Here is this week’s Podcasts in Review.
501stCast: Episode 81 includes the full audio interview with Alan Ladd Jr. as they talk to him about greenlighting Star Wars and the 501st Legion. They also cover 501st troop reports, upcoming events and touch base on what the Galactic Academy has been up to. On top of that, Scott does some Emperor Palpatine impressions and, I have to say, I like them. Hopefully they keep that up. Adds a nice element to the show.
Assembly of Geeks: Looking Back: Special Guests & Controversies episode is a “best of” highlighting some moments from the past 12 months. If you haven’t listened to the show, this would be a good episode to check out to see if it’s the sort of podcast you would enjoy or not as they showcase some of their interviews and personalities of their hosts.
Bombad Radio: Episode 139 serves up another one of their awesome interviews, this time with Scott Allen, the 501st Legion’s Southern California Garrison Commander, Legion Charity Representative, Legion Celebrity Liaison, and co-host of the 501stCast. Scott talks about the 501st Legion, costuming, and being a Star Wars fan. From putting together his Darth Vader costume to the differences between the Star Wars costuming groups and the hazards of trooping. Really great episode to check out if you’d like to learn more about the 501st Legion and just fun to listen to as they have some great conversations.
Full of Sith: the Vanessa Marshall special release has a great interview between Bryan and Vanessa, the voice actress for Hera Syndulla in Star Wars Rebels. Just hearing Vanessa talk, it’s easy to tell she’s a huge Star Wars fan. She watched The Clone Wars, she listens to podcasts, and she’s already planning her Hera cosplay. It’s a fun, insightful interview as Vanessa talks about her fandom. Good episode to check out for fans looking forward to Star Wars Rebels.
Episode LXI is a live episode from Salt Lake Comic-Con’s Fan X. With questions from a live audience, Bryan, Mike and Bobby discuss Star Wars, Episode VII and Star Wars Rebels. They also have a nice little interview with Boba Fett himself, Jeremy Bulloch, and then close the show out with some discussion on the AT-AT photo and some fan feedback. Finally, Bryan breaks the news that Kevin Kiner, the composer for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, will be composing for Star Wars Rebels.
Radio 1138: Episode 6 has some interesting, all be it short, interviews. One is with Jonathan Green, another is with Dez Skinn, which is kind of neat. Dez talks about getting Starburst magazine started. Then there’s Mary Jo Duffy who talks about writing Star Wars for Marvel and had some very interesting things to say about canon. I would definitely like to hear more of the interviews as each was a snippet of a larger interview, but definitely a nice way to pique your interest.
Rebels Report: Episode #10 has an excellent interview with voice actress Vanessa Marshall (Hera Syndulla in Star Wars Rebels). Their discussion touches on Vanessa’s mother and her getting into show business, how she got into Star Wars, how she got the role of Hera, what Star Wars means to her, and a whole lot more. Pete and Andy do a perfect job with the interview, keeping things moving, tossing out a variety of questions, and just pulling off a wonderful interview with Vanessa. A must listen to episode for Star Wars Rebels fans.
Rock Out Loud: the Road Trip episode starts off with some feedback, a discussion on concerts with co-headliners and the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame. Then they dive into the good stuff: travelling music. What songs make good travelling songs? Well Kristin puts together her playlist and her and Steve go through it song-by-song for some very fun discussions and lots of awesome sound clips. In my opinion, this is their best episode yet. I loved all the sound clips and the conversations between songs is great. It’s the perfect podcast for your daily commute. And I have to defend Kristin’s choice of The Verve “Bittersweet Symphony.” That particular song has made it on to several of my travelling playlists. It’s a great tune with an upbeat sound that just resonates with me. Then Steve plays some Foreigner “Hot Blooded” and reminded me just how great of a jam that song is. Timeless. Toss in some AC/DC, and I’m one happy listener.
Secrets of Star Wars: Episode 10 talks a little about casting news and rumors, Allan Horn’s comments, and then dives deep into a discussion about the AT-AT photo. Is it really an AT-AT foot? Could it be a hoax? Would Tatooine have a massive battle sequence like Hoth? They cover a lot of questions and speculation as fans digest this first nugget of Episode VII.
Skywalking through Neverland: Episode 26 covers the 50th anniversary of “It’s A Small World” and the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride. There’s also an interview with Margaret Kerry, the animation reference model for Tinker Bell in the original Peter Pan film, who they talk to about The Pirate Fairy. I’ll admit, I have to draw the line at Disney fairy movies. Not my cup of tea, but for Disney fans out there who are into all things Disney and who like Tinker Bell and the other fairies, you’ll want to check out the interview as it will be right up your alley. That said, they do get into something that’s definitely up my alley later in the show – Captain America: The Winter Soldier. Robert Bapst from the Bald Solo Podcast joins them for that segment and they keep it spoiler-lite so everyone can listen in. I really appreciated Robert giving some insight into how the movie draws from the comics as that is one angle I haven’t heard anyone discuss yet. It’s also interesting to hear that the S.H.I.E.L.D. tv shows even ties in with the movie. And on top of all that, they cover some event news and Disney’s D-Tech statues. There’s a little bit of something for everyone in this episode.
Star Wars Action News: Episode 422 has a brief con report of Wizard World St. Louis before they break into toy reports. In this show, they cover the mission series figures, figure stands for the 6-inch Black Series, the premium format Savage Opress, a delay in wave four of the Black Series over Chewbacca’s pose, and Sideshow’s life size Han in carbonite. Arnie debates the cost of the life size Han and the fact that he already has one. For me, $7 grand for a collectible is just too far out of my price range. Also in this show, they talk about The Star Wars deluxe hardcover edition, which is something I haven’t quite made up my mind about. It’s a bit pricey for a comic, but it would be interesting to have a hardcover, oversized version of the series. Lots of nice collectible discussion.
Star Wars Kidscast: Episode 8 includes two interviews. One is with 501st Legion member Terry Chui who talks a little about Fan Expo Vancouver. Then they have Craig Dickinson on as they talk about Craig’s experience using Star Wars in the classroom for 6th graders. It’s a very intriguing interview as they cover dealing with kids who have never seen the movies, showing the parallels between the prequels and the originals, and getting around the more violent aspects of the films. Definitely worth a listen, and since it’s the Kidscast, it’s also completely kid friendly so the whole family can tune in without worry.
Reviewed By: Skuldren for Roqoo Depot.
