Inside the Death Star Trenches with Craig Miller

In this episode, we journey back to the golden age of Star Wars fandom with Craig Miller, the original Director of Fan Relations at Lucasfilm from 1977 to 1980. Craig shares behind-the-scenes stories from his time shaping the galaxy’s most passionate fanbase—before the internet, before social media, and before Star Wars was a household name.

Craig was the architect of the Official Star Wars Fan Club and the editor of Bantha Tracks, the club’s beloved newsletter. He produced the unforgettable Star Wars segments on Sesame Street, operated R2-D2’s head on set, and helped bring the Force to Saturday morning commercials—including the iconic Underoos ads.

Craig’s created the legendary 800-number hotline for The Empire Strikes Back, where fans could call in and hear exclusive messages recorded by the film’s stars. It was a pioneering moment in fan engagement, and Craig was at the heart of it.

His memoir, Star Wars Memories: My Time in the (Death Star) Trenches, is a treasure trove of anecdotes, insights, and cultural history—and this conversation brings it vividly to life.

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