Vanessa Marshall EXCLUSIVE | Hera Syndulla, Rook Kast, Star Wars Rebels & Why Star Wars Matters | Ep. 19

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 createdThe future of the podcast (including video episodes!)Rook Kast's loyalty to Darth MaulVoice acting secrets and warm-up routinesThe surprising voices Vanessa has performed outside Star WarsThe incredible Star Wars community and Hera familyWhat it means to be a "real-life Hera"Why Star Wars continues to inspire generations of fansWhy these stories are so important for children and familiesThe 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 Intro00:21 Welcome Vanessa Marshall01:04 Thank You Lucasfilm01:40 Pod of Rebellion Origins04:05 Future of the Podcast & Video Plans05:13 Returning as Rook Kast07:06 Why Was Rook Loyal to Maul?09:23 Sam Witwer's Granny Smith Apple Trick11:48 Voices Fans Never Recognize14:10 Hera's Legacy & Chosen Family16:46 Rebuilding After Instagram17:11 What It Means to Be a Real-Life Hera20:43 Vanessa's Twitch Community & Supporting Veterans23:13 Galactic Academy Surprise24:04 Future Convention Plans26:15 The Pickle Story28:53 Why Star Wars Matters for Kids (One of Vanessa's most powerful answers.)33:15 Star Wars in the Classroom35:13 Mackenzie's Journey From Speech Kid to Star Wars Interviewer36:43 Vanessa's Emotional Closing Message37:17 OutroMay the Force be with you, ALWAYS!