HPMoR and the Limits of Rationality

One woman's quest to understand the Harry Potter fanfic that created the modern world.

Episodes

Ep. 4: The EA Stands For Ethical Arbitrage

In chapters 4 and 5, Harry becomes fabulously wealthy and meets Draco Malfoy. Anthea, Elisa, and Jake are joined by Ernie to discuss effective altruism, the fundamental attribution error, and being built different.Citations and further r...

May 19, 2026 • 2:22:39

Ep. 3: Stand By Me

In chapter 3, Harry learns about Death Eaters, and the hosts rescue jokes from a burning podcast.CONTENT WARNING: discussion of real life violence and sexual violence from 40:15-51:46. Continuing discussion of graphic fictional violence ...

April 15, 2026 • Season 1 • Episode 3 • 1:28:35

Ep. 2: Wingardium Leviscrewyou

In chapter 2, a woman turns into a cat. Anthea and Regina discuss the pros and cons of reasoning from first principles, the collision of the profound and the mundane, and a cool Bavarian.Citations and further readingHarry...

March 31, 2026 • Season 1 • Episode 2 • 1:24:12

Ep. 1: A Podcast of Very Low Probability

Anthea introduces Jake and Elisa to the world of Rationality, Eliezer Yudkowsky, and HPMoR. A surprising level of empathy for Petunia Evans emerges.Citations and further readingHarry Potter and the Methods of Rational...

March 10, 2026 • Season 1 • Episode 1 • 1:41:43