Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 19: Jaws "Merchandise" - Vol. 01 Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss all of the Jaws merchandise that Sal came across on his recent visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 06-10-24 & 05-01-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iH…

We've reached the end of the The Rise of Skywalker (minutes 141-142)! In this season finale, Xanthe goes through the music and sound credits and explains how each role contributed to the production. We also compare the "transition to end credits" music across all 9 Skywalker Saga films and discuss how The Rise of Skywalker's version fits into a lar…

By Chrysanthe Tan

Music theorist and film musicologist Dr. Frank Lehman returns to the show to discuss the final scene of the film (minutes 131-135)--which includes his favorite cue from The Rise of Skywalker score! We cover a ton of ground in this episode--including the growing-up of Rey's theme, the final cue as a strategic open text, the encoding of Darth Vader's…

In minutes 126-130 of The Rise of Skywalker, Ben and Leia become one with the Force and beings across the galaxy celebrate their victory against the Sith Eternal. Joining me today is Nathan Fontyn (from the ["Music By John Williams"](https://x.com/JWilliams_Fan) Twitter). We discuss John Williams's sentimental themes, his use of choir, and the "gre…

The good guys win! Reylo kiss! Ben Solo dies! Minutes 121-125 of The Rise of Skywalker are packed with action, romance, and melty 'splody faces. Joining me today is Ender Smith (AKA AurekFonts), who talks with me about subjective sound design, chiastic structure, how character deaths are scored in Star Wars, and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there…

In minutes 116-120 of The Rise of Skywalker, Palpatine unleashes Force lightning on the Resistance fleet, Rey gets a boost from the voices of Jedi past, Sidious declares that he is all the Sith, and Rey retorts that she is all the Jedi. Oh, and Palpatine has a really bad time as he disintegrates from his own Force lightning. 😬 Joining me today are …

In minutes 111-115 of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey Force-transfers her lightsaber to Ben, Palpatine sucks the life out of the Dyad, and Lando shows up with a massive Citizens' Fleet ready to join the fight. Christina Ward (from The Band Batch) returns to the show to analyze Palpatine's vocal delivery from an operatic speak-singing perspective. We als…

In minutes 106-110 of The Rise of Skywalker, Ben Solo arrives on the scene, bringing with him a new, redeemed musical theme! As J.J. Abrams puts it, we "make the trip from Ren to Ben." I'm pleased to be joined by Samantha Tripp for an in-depth discussion about this huge moment in the score. Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 6:59 - "Approaching the Th…

In minutes 101-105 of The Rise of Skywalker, Finn has a Force feeling, Finn and Jannah ride obraks toward the Steadfast's navigation tower, and Rey approaches her grandfather on the Sith throne. John Hoey from The Resistance Broadcast returns to the show to discuss trumpet cascades, Sith geiger counters, Finn's Force sensitivity, Palpatine's home f…

Xanthe, James, Christina, and Ender review Star Wars in Concert—which we attended at Walt Disney Concert Hall on November 21, 2024. Anthony Daniels hosted the evening, Sarah Hicks conducted The Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Robert Istad directed the CSUF University Singers. Discussion timestamps: 0:00 - Intro to "Star Wars in Concert" 1:41 - Highli…

In minutes 96-100 of The Rise of Skywalker, Artoo restores Threepio's memory, Finn and Poe give an inspiration speech to the Resistance fighters, and Rey lands on Exegol. My Aussie friend Catherine Kneen joins me to talk about one-line-at-a-time dialogue, chunky button pushes, the many components of March of the Resistance, and more! Timestamps: 0:…

In minutes 91-95 of The Rise of Skywalker, Luke stops Rey from throwing her lightsaber into the fire and raises his old X-wing from the water. Jeremy Sawruk returns to the show to discuss orchestration flavorings, the re-use of the iconic "Yoda and the Force" cue, and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 3:09 - Poe's theme. 4:53 - March of the Res…

In minutes 86-90 of The Rise of Skywalker, Ben Solo speaks to his dad and throws his lightsaber into the sea. Pete and Alex from Star Wars Minute join me today to talk about 80s TV robots, high school coach pep talks, the "woob woob woob" sound, and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 3:00 - Music that reminds Pete of David Lynch's DUNE. 4:55 - H…

In minutes 81-85 of The Rise of Skywalker, we witness a major turning point in the narrative: Rey stabs Kylo, Leia dies, and Rey heals Kylo's wound. I'm happy to have Dan Golding back on the show to discuss bummer remixes, botched Force themes, John Williams's post-Jurassic Park action music, and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 5:44 - Where t…

That's A Crime Episode 18: Just Curious Media Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez celebrate the 5-Year Anniversary of Just Curious Media! Recorded: 06-17-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeartRadio Hosts: Jason Connell Sal Rodriguez Affiliates: Buzzsprout Riverside We Ed…

In minutes 76-80 of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey meets Dark Rey and duels Kylo Ren on the Death Star wreckage. Composer and choral conductor Steve Danielson joins me today to talk about Williams-y action scoring, tritone stability, shame spirals, and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 8:58 - Stress underscore. 11:49 - What is the movie trying to s…

In minutes 71-75 of The Rise of Skywalker, Finn and Jannah connect about their stormtrooper pasts and Rey sets out for the Death Star wreckage by herself. Kris AKA StarWarsLawyer joins me for a discussion about stormtrooper Force sensitivity, the foreboding tendencies of "water adventure" music, and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 4:29 - Stor…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 17: Jaws: The Revenge (1987) - Trailer Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the Jaws: The Revenge trailer and much more. Jaws: The Revenge (1987) Synopsis: Chief Brody's widow believes that her family is deliberately being targeted by another shark in search of revenge. Director: Joseph Sargent Writer: Peter Benchley (b…

In minutes 66-70 of The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo asks Rey to join him, General Pryde shoots Hux, and we wind up on Kef Bir. Marianne joins me today to discuss thematic reappropriation, Poe vs. Heroics themes, a demure Palpatine moment, complicated nostalgia, and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 5:37 - Psalm of the Sith, a misshapen clone of the…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 16: Jaws 3-D (1983) - Trailer Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the Jaws 3-D trailer and much more. Jaws 3-D (1983) Synopsis: A giant thirty-five-foot shark becomes trapped in a SeaWorld theme park and it's up to the sons of police chief Brody to rescue everyone. Director: Joe Alves Writer: Peter Benchley (book), Car…

Are all people on the Dark side repressed theater kids? What's that weird "wee!" sound during the Kylo/Rey duel? Do the strings represent Rey and brass represent Kylo in this scene? We discuss all of this and more in today's episode about minutes 61-65 of The Rise of Skywalker, featuring Darth Choco and Element7! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 5:0…

Into The Mystic Episode 15: Jaws 3-D (1983) & Jaws: The Revenge (1987) - 4K Release w/A.I. Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the 4K release of both Jaws 3-D & Jaws: The Revenge and the poor results of using A.I. enhancements. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 09-11-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Sp…

In minutes 56-60 of The Rise of Skywalker, our heroes rescue Chewbacca and Rey wanders into Kylo's creepily-sterile-looking private quarters. Tony Thaxton returns to the show to discuss "noticing vs. not noticing," deaths in Star Wars, the sound design of Kylo/Rey's Force chats, and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 5:18 - Not noticing the musi…

Into The Mystic Episode 14: Jaws (1975) & Speed (1994) - Movie Connections Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the influence of Jaws on pop culture and how an actor in the film Speed paid homage to the classic movie in a memorable scene. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 09-11-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple P…

In minutes 51-55 of The Rise of Skywalker, Babu Frik does the procedure, C-3PO performs the Sith translation, and Rey senses that Chewie is still alive. Returning guest Brandon Wainerdi (Talking Bay 94) joins me to discuss the usage of the Main Theme, Shirley Henderson's voice work on Babu Frik, MacGuffin mechanics, and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hel…

Into The Mystic Episode 13: Announcement - Jaws In Concert (New York City) Jason Connell shares the upcoming dates and information for Jaws in Concert on September 26th-28th in New York City. Tickets: https://www.nyphil.org/concerts-tickets/2425/film-jaws/ Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 09-09-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buz…

John Williams has a cameo in this set of minutes! Also in minutes 46-50 of The Rise of Skywalker, the gang lands on Kijimi, we meet Zorii Bliss and Babu Frik, and we learn more about the droid hacking thing that'll get C-3PO to translate the Sith inscription. Camila Quiñones returns to the show to talk about the sound-forward worldbuilding of Kijim…

Into The Mystic Episode 12: Jaws: The Revenge (1987) - Casting - Michael Caine (Hoagie Newcombe) Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss a Michael Caine interview in which he shared why he starred in Jaws: The Revenge. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 08-16-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon …

In minutes 41-45 of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey shoots lightning from her fingers and destroys the First Order transport that she believes Chewie is on. Dominic Sewell returns to the show to discuss symmetry in the Friendship theme, the shroud over John Williams's writing process, mus-emes (musical memes), and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 8…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 11: Jaws 2 (1978) - Trailer Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the Jaws 2 trailer and how the sequel holds up over time. “Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water.” Jaws 2 (1978) Synopsis: Police chief Brody must protect the citizens of Amity after a second monstrous shark begins terrorizing the water…

In minutes 36-40 of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey heals the vexis, the Knights of Ren arrive on Pasaana, Rey confronts Kylo Ren in the desert, and Chewie is captured. Today, Patrick Cotnoir (The George Lucas Talk Show, The Naboo Movie, The Great Kamino Kaper) joins me to discuss over-the-top evil music, the sound design of Kylo/Rey's desert showdown, …

In minutes 31-35 of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey and the gang fall through the sinking fields, find Ochi's dagger, and encounter a snarling serpent. Sawyer Markham joins me today to talk about ambient loops, snake sounds, musical exit points, and more! Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 3:06 - Sawyer's overall thoughts about the music in this film. 7:30…

In minutes 26-30 of The Rise of Skywalker, Lando tells Rey, Finn, Poe, and the gang about Ochi of Bestoon, and our heroes encounter flying stormtroopers. Film music researcher Conor Power returns to the show to discuss "style topics," the Heroics themes, and John Williams' original cue for the speeder chase. Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 3:09 - M…

In minutes 21-25 of The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo Ren debuts his newly repaired mask, our heroes make it to Pasaana in time for the Aki Aki Festival of the Ancestors, and we get our first piece of source music in the film. Alex Cunningham returns to the show to discuss Kylo's helmet voice, First Order dialects, stabby punctuation, and the use of dieg…

Palpatine has returned, and author Katharine Coldiron joins me to discuss minutes 16-20 of The Rise of Skywalker. We talk about the logic of leitmotifs, songs vs. performances, Bugs, the storytelling matrix, conveying information through image vs. sound, and more. Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 4:51 - Microphone speculation. 13:55 - "Somehow, Palp…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 10: Interview - Carl Gottlieb (Screenwriter - Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D) Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez have well-known screenwriter, director, and actor Carl Gottlieb (Jaws, Jaws 2, Jaws 3-D) on the show. They discuss his legendary screenplays, his directorial debut, and his famous book The Jaws Log. Official Sponsor: Narra…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 09: Martha’s Vineyard (Amity Island) - Jaws Tour Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss Jason's recent visit to Martha’s Vineyard (Amity Island) and his captivating Jaws Tour. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 05-29-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeartRadi…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 08: Tribute - Susan Backlinie (Chrissie Watkins) - Jaws "First Victim" Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez pay tribute to the late well-known stuntwoman and actor Susan Backlinie who played Chrissie Watkins, the first victim, in the iconic opening scene of Jaws. Susan Backlinie Born: September 1, 1946 Died: May 11, 2024 (77) O…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 07: Universal Studios Hollywood - Jaws Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss Sal's recent visit to Universal Studios Hollywood and his captivating Jaws experience. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 05-01-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeartRadio Hosts: Ja…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 06: Narragansett Beer - "Crush It Like Quint" Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss Narragansett Beer becoming an official sponsor of the show and their memorable role in Jaws as Quint's beverage of choice. Official Sponsor: Narragansett Beer Recorded: 03-26-24 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 05: Jaws "Franchise" - Vol. 02 Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez revisit the classic movie franchise again and talk about all things in the Jaws universe. The discussion was on Let's Talk - Movies and was the launching point for Let's Talk - JAWS. “The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No. 1 best seller.” Jaws (1…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 04: Jaws "Franchise" - Vol. 01 Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez revisit the classic movie franchise and talk about all things in the Jaws universe. The discussion was on Let's Talk - Movies and was the launching point for Let's Talk - JAWS. “The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No. 1 best seller.” Jaws (1975) S…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 03: The Shark Is Still Working - The Impact & Legacy of Jaws (2007) Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the famous documentary, The Shark Is Still Working - The Impact & Legacy of Jaws, and share their connection to the project. Recorded: 11-16-23 Studio: Just Curious Media Listen: Buzzsprout Apple Podcasts Spotify Ama…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 02: Jaws (1975) - Opening Scene Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the terrifying opening scene from Jaws which sets the tone for the rest of the classic movie. “The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No. 1 best seller.” Jaws (1975) Synopsis: When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape…

Let's Talk - JAWS Episode 01: Jaws (1975) - Trailer Jason Connell and Sal Rodriguez discuss the original Jaws trailer and how the classic movie was about to change the film industry forever. “The terrifying motion picture from the terrifying No. 1 best seller.” Jaws (1975) Synopsis: When a killer shark unleashes chaos on a beach community off Cape …

In minutes 11-15 of The Rise of Skywalker, we see Rey training in the jungle of Ajan Kloss under the light guidance of General Leia Organa; Kylo and Rey have their first Force chat of the film; and Rey reunites with Poe and Finn. Star Wars author and Rey aficionado Riley Silverman is here with me to discuss Rey's epic "training suite" theme, Leia's…

In minutes 6-10 of The Rise of Skywalker, Palpatine has a chat with Kylo Ren, Poe and Finn lose a game of Dejarik to Chewie, a spy gives the Resistance information, and the Falcon lightspeed skips to evade TIE fighters. Klaudia Amenábar of RuPalp's Podrace returns to the show to discuss the Resistance polycule, octatonic brass, Exegol sound design,…

This is an introduction to the music of The Rise of Skywalker with an emphasis on the first 5 minutes. In the episode, I also go over my aims for this season of Star Wars Music Minute, talk about balancing meta-commentary and media-commentary, and share my favorite thing about the TROS score. Timestamps: 0:00 - Hello there! 0:50 - What to expect fr…

Mastering engineer and film music restoration expert Chris Malone joins Xanthe for the season finale to talk about all things Empire Strikes Back soundtrack. We cover a ton of ground, from analog recording technology and methodology to the unique issues affecting The Empire Strikes Back releases. This episode contains many visuals, including specto…