From Strait of Hormuz to Star Wars: Strategy and Storytelling

I’m back on the Watchtower Intel pod with a two-part episode. First, I joined Scott Ryfun on WGIG’s Straight Talk to answer a deceptively simple question about the Iran war: Did we win Operation Epic Fury? Drawing on my Air Force intelligence background, I’ll break down what “success” really means, why airpower and diplomacy both have limits, and how Iranian propaganda (and other foreign disinfo) is shaping what you see online. Then I’ll pivot to Star Wars, arguing that Disney’s Mandalorian marketing is culturally blind, alienating legacy fans and families while leaning hard into online influencer aesthetics, and making a concrete box office prediction I’ll be revisiting.* [0:00] Episode Overview* [3:23] Did We Win? Operation Epic Fury Explained* [11:09] Iran’s Regime, Long-Term Strategy & Propaganda* [24:37] From War to Star Wars: Mandalorian Marketing* [30:42] Culture War Optics, Box Office Bet & ClosingAdheres to AFI 1-1, USAF Social Media PolicyViews expressed in this video are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Air Force or Department of Defense. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit watchtowerintel.substack.com