About Star Warsologies: A Podcast About Science and Star Wars
From archeology to zoology, real-world science is everywhere in Star Wars! Every episode includes an interview with an expert discussing how Star Wars relates to their field of study. Explore the many ways science is represented in a galaxy far, far away with hosts Melissa Miller and James Floyd, both freelance writers for Star Wars Insider magazine. Part of the Skywalking Network
In this episode of Star Warsologies, Dr. Laine D'Augustine joins us to talk about her expertise in emergency medicine and aerospace engineering.
Laine shares the many hazards that going into space poses on human anatomy and how NASA and other space agencies are working to mitigate them. Radiation! Bone density! Changes in blood and other fluid pressure when weightless! We also talk about how artificial gravity, which is still just science fiction, can reduce most of those risks. Not to mention how great it would be to have medical droids! We talk ultrasounds, babies in space, and lots of other topics. And because Laine is our first guest who works on safety protocols, we had to ask her about the Empire's lack of railings!
Show Links:
Check our Laine's work on Vectors and Vitals via her website (https://www.vectorsandvitals.com/) or on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/vectorsandvitals) and YouTube!
Listen to our bonus episode that includes more insights from Laine: Science of Tom Cruise (https://youtu.be/rW-WBS_uWM0) from SDCC 2026!
Laine also gave a great short talk about the physics of spaceships at our SDCC 2025 Mixer for Science-Minded Geeks!
For more medical topics in Star Wars, check out episode 23!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/525984202561077)!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
29 Sept 2026
82: Hair Design in Star Wars
In this episode of Star Warsologies, we chat with Maria Sandoval, head of the hair department on The Mandalorian, Book of Boba Fett, and Ahsoka!
Maria Sandoval joins us to talk hair design and styling in Star Wars. She discusses her work on the recent shows and The Mandalorian and Grogu movie and how much thought goes int o each actor's look. Even though most of the title characters don't have hair, or it's covered by a helmet most of the time, it all has to fit in with the Star Wars aesthetic. We talk about what the hair department is in charge of versus makeup, costuming, and Legacy Effects. And of course we discuss the many iconic hairstyles of other Star Wars characters like Leia and Padme. We also get meta and speculate what kind of hair stylists exist in-universe. Are there braiding droids?!
Show Links:
Follow Maria at @bibbidibobbidibatuu on Instagram and keep an eye on her website for more updates! You can also follow her at @onlyspeederfans on IG.
Maria will be at Halcy-Con in October in Orlands, find her there! She'll also be part of the Virtual Cantina event at Star Wars Celebration in Los Angeles in April 2027!
Listen to Maria's interview with Skywalking Through Neverland, our podcast friends!
Check out Maria's IMDb page to check out her impressive credits!
You can order James's crossword puzzle book now! For a free puzzle, download the activity kit from Star Wars Reads!
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Star Warsologies on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Did you miss an earlier episode? Catch up here!
Follow us on BlueSky and Instagram or join our Facebook fan group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/525984202561077)!
Star Warsologies is a podcast about science in a galaxy far, far away. Hosts James Floyd and Melissa Miller combine their love of storytelling in the franchise with their keen interest in all things academic.
1 Sept 2026
Bonus: Science of Tom Cruise from SDCC 2026
Watch this episode on YouTube (https://youtu.be/rW-WBS_uWM0) to see all the slides from the panel - screenshots, science concepts and more! https://youtu.be/rW-WBS_uWM0
Panel description: Tom Cruise's diverse filmography is a perfect way to talk about science! What part of his impossible missions are actually realistic? What does real-life physics and human anatomy have to say about all those stunts? We'll also cover aliens, cloning, time loops, and even vampires and mummies! Lisa Will (astrophysicist and astronomer), Gracie Ermi (computer and machine learning scientist), Elizabeth Rega (anatomy professor and science advisor), Ronald Coleman (stem cell biologist and author), Laine D'Augustine (aerospace engineer and pilot), and Paul Wynns (retired naval aviator and flight school owner) are eager to explore what we can learn while eating our popcorn and being entertained by one of the biggest movie stars. Moderated by science communicator Melissa T. Miller.
Sound recording and editing by Isabella Miller.
Inside a recent episode
39: The Science of Superpowers
Published 31 Jul 2023 · Transcript excerpt
[…] So I also wanted to talk a little bit about that. Telecommesis, telepathic powers that Jean has as well. The ability to move objects using your mind. So it's not too far reach when you think about it. There are a lot of prosthetics that use the recording of brain signals after an individual loses the limb. […]
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