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.

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 canon with real-world reflections on AI, examining how C-3PO’s personality—his anxiety, loyalty, and etiquette—touches on deeper questions of emotional labor, programmed servitude, and what it means to be intelligent. With a respectful nod to today’s AI, James and Lindsay also unpack the ethical implications of sentient intelligence—both in a galaxy far, far away and in our own rapidly evolving world.

Hosts: James Abbate & Lindsay Riso

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 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, heartbreaking pregnancy, Hera Syndulla’s leadership while carrying a child during wartime, and Leia Organa’s legacy as a mother burdened by loss, we look at the emotional, physical, and mental tolls these characters faced — and how they reflect the realities many people experience in our galaxy.

We honor the complexity of pregnancy and speak openly about the emotional and mental labor of pregnancy.

If you or someone you love is struggling, you're not alone. Resources are linked below:

• Postpartum Support International – Free support groups & therapist directory
• 2020 Mom – Mental health advocacy for moms
• National Maternal Mental Health Hotline – Call or text 1-833-943-5746 (24/7)

• Return to Zero: HOPE – Support after pregnancy or infant loss
• SHARE Support – Community for grieving parents

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (24/7)

Hosts: Kristine McPartlin & 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 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 Mental Health Counselor Don Sinkfield, who offers insight into the psychological importance of family structure, how legacy shapes identity, and why Jango’s form of fatherhood still resonates today. We also dive into Jango’s relationship with Mandalorian culture, his role in shaping the clone army, and what his story teaches us about freedom, love, and generational trauma.

This episode is for anyone reflecting on the legacy they’re building—and the armor we wear to protect what we value most.

Guest: Don Sinkfield

https://helptoadjust.com/

https://www.thenewhopemhcs.com/

Hosts: Kristine McPartlin & James Abbate

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

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

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

Produced by: Press Record Studios

www.pressrecordstudios.com

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 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 and Josh Groban, Gayle dives deep into what makes these fandoms tick and why we are so drawn to larger-than-life figures.

We examine the psychological dynamics of fandom—what counts as fandom, what doesn’t, and how these fan cultures reflect broader societal trends.

We also take a special look at Star Wars, one of the most iconic and passionate fandoms in the world, and explore what it is about the galaxy far, far away that has sparked such a deep connection for generations of fans. Gayle offers unique insights into how Star Wars fits into the broader picture of fandom culture and the psychological aspects that keep fans coming back for more.

Guests: Gayle S. Stever, Ph.D.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Gayle_Stever

https://gstever.sunyempirefaculty.net/

Hosts: Kristine McPartlin & 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 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 lead people to make destructive choices? How do fear, anger, and manipulation play a role in turning toward the Dark Side? Dr. Muir provides fascinating insights into the complexity of human behavior and shares strategies for recognizing and resisting the pull of negativity in our own lives.

Guests: Dr. Owen Muir

https://www.fermatahealth.com/owen-scott-muir-md-interventional-child-adolescent-psychiatrist-brooklyn/

Hosts: Kristine McPartlin & 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.