Around the Galaxy

About Around the Galaxy

Around the Galaxy with hosts Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke share in-depth interviews with the people behind the fandom. The stream also features Podcast of the Whills, the podcast that treats Star Wars like a sacred text and audio from the weekly topic-driven talk show, ATGLive, running every Thursday night LIVE on our YouTube and Facebook pages.

Publisher

Pete Fletzer

Category

tv & film · tv & film · tv & film

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

20 Apr 2019

Latest episode

25 Nov 2025

Latest episodes

1 of 400 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   25 Nov 2025TRANSCRIPT

   Inside Star Wars: The Last Order with Author Kwame Mbalia

   On this replay of ATGLive from 11/20/26, Pete, Nick, and Chris welcome back New York Times bestselling author Kwame Mbalia—the celebrated creative mind behind the Tristan Strong series and one of the most joyful, insightful voices in modern storytelling. Kwame joins us to discuss his newest release, Star Wars: The Last Order, a powerful, thrilling, and emotionally resonant addition to the galaxy far, far away. We dive into: ✅ Kwame’s lifelong love of Star Wars ✅ What it was like getting the call to write in the Lucasfilm universe ✅ Crafting stories centered on Finn and Jannah ✅ How African American folklore, Black heritage, and mythology shape his writing ✅ Representation, heroism, and expanding the future of Star Wars publishing ✅ Humor, heart, worldbuilding, and writing for readers of all ages Links: The Last Order - https://amzn.to/4ijyrP7 Who Owns the Myth - www.whoownsthemyth.com Whether you’re a fan of Tristan Strong, a Star Wars book collector, a Finn stan, or someone who loves conversations about storytelling, identity, and imagination—this episode is for you. 📚 Order Star Wars: The Last Order — support the author! 📖 Explore Kwame’s other novels, including the award-winning Tristan Strong series 🔥 If you enjoy thoughtful Star Wars interviews, fandom conversations, and behind-the-scenes perspectives from creators across the galaxy, make sure to subscribe, rate, and share. Connect with us: Website: TheSSWNetwork.com TikTok: @TheSSWNetwork Instagram: @TheSSWNetwork Facebook: Facebook.com/TheSSWNetwork Twitter: @TheSSWNetwork @ATGcast Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheSSWNetwork Voicemail: 504-321-1501 Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @thesswnetwork Don't miss out on the excitement! Join us as we explore the galaxy together. (c) 2025 Pete in the Seat Studios

2. 

   18 Nov 2025

   The Questions Behind the Myth: Pete Fletzer Interviewed on His New Star Wars Book

   In this very special episode of Around the Galaxy, the roles are reversed. Host Pete Fletzer hands the microphone to someone who has been there since the very beginning of his Star Wars journey — his father. As one of the people Pete dedicated his new book Who Owns the Myth? to, he steps into the host seat to interview Pete about the project that has reshaped his understanding of fandom, myth, and legacy. Together, they dive into why the book was written, the central question it asks about who truly “owns” a story as culturally massive as Star Wars, and how five decades of fandom—from toys to timelines—shaped the book’s point of view. Pete shares personal anecdotes from his own lifelong relationship with the saga, including moments that inspired entire chapters. They also explore whether the book resonates even for readers who aren’t deep into Star Wars lore. If you’ve ever wondered how modern fandom evolves, how myths are formed, or what inspires someone to write a book about the soul of a galaxy far, far away, this heartfelt father-son conversation is a must-listen. 📘 Get the book: https://WhoOwnsTheMyth.com (https://WhoOwnsTheMyth.com) 📚 Also available on Amazon (Kindle & hardcover) 🎙️ Subscribe for more Star Wars interviews, commentary, and deep dives. Connect with us: Website: TheSSWNetwork.com TikTok: @TheSSWNetwork Instagram: @TheSSWNetwork Facebook: Facebook.com/TheSSWNetwork Twitter: @TheSSWNetwork @ATGcast Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheSSWNetwork Voicemail: 504-321-1501 Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @thesswnetwork Don't miss out on the excitement! Join us as we explore the galaxy together. (c) 2025 Pete in the Seat Studios

3. 

   13 Oct 2025

   Howard Berger & Marshall Julius: Making Monsters and Movie MagicThis week on Around the Galaxy: The Star Wars Fan Talk Show, Pete Fletzer an

   This week on Around the Galaxy: The Star Wars Fan Talk Show, Pete Fletzer and Nick Mielke go behind the masks with two legends of practical effects and pop culture — Howard Berger and Marshall Julius, the creative duo behind the brand-new book Making Monsters (get it on sale here: https://amzn.to/3KFr47X ). Howard Berger is an Academy Award–winning special make-up effects artist and co-founder of KNB EFX Group, with over 200 film credits to his name. From The Chronicles of Narnia to The Walking Dead, Army of Darkness, and Kill Bill, Howard has helped shape some of the most unforgettable creatures and characters in movie history. Marshall Julius is an entertainment journalist, broadcaster, and self-proclaimed veteran nerd whose wit and energy have made him a fan-favorite across the film and fandom community. Together, the two dive deep into the art, craft, and heart behind monster-making — and why these cinematic creations continue to captivate audiences decades later. The conversation spans four time zones — with Marshall joining from the U.K., Howard calling in from a film set in New Mexico, and Pete and Nick running on early-morning coffee. The result? A lively, insightful, and often hilarious discussion about creativity, fandom, and the beauty of bringing imagination to life. 📚 Speaking of books — Pete’s own upcoming release, Who Owns the Myth?, explores why Star Wars means so much to so many of us. It’s part mythic study, part memoir, and part pop culture reflection — and it’s available for preorder now at WhoOwnsTheMyth.com (https://WhoOwnsTheMyth.com). 🔗 Visit TheSSWNetwork.com (https://TheSSWNetwork.com) for links to our socials, merch store, and ways to support the show — including joining our community as a patron through Join SSWN. 🎧 Sit back, hit play, and enjoy this conversation with Howard Berger and Marshall Julius — two masters of monsters, myth, and movie magic. Connect with us: Website: TheSSWNetwork.com TikTok: @TheSSWNetwork Instagram: @TheSSWNetwork Facebook: Facebook.com/TheSSWNetwork Twitter: @TheSSWNetwork @ATGcast Support us on Patreon: Patreon.com/TheSSWNetwork Voicemail: 504-321-1501 Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @thesswnetwork Don't miss out on the excitement! Join us as we explore the galaxy together. (c) 2025 Pete in the Seat Studios

Inside a recent episode

Inside Star Wars: The Last Order with Author Kwame Mbalia

Published 25 Nov 2025 · Transcript excerpt

[…] What will make you feel like, yeah, I got this, if one person says something to you? um i think i i there's a couple things it starts with um the dedication um which is i don't want to what did i write i don't remember what i wrote um to all the troopers out there it's never too late to join the resistance um It starts there and throughout the book, there's an aspect of a found family, a chosen family that moves through the story. And I want them to understand that there are a lot of voices that that are going to be telling you to do this do that this is what's cool this is a trend you know let's do this let's do that and then you there will be those people who will consistently be in your corner even when you are um heading the wrong way you know they will consistently be in your corner trying to um trying to help you Finn had it in his POV. […]

Who has been a guest on Around the Galaxy

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Ryan McGee
• Patrick
• Savannah
• Ed
• Tim Barnes

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

291,716

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.0 / 5

100 ratings

Spotify

3.9 / 5

23 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 85 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

99

Social presence

0

YouTube

86

Engagement

92

Contact Around the Galaxy

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Around the Galaxy