Best Peter Fickling Podcasts (2025)

1
Prof Responds- The Umbridge Trap 42:39

3d 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…

1
Farms Wide Open 53:45

6d ago53:45

53:45

Hi everyone. Come join Keri and Matthew as we open our farm gates wide open for you this weekend. A warm welcome and big cider hugs to our new Patreon members : Ros, Chloe, Siobhan and Nicola. Further TCS props/love to Paul Newman for his membership upgrade. The order of service is as follows: You Give Me Phoeber : The return of Matthew's favourite…

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

10d 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…

1
Hammer Horror 47:33

13d ago47:33

47:33

A big cidery welcome to new Patrons : Kathryn, Alison, Colin and Kath. Join Keri and Matthew this week as they discuss where you can go to get away from it all for 7-9 minutes when Ambridge life gets too much. David has a spoken word event coming up and Susan's got a book in her, apparently. We've got a decent selection of absolute bangers for you:…

1
Prof Responds- Gilderoy Lockhart: Ravenclaw or Ravenfraud? 46:17

17d 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…

1
Come Dane With Me 56:38

20d ago56:38

56:38

Hello all! A huge thank you and welcome to new Cider Shed Patreon members : Paul, Maria, Rohan and Alison. We can see you're all done with The Archers this week and seem to have dropped your napkin. Do you need a lift home to normality? Join Keri and Matthew this week as we check out the latest liquifying options at the EV charging station, we laun…

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

24d 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…

1
Against Progress w/ Jack Black 58:29

26d ago58:29

58:29

Alright, this week Tim is shopping for two birds that look alike and we’re joined by friend of the podcast Jack Black whose latest book is The Psychosis of Race: A Lacanian Approach to Racism and Racialization and we’re talking through Žižek’s new book Against Progress. What becomes of squashed birds? We’re talking Slavoj Žižek’s work on quantum ph…

1
Cheese Singles 53:29

27d ago53:29

53:29

Ask for Angela : https://askforangela.co.uk/ Refuge : https://refuge.org.uk/ Women's Aid : https://www.womensaid.org.uk/ NCDV : https://www.ncdv.org.uk/ From The BBC : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cp3wwkk6e5vo We'll sidestep the levity in the description this week. Peace and love. Produced by Matthew Weir Become a beautiful patron of The Cider…

1
Prof Responds- Mom or Mess, Petty or Possessed: McGonagall & Quirrell 50:37

1M 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 …

1
The Archers Get a Pounding 43:38

1M ago43:38

43:38

Join Keri and Matthew this week as they hear from Borsetshire's most trustworthy investment capital firm, tour Felpersham's renewed luxury cat home and then make you uncannily fancy a radish. Huge cidery hugs and thanks to new Patreon members : Michael, Tamsin, Carol, Joker TV, Lee and Rachel. To our listeners, we leave the following: Will and Test…

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

1M 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…

1
SHORT SESSIONS PREVIEW - SOME TICKLISH SUBJECTS 10:19

1M ago10:19

10:19

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE! Alright, we’re back with another Patreon SHORT SESSION and this week Tim is at the shops buying a Tickle Me Elmo and we’re taking a look at some aspects of laughter in a few different ways. SHORT SESSIONS, variable length sessions, however you wanna put it, in these episodes we’ll wrap them up because of something t…

1
Peg Out 43:13

1M ago43:13

43:13

Welcome one, welcome all. Keri and Matthew are here with the latest Cider Shed episode. A big thank you and welcome to our six new Patreon members: Alison, Claire, Gill, Lee, Phillipa and Zizi. And of course, a broader thank you to all of you supporting the pod via Patreon. It means so much and helps enormously. In the slide projector this week : S…

1
Plant-Based Riot 48:43

2M ago48:43

48:43

Psssst! Keri and Matthew have snuck you an access-all-areas pass for The Cider Shed this week, just don't forget the fluffy handcuffs, ok? A big thank you and welcome to new patrons : John, Diana, Emily, Stuart and (checks notes) Grundy's Gusset. Join us this week as we hack into the public address system of Felpersham Shopping Centre to expose the…

1
The Silent Suffering of Minerva McGonagall 1:15:07

2M 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…

1
Post-Comedy w/ Alfie Bown 1:21:00

2M ago1:21:00

1:21:00

Alright, this week Tim is still away and certainly not obsessed with Anomancy a truth procedure which involves reading the folds and wrinkles of someones anus to discover profound insights into health, love, and destiny…he is rather off the wagon only to run someone down and will be back soon. In the meantime we’re talking to Alfie Bown author of P…

1
Rex Appeal 42:53

2M ago42:53

42:53

A big thank you and welcome to new Patreon members: Beata, Nikki, Amy, Tim, Kate, Ruth, Naomi and Libby. And a broader thanks to all of you for your support. Join Keri and Matthew this week as they book Saskia in for a consultancy session, go wild at 'Laser Thing' and watch a fully recovered Edgley Morris in all their jingley glory. On the list for…

1
Prof Responds- Remus Lupin & the Struggle to Stay Human 38:55

2M 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…

1
The Cider Shed Easter Patreon Swapshop Special 3:45

2M ago3:45

3:45

Happy Easter everyone. We hope all is good with you. Our Easter Special is now out, exclusively for Patreon members. You can find it here : https://www.patreon.com/posts/cider-shed-127001235?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link Join us as we go rampaging though the Magi-Maze all the way …

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

2M 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 …

1
The Cider Shed is 4 1:04:06

2M ago1:04:06

1:04:06

Hello you lovely lot, Four years eh? We can barely believe it either. Huge thanks and big welcome to new Patreon members: Anna, Laura, Craig, Mason, Sarah and Kirsty. As always, a wider thank you to all of you who support us and make the pod possible. Thanks for all the birthday messages. Those of you that left audios earlier in the week might just…

1
SHORT SESSIONS PREVIEW - SHIT OF HISTORY: NO FICKLE MATTER 16:28

2M ago16:28

16:28

To listen to the FULL EPISODE head to our PATREON Alright, we’re back from the LACK Conference at Otterbein University and Tim’s still at the airport screaming that the queue is the destination. Great to see so many friends— Jack Black, Neo Winter Scott, Jon Hegglund, Matthew Flisfeder, Clint Burnham, Katherine Everitt, Todd McGowan, Anna Kornbluh,…

1
Prof Responds: Has anyone seen Peter Pettigrew? 43:05

2M 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…

1
Casey Meets Rochelle 53:15

3M ago53:15

53:15

Hello you fine folk. A big thank you and welcome to our new Patreon members: Frosty Fox, Louise Peterkin, Aunty Mary from The Dairy, Terry Cross, Tom Roe, Deborah Shields and Lindorfan. Welcome one, welcome all, and of course, a broader thank you and collective mulled cider hug to all those who support us and make the pod possible. So, on your CV..…

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

3M 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…

1
Joy Division 46:51

3M ago46:51

46:51

Hello all, A big thank you and welcome to new Patrons : Emma, M.Squike and Adam L. Join us this week as we attend the slamdown of the century in the Tea Room carpark, offer a helping hand to those in need and Keri gets tough at Bridge Farm. We've memorised the following things for our big interview: Atmosphere : Rochelle pushes Joy. Has she lost co…

1
Prof Responds- Death Eaters, Country Clubs, and the Cosplay of Power 39:56

3M ago39:56

39:56

Can a villain be a good leader? Not if he’s noseless and narcissistic. Welcome back 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. In today’s Prof Responds episode, I’m diving deep into your post-episode thoughts on none other than the noseless won…

1
Psychocinema w/ Helen Rollins 1:09:22

3M ago1:09:22

1:09:22

Alright, while Tim's busy making two minute noodles we're speaking with Helen Rollins! Check out her website here! Helen is a filmmaker, academic, and writer from Northern Ireland who writes and lectures on film and psychoanalysis. Her latest book, Psychocinema, was published in 2024 in the Theory Redux series. We’re talking the le non-duped err an…

1
Lily Stumps Freddie 55:45

3M ago55:45

55:45

Hey there everyone. Welcome to our 8 new Patreon members, Lori, Umm Saavo, Kevin, Heather, Moira, Jennifer's Voice, Julia and Jo. Join Keri and Matthew this week as they leaf through the Borsetshire Echo Sunday supplement looking for the following: Gravelly Voice : Did Akram make Helen's heart skip a beat? Bridge Farm HR : Not so grate tbh. Ding Do…

1
Lord Voldemort: More Diva than Dark Lord 1:11:49

3M ago1:11:49

1:11:49

Is this an episode of Real Housewives of the Wizarding World? No, just an episode about ole Voldy V- the ultimate diva. From his obsession with power to his need for an audience at every major moment, we unpack how his insecurities, delusions, and over-the-top theatrics make him one of the most absurd villains in fiction. We revisit the iconic grav…

1
Curds Not Turds 44:03

3M ago44:03

44:03

A big thank you and welcome to new Patrons: Steve and Carolyn. Join Keri and Matthew this week as they seek out Freddie's latest compilation CD, discover a positive podcast to rival TCS and pick out the perfect hamper for you all. On our protest placards this week: Close to The Bone : Freddie sends The Cider Shed switchboard into meltdown. Tractor …

1
Prof Responds: The Power, The Pettiness, and The Pretty 49:58

3M ago49:58

49:58

In this lively and deeply engaging episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble responds to the fiery post-episode discussion about Tom Riddle. From dissecting the many hilarious and shady nicknames the CMT community bestowed upon Voldemort to unpacking the complexities of his insecurities, Julian dives deep into what makes Tom Riddle …

1
The Hunt for Red Pesto 34:49

3M ago34:49

34:49

Hey there folks. A big thank you and welcome to new Patrons : Daniel and Catherine. This week we delve into Ambridge's premier toilet store, the cold war and a little bit of local radio. Flat Out : Brad tosses his pancake prize away. Look at Estate of Her! : Natasha gets nasty in the house market. Anti Vacs : Brain and Lilian smash it up at The Gil…

1
[Tom] Riddle Me this: The origin story of a pick me 1:15:40

4M ago1:15:40

1:15:40

In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, we begin our deep dive into the origins of Lord Voldemort by unpacking the complexities of Tom Riddle Jr. Professor Julian Wamble explores what made young Tom tick—his ambitions, insecurities, and relentless desire to prove himself in the Wizarding World. Was he a textbook Slytherin, or did his ego ultimate…

1
PREVIEW - Capitalism & the Commodity (PURE EXCESS) 12:42

4M ago12:42

12:42

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE! Alright, we’re back with a new PATREON EPISODE while Tim's still on an island painting a face on a volleyball & we're taking another look at Todd McGowan's new book Pure Excess. Capitalism promises things beyond their usefulness, the enjoyment of a useless excess, an excess which is presented as pure when it is nece…

1
The Fast and The Spurious 46:06

4M ago46:06

46:06

Hi all you lovely folk. A big welcome and thank you to new Patrons: Daniela, Helen and David. Join Keri and Matthew this week as they attempt to get Borsetshire Water on the blower, dream up the ultimate crowd-puller for The Bull and they look into the unknown terror of Ambridge's very own Bermuda (Cheese) Triangle. The toppings this week include: …

1
Prof Responds- The Pureblood Showdown 29:43

4M ago29:43

29:43

With chaos, controversy, and critical insight, Professor Julian Wamble dives into the passionate post-episode discussion following the Pure-Blood Showdown episode. With the fandom in an uproar over Narcissa Malfoy being crowned Best Parent, Julian unpacks the arguments from Patreon listeners, exploring the biases and dynamics at play in how fans ju…

1
Celia Creams Helen 58:31

4M ago58:31

58:31

A big welcome to new Patrons: Paul, Claudia and Catherine and a big up to long time Patron Helen. Join us this week as we try to pick the right housesitting service, we plan a little cosmetic alteration round the back and we consider a trip down Panama way for one of Wayne's signature pancakes. Now, somewhere on this remote control is the button fo…

1
It's a Pureblood Showdown: The Best, The Worst, and Everything in Between 1:18:49

4M ago1:18:49

1:18:49

BUST OUT YOUR YEARBOOKS!! It's time for the best and worst of the Purebloods! In this episode of Critical Magic Theory, we wrap up our epic 14-month journey through the world of pure bloods. We explore what it truly means to be a pureblood in the Wizarding World—unpacking the social constructs, privileges, and pressures that shape their identities.…

1
Pure Excess w/ Todd McGowan 1:20:05

4M ago1:20:05

1:20:05

Alright, welcome back to Žižek and So On this time we’re talking again with old mate Todd McGowan. This was recorded on Valentines Day 2025 and Tim was busy shopping for eggs. We’re diving into Todd’s new book Pure Excess: Capitalism and the Commodity to talk inutility and the promise of pure excess in the commodity form. Why can’t we have McDonald…

1
Borshitshire 43:45

4M ago43:45

43:45

Hey everyone. A big welcome to new patrons: Becky and Molly, thanks to Helen for being patient and a massive Bristol big-up to Louise for the membership upgrade. Further thanks to Mr Snodes for his inspired title idea on Bluesky. Aside from that, we're in serious mode this week, no silly ads or giggles about poop, oh no, absolutely not. I think we'…

1
Prof Responds: LAVENDER BROWN 40:11

4M ago40:11

40:11

In this special mini-episode of Critical Magic Theory, Professor Julian Wamble introduces a new segment: Prof Responds. This segment is designed to continue the discussion from the Patreon post-episode chat, allowing deeper engagement with listeners’ comments and insights. The focus of this episode is Lavender Brown, exploring how race and gender i…

1
Lawrence Bowls a Wrong'un 43:05

4M ago43:05

43:05

Join Keri and Matthew at the crease this week as they attempt to win the toss. Batting order as follows: Googly-eyed: Lawrence is in for his maiden over. Swine Clue : Hannah hogs Chris's attention at the pub quiz. Isosceles Love Triangle : Brad, Ben and Zainab just don't add up. Produced by Matthew Weir Become a beautiful patron of The Cider Shed a…

1
Lavender Brown: Messy? Maligned? or Misunderstood? 1:19:46

5M ago1:19:46

1:19:46

Through a mix of critical analysis, and a healthy dose of chaos, Professor Wamble and Cassie (one of the Patreon “chronic overthinkers,”) reconsider Lavender Brown’s role in the series, her legacy, and what she can teach us about gendered expectations and internalized misogyny. They deep dive deep into the misunderstood and often maligned character…

1
Panto Loons 49:12

5M ago49:12

49:12

Matthew comforts Keri as they piece together the criminal reconstruction of a week that felt like curtains for The Archers. A big thank you and welcome to our nine new patrons : Julie, Cushla, Benedict, Lizzie, Lisa, Linda, Charlotte, Jenny and Lorraine. Further thanks to all of you who listen and support us. Entering stage left: Button It : Mick g…

1
Nelly, The Elephant in The Room 44:20

5M ago44:20

44:20

Join Keri and Matthew this week as they sabotage the roof of Felperham Arts Centre. A huge welcome to new patrons : James, Mark, Diana, Mary and John. Props to Rutherian for the title of this week's episode. On the physical menu list: Casey Meat-up : Vince gets romantic. Thai The Knot : Ben and Zainab pad it out. Gen Sex : Brian can do whatever the…

1
Merope Gaunt and the space between victimhood & villainy 1:18:50

5M ago1:18:50

1:18:50

TW: DV and SA are discussed in this episode. Can a villain also be a victim? Embark on a journey through the layered narrative of Merope Gaunt, the enigmatic mother of Voldemort, as we mark one year of Critical Magic Theory. Merope's contentious life story, shaped by a web of abuse and desperation, invites a deeper examination of the societal and f…

1
Brian Chooses Bridge Over Troubled Beavers 54:01

5M ago54:01

54:01

Hey everyone, A huge welcome to new Patrons: Sian, Heather, Budleigh Belle and Allan. Thanks so much for supporting us. Join us this week for the following: Visit Borsetshire's latest theme park. Try dating in the Borsetshire dairy community. Slip into the world's first Prog Rock Hot Tub. Get to know your onions with the beloved Tom Archer. Keri qu…

1
PREVIEW - The Parallax of Rumours 10:27

5M ago10:27

10:27

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE! Alright, we’re back for 2025 with a new PATREON episode and while Tim's drinking margaritas on a beach somewhere we’re talking Binocular rivalry, the authorlessness of AI, the Dead Internet Theory, Mr Beast…and what happens when a Rabbi, Businessman, and a poor ordinary Jew talk to God. This is PART TWO in our serie…

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