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 Interview: Andrew Heaton (Reason)

by RetroZap Staff June 29, 2017

Andrew Heaton is a comedian in NYC who is a growing staple of libertarian media. He worked with John Stossel at Fox Business and is now at Reason Magazine working on The Mostly Weekly Show. Andrew is an incredibly funny guy and uniquely deep Star Wars fan that go on and on with anyone about the politics, philosophy and humor at length.

Beltway Banthas #33: The Politics of Thrawn

by RetroZap Staff June 22, 2017

This week, Stephen and Swara are joined by good friend of the show, blogger at BrownsReview.com and Fangrilblog.com, Ross Brown! We discuss the politics of Timothy Zahn’s novel Thrawn. The Banthas discuss insights into Imperial social hierarchy, the Empire’s alien policy, the meteoric rise of Grand Admiral Thrawn and Governor Pryce and much more!

Beltway Banthas Interview: Dave Summers (Americans For Prosperity)

by RetroZap Staff June 16, 2017

This weeks interview is with Dave Summers of Americans for Prosperity, a grassroots organization affiliated with the Koch brothers. Dave is a huge Star Wars fan and a Governor Tarkin enthusiast. Stephen and Dave talk about his fandoms roots, why Tarkin is so awesome and how a strong corporate culture like that of the Koch’s could have helped Tarkin succeed in his most desperate hour.

Beltway Banthas Episode #32: The Politics of Disney (ft. Amy Ratcliffe)

by RetroZap Staff June 8, 2017

Is Star Wars different in the era of Disney? In this episode we look at how the internal politics of Disney impact creative and business choices for Star Wars. Amy Ratcliffe of Lattes With Leia joins us for the discussion and shares her insights on how Disney functions and what motivates their thinking on issues of the day.

Bonus Episode: AdmiralNick22 on Star Wars Political Cartography

by RetroZap Staff June 1, 2017

The Star Wars galaxy is vast. For a look at how the politics of the galaxy work after Return of the Jedi we brought on blogger AdmiralNick22 of ElevenThirtyEight.com to lay it all out.

Beltway Banthas Episode #31: Money in Galactic Politics (Part I)

by RetroZap Staff May 25, 2017

Stephen and Swara discuss the role of money in politics in the Star Wars universe. The discussion covers the role of the Trade Federation in The Phantom Menace, and how the concern of money in politics is plays out in our own world.

Beltway Banthas Interview: Ben Domenech (The Federalist)

by RetroZap Staff May 18, 2017

Stephen went to Hillsdale College’s Kirby Center to chat with Ben Domenech, host of The Federalist Radio Hour and publisher of The Federalist. They talk about Ben’s deep Star Wars roots and why Star Wars continues to be culturally compelling.

Beltway Banthas Episode #30: Mon Mothma – A Life of Public Service

by RetroZap Staff May 10, 2017

It’s time again form Star Wars politics! This week Swara and guest host Carly Lane (Nerdist, Syfywire, Supergirl Radio) delve into the history, political philosophy and escapades of the leader of the Rebel Alliance, Mon Mothma.

Beltway Banthas Episode #29: Star Wars Military (Live from Star Wars Celebration)

by RetroZap Staff April 27, 2017

Our good friend John Liang was in Orlando for Star Wars Celebration, where he was part of a panel discussing the military history of the Star Wars universe. He joined Thomas Harper, who led the panel, and Jason Fry to discuss the galaxy’s history of military engagement, background on weapons and armaments, military justice in the Star Wars universe, and more!

Beltway Banthas Special: Swara’s Round Table (Live from Star Wars Celebration)

by RetroZap Staff April 20, 2017

Like so many Star Wars fans, Swara of Beltway Banthas was Orlando last weekend for Star Wars Celebration (SWCO)! It goes without saying that the Force was strong there, and so was a love of politics. Huddled together in a hotel room in Orlando, Swara brought together a group of friends and fans to talk about Star Wars, politics and escapism.

Beltway Banthas #28: Budgets, Bombs & Bankers

by RetroZap Staff April 13, 2017

This week we’re discussing the most exciting and most invigorating you could think of: budgets! Specifically, military appropriations and government spending in the Star Wars universe! We’re joined by our friend John Liang, military journalist and mega Star Wars fan, to discuss how fiscal battles played out during the Clone Wars, and how we see that in our own politics.

Beltway Banthas #27: The Powerful Politics of Padme

by RetroZap Staff March 30, 2017

No character captures intergalactic and real world politics better than Padme Amidala Naberrie of Naboo. This week we dive into the political ideals of Padme and also her legacy with fans. Allyson Gronowitz (The Mary Sue, Polygon) joins the show to help break down why Padme is beloved, but also divisive for so many fans. Spoiler: It has something to do with politics. Perfect for an episode of Beltway Banthas!

Beltway Banthas #26: Live at Oak City Comicon

by RetroZap Staff March 23, 2017

It’s our second Comicon panel! Stephen and Swara are joined by friend of the show Nick Dicolandrea of Coffee With Kenobi to discuss “Star Wars goes to Washington,” and a …

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