This Week in Star Wars: Tim Barnes, Casting News & Disney+ Buzz

This week on ATGLive, the Star Wars talk show where fandom, fun, and a little chaos collide, Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke welcome actor, comedian, and voice talent Josh Zagoren—the mind and mouth behind the irreverent, sharp-tongued puppet Chad the Bird. You’ve seen Chad lighting up Instagram Reels with his rapid-fire rants on everything from snack foods to sci-fi, but it was his hilariously spot-on takedown of Star Wars droids that made us realize—this Bird is one of us.Josh takes us inside Chad’s world, from his early days in Chicago’s Paper Machete Live Magazine to his viral, stream-of-consciousness videos that have built a loyal flock of fans. We’ll talk about crafting Chad’s voice, how improv fuels his comedy, and why absurdity can be the most honest form of truth-telling. Then—because this is ATGLive—Chad himself will join the stream for our Around the Galaxy News Game, delivering feathery hot takes on this week’s biggest Star Wars headlines. Expect banter, laughs, and just enough chaos to keep Pete and Nick on their toes.Whether you’re here for a behind-the-scenes look at comedy puppetry, sharp Star Wars commentary, or to watch two hosts try (and fail) to keep a puppet in line, this episode is your front-row seat to one of the weirdest, most wonderful corners of fandom.Follow & Connect with ATGLive:🌐 Website: TheSSWNetwork.com📸 Instagram: @TheSSWNetwork🐦 Twitter/X: @TheSSWNetwork | @ATGcast🎥 YouTube: /@TheSSWNetwork📞 Voicemail: 504-321-1501🎉 Patreon: Patreon.com/TheSSWNetwork

ATGLive is your weekly Star Wars talk show where fandom, fun, and collecting collide! Hosted by Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke, alongside the always insightful Kelsey Puckett and Chris Ryons, each episode takes you on a hyperspace journey through the biggest Star Wars news, hottest fan debates, and the most exciting collectibles in the galaxy. This week, we’re joined by special guest Max Frey from Regal Robot—the legendary studio behind screen-accurate Star Wars prop replicas and fan-favorite collectibles. Max gives us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Regal Robot’s latest officially licensed Star Wars and Indiana Jones creations, many revealed for the first time at San Diego Comic-Con 2025. We’ll cover:The making of Archive Collection prop-mask replicasNew Regal Icons bronze busts of Princess Leia & Grand Moff TarkinHow Ben Burtt became part of the Walrus Man Signature EditionThe long-awaited Space Slug prop replicasQuirky fan collectibles like Gamorrean towel rings & Indy-inspired desk accessoriesMax also shares how his own Star Wars fandom inspires his work, what sets Regal Robot apart in the collectibles world, and what’s next for the studio. Then, in our Around the Galaxy news segment—now turned game show—Kelsey takes on her Inquisitor role, awarding points for the crew’s best takes on the week’s top Star Wars headlines:George Lucas surprises fans at SDCC, teasing items for the Lucas Museum of Narrative ArtHayden Christensen rumored for a bigger role in Ahsoka Season 2Ubisoft blames the Star Wars brand for Outlaws’ sluggish pre-release hypeNew production shake-ups for the Rey Skywalker movieWhether you’re here for collectibles deep dives, spicy Star Wars news commentary, or just the fun banter between fans, this episode is a must-listen for any galaxy far, far away enthusiast. Follow & Connect:🌐 Website: TheSSWNetwork.com📸 Instagram: @TheSSWNetwork🐦 Twitter/X: @TheSSWNetwork | @ATGcast🎥 YouTube: /@TheSSWNetwork📞 Voicemail: 504-321-1501🎉 Patreon: Patreon.com/TheSSWNetwork

This week on Around the Galaxy, the Star Wars fan talk show, we take a deep-dive conversation with ESPN’s Ryan McGee, co-host of Never Tell Me the Odds, the official ESPN Star Wars podcast. Ryan McGee may be a household name in sports journalism, but behind the scenes, he’s also a massive Star Wars fan — and in this exclusive interview, we bridge the gap between sports and a galaxy far, far away.Who is Ryan McGee? You’ve seen him on SportsCenter, SEC Nation, College Football Live, and SEC Now. You’ve heard him on Marty & McGee, presented by Old Trapper, airing on SEC Network and ESPN Radio. You’ve read his work on ESPN.com, and maybe even picked up one of his best-selling books like Welcome to the Circus of Baseball, Sidelines and Bloodlines, or his collaboration with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Racing to the Finish: My Story. With five Sports Emmys and multiple Writer of the Year awards from the National Motorsports Press Association, McGee has cemented himself as one of the most respected voices in sports media. But beyond the gridiron and racetrack, his passion for Star Wars runs deep.Ryan McGee’s Star Wars Story In this interview, Ryan shares his Star Wars origin story — from his earliest memories of the original trilogy to his thoughts on the prequels, sequels, and Disney+ era of storytelling. Hear how Star Wars has shaped his life and career, and why the saga still resonates with fans worldwide. Never Tell Me the Odds — Star Wars Meets ESPN McGee, along with Clinton Yates and Arda Öcal, brings Star Wars to ESPN listeners with Never Tell Me the Odds, blending sports fandom and Star Wars lore. Whether it’s finding the Rebel spirit in underdog sports stories or comparing galactic legends to real-world athletes, McGee explains why these two worlds are more connected than you might think.Rapid-Fire Fandom: The 10 QuestionsNo Around the Galaxy interview is complete without our signature 10 Questions segment. McGee answers rapid-fire Star Wars questions that reveal his favorite duels, ships, characters, and more — with a few unexpected answers along the way.Connect with Us:🌐 Website: TheSSWNetwork.com📱 TikTok: @TheSSWNetwork📸 Instagram: @TheSSWNetwork📘 Facebook: Facebook.com/TheSSWNetwork🐦 Twitter/X: @TheSSWNetwork | @ATGcast🎙️ Support the show: Patreon.com/TheSSWNetwork📞 Voicemail: 504-321-1501✨ Join this channel for exclusive perks and bonus content: @TheSSWNetworkWhether you love Star Wars, sports, or just great conversation, this replay is packed with laughs, fandom, and behind-the-scenes insights you won’t want to miss. (c) 2025 Pete in the Seat Studios

🎸 The Threepios Join ATGLive! PLUS: Star Wars News, Andor's Ratings, Han Solo's Return & Lucasfilm's New Direction! 🎸It’s a special episode of ATGLive, the Star Wars talk show where the fandom meets fun! This week, hosts Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke are joined by the galactic rockstars themselves — The Threepios, a Star Wars-themed band blending parody, pop, rock, and pure love for the galaxy far, far away. Stick around as they share their Star Wars origin stories, how they turn galactic tales into catchy tunes, and what they think music could sound like in the Star Wars universe! https://thethreepios.bandcamp.com/✨ Meet The Threepios:Patrick, Savannah, and Ed are “human cyborg musicians” keeping the spirit of Star Wars alive through hilarious, heartfelt, and catchy songs. From clever character parodies to deep-cut fan tributes, their music celebrates everything from Sith drama to cantina chaos. Get ready to hear how Star Wars inspired them to turn fandom into full-on musical fun! 🎶 Featured Song: "She’s in Love with the Darkside" — a tribute to forbidden love, Star Wars style! 🚀 In this episode of ATGLive:✅ The Threepios' Star Wars and music origin stories✅ Behind-the-scenes of their fan-favorite parodies✅ Why Star Wars and music are the perfect match✅ Speculating on Jedi rock operas and Sith rap battles✅ Their most rewarding fan reactions 🌌 Around The Galaxy — Star Wars News Game:🟢 Andor tops Nielsen’s streaming charts — will Disney rethink their "no legacy characters" TV strategy?🟢 Fans finally saw the unaltered original Star Wars movie — did it prove George Lucas was right to make changes?🟢 A new Han Solo comic series explores the missing years between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens — will fans care?🟢 Kathleen Kennedy says Lucasfilm is moving away from trilogies — is this the future Star Wars needs? 💥 Join Pete, Nick, Kelsey, and Chris as they break it all down, debate the big topics, and share laughs along the way.Subscribe, Like, and hit the notification bell so you never miss a trip Around The Galaxy! 🎤✨ #StarWars #TheThreepios #Andor #HanSolo #Lucasfilm #ATGLive #StarWarsNews #StarWarsFandom #AroundTheGalaxyConnect with us: Website: TheSSWNetwork.comTikTok: @TheSSWNetworkInstagram: @TheSSWNetworkFacebook: Facebook.com/TheSSWNetworkTwitter: @TheSSWNetwork @ATGcastSupport us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheSSWNetworkVoicemail: 504-321-1501Don't miss out on the excitement! Join us as we explore the galaxy together.(c) 2025 Pete in the Seat Studios

🎙️ ATGLive | June 12, 2025 — Featuring Tim Barnes (YubNub Podcast, Comedy Central, VICE Media) On this episode of ATGLive, we’re joined by the incredibly talented Tim Barnes — writer, director, and co-host of the hit YubNub Podcast. With credits spanning Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, VICE, and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Tim shares his behind-the-scenes insights on storytelling, fandom, and the Star Wars universe. We dive into:The making of You Are The Genre and YubNub PodcastTim’s work across TV, film, and podcastingHow comedy, culture, and sci-fi collide in modern mediaThe evolving legacy of Star Wars from a creator’s perspectivePLUS: Our weekly Around the Galaxy segment covers the latest Star Wars news — from casting scoops and Disney+ updates to Lucasfilm rumors and upcoming projects you won’t want to miss. 🪐 Whether you're a lifelong fan or a galaxy-brained media nerd, this episode delivers smart conversation, real laughs, and fresh takes on the franchise we love.📡 Subscribe, rate, and follow ATGLive — your home for weekly Star Wars news, interviews, and fandom talk.Connect with us:Website: TheSSWNetwork.comTikTok: @TheSSWNetworkInstagram: @TheSSWNetworkFacebook: Facebook.com/TheSSWNetworkTwitter: @TheSSWNetwork @ATGcastSupport us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheSSWNetworkVoicemail: 504-321-1501Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @thesswnetwork  Don't miss out on the excitement! Join us as we explore the galaxy together. (c) 2025 Pete in the Seat Studios #StarWars #ATGLive #TimBarnes #YubNubPodcast #YouAreTheGenre #StarWarsPodcast #LucasfilmNews #DisneyPlus #SciFiPodcast #ComedyCentral #VICEMedia #JordanKlepper #ZeroIssue #StarWarsCommunity

🎙️ This week on Around the Galaxy, we’re joined by film critic, host, and The Outlaw Nation creator John Rocha! Known from hit shows like The Cine-Files, The Hot Mic, and The Geek Buddies, Rocha brings his signature energy and deep industry knowledge to our Star Wars roundtable. We’re diving into:Will Rian Johnson finally return to the galaxy far, far away?Did Ryan Reynolds really pitch an R-rated Star Wars movie?Why is Star Wars Battlefront II surging in popularity again?Whether you're a hardcore Star Wars fan or just here for the hot takes, this episode is packed with insider insights, bold opinions, and a dash of friendly competition. 🛰️ Don’t forget to subscribe, smash that notification bell, and drop your thoughts in the comments — who won this week’s round? #StarWars #JohnRocha #RianJohnson #RyanReynolds #Battlefront2 #TheOutlawNation #TheGeekBuddies #TheHotMic #TheCineFiles #FilmCritic #StarWarsPodcastConnect with us:Website: TheSSWNetwork.comTikTok: @TheSSWNetworkInstagram: @TheSSWNetworkFacebook: Facebook.com/TheSSWNetworkTwitter: @TheSSWNetwork @ATGcastSupport us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheSSWNetworkVoicemail: 504-321-1501 Don't miss out on the excitement! Join us as we explore the galaxy together. (c) 2025 Pete in the Seat Studios

Welcome to the final episode of Road to Rebellion, the official Andor aftershow from the Around the Galaxy podcast stream, part of the SSW Network! 🎙️ Hosted by Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke, this episode is all about YOU — the fans! We open the lines to take your calls, questions, and theories as we wrap up Andor Season 2 and reflect on one of the most talked-about Star Wars shows in years. 📞 Listener questions include:How did Luthen Rael remain hidden during the rise of the Rebellion?What Andor spinoff shows would we want to see?Does Andor change how we watch Rogue One?Why did the Rebellion finally commit to the Scarif mission?What’s next for Star Wars storytelling after Andor?💬 Featuring thoughts from fans across platforms like Bluesky, X/Twitter, and voicemails, this spoiler-filled episode dives deep into the legacy of Andor, connections to Rogue One, and hopes for the future of the galaxy far, far away. 📺 SUBSCRIBE to catch more Star Wars content, interviews, and weekly live shows:👉 YouTube.com/@TheSSWNetwork💥 Support us and join the best Star Wars fan community:👉 Patreon.com/TheSSWNetwork📱 Follow us on socials: @TheSSWNetwork📞 Leave us a voicemail at 504-321-1501!🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review if you’ve enjoyed our journey through Andor! #StarWars #AndorSeason2 #RoadToRebellion #RogueOne #LuthenRael #StarWarsPodcast #SSWNetwork #AroundTheGalaxy #CassianAndor #StarWarsAftershow

With Andor Season 2 now complete, Road to Rebellion takes a powerful turn into the heart of what makes this series so resonant — its politics. Join hosts Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke as they welcome author and political commentator Stephen Kent (How The Force Can Fix The World, Geeky Stoics) for a provocative, full-spoiler conversation about liberty, resistance, and the cost of rebellion in the galaxy far, far away.They’ll break down the political philosophies behind Andor's key players — from Mon Mothma’s Senate speech and Luthen’s moral tradeoffs, to the Empire’s bureaucratic machine and the chilling cover-up on Ghorman. How does Andor mirror real-world regimes, propaganda, and moral compromise? What can we learn from it about courage, truth, and fighting authoritarianism — both in fiction and reality?📞 Want to be part of the finale? Call 504-321-1501 to leave a voicemail for next week’s fan Q&A episode!🎧 Subscribe to Around the Galaxy on your favorite podcast app🌌 Part of the SSWNetwork | YouTube.com/@TheSSWNetwork | @TheSSWNetwork

Now that all 12 episodes of Andor Season 2 are out in the galaxy, it's time to take a step back and look at the series as a whole — the moments that shook us, the characters that broke us (looking at you, Maarva), and what this incredible chapter of Star Wars storytelling means for the future of the franchise. Join hosts Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke for a very special live panel featuring:✨ Becca Benjamin from Tarkin’s Top Shelf (@urangelb)🎥 Colton Ogburn of ScreenCrush (@coltonogburn)🎙️ David Jesse from Tatooine Sons (@tatooinesons)Together, we break down the entire season, reflect on how Andor reshapes our understanding of Rogue One and the larger saga, and name our season-long MVPs (besides Cassian, of course). Plus, we tackle your burning questions, explore literary tie-ins, and discuss whether the three-episode arc drop format worked for better or worse.Whether you're here for the deep cuts or just vibing with fellow fans, this is the Andor conversation you’ve been looking for.📞 Leave us a voicemail at 504-321-1501📲 Follow us on socials: @TheSSWNetwork💫 Support us on Patreon: patreon.com/thesswnetwork This is Road to Rebellion. May the Force be with you.

This week on Road to Rebellion, the official ATG Andor Aftershow, hosts Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke dive into the emotional and explosive final three episodes of Season 2 of Andor. Covering Episodes 10, 11, and 12, this spoiler-filled discussion unpacks the thrilling conclusion of Luthen Rael’s journey, Kleya’s heartbreaking choices, and the accelerating march toward Rogue One.In Episode 10, we see Luthen (Stellan Skarsgård) take center stage as his secret identity is on the verge of being exposed. A tense meeting with spy Lonni Jung leads to a shocking and tragic decision, while Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) corners Luthen at the artifact shop in a deadly standoff. A gripping flashback sequence reveals Kleya’s origin story and how she came to join Luthen’s rebellion. The ISB tightens its grip, and Cassian, Melshi, and K2-SO receive a covert signal from Kleya, setting the next events in motion.Episode 11 raises the stakes even further. Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) confronts Dedra in a chilling interrogation, forcing her to utter the word we’ve all been waiting for: “Death Star.” Meanwhile, the Empire launches a manhunt for Kleya, spreading propaganda that she carries a deadly disease. Cassian and his allies race against time to uncover the truth about the Empire’s kyber mining operation — a key step in the construction of the ultimate weapon. K2-SO delivers both comic relief and deadly force as he eliminates troopers and steals a shuttle to aid Cassian and Melshi’s mission. In the season finale, Episode 12, it all comes to a head. Cassian convinces a broken but determined Kleya to return to Yavin and share Luthen’s truth with the Rebel leaders. A brutal gunfight erupts at the Coruscant safehouse, and K2-SO goes full tank-mode to extract the team. The final escape is daring and costly — a bittersweet end to Luthen’s arc and the beginning of a new phase in the Rebellion.Join Pete and Nick as they share their first impressions, break down every detail, and reflect on the themes, characters, and legacy of Andor. This isn't just an aftershow — it’s a love letter to one of the most complex and impactful Star Wars stories ever told.🎧 Subscribe now and don’t miss next week’s special episode on how Andor connects to Rogue One and the future of Star Wars storytelling.#Andor #RoadToRebellion #StarWars #StarWarsAndor #LuthenRael #Kleya #CassianAndor #ISB #Krennic #DeathStar #RebelAlliance #SSWNetwork #StarWarsAftershow #DisneyPlus #RogueOne #MonMothma #SawGerrera #BailOrgana #K2SOWebsite: TheSSWNetwork.comTikTok: @TheSSWNetworkInstagram: @TheSSWNetworkFacebook: Facebook.com/TheSSWNetworkTwitter: @TheSSWNetwork @ATGcastSupport us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheSSWNetworkVoicemail: 504-321-1501Don't miss out on the excitement! Join us as we explore the galaxy together. (c) 2025 Pete in the Seat Studios