#1: Something to celebrate
September 26, 2025
Years of culture war divisions in the Star Wars fandom boiled over during the summer of 2024. The Acolyte brought in new fans, delighted many long-time fans, and became a target of an all-too familiar online hate campaign.
The aftermath could be felt on the ground at Star Wars Celebration, where many fans voiced the one thing every rebellion is built on: hope…
Music in this episode
Segments of various soundtracks as well my own piano playing were used in this episode. Key tracks include “Bazil’s Theme,” “The Acolyte,” and “Under the Bunta Tree” by Michael Abels; “Padmé Meets Anakin,” “Call of the Champions,” “Han Solo and the Princess,” “Boarding The Federation Battleship,” “A New Home,” “The Jedi Steps,” and “Anakin’s Theme” by John Williams; “Power of Two” by Victoria Monét, Michael Abels, and Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II; “Stormtrooper JP-054 Karaoke,” “Sabacc Rematch,” and “Chicken in the Pot” by John Powell; “Thark Party Source” by Michael Giacchino; “The Eye Rat’s Prison Break” by Mick Giacchino; “Last Best Hope” by James Newton Howard; “Slicing and Entering” and “The Underworld and the Thief” by Wilbert Roget II; and "Utinni" by Yossi Cohen and Avishay Goren.
Thanks
Story support from Katie Kyle, Nik Harter, Lauren Hansen, and Public Radio NYC Radio Club. The matching shirt mentioned in the episode is by artist Lauren Moran. Celebration footage from @sophs.stardust and @sugaswtness.bsky.social.