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
Feb 2023
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | 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-Rope ... Show More
1 h
Mar 2023
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | 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 ... Show More
1 h
Mar 2023
The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling | 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
57m 28s
Jul 2024
Potter Panic! Revisiting the HP vs. Christianity Controversies
In this week’s MuggleCast, we’re setting book 4 down and picking up on real world controversy that was happening RIGHT as Goblet of Fire was first published, in July of 2000. At issue was whether the series, quickly gaining national publicity in the US, was instructing young read ... Show More
1h 18m
Apr 2025
Harry Potter’s Gonna Send Me to HELL (Controversy Explained)
As far as works of fiction go, the Harry Potter books are pretty mild. Sure, the books do get a LITTLE bit darker as the story goes on..But you’d never go so far as to deem it SATANIC or something..Right? Well, as it happens, many people DO think this way (I know, nuts), and ever ... Show More
15m 17s
<p><br></p><br><p>Image credit: Ashley Hostetter “The Charming Classroom”</p><p>Welcome back, witches! We are gearing up to tackle <em>Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them</em>! In this <em>fantastic</em> minisode, Marcelle sits down with Harry Potter marketing wiz&n ... Show More
