Talking Bay 94: Star Wars Interviews

Today is my conversation with legendary prequel concept artist, Warren Fu, live from South by Southwest 2024. We dive into Warren’s incredible contributions to these movies, including MagnaGuards, The High Republic's vector ships, and, of course, General Grievous. From there, we take a deep dive into his wildly prolific music video career, and especially his work with Daft Punk. This is such an incredible conversation and may truly be my favorite interview yet. Thank you so much again to Warren for his time and flexibility while he was in Austin, and allowing me to come to his hotel armed with art books and action figures for reference. His incredible portfolio can be found here. A huge thank you, as well, to Li-Wei from Partizan for helping coordinate this, and an EXTRA huge thanks to guest producer Alyssa Vidales, who absolutely crushed it and helped make this live recording go super smoothly In other news … I co-wrote an official Star Wars book. I cannot believe it. Star Wars Encyclopedia from DK Books is coming out this fall and can be pre-ordered now. More info to come, believe me. If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Today is my conversation with one of my favorite Star Wars authors, John Jackson Miller. We talk all about the beginnings of his career, as well as his iconic work on the Knights of the Old Republic, Kenobi, A New Dawn and his latest novel, Star Wars: The Living Force (out now!). It’s a fantastic conversation and I can’t wait for you to hear it. The Living Force is now available anywhere you buy your books, and I highly recommend it: https://amzn.to/3PZ3suK I also recommend delving into his KOTOR run, especially if you have a Marvel Unlimited subscription. Just awesome stuff. Next week is my live conversation with prequel concept artist Warren Fu.  In other news … I co-wrote an official Star Wars book. I cannot believe it. Star Wars Encyclopedia from DK Books is coming out this fall and can be pre-ordered now. More info to come, believe me. If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Last week, it was reported that Bill Hargreaves had passed away. Of course, Mr. Hargreaves was known to Star Wars fans as the father of IG-88, as well as prop maker and droid creator for EV-9D9, probots, B’omarr monks, and mynocks. This conversation features Bill's start working on Alien all the way to his tortuous coat hanger creation for Raiders of the Lost Ark. Rest in peace.

Over the weekend, Mark Dodson passed away. He is best known to Star Wars fans as the laugh of Salacious B. Crumb, as well as the voice of Teek from The Battle for Endor. He was brought back as a patron of Maz Kanata's cantina for Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. I was able to chat with him years ago at a convention, one of my first interviews ever. That video can be found on YouTube. His New York Times obituary can be found here. Rest in peace and may the Force be with you.

Today is a very special episode, featuring my conversation with ILM Creature Shop legend Judy Elkins. Judy is responsible for many iconic designs and sculptures for Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, including the infamous Yak Face. This summer, I was honored to spend the day with her in Austin, Texas, as we went around to different museums and sculpture gardens that had inspired her while growing up, including the Elizabet Ney Museum and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden (where the works of her professor, Charles Umlauf, are on display). We also visited the gorgeous Littlefield Fountain on the University of Texas campus, that especially inspired her and her creature designing. Some of those recordings are in this interview, spliced into our larger conversation about her incredible career. Photos and captions of the art we discussed can be found on our website. Spending the day with her was so inspiring and one of my favorite memories of last year, as well as this entire podcast.  In other news … I co-wrote an official Star Wars book. I cannot believe it. Star Wars Encyclopedia from DK Books is coming out this fall and can be pre-ordered now. More info to come, believe me. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. That’s all for now … until next episode, stay tuned, leave s 5 star review, and May the Force Be with you.

"But the truth of it is, my name is Henry Jones. I just named myself Indiana after my dog. So my friends call me Indy." Thank you for tuning in to We Named the Pod Indiana, a Talking Bay 94 spin-off podcast devoted to interviews with the cast, crew and creators who brought Indiana Jones to life. I’m your host, Brandon Wainerdi, and today’s episode is a rare conversation with Sean Patrick Flanery, "Young Indy himself, star of The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles. From that first role to Powder and The Boondock Saints and beyond, it was awesome to get to quickly chat with this high-energy icon. This quick conversation was recorded live at maybe my favorite convention in the world, the great Dallas Comic Show. There’s some background noise, etc. but it is a fantastic chat with an true icon. Thanks again to Mr. Flanery for such an insightful and passionate look into his long career. If you missed the first episodes of this mini Indiana Jones spin-off, head to our show page for my previous interview with Belloq, Paul Freeman, and Fedora, Richard Young. Next episode, we are back to Star Wars and our regularly scheduled programming. If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

"You lost today, kid. But that doesn't mean you have to like it." Thank you for tuning in to We Named the Pod Indiana, a Talking Bay 94 spin-off podcast devoted to interviews with the cast, crew and creators who brought Indiana Jones to life. I’m your host, Brandon Wainerdi, and today’s episode is a rare conversation with Richard Young, the man behind the fedora in the opening scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Was he supposed to be Abner Ravenwood? Are there plans to bring back his character? Find out! This quick conversation was recorded live at maybe my favorite convention in the world, the great Dallas Comic Show. There’s some background noise, etc. but it is a fantastic chat with an true icon. If you missed the first episode of this mini Indiana Jones spin-off, check out my interview with Belloq himself, Paul Freeman. We  have a few more Indy episodes in the works, including next week with Young Indiana Jones, Sean Patrick Flanery. Then it will be back to Star Wars and our regularly scheduled programming, don’t worry. And, if you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. That’s all for now … until next episode, stay tuned, leave that 5 star review, and May the Force Be with you (?).

Today is a very special episode of TB94 because it does not feature any cast, crew, or creator interviews ... it is a look back at the year 2023 with my friends from Blast Points and Skytalkers. Jason and Gabe and Charlotte and Caitlin are some of my best friends in this space, so it was such a joy to reflect on the year (including our crazy adventures at Star Wars Celebration London and the Indiana Jones 5 premiere). Thank YOU all for listening this year. It was a weird one! Not as many episodes as I would have liked, but some great guests, an awesome Celebration panel (where I got to meet so many of you in person), and some exciting stuff that will be announced in 2024! I am grateful to all of you. See you in the new year and May the Force Be With You. If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Over the weekend, I learned that Mr. Marc Thorpe (former model maker and inventor of ROBOT WARS) had passed away on November 24, 2023. I have republished our brief conversation for everyone to listen to. My thoughts go out to his loved ones. More of his incredible work can be found on his website: https://marcthorpe.com/

Tom Spina, the mad man behind Regal Robot, returns to the show for a third time. Because of that, we go a little wild, talking about trips to Skywalker Ranch, the archives, and the just-announced, absolutely incredible, Phil Tippett Legacy Edition of the Rancor maquette. It’s always a good time when Tom comes around. Thank you so much again to Tom for coming on the show and waxing poetic about the incredible work him and his team at Regal Robot are doing. If I did not gush enough, they are the best around. The Phil Tippett Legacy Edition of the Rancor Maquette goes on sale next week … for all the details and some insane photos, head to regalrobot.com. We have a few more episodes in the works, including my conversation with Judy Elkins. If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Today I’m talking to Brandon Alinger, author of Star Wars Art: Ralph McQuarrie, Star Wars Costumes: The Original Trilogy, and COO of Propstore. I really loved this conversation, diving into his work, his research, and the upcoming Anthony Daniels auction. Thank you so much again to Brandon for coming on the show and talking about the art of collecting and the importance of archiving and researching.  The Prop Store auction, featuring the Anthony Daniels collection will be from November 9th through 12th, and the full items can be viewed at propstore.com. Do not bid against me. We have a few more episodes in the works, including my conversation with Judy Elkins and next week’s chat with returning legend Tom Spina. If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Today, I’m talking to acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author, Delilah S. Dawson. Star Wars readers know her as the writer for Phasma, Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire and her latest ... Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade. I am such a fan of Delilah, and especially her latest book, which I highly recommend. Some spoilers abound! Read it and come on back. My thanks to Delilah for coming on the show, as well as Del Rey Books for arranging this conversation. I cannot stress how much I recommend Rise of the Red Blade, which you can purchase here: https://amzn.to/46eURtX We have a few more episodes in the works, including my conversation with Return of the Jedi creature legend Judy Elkins. If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

I’m back! Thank you all for your patience during this time … and there’s no better way to start back up again than with my FOURTH conversation with the great Gary Whitta. You of course know him as the co-writer of ROGUE ONE, as well as STAR WARS REBELS and many other books and comics, and today we’re focusing in on his newest work: his novel, GUNDOG. We explore creativity, fandom, and the current media landscape and I learned a ton. I hope you enjoy this conversation with this incredible artist. His new novel is available wherever books are sold, and you can purchase it here: https://amzn.to/45UJmb1 We have a few more episodes in the works, including my conversation with Delilah S. Dawson, as well as RETURN OF THE JEDI creature legend, Judy Elkins. If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Today is a special roundtable episode celebrating the wondrous Star Wars Visions. Thanks to Lucasfilm, I was able to interview Rodrigo Blaas of El Guiri Studios, alongside several others Star Wars content creators. Rodrigo, of course, directed the first new short for Star Wars Visions, Volume 2 … the stunning SITH. I hope you enjoy this conversation with this incredible artist. Thank you so much again to Rodrigo, the PR team, as well as Lucasfilm for the opportunity. If you want to learn more about Rodrigo, head to Star Wars Dot Com to read my full interview with him: https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-visions-sith-interview Other panelists included: Triad of the Force, Skytalkers, The Resistance Broadcast, Ahch-To Radio, Fantha Tracks, and Full of Sith. And, of course, Volume 2 of Visions is now streaming on Disney+, and is just absolutely fantastic. If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Today is an incredibly special episode. During Star Wars Celebration, I took a break from the show floor, headed upstairs to the convention center bar and sat down with maybe my favorite current Star Wars writer: Charles Soule. This conversation is a true deep dive into his process, his inspirations, and his journey. Really incredible. Of course, for more updates on Charles’ work, as well as the option to buy signed copies, head to his personal website: www.charlessoule.com If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Today is our 150th episode and it is special because its a full recording of the LIVE official panel from Star Wars Celebration London 2023. Making it extra special is our guest, Amy Richau, an incredible author and one of my personal biggest inspirations. She is the author of many Star Wars books, including I LOVE YOU. I KNOW. and the recently released, much-anticipated STAR WARS TIMELINES. As a bonus, the last ten minutes of the episode include our very silly "DON'T LET ME BUY THIS ... LIVE", featuring my wife, Maggie. It's a very visual portion, so apologies in advance. If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Today's episode is with friend of the show Leilani Shiu, who plays Jawas in The Mandalorian, The Book of Boba Fett, and had an extra special appearance as the Jawa, Teeka, in Obi-Wan Kenobi. She is really wonderful. Thank you so much again to Leilani for being so fantastic. Make sure to follow her on social and visit her if she’s appearing in your town! If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Today is a special episode with the man behind the mask, the Mandalorian, the gunslinger … Brendan Wayne. We talk all about his experiences on set, as well as the incredible amount of physicality he has brought into the role, alongside Lateef Crowder and Pedro Pascal. I hope you all enjoy (apologies for the slight audio issues) and I hope you all are enjoying Season 3 of  The Mandalorian! Thank you so much again to Brendan for being so fantastic. Make sure to follow him on social: https://www.instagram.com/therealbrendanwayne/?hl=en https://twitter.com/brendanwayne?lang=en More episodes coming very soon, including next week’s episode with Jawa extraordinaire, Leilani Shiu. If you are attending Celebration London, we’ll be hosting a panel (!!) on the Holonet stage, so definitely make it a point to come and say hi! If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Today’s episode is an amazing roundtable with the some of the incredible sound team behind OBI-WAN KENOBI: Bonnie Wild, Julian Howarth, and Danielle Dupre. This crew has been nominated for the Cinema Audio Society award for OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND MIXING, and it is so incredibly well-deserved. I hope you enjoy this wonderful look into the process of bringing the sounds of Star Wars to life. Thank you to Ian and Skywalker Sound for the coordination and help with this interview. Absolutely fantastic. More episodes coming very soon, including next week’s episode with Brendan Wayne, as well as with Leilani Shiu. If you are attending Celebration London, we’ll be hosting a panel (!!) on the Holonet stage, so definitely make it a point to come and say hi If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94

Well, uh, I guess … thank you for tuning in to Talking Baver 94, the Star Wars podcast devoted to interviews with the host of "This Week in Star Wars", the author of Skywalker: A Family at War, and slash or the associate editor of StarWars.Com. Today is a special episode with, you guessed it, none other than Kristin Baver, celebrating the release of her newest book, The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic, now available from Abrams Books. Thank you so much again to Kristin for being the inaugural guest of Talking Baver 94, as well as being just an incredible guest, a great writer, and an even greater example. You can get your copy of The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic right here: https://amzn.to/3iwxyry More episodes, of both Talking Baver 94, and our sister podcast, Talking Bay 94, are coming in the new year. In the meantime, reach out on social if you have anyone that you want to hear on the show! If you’re enjoying the show, please head to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to these episodes and leave us a five-star rating and review! It means the world. Transcripts of previous episodes are available over at talkingbay94.com. For more behind-the-scenes stuff, as well as a link to some of our other in-depth interviews, check out: Website: www.TalkingBay94.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/TalkingBay94 Instagram: www.instagram.com/TalkingBay94