TRASH COMPACTOR: A (Mostly) Star Wars Podcast

Dark times call for stories of passion and resilience, and today’s episode delivers just that. We’re diving into the world of Star Wars-inspired folk music with the incredible band Folk the Empire. I had such a great time talking to Erik, Chris, and Mike and I hope you enjoy our wide-ranging coversation about how they formed, their unique blend of punk and folk, and the deep storytelling that infuses their music. If you’ve ever wondered what fight songs the Rebellion would rally behind, this episode is for you. Stick around to the end of the episode to hear one of their songs, and if you like what you hear, check them out on social media and support their upcoming EP "Rise Up" on Bandcamp which drops Friday March 7. 00:22 – Introduction to Folk the Empire: A band that merges Star Wars, folk music, and anti-fascist resistance. 01:07 – Meet the band: Erik (banjo), Chris (guitar), and Mike (cajon/percussion), their backgrounds, and how this project came to life. 02:22 – The origins of Folk the Empire: How a banjo, punk roots, and a rebel recruitment song started it all. 04:09 – Playing their first live show at a metal gig (!?) and the surprising support of the metal community. 07:40 – The importance of humor in Star Wars and protest music, and the role of folk music as 'news of the land.' 0:39 – Writing songs in the Star Wars universe: What would a Rebel pilot sing before a battle? What does life on Tatooine sound like? 6:13 – The power of allegory: Using Star Wars to talk about real-world politics and activism in a way that resonates. 19:56 – Introducing their in-universe personas: The Burgundy Squadron and their rebel radio past. 24:44 – Why folk music is the perfect vehicle for Star Wars storytelling. 30:42 – Playing live shows: The challenge of fitting in and their favorite gig experiences. 40:19 – Handling Star Wars fandom and avoiding toxic gatekeeping. 46:43 – The impact of Andor and what makes ‘gritty’ Star Wars so powerful. 53:11 – The DIY spirit: Why making something by hand is more meaningful in the digital age. 58:51 – Upcoming releases: New cassette EP with amazing artwork inspired by classic Star Wars toys. 01:12:19 – If they could play any venue in the galaxy, where would it be? 1:18:08 – Where to find Folk the Empire and what song to start with. Follow Folk the Empire on Instagram: instagram.com/folk_the_empire Listen to their music on YOUTUBE: youtube.com/@FolktheEmpire Pre-Save the "RISE UP" EP: distrokid.com/hyperfollow/folktheempire/rise-up 📺 YOUTUBE youtube.com/@trashcompod 🤳 TIKTOK tiktok.com/@trashcompod 📷 INSTAGRAM instragram.com/trashcompod 📬 EMAIL trashcompod@gmail.com 📜 TRANSCRIPTS trashcompod.com 👍 RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod ☕ BUY US A COFFEE! buymeacoffee.com/trashcompod

Josh chats with Patrick Cotnoir, producer of The George Lucas Talk Show, about the new documentary "I'm George Lucas: A Connor Ratliff Story.” Patrick discusses the origins of the show, its evolution during the pandemic, and shares behind-the-scenes insights into this unique comedy phenomenon. 📖 CHAPTERS 0:00 - Introduction 2:17 - Origins of The George Lucas Talk Show 5:38 - Patrick's involvement as producer 9:16 - Why George Lucas? 12:23 - Resonating with non-Star Wars fans 15:14 - Approaching guests for the show 19:23 - The Naboo Movie live reading event 23:24 - Impact of the pandemic on the show 29:30 - Livestreaming vs. live performances 33:38 - Dream guests for the show 37:10 - Has George Lucas heard about the show? 41:44 - Hopes for interviewing George Lucas 46:57 - Where to watch the documentary and show 49:50 - Closing thoughts and upcoming projects 🔗 LINKS Check out "I'm George Lucas: A Connor Ratliff Story" and The George Lucas Talk Show: ImGeorgeLucas.com YouTube.com/TheGeorgeLucasTalkShow Follow Patrick Cotnoir: Instagram: @Coitner Twitter: @PatrickCoitner Website: PatrickCoitner.com Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more deep dives into Star Wars (and Star Wars adjacent) topics. 📺 YOUTUBE youtube.com/@trashcompod 🤳 TIKTOK tiktok.com/@trashcompod 📷 INSTAGRAM instragram.com/trashcompod 📬 EMAIL trashcompod@gmail.com 📜 TRANSCRIPTS trashcompod.com 👍 RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod ☕ BUY US A COFFEE! buymeacoffee.com/trashcompod

Josh, Jonny, and special guest Ro from The Scarif Scuttlebutt Podcast (https://www.youtube.com/c/ScarifScuttlebuttPodcast) dive deep into George Lucas's 1971 feature film debut, THX 1138. We talk about the film's themes, its relevance today, and how it laid the groundwork for Lucas's later work, including Star Wars. We discuss: How THX 1138 offers a unique insight into George Lucas's artistic vision and themes that would later be explored in his Star Wars films. How the movie remains relevant today, as it examines the dehumanizing effects of technology and the struggle against oppressive systems. While the CGI additions in the 2004 Director's Cut are controversial, the original film remains a stunning example of low-budget, avant-garde science fiction filmmaking. THX 1138 can be seen as the first part of an informal trilogy, alongside American Graffiti and Star Wars, that explores the idea of leaving a small world to enter a larger one. CHAPTERS: 00:00:00 - Introduction and guest introductions 00:03:02 - Overall thoughts on THX 1138 and its insights into George Lucas as a filmmaker 00:18:19 - Relevance of THX 1138 in the age of AI and dehumanization through technology 00:23:07 - Comparison between the feature film and Lucas's original student short 00:30:06 - The character of SEN 5241 (Donald Pleasence) and his role in the story 00:34:19 - The music of THX 1138, composed by Lalo Schifrin 00:35:37 - Thoughts on the controversial CGI additions in the 2004 Director's Cut 00:42:48 - Parallels between THX 1138 and the Andor prison arc in Star Wars 00:45:41 - The relationship between humans and technology in George Lucas's films 00:52:53 - THX 1138's stunning visuals and low-budget filmmaking 00:56:47 - Closing thoughts on THX 1138 and its place in George Lucas's filmography WATCH THX 1138 on Amazon Prime: https://amzn.to/49Pcq4D BUY THX 1138 on Bluray: https://amzn.to/3w8NQ0U BUY THX 1138 on DVD: https://amzn.to/4dpcICz (Purchasing through these affiliate links will earn us a very small commission. Thanks for supporting the show!) =============== TRANSCRIPTS AT trashcompod.com RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod FOLLOW US youtube.com/@trashcompod instragram.com/trashcompod tiktok.com/@trashcompod EMAIL US trashcompod@gmail.com

Josh is joined by the hosts of THE YOUNG INDIANA JONES CHRONICLERS Podcast: Peter Holmstrom, and Daniel Noa, and delve into the eponymous TV series, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. Discover the groundbreaking production techniques, the educational value, and the passion that George Lucas poured into the often overlooked series. Learn how the series served as a testing ground for the digital technology and production techniques that would later be used in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Explore the themes of disillusionment and the loss of innocence that are present in both The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and Lucas's later work. Whether you're a die-hard Indiana Jones fan or simply interested in the history of film and television, this episode is a fascinating look at a lost relic of George Lucas's filmography. Chapters: [00:00:00] Introduction [00:01:55] The origins of The Young Indy Chroniclers podcast [00:04:53] Young Indy's role in pushing filmmaking technology forward [00:11:53] The educational goals of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles [00:16:59] How George Lucas almost revolutionized television in 1992 [00:21:43] The cinematic scope and ambition of Young Indy [00:24:27] George Lucas's hands-on involvement in the series [00:28:37] Young Indy as a fusion of Lucas's interests and passions [00:33:18] The connection between Young Indy's cancellation and the Star Wars prequels [00:38:43] Recommended episodes for new viewers [00:42:35] Young Indy as an entry point for Indiana Jones fans [00:50:24] The groundbreaking nature of Young Indy for a TV series [00:54:01] Young Indy as George Lucas's passion project [00:58:08] The hosts' growing appreciation for the series [01:02:54] Thematic connections between Young Indy and the Star Wars prequels [01:06:37] The hosts' hopes for the podcast's impact [01:09:41] Conclusion =============== TRANSCRIPTS AT trashcompod.com RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod FOLLOW US youtube.com/@trashcompod instragram.com/trashcompod tiktok.com/@trashcompod EMAIL US trashcompod@gmail.com

Welcome to a special episode of Trash Compactor, part of the Star Wars Podcast Day 2024 celebration! This year, we're not only joining forces with podcasts around the galaxy to honor #StarWarsPodcastDay2024, but we're also commemorating the 25th anniversary of the pioneering Star Wars podcast, Jedi Talk, which debuted on this very day in 1999. For those tuning in for the first time, we're a group of cinephiles and pop culture enthusiasts who dive deep into the realms of filmmaking, technology, and, of course, all things Star Wars. Our discussions range from in-depth analyses of the Star Wars saga and explorations of how Star Wars intersects with other elements of (pop) culture. In this episode, we delve into a question that's been sparking curiosity across the galaxy: "What Does George Lucas Think About AI in Filmmaking?" As the visionary behind the Star Wars universe and a trailblazer in digital cinema, George Lucas's perspective on the rise of generative AI technologies like ChatGPT and MidJourney is a topic ripe for exploration. Join us as we embark on a thought-provoking journey through the potential implications, challenges, and opportunities that AI presents to the creative process in filmmaking. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: George Lucas's Legacy: Reflecting on Lucas's pioneering role in integrating digital tech into filmmaking. AI in Creativity: Delving into the capabilities and implications of generative AI for artists and creators. Expert Insights: John and Bracey share their perspectives on how Lucas might view AI's role in both enhancing and potentially undermining the creative process. Human vs. AI Creativity: Discussing the balance between technological innovation and the intrinsic human touch in storytelling. The Future of Creativity: Speculating on the evolving relationship between creators and AI tools in shaping the narratives of tomorrow. Whether you're a long-time listener or joining us for the first time on this special occasion, we invite you to engage with us in this fascinating discussion. How do you think the integration of AI in filmmaking aligns with the visionary spirit of George Lucas and the Star Wars saga? 🔔 Subscribe to Trash Compactor to stay updated on our latest episodes, and don't forget to like and share if you enjoy our journey through cinema and beyond! GeorgeLucas #ArtificialIntelligence #CreativeTechnology #FilmMaking #TrashCompactorPodcast #StarWars #DigitalArt #GenerativeAI #CinemaTech #StarWarsPodcastDay2024 #SWPD2024 =============== TRANSCRIPTS AT trashcompod.com RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod FOLLOW US youtube.com/@trashcompod instragram.com/trashcompod tiktok.com/@trashcompod EMAIL US trashcompod@gmail.com

Another installment of our alternate universe what ifs: what if the sequel trilogy was made in the 1990s? Following up on our Prequels 1986 episode (www.trashcompod.com/13), we continue the experiment and imagine who might have been cast in and chosen to direct the sequel films if they had been made in 1995, 1998, and 2001. We also ask the question: would Star Wars be able to attract A-list talent if there was a new installment every 3 years since 1977? TRANSCRIPTS AT trashcompod.com RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod FOLLOW US instragram.com/trashcompod & twitter.com/trashcompod1 EMAIL US trashcompod@gmail.com

Most of the gang here grew up with the original trilogy as the only Star Wars there was. I've been curious to get the perspectives of people who grew up with the prequels. This week I chat with OriginalTrilogy.com forum member Octorox, aka Keith, about his experience getting into Star Wars in the time of the prequels as a kid. NEXT WEEK: My sister drops into the trash compactor! TRANSCRIPTS AT trashcompod.com RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod FOLLOW US instragram.com/trashcompod & twitter.com/trashcompod1 EMAIL US trashcompod@gmail.com

More than 20 years before Revenge of the Sith would grace our screens, there was STAR WARS 3: FALL OF THE REPUBLIC (From the Adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi). This infamous fan script made the rounds in fandom for years, many believing it to be the actual script for the third prequel film--years before George Lucas ever wrote them. Josh, who himself acquired a copy of this script at a Star Trek convention in the early 1990s, sits down with the author of Fall of the Republic, DR. JOHN L. FLYNN, to discuss how it came to be, what it feels like to be a small part of Star Wars history, and a surprising amount about Angelique Pettyjohn. Read Dr. Flynn's FALL OF THE REPUBLIC treatment here: https://www.starwarz.com/starkiller/fall-of-the-republic/ or here: https://archive.org/details/fall-of-the-republic NEXT WEEK: REVENGE OF THE SITH TRANSCRIPTS AT trashcompod.com RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod FOLLOW US instragram.com/trashcompod & twitter.com/trashcompod1 EMAIL US trashcompod@gmail.com

STAR WARS has always been at the forefront of technological innovation in filmmaking. Whether it's the prequels pioneering use of CGI, STAR WARS: Episode II - ATTACK OF THE CLONES being the very first feature film to be shot on digital video rather than traditional celluloid film, or the recent use of the Volume AR stage technology on Disney+ shows like The Mandalorian. Josh is joined by two very special guests -- AJ WEDDING and LEO JAMARILLIO of ORBITAL VIRTUAL STUDIOS -- to discuss how Star Wars has always pushed technology forward. Btw, the secret project with the live deep fake of a Vulcan that they couldn't talk about at the time of recording? Maybe you've seen it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0U-O7f53kg ORBITAL VIRUTAL STUDIOS Website: https://www.orbitalvs.com/ TRANSCRIPTS AT trashcompod.com RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod FOLLOW US instragram.com/trashcompod & twitter.com/trashcompod1 EMAIL US trashcompod@gmail.com

We are joined by the illustrious DAN MADSEN, the founder of the Lucasfilm Fan Club in the 80s which rebranded as the Star Wars Insider. As the professional fan inside the Lucasfilm apparatus, he was in a unique position to witness the creation of the most anticipated films of all time. Josh has a great conversation with Dan as we discuss the delicate balance between business and fandom, why it was a bad idea to have only one pair of socks at the first Star Wars Celebration in 1999, and what the legacy of the prequels is today. TRANSCRIPTS AT trashcompod.com RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod FOLLOW US instragram.com/trashcompod & twitter.com/trashcompod1 EMAIL US trashcompod@gmail.com

In our second special episode for Star Wars Podcast Day 2023 (Podcast Week?), Josh and Bracey welcome returning guest MAYA CHUPKOV of the phenomenal podcast @ProudStutter to discuss her first foray into the Star Wars universe...ANDOR. Is she a fan? Predictably, we continue to gush about Andor but also try to figure out what impressions it makes on someone new to the Star Wars universe. Check out Maya's podcast at proudstutter.com @ProudStutter on Instagram: instragram.com/proudstutter @ProudStutter on Twitter: twitter.com/ProudStutter @ProudStutter on TikTok: tiktok.com/@proudstutter Listen to our first episode with Maya: FLUENT COMMUNICATION: What I Have in Common with Darth Vader and Mace Windu (with Maya Chupkov) TRANSCRIPTS AT trashcompod.com RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod FOLLOW US instragram.com/trashcompod & twitter.com/trashcompod1 EMAIL US trashcompod@gmail.com

We can't contain all our thoughts on the magnificent first season of ANDOR in just one episode, but you have to start somewhere. Our last episode of 2022! TRANSCRIPTS AT trashcompod.com RATE US podchaser.com/trashcompod FOLLOW US instragram.com/trashcompod & twitter.com/trashcompod1 EMAIL US trashcompod@gmail.com