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.

Searching for Star Wars after a violent insurrection

by RetroZap Staff January 8, 2021

Beltway Banthas is a Star Wars and politics podcast, but sometimes Star Wars is hard to find in the moments when history is being written on TV

Beltway Banthas: Star Wars on hope, fear and a much needed New Year

by RetroZap Staff December 31, 2020

Star Wars is all about conquering fear. Naming it. Facing it. It’s the destiny of a Jedi after all. This episode is a reflection on fear, attachment and the search …

Beltway Banthas: Outer Rim Elegy & Brian Silliman of SYFY WIRE on The Mandalorian

by RetroZap Staff November 30, 2020

We start off with a talk on government in a galaxy far, far away. After that, Brian Silliman (SYFY WIRE + Jabba The Pod) joins the show to talk about his recent interview of Anthony Daniels (C3P0) and why tackling politics in entertainment is a worthwhile endeavor, which Star Wars cares deeply about.

Beltway Banthas Roundtable: Election 2020 Rebel Alliance Situation Room Roundtable

by RetroZap Staff November 2, 2020

Election Day is upon us. ALL WINGS REPORT IN! On this month’s edition of the Beltway Banthas Roundtable, Stephen Kent is joined by Joe Tavano and Gabby Martin to ready for the 2020 election and break down our most recent episode.

Beltway Banthas: How do we dismantle the Death Star level threat of politics?

by RetroZap Staff October 29, 2020

Every election isn’t supposed to be life or death. David French joins to discuss dismantling the Death Star level power of the presidency.

Beltway Banthas: Star Wars, Court-Packing and Mike Lee vs the Galactic Senate

by RetroZap Staff October 17, 2020

Star Wars, Court-Packing and Mike Lee vs the Galactic Senate on Beltway Banthas with Stephen Kent

Beltway Banthas Roundtable: Star Wars and the fight to save democracy

by RetroZap Staff September 28, 2020

politicos Nick Dicolandrea and Danielle Adams rejoin Beltway Banthas to discuss the show. The panel grapples with the idea that democracy could die in the United States with barely a whimper

Beltway Banthas: Does liberty always die with thunderous applause?

by RetroZap Staff September 21, 2020

Beltway Banthas is back, and in this first episode with producer Riley Blanton, and narrated by Stephen Kent, we explore this very question and the lessons of Star Wars about democracy. Featuring expert guest insights from Ilya Somin (George Mason University) and Prof. Seth Masket