How Far We've Come

This podcast journey is one that began at my wedding reception in September of 2019. I mentioned the idea to Keighty, who was definitely a little reluctant to commit at first. The following weekend, my husband was out of town on a boys' trip, so I decided to stay the weekend at Keighty's house, so we could binge watch all 7 Harry Potter movies. We didn't actually watch the entire series, because we kept talking and making comments about things we could say in the podcast. When Keighty reached out to me during the week about meeting up at a Panera to really start planning things out, I knew I had her!

We made it nearly all the way through the first 5 books and movies (and a name change) before life got in the way (new job!!) and Keighty had to take a step back from the podcast. One of our OG Keepers (Our Support Badger), Karlee stepped in to fill the role of cohost for a good portion of the second book. Between a new job, family illnesses,  and then a move back home to Georgia, Karlee also stepped back to get everything in order for herself. Abigail and Max both joined the podcasts as hosts and have been wonderful to record with! Karlee had initially intended to return to cohosting once settled, but the author's antics made her decide to take a bigger step away from the Wizarding World in general. I can't say I blame her. I hate how much the world has been tainted and how so many people who found solace and acceptance in the stories, no longer feel it is safe.

I have gone back and forth myself about whether or not to finish this podcast because I don't agree with the things the author has said. Abigail, Max, and I have had several conversations about it over the past year or so and have ultimately decided that we should finish it. We are just starting Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, which puts us comparably so close to the end! I want to finish what I started. I want to recognize that the stories are so much more than the creator. She may have written them, but they became something more when millions fell in love with them. It is because of the fans that the world became what it is. They grew so far beyond where they started and inspired so many kids to love reading.

They launched really wonderful movies, that thousands upon thousands of people helped bring to life. They lead to super fun video games, board games, Legos, puzzles, fan books, merch, podcasts (!), a play (which is genuinely so much fun to watch on stage, even if the story is super cheesy - that's theatre for you!), and soon to be a new television series! The reach has gone beyond the creator and still inspires so many. I know the fandom is divided and I know a lot of fans felt the need to leave the world behind, but I also know there are many people who still want that safe place to enjoy something that means a lot to them and has meant a lot to them for years. I want For Fawkes' Sake to be that place. 

Sometimes we talk about continuing the podcast beyond Deathly Hallows. It should line up quite nicely that we finish our final season right before the TV series kicks off. It could be fun to roll right into comparing series to the books and original movies. It could also be a lot, so maybe that won't happen. But we do intend to finish comparing the books to the movies, chapter by chapter to their corresponding film scenes - if they exist! Whether you have been on this journey with us from the beginning, started partway through, or are just joining us now, we are so grateful for you. This podcast never got as big as I hoped it would, but it has still become a wonderful community that I have loved being part of. I have met some of the most amazing people and am so grateful to now be able to call them friends. None of that would have happened without Harry Potter and for that, it will always hold a special place in my heart.