Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

By: Prof. Julian Wamble
Listen for free

  • Summary

  • Instead of seeing criticism as an indication of not liking something, Professor Julian Wamble invites listeners of Critical Magic Theory to explore the things about the characters, plot points, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter broadly that have always given them pause or made them smile without knowing why. It is in this navigation of the positive and the negative aspects of a world that we find true magic.
    Copyright Prof. Julian Wamble
    Show more Show less
Art Literary History & Criticism
Show more Show less
Episodes
  • The Silent Suffering of Minerva McGonagall

    The Silent Suffering of Minerva McGonagall
    Apr 30 2025
    “She was watching the Dursleys all day while everyone else celebrated—and somehow, we still expect more from her.”

    In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, we take a long-overdue deep dive into the one and only Minerva McGonagall. Often admired for her strength, fairness, and dry wit, McGonagall is seen by many as the model of a good teacher, a good Gryffindor, and a good person. But what happens when we start asking whether those expectations are fair—or even possible?

    We unpack how patriarchy and pureblood supremacy shaped her life, how the fandom has turned her into a presumed infallable fantasy maternal figure, and ask why we judge her more harshly than we do many of her male counterparts. From bending rules for Harry to staying behind at Hogwarts under Death Eater control, McGonagall’s story is one of survival, restraint, and invisible labor—and maybe that’s a different kind of heroism altogether.

    And a special thank-you to our newest Deep Divers on Patreon: Lynn, Molly, and CunningandCompassion. Your support means the world.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Prof Responds- Remus Lupin & the Struggle to Stay Human

    Prof Responds- Remus Lupin & the Struggle to Stay Human
    Apr 23 2025
    Welcome to Critical Magic Theory, where we deconstruct the Wizarding World of Harry Potter—because loving something doesn’t mean we can’t be critical of it.

    This week’s Prof Response tackles one of our most emotional episodes to date: Remus Lupin. But before diving in, we confront a real-world reality—J.K. Rowling’s continued advocacy for trans-exclusionary laws and the heartbreak of deciding whether we can still use her text for good. Spoiler: we think we can. And we explain why.

    From there, we wrestle with listener reflections on shame, love, and the monsters society creates—both literal and metaphorical. We discuss Fenrir Greyback as a disturbing allegory for institutional bias, analyze Lupin’s internalized fear, and ask hard questions about fatherhood, failure, and trying to be good in a world that tells you you’re not. This is a deep one. But it’s also a reminder of why this podcast—and this kind of critical thinking—matters.
    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • 3.3%=100%: The Remus Lupin Story

    3.3%=100%: The Remus Lupin Story
    Apr 16 2025
    Why didn’t Lupin ever write to Harry? Why did he run from Tonks? And how does someone who survives so much still feel like they deserve so little?

    In this soul-stirring episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble peels back the layers of Remus Lupin—the beloved professor, the loyal Marauder, and the walking embodiment of internalized shame. Drawing from 700+ listener survey responses, Prof. Wamble explores how Lupin’s trauma, marginalization, and deep-rooted self-doubt shape not just his choices, but how we judge them.

    Stick around for a powerful final reflection that reframes Lupin not as a failure, but as a survivor—someone marked not by the moon, but by the shame a broken world handed him.

    Special thanks to our newest Patreon Deep Divers: Gelsey, Kayla, Jeni, Mehrunissa, Sara! Thanks so much for your support and contributions to this community.

    And don’t forget to join the post-episode chat on Patreon—because we’ve got to talk more about this one.

    Be critical. Stay magical.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 25 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup

What listeners say about Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    11
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    11
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    11
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Audible.com reviews

Amazon reviews
Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Jen

Wonderful discussion!

This is turning into my favorite podcast! Thinking outside the box in terms of societal norms within the context of the Wizarding World has been quite refreshing.

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Rachel Prezioso

Actually making us think about Harry Potter critically

I’m not typically a podcast person, but I absolutely LOVE this podcast. Truly can’t get enough of the commentary, the analysis, the discussion…can’t wait for more!!

Report this

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!