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Artwork for Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

Prof. Julian Wamble
Harry Potter
Voldemort
Draco Malfoy
Arthur Weasley
Percy Weasley
Ginny Weasley
Molly Weasley
Andromeda Tonks
Bellatrix Lestrange
Narcissa Malfoy
Order Of the Phoenix
Weasley Family
Fred and George Weasley
Pure-Blood Supremacy
Ron Weasley
Hermione Granger
Ambition
Ronald Weasley
Sirius Black
Albus Dumbledore

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... more

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Artwork for Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

Latest Episodes

In this two-year anniversary episode of Critical Magic Theory, Prof. takes a step back from individual character deep dives to ask a bigger question about pedagogy, power, and responsibility in the wizarding world—and beyond.

Drawing on listener sur... more

In this Prof Responds episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble revisits the Dumbledore family to examine how secrecy, sacrifice, and institutional failure shape Ariana Dumbledore’s life, and the lives of those around her.Drawing on l... more

In the first episode of Critical Magic Theory in 2026, Professor Julian Wamble steps away from the six-part Albus Dumbledore arc for a rant/rave on Ariana and Aberforth Dumbledore—two characters whose stories expose the wizarding world’s obsession wi... more

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL (WHO CELEBRATE)!! AND TO ALL.... AN INVISIBILITY CLOAK!!

USE IT WELL!

In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Prof. looks at the various Christmas moments throughout the series and analyzes them.

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Professor Charlie Hunt
A scholar and contributor to discussions about Harry Potter.
Episode: IT IS CHRISTMAS... AT HOGWARTS
Charlie Hunt
Political science professor and host of Scandalized, a podcast about political scandals.
Boise State University
Episode: The Duplicity of Barty Crouch Jr: Radicalized Victim or Perpetual Villain?
Eve Medina
Patreon chronic overthinker and guest on the podcast discussing Draco Malfoy.
Episode: Draco Malfoy: Misunderstood, Maligned, or Merely A Malfoy?
Dani Alexander
Avid supporter of Ron Weasley and participant in discussions about Harry Potter.
Episode: Ron Weasley- Almost Too Normal to Appreciate?

Host

Professor Julian Wamble
Professor and host, Julian Wamble invites listeners to critically engage with the stories and characters of the Harry Potter series, highlighting moral complexities and narratives that connect to real-world issues.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 1.1k ratings
  • Back to school with a new take on Hogwarts!

    Professor Julian has me locked in for every episode! It’s been years since I’ve reread the Harry Potter books but that doesn’t stop me from enjoying every single episode. I’m so excited when I get the notification that a new episode has been released. The thoughtful, in-depth analysis of the text invites listeners to dive into their own biases and re-examine our old opinions.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NSinqh
    United Statesa month ago
  • Uneven, however subsequently concurrently and…AMAZING

    This is probably the only podcast I find myself screaming “PREACH” to in the car. I arrived here at about the 3rd episode and haven’t stopped listening since. There is a short period in the middle of the season that got a bit repetitive and I just zoned out but for the most part the takes are hot and spicy and delicious. Some quotes have literally changed my life and hacked my therapy.

    But the ads that this podcast chooses to run (or the service they use) are AWFUL. They are at 200% of the podc... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    voixdescles
    United States2 months ago
  • Cool

    Very Good Podcast 👍👍🐦‍⬛💙

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    🐦‍⬛💙Samu Ravenclaw💙🐦‍⬛
    Germany3 months ago
  • Please improve audio quality

    The content is fantastic and I deeply appreciate this podcast for allowing me to think about Harry Potter again after I’d been avoiding it. It feels like MuggleCast goes to college. That said I’m disappointed in the audio quality especially the most recent episode was almost unlistenable because the levels were so off. I could barely hear the host with my volume cranked full blast then the ads would come through bursting my ear drums. I hope this gets adjusted soon as other episodes didn’t h... more

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    theatrekid17
    United States4 months ago
  • A much needed take..

    If you grew up with the books (I did) then this podcast feels like what we all need to reconcile where we are in our understanding of interpersonal relationships and our love of the magical world. Really appreciate grappling with the hard topics here!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    OrangeL3
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many express gratitude for the podcast's ability to rekindle their love for the series amidst contemporary critiques of the author.
Overall, the content is seen as intellectually stimulating, with a blend of nostalgia and relevant social commentary that resonates well with fans.
Listeners appreciate the depth of analysis and critical examination of beloved Harry Potter characters and themes.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#166
United States/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#179
Canada/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#84
South Korea/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#107
Brazil/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#108
Belgium/Arts/Books
Apple Podcasts
#164
South Korea/Arts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Fears, Fallacies, and Folly of A.W.P.B. Dumbledore
Q: Is Albus Dumbledore a good mentor?
62% believe he is not a good mentor, primarily because his actions often prioritize outcomes over Harry's well-being.
The Fears, Fallacies, and Folly of A.W.P.B. Dumbledore
Q: Is Albus Dumbledore a villain?
62% of respondents do not see him as a villain, viewing his harmful actions as justified by his intentions.
Dumbledore, the Great & (Reluctantly and Ignorantly) Powerful
Q: Is Dumbledore a good half-blood?
55% said yes, but critiques centered around his lack of engagement with his identity and community obligations.
Dumbledore, the Great & (Reluctantly and Ignorantly) Powerful
Q: Is Dumbledore a good leader of the Order of the Phoenix?
Opinions are split, with about 44% saying yes, but many comments reflected criticism of his controlling leadership style, suggesting he did not empower others effectively.
Dumbledore, the Great & (Reluctantly and Ignorantly) Powerful
Q: Is Dumbledore a hero?
About 57% said yes, but responses highlighted a complex view that includes ambivalence about his methods, with some considering him both a hero and a villain.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Engaging listeners in a critical exploration of the Harry Potter universe, the content navigates complex character analysis, moral ambiguity, and the implications of narrative choices throughout the series. Professor Julian Wamble leads discussions that challenge traditional perspectives, encouraging audiences to question their understandings of beloved characters and plot lines while considering the real-world implications of these narratives. Noteworthy themes include character flaws, parental figures, systems of privilege, and the nuances of redemption and morality. This thoughtful approach sets it apart, as it blends nostalgia with rigorous examination, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

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Which podcasts are similar to this podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. You're Wrong About
2. Sounds Like A Cult
3. MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast
4. If Books Could Kill
5. You Are Good

How many episodes of this podcast are there?

this podcast launched 2 years ago and published 75 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Professor Charlie Hunt
2. Charlie Hunt
3. Eve Medina
4. Dani Alexander

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