Subscriptions: The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
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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.
Episodes
| Date | Title | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|
| today | 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. more | Transcribed |
| 3/14/23 | Chapter 5: The Tweets | After years of observing the conflict between advocates for trans righ...ts 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. more | Transcribed |
| 3/7/23 | 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. more | Transcribed |
| 2/28/23 | 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. more | Transcribed |
| 2/21/23 | Chapter 2: Burn The Witch | As "Harry Potter" becomes an international phenomenon, it coincides wi...th 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. more | |
| 2/21/23 | 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. more | |
| 2/14/23 | Trailer | The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling premieres Tuesday, February 21, 2023.... Learn more Read an essay by host Megan Phelps-Roper more |