The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling

By The Free Press

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Category: Society & Culture

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Subscribers: 782
Reviews: 16


 Mar 28, 2023
Powerful and moving.


 Mar 28, 2023


 Mar 21, 2023
Great podcast that thoughtfully and responsibly shares both sides of a contentious issue where so many people refuse to dialogue and simply shout down the opposition.


 Mar 17, 2023

Meghan
 Mar 12, 2023
Well done, illuminating podcast about Joanne Rowling and the forces behind the backlash to Harry Potter. Thank you for making it, and thank you JKR for sharing your story.

Description

The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling is an audio documentary that examines some of the most contentious conflicts of our time through the life and career of the world’s most successful author. In conversation with host Megan Phelps-Roper, J.K. Rowling speaks with unprecedented candor and depth about the controversies surrounding her—from book bans to debates on gender and sex. The series also examines the forces propelling this moment in history, through interviews with Rowling’s supporters and critics, journalists, historians, clinicians, and more.

Episode Date
Chapter 7: What If You're Wrong?
3747
Host Megan Phelps-Roper asks J.K. Rowling to respond to pushback from some of her critics. The two also discuss the difficulty of discernment—why it can be so hard to know what’s right. Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
Mar 28, 2023
Chapter 6: Natalie and Noah
4345
Transgender fans of Harry Potter share their criticism of J.K. Rowling—and the experiences that inform their views. Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, Megan Phelps-Roper, and Candace Mittel Kahn, with special thanks to Emily Yoffe.
Mar 21, 2023
Chapter 5: The Tweets
3568
After years of observing the conflict between advocates for trans rights and women’s rights, J.K. Rowling weighs in. Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
Mar 14, 2023
Chapter 4: TERF Wars
3703
The movement for trans rights hits its stride in the early 2010s, but encounters fierce resistance from an unexpected source. J.K. Rowling watches the battle unfold with mounting unease. Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
Mar 07, 2023
Chapter 3: A New Pyre
3738
The early days of the internet collide with the feverish fandom of “Harry Potter,” and a sprawling, global community emerges. But the hopefulness of this new technology brings with it the darker impulses of human nature. Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
Feb 28, 2023
Chapter 2: Burn The Witch
3344
As "Harry Potter" becomes an international phenomenon, it coincides with the culture wars of the 1990s. In the backlash from Christians across America, author J.K. Rowling is accused of mainstreaming witchcraft and poisoning children’s minds. Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
Feb 21, 2023
Chapter 1: Plotted In Darkness
2832
Host Megan Phelps-Roper writes a letter to J.K. Rowling—and receives a surprising invitation in reply: the opportunity for an intimate conversation in Rowling’s Scottish home. Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe.
Feb 21, 2023
Trailer
97
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling premieres Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Learn more Read an essay by host Megan Phelps-Roper
Feb 14, 2023