Critical Magic Theory: An Analytical Harry Potter Podcast

By: Prof. Julian Wamble
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  • 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
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Art Literary History & Criticism
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Episodes
  • 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.
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    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.
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Prof Responds: Has anyone seen Peter Pettigrew?

    Prof Responds: Has anyone seen Peter Pettigrew?
    Apr 9 2025
    What if the biggest betrayal in the Wizarding World wasn’t just about evil—it was about never being seen in the first place?

    In this episode chat of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble deep-dives into the fallout from “The Radacity of Peter Pettigrew” episode, reflecting on listener reactions and further complicating our understanding of one of Harry Potter’s most reviled characters. Was Peter a coward or a child soldier shaped by war? Did Sirius and James ever truly see him—or did their assumptions doom them all? With insights from listeners and meditations on victimhood, war, friendship hierarchies, and the symbolism of Peter’s Animagus form, this episode blends humor, reflection, and raw honesty. We challenge the notion that being seen as harmless makes someone good—and ask how often our desire to see the best in others blinds us to the truth.
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    43 mins
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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.

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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!!

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