J.K. Rowling

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.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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a captivating conversation, J.K. Rowling, the world's most successful author, shares insights from her Scottish home. She discusses the profound impact of the Harry Potter series on readers, weaving in her own struggles with public controversy over her views on gender. The dialogue explores the unexpected rise of the series amidst skepticism, and Rowling reflects on her marketing challenges as a female author. With themes of resilience, identity, and cultural backlash, the discussion offers a deep dive into the magic of storytelling and its real-world implications.

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 Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

J.K. Rowling, the best-selling author behind the Harry Potter series, dives deep into her controversial views on sex and gender. She shares her motivations for speaking out, including support for trans rights activists like Maya Forstater. The conversation navigates her reactions to backlash from fans, the emotional toll of online abuse, and the implications for free speech in academia. Rowling explains her perspectives on the nuances of public criticism versus harassment, aiming to illuminate the challenges faced by women in these heated debates.

J.K. Rowling, the best-selling author of the Harry Potter series, delves into the evolution of online fandom. She reflects on her early engagement with fans and the emergence of communities around her work. The conversation shifts to the darker side of online interactions, including bullying and the rise of cancel culture. Rowling discusses how Harry Potter served as a refuge for marginalized readers and shares concerns about today’s internet culture, authoritarianism, and the erosion of empathy in public discourse.

In a thought-provoking dialogue, J.K. Rowling, the bestselling author behind the Harry Potter series, defends her controversial views on gender and free speech, emphasizing the importance of discernment in today's polarized climate. Stacey Schiff, a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer, provides historical insight into witch trials, highlighting parallels with modern social media dynamics. They tackle the complexities of safety in unisex spaces, the medicalization of youth, and the erosion of trust in institutions, all while affirming the need for respectful dialogue amidst disagreement.

In this lively discussion, graphic novelist Mike Maihack shares insights on his work and recommends 'Cleopatra in Space.' J.K. Rowling, celebrated for the Harry Potter series, revisits her beloved classics, adding enchanting anecdotes. John Klassen, an acclaimed children's author, dives into the unique elements of storytelling with 'The Skull.' Maddy Mara introduces her captivating 'Dragon Girls' and emphasizes the joy of summer reading. They collectively inspire kids with their favorite summer reads, igniting a passion for books.

In this episode, J.K. Rowling shares her incredible journey from struggling single mother to global literary icon. She delves into how embracing failure can lead to personal growth and resilience. Rowling discusses the pivotal role hardships like poverty and depression played in shaping her identity. Her insights on self-discovery and empowerment inspire listeners to view challenges as stepping stones on their own paths. This candid conversation reveals the transformative power of failure in crafting a meaningful life.

J.K. Rowling, the bestselling author of the Harry Potter series, engages in a revealing conversation with Megan Phelps-Roper at her Scottish home. They discuss the complex debate surrounding sex and gender, exploring societal backlash following Rowling's controversial remarks. Rowling reflects on her tumultuous journey through personal loss, motherhood, and the pressures of fame. The cultural impact of her work and its themes of acceptance are examined, highlighting how storytelling continues to resonate amid polarized opinions.