The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling

By: The Free Press
  • Summary

  • 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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Episodes
  • Trailer
    Feb 14 2023
    The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling premieres Tuesday, February 21, 2023. Learn more Read an essay by host Megan Phelps-Roper
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    2 mins
  • Chapter 1: Plotted In Darkness
    Feb 21 2023
    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.
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    47 mins
  • Chapter 2: Burn The Witch
    Feb 21 2023
    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.
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    56 mins

What listeners say about The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling

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Interesting, to say the least.

J.K's own voice, her truth. Looking forward to part 2. Will definitely follow her story. An ordinary woman...

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Excellent documentary style podcast

Megan is a brilliant and un-biased interviewer in this fascinating Podcast. It's almost a shame this wasn't created as a documentary film but regardless it's a great listen. It doesn't matter which side of the argument you fall, I highly recommend giving this a listen.

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balanced and interesting

A very interesting series, well put together and very balanced. I learnt a lot and it prompted me to question my own views on these topics.

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Brilliant - outstanding listening

Excellent interview and podcast. It should be compulsory listening for those people who have abused Jo Rowling. She is not remotely transphobic she is pro women and girls and her courage to stand against death threats and horrific abuse is remarkable. I enjoyed it so much, I am listening to this for the second time.

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very interesting

I really enjoyed this and couldn't put it down. I think this topic is a interesting one.

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a much needed podcast

the podcast shows us that jkr is human and not the demon she's been made out to be. would recommend

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Thought provoking

This is a must listen series of podcasts, it is thought provoking, nuanced and compelling.

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Thought Provoking

I really enjoyed this podcast, and feel JK rowling and Megan both come across really well.

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41 year old man… not the target audience .. however

Just listened to the whole series. As a 41 year old man I’m probably not the target audience and going into it my preconceived notion was that JK Rowling was just a terrible person. Having listened to the whole thing however my take away was that both JK and the trans community represented have very fixed beliefs with both sides feeling they are absolutely correct without any compromise. Throughout the show at points I sided with the trans community and at other points JK. Ultimately I think JK is wrong in a sense that someone of her influence should have been more careful with her language and approach regardless of the validity of her beliefs. It’s obviously a very complex subject. This show really made you feel how hard it must be for all these young people who are facing such a difficult route to finding happiness. JK suggests that the trans community and culture has pushed an exponential increase in young people seeking transition creating a very much unprecedented situation. Only time will truly tell if the world/ medical professionals truly took the correct approach, the data is simply not there however to validate either argument at the moment. I would recommend this podcast to anyone, as a father of young children who may very well experience the issues discussed I found it very enlightening.

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It was good to hear what JK Rowling had to say

After hearing continual chritisum of her on the internet and to hear that she is not the self centered person her
chritics make her out to be. and that she wae trying to be kind and fair to everyone.

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