Potterversity Episode 67: The Best Hope We Have

We're back with another episode recorded live at the 14th annual Harry Potter Academic Conference, which took place online in October 2025.

Katy and Emily are joined by several conference regulars—producer Laurie Beckoff, John Anthony Dunne, Louise Freeman-Davis, Lorrie Kim, Mark-Anthony Lewis, and Mitchell Parks—to discuss the gradual encroachment of fascism in the Potter series in light of recent sociopolitical developments in the Muggle world, looking to the books to find messages of hope, solidarity, and resolve in our own dark times.

First, we define "fascism," a word that is thrown around a lot these days, and look at its connection to nationalism. When do we first start to see "authoritarian creep" in the series, how does it progress, and what insights can we glean from the series that might help us identify and head off similar trends in our society?

As dark and depressing as this conversation can be, solidarity and resistance in the face of oppression are an essential part of Harry Potter. How can fiction help us fight fascism in our own world?

We can't wait to attend the 15th annual conference back in person at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. Hope to see you there!

This episode was edited by Land Deer.