The Free Press Investigates

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

The podcast discusses the disappointment with J.K. Rowling's comments on trans identity, including an exploration of her zero tolerance policy for transphobia at a Harry Potter fan convention. It also delves into the speaker's experience of growing up in the Westboro Baptist Church, their extensive research on queer subjects, and the impact of online interactions in shaping critical thinking. The speakers break social norms and discuss their distress during puberty. The hosts express their admiration for Rowling but also voice concerns about her remarks on transgender issues.

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

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

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.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

This podcast explores the backlash J.K. Rowling faced for mainstreaming witchcraft in her Harry Potter books. It discusses the fear and controversy surrounding witchcraft, the erosion of parental control, and the role of the church. It also delves into the battle for freedom of information and the impact of book bans. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the infamous book burning video and its impact on trans lives.

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.

The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling premieres Tuesday, February 21, 2023.Learn moreRead an essay by host Megan Phelps-Roper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices