Mind the Force

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...

On Ep IX of Mind the Force, Kristine is joined by HB Gibson and Julie Christiansen to discuss Chewbacca and the nuances of what honor means to Wookie culture and his life debt to Han Solo. From the emotional wisdom that comes with age to the mental effects of war and technology on society, this is one you don't want to miss! HB Gibson https://linktr.ee/hb_gibson   Julie A Christiansen https://link...

On Ep VIII of Mind the Force, Kristine is solo dolo and paying homage to the 4th annual Star Wars Podcast Day. We are joining over 100 other Star Wars podcasts and dropping an episode to celebrate 25 years of Star Wars podcasts. Kristine talks about her love of the franchise and how the Mind the Force podcast came to be. Shout out to Daniel at Star Wars Podcast Day for letting us take part in such...

On Ep VII of Mind the Force, the topic on the table is the infamous bounty hunter, Cad Bane. Kristine is joined by James Abbate, friend and fellow long time Star Wars nerd, and Simone Rinne, Social Worker & Host of The Mindful Men Podcast. Together they dig into the psychological affairs of one very hardworking but possibly misguided Duros bounty hunter. Co-Host: James Abbate Special Guest: Si...

On Episode VI of Mind the Force, Kristine McPartlin is joined by Licensed Psychotherapist, Elisa Peimer, to get her professional thoughts and feelings on Anakin's final days and traumas before his fall to the dark side. We get into accountability, repression, loss, and emotional processing in the final installment of the Anakin Skywalker Trilogy Arc. Elisa Peimer, LMSW: https://solmentalhealth.com...

On Ep V of Mind the Force, Kristine and Matt examine the final days of Anakin's life before his infamous fall to the dark side. Host: Kristine McPartlin & Matt McPartlin Mind the Force Website: ⁠https://mindtheforce.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mindtheforce/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mindtheforce Mental Health Disclaimer I am not a medical or mental health professiona...