Mark Newbold, What Does Star Wars Mean To You?
Mark Newbold (editor-in-chief & co-founder Fantha Tracks, journalist) joins us to share what Star Wars means to him. A longtime contributor to Star Wars Insider and StarWars.com. Mark takes us on his journey through his first encounter with Star Wars: A New Hope in 1978, discovering comics, novels, and action figures in the UK before the film hit local cinemas. From being determined to buy the C-3PO figure to interviewing Irvin Kershner, Mark shares how a childhood passion turned into a professional career spanning podcasts, fanfiction, and audio plays.
We dive into his favorite elements of the franchise—from Attack of the Clones to Skeleton Crew’s suburbia—and reflect on topics like the evolution of fandom, the magic of anticipation, and what it means to be a Star Wars storyteller and archivist in a galaxy that’s always growing.
Whether you love the original trilogy, dig into Star Wars comics, or obsess over The Mandalorian's Razor Crest, this episode is a heartfelt tribute to what binds the Star Wars community together across the world!
Mark’s Star Wars journey started at the ABC cinema in Cannock, Staffordshire Easter 1978 and through weekly and monthly Marvel UK Comics, Buena Vista Read-Along-Adventures and Palitoy action figures he’s continued on the Jedi path for over 46 years. Mark Newbold has been a writer for the Star Wars Insider since 2006, contributing to the My Star Wars, Red Five and Launch Pad sections as well as feature articles and interviews. He is Editor-in-Chief of Fantha Tracks and is a frequent writer for print and online magazines including Star Wars Insider, Build The Millennium Falcon, Starburst and Star Trek The Official Magazine. He is a proud Honorary Friend of the 501st and the Rebel Legion.
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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