8 episodes
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling The Free Press
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- Society & Culture
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4.7 • 11.1K Ratings
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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.
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Chapter 1: Plotted In Darkness
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.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org. -
Chapter 2: Burn The Witch
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.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org. -
Chapter 3: A New Pyre
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.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org. -
Chapter 4: TERF Wars
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.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org. -
Chapter 5: The Tweets
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.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org. -
Chapter 6: Natalie and Noah
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.
This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.
Customer Reviews
Enlightening and provocative
I listened to this in about three days. It’s beautifully produced and, contrary to popular belief, Rowling isn’t the monster that many claim her to be. Host Megan Phelps-Roper leads this podcast with balanced and intelligent discourse. The most disturbing part of this podcast is the notion that the movement/backlash against Rowling is misogynistic in nature. Incredibly disturbing and I can’t stop thinking about that detail. Whatever one’s belief on this subject is, it’s worth listening to as it paints the world as it truly is: grey. And it drives home that all our beliefs are shaped by our own life’s experiences. I have recommended this to several friends.
Incredible
I absolutely loved this podcast. It was so well done and provocative. Consider it an essential listen for anyone grappling with divisive discourse around any current issue.
Excellent podcast
As is the case with most people nowadays, I got my (negative) impression of JK Rowling via snippets on Twitter/X. I decided to look for something to hear her story in her words. You hit the bullseye. I can’t believe anyone could listen to this and arrive at the conclusion that she’s evil. Extremists on all sides have too much of a voice in today’s world and I think this an example of that phenomenon.
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