Star Wars is a universe that is full of incredible women characters. Even from the original trilogy, icons like Leia Organa and Mon Mothma inspired young fans. However, there was a long way to go in terms of representation, both in the variety and depth of women characters in Star Wars.
Few of the films pass the Bechdel Test, a measure that evaluates representation by looking at whether there are multiple women characters who speak to each other about a topic other than the men around them. The lesser known Mako Mori test, examining whether at least one woman character has a narrative arc unrelated to a man's arc, fares better.
These tests can only take us so far in our evaluation of the Star Wars franchise. While Star Wars shows and films are making greater efforts to include complex women characters, this shift has been slower among the fandom. Women have historically needed to fight for their inclusion in fan spaces, even facing frequent criticisms or tests to prove their knowledge. This same scrutiny is often directed at creators within the franchise, from the actors who bring these characters to life to the women working behind the camera or as studio executives.
One way that we can quiet the voices of the naysayers is to celebrate those creators whenever possible. Podcasts are wonderful places to hear from femme Star Wars fans, exploring topics from across the vast universe.
Here are 11 Star Wars podcasts hosted by women for Women's History Month.
1. Aphra's Artifacts
For an in-depth analysis of LGBTQ+ representation in Star Wars, look no further than the wonderful Aphra's Artifacts. Energetic host, Alia, uses short form videos to examine the queer stereotypes found within Star Wars projects as well as evaluating how well these topics are explored. On this channel, you can find reviews of Doctor Aphra comics, as well as deep dives into important characters. There is a lot to love on this YouTube channel.
2. B*tches of Dathomir
If your favorite part of Star Wars is the print media or you are looking for some guidance on what books you might enjoy, you may have some friends in co-hosts Jen and Rachel from B*tches of Dathomir. Their hilarious summaries of recent novels and comic books make for entertaining listening. They bring in a wealth of information and analysis with every episode.
3. Force Toast: A Star Wars Happy Hour
Force Toast: A Star Wars Happy Hour has a special focus on current Star Wars news, but fans have found this podcast to provide much more than that: a safe haven for women fans to have some fun. In addition to well-explained discussions and its signature irreverent humor, the podcast includes enjoyable and challenging trivia. Having just celebrated their podcast's sixth anniversary, co-hosts Alyce and Laura are clearly making something special.
4. The GALactic Podcast
These two gals, co-hosts Andrea and Lauren, find balance between insightful commentary on recent Star Wars news and engaging humor in The GALactic Podcast. Their passion for this galaxy far, far away is infectious and has drawn in a number of listeners who enjoy their coverage of new shows and their thoughtful reactions to upcoming projects.
5. Lipstick and Lightsabers
Lipstick and Lightsabers's mission is to create content for, by, and about women in Star Wars. Co-hosts Alex and Shannon have also done incredible work reaching out to the community for testimonials from femme fans. In addition to these shared stories, they have striven to provide entertaining discussions and quality information on books, shows, characters, and everything in between.
6. Most Things Kenobi
You would be hard-pressed to find a group of people more obsessed with Obi-Wan Kenobi than co-hosts Lauren and LeeAnn from Most Things Kenobi. Their enthusiasm and lively discussion have prompted fascinating philosophical discussions and perceptive discoveries about character development. Their appreciation of fan art and fan fiction is just one more way they have created a positive community of Star Wars fans through this podcast.
7. Now This is Lit
Star Wars books, whether they are Legends or canon, deserve their chance in the spotlight. Host Meg does exactly that on Now This is Lit. Featuring interviews with Star Wars authors and deep dives, this is the perfect place to learn more about the world of Star Wars literature and those who help to bring such amazing stories into print.
8. The Queer Ascendancy
What do you get when you combine passionate rants, hilarious discussions, and a touch of chaos? The pure magic of The Queer Ascendancy, hosted by Beckah and Kels. One of the things that makes this podcast so great is that it not only dives into queer representation in Star Wars but other intersectional identities such as in the disabled community.
9. Rise of the Glup Shitto
Co-hosts Britt and Steph explore some of the most obscure Star Wars characters in Rise of the Glup Shitto. From canon and Legends backstories to behind the scenes details, listeners are treated to a breadth of knowledge and great humor. Have you ever wondered what Jabba the Hutt's family is like or thought about the biology and physiology of the members of the Max Rebo Band? If so, this may be the podcast for you.
10. Sisterhood of the Travelin Bantha
Whether you're a fan of books, shows, movies, or more, Sisterhood of the Travelin Bantha can be a source of information and comfort. Aside from riveting book reviews and episode recaps, there is plenty of space for unexpected adventures featuring character tributes, Star Wars anniversary celebrations, and guest appearances from fans. Co-hosts Denise and Rexy also release a monthly episode dedicated to incredible women characters in Star Wars.
11. Skytalkers
Named the top Star Wars podcast on Apple Podcasts in 2020 and 2021, co-hosts Charlotte and Caitlin have certainly garnered the attention of the Star Wars community on Skytalkers. They have a star-studded interview history including some of the biggest names in the franchise, which is just as impressive as the relentless positivity and deep analysis that can be found in each episode.