Potterless

Potterless is an audio podcast created, hosted, edited, and produced by Mike Schubert. The podcast follows Schubert as he reads the Harry Potter series for the first time. Each episode covers a section of the book series, as Schubert and at least one guest analyze the story, writing, and characters. In the US the podcast charts in the top 40 for Arts and Entertainment podcasts and in the top 60 for comedy podcasts on Spotify.

Potterless
Presentation
Hosted byMike Schubert
GenreComedy, Literature
UpdatesWeekly
Production
ProductionMike Schubert
Theme music composed byBettina Campomanes
No. of episodes137 (as of August 3rd, 2020)
Publication
Original releaseOctober 17, 2016 – present
ProviderMultitude
Websitepotterlesspodcast.com

History

Schubert wanted to start a podcast and was looking for a popular topic that many people felt passionate about.[1] He “knew people have incredibly strong feelings about ‘Harry Potter,’ but I hadn’t read the series,” and he believed an adult reading the series for the first time would be a promising topic.[1] In an interview with The Rowling Library magazine, Schubert explained the origin of the name "Potterless" as a double pun based on both Pottermore (now Wizarding World) and the fact he had not read the series and so was Potter-less.[2]

Schubert started the podcast assuming his snarky remarks as he picked apart the books, counterpointed by his Potter-fan guests' outraged defense of the books, would be entertaining listening. He did not expect to enjoy the books but ended up enoying them.[3] According to TU Delfts' Delta, the podcast was conceptualized as one that would "pick apart the story and dethrone it from its lofty perch" but turns into one that "celebrates as the story gets richer."[4]

Schubert began reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, and the first episode of the podcast launched in October of that year.[5] Episodes were initially released bi-weekly, but the release schedule was switched to weekly in 2019. The last book material was covered in episode 89,[6] after which Schubert began covering the Harry Potter films and spin-off materials such as Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.[2][5]

Format

Each episode of the first 89 is dedicated to a chapter or chapters of the book series in chronological reading order.[1] Episodes are approximately 60 minutes in length, and consist primarily of Schubert and his guest(s) summarizing the plot and providing commentary.[7]

Recurring segments include:

  • British Quandaries, in which British citizen Dottie James answers questions from Mike and his American guests regarding British-isms and whether things such as treacle tart are British or magical in origin.[3]
  • Wingardium Ad-read-osa, in which Mike reads ads for the episode’s sponsors.
  • Patron Round-up

Other activities

Potterless has had several stand-alone live shows across the United States, as well as appearing at conventions such as LeakyCon and CONjuration. Schubert also collaborated with Alas Earwax! on the song “Enter Thicknesse”.

Schubert donates a portion of his Patreon revenues to charity.[7]

Reception

Potterless has charted in the US top 40 for Arts and Entertainment podcasts and US top 60 for comedy podcasts on Spotify.[8][9] It has been featured by Buzzfeed in lists of recommended podcasts.[10][11]

The Post called Potterless “the perfect podcast for anyone who has wanted to reread the series but doesn’t have the time… [it] provides listeners with opportunity to recall the first time they read the books and follow along on the beautiful journey of listening to someone else do the same.”[12] Brighton Journal said Shubert's "genuine enthusiasm for the books is charming."[3]

MaineCampus called Schubert "cynical" and "too critical."[13] The Student said Schubert's "complete lack of understanding of everyday British words and phrases threatens to irritate rather than amuse" and that the series might be better led by "a Brit."[14] Other criticisms of Potterless include a lack of expertise on the part of Schubert’s guests, with many incorrect statements regarding the series going uncorrected, and poor audio quality in early episodes.

References
  1. "20 Under 30". Rice Magazine. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  2. Schwartz, Demi (May 14, 2020), "Wizarding Podcasts", The Rowling Library Magazine
  3. Hayword, Marie. "Revisit Harry Potter with the Potterless Podcast". Brighton Journal. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  4. Ramakrishnan, Pooja (12 July 2018). "Potterless, where less is more". TU Delta (in Dutch). Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  5. Savage, Katherine. "Podcast Brings 'Riddikulus' Humor to Harry Potter World". The Columbia Chronicle. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  6. "Potterless Podcast: Episode 89". Potterless. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  7. Spana, Celia. "Why Potterless is Your Next Podcast". ClicheMag. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  8. "'Potterless' Spotify Performance: Arts and Entertainment". Chartable. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  9. "'Potterless' Spotify Performance: Comedy". Chartable. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  10. Armson, Ben. "21 Podcasts that Come Highly Recommended". Buzzfeed. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  11. Suknanan, Jasmin. "22 Non-News Podcasts that, Try as You Might, You Probably Won't be Able to Stop Listening To". Buzzfeed. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  12. Davis, Georgia. "Mischief Managed: Three 'Harry Potter' Podcasts You Have to Listen To". ThePost. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
  13. Theriault, Liz. ""Potterless" allows listeners to reimagine a classic – The Maine Campus". Retrieved 2020-08-11.
  14. Lewis, Sam (21 January 2018). "Potterless | The Student". studentnewspaper.org. Retrieved 2020-08-11.
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