Voice Of The Republic

VOR II

2012-02-10T09:57:00.001-08:00

Now available on itunes, or via the VOR website, Voice of the Republic is BACK!

Mike Wagganer and myself, Ed Siemienkowicz return to the internet airwaves (where wifi is available) to bring back the "podcast in the brown paper bag."

The new VOR has the attitude, humor, and opinions that you've come to know and love, but with far less Star Wars. If you miss that part of the show, there are over four years of the old VOR to listen to, or re-listen to. Those opinions haven't changed, as Star Wars hasn't changed. 'Nuff said.

VOR is now unlimited, and plans to cover many topics, and have plenty of guest hosts. Subscribe via itunes, and like us on Facebook. VOR 2.0.

Special Thanks:
David Bowie - Fashion
Reptar - Blastoff
Toto - Africa
LCD Soundsystem - I'm Losing My Edge

ESP Commentary Extravaganza!

2011-12-28T14:51:00.000-08:00

Last year, Peter Lopez of SPIK Productions contacted me to ask permission to include the Voice of the Republic commentary for Empire Strikes Back on a DVD he was making. This DVD would include the commentaries by many other podcasts, some of which we all know andf love like Simple Tricks and Nonsense, The Force Cast, and SWAN.

You can download the parts and make your own DVD by following these instructions:

1. Download the parts (about 4.3G - Have 8 or 9G of free hard drive space handy) from here: http://noneinc.com/AESB-RARs-4B00TL3G/

2. Next step is to begin the downloading process. Here's two options:

Option 1
Firefox plugin: FlashGot
Install : https://addons.mozilla.org/z/en-US/firefox/addon/220/ (requires a restart)
Should be able to Option-Click on the browser page with all the .rar links and there's a FlashGot all option. The problem with this method is it attempts to download as many as it can as fast as it can. and that could cause some errors, if the domain server can't keep up.

Option 2
jDownloader is a program used by many to download multiple files which are put onto free hosting sites, but it can also be used to batch download.
Install : http://www.jdownloader.org/home?lng=en
In the program is a tab called 'Linkgrabber' drag and drop or input the links there. Once you've got a handful you can do a test, "Continue with all" should move them to the 'Download' tab, and then the program will automatically download. Check the preferences to find where they are being downloaded to. The program I believe downloads two at a time, which should not cause any bad downloads.

After all of them are downloaded, you need a program which can unRAR them.
http://www.rarlab.com/download.htm
Has RAR 3.93 for Mac OS X, install. might be already part of the operation system but a new version does solve some issues.

Double click on the first file : AESB.part001.rar and the program will put together the pieces to make the dvd file. it's an .IMG which is the same as an .ISO and can be burned with most dvd software. (mac, linux or pc)

You can use the native Mac, DVD Player, or VLC which is an all purpose media player.
http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
Either one of these programs can play the .IMG before you burn the disc.
but once burned it should be playable on any dvd player.

I'm on a Mac, but PC pals feel free to post your own method. The above instructions were from Peter himself, but personally I downloaded the file, opened it with Stuffit Expander, then burned the disc in Toast. Works great, and there's even a DVD cover you can print.

Enjoy, and VOR hopes you had great Christmases!

Guess Who? Mike and... Eddie?

2011-12-19T19:30:00.000-08:00

Don't go burning down your local movie theater adorned in VOR t-shirts and Clone helmets, but VOR is back, albeit briefly. Mike and Ed return to your future box to catch up, talk some Star Wars smack, and look back on the last year. Bring us along as you attempt to finish your last-minute shopping, or if you need to escape your screaming wife and/or children. We're back for YOU!

Special Thanks:
Martin Solveig and Dragonette - Hello
The Joy Formidable - Whirring

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOUR ASSES

2011-02-15T19:18:00.000-08:00

They said there wasn't that much Star Wars to talk about. They said we needed to grow up, and move on. They said we said "um" too much. But our fans said we were the best Star Wars podcast out there.

Guess who was right?

Star Wars rolls on, like mysterious paragraphs of words scrolling onward into the great, unknown universe. Voice of the Republic, however, has read that scroll too many times to count. We're hanging up our blasters, and becoming the crazy old hermits we are supposed to be.

Ah, fuck that. You know we're going to be here making bigger noises of our own. We hope you follow us on our journeys, separate though they may be. We thank you for all the years of downloading, listening, and urging us onward. Come by and see us any time. The shows are up forever, and the Vorum never closes.

The VORum

Joel Carroll

Ed Siemienkowicz

Mike Wagganer

Special Thanks:
Harold Faltermeyer and Steve Stevens - Top Gun Anthem
Guns'n Roses - Double Talkin Jive
Stag - These Times

Don Henley - Boys of Summer
Alphaville - Forever Young

Michael Giacchino - Locke'ing Horns
Billy Squire - The Stroke
Working for a Nuclear Free City - Troubled Son

??? - ???
??? - ???

Part One

Part Two

The Worst Of VOR: Episode 1001001110110010

2011-02-03T10:44:00.001-08:00

Finally, its the best of the worst of the best podcast out there. Voice of the Republic rains it's brilliance down all over you in this longer than usual trip down roads less travelled, untended, and perhaps best forgotten. It's out-takes, conversation, offensive comments, and hilarious slices of of VOR braincake.

Special Thanks:

The Dirtbombs - I'm Through With White Girls

Daft Punk - Arena, TRON Legacy Soundtrack

Brothers From Another - O Yep

The Worst Of VOR: Chapter Three

2011-01-19T17:31:00.000-08:00

Yes, just when you though it couldn't get worse, there's more worse. Come explore the lost, and sometimes hidden conversations, mistakes, and embarassing exclamations from Voice Of The Republic.

This show spans roughly early 2008 to mid-2009, and we're not done combing through the "cutting room floor" just yet!

Special Thanks:
N/A - Wave Of Mutilation (8-Bit Version)
Martin Solveig & Dragonette - Hello
George and Jonathan - Intro (Party Every Night)

PS: I'm aware of the bad musical break intro in the first segment, but I deleted the files needed to correct it. The rest of the show should be fine.

Happy Holidays from VOR!

2010-12-24T07:36:00.000-08:00

Don't tell our moms about this thing here... We won't get no presents tomorrow.

The Worst of VOR Episode I • December 15, 2010

2010-12-15T18:42:00.000-08:00

We return with the popular outtakes show, starting with shows from way back in 2008. It's 2 hours of bloopers, behind the scene commentaries, and off-podcast conversations. Because anyone can strive for a "best of."

Check it out!

Special Thanks:
Elemental - Livin in the 90s
The Russian Futurists - Hoeing Seeds Sowing Weeds

VOR Trivia Game: ENHANCED 3D HD!

2010-12-04T13:52:00.001-08:00

The long-awaited game show show is now posted and more enjoyable for your ears. Shaved off the fat, so don't even bother with the previous, raw download.

Special Thanks:
516 Muscles - Marshmallow

Voice of the Republic: THE REAL TRIVIA CONTEST!

2010-11-29T07:30:00.000-08:00

This time there will be no games.

No late hosts, no technical foul-ups, and no excuses.

This time, there will be...

NO MERCY

Join us this Wednesday for the VOR Trivia Game, where listeners and fans battle for prizes and bragging rights as to who is the biggest geek on the block.

VOR Star Wars Trivia Contest!

2010-11-14T08:48:00.000-08:00

We're Sorry... That's Never Happened To Us Before...

2010-11-07T07:19:00.000-08:00

Really, that was... just... wow. Sorry. You don't have to say, that, we know how it is, but listen. We're eating less beef, and drinking more green tea with ginseng. We're even doing push-ups. Yeah, totally! Like 10 for every commercial during Murder She Wrote. Next time, raincheck, for real.

Anyway, we got a great show for you, giving you what you deserve - The Future of Star Wars!*

Special Thanks:
Snoop Dogg - Drop It Like It's Hot
Ninjasonik - Somebody Gonna Get Pregnant
Bibio - S'vive
If I Ran The Circus - 22113214
Augustines - Book of James
Big L - Ebonics

*as prophesized by VOR

To The Future! • October 12, 2010

2010-10-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Voice of the Republic is back to peer into our holocrystals, waft away the mists of time, and try to see what's in the near and far future of Star Wars. Kessel Run, and NEW segments!

Special Thanks:
Adam and the Ants - Stand and Deliver
Dragonette - Pick up the Phone

Works Every Time

Gay Beach = Great Music

Poe-lo!

Subscribe to us in itunes!

Return of the Jedi: The VOR Commentary

2010-09-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

Ed, Mike and Joel send up the finale to end all finales. Unless the EU has anything to say about it.

Celebration V Memoir

2010-09-06T13:53:00.001-07:00

Mike and Ed look back on CV, and relive shared stories with VORon and podcaster Bobby (THX1227) Craig, and his lady, Taylor.

Special Thanks:
Smashing Pumpkins - Hummer
She Wants Revenge - Out Of Control

Click here to go to the VOR: CV photo thread.

Connect with other Star Wars fans to talk about your time at CV.

VOR at CV!

2010-08-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

Subscribe to VOR today, and get ALMOST LIVE updates from Celebration V in Orlando, Florida from Mike and Joel. Mike will be attending everyday, seeing the stuff and meeting you, the VOR public at large.

MTFBWTA!

Life After Star Wars • July 28, 2010

2010-08-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Can a lifelong Star Wars fan turn his back on 30 years of love, possibly forever? VOR looks for answers and gets filthy with the one and only Jamie "Jamiebacca" Douglas in a show so exciting you'll want to drop a Xanax before listening.

Special Thanks:
Superego
The Powergoats - So Beautiful

VOR Profile: Luke Skywalker

2010-07-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

From a boy to a man with a robotic hand, Ed, Mike, and Joel gather to celebrate and discuss the rise, fall, and rise and fall of the new hope from Tatooine. Tune in for discussion of Luke, the EU, CV, and Republicomm!

Special Thanks:
Journey - Don't Stop Believing
Children of the Unicorn - Fire In Your Pants
MIA - Paper Planes
Gregory Brothers - Double Rainbow

Longevity: Messin' With The Brand • June 30, 2010

2010-07-01T21:32:00.000-07:00

Mike ponders why Transformers seems to keep their integrity, while Star Wars keeps undermining itself. Also: CV News!

Special Thanks:
Depeche Mode - But Not Tonight

Ewoks in the Mist • June 16, 2010

2010-06-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

Mud guts and cherries, health advice, NAMBLA, Viet Cong, VOR fills your brain with mad science - ONCE AGAIN! Plus, we take your feedback.

Images to be discussed:

Detailed images of the upcoming Saga Legends line

Special Thanks:
Black Angels - First Vietnam War
Children of the Unicorn - A Girl Like You (Totally Hott)
Lady Gaga - Bad Romance

EMPIRE STRIKES BACK - VORon TalkCast • May 24, 2010

2010-05-25T08:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to TalkShoe, we were lucky to be able to have our listeners and friends listen live and join in on the conversation. We talked about Empire, and we all shared memories, compared it to the prequels, and discussed what makes a good sequel, and a good finale.

Thanks to everyone who could join in!

More details, and some of the live chat discussion can be found here at the VORum.

VOR LIVE! May 24th 8:00PM EST

2010-05-20T19:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, not our first TalkCast, but everything else is valid. BE THERE!

EMPIRE STRIKES BACK - THE VOR COMMENTARY!

2010-05-12T19:21:00.000-07:00

At long last, Voice of the Republic delivers the spicy commentary to the #1 Star Wars film ever! Get some popcorn and Junior Mints, and watch Empire (never, ever Episode V) with Joel, Mike and Ed.

Do or DO NOT, suckas!

Get it FREE at iTunes!

Sympathy For The Devil • April 26, 2010

2010-04-27T19:49:00.000-07:00

Is it possible that George Lucas is innocent for the decline of the Star Wars legacy? If so who is to blame for the current onslaught of inferior spin-offs, conspicuous consumption, tracheotomies, divorce and even Star Wars Babies? Yes, that's right.

Learn all about it, and about the hot women who love our show (not just our moms, by the way) on the newest Voice of the Republic podcast. Subscribe NOW!

Special Thanks:
James Brown - Living In America
Jedward featuring Vanilla Ice - Under Pressure (Ice Ice Baby)
Rolling Stones - Sympathy For The Devil

WORLDS APART • March 22, 2010

2010-03-22T14:29:00.001-07:00

Orlando's MegaCon, fan feedback, These damn kids, what's in a name, Moulin Rouge, The Weather Girls, Winter Rex, Celebration V, and much, much, MUCH more!

Special Thanks:
When Did The Lights Go Out - Pixie Carnation
Easy - The Commodores (remix)

VOR Fans: YOU ROCK!

2010-02-17T05:18:00.000-08:00

The Treacherous Three are back after an extended absence from the airways and e-ways. Joel, Mike and Ed throw down about Toy Fair, corresponding with favorite authors, and ...

Also: VOR gets the Kessel Runs, Republicomm love, Toy Fair and more!

Special Thanks:
Quiet Riot/ - Metal Health
Metallica - For Whom The Bell Tolls
Lita Ford - Kiss Me Deadly

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T01:25:00.000-08:00

Yeah, yeah, and life day.

Direct link to itunes, subscribe today!
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=208776488

The Vintage Show • December 7, 2009

2009-12-07T03:56:00.000-08:00

December brings us all back to childhood days of nice, long winter vacations, and awesome Star Wars gifts. This show, Ed is joined by his brother Bob and friend Dave (Darth Saxus and Circle Takes the Square on the VORum, respectively) from Bob's collector's showroom in lovely Aurora, Illinois. Good times, great talk.

What are you waiting for? Download it now on iTunes!

Special Thanks:
Longwave - No Direction
Eddie Money - I Wanna Go Back

2009-12-01T04:47:00.001-08:00

Just in time, the original hosts are all together for a special extended edition of VOR!

We are back to discuss transsexuals, droppin' deuces, tender moments, listening to records, bromance, and Turner and Hooch! Oh, yeah, some Star Wars, too.

Special Thanks:
c.h.a.o.s.productions - Kinkypark
DJ Tiesto - Lovestoned Remix

2009-12-01T04:43:00.000-08:00

We're mad as hell, and we're going to tell you all about it! VOR addresses the bigger picture of the departure of Karen Traviss from writing Star Wars, and why more artists and fans should be upset.

Special Thanks:
The Veronicas - Goodbye to You
Bob Marley - Get Up, Stand Up

Links from the Show:
Brother Omi's Star Wars for Colored Folks: http://darkjeedai.blogspot.com/
The Phantom Edits: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/The_Phantom_Edit
One again, the Karen Traviss announcement: www.karentraviss.typepad.com/blog/2009/ ... other.html
Expanded Universe Cantina Podcast: http://www.eucantina.net/

That September Feeling • September 21, 2009

2009-12-01T04:34:00.000-08:00

The winds change, the air cools, and the cicadas have all faded away. Kids are in school, pools are closing for the year. The flood of summer fun gives way to the slow calm of Autumn, and the anticipation of changing leaves, bundling up, and the onset of snowflakes and the holiday season.

And that means TOYS!

Ed and Mike are joined this time by Ed's friend Martin, from the U.K. The Force is strong with VOR as they hash about video games, Karen Traviss, and, of course, lots of toy talk.

This will be the last entry on the VORjournal side, as we will be making some changes to www.VORradio.com.

Special Thanks:
Generationals - Angry Charlie
Marc Johnce - Hot N Cold Maniac [Michael Sembello Vs. Katy Perry]

Links from the show:
http://karentraviss.typepad.com/blog/2009/08/end-of-one-era-start-of-another.html

9-11-star-wars-video-t320.html
9/11 Trooper Video

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/browserRedirect?url=itms%253A%252F%252Fitunes.apple.com%252FWebObjects%252FMZStore.woa%252Fwa%252FviewPodcast%253Fid%253D208776488%2526tduid%253D6864e445dc387c453c03576363ad6b01%2526affId%253D1503186
The Ed Show

VOR SDCC II

2009-08-08T13:16:00.001-07:00

Only one week later, and all the boys are back to has about the newest stuff coming out in 2009 to 2010. Covering the toys we missed, the toys we won't miss, the stuff we won't buy, and the in-hand Sideshow Vader experience.

Special Thanks:
Phil Collins - Against All Odds
Wings - Someone's Knocking at The Door

San Diego Comic Con and the Promise of Cool SW Stuff

2009-08-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

The reports are in and the photos are posted. Joel, Mike and Ed return to chew on the shape of things to come in the next year of Star Wars merchandise. With special appearance by guest Energetic Sobriety.

Special Thanks:
Nouvelle Vague - Fade to Grey
Nickodemus - Sun Children
Beastie Boys - Get It Together

Night of a Thousand Tangents part2

2009-06-08T13:12:00.000-07:00

STUFF FROM A THOUSAND WORLDS: MORE: Death! Life! Rock! Pop! Books! Games! Insomnia! Booze! Sex! Coffee! Toys!

Part 2 of 2

Special Thanks:
The Low Frequency In Stereo - Texas Fox
C-3PO - Droids

Night of a Thousand Tangents

2009-06-02T13:09:00.000-07:00

STUFF FROM A THOUSAND WORLDS: Death! Life! Rock! Pop! Books! Games! Insomnia! Booze! Sex! Coffee! Toys!

This show has it all, not to mention all three hosts!

Special Thanks:
The Phenomenal Handclap Band - 15 to 20
Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out
The Low Frequency In Stereo - Texas Fox

The Jedi Order

2009-05-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

A.k.a. Hangover of the Republic, Mike and Ed are back to rap about the dudes that first made us wonder "what can brown do for you?" We go deep with our thoughts on the Jedi and their role in the fall of the Republic.
Also: Republic Commando, VOR TV, Order 66, joining the Army IRL and more!

SPOILER ALERT:
Republic Commando: ORDER 66 talk ahead at Section 3
1:10:10 through 1:17:41
1:38:00 through 1:43:00

SPECIAL THANKS
Peter, Bjorn and John - Nothing To Worry About
Beastie Boys - Sabotage

The Thrill of the Hunt

2009-04-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

Is it nostalgia? OCD? A hole in our heart that we try to fill with plastic? VOR explores why we do that Kessel Run

Special Thanks:
Duran Duran - Hungry Like The Wolf

Republic Commando: The Novels

2009-03-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

If bad things come in threes, then prepare for an aural goatse! The original Voices of the Republic are back, and they hash out twin guns of opinions with inlaid pearl handles and laser sighting - just in case. Star Trek, circumcision, Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness... nothing is safe as OVR hashes about the Republic Commando novel series by Karen Traviss.

Do we really need a spoiler warning for this one?
For those of you who don't want to listen about the novels but want to hear the show, just listen to the first segment, then tune in to the show again at

Special Thanks:
The Things We Do For Love
Elks - Collide

Marching Into March

2009-03-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

We've waited so long, but we've got two tickets to paradise. Ed and Mike bring the show back for great discussion, your feedback, melancholy waxings and a lot of Star Wars fun.
We'll try not t leave you alone for so long next time, babies...

Special Thanks:
Johnny Cash - Sunday Morning Coming Down
Matt and Kim - Daylight

Can anyone guess the audio clip?

The VOR Van

2009-02-18T12:13:00.000-08:00

That's right, kids....each time we take a trip out to look for toys, or out to the secret hangar where we store the ship, we take the VORvan...

KESSEL RUN - Ebisu Feb. 7, 2009

2009-02-17T18:21:00.000-08:00

Ed treks out to the Ebisu district in Tokyo, where he looks for a Star Wars purchase to quench his thirst for sweet, sweet plastic.

The return of the Voice of the Republic

2009-01-29T11:39:00.000-08:00

We're back from hiatus!
And now ladies and gentlemen, it is the distinct pleasure of the management to present to you, the evening's star attraction. Here they are back after their exclusive tour of Europe, Scandinavia and the sub continent. Won't you welcome from Orlando, Florida, the podcast of Jody Cody Carroll, Steady Eddie, and Magic Mike. The Voice of the Republic.

You can always go to our Talkshoe page, and we're available on iTunes!

You can also swing by our official BBS, the VORUM!

Episode 104: Twisted Turns of Toys

2009-01-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

Kenner/Hasbro's hits and misses from the last 10+ years of making Star Wars toys - EXPOSED!

Special Thanks:
Fanny Pack - Hey Mami
AFRA & Incredible Beat Box Band - Apache