Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
Episodes
76: Wearable Tech in Star Wars
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to bioengineering professor Benjamin Smarr about technology integrated into the body. There's tons of w...
75: Earthquake Geology in Star Wars
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Star Warsologies we talk to earthquake geologist Wendy Bohon about planets, lava and lots and lots of explosions! Dr. Wendy Bohon jo...
74: Classical Studies in Star Wars
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Star Warsologies we delve into classical studies - languages, archeology, and epigraphy, which is study of ancient inscriptions! Gir...
Bonus: Celebrating the Puppetry Arts panel at San Diego Comic-Con
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As a holiday bonus, please enjoy this recording of a panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2025 - Celebrating the Puppetry Arts! Panel Description: Puppets h...
73: Cartography in Star Wars
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Star Warsologies is all about maps! We talk with Jason Fry, who helped map the galaxy far, far away in The Essential Atlas. How do y...
72: Feminism in Star Wars
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Star Warsologies covers feminism and gender representation in Star Wars with author and historian Becca Harrison. Becca Harrison tal...
71: Star Wars Critters at LA Comic Con
15 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Star Warsologies is our LA Comic Con panel about critters in a galaxy far, far away! Hear our panel of experts talk about their favo...
70: Mass Media in Star Wars
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Star Warsologies covers mass media, propaganda, and media literacy in a galaxy far, far away! Author Samuel Spitale joins us to talk...
69: Space Exploration in Star Wars
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Star Warsologies covers space exploration topics with an operator of the Mars rover! Katherine Winchell is an astrogeologist whose ...
68: Andor: From Resistance to Rebellion (San Diego Comic-Con 2025 panel)
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Star Warsologies is our San Diego Comic-Con 2025 panel entitled "Star Wars Andor - From Resistance to Rebellion" and features Dr. Drea...
67: Star Wars in Bulgaria
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Nenko Genov, a huge Star Wars fan who grew up in Bulgaria. We met Nenko through Star Wars Celebrati...
66: Anti-Fascism in Star Wars
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to historian and author Chris Kempshall about how Star Wars is rooted in politics and anti-fascism, and ...
Bonus: Science of Disneyland, recorded at WonderCon 2025
01 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of Melissa's WonderCon 2025 panel "Science of Disneyland!" Panel description: Disneyland ...
65: Fon Davis and the Secret Miniatures of the Star Wars Prequels, recorded at Star Wars Celebration Japan
13 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of our our Star Wars Celebration Japan panel "The Secret Miniatures of the Star Wars Preq...
64: Droids, AI, and Sentience, recorded at Star Wars Celebration Japan
06 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of our our Star Wars Celebration Japan panel "Droids, Artificial Intelligence, and Sentie...
63: Science of Revenge of the Sith, recorded at Star Wars Celebration Japan
04 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we share the recording of our our Star Wars Celebration Japan panel "Science of Revenge of the Sith" Panel des...
62: Star Wars Books with Tom Hoeler
14 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Tom Hoeler, an editor of Star Wars novels and editorial director for Random House Worlds! Tom tells...
61: Lasers (and more) in Star Wars
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Karen Yu about lasers! PEW PEW! This episode, we dive into lasers in Star Wars but it turns out tha...
60: Dentistry in Star Wars
11 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Dr. Ryder Waldron, a dentist and huge Star Wars fan! On this episode, we talk about mouths - teeth,...
59: The Force and Eastern Philosophy
20 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to Dr. Krista Noble about Eastern philosophical traditions and their similarities to the Force! Dr. Kr...
58: Geology of Galaxy's Edge
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk to a geologist and paleontologist about their recent field trip to Disneyland! Garrett Vice recently l...
57: Archaeology in Star Wars
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Samantha Porter joins us to chat about her work using lasers and other technology to map archaeological sites without disturbing them. We delves i...
Bonus: Galaxy Quest panel at LA Comic Con
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Enjoy this recording of our LA Comic Con panel about the 25th anniversary of Galaxy Quest! This bonus episide is also available on YouTube with image...
Bonus: Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas panel at LA Comic Con
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Enjoy this recording of our LA Comic Con panel about Coraline and The Nightmare Before Christmas! This bonus episide is also available on YouTube with...
56: Science of The Acolyte at Los Angeles Comic Con
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk about all things Acolyte at Los Angeles Comic Con! We headed to LA Comic Con and talked about The Acol...
55: Space Travel
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we talk space travel with a NASA project support specialist! At San Diego Comic-Con, James struck up a convers...
54: Science of The Phantom Menace at the Fleet Science Center
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we take the show on the road to the local science center's dome theater to talk about the science of Episode I. ...
53: Urban Ecology with Sawyeurism
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we're joined by Sawyer Markham to talk about urban ecology! Known as @Sawyeurism online, our expert this month...
52: Marine Biology
29 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we're joined by Gabriel-Philip Santos to talk about marine biology! Star Warsologies dives deep into the marin...
51: Car Culture in Star Wars
28 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we're joined by the curator of the San Diego Automotive Museum and chat about ships, speeders, and other vehicle...
50: Environmental Apocalypse
22 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we hear from an ornithologist about birds in Star Wars, along with invasive species and extinction events! Jus...
49: Empathy and Compassion
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we learn the difference between empathy, compassion, and sympathy and how each is represented in Star Wars! Pr...
48: Conflict Resolution in Star Wars
20 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, conflict resolution experts weigh in on the wars, negotiations, and other conflicts in Star Wars! Jen Reynolds...
47: Anthropology in Alien Design
23 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Star Warsologies, an anatomy professor weighs in on the importance of designing aliens that make sense! Dr. Elizabeth Rega is an...
11: FasTEN Your Seat Belts, with science advisor Erin Macdonald
08 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It's the finale! Lisa and Melissa chat about the physics of the final franchise installment (for now). They're joined by Dr. Erin Macdonald, the scien...
10: F9: The Facts Saga, with Bobak Ferdowsi from NASA
28 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Faaaaaaaacts in Spaaaaaace! Melissa and Lisa welcome NASA JPL systems engineer Bobak Ferdowsi (aka the Mohawk Guy!) to chat about the pros and cons of...
9: Hobbs & Shaw-ence, with experts in immunology and medical devices
25 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Does Brixton's heads-up display actually give him helpful information? Can you really hold a helicopter down with a tow truck? Our resident physicist ...
46: Science Advisors in Science Fiction LA Comic Con panel
19 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa moderates this panel of scientists who consult on everything from books and video games to the MCU and Disney animation! Panelists include pa...
45: The Science of Ahsoka panel at LA Comic Con
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa moderates this panel of Star Warsologies favorites! Sam Wynns and Gabe Santos share their critter knowledge when it comes to Loth cats and pur...
8: Shift+F8 of the Furious, with a computer scientist
30 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa and Lisa talk about the (relatively) toned down physics nonsense in the 8th installment of the Fast & Furious franchise, Fate of the Furious. ...
7: Serious 7, with a psychologist
19 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa and Lisa break down the physics nonsense in Furious 7. Can you jump between skyscrapers in a car? What happens when you drop cars out of an ai...
44: Paleontology
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
James and Melissa chat about the megafauna of The Mandalorian with Dr. Stuart Sumida. Stuart is a paleontologist, a teacher, and a science consultant...
6: Fast & Curious 6, with a movie locations expert
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fast & Furious 6 gives us perhaps the most physics-defying hijinks of the franchise. Dom's leap of faith, him taking a bullet, and that epically long ...
43: Music and Melodies
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Let's look at the music of Star Wars! So much of what we associate with the galaxy far, far away is connected to the soundtracks composed by John Will...
5: Facts Five, with city planning and visual effects experts
08 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa and Lisa welcome two guest experts to cover Fast Five, the movie that really accelerates the franchise into greatness. Prison escapes, train h...
4: Fast & Physics, with a medical doctor
26 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Melissa and Lisa discuss Fast & Furious, the fourth movie in the Fast saga. The car chases and stakes are finally high! Letty's (maybe) dead! Dom is b...
42: Blue Food Science
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
We chat blue food in Star Wars and here on Earth, where's it's not nearly as prevelant. Dr. Changqi Liu from San Diego State University shares his ex...
3: The Facts & The Furious: Toying with Drift, with a stunt driver
17 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Melissa and Lisa chat about Tokyo Drift and interview a stunt driver. Lisa explains the physics of drifting and Melissa posits whethe...
41: Voice acting and storytelling with Vanessa Marshall
22 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Voice actor extraordinaire Vanessa Marshall joins us on this episode of Star Warsologies! She is the voice (and soul) of "space mom" Hera Syndulla fro...
2: 2 Facts 2 Physics, with a legal expert
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
No Dom, no problem! Lisa and Melissa dive into the physics of 2003's 2 Fast 2 Furious. Welcome Roman, welcome Tej. Don't let those pesky laws of gravi...
40 Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion (San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panel)
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Star Warsologies hosted "Andor: Making a Rebel, Making a Rebellion", a panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023. The Star Wars series Andor speaks ...
1: The Facts and the Furious, with a car modifications expert
01 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It all begins with this episode of The Facts & The Furious covering the low stakes of the first movie, 2001's The Fast and the Furious. As Melissa and...
39: The Science of Superpowers
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Here's another of our San Diego Comic-Con 2023 panels! The Science of Superpowers brought together amazing scientists to talk about how realistic supe...
38: Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaeology, History, and Punching Fascists (SDCC 2023)
29 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Star Warsologies hosted the "Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaelogy, History, and Punching Fascists" panel at San Diego Comic-Con in July 2023. Thi...
37: Artificial Intelligence
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, we're chatting with Gracie Ermi, and expert in machine learning. Are droids sentient? Is it ethical to wipe their memories and reprogra...
The Facts & The Furious: Coming Soon!
05 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Trailer for the new podcast The Facts & The Furious with Dr. Lisa Will and Melissa Miller. Two scientists break down each movie of the saga with help ...
36: Linguistics
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode, we're chatting with linguist David Peterson, who constructs languages for properties like Game of Thrones, Elemental, House of the Dr...
35: Celebration Panel "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance"
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Star Warsologies hosted "Andor, the Empire, and a History of Resistance" panel at Star Wars Celebration Europe in April 2023 in London. Because the pa...
34: Celebration Panel "Making Star Wars Magic"
26 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Here's another one of our panels from Star Wars Celebration! Melissa welcomes creatives who have worked on the movies and TV shows to share their insi...
33: Celebration Panel "The Science of Return of the Jedi"
23 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is a recording of a panel at Star Wars Celebration, hosted by James Floyd. From sarlacc biology to the physics of lightsabers and the eco...
32: Zoology and Creature Design
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we talk to concept and creature artist Terryl Whitlatch about her amazing designs for creatures in the Star Wars Special Editions and Ep...
31: Dance and Choreography
04 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we talk about dancing and choreography in Star Wars with Nicholas Foote, a professional dancer. We chat Ewoks, Gungans, and Wookiees. Do...
30: Herpetology
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we talk about reptiles and amphibians in Star Wars with Dr. Earyn McGee. There's plenty of examples on Tatooine and Dagobah to discuss an...
29: Indigenous Peoples
21 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode we look at the representation of Indigenous people in Star Wars. From the Tuskens to the Ewoks, there's examples in the original tril...
28: Climate Science
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
NASA climate scientist Dr. Kimberley Miner and Walter Beckwith, a science writer at Science Magazine, chat with us about how the Empire affects the pl...
27: LA Comic-Con - "The Living Force: Evolution in Star Wars"
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Star Warsologies, Melissa joins the LA Comic Con panel "The Living Force: Evolution in the Star Wars Galaxy"! Gabe Santo...
26: Molecular & Cellular Biology
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this latest episode of Star Warsologies, we talk about all molecular and cellular biology in Star Wars! Let's look at the DNA of Star Wars! Y...
25: Adoption in Star Wars
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this latest episode of Star Warsologies, we talk about all adoption in Star Wars! From the Skywalker twins going to separate homes as c...
24: Holograms in Star Wars!
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Star Warsologies we talk about the holograms in Star Wars! From Leia's iconic plea to Darth Vader Force-choking someone...
23: Medicine and Star Wars
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In the latest episode of Star Warsologies we team up with the hosts of "Hi Everbody! A Bad Medicine Podcast" Guests Dr. Jackson Vane and Johnny ...
22: SDCC Panel - The Science of Jurassic World
02 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Presenting "The Science of Jurassic World" This episode of Star Warsologies is one of our panels from San Diego Comic-Con 2022! Star Warsologies usu...
21: SDCC Panel: The Mandalorian: Under the Helmet
01 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies is one of our panels from San Diego Comic-Con 2022! Presenting "The Mandalorian: Under the Helmet" W...
20: Don Bies Part 2
14 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies wraps up our interview with Don Bies, an actual Star Warsologist! Don Bies joined James and Melissa just ...
19: Don Bies, Part 1
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies is part one of our interview with Don Bies, an actual Star Warsologist! Don Bies joined James and Melissa...
18: Celebration Panel - The Science of Attack of the Clones
06 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies is one of our panels from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022! Panel description: From clonetroope...
17: Celebration Panel - Galactic Critters Big & Small
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies is one of our panels from Star Wars Celebration Anaheim 2022! Videos of the wildlife documentaries are avail...
16: Economics
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It's the long-awaited economics episode of Star Warsologies on exploring the taxation of trade routes in outlying systems! This time we examine ...
15: Religion and Star Wars
08 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Star Warsologies explores faith, religion, and the Force This time we examine religious beliefs and practices in the galaxy far, ...
14: Wildlife Conservation
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of Star Warsologies explores the world of conservation biology. Joining us in our discussion of wildlife conservation in the galaxy...
13: Military History
07 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies examines the "Wars" of "Star Wars" Andrew Liptak, historian, writer, and sci-fi geek chat...
12: Air Traffic Control
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on managing air (and space) traffic in Star Wars! Brendan Conboy, a designer of air traffic contro...
11: "Science of Star Wars" at SDCC Special Edition
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
We have a special episode of Star Warsologies! This episode is our "Science of Star Wars" panel at San Diego Comic-Con: Special Edition, from Novembe...
10: Prosthetics
05 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on limb replacement and prosthetics in Star Wars! Dr. Gerald Stark, senior clinical speciali...
9: Astronomy and Star Wars
12 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on astrophysics in Star Wars! Astrophysics professor Dr. Lisa Will joins us for a discussion about...
8: Journalism
24 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on recording history in Star Wars! Join us for a discussion with journalist and historian Chelsea Tatha...
7: Brewing in Star Wars
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on alcohol and brewing in Star Wars! Join us for a discussion with Reed Miller about brewing, ferm...
6: Psychology
18 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies focuses on psychology in Star Wars! Join us for a discussion with Dr. Drea Letamendi about the psychol...
5: Comic-Con@Home Panel!
26 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
A special bonus episode of Star Warsologies is up! Star Warsologies comes to Comic Con At Home 2021! Thanks to The Fleet Science Center in San Diego f...
4. Engineering for Space Travel
16 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
The latest episode of Star Warsologies is up! Electrical engineer Justin Gagne joins us to chat about designing technology to go into space. What star...
3: Life at the Extremes
30 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Polar biologist Angela Zoumplis joins us for an episode all about life at the extremes. What do tauntauns eat to maintain their large size? How is lif...
2: Ecology of Dagobah
08 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
It's the second episode of Star Warsologies! In the NEW podcast Star Warsologies, hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star War...
1: Geology & Paleontology on Tatooine
19 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to the debut episode of Star Warsologies! Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of Star Wars with their keen interest in all...
About Star Warsologies!
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Star Warsologies is a Podcast about Science and Star Wars! From archeology to zoology, real-world science is everywhere in Star Wars! Every episode o...