Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast Podcast By Prof. Julian Wamble cover art

Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

By: Prof. Julian Wamble
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About this listen

 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 Art Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • The Devil Wears Pink: The Violence, Villainy, and Vanity of Dolores Umbridge

    The Devil Wears Pink: The Violence, Villainy, and Vanity of Dolores Umbridge
    Jun 11 2025
    On this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives into the soft-voiced, hard-hearted horror that is Dolores Jane Umbridge.

    She may wear kitten brooches and speak in syrupy tones, but beneath the pink cardigan lies one of the most insidious villains in the Wizarding World. We unpack the bureaucratic brutality behind her blood quill, the weaponization of femininity, and why her brand of evil—quiet, sanctioned, and system-approved-hits closer to home than Voldemort’s chaos ever could. Why do we hate her so much? Is it what she does—or the fact that we recognize her? And what does her rise say about the structures that reward cruelty wrapped in civility?
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Prof Responds- Gilderoy Lockhart: Ravenclaw or Ravenfraud?

    Prof Responds- Gilderoy Lockhart: Ravenclaw or Ravenfraud?
    Jun 4 2025
    In this Prof Responds episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives into the dazzling disaster that is Gilderoy Lockhart—our favorite fame-chasing fraud.

    From his misuse of memory charms to his obsession with applause over competence, this episode unpacks your brilliant post-episode chat insights and tackles the deeper themes of image, power, and performance. Is Lockhart just a punchline, or is he something more sinister? What does his pretty privilege reveal about the Wizarding World’s gullibility? And most importantly, is he actually a good Ravenclaw?

    Along the way, we explore the ethics of memory charms (spoiler: it’s dark), compare Lockhart’s influence to real-world influencers and tech bros, and ask what villainy looks like when it’s hiding behind great hair and a charming smile. Lockhart may be incompetent in some ways, but as this episode reveals—he’s dangerously good at playing dumb.
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    46 mins
  • Fame Is a Fickle Fraud: Here Lies Gilderoy Lockhart

    Fame Is a Fickle Fraud: Here Lies Gilderoy Lockhart
    May 28 2025
    What would you do to be remembered?

    This week on Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives deep into the shimmering shallows of Gilderoy Lockhart—a man so desperate for legacy, he obliterated others’ lives just to make space for his own myth. From vanity and fraudulence to memory charms and moral delusion, we interrogate what happens when someone builds their identity entirely on lies—and worse, starts believing them.

    Is Lockhart a villain? A bad Ravenclaw? Just a glorified PR stunt with good hair? Join us as we unpack the performance of fame, the ethics of memory, and why silence might be the most dangerous thing of all. Also: Beyoncé, colonialism, and why Lockhart’s story might be the Wizarding World’s most damning metaphor.

    Special thanks to our new Patreon Deep Diver: Grace
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    1 hr and 4 mins
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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.

Wonderful discussion!

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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!!

Actually making us think about Harry Potter critically

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