Best Theory Unpacking The Politics Of Petty Podcasts (2025)

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To Be Frankel, I Don’t Carole with Sara Galli 1:06:36

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5d ago1:06:36

1:06:36

Jolenta is joined by Sarah Galli (Andy's Girls) to discuss the heartbreaking dissolution of the friendship between Bethenny Frankel and Carole Radziwill from the original Real Housewives of New York. Whose side were you on? Sarah’s Instagram Jolenta’s Instagram Hot Mess-terpiece Theatre Instagram SOURCES Carole’s blog post: https://www.bravotv.com/…

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"He's Just Complicated": The Gray Space of Severus Snape 1:07:20

1h ago1:07:20

1:07:20

Severus Snape is one of the most divisive figures in the Wizarding World—part villain, part hero, and wholly complicated. In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives into the contradictions that define Snape: his courage and cruelty, his sacrifice and selfishness, his brilliance as a potioneer and his failures as a teach…

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The Jenn Pedranti Problem 41:41

7d ago41:41

41:41

Jolenta tries to make sense of what we’re seeing play out with Jenn Pedranti this season on The Real Housewives of Orange County. This leads to a deep dive on The Father’s Daughter archetype and her evil alter ego, The Backstabber. Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Instagram Jolenta’s Instagram SOURCES The Greek Myths, by Robert Graves Mythology: Timeless …

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Prof Responds: Lions, Magic, and Gryffindors’ Gamble for the Greater Good 1:01:42

2h ago1:01:42

1:01:42

In this Prof Responds finale on the Hogwarts houses, we wrestle with the lion’s legacy: is Gryffindor bravery actually just recklessness in disguise? From Harry’s headlong heroics to Neville’s considered courage, we explore how Gryffindors embody bravery differently—and why the house so often gets rewarded for dangerous choices. We also dig into Ho…

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Feelin’ Jovani or Feelin’ Petty? with Eric Williams 55:34

19d ago55:34

55:34

Jolenta is joined by Eric Williams (That’s a Gay Ass Podcast) to talk about one of his favorite scenes from the original Real Housewives of New York. Is life really a cabaret if your boyfriend doesn’t get a ticket to the show? Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Instagram Eric’s Instagram Jolenta’s Instagram SOURCES 'Real Housewives' star Luann de Lesseps ar…

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Rewarded Recklessness: The Making of a Gryffindor 1:12:03

6d ago1:12:03

1:12:03

In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble turns to the final Hogwarts house: Gryffindor. Often celebrated as the house of heroes, Gryffindor’s signature trait of bravery carries both brilliance and danger. Julian digs into how courage so often slides into recklessness, how Hogwarts rewards children for risk-taking, and how t…

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Call Her Mother 34:45

12d ago34:45

34:45

Is she nurturing or over-controlling? When it comes to moms, it can be hard to tell. This week Jolenta looks at how mothers show up in The Real Housewives and Sister Wives. Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Instagram Jolenta’s Instagram SOURCES: Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton The Penguin Dictionary of Classical Mythology, b…

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Prof Responds: Snakes, Supremacy, and the Slytherin Stigma 56:42

16d ago56:42

56:42

In this Prof Responds episode on Slytherin House, Professor Wamble takes on the accusations that he went too easy on the snakes. Drawing on listener comments, he dives deep into the complicated ways ambition, loyalty, and reputation shape our understanding of Slytherins. From reframing ambition as neutral rather than evil, to recognizing the pack-l…

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Love is Blind, Tension is High with Chelsea Devantez 59:29

20d ago59:29

59:29

Jolenta is joined by comedy writer Chelsea Devantez (Glamorous Trash) to discuss the beautifully layered confrontation between Jessica and Amber on season 1 of Love is Blind. More Chelsea - @chelseadevantez More Jolenta - @jolenta_g SOURCES: Love is Blind on Netflix Love Is Blind Season 1 Couples: Where Are They Now? - https://people.com/love-is-bl…

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Shedding Old Skins: Rethinking Slytherin House 1:10:05

20d ago1:10:05

1:10:05

In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble turns his critical gaze toward his own house—Slytherin. Long framed as the villains of the wizarding world, Slytherins are often reduced to ambition gone wrong, but this conversation flips that script. Drawing on survey results and listener insights, Prof. W. interrogates why ambitio…

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The Matriarch of New Jersey and The Scorned Woman 28:46

27d ago28:46

28:46

Jolenta explores how The Matriarch and her dark alter ego, The Scorned Woman, stir the pot on The Real Housewives and in Greek mythology. Hot Mess-Terpiece Theatre Instagram Jolenta’s Instagram Sources: Mythos: The Greek Myths Reimagined - by Stephen Fry Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes - by Edith Hamilton 45 Master Characters - by Vict…

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Beyond the "Smart House": The Spectrum of Ravenclaw 53:02

27d ago53:02

53:02

In this Prof Response episode on Ravenclaw House, Professor Julian Wamble dives deep into the themes and tensions raised in the post-episode chat, centering on a surprising consensus: curiosity—though not canonically attributed to Ravenclaw—emerged as a defining trait in the community’s discussion. Listeners debate whether curiosity without moral g…

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Tamra in the Cabinet with Chris DeRosa 53:30

2M ago53:30

53:30

Jolenta is joined by reality TV expert/producer Chris DeRosa (Fixing Famous People) to discuss an iconic scene from The Real Housewives of Orange County. Together they explore how Tamra meeting her future daughter-in-law teaches us about the damage men can do with their silence, the rise of conservative ideology in America, the history of DM slidin…

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Onward! 20:06

1M ago20:06

20:06

Kristen and Jolenta announce the beginning of a new era! This includes: –Jolenta’s new show, Hot Mess-terpiece Theatre, available in this very feed! –Kristen’s new show, Pillow Talk, available exclusively at https://www.hatch.co/pillow-talk ! –The continuation of Kristen’s show, Health Matters from Mayo Clinic, available everywhere you get your fav…

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Can curiosity k*** the Ravenclaw 1:08:31

1M ago1:08:31

1:08:31

Is curiosity always noble? In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives into Ravenclaw House and the complicated legacy of curiosity. With survey responses pouring in—especially from Ravenclaws themselves—we explore how this house is defined less by traditional academic achievement and more by a hunger to know. We look at…

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BTB Authors Tell All: Hillary Frank 36:31

1M ago36:31

36:31

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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Hufflepuffs & The Politics of Conditional Morality 55:12

1M ago55:12

55:12

In this Professor’s Response episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble returns to Hufflepuff House with one central question in mind: What happens when goodness depends on context? After a passionate post-episode discussion (and a collective reckoning over the Tonks-sized omission), we dive deeper into what Hufflepuff traits like lo…

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BTB Authors Tell All: Dan Pashman 39:55

2M ago39:55

39:55

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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Don't Pet the Badgers: Unpacking Hufflepuff House 1:14:21

2M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

Welcome back to Critical Magic Theory! In this house series premiere, Professor Julian Wamble kicks things off with a deep dive into one of the most beloved—and most misunderstood—Hogwarts houses: Hufflepuff. Why is Hufflepuff both the house most admired and most maligned? Why do so many love it in theory but reject it in practice? With wit, vulner…

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BTB Authors Tell All: Bea Johnson 29:58

2M ago29:58

29:58

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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Prof Responds: The Shawls, Sherry, and Shenanigans of Sybill Trelawney 48:38

2M ago48:38

48:38

If Sybill Trelawney was wrong all the time, how is it that she keeps being right? From crystal balls to crystal-clear prophecies, shawls to sherry, this episode asks: what happens when a woman tells the truth, but no one wants to hear it? In this spirited and sharp Prof Responds episode of Critical Magic Theory, Prof. Wamble dives deep into the pos…

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Sybill Trelawney: Seeing, but Not Believed 1:06:49

2M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

What happens to a seer in a world that refuses to see her? In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble opens the third eye and dives deep into the divisive, eccentric, and often-dismissed figure of Professor Sybill Trelawney. With guest insights from "Chronic Overthinker" Emma, this episode interrogates the nature of belief, l…

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BTB Authors Tell All: Anuschka Rees 27:38

2M ago27:38

27:38

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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BTB Authors Tell All: Cristen Conger and Caroline Ervin 35:19

3M ago35:19

35:19

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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Prof Response- Bigger than the Box: the Rubeus Hagrid Story 49:41

2M ago49:41

49:41

In this Prof Responds episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble returns to the larger-than-life figure of Rubeus Hagrid, unpacking the rich, complicated responses listeners shared in the post-episode chat. This episode explores the paradoxes that make Hagrid both beloved and deeply flawed—his tenderness and his trauma, his loyalty a…

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BTB Authors Tell All: Countess Luann 32:47

3M ago32:47

32:47

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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Caretaker, Friend, Scapegoat: The Rubeus Hagrid Story 1:21:40

3M ago1:21:40

1:21:40

This is not just a story about a lovable half-giant. It is a story about the monsters society teaches us to see—and the people we discard because they fit that image. In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble unpacks the complicated legacy of Rubeus Hagrid, part giant, full heart, and perhaps the most beloved yet overlooked …

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BTB Authors Tell All: Florence Williams 31:52

3M ago31:52

31:52

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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Prof Responds- The Umbridge Trap 42:39

3M ago42:39

42:39

On this Prof Responds episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble returns to the woman in pink—Dolores Jane Umbridge—to unpack the powerful and sometimes uncomfortable insights raised in the post-episode chat. Why do we hate her so much? Why do we enjoy hating her? And more importantly, what does our hatred reveal about how we underst…

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BTB Authors Tell All: Dan Harris 35:25

3M ago35:25

35:25

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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The Devil Wears Pink: The Violence, Villainy, and Vanity of Dolores Umbridge 1:07:05

3M ago1:07:05

1:07:05

On this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives into the soft-voiced, hard-hearted horror that is Dolores Jane Umbridge. She may wear kitten brooches and speak in syrupy tones, but beneath the pink cardigan lies one of the most insidious villains in the Wizarding World. We unpack the bureaucratic brutality behind her blood q…

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BTB Authors Tell All: Shad Helmstetter 32:29

4M ago32:29

32:29

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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Prof Responds- Gilderoy Lockhart: Ravenclaw or Ravenfraud? 46:17

4M ago46:17

46:17

In this Prof Responds episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives into the dazzling disaster that is Gilderoy Lockhart—our favorite fame-chasing fraud. From his misuse of memory charms to his obsession with applause over competence, this episode unpacks your brilliant post-episode chat insights and tackles the deeper themes of i…

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BTB Authors Tell All: Celeste Headlee 37:23

4M ago37:23

37:23

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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Fame Is a Fickle Fraud: Here Lies Gilderoy Lockhart 1:04:09

4M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

What would you do to be remembered? This week on Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives deep into the shimmering shallows of Gilderoy Lockhart—a man so desperate for legacy, he obliterated others’ lives just to make space for his own myth. From vanity and fraudulence to memory charms and moral delusion, we interrogate what happens whe…

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BTB Authors Tell All: Steve and Annette Economides 32:24

4M ago32:24

32:24

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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Prof Responds- Mom or Mess, Petty or Possessed: McGonagall & Quirrell 50:37

4M ago50:37

50:37

What do maternal tropes, mediocre men, and magical possession all have in common? In this "Prof Responses" episode, Professor Julian Wamble returns to unpack the post-episode chats on two very different figures: Minerva McGonagall and Quirinus Quirrell. Was McGonagall really written as a maternal figure—or have we reimagined her to reflect a world …

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BTB Authors Tell All: Gretchen Rubin 35:03

4M ago35:03

35:03

While they’re between seasons, Jolenta and Kristen are thrilled to share a very special series that - up until now - was only available behind a paywall. It’s called By The Book Authors Tell All, and features authors whose books they lived by, as well as some authors they just happen to love. And for more great By The Book content, listen to Dean &…

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Ambition and Audacity: The Two Faces of Quirinus Quirrell 1:06:38

4M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

What if the villain wasn’t overtaken—but offered himself up? In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble dives into the sweaty, stammering chaos of Professor Quirrell—and the dangerous audacity that lies beneath it. Often remembered as little more than a jittery man in a turban, Quirrell is actually one of the clearest caution…

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Your Stories: Friend Jealousy, Friend Burnout, and Making Friends as an Adult 37:50

5M ago37:50

37:50

Jolenta and Kristen read some of the many stories you’ve shared about the topics we’ve recently covered on the show - including being jealous of friends, dealing with friend burnout, and making friends post college. They also announce By The Book: Authors Tell All - a newly available series that will land right in this feed starting next week. Remi…

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K&J Grapple with Friend Jealousy 36:47

5M ago36:47

36:47

Jolenta and Kristen try on a tip from David Klein, record audio diaries, report back. We want to hear from you! Share your own experiences with friendship and loneliness on our private facebook community: facebook.com/groups/kristenandjolenta or write to us at [email protected] And join our Patreon Community to get biweekly episodes of ou…

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The Silent Suffering of Minerva McGonagall 1:15:07

5M ago1:15:07

1:15:07

“She was watching the Dursleys all day while everyone else celebrated—and somehow, we still expect more from her.” In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, we take a long-overdue deep dive into the one and only Minerva McGonagall. Often admired for her strength, fairness, and dry wit, McGonagall is seen by many as the model of a good teacher, a go…

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Can This Friendship Survive Success? 27:04

5M ago27:04

27:04

Sometimes - as much as we hate to admit it - we feel insecure around certain friends - or even jealous of them. What’s the best way to cope with these feelings? David Klein, close friend and cousin of Winona Ryder, and author of “The Plus One,” shares his thoughts. We want to hear from you! Share your own experiences with friendship and loneliness …

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Prof Responds- Remus Lupin & the Struggle to Stay Human 38:55

5M ago38:55

38:55

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-exc…

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K&J Make Friends Post College 39:35

5M ago39:35

39:35

Jolenta and Kristen try on Hope Kelaher’s tips for making friends post-college. We want to hear from you! Share your own experiences with friendship and loneliness on our private facebook community: facebook.com/groups/kristenandjolenta or write to us at [email protected] And join our Patreon Community to get biweekly episodes of our new …

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3.3%=100%: The Remus Lupin Story 1:25:23

5M ago1:25:23

1:25:23

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 …

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How to Make Friends Post College 34:50

5M ago34:50

34:50

Why does it seem so much easier to make friends when we’re younger? And how can we make friends more easily as we become adults? Hope Kelaher, author of Here to Make Friends: How To Make Friends as an Adult, shares her wisdom. We want to hear from you! Share your own experiences with friendship and loneliness on our private facebook community: face…

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Prof Responds: Has anyone seen Peter Pettigrew? 43:05

5M ago43:05

43:05

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…

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K&J Tackle Friend Burnout 43:17

5M ago43:17

43:17

Jolenta and Kristen try on a tip from Amy Wilson, record audio diaries, report back. We want to hear from you! Share your own experiences with friendship and loneliness on our private facebook community: facebook.com/groups/kristenandjolenta or write to us at [email protected] And join our Patreon Community to get biweekly episodes of our…

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The "Ratdacity" of Peter Pettigrew 1:15:15

6M ago1:15:15

1:15:15

Thirteen years hiding in plain sight. A friendship shattered beyond repair. A betrayal so bold it rewrote the entire course of the wizarding war. The question isn’t whether Peter Pettigrew had audacity—it’s where he found the ratdacity. In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, we’re scurrying deep into the shadows of the Marauders’ messiest member…