GENERATION SKYWALKER: A STAR WARS PODCAST

In this episode we’re joined by Skye Paine, long-time Chewbacca focus collector, curator of The Chewseum, and host of the Star Wars Collectors Archive’s: Chive Cast Podcast.

We explore Skye’s journey into Star Wars collecting, how Chewbacca became his focus, and the incredible collection he’s built over the years.

We chat about focus collecting, his production and pre-production runs, the stories behind some of his most fascinating pieces, as well as his involvement with the SWCA and the story of how the Chive Cast came to be. 

Join us for Part...

In this very special instalment of Bantha Tracking, Dan and Jez continue their journey through the early history of Star Wars fandom as they explore issue 5 of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter.

And this time, we’re joined by a very special guest! Craig Miller, editor of the first nine issues of the newsletter and Director of Fan Relations at Lucasfilm from 1977 to 1980. Craig joins us to share his memories and insights from the early days of the Official Star Wars Fan Club, his role at Lucasfilm during this period, and to help us look ba...

This episode, Those Old Fossils continues its series exploring the pilots of the Millennium Falcon, turning the spotlight onto one of the most iconic characters in the original Star Wars trilogy — Han Solo — and Kenner’s vintage 3¾-inch action figure from 1978.

One of the original 12 figures released in the first wave of Kenner’s Star Wars toy line, Han Solo quickly became an essential part of countless childhood collections and remains a must-have for vintage Star Wars collectors today.

With regular guests Ron Salvatore from the Star Wars Collectors Archive and Mark Andrews from Variant Villains...

In this instalment of Bantha Tracking, Dan and Jez continue their journey through the early history of Star Wars fandom as they explore the fourth issue of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter, published in September 1978.

This issue features a look at the career of producer Gary Kurtz, charting his work to date and his role producing Star Wars. We discuss Kurtz’s post Star Wars career and his role in bringing the original film and its sequel to the screen- and why he didn’t return for the third instalment.

There’s also some m...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Tree, organiser of the long-running Farthest From event, and Mark Newbold from Fantha Tracks to discuss the upcoming Thank the Maker event.

Taking place in Winchester this October, the third Thank the Maker is celebrating the 10th anniversary of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The event brings together people who worked behind the scenes on the film for a series intimate panels on the making of movie, offering attendees a unique opportunity to hear first-hand stories about the making of Star Wars.

Dave discusses the event’s or...

In this instalment of Bantha Tracking, Dan and Jez explore the third issue of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter from July 1978.

This issue features an interview with Luke Skywalker himself, Mark Hamill, as he shares memories of his experience working on Star Wars—including how a friend, who would later become an icon in his own right, told Mark about the part and encouraged him to audition. He also shares his thoughts on working with Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, as well as his hopes for his future career and more.

We also ta...

This episode, Those Old Fossils begins a brand-new series exploring the pilots of the Millennium Falcon, and to kick things off we’re looking at ship itself- Kenner’s vintage Millennium Falcon from 1979.

Widely regarded as one of the most iconic vehicles in the original Star Wars toy line, the Falcon became the centrepiece of countless childhood collections and remains a cornerstone of vintage Star Wars collecting today.

Ron Salvatore from the Star Wars Collectors Archive returns to share his expertise on the toy’s development, design, play features, Zendaya and it's lasting appeal 

The t...

In Episode 2 of Bantha Tracking, Dan and Jez explore the second issue of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter, capturing the excitement of Star Wars fandom in 1978.

Alongside a complete audio presentation of Newsletter Volume 1, Number 2, they discuss Star Wars’ 1978 Oscar wins, sequel developments, the “Name the Newsletter” competition as well as its prizes, cover the regular Q&A section, plus  more. Join us as we continue to our look at  how Lucasfilm connected with fans long before the internet, conventions, and social media.—one newsletter at a time.

In this episode of Those Old Fossils, Palitoy Pete, Martin, Dan and Jez are joined by Mark Andrews from Variant Villains turn their attention to two 1984 releases from the vintage Return of the Jedi line — the mighty Rancor and the Rancor Keeper.

The Rancor is one of the most distinctive and visually impressive creatures in the vintage Star Wars range, and the team explore why it has remained a popular piece for collectors more than forty years later. From childhood memories and play value to loose and boxed collecting, this episode is a celebration of one of Ke...

Following on from last years Committee on the First 12 action figures, the Committee returns to debate the final wave of vintage Star Wars action figures- the legendary Last 17.

Stuart, Martin, Dan, Pete and Jez each pick their top ten from Kenner’s 1985 wave of  Star Wars figures, discussing the strengths and weaknesses of every contender before Stuart reveals the official Generation Skywalker ranking.

Listen to the full debate and countdown.

Generation Skywalker returns with a deep dive into one of the most nostalgic Star Wars toy lines of the modern era – Hasbro’s Retro Collection!

Join Stuart and Dan as they look back at the entire Retro Collection range of 115 figures and counting, from its debut in 2019 through to the latest wave in 2026. Inspired by the vintage Kenner line, the Retro Collection has both delighted and frustrated collectors with vintage-style figures and card backs with a healthy dose of nostalgia—that hasn’t always hit the mark.

In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the line...

In this month’s Those Old Fossils, Palitoy Pete, Martin, and Dan turn their attention to one of Kenner’s most iconic vintage Star Wars releases — the Jabba the Hutt Playset.

The team also takes a closer look at Bib Fortuna, Jabba’s loyal Twi’lek majordomo, exploring the character’s role in Star Wars and the story behind his classic Kenner figure.

Jez drops in throughout the show to share his thoughts on both items, while Ron Salvatore delivers an impassioned deep dive into Jabba, discussing every aspect of the playset — from original conce...

Every journey has a beginning……

Bantha Tracking is an audio journey through the earliest official Star Wars fan publications.

Each episode brings an original issue of the Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter, Bantha Tracks to life, presenting an audio edition and hosts exploring its articles, news, interviews, rumours and behind-the-scenes stories in discussion.

Beginning this episode with the very first Official Star Wars Fan Club Newsletter from early 1978, we’ll follow the publication issue by issue as it evolves into Bantha Tracks and beyond, experiencing Star Wars as fans did at the time—w...

Continuing our recent focus on vintage Star Wars figures whose characters have appeared in The Mandalorian, the Generation Skywalker team turns its attention to one of the most unusual and memorable releases in the Kenner line — Amanaman.

With The Mandalorian and Grogu now in cinemas and members of Amanaman’s species making an appearance in the film, there has never been a better time to revisit this bizarre figure.

This month, Palitoy Pete, Martin, and Dan are joined by Mark Mulcaster from Fantha Tracks to discuss The Mandalorian and Grogu, sharing their thoughts on the film...

Things go completely off the rails for a very special one-off episode of The Committee… because for the first time ever, we’re stepping away from Star Wars!

The team assembled for a day out to see The Mandalorian & Grogu, and after several hours of enthusiastic “refreshments,” the Committee somehow decided it was a good idea to record a live debate from Dan’s back garden to determine the official Generation Skywalker Top 10 80’s Movies.

Joining the chaos are special guests Jon Aves, Wendy Williams, and Dan’s wife Emma, as we battle through questionable choices, passi...

On this episode of Generation Skywalker’s The Modern Way, Stuart and Dan dive into the latest wave of Star Wars toy and collectible announcements

We kick things off with a look at the newest promotional tie-ins as The Mandalorian and Grogu marketing machine kicks into hyperspace., including Burger King giveaways, Robinsons squash and Walkers Crisps collaborations that are bringing Star Wars to supermarkets and fast-food counters everywhere.

Then we break down the latest announcements from Hasbro, including the eye-watering $600 Ultimate Grogu animatronic, plus new reveals from Hot Toys and LEGO. We also revisit the Ma...

In the latest episode of Those Old Fossils, Palitoy Pete, Martin, and Dan turn their attention to one of the most memorable droids in the vintage Kenner line – the ever-popular R5-D4.

Following last month’s focus on Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight, the team continue celebrating characters who have appeared in The Mandalorian series, once again tying our figure focus  to the excitement surrounding the upcoming release of The Mandalorian and Grogu, arriving in cinemas in less than a week.

The episode opens with a look at the recent Vectis and C&T auctions, as the t...

It’s May the 4th, and Generation Skywalker is throwing our second ever Geeki Tiki Party!

We’re joined by special guest Brandon Giraldez, founder of Beeline Creative—the masterminds behind Geeki Tiki—as we celebrate not only Star Wars Day, but also the 10th anniversary of Geeki Tiki. Brandon arrives with a punch bowl full of surprises, revealing a wave of brand-new Star Wars Geeki Tiki mugs exclusively on Generation Skywalker you won’t want to miss.

The team also unveils the official Generation Skywalker Top 10 Star Wars Geeki Tikis, following on from last week’s com...

*******EPISODE UPDATE********
Earlier this week, we dropped this show as a  Mystery committee… now the secret’s out 👀 It’s true title:

THE COMMITTEE: TOP 10 GEEKI TIKIS

Things get seriously tropical as the team debates Generation Skywalker’s  TOP 10 Star Wars Geeki Tikis 🍹

But there’s a twist… this is just the warm-up. These picks are all leading to our tiki party on May 4th, where we’ll present our final list to Brandon Giraldez, owner of @beelinecreative — the masterminds behind the iconic Geeki Tikis themselves 👀

Expect strong opinions, bold choices, and a few controve...

In this episode of Those Old Fossils, Dan, Jez, Palitoy Pete, and Martin Woodgate turn their attention to one of the most iconic figures in the entire vintage Kenner range – the legendary Luke Skywalker Jedi Knight.

The team take a deep dive into the history, design, and collecting appeal of this classic figure, exploring everything from production details and accessories to the subtle variations that continue to fascinate collectors decades later. As always, no rock is left unturned in the pursuit of vintage Star Wars knowledge.

We are once again joined by Ron Salvatore from th...

In this episode, we step back in time to the Summer 2023 Farthest From, for a recently re-discovered recording we made at the event featuring Bob Brechin.

Taking to the stage, Bob shares the fascinating story of Palitoy — from its inception in the early 20th-century through to its eventual decline — and reflects on his own time working on the company’s design team.

He discusses Palitoy’s ambitious efforts to bring Kenner’s Star Wars line to the UK during the 1970s and 80s, along with his creative role in developing the iconic Palitoy Death Star playset.<...

On this episode of Those Old Fossil, Dan and Palitoy Pete head back to the frozen battlefields of Hoth to take a deep dive into one of the most iconic figures from the vintage line – the Hoth Stormtrooper. Joining the discussion is special guest Martin Woodgate once angain, along with Mark Andrews from Variant Villains to help explore the many variations and quirks collectors love about this classic figure.

As always, we’re also joined by Ron Salvatore from the Star Wars Collectors Archive (SWCA) for his regular expert roundup, bringing historical insight and expert knowledge to the...

In the lead-up to the theatrical release of The Mandalorian and Grogu, the Generation Skywalker team are finally turning their attention to The Mandalorian. Over the next three months, we’ll releasing a series shows dissecting all three seasons of the groundbreaking Star Wars series.

In this opening episode, Stu, Jez, Dan, and special guest Martin Woodgate explore the build-up to the show’s debut in November 2019. We discuss the development of the series, the revolutionary StageCraft technology used to bring it to life, the buzz from the Celebration panel, and how we coped in the UK with...

In Episode 32 of Those Old Fossils, we march back to Hoth to take a deep dive into two vintage Kenner figures: The AT-AT Commander and The Imperial Commander — two toys that many collectors argue are both General Maximilian Veers.

Joining us once again is Martin Woodgate as guest host, bringing his sharp vintage insight back to the mic. We’re also thrilled to welcome back two absolute legends of the collecting community:

Ron Salvatore from the SWCA (Star Wars Collectors Archive), returns offering his expert knowledge and insight on the AT-AT Commander. 

Mark Andre...

In this episode, Dan sits down with Johnny Goose, a Star Wars collector who’s been at it since the mid-1990s and has built an astonishing collection along the way. Johnny’s focus spans five distinct vintage figure runs, anchored by a truly most impressive centrepiece: an extensive lineup of carded Darth Vader figures, alongside a dazzling array of Vader-related items from beyond the toy aisle.

Johnny takes us back to his earliest Star Wars memories as a child in the early 1980s — from seeing a double bill of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back with h...

Those Old Fossils are back for their first episode of 2026 to talk more vintage Star Wars collectables. In this show we are taking look at the AT-AT driver and his vehicle-  the mighty All-Terrain Armoured-Transport. 

The full team are joined by AT-AT Driver focus collector Martin Woodgate for the duration of the show and he shares his knowledge and valuable information about the figure through out. 

Mark Andrews from Variant Villains also drops in to provide some variant insights on the figure as only he can.

It’s bumper episode fitting for this pair...

That’s a Wrap!

In a quick ice breaker, Dan, Peter and Stu excitedly sell their ideas of the perfect Star Wars New Year’s Eve Party to Jez. One of them harps on about Twi’leks, one needs some naughty chemicals to assist with a rave at Mon Mothma’s  and Dan wants to spend New Year’s at Canto Bight from the Last Jedi!  Then in this end of year special the lads  take a look back at the Star Wars highlights of 2025, covering events, Disney+ shows, some collecting high points and their favourite podcast episodes of t...

In this special episode of The Modern Way, the hosts travel back ten years to the launch of The Force Awakens - not through box office numbers or plot twist, but through the toys that defined a new era of Star Wars fandom.  

From midnight Force Friday hauls to shelves packed with Rey, Kylo Ren, BB-8, and Stormtroopers in fresh white armor, this toy special explores how The Force Awakens reignited the magic of collecting for longtime fans and a whole new generation of kids.

A decade later, generation Skywalker asks what those toys meant then...

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, this episode of Generation Skywalker cues up the film for a full commentary, where we discuss the story, characters, music, callbacks, and the lasting legacy of the movie that reintroduced Star Wars to a new generation.

Whether you’re watching along with us or just listening for the conversation, this anniversary drop is packed with nostalgia, thoughtful discussion, and a few laughs as we revisit the film that launched the sequel trilogy.

Sync up the movie, press play on the podcast, and celebrate te...

The Generation Committee assembles to kick off a series of shows in December celebrating the 10th anniversary of The Force Awakens.

In this episode we break down the very best moments from Star Wars: The Force Awaken, for which we are thrilled to welcome back guest host Mark Spriggs.

As always, tensions rise when it’s time to vote… and yes, it’s Jez who causes controversy when the decision doesn’t go his way. (At this point, would it even be Committee if he didn’t?)

Join us for laughs, lively debate, an...

Those Old Fossils are back to talk more vintage Star Wars toyd and memorabilia in the final part of the Bounty Hunter Capture Pod where we take one last look at Boba Fett.

The team open the episode discussing their recent trip to Sandown race course for the Barry Potter toy show and a  Saturday of vintage toy shopping and auction pick-ups.

Then, after the previous 2 episodes where we looked at the prototype, and then the production versions of the 3 3/4” version of the Boba Fett action figure, in this episode we learn all there is to...

Need help buying a Christmas gift for that Star Wars fanatic in your life and don't know what to get?  Fear not, Stuart, Jez and Dan return to make your task easier with this festive available gift guide.

The boys look at a host of areas of Star Wars, discussing Hot Toys, Lego, The Vintage Collection, The Retro Collection, The Black Series and a host of other items, whether you're looking for stocking fillers or main gifts, this guide has you covered.

As well as the guide the team also discuss several recent items in m...

“This is the story of Star Wars. You can read along with me in your book. You will know it is time to turn the page when you hear Artoo-Detoo beep like this…”

Jez loved the Rainbow/Buena Vista Star Wars read along stories as a kid. Who didn’t?  In this special look back episode, Jez is joined by Dan who has never listened to these before the recording, and Dave Tree who took the lads up on the invitation to record a show but had no idea what he was in for. 

This episode is...

He’s the galaxy’s most notorious bounty hunter — and one of the most iconic action figures ever released. In this episode of Generation Skywalker, we dive jetpack-first into the history, legends and lasting impact of the vintage Star Wars Boba Fett figure.

We kick things off with our review of the latest Echo Base Live, which took place in Redditch on 11/10/2025 — the finds, the atmosphere, and highlights from the UK’s premier vintage collecting event.

Then the hunt begins.

Guest host Mark Andrews from Variant Villains joins the team as we track down all t...

It’s one of the most talked-about action figures in Star Wars history — the mysterious, mythical rocket-firing Boba Fett.

In the first episode of our three-part deep dive into vintage Boba Fett action figures, Jez has 2 separate interviews with 2 ‘Top Men’ regarding Rocket Firing Fetts, Chris Georgoulias from the Star Wars Collectors Archive and Brian Rachfal, ‘an obtainer of rare antiquities’, and one of the most respected experts in the Rocket Firing Fett world. 

Chris brilliantly explains the timeline of the figure from its initial concept through development and testing to its eventual demise.  Chris clearly knows...

This Halloween, the Generation Skywalker committee descends into the darker corners of a galaxy far, far away! Join us as we count down the top scariest moments from all 11 live-action Star Wars films — from chilling Sith encounters and creepy creatures, to the unsettling, tragic, and downright horrifying scenes that still give us goosebumps.

Stu, Jez and Dan are joined by special guest Mark Spriggs as we delve into the darker side of Star Wars.

Expect debate, laughter, and maybe a few nightmares as the team ranks the most spine-tingling moments that prove Star Wars isn’t ju...

Join Those Old Fossils for the 4th Bounty Hunter Capture Pod, this time covering the duo of 4-LOM and Zuckuss, as well as the reveal of the results of our mini Committee, ranking the 5 bounty hunter action figures we have covered so far.

The team open with a discussion the upcoming Oberon and Vectis auctions happening in October.

Moving on to 4-LOM and Zuckuss, we cover the characters, the Kenner name swap. the 4-LOM mail-away offer, share thoughts on the  figures, the card backs, the multipacks, and the lack of beyond the toys items featuring t...

Join Those Old Fossils for the 3rd Bounty Hunter Capture Pod, this time covering Dengar.

Up top the team discuss the upcoming Echo Base Live taking place on the 11th October and our plans for the event.

Moving on to Dengar, we cover the character, the figure, the card back, the Palitoy mail-away offer, the multipacks, his beyond the toys items and much more.

Ron Salvatore from the Star Wars Collectors Archive provides a Rebel Alliance Briefing on Dengar, and Mark Andrews from The Variant Villains is back to talk variations and the...

Generation Skywalker is back with another vintage Star Wars figure focus episode, this time it’s the turn of IG-88 in Part 2 of our Bounty Hunter Capture Pod.

Stu, Pete, Jez and Dan discuss the character, the figure, the card back, the large size action figure,  the multipacks, beyond the toys items and much more.

Ron Salvatore from the The SWCA is back for another Rebel Alliance briefing and Mark Andrews from The Variant Villains drops in to give us the low-down on the everyone’s favourite mechanical bounty hunter.

The team are back to thrash out another top ten subject.

This time is the best moments of Revenge of the Sith, and oh my were there many.  

We discover that Jez doesn't understand the word 'moment', and that one of the team totally disregards the lightsaber battle between Kenobi and Anakin.

Fun as always.  

What did we miss?  Let us know.

Enjoy the Show!