Eric Clayton, What Does Star Wars Mean To You?
Author Eric Clayton (My Life with the Jedi, Canonnball Moments) chats what Star Wars means to him! At the intersection of Jesuit spirituality and Star Wars storytelling, Eric explores the enduring appeal of the galaxy far, far away. We discuss fan favorites like Rogue One, Solo, and Lost Stars, the wisdom of Qui-Gon Jinn, and influence of The Ewok movies. Eric unpacks the Ignatian concept of “cannonball moments” and how they parallel Luke Skywalker’s journey in The Last Jedi, the moral lessons from the Jedi Council’s failures, and the bravery of rebels who fight without the Force. Along the way, we celebrate Star Wars strangeness—from Caravan of Courage Ewoks to mystical Bendu visions—and reflect on how the Force’s representation allows fans of all backgrounds to see their own spiritual beliefs in the saga. We’ve talked a lot about the politics of Star Wars, so this week, we’re taling the philosophies of Star Wars!
Eric Clayton is an award-winning writer, speaker, storyteller and sought-after retreat leader. He is the author of My Life with the Jedi: The Spirituality of Star Wars and Cannonball Moments: Telling Your Story, Deepening Your Faith, both from Loyola Press. His next book, Finding Peace Here and Now: How Ignatian Spirituality Leads Us to Healing and Wholeness, is due out from Brazos Press in 2025. Eric is currently the deputy director of communications at the Jesuit Conference of Canada and the United States. He joined the team in 2019 and produces content that invites audiences to reflect on how to integrate Ignatian spirituality in their everyday life. He guest hosts “AMDG: A Jesuit Podcast” and writes an award-winning weekly newsletter entitled “Now Discern This” for an audience of nearly 30,000 subscribers.
Twitter and Instagram @StarWarsMean2U
Star Wars may have the largest and most diverse fanbase in all the galaxy—but every fan has their own certain point of view. So, tune your comlinks and join Star Wars enthusiasts, Dave (an OT kid) and Elora (a PT kid), every week for an in-depth conversation with a different devotee from all walks of life across the Star Wars fandom universe. Plus, it’s just FUN to talk about Star Wars. To bring balance to the fanbase, each episode we’ll delve into our guests’ personal Star Wars fandom story, and from that point of view, we’ll celebrate the power of the Force. Strap in, ignite your passion for the galaxy far, far away, and find out: What Does Stars Wars Mean To You?
Music composed & performed by Gregory Bromfield
Copyright 2025 David H.
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