Mind the Force

In this episode of Mind the Force , Kristine and James explore the complicated journey of Beilert Valance and his struggle with identity, humanity, and self-acceptance. Through Valance's story, we examine the psychological impact of trauma, the weight of internalized shame, and how our experiences can reshape the way we see ourselves. When everything familiar about your identity changes, what does...

How do you rebuild your life after unimaginable loss? In this episode of Mind the Force , Kristine and James explore the story of Nomi Sunrider, a Jedi whose journey begins with tragedy. Through her experiences with grief, motherhood, and unexpected responsibility, we examine the pressures of resilience and the challenge of finding purpose after loss. Can we move forward without leaving the people...

In Part Two of our Star Wars vs. Nolan’s The Odyssey series, Kristine and James explore what happens when survival changes you. From Odysseus returning home after war to Anakin, Obi-Wan, and the clones carrying the effects of conflict, we look at trauma, control, isolation, and the challenge of reintegrating into ordinary life. At the center is one question: when the danger is over, how do you lea...

In Part One of our Star Wars vs. Nolan’s The Odyssey series, we explore how family stories shape identity long before we are old enough to question them. From Telemachus growing up in the shadow of Odysseus to Luke Skywalker discovering the truth about Anakin, we look at absent fathers, inherited expectations, family roles, and the fear of becoming the people who came before us. From intergenerati...

What makes us feel like we need to experience a movie in theaters? In this episode of Mind the Force, Kristine and James look at the psychology behind the theatrical experience and what it means for the future of Star Wars on the big screen. From nostalgia and fandom identity to spectacle, FOMO, and shared cultural moments, we explore why some movies become events while others struggle to pull aud...

For Pride Month, Kristine and James dive into Doctor Chelli Lona Aphra: rogue archaeologist, tech genius, walking red flag, and one of Star Wars’ most compelling queer characters. Through Aphra’s relationships, betrayals, family wounds, and moral grayness, we explore representation without perfection, survival without healing, and the freedom to be fully complicated. Hosts: Kristine Smith & Ja...

Jar Jar Binks has spent decades as the butt of the joke, but there is more to him than that. This week on Mind the Force, we look at Jar Jar as an outsider, a disruptor, and an unexpectedly important part of The Phantom Menace . We also discuss the backlash to the prequel era, how that criticism spilled onto Ahmed Best, and what his experience tells us about the darker side of fandom. This episode...

In this Mother’s Day episode of Mind the Force , we reflect on the quiet power of Shmi Skywalker. Too often remembered only as Anakin’s mother, Shmi deserves to be seen on her own terms: as a woman of dignity, tenderness, and extraordinary strength. We explore what Shmi represents in the Star Wars saga, from motherhood under oppression to the sacred and mythic echoes surrounding her character. Thi...

In Ep. XXVI of Mind the Force , Kristine and James explore the clones not as individual fan-favorite characters but as a collective military body shaped by obedience, war, and disposability. They are joined by LCSW Stacy Pellettieri for a thoughtful conversation about identity, depersonalization, brotherhood, and what it means to be treated as function first and person second. Together, they exami...

In Ep XXV of Mind the Force , Kristine and James follow Count Dooku into the Clone Wars. They unpack how Dooku’s need for control turns into strategy, how “necessary” choices become routine, and what it costs when people become pieces on a galactic board. From his role as the calm face of the separatist cause to the brutal irony of how his story ends, this episode traces Dooku’s downfall—and the m...

In Ep XXIV of Mind the Force, Kristine and James explore Count Dooku’s life before the Clone Wars—starting with his childhood and tracing how he grows from a promising Jedi into someone convinced the system is beyond saving. They unpack the disillusionment that shapes him, the way moral clarity can harden into certainty, and how “necessary” choices quietly become a doorway to control. Hosts: Krist...

Mon Mothma doesn’t carry a lightsaber; she carries the Rebellion. In Ep XXIII of Mind the Force , Kristine and James take a close look at what Mon’s kind of leadership actually demands: restraint under pressure, conviction without applause, and the quiet endurance of choices that can’t be clean. We trace how her public composure becomes a survival skill, how sacrifice shows up in her personal life...

In this very special episode of Mind the Force , Kristine and James dive headfirst into one of the strangest, most infamous, and most fascinating corners of the Star Wars universe: The Star Wars Holiday Special . We explore how the 1978 special came to be, what it reveals about the early days of the franchise, and why its cult status continues to grow decades later. From Wookiee family dynamics to...

In this lighthearted episode of Mind the Force, Kristine and James blast off into the world of Spaceballs, Mel Brooks’ hilarious spoof of Star Wars. Along the way, they explore the film’s history and behind-the-scenes magic — from Brooks’ creative process to the cultural moment that made the parody such a classic. Beyond the jokes and absurdity, the conversation turns to the healing power of laugh...

On Ep XX of Mind the Force, Kristine and James explore the emotional and psychological depth of Jedi Master Mace Windu, unpacking how discipline, duty, and emotional suppression shaped one of Star Wars’ most complex figures. They’re joined by Gilbert Barjon, a mental health professional who brings a neurological and therapeutic lens to understanding Mace’s inner world and the human truth...

In this thought-provoking episode of  Mind the Force , host James Abbate teams up with guest host, Lindsay Riso, an industrial engineer and lifelong Star Wars fan, for a deep dive into the legacy of C-3PO. They explore his origins as a creation of young Anakin Skywalker, his service alongside Padmé Amidala, and his pivotal role in the Rebellion and Resistance. The episode blends Star Wars can...

In episode XVIII of Mind the Force, Kristine and James explore what it means to be a mother in a galaxy full of war, prophecy, and rebellion! In this deeply personal and reflective episode, we explore the powerful — and often overlooked — stories of pregnancy and motherhood in the Star Wars universe. From Shmi Skywalker’s mysterious and isolating divine conception to Padmé Amidala’s hidden, heartb...

In Episode XVII of Mind the Force, we explore the legacy of Jango Fett—Mandalorian, bounty hunter, and father. Often seen as cold and ruthless, Jango’s story reveals a deeper truth about identity, intentionality, and what it means to pass something on. We examine his choice to raise Boba as an unaltered clone, not as a soldier, but as a son shaped by purpose and survival. Joining us is Licensed Me...

In Episode XVI of  Mind the Force , Kristine and James are joined by celebrity culture and fandom expert Gayle Stever to explore the fascinating world of fandoms. Gayle shares her extensive research on celebrity culture, parasocial relationships, and what drives the intense devotion behind superstar fandoms. From  Star Trek  and  The Hobbit  to icons like Michael Jackson a...

In Ep XV of  Mind the Force Podcast , we delve into the human psychology of the Dark Side with special guest Dr. Owen Muir, a psychiatrist with expertise in trauma, emotional regulation, and human behavior. Together, we explore why individuals are drawn to the allure of "evil," dissecting iconic moments from  Star Wars  to uncover real-world parallels. What psychological factors lea...

Episode Description: Happy Star Wars Podcast Day! On this special episode of Mind the Force, Kristine, and James are waxing poetic about their love of all things Star Wars. Today, we’re joining forces with fans and creators worldwide to celebrate the galaxy far, far away in honor of Star Wars Podcast Day (Feb 7th marks the 26th anniversary of the first Star Wars podcast the internet was ever grace...

In Episode XIII of Mind the Force, James, and Kristine wrap up the Tarkin series with a deep dive into the psyche of this complex character, exploring his authoritarian leadership style and the motivations behind his cold, calculated decisions. Joined by LMFT and Trauma Specialist, Alev Ates-Barlas, we analyze Tarkin’s possible mental health struggles, including his need for control, fear-driven a...

On Ep XII of Mind the Force, join Kristine and James as they continue their journey through the mind of Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin during his most formidable years at the military mastermind of the mighty Galactic Empire. Picking right up from the end of Tarkin, Part I, they discuss the heavy costs of the Empire's brand of "justice", how hubris can blind even the savviest of minds, and ask the hard...

On Ep XI of Mind the Force, Kristine and James roll out the first of two (count em, two!) episodes on everyone's favorite maniacal, military Moff himself, Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin. Join the fun as they explore the life and mind of this complex fellow, from his wild childhood on the outer rim planet of Eriadu to the hallowed halls at the center of Galactic power. Hosts: Kristine McPartlin & Ja...

On Ep X of Mind the Force, we cover the life and times of Fallen Jedi turned mystic healer, Barriss Offee. From her troubled days as a padawan to the dark halls of the Inquisitorius, we take a look at this classic Star Wars redemption arc. And we are excited to bring on James Abbate as our permanent co-host! Welcome to Mind the Force, James! Hosts: Kristine McPartlin & James Abbate Mind the Fo...