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Delusions Of Grandeur

Delusions Of Grandeur

Written by: Emily Gadek & Kelly Jones
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About this listen

 Emily and Kelly grew up before Star Wars returned to the big screen—when novels were fans' only hope. Now, they're re-reading them with fresh eyes for plot twists, new characters, and surprisingly apt socio-political themes. Delusions of Grandeur is a podcast about the good, the bad, and the truly bizarre stories of the Star Wars novels.

Join the Patreon for early episode releases, a chat full of spicy takes, and infrequent but invaluable giveaways!Emily Gadek & Kelly Jones Art Science Fiction
Episodes
  • Specter of the Past Ch. 1-3

    Specter of the Past Ch. 1-3
    Feb 11 2026
    Once again, we find ourselves on the bridge of the Chimera with one Gilad Pellaeon, staring thoughtfully into space. Only this time, there's no more Thrawn and Pellaeon is having a bad case of the Mondays. 19 years after the Battle of Yavin, the galaxy is completely changed, with the Empire controlling scraps and the New Republic (theoretically, at least) large and in charge. While Pellaeon is pondering surrender, Han Solo is trying to do some diplomacy in order to ensure his wife gets an actual break from running the galaxy. Luke is having a mental breakdown while flying when he realizes that not everyone likes him -- even if they have read his wiki page!! And Leia has an unexpected meet up with Talon Karrde and the smuggle buddies, in which they come to the horrifying conclusion that Borsk Fey'lya might actually have a point.
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Interview: Dr. Chris Kempshall

    Interview: Dr. Chris Kempshall
    Feb 4 2026
    This week, we chat with the delightful author of The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire. Dr. Kempshall walks us through what an Imperial archive might include (or not include), which EU character he could imagine ghostwriting for, and finally gives us an answer to the persistent question: "how often should Luke Skywalker be thrown in the brig for stealing an X-Wing?" (tl;dr just like...maybe don't recruit any space wizards to your military.)

    We loved this book. So our only remaining question is this: what Chandrillan palms do we have to grease to get Chris assigned to write Artistically Done: The Life and Times of Grand Admiral Thrawn?
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • The Rise & Fall of the Galactic Empire: Recap

    The Rise & Fall of the Galactic Empire: Recap
    Jan 14 2026
    If all goes according to plan, we'll start our new year and next season with an interview with Dr. Chris Kempshall — author of "The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire."

    The book traces how and why Palpatine took power (spoiler: Sith crap) and how middle managers, bureaucrats, and neutral evil civilians held the Empire together. It also tries to make the most rational case we've encountered so far for the "return of Palpatine" and his Vegas residency on Exegol. It's an in-universe history, written from the perspective of an in-universe historian who is slowly losing his mind with the realization that you can't snuff out fascism just 'cause you blew up a Death Star. Or...three?

    Stay tuned after a small break for an interview with this galaxy's author. And then we'll embark on the HAND OF THRAWN DUOLOGY (I know, right?! It's finally happening!).
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    51 mins
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