Rebel Force Radio: Star Wars Podcast

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By: Star Wars

Long-running, award-winning STAR WARS program hosted by podcasting veterans Jason Swank and Jimmy Mac, Rebel Force Radio provides STAR WARS information and entertainment. From the Classic Trilogy to the prequels, sequels, streaming series, animation and more, Rebel Force Radio puts you on the front lines of fandom. Featuring celebrity guests, news, opinions, comedy, reviews, contests, and more.

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Todd Stashwick - VisionQuest's Paladin: The Boba Fett of the MCU
Todd Stashwick - VisionQuest's Paladin: The Boba Fett of the MCU episode artwork
Yesterday at 11:00 PM

Todd Stashwick is an actor, writer, gamer, and Star Wars superfan. And now, Todd can be seen in VisionQuest as the bounty hunter Paladin, who was modeled after Boba Fett. Todd joins us In The Cantina to discuss the character and share stories about his experiences on the set. Plus, plenty of Wars and Trek talk too! 

In news headlines, we receive what may be the final update on Taika Waititi's long-gestating Star Wars film, we breakdown audio highlights from recent interviews with Kathleen Kennedy, Ben Affleck, and Jeff Garlin, who talked about his time on the s...


Star Wars: Starfighter at NYCC | Scrib Doon!
Star Wars: Starfighter at NYCC | Scrib Doon! episode artwork
10/16/2026

Was the name (or nickname) for the antagonist in Star Wars: Starfighter revealed at NYCC 2026? Who is The Rock Pirate of Kaneen? We review the announcements from Lucasfilm Publishing's panel at the con and all the upcoming Starfighter books and comics, along with the general Star Wars news breaking last weekend.

Scrib Doon! Have you noticed that saying floating around social media lately? Well, you can thank the new videogame Star Wars: Galactic Racer and a breakout character named Biddy Blas, who we get to know.

As the anticipation for Ahsoka season 2 continues to build...


What We Know About Ahsoka Season 2 So Far
What We Know About Ahsoka Season 2 So Far episode artwork
10/09/2026

We're prepping for Ahsoka season two by looking at information about the plot as revealed through interviews, articles, and other teases from the past couple of years, including Dave Filoni comments from the latest Star Wars spread in Empire magazine. We discuss the quest of Baylon Skoll, the Mortis gods, Grand Admiral Thrawn v. Admiral Ackbar, and we speculate about where the story may go. Kathleen Kennedy is talking about life after Lucasfilm and we review highlights. Does she throw George Lucas under the bus? Hear what we think! Plus, a tight review of the newest Star Wars novel...


Star Wars Episode X Director Revealed | ILM's John Goodson Interview
Star Wars Episode X Director Revealed | ILM's John Goodson Interview episode artwork
10/02/2026

We react to reports saying Skeleton Crew's Jon Watts will direct Star Wars Episode X. Is he the right man for the job? We discuss. Is a "Darth Vader" movie being developed for Hayden Christensen? Hayden recently reacted to these rumors and we hear what he had to say, and share our ideas of what we'd like to see in a Darth Vader movie or series.

The man who built the Razor Crest - ILM veteran John Goodson - joins us In The Cantina to discuss his decades-long career working on Star Wars special effects, including his...


Crafting Star Wars History with Alan Dean Foster
Crafting Star Wars History with Alan Dean Foster episode artwork
09/25/2026

Legendary Sci-Fi writer Alan Dean Foster joins us In The Cantina to discuss his work with George Lucas as ghostwriter of the original Star Wars film novelization along with recollections about the making of the first Expanded Universe novel - Splinter of the Minds Eye - and behind-the-scenes stories going back to before the first Star Wars film was even released. Alan also shares his thoughts on the sequel trilogy and more. This is a Star Wars history lesson you do not want to miss. Plus, we have interview highlights from George Lucas at the opening of the Lucas...


The Mandalorians: Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder
The Mandalorians: Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder episode artwork
09/18/2026

We go In The Cantina for a pair of individual interviews with the guys who bring The Mandalorian to life, Brendan Wayne and Lateef Crowder. While Pedro Pascal supplies the voice of Din Djarin, Brendan handles the physical acting in the Beskar armor while Lateef provides the martial arts and stunt work. We speak to both Mandos and ask them similar questions to compare their answers.

What can be done in future Star Wars stories to make the sequel trilogy resonate the same way The Clone Wars benefitted the prequel trilogy? We discuss. More fans and their...


Inside The Lawless Galaxy of Star Wars: Starfighter
Inside The Lawless Galaxy of Star Wars: Starfighter episode artwork
09/11/2026

We kick off our twenty-first year of Star Wars podcasting by looking ahead to Star Wars: Starfighter via interview highlights with writer Jonathan Tropper and director Shawn Levy, who reveals his story will be set in a galaxy far, far away without a governing body. We interpret all of the clues about Starfighter and predict what a lawless Star Wars galaxy will look like.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art has finally opened in LA. We react to some of the early coverage and the statues on display, like "Huttslayer Leia".

Plus, Swank is having...


Celebrating 20 Years of Star Wars Podcasting
Celebrating 20 Years of Star Wars Podcasting episode artwork
09/04/2026

From the birth of The ForceCast on September 1st in 2006, to the launch of Rebel Force Radio, we've spent two decades exploring the galaxy far, far away together. Along the way, we've shared news, opinions, event coverage, interviews, unforgettable moments and a lot of laughs with an amazing community of Star Wars fans from around the world. We are grateful to celebrate this milestone with YOU. The RFR Switchboard was open as we took your calls to hear about the episodes, moments, guests, cons, or inside jokes that have stayed with you over the years. Or that burning question...


Ernest Cline | Star Wars: Starfighter D23 Trailer Review
Ernest Cline | Star Wars: Starfighter D23 Trailer Review episode artwork
08/28/2026

We go In The Cantina to get caught up with author and screenwriter Ernest Cline. In this awesome conversation, Ernie shares behind-the-scenes stories about his first film Fanboys, many we've never heard before, along with tales from the Fanboys reunion earlier this month in Texas. We present Ernie with every Star Wars reference from his groundbreaking novel Ready Player One to get his first-blush reactions and inspirations, and Ernie shares stories about working with Steven Spielberg. Plus, Ernie sticks around to break down the Star Wars: Starfighter teaser trailer screened only once earlier this month at D23, and more!<...


Ahsoka Season 2 Teaser Trailer Breakdown | Star Wars at D23
Ahsoka Season 2 Teaser Trailer Breakdown | Star Wars at D23 episode artwork
08/21/2026

We put the all-new Ahsoka season two teaser trailer under the microscope as we breakdown the whole thing, shot-by-shot, following it's debut at D23. Hayden Christensen spoke about his desire to work with Natalie Portman in a Clone Wars-based live-action show.

Plus, we have D23 Ahsoka media junket highlights from Dave Filoni, Rosario Dawson, and Eman Esfandi, along with a follow-up to a lingering question from last week's Bryce Dallas Howard interview here on RFR and more.


The Bryce Is Right | Bryce Dallas Howard Interview
The Bryce Is Right | Bryce Dallas Howard Interview episode artwork
08/14/2026

Bryce Dallas Howard joins us In The Cantina to talk all about her career behind-the-camera as director of Star Wars streaming shows, her famous family, and whether or not she'd like the chance to direct a feature film in a galaxy far, far away (hint: she does).

Luke Skywalker meets Spider-Man? Star Wars is merging with the Marvel Universe for a Kevin Smith-penned adventure to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Saga. We discuss the pros and cons.

RFR have returned from Rebel Scum Con and we have stories to tell about what we saw...


The Revenge of Star Wars: Detours
The Revenge of Star Wars: Detours episode artwork
08/07/2026

In a surprise announcement, the long "on-the-shelf" Star Wars animated comedy from George Lucas, Seth Green and company will be screening at the soon-to-open Lucas Museum in LA. We listen to Seth Green's announcement at San Diego Comic Con and discuss what the show is all about. In other SDCC news, Kevin Feige gets us pumped up about next year's Star Wars: Starfighter by revealing he's already seen it, but we are confused by the total lack of publicly available images and coverage. And we share our disappointment with Hasbro for some of their lackluster SDCC announcements and criticize...


Behind-The-Scenes with The Mandalorian and Grogu Documentaries
Behind-The-Scenes with The Mandalorian and Grogu Documentaries episode artwork
07/24/2026

The Mandalorian and Grogu home video digital release happened this week so we're going under-the-hood to check out the bonus features and analyze highlights about bringing Embo, The Amanin, and the Droid Gotra to life. Looking ahead to Star Wars: Starfighter, we listen to highlights from a recent interview with screenwriter Jonathan Tropper. Convention season is here so we preview the major Star Wars happenings going down at Rebel Scum Con and San Diego Comic Con. Plus, Star Wars: The Experience museum exhibit is coming to Philadelphia, and we look back at other Star Wars exhibits from the past.<...


George Lucas Criticizes Hollywood | Cinema Relics' Dan Lanigan
George Lucas Criticizes Hollywood | Cinema Relics' Dan Lanigan episode artwork
07/17/2026

We're joined In The Cantina by Cinema Relics' Dan Lanigan. Dan discusses his Star Wars fandom, his world-class movie prop collection, his TV show Prop Culture, and his work with Steve Sansweet on The Saga Vault. We look at highlights from a recent George Lucas interview where he shared blunt opinions about Hollywood's over-reliance on focus groups and the rise of AI in filmmaking. RFR is hitting the road! Find out where we're going next! What does Starkiller mean? Could it be a character's last name? Plus, memories from the premiere of Fanboys, a home video release for The...


Star Wars: Starfighter Rumors | George Lucas Meets the Minions
Star Wars: Starfighter Rumors | George Lucas Meets the Minions episode artwork
07/10/2026

We look ahead to next year with the latest rumors about the upcoming Star Wars:Starfighter including a potential character name for Ryan Gosling. George Lucas is appearing in the latest film from the Despicable Me franchise, Minions and Monsters, now in theaters. We review his scene, learn how it happened, and look back at prior Lucas cameos in movies and TV. The Ninth Jedi is premiering next month and recently debuted a new trailer. We discuss and debate if the Star Wars anime experiment is working or not. Plus, we review listener feedback about what would make a...


Game Plan for Future Star Wars Revealed? | Steve Sansweet Interview
Game Plan for Future Star Wars Revealed? | Steve Sansweet Interview episode artwork
06/26/2026

According to an alleged leaked studio document, a "game plan" for the future of Star Wars has been devised and it includes very specific directives, like what era should all shows be based in, how often the films and shows should happen, and what's this about an "overarching framework" for all upcoming Star Wars stories? We look at what the document contains and provide our takes. 

Steve Sansweet, Star Wars fan ambassador, author, and Friend of RFR, checks in to tell us all about his amazing new show The Saga Vault. Steve reveals to us how he a...


The Lost Lucas Tapes: When George Met Robin Williams
The Lost Lucas Tapes: When George Met Robin Williams episode artwork
06/19/2026

A lost audio artifact has resurfaced, and it is pure pop culture gold! We're talking about the ultimate, mind-melting crossover event: George Lucas and Robin Williams going deep during the peak Attack of the Clones era. 

Back in the early 2000s, George Lucas sat down with Robin Williams for a wide-ranging conversation about Star Wars and filmmaking. This full interview was removed from the internet many years ago but it has been made available again and review a few choice highlights of when The Maker met Mork. 

Plus, we have clips of Brendan Wayne discussing Th...


Star Wars: Starfighter Got Next
Star Wars: Starfighter Got Next episode artwork
06/12/2026

With the release of The Mandalorian and Grogu in our rear windows, we're shifting focus to next year's Ryan Gosling-led Star Wars: Starfighter. We break down all the news and latest rumors, including stuff we've been told by those in-the-know. Plus, we review interview highlights from director Shawn Levy and Amy Adams. Will Starfighter be a lead-in for the next Star Wars trilogy? We discuss the possibility. 

But we're not done with the Mando movie - We review the Theater Ears app's Jon Favreau director commentary track and discuss the experience. Plus, listener feedback on the expectations p...


THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU | Hot Takes with Kyle Newman
THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU | Hot Takes with Kyle Newman episode artwork
06/05/2026

The release of a new Star Wars film wouldn't be complete without checking in with filmmaker Kyle Newman to get his thoughts on the latest addition to the saga. Kyle joins us In The Cantina with his review of The Mandalorian and Grogu and provides insight as both an industry insider and Star Wars superfan. We've collected a ton of cool interview highlights from Jon Favreau, Dave Filoni and Pedro Pascal discussing the Mando movie and screenwriter Damon Lindelof recently spoke about the Rey "New Jedi Order" film script he worked on before getting fired off the project. We...


The Mandalorian and Grogu: Live Call-In After Show
The Mandalorian and Grogu: Live Call-In After Show episode artwork
05/27/2026

You saw the movie, now the conversation continues on Rebel Force Radio with THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU: "After the After Show" live call-in show. We're breaking down our live event in Cleveland, revisiting moments from our first looks at the film, and diving into all the topics and situations within. Din! Grogu! Rotta! We discuss it all. The switchboard was open for your calls about Star Wars' next big-screen adventure and we hear what you have to say. This IS the way! 


From Streaming to Cinema: A New Era for The Mandalorian
From Streaming to Cinema: A New Era for The Mandalorian episode artwork
05/15/2026

One week until The Mandalorian and Grogu hits theaters! We share our hopes and expectations for this new Star Wars adventure and wonder if the popularity of Baby Yoda will translate into box office success.

Hot off his stunning appearance in Maul: Shadow Lord, Darth Vader is in the news spotlight this week as Dave Filoni recently discussed the lore of Vader. And speaking of Darth, The Dark Lord himself debuted at Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge and we have highlights.

Ever wonder what caused the death of Leia in The Rise of Skywalker? Swank has a great...


Mando and Grogu Sneak Peek: The Good, The Bad, and The Baby
Mando and Grogu Sneak Peek: The Good, The Bad, and The Baby episode artwork
05/09/2026

The Mandalorian and Grogu debuted early footage on May the Fourth as fans were treated to the first 25 minutes of the film in IMAX, and RFR was there. We break down all the action and look forward to the film getting wide-release in a couple of weeks.

We're basking in the wake of the kickass Maul: Shadow Lord season finale and the surprise appearance of a certain "Dark Lord". We go into the RFR Sound Lab to deconstruct some audio from Maul, like Sam Witwer's anguished screams getting incorporated into the sound of the lightsaber, the lightsaber...


MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show | SEASON FINALE
MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show | SEASON FINALE episode artwork
05/06/2026

It all comes down to this - The MAUL: SHADOW LORD Season One FINALE After Show, breaking down Episodes 9 and 10—"Chapter 9: Strange Allies" and "Chapter 10: The Dark Lord." Alliances are tested, secrets are revealed, and Maul's long game comes sharply into focus as the season reaches its explosive conclusion. We'll unpack the biggest moments, lingering questions, and what this finale means for Maul's future in Star Wars canon.


Mando Mania is Upon Us | The Mandalorian and Grogu
Mando Mania is Upon Us | The Mandalorian and Grogu episode artwork
05/01/2026

The calendar has flipped to a new month, but it's not just any month. After six-and-a-half years, this month will finally see the return of Star Wars to movie theaters with The Mandalorian and Grogu. We're bracing ourselves for all the action by fueling up with fast food tie-ins, soaking up poster art, and breaking down Jon Favreau interviews. 

We say farewell to the legendary Star Wars Insider Magazine as its final issue is now appearing in subscribers' mailboxes, we compare Ezra Bridger's and Devon Izara's similarities and differences, and wonder if the current creators of Star W...


MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show | Chapters 7 & 8
MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show | Chapters 7 & 8 episode artwork
04/29/2026

We go inside Maul's head and breakdown Season 1, Episodes 7 and 8—"Chapter 7: Call to the Oblivion" and "Chapter 8: The Creeping Fear" and dig into the biggest turns, the pressure points, and what these chapters set up next—plus your theories, opinions, and "Blake's Take"


Breaking Down The Latest Mandalorian and Grogu Updates
Breaking Down The Latest Mandalorian and Grogu Updates episode artwork
04/24/2026

With the film opening a mere month away, the hype for The Mandalorian and Grogu has finally arrived. Tickets are now on sale, fan events are ramping up, and the cast and crew are kicking off media tours to promote the movie. We look at the final theatrical trailer and break down all the visuals shot-by-shot and we make more predictions about what will go down. Jon Favreau is talking to members of the media and we have highlights of the director discussing everything from Hutts to the Razor Crest to Martin Scorsese's cameo. Plus, we hear from Sigourney...


MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show | Chapters 5 & 6
MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show | Chapters 5 & 6 episode artwork
04/22/2026

We're breaking down the most intense chapters yet of the hit Disney+ Star Wars animated series, Maul: Shadow Lord. We go deep into Season One's latest episodes, Chapter 5: "Inquisition" and Chapter 6: "Night of the Hunted," as the Empire tightens its grip and the stakes rise for Brander Lawson, Devon and Daki on the planet Janix. Plus listener phone calls, Superchats and more!


MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show | Chapters 3 & 4
MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show | Chapters 3 & 4 episode artwork
04/16/2026

We're diving deep into Season One, "Chapter 3: Whispers in the Unknown" and "Chapter 4: Pride and Vengeance." We break down Maul's shifting power plays, his psychological games, and the growing tensions that are reshaping the criminal underworld of Janix. Plus, your phone calls!


LEGO Star Wars and the Power of Blocks
LEGO Star Wars and the Power of Blocks episode artwork
04/10/2026

Graham Hancock is the editor of Blocks Magazine, a killer mag dedicated to adult fans of all-things LEGO. Graham joins us In The Cantina to talk about the history of LEGO Star Wars and provide insight to the new LEGO "Smart Play" technology. Listener feedback leads us to ask the question - Was Obi-Wan capable of Force Healing? Hear what we think! Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were famously fired from Solo: A Star Wars Story. Recently, the pair discussed the potential of returning to the franchise to give it another try and we have the highlights. Plus...


MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show: Episodes 1 & 2
MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show: Episodes 1 & 2 episode artwork
04/08/2026

RFR LIVE returns for our first MAUL: SHADOW LORD After Show, where we break down the premiere of this dark new chapter in the Star Wars saga. We're diving deep into the first two episodes, "The Dark Revenge" and "Sinister Schemes", to analyze every twist, power play, and glimpse into Maul's ruthless quest for revenge.


Maul: Shadow Lord Predictions with F.J. DeSanto
Maul: Shadow Lord Predictions with F.J. DeSanto episode artwork
04/03/2026

The Potty-Mouthed Prophet returns! Filmmaker F.J. DeSanto returns to RFR with his takes on Star Wars hot topics, like how well will the Sequel Trilogy age? What will be the impact of generative A.I. videos on audience expectations for future Star Wars films? And of course, F.J. brings us his "Prophet or Loser" predictions about Maul: Shadow Lord. Ryan Gosling has been on the interview circuit lately to promote Project Hail Mary, and of course the topic of Star Wars: Starfighter keeps popping up. We have the highlights. Plus, updates on RFR Live in Cleveland with...


All Maul: Darth Maul March Madness
All Maul: Darth Maul March Madness episode artwork
03/27/2026

Sam Witwer. Dave Filoni. Ray Park. Some of the key creatives behind the creation of Darth Maul have appeared on RFR over the years to share insight and information about the evil Zabrak warrior. Celebrating the upcoming release of Maul: Shadow Lord, we bust open the archives to highlight top Maul moments from RFR history. How did Maul get spider legs? And why did he take over The Mandalorians? Get answers to these questions and more as we go mad for Maul!


The Age of Maul Begins
The Age of Maul Begins episode artwork
03/20/2026

We look at the all-new second trailer released for Maul: Shadow Lord for a shot-by-shot breakdown of every blast bolt, lightsaber stab, and Jedi backflip. Plus, we investigate clues that Maul will play a Batman-like vigilante role in Shadow Lord and more. And, Grogu at The Oscars, an ashtray found onboard the Millennium Falcon, and more buff Hutts.


Blue Milk & Red Carpets: Star Wars Award Winners
Blue Milk & Red Carpets: Star Wars Award Winners episode artwork
03/14/2026

A few Star Wars heavyweights were honored at recent award ceremonies for their achievements in filmmaking. We share highlights from speeches by George Lucas, Harrison Ford, and Kathleen Kennedy as they accept trophies and we read between-the-lines of some of their comments. Marketing for The Mandalorian and Grogu is starting to emerge. We review a new TV spot and make comparisons between Rotta the Hutt and another buff Hutt from the pages of Star Wars comic books. We also listen to recent comments from Sam Witwer talking about the upcoming Maul: Shadow Lord and, bad news for fans of...


Getting Primed for Maul: Shadow Lord
Getting Primed for Maul: Shadow Lord episode artwork
03/07/2026

With the newest Star Wars animated series, Maul: Shadow Lord debuting a month from now, it's a great time to get caught up with all-things Maul. We check out interview clips featuring the voice of Maul, Sam Witwer talking about where Maul's head is at during the series. We review the first issue of Marvel Comics "Shadow of Maul" prequel series and learn a little about the supporting cast of the upcoming show and the planet Janix, along with merch for Maul: Shadow Lord emerging from NY ToyFair. Ducks are canon in Star Wars? We look at examples of "...


Fallout from The Mandalorian and Grogu Movie Trailer
Fallout from The Mandalorian and Grogu Movie Trailer episode artwork
02/27/2026

We broke down the new trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu last week, so this week, we hear what YOU think. The RFR Voicemail inbox was overstuffed with your opinions, observations, speculations and hot takes. We look at news reports that suggest The Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl commercial failed to make the desired impact, according to insiders. How many times will you see the Mando movie in the theaters? We share our thoughts and discuss the reasons why people are avoiding going to theaters like they once did. Plus, nostalgia for Star Wars prequel bootlegs, and "Tauntaun Talk"...


RFR LIVE: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU | Official Trailer Breakdown
RFR LIVE: THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU | Official Trailer Breakdown episode artwork
02/19/2026

We're diving deep into the newly released, official Mandalorian and Grogu trailer with a complete breakdown and in-depth analysis. From major reveals to blink-and-you'll-miss-it details, we're examining every frame the way only RFR can. And after we wrapped up our breakdown, we turned it over to you — the phone lines were on fire with your reactions, observations, and theories. Plus, Jake's Take! Experience the trailer shot-by-shot with the RFR community!


The Mandalorian and Grogu: A Big Game Bust?
The Mandalorian and Grogu: A Big Game Bust? episode artwork
02/14/2026

Tauntauns! We review The Mandalorian and Grogu Super Bowl ad and our switchboard is overflowing with your opinions and comments. The RFR audience has a lot to say about the "Big Game" commercial for the upcoming film. Maul: Shadow Lord is coming soon and will it feature the long-desired showdown between Darth Maul and Darth Vader? Is there a Star Wars/Avengers Marvel Comics crossover on the horizon? Plus, we review the all-new Marvel Comics Jar Jar book co-written by Ahmed Best and more.


The Dramatic Downfall of Darth Iger
The Dramatic Downfall of Darth Iger episode artwork
02/07/2026

Another corporate leadership shakeup that will impact Star Wars has happened as Bob Iger's successor (s) were named this week with Bob stepping down in March. We look at the new bosses and speculate how they will impact Star Wars and Lucasfilm. 

We have new updates from our Bothan spies about the Star Wars Original Trilogy 4k remaster upgrade coming to theaters next year. Hear fresh details about the visuals, the audio mix and work being done on deleted scenes. 

Marvel head honcho Kevin Feige was once attached to a Star Wars film project but th...


Maul: Shadow Lord Teaser Trailer Breakdown
Maul: Shadow Lord Teaser Trailer Breakdown episode artwork
01/31/2026

We walk you through a shot-by-shot breakdown of the new teaser trailer for Maul: Shadow Lord and we review all-new information about the plot and characters. As always, we look for clues about the story and predict what will happen in the upcoming animated series. Plus, more about the upcoming Original Trilogy changes to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, and does Dave Filoni really hate Andor, as rumored? Plus, listener feedback and more!Â