Star Wars is more than just a movie franchise. It is a cultural phenomenon that has shaped and influenced generations of fans, creators, and industries. Since its debut in 1977, Star Wars has revolutionized the fields of science fiction, fantasy, and space opera, as well as the practices of movie sequels, merchandising, fan outreach, and tie-in book publishing. Star Wars references are deeply embedded in popular culture, and its iconic characters and themes are recognized and celebrated worldwide. Star Wars has even inspired political and scientific endeavors, such as President Ronald Reagan’s missile defense system nicknamed “Star Wars” and NASA’s exploration of distant planets. Star Wars is not just a story; it is a legacy that continues to shape our culture and imagination. Here is a collection of articles, podcasts, and videos celebrating Star Wars impact on our lives.
The Skywalker Saga | Reflections
- Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace by Ryan Eighmey | The importance of faith, family, and friends in facing our challenges.
- Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones by Jonathan Reedy | God doesn’t change, but our relationships always do.
- Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith by Joey Thurmond | How the war within ourselves can grant us empathy.
- Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope by Marc Davis | Finding the promise beyond the world’s ills.
- Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back by Matt Civico | Working in the “middleness” of the story.
- Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi by Steven Cullum | Learning to never give up on anyone.
- Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens by Scott Kingsolver | The stories our our lives are worth seeing in all their fullness.
- Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi by Lisa Eldred | The greatest teacher, failure is.
- Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker by Ryan Eighmey, Joey Thurmond, Marc Davis, Matt Civico, Scott Kingsolver, & Lisa Eldred | Not being defined by your past or your lineage.
Star Wars: Visions | Reflections
- The Tragedies of Oppression in Star Wars: Visions – Lop and Ocho by Christi Osterday | Identifying with the oppressor.
- Responding to Hopelessness in Star Wars: Visions – Akakiri by Amy Cokenour | The dangers of a “devil’s bargain.”
- The Value of Defense in Star Wars: Visions – The Elder by Joey Thurmond | Developing a right view of defense.
- The Power of Connection in Star Wars: Visions – The Village Bride by Amy Cokenour | Our relationships only have as much power as we are willing to give them.
- Fighting for Family in Star Wars: Visions – The Twins by Brittany Lofland | You can always start anew.
- Moving Forward for Friends in Star Wars: Visions – Tatooine Rhapsody by Paul Butterworth | Learn from the past and let it guide us into a better future.
- Finding Yourself in Star Wars: Visions – The Ninth Jedi by Devin Valdivia | Humility is not denying the truth of who we are.
- Expecting the Unexpected in Star Wars: Visions – The Duel by Eric Osterday | Turning our expectations upside down.
Obi-Wan Kenobi | Reflections
- Conflicting Responsibilities in Obi-Wan Kenobi – Episode 1 by Lisa Eldred | Wrong decisions that feel right in the moment.
- Encountering Negative Emotion in Obi-Wan Kenobi – Episode 2 by Paul Butterworth | Making space for our doubts and insecurities.
- Haunted by the Living and Dead in Obi-Wan Kenobi – Episode 3 by Colby Whittaker | Laying our ghosts to rest.
- Enduring Loyalty in Obi-Wan Kenobi – Episode 4 by Joey Thurmond | Trust is the force that binds relationships together.
- Facing the Past in Obi-Wan Kenobi – Episode 5 by Steve Cullum | The only thing we have control over is ourselves.
- Healing from Shame with Bonds in Obi-Wan Kenobi – Episode 6 by Steven Dobek | How do we handle our shame?
The Mandalorian (Season 2) | Reflections
- Finding Your Purpose in “The Marshal” by Scott Kingsolver | Doing good among chaos.
- Parenting and Protection in “The Passenger” by Lisa Eldred | From cute to disturbing.
- Confronting Conflict within Creeds in “The Heiress” by Jon Campoverde | Lead with love first.
- Restless Restoration in “The Siege” by Steve Cullum | We are not in a protected bubble.
- Overcoming Fear in “The Jedi” by Jon Brady | With love comes great risk.
- Creed of Integrity in “The Tragedy” by Asia Filipiak | Action is a greater indicator of integrity.
- Building Bridges with Compassion in “The Believer” by Brittany Lofland | Showing compassion to all, even those who don’t deserve it.
- The Uniting Power of Vulnerability in “The Rescue” by Ryan Eighmey | Asking for help can be unifying.
Articles | The Force is Strong with These Ones
- We Need to Talk about Hatred and Harassment in the Star Wars Fandom by Joey Thurmond | Addressing the “Fandom Menace”.
- Trusting the Force and Each Other in Star Wars: The Rising Storm by Jonathan Reedy | A jedi is master of their emotions, never a slave.
- Longing for a True Ending in Star Wars: The Clone Wars by Steven Dobek | Hope is a victory for all time.
- Ben Solo: The Prodigal Son of Star Wars by Brittany Lofland | It’s not easy to find the light again, but it’s worth it.
- No One’s Ever Really Gone: Old Star Wars Stories Good for the Soul by Joshua Morris | Reliving the best in the expanded universe sidelined by Disney.
- Letting the Past Die: New Star Wars Stories Good for the Soul by Jonathan Reedy | Finding the best in the new canon lead by Disney.
- The Living Force of God: Meditation as Prayer in Star Wars by Joey Thurmond | What can Star Wars teach us about prayer?
- Attack of the Clones and Self Control by Andrea Racoti | Self-control is a difficult ability to master.
- Why Criticism Matters by Kevin Schut | Using Star Wars as an example for the need for “good criticism.”
- The Book of Boba Fett, Church, and the Danger of Expectations by Eric Osterday | Expectations can lead to a joyless place.
- How to Read, Watch, and Play with Less Guilt and More Care by Brittany Lofland | Exploring stories like the Great Storyteller.
- When People Can’t Be Vulnerable: A Reflection on Revenge of the Sith by Andrea Racoti | How different Anakin’s story could have been if those closest to him gave him permission to be open and vulnerable.
- Saving What We Love: An Argument for Kylo Ren’s Redemption by Brittany Lofland | Redemption is not about fighting what we hate.
- Remembering the Self-Giving Love of Qui-Gon Jinn by Andrea Racoti | Caring for those who might need an extra hand.
- I Wish I Could Talk about The Last Jedi by Drew Dixon | Let people enjoy things.
Podcasts | Come in, R2!
- LTN Book Club 14 | Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendency – Book 1: Chaos Rising | The LTN Book Club discuss the origin story of one of the most lauded villains in Star Wars lore.
- The Pull List 75 | And Somehow Palpatine Returned… | Hector & Guest Todd talk about comics.
- The Pull List 11 | Captain Marvel and the Hype Train | Chris & Hector discuss Topher Grace’s Star Wars edit, as well as comics, comics, comics!
- Free Play Podcast 5 | Infinity Star Wars | Bubba, Matt & Kate discuss how Disney have handled Star Wars and future plans on streaming.
- The Back Row Morning Show 552 | Fan Rivalries | Radio Matt & Mo welcome the Back Row Buds on to discuss fan/fandom rivalries – including the classic: “Star Wars vs Star Trek.”
- The Back Row Morning Show 451 | Fake Luke | Radio Matt & Mo discuss the role of AI and deep-fakes in entertainment moving forward, after see AI Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian.
- The Back Row Morning Show 361 | How to Enjoy an Overhyped Movie | Radio Matt & Mo celebrate Star Wars Day by giving you a list of helpful tips on how to enjoy a movie that’s been either overhyped or over-reviewed.
- LTN Radio’s “80’s Night” | Empire Strikes Back | Radio Matt shares some interesting history and fun facts about 1980’s Empire Strikes Back.
Shorts | Like… Audio Ewoks
- Faith & Fandom 180 | Don’t Miss It | A quick devotional from Hector Miray inspired by the Ahsoka trailer.
- Faith & Fandom 180 | Those Who Walked This Path Before Us | A quick devotional from Hector Miray inspired by Hayden Christensen.
- Faith & Fandom 180 | Wise Time | A quick devotional from Hector Miray inspired by Stranger Things and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
- Faith & Fandom 180 | Empire Strikes Me Sad | A quick devotional from Hector Miray inspired by Empire Strikes Back.
- Faith & Fandom 180 | The Go-To Nerd | A quick devotional from Hector Miray inspired by dat nerdy life (and The Mandalorian).
- Faith & Fandom 180 | Who’s That Jedi? | A quick devotional from Hector Miray inspired by The Mandalorian.
- Nerd History | May the 4th Be With You | A quick history lesson from Radio Matt on Star Wars Day.
- Nerdy Definitions | Nerf | A quick nerd culture definition from Radio Matt out of the world of Star Wars.
- Reviews of the Nerds | Star Wars: Visions | A quick streaming series review by Brittany Lofland.
Videos | Directed by George Lucas, probably
- The Ultimate Star Wars Day Trivia Game | Back Row Morning Show | Mo pits Radio Matt against Oriole Jedi to see who knows Star Wars better.
- Matt & Bubba in the Morning + Star Wars | The Beard Bros talk about Lucasfilm regaining control over the Star Wars IP.
- May the 4th Be With You | Nerd History | A quick history lesson from Radio Matt about Star Wars Day.
- Wise Time | Faith & Fandom 180 | A quick devotional from Hector Miray inspire by Stranger Things and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
- 13 Tabletop Games that Cost OVER $100 | Beard Bros | Matt & Bubba share a list a game for Mr. or Ms. Moneybags, including a massive Star Wars game.
- Arguing on Discord: Star Wars or Harry Potter? | Back Row Morning Show | Radio Matt & Mo welcome the Back Row Buds to argue which franchise is better.
This resource was compiled by Rachel Knight and Radio Matt. Last Updated May the 4th, 2023.
Love what you just read? Get more LTN!
Are you a writer interested in joining our team? Learn how by visiting https://lovethynerd.com/write-for-ltn/.
Reader Comments