Tarkin's Top Shelf

Tarkin's Top Shelf

A Star Wars literary podcast that strives to deliver an educational and yet, entertaining analysis and outlook, pertaining to the new canonical novels/YA books from the galaxy far, far away. In other words, Becca and Mark are your guardians to the Whills and your librarians to the long-lost Jedi Archives.

Episodes

December 17, 2025 71 mins
Tarkin's Top Shelf is excited to have Dr. Chris Kempshall back on the show, thanks to a listener request. In this episode, the hosts talk with Dr. Kempshall about ANDOR, focusing on his expertise in transnational experiences of warfare and how history is shown in modern media. Before that, they cover the latest updates on Daisy Ridley and the new Rey film.
 

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In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, the hosts talk about the 'Shadow Council,' its founding members, and where they might be in The Mandalorian and Grogu movie. Becca and Mark focus on one big question: where is Grand Admiral Rae Sloane, and is she okay? Before diving in, they cover the latest Star Wars news.
 

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Tarkin's Top Shelf is marking the podcast's 10th anniversary and celebrating 10 years since the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. In this episode, the hosts look back at their very first show, where they reviewed the Star Wars: The Force Awakens novel, the Star Wars: Before the Awakening young adult novel, and the movie that brought the Star Wars community back together: The Force Awakens. Before that, they share the la...

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Tarkin's Top Shelf brings back author Matthew Stover and Random House Worlds Senior Editor Tom Hoeler to discuss the Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition. This episode centers on the anniversary edition's creative process, enduring legacy, and ongoing influence on Star Wars literature.
 

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Tarkin's Top Shelf is excited to have author Adam Christopher back on the show to talk about his new Star Wars novel, 'Master of Evil.' In this episode, Mark and Becca catch up with Adam for the first time since Star Wars Celebration Anaheim and chat about the creative process behind Star Wars: Master of Evil. Before diving into the main discussion, they start off by asking Adam some fun Star Wars questions to get to know him ...

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In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, your hosts review Star Wars: Master of Evil by Adam Christopher. The book is set just after Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith and follows Darth Vader as he searches for ways to 'cheat death.' Before Mark and Becca dive into their main discussion, they share the latest Star Wars news.
 

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Tarkin's Top Shelf is excited to welcome Pete Fletzer, host of the 'Around the Galaxy' podcast and author of 'Who Owns the Myth?'. In this episode, Mark and Becca chat with Pete about his latest project, 'Who Owns the Myth: Star Wars, Fandom, and the Soul of the Saga.' Before getting into the main discussion, they ask Pete some fun Star Wars questions to get to know him better.
 

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There's been an awakening. Have you felt it? In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, the hosts celebrate the 11th anniversary of the first official teaser for Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Before getting into the main topic, they talk about recent Star Wars news and share the latest rumors about Ahsoka Season 2 and upcoming projects.
 
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    Happy Halloween! In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, your hosts take a close look at each of the nine new Star Wars: Visions (Volume 3) episodes, which all came out on Disney+ on October 29, 2025. Before that, Mark and Becca talk about the latest Star Wars news, like Rosario Dawson's updates on Ahsoka Season 2 and new details about 'The Hunt for Ben Solo.'
     

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    In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, the hosts kick things off with news about Adam Driver, who played Kylo Ren and Ben Solo in the Sequel trilogy. They talk about his recent movie idea, The Hunt for Ben Solo, which he pitched to Lucasfilm and Disney. After that, Mark and Becca review Star Wars: The Last Order, a young adult novel by Kwame Mbalia, the first Star Wars story set after The Rise of Skywalker.

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    Join Tarkin's Top Shelf as they dive into the Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition novel. In this episode, your hosts present the commemorative collector's piece and, before that, Mark and Becca break down the latest news, including Rotta the Hutt in The Mandalorian and the Grogu movie.
     

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    Tarkin's Top Shelf brings you the latest publishing announcements from the Lucasfilm Publishing Panel at New York City Comic Con. First, the hosts catch you up on the newest Star Wars news.
     

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    Tarkin's Top Shelf covers the latest Star Wars announcements and releases. Becca and Mark first discuss the news before diving into the Mandalorian and Grogu Teaser, "Rebuild the Galaxy: Pieces of the Past," and the Starfighter image and rumors.
     

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    Tarkin's Top Shelf is thrilled to welcome 'Lucas Wars' author Laurent Hopman and illustrator Renaud Roche to the show. Mark and Becca talk with them about their graphic novel biography of George Lucas and his Star Wars journey. Before diving in, the hosts kick things off with some fun Star Wars questions for their guests.
     

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    September 25, 2025 52 mins
    Tarkin's Top Shelf continues celebrating its 400th episode milestone, and this time, Diana Lee Inosanto is back as their special guest. Join Mark and Becca as they chat about all things Star Wars with Diana, known for her role as Morgan Elsbeth. She brings her talent and charm to the conversation, making this episode one you won't want to miss.

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    Join us for another exciting episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf as Hera Syndulla herself, Vanessa Marshall, stops by for a chat. They discuss Vanessa's many voices in her career, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars fandom, and her latest endeavor, the 'Pod of Rebellion' podcast.
     

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    Tarkin's Top Shelf welcomes back Tessa Gratton, author of Star Wars: The Acolyte: The Crystal Crown. In this episode, Tessa joins the hosts to discuss their latest work. This is an in-depth, no-holds-barred interview. For light and life! And remember this: try.
     

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    Tarkin's Top Shelf is thrilled to welcome back author Kristin Baver for an in-depth dive into her latest book, 'The Art of Star Wars: The High Republic Volume II.' Join Mark and Becca as they reunite with their favorite unofficial cohost to explore the galaxy of Star Wars and celebrate their 400th episode, starting with the latest news from a galaxy far, far away.
     

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    In this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf, your hosts kick things off by talking Star Wars news. Then, Mark and Becca excitedly discuss the recent 'Starfighter' cast announcement from the official Star Wars site, followed by a conversation about Ahsoka Season 2 character confirmations and the significance of a certain Jedi Master who might prove more impactful than previously thought.

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    Join your hosts as they dive into SANCTUARY: A BAD BATCH Novel by Lamar Giles in this episode of Tarkin's Top Shelf. Mark and Becca also cover Star Wars news: Pedro Pascal praises Andor and Elizabeth Dulau, Ewan McGregor remains eager to reprise Kenobi, and Billie Lourd's recent Instagram story.
     

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