As a result of attending Portus, I’ve been inspired to start listening to some new Harry Potter podcasts. I normally get all my Harry Potter entertainment from PotterCast, the official podcast of The Leaky Cauldron. I used to listen to Mugglecast, the podcast from Mugglenet, but I got kind of burned out by them. So it was refreshing to find some new podcasts, so here are my recommendations:
HP Prognostications: Of course, I’m picking up this show after the release of book 7, so there’s not necessarily a lot of prognosticating going on. But the hosts, Brad(?) and Penny still analyze and discuss themes of the books. I think what initially attracted me to the show is because I met them at Portus, and I thought they were very nice. Their podcast is not disappointing. It’s insightful and informative, and entertaining too.
The Hog’s Head Pubcast: This is the podcast of Travis Prinzi, who also presented at Portus. He falls in the category of “Harry Potter theorists who tickle my shadow.” I often have inner debates between myself and anyone who discusses Christian symbolism in Harry Potter, mostly because I don’t really see it, and I have yet to have an in-depth discussion with those who see that view. It’s hard to get enough fodder with which to agree from a 1 hour presentation. Perhaps I should e-mail Travis… anyway, what I like most about this podcast is that Travis discusses themes common to fantasy literature that I researched for my massive project (btw, I’m trying to figure out how to get said massive project published. I’d appreciate any leads/pointers/suggestions/etc.). I have kind of moved away from a central focus that ties Harry Potter with LOTR or Narnia, but I am refreshed by the reminders that Travis gives me. Plus, he has some awesome contests.
WZRD: This is a periodical hour long show focused on Wizard Rock. They play some songs, have interviews or information about Wizard Rock. In case you don’t know, Wizard Rock is a (dare-I-say) genre of indy music with songs inspired by the Harry Potter books. It’s like the new punk rock.
Let’s get my shadow criticism out of the way: I worry that the constant energy placed into Wizard Rock or other creative fan outlets are essentially archetypal recycling. Rather than using the energies inspire by Harry Potter to create something beautiful, they create within the paradigm of canon/fanon. Someone ask me, “So what?”
What I like about Wizard Rock is that it has the power to unite and it’s being used to promote the messages of Harry Potter of tolerance, love, peace, etc. Plus, some of it is kind of fun. I find it interesting how much of Wizard Rock sounds more like show tunes than straight up punk rock, though the range of style also spans some grunge, emo, screamo.
All of this has inspired me to launch my own podcast, called “Mything in Action.” It’s still in the planning stages, but it’s probably going to ressemble the love child of the Hog’s Head Pubcast and Insytworks. It’s still in the planning stages. If you think you might be interested in helping out, send an e-mail to mythinginaction at gmail dot com and we’ll chat.
Yes, do email me. And thanks for the plug!
There are those who are annoying about seeing Christian symbolism in HP, and there are those who try really hard not to be. I hope I belong to the latter. I’d be glad to be your first “in-depth” discussion with someone who sees the symbolism there.
I’m looking forward to the podcast, and perhaps we can be guests on each other’s shows.
I think that is a fantastic idea. I will e-mail you and start this discussion. It could make for an interesting show.