Beltway Banthas

The only Star Wars podcast dedicated to exploring the politics of a galaxy far, far away and why they matter.

Beltway Banthas is a podcast about the intersection of Star Wars and politics. For host Stephen Kent, one of those things is politics. Star Wars draws from our world’s politics just as much as it contributes to it by influencing policymakers, journalists and thought leaders. On this podcast, we seek to understand how Star Wars impacts the world we live in, while also covering the Star Wars news, gossip and hype of the day.

Beltway Banthas #25: The State of the Podcast Address

by RetroZap Staff March 16, 2017

To inaugurate 25 episodes of Beltway Banthas, we sit down to talk about the evolution of the podcast. In a fun and free-wheeling conversation we share some of our favorite moments doing this show and what we have learned along the way.

Beltway Banthas #24: The Imperial Conundrum

by RetroZap Staff March 2, 2017

Most Star Wars fans love the Empire. They’re orderly, professional, and have the best fashion sense in the Galaxy. But is our love for them misplaced and even a little weird?

Beltway Banthas Interview: Alexandra Petri (Washington Post)

by RetroZap Staff February 23, 2017

This week we speak with Alexandra Petri, columnist and satirist for The Washington Post. Alexandra and Swara talk about keeping up with the crazy politics of the day, how it affects satire, her love of Star Wars and so much more!

Beltway Banthas #23: Beltway Banthas Meets NPR Politcs

by RetroZap Staff February 16, 2017

This week Beltway Banthas was joined by Tamara Keith & Scott Detrow of the NPR Politics Podcast.

Beltway Banthas #22: Don’t Tax My Trade Routes Bro

by RetroZap Staff February 2, 2017

This week Stephen and Swara discuss the key points of the article “Star Wars Politics Part Two: The Right Side Strikes Back.” How does the franchise reach out to and …

Beltway Banthas Interview: U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer

by RetroZap Staff January 26, 2017

This interview with U.S. Congressman Derek Kilmer is a continuation of the Beltway Banthas interview series!

Beltway Banthas #21: You Might Be A Separatist If…

by RetroZap Staff January 19, 2017

This week on Beltway Banthas we discuss the Confederacy of Independent Systems, a.k.a. The Separatists. The theme of disenchantment with government is never more relevant than in 2017, so we dug back into the prequel era to discuss the Separatist movement, why it happened and who was involved.

Beltway Banthas Interview: Cheston Lee (Hillary For America)

by RetroZap Staff January 12, 2017

This interview with Cheston Lee is a continuation of the Beltway Banthas interview series!

Beltway Banthas #20: The Politics of Rogue One

by RetroZap Staff January 5, 2017

We are back! To kick off 2017 we catch up on all the feelings we have about Rogue One, the passing of Carrie Fisher, and we of course dive into the rich politics of Rogue One. Joining us for this episode is Tirso Perez, you might know him as the missing host of Beltway Banthas!

Beltway Banthas #19: Rebellion & Radicals

by RetroZap Staff December 15, 2016

It’s finally here! Our pre-Rogue One episode! As we get increasingly amped up to see the film, Stephen, Swara and special guest Brittany Hunter delve into a discussion of why rebellions and revolution occurs. To do this we look at case studies including the American Revolution and the Arab Spring and compare these events to the formation of the Rebel Alliance.

Beltway Banthas #18: Krennic vs Tarkin

by RetroZap Staff December 1, 2016

Cabinet appointments, promotions, and castings…oh my! In this episode of Beltway Banthas, we discuss competitions for power taking place in both Star Wars and our own universe.

Beltway Banthas #17: Built On Hope (ft. Bobby Roberts)

by RetroZap Staff November 17, 2016

Stephen and Swara dig into the results of the 2016 election with guest Bobby Roberts! In the final days and hours of the elections, Star Wars references, memes and jokes abounded as Americans digested what they saw on the news. In this episode, Beltway Banthas seeks to understand why this happens and much more.