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PODCAST

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast

Journalists Eric Geller, Grace Segers, and Haley Byrd Wilt combine their love of debating Star Wars with their professional curiosity, irreverence, and knack for asking hard questions in this freewheeling discussion show about the galaxy far, far away.

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All Episodes

60:23

25: Hoth Takes #25: A Capital D and a Capital V and...

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2022/06/27

He’s one of the most popular characters in all of Star Wars, immortalized in countless action figures and endless fan art. But what makes Darth Vader so cool and interesting? Why can’t fans ever get enough stories about him? With Vader back in the spotlight thanks to the Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, Eric and Grace explore Anakin Skywalker’s journey from selfish downfall to selfless redemption and discuss the Star Wars stories that best capture his dark essence. We talk about how Ezra Bridger and

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62:04

24: Hoth Takes #24: Get Your Cheap Toy Away from My...

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2022/06/06

We’re halfway through the new Disney+ series Obi-Wan Kenobi, and here at the Hoth Takes podcast, Young Leia is giving us life. But while there’s a lot to love in these first three episodes — Ewan McGregor’s performance, the depiction of Darth Vader, and everything Leia — we still have some questions. Haley is surprised that Obi-Wan hasn’t gotten up to much in the ten years after Revenge of the Sith, Grace doesn’t think the show has justified its existence yet, and Eric is concerned about a major

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60:41

23: Hoth Takes #23: You’re Going Too Fast in Outer Space

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2022/05/13

Star Wars meets politics in this episode as Eric and Haley discuss how the Republic government should be rebuilt after the sequel trilogy. How much control should it have over planetary affairs? Should it have an active military? How should law enforcement be handled? What should the government’s relationship with the Jedi be? And speaking of the Jedi, what should they look like in this new era? Haley wants to see some Force civics education, and Eric thinks the Republic needs a House of

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52:28

22: Hoth Takes #22: 2 New 2 Republic

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2022/05/02

The sequel trilogy may be over, but we could still see Rey and the gang in future stories. In this episode, Eric and Grace chat about what they want to see next from Rey, Finn, Poe, and their allies. Plus, Grace pitches her plan for bringing Ben Solo to justice, and we imagine R2-D2 and C-3PO’s married life in their Coruscant condo.

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49:05

21: Hoth Takes #21: Good Night, Lieutenant Croy

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2022/04/09

When Grace and Haley learned that Eric had stayed at Disney’s new Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser immersive hotel thing, they knew they had to ask him all about it. Join us for a discussion about interactive storytelling, space food, and the moral dilemma of Disney’s premium experiences. Eric shares stories about bantering with the Starcruiser’s top-notch actors, how it feels to be in the middle of a Star Wars adventure, and what it’s like to run into a group of pint-sized First Order sympathizers

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55:37

20: Hoth Takes #20: Do Your Own Research

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2022/03/16

Dive down a rabbit hole or two with us as we explore the zaniest Star Wars fan theories of the past few years. Obviously wesa gonna talk about the big bombad theory yousa probably already familiar with — but some of the others might surprise you. We have strong feelings about these theories, so what happens when we disagree? Plus, Grace reveals why she knows so much about Bob Newhart, Haley gets super into image analysis, and Eric risks public condemnation to question the science.

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53:57

19: Hoth Takes #19: Cad Bane Should Have Had A Bigger...

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2022/02/23

If you thought we disliked the first half of The Book of Boba Fett, wait until you hear what we have to say about the second half. From Boba and Fennec’s wasted potential to the pointless time-sucking flashbacks to the Mandalorian takeover, we’re as merciless as the Pyke Syndicate. Grace is furious about the show’s missed opportunities, Eric is annoyed that apparently anyone can be resurrected these days, and Haley is frustrated by Boba's inexplicable choices. Plus, we pay Amy Sedaris her due, we

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53:55

18: Hoth Takes #18: You Can’t Sip Poison

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2022/01/28

Let’s talk Sith. In this episode, Haley’s Dispatch colleague David French joins us to discuss the 2006 Star Wars novel Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, the effectiveness of the Rule of Two, and how different stories depict the dark side’s inherently corrupting nature. We explore the cautionary tale of Bane’s descent into evil, consider whether the Rule of Two was necessary to assure the success of Palpatine’s grand plan, and examine the similarities between the dark side and drug addiction.

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51:45

17: Hoth Takes #17: I Would Like To Know Things

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2022/01/18

We’re three chapters into The Book of Boba Fett, and we still know almost nothing about what’s going on. In this episode, we discuss the show’s pacing, tone, and narrative, including a plotline that’s lasted too long, a crime lord who isn’t violent enough, a city that’s too empty, and speeder bikes that are too shiny. We also vent about virtual sets, discuss romantic possibilities, and praise the guest stars and lore references. Plus, Eric makes an embarrassing timeline mistake, Grace pours one out

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51:10

16: Hoth Takes #16: Build Back Jar Jar

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/12/28

Let’s face it — the Galactic Senate doesn’t make much sense. For one thing, how do they have enough pods for every senator? And what’s with corporations getting seats? In this episode, we explore why the Senate is so weird and how that weirdness affects the Star Wars galaxy. We look at the strange role of junior representatives, the divide between the Senate and local authorities, and depictions of the legislative process in canon. Plus, we discuss how we would reform the Senate, including whether

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47:37

15: Hoth Takes #15: Pay Us The Money And Give Us The...

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/11/22

What do Loki and That’s So Suite Life of Hannah Montana have in common? Every big franchise has cameos and tie-ins, but only the best franchises balance these bits of connectivity with storytelling that can stand on its own. In this episode, Haley returns from her well-deserved maternity leave to join Eric and Grace for a look back at Star Wars: Visions and a look ahead at The Book of Boba Fett and other upcoming shows. We discuss our favorite Visions episodes and how the show benefits from telling

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47:36

14: Hoth Takes #14: With Hayden Christensen as...

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/10/30

Hayden Christensen isn’t just returning to Star Wars in Disney+’s Obi-Wan Kenobi series. According to a recent report, he’ll also appear in the Ahsoka Tano series. Hayden’s return is super exciting, but we do have some questions. In this episode, Eric and Grace discuss the best ways for these two series to expand on Anakin Skywalker’s relationships with two of the most important people in his life. We talk about flashbacks and Force ghosts, Clone Wars memories and exchanges of wisdom, and of course,

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52:44

13: Hoth Takes #13: Unionize the Droids

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/09/09

Droids: They’re everywhere in Star Wars, quietly helping to make the galaxy run, but we rarely think about their needs and wants — or their rights. In this episode, Eric and Grace discuss thorny issues of droid sentience, explore the moral questions posed by restraining bolts, and review how our heroes treat their robotic friends throughout the saga. Plus, we examine the role that battle droids play in the story and the ethical dilemmas that they present.

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48:06

12: Hoth Takes #12: Lightspeed to the Danger Zone

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/08/23

Should Jedi have been allowed to marry? What dangers did romantic relationships really pose to the stability of the Order and the success of its mission? Could the Jedi of the prequel trilogy have learned a thing or two from their counterparts two hundred years prior? In this episode, Eric and Grace discuss the nuances of the Jedi’s prohibition against attachments. Love can make people better versions of themselves, but fixation on a loved one can distract a Jedi from their higher purpose. Masters

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51:54

11: Hoth Takes #11: You Don't Look A Gift Clone Army...

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/08/04

How did the Jedi Order go astray? At what point did its fatal flaws develop, and how did Darth Sidious’ machinations accelerate that corruption? In this episode, Eric and Grace explore the Jedi’s tragic decline and fall, from their restrictive dogmas to their sudden militarization during the Clone Wars. We discuss the effects of the Jedi being so close to the Republic (including whether they really had any other choice), whether the Jedi could have played a better role in the war, and whether Yoda

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61:03

10: Hoth Takes #10: Critical Space Theory

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/07/14

We’re wrapping up our series on the original trilogy with an episode about the delightful but imperfect Return of the Jedi. Does the movie wrap things up too perfectly? Is it more akin to A New Hope or The Empire Strikes Back? Did Darth Vader deserve redemption? Eric and Grace explore all of these questions. Plus, we compare Luke and Anakin’s responses to dark side temptations, discuss Leia and Han’s questionable storylines, and agree that the Ewoks rule and Salacious B. Crumb is a king.

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54:05

9: Hoth Takes #9: Can Darth Vader Have It All?

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/07/01

It’s all about family in this episode as we try to discuss The Empire Strikes Back without repeating what everyone has said for the past 40 years. With Haley out on maternity leave, Eric and Grace discuss the underappreciated nuances of Darth Vader’s iconic paternity reveal and Luke’s seemingly hereditary impulsiveness and insecurity. Plus, Grace explains why she’s Team Lando, and we look at the missed opportunity of Leia’s Force-sensitivity. We would be honored if you would join us.

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60:14

8: Hoth Takes #8: Into The Garbage Chute, Listeners!

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/06/10

Is it even possible to put aside 44 years of nostalgia and analyze A New Hope the way moviegoers might have seen it in 1977? In this episode, Eric and Grace explore why the first Star Wars movie worked so well, how it fares as an introduction to the universe, and how it differs tonally from later films. Plus, Eric shares a truly stunning statistic about a major character’s screen time, and Grace shares a truly controversial opinion about the film’s final act.

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52:16

7: Hoth Takes #7: Keeping Up With The Clones

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/05/25

As The Bad Batch gets underway, we look at the ups and downs of the first three episodes. The Empire gets recruits, Kanan’s backstory gets retconned, and Clone Force 99 gets a Grogu. Did we think this was a “bad batch” of initial stories? Tune in to find out what issues and themes are in our “crosshairs.” Plus, find out which one of us identifies with Hunter and, more specifically, his knives.

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62:14

6: Hoth Takes #6: Interestingly, Yoda Is Also A...

Hoth Takes: A Star Wars Podcast ·

2021/05/11

Somehow, our podcast has returned. In our breakdown (or perhaps we should say teardown) of The Rise of Skywalker, we discuss Rey’s nonsensical lineage, deuteragonist Kylo’s unsatisfying fate, and Palpatine cycling through grand plans faster than you can say “The dead speak!” Plus, Grace has a controversial opinion about Leia’s presence in the movie, and we break out our magnifying glasses to try to find Finn and Rose’s roles.

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