PODCAST · tv
Mind the Force
by Kristine McPartlin
Welcome to Mind the Force Podcast, where Star Wars fandom meets mental health awareness. Hosted by Kristine McPartlin & James Abbate, we dive into the intersections between the Star Wars universe and real-life mental health journeys, unpacking the wisdom that our favorite characters and stories offer for resilience, healing, and growth. Each episode, we explore themes of trauma, identity, courage, and connection, using these tales from a galaxy far, far away as a lens to discuss mental wellness in a relatable, thoughtful way.We believe that storytelling has a powerful role in shaping how we view ourselves and our struggles, and Star Wars is a universal language that connects fans from all walks of life. Whether you're a lifelong Jedi, a Sith sympathizer, or somewhere in between, Mind the Force invites you to explore these stories with an open mind and heart.Join us as we navigate mental health topics with empathy, humor, and hope, celebrating the strength within ourselves and each ot
Episodes
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Ep XXXII: How Myths Make Worlds, Part II: The War Comes Home
In Part Two of our Star Wars vs. Nolan’s The Odyssey series, Kristine and James explore what happens when survival changes you. From Odysseus returning home after war to Anakin, Obi-Wan, and the clones carrying the effects of conflict, we look at trauma, control, isolation, and the challenge of...
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XXXI - The Stories We Inherit: Star Wars vs Nolan’s The Odyssey (Part I)
In Part One of our Star Wars vs. Nolan’s The Odyssey series, we explore how family stories shape identity long before we are old enough to question them. From Telemachus growing up in the shadow of Odysseus to Luke Skywalker discovering the truth about Anakin, we look at absent fathers, inherited...
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Ep XXX: You Had to Be There: Star Wars in Theaters Today
What makes us feel like we need to experience a movie in theaters? In this episode of Mind the Force, Kristine and James look at the psychology behind the theatrical experience and what it means for the future of Star Wars on the big screen. From nostalgia and fandom identity to spectacle, FOMO,...
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Ep. XXIX: Doctor Aphra: Representation Without Perfection
For Pride Month, Kristine and James dive into Doctor Chelli Lona Aphra: rogue archaeologist, tech genius, walking red flag, and one of Star Wars’ most compelling queer characters. Through Aphra’s relationships, betrayals, family wounds, and moral grayness, we explore representation without...
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Ep. XXVIII: Jar Jar Binks: A Tale of Dehumanization
Jar Jar Binks has spent decades as the butt of the joke, but there is more to him than that. This week on Mind the Force, we look at Jar Jar as an outsider, a disruptor, and an unexpectedly important part of The Phantom Menace. We also discuss the backlash to the prequel era, how that criticism...
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Ep. XXVII - Shmi Skywalker: A Mother's Quiet Power
In this Mother’s Day episode of Mind the Force, we reflect on the quiet power of Shmi Skywalker. Too often remembered only as Anakin’s mother, Shmi deserves to be seen on her own terms: as a woman of dignity, tenderness, and extraordinary strength. We explore what Shmi represents in the Star Wars...
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Ep XXVI - The Clones: Personhood in the War Machine
In Ep. XXVI of Mind the Force, Kristine and James explore the clones not as individual fan-favorite characters but as a collective military body shaped by obedience, war, and disposability. They are joined by LCSW Stacy Pellettieri for a thoughtful conversation about identity, depersonalization,...
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Ep. XXV - Dooku: The Clone Wars and the Downfall (Part II)
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...
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Ep. XXIV - Dooku: How Good Intentions Make a Sith Lord (Part I)
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…
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Ep. XXIII - Mon Mothma: The Emotional Cost of Doing the Right Thing
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.…
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Ep. XXII - Star Wars Holiday Special Featuring an Exclusive Interview with Director Steve Binder
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…
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Ep. XXI - Spaceballs and the Healing Power of Laughter
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…
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Ep. XX - Mace Windu
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…
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Ep. XIX - C-3PO
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...
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Ep. XVIII - Pregnancy in Star Wars
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...
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Ep. XVII: Jango Fett
In Episode XVII of Mind the Force, we explore the legacy of Jango Fett—Mandalorian, bounty hunter, and father. Often seen as cold and ruthless, Jango’s story reveals a deeper truth about identity, intentionality, and what it means to pass something on. We examine his choice to raise Boba as an...
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Ep. XVI - The Psychology of Fandom with Gayle Stever
In Episode XVI of Mind the Force, Kristine and James are joined by celebrity culture and fandom expert Gayle Stever to explore the fascinating world of fandoms. Gayle shares her extensive research on celebrity culture, parasocial relationships, and what drives the intense devotion behind…
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Ep XV: Why the Dark Side with Dr Owen Muir
In Ep XV of Mind the Force Podcast, we delve into the human psychology of the Dark Side with special guest Dr. Owen Muir, a psychiatrist with expertise in trauma, emotional regulation, and human behavior. Together, we explore why individuals are drawn to the allure of "evil," dissecting iconic...
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Ep XIV: Celebrating Star Wars Podcast Day
Episode Description: Happy Star Wars Podcast Day! On this special episode of Mind the Force, Kristine, and James are waxing poetic about their love of all things Star Wars. Today, we’re joining forces with fans and creators worldwide to celebrate the galaxy far, far away in honor of Star Wars...
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Ep XIII: Tarkin, Part III, Condition Assessment
In Episode XIII of Mind the Force, James, and Kristine wrap up the Tarkin series with a deep dive into the psyche of this complex character, exploring his authoritarian leadership style and the motivations behind his cold, calculated decisions. Joined by LMFT and Trauma Specialist, Alev...
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Ep XII: Tarkin, Part II
On Ep XII of Mind the Force, join Kristine and James as they continue their journey through the mind of Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin during his most formidable years at the military mastermind of the mighty Galactic Empire. Picking right up from the end of Tarkin, Part I, they discuss the heavy…
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Ep XI: Tarkin, Part I
On Ep XI of Mind the Force, Kristine and James roll out the first of two (count em, two!) episodes on everyone's favorite maniacal, military Moff himself, Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin. Join the fun as they explore the life and mind of this complex fellow, from his wild childhood on the outer rim...
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Ep. X: Barriss Offee
On Ep X of Mind the Force, we cover the life and times of Fallen Jedi turned mystic healer, Barriss Offee. From her troubled days as a padawan to the dark halls of the Inquisitorius, we take a look at this classic Star Wars redemption arc. And we are excited to bring on James Abbate as our...
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Ep IX - Chewbacca
On Ep IX of Mind the Force, Kristine is joined by HB Gibson and Julie Christiansen to discuss Chewbacca and the nuances of what honor means to Wookie culture and his life debt to Han Solo. From the emotional wisdom that comes with age to the mental effects of war and technology on society, this…
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Ep VIII - Star Wars Podcast Day
On Ep VIII of Mind the Force, Kristine is solo dolo and paying homage to the 4th annual Star Wars Podcast Day. We are joining over 100 other Star Wars podcasts and dropping an episode to celebrate 25 years of Star Wars podcasts. Kristine talks about her love of the franchise and how the Mind the...
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Ep VII - Cad Bane
On Ep VII of Mind the Force, the topic on the table is the infamous bounty hunter, Cad Bane. Kristine is joined by James Abbate, friend and fellow long time Star Wars nerd, and Simone Rinne, Social Worker & Host of The Mindful Men Podcast. Together they dig into the psychological affairs of one...
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Ep VI - Anakin Skywalker, The Beginning of the Fall | Condition Assessment
On Episode VI of Mind the Force, Kristine McPartlin is joined by Licensed Psychotherapist, Elisa Peimer, to get her professional thoughts and feelings on Anakin's final days and traumas before his fall to the dark side. We get into accountability, repression, loss, and emotional processing in the...
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Ep V - Anakin Skywalker, The Beginning of the Fall | Character Analysis
On Ep V of Mind the Force, Kristine and Matt examine the final days of Anakin's life before his infamous fall to the dark side. Host: Kristine McPartlin & Matt McPartlin Mind the Force Website: https://mindtheforce.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindtheforce/ Facebook:...
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Ep IV - Anakin Skywalker, From Girls to Gods | Condition Assessment
On Episode IV of Mind the Force, Kristine speaks to LMHP, Bria Spencer, and gets her take on Anakin's shenanigans in Attack of the Clones and the early days of Clone Wars: The Animated Series. Host: Kristine McPartlin Mind the Force Website: https://mindtheforce.com/ Instagram:...
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Ep III - Anakin Skywalker, From Girls to Gods | Character Analysis
Here on Ep III, we continue with Anakin's story, beginning with his reunion with Padme in Attack of the Clones and following through to his destiny altering meeting with the Mortis Gods in The Clone Wars: The Animated series. Host: Kristine McPartlin & Matt McPartlin Mind the Force Website:...
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Ep II- Anakin Skywalker: The Early Years | Condition Assessment
On Episode II of Mind the Force, we continue our analyzation of Anakin's younger years in conversation with Don Sinkfield, LMHC. Join us as we get his professional insight on Anakin's complicated childhood. Host: Kristine McPartlin Mind the Force Website: https://mindtheforce.com/ Instagram:...
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Ep I, Anakin Skywalker: The Early Years | Character Analysis
From his mysterious birth to his complicated teenage years, we examine Anakin Skywalker on the first episode of Mind the Force. Matt McPartlin joins me as my first Star Wars superfan co-host! Host: Kristine McPartlin & Matt McPartlin Mind the Force Website: https://mindtheforce.com/ Instagram:...
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Mind the Force Podcast Trailer
This is Mind the Force, a podcast about Star Wars & mental health, hosted by Kristine McPartlin. To get the low down, check out our new trailer! Episode 1 coming soon!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Mind the Force Podcast, where Star Wars fandom meets mental health awareness. Hosted by Kristine McPartlin & James Abbate, we dive into the intersections between the Star Wars universe and real-life mental health journeys, unpacking the wisdom that our favorite characters and stories offer for resilience, healing, and growth. Each episode, we explore themes of trauma, identity, courage, and connection, using these tales from a galaxy far, far away as a lens to discuss mental wellness in a relatable, thoughtful way.We believe that storytelling has a powerful role in shaping how we view ourselves and our struggles, and Star Wars is a universal language that connects fans from all walks of life. Whether you're a lifelong Jedi, a Sith sympathizer, or somewhere in between, Mind the Force invites you to explore these stories with an open mind and heart.Join us as we navigate mental health topics with empathy, humor, and hope, celebrating the strength within ourselves and each ot
HOSTED BY
Kristine McPartlin
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Mind the Force have?
Mind the Force currently has 33 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Mind the Force about?
Welcome to Mind the Force Podcast, where Star Wars fandom meets mental health awareness. Hosted by Kristine McPartlin & James Abbate, we dive into the intersections between the Star Wars universe and real-life mental health journeys, unpacking the wisdom that our favorite characters and stories...
How often does Mind the Force release new episodes?
Mind the Force has 33 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Mind the Force?
You can listen to Mind the Force on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Mind the Force?
Mind the Force is created and hosted by Kristine McPartlin.
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