The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling

Hands down one of the best podcasts I have ever listened to. It truly opened my mind to a far more balanced view, having not had much knowledge previously of the whole discussion around trans rights, and not even been aware of J.K. Rowling’s experience! I wish for everything good for trans people, but I agree that it is so important that girls and women’s rights and safety are not compromised. Also, from a general human perspective and as a Jewish person, I felt solidarity and empathy with how J.K. Rowling has been treated. Well done Megan and thank you to all who participated, especially the young man Noah who spoke so eloquently in episode six that it brought me to tears. If only all people could speak and act like that, how much better would we be as a human race.

I am from Russia and it was hard for me to understand the situation with J.K. Rolling. I think I’ve got it now. I also see that the problem is much deeper than it looks like. Thank you for your beautiful work! It is hard to hear another person when you’re both in pain. Too much pain. Through all this series I can’t stop asking, why people so aggressive with Rolling because of her tweets, and at the same time they allow all the hatred towards the Jews people. Rolling didn’t call to kill trans people, and society is trying to shut her up. Meanwhile any person can come and call to kill an israeli, and this is ok. It blows my mind

Listening to this in 2024 where this issue is as divisive as ever. The host is articulate and gives fair time to both sides but she acts like a moderator and don’t really ask tough follow up questions. If you are upto date with the whole saga, just listen to the last 2 chapters where she invited 2 trans persons to speak and then Rowling to reply. The crux of the issue has always been trans women rights vs women’s rights (Rowling’s stand), not trans rights or no rights (trans stand) and listening to the 2 guests did not address that makes this a futile debate. In particular, the host had to help elaborate Natalie’s points because she was talking in circles. Is there no one better to defend the trans women’s stand? How about someone who is not trans but arguing for trans rights? One point to take away; Rowling predicted rightly the right would win the cultural war if the left persists in a non-dialogue, authoritarian approach to nuanced issues and see where we are at in Nov 2024.

Don’t listen to the one star reviews telling you Joanne Rowling is transphobic and a bigot and therefore the podcast isn’t worth listening to. They clearly haven’t listened to the podcast, or have lost their ability to think critically. Or, maybe they are the same misogynistic people sending death threats/threats of sexual violence to Jo for daring to speak up because she cares about women and children. I binged this is one day while getting jobs done. Very informative, an excellent podcast 💚💚💚💚