Welcome back to the second installment of our captivating conversation with Kara DJ, publisher of the acclaimed Star Wars fanzine "Into a Larger World" and host of the podcast of the same name.

In this episode, we transport you to the bustling halls of Star Wars Celebration Japan, exploring the event's highlights and unpacking Disney's latest revelations about the future of the galaxy far, far away. Join us as we analyze the announcements that have fans buzzing with excitement about that galaxy so far, far away.

Into a Larger World Podcast - get it wherever you find your podcasts!

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Theme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow Barrel

Send your email to heroesofthehalcyon@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

Kick off Season Six with us as we welcome special guest Kara DJ, publisher of the acclaimed Star Wars fanzine "Into a Larger World" and host of the podcast bearing the same name. In this first of two content-rich episodes with Kara, we delve into the fascinating history of Star Wars Celebration and uncover the untold story behind how the very first fan event came to life. Join us for this fun-filled journey through Star Wars fandom history!

Into a Larger World Podcast - get it wherever you find your podcasts!

Into A Larger World Instagram

Study with the Saja in Disneyland Paris

Possible Interactive Adventure aboard the Disney Destiny?

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Theme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow Barrel

Send your email to heroesofthehalcyon@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

Think you've experienced immersive entertainment with 'Sleep No More' or Meow Wolf? Prepare to have your mind completely blown.

This week, adventure seekers David Butler & Alex Cho pull back the curtain on London's thriving underground scene of interactive experiences that most Americans have never heard of. They take us deep inside the adrenaline-pumping command center of "Bridge Command" and the Victorian steampunk dreamscape of "Phantom Peak" – where the line between audience and performer becomes deliciously blurred.

WARNING: This episode should come with a travel advisory. Your passport will be burning a hole in your pocket before we reach the closing credits. London is calling... will you answer?

Phantom Peak

Bridge Command

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Theme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow Barrel

Send your email to heroesofthehalcyon@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

Remember July 2023? That's when the galaxy held its breath as Instagram lit up with images of Tesh-Ka of Dathomir squaring off against Atin Kal before their legendary showdown on Batuu during the Ultimate Lightsaber Fighting Championship. The intensity in their eyes said it all—this wasn't just another duel; this was destiny.

Fast forward to this week, when we scored the interview every Star Wars combat enthusiast dreams of—sitting down with their human counterparts, Jeff & Tesh Norton, the force-wielding couple behind these fabulous characters!

The Nortons aren't casual enthusiasts—they're true lightsaber masters with hundreds of grueling training hours etched into their muscle memory. Our conversation took us through their transformative journey aboard the Galactic Starcruiser and into the disciplined world of lightsaber martial artistry.

GearsaberCosplay Instagram

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Theme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow Barrel

Send your email to heroesofthehalcyon@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

The Saja stand as the spiritual cornerstone of Disney's Galactic Starcruiser experience. While we've shared countless tales of these mystical Force-sensitive guardians touching guests' hearts in profound ways, one aspect remains underexplored: how the Saja inspire travelers to embrace mindfulness through meditation.

In an era where mindfulness practices are gaining recognition for their benefits, the Saja offer a unique gateway into this ancient art. Their presence aboard the Starcruiser creates a rare opportunity for guests to connect with something deeper amid their galactic adventure.

In this episode, we speak with Diana and Beth, beloved figures in the Starcruiser community, who are guiding others to follow the Saja's example. They teach fellow travelers to quiet what we playfully call our "Kowakian monkey minds" – those restless thoughts that constantly jump from branch to branch. Through the Saja's teachings, guests learn to slow down, turn inward, and simply exist in the moment – a powerful skill that extends far beyond their journey among the stars.

Their work reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful souvenirs are the practices that transform our daily lives long after we've returned home.

Star Wars The Jedi Mind

Diana's Upcoming Mediation Zoom - via the HalcAnon community on Facebook

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Theme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow Barrel

Send your email to heroesofthehalcyon@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

We all know that the character interactions, our fellow passengers, and the community that has resulted from Galactic Starcruiser are the things that we all cherish the most about the experience. But there was more too - - - the tangible aspects of the voyage such as the scent of the Atrium or the tastes of the food or even the sounds that the door to the Engineering room mad. These memories are what we look back on in this episode in honor of the 3rd anniversary of the first voyage. We were surprised at how much we viscerally remembered.

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Theme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow Barrel

Send your email to heroesofthehalcyon@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

Every been to a place where a cowboy walks into a bar in heaven? How about a store that stocks cans of Mammoth Chunks? Perhaps you've visited a transit station to worlds unknown??? Welcome to the artistic amazements of Meow Wolf!

This episode, we dove into the interactive art spaces created by Meow Wolf in Las Vegas, Denver, and Houston. Mike Celestino (from LaughingPlace.com) & Patrick Radecker - alongside Martin & Kristine - join us as guides to these creative masterpieces.

Meow Wolf - Origin Story

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Theme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow Barrel

Send your email to heroesofthehalcyon@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

Many of our listeners and fellow Starcruiser Superfans were disappointed to hear that Disney is repurposing the building for this magnificent experience into office space for Disney Imagineering.

In this episode, we discuss this and dissect what else we think this decision means.

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Theme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow Barrel

Send your email to heroesofthehalcyon@gmail.com - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!