High stakes podcast: The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling

Six of the best diversions, including what to watch, read, eat and buy.

LISTEN / Terf wars

The Witch Trials of J. K. Rowling examines the public debate surrounding the writer’s views on sex and gender.

In December 2019, J. K. Rowling, literary superstar and feminist, posted a tweet – in support of a researcher who’d been fired for stating her belief in the immutability of biological sex – that catapulted her onto the frontlines of an incendiary culture war: the clash between advocates for transgender rights and women’s rights. The tweet, like a gunshot, precipitated an avalanche of accusations that Rowling, along with the researcher Maya Forstater, was a transphobe. Enter American activist-author Megan Phelps-Roper. Preoccupied with social media’s ability to amplify and inflame opposing views, she wrote to Rowling, asking if she’d agree to be interviewed. The answer, unexpectedly, was yes.

The quiet, thoughtful conversations that followed, recorded over a week in the drawing-room of Rowling’s 17th-century Scottish house – far away from the febrile roar of Twitter – are the core of Phelps-Roper’s illuminating seven-part podcast, The Witch Trials of J. K. Rowling. It’s supported by other interviews with activists from both sides – and some scene-setting around the atmosphere of global civil unrest in 2020 in which a second explosive tweet from Rowling landed. The series explores the writer’s beginnings, success and politics and the rise of an increasingly toxic public debate around free speech, sex and gender that she felt she had no choice but to join, whatever the personal cost. Sharon Bradley

WEAR / Amphibious landing

JW Anderson’s collaboration with Wellipets. Credit: Getty Images

Crocs might have just lost boasting rights as fashion’s favourite ugly shoes: Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson is testing our taste levels even further at his label JW Anderson. These frog-faced, rubber loafers for adults ($670) are the result of a collaboration with British children’s gumboot staple Wellipets – which covered the feet of the young princes, William and Harry. “It’s not easy being green,” said a certain famous frog, so perhaps follow model Emily Ratajkowski’s lead and take the leap in blue. Damien Woolnough

READ / Out of Africa

Modern Africa. Mothers and sons. Books. Maths. Love. The Five Sorrowful Mysteries of Andy Africa (Bloomsbury, $33), the debut novel by Nigerian-born Stephen Buoro, is a sizzler. Fifteen-year-old Andy, growing up in Nigeria, is smart, sensitive and obsessed with white girls with blonde hair. He falls for the first one he meets, Eileen, newly arrived from the UK. Their unlikely romance unfolds against a background of religious violence (between Muslims and Christians), political corruption, student protests and Andy’s desire to escape “the curse of Africa”. Andy’s complex relationship with his single mother Gloria, who won’t tell him who his father is, is at the heart of this provocative and highly original novel. Nicole Abadee

REFRESH / Sunday roast

St. Ali’s new coffee blend, Sunday.

It’s the Mother’s Day weekend. You’ll be needing coffee. Step up, St. Ali, major sponsor of this year’s Mother’s Day Classic running event (held at more than 70 locations across Australia), with a new coffee blend called Sunday (250 grams, $20). Mid-strength with bright acidity and lingering flavour notes of chocolate and marmalade, it’s just made for Sunday mornings. St. Ali will be setting up coffee stands at all Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane race events, and with $1 from every pack going to the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, it’s good for all women, not just the ones you love. Jill Dupleix

PLAY / Sydney

Barangaroo Artisan Markets.

Looking for a unique outing or last-minute Mother’s Day gift? On Saturday May 13 – between 10am and 3pm – the streets of Barangaroo transform into an artisan market with more than 40 stalls to explore. The curated collection of merchants includes many family-owned, First Nations and sustainability-focused businesses, offering everything from ceramics and prints to homewares and jewellery. There will be live music and delicious eats to keep you nourished while you hunt for that special something. Frances Mocnik

PLAY / Melbourne

Curve Collection Chair 1 and Chair 2 by Kirby Bourke, Two Lines Studio.Credit: Courtesy of Two Lines Studio

The Melbourne Design Fair, the country’s largest, showcases the work of more than 150 designers from Australia and around the world. Held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 18-21 (adults, $28.50), it features limited-edition and small-batch design products including furniture, lighting and jewellery. Don’t miss the new National Gallery of Victoria-curated section, Discovery, which highlights emerging designers and makers, and Focus, featuring accomplished Australian female designers and makers. Frances Mocnik

SHOP/ Light Relief

The Loop light by Osin.

Is spending most of your days and nights under strong, artificial light messing with your circadian rhythms? The Loop – a personal desktop light hailing from New Zealand ($499) – has been designed to mimic the natural light our body clocks need. In the morning, it emits just the right amount of blue light to kickstart productivity, gradually transitioning to a warm, amber hue, which signals to the brain that it’s time to wind down and prepare for a good night’s sleep. Frances Mocnik

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