Mind the Force
Mind the Force

Mind the Force

Kristine McPartlin

Overview
Episodes

Details

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 other. May the Force be with you as we journey together toward greater understanding, insight, and empowerment in both the Star Wars universe and our everyday lives.

Recent Episodes

Ep XIV: Celebrating Star Wars Podcast Day
FEB 7, 2025
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 Podcast Day (Feb 7th marks the 26th anniversary of the first Star Wars podcast the internet was ever graced with). Today, we explore the deep connection between Star Wars and mental health and why we do what we do. From the hero’s journey to the lessons of resilience, hope, and redemption, Star Wars offers more than just epic storytelling.

Join the Conversation:

What does Star Wars mean to you? Share your thoughts with us on social media or use the hashtag #MindTheForcePodcast! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps the podcast reach more listeners who need it.

As promised! Recently got put onto Royish Good Looks, and they are some of the best Star Wars song parodies ever!

https://open.spotify.com/artist/08zsyi6FbSP0D1FTrDyo0W?si=CUinqNuaT6aPGOtu25WuYw

Hosts: Kristine McPartlin & James Abbate

Produced by: Press Record Studios

www.pressrecordstudios.com

Mind the Force Website: ⁠https://mindtheforce.com/⁠


Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mindtheforce/⁠


Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mindtheforce


Please subscribe to the Mind the Force Newsletter for bonus material and more of our big Star Wars thoughts and feels!

https://mindtheforce.com/subscribe 


Mental Health Disclaimer

We are not medical or mental health professionals. Mind the Force podcast is intended for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat listeners with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional, or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist or licensed mental health professional.

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66 MIN
Ep XIII: Tarkin, Part III, Condition Assessment
JAN 18, 2025
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 Ates-Barlas, we analyze Tarkin’s possible mental health struggles, including his need for control, fear-driven actions, and the lasting impact of his rigid upbringing. How did his environment shape his behavior, and what might have been different with early intervention? And were Tarkin and Vader really that different despite having such different upbringings?

We also discuss the real-world parallels of Tarkin’s traits, the repercussions of his actions on the society around him, and how understanding them can help us reflect on our own tendencies. Tune in for a thought-provoking blend of Star Wars lore and mental health insights!

Alev Ates-Barlas

https://iwellnessuny.com/about-us/alev-ates-barlas-lmft/

Hosts: Kristine McPartlin & James Abbate

Produced by: Press Record Studios

www.pressrecordstudios.com


Mind the Force Website: ⁠https://mindtheforce.com/⁠


Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mindtheforce/⁠


Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mindtheforce


Please subscribe to the Mind the Force Newsletter for bonus material and more of our big Star Wars thoughts and feels!

https://mindtheforce.com/subscribe


Mental Health Disclaimer

We are not medical or mental health professionals. Mind the Force podcast is intended for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this podcast do we diagnose or treat listeners with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional, or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to substitute for working with a therapist or licensed mental health professional.

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77 MIN
Ep XII: Tarkin, Part II
OCT 22, 2024
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 costs of the Empire's brand of "justice", how hubris can blind even the savviest of minds, and ask the hard hitting question on everyone's mind; who was Tarkin's best friend?

A big thanks to Press Record Studios for having us!

If you'd like to record in NYC or remote anywhere in the world, visit Press Record Studios website at www.pressrecordstudios.com

Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pressrecordstudios

And Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pressrecordstudiosny/

A great piece of source material!

Strategy Strikes Back: How Star Wars Explains Modern Military Conflict

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36478363-strategy-strikes-back

Hosts: Kristine McPartlin & James Abbate

Mind the Force Website: ⁠https://mindtheforce.com/⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mindtheforce/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/mindtheforce

Please subscribe to the Mind the Force Newsletter for bonus material and more of our big Star Wars thoughts and feels!

https://mindtheforce.com/subscribe 

Mental Health Disclaimer

I am not a medical or mental health professional. Mind the Force podcast is intended for inspirational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. Nowhere in this Podcast do I diagnose or treat listeners with any kind of psychological, mental, emotional or physical disorder as might be diagnosed and treated by a personal psychologist or other professional advisor. The content is not intended to be a substitute for working with a therapist or licensed mental health professional.

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107 MIN