Best Leader Snoke Podcasts (2024)

1
Episode 067 - Missed Opportunities #4 - Supreme Leader Snoke 25:53

27d ago25:53

25:53

In this episode, our hosts explore the character of Supreme Leader Snoke - dark side adept, failed strandcast of Palpatine, and master to Kylo Ren - and how the compelling concept of a non-Sith force user could have been further expanded on. Connor and Alex explore other potential directions Snoke’s character could have been taken: having more clon…

1
Episode 071 - Mythic Materials of Star Wars, Part 1: Kyber Crystals 26:21

2h ago26:21

26:21

This episode of the first of a two-part series on exotic and mythic materials of Star Wars, this installment investigates the depiction and role played by kyber crystals play in the galaxy far far away. First, the hosts explore the works that explain and show the role of kyber crystals in Star Wars, from the lightsabers of Jedi and Sith to their (m…

1
Episode 070 - Exploring Force Powers: Sith Soul Binding 31:41

5d ago31:41

31:41

This episode explores the dark mirror to the Jedi’s ability to return as Force Ghosts by examining how the Sith can attempt to prolong their lives by binding their souls to objects as well as by binding the souls of others as servants. From the ancient mask of Exim Panshard that can possess its wearer, to the desperate remnant of The Grand Inquisit…

1
Episode 069 - Exploring Force Powers: Force Ghosts 28:04

13d ago28:04

28:04

In this episode, the hosts explore the ability of certain Jedi, starting with Obi-Wan Kenobi and extending through Luke Skywalker and Yoda, to retain their consciousness and personality after death to provide counsel, advice, and input into the world as ghosts or apparitions that live within the Living Force. The episode explores the agency the For…

1
Episode 068 - Lore Spotlight: Lightsaber Forms 50:07

20d ago50:07

50:07

This episode provides an overview of the seven primary lightsaber forms used by Jedi, Sith, and other lightsaber-wielders in the Star Wars universe. The hosts explain each lightsaber style, the exemplars of each, and delve into what each style means as a vehicle of visual and character storytelling. Connor and Alex also discuss the concept of light…

1
Episode 066 - Execute Episode 66 37:18

1M ago37:18

37:18

This episode delves into the expanding lore of one of the cornerstone events in Star Wars lore: that of Order 66, where the Grand Army of the Republic turned on the Jedi Order in the closing days of The Clone Wars and leading into the Rise of the Empire. The hosts first explore the Rashomon-like collection of media that depicts the events of Order …

1
Episode 065 - From Zygerria to Malastare - The Sentient Aliens of Star Wars, Part 3 42:26

2M ago42:26

42:26

In this episode, the hosts continue their ongoing series on the various sentient aliens of Star Wars - analyzing their depiction, discussing their unique traits, and mentioning the most notable members of each alien species that appear in canon media. Discussed today include the Toydarians, Dugs, Devaronians, Evereni, Zygerrians, Dowutin, Gen’Dai, …

1
Episode 064 - Sci-Fi Intersection: Influences between Star Wars and Dune 35:01

2M ago35:01

35:01

This episode delves into the mutual influences between two science fiction properties: that of the world of Dune, crafted by Frank Herbert, and of the Star Wars universe as originally created by George Lucas and company. The first Dune novel released in 1959 certainly had influence on the 1977 release of A New Hope, while the recent Dune films are …

1
Episode 063 - Star Wars is Interactive: Canon Video Game Survey 40:20

2M ago40:20

40:20

In this episode, Alex and Connor survey the video games that are currently considered canon in the Star Wars universe, and also explore how the interactive nature of video games allows for a different kind of storytelling than more static mediums such as books and shows. The hosts also lament the trend of ‘lost media,’ as there are multiple video g…

1
Episode 062 - Tales of the Empire: Redemption Accepted and Denied: (Visual Media Survey, Part 8) 33:49

2M ago33:49

33:49

In this episode, the hosts explore the themes and plot of the most recently-released Star Wars miniseries - Tales of the Empire, focusing on the lives of both Morgan Elsbeth and Barriss Offee and how their destinies are affected by the rise (and eventual fall) of the Galactic Empire. In particular, this episode dives into the shared themes between …

1
Episode 061 - Gray Jedi: Fact, Fiction, or Fallacy? 55:04

3M ago55:04

55:04

This episode returns to previous explorations of various force traditions to explore the concept, popular in the Star Wars community, of the ‘Gray Jedi.’ Looking through the lens of canon characters who profess various degrees of neutrality or differences of opinion with the Jedi Order, the hosts examine what being neutral towards The Force in the …

1
Episode 060 - Expanded Universe Overview - Novels, Part 6 53:48

3M ago53:48

53:48

In this episode, Connor and Alex resume their survey and discussion of each work in the current Star Wars canon by going over the next group of novels in release order. This episode discusses the works released in the leadup to Solo: A Star Wars Story, the first book of the Queen’s Shadow Trilogy, and the second two books of the Thrawn trilogy. The…

1
Episode 059 - Why Did The Jedi Order Fall (Twice)? 30:13

3M ago30:13

30:13

In this episode, Alex and Connor explore the factors that led to both the downfall of the Jedi Order at the hands of Emperor Palpatine and the destruction of Luke’s Jedi Order after his attempt to directly resurrect their practices and beliefs. This episode traces the increasingly strict dogma of the Jedi Order from the first attacks of the Nihil i…

1
Episode 058 - For Light and Life: An Overview of The High Republic 35:39

3M ago35:39

35:39

In this episode, the hosts provide an overview of The High Republic, with a particular focus on the characters and factions introduced in Phase 1: the Supreme Chancellor Lina Soh and her Great Works; the growing threat of the Nihil marauders; the establishment of the Republic Defense Force; and a huge array of Jedi Knights, Masters, and Padawans wi…

1
Episode 057 - What If? Star Wars Edition Part 2: The Sequel Trilogy 54:48

4M ago54:48

54:48

In this episode, Connor and Alex conclude their first miniseries exploring varoius ‘What If?’ scenarios in The Skywalker Saga by taking a pass at Episodes VII, VIII, and IX. For each of the sequel trilogy films, each host picks one key change to make, and together they discuss the effects this alteration would have on the Star Wars galaxy. If you’v…

1
Episode 056 - What If? Star Wars Edition Part 2: The Prequel Trilogy 55:39

4M ago55:39

55:39

In this episode, Connor and Alex continue their miniseries on ‘What If?’ scenarios throughout the Star Wars universe, with a specific focus on the prequel films. For each of the prequel trilogy films, the hosts pick one key change to make, and discuss the effects this shift would have on the story as a whole. If you’d like to hear an exploration of…

1
Episode 055 - What If? Star Wars Edition Part 1: The Original Trilogy 44:22

4M ago44:22

44:22

In this episode, Connor and Alex begin a new miniseries where they discuss ‘What If?’ scenarios through a Star Wars lens. For each of the original trilogy films, the hosts pick one key difference or inflection point to change, and discuss the ramifications and implications of these changes, such as: What If Luke lost to Vader on Cloud City?, or Wha…

1
Episode 054 - The Lost, The Wounded, and The Fallen: Dark Jedi in Star Wars 29:35

4M ago29:35

29:35

As a follow up to earlier episodes 4, 5, and 6 exploring various Force traditions in the Star Wars universe, the hosts take this episode to discuss the figure of the Dark Jedi - a former Jedi who has fallen to the Dark Side, but who has not become a Sith or entirely abandoned their original teachings. From the principled-but-murderous Baylan Skoll,…

1
Episode 053 - Character Spotlight: Grand Admiral Thrawn, an Artistic and Affable Antagonist 37:24

5M ago37:24

37:24

Welcome to Season 2 of Talking Star Wars! Our first Star Wars-focused episode of 2024 dives right into another character spotlight by focusing on the backstory, deeds, and personality of none other than Grand Admiral Thrawn. The original brandchild of Timothy Zahn in Legends, who has also had great influence on his current-canon incarnation, Thrawn…

1
Episode A12 - Avatar Expanded Universe Review - Graphic Novels, Part 2 54:58

5M ago54:58

54:58

This episode continues Alex and Connor’s review of the expanded universe content set in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra. After reviewing the initial arc of six graphic novels that continued the story of the original Team Avatar, the hosts explore the shorter, character-focused, standalone comics that expand on specif…

1
Episode A11 - Avatar Expanded Universe Review - Graphic Novels, Part 1 50:54

5M ago50:54

50:54

This episode begins Connor and Alex’s review of the expanded universe content set in the Avatar universe that continues and expands on the stories of both Team Avatar and the world at large. In this first episode, the hosts review the primary six graphic novels that continue the story of Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph, Zuko, Suki, and others - from The …

1
Episode A10 - Just Who is the Avatar? 41:18

6M ago41:18

41:18

In this episode, Connor and Alex delve into the nature of the eponymous Avatar that gives the setting of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra their names and primary characters.The hosts explore the figure of the Avatar both through the lens of an in-universe figure of awe, power, mystery, and hope as well as from a storytelling persp…

1
Episode A09 - There Are No Bathrooms In The Spirit World 30:13

6M ago30:13

30:13

This episode dives into the more mystical side of the Avatar universe by examining spirits and the spirit world. Connor and Alex explore both the spirit world itself, including the ways that humans are able to journey spiritually and physically to and from this separate land, as well as surveying the unique denizens of that strange and emotionally-…

1
Episode A08 - Fire Lords, Feudalism, and Fascism: Politics in the Avatar Universe 44:36

6M ago44:36

44:36

This episode explores the various political systems in place in the Avatar universe, from the tribal relationship of the Water Tribes, to the feudal monarchies and lordships of the Earth Kingdom, to the absolute monarchy of the Fire Lord. The hosts also explore how the political landscape changes between the time of Aang and Korra’s day, including …

1
Episode A07 - Giant Drills, Soaring Airships, and Towering Mechs: Technology in the Avatar Universe 38:15

7M ago38:15

38:15

In this episode, Connor and Alex continue their ongoing miniseries about Avatar: The Last Airbender to discuss the role of technology in the Avatar universe.The hosts review how the world has largely organized society and what technology exists around bending and manipulation of the elements until the Hundred Years War, which involves a rapid indus…

1
Episode A06 - The Hero’s Journey in the World of Avatar 56:24

7M ago56:24

56:24

In this episode, the hosts review the primary protagonists of Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra (Aang, Korra, and Zuko as a bonus deuteragonist) through the lens of The Hero’s Journey as popularized and codified by Joseph Campbell’s seminal work. Here, we see the patterns of the mythic hero play out in the lives of both Avatars, fr…

1
Episode A05 - Vanished Mothers and Absent Fathers 37:20

7M ago37:20

37:20

This episode explores a specific variance in the way that parental figures are portrayed in the Avatar world: one where this is a complex and distant father with a fraught relationship with his children; and where the mother is dead or otherwise entirely absent from the story, and characterized more by her absence than her ongoing agency. The hosts…

1
Episode A04 - Character Spotlight: General Iroh, Uncle to All 26:09

8M ago26:09

26:09

This episode spotlights one of the most wholesome characters in popular fiction: Uncle Iroh, the Dragon of the West, and surrogate father figure to Prince Zuko. Known for his wisdom, his hidden depths, and his love of tea, Iroh also serves as an example of redemption and forgiveness for the entire cast. The hosts trace the trajectory of Iroh’s life…

1
Episode A03 - Bending the Elements: Disciplines and Special Techniques 38:55

8M ago38:55

38:55

This week, Connor and Alex examine the concept of bending in the Avatar universe: the ability to manipulate the four elements of air, water, earth, and fire. They survey the origins of bending in the setting, discuss the power as a worldbuilding element, and review each type of bending. This episode also explores how use of each element shapes Avat…

1
Episode A02 - The Villains of Avatar - An Elemental Rogue’s Gallery 47:24

8M ago47:24

47:24

In this episode, Alex and Connor explore the varied antagonists throughout the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender, from Aang’s initial rivalry with the brutal Admiral Zhao, to Zuko’s inter-family conflict with his sister and father, to the many philosophical questions posed by Amon and Zaheer in Korra’s day. The hosts compare the role of Admiral Z…

1
Episode A01 - Talking Star Wars Presents: Talking Avatar (The Last Airbender), An Introduction 34:39

8M ago34:39

34:39

In this episode, Connor and Alex introduce their interlude season on the world and themes of Avatar: The Last Airbender, replete with parallels with the Star Wars universe, and initial analysis of the series, and the similarities of the two franchises. This episode lays out the reasons the hosts fina Avatar: The Last Airbender worth exploring, prov…

1
Podcast Update October 2023 - Season 2 and Interlude Episodes 3:50

9M ago3:50

3:50

Hello Talking Star Wars fans! A quick update on the podcast: Season 2 of the core Talking Star Wars podcast will resume in early 2024 with more Force Powers episodes, more media surveys, and more character spotlights (among many other topics). Stay subscribed to see when the next season starts! In the interim, the hosts will be releasing a brief In…

1
Episode 052 - Character Spotlight: Ahsoka Tano, The Ronin Jedi 35:58

9M ago35:58

35:58

In their finale for Season 1 of the Talking Star Wars podcast, Connor and Alex dive into an exploration of the life, background, and abilities of one of the most complex and compelling of the new expanded universe characters: Ahsoka Tano. First appearing as the adolescent Padawan of Anakin Skywalker, over the course of her life Ahsoka is a war comm…

1
Episode 051 - Dead or Alive or Frozen in Carbonite: Bounty Hunters in Star Wars 43:50

9M ago43:50

43:50

In this episode, Connor and Alex delve into the seedy underbelly of the galaxy far, far away and examine the role of the bounty hunter - notorious hunter, fixers, and mercenaries of all kinds who take credits for unsavory and dangerous work. The hosts discuss the niche bounty hunters fill in the setting as unaffiliated and money-driven gunslingers,…

1
Episode 050 - Media Inspired By Star Wars 39:25

10M ago39:25

39:25

This week, the hosts a survey the media inspired by the bombshell that was Star Wars after it dropped into the creative sphere in 1977 and trace the impact of Star Wars through to the present day. From the immediate expansion of science fiction blockbuster releases in the 70s and 80s (Alien, Moonraker, Blade Runner) to the used-future aesthetic tha…

1
Episode 049 - Expanded Universe Overview - Novels, Part 5 1:07:06

10M ago1:07:06

1:07:06

Connor and Alex continue their review and discussion of each work in the current Star Wars canon with the next installment of their ongoing survey of expanded universe novels. In this episode, they discuss the following books: Inferno Squad, Leia: Princess of Alderaan, Phasma, From a Certain Point of View, The Legends of Luke Skywalker, Canto Bight…

1
Episode 048 - The Evolution of Narrative and Gameplay in Star Wars Video Games 33:44

10M ago33:44

33:44

In this episode, the hosts discuss the history and current state of video games set in the Star Wars universe. This episode delves into the differences between storytelling in a static vs. an interactive medium, highlights notable titles from both Legends and the current Star Wars canon, and explores the tension between gameplay mechanics and narra…

1
Episode 047 - The Wolf and Cub Motif in Star Wars 21:47

10M ago21:47

21:47

Alex and Connor discuss the Wolf and Cub motif - that of the older, grizzled warrior who takes on the protector and parent role for a more helpless child in a dangerous world - as it appears in Star Wars. The hosts establish the common story beats that accompany the appearance of this motif and trope, and then further explore the appearance of othe…

1
Episode 046 - The Coolest Starships in Star Wars 30:08

11M ago30:08

30:08

This week, Connor and Alex explore the role of the starship in the galaxy of Star Wars. They survey both the various kinds of ships in Star Wars and the specific iconic ships found in the galaxy far, far away. Starships fill many roles in Star Wars, from the cool car, the deadly dogfighter, or as a spacefaring home for ragtag groups of Rebels. Audi…

1
Episode 045 - Novel Spotlight: Shadow of the Sith 26:18

11M ago26:18

26:18

Connor and Alex continue their exploration of expanded universe material with a look at the novel Shadow of the Sith by Adam Christopher. One of the few tentpole works currently holding up the period between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens, this novel contextualizes and expands on several aspects of the sequel trilogy, particularly The Ris…

1
Episode 044 - Genre Intersection: War (Guerilla Tactics & Fighting Fascists) 49:44

11M ago49:44

49:44

Alex and Connor continue their series of Genre Intersection episodes and explore the movies, episodes, scenes, characters, themes, and tropes that Star Wars had in common with the War genre; a specific type of media largely popularized in its current form after World War II and iterated on since then. The first Star Wars movie was released in the w…

1
Episode 043 - From Kamino to Endor - The Sentient Aliens of Star Wars, Part 2 42:03

11M ago42:03

42:03

In this episode, Connor and Alex continue their exploration of the many sentient alien species in the Star Wars universe, analyzing their depiction, discussing their unique traits, and mentioning the most notable members of each alien species that appear in canon media. Discussed today include the Gungans, Kaminoans, Umbarans, Togruta, Sullustans, …

1
Episode 042 - Fables, Fears, and Family: The Themes of Visions Season 2 (Visual Media Survey, Part 7) 1:07:02

11M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

Continuing the ongoing survey of Star Wars visual media outside the films, Connor and Alex take an episode-by-episode look of the diverse stories told by Star Wars: Visions Season 2, and discuss the themes, lore, and appeal of each episode as both a piece of visual storytelling and as part of the greater Star Wars universe. Connor and Alex also dis…

1
Episode 041 - Exploring Force Powers - Jedi Mind Trick 27:37

12M ago27:37

27:37

This week, our hosts continue their ongoing series of episodes exploring various Force powers depicted in the Star Wars Universe with a discussion of the Jedi Mind Trick. Connor and Alex review the use of the Mind Trick in visual media and expanded universe materials, discuss the ethics of the Mind Trick, and the variations of the power as used by …

1
Episode 040 - The Mandalorian: Just a Simple Man Trying to Make His Way in the Universe - (Visual Media Survey, Part 6) 40:36

12M ago40:36

40:36

Connor and Alex continue their ongoing series exploring the themes, audience, and plot of all Star Wars visual media outside the films by taking a deep dive into the first three seasons of the Mandalorian.The hosts discuss Din Djarin’s relationship with his ward Grogu; the way The Mandalorian serves as a vehicle to explore a post-Empire galaxy; and…

1
Episode 039 - Endless Armies and a Half-Baked Palpatine: Cloning in Star Wars 32:41

12M ago32:41

32:41

Connor and Alex take an episode to explore cloning in the universe of Star Wars; who engages in cloning, what are the ethics in question, and how cloning figures into the larger tapestry of Star Wars storytelling. From the attitude of the Kaminoan cloners towards their creations, to the brotherhood and camaraderie that evolves between the clone tro…

1
Episode 038 - Star Wars Era Overview 47:33

1y ago47:33

47:33

Connor and Alex provide an overview of the nine eras established by Disney for the Star War universe, and review the key works in each era, what themes are present, and if future media is needed to expand on that era. This episode explores where and when various key parts of the Star Wars setting are established, including the Jedi themselves, the …

1
Episode 037 - Character Spotlight: Qui-Gon Jinn, The Dissident Jedi and Reformer From Within 26:16

1y ago26:16

26:16

In this episode, our hosts explore the unique character of Qui-Gon Jinn - a powerful, wise, and multifaceted Jedi who believes in justice but distrusts all authority figures; who was the Padawan of Count Dooku, a future Sith, and was the Master of Obi-Wan Kenobi, one of the most powerful and loyal Jedi of his age; and who combined a firm pragmatism…

1
Episode 036 - Exploring Force Powers - Force Choke 20:43

1y ago20:43

20:43

Connor and Alex continue their ongoing series exploring various Force powers utilized by the Jedi, Sith, and other Force users in the Star Wars universe. Today, the focus is on the Force Choke, the power most famously used by Darth Vader on any officers who displeased him. The hosts discuss other figures who utilize Force Choke - from Count Dooku, …

1
Episode 035 - The Stories and Themes of Visions Season 1 (Visual Media Survey, Part 5) 34:07

1y ago34:07

34:07

Connor and Alex give an episode by episode breakdown of Star Wars: Visions, an anthology series where every short was animated by a different studio, and with each telling a standalone and unique story. The hosts take the listeners through each episode of the first season of Visions and explore the story, themes, animation style, connections to the…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Leader Snoke Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide