Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast (Rebel Force Radio)
Star Wars Rebels: Declassified: "Twilight of the Apprentice"

David Collins joins us to talk about the shocking and stunning season two finale of STAR WARS REBELS. The events in the hour-long "Twilight of the Apprentice" have serious repercussions on Ahsoka Tano, Darth Maul and the crew of The Ghost. Nothing will be the same again in the REBELS universe. We talk about it all in this epic roundtable discussion. 

Direct download: SWRD_040416_TwilightOfApprentice.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 9:02pm CDT

Rebel Force Radio: April 1, 2016

Sam Witwer and Ashley Eckstein join us for their first interviews following the mind-blowing STAR WARS REBELS Season Two Finale. We recap the Rebels red carpet event in LA with audio highlights from Dave Filoni and Simon Kinberg along with a full report from our man-on-the-scene, Jimmy Mac. The home video release of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is here! We give you our initial, spoiler-free reviews of the Blu-ray. Plus, Ewan McGregor talks more about returning to STAR WARS as Obi-Wan Kenobi and Billy Dee is back! With so many amazing things happening on the STAR WARS scene, there's no foolin' around this week on RFR.

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_040116_Sam_Ashley_Re.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 3:39pm CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified: "The Mystery of Chopper Base"

The crew of The Ghost get a little downtime to settle into their new base before the you-know-what hits the fan for Kanan and the gang. The peace is short-lived however when Captain Rex finds himself in a sticky situation.  Jason, Jimmy and Spencer break down all the action in "The Mystery of Chopper Base" including the Ralph McQuarrie influence, Ezra's growing dark side connection, and how Season Two may conclude.

Direct download: SWRD_032916_ChopperBase.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 11:04pm CDT

Rebel Force Radio: March 25, 2016

Bonnie Burton has been a multi-media superstar for years and her impact on STAR WARS fandom is undeniable. Bonnie joins us to talk about her groundbreaking social media work, her history with Lucasfilm, and her love of sock puppets.  Bonnie give us her review of THE FORCE AWAKENS and comments on the latest STAR WARS news headlines including casting for the young Han Solo film, the return of Indiana Jones, and the latest interviews from Harrison Ford and Mark Hamill. Plus, we report on the STAR WARS books panel at C2E2 with audio highlights, listener feedback and more.

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_032516_BonnieBurton.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 2:57pm CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified: "The Forgotten Droid"

“The Forgotten Droid” features Chopper on his own as he gets separated from the crew of The Ghost and finds himself on an adventure. We break the whole episode down from start-to-finish with a great roundtable discussion featuring expert analysis from our esteemed panelists. Joining Jimmy Mac and STAR WARS artist Spencer Brinkerhoff III are Tricia Barr (Fangirls Going Rogue) and Geek Out Loud’s Steve Glosson.

Direct download: SWRD_031816_TheForgottenDroid.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 11:33am CDT

Rebel Force Radio: March 11, 2016

READY PLAYER ONE author Ernest Cline joins us IN THE CANTINA to talk about THE FORCE AWAKENS and more. We’ve been pals with Ernie since FANBOYS, so it’s great to get caught up. The cameras are rolling! We get up-to-date with EPISODE VIII location shooting in Dubrovnik, Croatia. In other news, Daisy Ridley talks to the press, J.J. Abrams admits he made a mistake, and REBELS ramps up to a huge season two conclusion. Plus, listener feedback, ROGUE ONE speculation, and much more.   

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_031116_ErnestCline.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 12:00pm CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified: "Shroud Of Darkness"

Jedi temples! Crazy visions! Inquisitors! Yoda! Darth Vader! There was a lot to like about the STAR WARS REBELS season two episode “Shroud of Darkness". From Ahsoka's realization that Anakin may still be alive, to Ezra's growing connection to The Force, there is much to discuss. Joining us at The Roundtable for some killer conversation are two very esteemed guests. STAR WARS author Adam Bray brings us his wisdom acquired while writing STAR WARS REBELS: THE VISUAL GUIDE. And we welcome the return of our old pal, STAR WARS artist and noted REBELS expert Spencer Brinkerhoff III

Direct download: SWRD_030716_ShroudOfDarkness.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 7:51pm CDT

Rebel Force Radio: March 4, 2016

This week in STAR WARS, we finally got an announcement about the release of THE FORCE AWAKENS in Blu-ray and Digital HD. We speculate about what deleted scenes will be on the disc, along with a personal look back at the history of STAR WARS home video releases.  Big wig Bob Iger gave a STAR WARS progress report at the annual Disney Stockholders Meeting and our microphones were there. Hear updates on ROGUE ONE, Episode VIII, and Disney parks. Plus, STAR WARS gets snubbed at The Oscars, listener feedback and more. 

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_030416_WeeklyRFR.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 2:40pm CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified: "The Honorable Ones"

A heated rematch between Zeb and Kallus leads to a harsh situation where they must put down their arms and work together in “The Honorable Ones”.  We break down this season 2 episode of STAR WARS REBELS at The Roundtable with RFR brother Billy Mac.

Direct download: SWRD_030116_TheHonorableOnes.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 10:35am CDT

Rebel Force Radio: February 26, 2016

All the latest STAR WARS news with cutting-edge analysis and conversation! That’s what you get this week on RFR including the latest news about THE FORCE AWAKENS, ROGUE ONE, and more. We have more about the death of Han Solo, The Stormtrooper who banged his head, and familiar voices return to STAR WARS REBELS. Plus, STAR WARS at Disney Parks update, Jimmy Mac’s STAR WARS Room, listener feedback and more. Joining us this week to talk about it all is RFR brother Billy Mac! 

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_022616_WeeklyRFR.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 4:14pm CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified: "The Homecoming"

We finally get more on Hera’s backstory in the latest episode of STAR WARS REBELS. “The Homecoming” features a reunion between father and daughter revealing more history about the pilot of The Ghost.  Plus, with Hera’s dad being Cham Syndulla, we get more connections between REBELS and THE CLONE WARS!  Joining us this week to connect-the-dots at The Roundtable is Australian comedian/podcaster Steele Saunders (Steele Wars).

Direct download: SWRD_022316_TheHomecoming.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 12:24pm CDT

Rebel Force Radio: February 19, 2016

Hardcore fans have known for a long time about the clumsy Stormtrooper who walked head first into a door in the original STAR WARS.  Actor/musician Laurie Goode AKA “The Stormtrooper Who Hit His Head” joins us “In The Cantina” to talk about his experience on the set of STAR WARS, the characters he portrayed and of course, the scene that made him a freeze-frame legend.  Principle photography for STAR WARS EPISODE VIII has begun! We have the latest news, rumors and speculation. Plus, ROGUE ONE updates, listener feedback and more. 

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_021916_WeeklyRFR.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 1:23pm CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified: "The Call"

Kanan and the gang meet space whale squids in STAR WARS REBELS, “The Call”. You think that sounds weird, wait ‘til you hear what we have to say about this season two episode! Joining Jason and Jimmy to talk purgils at the RFR Roundtable is film maker J.C.Reifenberg (Summer of ‘78/Hughes The Force).

Direct download: SWRD_021616_TheCall.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 9:38am CDT

Rebel Force Radio: February 12, 2016

He was the man who introduced Obi-Wan to Chewie, but yet, his true identity was unknown. The name of the actor who played STAR WARS cantina character BoShek has remained a mystery for decades…Until earlier this week. Thanks to the efforts of crime reporter Billy Jensen (with a little help from Cantina expert Tom Spina), BoShek has finally been identified. This week on RFR, Billy tells us how he discovered who was the man behind BoShek and explains why he took on the task. The junior novelization for STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS hits store shelves on February 16th. Author Michael Kogge joins us In The Cantina for a behind-the-scenes look at how the book came together. Disney head honcho Bob Iger talked about what lay ahead for STAR WARS during his quarterly stock holders update and our microphones were there. We play audio highlights so you get the all the deets directly from the man upstairs. Plus, Forest Whitaker talks ROGUE ONE, Jimmy Mac takes his dad to TFA and more!

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_021316_BroShek.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 12:59am CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified: "Legend of the Lasat"

Zeb’s mysterious past and the fate of his people finally gets revealed in STAR WARS REBELS. The season two episode “Legends of the Lasat” not only provides revelations about Zeb’s warrior past, but new info about his people and their spiritual relationship to the Force-esque energy field known as The Ashla. Joining Jimmy and Jason at the RFR Roundtable to get their Zeb on are the always-engaging and insightful Techno-Retro Dads:  Stuart Tullis and Josh Stolte. 

Direct download: SWRD_020816_LegendsOfTheLasat.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 5:26pm CDT

Rebel Force Radio: February 5, 2016

Rancho Obi-Wan’s Steve Sansweet joins us to share his review of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. We review audio highlights of director Colin Trevorrow talking EPISODE IX at Sundance and Ewan McGregor on "Jimmy Kimmel Live". We open up the RFR Sound lab to deconstruct and reconstruct Sir Alec Guinness’s surprise vocal appearance in TFA. Plus, Listener Voice Mails, Topps STAR WARS trading cards, TFA on BluRay and more. 

Direct download: Rebel_Force_Radio__February_5_2016.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 4:16pm CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified MegaCast

REBELS is back!  We’re kicking off the second half of season two with a Declassified MegaCast featuring two roundtable discussions plus a special interview.  Joining us for her RFR debut is STAR WARS REBELS actress Julie Dolan, the voice of Princess Leia. Julie talks about bringing Leia to life and what it takes to make it happen. Join us for analysis of “A Princess on Lothal” and “The Protector of Concord Dawn” along with a breakdown of the spoilerific new trailer for season two.

Direct download: Star_Wars_Rebels_Declassified_MegaCast_012916.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 2:34pm CDT

Star Wars Influences #15: The Art of TFA

STAR WARS INFLUENCES is back for 2016 as we solidly settle into the era of THE FORCE AWAKENS. Now that the film is out, Paul Bateman can finally talk about whether or not he actually worked on it! Paul walks through his experiences at the UK premiere and opening night in Hollywood and then we take the deep dive into the film itself. Paul discusses the McQuarrie influence on the look of certain characters, ships and sets, including his analysis of the mysterious Snoke. Plus, we review the book STAR WARS: THE ART OF THE FORCE AWAKENS and more. It’s Bateman unleashed!

Direct download: Star_Wars_Influences_15__Art_of_TFA.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 6:20pm CDT

Rebel Force Radio: January 22, 2016

Adam Driver stole the show last weekend as Kylo Ren in SNL’s “Undercover Boss” skit. He killed it. Film prop and creature expert Tom Spina (www.tomspinadesigns.com) was on hand to help Adam with the authentic costume and mask. Hear his behind-the-scenes story this week as Tom joins us to talk about SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS and more!  Plus, we perform a STAR WARS intervention with Chicago media personality Evie Olson. And, we feature you guys in an extended Listener Feedback segment featuring your e-mails and more. 

Direct download: Rebel_Force_Radio__January_22_2016.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 12:39pm CDT

Rebel Force Radio: 1st TFA Commentary Track

You’ve seen STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS with your friends and family. Now, see the it with us! Jimmy Mac and Jason Swank sit down to watch the film from start-to-finish with their microphones to present you with the first-ever audio commentary track for EPISODE VII.  We take you through the entire film, scene-by-scene, to bring you TFA…RFR-STYLE! Go see the movie in the theater again this weekend and take us with you in your earbuds. We tell you exactly how to do it! Or, just listen to the show as a stand-alone recap podcast. It’s STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS with Rebel Force Radio!

Direct download: Star_Wars__The_Force_Awakens__First.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 12:02am CDT

Rebel Force Radio: TFA Review Show #4

It’s the all-time US box office champ! STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS is breaking records at a record-breaking pace! Seems like everyone and their uncle are going to see this film and here at RFR HQ, we are getting some surprising feedback from those close to us. Listen to find out who they are and what they said! Plus, hear highlights of Jimmy Mac on the air in Chicago on WGN Radio with Wendy Snyder including THE FORCE AWAKENS actress Gloria Garcia (Jakku Villager) in her first-ever STAR WARS interview and more! 

Direct download: Rebel_Force_Radio__TFA_Review_Show_4.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 12:31pm CDT

Star Wars: The Force Awakens Roundtable

By popular demand, The RFR Jedi Council has gathered at The Roundtable to provide our initial analysis of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. From art aesthetic, to characters, to the story itself, we cover as much as possible with our crew of experts. With a show this big, we had to break it down into two parts. Joining Jason Swank and Jimmy Mac for round one are Kyle Newman, Paul Bateman and F.J. DeSanto. It’s a through conversation about the plot, design, and the new heroes of TFA, including Rey. Then, Sam Witwer and David W. Collins stop by to get deep about Han Solo, Kylo Ren, and much more.

Direct download: The_Force_Awakens_Roundtable.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 7:05pm CDT

Rebel Force Radio: TFA Review Show #3

After one week in release, THE FORCE AWAKENS continues to pack theaters and generate amazing conversation. The vibe continues here at RFR in earnest as we present our latest review show. From the humor to the drama of the film, we cover it all. It’s a podcaster reunion as we are joined by our old friend Pete Nadel, the STAR WARS podcasting pioneer who offers his always entertaining analysis of the saga and beyond. From “Famous Monsters” magazine, executive editor David Weiner stops by to provide his critical take on EPISODE VII. And STAR WARS artist Kevin Liell visits us with his review of TFA, delivered in his trademark, straight-shooting style. Merry Christmas from Jason Swank, Jimmy Mac and “Your Source For The Force”, REBEL FORCE RADIO.

Direct download: TFA_Review_Show_3.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 12:37am CDT

Rebel Force Radio: TFA Review Show #2

THE FORCE AWAKENS continues to topple box office worldwide and STAR WARS fever tightens its grip on the galaxy. This means no downtime for RFR! We are back with more commentary and conversation about the film everyone is talking about. Joining us are two very special guests who can actually be seen on screen in Ep VII!  And even better, it's their first ever STAR WARS interviews! Arti Shah (Gonk/Maz Kanata Motion Capture Double) stops by to talk about her amazing experiences on the TFA sets in London and Abu Dhabi. And, winner of the Force For Change walk-on role, DC Barnes relives his ultimate fan experience with RFR.

Direct download: TFA_Review_2.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 12:29pm CDT

Rebel Force Radio: TFA Review Show #1

Following an insane opening night and even more intense opening day, we have retreated to the RFR studios to process our emotions, discuss our feelings, and break down our analysis of STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS. Joining us are a couple of old friends who actually contributed to what you hear in TFA. David W. Collins and James Arnold Taylor provided their vocal talents for a slew of characters in the new film. The guys tell us how it happened and who they voiced. Plus, we begin what will be a continuing conversation about all-things-Episode VII in this, the first of a series of shows to wrap up 2015. 

Direct download: Rebel_Force_Radio__TFA_Reaction_Show.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 1:09am CDT

Rebel Force Radio: TFA Opening Night Live

It's TFA Day! Join us for opening night live at Hollywood Blvd. Cinema in the Chicago suburbs for a live RFR featuring tons of great STAR WARS conversation, music, and excitement. We are with our family, friends, and fellow fans for this historic event. Then, stick around after the credits for our first review and initial thoughts about THE FORCE AWAKENS. 

Direct download: Rebel_Force_Radio__December_18_2015.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 11:41am CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified "Legacy"

We wrap up the first half of STAR WARS REBELS season 2 with "Legacy". A long-running loose end from Ezra's past gets tied up as the fate of his parents is revealed. Joining us to discuss this exciting episode is Toronto Filmmaker and RFR documentarian Sheldon Norton. 

Direct download: SWRD_121515_Legacy.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 11:21am CDT

Rebel Force Radio: December 11, 2015

Last Sunday, STAR WARS THE FORCE AWAKENS cast and crew met with the media at a special event in L.A. and our microphones were there! Hear from J.J. Abrams, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Jon Boyega, Kathleen Kennedy, Oscar Isaac and more. RFR has all the highlights along with our trademark commentary and conversation. Plus, we go In The Cantina with David Weiner, the executive editor of FAMOUS MONSTERS, who gives us the lowdown regarding their STAR WARS Spectacular, including his interview with Mark Hamill and discussion about all the famous monsters in the STAR WARS universe. Plus, more about the AT&T UVerse Buzz STAR WARS Celebration special featuring contributions from the RFR family, and more. Anticipation is at a fever pitch as we prep for our opening night live remote from Hollywood Blvd. Cinema in the Chicago suburbs. We hope to see you there!

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_121115_OneWeekTilTFA.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 1:32pm CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified "The Future of the Force"

Kyle Newman is back to review and analyze "The Future Of The Force" featuring the return of the Fifth Brother and the Seventh Sister.  And finally, Ahsoka gets into the action with her dual-white lightsabers! This is the second of a Star Wars Rebels: Declassified double-feature this week. Be sure to also listen to our review of "Stealth Strike", also with Kyle Newman.

Direct download: SWRD_120715_002_TheFutureOfTheForce.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 8:48pm CDT

Star Wars Rebels: Declassified "Stealth Strike"

Kyle Newman joins us at the roundtable to talk about the exciting "Stealth Strike". Kanan gets back into the heat of battle onboard an Imperial Interdictor Cruiser as he attempts to rescue Ezra. This is the first of two episodes of Star Wars Rebels: Declassified for this week. Be sure to also check out our roundtable discussion for "The Future of the Force", also featuring Kyle Newman. 

Direct download: SWRD_120715_001_StealthStrike.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 7:52pm CDT

RFR Bonus: Dave Filoni

STAR WARS REBELS Executive Producer and RFR's leader in the Wolf Pack Dave Filoni joins us to discuss the mysteries of season 2 including the return of Captain Rex and the rise of 2 new inquisitors. Dave fills us in on what has happened so far, along with tons of behind-the-scenes stories and tantalizing hints of what's to come. Plus, we talk about the build-up to THE FORCE AWAKENS and tales from his experiences working with George Lucas. Do not miss this exclusive RFR podcast conversation with Dave Filoni.

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_111115_DaveFiloni.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 4:56pm CDT

Rebel Force Radio: September 11, 2015

We recap FORCE FRIDAY and get an update on the upcoming RFR documentary WHEN THE GALAXY LISTENS with Toronto filmmaker Sheldon Norton; More from our visit with Dave Filoni at Lucasfilm; We review the Sphero BB-8 App Enabled Droid; Mads Mikkelson may have revealed his ROGUE ONE character name and Benecio del Toro is talking about EPISODE VIII; Plus, Wilhelm Scream Beer, Hoggsquattle gets identified, and what is the significance of the number 2187 to STAR WARS? Find out this week on RFR! Destination: STAR WARS.     

Direct download: Rebel_Force_Radio__September_11_201.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 10:21am CDT

Breaking news! Reliable sources are reporting the hire of Director J.J. Abrams to helm the Star Wars sequel trilogy and RebelForce Radio breaks down the information. Joining us are our RFR correspondents in LA - KYLE NEWMAN and JAIME KING - And our man in London, PAUL BATEMAN.  Then, we go In The Cantina with Clone Wars actor MATT LANTER (Anakin Skywalker). And, we catch up with editor JONATHAN WILKINS who gives us the scoop about what's coming up in the next issue of Star Wars Insider Magazine. Plus, James Arnold Taylor autographed photos, Billy Dee, Filoni meets Fr. Guido Sarducci, and much more!

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_012513_WeeklyRFR.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 12:56pm CDT

The long-awaited team-up between Darth Maul, Savage Opress and Death Watch is finally here! Join RebelForce Radio's Clone Wars: Declassified as we discuss the newest episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars: "Eminence." Jason and Jimmy tear this episode apart with the help of some very good friends: Film Director Kyle Newman (Fanboys) and drummer extraordinaire Andy Hurley of Fall Out Boy. 

Direct download: RFR_CWDeclassified_514_Eminence.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 12:11am CDT

Jason Swank and Jimmy Mac present the premiere episode of RebelForce Radio: Star Wars News and Commentary, featuring Supervising Director of Star Wars: The Clone Wars Dave Filoni. Plus, listen to learn how you can win an autographed 8x10 photo--personalized--from Clone Wars actor James Arnold Taylor. Plus, Billy Dee and much more in the debut of RebelForce Radio: Your NEW Source for the Force.

Direct download: RebelForceRadio_011913_PremiereEp_Da.mp3
Category:Rebel Force Radio -- posted at: 3:37am CDT