All Summaries for Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars

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From archeology to zoology, real-world science is everywhere in Star Wars! Every episode includes an interview with an expert discussing how Star Wars relates to their field of study. Explore the many ways science is represented in a galaxy far, far away with hosts Melissa Miller and James Floyd, both freelance writers for Star Wars Insider magazine. Part of the Skywalking Network

5: Facts Five, with city planning and visual effects experts
Melissa and Lisa welcome two guest experts to cover Fast Five, the movie that really accelerates the franchise into greatness. Prison escapes, train heists, and a bank vault crashing through the streets of Rio make up the action, but the movie is also about family (of course) and reunites some of our favorite characters. A city planner and a visual effects artist who worked on Tokyo Drift join our podcast family in this high speed episode! Here's a great behind the scenes video about the practical stunts in the bank vault sequence! And where we got the math about whether Dom and Brian could really tow the vault! Follow James Floyd on Twitter and Instagram.  And check out his Star Wars filming location tours, Galaxy Far, Far Away Journeys! Follow Melissa @melissatruth Follow Lisa @dustchick The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever! Listen to episode 4 here Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
Sun, October 8, 2023
4: Fast & Physics, with a medical doctor
Melissa and Lisa discuss Fast & Furious, the fourth movie in the Fast saga. The car chases and stakes are finally high! Letty's (maybe) dead! Dom is bulletproof! Lots to discuss. Melissa and Lisa also welcome Dr. Jackson Vane to the show to discuss medical issues throughout the franchise, including the most important question - how are these characters even still alive??!  Check out Jackson's Hi Everybody! A Bad Medicine podcast including the episode about Hobbs & Shaw! And follow Jackson's podcast on Twitter. Follow Melissa @melissatruth Follow Lisa @dustchick The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever! Listen to episode 3 here Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
Tue, September 26, 2023
42: Blue Food Science
We chat blue food in Star Wars and here on Earth, where's it's not nearly as prevelant. Dr. Changqi Liu from San Diego State University shares his expertise about flowers, berries, and other foods. But does he know why blue raspberry flavoring exists? Cook up some blue noodles, pour yourself a glass of blue milk, and enjoy! More about butterfly pea flower lemonade! More about color-changing gin! Find out more about Changqi's research! Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group! Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here! In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and Star Wars!
Wed, September 20, 2023
3: The Facts & The Furious: Toying with Drift, with a stunt driver
In this episode, Melissa and Lisa chat about Tokyo Drift and interview a stunt driver. Lisa explains the physics of drifting and Melissa posits whether the saga takes place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The movie may feel out of place, but all is forgiven because it introduces Han to the franchise. Check out the Motion Picture Driving Clinic's website and on Instagram Follow Melissa @melissatruth Follow Lisa @dustchick The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever! Listen to episode 2 here Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!  
Sun, September 17, 2023
41: Voice acting and storytelling with Vanessa Marshall
Voice actor extraordinaire Vanessa Marshall joins us on this episode of Star Warsologies! She is the voice (and soul) of "space mom" Hera Syndulla from Star Wars: Rebels, among many other credits. We talk about the importance of found family, fandom, and Joseph Campbell's hero's journey template. Vanessa is such a force for good and we are so excited to geek out with her about Star Wars and tons of other topics. Enjoy! Find Vanessa on Twitch, Instagram, and Twitter! You can visit her at one of these upcoming convention appearances: Fairfax Comic Con August 26-27, 2023 in Virginia Superstar Comic Con September 23-24, 2023 in Savannah, GA SPOOKALA October 6-8, 2023 in Tampa, FL uWu Con October 27-29, 2023 in Mesa, AZ Also, hear her voice as Wonder Woman in season 4 of Harley Quinn now streaming on HBO / MAX! Here's the link to the Metal Gear Solid event Vanessa mentioned, with ongoing online content. And you can even take an acting class from her on SkillsHub. Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group! Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here! In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and Star Wars!
Tue, August 22, 2023
2: 2 Facts 2 Physics, with a legal expert
No Dom, no problem! Lisa and Melissa dive into the physics of 2003's 2 Fast 2 Furious. Welcome Roman, welcome Tej. Don't let those pesky laws of gravity keep you down. Also weighing in is legal expert Stephen Lee, a former federal prosecutor. Hear what he has to say about Brian's terrible record as an undercover cop, can you earn a "clean record," and other ongoing leagal themes of the saga. Check out Stephen's Substack for more of his legal analysis of pop culture, including Andor, The Flash, Glass Onion, and more! https://moderndetection.substack.com/ https://www.stephenleelaw.com/ Follow Melissa @melissatruth Follow Lisa @dustchick The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics come and go, but family is forever! Listen to episode 1 here Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!  
Mon, August 14, 2023
40 Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion (San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panel)
Star Warsologies hosted "Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion", a panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023.  The Star Wars series Andor speaks powerfully to today’s audience about fighting oppression. Examining the first season of the Disney+ series, we will explore the motivations and actions of Cassian Andor, Mon Mothma, Luthen Rael and other characters as they put it all on the line to resist and rebel against the Empire. What type of people are drawn to stand up to tyranny? How do individual dissenters start forming movements? When can you fight inside the system, and when do you have to fight from the outside? Why does this show resonate so well at this time? Panelists include Robert A. Dagnall (MA candidate in Rhetoric and Writing Studies / instructor, SDSU), J. Dianne Dotson (sci-fi and fantasy author, producer, science writer, biologist), Dr. Drea Letamendi (psychologist at UCLA, host of the Arkham Sessions podcast), Desmond Hassing (lecturer of American Indian Studies, SDSU), Jake Rowlett (PhD candidate, SDSU/UCSB). Moderated by James Floyd (STEAMpop Network, Star Warsologies podcast, Star Wars Insider contributor). Join us as we tackle the nature of the fight to restore freedom to the galaxy. Show notes for this episode are available on Skywalking Network:
Mon, August 7, 2023
1: The Facts and the Furious, with a car modifications expert
It all begins with this episode of The Facts & The Furious covering the low stakes of the first movie, 2001's The Fast and the Furious. As Melissa and Lisa realize, very few laws of physics are broken but there's still find plenty to talk about. Our guest expert is Maria Romano de Leon, curator of the San Diego Automative Museum. Learn about NOS, car culture, and why a lack of traffic may be the most unrealistic thing that happens in this movie.  Follow Melissa @melissatruth Follow Lisa @dustchick Follow the San Diego Automotive Museum on Facebook and Instagram The Facts & The Furious is a podcast rewatch of the entire saga with Dr. Lisa Will (physicist) and Melissa Miller (science writer). We break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Remember, reality-based physics comes and goes, but family is forever! Subscribe so you won't miss the rest of our rewatch!
Tue, August 1, 2023
39: The Science of Superpowers
Here's another of our San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panels! The Science of Superpowers brought together amazing scientists to talk about how realistic superheroes and supervillains are and whether there's any version of their powers in real life.  Here's video from our panel, plus slides we presented in the room. Thanks to everyone who came out and asked questions. We're so glad you found us online too, we love bringing our convention content to everyone for free! Panel Description:  Humans have been fascinated with the potential to gain superpowers for generations. Would a lab accident really transform your DNA? Is it possible to harness regenerative powers from the animal kingdom? Could a mutation make you telekinetic? Hear about the up-to-date science and technology bringing humanity closer to becoming superheroes (and potentially supervillains). Melissa T. Miller (STEAMpop Network, Star Warsologies) moderates a panel of experts that includes Lataisia Jones, Ph.D. (neuroscientist), Erika Anderson, M.S. (reliability engineer), Michelle Nolasco, Ph.D. (science communication consultant, SDSU), Ester Kwon, Ph.D. (nanoscale bioengineer, UCSD), Catherine Schrankel, Ph.D. (cell biologist, SDSU), and Beata Mierzwa, Ph.D. (molecular biologist and science artist, UCSD). Ester Kwon, PhD is an assistant professor of nanoscale bioengineering at University of California, San Diego @esterjkwon Catherine Schrankel, PhD is an assistant professor of cell biology at San Diego State University @DrSchrankel @schrankel_lab Michelle Nolasco, PhD is a molecular biologist and science writer at San Diego State University Beata Mierzwa, PhD is a molecular biologist and science artist at University of California, San Diego @beatascienceart on Twitter and Instagram Lataisia Jones, PhD is a neuroscientist at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke @HeyDrTay on Twitter and Instagram Erika Anderson, MS is a reliability engineer at Georgia Pacific @MsSTEMPossible on Twitter and Instagram Beata, Lataisia, and Erika are also AAAS If/Then ambassadors (ifthenshecan.org) @ifthenshecan on Twitter and @ifthenshecan on Instagram Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and how they connect to Star Wars. Every episode, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller interview a guest about how their area of expetise intersects with the galaxy far, far away.
Mon, July 31, 2023
38: Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaeology, History, and Punching Fascists (SDCC 2023)
Star Warsologies hosted the "Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaelogy, History, and Punching Fascists" panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023. This podcast episode contains the audio of the panel, with the slideshow images from the PowerPoint presentation. Our panelists are Bailey Jorgensen (archaeologist, Alf Museum of Paleontology), Kara Vetter (senior director of cultural resources, Museum of Us), and Dr. Becca Peixotto (archaeologist and IF/THEN ambassador). Panel description: Indiana Jones is back for more fortune and glory, and the Indy films have shaped the public’s view of the world of archaeology and artifacts for more than 40 years. Now with the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, let’s examine the legacy of the man with the whip and the hat. What do the Indiana Jones films get right and wrong about real world archaeological adventures? Do the antiquities collected by Dr. Jones really belong in a museum - and does he? How do historical artifacts connect to modern politics? How has Indiana Jones impacted the archaeological field? Panelists include Dr. Becca Peixotto (archaeologist, IF/THEN Ambassador), Bailey Jorgensen (historical archaeologist; collections manager, Alf Museum of Paleontology), Kara Vetter (senior director of cultural resources, Museum of Us). Moderated by James Floyd (STEAMpop Network, Star Warsologies podcast, Star Wars Insider contributor). Join our panel of globe-trotting archaeologists, historians, and cultural resource experts in discussing the science and ethics of his adventures as we follow the trail of Indiana Jones around the 20th century world. Star Warsologies is a podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and how they connect to Star Wars. Every episode, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller interview a guest about how their area of expetise intersects with the galaxy far, far away.
Sat, July 29, 2023
37: Artificial Intelligence
This episode, we're chatting with Gracie Ermi, and expert in machine learning. Are droids sentient? Is it ethical to wipe their memories and reprogram them? Other than the well-publicized art and writing controversies, what are some ways AI is already part of our lives? Are we close to a Star Wars level of robotic intelligence or an uprising? These are just some of the subject we cover in this episode. In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and Star Wars! Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos (coming soon)! Show Links Check see Gracie at the STEAM Fair at the Comic-Con Museum July 21-23 Follow her on Instagram and Twitter! Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group! Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Fri, July 14, 2023
The Facts & The Furious: Coming Soon!
Trailer for the new podcast The Facts & The Furious with Dr. Lisa Will and Melissa Miller. Two scientists break down each movie of the saga with help from special guest experts. Hear from a stunt driver, a medical doctor, a psychologist, a lawyer, and others fans who have something to say about how things would go down in real life. This deep dive is also a fun rewatch of all 11 Fast & Furious movies. 
Wed, July 5, 2023
36: Linguistics
This episode, we're chatting with linguist David Peterson, who constructs languages for properties like Game of Thrones, Elemental, House of the Dragon, the MCU, and many more! He weighs in on Aurebesh as a written language, as well as Binary, Shyriiwook, Gungan, and other spoken languages. It's a fascinating conversation with someone who clearly loves talking about language. Enjoy! In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and other fields of knowledge and Star Wars! Show Links Some images of the Super Bomber text David likes are here and here. You can check out David's website and buy his book "The Art of Language Invention" More information about constructed languages is available from conlang.org Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group! Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Wed, June 21, 2023
35: Celebration Panel "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance"
Star Warsologies hosted "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance" panel at Star Wars Celebration Europe in April 2023 in London. Because the panel audio ended up not recorded by accident, we invited the original panelists back to re-create the panel and add some new content, just for our listeners. Coming back we have Chris Kempshall, Rebecca Harrison, Oli Mould, and Jake Rowlett. Unfortunately panelist Prof. Manuel Barcia was unable to rejoin us. Moderated by James Floyd, one of the hosts of Star Warsologies. Panel description: Star Wars is full of conflict between good and evil, and the stories of the galaxy far, far away center on that fight against oppression. Using real world history of resistance and rebellions, we will examine the entire saga and the Andor series in particular to see how and why our heroes seek to stand against the Galactic Empire in their own ways. Our panelists include Chris Kempshall (author, The History and Politics of Star Wars: Death Stars and Democracy; co-author, Star Wars: Battles that Changed the Galaxy), Rebecca Harrison (author, BFI Classics: The Empire Strikes Back), Manuel Barcia, Oli Mould, and Jake Rowlett. Join host James Floyd (Star Wars Insider regular contributor, Star Warsologies podcast) in exploring the freedom fighters that helped topple the Empire. In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars! Show notes page: https://skywalkingthroughneverland.com/new-podcast-star-warsologies-35-celebration-andor-the-empire-and-a-history-of-resistance/ Check out the YouTube version of the panel with relevant slides from the panel presentation: https://youtu.be/YqvI3NETAD4  
Fri, May 19, 2023
34: Celebration Panel "Making Star Wars Magic"
Here's another one of our panels from Star Wars Celebration! Melissa welcomes creatives who have worked on the movies and TV shows to share their insights and wonderful stories. Hear from Fon Davis (ILM model maker for the special editions, prequels, and The Mandalorian), Jake Lunt Davies (concept and creature designer from everything from The Force Awakens to Andor), Brian Herring (puppeteer for BB-8 and many other favorite characters), and Lee Towersey (droid wrangler at Pinewood Studios). Make sure to check out the images below and watch via YouTube to see all the amazing behind the scenes photos the panelists shared.  Check out the video version of this podcast! In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars! Follow our panelists and their research on social media! Fon Davis on Twitter and Instagram. Brian Herring on Twitter. Jake Lunt Davies on Twitter and Instagram. Lee Towersey on Twitter. Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group! Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Wed, April 26, 2023
33: Celebration Panel "The Science of Return of the Jedi"
This episode is a recording of a panel at Star Wars Celebration, hosted by James Floyd. From sarlacc biology to the physics of lightsabers and the ecosystem of Endor, Return of the Jedi is full of connections to real world science. How might a Hutt evolve? What goes into making a Death Star superlaser? Why do the Ewoks worship C-3PO? Our all-star lineup brings together experts in all sorts of fields, from paleontology and physics to meteorology and history. Join host James Floyd (Star Wars Insider regular contributor, Star Warsologies podcast) in celebrating the 40th anniversary of ROTJ with a look into its science and technology. Thanks to everyone who came to the panel and especially those who asked such great questions! Panelists include Karen Yu (optics and lasers), Manuel Barcia (history of empires), Heda Agić (paleobiology), Carsten Welsch (physics), and LeeAnn Allegretto (atmospheric science). In Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all things academic by asking experts about how their field is represented in a galaxy far, far away. It's a monthly podcast about science and Star Wars! Or listen on YouTube with relevant screen shots and photos! (coming soon) Show Links Follow our panelists and their research on Twitter! Heda Agić, Manuel Barcia, Carsten Welsch, LeeAnn Allegretto, and Karen Yu. The panel was highlighted in this story from the University of Liverpool! Got follow up questions for us or a suggestion for an -ology or expert? Email us at starwarsologies@gmail.com Subscribe and never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Follow the podcast on Instagram and Twitter. Join our Facebook fan group! Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Sun, April 23, 2023
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