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 surreal musical numbers to the legacy of Life Day, we unpack the chaos, the charm, and the unexpectedly heartfelt intentions behind this once-lost piece of Star Wars history.

And for the first time on Mind the Force, we bring you an exclusive interview with legendary director Steve Binder, who shares:

• What it was really like bringing the Holiday Special to life
• His creative vision and how it collided with studio demands
• Behind-the-scenes stories that have rarely been told
• His reflections on the special’s impact—and how he feels about its reputation today

Throughout the episode, Kristine and James discuss the emotional resonance hidden beneath the camp: the way nostalgia shapes our relationship to media, the comfort of holiday traditions, and how even the quirkiest pieces of pop culture can connect us to joy, community, and our younger selves.

Whether you love the Holiday Special, hate it, or simply marvel at its existence, this episode offers fresh insight, warm humor, and a rare conversation with the artist behind the madness.

Hosts: Kristine Smith & James Abbate

Produced by: Press Record Studios

www.pressrecordstudios.com

Mind the Force Website: ⁠https://mindtheforce.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mindtheforce/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mindtheforce

Mental Health Disclaimer

We are not medical or mental health professionals. Mind the Force podcast is intended for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this Podcast do we diagnose or treat listeners with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist or licensed mental health professional.

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 laughter: how humor helps us process what we love, release tension, and stay connected to one another. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just need a good laugh, this episode celebrates how joy, playfulness, and self-awareness can help us find balance in even the strangest galaxies.

Hosts: Kristine Smith & James Abbate

Produced by: Press Record Studios

www.pressrecordstudios.com

Mind the Force Website: ⁠https://mindtheforce.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mindtheforce/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mindtheforce

Mental Health Disclaimer

We are not medical or mental health professionals. Mind the Force podcast is intended for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this Podcast do we diagnose or treat listeners with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist or licensed mental health professional.

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 truths reflected in his story.

Was Mace Windu’s rigidity a reflection of inner peace or internal conflict? How does the burden of leadership shape a person’s mental health, especially when they’re expected to embody perfection? And what can we learn from his downfall about trauma, control, and self-trust?

Hosts: Kristine Smith & James Abbate

Produced by: Press Record Studios

www.pressrecordstudios.com

Mind the Force Website: ⁠https://mindtheforce.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mindtheforce/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mindtheforce

Mental Health Disclaimer

We are not medical or mental health professionals. Mind the Force podcast is intended for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this Podcast do we diagnose or treat listeners with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist or licensed mental health professional.