The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling is out now — here’s how to listen to the podcast

By Jason Struss Published March 15, 2023

Everyone has an opinion about J.K. Rowling. To some, she’s simply the author of one of the most beloved children’s book series of all time, Harry Potter. To others, she’s an outspoken feminist who writes detective novels under an assumed name. To most people, she’s now known as the famous person who has espoused views that are discriminatory toward trans people.

It’s hard to believe that the creator of Diagon Alley and Butterbeer would be such a magnet for controversy, but this is 2023, not 2001, and Rowling has not backed down on her very public stance despite enormous backlash from fans, critics, and stars alike. Now, The Free Press will be releasing a series of interviews with the notorious author via a podcast called The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling. Where, when, and how can you listen to the interview? Digital Trends has all the answers for you.

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When does the next episode of The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling come out?

The first five episodes are now available to stream. The remaining episodes will be released in weekly installments. The sixth episode will be released March 21.

The main image for The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling. — Image used with permission by copyright holder

How long is The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling?

The podcast series consists of seven installments. The first episode, Plotted in Darkness, runs 56 minutes. The second episode, Burn the Witch, lasts 47 minutes. The third episode, A New Pyre, runs 63 minutes. The fourth episode, TERF Wars, is 63 minutes. The fifth episode, The Tweets, runs 60 minutes.

Where can you listen to The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling?

The podcast is not limited to one streaming service. You can listen to it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Audible, or wherever podcasts are available.

The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling on Apple Podcasts.

Listen on Apple

The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling on Spotify.

Listen on Spotify

What is The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling about?

The podcast is one long extended interview with J.K. Rowling conducted by Megan Phelps-Roper, an ex-member of the controversial Westboro Baptist Church. Phelps-Roper visited Rowling at her home in Scotland in May and August of last year. In an official statement, Podcast host Free Press describes the show as 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.”

Rowling herself has commented on the podcast, tweeting the following: “Last year, I received a long, thoughtful letter from Megan Phelps-Roper inviting me to take part in a personal, in-depth discussion with her about the issues that have interested me in recent years. Megan proposed bringing in other voices, and looking at the wider picture, bringing her own unique viewpoint as a former fundamentalist who’s dedicated her life over the past decade to difficult conversations.

I agreed to sit down with Megan because, having read her wonderful book, Unfollow, I thought the two of us could have a real, interesting, two-sided conversation that might prove constructive.”

Is there a trailer for The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling?

Believe it for not, yes. You can watch the trailer below.

The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling Coming February 21

Is there additional context to understand before I listen to The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling?

Absolutely. Glamour has a great breakdown of Rowling’s statements regarding trans people while The N.Y. Times has a mailbag spotlighting different viewpoints on Rowling’s controversial stance.

Former Section Editor, Entertainment

Jason Struss joined Digital Trends in 2022 and has never lived to regret it. He is the current Section Editor of the…

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