to accompany your journey from the wastes of Jakku to the chilly innards of Starkiller Base. Learn about music cues, director influences, design decisions and points of contention with the deep perspective that you’ve come to expect from The Nerd Party. HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingGuestsTristan RiddellLee Hutchinson Matt HansonSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes! 

The Force Awakens.Our most contentious negotiations occur this week, as our examination of The Force Awakens Blu-Ray/DVD/Digital Download continues, as we move from discussing the special features on the latest Star Wars home release to the film itself. We assess how home viewing alters estimation of the film, new reads on the material, and what flaws are highlighted and strengths magnified. Are there story choices that could have been made that would have benefited the film, or are the Jedi Masters seeking something that cannot be found?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing journey back to Jakku from the comfort of their living rooms to discover what The Force Awakens means to them now, as the fervor from its theatrical release has died down. Find out where the film ranks in order of preference, what they see happening with public perception in the future, and what the impact of future releases will be.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes! 

The Extras Awaken.April 4, 2016 will be a day long remembered…at least for a while. It saw the release of the second most successful film in history in box office terms, *Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens*. Fans are now able to feel the rumblings of the dark side, the heat of Jakku’s sand dunes and the thrill of a Rathtar attack while on the comfort of their own couches.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills look at the extras that came with the most anticipated home video release of the year. They break down what they enjoyed, what they thought of the film’s transfer, what they could have done better, and how the set compares to previous Lucasfilm home releases in the digital age.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!     

So Civilized.“The weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or random as a blaster. An elegant weapon, from a more…civilized age.” In 1977, the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi introduced the world to the lightsaber with those words. As the energy blade emitted from that gleaming metal hilt, it captured the imaginations of children and adults without exception.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing examine the symbolism, schematics, and style of one of the most iconic weapons in film history! Through decades of films, books, and television shows, the lightsaber has seen its meaning and expression changed to reflect the look and feel of each era. They share the hits, the misses, and what the most meaningful blades of the saga are to them.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

The Expanded Universe.The Star Wars Expanded Universe has been a source of great joy, angst and debate for fans since the 1990s. While the comics of the 1980s and the West End Games source materials could coexist without conflict, the later EU found itself the source of continuity errors, conflicting writer interpretations, a perpetual second act, and vociferous arguments about how authoritative it really was.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills open their holocrons to take a larger view of the Star Wars Galaxy, delving deep into the lost Legends lore to talk about favorite characters, cartoon series, RPGs and video games, and the so much more. As an added bonus, Matthew and John provide their authoritative Top Ten lists of must-read EU titles!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

Breaking Anakin Part 2. Anakin Skywalker’s fall is such a pivotal moment in Galactic History, there are multiple perspectives not just on its impact, but its causes. We conclude our duo logy on this linchpin of Star Wars lore by switching out the hot seat and seeing what different aspects can be teased out about the alleged Chosen One’s destiny and the parts played by the people in his life.And so, in this episode of Aggressive Negotiations Jedi Master John Mills turns the interrogative glare onto Master Matthew Rushing to probe his thoughts on what caused Anakin to turn to the Dark Side and betray the Jedi, the Republic and his friends. We talk about Obi-Wan’s culpability, the Council’s oversight, a different perspective on training, and whether tenderness can coexist with Sith utilitarianism.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

Breaking Anakin Part 1.“For over a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire.” These are the immortal words of Obi-Wan Kenobi as he explained to a young Luke the impact of Darth Vader and his choices on the galaxy. The Prequels would show fans just exactly how that happened and the way Anakin helped completely dismantle the Republic.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations Jedi Master Matthew Rushing interviews Master John Mills about his thoughts on what caused Anakin to betray the Jedi and the Republic and turn to the dark side. We talk about if he should have been taken from Tatooine, if he should have been trained by some one other than Obi-Wan, some of the key reasons for the descent into darkness and wrapping up with the impact that Ahsoka had on Anakin’s journey.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

Representatives of the Jedi Order.Who represented the title of Jedi best? With a disparate Order from thousands of cultures, who managed to rise above and help define what it meant to be a Knight or a Master? After all, how we behave reflects on who we’re trying to be.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing turn their focus to the Jedi that helped define the title for them, how they came to those conclusions and where they differ.As an added bonus, Matthew surprises John with a question about Force Ghosts!HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

Jedi Power BattlesUnlimited power? Through the years and the many media in which the Jedi Knights of the Star Wars galaxy have appeared, their powers have been defined and expanded. Whether through what was shown on screen, demonstrated in supplemental books, or established through video gameplay, what a Jedi can do has shifted like sands on a Coruscant beach.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters Matthew Rushing and John Mills continue their discussion series about the Jedi, examining the powers we’ve seen, the ones we’ve forgotten, and the ones we’d like to forget.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aggressivenegotiations/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

Issue 005: Are the Jedi Necessary?The accusation has been brought against the Jedi that all the problems in the galaxy find their way back to the action or inaction of the Order. Would the Star Wars galaxy have been better off if the Jedi never existed?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing discuss if the Jedi are necessary in Star Wars, what do they mean to the saga and what is it that makes them important?HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aggressivenegotiations/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

Jedi That Were, Jedi To Be.The Jedi Order. The iconic knights of the Star Wars galaxy have been defined and redefined many times on film and in print, and they are being reinvented once again with the coming of The Force Awakens. But who were the Jedi? What did they mean to a storyline filled with rogues, rebels and lightsabers?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing open a series focused on this ancient order of peacekeepers, examining what they’ve come to mean and what is to come now that Rey has found Luke.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aggressivenegotiations/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

Favorite Ships.Design has always been one of the core pillars of the world building in the Star Wars galaxy, and one of the key stones in that pillar has been ship design. From the simply cool to the downright iconic, fans of all types can acknowledge the influence the design of Star Wars has played in their enjoyment of the still-expanding saga.In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing answer a listener question, discussing their favorite ship designs, honorable mentions, definitions of a “ship” and even a couple they dislike outright.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aggressivenegotiations/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

Friendship.Friendship is one of the most powerful forces in life, whether it’s our galaxy or one far, far away. A key element of Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the new friendship between Poe and Finn, which left the Masters pondering, “Is this the first true friendship in Star Wars?”In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations, Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing discuss friendship in the Star Wars saga by comparing and contrasting the uniqueness of Poe and Finn’s friendship with others seen throughout the films and television shows.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aggressivenegotiations/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

An old debate has found new life with the addition of Episode VII to the Star Wars saga: The endless discussion about the order in which to watch the movies. Do you watch them in release order, story order, or mesh the series into a modified “Machete Order” to account for the new story? Does the addition of The Force Awakens complicate the question of how to introduce someone to Star Wars if they have never seen it?In this episode of Aggressive Negotiations Jedi Masters John Mills and Matthew Rushing tackle the question of viewing order. We look at it from a few different points of view before coming down to our final thoughts.HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMastersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/aggressivenegotiations/Email: [email protected] in iTunes!

This is Aggressive Negotiations: A Star Wars Podcast. We are not your usual Star Wars show as we cover no news or current events in fandom, no we talk about all the things you always wanted to talk about but no one ever has. In our pilot issue hosts Matthew Rushing and John Mills discuss the small moments in the Star Wars franchise that stand out and how those small things impact their love of the galaxy far, far away. HostsJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aggressivenegotiations/ Email: [email protected] in iTunes!