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 s

Chapter 7: What If You're Wrong?

2 Mar 28th, 2023 1h 3m

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,

Chapter 4: TERF Wars

2 1 Mar 7th, 2023 1h 3m

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-Ro

Chapter 5: The Tweets

2 Mar 14th, 2023 57m 49s

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

Chapter 3: A New Pyre

3 1 Feb 28th, 2023 1h 3m

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,

Chapter 6: Natalie and Noah

1 Mar 21st, 2023 1h 11m

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

Trailer

Feb 14th, 2023 1m 37s

The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling premieres Tuesday, February 21, 2023.Learn moreRead an essay by host Megan Phelps-Roper

Chapter 2: Burn The Witch

2 Feb 21st, 2023 55m 44s

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.P