In Ep XXV of Mind the Force, Kristine and James follow Count Dooku into the Clone Wars. They unpack how Dooku’s need for control turns into strategy, how “necessary” choices become routine, and what it costs when people become pieces on a galactic board. From his role as the calm face of the separatist cause to the brutal irony of how his story ends, this episode traces Dooku’s downfall—and the moment he learns he was never the one in control.

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

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mindtheforce.bsky.social

Substack: https://substack.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 XXIV of Mind the Force, Kristine and James explore Count Dooku’s life before the Clone Wars—starting with his childhood and tracing how he grows from a promising Jedi into someone convinced the system is beyond saving. They unpack the disillusionment that shapes him, the way moral clarity can harden into certainty, and how “necessary” choices quietly become a doorway to control.

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.

Mon Mothma doesn’t carry a lightsaber; she carries the Rebellion.

In Ep XXIII of Mind the Force, Kristine and James take a close look at what Mon’s kind of leadership actually demands: restraint under pressure, conviction without applause, and the quiet endurance of choices that can’t be clean. We trace how her public composure becomes a survival skill, how sacrifice shows up in her personal life, and why “doing the right thing” can leave a person isolated, exhausted, and forever changed.

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. The 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 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.