Episode Summary: "The Cult of Harry Potter"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Sounds Like A Cult
• Host: Amanda Montel
• Co-Hosts: Chelsea Charles and Reese Oliver
• Production: Studio71
• Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of Sounds Like A Cult, host Amanda Montel delves into the pervasive phenomenon of the Harry Potter fandom, questioning whether it exhibits cult-like characteristics. Joined by Reese Oliver and special guests Mike Schubert and Sequoia Simone, the discussion navigates the intricate dynamics of one of the most influential fan communities in modern culture.

The Cultural Phenomenon of Harry Potter

Amanda Montel begins by highlighting the monumental impact of the Harry Potter series, noting its status as the best-selling book series globally with over 600 million copies sold. She references a Vox article, "How Harry Potter Changed the World," and a 2011 poll indicating that nearly a third of Americans aged 18-34 had read at least one Harry Potter book.

Amanda Montel [05:48]:
"Harry Potter has, over the last 30 years, permeated our culture and our consumption like few other pieces in media have..."

This widespread reach has transformed Harry Potter from a beloved book series into a cultural and almost religious phenomenon, influencing everything from literature to theme parks.

Fandom Structure and Dynamics

The co-hosts discuss how the timing of the Harry Potter releases coincided with the rise of the internet, creating a perfect environment for the fandom to flourish. Reese Oliver compares the fandom's structure to religious practices, emphasizing the deep immersion fans have into the Harry Potter universe.

Reese Oliver [16:37]:
"When you have books that are coming out and you're a kid and you like it and you get all into it, you want to talk about it..."

Mike Schubert adds that the continuous release of books and movies fostered an environment ripe for cult-like devotion, with fans eagerly anticipating each new installment and engaging deeply with the content.

Impact of J.K. Rowling's Controversies

A significant portion of the episode addresses the fallout from J.K. Rowling's controversial statements starting in 2018. The hosts explore how her actions have created divisions within the fandom, leading to a reassessment of loyalty among fans.

Sequoia Simone [49:12]:
"...she's spreading these like awful, harmful, hate speech filled messages."

The discussion highlights how prominent figures from the Harry Potter movies, including Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson, have publicly criticized Rowling, influencing fans to distance themselves from her while maintaining their love for the series.

Mike Schubert [55:00]:
"Daniel Radcliffe repeatedly, Emma Watson repeatedly, Rupert Grint... all those huge mega celebrities stepped up to the plate to call it out."

Cult-like Characteristics in Harry Potter Fandom

The conversation delves into specific elements that can be seen as cult-like within the Harry Potter fandom:

1. Language and Terminology: The use of specialized terms like "Patronus," "Muggle," and "Snitch Witches" creates an in-group language that reinforces community identity.

   Reese Oliver [29:19]:
   "I would say the OGs sort of know when you ask them what the three year summer is."

2. Rituals and Hierarchies: Participation in conventions, fanfiction writing, and cosplay activities act as rituals that strengthen communal bonds and establish hierarchies based on engagement levels.

   Mike Schubert [41:17]:
   "These conventions are like very queer... they're very accepting and welcoming."

3. Immersive Experience: The extensive lore, merchandise, and theme parks like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter offer fans multiple avenues to immerse themselves fully in the Harry Potter universe.

   Amanda Montel [28:16]:
   "The lore of Harry Potter is extremely developed and detailed and there is like a decently high barrier to entry..."

Guest Insights

Mike Schubert, host of the Potterless podcast, shares his journey from skepticism to deep appreciation of the Harry Potter series. Initially aiming to critique the series, Mike found himself enamored by its depth and cultural significance.

Mike Schubert [08:44]:
"...I fall in love with the books. By the time I was done with book three, it turned into just me loving the series."

Sequoia Simone, co-host of Fanatical Fix and Where to Find Them, discusses her experiences with fan conventions and the nurturing environment they provide for fans to express their love for the series creatively.

Sequoia Simone [16:22]:
"...the closest thing that I have ever had to a religious experience is a wizard rock concert."

Cult Leader Game Segment

In a playful segment, the hosts engage with guests by sorting real-world figures into Hogwarts houses, drawing parallels between their personalities and the traits associated with Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

Amanda Montel:
"Number one, Dolly Parton."

Reese Oliver [62:22]:
"Dolly feels like a Gryffindor... or Hufflepuff."

This segment underscores the deep connection fans have with the Hogwarts houses as a means of categorizing and understanding both fictional characters and real-life personalities.

Conclusions

The episode concludes with the hosts categorizing the Harry Potter fandom within their defined cult categories. Sequoia Simone identifies it as "Live Your Life," suggesting that the community primarily provides a positive and enriching environment for its members.

Sequoia Simone [69:34]:
"...it seems like the people there are having a really good time and I can't fault them for it."

Amanda Montel reflects on the fragmentation of the fandom, attributing it to the community's resilience and the diverse ways fans engage with the Harry Potter universe.

Amanda Montel [70:42]:
"...it is too fractured to do serious harm as one cult-like presence."

The hosts affirm that while the fandom exhibits many cult-like traits, its current state remains largely positive and fragmented enough to prevent it from becoming a harmful cult.

Amanda Montel [71:00]:
"Live your life. Potterheads."

Notable Quotes

• Reese Oliver [16:37]:
  "When you have books that are coming out and you're a kid and you like it and you get all into it, you want to talk about it..."

• Sequoia Simone [49:12]:
  "...she's spreading these like awful, harmful, hate speech filled messages."

• Mike Schubert [55:00]:
  "...all those huge mega celebrities stepped up to the plate to call it out."

• Reese Oliver [29:19]:
  "I would say the OGs sort of know when you ask them what the three year summer is."

• Amanda Montel [28:16]:
  "The lore of Harry Potter is extremely developed and detailed and there is like a decently high barrier to entry..."

Final Thoughts

"The Cult of Harry Potter" episode offers a comprehensive exploration of the Harry Potter fandom, analyzing its depth, cultural impact, and the thin line it walks between passionate fandom and cult-like behavior. Through thoughtful discussion and insightful guest contributions, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of what makes Harry Potter fans so devoted and how the community has navigated internal and external challenges over the years.

For more detailed insights and discussions, tune into Sounds Like A Cult on your preferred podcast platform.