Podcasts in Review

March 29, 2018 at 12:01 am | Posted in Podcasts, Podcasts in Review, Regular Feature, Reviews, Star Wars | Leave a comment
Tags: michael a. stackpole

Here is this week’s Podcasts in Review. Wee bit of toy focus in this one as I did some catching up.

Beltway Banthas: Interview: Jon Lovett of Pod Save America kicks off with Jon as they talk with him about Star Wars, Rogue One, politics, and The Last Jedi. He shares his thoughts on the movies, and they talk with him a bit on real world politics, as well as Star Wars politics. Fair warning if you listen with your kids, there was an F-bomb or two.

Podcast Network: RetroZap, Runtime: 40 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Stephen, Swara, Rating: Good

Brews and Blasters: Episode 161 kicks off with snow, wine, steak tips, manicotti, and black light posters. When you go off on Star Wars black light posters, you know you’re in for a fun ride. They go over The Last Jedi Blu-ray a little, then Chris presents his sales pitch for the HasLab sail barge. If you haven’t backed it yet, Chris may very well sway you. They also talk about Toys R Us and toy stores, they touch on Forces of Destiny, the Jon Favreau news, speculation on next animated series, and George Lucas breaking ground for his museum. Great episode.

Podcast Network: Retrozap, Runtime: 1 hour 9 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Joe, and Chris, Rating: Great

Children of the Force: Reaction Corps – Forces of Destiny S2 and Rebels Season Finale covers both shows. They kick off with Forces of Destiny as they go through each of the new episodes for season two, then 30 minutes in they switch up and talk Star Wars Rebels.

Podcast Network: N/A, Runtime: 1 hour 10 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Al, Anna, and Liam, Rating: Good

Coffee With Kenobi: Episode 114 features guests Jared Cantor and Jay Krebs as they talk with Dan about the new season of Forces of Destiny. They go over each episode with a small break as Tom joins them for the news. So, if you’re a Forces of Destiny fan, this one is for you as it’s the primary focus. Good discussion.

Podcast Network: Coffee With Kenobi, Runtime: 1 hour 13 minutes, Audio Quality: Great, Editing: Excellent, Host: Dan Z, Rating: Good

Coffee With Kenobi: Episode 115 is a conference call between a person from Awesome Con and actor John Boyega fielding questions from various outlets, including Coffee With Kenobi. It’s a short episode and John talks about Attack the Block, Pacific Rim, and Star Wars.

Podcast Network: Coffee With Kenobi, Runtime: 17 minutes, Audio Quality: Great, Editing: Excellent, Host: Dan Z, Rating: Good

Comic Book Noob: Black Lightning covers the TV character versus the comic book character, his powers, origin, history, and their recommended reads. As someone who hasn’t seen the TV show, or read the comics, I’m in the complete noob category here, so it was interesting to learn a little about this character and what makes them unique.

Podcast Network: Assembly of Geeks, Runtime: 30 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Scott, Regina, and Matt, Rating: Great

DorkLair: Episode 28 touches on HasLab wish list ideas, listener feedback, and Avengers: Infinity War S.H. Figuarts figures. Then they review the S.H. Figuarts Attack of the Clones clone trooper (quick review, not as detailed as usual since it’s so similar to the Phase II clone trooper they reviewed in Episode 15).

Podcast Network: RetroZap, Runtime: 56 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Bill, and Chris, Rating: Good

DorkLair: Episode 29 features guest host Jared Chilson as he and Bill talk model kits. They go over what’s involved, good ones for beginners, weathering tips, painting tips, the new BB-8, and they review the Bandai 1:12 General Grievous model kit. If you’re curious about the model kits, this is a great episode to check out, plus they have some good tips on how to do the models.

Podcast Network: RetroZap, Runtime: 1 hour 14 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Bill, and Jared Chilson, Rating: Good

DorkLair: Episode 30 goes over the Iron Man figure, pre-orders, BB-8, the sail barge, Mezco news, and they review the unmasked Kylo Ren figure. They talk about robe swapping, accessories, articulation, and the likeness of the head.

Podcast Network: RetroZap, Runtime: 1 hour 5 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Bill, and Chris, Rating: Good

DorkLair: Episode 31 covers snow, Toys R Us, toy news, sail barge news, Sideshow news, Mezco news, and they review the MAFEX Boba Fett which is a change up from their usual S.H. Figuarts reviews. They go over the paint app and how MAFEX generally beats Figuarts in this regard, they talk about the articulation, and some of the issues with the figure that you should be aware of. Good episode. I liked hearing about a different line that, in my opinion, is compatible with Figurarts thus something for collectors to consider when going after figures.

Podcast Network: RetroZap, Runtime: 1 hour 5 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Bill, and Chris, Rating: Good

Fangirls Going Rogue: Episode 56 covers Mark Hamill’s star ceremony as Sarah was there, they talk about the Jon Favreau Star Wars news and the issue of diversity with Star Wars creators. They also go into Star Wars Rebels, go into some listener feedback on Rebels, and discuss the Lucasfilm screening and Q&A for the finale. They cap off with some Harry Potter houses discussion and which house certain Star Wars characters would be in.

Podcast Network: N/A, Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing:Excellent, Hosts: Teresa, Tricia, and Sarah, Rating: Good

Fly Casual: Episode 173 warms up with Muppet Babies, Fuller House, Drunk History, beer and booze. Kind of a long intro at 19 minutes, but they do get around to Star Wars, and the intros are typically funny so it’s not really a bad thing. They start up with reviews and cover Darth Vader #12, Star Wars #44, Star Wars Adventures #7, then they go into Star Wars Rebels as they discuss “Wolves and a Door”, “A World Between Worlds”, “A Fool’s Hope”, and “Family Reunion and Farewell.” Lots of praise for Rebels, and a nice analysis of what was done and achieved in the finale. At 1 hour 50 minutes in, they get to rumors. They talk about Mark Hamill’s comments on Luke dying, Daisy on Abrams’ scripts, they go off on a tangent with issues on the sequel trilogy, a tangent on modern media, movies and TV shows (which delves off into non-Star Wars stuff). Fun episode.

Podcast Network: Betterkind Media, Runtime: 2 hours 28 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Corey, Steve, Garrick, and Mike, Rating: Fun

Fly Casual: Episode 174 kicks off with Daniel Tidwell metal, Vong casting and Portillo’s. Then they get into Star Wars news as they talk about The Last Jedi digital push, Drew Karpyshyn leaving Bioware, George Lucas’ museum, some gaming discussion with Dark Forces, they touch on the Vader/Thrawn team up novel and Forces of Destiny and go off on some tangents. Then there’s the toy report with a HasLab update, EA’s Battlefront update, Toys R Us closing, and Funko. Good chunk of toy store discussion in there.

Podcast Network: Betterkind Media, Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Corey, Steve, Garrick, and Mike, Rating: Fun

Happy Beeps: Episode 1 covers a variety of ground as Jennifer looks at some of the more silly sides of Star Wars touching on things like the potatoes in the asteroid scene in The Empire Strikes Back or how Qui-Gon’s comlink was a woman’s shaver. Fun little episode that kicks off a new podcast. Jennifer, as always, does a great job with good production values, editing and sound quality. It’s a relatively short episode, so if your short on time, it’s a good one to queue up.

Podcast Network: ForceCenter, Runtime: 17 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Host: Jennifer, Rating: Good

Happy Beeps: Episode 2 zero’s in on the idea of Star Wars being a cash grab. Jennifer focuses on the merchandising aspect of Star Wars, pays a visit to the Target toy aisle, and most importantly raises the question about the alternative – no merchandise, would we really want that? Great episode. I recommend checking this one out.

Podcast Network: ForceCenter, Runtime: 22 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Host: Jennifer, Rating: Great

Magic on a Dollar: Episode 22 kicks off with news as Dave talks about what’s going away, upcoming special events, and his experience at the Secrets of the Empire VR attraction. Dave shares some quick thoughts on A Wrinkle In Time, then talks about his trip to Universal’s Hollywood Studios. I know it’s a Disney podcast, but I kind of like hearing about other parks as I’ve thought about going to Universal.

Podcast Network: N/A, Runtime: 52 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Host: Dave, Rating: Good

Me and My Padawan: Episode 11 covers Star Wars news, the Blu-ray release date, and they go through all the upcoming Solo books.

Podcast Network: N/A, Runtime: 50 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Ryan, and Braden, Rating: Good

Me and My Padawan: Episode 12 they discuss the Darths, specifically the canon Darths (which narrows the category down a great deal). They talk about Bane and the rule of two, but they also switch gears and get into Transformers. However, there’s some dispute on the facts regarding Transformers Prime. They also touch on TV show trailers. So, a bit of Star Wars and a bit of non-Star Wars.

Podcast Network: N/A, Runtime: 49 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Ryan, and Braden, Rating: Fun

Skywalking Through Neverland: Episode 207 they talk with actor Dee Tails about his work on The Last Jedi, his character Slowen Lo, being on set and talking with Mark Hamill, other characters, and the cut spa scene. Afterwards Sarah and Richard talk Forces of Destiny season two. They even go into the music and the easter eggs as they touch on each one. Nice interview and good Forces of Destiny discussion.

Podcast Network: Retrozap, Runtime: 1 hours 34 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Sarah, and Richard, Rating: Great

Star Scavengers: Episode 31 touches on Johnamarie’s custom Dave Filoni Pop, there’s a Boba Fett LEGO airport story, they go over a LEGO book, new LEGO sets, Solo sets, and the release of the Freemaker Adventures DVD. Afterwards they talk Star Wars Rebels, covering “Jedi Night” all the way up to the finale, and there are spoilers. Nice discussion.

Podcast Network: N/A, Runtime: 1 hour 48 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Johnamarie, and Aaron, Rating: Great

Starships, Sabers, and Scoundrels: Episode 51 covers the news as they talk a little about the Jon Favreau news, the Battlefront II update, the Empire movie awards, a tiger being named Kylo Ren, Filoni on the next animated project, Forces of Destiny, international Solo posters, and Taxus has lots of updates for their Skystalking segment (which covers upcoming conventions and which Star Wars celebs will be there). Then they go into their book discussion of Brian Daley’s Han Solo’s Revenge. Great episode.

Podcast Network: Retrozap, Runtime: 1 hour 33 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Dennis, Darth Taxus, and Jay, Rating: Great

Superhero Therapy: The Psychology of Black Panther delves a bit deeper into the mindsets of characters in the movie, and is a great discussion to check out if you’ve seen the film. They do go into some spoilers, so keep that in mind. They share their thoughts on the film, and dive into the minds and motivations for the two main characters, the Black Panther and Killmonger. They also talk about diversity, privilege, female representation, and revolutionary change without violence.

Podcast Network: Assembly of Geeks, Runtime: 30 minute, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Dr. Scarlet, and Dustin, Rating: Good

Talk Star Wars Daily: Episode 3.26.18 goes over box office updates (perhaps for the final time) and the changes in store for Talk Star Wars’ Patreon.

Podcast Network: Star Wars Commonwealth, Runtime: 23 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Host: Marc, Rating: Good

Talk Star Wars Daily: Episode 3.27.18 touches on the push by some people to have the blasters removed from the Solo posters, Marc provides some updates on Patreon and plans, then touches on the news with Rian Johnson’s hidden cameo in The Last Jedi, predictions for when the next Solo trailer will drop, and Lord and Miller’s Solo credit.

Podcast Network: Star Wars Commonwealth, Runtime: 23 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Host: Marc, Rating: Good

Talk Star Wars Daily: Episode 3.28.18 covers Solo rumors of Legends material, Mark Hamill’s comments on The Last Jedi and deleted scenes, and Chris Miller’s tweet.

Podcast Network: Star Wars Commonwealth, Runtime: 23 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Host: Marc, Rating: Good

Tatooine Sons: 10 Questions for Tatooine Tuesday: Meghan Camp Dave talks with Meghan Camp (one of their Patreon supports and a fellow Star Wars fan). Meghan talks about her first Star Wars memory, her favorite Star Wars movie, TCW vs SWR, and seven other questions that explore her fandom. This is a splinter off of the usual Tatooine Sons episodes. It’s not as in-depth as My Star Wars Story in exploring Star Wars fans, but it’s still interesting.

Podcast Network: Star Wars Commonwealth, Runtime: 49 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Host: David, Rating: Good

TechnoRetro Dads: Black Cat, Black Tiger, Black Panther, and Chocolate Frosted Flakes kicks off with some chocolate lasagna, dealing with daughter’s boyfriends, and cat jokes. They get into the news and touch on Stephen Hawking, Ready Player One, and side step to talk cereal. They return to Ready Player One as they speculate on the soundtrack, then discuss the video game Black Tiger, the film Black Panther, and they dive into listener emails.

Podcast Network: Retrozap, Runtime: 1 hour 17 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Shazbazzar, and JediShua, Rating: Fun

The 602 Club: Episode 174 features Matt and Drea as they talk Tomb Raider. They go over the past movies, the game reboot, and then focus on the new movie. There’s a lot of interesting comparisons to how the new Tomb Raider, which is supposed to be based of the latest game reboot, differs from its source material. They talk about the things the movie did right, and some of the possible mistakes, like the different take on the villain and the lack of mysticism. As some who only played the original game, and saw the original movie, the differences didn’t bother me at all. I thought the new film was a great take on the franchise. Overall, a pretty positive discussion. If you’ve seen the film, it’s worth checking out. They do go into so spoilers.

Podcast Network: Trek.fm, Runtime: 1 hour 13 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Matthew, and Drea, Rating: Great

The Fanitarium: Episode 1 kicks off with some coverage of fandoms and news. They touch on Star Wars Rebels (no spoilers), Solo, The Last Jedi, as well as lots of non-Star Wars fandoms like Star Trek, The Orville, Marvel, DC, Fantastic Beasts, and anime. Then they switch gears 53 minutes in as they talk with author Michael A. Stackpole covering the various fandoms he’s worked in from Battletech to Star Wars. Mike also talks about his monthly Patreon project Scratch which provides monthly stories to the backers. Really nice interview. Overall, great episode. Note The Fanitarium is a re-branding/refocusing effort of Bombad Radio to more accurately pursue what they’re targeting – fandoms. Thus The Fanitarium podcast is hosted by Jeremiah and Kaela, so if you were a fan of Bombad Radio, you’ll want to subscribe to the new podcast. As for new listeners, this one is a good one to check out for touching on your favorite geek fandoms, and a must if your a Stackpole fan.

Podcast Network: The Fanitarium, Runtime: 1 hour 35 minutes, Audio Quality: Great, Editing: Great, Hosts: Jeremiah, and Kaela, Rating: Great

The Sandcrawler Podcast: Episode 48 touches on The Last Jedi digital release, they talk about the changes in their collecting focus, the interesting habits of fellow collectors, updates on the HasLab sail barge, they reminisce about Toys R Us which is closing, Mike touches on an old Star Wars screensaver program that sounded pretty awesome, and then they delve into the Power of the Force toy line. They touch on each of the figures in the wave 1 red cards. Overall, fun episode with lots of great discussions. Always love giving these episodes a listen.

Podcast Network: Retrozap, Runtime: 2 hours 2 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Dan, and Mac, Rating: Fun

Thought Bombs with Bright Tree Radio: Order 66 and Was Holdo Right? covers two topics. First up, was Order 66 a good cleansing for the Jedi. Phil makes the case that it was, and Sophie defends the Jedi. They talk about what the Jedi could have done differently, as well as their selective roles as self-proclaimed peace keepers. Then they switch gears and talk about Holdo’s conduct in The Last Jedi and whether she was right to withhold information from Poe. Two good questions that make for two excellent discussions.

Podcast Network: Bright Tree Radio, Runtime: 47 minutes, Audio Quality: Excellent, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Sophie, and Phil, Rating: Good

Toy Run: Episode 102 they go over news, Jaxxon, Forces of Destiny, KB Toys, toy auctions, Dark Side who is offering sail barges to the UK, and other sail barge info. If you like Star Wars toys, this is a great podcast to listen to.

Podcast Network: N/A, Runtime: 1 hour 5 minutes, Audio Quality: Great, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Criz, and Jake, Rating: Great

Wookiee Radio: Episode 57 features Mike and Derrick as they go over the Star Wars Rebels finale, they also touch on some news with Heather Antos leaving Marvel, the Jon Favreau announcement, The Last Jedi deleted scenes, Sideshow Jabba, and Snoke’s backstory. Unfortunately there’s some background noise at times in this episode, so that hurts sound quality a bit.

Podcast Network: We Be Geeks Network, Runtime: 1 hour 7 minutes, Audio Quality: Good, Editing: Excellent, Hosts: Ken, Derrick, and Mike, Rating: Good