logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2023
55m 44s

Chapter 2: Burn The Witch

The Free Press
About this episode
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 Yo ... Show More
Up next
Mar 2023
Chapter 7: What If You're Wrong?
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 Mitte ... Show More
1h 2m
Mar 2023
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 Foundat ... Show More
1h 12m
Mar 2023
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 Fou ... Show More
59m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2020
Can I Still Read Harry Potter?
Journalist and fan Aja Romano examines their decision to close the books on the boy wizard and hears different viewpoints toward Harry Potter and contemporary readership.Aja Romano has been a Harry Potter fan for many years, but after personally disagreeing with statements by the ... Show More
28m 52s
Jul 2021
JK Rowling
Joanne Rowling, known as JK Rowling, is known globally for writing one of the best selling book series in history. Harry Potter and his classmates now have their firm place in the collective imagination of a generation of readers. She also writes crime fiction under the pen name ... Show More
1h 1m
Aug 2021
Harry Potter
Some Christian voices have suggested that the Harry Potter stories about witchcraft, magic and mythical beasts provide a gateway into satanic practices. But JK Rowling completely disagrees and she was glad that readers were unaware of her Christian faith at the time the books wer ... Show More
27m 33s
Jun 2023
#647 - Megan Phelps-Roper - How Did Harry Potter Enter The Trans Debate?
Megan Phelps-Roper is a social activist, public speaker and author known for her insights into religious extremism.Harry Potter is the most banned book of the 21st century. Firstly frowned upon by far Right Christian groups for its promotion of witchcraft, the controversy has rec ... Show More
1h 13m
Dec 2022
Meghan et Harry : chronique d’une tempête annoncée [REDIFF]
C’est l’histoire d’un rêve américain qui a viré en cauchemar anglais. Depuis leur rencontre en 2016, le couple formé par l’actrice Meghan Markle et le prince Harry a suscité la passion et le rejet, mais surtout l’interrogation. Leur mariage à Windsor, en 2018, a fait rêver le mon ... Show More
42m 7s
Feb 2021
The problem with more Harry Potter | What's the Story?
When news broke of a possible Harry Potter TV series, not everyone seemed excited. Why J.K. Rowling’s transphobic statements are tarnishing the series’ legacy and making fans question the characters’ meaning and influence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.co ... Show More
9m 46s
Jun 2020
Where Do We Go From Here? Part 1
In this special conversation in response to the continuing civil unrest in America following the tragic murder of George Floyd, Oprah speaks directly with Black leaders, offering insight and tangible plans to answer the following questions: “What matters now? What matters next? W ... Show More
47m 28s
Dec 2023
Dickens, Disney and copyright
Mickey Mouse in his first incarnation in a short film from 1928 becomes available for public viewing without infringing Disney's copyright next year. In a programme looking back at the copyright history which affected authors including Charles Dickens and at current questions aro ... Show More
44m 24s