Our biggest interview yet has arrived!

In Episode 19 of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo, we're honored to welcome Vanessa Marshall—the legendary voice of Hera Syndulla from Star Wars Rebels and the voice of Rook Kast in Maul: Shadow Lord. This marks our first-ever interview with a Star Wars actor, making it an unforgettable milestone for our podcast.

Vanessa shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from recording Star Wars, working alongside Sam Witwer, creating the voice of Hera, returning as Rook Kast, and launching the exciting new Pod of Rebellion podcast.

We also dive into:

• How Pod of Rebellion was created
• The future of the podcast (including video episodes!)
• Rook Kast's loyalty to Darth Maul
• Voice acting secrets and warm-up routines
• The surprising voices Vanessa has performed outside Star Wars
• The incredible Star Wars community and Hera family
• What it means to be a "real-life Hera"
• Why Star Wars continues to inspire generations of fans
• Why these stories are so important for children and families

The conversation becomes especially emotional as Vanessa reflects on Mackenzie's journey—from overcoming childhood speech challenges to interviewing one of the biggest names in Star Wars—and shares why she believes Mackenzie truly embodies the spirit of Hera Syndulla.

Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan, a Rebels fan, or simply believe in the power of storytelling, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

⭐ Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE to help us continue bringing you exclusive Star Wars interviews from a unique family perspective!

Chapters

00:00 Intro

00:21 Welcome Vanessa Marshall

01:04 Thank You Lucasfilm

01:40 Pod of Rebellion Origins

04:05 Future of the Podcast & Video Plans

05:13 Returning as Rook Kast

07:06 Why Was Rook Loyal to Maul?

09:23 Sam Witwer's Granny Smith Apple Trick

11:48 Voices Fans Never Recognize

14:10 Hera's Legacy & Chosen Family

16:46 Rebuilding After Instagram

17:11 What It Means to Be a Real-Life Hera

20:43 Vanessa's Twitch Community & Supporting Veterans

23:13 Galactic Academy Surprise

24:04 Future Convention Plans

26:15 The Pickle Story

28:53 Why Star Wars Matters for Kids (One of Vanessa's most powerful answers.)

33:15 Star Wars in the Classroom

35:13 Mackenzie's Journey From Speech Kid to Star Wars Interviewer

36:43 Vanessa's Emotional Closing Message

37:17 Outro

May the Force be with you, ALWAYS!

Welcome back to Mic'd Up with Macsrebo!In Episode 18, Mackenzie sits down with Star Wars Sith 66 (Tony) for an exciting conversation about Star Wars card collecting, Topps Star Wars Chrome, autograph cards, conventions, and everything fans need to know before attending Star Wars Celebration 2027.Whether you're completely new to Star Wars trading cards or already chasing rare autograph pulls, this episode is packed with collecting tips, convention advice, and unforgettable Star Wars stories.Tony shares how he accidentally discovered Star Wars cards, what makes the hobby so addictive, how to avoid expensive beginner mistakes, and why collecting should always be about having fun.We also dive deep into:Star Wars Celebration vs. Comic ConsWhy Rebel Scum Con has become one of the best Star Wars conventions in the countryMeeting Hayden Christensen, Mark Hamill and other Star Wars legendsRare Star Wars autograph cardsTopps Chrome Black and Topps Chrome GalaxySketch cards and numbered cardsCollecting on a budgetBuilding a Star Wars collectionFavorite Star Wars guestsConvention travel tipsGrowing the next generation of Star Wars fansTo wrap up the episode, Mackenzie and Tony open Topps Star Wars Chrome packs LIVE, react to their pulls, discover a surprise autograph, and talk about what makes ripping Star Wars cards so much fun.If you love:⭐ Star Wars Collectibles⭐ Star Wars Card Collecting⭐ Star Wars Celebration⭐ Topps Star Wars⭐ Hayden Christensen⭐ Star Wars Rebels⭐ The Mandalorian⭐ Ahsoka⭐ Rebel Scum Con⭐ Star Wars Community...this episode is for you!

Follow Star Wars Sith 66: https://www.instagram.com/starwarssith66/

https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@starwarssith66⁩ Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss another interview, convention adventure, collectible review, or Star Wars discussion from a kid's point of view.Timestamps00:00 Welcome to Mic'd Up with Macsrebo00:45 Meet Star Wars Sith 6601:05 How Tony Started Collecting Star Wars Cards03:00 Meeting Hayden Christensen & Bucket List Guests06:20 Traveling to Conventions08:20 Why Rebel Scum Con Is a Mini Star Wars Celebration12:50 First-Time Star Wars Celebration Tips17:30 Meeting Fans & Growing the Star Wars Community21:40 Beginner Star Wars Card Collecting Advice24:15 Hot Toys vs Star Wars Cards29:20 Autograph Cards vs Meeting Actors31:00 Sketch Cards & Favorite Star Wars Collectibles34:30 Opening Topps Chrome Black36:30 First Autograph Pull Reaction39:20 Opening Topps Chrome Packs45:20 Favorite Card Pulls50:00 Why Star Wars Collecting Brings Fans Together53:00 Final ThoughtsFollow Macsrebo📸 Instagram: @MacsreboMedia▶️ YouTube: @Macsrebo🎙 Mic'd Up with MacsreboMay the Force be with you!

What does it really take to build one of the fastest-growing Star Wars fan conventions?

In Episode 17 of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo, we sit down with Bobby and Kentucky, two of the founders of Rebel Scum Con, to talk about the passion, planning, challenges, and community behind the convention fans can't stop talking about.

From booking celebrity guests and creating unforgettable fan experiences to keeping the convention affordable and community-focused, this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Rebel Scum Con so special.

We also discuss:
⭐ How Rebel Scum Con began
⭐ The biggest challenges they faced
⭐ Behind-the-scenes convention planning
⭐ Why the fan experience comes first
⭐ Celebrity guests, cosplay, collectibles & panels
⭐ Tips for first-time attendees
⭐ The future of Rebel Scum Con

We'll be attending Rebel Scum Con 3 as media, and we can't wait to share the experience with all of you!

If you love Star Wars, conventions, cosplay, collectibles, and the incredible Star Wars community, this episode is for you.

👍 Like
💬 Comment with what you're most excited for at Rebel Scum Con!
🔔 Subscribe so you don't miss our convention coverage and celebrity interviews.

Chapters / Time Codes

00:00 Introduction
01:12 How Rebel Scum Con was born
06:35 What it really takes to organize a convention
12:31 Biggest challenges behind the scenes
18:37 Building a convention around the fans
22:28 Why Rebel Scum Con feels so personal
31:34 What they're most excited for this year
35:56 Tips for first-time Rebel Scum Con attendees
49:41 The future and legacy of Rebel Scum Con
52:50 Final thoughts & see you at Rebel Scum Con

Welcome back to Mic'd Up with Macsrebo!

In Episode 16, Macsrebo sits down with Spencer, founder of the Virtual Cantina Network (VCN), to explore how a shared love of Star Wars grew into one of the largest Star Wars fan communities in the world.

From his unforgettable first experience watching The Empire Strikes Back to creating Boonta Eve events and growing the VCN to more than 103,000 members worldwide, Spencer shares how Star Wars helped him find his community—and why he's dedicated to helping others find theirs.

We also talk about:
⭐ Spencer's Star Wars origin story
⭐ How the Virtual Cantina Network began
⭐ The growth of Boonta Eve events
⭐ Rebel Scum Con & Star Wars Celebration 2027
⭐ Building positive fandom and lifelong friendships
⭐ Why the Star Wars community feels like family

Whether you're a lifelong fan or just beginning your Star Wars journey, this conversation celebrates the power of community, kindness, and the friendships that connect fans across the galaxy.

Follow the Virtual Cantina Network:
🌐 https://virtualcantinanetwork.com

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and share it with another Star Wars fan!

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 Intro & Welcome Spencer
00:50 Meeting at Boston Fan Expo & Friendship Through Conventions
02:20 Spencer's Star Wars Origin Story
05:40 Watching Star Wars Celebration & Japan Memories
06:45 How the Virtual Cantina Network Was Created
10:45 Growing VCN to 103,000+ Members
11:05 How Star Wars Changed Macsrebo's Life
14:10 Finding Your Tribe Through Fandom
18:00 First Star Wars Celebration Advice
19:55 What Makes Boonta Eve Special?
22:45 Rhode Island Comic Con & Rebel Scum Con
26:30 Why Rebel Scum Con Is the Perfect Celebration Warm-Up
31:30 ConnectiCon, Community & New Opportunities
36:55 Why Spencer Loves Bringing Fans Together
41:20 Upcoming Boonta Eve Events & Future Plans
47:00 Balancing Real Life & Star Wars Life
52:35 Where to Follow the Virtual Cantina Network
54:50 Final Thoughts & Farewell

May the Force be with you.

Our original Instagram account may be gone—but our story is far from over.

In Episode 15 of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo, father and daughter share the emotional story behind the permanent removal of the original Macsrebo Instagram account after more than two years of memories, cosplay, conventions, celebrity interviews, and friendships.

Rather than giving up, we're rebuilding.

We introduce our new Instagram account, @MacsreboMedia, talk about what we've learned through the experience, and share why the incredible Star Wars and cosplay communities have inspired us to keep moving forward.

We also look ahead to an exciting summer filled with:
⭐ Upcoming conventions🎙️ New podcast guests🎭 Cosplay adventures🎬 Media coverage✨ The future of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo

If Star Wars has taught us anything, it's this:

Rebellions are built on hope.

Thank you to everyone who has followed, shared, supported, and helped us begin this next chapter.

🚀 Follow us:Instagram: @MacsreboMediaYouTube, TikTok & Facebook: @Macsrebo

Websites related to this episode:

https://vanessamarshall.com/

https://www.virtualcantinanetwork.com/

https://www.virtualcantinanetwork.com/events/boonta-eve-special-edition-texas-2

https://www.virtualcantinanetwork.com/events/boonta-eve-special-edition-into-the-groguverse

https://rebelscumconventions.com/

If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, Comment, and Share—it truly helps us continue growing this amazing community.

May the Force be with you, always.

Join Mackenzie and Mom for a special episode of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo featuring our very first cosplay guest, Abigail (McHeretic)!

From becoming Mackenzie's cosplay mom as Sue Storm to Mackenzie's Valeria Von Doom, Abigail shares her incredible cosplay journey, how she got started, and what inspired her to create some of the most impressive builds in the fandom community.

We talk about:
✨ How Abigail discovered cosplay
✨ Creating award-winning costumes and massive foam builds
✨ Transformers, Marvel, Star Wars, Fallout, and more
✨ Human-former cosplay and the Rebels of Cybertron community
✨ Convention life, cosplay tips, and staying healthy in costume
✨ Why cosplay should be about creativity, confidence, and having fun
✨ The special friendship behind our cosplay mom and cosplay daughter bond

Whether you're a longtime cosplayer, a convention veteran, or someone thinking about creating your very first costume, this episode is packed with inspiration, creativity, and plenty of laughs.

🎙️ New episodes of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo premiere every Thursday at 8 PM ET.

Who is your favorite cosplay character? Let us know in the comments!

Fan Expo Philadelphia is always an adventure, and this year delivered unforgettable memories!

Join Mackenzie and Mom as they recap three action-packed days at Fan Expo Philadelphia filled with cosplay debuts, celebrity encounters, panels, amazing food, and connecting with fellow fans from across the galaxy.

Day 1 featured the debut of Mackenzie's Kay Vess cosplay from the hit video game Star Wars Outlaws, complete with Nix riding along in a pet carrier that quickly became a fan favorite on the convention floor.

Day 2 brought out the Retro Armorer, featuring a special piece of family history—a vintage jacket that once belonged to Mackenzie's great-grandmother. It's a cosplay that combines Star Wars fandom with family heritage.

Day 3 was perhaps the most anticipated moment of the weekend: the debut of Mackenzie's X-23 cosplay while meeting Dafne Keen. The highlight? Dafne herself said Mackenzie and she were "twins!" After seeing the photo-op, you may agree that the resemblance is uncanny.

The duo also attended the "This is the Way: Inside The Mandalorian" panel featuring Temuera Morrison, Brendan Wayne, and Jonny Coyne, along with a more intimate discussion panel with Brendan Wayne and Jonny Coyne.

Of course, no trip to Philadelphia would be complete without continuing the Macsrebo tradition of bringing local pickles from Reading Terminal Market to one of the actors they meet. Add in exploring new restaurants, visiting friends in the 501st Legion and Mandalorian Mercs, meeting artists and vendors, attending panels, and immersing themselves in fandom, and you have the perfect convention weekend.

Whether you're a lifelong convention-goer or thinking about attending your very first comic con, this episode highlights why Fan Expo Philadelphia offers something for fans of every age.

🎙️ New episodes of Mic'd Up with Macsrebo release every Thursday!

#FanExpoPhiladelphia #StarWars #Cosplay #X23 #DafneKeen #TheMandalorian #KayVess #StarWarsOutlaws #MandalorianMercs #501stLegion #Macsrebo

The galaxy far, far away is back on the big screen!

This week on Mic'd Up with Macsrebo, Mackenzie and Mom break down their experience watching The Mandalorian & Grogu, the first new Star Wars theatrical release in years and the first brand-new Star Wars movie released in theaters during Mackenzie's lifetime.

One of the biggest surprises? You don't need to have watched The Mandalorian series, The Book of Boba Fett, or any previous Star Wars movies to enjoy this adventure. The Mandalorian & Grogu stands on its own and serves as an excellent entry point for families looking to jump into the Star Wars fandom.

We discuss:

⭐ Why this movie is perfect for newcomers to Star Wars

⭐ How Grogu steals every scene he's in

⭐ Grogu's unexpected friendship with Rotta the Hutt

⭐ Action sequences that deserve to be experienced on the big screen

⭐ Connections longtime fans will appreciate from The Clone Wars, Rebels, and the larger Star Wars universe

⭐ Why this film is a celebration of family, friendship, and hope

Beyond the action, aliens, droids, and adventure, we explore the emotional heart of the story: the relationship between Din Djarin and Grogu. The film beautifully illustrates the bond between parent and child and the cycle of life, where parents guide and protect their children, and those children eventually grow to care for those who raised them.

Most importantly, we talk about why some movies are meant to be experienced in theaters. The massive screen, incredible sound, audience reactions, and that fresh bucket of popcorn create an experience that simply can't be replicated at home.

Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan or someone who has never watched a single Star Wars movie, this episode will help you decide if The Mandalorian & Grogu belongs on your must-watch list.

Have you seen The Mandalorian & Grogu yet?

What was your favorite moment?

Would you recommend it to someone completely new to Star Wars?

Let us know in the comments!

May the Force be with you.

#StarWars #TheMandalorianAndGrogu #Grogu #BabyYoda #MicdUpWithMacsrebo #Mandalorian