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533: Epic Universe’s Dark Universe + Halloween Horror Nights Orlando 2025

We’ve been looking forward to experiencing Universal Orlando’s brand-new Epic Universe: Dark Universe for well over a year, and finally we made it! Walking through the fog into Darkmoor Village felt like stepping inside a classic monster movie. We rode Curse of the Werewolf and were blown away by Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment . There’s a reason all the vloggers keep praising this attraction. We also share our thoughts on food, merchandise, characters, and atmosphere. Meeting the NEW Bride and Frankenstein in person was the perfect ending to an unforgettable visit. Next, we joined our friend Tati Perez for a wet and wild time at Halloween Horror Nights Orlando , where ten haunted mazes awaited us—and nonstop Florida rain. But hey - it’s a story! We each share our Top 3 horror mazes. Five Nights at Freddy’s topped our list with its creepy animatronics, while others impressed with their artistic environments. Between mazes, we wandered through eerie “Scare Zones” li...
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532: Star Wars Legends & Lore with Author Barbara Hambly

We’re joined by legendary author Barbara Hambly , whom we met at Legacy Expo: A Star Wars Expanded Universe convention in Burbank (Sept 13–14). After seeing her on a panel hosted by Star Warsologies’ Melissa Miller, we couldn’t resist inviting her on—what was meant to be a quick chat turned into a full conversation. Barbara shares stories from writing Children of the Jedi , Planet of Twilight , and her beloved short stories in Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina and Tales from Jabba’s Palace —and even answers fan-favorite questions about Luke Skywalker’s love life . 👉 Sponsor: SpiritJersey now has their own Star Wars & Disney license! Shop at spiritjersey.com and get FREE shipping with code SKYWLKNVD . TODAY in Star Wars History 9/28/2023 9/28/2023 - 2 years ago The Galactic Starcruiser takes its last voyage. The Star Wars-themed hotel experience closes after opening March 1, 2022 and we were very sad. SPONSORS Small World Vacations is an official sponsor of Sky...
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531: Imagineering Education with Thomas Riddle - How to Create the Most Magical Schools on Earth

We’re thrilled to welcome author (and good friend) Thomas Riddle to the podcast as he shares insights from his inspiring new book, Imagineering Education: A Guide to Creating the Most Magical Schools on Earth . What happens when teachers borrow imagineering principles—immersive storytelling, worldbuilding, and design—and bring them into the classroom? Could this be the key to unlocking deeper engagement and curiosity in students? Thomas makes a compelling case that this approach is tantalizingly possible. Blending lessons from both classroom practice and immersive design, Imagineering Education offers educators a practical framework for transforming schools into places of wonder, creativity, and authentic connection. In our conversation, we explore not only the powerful ideas in his book, but also our own public school experiences and the state of education in the U.S. today. It’s a fascinating discussion you won’t want to miss. Check out Imagineering Education: A Guide to Crea...
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530: Long Lost Vader - Unmasking Tom Bewley

Just when we thought we found all the actors who’ve played Darth Vader, another emerges. Tom Bewley was the first actor to portray the Dark Lord of the Sith on screen after Return of the Jedi. He appeared in the Frank Oz-directed 1985 film, The Indian in the Cupboard . In his very first podcast interview, Tom opens up with never-before-heard stories from behind the mask. He shares what it was like stepping into Vader’s boots for The Indian in the Cupboard , his duel with the Energizer Bunny in a now-legendary commercial, memories from the Star Wars 10th Anniversary convention preshow with George Lucas, and plenty more surprises. TODAY in Star Wars History 9/16/1977 48 years ago ... ABC aired The Making of Star Wars as Told by C-3PO and R2-D2 , an hour-long special hosted by R2-D2 and Anthony Daniels as C-3PO. Coming in the same month as Donny & Marie, Richard Pryor, and Saturday morning Star Wars previews, the special stood out by placing R2 and 3PO in a futuristic Star Wa...
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529: Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics #55 "PLIF!" with Anna Graves & Jeff Caffrey

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Have you, like us, been eagerly awaiting the Star Wars Marvel comics issue that introduces the telepathic, energy-eating Hoojibs?Join us and our special guests in a breakdown of Marvel’s 1981 comic Star Wars #55: “Plif!” — one of the most beloved issues from the original Marvel Star Wars run. You can also listen and read along in 1983’s read-along record Planet of the Hoojibs Read Along Storybook . Recorded live from Rebel Scum Con, this special presentation features special guests Anna Graves (voice of Duchess Satine Kryze in The Clone Wars ) and Jeff Caffrey (VCN Network), who bring the story to life with dramatic flair.  Don’t worry if you don’t have the comic — the vibrant art by Walt Simonson and Tom Palmer will be projected for all to enjoy. Today in Star Wars History - September 7, 1985 Happy 40th Anniversary to Ewoks and Droids ! Both animated series premiered on September 7, 1985 , as The Ewoks and Droids Adventure Hour on ABC-TV. We've even had executive pr...
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528: Jabba, Oola and a Wampa | Rebel Scum Con Part 4

In Part 4 of our Rebel Scum Con experience, we go behind the scenes with MORE talented artists who gave life to a few of our favorite Star Wars characters. We sat down with Toby Philpott , one of the puppeteers behind the massive Jabba the Hutt. From controlling Jabba's grotesque expressions to (maybe?) licking Princess Leia, his stories from the set are not only fascinating but filled with tips and tricks for any aspiring puppeteers out there. Next up, Femi Taylor , who played the ill-fated (but always fabulous) Oola , shares her experience on the set of RETURN OF THE JEDI. She dives into what it was like returning to the role years later and how the character still connects with fans today.. And if that wasn’t cool enough, Howie Weed gives us a detailed look at his time inside the suit of the terrifying Wampa , and shares his experience with George Lucas directing! Howie even drops a hint or two about the Wampa’s survival odds after that little run-in with Luke Skywalker....
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527: Two Wedges and a Watto | Rebel Scum Con Part 3

The Rebel Scum Con fun continues! In this episode, we're serving up double Wedge and a dash of Watto for your Star Wars enjoyment.   First up, we’re honored to be joined by Denis Lawson , the legendary actor who portrayed Wedge Antilles in the original trilogy and returned in The Rise of Skywalker . He shares stories from set and reflects on Mark Hamill's hug in the galaxy far, far away.   But wait—there's more Wedge to go around! We’re also joined by David Ankrum , the voice of Wedge in A New Hope , who helped bring the iconic pilot to life. And did you know Wedge makes a subtle appearance in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story ? We’ll reveal exactly where to hear him.   And it wouldn’t be a proper celebration without a visit from one of the galaxy’s most unforgettable hustlers— Watto himself! Andy Secombe , who voiced the junk dealer in The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones , stops by for a spirited game of Chance. And no surprise, there’s a bit of funn...
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