Podcast Transcript
Greg: Welcome to Resilience Squadron. I’m Greg.
Jack: I’m Jack.
Greg: So Jack there’s some pretty big news this month, which is the reopening of Disneyland finally.
Jack: Yeah. It’ll be opening on April 30, exclusively to California residents.
Greg: Yeah. So that’s, it’s a good step forward, knowing how many precautions Disney World has taken and how far they’ve come and had no real case or incidents. I think it makes sense. It’s a good incremental step. Yeah, it looks like they’ll be following state guidelines in California and being opening at 15% capacity. So between just residents of California and 15% capacity, it’s not gonna be huge crowds. So I think it’s a good incremental step toward eventual reopening completely. I’m sure they’ll continue to increase along with this Disney World,
Jack: that I’m sure they’re obviously gonna watch the numbers and yeah, play it by ear. But yeah, open up at some point. And I think they’re, they’re doing smart by now, taking it slow.
Greg: Yeah, the most positive part about that news is that they’ll be able to, hopefully, rehire a lot of at least some employees, and hopefully, a lot of employees, eventually, they had to let go last year. They’ve gone to extensive links to be safe, and to follow CDC guidelines and their own standards for safety and safety of the guests and the cast members. And actually, if you want to find out more about the guidelines they’re following, and some of what you can expect as a guest in general, if you happen to be going back or preparing a trip back sooner, even down the road for general guests, or especially for disabled, and chronically ill guests planning to go check out our February episode, where we went in depth about some of the accommodations and accessibility and accessibility options available at the Disney parks. And especially, we talked about some of the precautions and steps being taken at Disney World at that time. It should also apply once once Disneyland reopens. I think it’s really important for people planning to go, obviously, Disney has their guidelines they are going to follow and you know, everyone’s going to have to adhere to those guidelines, and expect to follow them when you go there for everyone’s safety.
Jack: Exactly. And it also reminds me of an incident that took place recently with a parent and their disabled child who were denied access to the Disney Store in Staten Island, New York. Greg, you want to go ahead and tell everybody a little more about what happened?
Greg: Yeah, I saw the story a few days ago, on InsideTheMagic.net. And the local news, they’re reported on it. And I’m sure there’s a lot of these cases happening, you know, around the country. And that one’s like this just happened to catch the news. But there was a child with microtia, meaning her right ears kind of small and not fully developed, partially definite here. And she and her mother wanted to go in as an eight year old girl, they wanted to go into the Disney Store. They’re in the Staten Island mall. And they were turned away because she’s unable to wear a mask. And she tried to wear a gaiter over her mouth over face. And they do not accept that at the Disney Store part of their policy and state mandate right now also that requires masks everywhere. And so, you know, they went to the news and brought it up. And there was a lot of discussion about this a few days ago. And I think it’s important to point out like from our standpoint, it’s basically really unfortunate, and sucks that, you know, this whole pandemic has affected disabled people more than most as we also talked about another earlier episode about COVID. But I think it’s important to keep in mind that that basically public safety and the safety of individuals and guests, outweighs everything. Unfortunately, even disabilities and disabled rights.
Jack: Not everything is a case of discrimination when a disabled person is denied something. But I can also imagine, as a parent of a disabled child, a lot of times are on the defensive. Nygaard is always up just because, yeah, it has to be theirs. Let’s face it, there’s absolutely 100% disability discrimination out there. And even I never ever let my guard down completely. Right. But sometimes you just have to take a step back and really think objectively. Yeah. Is this really a case of discrimination? Or is this a valid concern? Yeah. And I think in this case, again, obviously, it’s a valid concern. Because not only does the management of this particular store have to worry about their own safety. Yeah, the safety of their employees and the safety of their guests. Yeah. And it’s, it’s really, that’s all it comes down to.
Greg: Yeah, I think also it’s like, it’s like an example of a major challenge with this entire pandemic. And like I said, we talked about some of this in earlier COVID episode, people look at things as decisions by first – employees, which is a major problem, and they have no decision making power and trying to, you know, confront or hold employees accountable for these choices when policies, they want to hold managers accountable and hold stores and owners, business owners, and then government accountable. And to blame for these restrictions, when ultimately, we all have to look at it as an unfortunate, really, really unfortunate side effect of a pandemic. You know, it is the virus that is causing these problems, and that are making it a challenge and are really unfortunate.
Jack: And we’re all dealing with it.
Greg: Yeah, everyone has to deal with it, to see what people are probably impacted even more so than anybody else. But our disabilities don’t excuse us from our responsibilities of helping to curb the pandemic and keep everyone safe. And I think it’s important for parents of disabled children to keep in mind that they need to help teach those lessons to their kids. You know, even early on, that there’s along with the discrimination takes place around people learn to deal with and try to overcome. There’s also some degree of responsibility and they need to model good decision-making based on science. So yeah, as people, as places keep reopening, you know, people keep being responsible, keep following guidelines. And hopefully, the more we do that, the more places will keep reopening and being able to loosen their guidelines and things are going to get back to normal.
Jack: Exactly.
Greg: Or as normal as they ever have been for disabled people.
Greg: Now it’s time for our Mission Briefing which is our monthly deep dive into a specific topic related to disability and chronic illness in the Star Wars fandom and Star Wars universe.
Greg: This month we’re joined by a guest Megan Rickards to talk about the Star Wars fan community and her experiences with it as an autistic fan, especially over the past year. Megan writes on her own fantastic blog From an Autistic Point of View, as well as at Future of the Force. We personally met Megan last year at the ForceFest virtual fan convention, where she and I were both panelists on a panel called Navigating the Fandom with Different Abilities. So welcome, Megan.
Megan: Hi, Greg. Hi, Jack. Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be here.
Greg: Yeah. Yeah. Really happy to have you on. You’re actually our first guest on the show. And it’s great to have you back on especially as we’ve we’ve talked before about some of these things on the panel.
Megan: Yeah. And I guess like we were talking about before we started recording. I’m you guys’ Guinea Porg.
Greg: Guinea Porg. Exactly. Exactly.
Jack: I hope that’s not trademarked by Lucasfilm.
Megan: It’s a term Jack came up with and I just ran with it.
Greg: So yeah, we want to talk a bit about the fan community and our place in it, your place in it. Maybe we can start talking a little bit about your background, you might talk a little bit about your autism, how it’s affected you and your background with it.
Megan: Sure. Basically, my autism, I was diagnosed at a pretty early age, I want to say, I was in elementary school, when I first started being diagnosed with ADHD that went on to Tourette’s, which eventually over time turned into my diagnosis of Asperger’s, which I believe is now just generally termed as, like high functioning autism or something like that. And how it’s affected my life is both socially and academically. Socially, because like I never really had that many friends growing up, I was mostly a loner, which, for me was good because I loved reading many times, especially over the summer library literally became my second home. I couldn’t get my hands on enough books, especially now they’ve transitioned to Star Wars. Oh, those books, I want more.
Greg: There’s almost… there can never be enough of them. There’s so many of them.
Megan: Yeah, it’s like, my list of books I want to read is longer than I am tall. As for school, how it affected me, it just made school a lot harder. Homework that would take like, I guess, a neurotypical person, like an hour, two hours to do would take me like three, four or five hours. So it’s like, eventually made me then say I guess just give up on school and just go through the motions because I had to…
Greg: Right, yeah.
Megan: Cause even ask me now how I made it through and I have no clue. I just did.
Greg: I can relate to that some of my I have an ADHD diagnosis that I didn’t get into my late 20s. But I clearly had all my life once I understood what it was. And I was the same way in school in terms of, I’m sure it’s like a different experience slightly, but also like, Yeah, I don’t know how I got through school. I’m not sure how I made it at all, and got a degree and everything like it amazes me still.
Megan: Yeah, because it wasn’t until like, a year or so after I graduated college that I finally realized what I actually needed throughout all my years of school. And that was simply more time if I had had more time to actually sit with the material and digest it rather than just okay, this is what you learn, review it for like a quarter of the class the next day and then move on to new topics and do the same thing day after day. If I had more time than just that I probably would have done a lot better. Or even if I just had like a tutor that was able to help me especially like in math cause that’s where I really struggled because unlike those autistics you see on all those like ABC or CNN or Fox forever specials that are more like intellectual, they’re more like the math, the science, things like that. That’s not me. I’m the opposite. I’m more of the artistic type that enjoys writing. So it’s like even going through school I knew that I was different. I just could not figure out how
Greg: That’s absolutely what I could use a lot of and I never got any kind of accommodation or understanding because I wasn’t I wasn’t diagnosed, I didn’t know what it was at the time. I was definitely under the mental state of I’m just lazy or I’m just not, you know, quick or smart about these things and eventually learned as I got older and got diagnosed, I’m like, Oh, my brain just works differently.
Megan: Whereas with me. It’s like I was given options. I was given accommodations, but it’s like I could tell those weren’t what I needed. I just couldn’t figure out what that thing was. I could not for the life of me vocalize it because I just didn’t know like I said until after I graduated college.
Jack: That’s the problem is that if you don’t know how’s somebody else gonna know?
Greg: Yeah, you’d mentioned also about some of the like, what we see in, you know, shows documentaries, like I also think that’s like one of the big, I would say probably like a subset of autism is what gets typically stereotyped or used a lot in stories and characters and dramas with like, I mean, Rain Man is a classic example. But even like other shows that have autistic characters now, like they always tend to be very, super smart with numbers and things like that, and are savant.
Megan: Yeah. And one show that comes to mind for me for that is called The Good Doctor on ABC. It’s about this kid with high functioning autism, who’s really young, that becomes a doctor because he has, I believe it’s called savant syndrome as well. It’s like, he’s really super smart. So it’s like, Okay, great, do that, but at the same time, also make shows where it’s like, they’re characters that are more like, I guess, not just like that, not like just one form of autism.
Greg: Right? Yeah.
Megan: Cuz just like there are many different forms of neurotypical people. There are also many different forms of autism.
Greg: Yeah, that’s definitely what seems like one of the biggest misconceptions about autism. And it’s partly driven, I think, by those stereotypes and those characters. And those some of those shows that people get a picture in their head of this is what autism is. And it’s like, it’s there’s so many different things, and so many different aspects to it in different manifestations.
Megan: Yeah, because, yes, there’s definitely a spectrum of severity of people like me that unless you really talk to them, learn more about them, you wouldn’t even know they’re on the spectrum. They’re also the more like, severe kind, where it’s like, they unfortunately can’t even talk.
Greg: So yeah, so having that background, can you share some of your experiences that kind of stood out to you either growing up or even as an adult? Like, what, what kind of things have stood out to you in terms of, you know, cases in which your autism, you know, made you stand out or feel different?
Megan: High school was definitely the worst of it, where I really started noticing it because, yes, growing up, like I said, I didn’t have many friends, but especially in high school, where like, the bullying, stereotypically is the worst. It’s like, for me, I was in high school during the early 2000s, from 06 to 2010. And back then it was like, it’s not like you see on news reports now where it’s like, the popular kids are helping like the disabled kid or whatever. For me, it was like just the complete stereotypical bullying because one of the stories that comes to mind is that one I didn’t realize, apparently, I got called a gay slur over text, but I didn’t, I was so purposefully sheltered because I chose to be that that was me. I didn’t feel like watching anything risque or riskier or rated R until I was older, because I was just uncomfortable with it. So I didn’t realize what a gay slur was until much later yet. I was called that over text. And because also during that time, it’s like, I like to guess I like to call myself the OG Disney fan, because I like to watch it even before it was cool and more mainstream to do. So. Like while my peers are watching things like Grey’s Anatomy or, or some other shows that were on during that time is great for some reason. That’s the main one that comes to mind. Oh, CSI or shows like that. I was still watching Disney Channel. And I was happily doing that, because I didn’t care what others thought of me. If they didn’t like me for that. Okay, that’s their issue. That’s fine. I’m happy to retreat into my books and shows. Because life’s already busy and complicated enough. I need to worry about what you think why. And I think that’s part of what drove my peers away is because I guess in that regard, I was so much more mature than them. They weren’t sure what to make of it to just like, pick on her.
Greg: Hmm. So you got picked on a lot because of that kind of stuff. You feel like you were kind of acted differently than other people.
Megan: Yeah, it’s like I did not potty or step up about that. I was just like, like me, for me. I was nice if you don’t, okay, I don’t care because I didn’t understand High School politics. Another experience that pops to mind is one apparently there’s this one time in high school where I almost got physically beat up because for whatever reason, I was just minding my own business. People thought it’d be smart and I, to this day, I still think the only reason I didn’t physically get beat up is because they didn’t want to deal with like, they knew I’d go straight to the principal after and didn’t want to deal with the headache of all that after back then I was unable to stand up for myself physically because I was just too scared to whereas now it’s like yeah, I know I could.
Greg: Right
Megan: I could verbally hold my own now I feel a lot more confident that if put in that same situation I could.
Jack: Now did you have anybody that would stick up?
Megan: Nope. All on my own.
Jack: Wow.
Greg: Very isolated, it sounds like…
Megan: Yeah, very. That brings me my third story on of all nights I got stood up by my so called friends or acquaintances on grad night. And you won’t believe what ride I got ditched on Pinocchio, the one that contains Disney’s theme song “When you wish upon a star”…
Greg: Right.
Megan: Because All I knew is that they got into the car ahead of me. By the time I got off the car behind them, they were long gone.
Greg: Oh, great.
Megan: So the rest of that night was just, I was essentially just wandering aimlessly, extremely upset trying to salvage what I could of the night,
Greg: Right. People are awful.
Megan: Yeah, cuz even even to this day, that story still kind of hurts. And I wish a cast member had found a way to at least somewhat salvage it for me. But…
Greg: Yeah…
Megan: It is what it is I’ve learned to move on.
Greg: Like bullying is such a problem in that kind of social behavior in general, you know, treating people a certain way, and ostracizing people from groups and isolating them. But I think it definitely seems like it’s even more so with anyone who’s especially different. And, you know, it definitely seems to make people more seems to happen even more with whether it’s autism or something else, that anyone who’s different, or acts different seems to get even more is more susceptible to that kind of bullying and treatment.
Jack: Right. I know personally, like, I never really experienced it. But there was a intellectually disabled girl in our class. I saw it a whole lot.
Megan: Yeah, that’s, that’s why I like I was saying now whenever I see on the news, at least before COVID was the thing and people were actually going to school in person. And I saw reports on the news about how it takes the popular kids helping like the autistic kid or the physically disabled kid or whoever, like, yes, I’m happy for them. But part of me kind of wishes something like that would have happened to me, but..
Greg: For sure,
Megan: I experienced what I experienced I grew from it. And I moved on.
Greg: Yeah, sounds you have grown a lot from it to When did you get started with blogging? And how did that kind of help with that?
Megan: Yeah, I got started with blogging in college. Because what happened first is I love writing fanfiction. So I used to do that as like my outlet for writing that eventually led me to like saying between college classes, just either write it by hand, or either type it up whatever I could between classes. And then I had taken a political science class. And we were given this term papers write about topics from our textbook. And that was the first time I ever remember really enjoying any type of writing outside of creative type.
Greg: Okay.
Megan: Which I mostly just did it on my own since for me school is mostly about essay writing.
Greg: Right?
Megan: What happened was with that paper in political science, there were like, no, like actual restrictions. Yes, there were like rough guidelines given like, say most people normally have their paper around seven to 12 pages, but that was no requirement. And it’s like most people did this word count. But it’s like, aside from like, having to be, like, a certain spacing and margins there. There weren’t any other restrictions. So Professor just said, Go for it. And like I said, that was the first time I remember actually having fun with any type of actual academic type writing. And so over time, it’s like I began to see, even with academic writing, even essay writing got a bit more interesting is I was able to better express myself that way. And over time that eventually morphed into my blog writing, where I was able to personally express myself without any restrictions, or anything I had to adhere to.
Greg: That makes a lot of sense. Yeah. And I can see how like, like, in my own writing, like I started blogging A while back a few years ago about some personal experiences, and I never really was able to find the time to stick with it because I have a journalism degree. And like, I did always find I kind of need constraints on my writing, because if I have no no constraints at all, I’ll just write way too much or spend way too long on it. And that was the problem with my blogging was like, I would spend like weeks on one blog post. It just wasn’t practical for me, but I think maybe if I thought about if I had some constraints like that, like might actually helped me write easier because I’m used to that newspaper kind of format background where it’s like, you got to fit this much space and structure in this way and like okay, well, I can think that way and format it that way, I think we all kind of think a little bit differently in terms of how we write. That makes sense that for you, it was more freeing to not have those constraints and work better with the way your brain works.
Megan: Yeah, now it’s like, I get an idea now. And then I just run with it and see where it goes and say, yes, I’ll admit some blog posts take me a couple of weeks to do but that’s not because the length they just because I’m trying to find time in between everything life throws at me.
Greg: For sure, right.
Megan: Because it’s like, I have this idea right now. To use as my next post. I have this idea now that I love that I’m working on that brings me way back to my roots of blogging and just feels like everything’s coming full circle. Now. It’s like being able to incorporate where I started also, with bringing up what I want to say.
Greg: Yeah, that’s awesome. So your blog is From an Autistic Point of View, which is clearly a Star Wars reference. But you also seem to write a lot about life in general, the fandom, things like that. How would you describe the point of view that you bring to those areas?
Megan: Well, yes, it’s a Star Wars reference, because like I tell a lot of people I meet and talk with Star Wars is my life. So yeah, the title of my blog is a complete nod to that. And then, more specifically, the reason I called it that that is something I didn’t realize until I can’t remember what month last year, but it definitely was last year, my mom and I were watching a special on autism together. And they were talking about people that get hired by like, IBM, Microsoft, Apple, places like that. And it’s like, Okay, cool. I’m thrilled for them. But then what about the people like me that are Yes, autistic, but also more artsy, What you call the artsy autistic? Like, where do we fit in? And then especially people like me, where, like I said before, I’m so high functioning that unless I told you chances are you think I was neurotypical,
Greg: Right.
Megan: So it’s like, once I saw that, that is when the light bulb clicked. And I was like, Oh, this is my niche. This is where I fit in. This is where I can really talk about things where it’s not just the smart, intellectual autistic, it’s also the artsy type.
Greg: Right.
Megan: And Iike seeing things from that point of view.
Greg: Yeah, then that makes sense.
Megan: Yeah, because like I said, For many years, I was struggling to find where I fit in. How I could express myself. I just kept seeing constantly autism, autism, autism, autism. Okay, cool. Yes, I am. Technically part of that, but I’m not really low functioning, But yet I’m also not like, super, traditionally smart. So it wasn’t until that special like I said that it finally after many years, it finally clicked.
Greg: Right? We should probably define some terms here too. So correct me if I’m wrong, but the phrase high functioning in terms of autism generally refers to a higher level of intellectual development, versus those autistic people will have some type of developmental impairment. And I know there’s a lot of debate about that terminology. But however you define it, like one result of that difference is whether or not like a parent that a person is autistic or not, like whether they have…
Megan: I guess you could say like any physical disabilities.
Greg: Right.
Megan: I mean, physical or noticeable disabilities?
Greg: Yeah, we talk a lot about like with mine I have what I consider an invisible disability, which you would not know that I’m just you know, disabled or ill with my chronic illness, dysautonomia, but it’s kind of sounds like it’s kind of similar in the sense that in a lot of cases, with some people, it’s almost like an invisible like an invisible autism where people don’t know about it unless you tell them about it.
Jack: Same thing with spina bifida, I mean, spina bifida, there’s, you can be confined to a chair. Whereas like a, I’m able to walk with braces and crutches. But there’s some people they are confined, but then there’s some people who have what is called spina bifida occulta. And the only way you can even maybe tell is because they’re really, really short,
Greg: Right. So these are all very different conditions. But for each of them, in some cases, it’s not easily apparent to people that you have them when they’re interacting with you. So that sounds like an interesting perspective you bring to your writing. So are you working on transitioning into more professional writing?
Megan: That’s my dream. Yes. I’d love to be able to do this type of writing professionally. Yes, I enjoy writing for pop culture, but more recently, I’ve been enjoying writing about myself not because it makes me feel like proud or above everyone else i guess you could say but because it gives people to see life again like i said from this more specific autistic point of view rather than just a traditional intellectual point of view or point of view from a parent with a kid that has autism it’s more like actually this type of writing for me allows me to tell others what it’s actually like living with it and inform them that again not just one form of autism but many so it’s like yes ideally i would love to be able to make a living off this type of writing but for now i’m content with where i am just doing my blog and trying to grow it little by little…
Greg: Yep.
Greg: So what is… what would you say the fan community around Star Wars has meant to you? And especially, I would say in general the past few years, but also, especially in the past year. We’ve talked about this a bit. I’m really curious to hear your perspective on that.
Megan: Well, to me, the fan community means everything and more because like I said, growing up, I had very few to no friends. So stumbling upon this, even as an adult, was like… just amazing. First meeting, meeting the creator Future of the Force and being able to express myself and that way and write for that, that was just amazing. And then meeting Adam, from From a Certain Point of View Podcast, he also has a Discord where he runs that I’m mostly in now and being able to talk with those people in the fan community, despite being a blogger, I can’t describe it Words fail me. Because for the first time in my life, I feel truly accepted for who I was, and people that could relate to the same shows and movies that I enjoyed. It’s like, even though it took me until I was an adult, I was glad to finally have those kinds of people.
Greg: Yeah, I kinda was thinking about that when you were talking earlier about your experiences and not having anyone around you to support you at the time growing up, the community filled that gap that you had.
Megan: Yeah, because the funny thing is, unlike a lot of people, I actually didn’t get into Star Wars and till I was an adult until like, my early 20s. I mean, yes, I grew up going to Disneyland and riding Star Tours so it’s like, I was kind of interested in it that way. But I didn’t actually watch any of the movies until I was like 19, 20, 21, something like that. That’s when I really started diving in and ever since – bookshelf, full books, desk full of stuff, shelves full of other stuff.
Greg: All in.
Megan: Yeah, basically, Steve Sansweet is like my idol. One of my Star Wars idols.
Greg: He’s up there for a lot of us. Yeah. Has it made it easier to fit in just having more people with the same interests?
Megan: Yeah, cuz it’s also why I’m grateful to have the parents that I do that taught me if people like you for you. Great, amazing. Have fun with them. If they don’t, why are they worth your time? Which is literally the motto I still carry with me to this day. It’s like, if people want to be mean to me, okay. Why do I need them if they want to be nice to me and be my friend? Great, awesome. Someone else to talk with and have fun with?
Greg: Yeah, I feel like that’s a great healthy attitude to have. But it could still be isolating can’t it, to not have people you’re with even if you’re comfortable with yourself. So that when you do find like fandom or another community that you can actually relate to, it’s like a huge relief.
Megan: Yeah, although then again, for me in school, it probably helped I was so busy just trying to pass my classes. That friends and work for me were more like an afterthought. Yes, I’d love to hang out and have fun with you. But right now my main concern is school. How the heck do I pass if I’m struggling.
Greg: Right?
Megan: If I’m struggling, and I don’t know how to ask for the help I need because I don’t know what that help is.
Greg: Yeah, that makes sense.
Megan: Yeah, cuz looking back now probably would have been nice to have friends I could have that could have helped me and I could have studied with but again, life is what it is. It gave me what they gave me. Ask me how I made it this far? Not a clue.
Greg: Right? Yeah. Yep, very relatable again. So you actually got to go to Celebration right back in 2015?
Megan: 2015. Yeah, that was actually my first Celebration. And I had no idea what I was doing then because it wasn’t long before then I want to say like 2013, 2014 something like that is when I first really started getting into Star Wars. So it’s like, Star Wars Rebels was my first real introduction to Star Wars. I started watching that. And then between the shows I also watched that’s when I started watching the movies and was like, Oh, this is so interesting. This is amazing. I want to go to a Celebration. My main thing was to see the premiere of I want to say it was Rebels season two, but when I got there by the time I made it up those stairs – Nope, line’s closed! It wasn’t even supposed to be open yet but they had to open it because it was becoming a fire hazard of people in the hallway. So they opened it real quick. Let people in, it filled up quickly by the time I got up there. Nope. Your main reason for coming to Celebration – gone.
Greg: Oh, that’s. Yeah, that’s too bad. Luckily, you got to see it still but just not in that setting.
Megan: Yeah, because my… cause part of my dream still is to sit in a room with other Star Wars fans and well, I mean, technically he already did part of that by seeing the movies, but so nothing beats going to a Celebration. It’s in the same way other mega Star Wars fans.
Greg: It’s who you’re seeing it with. Yeah.
Megan: Yeah. Because it’s like yes, people cheered and stuff at the Star Wars movies I went to but I have a feeling that nothing compares to like I said, those mega fans that are there with you seeing like a movie or seeing the show or seeing whatever.
Greg: Yeah, I’ve never gotten to go to Celebration or any kind of big convention like that, where especially where stuff is revealed, but like, I love like, what my favorite thing is watching the videos, clips, whether bootlegged or not, you know, we don’t want to support bootleg videos of these things. But when you get the reactions from the crowds of reveals or just watching premieres of things.
Megan: Yeah, cause I’ll admit. I’ve also done my fair share of that. It’s like, especially when you know something big is coming. It’s like, you want to see it at the same time as everyone else.
Greg: Yeah. So are you going to be able to go to Celebration next year?
Megan: didn’t even bother canceling my ticket. I still have the paper.
Greg: Great.
Megan: Yep. Because I don’t care what hoops I have to jump through what situation I’m in in life at that point. I am going there because luckily I have family that lives around the area so I have a free place to stay. If I want to I can have free food or I can buy it there so all I have to… really have to pay for is – I paid for a ticket already. And then I’d have to pay for the parking and then if I want to buy food and or souvenirs.
Greg: There you go yeah…
Megan: So it’s like that’s literally telling me I have no reason not to go.
Greg: Yeah, that helps a lot. It helps having people in the area. So are there any particular Facebook groups or Discords or other communities that you’re a part of you want to mention?
Megan: Yeah, and when it comes to Facebook groups, I mainly just follow the same people I follow on Twitter. So I either follow on Twitter or whose podcast I listened to. So like, for me Facebook’s like a wash but Discord… like I brought up before that, for me is where it’s at. That’s where I have my most fun and where I’m most my most relaxed because I was lucky enough to join the free Discord that Adam Goswick from, From a Certain Point of View podcast runs and the people in there are just beyond funny due to the range of personalities. And they’re just…
Greg: Right.
Megan: one warning if you or any listeners want to join. The more you get insulted, the more you are loved. I think in there obviously I said no malice or bullying but always in good spirited fun. So it’s like,
Greg: Right.
Megan: Because you should see how, specifically two people on there greet themselves. It’s like, they don’t consider themselves friends. They consider themselves worsties in the best, most fun way possible. Because, well, of course we need to get serious, we’re able to get serious, but for the most part… Yeah, we love to just have fun, let loose and go crazy in there. Because guess the amount of like different rooms and channels that are in there like, the not safe for work channel or it’s like just the fun spoiler channel or just a Cantina. There’s even a Max Rebo’s lounge where it’s like, you can list what music you’re listening to. And then the most recent edition was an art channel where you can share art either that you found online that looks cool, or that you’ve actually done yourself.
Greg: Gotcha. Right. That’s really cool.
Megan: Yeah. So if anyone wants to join, contact Adam Goswick @thegoz85 on Twitter, and he should be able to help get you a link and allow you to join in all the craziness and fun.
Greg: Great. Yeah, we’ll include also a link to his Twitter in the show notes. So check out the link there. You want to get in touch with him. I don’t know him personally, but I follow him. And he does this tech, which is blog about Disney technology, which is really cool. Really cool for me. I’m really interested in that stuff.
Megan: Yeah, like I said, heaven forbid I have time to read. So it’s like the main thing I do is I listen to the podcast and interact with him on Discord.
Greg: Right? That’s really cool. Yeah, so I’m really active primarily on Facebook, as far as groups and stuff and communities. I’m also really personally really active on Twitter, that’s my main place where I’m spending most of my time. I’m using Facebook less and less as general usage, but I just go there for the groups. And but I found they’re kind of hit or miss like I’m in a lot of groups and most of them I either like have left or muted them or something because they’re hit or miss in terms of the quality which is usually a matter of like the moderation and I feel like most communities really… Yeah, it really comes down to how well run and moderated they are.
Megan: Yeah that’s also why for me, it’s a, like I said, Yes, I’m part of a few Star Wars groups on Facebook, but I’m more like a casual observer there. But secondarily, Facebook for me is more like for family personal stuff. And Twitter is more for like, my blog and more Star Wars like geek stuff. So that way it helps keep my two lives separate – my personal life and my Star Wars life.
Greg: Yeah, that makes sense. And I would guess like, so I’m like, it’s I’m not involved in many Discord communities. But I feel like there’s, I’m just thinking about this, I think there’s probably like, almost like a hierarchy or a spectrum of like, a, of quality interactions, where it’s like, Twitter, I enjoy Twitter a lot and the community there, because it’s kind of fits the way that I think and write interact with people. But also, it’s like, the most toxic because there’s no moderation whatsoever. And there’s very few tools that Twitter gives you to control your own responses, replies and things like that. There’s no downvoting or anything like that. Whereas like on Facebook, it’s more moderated. But it’s still kind of a lot of more still public groups, or they’re still open or less… in my experiences, they’re less moderated. I imagine the Discords are probably pretty tightly controlled, like people are really and there keeping things on, you know, clean and keeping things keeping up with toxic people.
Megan: Yeah, because especially in the Discord I’m part of the way we like to describe it is Twitter, but moderated.
Greg: Yeah, right. That sounds good. Yeah,
Megan: Safely moderated Twitter.
Greg: I could use that, actually. Yeah, of course, we have to plug a little bit our podcasting network’s Facebook group, which is the Skywalking Through Neverland group. And that’s a really well managed, positive community. And deals with a lot of other fandoms, too. It’s not just Star Wars, but mostly Star Wars. But that’s definitely a really, really positive place. And also, ever since Jack and I went to Galaxy’s Edge ourselves in 2019, we’ve got into the, like, there’s several groups related to Galaxy’s Edge on Facebook, and I know they have some Discords also. But um, there’s, in particular, there’s a Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge group that is really a great community because it is focused on that topic, especially, you know, and everyone’s just like, like, you know, those are the diehard fans. They’re really into Galaxy’s Edge during the Star Wars, they’ve most people there have gone there or want to go there. And to talk about that setting in that environment is really fun. There’s also some, like customizer groups that relate to that, like we’ve mentioned a few times on this show Mubo’s, which is a really great group run by…
Jack: Dan Flores.
Greg: Yeah, run by Dan Flores. That’s really, again, he moderates that heavily and keeps it really clean. And it’s very, very focused on customizing droids from Mubo’s Droid Builders at Galaxy’s Edge, and all the great creative, cool things people do with those that we’ve kind of gotten into. But like, on the other hand, I’m into, like, I’m in a lot of collecting groups, because I’m big into collecting. And those are some of the more like, those sort of like the less moderated groups. And I guess, because they’re not talking about like fandom and the content and the canon all kind of stuff. It’s like, they get to talk about the figures and stuff, it gets a lot more antagonistic and negative and angry. And so more and more I’ve been like leaving those groups or muting them, unless I have something I want to look for or something to share.
Megan: Yeah, because it’s like, especially when it comes to collecting, there’s limited supply of something and everyone wants it. Everyone’s trying to fight over it.
Greg: Yeah, so there’s a lot of competition. There’s a lot of hurt feelings. There’s a lot of just frustration from fans of things that can’t get a hold of. There’s a lot of anger at…
Jack: …elitism, definitely…
Greg: Yeah. Yeah, there is, and especially in terms of like, the cost of things, you know, that’s, that’s actually been a turnoff for me that it kind of got me to leave one or two groups is just, I’m happy for people to have their collections and people afford things and have massive amounts of things. And very expensive items. But after a while, some groups become very focused on that kind of stuff. And aren’t, I don’t feel respectful of the fact that not everyone can do that. And they still want to be involved in the collecting and in the fandom in that way. But…
Megan: Yeah, it’s like for me if I come across something like I don’t really collect but if I do see something that looks cool, and that I would like to collect, and someone that has it and just said, Oh Wow, that’s amazing. I’m glad you like it. I’d love to have it. But I’m glad you do. And I’ll have enough fun enjoying it from afar enjoying it through pictures.
Greg: Yeah, exactly. I think a lot of those groups like I even am in them just to see the stuff and be able to appreciate it like, I’m oh man that’s so cool. I love that, you know, that statue, that statue looks so cool. I’d love to have it. I’m never gonna afford it. But I love looking at it. And then there’s somebody posting, like, check out my 10 statues. Like, man, those are like 1000 apiece, whatever, you know, it’s like it gets it gets rough.
Megan: And that’s not to say that I turned down an opportunity to go to Rancho Obi Wan but. Until then, I’m happy enough, again, just enjoying it from afar and enjoying it through pictures, videos, whenever someone posts.
Greg: Yeah, I think that’s a big thing for me too, with groups in general, that in terms of the tone and the way I think a lot of groups could be better, even though without positive groups, I think people don’t always realize you need to have a certain amount of like, empathy and openness and inclusiveness to everyone involved. Because not everyone’s gonna have the same capabilities. You know, I’m very sensitive to with… in terms of illness and disabilities, like in the Galaxy’s Edge group that we’re in, not everyone can go to Galaxy’s Edge. But I think a lot of people will come in there, and they’ll appreciate it, you know, and be able to look at that stuff. They like to share the experience in that way. But people have limited means or limited ability. And…
Jack: I’ll say it’s also great about the community is everyone is so helpful. They have the quote unquote smugglers like, Hey, you can’t go… tell me which one you want.
Greg: Oh, yeah, I meant to mention that. Yeah.
Jack: And they usually don’t charge. They’re like they’re not in it for the money. Because they usually don’t charge much extra, usually the price of the item, plus the shipping, and then maybe a little bit for them. But it really is about hey, you can’t go, let me help you out.
Greg: Yeah, I know. I really love that too. Because a lot of those people they’re really going all in on the… it is a smuggling group. Like they literally are gonna go in there and they’re gonna smuggle out some products from Galaxy’s Edge for people they can ship to who can’t who can’t get there otherwise.
Jack: Well, the one girl Lisa, Lisa Marie, you know, she is the Princess Smuggler.
Greg: Right. Exactly.
Jack: That’s it. That’s her monitor.
Greg: Right? That’s so cool.
Megan: Yeah, but at the same time, yes, I know people that could get me stuff. That could either go to Downtown Disney and get me stuff or it’s like I know people who’d be willing to go to here live close enough to Disney World and would be willing to ship it to me. But for me, it’s like, no, I need for me. It’s about the entire experience. Being there buying it yourself. Whether it be like a stuffed animal or a T shirt or a bag, or in particular thing I’m really looking forward to I don’t care how long it takes. I will wait is the lightsaber. Yes, Disneyland Galaxy’s Edge may be opening, theoretically, around the end of April. But chances are building the lightsaber won’t be part of that. Probably till like, end the summer. Maybe not even this year. I don’t know. We’ll see how things go. But, again, that’s also why Yes, I could have someone go and make it for me and I could have my own lightsaber already. But for me, it’s also that experience that I want of doing it myself.
Greg: Yeah, definitely. It’s like if people were able to go like, I think most people are gonna feel like that’s the best way to do it. And people who can’t then it’s great to have an option. And same goes for meeting up in person. Because while there are so many more opportunities now for people to take part in events that they haven’t been able to before. And while we hope those options continue, under whatever the new normal is, once the pandemic is passed there’s really no substitute for meeting up with other fans in person if you can.
Megan: That’s also why I’m looking forward to Celebration 22 so that way all the people I’ve been talking to online…
Greg: Oh yeah…
Megan: …on Discord. If also the people I’ve met on Twitter, it’s like finally being able to meet them in person. Because it’s I guess it’s one thing to talk online and have fun and relax with them but another thing to actually be able to meet in person and hang out and all celebrate together.
Greg: Yeah, I guess I gotta imagine that’s gonna be pretty special. I mean, I would say even especially if the last year it’s like just everyone being isolated and even people that know each other nearby are not able to get together and now it’s people’s I think probably be able to start getting together in groups and whatever and events but then Celebration sounds like it’d be the thing wherever all these people everyone will be able to get together and see each other meet each other in person. That is pretty awesome.
Jack: That’s the main reason why if I ever did get the opportunity, I definitely want to do a lightsaber or especially a droid meetup?
Greg: Yeah, right?
Megan: Yeah. Cause it’s like, yes, you know, it’s gonna be 1, 2, 3, 4, however long you’re able to attend for, days of like chaos and exhaustion. But you know, it’ll be worth it. It’ll be the best exhaustion you’ve ever felt.
Greg: That’s how we felt about Galaxy’s Edge, especially me with my fatigue and stuff and my energy issues. Like, it took.. It was such an effort, it took so much out of me. so worth it.
Megan: It’s like it sucked in the best way possible.
Greg: Exactly, right? So do you feel like the groups in the community have been especially helpful in the past year, in terms of isolation and all that just dealing with everything going on?
Megan: Well, like I said before, generally I’m fine just doing my own thing, be it reading, writing, watching YouTube, doing whatever. But yes, when there are those times where it’s like, I want to talk to someone, I need to talk to someone. Yes, they’ve been amazing. But I’ve also, unfortunately, had a chance to see the uglier side of Twitter and especially Star Wars fandom…
Greg: right.
Megan: But yeah, it’s like the groups I’m part of. Yeah, they’ve been extremely helpful. And I’ve been extremely grateful and appreciative to be part of them.
Greg: Yeah, I think I’ve definitely recognized like the toxic area of the fandom has just gotten more and more vocal. But also, they’re getting more and more shut out of certain areas, if you can find the right groups in there and communities.
Megan: Yeah, again, how we’ve been saying, it shouldn’t be about like, what you have or how much of something you have. It should be about literally celebrating together. Celebration shouldn’t just be like, a one time or like an every other year kind of thing. It should be like a daily thing. Celebrating like, this should be like in Star Wars. This is what I like in Star Wars. If we don’t agree. Okay, why don’t we don’t agree? Yeah. Right. And like if we do agree, Okay, awesome. Let’s talk about it more. It’s like, even if you disagree, okay. Like I said, talk about it more. figure out why,
Greg: Right Yeah, exactly. But yeah, the Celebration 2022 Facebook group is good, because it is, like you said, it’s like, we have no plans to go to Celebration. But it’s just a good positive group of excited fans. Who are just really excited to go and talk about it and talk about Star Wars in general, it’s all kinds of topics were posted in there. It’s not just Celebration and going there. That’s a big part of it. But it’s also just like, like you said, Celebration should almost be like all the time. And that’s the kind of community I like to be a part of.
Megan: Yeah, it’s like groups like that are good to that, like, say as Celebration’s going on. Please, sir, I’ve done before when I couldn’t attend when Celebration was in Orlando and Chicago, what I’ve done is a Celebration, and part of it is talking with random people about, like how excited you are about what news is coming out, like, say, the return of this show, or it’s like the announcement of that show or that movie. So it’s like using those groups to talk about it not just with your friends, but also talking about a just random people to find out how excited they are about this or that or whatever. Or it’s like even if they aren’t excited about it again, find out why.
Greg: Yeah, that’s something we talked about previously on an episode is that the idea that you can get together with somebody if they’re really strongly in the fandom, I mean, really, anybody who enjoys this stuff, but especially when somebody’s really into the fandom, like you can get together with them, and you don’t know anything about them. But if you’re both in a good positive mindset about and fans, like you can just talk about and go into this stuff. And connect to people, which is really cool and special.
Megan: Yeah, because just like I’ve heard happens as Celebration in person where it’s like, people meet maybe they can become friends or you can become like boyfriend girlfriend or whatever, they can get engaged there. Or they can have like, marriage ceremonies there I heard happened at one
Greg: Right, no doubt.
Megan: Where it’s like, oh, we wanted to teen literally got married. It’s a can’t who says that can’t happen online as well. And the various groups. Yeah, right, where it’s like people can talk and then become friends and then make plans maybe to one day meet up in person and see where things go from there.
Greg: So yeah, we have this one group that we got invited to by a friend it’s like it’s quote unquote, the Non Toxic Star Wars fans. And maybe toxic isn’t the word but it’s like unfortunately, one of them is it kind of comes across as one more toxic groups I’ve been in. And like I said, maybe toxic isn’t the word but there’s just a lot of just like, argumentative you know, discussion…
Jack: Negativity and…
Greg: Negativity is maybe the better word
Jack: Passive aggressive…
Greg: Yeah,
Jack: Hostility.
Greg: Yeah. So people throw up Topic a lot. And then people will. I feel like almost with a lot of places like you’ll see it a lot on Twitter that some account will throw out a question like, so let’s think of Last Jedi. Like, okay, well, this is gonna go south quickly. Like why do you even start that discussion? Like, there can be a great positive discussion, but not in an open unmoderated area like this, you know? And
Jack: The movie sucks…
Greg: Don’t you start!
Megan: You want to say the movie sucks say the movie sucks, because XYZ. Or I loved it because XYZ,
Jack: Right? That’s the thing. I mean, like, Greg and I definitely disagree on the Last Jedi.
Greg: It’s a running joke.
Jack: But we also it’s a running joke, but we also it’s not like, like, I mean, we have our we have like, we can back up our opinions,
Greg: Right.
Jack: So it’s not like just it sucks, whatever. I mean, I can go on for a long time. Why I do, why don’t like it, but in Greg’s talk about how he does like it.
Greg: Yeah, and what you said was totally tongue in cheek at the standpoint of like, we never say something like that, you know, we say like, I did it, it wasn’t for me, it didn’t work for me, I had these criticisms of it. Um, I wish they had done this or this differently, or better. And, you know, this applies to a lot of the different movies or media that’s out there. And it’s like, if you can back it up and explain it, you know, or even just, it just didn’t work for you just didn’t, it wasn’t what, you know, wasn’t for you, or you’re disappointed by it. That’s okay. You know, what, it’s when people start a discussion about like, this trash, that move is garbage, you know,
Jack: But then they can’t back up their statement,
Greg: they can’t back it up. But also just like the tone, and the wording they use, I think is what really bothers me is that’s what defines to me toxicity is like, when people are coming out and saying that that movie was just trash, you know, like, then those there’s other people there in that in that community in that group who are looking at that who like, that’s my favorite movie. You know, it defines me as a person, like, like, I relate to that movie more than anything in the world. And you’re saying it’s trash. And I wish people were more sensitive and thought about that stuff, or the way they weren’t things because even that person might be thinking, like, I’m not insulting anybody or thinking about anybody in particular, you know, but you’re putting down something that they’re passionate about. And that’s where I wish people were more open and respectful of other people’s opinions and their passions. And I think that’s what more people should bring into groups. And communities.
Jack: I kind of learned as an artist, too, is like, you know, as an artist, you’re your own worst critic. So I may sit there and say, like, Oh, I have a piece. I’m like, Yeah, like my piece, but I could change this. And this sucks. And I’m not crazy about that. But then, somebody I never really thought about until somebody told me like, somebody really likes your art. And you are sitting there, not again, cause you’re just self critical, and you’re a perfectionist? You’re saying he keeps bringing up what’s wrong with it? Then you could inadvertently tell them? Oh, they must have bad taste because they like your art?
Greg: Yeah.
Jack: Like you really never really thought of it that way. So same kind of thing.
Megan: That’s also why I’m trying more to say this, like, Oh, wait, I’m the phrase I’m trying to use more is well, at least for me, blah, blah, blah. Or it’s like for me, blah, blah, blah.
Greg: Yeah, exactly. Yeah. And I think a lot of it comes down to like empathy, and being able to understand other people’s perspectives and be able to step outside your own shoes.
Megan: Yeah, that and to go back way to what Jack was saying about being a perfectionist, it’s like, if you’re too much of a perfectionist, then nothing will ever get done. Because all you’ll see are the flaws and things that need to be improved, and it will never be done enough.
Greg: And that’s how I feel about this. A lot of Star Wars media, about the franchise, there’s some stuff that didn’t work for me. And that’s okay. And it could have been like, I wanted all of it to be perfect. But it can it things can be good enough. And things can be enjoyable in certain ways, but not others, like the certain movies where I think the plot didn’t really work. But I really enjoyed these moments. And these emotions.
Megan: Yeah, basically how it’s like, Are there things that can be changed? Yeah, sure, definitely. But did I enjoy it as a whole?
Greg: Right
Megan: Or did I enjoy it for what it was? Yeah, it was fun. Or then now you’re not really…
Greg: Yep.
Jack: Like Last Jedi. I mean, again, I always talk about how I dislike it. But I mean, I, Greg and I agree with this too. Like, we don’t think there is a bad Star Wars film.
Greg: Exactly.
Jack: They’re all good. But you know, there’s some that we have issues with but again, like I either I personally do not by any means hate the last Jedi,
Greg: Right.
Jack: It’s just not my favorite.
Greg: Whereas it’s like one of my top ones but I still have my criticisms of it, you know, like, there were so many things that were that happened that are, like, important to me and like, worked so well for me and clicked for me. But then like, yeah, there’s these things about it that didn’t work. That could have been better. And that’s probably true. Every one of the movies, you know, people bring a lot of bias and experience to each of those.
Megan: Yeah. And it’s like, it’s a, again, like I was saying, Yes. Could those be improved? But how did that really…
Greg: Yeah,
Megan: deter or, like, ruin the entire movie?
Greg: No, I was gonna say, yeah, that’s one of the areas where it’s like, to me opinions on the films or, or media, it’s like, it’s so subjective. Because even when two people can agree completely on the flaws, or the positive aspects of something, you can still come away with like, okay, but did that ruin it for you? Or is that just didn’t bother you enough to make it a bad experience? You know?
Megan: Yeah. How it’s like, I’ll bring up a personal example from a lot of people think, Luke in the original and A New Hope is annoying, but I was gonna go to Toshi Station to pick up some power converters. It’s like, yeah, like people think that it’s annoying. And I can see why. But for me, I see that as relatable because I was as I was just saying, whiny is what is supposed to be in that movie like 15, 16, 17, something like that. Yeah, I remember being the exact same way just as whiny at his age. And the same goes for Ahsoka in the original Clone Wars movie. It’s like, yes, I can see how people would find her annoying in that movie. But again, at her age, I remember being just as annoying just as snippy, and just getting on peoples nerves as much. I didn’t do it purposely, that was just me. So it’s like, I can relate to her like that.
Greg: Yeah. And like her. We’ve grown over the years, you know, and we’ve developed out of a lot that I think a lot of people don’t realize, like, it was very, I think it was always the case with Luke as well, but definitely with Ahsoka. Like, they deliberately made her very annoying in the beginning, so they could have that arc. And that was always the goal. And even I think Dave even warned Ashley about it, you know, saying people aren’t gonna like her first, you know? Which is what happened and then and think those same with Luke, I think a lot of people realize like, my understanding that was pretty intentional making a pretty whiny kid at the beginning, because he’s going to have that growth. Even by the end of that first movie. He was a completely grown person.
Jack: And Kylo as well.
Greg: Oh, yeah, yeah.
Jack: That’s kinda cuz like, I know a lot of people were upset when for that Force Awakens came out, because I go oh Kylo is just a whiny little jerk, and all just threw temper tantrums and he I mean, he pretty much outmatched by a stormtrooper…
Greg: right?
Jack: But then I but I knew and I said it didn’t bother me cuz I knew it was gonna
Greg: be gonna be somewhere to take that and grow it was.
Megan
Yeah, it’s like that’s not to say that you can’t find a character like Luke or Ahsoka annoying at first. Yeah, okay, fine. Yeah, I am writing it first. Go for it. Nothing wrong with that. But also realize – Be patient. And especially with the way Lucasfilm is now, be patient there is likely a reason.
Yeah. Yeah, they are planning things a bit more now than they have been for a little while.
Greg: Is there anything else you want to add, Megan, anything about your experiences or your thoughts on the fandom or..?
Megan: Basically just like, I’m glad it might have taken many years for me to reach this point a lot longer than a lot of other people my age, but I’m just happy and content to be where I am now. And I just hope that other people can find a way to do the same to just be happy to be themselves, regardless of whatever thing, but like that a caveat to that, which is that don’t be showy, or braggy about it. Be who you are, regardless of what others think. But don’t be like over the top about it be like, grateful for what you have. Yes. Like me for me, but not like, like me for me. If that makes sense?
Greg: Yeah, totally does. Yes. Well said too.
Megan: Yeah. So again, just be happy being yourself. And like I said, I’m glad to be where I am. Now. I’m on the road to hopefully one day making my dream come true.
Greg: And I have no doubt you’ll get there. And I think that’s a great message for our audience in general, too. It’s like, you know, we all have our challenges and our audience specific specifically, we kind of try to try to represent that. We’ve all got challenges, we all have a hard time we need to find, find contentment and acceptance in who we are and confidence in who we are. Even apart from the things we’re going through.
Megan: Now that and know that dreams, unfortunately, take time to come true. So just, work towards it day by day, eventually you will reach it.
Greg: I think so too. So where can people find you Megan?
Megan: If you want to find me I can be found on Twitter at @FAAPOV which stands for my blog From an Autistic Point of View. Or you can find my blog at FromAnAutisticPointofView – all spelled out – .wordpress.com.
Greg: Great. And of course we’ll put those links also in the show notes. So feel free to check those out. Awesome. Well, thanks a lot for coming on the show and actually being our first guest we really appreciate it and being our our Guinea Porg.
Megan: Yeah, thank you so much for having me. This was so much fun. The time literally just flew by.
Greg:
So thanks a lot for joining us this episode and thanks a lot to Megan for being our first guest. It’s an awesome conversation. We really appreciate you coming on. And again, we want to hear from listeners, we want to hear your story. Any thoughts or feedback on this topic? What’s the community meant to you? What’s it been like for you in this past year dealing with interacting with the community? Pros and cons?
You can feel free to reach out to us on social media. We’re Resilience Squadron on Facebook and Instagram and @ResilienceSquad on Twitter. And please leave us a rating and review on iTunes, which will really help us out. We’re part of the Skywalking Network where you can find other great shows like Talking Apes, Classic Marvel Star Wars Comics, the Max FX podcast, Neverland Clubhouse, and our flagship show Skywalking Through Neverland.
Oh and Mark Hamill – now that we’ve had our first guest on the show, all the pressures off, now you can feel free to return our calls and come on the show.