MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

On this week's episode, we hope you know the difference between a ghost and an Inferius, lest you want to incur the sass of Severus Snape. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as we suffer through Defense Against The Dark Arts while trying very hard to break into the Room of Requirement. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 21: The Unknowable Room Main Discussion #1: Distracted by Draco Fudge Flashback: We reflect on the Minister's comments in the very first chapter of this book: "The other side can do magic too." As Hermione consistently reminds Harry throughout the chapter, he is taking his eyes off the prize. Why is Harry not more focused given how testy Dumbledore was with him during their last lesson? We debate whether or not Dumbledore should have offered Harry more guidance Snitch Report: Given how Dobby behaves after tailing Draco, should Harry have been more mindful of what he was asking the former Malfoy house-elf to do? Why did it take Harry (and Hermione) 452 pages to realize Draco was using the Room of Requirement? Main Discussion #2: EMO Slytherins Snape is in rare form. Do we attribute his more-than-sassy nature to Draco? Dumbledore? Or did he just not have his coffee? Draco is in over his head. Do we have any sympathy for him? Lynx Line: What would you say to make the Room of Requirement open for you to reveal what Draco is up to? [Wrong answers only] Quizzitch: In Chapter 21, Harry is searching for a phrase that’ll get him into the Room of Requirement… kind of like a password. WHO was the host of the United States television game show called “Password,” from 1961 to 1975? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As if last week's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone TV Show trailer wasn't enough, HBO Max has released a new documentary giving us a behind the scenes look at the making of the upcoming book to TV adaptation! We react to this new documentary called Finding Harry and how it leaves us feeling about the new Harry Potter TV show. The thought and detail that is going into this series is nothing short of incredible, and we explain why we're feeling reassured about rebooting this story. From the numerous animatronics to an earthy Hogwarts to making illogical magic logical, we go moment by moment through this documentary. Your Harry Potter friends at MuggleCast are continuing to cover the TV show now through the December 2026 premiere and beyond. Be sure to follow us in your favorite podcast app and tell a fellow Muggle about our TV show analysis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

EMERGENCY EARLY POD RELEASE! Our first BIG look at the Harry Potter TV show is here, and it's way earlier AND bigger than expected! The first season of the upcoming TV show is now titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and Holy Dumbledore do we have thoughts. Heads up! For one week only: Celebrate the TV show coming out THIS YEAR by using code '2026' from now through April 1 to receive 26% off your first month of our Patreon! Visit Patreon.com/mugglecast and pledge now! Your support helps us cover the TV show. Before we can even analyze the trailer, we have to talk about that title (RIP "Sorcerer"), and the equally surprising release date: Christmas 2026! How many episodes will they release at the launch, and do we expect more episodes on New Years? I guess we won't be taking a break over the holidays... After discussing those developments, we go scene-by-scene through the trailer. One of our big takeaways is that this TV adaptation is being more loyal than the movies ever were! From Petunia cutting Harry's hair to Hagrid knocking three times on the entry doors to Hogwarts, no detail seems to be overlooked. We also discuss the slew of character reveals (Laura thirsts over the new Snape, Eric celebrates the confirmation of Peeves), discuss the familiar-yet-different changes to the look and feel of the Wizarding World,  and point out the little things you may have missed. For example, WTH are Ron and Harry doing running on tables!? Heads up! For one week only: Celebrate the TV show coming out THIS YEAR by using code '2026' from now through April 1 to receive 26% off your first month of our Patreon! Visit Patreon.com/mugglecast and pledge now! Your support helps us cover the TV show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we take another trip down memory lane. Be sure to hide your valuable family heirlooms because there is a thieving Dark Lord lurking. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they do the Hokey Pokey and they turn themselves around... because that's what it's all about! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 20: Lord Voldemort's Request Memory #1: Hepzibah, Hokey & Helga Hufflepuff We debate whether or not Tom Riddle should have been given a post at Hogwarts vs. allowing him to dabble in dark artifacts at Borgin and Burkes Hokey The Scapegoat: we compare how Tom Riddle used her much like he used Morfin and Hagrid! Hepzibah Smith displays some of Hufflepuff's less-than-flattering character traits. Do we agree she is Slughorn "lite" in her behavior? What do we make of the “young, attractive man charming the older, wealthy woman” trope? Memory #2: Awkward Job Interview Given how his appearance has begun to change, does Dumbledore already suspect Horcruxes during Voldemort's trip to Hogwarts? Do we agree with Dumbledore that Voldemort didn’t actually come to Hogwarts to get the Defense Against The Dark Arts (DADA) post? Doesn’t the Ministry, school governors, and other faculty notice the turnover rate for the DADA position? Why isn’t anything done to break the curse? Lynx Line: In an alternate universe where Dumbledore decided to give Tom a second chance, what Hogwarts position should he have offered Tom instead of DADA Professor [wrong answers only]? Quizzitch: In Chapter 20, we learn why Hogwarts cannot have a DADA teacher for more than year. In United States history, which two American Presidents served less than one year in office? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the hosts discuss the ethics of commanding your House-Elf to tail your enemy. Why isn't Kreacher punishing himself for being so rude to Harry, when Dobby couldn't do the same about his masters? And, have any of us ever worried about being replaced like Ron does after missing out on the Quidditch match due to being poisoned? All these discussion points and more on the latest episode of our Chapter-by-Chapter analysis for Half-Blood Prince. Welcome to the show Slug Club member Stef! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 19: Elf Tails How is it that Kreacher can speak ill of his master, Harry? When Dobby struggled hard to do so? Has Kreacher been bending the rules due to technicality? Does Peeves operate an underground House-Elf fight club? How is he so tuned in to Dobby and Kreacher's fight?... And how does he follow them? Ethically, is Harry asking the elves to follow Draco sound? Should there be limits to what you can ask your House-Elf to do? What alternatives might Harry have used to track Draco - how about a magical AirTag? Is Draco's plan too convoluted to work? Where do we stand on the Dumbledore vs Snape argument that Hagrid overhears? This week's Lynx Line: Have we ever felt in danger of becoming replaced? How did we handle it? MVP of the week has us creating new Quidditch nicknames for Harry, inspired by Draco's. Our weekly Quizzitch segment returns (now with 800% more 14-year-olds.) Which 1950's BBC Radio programme first coined the term, meaning a nonfatal, unspecified illness such as a cold or flu, and called it "The Dreaded Lurgi"? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, unless you have a bezoar (and a bit of cheek) handy, we highly recommend you brush up on on all of Golpalott’s laws! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura for a show full of alchemy, apparition and plenty of teenage angst! News: Warner Bros. Discovery has a new home in Paramount; plus several dozen young actors have been cast as various Hogwarts students Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 18: Birthday Surprises We analyze Golpalott’s Third Law: could this Potions class teach Harry something about how to ultimately destroy Voldemort? Does the creation of a Horcrux have an alchemical element to it? How does alchemy present in other book series, such as The Secrets of the Immortal Nicolas Flamel? Can we expect to learn more about Dumbledore and Flamel's partnership in the new Harry Potter TV Show? Apparition: Just put your mind to it! Does this class pass our sniff test? Bezoar! Hermione is upset (again) with Harry’s success in Potions. Does Harry's cheek make him a bit to overconfident when trying to acquire Slughorn’s unredacted memory? When Harry can't locate Malfoy on the Marauder's Map, why does overlook the Room of Requirement? MVP: Destination. Determination. Deliberation. Which is the of the Three D’s? Lynx Line: Name a time in school where you found yourself totally out of your depth subject-wise. Did you overcome your knowledge gap? If so, was it due to hard work and determination? A good teacher or tutor? Or did you merely squeak by in class and never take up the subject again? Quizzitch: In this chapter, a bezoar from the stomach of a goat is used as a cure for poison. In reality, bezoars can appear in humans as ailments. What popular soft drink brand is used to treat bezoars in humans? Answer next week's question via the Quizzitch Form! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time for a very important H-word to be introduced to Harry. No, Fat Lady, it's not the one you experienced over your holiday break! Join the MuggleCasters as we discuss Chapter 17 of Half-Blood Prince, in which Dumbledore introduces Harry to 'A Sluggish Memory'. The Fat Lady seems to be telling herself to practice abstinence after the holidays. Sounds like it was a party in the portraits over Christmas! How do students end up missing the new Common Room passwords? Is it the school's fault, or is it the students? It's time for the students to learn how to apparate! ... For a price. We look at why Hogwarts and the Ministry might be charging for these additional lessons. Dismissive Dumby: Albus' ego is on full display as he plays off Harry's questions about Snape and Draco. As expected, Andrew comes in with a #DumbleDefense.  Back in the memories, Dumbledore shows Harry more about Tom Riddle's time at Hogwarts. Why didn't Dumbledore do more when Tom Riddle was at school and clearing causing trouble? We learn the real reason Dumbledore asked Slughorn back to teach, and we hear that certain H-word a first time (No, it's not 'Hufflepuff' or 'Horace') Connecting the Threads: There are some big parallels between Chapter 17 of Chamber of Secrets, and this Chapter of Half-Blood Prince! MVP: Which memory truly is THE most important memory Dumbledore has collected? Lynx Line: You've just learned to Apparate. Where are you going first? Quizzitch: While Lord Voldemort commits patricide by killing Tom Riddle Sr., what is the broader term used when someone kills a near-relative of theirs such as a grandparent? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Andrew, Micah and Laura enter a new era of MuggleCast, as we kick off the first in a series of monthly episodes focused on the new Harry Potter TV Show. The Trio talk about the latest news, lay down some predictions and play some new games! Set photos of the TV Show's Hogwarts Courtyard have leaked: will these new House Sigil Hedges come to life? Laura and Micah react to Ravenclaw’s sigil finally being an eagle! How much are the show's creators taking inspiration from Hogwarts Legacy? Beyond The Books: Lox Pratt, the actor playing Young Draco, says we’ll be seeing Draco at Malfoy Manor in the first season! Nick Frost manifested getting the role of Hagrid by writing Hagrid 7,000 times while watching the movies. He also took up knitting! MAX That: Can we expect to see more Vampires in this version of the Wizarding World? The hosts test their Harry Potter knowledge: Was This Line in the Sorcerer’s Stone Book AND Movie? Our Lynx Line asked our patrons: Who will be the first character to appear on screen? When can we expect our first trailer? In Bonus MuggleCast, available exclusively on Patreon: We make our official predictions for the new TV show and even throw down a few knuts to keep things interesting! Will we see Voldemort on screen in Episode 1? Will the Sorting Hat sing the full song? Over the series, will we ever get a full episode without Harry present? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bundle up, because it’s about to get really cold inside the Burrow! The MuggleCasters have reached “A Very Frosty Christmas” in their Chapter-by-Chapter reread of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. And they’re not alone. This week the Real Weird Sisters Alice and Martha have joined us! Topics cover the new Minister for Magic’s cunning, Mrs. Weasley’s faults, and the Weasley Brothers’ violent tendencies. New Throwback Content: Be sure you’re following us Lon our Twitch where we are currently streaming the Chamber of Secrets PC game as part of our lookback content this year. All videos will eventually be posted also on our YouTube channel. Welcome Alice and Martha of the Real Weird Sisters! They have been podcasting for 10+ years and are awesome. Chapter by Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 16: A Very Frosty Christmas The MC Pensive segment takes us back to an episode we recorded seven years ago. Are we surprised that people still aren't believing Harry about Draco, even Ron? What's with all the rough housing going on in the Burrow between Ron and his brothers? Is this a dangerous escalation or par for the course? Should Bill be stepping in between Fleur and Mrs. Weasley's feud? The hosts analyze Remus Lupin's story and his backstory. What is Lavender expecting from Ron, as indicated by her flashy piece of jewelry for him? Does anyone buy Scrimgeour's story that he and Percy were "just in the area"? Is Scrimgeour any more smooth than Cornelius Fudge was? Did Percy give Scrimgeour advice on tips for how to appeal to Harry? It kinda feels like he did, which is why Rufus failed so badly. Our MVP segment asks what Harry’s sassiest line in the chapter is. Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: What did Fred and George try to make Ron do with the Unbreakavable Vow? Coming up on Bonus MuggleCast for Slug Club patrons, we analyze our personal romantic histories broken down by the Hogwarts houses of our partners. It's a not-to-miss discussion! Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Valentine's Day approaches in the Muggle world, romance is also a focus in this area of Half-Blood Prince. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they watch Harry watch Draco, watch Hermione regret her revenge against Ron, and watch Snape learn that Harry is suddenly good at Potions.  New Throwback Content: This Saturday, February 14 at 11am ET, MuggleCast will stream the Chamber of Secrets PC Game LIVE on our Twitch! It will later be available on our YouTube channel. A listener recently reviewed us being “as cozy as a warm blanket on a cold day.” We’re very touched! If you feel similarly, be sure to tell us by leaving a review. Chapter by Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 15: The Unbreakable Vow The MC Pensive segment takes us back to an episode we recorded seven years ago. Hermione decides to take Cormac McLaggen to Slughorn's Christmas Party, just as Ron feared she would. Is this revenge satisfying for the readers? Do we feel bad when it doesn't work out for Hermione? Should love potions be taken more seriously than they are, by everyone? Harry is (rightly) worried. Eric asks, how does Cormac not know how to show someone a good time? Harry says that he kinda always thought Filch and Madame Prince were a thing. The hosts pick apart that offhand comment... ...and then we speculate. COULD that be a thing? Filch and Madame Prince? What do they have in common? How does Mrs. Norris feel? Is Snape's attempt to detect Draco's lying ethical? We know there's more in it at stake for him. Should Draco have been suspicious that Snape was working for Dumbledore, based on Snape's emphasis on the importance of DADA for Crabbe and Goyle? What If?: Harry overheard that Draco's mission was to kill Dumbledore? What if it was said aloud? What would Harry do? Odds and Ends include the Number 12 (our favorite), and vampires. Our MVP segment asks who is the best character to take to Slughorn's Christmas party? Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: Who should Snape and Trelawney have invited as their dates to Slughorn's party? And, what would their pick-up lines have been? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Who feels lucky? The only thing bottled up and ready to be unleashed in this chapter is a tidal wave of teenage angst! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they navigate the emotions of Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 14: Felix Felicis Slug Club invite: was Hermione making a romantic push towards Ron? Does Harry have legitimate concerns about becoming The Third Wheel? What would happen to the Trio if it all went wrong with Ron and Hermione? Ron is looking for fight, but picks the WRONG opponent in Ginny! Should Hermione have had more confidence in Ron's Quidditch abilities? Did Harry do more harm than help by giving Ron a Felix Felicis placebo? Was Ron intentionally trying to make Hermione jealous with Lavender? Could Harry's raging chest monster be partially influenced by the Horcrux? Our MVP segment asks who is the most chaotic character of the chapter? Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: Have you ever started dating someone that you knew for years first, or were friends with, and if so, how did it turn out? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Throwback Content includes a video game playthrough  with Eric, Meg and Martha of the “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone PC Game” over on our MuggleCast YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, bring your finest gin (Andrew's is indigo!) to a party at the Muggle orphanage where Mrs. Cole is meets Dumbledore, as our Chapter-by-Chapter series continues discussing Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Our Chapter 13 discussion of "The Secret Riddle" is thought-provoking and focused largely on Dumbledore's actions and his intentions, based on what he might have known about things way back in the early 1940's. News: We discuss two new castings for the recent Prisoner of Azkaban full cast audiobook release. Stay tuned for a review of these new audiobooks! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 13: The Secret Riddle Is Harry treating Dumbledore differently at the start of the chapter than Young Tom Riddle treats him during the memory? What changes in Dumbledore's response to Harry if he already knows what Harry is saying about Draco is true? The Pensieve memory with Burke might seem different - but we've actually seen something like it before! A listener email asks, could Dumbledore have sent Mundungus to raid Grimmauld Place for Aberforth? How is what Dumbledore does to Mrs. Cole different than what Young Tom does to his fellow orphans? What made Merope still honor her father when naming Tom? We discuss Tom Riddle's mental state and one possibly identifiable diagnosis for his behavior. How come Harry didn't turn out like Tom Riddle given their similar trajectories? Was Dumbledore intentionally trying to impress Tom by making fire? Is he therefore playing with fire? Our MVP segment asks what the creepiest thing Young Tom Riddle does in this chapter? Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: Which character would you most like to Confund and get to spill all the tea? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast: it's another edition of Harry Potter Hot Takes, NSFW! Pledge to MuggleCast on Patreon to listen to this and all of our bonus episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, be careful what you say, be careful what you touch! From sinister nonverbal spells to cursed jewelry,  Hogwarts is more of a security nightmare than normal! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Channell as they brave the frigid cold of Hogsmeade.  Welcome, Slug Club member Channell! Music to our ears! Hans Zimmer will score the new Harry Potter TV Show! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 12: Silver and Opals Where the hell is Dumbledore and what is he doing? Harry is asking, not us! What is it about the Prince that endears Harry to him? How are spells created in the Wizarding World? We explore this question in great detail in this week's Bonus MuggleCast and Andrew even challenges the hosts with some creations of his own! Reckless Harry! Why is he casting spells with no clue what they do? Should Harry use the Prince's work to help curry Slughorn's favor? Hot Take: Snape would have been a great teacher if he taught with the same enthusiasm he has when writing his notes! Do we think Slughorn is even more interested in Harry given it’s been so hard to get him to come to the Slug Club? Connecting The Threads to Chamber of Secrets: More bathroom problems! Why doesn't anybody believe Harry? The evidence is starting to pile up against Draco! Our MVP segment asks what would have happened if Dumbledore had received the cursed necklace? Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: how could Hogsmeade do a better job of protecting visitors and residents from security nightmares? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy 2026! No trio member is safe, as Chapter by Chapter covers Chapter 11 of Half-Blood Prince, “Hermione’s Helping Hand.” Does Hermione do the wrong thing for the right reasons? Should Harry do the right thing and expose her actions or, even worse, not choose Ron for the Gryffindor Quidditch team? And, separately, is Hagrid letting his brother join classes? All that and more on this latest episode of MuggleCast. What did the hosts get from Santa this year? And is Andrew about to reveal more than ever before? Chapter by Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 11, “Hermione’s Helping Hand.” Nonverbal spells are now standard in several classes, but does the trio ever learn them? Should teachers be required to eat meals in the Great Hall? Some appear to be skipping out. A comment from Hermione makes Harry warm, and may ignite some fires in the shipping community. Do we pity Ron for his need to show off and overcompensate? What Hermione does at Quidditch practice is highly risky. Why does she take the chance when she could be exposed? Should Harry have made another decision once he discovers Hermione’s actions? Despite his friendship with Ron? An email asks: should Hermione have kept Care of Magical Creatures given her established future career trajectory? It turns out Hagrid is dealing with more than just the kids not taking his class. Should the kids have to lie about another teacher just to make Hagrid feel better about himself? Our MVP segment has us ranking the beasts that Hagrid introduced the trio to. Our Lynx Line topic this week for Slug Club patrons: “Have you ever stacked the odds in favor of a friend for something that they wanted? And did you cheat to do it?” Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast is off from releasing new episodes until 2026, but we wanted to share this Bonus episode recorded for Patreon earlier in the year! In it, we reminisce over the greatest month in Harry Potter fandom history: July 2007, when the Deathly Hallows book and Order of the Phoenix movie were released. We look at what we were doing while working for MuggleNet / MuggleCast, and share some unforgettable stories. Get two bonus episodes of MuggleCast every month by becoming a member at Patreon.com/mugglecast today! Your support helps us run this show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we make a few end-of-year predictions for what 2026 will hold in store for Harry Potter fans, and open up the MuggleMail bag further than ever, as we read recent comments from YouTube and Spotify in addition to Discord, voicemails and e-mail! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura for our final episode of 2025! Looking ahead: what news will we get about a Hogwarts Legacy sequel? How about the HBO TV series? Will more series be green lit? Andrew leads the group in making unhinged predictions including genderbent books and a line of adults-only official merchandise. Our own 2026 plans for MuggleCast include content that looks ahead as well as back, including more talks on the TV show and classic components of HP fandom history. Voicemails sent in include a Hermione Granger impression, and ask the question, "how do children learn Voldemort's name?" Was Arthur Weasley's originally-planned death hinted at in the text of Book 5 and before? Spotify listeners want to know: is Snape projecting? What is the general skill level of your average every day wizard? And will Micah tell more dad jokes? Is Severus Snape a good teacher? What about his old Potions book? Why doesn't Dumbledore ever tell Harry exactly how to destroy the Horcruxes? And, does Hermione belong in Ravenclaw? Additionally, folks tell us their feelings on the Full Cast Harry Potter Audiobooks as well as the Tonks and Lupin romantic subplot. Our Lynx Line segment asks our most dedicated listeners for recommendations of books they've read this year and enjoyed. See the full list of suggestions here! Bonus MuggleCast, available over on our Patreon, will have the hosts discussing their behind-the-scenes stories of contributing to MuggleNet.com MuggleCast will return January 12, 2026! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! It’s the holiday season and you can get 20% off your Patreon membership at Patreon.com/MuggleCast. Just use code HOLIDAY at checkout and receive a slew of great benefits instantly! And don’t forget, Patreon memberships can be gifted! Get cozy this winter with a MuggleCast hoodie, Laura’s pants, or a long-sleeve tee! And if you’re Down Under, stay cool this summer with a short sleeve tee or crop top. Get 20% off all official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com when using code HOLIDAY at checkout! Pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! This week, we're taking a trip down Gaunt memory lane. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura, Bob, Harry and Dumbledore as they visit the outskirts of Little Hangleton for a mighty Morfin good time! The new Chamber of Secrets audiobook is now out, featuring Game of Thrones star Kit Harington as Gilderoy Lockhart. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 10: The House of Gaunt. The MuggleCast Pensieve segment highlights our last discussion of this chapter back on MuggleCast #390! With Harry continuing to use the Half-Blood Prince's Potions book, the hosts revisit their original positions about the ethics of Harry’s work. Does the Half-Blood Prince's handwriting provide any clues to their true identity? What conclusions can be drawn from the cards Harry overhears Trelawney reading? Dumbledore claims that much of his lesson time with Harry will be based on the wildest of guesswork. We beg to differ! Marvolo, Morfin and Merope: we analyze the Gaunt family dynamic and their connection to Salazar Slytherin What is the main reason Dumbledore chose to show Harry this memory? MVP: Best Bob Ogden Moment The Lynx Line asks our patrons what Salazar Slytherin would have thought about the Gaunts as his direct descendants. Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! It's the holiday season and you can get 20% off your Patreon membership at Patreon.com/MuggleCast. Just use code HOLIDAY at checkout and receive a slew of great benefits instantly! And don't forget, Patreon memberships can be gifted! Get cozy this winter with a MuggleCast hoodie, Laura’s pants, or a long-sleeve tee! And if you’re Down Under, stay cool this summer with a short sleeve tee or crop top. Get 20% off all official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com when using code HOLIDAY at checkout! Pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! This week, explore the various teaching competencies of Hogwarts staff, and join the MuggleCasters as Harry dusts off an old potions book to find a cramped surprise within! With Slug Club member Audrey joining the discussion, it’s a can’t-miss episode covering the ethics of letting someone else do all the work. Welcome to the show Slug Club member Audrey! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 9: The Half-Blood Prince The MuggleCast Pensieve segment highlights our last discussion of this chapter back on MuggleCast #389! How does McGonagall’s attentiveness, which makes her a great teacher, compare with Slughorn’s incentivizing students to achieve their best work yet? Do less successful teachers (cough, Trelawney, cough, Snape) have something to learn from other teaching styles? Does the arrangement between Firenze and Trelawney to both teach Divination make sense? Was Snape really going to attack Harry? (All signs point to yes!) Crackpot Theory: Is Snape only being as awful as ever to Harry because Malfoy, now a Death Eater, is watching? Is Horace Slughorn... a good teacher?! His first lesson seems amazing. What would he be like with younger students? What are the pros and cons of Harry coming clean, and is what he chooses to do ethical? Is Hermione or Ginny closer to being right? Connections between this chapter and books 2 and 1 are plentiful! We discuss all the ones we found. MVP: Top sassy Harry lines that AREN’T “There’s no need to call me sir, professor.” Lynx Line: Have you ever had a school subject that you loved be taught by someone that you didn’t? How did it go? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holy Horcrux! WB is selling Harry Potter to Netflix! What does Netflix's acquisition of Warner Bros mean for the future of the Wizarding World franchise?  How will it impact the new Harry Potter TV Show? What does it mean for potential spin-offs? Join Andrew and Micah as they react to the breaking news.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're off for Thanksgiving, but here's a look at the fun you can experience in Bonus MuggleCast on our Patreon! To celebrate Back to Hogwarts month, the MuggleCasters are creating their own Hogwarts Houses from scratch! We share the name of each of our Houses, the sigil, how to get into the Common Room, what each of these new Houses stands for, and so much more! Which of these Houses would you join? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! It's the holiday season and you can get 20% off your Patreon membership at Patreon.com/MuggleCast. Just use code HOLIDAY at checkout and receive a slew of great benefits instantly! And don't forget, Patreon memberships can be gifted! Get cozy this winter with a MuggleCast hoodie, Laura’s pants, or a long-sleeve tee! And if you’re Down Under, stay cool this summer with a short sleeve tee or crop top. Get 20% off all official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com when using code HOLIDAY at checkout! Pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! This week, make sure you're on time for the start of term feast, lest you want to be berated by your (least) favorite Hogwarts professor! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for an angst-ridden stroll up to the castle. TV Show Update: Daniel Radcliffe pens letter to  Dominic McLaughlin Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 8: Snape Victorious. The MuggleCast Pensieve segment highlights our last discussion of this chapter back on MuggleCast #388! What if… no one had discovered Harry was missing before the train left Hogsmeade? Why doesn’t Hogwarts staff or the conductor perform a sweep? Micah doesn't see an issue, but others on the panel see a big nightmare. Why isn’t Dumbledore searching for Harry the moment he doesn’t show up? What causes one’s Patronus to change? The hosts retake the quiz! Oh hell, Doe! Snape is in no position to criticize someone else's Patronus! Do we think Snape is projecting his bitterness toward James onto Harry? Could Snape’s taunting be an attempt to get Harry to reveal what happened? We connect Harry's "grand entrance" back to Chamber of Secrets Slughorn is the new... POTIONS MASTER?!? Which means... Snape is the new... Defense Against The Darks Arts Professor?!?! NOOOOO! MVP: Who wore their injury better? Harry or Dumbledore? Lynx Line: If Snape had never met Lily, what form do you think his Patronus would take? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including bonus episodes, recording studio access, ad-free episodes, and much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com, now more affordable than ever! This week, MuggleCast discusses a surprise invitation for Harry to the inaugural meeting of this year’s Slug Club. And one of our own Slug Club members, Nicole, joins us to chat! Plus, she and Andrew just met up in the new Wizarding World - Ministry of Magic themed land at Epic Universe, and are reviewing the latest park! Welcome back Nicole! She last co-hosted the show with us on MuggleCast 391. Andrew and Nicole recently met up inside Universal Orlando's Epic Universe, and give their take on the new Wizarding World land. How does the new Ministry of Magic ride stack up against the other Harry Potter rides, and why did 1920's Paris leave Andrew's jaw on the floor? Nicole discusses the Circus Arcanus-themed attraction which she was very impressed by. Despite the glowing review, Andrew still recommends waiting to visit Epic Universe while they work out the kinks. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 7: The Slug Club The MuggleCast Pensieve segment highlights our last discussion of this chapter on MuggleCast #387 Why don’t Ron and Hermione believe Harry about Draco? Are Ron and Hermione basing their agreeability on the recent fiasco at the Ministry, where Harry bungled things? What would an alternate explanation be for what Draco is up to, that the trio saw? Does Harry have a sixth sense about Draco because of his Horcrux connection to Voldemort? We analyze and pick apart the incredulity around Voldemort recruiting Draco, Age 16 for his followers. There is series precedent! Micah makes several brilliant comparisons between Slughorn and slugs. Why aren’t there any Hufflepuffs at this Slug Club meeting? Harry underestimates Draco, in a huge way, and pays the price. Oops. Lynx Line: Patrons invent their own version of the Slug Club based on their strengths, and tell us who would be in it! Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including bonus episodes, recording studio access, ad-free episodes, and much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com, now more affordable than ever! This week, don’t get distracted by the WonderWitch product line; a love potion is captivating but Draco Malfoy sneaking off is gonna have longer-lasting implications! Join Micah, Eric and Julian as they wind their way through the twists and turns of an otherwise dark and desolate Diagon Alley. Welcome back Professor Julian Wamble, PhD - host of Critical Magic Theory podcast! We first spoke with Julian on MuggleCast 619 (Professor Trelawney’s Prediction) and then recently on MuggleCast 708 (Snape’s Worst Memory). You can also find him on Instagram and TikTok!  Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 6: Draco's Detour The MuggleCast Pensieve segment, highlighting our last discussion of this chapter on MuggleCast #384, features a deep analysis of U-No-Poo! The Ice Cream Man: Florean Fortescue had a ghost plot? How is Bill able to take Harry's money out of Gringotts without his permission? Why did Dumbledore refuse Auror protection for Harry in Diagon Alley? And is Hagrid really the best alternative? We discuss Weasley's Wizard Wheezes being a beacon of light in an otherwise very dark time Does Molly's concern for Fred and George stem from the loss of her brothers Gideon and Fabian in the First Wizarding War? Inside Madam Malkin's: who was worse, Narcissa or Harry? We compare the this confrontation to the one inside Flourish & Blott's in Chamber of Secrets. Why is Draco trying to operate in secrecy from his mother? And what in the world was Hermione thinking at the end of the chapter? Lynx Line: Patrons tell us what's really on Malfoy’s forearm (wrong answers only!) Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including bonus episodes, recording studio access, ad-free episodes, and much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com, now more affordable than ever! This week, get ready for Veela kisses on both of your cheeks, as Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura, and special guest Kathlyn, discuss "An Excess of Phlegm" from our Book 6 chapter-by-chapter re-read! Andrew and Micah review Audible's brand-new, full cast Sorcerer's Stone audiobooks, which is available now. It's an amazing addition to the world of Harry Potter, and we can't wait for the remaining books! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 5: An Excess of Phlegm The MuggleCast Pensieve segment, highlighting our last discussion of this chapter on MuggleCast #383, features questions about that special clock. SEVERAL people tell Harry he wasn't expected for many more hours. Just what was Dumbledore's backup plan if Slughorn were not so easily persuaded? Does Dumbledore have a "dropping in on people" problem? Arthur is the only one following the Ministry's guidelines around security... and we stan him for it. Molly's opinions of Bill and Flaur's engagement spark a real life discussion about marriage in tough times. The hosts sympathize with Fleur Delacour and understand why she was excited to see Harry after waht must have been a tumultuous week. Eric questions Bill's intentions in leaving Fleur to "the wolves" of the Weasleys. Was there a better alternative to them getting to know her? Slug Club guest Kathlyn talks about the differences between UK culture and the other European countries, which provides insight into the Wealseys' reactions to Fleur. Harry's confiding in Ron and Hermione warms his heart... and ours, too. Hosts rate the most surprising grade of Harry's for O.W.L.'s. Lynx Line: Patrons tell us adorable pet names that they have for their loved ones, and the stories behind them! Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including bonus episodes, recording studio access, ad-free episodes, and much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com, now more affordable than ever! This week, get ready to apparate to the charming village of Budleigh Babberton - but keep your wands at the ready because something is afoot! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they attempt to find... and recruit an old friend out of retirement! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 4: Horace Slughorn The MuggleCast Pensieve segment, highlighting our last discussion of this chapter on MuggleCast #381, features some raspberry jam analysis! Why don’t Dumbledore and Harry simply Apparate into Slughorn’s home? Should Harry have so willingly trusted that Dumbledore was, in fact, Dumbledore, given the danger and uncertainty of the times? What do we think of Dumbledore’s plan to use Harry to lure Slughorn back to Hogwarts—is it clever strategy or subtle manipulation? What does it say about Slughorn that he isn’t aligned with Voldemort, yet refuses to take a stand against him? Slughorn “The Collector” is one of the most morally gray Slytherins of the series How does Slughorn’s casual bigotry—his need to say “You musn't think I'm prejudiced!”—reveal a subtler form of bias in the wizarding world? Does Slughorn’s “collector” mentality mirror real-world networking culture? Isn't the Slug Club just Hogwarts’ version of a professional society? MVP: What's the best perk Slughorn gets from his Slug Club alumni? Lynx Line: Patreons tell us about a talent/accomplishment that would get them recruited to the Slug Club! Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us as our patron at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including more than 60 hours of bonus episodes, 30 hours of chapter readings, and much, much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com, now more affordable than ever! This week, join us as we witness Albus Dumbledore welcoming himself into the Dursley's perfect kept home. It's the depants-ing we've been waiting for! Plus, we look at why Dumbledore decided to take care of the Kreacher business in front of the Dursleys, if Albus had any right criticizing the parenting of Dudley, and more. Welcome back to the show, Meg! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 3: Will and Won't The MuggleCast Pensieve segment, highlighting our last discussion of this chapter on MuggleCast #380, features a Kreacher possibility. Harry's back! And he's ever more undignified than ever. From flower beds to pigstys, is our hero losing his cool factor? What's the beef between Albus Dumbledore and Rufus Scrimgeour that the Prophet is eluding to? It may have been hinted at already. Do we approve of the Ministry's guidebook for protecting oneself during the current era? Why didn't Harry believe Dumbledore was going to show? Does this has to do with Dumbledore's treatment of Harry in the last book? Why are the Dursleys awake and cleaning at 11pm? Dumbledore goes hard against the Dursleys. Finally! But why did it take this long for them to meet, and for Albus to depants them? MVP: What is the most effective guideline from the Ministry? Lynx Line: If Dumbledore could’ve left a Yelp review for the Dursleys, what would it say? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us as our patron at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including more than 60 hours of bonus recordings, 30 hours of chapter readings, and much, much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! This week, join us as we wind our way to Spinner's End and throw ourselves at the mercy of everyone's (least) favorite Potions Master. Grab a tall glass of elf-made bloodred wine and toast the Dark Lord because its unlikely you'll make it out of this chapter without making an Unbreakable Vow. Welcome back, Irvin! Check out his new book Malfoy: The Most Treacherous Family, which is available now! Potter TV Show News: Our first look at John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 2: Spinner's End We analyze Snape's decision to remain in his childhood home. Could it be because of Lily? And why is it such bad shape? The Sisterhood of Bellatrix and Narcissa: do the two actually care for each other? Would Bellatrix rather be right or wrong about Snape's loyalty?  Snape vs. Bellatrix: we're here for snarky, sassy Severus Snape! Snape’s allegiance: do we recall how we felt when first reading this chapter? Could there be trouble in paradise with Voldemort and Bellatrix? Did Narcissa manipulate Snape during the final step of the Unbreakable Vow? MVP: Who’s the better chess master - Snape or Dumbledore? Lynx Line: Snape’s childhood home is clearly a little drab - if Snape’s home were the subject of a home makeover show, what would it be called? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week’s Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Join us as our patron at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of great benefits instantly, including more than 60 hours of bonus recordings, 30 hours of chapter readings, and much, much more! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! That new assistant named Kingsley is a high performer! This week we're starting our Chapter by Chapter re-read of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and discussing all the problems that Cornelius Fudge has just dumped on the British Prime Minister's doorstep. It's a rare Harry-less chapter this week, titled "The Other Minister." News: Congratulations to SIR Gary Oldman! (He really puts the Sir in Sirius) Chapter by Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince Chapter 1: The Other Minister Where were the hosts when the sixth Potter book came out? It was only 3 weeks shy of MuggleCast's first episode! The MuggleCast Time-Turner segment is now the MuggleCast Pensieve! It's Book-6-themed and, this week, flashing back to MuggleCast #376, from July 16, 2018! The hosts compare favorite chapters and discuss this is one of them. The poor British PM believes the chaos was his to own, only to find out that the wizards are at fault for all of it! Do wizards have a superiority complex? It sure seems like it, around the Muggle PM. Is this chapter tied to a particular politician or administration from years past, when the book was set? Or perhaps when it was written? The hosts speculate. Is the portrait of the "frog-like" man (Umbridge's dad?) a privacy concern for the Muggles? MVP of the Week: Who was the best working man in this chapter? Lynx Line: What event from human history was magical in origin, but was covered up between the two governments? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week's Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch!  On Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss the newly released album art for the upcoming full cast production audiobooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! On this week's episode, we're as excited as Dedalus Diggle bumping into Vernon Dursley after Voldemort's downfall, as we bust open our Muggle Mailbag to hear directly from YOU - our listeners! Filming News: We react to new behind-the-scenes footage from around Little Whinging before and after the first downfall of Voldemort. It's our Order of the Phoenix Muggle Mail episode! How will HBO adapt lengthy books like Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince for the new Harry Potter TV show? Is eight episodes truly enough? Why didn't Voldemort choose to become a ghost? Were Arthur Weasley's early career ambitions derailed by the Imperius Curse? We Declare Canon: Crookshanks is the Potter's cat! Listeners make the case for and against ♥️ Voldemort & Bellatrix ♥️ How did the Diary Horcrux have knowledge of Voldemort's future self? And by the way... does the basilisk ever eat? We're concerned about its diet. Lynx Line:  With the new Harry Potter audiobooks on the horizon, we asked supporters on Patreon to take a line from one of their favorite characters in Order of the Phoenix or Half-Blood Prince and submit their best impression! AND THEY DO NOT DISAPPOINT! Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week's Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week it’s time to wrap our Order of the Phoenix re-read with Quizzitch Live, to test your knowledge of the fifth book! Special guest Barry of the Harry Potter podcast Retold joins us to host this Harry Potter trivia night. Listeners competed live against one another across seven rounds of Order of the Phoenix questions. Do you remember the book and movie as well as your fellow Muggles do? Play along and find out! Thanks again to Barry and to all of our listeners for joining in our live event, and a special thank you to those who support us on Patreon. Without you, we couldn't host trivia nights like this! Next week, we'll catch up on MuggleMail before proceeding onward to our Half-Blood Prince read-through in October! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! You have until September 18 to become a member at the Slug Club level to receive this year's incredible physical gift: The MuggleCast 20th Anniversary Yearbook! Pledge now at Patreon.com/mugglecast, and receive a slew of other great benefits instantly! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! Another book, gone! This week we're wrapping up our Chapter by Chapter re-read of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It's a feel-good chapter that ties up a lot of loose ends and teases what's to come in the final two Harry Potter books! To celebrate the end of this re-read, we'll be hosting a Quizzitch LIVE themed around Order of the Phoenix this Thursday, September 18 at 7:30 PM ET! Don't miss it! A link will be available on social media. Welcome Slug Club guest Ivana! In the news: Harry Potter production designer Stuart Craig has passed away, so we look at the legacy he left on the franchise. Meanwhile, the upcoming Harry Potter audiobooks have announced several more big name starts joining its ranks. Game of Thrones fans will be pleased! Chapter by Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix Chapter 38: The Second War Begins. Tying up loose ends: Fudge immediately fumbles how the Ministry is handling the return of Voldemort. What could they have done differently? We're impressed by how Dumbledore got Umbridge out of the forest, but how exactly did he do it? And should Ron have responded to Umbridge's attack in the way that he did? Harry is looking for some Sirius comfort, and finds some in Hagrid and Luna. There's also one line from Harry that is extremely relatable, especially as we age: “Whenever he was in company he wanted to get away, and whenever he was alone he wanted company.” Nearly-Headless Nick offers Harry some disappointing information, but it has us wondering why wizards choose not to return as a ghost after they pass. The Order decides to greet Harry at King's Cross... but why haven't they been there for Harry's previous journeys to and from Hogwarts? MVP of the Week: Who had the most meaningful moment with Harry in this chapter? Lynx Line: What would happen if the Order had to pay a visit the Dursleys because Vernon and Petunia were mistreating Harry? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week's Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch!  On Bonus MuggleCast, we celebrate Back to Hogwarts season by creating our OWN Hogwarts Houses! Let us know which of these new five are your favorite! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Our 2025 physical gift is here! The MuggleCast Yearbook includes writing by each of the four hosts, telling the story of the podcast across the last 20 years, and featuring tons of colorful images and jam-packed with enough nostalgia to make your eyes water. So visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast and pledge at the Slug Club level by September 15 to get yours! Listeners can browse our official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com and pick up overstock items from years past at MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com! Grab the nearest expensive-looking trinket and hurl it at Dumbledore because  Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah are treating the headmaster's office like a modern-day rage room! On this week's episode, all the feelings are bubbling up to the surface as Albus finally comes clean with Harry! Casting news abounds for the new Harry Potter TV Show, including one character never cast before and the return of Warwick Davis as Filius Flitwick! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 37: The Lost Prophecy. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 473 - There's Something About Harry. Should Harry feel guilty about what's happened to Sirius? The hosts grade Dumbledore's handling of Harry using the O.W.L. system Does the loss of his sister Ariana inform Dumbledore's overall treatment of Harry? “Old men are guilty if they forget what it was to be young” hits home! Dumbledore is exhausted and frankly, we don't blame him! YOU LIAR! Dumbledore claims he is going to tell Harry "everything"! Connecting The Threads between Trelawney's prophecies MVP: What was the most damning Dumbledore quote from this chapter? Over on our Lynx Line, our patrons answer this week's question: At what moment in the series should Dumbledore actually have told Harry everything? Participate in our weekly trivia segment by answering this week's Quizzitch question at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch!  On Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss the possibility of a Harry Potter Hotel. Does Disney’s recent Star Wars flop have Universal rethinking the idea? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Cera? Tilda Swinton!? In this Bonus MuggleCast that we're sharing from our Patreon vault, Laura takes us through several high profile actors who were once considered for the Harry Potter movies. It's a fascinating look at names who had a real chance of appearing in the series! Visit Patreon.com/mugglecast for two new Bonus MuggleCast episodes every month, plus boat loads more benefits like a new physical gift each year! Pledge now at the Slug Club level to receive this year's 20th Anniversary Yearbook! Chapter by Chapter will continue next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow during our birthday month! Our 2025 physical gift is here! The MuggleCast Yearbook includes writing by each of the four hosts, telling the story of the podcast across the last 20 years, and featuring tons of colorful images and jam-packed with enough nostalgia to make your eyes water. It’s got personal reflections, anecdotes, never-before-seen photos and even a full compendium of British Jokes as told only on MuggleCast. So visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast and pledge today! To celebrate MuggleCast turning 20 this month, listeners can get 20% off an annual subscription to our Patreon with promo code 20YEARS. We’ve never offered this large a discount before, but this large of an anniversary calls for a very special deal. So visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast and pledge today! Patrons can also get a 20% discount on official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com! Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, we’re lifting Bellatrix off her feet both romantically and murderously! Is Voldemort revealing more about his affectionate side? Is Dumbledore again letting Harry put himself in danger and doing nothing to prevent serious injury? Does the M.O.M. have accessibility features or is Harry super powerful? All that and more. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 36: The Only One He Ever Feared. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 473 of MuggleCast, lazily titled “Dumbledore v Voldemort” Harry asks the rotunda a question and it answers him. Could anyone have done this the whole time? A moment of consideration for Lupin’s loss and how well he handles it by protecting Harry. Would Harry be forgiven and not prosecuted for using an Unforgivable Curse successfully under these circumstances? Just HOW does Harry get up to the atrium before Dumbledore? Did Voldemort tutor Bellatrix “personally” like her statement would seem to indicate? Why does Voldy call Bellatrix “Bella,” and is it a term of endearment? Noting that the only reason Voldemort is seen by the Minister is because he shows up to rescue Bellatrix at the end and take her with him. AN ACT OF LOVE?!?!?! Laura takes us through some symbolism with the fountain of magical brethren, and what happens to its members. Do the statues have a bit of Dumbledore’s personality in them? They certainly approve of Dumbledore. Apologies to Pokemon enthusiasts for our criticism, it turns out the fight scene in the book is just like in the movie after all. I choose you, Blastoise! We praise Dumbledore for mastering Fudge. MVP: Who is the most valuable player during the Dumbledore/Voldemort fight in the atrium? Over on our Lynx Line, our patrons answer this week's question: What is the most MAX THAT moment in the chapter? Ie, which scene do you most want to see adapted for TV that wasn’t done justice in the movie? Quizzitch: In this chapter, the statues of the Fountain of Magical Brethren spring to life to help save the day. But in the summer of 1985, widespread panic occurred when statues in County Cork, Ireland began to seemingly move on their own. What were they statues of? Send us your answers at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow during our birthday month! Our 2025 physical gift is here! The MuggleCast Yearbook includes writing by each of the four hosts, telling the story of the podcast across the last 20 years, and featuring tons of colorful images and jam-packed with enough nostalgia to make your eyes water. It’s got personal reflections, anecdotes, never-before-seen photos and even a full compendium of British Jokes as told only on MuggleCast. So visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast and pledge today! To celebrate MuggleCast turning 20 this month, listeners can get 20% off an annual subscription to our Patreon with promo code 20YEARS. We’ve never offered this large a discount before, but this large of an anniversary calls for a very special deal. So visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast and pledge today! Patrons can also get a 20% discount on official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com! Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, draw your wand and get ready to battle some Death Eaters, because it's ON inside the Department of Mysteries. Just be sure to mind the brains, the baby-headed Death Eater and don't drop that proph...e...cy. Oh no! Welcome Slug Club Member, Shelby! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 35: Beyond The Veil. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 472 of MuggleCast, titled “DUBBLEDORE!” Harry has been duped! He incessantly asks Lucius Malfoy about Sirius, only to come to the stark realization that he’s nowhere to be found. Could this whole situation have been avoided if Dumbledore just let Harry in on the prophecy? Despite his major misstep, Harry remains calm and is able to match wit-for-wit with the Death Eaters. Ex: Voldemort is a half-blood, didn’t ya know? The fact that Dumbledore's Army can work their way through the Department of Mysteries battle with spells like Stupefy is hard for some of us to swallow. Why do the Death Eaters hold back? Were they not anticipating Harry & company fighting back? The members of Dumbledore's Army are thrown into a real battle for the first time. How do we think their performances reflect their strengths and weaknesses that we’ve seen throughout the year? The Evolution of Neville Longbottom The Order is here! How does the shift in battle highlight the gap between student-level dueling and experienced adult combat? Do we think if Sirius didn’t taunt his cousin Bellatrix, the outcome would have been different? We try our best to decipher the "Summer Solstice" and "None will come after" prophecies! MVP: What’s Dumbledore’s entrance music to the Department of Mysteries? Over on our Lynx Line, our patrons answer this week's question: Which Death Eater would you most like to team up with for this battle and why? Quizzitch: In this chapter, Ron gets up close and personal with a human brain when he catches one in his hands. How much does the human brain weigh, on average, in pounds? Is it a) seven pounds, b) five pounds, c) three pounds, d) one pound? Send us your answers at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow during our birthday month! To celebrate MuggleCast turning 20 years old (!!!) listeners can get 20% off an annual subscription to our Patreon with promo code 20YEARS. We’ve never offered this large a discount before, but this large of an anniversary calls for a very special deal. So visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast and pledge today! Patrons can also get a 20% discount on official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com! Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this special edition of MuggleCast, we look back at twenty years of Harry Potter podcasting, revisit some of our earliest book predictions, and look ahead to the next two decades in the Wizarding World! Happy 20th Birthday, MuggleCast! Let’s settle once and for all the pressing question on everyone’s mind: what do we talk about after all this time?! Audible’s Harry Potter audiobooks with a full cast have revealed their seven release dates and some casting! The hosts weigh in. Arabella Stanton (Hermione Granger) is pulling double duty between this and the upcoming HBO series. There is another Dumbledore, and he’s the old pal of UK audiobook narrator Stephen Fry. Listen as we break down Hugh Laurie’s statement on accepting the role. To celebrate our 20th anniversary, we look back over the earliest episodes at predictions made by the hosts which later came true! Thanks to listener Kim for compiling. Are there things we would change about MuggleCast’s earliest days or in general? The hosts reflect. This week's Lynx Line: “What long-dormant MuggleCast topics would you like to see revisited?” Predicting the future: what will MuggleCast be talking about 20 years from NOW? It’s a triple serving of Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul! We are always moved by hearing from listeners on the topic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow during our birthday month! To celebrate MuggleCast turning 20 this month, listeners can get 20% off an annual subscription to our Patreon with promo code 20YEARS. We’ve never offered this large a discount before, but this large of an anniversary calls for a very special deal. So visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast and pledge today! Patrons can also get a 20% discount on official merch at MuggleCastMerch.com! Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week’s episode, we're headed to the Ministry to save Sirius! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Meg as we cram into a telephone booth, descend below the streets of London and explore our way through the Department of Mysteries! Happy Birthday, Harry! Don't miss our birthday wishes to our favorite Boy Wizard. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 34: The Department of Mysteries. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 471 of MuggleCast, titled “Punk’d.” Should Harry have considered alternative transportation to the Ministry of Magic given half the traveling party can't see their ride? Could they have doubled up? So cold! Do thestrals have seat warmers? Did anybody bother to ask them? Where do thestrals rank among the modes of magical transportation? Why didn't Harry notice his Voldemort meter was on low? Inside the Ministry of Magic - another security nightmare! The Brain Room: what exactly is being studied here? And why do these brains seemingly have minds of their own? The Love Room aka The Break Room! Apparently, it's an Amortentia rager! The Death Room: was the Ministry of Magic built around The Veil? Meg offers a theory that will blow your mind! And we analyze why each of the characters present react so differently. Our Lynx Line patrons answer the question, “What other rooms should be represented at the Ministry of Magic / Department of Mysteries?” Quizzitch: When entering the Dept. of Mysteries, Harry and friends first encounter a room with many unmarked doors. Similarly, the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA (USA) has over 2,000 doors in its mansion, which contains 160 rooms. How many windows are present in the Winchester Mystery House? a) 2,001 b) 10,000, c) 665, or d) 4,000? Join in on the fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week’s episode, news continues to roll in on the new Harry Potter TV Show. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they talk the latest casting news and first looks before busting open the MuggleMail bag to take your feedback on the last few chapters of Order of the Phoenix! News: Our first look at Dominic McLaughlin as The Boy Who Lived and Nick Frost as Hagrid! Plus, four new casting announcements: Rory Wilmot as Neville Longbottom, Amos Kitson as Dudley Dursley, Louise Brealey as Madam Rolanda Hooch, and Anton Lesser as Garrick Ollivander. And those Dursleys are looking mighty 90s in these behind-the-scenes photos! Voicemails cover Snape's Worst Memory, Harry's Career Aspirations, Grawp and how the Pensieve could have altered the end of Order of the Phoenix! Why is Harry so obsessed with Dumbledore? He barely knows the guy! How exactly did Tom Riddle's curse on the Defense Against The Darks Arts position work? Old habits die hard! Did Rita Skeeter actually turn over a new leaf? One listener questions if there really was a binding magical contract with the Goblet of Fire or if it was all secretly part of Dumbledore's larger plan! Put your memories away! Did Snape bait Harry to look in the Pensieve? Were Hermione's comments about Firenze really a commentary on Lavender and Parvati's fawning over their new Divination teacher? Comparing the Marauder's treatment of Snape to the Death Eaters treatment of the Roberts family Reducto! Why couldn't Voldemort just shrink himself to gain access to the Ministry and get the prophecy himself? Chicken Soup For The MuggleCast Soul Chapter-by-Chapter returns next week with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 33: Fight and Flight Quizzitch: In this chapter Umbridge placed Stealth Sensor Spells around her office door. Founded by Edward Calahan over 150 years ago, the company which currently holds at least 15% of the market share for home security systems, is called ADT. What does ADT stand for? Join in on the fun! In this week's Bonus MuggleCast, we look back at the Summer of Potter - 2007 saw the release of both Deathly Hallows and the Order of the Phoenix movie! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week’s episode, we discuss the events of Chapter 32 of Order of the Phoenix, "Out of the Fire." Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Pam as they cover the second attempted break-in to Professor Umbridge's office, and the fallout. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 32: Out of the Fire Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 470 of MuggleCast, titled “Silky Smooth Snape.” Should Harry have known that his vision was a ruse? The hosts go all-in on listing several signs, and whether they alone reveal the truth. Micah connects the threads between Sirius and Harry in books 3 and 5. What is Hermione getting at by mentioning Harry's 'saving people thing'? Often times, Harry has legitimately been left to fix the Hogwarts problem and save people. Can we blame him? We discuss the power lust present in both Umbridge and Draco, and how they need each other at this time. Umbridge's treatment of Snape is interesting, since she does trust he's as horrible as she is. What Hermione does works perfectly on Umbridge. Why? Why aren't the two other heads of House, Flitwick and Sprout, also members of the Order? Is Dumbledore skeptical of their loyalty, or is he just giving them a break?? The hosts have differing ideas about what being a 'bad mofo' means, when rating who the baddest was in this chapter. Our Lynx Line patrons answer the question, when was a time that you successfully thought on your feet the way Hermione does with Umbridge? Quizzitch: In this chapter Umbridge placed Stealth Sensor Spells around her office door. Founded by Edward Calahan over 150 years ago, the company which currently holds at least 15% of the market share for home security systems, is called ADT. What does ADT stand for? Join in on the fun! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're off from a regular episode this week due to the 4th of July holiday at Ilvermorny and around America. But as we approach the end of our Order of the Phoenix re-release, we have a Bonus MuggleCast to share with you from our Patreon! In it, Laura leads a discussion on the Order of the Phoenix scenes in the book that didn't make the movie, but absolutely SHOULD be in the TV Show! #MAXThat Laura has us break down our adaptation ideas with the "MAGIC Method" that she developed for this episode. We're joined by Slug Club member Nicole, who was a co-host in Episode 703. What scenes do YOU want to see adapted from Order of the Phoenix in the Harry Potter TV Show? Let us know! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week’s episode, break out the scantrons and No. 2 pencils because Harry, Ron and Hermione are finally sitting their O.W.L.s. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Slug Club member Stacy for the stress-inducing conclusion to Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts. And if exams weren't enough, Hagrid's been sacked and Voldemort has Sirius! Welcome Slug Club member, Stacy! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 31: O.W.L.s. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 468 of MuggleCast, titled “Rubeus Hagrid's Punch Out.”  Ron cannot stop talking about his big Quidditch win! Did we ever have a friend who just wouldn't shut it about a big accomplishment? Magical Moment: Ron reminds Harry of his father James After learning about Grawp, Ron raises a fantastic point: “Have we ever come off better for mixing with one of Hagrid’s monster mates?” How do the O.W.L. exams reflect real-world academic pressures? Draco drops some real world knowledge: "It’s not what you know, but who you know!" Why do the students have to wait until July for their scores? Shouldn't magic allow for instant results? Wingardium Leviosa, Polyjuice Potion & Patronuses! During Harry's O.W.L.s, we get several throwbacks to the first three books! Speaking of Patronuses, is Professor Tofty playing favorites? Does he offer the other students bonus points? What does the nighttime ambush of Hagrid suggest about the Ministry’s tactics? Sirius Problem: Voldemort has Harry's godfather in the Department of Mysteries! What would Harry’s post-exam life look like if he didn’t have a Dark Lord inside of his head? The hosts share which O.W.L. they would most like to sit! Harry overhears Professor Marchbanks tell Professor Umbridge that Dumbledore “Did things with a wand I’d never seen before!” In our Lynx Line segment for the week, we ask our Patrons what kind of things do you imagine Dumbledore doing to impress the examiners? Quizzitch: Harry struggles to name all of the moons of Jupiter for his Astronomy O.W.L. WHICH of the FOLLOWING is NOT one of Jupiter’s moons? Io, Metis, Europa, Ganymede, Calypso, Themisto, Pandia, and S/2003 J 2. Join in on the fun! Tilda Swinton? Peter O'Toole? James McAvoy? Michael Cera!? On this week's Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss the actors who turned down Harry Potter roles!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com This week we find Hogwarts in a state of open rebellion with many students (and professors) practicing the subtle art of malicious compliance, a thing which Laura knows something about, as we will learn! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they discuss Hagrid's awful plan for the trio to put themselves at even greater risk for next to no obvious reward, because it's time to cover Chapter 30 of Order of the Phoenix, Grawp! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 30: Grawp. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 467 of MuggleCast, titled “Stranger Danger.” How Fred and George's departure sparked an uprising. Was it the 'permission' everyone needed to misbehave? Does Filch have buyers' remorse for backing Umbridge? Weren't things better for him (and his cat) under Dumbledore? Forgetting who really put the Niffler in Umrbidge's office, the hosts choose their favorite culprits (and then get the correct answer from Micah.) A connection between Bubble Head Charms that would make them useful to this day. Laura explains how to expertly hobble the willpower of a malicious HOA. McGonagall forms an unexpected alliance, and the hosts chat about Montague's situation. Why doesn't Harry care about pursuing Occlumency when everybody has told him how important it is? Is desperation the leading cause of Hagrid's unbelievable request? Could Hagrid simply retire somehwere with Grawp, instead of leaving him behind with the kids?I/li> Micah's name origins return! The hosts decide on their favorite resistance strategies for Umbridge. In our Lynx Line segment for the week, we ask our Patrons whether Hagrid is really in the right to bring Grawp back with him to the UK? Quizzitch: What wrestler, who stood at a giant height of 7 feet 4 inches, was also an actor, starring in a film that featured not a Forbidden Forest, but a Fire Swamp? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com This week’s episode dives into some serious daddy drama as Harry throws caution to the wind and breaks into Umbridge’s office to have a heart-to-heart with Sirius about his father. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Laura for career advice, a few cough drops, and plenty of laughs. Plus, things get slightly unhinged as we're upping the sexy factor for every character in the new Harry Potter TV show! News: Hogwarts? More like HOTwarts! The new Harry Potter TV Show announces nine new actors, including Draco, Molly, and the Dursleys! And the internet has feelings about the Vernon and Petunia actors. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 29: Career Advice. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 466 of MuggleCast, titled “Weasleys Victorious.” Harry feels betrayed and disillusioned after witnessing James's behavior. Is it fair to let this one memory define James as a character? Should Harry have shared the contents of the memory with Ron and Hermione? Could McGonagall or Hagrid have helped to ground him a bit? Snape's Worst Memory explains quite a bit, but it doesn't validate his treatment of Harry! Should Harry feel bad for Snape? Despite the author's commentary, some of us are still befuddled as to how memories viewed in the Pensieve are unbiased. Mirror, Mirror: why didn't Harry remember Sirius' gift? And why didn't Sirius point this out to Harry during their Floo conversation? Super Petty Snape: the symbolism of him smashing Harry’s Invigoration Draught MAX THAT entire Career Advice scene between McGonagall and Umbridge! It’s nice to see McGonagall balance encouragement with realism when giving Harry advice. But is too much emphasis being put on O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s? Make the Real Life Connection: Did the hosts ever have career conversations like Harry  when we were in school? Should Umbridge even be present for Harry’s career consultation? We discuss the "sirius" risk(s) Harry took by breaking into Umbridge's office! Does the conversation with Sirius & Lupin actually do anything to reassure Harry? The Great Weasley Escape and... Hot Peeves?! The hosts share the best advice Harry actually receives in this chapter! In our Lynx Line segment for the week, we ask our Patrons what’s really going through McGonagall’s head as she is constantly interrupted by Umbridge? Quizzitch: Filch seeks approval for whipping from Umbridge. The sound of a bullwhip cracking is caused by what specific thing occurring with the whip?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com This week Chapter-by-Chapter returns, and so does our guest! Professor Julian Wamble, who we first had on our show back in 2023 on MuggleCast #619, once more graces us with his presence as we discuss Chapter 28 of Order of the Phoenix, "Snape's Worst Memory." Julian teaches Political Science at George Washington University, and his podcast Critical Magic Theory as well as Instagram and TikTok content are worth checking out! Welcome back to the show, Professor Julian Wamble! News: Tom Felton to reprise his role as Draco Malfoy, in New York's production of Cursed Child! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Chapter 28 of Order of the Phoenix, "Snape's Worst Memory." Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 465 of MuggleCast, titled "How I Met Your Mother." How are we going to top that title on *this* re-read? (Speaking of reading, here is that episode's transcript.) Umbridge's ascent to headmistress of Hogwarts has some classic authoritarian playbook strategies. The hosts dissect. Is the appointment of the Inquisitorial Squad merely a natural response to the thought that Dumbledore was raising an army? Andrew explains. We look at what Umbridge promised Filch, and consider whether she intends to keep those promises. Harry would've been poisoned, if it weren't for a singularly interesting cat... that reminds us of a scene from Deathly Hallows... Would Snape have actually given truth serum to Umbridge, and why not? The hosts discuss his loyalties. Fred and George have a perfect tonic for Umbridge's control, and it perfectly exploits her vulnerabilities. It's a good thing Harry's Occlumency lesson is interrupted... because he didn't do the homework! What makes Harry enter the pensieve despite how dangerous the threat of being caught is? What Marauders' personality traits did the hosts most enjoy on this readthrough? How will the Harry Potter TV show handle Snape's Worst Memory? Professor Wamble has thoughts. Are there more traits between Harry and his dad, or Harry and his mom, and what are they? The hosts pick a favorite moment of mayhem from this chapter. In our Lynx Line segment for the week, we ask our Patrons to build their own Inquisitorial Squad to serve a purpose at Hogwarts that is currently underserved, and ask what the team would do. Quizzitch: What band had a song at the top of the UK music charts for every week of May, 1976? A] ABBA, B] Billy Joel, C] Aerosmith, D] David Bowie   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, we’re starting Pride Month 2025 off by revisiting the topic of Potter series author J.K. Rowling, whose recent actions along with the continued assault on the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, warrant further discussion. We are joined by a guest who is an ethicist, philosopher and college instructor, and all of our hosts dive head-first into sharing their feelings on what is happening. And to lead off our discussion, we cover the topic of the casting of the new trio for HBO’s upcoming TV series. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Receive 10% off your first month of therapy at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast News: Harry, Ron and Hermione have now been cast in HBO’s Harry Potter TV series! The hosts react. Welcome to the podcast, Sunny Williams! Sunny’s roots in fandom and wizard rock, and her impressive academic career, make her a perfect fit for our episode today. We revisit the topic of J.K. Rowling, whose new ’Women’s Fund’ will help advance anti-trans legal cases. Our previous episodes that addressed the author were Episode 447b and Episode 469, both worth a re-listen. The hosts share their thoughts on the last 5 years of disappointment, from infinite double-downs to behavior that is antithetical to the works which we celebrate. Eric takes us through the most recent year in anti-trans legislation, featuring two huge pseudoscientific reports, not peer reviewed and forcefully discredited by major medical organizations, which are nevertheless being used to strip transgender people from accessing healthcare through legislation. The actual science is so in-favor of trans people receiving healthcare, that its opponents have suggested other ways of measuring its efficiency, like whether receivers currently have a job. Rowling’s astonishing cruelty is on display daily on X, and her initiatives and gender-policing have been shown to affect ALL women, as the rise on assaults of women in rest areas has grown around hostility towards anyone seen as gender non-conforming by strangers empowered to act. The hosts use scenarios from the Potter books to illustrate what’s presently happening. Sunny guides us through the ethics of financially supporting problematic creators, with thoughts from Socrates, Hannah Arendt, Henry David Thoreau, and others! To wrap, we discuss our continued strategy for keeping the fandom progressive and inclusive. Next week, a return to Chapter-by-Chapter will see us introduced to another bully, as it’s time to experience Chapter 28, “Snape’s Worst Memory.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the Harry Potter TV show beginning to film this summer, Andrew conjures an episode-by-episode (Marauder's) map of Harry Potter: Season 1! What will each episode of Season 1 depict from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and what can they do to please longtime fans of the series? HBO has to prove that there's a reason to reboot Harry Potter, and we have some ideas for how they can do just that! This is a Bonus MuggleCast episode that was released in March for those who support us at Patreon.com/mugglecast. As an independent podcast, we could really use your support while we continue re-reading the books and covering the upcoming TV show! Pledge TODAY to receive access to over 100 more bonus episodes, ad-free episodes of our Chapter by Chapter discussions, and so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, we’re aspiring to become friends with Firenze! His cozy indoor forest classroom is really the bee’s knees, and the rest we obtain there helps us stay sharp when having to suddenly exit the Room of Requirement! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for the next Book 5 chapter discussion. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 27: The Centaur and the Sneak. MuggleCast last discussed this chapter on Episode 464! What is the main force behind Hermione’s comments to Lavender and Parvati? Is Firenze gearing the children up to prepare for war? What are the benefits of a non-human-centric approach to Divination? Firenze also ups Harry’s cool factor considerably. Two members of the DA can now produce full Patronuses! We examine their meaning, including bringing back a revelation from Micah that’s nearly 20 years old (our minds are still blown.) What’s the deal with Dobby’s loyalties? Why can Umbridge command him not to speak? We examine Draco’s choice to apprehend Harry versus later choices he makes in the books. What is the timeline of events surrounding Umbrage, and “the sneak”’s confession? How does Fudge get to Hogwarts so quickly?! What makes Marietta cave? And why is it a million times better than in the movie? The Dumbledore Lie Count (tm) returns!!! Odds & Ends cover one of Harry’s forgotten schoolbooks. MVP: Dumbledore’s most Slytherin moments from the chapter Lynx Line: Our patrons re-name Dumbledore’s Army! Quizzitch: The fourth planet in our Solar System is Mars, named for the Roman god of war. What did the Ancient Greeks call their god of war? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, get your copy of The Quibbler (and quickly transfigure it) before Umbridge bans it! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they enjoy a brief compliment from Snape and finally get through *that* door at the Department of Mysteries! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 26: Seen and Unforseen. MuggleCast last discussed this chapter on Episode 463! Could Hermione have been a little softer on Harry concerning Cho? Does she share any blame for double-booking him in Hogsmeade? Hermione criticizes her friends reactions to the outcome of the Quidditch match. Does she have any fun outlets? Harry is having FOMO watching Ravenclaw vs. Gryffindor. But let's face it, it's not easy watching from the sidelines! Shockingly, Snape comes the closest he ever has to actually caring about teaching Harry Occlumency, but... of course... has to have the last laugh! We draw comparisons between Lupin teaching Harry the Patronus Charm and Snape teaching Harry Occlumency. Should Harry be farther along given he's been at this for two months? How did Harry get through the Department of Mysteries door during his Occlumency lesson when he's never been there in his dreams? The hosts agree that Dumbledore had Firenze in his back pocket to take over for Trelawney. Who did Dumbledore have on tap as a replacement for Hagrid? Voldemort finally learns only he or Harry can retrieve the prophecy. How is this not more common knowledge in the Wizarding World? How would’ve things been different if Voldemort never wasted time with this plan? Harry has direct line of sight into Voldemort's plan with Lucius Malfoy, Sturgis Podmore, Broderick Bode and Avery. Why not leak this info to The Quibbler? Odds & Ends cover The Streisand Effect and The Astronomy Tower MVP: Best All-Time Trelawney Moments (before she was fired) Lynx Line: Our patrons write Harry a short piece of fan-mail OR hate-mail to be delivered via Owl Post to the Great Hall at breakfast! Quizzitch: In banning The Quibbler, Umbridge only raises more interest in it. The concept of banning something only making it more popular is colloquially known as The Streisand Effect, after actress Barbara Streisand sued a photographer for publishing a photo in 2003. What was the photo of?   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, listen during Chapter-by-Chapter as the MuggleCasters discuss Harry juggling TWO dates in Hogsmeade. One which may have been doomed from the start (with Cho), and another which likely changes the course of Wizarding history (with Rita). Andrew, Eric, Laura, Micah, and Slug Club guest Katie dig in, because it's time for Chapter 25 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Welcome Slug Club member, Katie! The hosts wish to reassert their disavowal of J.K. Rowling for her role in making women less safe in the U.K. Please visit GLAAD's amazing page for links including FAQs, resources, and tips for allies. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 25: The Beetle at Bay. MuggleCast last discussed this chapter on Episode 462! Harry's feelings toward his fellow students in light of the Azkaban breakout headlines have us once more feeling like we are living in the books today. The Ministry's control of information and issuance of propaganda, the extent which is confirmed in this chapter, is massive but not perfect. Some who look deeper are beginning to see the cracks in the facade. Umbridge's power grabs are becoming unenforceable. The hosts discuss how her main goal appears to be to frighten and dissuade dissenters, even among the staff. Harry and students are impressed by Neville's recent hard work in the D.A. This reminds us about when we made the "Neville Gets Swole" Spotify playlist, perfect for your summertime runs and workouts! Is Hermione single-handedly changing the course of the Wizarding world? We think so. Is there anything the students can/should be doing about Hagrid and his probation? Or is his behavior just too weird, and the students too buried in coursework? Ron has a fair idea, but Hermione shuts him down cold. We hold a memorial service for Ron's strategical aptitude subplot from Book 1. In what ways was "Madame Puddifoot's" NOT the perfect Valentine's spot, and whose fault is it that Harry and Cho's date is a disaster? Was it doomed from the start? Is Rita Skeeter looking for redemption, or just some hot goss? Odds & Ends asks why Ron, Fred or George do not seem to know about Antonin Dolohov's connection with their uncles, nor do they mention it. Most #RealTalk moment of the week? Hosts weigh in. Lynx Line: we asked our Patrons to submit a one-sentence headline sure to grab all of the attention. Quizzitch: What prison was the site of the largest jailbreak in British history - when 38 inmates, members of the Irish Republican Army, overpowered guards in 1983? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! On this week's edition we discuss the best use of 8 hours to tell the story of the first season of the upcoming TV show! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, clear your minds because you don't want Professor Snape seeing *that* memory! Am I right? Join Andrew, Micah, Laura and Nicole as they say goodbye to Sirius, ride The Knight Bus back to Hogwarts and endure one of Harry's most grueling lessons in the entire Potter series. Welcome Slug Club member, Nicole! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 24: Occlumency. MuggleCast last discussed this chapter on Episode 461! For the first time ever, Harry is not looking forward to going back to Hogwarts. And he’s about to get another reason to dread it even more! Harry seems to have a sixth sense as it relates to Kreacher. Should he have shared his suspicions with someone else in the Order? Showdown at Grimmauld Place: Snape and Sirius are bickering like exes! Why does Sirius refer to Snape as Lucius’ lapdog? Foreshadow Alert: Sirius' Grim Goodbye & The Two-Way Mirror We discuss how there is SO MUCH wrong with Harry's Occlumency lessons! Given that Snape has spent years closing off his mind to Voldemort, is he the most qualified to teach Harry Occlumency? Should there have been a third party mediator? Ruh Roh! What if Voldemort penetrated Harry’s mind and saw Snape teaching him Occlumency? Exactly which memories does Snape removing from his mind? Do these lessons actually weaken Harry's mental and physical state of being? We compare the mental capacity needed to cast a Patronus to that required to perform Occlumency The Big Snape Reveal: did he just show the reader his true colors? What does Voldemort actually know about his connection Harry? Odds & Ends cover Connecting The Threads between Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix, The Knight Bus, Madam Marsh, the Department of Mysteries and more! Most Impressive Dig of the Week: Snape or Sirius? Lynx Line: What could possibly make Voldemort the happiest he’s ever been? Wrong answers only. Quizzitch: What part of the human brain, in addition to aiding cognitive functions like attention and planning, is also involved with the storing of long-term memories?  On Bonus MuggleCast, it's time to MAX THAT! The hosts deep dive into some of the scenes they'd most like to see adapted for the new TV show that didn't make it into the Order of the Phoenix movie! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! On this week's edition we discuss the best use of 8 hours to tell the story of the first season of the upcoming TV show! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, we're trying our best to keep morale high as Harry is having a complete meltdown! Join Andrew, Eric and Micah as they debate Dumbledore's hands-off approach and navigate the highs and lows of Christmas on The Closed Ward. News: Warner Bros. finally confirms six actors for the new Harry Potter TV series Chapter by Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 23: Christmas on The Closed Ward. MuggleCast last discussed this chapter on Episode 460! Harry feels violated and is completely spiraling! Who is going to save him? Why should Harry listen to or even trust Phineas Nigellus Black? The Power of Connection: Hermione & Ginny's Breakthrough Do we feel Harry is even capable of asking for help given his upbringing? Buckbeak: The Emotional Support Hippogriff The Lighter Side of Remus Lupin Santa Sirius has forgotten all about his Christmas elf Kreacher Should we feel sorry for Lockhart? The Longbottoms & The Harsh Realities of War Bubblegum Wrapper Theories Galore! Most Valuable Gift: What was the best Christmas gift someone received in this chapter? Lynx Line: What is something someone gave you that has no (or little) monetary value, but which you hold absolutely dear and would be devastated to part with? What’s the story associated with it? Quizzitch: What actor/comedian once eschewed autographs in favor handing out cards reading “This certifies that you have had a personal encounter with me and that you found me warm, polite, intelligent, and funny”? On Bonus MuggleCast, the hosts try their hands (literally) at a game of Skribbl! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! On this week's edition we discuss the best use of 8 hours to tell the story of the first season of the upcoming TV show! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including our 19th Anniversary Shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week’s episode of MuggleCast, Chapter by Chapter returns as the hosts discuss Order of the Phoenix Chapter 22, “St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries.” Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they bring their particular brand of magic to your ears. This chapter was last discussed on two MuggleCast episodes! Episode 458 and Episode 459. OOTP Chapter 22 was almost entirely omitted from the fifth movie. We want the MAX show to cover all of it! How much does Dumbledore already know about Harry and Voldemort’s connection, and what does his mysterious silver instrument tell him? Did the Order of the Phoenix have the same tools for communication at their disposal during the first Wizarding War? In order for Arthur to live in this book, another character had to die in Book 7. Hosts discuss. What is Ron feeling during this entire chapter? Why isn’t Sirius able to comfort Harry correctly? Are wizards able to heal most their problems without visiting St Mungo’s? Is every maledictus venomous? Or is nagini a special case? Harry receives some unpleasant news while eavesdropping. Our Lynx Line question: if you were a Healer at St Mungo’s, which department would you work in? Our patrons respond. Quizzitch: The London entrance to St. Mungo’s features a mannequin that moves and articulates. What is the name given to the ambulatory mannequins in the first episode of the 2005 “Doctor Who” revival? (That episode is called “Rose”)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, we celebrate 700 episodes of Potter podcasting! Thanks to everyone who has been with us on this magical journey! Having recently finished the Harry Potter series herself, we welcome back friend of the show, Kierra Lewis! Plus, we bust open the Muggle Mailbag to hear directly from you on all things Order of the Phoenix! We're older than Nicolas Flamel! Cheers to 700 episodes of MuggleCast! Who Said It?! How good are the hosts at recalling the things they've said over the last 699 episodes? Welcome back, Kierra Lewis! Having recently finished the Harry Potter series, Kierra joins MuggleCast to discuss her favorite Potter book, if her perspective has changed on characters like Dumbledore and Snape, what it was like visiting the Wizarding World in Orlando and if she's ever gotten a noise complaint! You can find Kierra on TikTok at @kierralewis75 and on Instagram at @kierra_lewis1. MuggleMail covers Being Too Hard on Draco, Hermione The Ravenclaw, The Floo Network And How To Use It, Alternate Professions for Professor Snape, Pumping the Breaks on All The Hogwarts Professor Hate and more! Chicken Soup For The MuggleCast Soul returns with a special note from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Our patrons chimed in on the Lynx Line to answer the question: How  should MuggleCast celebrate 700 episodes in the Wizarding World? Quizzitch: What is the nearest prime number to 700? Don't forget you can help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past, including the most recently added Nineteen Years Later t-shirt! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, grab your tissues because we're discussing Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 21: The Eye of the Snake. And speaking of Hagrid-centric chapters, it looks like the Harry Potter TV Show has found its Rubeus!  Harry Potter TV Show News: Nick Frost is reportedly up for the role of Hagrid! We discuss if he can pull off this pivotal role and what we know him from. Chapter by Chapter resumes with Order of the Phoenix Chapter 21, The Eye of the Snake (gulp). Despite Hermione's best efforts, Hagrid decides to teach a class on Thestrals. We break down the pro's and con's of this decision. If most of the class can't see a creature, does that make it a bad lesson? Not necessarily! But Hagrid could've designed this class better. What did Hagrid's 'shrieking cry' sound like? Shouldn't there be some magic that allows those who haven't seen death to be able to see Thestrals? At least for research purposes it would make sense! Speaking of seeing death, is it strange that Umbridge herself can't see Thestrals?  Should Dumbledore have warned Hagrid about what Umbridge has been up to at the school? Or DID they talk once Hagrid returned? The second half of this chapter has a big Life Moment for Harry: His first kiss! Was it Cho or Harry who made the first move? And how should Harry have reacted when she was crying? We recount our First Kiss stories, and this week's Lynx Line asks Patrons if they had a bad first kiss themselves! Quizzitch: Capable of reaching a length of roughly 19 feet and weighing around 28 lbs, what is the largest known venomous snake species in the world? Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! On this week's edition we discuss the best use of 8 hours to tell the story of the first season of the upcoming TV show! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, don't forget when sneaking out of the house to cover your footprints in the snow!  We're getting the lowdown from Hagrid on what he's been up to for the last few months, until, of course, we're interrupted by one, giant b*tch! Chapter by Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 20: Hagrid's Tale. MuggleCast last discussed the chapter on Episode 456! Upon his return to Hogwarts, do readers and the trio experience a different side to Hagrid? Honestly, can Harry, Ron and Hermione give Hagrid a minute to get settled in? It seems like Hagrid is simultaneously annoyed and proud of the trio for being able to put two and two together about his journey. Could Umbridge have been responsible for putting a tail on Hagrid and Maxime? Our first and only real exposure to Giant Culture in the Wizarding world: a fascinating dynamic to another marginalized community. How is Dumbledore recruiting the giants any different than Voldemort? Did Hagrid and Maxime's gifts to Karkus ultimately get him killed? What does it say about the giants that some are closed off to new ideas, but others can be open to them? Mommy Issues: Hagrid doesn't speak too kindly about his mother. Fridwulfa Does Umbridge spend all her time spying? Is this what Petunia would have been like at Hogwarts? Did Harry, Ron and Hermione visiting Hagrid open the door for Umbridge's visit? The hosts share their Best Hagrid Moment from this chapter they want to see get the MAX treatment! Lynx Line: If you could go on a magical adventure with any wizarding world character to do Dumbledore’s bidding, who would it be and why? Quizzitch:  In the English fairy tale “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Jack, who later meets a husband and wife that are giants, trades WHAT to obtain a handful of magic beans? Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! On this week's edition we discuss the best use of 8 hours to tell the story of the first season of the upcoming TV show! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com This week, Draco goes so hard against the Gryffindor Team, and Umbridge awards herself total control over student lives in our latest Chapter by Chapter series. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they discuss the line between bullying and fair play, and analyze whether Umbridge is making enemies of the whole school. News: The Harry Potter TV show on HBO has cast its Snape and McGonagall, and the HP illustrated editions now have their new illustrator. Chapter by Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 19: The Lion and the Serpent. MuggleCast last discussed the chapter on Episode 455! Hermione reveals the dark origins of her idea for the enchanted Galleons. Why wasn’t she sorted into Ravenclaw, we also wonder? Andrew says coins are easy to lose, and the other hosts weigh in. Where is the line between sportsmanship and bullying? We feel for Ron, but wonder if any of the Slytherins’ behavior is okay. What makes Draco SO extra? Is he compensating for being an unskilled Quidditch player? Did Umbridge put Draco up to the taunting, in order to get Harry & co. expelled?? is McGonagall’s punishment more fitting than Umbridge’s? And hey! It looks like Dumbledore has been doing something after all! in banning Harry from Quidditch, does she give Harry more free time to plot against her? Lynx Line: If you had to chant something at Malfoy to distract him while playing Quidditch, what would it be? Quizzitch: What ice hockey player had a rule named after him after he displayed unsportsmanlike tactics in an attempt to intimidate goalie Martin Brodeur, by waving his hands and hockey stick in his face? Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits like Bonus MuggleCast! On this week's edition we discuss the best use of 8 hours to tell the story of the first season of the upcoming TV show! Patreon.com/MuggleCast  Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, put on your ballet shoes and meet us on the Seventh Floor of Hogwarts, because we're holding secret meetings, breaking rules and firing defensive spells at each other. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Pam for the first official meeting of Dumbledore's Army! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with  Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 18: Dumbledore's Army. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 454 for our prior Chapter 18 analysis! Should Umbridge be thrown in jail for opening Harry's mail? Connecting the Threads between Vernon Dursley, Dobby and Umbridge! 🤯 Why does Hermione have buyer's remorse about Dumbledore's Army? Horcrux Alert: Harry ponders the weird connection between himself and Voldemort that Dumbledore has (still) failed to explain! Did House-Elves use their magic to help build the Room of Requirement? The Tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy: is it more than just trolls trying to do ballet? How do we rate Harry on his first lesson as the new Defense Against The Dark Arts professor? Lynx Line: What do the House-Elves use the Room of Requirement for? Quizzitch: The abbreviation D.A. may most commonly refer to this position as chief prosecutor in a United States criminal case. What is the position, with those initials, that has a history stretching back to 1813? Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits! Patreon.com/mugglecast Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, sit tight. Because the overreach by Professor Umbridge interfering with the everyday lives of Hogwarts students is just beginning! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they continue Chapter-by-Chapter with Chapter 17 of Order of the Phoenix. This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, receive 10% off your first month of therapy at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast, and by Factor, for 50% off your first meal box plus free shipping (code: FACTORPODCAST) TV Show News: John Lithgow confirms he will be playing Dumbledore for HBO! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with  Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 17: Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 453 for our prior Chapter 17 analysis! The walls of freedom are closing in around Harry and his friends. Once again the hosts reflect on how the chapter, and Umbridge, applies to modern day US politics. Since Hermione has revealed that she jinxed the DA sign-up sheet, do we now think her actions were untoward? Do we feel bad for Marietta? Laura asks: Were we ever part of a student group that got disbanded? Umbridge unfairly allows Slytherin to continue playing Quidditch, while keeping Gryffindor in review. Is this in effort to control Harry? Hedwig’s injury causes a stir, and McGonagall tries again to warn Harry what is happening at Hogwarts. Should magical animals be able to better communicate with humans? Is there a spell for that? Neville snaps. Is he justified in going after Draco? Will Draco ever learn? Umbridge v. Snape leaves us short of needing a mop or shovel. What did we learn from their encounter in Potions? Sirius delivers Molly’s message. Is it fair for her to ask Ron not to participate in the DA? Is she living in the same world as everyone else? Odds and Ends covers Fred and George’s latest (successful) attempt to obey school rules, and Crookshanks’ love for Sirius. The Lynx Line: What did Mundungus do to get banned from the Hogs Head 20 years ago? Quizzitch: What bird did the Ancient Greeks, Ancient Romans, and Genghis Khan all use to send their messages? Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits! Patreon.com/mugglecast Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, grab a dirty bottle of Butterbeer from the bartender who kind of looks familiar and pull up a seat or two, because Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura are hosting underground meetings in Hogsmeade's most iconic dive bar! News covers the recently announced interactive edition of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and new Cursed Child city and tour dates Chapter-by-Chapter continues with  Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 16: In The Hog's Head. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning an old recording from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 452 for our prior Chapter 16 analysis! The Hog's Head: site of many an important event in the Harry Potter series We give our initial reactions to Hogsmeade's most iconic dive bar! Given it is quiet and off-the-beaten-path, was the Hog's Head the best choice for the first, unofficial meeting of Dumbledore's Army? FINALLY! Some inter-House unity! Well, kind of... Do we fault Cedric's housemates for wanting to know more about his death? Should Hermione have prepared Harry more for this moment? What would it have taken to convince each of us to sign up for Dumbledore’s Army? Luna vs. Hermione: our favorite Ravenclaw does not back down! Odds & Ends cover a pair of eavesdroppers in Mundungus Fletcher and Willy Widdershins Micah plays bartender, whipping up some Hog's Head cocktails for Andrew, Eric and Laura Lynx Line: If you had to disguise yourself as someone in the Hog’s Head, what would you dress up as and how would you avoid detection? Quizzitch: In the mid-20th century United Kingdom, pint glasses replaced what type of drinking vessel, commonly made of glass, ceramic, or pewter? Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits! Patreon.com/mugglecast Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, we're preparing to be inspected as the new High Inquisitor of Hogwarts sets her eyes on some easy prey. Chapter-by-Chapter covers OotP 15, and we also discuss the latest (huge) Dumbledore casting rumor for the HP TV series!. Welcome to the show, Slug Club guest host Jordan! The latest HP TV Show news is that actor John Lithgow is close to finalizing talks to play Albus Dumbledore. The hosts react! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with  Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 15: The Hogwarts High Inquisitor. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning an old recording from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 451 for our prior Chapter 15 analysis! Laura takes us back through the history of various “inquisitors.” How clued-in is Percy to the inner workings of Umbridge and Fudge’s plot? Did Dumbledore know the Ministry would pass midnight legislation if he did not fill the DADA vacancy? Did he choose not to act? Do we think the Ministry SHOULD have greater oversight into Hogwarts? Snape gets a T for Tool. Or, is that Troll? Have any of the hosts ever been inspected while doing their job? Where does Hermione err in her confrontation with Umbridge? What was Dean Thomas doing to his mouse in Transfiguration? Lynx Line: What educational decree would YOU pass / what rule would YOU enforce at Hogwarts? Our Patrons were asked! Quizzitch: in the USA, the College Board administers the SAT, which has a possible perfect score of 1600. What is the lowest score possible to receive on the SAT? Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Help MuggleCast grow! Become a MuggleCast Member and get great benefits! Patreon.com/mugglecast Grab official merch! MuggleCastMerch.com Pick up overstock merch from years past! MuggleMillennial.Etsy.com On this week's episode, we're taking deep breaths and going through Percy's letter to Ron, as Chapter-by-Chapter tackles Chapter 14 of Order of the Phoenix. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with  Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 14: Percy and Padfoot. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning an old recording from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 450 for our prior Chapter 14 analysis! Despite lots of folks being divided, we focus on examples of residents at Hogwarts helping fellow students out! Including: Nearly-Headless Nick saving Harry's life (probably). What is the meaning behind Filch's baseless claims against Harry? Ron Weasley, a smart character, has an idea that even Hermione agrees with! When Percy's letter arrives, Harry and Ron are shocked. We go through what the worst parts are about what he wrote to his brother and why. Andrew asks: Have we ever been asked by a family member to 'sever ties' with another? And what were the consequences? The chapter ends with Sirius's conversation, and a few Odds and Ends. MVP: What should Ron have said (or written) back to Percy? Lynx Line: Our patrons have drafted their coded messages to Sirius, describing the plot of their favorite movie in a way that Umbridge would not understand. Quizzitch: First discovered in the year 1610, the four largest moons of the planet Jupiter are called Io, Europa, Ganymede, and… __what? Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, bust out your day planner because we've got plenty of classes, loads of homework and a few detentions! And keep your hands off of the knitted hats, those are for the House-Elves! This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Learn how to identify red and green flags with a therapist at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast. Welcome Quizzitch master and winner, James! In the middle of this winter season our Comfy Cozy Combo Pack is nearly sold out! Containing our MuggleCast show beanie and our specialty throwback socks, grab these soft and warming items before it's too late at the MuggleMillennial Etsy store! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with  Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 13: Detention with Dolores. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning an old recording from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 449 for our prior Chapter 13 analysis! Could there be a common theme running through the Chapter 13s of the Harry Potter series? Main Discussion #1: Radical Hermione Spin Cycle: Have the hosts ever gotten caught up in the news and believed something that turned out to be false? Why is Umbridge allowed to teach the students during their O.W.L.s year? Could Hermione be working smarter, not harder, by threatening to write to Mrs. Weasley about Fred & George? We debate the ethics of them testing products on first years! And did the Twins drug Hermione later in the chapter? Should Hermione be tricking House-Elves into freedom by hiding knitted hats beneath bits of rubbish? Would she even have the authority to free the Hogwarts House-Elves? Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Unite: Luna and Ernie show support for Harry! Main Discussion #2: Detention Our initial reactions to one of the most cringe-worthy moments in the Harry Potter series! How is The Black Quill legal? Does it have any relation to the Quick Quotes Quill? Why is Harry suffering in silence? Could past abuse and trauma be at play? How much is Dumbledore to blame for Harry's resistance to go to an authority figure? We discuss the significance of Umbridge giving Harry his second permanent scar! Quidditch Tryouts: is Ron a nepo baby? When Umbridge touches Harry, his scar burns. Should we assume she's connected to Voldemort or was this pure coincidence? Odds & Ends cover Hagrid's absence, McGonagall's confidence in Neville, angry bowtruckles and more! MVP: What would we have thought if we’d been onlookers at the Third Task in Goblet of Fire and seen Harry return from the maze clutching Cedric’s dead body? Lynx Line: Our patrons weigh in on what they would do to resist the Umbridge regime at Hogwarts. Quizzitch: In this chapter, Harry is tasked with completing an illustration of a Bowtruckle. What English children's book author started out as a biological illustrator, a subject matter which certainly influenced the animal characters of their books? Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! On this week's Bonus MuggleCast, we have a blast re-sorting the Weasley family! Percy to Slytherin? Ron to Hufflepuff? Splitting up the Twins? Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first Muggle Mail episode of the year is here! And more than ever, listeners are boldly telling us who we have been too critical of in our latest read-through of Order of the Phoenix. Does planning things out make them worse? Can Sirius be blamed for his behaviors? And where does little Dumbledore go when he's not on the Chocolate Frog cards? All this and more on Episode 690. Welcome to the show Slug Club guest Evalynda! In the middle of this Winter season our Comfy Coz Combo Pack is nearly sold out! Containing our MuggleCast show beanie and our specialty throwback socks, grab these soft and warming items before it's too late over at the MuggleMillennial Etsy store! In our first voicemail of 2025, a listener points out something very interesting about the Triwizard competitors and their Hogwarts house affiliations. We look back on our Books 4 and 3 discussions with a round of MuggleMail regarding Karkaroff and Remus Lupin. Given the importance to Dumbledore of his appearing on the Famous Witch and Wizard Cards, could he be using them to spy on unsuspecting kids like Harry?! On the upcoming TV show, what changes to Snape might be concerning, and which ones wouldn't? Petunia and Vernon's relationship to each other and to the Potters is examined in depth! Are all of the adults in the Order just disorganized? Does Arthur Weasley deserve a pass for not scouting the route? Are Muggle primary schools looking for the M.I.A. Hogwarts students? Why doesn't Sirius ever seek out his favorite cousin, Andromeda? Should the role of Hogwarts Prefect come with a set of clear instructions? The Lynx Line segment asks for everyone's takeaways regarding our Book 5 read-through so far. Quizzitch: Which US fast-food chain was the first to add savory biscuits to their menu, in the 1970s? Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crack open a pack of your favorite biscuits and pull up a comfy chair because this week we’re discussing Chapter 12 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Professor Umb*tch. And put your hand down, Hermione, because we're not answering any of your questions (that's next week's episode)! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 12: Professor Umbridge. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning an old recording from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 448 for our prior Chapter 12 analysis! Main Discussion #1 The Worst Monday Ron Has Ever Seen Hermione remarks that she wishes there could be better House unity. But what does Hogwarts actually do to promote this? As prefect, Ron struggles to reprimand his brothers. Should Harry have said something to Fred and George in private about their "extracurricular activities"? Have Ron and Harry become too reliant on Hermione for academic support? Or has she enabled them too much over the years? Why does Ron behave so rudley towards Cho? Could he be jealous of her? Why are there seemingly no decent teachers at Hogwarts? Binns, Snape and Umbridge have Harry's fifth year off to a rough start! We rank the previous Defense Against The Dark Arts Professors Main Discussion #2: Hermione the Rebel Did Hermione's raised hand in Umbridge's class land Harry in detention? Does Umbridge have a point in criticizing the very fragmented nature of the students DADA education? Did the Ministry ever release a detailed account of what happened to Cedric? We analyze McGonagall and Harry's conversation about Umbridge MVP: What's the greatest zinger that Gryffindor students use against Umbridge in this chapter? Lynx Line: What is a wild dream that you have had which either came true shortly after, or was just very weird? Quizzitch: Which US fast-food chain was the first to add savory biscuits to their menu, in the 1970s? Bonus MuggleCast: It's Part 2 of Would you date a wizard? Who specifically would we invite out on a date? What appeals to us? What would appeal to them? And what's our bedroom life look like? Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! The MuggleCast Merch Store is open year-round for all your gifting needs! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don’t forget, you can now also gift a Patreon subscription! Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New year of Hogwarts, new song from the Sorting Hat! That’s the way it goes this week as our first Chapter by Chapter of 2025 delves into Chapter 11 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Join Eric, Laura and Micah on a fun adventure past thestrals, toady new teachers, and unexpected conflicts with dorm mates. But first, a reminder! Still rolling from the holidays? The MuggleCast Merch Store is open year-round for all your gifting needs! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don’t forget, you can now also gift a Patreon subscription! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 11: The Sorting Hat’s New Song. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning an old recording from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 446 for our prior Chapter 11 analysis! Harry sometimes sees things others don’t, but how often is death involved in the process? Laura connects some threads for us. How fair or unfair is Luna’s assertion that Hagrid is not well-loved by the Ravenclaws? According to the Sorting Hat, Godric and Salazar were BEST FRIENDS! The Hat could use some career advice right about now, it’s second guessing its own mission. Someone interrupts Nick talking about previous times the Hat has given a warning. So, we guess at when that might have occurred. Enter Umbridge, an Orwellian villain who talks way too much to bury her sinister intent. Fortunately, HermioneGPT can explain the speech to Ron, Harry, and anyone who accidentally fell asleep. Harry’s own House mates are on their way toward believing the lies of the Daily Prophet. But Neville is coming into his own, and defends Harry. You love to see it. Our What If? segment covers: What If Seamus moved out? Lynx Line: Which Hogwarts teachers and lessons could use the most reform, and how would you reform them? Quizzitch:In light of Umbridge’s long and boring speech, what is the length of the longest speech ever given in the UK, presented by Henry Peter Brougham in 1828? Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit mugglecast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast returns January 14 with new episodes in which we continue to explore Order of the Phoenix! Until then, we present this episode of our other podcast What the Hype?! in which we look at what we're most looking forward to in pop culture in 2025! And before looking ahead, we look back at the fandoms we adored in 2024, with the goal being to share the ones we haven't spoken about on the show. We were addicted to games like Balatro and WWE 2k24, and were grooving to music from Maggie Rogers. We also loved the Sonic film franchise and TV shows like Arcane and English Teacher. 2025 topics include the next Hunger Games spinoff Sunrise on the Reaping, Grand Theft Auto 6, Yellowjackets Season 3 , the Stranger Things finale, and so much more! Thank you to everyone for joining What the Hype?! this year! Make sure to follow us in your favorite podcast app and on YouTube. We'd also deeply appreciate a review! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're off this week because of the holidays, so enjoy this release from our Patreon! Listener discretion advised. This Bonus MuggleCast asks the hard question: would you date a witch or wizard if you were a Muggle, and how would you feel about the challenges ahead? Andrew comes up with a few ground rules and Eric, Laura and Micah engage them on this very fun, mature-rated bonus. Patrons weigh in on some pros and cons, and we consider whether our partner having magic would be overall a good thing, or make things more complicated. We've only been able to podcast for 20 years thanks to support from listeners like you. Visit Patreon.com/mugglecast to help us out, and enjoy dozens more Bonus MuggleCast installments immediately! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final episode of 2024, MuggleCast hosts a live Harry Potter trivia game! We're joined by special guest Rohan Gotobed as we quiz fans on the Hogwarts Houses, the origins of Hogwarts, and the Holidays in Harry Potter. Even though this was recorded earlier in December, you get to play along as we read each of the questions and possible answers. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year - The show is one of the great joys of our life, and we absolutely love being your Harry Potter besties. For more Quizzitch Live episodes, visit our YouTube page! Listener support is the only reason we can conjure this show and Quizzitch Live events. Please consider supporting us on Patreon today, and in return you'll receive many magical benefits! For example, you'll receive two new Bonus MuggleCast episodes each month. In our latest, we discuss what a trivia night would look like within the Wizarding World. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a tumultuous summer, it’s time to go back to Hogwarts! Harry is still navigating his feelings of Ron and Hermione being made prefects, and he’s about to meet an entirely new character who might refresh his perspective, all in the latest Chapter-by-Chapter segment from the MuggleCasters, covering Chapter 10 of Order of the Phoenix, Luna Lovegood. It’s the holiday season and the MuggleCast Merch Store is open for all your gifting needs! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don’t forget, you can now also gift a Patreon subscription! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 10: Luna Lovegood. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 241 and Episode 445 for prior Chapter 10 analysis! Harry is dreaming again. What can we make of this latest barrage of symbolism and metaphor? Why does Harry’s security entourage keep changing? Is it a mark of safety, or dwindling numbers in the Order? Sirius makes an unfortunate move. Bad dog, Snuffles! Should we be concerned for Sturgis Podmore? Hogwarts’ practice of prefects in place of real security might fall short. But at least their carriage is probably nice! Will the upcoming HP tv series have the most trouble re-casting Luna? Can Ginny be considered Luna’s friend? Can Neville? Hermione’s foot enters her mouth regarding the Quibbler. Should she know better than to pick a fight about something a stranger is reading in front of her? Unfortunately Harry’s arrival at Hogwarts reveals that not a lot has stayed the same how he wanted it. Sad. Lynx Line: the Best made up Quibbler headlines Quizzitch: Which UK tabloid, known for its sensationalist journalism, was founded in the year 1896 by a man who would later become 1st Viscount Northcliffe? Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit mugglecast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harry has been cleared of all charges! Ron and Hermione have been made Prefects! We're throwing a banger of a party at Grimmauld Place! Come join us as we discuss The Woes of Mrs. Weasley, just leave the boggart at home, please! Welcome, Slug Club Member Rex!  It's the holiday season and the MuggleCast Merch Store is open for all your gifting needs! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don't forget, you can now gift a Patreon subscription! Mark your calendars! A special holiday edition of Quizzitch Live is headed your way Sunday, December 15 at 12 PM ET. Stay tuned for more details! We discuss some exciting Harry Potter TV Show news: Paapa Essiedu is rumoured as the favorite for Snape, while we get confirmation that filming is set for Summer 2025. David Holmes, the stuntman for Daniel Radcliffe, who was injured on the set of Deathly Hallows: Part 1 has released a new book called The Boy Who Lived. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 9: The Woes of Mrs. Weasley. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 443 and Episode 241 for prior Chapter 9 analysis! Why was Dumbledore in such a rush to exit the trial chamber? And why didn't he bother to give Arthur the good news about Harry? What was Lucius Malfoy doing down on Level 9? How does he know enough about Harry's situation to call him "Patronus Potter"? We analyze his level of (financial) influence over Ministry officials. What does it say about Fudge that despite being surrounded by Death Eaters, Dumbledore believes he's acting of his own free will? Arthur explains Muggle Baiting to Harry. Do Fred and George’s actions from last summer with ton-tongue toffee fall into this category? Why doesn't Sirius seem to be happy for Harry? When is he going to grow up? Are we surprised that everyone was surprised that Ron was made Prefect? Who would have made a better choice? Neville? Dean? Seamus? What are the pros and cons if Dumbledore had made Harry a Prefect? Molly's Greatest Fear and the many lessons it teaches us as readers What would each of our boggarts be (within the context of Grimmauld Place)? Lynx Line: Should Dumbledore have made Harry a Prefect instead of Ron? Why or why not? Quizzitch: What fountain gets the most money thrown into it per year, in the real world? Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! On this week's Bonus MuggleCast, we debate whether or not the Harry Potter Movies are Christmas movies? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy holidays, everyone! We don’t have a regular episode for you this week because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but we DO have a special release for you today! In this Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss the topic of being a muggle and dating a wizard. What would that be like? What pro’s and con’s are there? Our Patrons told us this was a favorite Bonus MuggleCast of theirs! That said, we do discuss mature topics in this episode, so listener discretion is advised. We occasionally record more adult-themed Bonus MuggleCast episodes since we’re behind a paywall on Patreon, and — we’re adults who want to discuss adult topics. We know listeners love it too. Patrons and paid Apple Podcast subscribers get TWO new Bonus MuggleCast installments every month, plus a cornucopia of other benefits, like ad-free episodes, early releases, a new physical gift every year, and so much more! Check it out, go to Patreon.com/mugglecast And you can now GIFT a Patreon membership! Ask your loved one to go to Patreon.com/mugglecast/gift and they can get you anywhere from 1 to 12 months of Patreon access! It’s the perfect gift idea if you’ve been wanting to support us and get hooked up with many magical MuggleCast perks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the day of Harry’s hearing in our Chapter-by-Chapter re-read of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and we wouldn’t blame you if you lost sleep over it. While the odds are stacked firmly against Harry in several ways, Dumbledore decides to save Harry and us all by standing up against the increasingly-fascist Ministry of Magic. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and our Slug Club guest Monet as they tackle Chapter 8, “The Hearing.” Welcome to the show, Slug Club guest Monet! Just like Monet, YOU can guest-host the show if you pledge to our Patreon at the Slug Club level. In addition, you can now gift a Patreon subscription to a friend! Additionally, we’re hosting a Black Friday sale (use code: SIRIUS, get it?!) on our MuggleCastMerch.com online store! Get 15% off your order now through Cyber Monday (December 1st). Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 8: The Hearing. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 441 and Episode 240 for prior Chapter 8 analysis! How does this chapter hit differently for us now, versus in 2003? Laura says the trial seems a lot more believable. Eric lists the ways that the trial impugns on Harry’s rights and is designed to be cruel and throw him off of his game. Monet points out a direct parallel between this trial, and the one we see for Mary Cattermole in Deathly Hallows. Andrew admires Dumbledore’s show of force, his preparedness too, and for once we all agree with him! Had Dumbledore not arrived, would Harry have been convicted? Would his wand have been smashed before anyone could do anything about it? Dumbledore’s calm and even tone, and his humility - allowing the Minister and co. to save face - is critical to his success, Laura says. The connection between a know-it-all headmaster, the ignorant Minister, and the country’s slow descent into Voldemort’s rule is analyzed. Does Dumbledore’s interference here cause the Ministry to retaliate later in the year? Lynx Line: What crime would listeners have to face a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry over? And, who would we want as our defense? Quizzitch: The UK judicial system established a Supreme Court in 2009. Prior to that, what was the highest court in the UK?? Don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aren’t government buildings exciting? This week, the MuggleCasters jog their memories of how to do public transit because it’s time to go to the Ministry for Harry’s disciplinary hearing! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they discuss Chapter 7 of Order of the Phoenix, “The Ministry of Magic.” Show announcements including what’s going on over at #Millennial and What the Hype?! as well as a unique gift idea for the upcoming Holidays. HP TV Show news! Actor Mark Rylance is reportedly a top pick for Dumbledore by the creators of the show. We can see it. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 7: The Ministry of Magic. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 440 and Episode 240 for prior Chapter 7 analysis! For their journey to the Ministry, why does Arthur go it alone? Does it put Harry at undue risk? How come Arthur didn’t know where he was going, and why wouldn’t he plan it in advance? Micah comes for Arthur including his job title versus his lack of demonstrated competence with Muggle things. We are shook. How would a wizard react to public transit apps? Do we think the Muggle entrance to the M.O.M. has been updated since the 1990s? The hosts compare the Ministry fountains between books 5 and 7, with keen insight. Somebody get everyone some coffee! It’s just another day at work for most people. Seeing Arthur’s office in person, we cannot help but feel like Percy may have had a point. We adore the many layers of Arthur and Kingsley’s work conversation. Odds and Ends include the first mention of Scrimgeour, the Quibbler, and more! Lynx Line: What floor of the Ministry of Magic would our Patrons most like to party on? Quizzitch: What is Amelia Bones’ middle name? Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, grab your doxy spray and settle in because we're deep cleaning the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Join Eric, Micah and Laura as they dodge possessed music boxes, coughing wastebaskets, and mysterious lockets all while fighting with a deranged House-Elf and learning about pureblood wizarding families! News Alert: Hogwarts Legacy 2 to crossover with the new Harry Potter TV Show! Plus, get in the holiday spirit as Hogwarts: Wizards of Baking premieres on Food Network and MAX on Nov. 14! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 6: The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 439 and Episode 230 for prior Chapter 6 analysis! Have we ever been in a situation where an adult forbade us from talking to our friends after hearing something they deemed inappropriate? Does Molly not understand how kids work? Forbidding them from staying up to talk is the best way to ensure they absolutely do that!  Your putting those doxies WHERE?! What happens to these immobilized creatures? Are they permanently paralyzed? STOP RINGING THAT DAMN DOORBELL!!! Has Mundungus ever proven his value to the Order? Foreshadow alert: The locket no one could open What do we make of Sirius's behavior in this chapter? Harry is clearly trying to relate to him, but is Sirius brooding so much on his own misfortune? The Black Family Tapestry, Regulus Black and the meaning of Toujours Pur Did Kreacher predict the ending of Order of the Phoenix? Comparing Kreacher and Gollum from Lord of the Rings Did Lupin and Tonks have secret sleepovers? Lynx Line: Our patrons pick one item from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black to display in their home. Which Skiving Snackbox candy would each of the hosts be willing to try to get out of something we didn't want to do? Quizzitch: In the Sorcerer’s Stone PC game, what spell do you primarily use to deal with doxies?’ Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as we dive into the Muggle Mailbag and respond to listener feedback from the first five chapters of our Order of the Phoenix reread! Visit our new online store for can’t-miss items that are one of a kind! MuggleCastMerch.com Voicemails cover what Hermione would be like in grad school, and a theory as to why the Cursed Child runtime keeps being shortened in America. An astute listener writes in about the historical name origins of the wizengamot! We are all impressed. Ron wearing the locket in Book 7 has the same exact feelings we see Harry have in early Book 5. Other topics include: Why Salazar Slytherin may have chosen emeralds as a house gem, whether we should feel sorry for Petunia Dursley, why Nearly Headless Nick should still be frozen, and Harry’s sparse security detail. A fun What If… segment and Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul round out the discussion. Finally, our Lynx Line benefit exclusively for Patrons has them sharing their overall thoughts on Book 5 so far. Next week’s Quizzitch question: How many Halloween feasts do we see Harry attend during his time at Hogwarts? This episode is brought to you by Better Help. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Halloween! Welcome to Harry Potter and the Graveyard of Goods! Join us as we discuss the official projects by Wizarding World Inc. that’ve perished over the decades. These’ve been rejected by the Sorting Hat. They're on display in Diagon Fail-ey. You get the point. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to the echoes of Halloween episodes past! Be sure to check out Episode 633: Quizzitch Live - Halloween Edition (2023); Episode 535: Halloween Extravaganza (2021); Episode 487: The Scariest Moments in Harry Potter (2020); Episode 343: Fantastic Beasts And The Not 2 (2017); Episode 161: Larger Than Life (2008) and Episode 61: Ghosts (2006). Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! So what names are on the headstones in the Graveyard of Goods? Fantastic Beasts... more like Fantastic Busts! Who really axed the MinaLima Illustrated Editions? Potter-NO-more Who pulled the plug on Wizards Unite & Magic Awakened? What happened to the Original Version of the Harry Potter Stage Play? Will Jim Kay's Illustrated Editions get a sixth and seventh installment? Why was there only one 10th Anniversary Edition of a Harry Potter book? Wizarding World Festival... oh, you never heard of that either? Is the Official Harry Potter Encyclopedia the biggest bogeyman of the Wizarding World! Who scratched up all of the Ultimate Edition DVDs? Plus, if each of the hosts could pick one item, what would each of them revive? On this week's Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss how Harry Potter characters would (or wouldn't) survive famous horror movies! You can get Bonus MuggleCast and other great benefits at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More like DISorder, are we right? The cracks against Dumbledore keep coming as the MuggleCasters discuss the events of Book 5, Chapter 5 in our continuing re-read. Join Andrew, Eric, Pam and Micah as they discuss Sirius’ godfatherliness and Molly’s intentions. And more! Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and we’ll be rolling out more in the months ahead! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 5: The Order of the Phoenix. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Check out Episode 437 and Episode 230! We learn just how underground this “underground” organization really is! (Positively subterranean) Why Sirius is good for Harry Interrupting!Molly interrupts a would-be apology from Mundungus to Harry, and in general is trying to do too much all at once. Has nobody checked in with Dumbledore on his definition of “need to know” for Harry? This debate is ugly, but it would have been less stressful if Dumbledore were around to ask. Why do Fred and George pick now to fight for their own right to know what’s going on? Can’t they read the room? The Order members detail just how bad their uphill struggle is, thanks to Fudge. We examine the harm that Fudge’s lean on the Daily Prophet is causing for getting the word out to the public, and how the unsuspecting public is being placed in great danger by the leaders sworn to potect it. Andrew gives props to Dumbledore for sticking up to the Wizengamot. Odds and Ends include Crookshanks’ friendship with Sirius, the Vanishing Charm, and more Horcrux evidence. Lynx Line: Our patrons share which non-Order members should be in the Order! What do we each think is the Most Over-the-Top Molly Moment of the Week? Quizzitch:  Name a nation within the United Kingdom where the legal voting age is 16 years? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, just let it all out! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they listen in to Harry unloading on his best friends and get the latest Order of the Phoenix goss. But be sure to tiptoe down the hall quietly because we don’t want to wake up any maniacal pureblood portraits! BIG NEWS! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and we’ll be rolling out more in the months ahead! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 4: Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Check out Episode 436 and Episode 229! Foreshadow Alert: Grim-Old-Place, "house of a dying person"... OH NO, SIRIUS! We break down Harry, Ron and Hermione's reunion with a fun new edition of "Horcrux or Harry?" The hosts try their hands at impersonating ALL CAPS HARRY! One host is SCARY good! Does Harry feel better about being left in the dark after learning what Ron and Hermione have been up to all summer? Do we agree with Mrs. Weasley not letting the kids attend the Order of the Phoenix meetings? Do her previous losses and the size of her family impact her decision-making? Guard Duty Misdirect: was the Order talking about watching Harry or something else entirely? PompASS Percy: what do we make of this new Weasley family dynamic? The chapter wraps with Ginny, Kreacher, Snape, Mrs. Black and more! Lynx Line: Our patrons share who they wish they had a living portrait of in their home and why! Who gets our picks for Worst Weasley of the Week? Quizzitch:  In honor of the portrait of Walburga Black, what famous artist and sculptor was given an exclusive license in 2014 to use a material known as “Blackest Black”? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Harry is rude to his owl. Then someone breaks into his home. It's very exciting to be leaving Privet Drive! Join us for a chapter of highs and lows as Chapter-by-Chapter covers Chapter 3 of "Order of the Phoenix," and the hosts as well as Slug Club member Katie discuss the recent passing of Maggie Smith, take answers from our Lynx Line, and generally have a nice time as usual. Welcome to our Slug Club guest Katie! The hosts reflect on the amazing life of Dame Maggie Smith, who has passed away. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 3: The Advance Guard. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Check out Episode 435 and Episode 229! Harry interrupts Hedwig’s dinner. Is this one step too far on making his friends’ lives miserable? Andrew loves Harry’s plan to ensure his friends give him answers, but it may remind us all of Professor Umbridge. Does the delay between the last chapter and the night the Advance Guard arrives exist because Dumbledore needed time to implement the escape route? Is the real Moody overcompensating on security? The Dursleys are back to their old tricks, of abusing Harry… and Harry is back to his old tricks of appearing indifferent to them. The hosts rank this rescue effort against all the other times Harry was saved from Privet Drive. Should Harry have been more aggressive about intruders in his home? Doesn’t everybody at this point know Harry’s Patronus? How secure is Lupin’s question exactly? If this is the Advance Guard, who is in the Rear Guard? Lynx Line: What five Potter characters would our patrons have in their Advance Guard? Where’s Dumbledore?, the segment, returns! Our Most Trustworthy Advance Guard Member of the Week: the hosts explain. Quizzitch: “What well-kept lawn in London has been home to a zebra, an elephant, and a helicopter landing pad?” Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we learn things are never as they appear to be as Ms. Figg reveals herself as a Dumbledore informant and Petunia recalls her last correspondence with the Wizarding World! Plus, there are owls... EVERYWHERE! Welcome back, Meg! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 2: A Peck of Owls. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Check out Episode 434 and Episode 228! Did Dumbledore suspect that Harry would be attacked on Privet Drive? If so, why was more (competent) manpower not invested in Harry’s protection? Why is Harry facing criminal charges for doing a bit of simple, defensive magic? Given how fast the owls show up, are they using some form of magic themselves? Say what?! Petunia knows about Dementors... and Azkaban! When Petunia references that awful boy, does she mean James... or Snape? Remember My Last! Was Petunia actually excited to receive a letter from the Wizarding World? Has she ever heard Dumbledore's voice in person? Do Petunia and Snape share a similar love for Lily and disdain for Harry? Shouldn't Vernon have every right to want to protect his family? Especially, after he learns of Voldemort's return? Lynx Line: How would we improve on the Ministry of Magic's disciplinary process for Harry? Our Most Wicked Figg Line of the Week: the hosts do their best impressions! Quizzitch: In Scotland, the peck was used as a dry measure until the introduction of imperial units as a result of the Weights and Measures Act of what year? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, our Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix re-read begins! We examine the protections surrounding Harry now that Voldemort is back, and ask whether Dudley Dursley is a good boy now. News: There is an open casting call for children to become the next Potter trio for the HBO series. We’ll be talking more about it in Bonus MuggleCast, available on Apple Podcasts and our Patreon. Chapter-by-Chapter begins again with Book 5, and our brand new MuggleCast Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions. This week, Episode 433 and Episode 228. Harry’s mood has soured significantly! Were we repelled by the book’s immediately sadder protagonist? How much of Harry’s rage is justified? How much is due to his horcrux connection?  Could Harry have been removed from Privet Drive after just 24 hours? If so, why wasn’t he? Is Dumbledore to blame for all of harry’s problems? Feeling disconnected, Harry hears a loud noise but it makes him feel more desperate. The noise was the sound of our breaking hearts. Dudley’s attempts to de-escalate the situation with Harry are applaudable, but unsuccessful. Has Dudley already grown most of the way to a mature person? Are we laughing at Harry’s jokes? Lynx Line question: how could Dumbledore improve Harry’s protection? New segments: Where’s Dumbledore?! And Make the Personal Connection This week’s MVP award category is: Most Fake Character Quizzitch: In honor of the drought that’s happening in the beginning of Book 5, what is the hottest temperature ever recorded in the United Kingdom? Guesses within 3 degrees Fahrenheit will be accepted. You may answer in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before we start our Chapter by Chapter re-read of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, this week we're watching the fifth Harry Potter movie together! Bring your own copy of the Order of the Phoenix movie and watch the film with us. We offer commentary, behind-the-scenes info, wonder why there are so many montages, and fun facts about the production. To sync up with us, pause the movie right after the camera fully sweeps through the 'WB' logo, about 20 seconds into the movie. In the commentary track, we then tell you when to hit Play. (This is also explained on the episode) To listen to more of our Harry Potter movie commentaries, check out our Must Listens page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to put Goblet of Fire in the rear-view mirror as we conduct our ceremonial book wrap episode, featuring our 7-Word Chapter Summary redo, 7 Word Book Summary, and more MuggleMail than you can shake a non-plot-holed Portkey at! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for this fun-filled episode catching up with all that our listeners have had to say recently. Next week we will be hosting an Order of the Phoenix movie watch commentary and on the following show we'll begin Book 5 chapter-by-chapter with new segments! Micah is back from a visit to Scotland! He tells us what he did over there. Andrew and Micah interview actor Joel Meyers, who currently plays Albus Severus Potter in Broadway's Cursed Child! Revisiting our Goblet of Fire 7 Word Chapter Summaries. Book Four 7-Word Summary: Resurrection for Voldemort awakens old echoes past. Two listeners point out that the return Portkey mystery is not a plot-hole, but was part of Voldemort's plan to stay hidden while alive. Is the Dark Mark on the arms of Death Eaters the best kept secret on the part of the dark side from the Ministry? A listener compares Voldemort's return ritual with Barty Crouch Jr.'s specific method for his father's end, and underscores BCJr's daddy issues. Do the Death Eaters keep their D.E. robes nearby in case Voldemort returns? Do they ever wash them? A listener asks, which characters will be the hardest to replace on the HBO Max show, given their film adaptation counterparts? Shakespeare references, snakelike features, and low-security portraits are the topics of more Muggle Mail! Quizzitch: in the United States, Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix movie was the 5th highest grossing film of 2007 domestically. name at least 2 films that year which earned more money. Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Coming up on Bonus MuggleCast, we react to the release of Harry Potter: Quidditch World Champions after playing it this week! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the four MuggleCasters are all under one roof for the first time since 2010! While attending Podcast Movement in Washington, D.C., we held a listener meet-up and later gathered around a single hotel room desk to answer questions about the show and each other. The entire experience was relaxing and fun, which you can hear for yourself now! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah IN PERSON while we celebrate 19 years of MuggleCast. Questions answered include: How does recording in person differ from recording on-line? Are the hosts as tall and as short as they each remember / expected? What city would we all live in if we could live together? What piece of HP merchandise would we never get rid of? How do each of the hosts take their coffee? If we went to karaoke, what would be the songs we would sing? Have any of us read books in foreign languages? Which HP character’s life would we want to swap ours with? Which HP book would we re-write if given the chance? What plot lines do we wish would have paid off more in the series? …and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric, Micah, and Chloé record a special, 19 years later-themed episode of MuggleCast live from LeakyCon in Portland, Oregon! We reflect on the show's journey so far, revisit the epilogue in Deathly Hallows, and play two of our show's games (Make the Connection and What If...) with listeners! This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Explore your curiosity with a therapist, today! Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we wrap up our fourth year at Hogwarts, say goodbye to some new friends and prepare for what's to come! Join Andrew, Micah and Laura as we raise a glass to Cedric, Harry and our journey through Goblet of Fire! 7-Word Summary: Relationships blossom when the trio parts ways Chapter-by-Chapter concludes with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 37: The Beginning Could there be a less creative title for this chapter? What?! There was still a bit of term left after the Third Task? Harry & The Diggorys: examining another example of a mother's love Why is the real Mad-Eye Moody still hanging around Hogwarts? Tea Time with Hagrid is what we all need right now Dumbledore tells the student body Voldemort has returned. Smart or reckless move on his part? Should Dumbledore's have toasted Harry? Did any Slytherins stand for him? Do we think the Triwizard Tournament was successful in breeding international magical cooperation?  Hermione & Rita: how long has she been in that jar?! Showdown on the Hogwarts Express Quizzitch: What does Harry ask Viktor Krum, when they shake hands before going to the Hogwarts Express? What's Coming Up on MuggleCast: Next week, we’ll be recording a special, laid back episode all together in Washington D.C. (releasing August 27); the following week, MuggleCast Live at LeakyCon (releasing September 3); MuggleMail (releasing September 10); Order of the Phoenix Movie Commentary (releasing September 17); Order of the Phoenix Chapter-by-Chapter Begins (releasing September 24). Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the battlelines are officially drawn between Dumbledore and Fudge! Join us as we try our very best to convince the Minister for Magic that Voldemort has indeed returned! News: MinaLima will not be releasing further editions of their illustrated books (we'll discuss this story in more detail in Bonus MuggleCast) 7-Word Summary: Fudge makes disastrous decisions about Lord Voldemort Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 36: The Parting of the Ways Sympathetic Grandfatherly Figure or Master Manipulator: Is what Dumbledore says to Harry truly heartfelt and genuine? Does Fawkes know what went down in the graveyard? Should Harry tell his story without other Ministry officials present? The Gleam of Triumph and its connection to Deathly Hallows Why, specifically, did Voldemort and Harry’s wand cores come from Dumbledore’s pet phoenix? Ollivander has Dumbledore on speed dial! Comparing parental figures: Sirus and Molly's love for Harry is on full display, foreshadowing things to come in Order of the Phoenix Why did Fudge feel the need to bring a Dementor to Hogwarts to face Barty Crouch Jr.? Where are all the Aurors? COMPLETE DENIAL: Can Fudge find anyone in the Hospital Wing he believes? Why does nobody force Fudge to see the truth? Why doesn’t Dumbledore go get the Pensieve or Veritaserum? Snape takes a major risk in showing Fudge his Dark Mark tattoo! Dementors & Giants: Does Dumbledore overstep his bounds? Does he go too far? Or is Fudge already lost? With Fudge a lost cause, Dumbledore begins moving his chess pieces against Voldemort Quizzitch: What does Harry ask Viktor Krum, when they shake hands before going to the Hogwarts Express? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, hard truths are revealed… by force! The culprit is finally revealed in our Chapter by Chapter discussion for Goblet of Fire Chapter 35, ‘Veritaserum.’ And, there’s been news about the new Universal theme park! A reveal trailer for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic theme park has been released! We discuss it in a new edition of Bonus MuggleCast, and now non-Patrons can listen for a one-time purchase of just $3! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 35: Veritaserum Secrets are revealed by truth telling serum With Harry back at Hogwarts but his world turned upside down, how does Dumbledore let him out of his sight? Should we have predicted that ANOTHER Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was a baddie? We review Barty Crouch, Jr.’s history of acts throughout the book so far. …but what Barty really wants, is a father figure! We discuss his possibly unique relationship with Voldemort. Dumbledore has “a look.” What does it look like? Should the Foe Glass have told us definitively where Snape’s loyalties lay? How exactly did Mrs. Crouch continue to evade the Dementors and fellow prisoners while in Azkaban? Given Crouch Jr.’s confession, was Winky culpable for any of his actions? She’s pretty rude about Bertha. How do we feel about Barty Crouch, Sr. using the Imperius Curse on his son? Should Wormtail receive more credit for helping to subdue the real Mad-Eye? How much danger was Arthur Weasley in unbeknownst to him? Quizzitch: What six Death Eater names does Harry give directly to Fudge? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we're causing chaos in Little Hangleton, striking fear into the heart of the Dark Lord himself. Join us as we face the echoes of Voldemort's past trangressions! Someone should have studied Priori Incantatem at Hogwarts, Voldy! Welcome Slug Club member, Elizabeth! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 34: Priori Incantatem 7-Word Summary: Echoes confront the dark past and spells Upon seeing Harry's ability to resist the Imperius Curse, do the Death Eaters now view him as a true and worthy adversary? Did the Horcrux aid Harry in his resistance to Voldemort's Imperius Curse? From Name Origin to effectiveness, we analyze Priori Incantatem To what extent do Harry's instincts allow him to "win" the Priori Incantatem battle? Is it a mark of a true Gryffindor? Was Fawkes at all impacted by this encounter between brother wands? Oh no, not again!!! What was going through Voldemort's mind? How do the echoes know that the Cup will take Harry back to Hogwarts? WHAT IF… Voldemort had been successful in making Harry’s wand spit out echoes of recent magic he had performed? Oopsie Doodle: In early versions of Goblet of Fire, James came out of Voldemort's wand before Lily! Did we enjoy how Priori Incantatem came to life in the films? Why did they use its effect for every other spell battle in the series? Should the Death Eaters have intervened even though Voldemort told them not to? What would have happened if they did? Fun Segment: Echoes Said WHAT?! (To Voldemort) While it's clear what each of the echoes say to Harry, we're told they also say some not-so-nice things to Voldemort. But we can't hear them... until now! Quizzitch: Which 3 individuals appear in Mad-Eye Fakey’s Foe Glass when he takes Harry up there to kill him? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s MuggleCast, we’re setting book 4 down and picking up on real world controversy that was happening RIGHT as Goblet of Fire was first published, in July of 2000. At issue was whether the series, quickly gaining national publicity in the US, was instructing young readers to take up witchcraft, join the devil and abandon God. It’s HP vs Christianity on MuggleCast 666! New episodes of MuggleCast will now be released in full video on our YouTube channel, right when they are released on our podcast feed! For today’s Main Discussion, Eric has compiled a PDF of sources from the late 90’s to 2007 news media. The polished PDF is available via this link. By July of 2000, Harry Potter had gained massive popularity in the US, and raise alarm bells with some concerned parents. Were any of the hosts told not to read the HP books on religious grounds? The controversy may be categorized as a moral panic, not unlike the Satanic Panic phenomenon of the 80’s/90’s, which unfortunately had large ramifications. Why was HP targeted? And why were evangelicals in particular caught up in it? We discuss four main arguments against the Potter books: that they will make children want to do witchcraft or join the occult; that they make children susceptible to evil by downplaying the danger of magic; that the books themselves are intentionally demonic; that the books are just plain immoral! (We find it hard to disagree with the last point). Is there any evidence that kids joined the occult after reading the books? Years later in 2005, what did Georgia parent Laura Mallory add to the discussion surrounding the books? We review our own attempts on MuggleCast to get a hold of Mrs. Mallory. As late as 2019, the argument was still being used to ban books. What lessons can we learn from these events? Be sure to subscribe to MuggleCast Gold via Apple Podcasts, or join our Patreon for access to Bonus MuggleCast segments. Visit mugglecast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, favorite episodes and more! A very special thank you to Connie Neal, Judy Bloom, Rainbow Rowell and others for extolling the virtues of the Harry Potter series when we were all children and too young to do so in print media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, witness the return of Lord Voldemort himself after 13 years without a proper body! To celebrate this ‘rebirthing party’, we’ll be discussing two chapters of Goblet of Fire! LAST CHANCE to grab this year’s physical gift... The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you’ll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today! Thanks to everyone who came out to see us at LeakyCon Portland! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 31: Flesh, Blood and Bone and Chapter 32: The Death Eaters 7-Word Summary #1: Cedric falls to his untimely, sad demise Main Discussion #1: The Death of Cedric Diggory In such a frantic state, how can Wormtail muster the ability to cast the Killing Curse? Would Cedric have a had chance at survival if not for helping Harry? Does Harry have any time to process what's just happened to Cedric? Kill The Spare: Voldemort shows his complete disregard for human life Main Discussion #2: The Dark Lord’s Return We walk through the steps one must take in order to recreate a Dark Lord and analyze the symbolism of Voldemort in baby form Bone of the Father, Unknowingly Given. Why is it necessary for Voldemort to use his father’s bone given the magic comes from his mother’s side of the family? Flesh of the Servant, Willingly Given. How can one hand regenerate an entire body? By severing his right hand, has Wormtail eliminated any hope of Sirius' innocence? Blood of the Enemy, Forcibly Taken. Why did Voldemort have to wait for Harry? 7-Word Summary #2: Loyalists arrive and worship Voldemort’s triumphant revival Main Discussion #3: Voldemort Is Feeling “Chatty” How much does Voldemort know about his mother and father's relationship? Should Voldemort really be giving lessons on Chosen Family? Are any of his Death Eaters truly loyal to him? If Voldemort knew of Wormtail's debt to Harry, would he have killed him right there? Roll Call: We analyze the Death Eaters who are and are not present in the graveyard Main Discussion #4: How Did Voldemort Do It? Horcrux Tease! How much do the Death Eaters know about the lengths Voldemort went to in order to avoid death? Did Nagini's venom help Voldemort resume a more human form because Nagini herself used to be human? Quizzitch: What does the shadow of James Potter tell Harry he must do? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for an A-MAZE-ING episode as we take on the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they discuss Chapter 31 of Goblet of Fire, "The Third Task." Reminder: This year's physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here...  The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you'll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today! News: the Harry Potter TV show has found its showrunner and director Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 30: The Pensieve 7-Word Summary: Riddles guard the misleading way to victory Main Discussion #1: Family Matters Hermione, Ron and Harry are all becoming quite adept at useful spells. They're such good friends! Rita Skeeter's awful latest article is setting up the exact tone that the Ministry uses next year to discredit Harry Potter. Could Fudge have ushered along the publication of Rita's hit piece on Harry, in retaliation for embarrassing him in the previous chapter? How can Molly Weasley tell Amos Diggory he's overreacting, only to then go and treat Hermione poorly for Rita's earlier article? What If?: The Dursleys actually did show up at Hogwarts for Harry's Third Task? Main Discussion #2: The Maze Are there a sufficient amount of obstacles in The Maze for the champions to face? Is Mad-Eye Fakey removing some of them to make Harry's job easier? Harry's performance during the Third Task underscores how much he cares about other people. We examine each of the creatures and puzzles Harry faces in the maze. Micah, as a throwback to his own former section on MuggleNet, gets really into the origins of the sphinx. Could the sphinx's riddle actually be pertaining to Snape? is Harry's latest casting of Expelliarmus his most egregious yet? Would Fakey have allowed Cedric to take the cup on his own? Odds and Ends cover a future romance for Bill Weasley, as well as one in his past...?! Quizzitch: What are Voldemort’s first words after he climbs out of the cauldron, fully grown? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount! For a list of MuggleCast appearances at the con, visit MuggleCast dot com/live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're diving headfirst into Dumbledore’s memories that he definitely didn’t leave accessible on purpose. So get ready to stand trial with Andrew, Micah, Laura and Morgan as we try to piece it all together before The Third Task begins! Reminder: This year's physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here... The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you'll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today! Welcome, Slug Club guest Morgan of That Nerd Thing podcast! News: Dan Radcliffe wins his first Tony Award Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 30: The Pensieve 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore craftily leaves exposed memories inside basin Main Discussion #1: The Trials & The Pensieve Dumbledore intentionally left the Pensieve cabinet door open for Harry, right? Why are there constant references to Dumbledore looking old? YUCK! It's our first taste of the wizarding world justice system! Karkaroff the Canary: the hosts react to Snape's Death Eater reveal! Ludo's celebrity status bends the rules of justice! Can we make any real world compairsons? Should there have been any consequences for his actions? Hi, Bellatrix! ;) How was it determined that Barty Crouch Jr. actually took part in the torture of the Longbottoms? Could it be guilt by association? Looking at the memories all together, where is Dumbledore’s mind right now? Main Discussion #2: Dream Recap While still baffled by what's happening at Hogwarts, Dumbledore is starting to put the pieces of Horcruxgate together! What does Dumbledore make of both Frank Bryce and Bertha Jorkins disappearing?  Why is Barty Crouch Sr. vanishing at Hogwarts not a huge red flag? The truth about Neville's parents is revealed! Quizzitch: Which Weasley family members are not present for the Third Task? (you must list them all) Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, get ready to be undoubtedly stimulated by the extraordinary clairvoyant vibrations of Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as your hosts deal with being grounded by not one, but two adults, processing wild dreams and battling Voldemort-inducing headaches! This year's physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here... The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you'll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MugglecCast today! Welcome, Slug Club guest Feryal! News: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown fancies himself a Harry Potter fan Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 29: The Dream 7-Word Summary: Sirius grounds Harry because he is naughty Main Discussion #1: Grounded for His Own Good Why wasn't the Ministry called to investigate immediately? Did Harry, Ron and Hermione's experiences with Mad-Eye Moody (Fakey) and Barty Crouch Sr. feed the Ministry distrust we see develop in Order of the Phoenix? How many more "perfect cover" situations does Mad-Eye Moody (Fakey) have left in his arsenal? Are there signs he is starting to crack under the weight of it all? Does Harry's lack of a true parental figure inform his reaction to Sirius' letter? Main Discussion #2: The Dream and its Aftermath Why does Harry get regularly triggered inside of Trelawney's classroom? Why is Harry's perspective during the dream so erratic? While not mentioned by name, should Harry have picked up on the letter (he helped deliver) being about Barty Crouch Sr.? Could this be THE moment when Voldemort realizes the connection between himself and Harry? Why is Dumbledore's office password-protected? Shouldn't he at least have a doorbell? Or an assistant? Fudge begins to reveal his true colors! How delicious of a moment is the Dumbledore's office scene for Barty Crouch Jr.? Odds & Ends cover Fred and George's private business matters, Mars, humming insects, Snape the Bat and Cockroach Clusters! What If?! Barty Crouch Sr. had not fired Winky? Could she have saved him (and Cedric) from a horrible fate? Quizzitch: After Ludo Bagman’s trial, what Quidditch match does a jury member congratulate him on? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's that in the bushes? It's another introduction into the horrors of true crime as we follow Harry and Viktor Krum into the woods of the Forbidden Forest! Joining us for this episode are Nicole and Lexi of Fantasy Fangirls podcast! With plenty of laughs and deep coverage of another massive chapter of Book 4, listen now as we discuss "The Madness of Mr. Crouch!" Welcome back Nicole and Lexi of the Fantasy Fangirls podcast! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 28: The Madness of Mr. Crouch 7-Word Summary: Harry finds Crouch disturbed inside the forest Main Discussion #1: Drinky has a winking problem Down in the kitchens, Harry and Hermione uncover more clues at the expense of making every situation worse. Laura has calculated Winky's BAC, and it's not good. Is Crouch Sr. careless to not have taken Winky back, and does he rely on House-Elf magic to feel confident that she'll keep his secrets, which she does? Main Discussion #2: a wild Mr. Crouch appears! Down on the pitch, we learn that the points so far haven't mattered... much. Nicole explains why she would quit the Triwizard Tournament at this point. Krum pulls Harry aside... to talk about girls! Has Crouch Sr. traveled all this way on FOOT? Or by magic? Should Harry have asked Crocuh Sr. more direct follow-up questions before leaving Krum alone with him? Does Dumbledore fear Krum, or fear for Krum in this moment? Does Igor Karkaroff kind of have a point about fairness? Is Hagrid about to be revealed to be Uncle Vernon in disguise? Odds & Ends include the principality of Andorra! Cornelius Fudge's wife! Christmas Nifflers, Barty Crouch Jr.'s test scores, and more. Quizzitch: Who is the second person Mad-Eye Fakey tells should become an Auror as a career? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, TAKE NOTE! No, we mean it, TAKE NOTES! Because everything you need to know about the plot of Goblet of Fire is revealed as Padfoot Returns! Eric has an announcement to kick off this Pride Month! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 27: Padfoot Returns 7-Word Summary: Crouch is not innocent of any crimes Main Discussion #1: Second Task Hangover Does Snape behave any differently from a teacher catching students talking or passing a note in class? Snape calls Harry a “nasty little boy”... do we think he’s projecting here? Boomslang Skin & Gillyweed: Snape’s stores have been broken into, but what evidence does Snape have that it was Harry? Did Harry effectively use Occlumency without even realizing it? Should Harry have challenged Snape to give him Veritaserum? What's up with Karkaroff's arm? Main Discussion #2: Cave Crouching Why is Sirius the only real parental figure that shows up for Harry? Oh, Peter! Sirius is eating rats? Do we think that’s a coincidence? Sirius paints a harrowing picture of the First War and Azkaban Prison Good People & Death Eaters: After Sirius reveals the true Barty Crouch Sr., we analyze Harry’s inclination to label him a Death Eater If Barty had spent some more time with his son, what would have happened? How is it possible during his time in Azkaban, Sirius never got confirmation Barty Crouch Jr. was a Death Eater, learned Snape was a Death Eater, heard of the Dark Mark tattoo? Ron jokingly solves everything at the end of the chapter! Odds & Ends cover Ludo Bagman, Bertha Jorkins and Second Task safety protocols! Quizzitch: What food does Harry send to Sirius in his cave, that Pigwidgeon isn’t suitable for? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are off this week due to the Memorial Day holiday in the United States, but we are releasing a recent Bonus MuggleCast installment to give you a taste of the great benefits available at Patreon.com/mugglecast! Please join us there to receive two Bonus MC episodes every month and so much more! We couldn't do this show without support from Muggles like you, so thank you! A new article from the Wall Street Journal has been published which offers a rare insight into the relationship between Warner Bros Pictures and Potter author, J.K. Rowling, describing how WB's current C.E.O. David Zaslav has worked to secure a profitable future for the HP property under unusually restrictive guidelines set up long ago. Your MuggleCast hosts read from excerpts of the article and offer their thoughts on some of the many revelations, including what may be changes made to upcoming video game titles. Thanks, as always, to our Patrons and those subscribed to us on Apple for their support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your House-themed pennants and something to do for an hour, because today we’re heading down to the Black Lake and celebrating a Triwizard Task that nobody above ground can see or appreciate! Join Eric, Laura, Micah and special guest Chloé as they discuss Chapter 26 of Goblet of Fire, “The Second Task.” Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 26: The Second Task 7-Word Summary: The merpeople mock Harry incessantly under water Main Discussion #1: Leading up to the task Hagrid’s back teaching. Do we miss Professor Grubbly-Plank? Could Harry be reaching out to Lupin or other folks for help? Have we ever overslept on the day of an exam and had to wing it? Main Discussion #2: The Task and Immediate Aftermath Why are the other headmasters so visibly annoyed at Harry? Could they tone it down a bit? What does the Second Task look like, for the audience and spectators? Even Dumbledore has to ask the merpeople what happened at the end of it. Micah’s Hot Take: Hermione is not meaningful enough to Krum for her to be his hostage. The hosts debate: were the ‘hostages’ ever really in danger? We also polled our Patrons... twice. Are we disappointed by the writing’s handling of Fleur’s performance? Do we agree with the final results of the Second Task? Odds and Ends touches on a Skeeter sighting, and another mention of their school hats! Quizzitch: Who authorized Aurors to use the Unforgivable Curses during the first Wizarding war? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Reminder: Micah and Eric and Chloé will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code 'MUGGLE' while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Crank up the hot water and pour the bubbles, because this week we’re soaking in the Prefects bathroom with, eh, Moaning Myrtle! Then grab your Invisibility Cloak and head downstairs because Moody and Snape are must-see TV!  Welcome Slug Club member, Geoff! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 25: The Egg & The Eye 7-Word Summary: Mermaids sing to a bathroom of children Main Discussion #1: Harry’s First Bath in 14 Years Is the Prefects Bathroom everything we’ve ever wanted? Moaning Myrtle is back! Why is Myrtle confined to the Hogwarts plumbing? Who is monitoring her? How do feel about Myrtle's bathroom behavior? Soooo... Hogwarts is dumping all of its waste into the Black Lake? Geoff gives us a beautiful rendition of The Second Task Clue Main Discussion #2: Curiosity Killed the Cat Could the Horcrux be behind Harry's pursuit of Barty Crouch Jr.? Security Nightmare: Why has Hogwarts not fixed that trick step? We dare you to name another wizard who could tell Snape to go to bed (and live)! Should Moody's eye be able to see through a Deathly Hallow? What if... Harry's foot didn't get trapped? Do we think Moody's recommendation that Harry become an Auror is sincere? Quizzitch: According to Hagrid, at what age do unicorns become pure white? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code 'MUGGLE' while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we revisit the ever-exciting MuggleMail bag and listen to your voicemails on all things Goblet of Fire. The debate about Cedric's clue to Harry rages on, and listeners have opinions on everything from House-Elf rights to defending Ron Weasley's youth. Voicemails cover House-Elf evolution, Cedric's clue, judges at professional sporting events, and Barty Crouch, Sr. The Hungarian Horntail may NOT have been the last addition to the First Task, multiple listeners posit. Quidditch could easily have fit in between the 3 year-long tasks, couldn't it? One listener defends Ron Weasley's recent actions on the basis of his youth. Do we let him off the hook? Do Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students have classes with Hogwarts professors? Working backwards from the Portkey, does the plot of Book 4 even work? Do Aurors have the same damage to their souls as Death Eaters if they both kill to survive? Feminism in Harry Potter has some pitfalls from the onset, one listener opines. What did Sirius Black's family members think upon receiving word of his incarceration? The hosts take turns choosing one wizarding profession that they would have in the Wizarding world. Quizzitch: Where specifically does Moaning Myrtle mention haunting Olive Hornby? This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code 'MUGGLE' while registering for a discount!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, open up your copy of The Daily Prophet and settle in for some hot goss as the hosts break down Rita Skeeter's Scoop on Rebeus Hagrid and his qualifications as a Hogwarts professor! Plus, between Ludo and some goblins and Rita and Hermione, were we moments away from a good ole fashioned pub brawl at The Three Broomsticks? Join us and find out! Welcome Patreon member, Liza! Check out her book club by following her on Twitter and Instagram We discuss the recent news that all seven Harry Potter audiobooks will be transformed into new full-cast ensemble productions! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24: Rita Skeeter's Scoop 7-Word Summary: Rita ignites rumors in The Three Broomsticks Do we think Cedric gave Harry a good clue about the egg? Main Discussion #1: Dumbledore's Giant Mistake Draco Malfoy... the 1950’s cartoon villain?! Why does Hermione fail to grasp certain larger wizarding world dynamics? Micah's Hot Take: While definitely scathing, Rita's article about Hagrid is... TRUE! Should Dumbledore sack Hagrid as Care of Magical Creatures professor? Why didn't Hagrid start as an assistant and receive proper training? How do we feel about the students getting a proper Care of Magical Creatures lesson?  Lupin and Hagrid have drastically different reactions to being outed! Why did Dumbledore accept Lupin’s resignation but not Hagrid’s? Main Discussion #2: A Bagman In The Pub. Why is Ludo really meeting with the goblins? Is he trying to plant a story about his boss with Rita? How concerned should we be about Barty Crouch Sr.'s absence? Should Hermione have been more careful calling out Rita in a crowded pub? Main Discussion #3: Justice for Hagrid. Dumbledore shows up for Hagrid on a whole new level! Do the letters of support Hagrid receives actually support his role as professor? Does Dumbledore's trust in people and belief in second chances stem from his own family situation and relationship with Grindelwald? Odds and Ends cover Krum practicing for The Second Task, Sleakeazy’s Hair Potion, goblin rebellions and Aberforth's lust for goats! Next week: We're busting open the Muggle Mail bag, so send us your feedback! Quizzitch question: The tub in the Prefects’ Bathroom features roughly how many golden taps? Submit your answer at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Check out the MuggleCast Overstock Store to grab MuggleCast t-shirts, signed album art, and so much more! Supplies are limited, so act fast and help us support the show! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can YOU dance like a Hippogriff? Nananananananana! It's Yule Ball season and this week, we’re fraternizing with the enemy, proving our emotional span is greater than a teaspoon and dodging Moody's creepy eye, all while trying our best to keep our dates happy and turn it up on the dance floor! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 23: The Yule Ball 7-Word Summary: Hormones fly amok at Hogwarts’ Big Holiday Main Discussion #1: Hermione’s Chapter Would anyone that Hermione took to the ball have been free of Ron’s criticism? The Courting of Hermione Granger What do we think of Viktor Krum's approach... and sheer vulnerability? We react to Hermione's decision to have Madam Pomfrey shrink her teeth Main Discussion #2: Hurricane Ron Animal Magnetism, baby! What makes Ron suddenly so full of himself? Sour face, sour mood: Ron casts a massive black cloud over the entire Yule Ball Could Ron be jealous his two besties are a part of the Elite Champions date club? Low Blow, Ron! Does Hermione truly not have Harry's best interests at heart? We debate if Harry did enough to defuse the tension between Ron and Hermione Odds and Ends cover Sirius' knife, Dobby's Christmas gift, Barty Crouch Jr.'s mysterious absence, Snape and Karkaroff's odd relationship, Beetle Rita and more! Next week: Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24: Rita Skeeter's Scoop Quizzitch question: According to Rita Skeeter, what department at the Ministry would be particularly interested in Hagrid’s Blast-Ended Skrewts? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Check out the MuggleCast Overstock Store to grab MuggleCast t-shirts, signed album art, and so much more! Supplies are limited, so act fast and help us support the show! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we interrupt your regularly scheduled schoolwork to announce (quite last minute) that there will be a Yule Ball this year! Grab your dress robes and find a dance partner before all the "good ones" are taken! This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast! Check out the MuggleCast Overstock Store to grab MuggleCast t-shirts, signed album art, and so much more! Supplies are limited, so act fast and help us support the show! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 22: The Unexpected Task 7-Word Summary: Cho regrets not saying ‘yes’ to Greatness Main Discussion #1: McGonagall's announcement Is Professor McGonagall not being sensitive to Harry's youth? How long have the teachers known about the Yule Ball this year, and why would they announce it a week before Christmas? Laura asks what our high school dances were like and the hosts try to remember. Fred Weasley has the Cha(rizz)ma to win The Unexpected Task of Asking Girls Out Would it be so wrong if Harry, a champion, went stag to the ball? Harry turns on Cedric Diggory after learning he's Cho's date Cho lets Harry down easy, and we compare her character here vs Book 5 Ginny wins at playing the long game; Ron and Harry both mess up at romance This chapter represents the last time Harry will forget about bezoars Next week: Goblet of Fire, Chapter 23: The Yule Ball Quizzitch question: What gift does Harry get Ron for Christmas in 1994? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, the band is back together! So grab your golden eggs and bring ‘em to the Gryffindor Common Room, because it’s a PAR-TAY and even the House-Elves are invited! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 21: The House-Elf Liberation Front 7-Word Summary: Shrieks and panic erupt from Gryffindor base Main Discussion #1: Blast-Ended Rita Ron or Hermione? Who has the better perspective after The First Task? Anxiety or Relief? How do feel about the The Second Task being three months away? We analyze the different student reactions to Harry opening his egg Sneaky Skeeter: Why is Rita so interested in speaking with Hagrid? What do we make of her tactics? Main Discussion #2: Tea Time With Dobby Who wore it better? Dobby or Mr. Weasley? What is it in Dobby’s character that makes him enjoy being free? What do we make of Winky’s current situation? Her perception of Dobby? Why did it take Dobby two years to come back to Hogwarts? Dobby is gettin' paid and time off! Does this offer stand for all House-Elves working at Hogwarts? Keep The Secrets: Are we to believe Dobby is doing additional work for Dumbledore that makes him “in the know"? We deep dive into the conditioning of House-Elves, their generational trauma, physical treatment and more Next week: Goblet of Fire, Chapter 22: The Unexpected Task Quizzitch question: How many girls ask Harry Potter to the Yule Ball? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Chapter by Chapter returns as Harry faces off against the CLEARLY most-dangerous dragon. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah and special Slug Club guest Catherine as they tackle Chapter 20 of Goblet of Fire, “The First Task.” Welcome to the show, Slug Club guest Catherine, who is a college professor of psychology! In the news: Helena Bonham Carter was asked about Miriam Margolyes’ recent, controversial remarks about adult Harry Potter fans! We discuss Helena's response. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 20: The First Task 7-Word Summary: Dragons are afoot inside Hogwarts’ grounds AHHHHHHH Harry “does the right thing” with Cedric. What does this tell us about his character? Mad-Eye Fakey’s dark detectors are going off, but not for the reason he says! Professor McGonagall is a mother figure to Harry, and we get an inkling of it in this chapter. Should the Triwizard Tournament feature four of the same dragon? Why does Ludo Bagman keep asking Harry to cheat? Harry and Ron are friends again, and we discuss what was missing in Harry’s life while he was gone. Who do we think had the best solution for the First Task? Karkaroff gives Harry a FOUR. Isn’t there a rubric or a better way to prevent against this absurd favoritism?! Odds and Ends touch on Poor Poppy Pomfrey, pointed caps, Trelawney nonsense, and a cool connection between books 1, 4 and 7. Quizzitch question: What is the pattern of Dobby's tie when Harry first encounters him in the Hogwarts kitchens? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast, we play a quiz where we try to name all the Harry Potter characters mentioned more times than Seamus Finnigan. For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The ladies of MuggleCast are back for Part 2 of our Girls Takeover Series! This week we’re diving deeper into the roles of women as mothers, teachers, care givers, and warriors. We’re joined by our social media manager Chloé, transcriber manager Meg, and sister-podcast host Pam.  This week, we dive deeper into the roles of women as mothers we didn’t get to dig as deep into on our last installment.  We spend time ruminating on the show’s current position in Goblet of Fire, and give Hermione props for being the friend Harry needs, even if it’s not necessarily what Harry wants.  Did Merope Gaunt make the ultimate sacrifice out of love for her son?  Is Narcissa a good mother? We examine how being a good mother and being a good person are not mutually exclusive.  No matter the role examined, we continue to find that for the women in Harry Potter, motherhood is a core theme. Even women who don’t have children, they still serve mother-like roles in some capacity.  That’s right, even Umbridge represents a particular flavor of motherhood (ugh).  We also examine the roles of women and fandom, and reflect on our tenure as Potterheads, and what our fandom engagement looks like outside of the podcast these days.  Demographics for leaders in the Harry Potter fandom has evolved in the last 20 years: a fandom where many of the site runners, content creators, and podcasters were men has seen a dramatic shift towards more women and non-binary people leading in the fandom space.  We look to organizations like Fandom Forward, MuggleNet, and LeakyCon as organizations that are heavily woman-led making efforts to create better inclusivity and representation in the wizarding world fan space.  Did you enjoy this installment of Girls Takeover? Keep an eye out for our next installment, where we’ll be taking on an installment of Chapter by Chapter!  This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're busting open the MuggleMail bag and listening to your voicemails on all things Goblet of Fire! So grab your (stuffed) Hungarian Horntail and Quick Quotes Quill and settle up for our latest installment, where we hear direct from you, our listeners! Controversy! Miriam Margolyes roasted Harry Potter fans in recent interview! The hosts react!  Voicemails cover Security at Gringotts, Portraits & Horcruxes, Rita Skeeter, Viktor Krum, Veelas and their ability to effect Voldemort and much more! A fantastic connection is made between Harry and Ron's divination homework and the three Triwizards Tasks! How do we feel about the way Rita Skeeter's character is first described? Did Dumbledoree see the name of the school Harry Potter was entered under for the Triwizard Tournament? If so, what was it? Could Dumbledore have used a tracking spell (Appare Vestigium) to find who placed Harry's name in the Goblet of Fire, much like how Newt was able to follow Tina in Crimes of Grindelwald? Why doesn't Barty Crouch Jr. (emphasis on the Jr.) show up on the Marauder's Map? Do the first three Harry Potter books mirror the three Triwizard Tasks? Would the Sorting Hat have done a better job than the Goblet of Fire? Who does the laundry at Hogwarts? One mom makes the case for why Hogwarts students are generally ignorant to how their food is made! Did Barty Crouch Jr. teach the students the Imperius Curse as a means of protection, having experienced the curse himself? What if Percy told Barty Crouch Sr. his name was Weatherby so as not to be associated with his father while working at the Ministry? Quizzitch: What is the first bit of Professor Moody’s advice to Harry about the First Task? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss the final three candidates chosen to write the new Harry Potter TV series! And its upcoming 2026 release date! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week it's into the woods we go as the MuggleCasters read and discuss Chapter 19 of Goblet of Fire, the Hungarian Horntail. And they are joined by someone who is reading the books for the very first time! Welcome to the show, TikTok icon Kierra Lewis! Harry Potter reaction videos from Kierra are reminding us how fun it was to read the Potter series for the first time! (Find her on Instagram and YouTube, too) Kierra tells us what it's like having hundreds of thousands and people following her reading the Harry Potter books, and how she has successfully avoided spoilers. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 19: The Hungarian Horntail 7-Word Summary: Karkaroff sneaks around Hogwarts suspiciously one night Hagrid invites Harry to a clandestine meeting in the woods, but it turns out that he's a third wheel. Harry watches as 8 grown wizards stun a dragon into submission. Is any ONE Triwizard champion in grave danger? Charlie Weasley warns Hagrid that he's counted the eggs of the dragons. So, he definitely knows his old mentor well! Harry discovers Karkaroff trying to cheat. Is some level of cheating to be expected across all Houses? Does Dumbledore know what the tasks are, and if so, is that fair? Harry finally gets quality time with Sirius, and Sirius is his sounding board for everything that's been bothering him. Aw. The clues multiply that Karkaroff may be the one who put Harry's name in the Goblet. Why wouldn't Sirius be sharing everything he knows about Snape, to Harry here? If Dumbledore knows Karkaroff's history (he does), and suspects him, would he have suggested a replacement representative from Durmstrang for the tournament? Sirius is just about to tell Harry how to defeat a dragon, when Ron ruins everything. Ron and Harry have their first real confrontation and it breaks all of our hearts (while feeling sort of good). Quizzitch question: What class does Cedric Diggory have next, when Harry catches up with him? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss a recent Wall-Street Journal article describing the tempestuous relationship between Warner Bros and JKR. For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's a tough week being The Chosen One! Join the hosts as they avoid insults from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, stumble through Hogwarts classes, and hunker down in the nearest broom cupboard for an uncomfortable interview with Rita Skeeter! Welcome back, Pam! She co-hosts #Millennial Podcast with Andrew and Laura every Tuesday. Check it out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 18: The Weighing of the Wands 7-Word Summary: Rita hijacks Harry’s innocence by broom closet Main Discussion #1: POTTERSTINKS Why is nothing being done about the mass-scale bullying towards Harry? We get the hate from Hufflepuff and Slytherin, but what's up with Ravenclaw? Why does Harry fail to recognize the effect his fame has on his friends? Would Harry actually have been able to cast the Cruciatus Curse on Snape? Main Discussion #2: The Beetle Has Landed How does the Quick Quotes Quill Work? Rita corners Harry in a closet! Where are the adults? What does Rita's character say about the media in general? How did Dumbledore know where to find Harry in the broom closet? Welcome back, Ollivander! Get ready for some wandmaker shade! Do we think Dumbledore gave Ollivander instructions not to mention Harry’s wand history? Odds & Ends cover Fleur & Cedric, Gregorovitch and Harry's toast! Next week: Goblet of Fire, Chapter 19: The Hungarian Horntail Quizzitch: What is the Capital of Hungary? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss the popular Draco/Hermione fan fiction “Manacled” and how it is getting the “50 Shades” treatment. For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, join your Harry Potter friends by putting on your detective caps and trying to figure out who put Harry’s name in the Goblet of Fire. And while you’re at it, can you call Ron a WAMBULANCE, please? Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 17: The Four Champions 7-Word Summary: Cedric fails to be the only Champion Main Discussion #1: WHO PUT YA NAME IN DA GOBLET OF FIYAH?! The hosts do their best Dumbledore impersonations Our primary suspects: Ludo Bagman, Igor Karkaroff and Mad-Eye Moody Why is Ludo behaving so mysteriously? Could Karkaroff be using the power of deflection? How is nobody picking up on what Moody/Crouch Jr.'s is putting down? Dumbledore asks Harry if he had another student put his name in on his behalf… WHAT?! Talk about the easiest way ever to break the rules! Other suspects include: Barty Crouch Sr, Severus Snape and... Madam Maxime?! How delicious is this moment for Barty Crouch Jr.? Mini Discussion: The Magical Contract Do we think it's fair Harry has to compete in this tournament? What does a magical contract with the Goblet of Fire actually entail? Are we to assume some level of sentience for the Goblet of Fire, similar to The Sorting Hat? Is the Goblet of Fire tracking performance in every task? What’s the penalty for failing to compete? Would Harry die? Was this the precursor to The Unbreakable Vow? Main Discussion 2: The Backlash Should Karkaroff and Maxime really “fear” Harry’s inclusion in the Triwizard Tournament? Snape continues to take shots at Harry's expense. Why is he even in the room? How do we feel about Ron’s response?  Next week: Goblet of Fire, Chapter 18: The Weighing of the Wands Quizzitch: Rita Skeeter’s Quick Quotes Quill first describes her by using which adjective? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Arriving with the foreign visitors to Hogwarts is a whole new set of cuisine options in the Great Hall, and - like some of the MuggleCast hosts - Ron is having none of it! Fred and George attempt to hoodwink a 700-year-old cup and a 150-year-old headmaster, failing spectacularly. And the trio learn that Hagrid has a crush! Join us as we deep dive into Chaper 16 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, "Goblet of Fire"! Welcome to our very special musical guest James Durbin, whose new single "Hallows" excites us in all the right ways! Also check out his website and follow him on Instagram Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 16: The Goblet of Fire 7-Word Summary: Poliakoff wants eternal wine because Krum’s better Mini Discussion #1: Cultural differences at Hogwarts While Ron turns his nose up at French cuisine, the hosts discuss which foreign foods they most enjoy since growing up. The Beauxbatons students are laughed at for standin when Madame Maxime does. But isn't it just showing respect and discipline? Mini Discussion #2: Karkaroff and his favoritism What exactly is headmaster Igor's game? Is he gunning for a career in the celebrity entourage industry? Why bring 19 other students to Hogwarts when it is so clear that Karkaroff detests the other kids? What is Karkaroff really thinking when he bumps into Harry Potter? Mini Discussion #3: Fred and George's whimsy Mini Discussion #4: Hagrid and His Crush Odds and Ends: Despite Ron feeling cheated by Harry later, Harry never says out loud that he would love to enter the Tournament. Quizzitch: What was the birthday present that Mad-Eye Moody received and smashed, thinking it was a basilisk egg? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we find out which of our co-hosts should switch to Divination as their primary hobby as we check back in on our predictions about one another. In Chapter-by-Chapter, Harry develops a resistance to the Imperius Curse cast upon him repeatedly by Mad-Eye Fakey, who is TOTALLY casting those curses with the full knowledge and approval of Dumbledore... right? And, everybody's getting ready for the arrival of more students! Listen as Andrew, Eric, Micah and special Slug Club guest Katie tackle Chapter 15 of Goblet of Fire, "Beauxbatons and Durmstrang" Welcome Slug Club guest Katie to the show! Did our host predictions from last week net any accurate results? We check in. Spotify now lets users review individual episodes! Be kind to us and let us know what you liked! Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast, we play MuggleCast's first ever edition of The Snogging Club! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 15: Beauxbatons and Durmstrang 7-Word Summary: Foreigners arrive at the clean, squeaky school Main Discussion #1: Mad-Eye Fakey's never-ending Imperius Curses Is there any way Dumbledore actually knows what's going on? Is Moody's lesson tailored for Harry and, thus, only for this one class of Fourth Years? Is Moody chewing with his food before he eats it, or is he actually helping Harry to resist Voldemort? Why do NONE of the students say anything to other professors about these illegal happenings? Inside Imperius: Does the description in the book meet what we would expect for such a curse? Is Harry's Horcrux helping him to do what no other student can, and resist? Main Discussion #2: Tournament Anticipation Ron insults Cedric Diggory. What's the beef? Teachers get the school in tip-top shape. But, it's a centuries-old castle. How successful are they? Odds and Ends touches on Hermione's continuing efforts with S.P.E.W., and Snape's threat to poison the students. Is Snape trying to out-do Mad-Eye Fakey? Quizzitch: Which Durmstrang student asks Igor karkaroff to have some wine? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CONSTANT VIGILANCE! On this week's episode of MuggleCast, you must be prepared for what awaits outside the walls of Hogwarts! Join us as we level up by learning the Unforgiveable Curses from a Death Eater-in-disguise, try our hand at Divination homework, and debate the rights of House-Elves! News covers: Details about the third Wizarding World land coming to Epic Universe and and some updates to Hogwarts Legacy! Bonus MuggleCast Alert: In May 2023, we spoke about what major ride we can expect in the Epic Universe land. And last month, we shared what we want to see Hogwarts Legacy add to the game. So, be sure to check them out at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 14: The Unforgiveable Curses 7-Word Summary: Neville reacts in a panic .... Main Discussion #1: Mad-Eye Fakey's First Lesson  Do the hosts recall ever being so excited for a class because the professor’s reputation preceded them? We compare and constrast Mad-Eye and Umbridge's first lessons Does REAL Mad-Eye Moody know or suspect the Defense Against The Darks Arts post is cursed? What about Barty Crouch Jr.? Why is Barty Crouch Jr. so invested in teaching students how to recognize and combat dark curses?  Do we think that the real Moody would have been able to cast these curses so seamlessly? Imperio: Was this practical demonstration the best way to drive home the severity of mind control? Crucio: Neville's bravery, his parents and Moody's second attempt to build currency with Harry Only at Hogwarts, would something as dark as the Killing Curse be taught to a class of fourth-years in their first lesson! Main Discussion #2: The Aftermath Do we think Mad-Eye is grooming Neville? What can we learn from Harry and Ron's Divination homework? The hosts take a crack at predictions for each other! Did the author set Hermione up for success with a name like S.P.E.W.? What does Ron's reaction to S.P.E.W. say about his upbringing, his character and the wizarding world as a whole? Quizzitch: What are the first two words of Sirius’ second letter back to Harry this year? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, it’s a competence competition between several Hogwarts professors. As Harry attends his first day of his fourth year, we follow along and rank each class and its teacher. Finally, Draco bites off more than he can chew, and we remember that we love Barty Crouch, Jr. when he cosplays an ex-Auror. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as Chapter-by-Chapter covers Chapter 13 from Goblet of Fire, “Mad-Eye Moody.” In this week’s news, Deadline reports that the Harry Potter TV series is looking for its head writers. The hosts briefly speculate - Stay tuned for a Bonus MuggleCast in which we take a closer look at the writers under consideration. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 13: Mad-Eye Moody 7-Word Summary: Karma comes full ferret for Draco Malfoy Back in school, it’s time to rank the first lessons of the year and assess teachers’ competence! Micah asks: given the usefulness of Bubotuber pus, does Professor Sprout have a side hustle? What makes Sprout’s gross lesson soar, and Hagrid’s gross lesson fail? One of the teachers prepared the students better. Is it okay to ask “what is the point” when discussing magical Beasts? Would Hagrid be better off as a teacher’s assistant, or outside of teaching at all? Trelawney, the most competent Divination teacher Harry has had so far, gets his birthday wrong. Couldn’t she have looked it up? Rita Skeeter’s new article shades Mr. Weasley, but wasn’t he just doing his job? How was the event with Moody’s rubbish bins any different than his day-to-day? How is Rita getting her information? Does she have inside sources, or is she using her Animagus secret to its advantage this early? Draco can dish, but not take, criticism about mothers. Is it right for “Moody” to teach Draco a lesson? Laura points out that Barty Crouch Jr.’s comments about Lucius work on multiple levels. What would Barty Crouch, Jr. have to say to Snape? Andrew recaps Ron’s funniest moments of the chapter. Next week’s Quizzitch question: What is Lavender showing Parvati in DADA that gets her scolded by Mad-Eye? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, the security nightmare meter is off the charts! Grab your galoshes and some treacle tart, and treat yourself to the rainy Sorting Ceremony of the 1994 school year at Hogwarts! Welcome back, Micah! We hear about his recent European travels to Paris and London, including a tease of an upcoming Bonus MuggleCast on the Harry Potter Studio Tour! Our official Etsy store now contains some special discount and bundled items, such as the Comfy Cozy Combo Pack! Fancy yourself some socks and a warm beanie? Check out the full assortment of items available now! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 12: The Triwizard Tournament 7-Word Summary: Thunderstorms announce the arrival of Mad-Eye Fakey Main Discussion #1: The Teachers’ Precautions For The 1994 School Year Debating the First Years' arrival: safety vs. rite of passage Do we think the weather is foreshadowing the year ahead? If it weren’t for the intervention of The Giant Squid, would Dennis Creevey have drowned before Hagrid could reach him? Can Hagrid even swim? Does The Giant Squid serve any other purpose? Does Dumbledore let him stay as a safety measure? Peeves: The Indestructible Spirit of Chaos Can Peeves actually be removed from Hogwarts? Why does he even bother listening to The Ghost Council? Main Discussion #2: Excitement in the Great Hall We hear The Sorting Hat song for the first time since Sorcerer's Stone! What does The Sorting Hat do the rest of the year? Does he have a side hustle? Hermione's Hunger Strike: who does she think was making her food all of these years? The Triwizard Tournament is officially announced and Mad-Eye makes his grand entrance! Odds & Ends cover Natalie Macdonald, Cho Chang and the return of the Dumbledore Lie Count! Next week's Quizzitch question: What is the trio's first class of their 4th Hogwarts Year? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Choo Choo! It's time to return to Hogwarts as our Chapter-by-Chapter series continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 11, "Aboard the Hogwarts Express." Join Andrew, Laura, Eric and Slug Club member Ning Xi as they dive deep into the topics that stand out on our latest reread. Our official Etsy store now contains some special discount and bundled items, such as the Comfy Cozy Combo Pack! Fancy yourself some socks and a warm beanie? Check out the full assortment of items available now! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 11: Aboard the Hogwarts Express 7-Word Summary: Traveling by train proves informative for Harry Amos Diggory appears at the Burrow! In... the fireplace? Why!? What makes (and doesn't make) the Floo Network a fitting medium for the equivalent of telephone communications? The hosts all examine. The toast Molly offers is Eric's "I love magic" moment. Mad-Eyes and misdirection abound. Does the fact that Arthur and Dumbledore like Alastor Moody make us more likely, or less, to believe that he is overly paranoid? What would the function of real Muggle "Please-men" actually be? We speculate. On the train to Hogwarts, Draco boasts that Durmstrang School does not let Muggleborns in. But, is that REALLY possible given the Statute of Secrecy? How would a school that teaches Dark Arts, not just Defense Against the Dark Arts, actually operate? Are the locations of the Wizarding schools hidden from the parents of the students who attend? Or just not known to Hermione in particular? Should Arthur have told Ron, Harry et al about the Triwizard Tournament, which would have prevented Draco from bullying them for not knowing? Shout-out to Barty Crouch Jr. who is actually pretty darn good at what he does. We'll... be keeping track of that. In Bonus MuggleCast this week over on MuggleCast's Patreon, we review the recently announced sales figures for Hogwarts Legacy and discusswhat the future for Wizarding world video games may be given the game's success. Next week's Quizzitch question: Name 2 of the 3 items that Filch has added to the list of forbidden objects (at the start of Harry's year 4) Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year! It's our first episode of 2024 and we’ll be watching our words carefully, lest Rita Skeeter twists any of our statements to create some hot goss for The Daily Prophet! Welcome officially to MuggleCast: 19 years later! The MuggleCast Overstock Store is open again! This is where you can buy MuggleCast merch and help support the show! And we have an update: It’s cold in the Northern Hemisphere, so MuggleCast is helping you out this winter with the MuggleCast Beanie and Socks Comfy Cozy Combo Pack: Purchase this new combo set for $25 – it’s cheaper than buying the socks and beanie separate, and you’ll be warm on both ends of your muggle body for winter! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 10: Mayhem At The Ministry 7-Word Summary: Arthur laments over a problematic news cycle Main Discussion #1: The Aftermath Security Nightmare! Why did any witch or wizard hang around after the Death Eater attack? Evacuation plans should’ve been in place and activated! We examine the exploitation of Mr. Roberts by both the Death Eaters and The Ministry. Why was he not taken to St. Mungo's? Could they have used a Pensieve to remove the memory of the attack? Freaking Out Molly: Had the author not conceptualized Patronus messaging yet? And not ONE Weasley could have gone home early? Main Discussion #2: Rita Skeeter, Unethical Journalism & Ministry Blunders We discuss Rita’s ability to acquire information being aided significantly by her being an unregistered animagus Just WHAT do beetles represent? Does Rita’s journalism, unethical at times though it is, do an actual public service in the case of both of the Quidditch World Cup and the disappearance of Bertha Jorkins? Molly clearly recognizes that Rita is a hack, but later on in Goblet of Fire she laps up every lie printed about Hermione. Why? Obviously, we’re familiar with the real-world consequences of this brand of journalism. Have any of the hosts ever been caught up in following salacious, gossip-based reporting? Have we ever caught ourselves pulling a Mrs. Weasley: either dismissing or assigning merit to a piece of reporting based on whether it reinforced our personal beliefs? Odds & Ends cover Mundungus Fletcher, Ron's dress robes, Trelawney's prophecy and more! Quizzitch: What spell does Hermione start learning on the Hogwarts Express (in Harry's fourth year)? And don’t forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including early access to the show, Bonus MuggleCast, physical gifts and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast is your weekly ride into the Harry Potter fandom! Join us every Tuesday as we discuss each book in the series. We are currently hosting a fascinating Chapter-by-Chapter re-read in which we dive deep into the characters, plot, themes, and foreshadowing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We'll be back to normal episodes next week! In the mean time, enjoy this Bonus MuggleCast installment from our Patreon! In this installment, we discuss all that happened in 2023 (it's more than we remembered!) and what we have to look forward to in 2024 and beyond for Harry Potter fans! We are thrilled always to make it through another year with our listeners and look forward to what exciting developments are in store for the future. Thank you for an EXCELLENT 2023! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would an upgraded, Wizard version of Santa Claus look like? Would he have any need for reindeer, or could he Apparate? This and other holiday-related questions are the focus of our last bonus MuggleCast segment for 2023! We also discuss non-Christmas holiday representation, and how many times "Santa" appeared in canon.  For two brand new Bonus MuggleCast installments every month, become a Patron or sign up for our paid Apple Podcasts subscription! We couldn't do this show without your support, so thank you in advance! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, we're wrapping up 2023 at the Quidditch World Cup! Grab your best pair of running shoes and dont forget your wand (*cough* Harry *cough*), as we try to avoid Death Eaters, Veela and annoying Ministry officials! *Please note that we discuss some heavy topics in this episode and while we certainly pride ourselves on being a family-friendly podcast, the content may not be suitable for all ages.* Happy Holidays and New Year to all of our listeners! It’s our final episode of 2023, but don't fret because we'll be releasing a couple of bonus segments over the break! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 9: The Dark Mark 7-Word Summary: Winky struggles to explain herself to Crouch Main Discussion #1: Death Eaters & The Dark Mark Death Eaters & Terrorism: Voldemort's followers use the Quidditch World Cup celebration to cause mass hysteria The Death Eaters are dressed in hooded cloaks with masks, and are marching in a clan-like formation. We discuss similarities to the KKK here in the United States. We react to the torture of the Roberts family and exactly what Draco suggested be done to Hermione The Dark Mark & the Swastika: Both marks inspire fear and convey hatred. As an adult that lived through Voldemort’s reign, what must it have been like to see the Dark Mark return? Hermione is the only one of the trio who understands the gravity of the Dark Mark. What does this say about the wizarding world’s ability to insulate their children from the terror that Voldemort inflicted on the wizarding world? Was the Dark Mark cast to inspire fear in those at the Quidditch World Cup or in the Death Eaters themselves? Main Discussion #2: The Conviction of Winky & The Treatment of House-Elves Winky is found at the scene of the crime and is unjustly accused (and convicted).  Similar to other situations we’ve experienced with Ministry justice, much of the real evidence is ignored! Our eyes are opened even further to the treatment of House-Elves by the larger wizarding world How has Hermione growing up in the Muggle world informed her views on House-Elves? Do we attribute Ron’s views to immaturity or his own upbringing? Hermione begins her outspoken criticism of the Ministry! Evanesco That returns as Andrew lays waste to all of the  he-said-she-said-elf-said back-and-forth, blah, blah, blah in this chapter! Odds & Ends cover Fred & George's winnings, Beauxbatons, Madam Maxime, Stan Shunpike, Priori Incantato and more! Quizzitch: What did Rita Skeeter once call Bill Weasley in an interview with Gringotts curse-breakers? And don’t forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! We have two brand-new ones for you in December, including our recap of the biggest events in fandom of 2023 and a look ahead to 2024! And, we celebrate with some of our favorite holiday Headcannons! This week’s episode is brought to you by MasterClass! This holiday season, give the gift of one annual membership and get one free at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Quidditch World Cup is a security nightmare! (Are you really surprised?) This week, the MuggleCasters dive in (from no less a height than the Top Box) to discussion about rogue mascots and classism as we discuss Chapter 8 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, "The Quidditch World Cup." Thanks to all who listen to our podcast on Spotify! You made our Wrapped something special. Reminder to check out The MuggleCast Overstock Store for any last-minute holiday gifts you may be seeking! Give the gift of MuggleCast merch to you and yours! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 8: The Quidditch World Cup 7-Word Summary: Athletes compete vigorously against their formidable opponents Main Discussion #1: House-Elves return! Harry thinks he sees Dobby. But how exactly does Winky know Dobby? Are Dobby's ideas of being paid for his work too radical, or is Winky too conservative or downtrodden? And why is it a bad thing that Dobby remains free? We also get a reunion of sorts between Lucius and Arthur. What is this chapter trying to tell us about class differences in the Wizarding World? Main Discussion #2: The Veela are DANGEROUS! Right after first seeing them, Harry almost jumps out of the Top Box! How are they allowed? The Veela are of Slavic origin and may have roots in Greek myths; we explore. Are the Veela more like modern cheerleaders in their purpose, or are they emblematic of something else? Both team's mascots should be banned in the future, we consider. Quizzitch: From which book does Hermione learn about Beauxbatons Academy of Magic? Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast, we review the biggest events in fandom of 2023 and look ahead to 2024! This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) and MeUndies (get 25% off your first order, plus free standard shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your plainest clothing, because we’re journeying to the Quidditch World Cup under cover and meeting Ludo the Gamblin' Man and Grouchy Crouchy! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and our friends Lexi and Nicole from Fantasy Fangirls for a camping trip you won't soon forget! Welcome, the hosts of Fantasy Fangirls, Nicole and Lexi! Fantasy Fangirls is currently covering Fourth Wing / Iron Flame, which has been one of the most popular book series this year! Follow them for hours of entertainment on Instagram and TikTok! Lexi leaves everyone in awe as she rattles off every Goblet of Fire chapter from memory! And yes, she can do the entire series from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows - a fantastic holiday party trick! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 7: Bagman and Crouch 7-Word Summary: Arriving at the campsite makes much happen  Main Discussion #1: Hiding the Quidditch World Cup from Muggles How does Arthur Weasley not know how Muggle money works? What is the lasting impact of wiping Mr. Roberts' memory 10 times per day? Prohibiting witches and wizards from doing magic at the Quidditch World Cup is ABSURD! Why hasn't a better plan been devised after all these years? Just Hhw many witches and wizards are there in the world? Why should Harry and Hermione have to put the tent together? Could it be foreshadowing to Deathly Hallows? Brother and sister? Former lovers? Could there be a secret connection between Perkins and Mrs. Figg? Main Discussion #2: Bagman and Crouch (our initial impressions) We examine the ethics of Ludo Bagman placing and collecting bets on the Quidditch World Cup What sticky situation did Arthur get Ludo out of that awarded him 10 VIP tickets? What does it say about Barty Crouch Sr. that he completely botches Percy's name? Odds & Ends cover Ron fangirling over Krum, other wizarding schools, Bode The Unspeakable, magic carpets, water taps, Seamus Finnegan's mom and more! Quizzitch: What broomstick does Harry see advertised as being, "for All the Family" at the Quidditch World Cup? The MuggleCast Overstock Store is STILL OPEN! Ever wanted one of our cool physical gifts that we send to Patrons, but didn’t want to subscribe to our Patreon? WELL, for the first time ever, we are selling leftover physical gifts from years past! Only while supplies last! This week’s episode is brought to you by Uncommon Goods (get 15% off your first order at UncommonGoods.com/MUGGLECAST) & Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday we are not releasing a new episode this week. Instead, we're opening up the Patreon vault and sharing one of our favorite Bonus MuggleCast installments: Favorite Headcannons! In this installment Laura shares some crazy headcannons from fandom over the years, and we decide if we agree or disagree with them. A second installment of Favorite Headcannons is available on our Patreon. Pledge today to receive access to two new Bonus MuggleCast installments every month! These will also be available to paid Apple Podcasts subscribers beginning in 2024. Chapter by Chapter of Goblet of Fire will resume next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wake up! It's time to go stand on a hill until our boot is ready! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for the latest episode of MuggleCast in which we have a fun Chapter-by-Chapter discussion discussing the pitfalls of magical means of transportation in the Wizarding World. Would we rather use Portkeys or learn to Apparate? Find out during our discussion on Episode 636 of MuggleCast. We would like to wish a happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating this week. We are honored to be part of your Harry Potter family. The MuggleCast Overstock Store is NOW OPEN! Ever wanted one of our cool physical gifts that we send to Patrons, but didn’t want to subscribe to our Patreon? WELL, for the first time ever, we are selling leftover physical gifts from years past! Only while supplies last! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 6: The Portkey 7-Word Summary: The Quidditch World is excited regarding Voldemort  Main Discussion 1: Magical modes of transport for Wizards Does it make sense for folks with cheaper tickets to have to arrive sooner? Isn't it more likely that the rich could afford staying on site for longer? Which governments are involved here protecting the Statute of Secrecy and are they all working in tandem for the game? Is a Portkey really the best / safest form of transportation? Why not Apparate? Percy is made fun of by the Weasley Twins for Apparating downstairs, but each MuggleCaster comes to his defense separately. We ask: would you rather Apparate or use a Portkey? The hosts make their decisions. Would taking Muggle transport really be so bad in 2023? Main Discussion 2: Amos "Cringe Dad" Diggory We reflect on Amos' love for his boy and how sad it is reading this chapter knowing how the book ends, but also how awkward this conversation with Amos must be for Harry in the moment. Could Arthur have not gotten better tickets through his Ministry connections? Quizzitch: According to Percy, about how many languages does Mr Crouch speak? Transcripts are now available for our most recent episodes of MuggleCast, with more coming each week! This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass. Give one annual membership and get one FREE at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) Coming up on Bonus MuggleCast on Patreon.com/MuggleCast, we discuss the alternate titles for Goblet of Fire and reflect on how the series and story may have been different with a different title! Subscribe now and receive all of our magical benefits. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Burrow, but stay out of Molly’s kitchen because the sauce ain’t the only thing boiling over, tonight! Join Eric, Micah, Laura and Katie as we breakdown the Weasley family, explore wizarding careers, criticize Percy's dinner conversation and get ready for the Quidditch World Cup! Welcome Slug Club member, Katie! The MuggleCast Overstock Store is NOW OPEN! Ever wanted one of our cool physical gifts that we send to Patrons, but didn’t want to subscribe to our Patreon? WELL, for the first time ever, we are selling leftover physical gifts from years past! Only while supplies last! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 5: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes 7-Word Summary: Harry visits the burrow and EATS satisfactorily Main Discussion 1: Wizarding World Family Dynamics & Life After Hogwarts What can we expect from the members of the Weasley as the series moves forward? This chapter lays the groundwork! Bill & Charlie: Have we ever been in Harry’s situation when we meet someone for the first time and they totally defy our expectations? Whether because of their physical appearance or because of their personality? Given everything that happened to Arthur in Harry’s second year, shouldn’t Fred & George have been more aware of pranking Dudley? How fair is Molly's assessment of Fred & George at this point in their lives? She claims that the Twins have “no ambition” and they are “wasting their brains”. We beg to differ! The hosts analyze how Percy's behavior is very reflective of Western corporate culture Does Percy not want to come home because he loves his job or because he dislikes his family? Given what we witnessed in the first chapter, should we as readers expect that Voldemort has something planned for the Quidditch World Cup? Percy goes hard on Bertha! Could this be a larger commentary on how women are perceived in certain work environments?  Odds & Ends cover Ginny, Pigwidgeon, Viktor Krum, the Quidditch World Cup and Harry neglecting tell Ron & Hermione about his scar Quizzitch: According to Amos Diggory, what family couldn't get tickets to Quidditch World Cup? Transcripts are now available for our most recent episodes of MuggleCast, with more coming each week! This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast)  and MeUndies (get 25% off your first order, plus free standard shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast). And don’t forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! We have two brand-new ones headed your way this November, including our discussion of what good characters did in the Harry Potter series that really rubbed us the wrong way! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode is a very special one, and long overdue: For the first time in our podcast's history, we have a women-only panel assembled, and they're discussing the representation of women in Harry Potter! Laura helms this episode with our social media manager Chloé, and they're joined by #Millennial's Pamela Gocobachi and MuggleCast's latest team member (and Eric's other half) Meg Scott. They discuss the demonization of femininity in Harry Potter and the "I'm not like other girls" pandemic, how many of JKR's most unlikable characters are strongly associated with overtly feminine characteristics, the demonization of feminine interests, and JKR's issues with the color pink. Later, the girls talk about how women treat other women in the series (both the positive and negative relationships), and then talk about what chapter they'd like to see from a woman's perspective, which witch they think they're most like, who they'd want at a sleepover, and which Wizarding World cosmetic they wish was real. Support the show on Patreon to help keep us running, and to receive more great content like this, including two new Bonus MuggleCast installments every month! This week's episode is sponsored by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) and Uncommon Goods (get 15% off your first order at UncommonGoods.com/MUGGLECAST). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get ready for the latest installment of Quizzitch Live! There are some TRICKs in this edition, but we find it all to be quite a TREAT. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as we visit some O.W.L. subjects such as Potions, Charms, Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts. On either end of the show we also have two Halloween-themed rounds: Candy of the Wizarding World, and a James and Lily Potter tribute round. Our at-home edition of Quizzitch Live will rely on the honor system! Write down the answer you think is correct, in the time it takes us to prepare the answer, and count up the total "correct" answers to measure yourself against the winners at the end! Most of all, have an un-BOO-lievable amount of fun! If you loved this Quizzitch Live and still want more, visit our YouTube Playlist of previous editions! This week's episode is sponsored by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) and Uncommon Goods (get 15% off your first order at UncommonGoods.com/MUGGLECAST). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to unblock your fireplace and let our hosts into your living room! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as things heat up inside No. 4 Privet Drive! And make sure to mind the flying ornaments and Ton-Tongue Toffee! Quizzitch Live is returning! October 28th at 11 AM ET will see the latest Halloween edition of our trivia game where listeners can participate live and win prizes! Study up on your O.W.L. level Charms, Potions, Transfiguration, Defense Against The Dark Arts and more! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 4: Back to the Burrow 7-Word Summary: Arthur attempts to help with Dudley’s tongue  We all know that the Weasleys cause some good old-fashioned havoc on Privet Drive, but was it all quite necessary? Offenses include: Sending multiple delegates - did Ron, Fred and George need to be there? Why didn't Molly accompany Arthur? Being insensitive to Dudley’s trauma - who, if anybody is aware of the pig tail situation? And baiting Dudley - we debate the actions of Fred and George toward Harry's cousin. Were they intentionally feeding his addiction to sweets? With all the magic going on at Privet Drive, why doesn't the Ministry show up? Despite all of the chaos, Arthur still calls the Dursleys manners into question! What Muggle items do we think Arthur would have enjoyed most at the Dursely home? WHAT IF... only Arthur and Molly came to pick up Harry? Would it have improved relations between Harry’s surrogate parents and his guardians? Odds & Ends cover the relentless fat shaming of both Dudley and Vernon Quizzitch: How many times did Harry physically visit The Burrow during the 7-book series? Transcripts are now available for our most recent episodes of MuggleCast, with more coming each week! This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass (get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month)! And don’t forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! We have two brand-new ones headed your way this October, including a Halloween costume special and another edition of Favorite Headcannons! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The recaps are back! We thought we had escaped getting summaries for Harry's friends, his lifestyle, his family, and his situation but we were vastly mistaken. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they delve into Chapters 2 and 3 of Goblet of Fire, covering chapters "The Scar" and "The Invitation"! We discuss the Dursleys motives and if everything would have been better had Harry contacted Dumbledore about his 'dream.' A MuggleCast Girls' Takeover is coming! Patrons have two chances to catch Laura, Chloe, and friends of the show Pam and Meg hanging out and talking all things girly. Celebrations begin October 19! For more info, check our social channels. Transcripts are now available for our most recent episodes of MuggleCast, with more coming each week! Quizzitch Live is returning! October 28th will see our latest Halloween edition of the live trivia game where listeners can participate live! Main Discussion 1: Chapter 2 of Goblet of Fire, "The Scar." 7-Word Summary for Chapter 2: Dumbledore sometimes is on the beach relaxing We review the stresses that went in to crafting such a large book in less time for its author. Whose POV was Harry's dream actually from, and how does it work? Did the rules surrounding H*rcr*xes change? How would things be different if Harry had chosen to write Dumbledore? Would he care? We review Dudley's choice in video games. Main Discussion 2: Chapter 3 of Goblet of Fire, "The Invitation." 7-Word Summary for Chapter 3: Molly tries to save Harry’s summer funnily Is Vernon's behavior and his intolerance for magic similar to that of folks who are anti-LGBT? We review how Harry always miraculously escapes Privet Drive with a bang. Finally, we ask the most important question: how is Harry preserving all that birthday cake under his floorboards? Quizzitch: what does Arthur Weasley ask Dudley Dursley? This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast), and Better Help (Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month) and MeUndies (get 25% off your first order, plus free standard shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been 13 years, but the hosts are finally ready to revisit Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts! Join us as we sneak into The Riddle House to see prophecies fulfilled and Dark Lords taking (snake) milk shots. Plus, we share our favorite Dumbledore moments in honor of the late, great Michael Gambon! Welcome Slug Club member, Summer! We pay tribute to Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films For the first time since 2010, we're diving into Chapter-by-Chapter for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with Chapter 1: The Riddle House! We reflect on the fourth book's midnight release and the last time we actually read it! 7-Word Summary: Voldemort decides to plan an amazing murder The history of the Riddle House... is it cursed? Is Voldemort secretly bankrolling his family's home? Comparisons are drawn between The Riddles and The Dursleys Why is Tom Riddle Sr. depicted as worse than his parents? Is Merope to blame? The Significance of The Hanged Man The Scapegoating of Frank Bryce: do the townsfolk in Little Hangleton effectively "cancel" him? Can we draw comparisons to Harry later on in this book and in Order of the Phoenix? Wormtail The Snake Milker - yes, it's a real profession! Peter shows a resistance to using Harry in Voldemort's plan. Is it based solely on the effort required? Or does he have feelings of guilt?  Right hands and faithful servants: Voldemort hints about the ritual to come at the end of the book! Pure Evil: How is Voldemort strong enough to use a wand and cast Avada Kedavra if he’s in need of a body and constant nurturing from Nagini? Horcuxes! Horcruxes! Horcruxes! Quizzitch: In opposition of his new diet, what did Dudley throw out the window? Next week: Chapter 2 of Goblet of Fire: The Scar Plus, Quizzitch Live returns in time for Halloween on October 28 - mark your calendars now! This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast), and Better Help (Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month)! Transcripts are BACK! Thank you, Meg! And don't forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Following our Goblet of Fire movie commentary, we discussed many of the things from the book we would have liked to see adapted in the fourth film! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we prepare to launch our Goblet of Fire Chapter-by-Chapter series, we're excited to finally do a movie commentary track for the fourth Harry Potter movie! Join the MuggleCasters as they watch and discuss Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. You will need to bring your own copy of the movie's standard edition in order to get the full experience. Before the movie begins, we help you sync up with us so we're all watching together (The sync point is as soon as you get through the 'WB' logo and see a skull). And have a celebratory drink prepared - like an orange juice if you're under 21 or a screwdriver if you're above 21 - for an iconic moment. Note: This episode was recorded before the passing of legendary actor Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in this and many more Harry Potter movies. We will look back at his legacy on the next episode of MuggleCast. The MuggleCast 2023 Listener Survey is HERE and is open to all listeners through October 6th! We want to know what you love about the show, what you think could improve it, and what other content you’d be interested in us making. This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed. Claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to reflect on our recent re-read of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Laura as they open the MuggleMail bag once more to tackle an array of voicemails, e-mails and chicken soup submissions following our recent excursion into Book 3's Chapter-By-Chapter. The MuggleCast 2023 Listener Survey is HERE and is open to all listeners through October 6th! We want to know what you love about the show, what you think could improve it, and what other content you’d be interested in us making. Check out Parts 1 and 2 of Belated Binge Podcast's "Harry Potter: A History" and "Harry Potter: A Fandom" series with Eric! We begin our Book 3 wrap-up by revisiting our 7 Word Summaries and voting on which one should get a re-do! 7-Word Summary of Book 3: Sirius prevails over Ministry officials and Snape Voicemails include: Is there a connection between the Deathly Hallows and the gifts Harry receives from the Dursleys? Does the prophecy's existence explain why Snape picks on Neville? Is there another reason why Voldemort doesn't have hair? Lupin's werewolf depiction may be referenced elsewhere, and the phases of the moon are more gradual than you may think! A listener writes in about Micah's criticism of Time-Turning. Why are Lupin's lesson plans so creature-centric? Is there a reason behind the many strained paternal relationships in HP? Would Veritaserum help crack a Fidelius Charm? And, is being someone's Godfather a special magical bond? Listeners also point out: McGonagall's anti-Divination stance goes back to Book One. And, how does Professor Binns grade papers? One 13-year-old listener made her parents detour around Mount Greylock (we 100% support this). Quizzitch: Who found the Riddle family dead? Next week: Goblet of Fire movie commentary! This week’s episode is brought to you by Better Help (Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month.)! And don't forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week, we discuss moments that were cut from Book 4 for the movie! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're closing the book on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Melissa as they avoid Snape's wrath, have real talk with Lupin and Dumbledore and finally get permission to go to Hogsmeade. Oh, and be sure to check with your cat that your new pet isn't secretly a mass murderer! Welcome Slug Club member, Melissa! LAST CHANCE! Time is running out to subscribe to this year's MuggleCast Collectors Club over on Patreon. Be sure to opt-in to this special benefit by September 22nd! The MuggleCast 2023 Listener Survey is HERE and is open to all listeners through October 6th! We want to know what you love about the show, what you think could improve it, and what other content you’d be interested in us making. Chapter-by-Chapter for Prisoner of Azkaban concludes with Chapter 22: Owl Post Again 7-Word Summary: Justice is served by Hermione and Harry Snape claims he knows how Sirius escaped! Does he really KNOW it was Harry & Hermione? How secret is Hermione's Time-Turner? The hosts (and Fudge) react to Snape's unhinged behavior Dumbledore The Drama Queen is stoking the flames! Lupin regifts Harry the Marauder's Map forever connecting him with his father How did Dumbledore manage to convince Fudge that Lupin didn't aid Sirius? Harry is upset that Pettigrew got away, but Dumbledore tells him his choices made all of the difference. Does this moment feel authentically Dumbledore? Does it make more sense that they gave these lines to Lupin in the movie? By gifting Pigwidgeon to Ron, is Sirius trying to further endear himself to Harry? We analyze the book coming full circle and the balance of power shifting at Privet Drive Prophecies & Animagi - there ARE some things Dumbledore doesn't know! Could Trelawney be deep-linked to Harry and Voldemort?  How did the Marauder's keep their situation secret from Dumbledore? Odds & Ends cover The Quidditch World Cup, the Grindylow tank, Percy's Ministry ambitions, Harry sititng by the lake and more! Quizzitch: Who gives Pigwidgeon his name? Next week: We start Goblet of Fire with a special movie commentary track! This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast), and Better Help (Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month.)! And don't forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week, we discuss several news stories surrounding the Fantastic Beasts film franchise and Harry Potter television reboot! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three turns ought to do it, MuggleCast! This week we plumb the depths of time with Harry and Hermione as Chapter-by-Chapter covers Chapter 21 of Prisoner of Azkaban, Hermione's Secret! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they ask the tough questions such as, how is Snape  Time is running out to subscribe to this year's MuggleCast Collectors Club over on Patreon. Be sure to opt-in to this special benefit by September 22nd. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 21: Hermione's Secret 7-Word Summary: Hermione saves Buckbeak with a time turner Somebody Call the WAMBULANCE for Snape! We unleash our new "Severus Lie Count" right in the nick of time! Is Snape pointing out the uneven leniency given to Harry helpful or harmful to his cause? He sure knows how to play Fudge. Could Snape actually secretly believe Harry and Hermione's side of events? Once Hermione busts out the Time-Turner to save the day we must ask: is traveling in time morally correct? What alternatives must there have been to giving Hermione a Time-Turner at age 13? What gives Dumbledore the authority to play God in this situation? What If: The Time-turning sequence all went wrong? We review why Time Turners may have been more hassle for the author than a help, and ask if it was worth it. Quizzitch: At the end of term, who arrives to see Lupin after Harry does? Next week: Chapter 22: Owl Post Again, the FINAL CHAPTER of POA! And two weeks from now, we'll record a Goblet of Fire movie commentary track! This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast), and Better Help (Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month.)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast celebrates the month of August with this LIVE recording from LeakyCon 2023 at McCormick Place in Chicago IL! Recorded on Saturday, August 5 our audience-participatory mega show includes fan-favorite game segments such as Dueling Club, Make the Connection, and a new segment titled, "Is MuggleCast Older Than...?" Join Eric, Micah, Chloé with a special guest appearance by LeakyCon's founder, Melissa Anelli, as they play games and reflect on the fandom space across 18 years of Harry Potter podcasting! Welcome to LeakyCon 2023! We're old but we brought a cake... for Micah. How did we each get started with MuggleCast? The hosts reflect. Game: Is MuggleCast Older Than...? Rounds include "Taylor Swift's debut album" and "The iPhone." What have been some of our favorite moments in MuggleCast history? Game: The Dueling Club. Nonhumans edition, DADA professors, and Weasley family members! What moments in fandom were the most surprising and unbelievable when they happened in the moment? Game: Make the Connection returns! This one you have to hear to believe. (Chloé crushes it.) Thanks to all who came out to see us in Chicago! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KISSY KISSY! This week, be sure to put on your chapstick because the Dementors are ready to pucker up! Join our hosts as they exit the Whomping Willow and attempt to tackle what awaits them on the Hogwarts grounds. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 20: The Dementor's Kiss 7-Word Summary: Chaos ensues on Hogwarts grounds under moonlight WHAT IF... Peter hadn’t escaped and Sirius’ innocence had been proven? Would Dumbledore have been forced to explain Harry’s blood protection sooner? Would the Ministry have allowed Harry to live with Sirius? Do we think Sirius is mature enough or in the right state of mind to care for Harry? Does it cross Lupin's mind at all that if the moon comes out, they’re screwed?  Why is Pettigrew not completely immobilized?  We rate Lupin's transformation: did the book vs. the movie do it better? Lupin can be controlled by his Animagus friends, but Sirius doesn’t have much luck - is he out of practice?  Soooo, Harry and Hermione are totally cool leaving Ron and Snape helpless with a werewolf running around while they go tend to Sirius? Why doesn't Harry's thought of living with Sirius work on the Dementors? Connecting The Threads: Harry attempts to save Sirius in both Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix Quizzitch: How old was Sirius Black when he played the trick on Snape with Lupin? Next week: We're off, but we'll be releasing our live show from LeakyCon in Chicago! Don't forget! Year 2 of the MuggleCast Collectors Club is here!  Each year between now and 2026, we’re sending 4-5 exclusive, new stickers that celebrate the show’s past and present. We’re also giving you the Collector’s Club Card, on which you can place the stickers. It’s a beautiful backing card showing our MuggleCast listeners heading to Hogwarts. Pledge at the $5 or $10 level by September 22 to receive this year’s stickers and the Club Card at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The rat is revealed! We finally understand the events of this school year at Hogwarts as well as how Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban prison. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they discuss Chapter 19 of Book 3, including asking whether Crookshanks should be punished for stealing the password sheet and whether Sirius was selfish for not being the Potter's Secret-Keeper. The MuggleCast Collectors Club stickers for 2023 have now been revealed! Pledge on Patreon at the $5 or $10 level by September 22 to receive this year’s stickers and the Club Card! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 19: The Servant of Lord Voldemort 7-Word Summary: Pettigrew begs Harry for forgiveness for murder Snape enters in full Prosecute Mode! Why can he not be swayed to consider alternate views? Do the Marauders know more than they indicate about Snape's feelings toward Lily? Would Snape have used an Unforgivable Curse in this moment? Would it have worked? What If? the Trio did not knock out Snape? How would events have unfolded differently? Micah has a theory on what Pettigrew's missing toe might signify. Should Crookshanks see punishment for stealing the Gryffindor password sheet for Sirius? Was Sirius selfish to push the Secret Keeping on to Peter? The hosts discuss. The real reason Pettigrew was in hiding is revealed and there's an unexpected connection to Book 6 Are the others Marauders to blame for Peter's poor choices? Harry comes into his own, and sparing Peter will have repercussions in Book 7... Quizzitch:  Who leads the group first out of the Shrieking Shack? This week's MuggleCast is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now), BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month) and MeUndies (get 25% off your first order, plus free standard shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Orca, Pigeon, Racoon & Lemur! Well, it's not exactly Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs, but it sounds way cooler, right?!?! On this week's episode, the truth about the Shrieking Shack and the Marauders is revealed, and we catch everyone's favorite headmaster telling some pretty big fibs! The Dumbledore Lie Count is BACK, BABY! Welcome Slug Club Member, Jason! Eric and Micah attended LeakyCon this past weekend in Chicago and they recap their favorite moments! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 18: Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs 7-Word Summary: Lupin reveals backstory to many children, tada! Sirius seemingly has no intentions to clear his own name. He’s waited all year to catch Peter and now he’s just going to kill him?  Why does he have so little regard for himself on this matter? Scabbers is a serious flight risk! Why didn't the adults or even Hermione come up with a way to neutralize Pettigrew?  Main Discussion #1: Lupin’s Tragic Backstory and The Shrieking Shack Origin The Wizarding World has done little in the way of "normalizing" werewolves and their condition. Should there be a school for werewolves and other wizarding world beings/creatures? Or does that defeat the purpose of an integrated magical society? Main Discussion #2: The Greatest Hoax Ever Perpetrated in Hogsmeade Village What EXACTLY went down with the Shrieking Shack, historically? Who else was in on the hoax? The Dumbledore lie count is FINALLY going up! Amato Animo Animato Animagus! We take listeners step-by-step through the process of becoming an Animagus What Animagus would each of the hosts transform into? Why did Lupin feel more normal during his transformations with Padfoot, Prongs and Wormtail around? Odds & Ends cover the Marauder's Map legitimacy, Harry's mental state, Snape the Sneak and more! Quizzitch:  Who casts "Expelliarmus" against Snape inside the Shrieking Shack? This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) and HelloFresh (visit HelloFresh.com/50muggle and use code 50muggle for 50% off plus free shipping)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast was born on Sunday, August 7, 2005, and this week we're releasing a special episode of Bonus MuggleCast from our Patreon to celebrate our 18th birthday! Your Harry Potter friends look back at what was going on in the Muggle world in 2005, reflect on 18 years of podcasting, and attempt to say who our favorite host on the show is. We also share our favorite episodes and look at how the podcast has helped us in our daily lives. Later, we play voicemails from our listeners, who shared really touching thoughts on the show's impact on their lives. Here's to the next 18 years! Thank you everyone for sticking with us - the reason we continue to do this show is YOU! For two exclusive Bonus MuggleCast episodes every month, join our Patreon! You'll receive a slew of other sweet benefits too. Free trials and annual pledges are available as well. This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month), Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now), and Factor (visit FactorMeals.com/MuggleCast50 and use code mugglecast50 to get 50% off your first box.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to re-open the MuggleMail bag as we prepare to read the closing chapters of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they answer questions relating to class schedules, GCSE's, sports equality, prejudice toward 'soft' subjects and more! Happy birthday, Neville and Harry! While we may not be covering those characters today, Episode 523 and Episode 481 both have excellent discussion of Neville and Harry and the prophecy. Speaking of birthdays, MuggleCast is about to turn 18! We will be releasing a special birthday episode on August 7th in conjunction with our Patreon where we release Bonus MuggleCasts twice monthly to patrons. The MuggleCast Live at LeakyCon schedule is now available on our web site! In addition to our Live MuggleCast show, all panels and events with us participating will be listed there in one place for attendees to reference. We hope to see you there! Main Discussion: MuggleMail returns! How does dropping a Hogwarts class work? Wouldn't more students beside Hermione have class times that conflict? Was Scabbers / Pettigrew present during the table of 13, and does that doom Dumbledore? A listener draws the comparison between Quidditch broom model discrepancies between teams and professional Boblsleigh racing and Formula One. We love it. Is Divination maligned on purpose in the books, and does the issue largely resolve when Firenze is brought in? Harry's Helping Horcrux is debated by a listener who thinks it would hinder Harry's Patronus-making skills. Did Snape know about the DADA job being cursed? Was Professor Lupin searching Filch's office for the Marauder's Map? Quizzitch: Who did Snape see Lupin traveling with on the grounds of Hogwarts, toward the Whomping Willow, in the 1970s? Micah, Eric and Chloe will be at LeakyCon 2023 in Chicago from August 4-6!  Listeners interested in registering for the con can visit LeakyCon.com and enter code Muggle during checkout for a $10 discount. Our live panel will be on Saturday, August 5 at 1:15 p.m. Check the full list of our panels on our web site! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The threads are slowly starting to connect themselves as we head toward the final few chapters of Prisoner of Azkaban! Join Andrew, Micah, Laura and Meg as they battle the Whomping Willow and brave the Shrieking Shack, only to be confronted by an unregistered Animagus and a fraudulent werewolf professor. All on this week's episode! Welcome back, Meg! Our birthday is just a couple weeks away! To celebrate, we’ll be recording a special episode that looks back on 18 years of podcasting! AND WE WANT YOU INVOLVED! Submit a voice message to [email protected] by Friday, July 28 and we just might include it on our birthday episode! Last chance! There’s less than a week left to become a Patron and order the Exclusive MuggleCast Beanie! Learn more about how you can get yours by clicking here! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 17: Cat, Rat and Dog 7-Word Summary: Sirius attacks Ron viciously when Scabbers appears  Do we think the attack was premeditated? Was Crookshanks actively shadowing Harry, Ron and Hermione waiting for Scabbers to reappear?  Animagus Sirius is really strong! Despite his weak, ragged human condition, how does he drag a (nearly) fully grown person, pulling so hard he breaks Ron’s leg?  Why doesn't Sirius come clean immediately with Harry, Ron and Hermione? What must Hermione be thinking when Crookshanks protectively leaps on Sirius's chest? And just how have Sirius and Crookshanks been communicating? Harry is too young to know the Unforgivable Curses. How is he planning to kill Sirius? Could the Horcrux be influencing his emotional state? Why would Sirius not have told Lupin the truth about the Secret Keeper Switch?  Hermione and Ron SOUND OFF on Lupin! We examine their biases in depth! Strong threads are connected between lycanthropy and the HIV/AIDS epidemic Hagrid, Trelawney, Lupin: how do we feel about Dumbledore’s hires? When time turning, would Harry and Hermione appear twice on the Marauder's Map? Quizzitch: According to the Animagus registrar Hermione looks at, how many registered Animagi have there been this century? Micah, Eric and Chloe will be at LeakyCon 2023 in Chicago from August 4-6!  Listeners interested in registering for the con can visit LeakyCon.com and enter code Muggle during checkout for a $10 discount. Our live panel will be on Saturday, August 5 at 1:15 p.m. This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's exam time again! On this week's episode we are joined by Professor Julian Wamble, PhD. (@ProfW on TikTok), who teaches a college course on Harry Potter and who shares his awesome thoughts on TikTok! The hosts dive in to chapter 16 of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, "Professor Trelawney's Prediction." We examine Trelawney's brand of divination and question whether she has ever been right to her knowledge. Is Dumbledore to blame for what kind of teacher she has become? And what is the source of Harry feeling out of it after leaving Hagrid's hut? All of that and more on episode 619! Our 2023 Patreon Physical Gift is here! We're so excited to debut our MuggleCast Beanie, perfect for those outdoor winter and indoor air conditioned months! Let's face it, it'll look great on you anytime of the year! This knitted, high quality beanie features colors inspired by our current album art (which, conveniently, are also the four hosts' Hogwarts Houses) and a MuggleCast patch on the front with the MicBolt built in! Learn more about how you can get yours by clicking here! There will be a live MuggleCast meet up in downtown Chicago next month! Please RSVP to let us know if you can make it! The event is during LeakyCon but open to the public regardless of your ticket status. Welcome to the show Professor Julian Wample, PhD.! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 16: Professor Trelawney's Prediction 7-Word Summary: Exams consume clairvoyance and shocking revelations, executions Hermione's exam schedule is the biggest example yet of her secretive methods, why do Ron and Harry not say something? Buckbeak's appeal looms, but the executioner is coming. Should Ron have spoken his mind to Fudge? Some hosts believe that Hagrid gives Dumbledore WAY too much credit. Should Dumbledore have put a stop to the whole Buckbeak incident? What did Parvati Patil do to impress Trelawney so much? Why does Ron fail but Harry skate by on his? Andrew catches something amazing about the circumstances surrounding both Trelawney predictions. Harry feels "unreal." Would this have something to do with there being *two* of him, we wonder? Odds and Ends features a particular pair of footsteps... Quizzitch: What spell does Sirius Black use on Harry and Hermione? Next Week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 16: Professor Trelawney's Prediction This week's MuggleCast is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now), ZocDoc (visit ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast, download the app, and schedule your next health appointment today!) and Factor (visit FactorMeals.com/MuggleCast50 and use code mugglecast50 to get 50% off your first box.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our crystal ball told us that we can expect a lot of emotions this week as Chapter by Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 15, "The Quidditch Final"! Plus, there's a new Gryffindor-themed playlist to listen to, new social media apps where you can find MuggleCast, and more technical fouls than you can shake a stick at! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for this guaranteed good time episode. Our 2023 Patreon Physical Gift is here! We're so excited to debut our MuggleCast Beanie, perfect for those outdoor winter and indoor air conditioned months! Let's face it, it'll look great on you anytime of the year! This knitted, high quality beanie features colors inspired by our current album art (which, conveniently, are also the four hosts' Hogwarts Houses) and a MuggleCast patch on the front with the MicBolt built in! Learn more about how you can get yours by clicking here! TikTok star Chanel Williams has graced us with her talents by the record machine. Her new collab with MuggleCast is the Gryffindor Glory playlist! Sure to meet all of your Gryffindor representation needs. There will be a live MuggleCast meet up in downtown Chicago next month! Please RSVP to let us know if you can make it! The event is during LeakyCon but open to the public regardless of your ticket status. Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 15: The Quidditch Final 7-Word Summary: Fatigue sets in for Hermione intensely whoa From sleeping in the Common Room, slapping Malfoy and quitting Divination, just what is going on with Hermione?! The hosts examine the consequences of Hermione's overpacked class schedule. Is Professor Trelawney a bully? A listener e-mail responds to common criticisms of Divination and defends the real-world practices, and we discuss our favorite types to use in real life. We contrast the Quidditch play style of Cho Chang versus this game's Slytherin players. The age-old house rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin heats up once again. Entire groups must walk with Harry to keep their Seeker safe. Is this overkiil? Lee Jordan is at his peak best, while the whole school apart from Slytherins is cheering for the red team. We contrast the Quidditch play style of Cho Chang versus this game's Slytherin players. Odds and Ends include Harry's dreams, Crookshank's friend and Draco's name origin. Quizzitch: What is the first line of Professor Trelawney's PETTIGREW prophecy? Next Week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 16: Professor Trelawney's Prediction This week's MuggleCast is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now), BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month) and MeUndies (get 25% off your first order, plus free standard shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're hosting a Wizarding Wold BBQ! See who is invited and what they would bring to the party! Then, your Harry Potter friends attempt to be better friends to each other than Harry is to Hagrid, Lupin and Hermione as we discuss the latest chapter in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!  Our 2023 Patreon Physical Gift is here! We're so excited to debut our MuggleCast Beanie, perfect for those outdoor winter and indoor air conditioned months! Let's face it, it'll look great on you anytime of the year! This knitted, high quality beanie features colors inspired by our current album art (which, conveniently, are also the four hosts' Hogwarts Houses) and a MuggleCast patch on the front with the MicBolt built in! Learn more about how you can get yours by clicking here! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 14: Snape's Grudge 4-Word Summary: Mud finds its recipient  Security is ramping up at Hogwarts! Why weren’t these measures taken after the Fat Lady was attacked? And, as we’ve asked many times before in this book, WHERE is the Ministry? Neville takes the fall for Hogwarts being a security nightmare! Is his punishment fair or just downright humiliating? DAD-GRID: Hagrid gives his best lesson of the year, but it’s not in Care of Magical Creatures, it’s in FRIENDSHIP! Does he get through to both Harry and Ron? Do we agree with Hermione's threat to turn in the Marauder's Map? Snape has DADDY -- and bullying -- issues! Is it a crime for Harry and Neville to be walking around the castle while the other students are in Hogsmeade?  Why doesn’t Harry wait in the passageway until the area is free of Snape?  Does Snape use Legilimency on Harry or does he just sense a student being up to no good? Connecting The Threads: Snape’s Worst Memory (Order of the Phoenix) is an extension of Snape’s Grudge (Prisoner of Azkaban) We reveal never-before-heard audio from the 30-year-old conversation between Snape and Harry! Should a teacher really talk to a student the way Snape talks to Harry? How much does Snape truly know about the Marauders Map and its manufacturers? Much like in the beginning of the chapter, Harry feels as if he’s let someone else he cares about down! In this case, it's Lupin! Odds & Ends cover Sirius Black's knife, Ron's popularity, Snape's ego, the Shrieking Shack and more! Quizzitch: Which class with the Gryffindors does Hermione forget to attend? Next Week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 15: The Quidditch Final Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The friendship between Ron and Hermione receives its greatest test to date, while the friendship of your MuggleCast hosts remains solid as ever. We tackle Chapter 13 of Prisoner of Azkaban, "Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw" and ask Micah all of the sports questions as it pertains to Harry's new broom and Cho Chang's sports tactics. There is also an appearance from Sirius Black, and four Slytherin students are busted but ultimately given a light slap on the wrist for their attempted sabotage. All of that and more on this week's MuggleCast! The MuggleCast Patreon is now offering free trials for 7 days as a way of promoting our amazing bonus content, as well as the upcoming physical gift. Join our Patreon today! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 13: Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw Seven Word Summary: Cho distracts Harry with her amazing looooooooooooks Is Ron being overdramatic about Scabbers' disappearance? Do we side with Ron or Hermione now that the worst has presumably happened? Expert thread-connector Laura details moments when the trio argues with each other in the future. Did we ever argue with our friends when we were 13 and are we still mad about it today? On the Quidditch field, Cho has a strategy that gets Harry's attention. We examine whether it's fair to play in this way and whether Hogwarts should give everybody the same broom. Harry succeeds in casting his first full Patronus, but is it really an accomplishment given the circumstances? Does McGonagall go easy on Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and Flint? The hosts examine Harry's latest dream and connect it to future books. Did nobody show Sir Cadogan a picture of Sirius Black? How secure is Hogwarts anyway? Quizzitch: What does Flitwick do to the front doors of Hogwarts? Next Week: Chapter 14 of Prisoner of Azkaban, "Snape's Grudge" This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now. In Bonus MuggleCast, Laura takes us through stories that seem to be full-on Harry Potter rip-offs, worldwide. Join our Patreon at Patreon.com/MuggleCast today to listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Expecto Patronum! On this week's episode of MuggleCast, Andrew, Micah, Laura and Chloé join Harry as he faces down his biggest fears under the tutelage of his greatest teacher! Plus, just what's up with Oliver Wood? Was he really going to bench The Chosen One? Happy 20th anniversary to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! On this week's bonus MuggleCast on Patreon, we celebrate 20 years of the fifth book! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 12: The Patronus Seven Word Summary: Lupin teaches Harry how to fight Dementors  How does the faculty feel about Lupin searching their personal spaces for a boggart? Why is it that a boggart Dementor has the same effect on Harry as a real Dementor? Harry struggles to find a powerful enough memory to conjure a Patronus. If we were in Harry’s position, what would we choose? Harry's internal struggle: for as much as he wants to fight the Dementor, he also wants to hear his parents How much is the Horcrux influencing Harry at certain moments throughout this chapter? Lupin is the first adult figure to really believe in Harry! We examine Lupin's reactions to the mentions of both James and Sirius What if the dementor’s kiss was your FIRST (and only) kiss? ::vomit:: Lupin challenges Harry on Sirius receiving the Dementor's Kiss. Is this as a friend, a compassionate human being or a bit of both? Anywayyyyyyy, back to the Firebolt Fiasco! Wouldn’t a teacher have found out eventually that Harry had a super cool new broom, and wonder where it came from? Which begs the question... shouldn't there be standardized equipment for school-based Quidditch? Did Oliver Wood plan to bench Harry? Is there nothing he wouldn't do to win? Odds & Ends cover Lupin's condition, Neville's password problem, Hermione's favorite subject, and more! Quizzitch: What does Percy win from his girlfriend Penelope when Gryffindor beats Ravenclaw? Next Week: Chapter 13 of Prisoner of Azkaban, Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw This week's episode is brought to you by Factor (visit FactorMeals.com/MuggleCast50 and use code mugglecast50 to get 50% off your first box)and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month). Our Patreon is now offering 7-day free trials: Get full access to Bonus MuggleCasts and behind-the-scenes extras for a limited time!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, it's Christmas break at Hogwarts and the castle is full of emotions... and mostly the not-so-good kind. Since Hogwarts doesn’t have a guidance counselor, we’ll be the trio’s guiding light today! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Jason as they enjoy a special meal inside The Great Hall with all the stress and awkwardness of a normal holiday family get-together! Welcome Slug Club member, Jason! Our Patreon is now offering 7-day free trials! Get full access to Bonus MuggleCasts and behind-the-scenes extras for a limited time! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 11: The Firebolt Seven Word Summary: Somebody sends a Firebolt mysteriously to Harry “A hatred such as he had never known before was coursing through Harry like poison." Harry quickly grows obsessive over hating Sirius Black. How much could his Horcrux be fueling these emotions? Why didn't anyone ever tell Harry that the reason James and Lily Potter died was because their best friend Sirius had betrayed them? We discuss how in both Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix, Harry not being given information negatively impacts his mental health and leads to reckless decision-making! We analyze Harry's treatment of Ron and Hermione in this  chapter Comparing Gryffindors: Peter Pettigrew and Neville Longbottom Comforting Hagrid: Lucius Malfoy’s influence rear its ugly head again! Did they not learn from the previous year when he threatened the Board of Governors? Hagrid goes into grim detail about his time in Azkaban. Should Azkaban just be for maximum security prisoners? Fan Fic Alert: “The Other Prisoner of Azkaban” by Jack Ichijouji The Firebolt: Does Hogwarts not have a security measure in place for packages delivered to the school? Why, just now, are they “evaluating” the broom? When 13 dine, the first to rise is the first to die: did Trelawney get it right after all? What crawled up McGonagall's @$$? Hermione's Most Gryffindor Moment Odds & Ends cover Manticores, Lupin's condition, Pettigrew's finger and more! Quizzitch: In which location does Harry’s first Patronus lesson take place? Next Week: Chapter 12 of Prisoner of Azkaban, The Patronus This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now)  and ZocDoc (visit ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast, download the app, and schedule your next health appointment today)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From pranksters to marauders, this week’s chapter by chapter episode of MuggleCast is PACKED with all of our favorite characters and overflowing with plot. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for a trip to Hogsmeade where we learn all about Sirius Black and his secret connection to Harry. Also, Professor Lupin reminds us why he’s our favorite teacher. Our Patreon is now offering 7 day free trials! Get full access to Bonus MuggleCasts and behind the scenes extras for a limited time! This week, we read through Prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 10, “The Marauder’s Map”! Seven Word Summary: Secrets are divulged via Professors drinking Butterbeer The hosts reflect on Harry’s attachment to his broken Nimbus 2000 and their own attachment to inanimate objects from their youth. Harry’s isolation is hard to watch as with Book Five, but why doesn’t he reach out to Hermione and Ron? And, is Dumbledore to blame for all of it? When Lupin reaches for Harry, should we have intuited more about his relationship to the boy? What about when he drops his briefcase? Just how hard is it to learn the Patronus Charm and why isn’t it more widely taught? Is the Marauder’s Map a dangerous magical item? Are Fred and George reckless for giving it to Harry? How did Fred and George learn to use the map? Did the map itself help? What impressive magic is involved in the function of the map? Secrets are revealed and we wonder how the teachers could have kept this from Harry. Quizzitch: What date is set for the Ministry hearing of Hagrid and Buckbeak? This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're taking a break from your regularly scheduled programming! BUT, Micah recently got a chance to preview Harry Potter: The Exhibition in New York City! Enjoy this MuggleMiniCast, which includes an interview with Tom Zaller, the President & CEO of Imagine Exhibitions. Harry Potter: The Exhibition is now open in NYC’s Herald Square! Micah speaks with Tom Zaller, the President & CEO of Imagine Exhibitions Eric and Micah discuss how this exhibition differs from previous ones, what to expect as you make your way through, favorite moments, exclusive merchandise and more! Next week: Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 10: The Marauder's Map And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! Most recently we discussed if HBO Max should gear the new Harry Potter TV show towards adults and the next Wizarding World park coming to Universal Orlando! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, join us as we elude mass murderers with a sleepover in The Great Hall, attend a brutal Defense Against The Dark Arts class and play Quidditch in the worst possible conditions! What could possibly go wrong? Harry Potter: The Exhibition is now open in NYC’s Herald Square! Micah got a chance to preview the experience, so keep an eye out for a Muggle MiniCast set to be released Memorial Day Weekend, which includes an interview with Tom Zaller, the President & CEO of Imagine Exhibitions. Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 9: Grim Defeat 7-Word Summary: Suspicions rock the Hogwarts student body tonight With Sirius Black running around Hogwarts, shouldn’t at least one professor have stayed WITH the students in The Great Hall?  How did Sirius Black break into Hogwarts? Could Crookshanks have been involved? Has Sirius formed a connection with him at this point?  Why isn’t the Ministry alerted? This is now TWICE that Sirius has gotten past the Dementors! What was the conversation like between Sirius Black and the Fat Lady? We analyze Snape's conduct in teaching Defense Against The Dark Arts, his great joy in criticizing the students’ lack of knowledge on the subject, and his attempt to sow seeds of doubt amongst about Lupin’s effectiveness as a teacher! Snape is trying to OUT Lupin! Is Snape more vicious in Prisoner of Azkaban than he is at any other point in the series?  Do we think Sirius knows Lupin is at Hogwarts? Did he use Lupin’s "time of the month" to his advantage as well? Could Lupin be “sick” because of the guilt of knowing that Sirius broke into the castle?  Quidditch Controversy: What's up with the Slytherin favoritism? Did the dementors come onto the Quidditch pitch because of Sirius?  Odds & Ends cover Cedric Diggory, Harry's worst memory, Hermione's bloodshot eyes and more! Quizzitch: In what school year of theirs did the Weasley Twins obtain the Marauder's map? Next Week: Reminder, we’re off BUT you will get a very cool MuggleMiniCast all about the new Harry Potter: The Exhibition! This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month)! And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we’ll have a new look at the next Wizarding World park coming to Universal Orlando! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Hogsmeade weekend approaches! Will Harry get his permission slip signed by a stand-in guardian in time? This week we are joined by Slug Club guest Ashley as we discuss Chapter 8 of Prisoner of Azkaban, Flight of the Fat Lady! We discuss Snape's continued bad attitude, Lupin's secret, and whether Harry could've gotten more out of him during their unplanned tea time. Enjoy! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 8: Flight of the Fat Lady Welcome Slug Club guest Ashley! Host the show just like Ashley by joining us at Patreon.com/MuggleCast 7-Word Summary, Justice for Micah Edition: Teachers forbid Harry from going to Hogsmeade Snape picks on Neville worse than ever because he's Snape. But does Trelawney pick on Harry due to her prophecy? Did we ever have a teacher we were close with in the way that Parvati and Lavender are with Trelawney? Is Oliver Wood justified in feeling desperate about this year's Quidditch Cup? Is McGonagall mean for not signing Harry's permission slip? She knows about the Dursleys after all. Hosts connect some great threads between Book 3 and Book 5. Harry's Hogsmeade FOMO hits us in the feels. What makes Remus Lupin able and willing to say Voldemort's name? What If: Harry told Lupin about seeing the black dog off Privet Drive? Is Hermione wrong to point out the evidence against Trelawney's prediction about Binky? Could her doing so point to neurodivergent behavior? Rename the Chapter returns! And hosts assign MVP of the Week. Quzzitch: What does Hannah Abbott tell the students that Sirius Black can transform into? Next week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 9: Grim Defeat This week's show is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and HelloFresh (use code "muggle16" for 16 free meals at HelloFresh.com/Muggle16), and by ZocDoc. Visit Zocdoc dot com slash mugglecast, download the app, and schedule your next health appointment today. And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we discuss how the Harry Potter TV show could appeal more to adults! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Waddiwasi! On this week’s episode, grab your wand and get ready for the best magical classroom session to date …following the WORST magical classroom session to date! We compare and contrast Snape and Lupin's teaching styles and the impact it has on the students of Hogwarts! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 7: The Boggart in The Wardrobe 7-Word Summary: Neville fears rebuke when Snape “poisons” Trevor We compare and contrast Harry's worst class to date (Potions) with his best class to date (Defense Against The Dark Arts) What do we make of Snape's treatment of any student that is not in Slytherin? We analyze the effects of bullying vs. collaboration in a classroom setting What types of emotions does Snape elicit from Harry? Neville? Hermione? Snape The Enabler creates an unsafe learning environment for his students Micah plays devil's advocate and rationalizes Snape's actions toward both Neville (paying attention to detail) and Hermione (listening to the teacher) What is the world is up with the Shrinking Solution? Do Lupin and Peeves the Poltergeist share a history? We contrast Snape's treatment of Neville with Lupin's desire to instill confidence in him (very reminiscent of how Harry works with Neville in Order of the Phoenix) Does Lupin's past with Snape inform his instruction to Neville about his Boggart? Should Lupin have explained to Harry why he didn't let him have a turn at the Boggart? Connecting The Threads includes taking a look at the non-practical nature of Harry's first class in Order of the Phoenix and a very important Boggart scene with Mrs. Weasley Odds & Ends cover the origin of Boggarts, Draco's knowledge of Sirius Black, Hermione's secret, rat references and more! Quzzitch: What is the name of the Fat Lady's close friend? Next week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 8: Flight of The Fat Lady This week's show is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and HelloFresh (use code "muggle16" for 16 free meals at HelloFresh.com/Muggle16). And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we discuss how the Harry Potter TV show could appeal more to adults! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week the hosts dive deep into the MuggleMail bag to bring listeners' latest thoughts on recent Chapter-By-Chapter segments, as well as the new Harry Potter television series announcement! Voicemails include a 10 year old asking if Harry abuses Hedwig by making her travel so far, and someone has a theory about a Dementor that we all adopt on the spot as canon. Check out this laid back correspondence episode and be blown away by the opinions of our listeners. Main Discussion: It's a MuggleMail bag episode! Voicemails ask if the WWOHP theme park will adjust itself to accommodate the new TV series, a potential Cursed Child adaptation featuring the original trio, and an HP cartoon. More ideas for the HP TV series abound, with one listener asking how far the creators will stray from the look and feel of Hogwarts and surrounding areas. Will members of the HP movies be brought into new roles as a nod to their original performances? Who do we think would be most likely? One listener fan-casts the HP TV series for an actor from the Sandman series. Could the TV show flesh out the moments when Hermione and Ron learned that they would be attending Hogwarts? An eagle-eyed listener points out the use of the term 'Azkaban guards' disappears once we are introduced to Dementors. We hear a tragic story of school bullying where the school covered it up, and comparisons are made to Hogwarts The hosts reveal that double decker buses are not as prominent in the US as in the UK, in response to an email. And, the Sneakoscope was always right when Peter was around. Our latest "Legacy" E-mail from 2006 asks us if we think Draco and Harry will work together to defeat Voldemort. We offer our theories 17 years too late. Quizzitch: What animal causes the death of Lavender Brown's rabbit? Next Week: We return to Prisoner of Azkaban Chapter By Chapter with Chapter 7, "The Boggart in the Wardrobe"!! This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month), and also Indeed. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now. And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! Most recently, we discussed more breaking news... a brand-new Quidditch video game! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, get ready to broaden your minds and see past the mundane as we take our first Divination class! And remember to bow and blink while listening to this episode or your may be attacked by a hippogriff!  News covers a new Quidditch video game is coming soon… for consoles! We’ll discuss it in this week's Bonus MuggleCast, which is available exclusively on our Patreon! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 6: Talons and Tea Leaves 7-Word Summary: McGonagall shades Trelawney during Transfiguration class, ooooooo! We meet Professor Trelawney, who we later learn made the prophecy about Voldemort and Harry/Neville.  From Neville's grandmother to Parvati's stalker to an Easter departure, we keep track of Trelawney’s predictions and see if they come true! Have any of the hosts ever seen a fortune teller or tarot card reader? What did we make of the experience? Do we think Hermione is too quick to judge Trelawney? Does McGonagall influence her opinion? Professor Hagrid... Micah argues Dumbledore set him up for failure from the start! Name Origins: The Grim & Hippogriff Does Harry offer to approach Buckbeak to test the validity of his death omen? Odds & Ends cover paying attention in Transfiguration class (cough, animagi), Hermione's busy class schedule, Sir Cadogan and more! Quizzitch: What form does Parvati Patil's Boggart take? Next Week: It's a MuggleMail bag covering Prisoner of Azkaban and the new Harry Potter TV show announcement This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month). And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we discuss more breaking news... a brand-new Quidditch video game! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

CHOO CHOO! On this week's episode, we’re on the Hogwarts Express for what is sure to be another lovely… enchanting… peaceful… safe….. ride to Hogwarts. As they say, the third time’s the charm, and this year everything’s gonna be A-OK! News covers the recently confirmed Harry Potter television series! Be sure to check out Episode 606, where we dive deep into the initial news leak and this week's Bonus MuggleCast, where we discuss all the new details! And... check out MuggleCast Episode 483, where we fan-casted a Harry Potter television show, and Episode 566, where the hosts developed ideas for an all-new Harry Potter television series! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 5: The Dementor 7-Word Summary: Fear about the murderer abounds on trains We contrast Harry's trips to King's Cross in Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix How much information do we think Arthur would have offered to Harry about Sirius Black if Harry didn't tell him he was already "in the know"? Welcome, Remus Lupin! Check out the full Pottermore article on him and his family! How did Dumbledore convince Lupin to take the post of Defense Against The Dark Arts? Laura offers some interesting insight on the Wolfsbane Potion, lyncathropy and the AIDS epidemic of the 1990s Why is Snape so angry with Lupin being named to the Defense Against The Dark Arts post? We analyze the effect the Dementor had on Harry, Ginny and Neville Could a Dementor have removed the Horcrux from Harry? What if it took Harry’s soul and left Voldemort’s? Could anything have been done to prevent the Dementors from boarding the train? Did Dumbledore intentionally place Lupin on the train for this very reason? With McGonagall tending to Harry and Hermione, just who the hell hosted the Sorting Ceremony? Odds & Ends cover Sneakoscopes, Hogsmeade, the Shrieking Shack, secret passages, thestrals, forgetting passwords and more! Quizzitch: Who guides the trio to their first Divination class? Next Week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 6: Talons and Tea Leaves This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and MeUndies (get 25% off your first order, plus free standard shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast). And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we discuss breaking news... a brand-new Harry Potter TV show is coming to HBO! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week saw news of a Harry Potter television series cascading across the interwebs as it seems like Warner Bros and HBO are in final talks to develop a straight adaptation of the original 7-book series, this time for TV! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they discuss the news, read a ton of listener feedback, and provide their must-haves for any live action Potter TV adaptation. According to Bloomberg, a new Harry Potter television series which follows the storyline of the 7 books is nearing final talks over at Warner Bros. Discovery. Given that the TV show would adapt the 7 books, whose final film adaptation was released in 2011, Micah asks "is it too soon?" What steps would the television show take to distance itself from the HP films? Would they ever adapt The Missing 24 hours? Could we ever see new actors actually taking the place in our hearts of the actors who originated the role? What role will the book series' author have in the development of the show? Laura senses a real opportunity for bringing fresh voices and more diversity into the Potter universe. Check out MuggleCast Episode 483 in which we fan-cast an HP television show, and also Episode 566 where the hosts develop ideas for all new HP television series. Eric gives his must-haves for the would-be TV adaptation. Number one: the color yellow? Twitter feedback on this news includes: would we ever see an animated version?; problematic politics and the struggle to find joy with the series in 2023; is a Peeves backstory on the table?; what can the show learn from HBO's House of the Dragon? Facebook feedback includes: the stories we'd rather see told in the Wizarding World; embracing new cast members so soon after the films; and a cry for justice for Ron Weasley IG feedback includes places we still want to see, and differing perspectives of characters. This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month)! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we kick back, relax and enjoy some ice cream every half hour from our pal Florean Fortescue! Join us for some delicious sundaes as we bum around Diagon Alley, meet up with our best friends and get some surprising news about a recently escaped convict! In celebration of April Fool's Day, check out Episode #508: How To Tell Fred and George Weasley Apart, and More Twin Talk  News covers Daniel Radcliffe expecting his first child and his Moderating A Trans and Nonbinary Youth Roundtable for The Trevor Project, which you can watch in full right here! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 4: The Leaky Cauldron 7-Word Summary: Discoveries are everywhere around this Leaky Cauldron Harry is free to roam all of Diagon Alley by himself! How old were we when our parents started letting us venture out on our own? Do we think that this is foolish of Molly and Arthur, to just let Ron roam around Diagon Alley given he is Harry’s best friend? Ron gets a his own wand! We analyze what the core and wand wood mean for his character! Something is definitely up with Scabbers! We start putting the pieces of the puzzle together! Molly and Arthur get into a heated argument about Harry. Which parent do the hosts ultimately side with? Connecting the Threads to Order of the Phoenix: Molly's protection of Harry, the safety of the larger wizarding community and Harry's escort to King's Cross Odds & Ends cover the Grim, the Firebolt, Dementors, the No. 12, Percy and more! Quizzitch: What is Professor R.J. Lupin’s middle name? This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and Zocdoc (go to Zocdoc.com/MuggleCast and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor)! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Harry is saved by a (violently purple) knight in shining car wax as the Knight Bus whisks him away to London, where Uncle Cornelius pats him on the back and tells him everything is fine. Join Andrew, Laura, Eric and Micah as they dive into Chapter 3 of Prisoner of Azkaban, The Knight Bus! This week the hosts provide alternative identities to help them escape detection... Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 3: The Knight Bus 7-Word Summary: Help arrives for Harry after an encounter Harry's frustration and short-sightedness mirrors our own in times of stress. Do we relate to Harry following his incident with Aunt Marge? Andrew has a full tally of all the times Harry thinks he is about to be expelled. It's higher than our Dumbledore Lie Count :'( We ask again, just why was Sirius Black not given a full trial? Is Dumbledore, or the government, to blame? Laura reminisces about an old campaign asking readers if they spotted The Grim. We ask, What If? Sirius had introduced himself to Harry? Would Harry believe him then and there? Why can't the Knight Bus go underwater, if it can do all the other things that it does? Not one but TWO Name Origins segments help us appreciate the details on display. Why did Harry choose a pureblood wizard that Stan might have known as his alias? Why didn't Harry know about the Knight Bus sooner? Fudge being described like an 'uncle with a favorite nephew' raises our interest. Why can Fudge trust Harry to follow his orders? Quizzitch: In Chapter 4 of POA, a hag orders what from the Leaky Cauldron? Next week: We continue with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 4: The Leaky Cauldron And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! Last week, we discussed the recent Harry Potter Almanac news and reflect back on the history of all the times we were promised a Harry Potter Encyclopedia! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we get a visit from one of Harry's favorite relatives, Aunt Marge! They share wine, brandy and have so much fun that she even let's Harry perform magic on her at the end of the chapter! Oh wait... Welcome Slug Club member, Sherry! Sherry, who is blind, shares her story of finding the Harry Potter series! Be sure to check out her fan fiction: Sirius Black and Becoming a Father and her book: Haven! Andrew and Laura will be discussing the potential ban of TikTok in the U.S. on their podcast, #Millennial. Follow the show for free in your favorite podcast app! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 2: Aunt Marge's Big Mistake 7-Word Summary: Aunt Marge enjoys abusing Harry every minute What do we make of Vernon's assessment of Sirius Black? What do muggle relations offices look like at the Ministry? Hogsmeade Permission Slip: Harry learns how to play on Vernon's prejudices Aunt Marge was based on J.K. Rowling's grandmother, who preferred her dogs to human relatives While Marge is generally nasty to Harry, the gloves really come off when she starts to drink; is this an indictment on abuse levels rising (both verbal and physical) when family members have a drinking problem? Did Harry have to sit with Marge on multiple occasions during her visit? Is it actually to protect Vernon? Why doesn’t Petunia stand up more for her sister? Is Colonel Fubster, Marge’s boo? Quizzitch: What name does Harry give to Stan Shunpike when he boards The Knight Bus? Next week: We continue with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 3: The Knight Bus This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month)! And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we discuss the recent Harry Potter Almanac news and reflect back on the history of all the times we were promised a Harry Potter Encyclopedia! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we begin our third year at Hogwarts as we open up the pages of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! Harry celebrates his birthday, Ron can't figure out how to use the telephone, Hermione is enjoying France and Hagrid is still, well... Hagrid! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 1: Owl Post The hosts reflect on when they read Prisoner of Azkaban for the first time! 7-Word Summary: Owls deliver presents to Harry’s bedroom window  Is this the last time we get the big “previously on Harry Potter” info dump? Should Ron have known how to use a telephone given his father's job? What are some other examples of common muggle technology that would vex unknowing wizards? Vacation Time: the Weasleys head to Egypt, Hermione is off to France! Why did nobody ask Harry to tag along? What do we think Ginny’s summer has been like post-Chamber of Secrets?  Harry receives gifts from Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid that all pertain to events that will occur later in this book! If the Sneakoscope works to detect untrustworthy people, is there a case to be made that it should have gone off constantly around Harrym, since he’s a Horcrux? Harry, why didn't you just forge your Hogsmeade permission slip? The hosts agree to disagree about Percy's Head Boy braggadocio! Quizzitch; How much does Dudley get paid to hug Aunt Marge? Next week: We continue with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 2: Aunt Marge's Big Mistake This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and Zocdoc (go to Zocdoc.com/MuggleCast and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor)! And don't forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, March Madness takes over as the hosts compare their brackets pitting wizarding world items against each other! What item will emerge supreme? Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we delve into our MuggleMailbag for the first time in 2023! Coming off our recent review episode of Hogwarts Legacy, listeners share their thoughts and discoveries about the game. And we properly wrap up our Chamber of Secrets Chapter By Chapter series by choosing ONE 7-Word Summary to redo, based on patron feedback. Join Andrew, Eric and Micah as they get caught up on their inbox this week! First, our vintage segment "What's Buggin' Micah?" makes its triumphant return to the show. MuggleMail starts with Hogwarts Legacy feedback. On PC, there's a mod to mute the Floo Lady. Eric learns the composer of his first ever PlayStation game also scored Hogwarts Legacy. Is there an Easy Mode in Hogwarts Legacy? And which common room would the hosts party in? Chamber of Secrets comes to a close with MuggleMail feedback. Did the Weasleys go to Egypt TWICE in one year? More name origins for Gilderoy Lockhart One listener's thoughts on criminal justice in the Wizarding world. There's more to Hermione's 2nd Year class signup sheet than we realize. Did Tom Riddle spend more time making the diary so it could be more than just a Horcrux? Was Dumbledore REALLY absent from COS? Did Hagrid ever find out who really opened the Chamber? We choose a 7 Word Summary to redo, vroom vroom. Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul features an OG listener who now listens with her 8-year-old son. Quizzitch: How long did Harry go without hearing from his friends until his thirteenth birthday? Submit your answer on the MuggleCast web site. Next week:  We begin our Chapter By Chapter reread of Prisoner of Azkaban! This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, Indeed, and MeUndies! Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now! For 20% off your first MeUndies order and free US shipping, visit MeUndies.com/MuggleCast And don't forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments. Become a patron of ours today at Patreon dot com slash mugglecast. As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we immerse ourselves into the Wizarding World in a completely different way! Our 600th installment welcomes back an old favorite as we review the highly-anticipated Hogwarts Legacy video game! The game has blown us away in a lot of ways, but it's not without issues. Please note: We acknowledge the conflict many in the fandom feel about supporting this game and address this at the top of show. For past episodes discussing the author's position on trans issues please see  Episode 469 and this episode from January 2020. Fans can join us in supporting and volunteering with organizations such as Trans Lifeline, Lambda Legal, The Trevor Project, Transgender Law Center, and the Marsha P Johnson Institute.  Welcome back, original MuggleCast co-host, Kevin! Main Discussion: Our Hogwarts Legacy Review How far have each of us made it in the game? Are we playing as ourselves? Or did we create an original character? Does the game live up to all of the expectations? What are we most enjoying? What are some of the little things that make us smile? What don't we like? What's really grinding our gear slots? And how is Laura making all that coin? Does the plot work for us? Have there been any story moments that we didn’t see coming?! Would we recommend the game to people who don’t usually play video games but want to experience the Wizarding World? Next week:  We’ll catch up on MuggleMail we’ve received over the last couple months, and we’ll wrap up our re-read of Chamber of Secrets! And don't forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast! On this week's edition we make good on our Valentine's Day promise with dirty Harry Potter pick-up lines and a spicy fan-fiction reading! (Please note: this specific bonus segment is not kid-appropriate). As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Harry and Ron rack up substantial points for Gryffindor, and Dobby is freed! It's the final Chapter-by-Chapter segment of our read-through of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with Andrew, Eric, Laura and our social media manager Chloé! Eric tries desperately to up Dumbledore's Lie Count, but Andrew isn't having it. Finally, Quizzitch looks ahead to the third book, which we will be starting in a few weeks' time! We revisit last week's topic of inter-Horcrux communication, with quotes from the later books. Main Discussion: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 18: Dobby's Reward 7-Word Summary: Harry accepts Dumbledore’s comforting advice on Voldemort Dumbledore is back! But unlike last year, he did not save Harry beneath the school. How much does the headmaster really know about the events of the past year? Who are his sources regarding Voldemort's current location? Is what happened in the Chamber a perfect recruiting opportunity for DD of Molly and Arthur? Dumbledore pays Voldemort a compliment. The hosts cringe. Examining Harry's ability to speak Parseltongue Dumbledore pays Voldemort a compliment. The hosts cringe. Lucius finds himself out of his depth when confronting Albus directly. Connecting the Threads: In books 2 and 6, a Malfoy is Voldemort's prime connection to events at Hogwarts. Quizzitch: What witch performed a Flame Freezing Charm, allowing herself to be burned at the stake at least 47 separate times? Next week: It's Episode #600! We will be reviewing Hogwarts Legacy.. This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, Indeed, and ZocDoc! Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now! Go to ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast to download the Zocdoc app for FREE; then find and book a top-rated doctor today. Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week's episode, Harry finally enters the Chamber of Secrets! But does he leave with more questions than he had coming in? And, knowing what the diary truly represents, the hosts dive deep into the world of Horcruxes! Join us as we discuss the penultimate chapter of Chamber of Secrets! Welcome, Voldemort enthusiast and friend of the show, Tylor Starr! Be sure to follow him on social media and check out his Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook! Main Discussion: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17: The Heir of Slytherin 7-Word Summary: Memories reveal answers about Tom’s legacy fulfillment  Are Horcruxes self-aware? Do they have a hivemind? Does the diary-version of Tom Riddle know he’s a Horcrux?  How does a Horcrux work when another form still exists? If Tom Riddle weren’t killed here, would there have been a current Voldemort and a Tom Riddle, or would they have merged together? What if… Ginny had found fulfillment and happiness instead of being teased by her brothers, feeling like she didn’t fit in, and harboring unrequited feelings for Harry? Would Riddle have been able to manipulate her otherwise? Should Harry have told Tom Riddle what he knew about Voldemort's downfall? Did it inform Voldemort's future actions? We explore Signs that Tom Riddle is Voldemort: did we suspect this when we first read the book? If he didn’t have the brains or the power, why was Hagrid a good person to frame? Connecting The Threads to Half-Blood Prince: Fawkes, teenage Tom Riddle, the charming manipulation of others and the similarities between Harry and Tom Connecting The Threads to Deathly Hallows: The Sword of Gryffindor and Basilisk Fangs Ever wondered what other anagrams come from Tom Marvolo Riddle? Check out this great list from Katie Rose! And we have few international versions that will make you laugh out loud! Quizzitch: What does Fred drop on George’s head after he learns Percy has a girlfriend? Next week: We wrap up our chapter-by-chapter discussion of Chamber of Secrets with Chapter 18. This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass (get unlimited access to EVERY class, and as a MuggleCast listener, you get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) and Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to starting hiring now)! Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What exactly did the Forbidden Forest do to the Flying Ford Anglia? What did the teachers do all day when Ginny Weasley was discovered missing? And, should Hogwarts lock its front door? These questions and more are asked as your MuggleCast hosts delve into Chapters 15 and 16 of Chamber of Secrets on this week's jam-packed Chapter-by-Chapter episode of MuggleCast! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura, Micah, and Slug Club guest Kimberly (who came prepared with some fun HP-themed Valentines greetings) as we near the final chapters of Book 2. Welcome to the show Slug Club guest Kimberly! Is it really Valentine's Day without some Harry-Potter-themed greetings? The hosts are delighted to hear something new. Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 15: Aragog 7-Word Summary: Andrew and Micah devise, "Spiders spiders spiders spiders vroom vroom vroom" Parallels abound between life at Hogwarts without Dumbledore in Book 2, and a similar time for students in Year 7. Should Hogwarts lock its front door at night to prevent students leaving so easily as Harry and Ron do? Harry and Ron are up to their eyes in spiders, and is Dumbledore responsible for their Anglia-driven rescue? Aragog's origins and his tale are explored in depth. In Odds and Ends for Chapter 15, Draco jokes prophetically, the Hufflepuffs come around, Fang gets some relief, and Percy is caught fooling around. Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 16: The Chamber of Secrets 7-Word Summary: Laura and Eric come up with, "Gilderoy is revealed to have no integrity." Is it fair that Hogwarts doesn't (yet) cancel exams for the 1992 school year? Hermione provides Ron and Harry the key to solving the whole puzzle, while unconscious. Her most impressive feat yet! Ginny tries to tell Ron and Harry something, but is interrupted... ...and Lockhart reveals himself to be every bit as incompetent as everybody feared. For once, Ron and Harry brought a teacher into their circle, but it came at a cost. What are the teachers all doing the entire day while Ginny is gone? Would the person who put Hogwarts' plumbing in have discovered the Chamber of Secrets, and (literally) covered it up? Wouldn't it have been better if the tap on the sink had actually functioned? Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17, The Heir of Slytherin! Quizzitch: Who really opened the Chamber of Secrets 50 years ago? Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year! This week's episode is brought to you by HelloFresh. Use code muggle65 for 65% off plus free shipping at HelloFresh.com/Muggle65. Also, by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another episode, another attack at Hogwarts! Join us as we enter the pages of a secret diary, get treated to a special Valentine's Day by Professor Lockhart and witness an epic showdown in Hagrid's Hut between Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy and Cornelius Fudge! All as the threads between Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince continue to grow stronger! Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 13: The Very Secret Diary 7-Word Summary: Memories are misleading within Riddle’s secret diary  Don't touch that book! Ron provides some important wizarding world advice to his best friend. Harry, Ron and Hermione begin to connect the dots between The Chamber of Secrets opening 50 years ago and Tom Riddle being at Hogwarts 50 years ago... they just draw the wrong conclusion! Harry notes it was "almost as though Riddle was a friend he’d had when he was very small, and had half-forgotten.” Is this our first introduction to the Horcrux connection? Could Tom Riddle have killed Harry by trapping him inside the diary? Connecting The Threads: memory alteration and manipulation are integral plot points in Half-Blood Prince! Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 14: Cornelis Fudge 7-Word Summary: Hagrid receives terrible news about leaving Hogwarts Harry, Ron and Hermione are surprised to learn it was Hagrid who opened the Chamber of Secrets, but they’re not really surprised, are they? As Hermione begins to piece things together, why doesn't she seek out a professor? Hermione is petrified and Tom Riddle's Diary is stolen! But whose the culprit? Checkout “A Very Secret Diary” by Arabella, which details Ginny Weasley’s interactions with the diary for her entire first year! Note: this is intended for a mature audience. Would the Invisibility Cloak prevented Harry & Ron from being killed by the basilisk? So many questions surround Hagrid's arrest, first and foremost... WHERE'S THE ACTUAL EVIDENCE? Do any alternatives exist for Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge? Much like Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore leaves the school (in absolute chaos), with Harry shouldering the burden of solving the mystery! Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 15 & 16! Quizzitch: Who escorts the Gryffindors to their Herbology lesson? Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Snape demonstrates the famous Disarm Charm to a clearly impressionable Harry. Harry, meanwhile, throws a well-placed firework into Goyle's cauldron. And it's pandemonium when Harry is revealed to be a Parselmouth, leading the entire school to suspect him of being Slytherin's heir (except Dumbledore, who weirdly lets Harry leave without interrogation.) Tons to talk about as the hosts cover chapters 11 and 12 of Chamber of Secrets during Chapter-by-Chapter! News: Eddie Redmayne says he's not aware of a 4th Fantastic Beasts movie. Is this the end? Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 11: The Dueling Club 7-Word Summary: Students get ready for their dueling club We rank the trio's plans to break into Snape's personal potions storage and their successful execution! Would Harry have been less suspected by Snape if he sabotaged a fellow Gryffindor? After being discovered as a Parselmouth, the whole school suspects Harry is opening Slytherin's chamber. We examine ALL the evidence against Harry and see if we are convinced. When people are petrified, are they conscious or unconscious until they get cured? Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 12: The Polyjuice Potion 7-Word Summary: Draco confirms that he isn’t Slytherin’s baddie Dumbledore lets Harry leave his office without any explanation or follow-up questions. Why? Could Dumbledore have probed Harry's mind deeper than we realize and gotten all the answers? If so, what did he do with that information? Despite Hermione's amazing planning, Ron and Harry stumble through their Polyjuice adventure. They don't even know where the other common room is! Does Harry ever visit Hedwig? We rank Harry's Christmas presents!! Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 13 & 14! Quizzitch: What Spell does Hermione use on T.M. Riddle's diary? This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chamber of Secrets is officially opened! But as Dumbledore says, the question is not who, but how? Join us as we learn more about the Chamber's legend, check books out from the Restricted Section, evade Rogue bludgers and handle (un)helpful House-Elves. Plus, we continue to connect some major threads to events of Half-Blood Prince! Welcome Slug Club member, Alyssa! Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 9: The Writing on The Wall 7-Word Summary: Filch scares Harry because he’s acting accusatory Was the attack on Mrs. Norris a trial run? Was Filch the intended target? Or is Mrs. Norris too meddlesome for her own good? What do we make of Ron's reaction to Filch being a Squib? How is it possible that no other students were aware? Why is Snape seemingly trying to implicate Harry? At this early stage, might Snape suspect Harry’s susceptibility to having his mind infiltrated by Voldemort?  Do we think students actually checked out all copies of Hogwarts: A History, or was it a strategic choice by Madam Pince to remove them from the library? Harry struggles internally with almost having been sorted into Slytherin. Could he in fact be the heir? Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger 7-Word Summary: Broken bones consume Lockhart’s reputation at Quidditch Lockhart continues to draw suspicion with his questionable actions Do Muggle schools have restricted sections? Rule-breaking Hermione: let's brew some Polyjuice Potion! Why didn’t Madam Hooch notice the tampered bludger? And... where are the adults? The decision to continue play is not Harry's to make! Why is there no medical personnel present at Quidditch matches? Did Lockhart ever get in trouble for removing Harry's bones? Welcome back, Dobby! But... why are you trying to kill Harry? Colin Creevey becomes the first human casualty of the basilisk! Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 11 & 12! Quizzitch: During the Dueling Club, who does Snape pair Hermione with? This episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 20% off your first order and free US shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast) and ZocDoc (go to ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast to download the Zocdoc app for FREE; then find and book a top-rated doctor today). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year! As we begin 2023, and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Chamber of Secrets, we examine the some of the book's and series' biggest themes! Join us as we hit the Quidditch pitch, visit Hagrid's hut, spend detention with Lockhart and celebrate Halloween with Nearly-Headless Nick on our latest episode of MuggleCast! Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 7: Murmurs & Mudbloods 7-Word Summary: Nepotism reigns supreme when Draco receives brooms We begin to see the influence of the Malfoy family’s wealth and the impact it has at Hogwarts and in the larger wizarding community! Is it fair to assume Draco made the Slytherin Quidditch team on money alone? Unconscious bias: Why were we okay with McGonagall giving Harry a Nimbus 2000 in Sorcerer's Stone but against Lucius giving the Slytherins Nimbus 2001s in Chamber of Secrets? Why isn't there greater punishment for Malfoy using the term mudblood? Why do the male characters seem to be onto Lockhart, but most of the female characters come across as hoodwinked by his charm and good looks? Laying the Groundwork: Blood purity, Hagrid's expulsion, Ginny's strange behavior, Riddle's trophy, the cursed DADA position and more! Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 8: The Deathday Party 7-Word Summary: Nick helps Harry out with Peeves’ assistance  What does it say about Filch that he’s working while he has the flu? Is he trying to prove himself given he is a Squib? Peeves drops an important piece of furniture with strong ties to Half-Blood Prince! Would the Deathday Party have been a good film adaptation? The hosts make some interesting observations about Moaning Myrtle and The Bloody Baron. The Chamber of Secrets is opened! What does it say about Harry that he runs toward an  issue rather than away from it? Or better yet, that he doesn’t go and get a teacher to help investigate? Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 9 & 10! Quizzitch: What curse does Lockhart say was probably performed on Mrs Norris? This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MasterClass (get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast). On Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss Pottermore's sales dropping 40% in 2022! Bonus MuggleCast, which we now release twice per month, is just one of many great benefits of becoming a patron of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast returns January 10th with new episodes, but until then we're releasing one of our favorite episodes of Bonus MuggleCast that we initially recorded for Patrons earlier in the year! In this installment, we discuss the late actor Alan Rickman's diary entries about playing Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. As you might expect from a diary, he is very candid about his work and the cast members around him. Prepare to be surprised by how he felt while filming each Harry Potter movie! For more installments of Bonus MuggleCast, pledge to our Patreon today at Patreon.com/mugglecast. In 2023, we'll be releasing two Bonus MuggleCast episodes every month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Holidays! Join us for our final episode of the year! What were some of our top moments? Our favorite episodes of the show? Then we open up our MuggleMail bag one last time and look ahead to what to expect in 2023 for Harry Potter fans! Our top 5 Social Media Moments Why do you wish you were a teenager in the early 2000s? MuggleCast #tbt!  Black Harry Potter content creators you should follow this Black History Month!  Dan Fogler’s Cameo to celebrate Micah’s Birthday! MuggleCast Through the Years Timeline  Last-minute MuggleCast Halloween Costumes! Each host shares their favorite episodes of the year: Andrew: Episode #566: WB is Planning HBO Max Harry Potter Shows — We Pitch Lots of New Ideas! and Episode #555: ’98-’99 Hogwarts School Year Deep Dive Eric: Episode #567: ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ Illustrator Thomas Taylor Reveals the Secrets Behind the Cover and #573: ‘MuggleCast, A History’ Trivia Game! Laura: Episode #576: How Are Spells Created? Discussing the Physics of Harry Potter and Episode #551: The Importance of Black Representation in Harry Potter Micah: Episode #580: Sorting Too Soon (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 7 – 8) and Episode #548: Will There Ever Be Another Harry Potter-Level Book Series? Muggle Mail covers HBO Max's Hogwarts Holidays: Fireplace feature, Lucius Malfoy's Ministry job status, crackpot theories, thread connecting and more! What can Harry Potter fans expect in 2023? Hogwarts Legacy hits store shelves in February! Does the Discovery/Warner Brothers merger mean good things ahead? A Harry Potter television show, perhaps? We'll celebrate the 25th anniversary of Chamber of Secrets! Quizzitch: What does Oliver Wood say the Nimbus 2001 brooms do in comparison to the Cleansweep series? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 20% off your first order, free shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast), BetterHelp (save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MasterClass (give the perfect gift of an annual MasterClass membership and get one free at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast). Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Our next episode is headed your way January 10, 2023! In the meantime, be sure to visit our Wall of Fame and keep your eyes out for a Bonus MuggleCast available to all in the coming weeks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Harry and Ron invent a new way to get to Hogwarts, but break a few international statutes! Settling in to classes would be easier for Harry if Draco Malfoy and Gilderoy Lockhart weren't following him around! Still, it is so good to be back within the castle walls. Join us for Chapter by Chapter segments of chapters 5 and 6 of "Chamber of Secrets." Welcome Slug Club guest Miranda! Announcement! Slug Club members of our Patreon will be able to participate in our holiday year-end MuggleCast AMA this coming Saturday, December 17 at 1pm ET. The event will be viewable by ALL when it goes live, and Slug Club members can submit their Q's! Stay tuned to our social for reminders. Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 5: The Whomping Willow 7-Word Summary: The tree captures the Ford toughly, rawr! Are there further investigations into why the Kings Cross barrier didn't let Harry through, after his and Ron's story come out? What makes Ron leap right to taking the car, instead of waiting for one of the many parents on the platform to come find them? Which other ways of transport can someone take to get to Hogwarts? Portkeys? Floo powder? The hosts discuss the prevalence of herbology-related mentions in this book as foreshadowing. Does the Anglia's arrival at Hogwarts prove that Hogwarts is a Security Nightmare? Do Ron and Harry get off a little easy for their world-exposing stunt? Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 6: Gilderoy Lockhart 7-Word Summary: Chaos ensues when Lockhart takes over class Mrs. Weasley's Howler to Ron may have consequences that she doesn't intend. Could she have been more discreet with her reprimand, and even shown up in person? For all things Professor Sprout, whose introduction occurs in this chapter, check out MuggleCast #513 which covers her presence throughout all 7 books! Has the Whomping Willow injured Sprout, or has she deftly applied the bandages? Words in the book are hard. Micah makes a piercing connection between the Mandrakes and the Basilisk. The hosts review Gilderoy Lockhart's early life, full of interesting tidbits from his extended canon backstory. Was Dumbledore really trying to expose Lockhart during the events of Harry's Year Two? The subtle way in which Colin and Justin are introduced to Harry as Muggle-born is sending us. Write this down! The students at Hogwarts have washed themselves! We award our standard MVP of the week to chapters and characters. Next week, MuggleCast does our annual Year in Review / MuggleMail extravaganza, after which we break for the holidays. Quizzitch question: Which potion makes Madam Z. Nettles of Topsham, patron of Kwikspell, the center of attention at parties? This episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast) and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we make our first visit to The Burrow and meet several characters for the first time in Diagon Alley! Plus, hold onto your Sorting Hat as we connect a handful of threads between Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince! Micah visits Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in New York! Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 3: The Burrow 7-Word Summary: Weasley’s House Features New Magic And... Gnomes Fred & George are truly their father's sons (be sure to check out our Weasley Twins episode from April 2021) Right family, wrong motive - Dobby DOES belong to the Malfoys! What if... Molly and Arthur had gone to pickup Harry at Privet Drive? Comparing and contrasting Harry and Ron's view of The Burrow Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 4: At Flourish & Blotts 7-Word Summary: Lucius takes Ginny’s father in a fight Should the Weasleys have given Harry a bit more assistance with Floo Powder? Inside Borgin and Burkes: vanishing cabinets, necklaces and hands of glory, oh my! What is Lucius Malfoy's true motive in getting Tom Riddle's diary to Hogwarts? Several characters are exhibiting odd behavior, Percy and Hagrid included! What are our first impressions of Gilderoy Lockhart? 7 BOOKS?!?! Why is Hogwarts bankrolling Gilderoy's bad habits? Bookstore Throwdown: Lucius and Arthur get into it! Next Week: Chapters 5 & 6 of Chamber of Secrets This week's episode is brought to you by Stamps.com (visit Stamps.com, click on the microphone, and enter code MUGGLECAST for a special offer that includes a 4-week trial, plus free postage, and a free digital scale), BetterHelp (save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MeUndies (get 20% off your first order, free shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)! On Bonus MuggleCast, we uncover and discuss some exciting new info about what Harry Potter attraction is coming to Epic Universe! Bonus MuggleCast is just one of many great benefits of becoming a patron of the show! And special thank you to those who have shared that MuggleCast appeared in their Spotify Wrapped’s this year! The show was the top podcast for 1,500 listeners, in the Top 5 for 4,600 listeners, and in the Top 10 for 6,700 listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's our fourth Harry Potter holiday gift guide episode! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they share their latest favorites Harry Potter-adjacent merchandise. Autobiographical works from several of the films' biggest stars are now published, and certain handcrafted and fan-made items are too good to resist. Looking for the gift that your HP-obsessed friend doesn't already have? Start here, with us, on this week's MuggleCast! This year's holiday gift guide episode features largely Harry Potter-adjacent items for the HP-obsessed friend who has everything, or so they think! We'd like to draw attention to BookShop.org, where with their special Store Locator page you can support your local bookstore through the purchase of books mentioned on this episode, and all books in general. Check it out! This year's fiction recommendations include 'The Magicians' by Lev Grossman, the 'Percy Jackson' series by Rick Riordan, the 'Simon Snow' trilogy of books by Rainbow Rowell, Michael Scott's 'Immortal Nicholas Flamel' series, and the 'Eerie-on-Sea' mystery books by the delightful Thomas Taylor. MuggleCast Patrons chime in with their favorite fiction recommendations, including a series by a familiar name for some of us. In our "From the Stars" category, Evanna Lynch's Kinder Beauty Box subscription service, her deeply personal autobiography, Bonnie Wright's how-to book 'Go Gently', the posthumously released diaries of Alan Rickman, and Tom Felton's hilarious memoir. Friend of the show Tylor Starr has recently released The Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook, with over 75 mouth-watering recipes we can't wait to try. Our fanmade recommendations include Heartwood Wands on Etsy, customized HP Bobbleheads for you or your friends, Expedition Roasters' 'Accio Coffee', Frostbeard Studio's magical assorted candle line, and even these flameless floating candles for your home decoration. Finally, we go truly wild with celebrity prayer candles, celebrity Cameo videos, toilet decals, vintage HP merch from eBay, and more favorites from The New York Puzzle Co.! If you want even more gift ideas, check out our previous gift guides on Episode 444, Episode 493, and Episode 540. If you want to support us, consider asking someone to gift you a subscription to our Patreon! Next week: We return with Chapters 3 and 4 of Chamber of Secrets Chapter-by-Chapter! This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies! Visit MeUndies.com MuggleCast for 20% off your first order, and free shipping, with a 100% moneyback guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we begin Chapter-by-Chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! Harry's abuse rises to new levels, the Dursleys obtain Death Eater status, and Dobby complicates Harry's life despite his good intentions. From horcruxes to house-elves, from animal cruelty to servitude, there's lots to unpack from on this weeks' episode! We reflect on reading Chamber of Secrets for the first time and what we're expecting to get out of our re-read Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 1: The Worst Birthday 7-Word Summary: The Day Harry Was Beaten By Family We deeply analyze the Dursley's mistreatment of Harry and add animal cruelty to the list of offenses Wouldn’t Petunia know that Harry can’t do magic outside of school? Perhaps she does not want to reveal her knowledge of the wizarding world to Vernon? How could Harry overcome the Dursleys’ restrictions except for the rescue from the Weasleys? How does Dumbledore allow for this level of abuse to go on for so long? Don't use THAT word (MAGIC)... are the Dursleys the Death Eater equivalent in the Muggle world? Can we glean anything positive from Dudley remembering Harry's birthday? Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 2: Dobby's Warning 7-Word Summary: Surprises await Harry in his bedroom tonight  We analyze the Mystery of Dobby's Ownership When would Lucius Malfoy have begun planning to unleash the Diary Horcrux? Connecting the Threads: we compare the behavior of Dobby in this book to Kreacher in Order of the Phoenix What is our general consensus on Dobby? Helpful or super, super annoying? Harry and Dobby: both are servants in their respective households, both are bound by magical contracts and both are treated horribly! Next week: we're off for Thanksgiving... (or are we)? Quizzitch: In Chapter 3 of Chamber of Secrets, what is the last of Harry's possessions to leave Privet Drive? This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, we dive deep into the final chapter of Sorcerer's Stone, connect some serious threads to Deathly Hallows and get after everyone's favorite headmaster. Dumbledore apologists beware! News: Leslie Phillips, voice of the Sorting Hat passes away at 98  The 6th Annual MuggleCast Patreon Holiday Gift Exchange is now live! Chapter-by-Chapter for Sorcerer's Stone concludes with Chapter 17: The Man With Two Faces 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore comes at the situation with lies Main Discussion 1: Dumbledore’s Task - we draw some strong parallels between Sorcerer's Stone and Deathly Hallows Does Voldemort read Harry’s mind, is it the Horcrux connection or just a lucky guess?  What made Dumbledore initially move the stone from Gringotts? What tipped him off? Do we know how Quirrell found out about its location? Could Dumbledore not trust himself enough to keep the Stone in his own possession? We analyze Snape's "protection" of Harry throughout his first year Main Discussion #2: YOU LIAR! We dissect the conversation Harry and Dumbledore have in the hospital wing “Humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them.” How much is Dumbledore referring to himself in this moment? Does Dumbledore's refuse to tell Harry the truth for his own protection or to serve Dumbledore's own selfish purposes? How much is Dumbledore himself a Security Nightmare? Odds & Ends cover iconic quotes, Quirrell's twitching, Hagrid's drinking and more The Dumbledore Liar count finishes Sorcerer's Stone at 8 while we revisit all of our 7-Word Summaries Next Week: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets begins! Quizzitch: What color are Dobby the House-Elf’s eyes? Bonus MuggleCast covers a new Hogwarts Legacy video, Dobby's gravesite in Wales and Harry Potter book sales being up 35% in 2022! Become a patron today and receive great benefits just like Bonus MuggleCast! This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now), BetterHelp (save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MeUndies (get 20% off your first order, free shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans! Don't forget to vote in the 2022 Midterms by Tuesday, November 8! Visit IWillVote.com to find your local polling place. This week the hosts are joined by Slug Club guest Michele, and Chapter by Chapter continues with chapters 15 and 16 of Sorcerer's Stone. Listen as we discuss how the Centaurs may have been right all along, while Harry serves detention in "The Forbidden Forest." After that, follow along as the trio go "Through the Trapdoor"! And we analyze each of the obstacles designed to protect the Sorcerer's Stone. All this and more, including: Welcome Slug Club guest Michele! If you would like the chance to guest-host on our show, visit our Patreon News: New Warner CEO David Zaslav wants "More Harry Potter movies!" What does that mean?! Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 15: The Forbidden Forest 7-Word Summary: Mars might tell of future conflicts forthcoming  Harry experiences exclusion like never before, after Gryffindor is down so many points. Have we ever disappointed our classmates in this way? What If? Harry told McGonagall the truth about Hagrid and the dragon. Would things have turned out the same? This detention in the Forbidden Forest is WAY too dangerous! And Hagrid even wants to split up! What are the Centaurs seeing in the sky, and why are they so hesitant to interfere? Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 16: Through the Trapdoor 7-Word Summary: Voldemort is hiding behind Quirrell’s incompetence – keys  Would it have made more sense for Ron to impersonate the Bloody Baron? Still, props to Harry for pulling it off! Hermione has a tendency to freeze up under pressure. When else has this occurred? Why wasn't Snape's logic puzzle included in the movie? We close out the chapter with our MVPs of the Week Next Week: we finish our Chapter by Chapter re-read of Book One! Quizzitch: What does Voldemort tell Harry that he will do once he has the Elixir of Life? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast), MasterClass (Get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/mugglecast), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode we dig deep into our MuggleMail bag as listeners weigh in on our latest chapter-by-chapter discussions. One voicemail leads the hosts to take sides in a Harry Potter date debate! Plus, we have fun paging through the beautifully illustrated Order of the Phoenix by Jim Kay. We review the Order of the Phoenix Illustrated Illustrated Edition. There's SO much to love in this one! Speaking of books, don't forget to check out The Magic of MinaLima, which is an exhaustive look at MinaLima's work for the Harry Potter movies. Voicemails cover magic's origin, a Harry Potter first date, a Draco-focused Harry Potter TV show and more Several listeners write in about Christmas gifts and Quidditch rules Why doesn’t Hermione use her own wand to stop the troll?  Why did Hagrid really go to get Harry from the Dursleys? Should Ron be allowed to have a rat at Hogwarts? Is it the job of the Sorting Hat to equally divide the first year students? One listener presents a strong defense of Petunia Dursley Is the Hogwarts Express super inconvenient for students who already live close to Hogwarts? Troll in the Dungeon:  is Dumbledore sending the Slytherins to their doom? Quizzitch: When McGonagall gives detentions to the trio and Neville in Book 1, she says she's "never heard of such a thing before." What is the "thing" to which she is referring? Next week: Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Chapters 15 (The Forbidden Forest) & 16 (Through The Trapdoor) of Sorcerer's Stone This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass ( get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week the hosts are joined by Andy of Harry Potter Fan Zone, and Chapter by Chapter continues with chapters 13 and 14 of Sorcerer's Stone. Listen as we discuss the real-life origins of Nicolas Flamel, debate whether 'Sorcerer's Stone' or 'Philosopher's Stone' is a better title, and revisit a fan theory about what Dumbledore did with alchemy. Then, the trio visit Hagrid's Hut and Harry uses his powers of persuasion that he may or may not have inherited from Voldemort?! All this and more, including: Welcome back, Andy! Check out Harry Potter Fan Zone, the top Australian HP fan site. News: Many new books are now available including Tom Felton's autobiography, Alan Rickman's posthumous diary, and Order of the Phoenix illustrated by Jim Kay. The hosts discuss which ones they'll be checking out. Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 13: Nicolas Flamel 7-Word Summary: Secrets are revealed when chocolate is eaten. We never did find out what work Dumbledore and Nicolas did on alchemy. Did Fantastic Beasts reveal more? We review an old fan theory that we love about Credence's origins. In talking about the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, Andrew explains who was responsible for the title change. Which is better, saying "Sorcerer's Stone" (snappy, alliterative) or "Philosopher's Stone" (boring)? Andy and the American hosts all debate. The hosts review some early Mary GrandPré artwork including an alternate cover that Andy shares with the title "Harry Potter and the School of Magic". In fact, Harry Potter Fan Zone has the most impressive gallery of official artwork, exhaustingly sourced and categorized by Andy. Worth your time to check out! Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 14: Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback 7-Word Summary: Hagrid reveals illegal practices inside his hut This rare chapter is, in many ways, completely self-contained. The conflict presented is resolved at the end. Life lessons from HP #???: Flattery will get you ev-erywhere! Andrew's new proposal of an HBO Max television show features Hagrid and his pet dragon. We're in love. Hagrid clearly has a soft spot for clearly dangerous creatures. Is this intentional foreshadowing to his plotline in Chamber of Secrets? Is it reckless for Ron not to be honest with Madame Pomfrey about his bite? What if it's magically infected? The scene with Charlie's friends is unspoilt by adaptation. What do we see when we see it in our heads? We close out the chapter with our MVPs of the Week Next Week: It's a MuggleMail episode! Send us your thoughts on our recent chapters or tell us what's on your mind! Quizzitch: Which real-life Wizard Rock artist wrote a classic spurned love ballad titled "1991 - Charlie Weasley" This week's episode is brought to by Stamps.com (Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/mugglecast. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!), BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast), and Shudder (Get your first 30 days free by using code 'mugglecast')! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we pay tribute to Robbie Coltrane, whose iconic role as Rubeus Hagrid made him beloved to costars and fans alike. Chapter-by-Chapter continues as we take flight with Harry in his first Quidditch match and explore the halls of Hogwarts beneath the Invisibility Cloak. We remember Robbie Coltrane, the beloved actor who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter series Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 11: Quidditch 7-Word Summary: Gryffindor surprises Hogwarts with winning very tastily  Why does Snape choose to confide in Filch after being attacked by Fluffy? Why does he not go to Madam Pomfrey? Or heal himself? What is going through Snape's mind when Harry sees him in this vulnerable situation? Does Professor Quirrell’s attack on Harry during the Quidditch match do Quirrell more harm (for him) than good? Security Nightmare: Why are there not more protections in place during Quidditch matches? Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 12: The Mirror of Erised 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore gives Harry some advice about life The hosts rank Harry's Christmas gifts from best to worst, using math How does this new information on The Mirror of Erised influence our thoughts on the magical device? We discuss Harry’s (reckless) tendency of using gifts from anonymous sources Laura connects the threads between several Mirror of Erised and Resurrection Stone passages Why is Nicolas Flamel not more well-known? Who did the hosts select as their Most Valuable Character/Chapter of the Week? Next week: Chapter-By-Chapter continues for Sorcerer’s Stone with Chapters 13 and 14! Quizzitch: In Sorcerer's Stone, how old is Nicolas Flamel at the time of Harry’s first year at Hogwarts? This week's episode is brought to you by: the Audible Original The Sandman: Act III, MeUndies (Go to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast for 20% off your first order and free shipping) and Indeed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are certain things you can't do without becoming best friends, and podcasting about Harry Potter together is one of them! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with analysis of Sorcerer's Stone's "The Midnight Duel" and "Halloween"! Our trio of heroes get goaded by Malfoy into a trap, and then accidentally lock a troll in a bathroom. Harry also finds the one thing that he is naturally good at.  News: Jim Kay has announced he will be stepping down from making the illustrated edition Potter books. We thank him for his work. Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 9: The Midnight Duel 7-Word Summary: Draco challenges Harry to a Midnight Fakeout After Neville's injury, the students leap to his defense. Have the hosts had similar moments at school, or were we all too scared to speak up? In what is clearly another security nightmare, Madame Hooch abandons her class of 11-year-olds who 5 minutes ago were handed a very fast and dangerous broomstick for each of them. No wonder something bad happens next! Laura asks what (specifically) makes Harry a natural at flying? Maybe abuse from Dudley made his reflexes better? How blatant is what McGonagall does 'favoritism' toward Gryffindor House, and why does the First Years rule exist to begin with? After narrowly avoiding trouble during the day, Harry and Ron immediately go wandering the castle at night. Shouldn't they be more careful? Should Harry have known that Malfoy was planning a trap? How does Malfoy have an inside line to Filch? Did NOBODY walk Neville home from the hospital wing to make sure he could get in the Common Room? Fluffy's origins and comments on the movie adaptation are covered in 'Odds and Ends' Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 10: Halloween 7-Word Summary: Dinner is interrupted by a massive disturbance  Major things almost always happen to Harry on Halloween. Micah recounts some of the big ones. Are Ron's choice of words against Hermione a bit too much? It is Hermione's pronunciation advice which helps Ron successfully tackle the troll! Have any of the hosts befriended people they were not expecting to like? Examining Hermione's motivations to lie, the act which solidifies her friendship with Harry and Ron. HOW is it that Quirrell is not caught or at least hugely suspected for letting in the troll? Should Voldemort have used someone else instead? The students of Hogwarts do not seem to dress up for Halloween, but if they DID, Andrew has ideas as to what they would be. Harry and the Golden Snitch meet for the first time. Our hearts are all aflutter If McGonagall had not discovered Harry's talent during the first flying lesson, when would there be another chance? Next Week: Chapter-By-Chapter for Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 11 and 12! Quizzitch: In Chapter 9 of Book 1, Which secret passage out of Hogwarts do the Weasley Twins suspect Lee Jordan has found? This week's episode is brought to by the Audible Original The Sandman: Act III, Masterclass (go to Masterclass.com/mugglecast for 15% off an annual subscription), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we're busting open our MuggleMail bag as listeners send in owls about the first several chapters of Sorcerer's Stone! We entertain a few What Ifs about Petunia and Dudley and get some enlightening perspectives on Narcissa and Lupin! Hey, Apple Podcast users! You can now subscribe to the show right within the Apple Podcasts app. For $2.99/month, you'll receive early episode releases and ad-free MuggleCast! Thanks in advance for your support. We're opening up our Chapter-by-Chapter MuggleMail bag! Why was Hagrid sent for Harry? How big is the student body at Hogwarts? What happened to both sets of Harry's grandparents? How did Dudley's pigtail finally get removed? Did Harry's Horcrux impact the Dursley's treatment of him? What if... Petunia had magical ability and had been accepted at Hogwarts? What if... Dudley was a wizard? Would Vernon have disowned him? Could House-Elves be responsible for sending the Hogwarts letters? Other MuggleMail covers Leta Lestrange, The Elder Wand, Narcissa Malfoy and Remus Lupin Should Dumbledore have been sorted into Slytherin? Why wasn't Dobby asked to be in The Order? Quizzitch: In one of their very first History of Magic classes, which two famous wizards do the students in Harry's class get mixed up? On next week's episode: Chapters 9 & 10 of Sorcerer’s Stone: The Midnight Duel and Halloween In this week’s Bonus MuggleCast available exclusively to Patrons, we discuss excerpts from Alan Rickman's recently released diary, Truly Madly! This week's episode is brought to you by The Happiness Lab Podcast, BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and HelloFresh (use code muggle65 for 65% off plus free shipping at HelloFresh.com/Muggle65)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we are joined by Potter film actor and director Rohan Gotobed! He joins Andrew, Eric, Laura, and Micah as they continue their Chapter-by-Chapter readthrough of Sorcerer's Stone, covering Chapters 7 and 8! Harry is sorted into Gryffindor House, and learns that Snape really hates him! Welcome to the show, film and theater actor Rohan Gotobed, who you might recognize from playing Young Sirius Black in DH2! Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 7: The Sorting Hat 7-Word Summary: Students arrive into the Great Hall nervously Is the Sorting Ceremony too much pressure for First Years? Should there be something easier or a private ceremony? Why is the hat kept a secret from all students and possibly not even mentioned in Hogwarts, a History? We know Hermione checked... Americans struggle with British terms example 4,723, as McGonagall tells the students to 'smarten themselves up.' New Segment Alert: The hosts play "MAX That!" bringing an element from the chapter to life as a new Harry Potter streaming series Harry has a dream that the hosts find to be VERY illuminating. Was it right for Seamus' mom to keep her magical secret from his dad? Rohan pays tribute to all of Harry's peers who made it to the Sorting Ceremony but were never seen again... Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 8: The Potions Master 7-Word Summary: Eagerly Harry begins classes with angry teacher  What were our first impressions of McGonagall, Sprout, Flitwick and Snape? New Segment: Mini Origin, where we dive into the name Quirinus and Quirrell in an effort to understand him better. Snape speaks of potions very romantically, but is he overcompensating for the lost romance of Harry's mom? The ability to spot exactly where a potion went wrong is impressive, but Snape should not be teaching students. Harry seeks refuge at Hagrid's hut, and the hosts describe their in-school hideout locations. The hosts reveal their coveted 'Most Valuable Character/Chapter of the Week' award nominees. Next Week: it's our first Muggle Mailbag episode since starting our Chapter-By-Chapter! Quizzitch: According to Book 1, if you’re in the Great Hall facing the staff table, from LEFT to RIGHT what is the order in which the houses are seated? This week's episode is brought to by The Happiness Lab Project, Stamps.com ( Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/MUGGLECAST. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapters 4 - 6 of Sorcerer's Stone! Join us as Harry learns he's a wizard, ventures to Diagon Alley and boards the Hogwarts Express for the very first time! Plus, we meet Hagrid, Ron, Hermione, Draco and more! It's been a big week in the UK. Andrew and Laura covered the good and bad that comes with The Queen and the new Prime Minister in their latest episode of #Millennial! Follow the show for free in your favorite podcast app for more fun like we have on MuggleCast! Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 4: Keeper of the Keys 7-Word Summary: Suddenly, Hagrid bursts through the door... BAM! You're a wizard, Harry!  Does Petunia’s angry response hint at her own desire to have become a wizard? Do we find Hagrid to be convincing in his claims about Harry and his parents? Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 5: Diagon Alley 7-Word Summary: Magic is being shown in the shops  Harry enters the Wizarding World for the first time! Irresponsible Hagrid: is he the right person for this job? What is with all of the Hufflepuff hatred? Inside Ollivander's: Does Harry's wand foreshadow his Hogwarts House? This scene also explains Harry's scarf colors on the U.K. cover! What do we make of Harry's Impostor Syndrome towards the end of the chapter? Main Discussion #3: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 6: The Journey From Platform 9 3/4 7-Word Summary: Aboard the train Harry meets the Weasleys  Worst to First: From The Dursleys to The Weasleys Ron & Harry: Bros forever at first sight What are Harry's first impressions of Hermione? The hosts give their Most Valuable Chapter or Wizard of the Week Next Week: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 7-9 Quizzitch: From which vault number does Hagrid retrieve the philosopher's/sorcerer's stone? This week's episode is brought to you by Backbone (visit PlayBackbone.com/MuggleCast to order your Backbone, for a limited time, and get FREE access to over 350 console games and perks), Masterclass (get 15% off an annual membership at Masterclass.com/MuggleCast) and Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on MuggleCast we bring back the most heavily listener-requested segment, Chapter by Chapter! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they begin Sorcerer's / Philosopher's Stone with Chapters 1, 2 and 3! Our read-through of the Potter series contains segments both old AND new (complete with sound effects) and the hosts are all much older now than when they first started more than 16 years ago! On this week's episode: Chapter by Chapter is rebooted! We first started the segment March 19, 2006 on Episode 31 (transcript here). What to expect from CbyC includes: 7 Word Summaries, the same (but older) hosts, and brand new segments and games. Main Discussion Part 1: Sorcerer's Stone Chapter One, "The Boy Who Lived." 7 Word Summary: Vernon thinks that people are behaving oddly Eric asks, "What are the wizards and witches thinking?! The Statute of Secrecy is at stake here!" Laura makes an excellent point about what humans do after being cooped up and being afraid for long. Was it safe for Dumbledore to leave Harry unattended on a doorstep overnight? Despite the magical protection, we ask, WERE the Dursleys the best option for Dumbledore to choose? Why didn't Albus raise Harry himself? Main Discussion Part 2: Chapter Two, "The Vanishing Glass." 7 Word Summary: Dudley can’t understand why he sucks badly Having read the whole series, how do we account for the magic that Harry did when he was young? Where exactly did the "Vanished" glass go? In the book, it is not put back. Would the zoo be able to stay in business after such an incident? The hosts get depressed about the Dursleys' abuse of Harry, which hits differently now! Main Discussion Part 3: Chapter Three, "The Letters From No One." 7 Word Summary: Chaos awaits the Dursleys everywhere and above How is it exactly that the letters change addresses for Harry? Is Vernon right, and are the Dursleys being watched? Why don't Petunia and Vernon just tell Harry who/what he is? Why are they SO resistant? The hosts play What If? regarding Harry opening his Hogwarts letter while in the foyer. Most Valuable Chapter/Character of the Week returns Next week's Quizzitch question: Who are the four known members of Dudley’s Gang, from Chapter 3 of Book 1? On next week's episode: Chapters 4-6 of Harry Potter Book One This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (Go to Indeed.com/mugglecast to start hiring now), BetterHelp (Go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast and get 10% off your first month), and MeUndies (Go to MeUndies.com/mugglecast for 20% off your first order) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To celebrate going Back to Hogwarts, each MuggleCaster brings their own Hogwarts Lesson to the table, and you better pay attention because House Points are up for grabs.  Class is now in session! Welcome Slug Club member, Robbie! Check out his wand collection on Instagram! Main Discussion: Build Your Own Hogwarts Lesson as a new year at the school kicks off. Professor Andrew teaches about the Hogwarts Express in History of Magic. Spend Muggle Studies with Professor Eric Professor Laura introduces us to Proper Spell Enunciation Explore International Wizarding Cultures with Professor Micah Professor Robbie drops some serious Wandlore knowledge on us all! Beware of pop quizzes, homework and security nightmares! Quizzitch:  From what neighborhood does Harry first (accidentally) hail the Knight Bus? On next week's episode: Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Chapters 1-3 of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone! This week's episode is brought to you by Upside (download the FREE Upside App and use promo code mugglecast to get $5 or more cash back on your first purchase of $10 or more) and BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, the subject of many a late night with Laura and her boyfriend is made into a main discussion for MuggleCast as the hosts and Marc talk through the physics of Harry Potter! Surely magical objects don't come from 'nowhere,' and there must be a magical cost for doing magic somehow? Those big questions and more are our target as Andrew, Eric, Laura, Micah and Marc put on their thinking caps and dive in! Welcome to this week's special guest, Laura's boyfriend Marc! Marc is a game designer with a passion for physics. A new trailer for Hogwarts Legacy has debuted, and we now know what all versions of the game will cost us. You might need to break into Gringotts to be able to afford the Collectors Edition!? Main Discussion: The physics of Harry Potter Just what is 'physics' and what answers does the study of physics seek to find? In the Wizarding World, is there a cost for doing magic? What kind of magic seems limitless, and what kind does not? Where does magical ability come from and how does it work? Are new magical spells created, or discovered? Next the MuggleCasters ask: where does the food come from, and where does your sh** go? What do our known laws (such as conservation of mass) have in common with Gamp's known laws of Elemental Transfiguration? We go point by point. Does the Vanishing Charm break down an object's atoms, or teleport it to a different dimension? In this week's Bonus MuggleCast available exclusively to Patrons, the hosts examine the physics of some magical objects including Invisibility Cloaks, Time Turners and Dumbledore's Deluminator. Quizzitch: In Year 4, What does Ron smush in anger after Draco taunts him about having inside-Ministry information regarding the TriWizard Tournament? Next week's episode: The hosts are building their own Hogwarts lesson! Come prepared for lectures and a pop quiz! This week's episode is brought to you by Backbone! Go to PlayBackbone.com/mugglecast NOW to order your Backbone. For a limited  time, and get FREE access to over 350 console games and perks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we’ll be continuing our conversation that began in Episode 568, where we argued in defense of some of the most controversial, least favorite, most complicated characters in Harry Potter. There were plenty of characters we didn’t get to last time, so it’s time for Round 2! Welcome back, Pat! Happy Birthday, Micah! We share the very special video he received from Dan Fogler and react to it. Hogwarts Legacy has been pushed to February 2023! What do we make of the announcement and this very cool A Hot Summer Day ASMR Video? Main Discussion: Indefensible Characters in Harry Potter, Round 2 What did Lucius Malfoy, Mundungus Fletcher, Horace Slughorn and Merope Gaunt do to put themselves in our cross-hairs? What characters do we love to hate? Professor Binns, Vernon Dursley and Cornelius Fudge make the cut! Can the hosts actually defend the indefensible? We try our best with Narcissa Malfoy and Barty Crouch Jr. New game alert: One Gotta Go Quizzitch: What did the Muggle, Mr. Roberts, say to the Weasley family as they left the Quidditch World Cup? Next week's episode: The Physics of the Wizarding World This week's episode is brought to you by: Audible's Genesis, BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and Indeed (start hiring now with a $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inspired by a popular Reddit thread, this week's episode asks the question: what was something that a 'good' character from the Harry Potter series did which rubbed us the wrong way? Are characters like Molly Weasley or Remus Lupin above reproach? You may find yourself nodding along with Andrew, Eric, Micah and special guest Chloé as they detail just what these supposed 'heroes' of the series did to get on our nerves! As we announced last week, Chapter By Chapter will be returning soon with Book One! Now that we are all grown-up. Look for it in September! Our hosts have recently appeared on each other's other podcasts, including Eric appearing on #Millennial, and Micah appearing on Thank You for Spieling! This week's main discussion was inspired by this great Reddit thread. Shout-out to Pamela G.'s brother for suggesting! Each host picks a supposedly 'good' Harry Potter character and lists their most heinous offenses. Molly Wealsey may be the motherly type, but her love is not evenly spread. What did Hermione or Fleur ever do to receive her ire? Albus Dumbledore may be the series' biggest 'good guy' after Harry, but his reckless endangerment of students via his choices for DADA staffers are preposterous. Remus Lupin was our very favorite teacher, but when it comes to being a dad or a romantic partner, his skills are somewhat lacking. Hermione's activism might win her some points, but she's much colder to anything that is somebody else's idea. Especially if she hasn't read about it in a book! Consulting the Reddit thread, the MuggleCast hosts pick a few more of their favorite examples. Why did EVERY adult let Ron use his broken and unsafe wand? Did Dobby go too far when stopping Harry's mail? Did the Weasley Twins go too far trying their products on students? August's Bonus MuggleCast will cover personal secrets from the hosts' early days podcasting and working on the Web. The latest Trelawney Tea Edition will be available exclusively via our Patreon. Quizzitch: in book canon, what color hair does Firenze have? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/mugglecast), Shudder (Stream 30 days free by using code mugglecast), and Masterclass (Get 15% off an annual subscription at Masterclass.com/mugglecast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Birthday, MuggleCast! To celebrate our 17th year of podcasting, we host a very special edition of Quizzitch Live! Do you think you know everything about our hosts? What about our special guests? How good are you with episode titles and past segments? It's time to put your MuggleCast knowledge to the test! Plus, we have a very big announcement about the future of the show! Watch the full episode of Quizzitch Live: MuggleCast, A History! It's official! Chapter-by-Chapter returns this September! This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast), MintMobile (get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks per month, and have the plan shipped to your door for FREE at MintMobile.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)! On next week's episode we're talking about things that "good" characters did that rubbed us the wrong way in the Harry Potter series! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Armed with the brand new Secrets of Dumbledore: The Complete Screenplay book, the MuggleCasters go to work finding answers for mysteries that were not made clear by the 3rd Fantastic Beasts movie, but may have been clearer during production!  What revelations do we have from the new Fantastic Beasts 3 screenplay? The MuggleCasters are hosting an Instagram Live event this Wednesday, August 3rd at 8:30 PM ET to celebrate our birthday! More birthday fun:  MuggleCast is hosting a LIVE Quizzitch game about ourselves this Saturday at 11 AM ET! Stay tuned to our social media for links. Don't miss our 2022 Patreon Gifts - The MuggleCast Collectors Club and the MuggleCast Wand! Pledge to our Patreon by August 7, 2022 and fill out the form(s) to receive your gifts! We are so proud of this year's items and hope you check them out! The Secrets of Dumbledore screenplay offers some very tiny moments that did not make it to the movie, but no deleted scenes. Dumbledore and Grindelwald's tea time was likely a flashback, the Qilin comes from China, and Jacob's bakery has some vermin trouble! Concept art provided with the screenplay includes Lally's Charms book, and Whiskey the Goat! Was Yusuf Kama passing secret messages to Queenie? Mirror World confirmed! Albus and Credence's battle takes place within the Deluminator. The visual effects department points out a fun fact. SUPREME MUGWUMP CONFIRMED! Posters for the candidates reveal the use of word that was omitted from all the dialogue in the movie. Eric cries with joy. The 'little lobster creatures' and the giant manticore at the bottom of the pit are the same creature, the screenplay confirms. Dumbledore's fist fight is detailed on his family tree, with a mysterious page number we'll be speculating about for years to come. MuggleMail includes Sorting Madame Pomfrey, James and Lily's love, whether Squibs can talk to cats, Jedi in Harry Potter, Percy's motives, and a new Marvel version of Voldemort! Quizzitch: Who succeeded Albus Dumbledore as Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards? This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/mugglecast), BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast), and MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we wrap up our month-long Deathly Hallows 15th anniversary celebration by discussing a number of "What If" scenarios from the final installment of the Harry Potter series! What if things had gone drastically different at several key moments of the seventh book? Would Harry, Ron and Hermione have found another way, or would it have just been GAME OVER? Welcome back Sequoia, from Fanatical Fics and Where to Find Them podcast! Don't miss our 2022 Patreon Gifts - The MuggleCast Collectors Club and the MuggleCast Wand! Pledge to our Patreon by August 7, 2022 and fill out the form(s) to receive your gifts! We are so proud of this year's items and hope you check them out! News: Quidditch is changing its name to Quadball We continue our Deathly Hallows 15th Anniversary Celebration! Main Discussion: What if... Deathly Hallows Edition What if... Harry had been sorted into Slytherin? What if... Harry had not inadvertently destroyed the Diary Horcrux in Chamber of Secrets? What if... Lily and James had kept Sirius as their Secret Keeper? What if... Cedric Diggory didn't die in Goblet of Fire? What if... Draco had changed allegiances and served as double agent for Dumbledore's Army? What if... he was a double agent all along? What if... Rita Skeeter never published The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore? What if... Dumbledore got it all wrong and Harry died? How would the Epilogue be different? What if... Snape never shared his memories with Harry? What if... Harry didn't disarm Draco at Malfoy Manor? What if... Draco had given up the Trio to Voldemort? What if... Ron or Hermione had died? Listener What Ifs cover Hermione leaving instead of Ron, Narcissa's confirmation of Harry's death, Dobby and more! Next Week: We will be reviewing the Secrets of Dumbledore script book and see if we can gleam any new details from it! Quizzitch: What resident of Little Hangleton is quoted as saying that Frank Bryce definitely killed the Riddles no matter what the police think? This week's episode is brought to you by Upside (Download the free Upside app and use promo code 'mugglecast' to get $5 or more cash back on your first purchase of $10 or more), Shudder (stream your first 30 days of Shudder for FREE at Shudder.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month of therapy at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the hosts grab their Time Turners and summon all the nostalgia that will fit in their beaded bag as they revisit the day after receiving Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Andrew, Eric and Laura were in London for a live podcasting event at Waterstones, and Micah was stateside. We reflect on our initial impression of the book, what things we feel differently about 15 years later, and how magical it felt to witness the "end" of an era together. Also on this episode: dramatic line readings of some Book 7 reactions and e-mails from the day after that we finally respond to! We've just announced our 2022 Patreon Gifts - The MuggleCast Collectors Club and the MuggleCast Wand! Pledge to our Patreon by August 7, 2022 and fill out the form(s) to receive your gifts! We are so proud of this year's items and hope you check them out! Main Discussion: Revisiting MuggleCast #101, our first Deathly Hallows reactions episode Why did we start off Episode 101 talking about Lord of the Rings? Eric reminds us of how things have changed since 2007. Laura and the hosts lament the lack of return to the Department of Mysteries, across two time periods! Podcasting had made all the hosts cold, hard people. Did the deaths in Book 7 really even affect them? Did any of the deaths feel 'unnecessary' to us then, and do they now? 15 years later... does the epilogue feel satisfying? And what about those names for the kids? The hosts listen to themselves predicting what the Deathly Hallows movie will entail. We read some of the most dramatic reactions to the book, found in the MuggleNet Comments Section on July 21, 2007. Listener e-mails include: Who was the late-blooming Hogwarts student? What was it about Lily's eyes? And, what happened to Kreacher? Quizzitch: Who witnessed Dumbledore using the Sword of Gryffindor to destroy the Gaunt Ring? This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month of therapy at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and HelloFresh (Get up to 16 free meals and three free gifts by going to HelloFresh.com/muggle16 and using code muggle16 at checkout!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, we begin our celebration of the 15th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by looking at the burning questions the seventh  book didn't answer. In the weeks ahead, stay tuned for more Deathly Hallows book discussions in honor of the anniversary! We're excited to announce our 2022 Patreon Gifts - The MuggleCast Collectors Club and the MuggleCast Wand! Pledge to our Patreon by August 7, 2022 and fill out the form(s) to receive your gifts! We are so proud of this year's items and hope you check them out! Main Discussion: Burning Questions Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Didn’t Answer Did Deathly Hallows provide the conclusion we all wanted? Which character(s) got the most disappointing Deathly Hallows resolution? Lavender Brown: dead or alive? What retributions (if any) were there for Death Eaters and Voldemort sympathizers after the second war? Did Kreacher live through the Battle of Hogwarts, and did he ever find out that the locket was destroyed? Gringotts, The Room of Requirement & Grimmauld Place: what happened to some of our favorite wizarding world locations? Listeners share their questions on everything from The Veil to Snape's Boggart to Fawkes and more! How did Harry figure out so much during his time at Shell Cottage? Did the snake Harry set free in Sorcerer's Stone ever make it to Brazil? Nagini & Bathilda Bagshot... HOW?!? What was the relationship like between Harry and Ginny? Luckily, Eric's filling in the gaps in his fan-fiction! Was the taboo on Voldemort's name a copout? Was Azkaban absolutely PACKED after the Battle of Hogwarts? On next week's episode, we'll revisit our reactions to Deathly Hallows after reading the book for the first time, and read old e-mails from the days just after the book was released!  Quizzitch: In Deathly Hallows, during the camping scenes, after complaining about their meal to Harry and Hermione and saying his mom can conjure food from thin air, what does Ron Summon for dinner? This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass (get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's MuggleCast, the hosts take on the most indefensible characters, and figure out what about them gets under our skin. How can we defend the actions of someone like Gilderoy Lockhart or Rita Skeeter? Do we really believe that James Potter matured out of being a bully? And finally, is Umbridge a case of nature or nurture? Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura for a deep look at characters who bug us in Harry Potter. For Pride month, MuggleCast is participating in The Hogwarts Hunt, a fundraiser and scavenger hunt to benefit LGBT charities. We're team Hufflepuff! Visit our social media for more info. Who are the most indefensible characters in Harry Potter? Why do we say that they can't they be redeemed? The hosts unexpectedly discuss a few Ravenclaws and Micah and Laura get nervous. Micah says the Death Eaters would actually approve of the Dursleys' treatment of Harry if they knew. Among the irredeemable characters, which ones do we LOVE to hate and why? Characters like Snape or Umbridge have scenes that are greatly written as to illustrate their motives clearly, and we are shook. Could anything or anyone humanize Bellatrix Lestrange? What allow us to defend some characters, but not others? Their upbringing? Their intelligence and skill? Where do we draw the line? Is Argus Filch a character we understand? Would a Squib living at a magic school always have his attitude? Is James Potter a defensible character, since we see so little of him and when we do he is still that teenage bully of Snape? Do we believe that James would have made a good father and raised Harry without prejudice, had he lived? Debate: Umbridge, Nature vs Nurture? Quizzitch: Which of Umbridge's Educational Decrees (what number) barred teachers from giving the students any information that was not related to the subjects they were hired to teach? Andrew was on Swish & Flick podcast discussing the history of Dumbledore's sexuality! Check it out here or wherever you listen to podcasts! This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and Warby Parker (Try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at WarbyParker.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, we're joined by a very special guest, Mr. Thomas Taylor, who originally illustrated Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1996!  He talks about what it was like to land the job and all that ensued! Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the book that began a phenomenon! Welcome Thomas Taylor, illustrator of the very first Harry Potter book in the UK! Thomas shares what it was like to get the job at just 23-years-old! How did he decide to illustrate the iconic Hogwarts Express scene? Did he ever speak with J.K. Rowling? What was it like to be one of the first people to ever read Harry Potter? Was he ever asked to work on the remainder of the series? Who is the mysterious gentleman on the original back cover, and what's in his pocket? Did you know there is a connection between Dumbledore and The Hobbit? Thomas shares his thoughts on the first Harry Potter movie, his favorite characters and his Hogwarts House! What was it like for him to transition from illustrator to author? Be sure to check out Taylor's other works, including The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea and follow him on Twitter and Instagram!  Quizzitch: Dumbledore’s nose appeared as though it had been broken how many times, according to the first chapter of Philosopher’s Stone? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 15% off your first order, 25% off your first Membership item, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast) and Shudder (stream your first 30 days of Shudder for FREE by going to Shudder.com and entering code MuggleCast)! Bonus MuggleCast, available later this week: In celebration of Pride Month, we had fun whipping up some gay Harry Potter pick-ups lines (parental advisory warning: these pick-up lines are of an adult nature and not suitable for children). Become a supporter of the show today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A merger of Warner Bros and Discovery, Inc. has led Andrew to speculate as to what the future of the Wizarding World may look like on film and TV. And he's prepared a presentation about it! Hosts Eric, Micah, Laura and special Slug Club guest Neil join in and speculate as to the future of Fantastic Beasts, and what - if any - television series set within the Wizarding World we might see from Discovery Time Warner. It's a jam-packed episode with lots of laughs and really cool ideas! Welcome Slug Club guest Neil, who's joining us from South Korea in the middle of the night. What CEO David Zaslav might do with Fantastic Beasts, Harry Potter, and his upcoming meeting with JKR. While Secrets of Dumbledore is the lowest performing Wizarding World film of all time, it still technically has broken even, reaching $400M globally. Is the future secure for its remaining announced sequels? Hypothetically, what scripted Harry Potter TV shows could we see coming if not a direct reboot of the original Potter books? The hosts all provide an idea for a television series that fills in canon and explores plot holes from the series. Laura wants an episode dedicated to "The Missing 24 Hours", while Micah wants a series focused on Tom Riddle's ascent to power. Is a Marauders series anybody's second choice for new TV content? How about one that shows the events of Deathly Hallows from the students' perspective in Hogwarts? And finally, Andrew's idea for an Auror Dept. police procedural is intriguing! Next, the hosts "Star Wars-ify" a Wizarding World story, pairing an adult and child character together in the style of Disney+'s The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Would Salazar Slytherin look good boasting a gray area? Are outcasts Hagrid and Luna the perfect pair for an exploration of Wizarding World secrets? Would Tonks and Mad-Eye see eye to eye if placed together for long? How about Snape and Draco? And would a time-traveling Neville Longbottom learn a few things from Professor Sprout? Finally, falling in line with Discovery Channel's past offerings, the hosts predict which educational and/or questionable reality programming we might get from the content creators. Ideas include space-faring wizards, Charms disasters, a travel show, and "Trelawney Truckers"! Quizzitch: Who illustrated the first book cover for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, published in 1997 by Bloomsbury in UK? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (visit MeUndies.com/MuggleCast for 15% off your first order and 25% off your first membership item), Framebridge (Use promo code 'muggle' for 15% off your first order), and BetterHelp (Go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore with the MuggleCasters in our movie commentary track! We had a ton of fun watching the movie together and making sense of everything that's going on. What are each character's motives? What are we noticing now that we're watching in the comfort of our own homes? Even the credits had a surprise that a couple of us weren't aware of! We discuss every moment of the movie as we watch it together! The Secrets of Dumbledore was just released on HBO Max, and now you can watch the movie in real time with your Harry Potter friends (Us). You will need to bring your own copy of the movie to get the full experience. Currently it's available on HBO Max and will be released on DVD/Blu-Ray/Digital at the end of June. At the beginning of the episode we help you sync up with us. Our sync point is just after the WB logo flies past the camera. For us, this was 53 seconds into the movie, but your timecode may differ if you don't have a HBO ad at the beginning. This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and Masterclass (Get 15% off an annual subscription by visiting Masterclass.com/mugglecast). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Micah and Eric talk about what Fantastic Beasts 4 needs to do in order to keep fans interested in the franchise. Then open our Muggle Mailbag to take feedback on Secrets of Dumbledore. Plus... Alakazam! Can wizards and witches really use spoons to do magic? Main Mini-Discussion: What does Fantastic Beasts 4 need to do in order to be a satisfying story for fans? With where Secrets of Dumbledore left us, what more story is there to tell?  Can the franchise continue to hang its hooks on Potter nostalgia, but then fail to deliver? Do we feel there is enough meat for five Fantastic Beasts films? Could a flashback movie work? It's time to bust open the Muggle Mailbag! What did Grindelwald know about Dumbledore's future when he said: "Who's going to love you now?" Will Jude Law's Dumbledore ever reenact the Half-Blood Prince potion scene? Is Secrets of Dumbledore too gay? Did Dumbledore plan for Jacob to be an "assassin" all along? Why did Leta choose Theseus? Is Newt to blame? Which characters are the best examples from each Hogwarts House? Can you use spoons to do magic? Quizzitch: In Half-Blood Prince, during the cave scene, what does Dumbledore toast before drinking the potion? On next week's episode: we're off for the Memorial Day Holiday, but back the following week with our Secrets of Dumbledore movie commentary! This week's episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile (to get your new wireless plan for just $15 bucks/month and get the plan shipped to your door for FREE, visit MintMobile.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices