Heroes of the Halcyon

Ever heard of the George Lucas Super Live Adventure? When we saw that the amazing folks at Blast Points podcast were presenting a full panel on this incredible piece of Star Wars history at Celebration Japan, we knew we had to get them on the show to share this theatrical wonder with our audience. Join us as we chat with Jason Gibner about this legendary $25 million stage spectacular that ran for just four months in 1993 - featuring live tigers, decapitations, flying Millennium Falcons, and real laser lightsabers. This wild theatrical experience combined Willow, Tucker, Indiana Jones, American Graffiti, and Star Wars into one unforgettable show that pushed the boundaries of live entertainment decades before Galaxy's Edge & the Halcyon.Discover why this hit show never made it to America, how it influenced modern arena productions, and why George Lucas was a bigger celebrity in 1990s Japan than in the United States. Plus, hear about the incredible detective work Jason and co-host Gabe did to uncover this lost piece of Lucas history.If you love deep dives into Star Wars lore and forgotten entertainment gems, this episode will blow your mind!The George Lucas Super Live AdventureThe Blast Points PodcastHeroes of the Halcyon on InstagramTheme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow BarrelSend your email to [email protected] - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Kierna Conner and Sage Starkey, two beloved performers from Disney's Galactic Starcruiser who are channeling their passion for immersive storytelling into something completely new. Fresh off their experimental project "Car Music" earlier this year, these creative forces are launching "The Good Neighbor Game" – an innovative reality-based immersive performance that asks the question: are you a good neighbor, and who are the intruders?In this episode, Kierna and Sage share their journey from the halls of the Halcyon to creating accessible, community-focused immersive entertainment. They discuss their philosophy of "just do it" creativity, the importance of supporting local immersive art, and how their new project with Hawkmoon Immersive is designed to bring people together in a safe container for practicing real human connection.Whether you're a Starcruiser superfan or someone curious about the future of experiential entertainment, this conversation will leave you inspired by the ripple effects of that galaxy far, far away – and maybe even ready to play the Good Neighbor Game yourself! Tickets for The Good Neighbor GameThe Good Neighbor Game on InstagramThe Good Neighbor Game WebsiteHawkmoon ImmersiveHeroes of the Halcyon on InstagramTheme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow BarrelSend your email to [email protected] - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

Join us for part two of our conversation with Noah Nelson, founder of No Proscenium, as we dive deep into his firsthand experience aboard Disney's Galactic Starcruiser. From stepping into the atrium for the first time to analyzing the brilliant guest management techniques that turned strangers into lifelong friends, Noah breaks down what made Starcruiser such a revolutionary experience.Discover how the Halcyon successfully balanced being a critic and a participant, why the experience worked like "medium difficulty Rock Band," and the sophisticated performer training that could read any guest's comfort level and meet them exactly where they were. We explore Starcruiser's design genius - from meaningful choices to sandbox moments that allowed for authentic expression within the story framework.Noah also tackles the big "what ifs" - what could have been different if they'd poured the concrete differently, why calling it a "hotel" was problematic from day one, and how economic pressures beyond creative control ultimately sealed the Halcyon's fate. Plus, hear how Starcruiser's innovations continue influencing Disney experiences today, from cruise lines to Ghost Town Alive.Heroes of the Halcyon on InstagramTheme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow BarrelSend your email to [email protected] - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Noah, founder of No Proscenium and EverythingImmersive.com, as he takes us behind the scenes of the immersive theater world. Discover how a single moment with the White Queen in "Then She Fell" sparked a 12-year journey that would help define and champion an entire entertainment medium.Noah shares the origin story of No Proscenium - from LA transmedia dinner parties to becoming the leading voice in immersive entertainment coverage. Learn what makes truly immersive experiences work (hint: it's about what the audience does, not what they watch), and get his perspectives on the design genius behind Starcruiser's approach to player agency and choice.We also dive into the recent high-profile closures of Starcruiser, Sleep No More, and Life and Trust - exploring what these losses mean for the community and why the future of immersive entertainment remains bright despite industry challenges.Whether you're a Starcruiser veteran looking to explore more immersive experiences or a creator wondering how to break into this space, Noah offers practical advice, industry insights, and a masterclass in what makes audiences feel truly part of the story. Plus, hear why all children are apparently fascists when it comes to Starcruiser missions!Heroes of the Halcyon on InstagramTheme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow BarrelSend your email to [email protected] - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

We've known Mars, one of the founding members of the Droidsmiths Union, for the past couple of years as an avid Star Wars cosplayer and Galactic Starcruiser superfan. In this episode, Mars introduces us to Randi, one of the group's East Coast admins and their "unofficially official" HR Manager. The Droidsmiths Union recently achieved something incredible—official recognition from Lucasfilm as an acknowledged costuming group. Mars and Randi share the story of how this milestone came to be, what it means for the community, and the exciting opportunities ahead for current and future droidsmiths. The Droidsmiths Union InstagramClark & Dagger EtsyClark & Dagger InstagramHeroes of the Halcyon on InstagramTheme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow BarrelSend your email to [email protected] - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

Many thanks to listener Joshua for this brilliant episode idea - what was the Halcyon like for non-humans? We immediately thought of Twi'leks, thanks to our own Captain Ma’Li Ficent. As one of Star Wars' most beloved alien species, Twi'leks brought unique magic to the Galactic Starcruiser experience. We tracked down three renowned Twi'lek cosplayers who sailed the Halcyon in full cosplay, and their stories are extraordinary. From surprising cast member interactions to behind-the-scenes moments you won't believe, discover how becoming a Twi'lek transformed their voyage into something truly special. Heroes of the Halcyon on InstagramTheme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow BarrelSend your email to [email protected] - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!

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!Into A Larger World InstagramHeroes of the Halcyon on InstagramTheme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow BarrelSend your email to [email protected] - 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 InstagramStudy with the Saja in Disneyland ParisPossible Interactive Adventure aboard the Disney Destiny?Heroes of the Halcyon on InstagramTheme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow BarrelSend your email to [email protected] - 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 PeakBridge CommandHeroes of the Halcyon on InstagramTheme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow BarrelSend your email to [email protected] - 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 InstagramHeroes of the Halcyon on InstagramTheme Music ("Digital Discourse") by Yellow BarrelSend your email to [email protected] - we'd love to hear from you about your journeys, episode suggestions, or just to say hi!