Interview

Howie Weed was a model maker and effects artist on both the Star Wars Special Editions and the Prequels, as well as designing and performing as the Wampa and various Cantina aliens.

But, this is our first episode of SEASON 2 … so of course we don’t just talk about Star Wars … we hear his incredible stories from working on Captain EO, Ghostbusters 2, The Ewok Adventure.

And with stories about being on set with Steven Spielberg and getting directed by George Lucas, himself, you really don’t want to miss this season premiere.

Setting the record straight, we’re speaking with Laurie Goode, who played numerous roles in the original Star Wars. From falling asleep on the Cantina set as Saurin, to bumping his head on the Death Star as the infamous Stormtrooper, Mr. Goode is full of great stories and great insight into the filming at Elstree Studios.

To listen to Mr. Goode’s great song about, well, bumping his head, definitely check it out on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/who-was-the-stormtrooper-who-banged-his-head-remix/1435822385?i=1435822631

Today is a very rare, very wonderful interview with Miki Herman, initially assistant to George Lucas, then serving as production coordinator on The Empire Strikes Back andReturn of the Jedi, going on to become the executive producer for the Ewoks and Droids animated series.

We go through her entire time working for the early days of Lucasfilm, including being on set for the Holiday Special (celebrating its 40th anniversary) and scouting the West Coast for the forest moon of Endor.

It was a huge honor to talk to her and I am very grateful.

We talked to Kevin Rubio, the father of the Star Wars Fan Film and director of TROOPS, creator of Tag and Bink, as well as writer for The Clone Wars. He’s really done it all.

Diving into his long career, we discuss the inspiration behind TROOPS, just how involved George Lucas was in The Clone Wars and, of course, his reaction to Tag and Bink becoming canon in Solo.

Definitely follow Kevin on Twitter, @TheKevinRubio, and join me at tweeting at Marvel to publish the Tag and Bink sequels.

Today we’re LIVE and talking to Tim Rose, an incredibly talented puppeteer who brought some of my favorite Star Wars characters to life, including Admiral Ackbar, Salacious B. Crumb and Sy Snootles.

If you want to hear stories about Salacious’ personality, Harrison Ford’s … temper on set, or his thoughts on Ackbar’s return in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, this is the podcast for you!

We refer to it a few times throughout the episode, but definitely check out the incredible documentary, Classic Creatures, which premiered at the same time as Jedi: youtube.com/watch?v=Aqcz7ZAIh7w

For more information about Mr. Rose’s upcoming appearances and even more stories from his long career, go to his website: AdmiralAckbar.co.uk/

A very special thanks to Galactic Productions for setting this up. For more information about their clients’ upcoming appearances, head to their site: GalacticProductionsEvents.com/

Today we’re talking in person to Spencer Wilding, who helped bring Darth Vader to life for Rogue One.

In addition to his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy (Mean Guard), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Lupin as Werewolf) and Game of Thrones (one of the original White Walkers), Mr. Wilding has been a huge part of some of the biggest movies ever, including donning the helmet of everyone’s favorite Sith Lord.

Today’s episode is brought you by the good people at Order 66 Toys in Allen, Texas. Check them out online on their Facebook and YouTube channel … they’re always posting live videos and constantly selling some great stuff.

Now for something a little different: a double feature of two “vintage” interviews recorded LIVE earlier this year.

First up, we’re talking to David Ankrum, voice of Wedge Antilles, as well as various voices in Rogue One.

The second interview of the day is with Mark Dodson, the man responsible for the most iconic laugh in the galaxy: Salacious Crumb. If you love stories about Ben Burtt and raccoons (and tid-bits from Gremlins, the Ewok TV Movies and more), this is the interview for you.

Today we’re talking to Simon J. Williamson, performer for Max Rebo and many other iconic characters, including principal Gamorrean Guard, a Mon Cal Officer and even the blinks of Nien Nunb in Return of the Jedi.

If you’ve ever listened to this podcast before, you know how much I love the fascinating stories of the puppeteers and mime artists, especially from Jedi. And this is no exception.

Really buckle up because there’s a pretty in-depth discussion about Max Rebo’s biology (which has been researched in length by Mr. Pablo Hidalgo: https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-mysteries-getting-to-the-bottom-of-max-rebo)

For more information about Mr. Williamson’s upcoming appearances and his long and storied career with the Muppets and Jim Henson, go to his website: simonjwilliamson.co.uk  or follow him on Twitter, appropriately, @RealMaxRebo.

Designing the original figures and vehicles, Jim Swearingen had a huge effect on our perception of the original Star Wars. From 1976-79, this Kenner project became Swearingen’s project, witnessing portions of the film being made and even attending the first public showing.

Straight from an episode of Netflix’s Toys That Made Us, Mr. Swearingen takes us through that early period, before Star Wars was the phenomenon we know and love.

Today we’re talking to four-time Academy Award winner Richard Edlund, visual effects legend of the Original Trilogy. From the early days of ILM to his groundbreaking work on Raiders of the Lost Ark, Poltergeist and more, it was a huge honor to dive deep into Mr. Edlund’s incredible career.

We really get into specifics about some of the most complicated shots from the original Star Wars, including the iconic opening shot of the Star Destroyer.

For more information about speaking appearances, the Enhanced Depth project and his career, go to his website: RichardEdlund.com