TWIN SUNS: A Star Wars Podcast

From Colored Pencils to a Galaxy Far, Far Away: The Art of Nadia Komarenko/Espino

What does it take to turn a box of colored pencils into some of the most sought-after Star Wars sketch cards in the galaxy? In this episode of Twin Suns: A Star Wars Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed Star Wars sketch card artist Nadia Espino to explore her incredible journey from growing up in Russia to building a career as a professional artist in Mexico City. Along the way, we discuss her love of traditional art, her meticulous colored pencil technique, and how she became one of the most recognizable names in the Star Wars trading card community. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind her stunning sketch cards, her favorite Star Wars characters to illustrate, and the joy of creating commissioned artwork for collectors around the world. John also shares the story behind his growing Nadia collection, including two Padmé commissions, Sabine Wren, Shin Hati, and the now-famous Dark Side Padmé piece that sparked conversations across the Star Wars card community and Instagram. Whether you're a lifelong Star Wars fan, an artist, or a passionate collector, this is an inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and bringing a galaxy far, far away to life, one colored pencil at a time.

The Rebel Spirit: A Conversation with Filmmaker Travis Lee Eller

What happens when you combine the dusty frontier spirit of a classic Western with a galaxy far, far away? This week on Twin Suns: A Star Wars Podcast, John and Nelly are joined by actor, writer, and filmmaker Travis Lee Eller, the creative force behind The Rebel (A Star Wars Story). We dive deep into the making of this fan-favorite short film, exploring its Western influences, its connection to the heart of Star Wars storytelling, and the challenges of bringing an original vision to life inside one of the most beloved universes ever created. From lightsabers to six-shooters, rebellion to redemption, this is a conversation about filmmaking, fandom, and finding your own voice in a galaxy far, far away.

Sweet Tea, Sith Lords & SPACECON with Bo Hannan

This week on Twin Suns, we're joined by listener-turned-dear friend Bo Hannan to unpack an unforgettable weekend at SPACECON in San Antonio. Bo's Star Wars story is unlike any we've heard before. Less than a year ago, she had never seen Star Wars. Then one blind viewing of Revenge of the Sith changed everything. Fast forward twelve months, and she's traveling across the country, attending conventions, collecting unforgettable memories, and becoming part of an incredible community of fellow fans. Together, we relive the highs, laughs, and chaos of SPACECON: meeting Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor stories, photo-op adventures, autograph lines, panel highlights, convention mishaps, and the friendships that make these events so special. We also discuss why fandom matters, how online friendships become real-life connections, and why the Star Wars community continues to surprise us in the best possible way. Whether you're a convention veteran, a Hayden Christensen enthusiast, or someone who simply loves hearing stories about the people who make this galaxy far, far away feel like home, this episode is for you. Pour yourself a glass of southern sweet tea or, in John’s case, two large San Antonio margaritas, settle in, and join us for a conversation filled with laughter, gratitude, and a whole lot of Star Wars.

Twin Suns x Twin.Sunns: Our Final Mandalorian & Grogu Conversation Vol. 3

Three episodes. Three perspectives. One final conversation. On this special crossover episode of Twin Suns: A Star Wars Podcast, John and Nelly are joined by Sunny from Twin.Sunns to close out our coverage of The Mandalorian & Grogu. After our initial spoiler review and a listener reaction episode, we're taking one last trip into the galaxy far, far away to discuss what has stayed with us since the credits rolled. Has our opinion of the film changed? What moments continue to resonate? What did the movie get right, and what does it mean for the future of Star Wars storytelling?  Plus, Sunny shared with us what it was like having her questions answered by Jon, Dave, Pedro, and Sigourney! Thank you for joining us on this three-part journey through The Mandalorian & Grogu.

The Fans Strike Back: Listener Reactions to The Mandalorian and Grogu Vol. 2

The Force is strong with this one...and so are the opinions. After our full spoiler review of The Mandalorian & Grogu, we turned to the Twin Suns community and asked a simple question: What did you think? On this episode, we read and react to listener comments, reviews, hot takes, criticisms, and celebrations from Star Wars fans across the galaxy. From favorite moments and emotional reactions to unexpected surprises and spirited debates, we're handing the microphone over to the people who make this fandom so special. Whether you loved the film, had mixed feelings, or are still making up your mind, this episode is a celebration of the conversations that happen after the credits roll. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and helped make this one of our favorite episodes yet. The fans have spoken.