CWK Show #867: Bad Guys Doing Good: Inside the 501st Legion with TJ Wonogas and Chip Childress

What happens when Star Wars fans turn their love of the galaxy far, far away into a force for good? I’m joined by TJ Wonogas, Midwest Garrison Commanding Officer, and Chip Childress of the 501st Legion’s Midwest Garrison for a behind-the-scenes look at this remarkable fan organization. We discuss how members create screen-inspired armor and costumes, the dedication and craftsmanship that bring Imperial characters to life, and how the 501st uses its community presence to support charities, visit fans, and make a difference. It’s a conversation about creativity, camaraderie, and how a shared love of Star Wars can help others in meaningful ways. Pour a cup, join the conversation! SUPPORT CWK WITH THE CWK ALLIANCE Pull up a chair and join the CWK Alliance for exclusive access to CWK Pour-Over, our weekly bonus podcast featuring Dan Zehr, Cory Clubb, and Tom Gross, available in audio and video depending on your membership level. Join the CWK Alliance:http://coffeewithkenobi.com/CWKAlliance COFFEE WITH KENOBI'S TRAVEL PARTNER — MEI TRAVEL & MOUSE FAN TRAVEL Planning a trip to Galaxy's Edge, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, or beyond? Let CWK's trusted travel partner help plan your next adventure. Plan your trip with MEI Travel and Mouse Fan Travel:http://coffeewithkenobi.com/MouseFanTravel SHOP COFFEE WITH KENOBI Find CWK shirts, hoodies, stickers, phone cases, and more. Visit the CWK Shop:http://coffeewithkenobi.com/Shop DAN ZEHR'S STAR WARS BOOKS Explore Dan's Star Wars books, including The Star Wars Book, Star Wars Character Encyclopedia, Star Wars: I Am Your Father, and Star Wars Encyclopedia. Shop Dan Zehr's books:https://amzn.to/42V8cIr CONNECT WITH DAN ZEHR Email: [email protected] X: @MrZehrhttps://twitter.com/MrZehr Instagram: @danzehrcwkhttps://www.instagram.com/danzehrcwk Threads: @danzehrcwkhttps://www.threads.com/@danzehrcwk Bluesky: @danzehrhttps://bsky.app/profile/danzehr.bsky.social MUSIC "Eye to Eye" by Steve Torok Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/coffee-with-kenobi-star-wars-community-conversation--3271982/support. FOLLOW COFFEE WITH KENOBI Stay connected with Coffee With Kenobi: Freshly Brewed Conversation for new episodes, conversations, interviews, event coverage, and more. X: @CoffeeWithKenobi https://twitter.com/CoffeeWithKenobi Instagram: @CoffeeWithKenobi https://www.instagram.com/CoffeeWithKenobi Threads: @coffee_with_kenobi https://www.threads.net/@coffee_with_kenobi Facebook: Coffee With Kenobi https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeWithKenobi YouTube: Coffee With Kenobi https://www.youtube.com/coffeewithkenobi Bluesky: @coffeewithkenobi https://bsky.app/profile/coffeewithkenobi.bsky.social JOIN THE CWK CAFE The conversation doesn't end when the episode does. Join the CWK Cafe, our active Facebook community, to talk Star Wars, pop culture, and the stories and experiences we love. Join the CWK Cafe: http://coffeewithkenobi.com/Community COFFEE WITH KENOBI: FRESHLY BREWED CONVERSATION The Galaxy Is Just the Beginning. Pour a cup. Pull up a chair. Bring your friends. Join the conversation.