Best Two Cyborgs Podcasts (2024)

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Episode 079 - Digital Likenesses, AI, and Recasting in Star Wars 37:03

1h ago37:03

37:03

In this episode, Connor and Alex discuss the varied ways the Star Wars has handled the depiction of characters in visual media when the original actor who played them has aged out of the role - from recasting, in the case of Han Solo, to digital de-aging, to wholesale CGI replacement of an actor’s face with a recreation of another actor’s. In gener…

1
Episode 078 - In Memoriam for James Earl Jones: The Iconic Voice of Darth Vader 37:59

3h ago37:59

37:59

This slightly more somber episode of Talking Star Wars is in honor of the late James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader. The hosts explore both the reasons Darth Vader himself has become and remained one of the most recognizable villains and characters in all of popular culture, and how Mr. Jones’ depiction contributed to this legacy. The hosts a…

1
Episode 077 - Fanediting in Star Wars 21:14

15d ago21:14

21:14

In this episode, Connor takes the lead and explores the subject of fanediting in Star Wars - the process of taking the raw footage of media and rearranging, editing, altering, and adjusting scenes, audio, and more. We explore both the subject of George Lucas as the very first ‘faneditor’ and review the continual updates the original trilogy in part…

1
Episode 076 - Culture, History, and Context for the Skywalker Saga 35:03

11d ago35:03

35:03

In this episode, the hosts take a step back from an in-universe perspective and analyze what was happening in the world during the release of each of the trilogies of movies that comprise the Skywalker Saga. They explore the influence of 70s cinema and the post-Vietnam era on the production of the original trilogy, which was released in the divided…

1
Episode 075 - Expanded Universe Overview - Novels, Part 7 1:08:07

25d ago1:08:07

1:08:07

This episode resumes the hosts’ 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 The Mandalorian and filling in the gaps about the fall of the Empire, the books released as a tie-in to the opening of the Galaxy’s Edge…

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Episode 074 - Character Spotlight: General Grievous - Cyborg, General, and Psychopath 25:57

1M ago25:57

25:57

In our continuing series of character spotlights highlighting interesting characters from the Star Wars Universe and analyzing both their in-universe traits and how they function as a character in the greater narrative, this episode dives into the half-life of General Grievous, supreme military commander of the armed forces of the Confederacy of In…

1
Episode 073 - The Acolyte Season 1: Cracks in the Jedi Foundation (Visual Media Survey, Part 9) 47:05

2M ago47:05

47:05

In this episode, our hosts take a look at the most recent visual media series released in the Star Wars Universe: The Acolyte. Connor and Alex provide an overview and investigation of the plot of the series, from the Rashomon-style episodes portraying the events on Brendok, to the way noir mystery influences the first several episodes, to the beaut…

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Episode 072 - Mystic Materials of Star Wars, Part 2: Beskar and Cortosis 21:36

2M ago21:36

21:36

This episode continues the series’ ongoing look at mythical and exotic materials in the Star Wars Universe, after exploring the role of kyber crystals last week, but expanding on the use and cultural significance of both beskar (used primarily in the forging of Mandalorian armor) and cortosis (notoriously one of the only materials in the Star Wars …

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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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…

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

3M 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 066 - Execute Episode 66 37:18

3M 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 …

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SUX EP 15 - "A fossil-free Internet by 2030" with Hannah Smith 1:30:19

4M ago1:30:19

1:30:19

For this episode of the SUX Podcast we were joined by Hannah Smith, who is the Director of Operations of the Green Web Foundation. We spoke about how to make the web fossil free until 2030, if we are on track here and how Designers, Developers and all professions need to join to work towards this goal. But we also spoke about the role of AI in all …

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

4M 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, …

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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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
SUX EP 14 - "AI and digital Sustainability" with Tom Greenwood 1:19:00

5M ago1:19:00

1:19:00

This time we were joined by one of the long-time trailblazers of digital Sustainability - Tom Greenwood, Founder of Wholegrain Digital and Author of “Sustainable Webdesign”. We spoke about digital Sustainability, and how Tom’s Journey into it already began 2004. And we discussed the challenges of advocating for digital sustainability and where we a…

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

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

7M 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
SUX EP 13 - „Changing design towards a better world“ with Don Norman 1:20:47

7M ago1:20:47

1:20:47

You most probably know our guest already. This time we had the honor to be joined by Don Norman, author of "Design of everyday things" or "Design for a better world" , Co-Founder of the Nielsen Norman Group, University Professor and so much more for many of us. We spoke about morning walks, elaborated on Humanity Centered Design and why Dons latest…

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

7M 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…

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

7M 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

8M 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
SUX EP 12 - "Life-centered Design" with Damien Lutz 58:32

8M ago58:32

58:32

You probably have heard of life-centered design or non-human personas. But, have you applied it to your work already? For this episode we were joined by Damien Lutz from Sydney, Australia, one of the most prominent voices and drivers of life-centered design as well as the author of the “Life-centered design guide” and the “Non-human persona guide”.…

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

8M 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

8M 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
FILE 075: THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN - "Nightmare in the Sky" 1:49:13

8M ago1:49:13

1:49:13

"Nightmare in the Sky" Airdate: September 26, 1976 Written by Tim Carlson and Terrence McDonnell Directed by Alan Crosland Synopsis: Kelly Wood/Woods returns as she is accused of stealing an experimental aircraft. John and Jerry are joined by writer/podcaster R.J. Sullivan. Together, they discuss Farrah Fawcett's final appearance on the show, John'…

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

9M 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 …

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SUX EP 11 - Bonus: "Someone You" with Xhensila Reci 48:53

9M ago48:53

48:53

This is a special bonus episode: It is Part 2 of our interview with Xhensila Reci. In the previous episode we spoke with Xhensila about Purpose Driven Design and its relation to Sustainability (--> Link). In this bonus episode we do the friendship book and speak about Xhensilas way into UX and to LEGO and we play together her wonderful card game “S…

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

9M 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
SUX EP 10 - "Purpose driven design" with Xhensila Reci 54:01

9M ago54:01

54:01

Today we have something very special for you. Finally here it is: the lost episode. Last year we recorded this wonderful and extra long episode with Xhensila Reci from LEGO to speak about Purpose Driven Design. For several reasons, we did not manage to cut it and to decide if we should keep it this long, re-cut it, or make two episodes of it. Since…

1
SUX EP 09 - Live: “Collaboration & cooperation as key for sustainability” 1:07:38

9M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

SUX Podcast Live Episode: this is a recording of the panel discussion about “Collaboration & cooperation as key for sustainability” at the SUX Focus Event 01 A few weeks ago we launched our new event series: SUX Focus Events. The main idea of focus events is to collect a group of experts to discuss and deep dive into a certain topic in a panel disc…

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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

10M 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

11M 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

11M 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
SUX EP 08 - "World Usability Day and a Usability Revolution" with Elizabeth Rosenzweig 1:13:49

11M ago1:13:49

1:13:49

What has hiking in common with World Usability Day and Sustainability? In this episode we were joined by Elizabeth Rosenzweig, the founder and director of the World Usability Day. We spoke about how World Usability Day started, why it has a strong relation with Sustainability from the very beginning and what its relation to World Earth Day is. And …

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

11M 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…

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SUX EP 07 - "Cyborg-Centric Design" with Akos Csertan 1:02:52

11M ago1:02:52

1:02:52

How do we design for a world that is no longer a world shaped by humans but non-human agents like corporations or the capital in general? Human centered design was created for the Anthropocene, and therefore falls short on the challenges of a post-anthropocene world. For this episode we met Akos Csertan from Budapest to discuss the challenges for d…

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