Smugglers' Galaxy: A Star Wars Collecting Podcast

This week, we’re keeping things chill with a classic back porch session. Jason’s out of commission—still recovering from his May the 4th adventures at Disney—so Glen’s holding down the fort. But he’s not alone. Joining him is his new neighbor, Travis, who brings a fresh perspective and some fun behind-the-scenes stories from his time working in the movie industry and theme parks. From on-set experiences to park operations, it's a laid-back chat full of surprises, laughs, and maybe a little Disney envy. Pull up a chair and hang out with us.

Join Glen and Jason as they chat with fellow collector, podcast host, and ultimate Ahsoka fan, Chris Leddy! We discuss Chris' journey into becoming an Ahsoka-focused collector, acquiring Clone Wars collections, and the expanding world of trading cards. Plus, we discuss a hot topic lately: when is it time to let go of pieces that no longer fit?Download and listen!

Star Wars collectors, get ready! On this episode of the Smugglers' Galaxy Podcast, host Jason is joined by special guest, David Quinn from the Star Wars Prototype and Production podcast. We discuss latest news affecting the Star Wars collecting community.Key discussion points include:Hasbro's $3 price hike on Black Series and The Vintage Collection figures. We analyze how this will impact collectors' budgets and the future of the hobby.The GI Joe Classified "variant cardback." Could this be a sign of things to come for Star Wars action figure collecting?A leaked plot for the rumored Star Wars Starfighter game. Is this new story a rehash of old Star Wars stories or a clever retcon of the Disney sequel trilogy? We break down the fan debate and offer our take.We also have a heartfelt conversation about our favorite things about the Star Wars collecting hobby, Rogue Fun, and so much more!

They say Star Wars means family and this episode is a prime example of that. While Glen is away enjoying the Memorial Day holiday weekend, Jason has his brother, Todd, on to talk all things Star Wars. They reminisce about growing up with MicroMachines, watching the original trilogy while sick from school, collecting stormtroopers, and so much more. Todd is also a graffiti artists, and he shows off some of his Star Wars pieces. He also shares walking into a 501st warehouse in South Florida where they had props and sets stored.

The Disney+ series Andor has arrived and is being hailed by many as the most compelling Star Wars content since the original trilogy. In this episode of the Smugglers' Galaxy Podcast, we look at the characters of Andor, and breakdown their place in the show. We also shine a spotlight on the brilliant writing of Tony Gilroy and his team, discussing how the individual character arcs and plotlines expertly weave together to lay the foundation for the Rebel Alliance.Beyond our extensive Andor discussion, we'll also touch on "Rogue Fun II: Fun and Villainy," share our latest Star Wars pickups, and much more from across the galaxy far, far away!

This week on the Smugglers' Galaxy Podcast, Glen and Jason dive into their May the 4th celebrations! Jason recounts his recent mission to the heart of the Star Wars festivities: Disney's Hollywood Studios. Hear about meeting fellow collectors, navigating the park on one of its busiest days, hitting the rides, grabbing exclusive merch, and soaking up the May the 4th spirit. Plus, the guys share their early thoughts on Andor, the acclaimed Disney+ series that's taking the Star Wars universe to new heights! All this, plus a Rogue Fun 2 announcement!

Join Glen and Jason on the Smugglers' Galaxy Podcast as they preview Star Wars Celebration Japan 2025! In this episode, they review the show floor map, offering a preview of the various stages and vendor hall. Get an look at what to expect from this major Star Wars event! Plus, they shift gears to discuss the highly anticipated new Tron movie, Tron: Ares, coming this fall. Journey back with the hosts as they explore the history of Tron, its impact and personal connection to the groundbreaking franchise. All this plus the latest news, collectible pickups, and geeky discussions you won't want to miss! Download and listen now for your dose of Star Wars, Tron, and more!

Join us as we discuss the best parts of Andor Season 1, breaking down the nuances of the acclaimed Star Wars series. We also cover all the exciting Star Wars Celebration panel news, bringing you our speculation on the biggest announcements and reveals. We also discuss our limited pickups for the week!

Is Kathleen Kennedy Stepping Down from Lucasfilm? How does the latest retro figures look in person?What is it like to attend Toy Fair? On this episode of the Smugglers’ Galaxy podcast, we discuss all these questions and more! Jason analyses the latest interview Kathleen Kennedy gave to Deadline and reads between the lines. He was also in attendance at Toy Fair, a trade-only event attended by retailers, distributors, importers, wholesalers, sales representatives, and trade guests who are all seeking to find the latest and greatest in the toy, game, and youth entertainment world. He tells us what its like to be there and all of the products he saw. Also at Toy Fair, Hasbro unveiled the latest addition to the Retro Collection, a line of figures reminiscent in style to the vintage Kenner line. Jason tells us about these reveals and the thought that went into them. They also discuss the latest reveals from Hasbro’s The Vintage Collection and The Black Series lines.

Oof, Star Wars took a hit in Hasbro's recent earnings! Glen and Jason break down the numbers on the Smugglers' Galaxy Podcast, trying to figure out what went wrong and what's next for the franchise. Is it time to panic, or is there still hope? Tune in to find out!

Glen is away, but Shawn Moynihan has come on to play! Shawn is a New York collector who loves modern figures, the holiday special, and so much more! He joins Jason to catch up on life and talk about our favorite galaxy far, far away!

The Haslab Cantina has been funded, and now we wait for its delivery. As we do so, let us discuss the merits of a multi-million dollar company using a crowdfunding platform to make toys! Additionally, Jason developed six possible reasons why participation for TVC Haslabs are on the decline (all speculative, of course). Also, Glen and Jason discuss the latest trend in retro collecting, the news, latest pickups, The Acolyte, and more!

Join us as we celebrate 200 episodes of the Smugglers’ Galaxy Podcast. As a bonus, we’re joined by Narayan Naik and Sam Sams!

Galoob was a small toy company based in San Francisco that developed and sold several toy lines. In the early 90s, they were able to acquire a license to incorporate Star Wars vehicles in one of their most successful lines, MicroMachines. Jim Fong worked his way up to the roll of design director, and oversaw the development of Star Wars MicroMachines and the Action Fleet line. During this discussion Jim shares how he got the job at Galoob, the first time he saw Star Wars (it was early), how he became friends with Ralph McQuarrie, the Easter eggs he was able to hide in the toy line, visiting Skywalker Ranch, how MicroMachines were made, and shares some behind the scenes photos (watch those on YouTube!). Jim also shares his attempt to incorporate bathrooms in Action Fleet vehicles and also shares what might have been if Galoob wasn’t bought by Hasbro. All the while, Jason is geeking out! Download and listen this very special episode! Jim would like to add: ”I wish to thank the whole Galoob Team that made it such a great place to work. Without them, it would not have been as special as it was, and I thank the Galco team in Hong Kong for making our vision happen, and putting up with our constant changes. The company is gone but we will live forever in molded plastic!”

Star Wars has been around for nearly 50 years now, and adult fans have been with the franchise most of that time. But, as the franchise ages, so does the fan base. One day, if nothing is done about it, Star Wars will fade away as the fans become one with the force. On this episode of the Smugglers’ Galaxy podcast, Glen and Jason discuss the current pains of the Star Wars franchise. As they develop content for a younger fan base, the older group feels as though Lucasfilm abandoned them. How does one navigate this issue? What should an older fan do? They also discuss the third episode of The Acolyte, pickups, news and more!

On this episode of the Smugglers’ Galaxy podcast, Glen and Jason are hanging out and Jason‘s backyard sitting by a fire, and they are joined by Jordan Ghastly and Richard (AKA punx_for_plastic on Instagram). Glen and Jason were able to attend a screening of The Acolyte and talk about their experience, seeing the showing in advance. They talk about what they like about the show, where they think it’s heading, and more. Additionally, the Haslab Cantina has been announced and the four talk about their opinions of the project. And with this offering came the opportunity to cross off two boxes on the 2024 bingo card!

On this episode of the podcast, Jason returns from Universal Studios Islands of Adventure and shares his experience at that theme park. Then they pivot from Universal to Disney to discuss the Jenny Nicholson viral four-hour long video about her experience aboard the Galatic Starcruiser, better known as the Star Wars Hotel. This video has permeated pop culture, even as far as Rolling Stone Magazine. Glen and Jason discuss the points that Nicholson makes and wonders if Disney will respond by listening to the critics or if they will dismiss it and only focus on stock prices. They also talk about “influencers” in general. Glen also picked up some melting rebels! Download and listen.

On this very special episode of the Smugglers’ Galaxy Podcast, we play one of the panels from Rogue Fun: Santa Shopped There: Star Wars and the Golden Age of the Sears Wish Book by Jerry Hancock (Ki-Adi Randy). This panel examines the history of the Sears Wish Book and how it helped expand the hottest toy line in the galaxy. Following the success of the Star Wars Early Bird campaign, Kenner continued to use the power of mail order as a means to market exclusives and preview new releases during the holiday season. Jerry Hancock is a Georgia-based Star Wars collector, educator and historian. His collection focuses on Star Wars exclusives offered through the Sears catalog. He is the author of “Ponce City Market: The Rise, Fall, and Rebirth of Atlanta’s Largest Building,” which originally served as the Sears Southeast Catalog Distribution Center and Retail Store in Atlanta. While researching his master’s thesis on Sears and its cultural impact on the American South, he conducted interviews with dozens of former Sears employees and executives. As an added bonus, Jerry joins us at the start and conclusion of the panel to provide what it was like to present this at Rogue Fun!

On this episode of the Smugglers’ Galaxy Podcast, Glen and Jason are joined by Jerry Hancock, also known as Ki-Adi Randy on Facebook and the old Rebel Scum forums. Jerry was a presenter at Rogue Fun, and he provides his perspective as a panelist at the event. Together, they finish up their thoughts on the event. They also discuss room sales, the Kennesaw Run, bowling and more. Jerry was also present when Steve Sansweet stopped at Tim Conner’s residence to check out his collection and shares what happened when Steve saw Tim’s massive collection. Download and listen!

Rogue Fun has happened! Glen and Jason are still recovering from the most ambitious event they’ve ever put on, and it seems to be a success! They run through the event from their perspective, providing a behind the scenes look at the event and everything that went into it. Jason is also able to share the participant gift: lunchboxes with art provided by Tom Whalen! Download and listen - and share any feedback or stories with us so we can include you in the second part of this series!