Episode 149: The Anakins Part 2 - Hayden Christensen's Subtle Brilliance

This week we discuss meditation and it's amazing real life benefits (and how it makes us feel like Jedi). We touch on several forms of meditation, how you can get started if you've never done it before, and the amazing scientifically-backed evidence that it is good for your body and your brain. We also chat about how the Jedi and Sith use meditation to connect with the Force. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

What a great way to ring in our 150th episode! We have the pleasure of discussing the talented Matt Lanter and what he has brought to Star Wars' most pivotal character, Anakin Skywalker. He is the voice of Anakin throughout The Clone Wars and beyond, including Lego movies and an abundance of Star Wars video games, and much more. His vocal range is why we appreciate him so much; he's given Anakin Skywalker the depth and lore the character needed, and has done so incredibly graciously. Thank you, Matt Lanter, for bringing Anakin to life through animation! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This week we carry on with our series about the actors who have portrayed Anakin Skywalker. Hayden Christensen is a legend within the Star Wars fandom and in this episode we give credit where credit is due! His performance in the prequels, and his return to Anakin in shows like Ahsoka and the Kenobi Series, has given Hayden a chance to let his acting skills shine, and we are loving every second!! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

The first time we ever saw Anakin Skywalker in live action, outside of Darth Vader, was through Jake Lloyd's portrayal of Anakin as a young boy in "The Phantom Menace", which was released in 1999. This young boy, who will go on to become The Chosen One, was delivered by a bright and charismatic Jake Lloyd, who was only 8 years old when George Lucas cast him as the young Anakin. IMPORTANT NOTE: in this episode, we respectfully discuss Jake Lloyd's mental health journey, while also discussing how important mental health is in everyone's life. Please understand that we are not mental health experts, though we do want to emphasize the importance of mental health. We commend Jake for getting help to address his mental health, and wish him nothing but the best going forward. Thank you, Jake, for bringing Young Anakin to life in the Star Wars Universe! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This week is Part 4 of our series "The Obi-Wan Actors" and in this episode we discuss the extremely talented Stephen Stanton. He portrayed Obi-Wan in the legendary Rebels episode "Twin Suns" and does an amazing job closing the circle on Kenobi's story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This week is Part 3 of our series "The Obi-Wan Actors", and next in line is the voice behind the animated Obi-Wan Kenobi, and also a very dear friend of ours and of the show: James Arnold Taylor. He's the voice behind the animated Obi-Wan Kenobi that Dave Filoni and his team brought to life through The Clone Wars series, and his talent is unmatched. James has portrayed Obi-Wan the longest of all the Obi-Wan actors, and the depth of character he brings season after season, episode after episode, is why he's our favorite Obi-Wan! Thank you James for what you've brought to our favorite character, and for being a friend. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This is part 2 of our series "The Obi-Wan Actors" where we delve into the intricacies and characteristics each actor has contributed to Obi-Wan Kenobi. In this episode, we have a blast chatting about Ewan McGregor's legendary performances as Obi-Wan, spanning from the character's youth through his darkest days on Tatooine. Next week we'll be chatting about our dear friend James Arnold Taylor, so be sure to tune in! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

This is part 1 of our next series, which delves into the actors who have brought the character of Obi-Wan Kenobi to life and all they bring to the table in their version of Obi-Wan. We begin first with the original Obi-Wan Kenobi: Sir Alec Guinness. Alec set the bar for all the portrayals of Obi-Wan to come, and in this episode we honor his legacy of acting, the minuscule details of his skill, and the way he really set the standard for Obi-Wan as we know it today. We salute you, Sir Alec Guinness! Next week we will explore Ewan McGregor, so be sure to tune in as we continue the series! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

"Huttslayer", a relatively new but cannon title for Leia Organa Skywalker, is a title that isn't always discussed - but should be! By writing it into the novel "Bloodline", Claudia Gray effectively gave Leia a title filled with honor and respect. When Leia killed Jabba the Hutt, she not only liberated herself, but also avenged her biological father by killing his slaver. In doing so, she also liberated thousands more, even her own brother, by taking the chain Jabba used on her and killing him with her bare hands. For this reason and SO many more, Leia remains as bad ass as ever, and we honor her by calling her the "Huttslayer." --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support

In this episode we discuss attachment and whether or not the Jedi were too extreme in their beliefs. We went deep in this one...and, by the time we were finished, we may have ended up with more questions than answers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/most-things-kenobi/support