In part 2 of our Star Wars trilogy, we dive deep into the dark heart of Star Wars, using The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire by Chris Kempshall as our guide. Drawing sharp parallels between the fictional Empire and real-world history, we explore how Star Wars mirrors the rise of authoritarian regimes, propaganda, militarism, and the slow erosion of democracy. We break down the inner workings of the Galactic Empire—from its bureaucracy and chain of command to its use of fear and control—and examine how its creation wasn’t just evil, but eerily familiar.

What does the fall of the Republic teach us about our own world? And how can sci-fi help us better understand the systems we live in? Join us for a thoughtful, galactic deep dive into power, history, and the myth that continues to speak volumes.

You can find Dr. Chris Kempshall's book Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire here.

Music in episode by Luis Humanoide & Cody Martin with permission and/or copyright usage allowed.

In Part 1 of our Star Wars trilogy, we journey to a galaxy far, far away to explore the deeply political roots of the beloved saga. From the fall of the Republic to the rise of the Empire, Star Wars has always been more than just lightsabers and space battles—it’s a reflection of real-world power struggles, corruption, and resistance. We unpack the allegories behind the Jedi, the dangers of authoritarianism, and how George Lucas used sci-fi to comment on war, democracy, and the fragility of freedom. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this episode peels back the layers of myth to reveal the very real politics beneath.

The rebellion has only just begun.

You can find Dr. Chris Kempshall's book Star Wars: The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire here.

Music in episode by Luis Humanoide & Cody Martin with permission and/or copyright usage allowed.

In this flavorful episode, we dig into the delicious history of food in video games—how pixelated meals became cultural icons and why they’ve always mattered more than just health points. From power-up mushrooms to pixel-perfect potions, we explore how food shapes storytelling and gameplay.

We also dive into the deeper meaning of symbols in art and games, unpacking how visual language communicates emotion, culture, and identity.

And for the grand finale: we roll up our sleeves and share a few real-life recipes inspired by our favorite in-game dishes—yes, we actually made them, and yes, we have opinions.

Whether you're a foodie, a gamer, or just hungry for insight, this episode serves up something special.

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Joshua Noel is a licensed minister, an aspiring Taoist Christian, an open theist (not process), taught hermeneutics & children's church for many years. He has been a podcaster for a long time with the Anazao podcast network. Under the umbrella of Anazao, you can find him as part of the Whole Church Pod, Systematic Geekology, and Dummy for Theology. He also has his own substack.

Gather ‘round the campfire for an episode that flickers with heat, smoke, and truth. In this special fireside edition, we share true stories of people who were labeled criminals. The individuals presented in these stories were thrust in the situations they found themselves in, and they responded in kind. We explore how the lines between legality and morality blur when the law serves power over people. Morality can be messy and such a difficult concept to define, and it's through stories and recorded history that allows us to hone in on what that may look like. How often is justice found not in the courts, but in the courage to resist?

Through gripping tales and thoughtful discussion, we unpack the dangers of legalism and the transformative power of civil disobedience. Whether it’s confronting racial injustice, environmental destruction, or everyday ethical dilemmas, we ask: when is it not only acceptable—but necessary—to say no? This episode is a call to conscience, a spark of rebellion, and a reminder that justice sometimes starts with a simple act of defiance.

In this episode, we dive into the murky waters where religion and government collide, exploring how faith is being co-opted for political power. We examine the unsettling rise of religious rhetoric in policymaking and what it means for democracy.

From there, we tackle cognitive dissonance—how people hold conflicting beliefs and why it’s so hard to break out of that mental tug-of-war.

We also talk immigration, challenging some of the loudest myths and highlighting the real human stories behind the headlines.

And of course, no modern conversation is complete without addressing the wildfire spread of misinformation—who's pushing it, who's believing it, and how we can push back.

It’s a challenging episode, but one that digs deep into the heart of some of today’s most urgent issues.

In this episode, we take a wild ride through old college stories that are equal parts nostalgic and mildly incriminating. Then we shift gears to unpack the rise of Christian nationalism—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s showing up in culture and politics.

We also break down the controversial He Gets Us ads: sincere outreach or slick PR campaign? You decide.

And finally, don’t miss our tongue-in-cheek “Prophecy Hour,” where satire meets scripture and the end times have a surprising sense of humor. Come for the laughs, stay for the theological hot takes.

Joe Smith joins us this week as we discuss a whole slew of topics ranging from the passing of Pope Francis, racism, eugenics, deportations and nonviolent resistance. Find a comfy seat and stay for this conversation as we dig into these topics.

You can find Joe Smith:

Instagram @therealjoe.smith

Tik Tok @therealjoesmith

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Also check out his spouse's t-shirt business The Slippery Slope

Shift happens. But what do we do when life gets messy? How do we proceed when our foundations are shaken? Sometimes a shift in perception can make a world of difference. The way we tell our stories can be a powerful tool in how we perceive our reality. Let's be the change!