Harry Potter and the Reread Podcast: Recent Episodes
David Janssen and Kyle Jahns
It’s been a few years since podcast hosts Kyle and David have picked up a Harry Potter book. Join them on the Harry Potter and the Re-read Podcast as they dust off their old HP books and re-explore the magic of Hogwarts and the Harry Potter universe. In each episode, Kyle and David will break down a few chapters from the series, providing fun and engaging takes and re-living the Harry Potter experience.
After staking out the entrance to the Ministry of Magic, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are now ready to concoct their plan to breach it. Hosts David and Kyle commend the trio's efforts to infiltrate the Ministry, discuss the quirks of British addresses (are houses really numbered sequentially?), the transformation of Kreacher and think back to if the "toad woman" reveal was actually a surprise the first time they read the series.
The crew is holed up at Grimmauld Place and gets an unexpected visit from one of Harry's mentors Remus Lupin. Let's just say it doesn't end well and leads to quite the argument. Plus we learn some more about what's going on in the outside world from some Daily Prophet articles. Hosts David and Kyle break down the fight, who was in the wrong, and what to make of how the Death Eaters have efficiently taken control of the wizarding world.
Now that Harry, Ron and Hermione are at Grimmauld Place, they make a connection to the note they found in the fake Horcrux locket. Kreacher comes through for the gang as the house elf gives Harry some context on what happened to the real Horcrux. Plus, Harry gets to see the writing of someone he never imagined he'd have the chance to see in person.
A re-read podcast has been very beneficial for our hosts David and Kyle as they don't recall much from the latest Deathly Hallows chapter, A Place to Hide. Do you remember more about this chapter than our hosts? We take you through Harry, Ron and Hermione's initial escape from the Death Eaters after the wedding, where they go, who they're chased by (plus how it shows how efficient Harry can be under pressure) and how they end up at Grimmauld Place.
The day is finally upon us for Bill and Fleur's wedding. Hosts Kyle and David discuss how the plan to disguise Harry is quite ingenious and some of the guests at the wedding including a returning character from the Goblet of Fire. We get a little bit of lore and world building context to learn about the Deathly Hallows and other wandmakers in the wizarding world before all hell is about to break lose with the worst kind of wedding crashers: Death Eaters.
It's the day before Bill and Fleur's wedding and it's also Harry's birthday. Hosts David and Kyle discuss where this ranks in regards to Harry's all-time birthdays and it's pretty high up there - even though crusty old Rufus Scrimgeour manages to spoil the mood a little bit. He comes by with some handy trinkets for the crew, courtesy of Dumbledore's will. Talk about leaving vague puzzles for Harry even after death!
The Burrow is getting ready for the Bill-Fleur wedding and Molly is doing everything she can to prevent Harry, Ron and Hermione from planning their secret mission. David and Kyle talk about how Molly is only delaying the inevitable and also how she struggles to come to terms with them taking on a deadly mission. Plus more on the lengths Hermione and Ron are going through to protect their families as they prepare to leave.
We deal with the immediate aftermath of the Seven Potters plan as members of the Order of the Phoenix make it back to The Burrow. A certain amount of tension is brewing as we learn of another important member of the Order is dead and how another member seems to reluctantly step up as the de facto leader. Plus, when will Harry realize that running away from others isn't going to save them from the Death Eaters in the long run? All that and more in this episode.
Ah, yes, the infamous Seven Potters plan. Turned out it didn't quite go exactly as the Order of the Phoenix was hoping. Hosts David and Kyle recap how Harry's transfer from Privet Drive to The Burrow goes, add a new list to their saddest deaths list and think of other ways the group could have transferred Harry that would have been much, much better. Invisibility cloaks, anyone?
Harry bids farewell to the Dursleys for the final time of the series in a bit of an awkward moment. Hosts David and Kyle discuss the state of mind of each character during the farewell and some character growth for one Dursley family member in particular. Plus, a discussion on why the majority of wizards make terrible undercover spies in the Muggle world.
Harry cleans room. Harry reads newspapers. Harry is sad and a little frustrated. While that sums up chapter two of the Deathly Hallows, hosts David and Kyle break it down a bit more as they discuss Dumbledore's obituary, a salacious interview with Rita Skeeter and general wound care.
We're back for the final season of the re-read! Today, hosts David and Kyle break down the opening chapter of The Deathly Hallows and discuss the inner workings of the Death Eaters as they have a dinner party at Malfoy Manor. We discuss the differences in how the Death Eaters operate from the Order of the Phoenix, honour the short-lived life of Charity Burbage, and what we learn in this opening chapter of the final book of the series.
The final chapter of the Half-Blood Prince! Hosts David and Kyle discuss some of the old characters who return to Hogwarts to pay their respects to Dumbledore and how Harry's actions in this chapter set up the plot for the next book. Plus, they talk about their overall thoughts and opinions on the book.
Stay tuned for the movie re-watch in Spring 2025!
Hosts David and Kyle discuss The Phoenix Lament, essentially the aftermath of the big battle in Hogwarts. Hosts David and Kyle discuss how this chapter wraps up a few of the loose ends from the book, including what has made Tonks so upset, how Fleur will fit in with the Weasley family and who exactly is the Half-Blood Prince.
We're back with an action sequence this week on the podcast. David and Kyle discuss whether Dumbledore dying is really what un-did Harry's frozen state, and if so, how does it not undo some of his other magic? Plus the growth of Harry from basically lucking out of situations when he was younger to taking matters into his own hands this chapter.
Spoiler alert: Snape kills Dumbledore. Hosts David and Kyle re-live the infamous scene through the lens of the re-read and discuss Malfoy's feeble (and not-so-feeble) attempt to off his headmaster this past school year. Plus they recap what it's like to read this scene once again and how it certainly leaves ambiguity in Snape's allegiances for a first-time reader (heck, even a re-reader).
A Horcrux. Inferi. Fire. And Dumbledore swimming? Hosts David and Kyle break down Harry and Dumbledore's trip to the cave to retrieve a Horcrux and go in-depth about Voldemort's plan to protect it.
Our hosts are back for one of the final chapters before we get to the action in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. David and Kyle discuss Trelawney's admission to Harry, which fuels his distrust for Snape event more. Plus we see our first signs of what is come to close out this book.
Love is in the air. But so is some nasty dark magic. We reach a peak in the Harry-Ginny relationship, but we also see Harry using some careless magic to get back at his long-time rival Draco. Plus, hosts David and Kyle discuss seeing a more sympathetic side of Draco.
Have you ever wondered what Harry's true power, "love," really is? Today's episode breaks that down, in addition to learning some crucial points the entire Harry Potter story as Harry and Dumbledore review Slughorn's true conversation with Tom Riddle about Horcruxes.
Are you feeling lucky? Harry sure does in After the Burial after taking his Felix Felicis potion to obtain a crucial horcrux-laden memory from Professor Slughorn. But is this really what Harry wanted to use the potion for? All this and how it leads to a drunken evening for some of the characters in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
Ever have that one idea that you can't shake and get out of your head? Hosts David and Kyle discuss this concept as Harry learns something new about what Draco's been up to this school year and how it becomes a distraction. Plus the hosts review a really enjoyable exchange between Dobby and Kreacher who have become quite the dynamic duo.
Things are picking up in the Half-Blood Prince as hosts David and Kyle discuss the two latest memories Dumbledore shares with Harry, peaking with a strained exchange between Dumbledore and Lord Voldemort. Which wizard ultimately had the upper hand?
Hosts David and Kyle explore the aftermath of Ron's poisoning, which includes a visit from the Weasley family, a hint at a Ron/Hermione reconciliation and terribly played quidditch. Plus, the hosts are on point when it comes to giving Madam Pomfrey her due credit for a killer line this chapter.
Hosts David and Kyle discuss some of the recently rumoured cast to be involved in the new Harry Potter HBO reboot. Then they break down the next chapter of the Half-Blood Prince, which involves Harry managing his friendships with Ron and Hermione, why there are no books on Horcruxes in the Hogwarts Library and why Ron thinks he's entitled to floor chocolate.
Would Voldemort have succeeded more in his goals if he relied on charm instead of terror? Hosts David and Kyle ponder this as they take a look at some of the new memories Dumbledore has procured: A visit back to where Lord Voldemort's mother grew up and then a tampered memory from Professor Slughorn, which opens up the concept of Horcruxes.
Hosts David and Kyle get their first in-depth look at the new Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour. It turns out the new Minister is different than his predecessor but more of the same when it comes to operating a functioning government. That, plus a return to the Burrow for Christmas, means we revisit Molly's reluctance to accept Fleur into the family and an update on what Remus Lupin has been up to.
There ain't no party like a Slughorn Party because a Slughorn Party don't stop. Hosts David and Kyle discuss the practicality of hosting such an extravagant party during peril and heightened security, and Harry's overheard conversation between Snape and Malfoy, which confirms a lot of his suspicions.
In the latest chapter re-cap, hosts David and Kyle dive into Ron's lucky day on the Quidditch pitch and how it shapes into an emotional rollercoaster as he and Hermione sort out their relationship.
Let's dive deeper into Lord Voldemort's villain origin story. Hosts David and Kyle break down Dumbledore's memory of meeting Tom Riddle Jr. for the first time: How his desire to be extraordinary started from an early age, how Harry and Voldemort's upbringings compared and contrasted, and how he probably could have been immortal if he wasn't obsessed with trinkets and trophies.
Harry continues down a reckless path of trusting everything that is written in his textbook by the Half-Blood Prince. Hosts David and Kyle discuss how this will backfire, and review the first trip of the school year to Hogsmeade, which ends in harm to Katie Bell and more suspicion on Draco Malfoy (if you're Harry, anyway).
How would hosts David and Kyle run a quidditch tryout? Probably not in the manner that Harry ran his. The hosts break down the ever-popular Gryffindor quidditch tryout, a resolution with Hagrid over not taking Care of Magical Creatures and if the price of textbooks are impacted by wizard inflation.
If you're into Harry Potter lore, then this is the episode for you. Hosts David and Kyle break down Harry and Dumbledore investigating Voldemort's villian origin story. And much like any other villain origin story, it starts with some generation trauma. Listen on as we explore Voldemort's parents: Merope Gaunt and Tom Riddle.
Isn't it fun when we get to the title chapters? This week classes start at Hogwarts, but this time hosts David and Kyle are taking it more in stride than previous books. The hosts discuss their first impressions of Snape in the Defence Against the Dart Arts role and the new Professor Slughorn in Potions. Also, there's a good amount of romantic foreshadowing in this book that is fun to pick up on during the re-read.
Harry and his friends are back at Hogwarts, and it got hosts David and Kyle thinking: What is the quickest it takes Harry to arrive at school in each of the books? Listen now and see how soon it takes the students to arrive at Hogwarts in The Half-Blood Prince compared to other books in the series; the answer may surprise you. Oh, and Snape finally achieves his life-long dream.
Hosts David and Kyle get another look at the new professor, Horace Slughorn, and one host finds his presence on the Hogwarts Express a little gross. Harry becomes fixated/obsessed with spying on Draco, which doesn't end well for him in this chapter. Plus, is Hermione a psychopath? The answer isn't necessarily a straight no.
Sneaky little Draco is off doing sneaky little things in Diagon Alley, so Harry, Ron and Hermione decide to try and be sneaky themselves in a chapter full of stealth, cabinets and extendable ears. Hosts David and Kyle discuss the success of Fred and George's new store and why it was very irresponsible for our three lead characters to sneak off after Draco Malfoy.
Harry is back at The Burrow and there is a surprise guest joining them this summer. Hosts David and Kyle discuss Harry's return to the Weasleys and their first impressions of how the main characters treat this new guest. Also, the hosts discuss that while the Ron/Hermione romance might come out of left field for many readers, a lot of off-page development occurs during chapters like this one.
It's what you Harry Potter fans are looking for 42 minutes on Horace Slughorn! Hosts David and Kyle break down their first impressions of Professor Slughorn along with the first conversation Dumbledore has with Harry adult-to-adult. Slughorn is an interesting character and our hosts have differing views on his first impression in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
It's a chapter that hosts David and Kyle had completely forgotten about during the latest reread podcast episode. This chapter almost reads like a crossover episode as Albus Dumbledore visits the Dursley's residence and soon whisks Harry away back into the magical world. Plus, what do "will" and "won't" exactly mean in this chapter?
Another chapter, not from the vantage point of Harry and hosts David and Kyle, are impressed. In this chapter, they discuss a meeting between Snape, Narcissa Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange at Spinner's End. It starts with intrigue and ends with some pretty lofty promises. What's going on, and how does this chapter do such a good job of shaping Snape's character for the rest of the series?
Hosts David and Kyle are ecstatic to open the sixth season of the podcast and begin discussing Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The book kicks off with one of the best opening chapters in the series
It is the longest book and the second shortest movie. Does Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix exceed the (low) expectations of the book? Hosts David and Kyle are joined by special guests for a round-table discussion about the fifth Harry Potter movie, including some new outstanding cast members, how the movie adaptation fares to the book and concepts that could have been different. Tune in now and stay tuned for the next season featuring a re-read of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
We made it! David and Kyle recap the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and recap the book in general. Discussion includes their most and least favourite parts, what they had forgotten, and what they now think of the least-favoured book after a re-read. While there are certainly some ups and downs in the book, there's no denying how crucial this one is to setting up the overall plot. Enjoy!
100th EPISODE!
David and Kyle celebrate 100 episodes of the Reread Podcast with the best chapter of the series so far. We see a range of emotions shared by Harry and Dumbledore in their most in-depth conversation yet. This chapter arguably begins the next Act of the overall series and our hosts are here for it.
The duel continues and after what's been a very long and - at times - arduous read, hosts David and Kyle are treated to one of the best battles of the entire book: A Dumbledore vs. Voldemort showdown inside the Department of Mysteries. This chapter marks a turning point in the series as Dumbledore and Harry go from scapegoats to leaders and heroes of the upcoming war against Voldemort, and it's a thrill to read.
If you're a fan of action sequences, then this chapter is just for you. But for one of our hosts, it's just too much. It does of course end with the death a beloved (?) character. Join hosts David and Kyle as they work their way through the action during this Department of Mysteries battle and why it looks terrible if your name is Lucius Malfoy.
Thes-trals? Thres-trals? Thres-tals? Whatever they are, our cast of young wizards and witches have disbanded in the heart of London and have finally discovered the Department of Mysteries. But much like any unhealthy fixation, Harry discovered the end goal isn't what he expected. Join hosts David and Kyle for the latest episode.
We get a fight and we get flight. Harry, Hermione and Umbridge are heading out to the Forbidden Forest looking for the 'weapon' in an attempt to get rid of Umbridge. However, the plan backfires until Hargid's half-brother comes along and then hosts David and Kyle wonder if they'll ever see him again in the series? Plus, Harry is still honed in on the Department of Mysteries and makes the escape to London on deathly wings.
Well, Harry is like a dog without a bone in this chapter and he's pretty serious about finding Sirius. Will his friends be able to convince him that his reactive plan might make things worse? Hosts David and Kyle talk about the plan to break into Umbrdige's office to contact Sirius and some of the unexpected help from some minor characters.
If you love books full of descriptions of students going to classes and taking tests, then do we have the podcast for you! Hosts David and Kyle make their way through the next chapter, O.W.L.S., where the fifth-year students at Hogwarts take their standardized tests and cap things off with a dreamy outro with severe consequences for Harry.
So what the heck has Hagrid been up to this year at Hogwarts? Turns out he's hoarding a secret half-brother in the woods and decides to get Harry and Hermione in on the fun. PLUS more Quidditch. How practical is Hagrid's plan? Hosts David and Kyle discuss more on this week's episode.
What do you want to be when you grow up? This is the question being asked of fifth years in the latest chapter of the OoTP. But hosts David and Kyle wonder about the timing of this type of discussion. Regardless, this chapter features an incredible scene between McGonagall and Umbridge trading verbal darts, breaking into Umbridge's kitten-themed office and a glorious exit from the Weasley twins.
Have you ever had a core belief of yours totally shattered? Well, it happens to Harry in the latest chapter recap. But as we know, Harry is totally capable of managing his emotions and works his way through, right? Of course not. Hosts David and Kyle discuss Snape's Worst Memory, the Inquisitorial Squad, a suspicious tea time with Umbridge and more in the latest episode.
Hosts David and Kyle break down the latest OoTP chapter and discuss the new style of Divination classes provided by Firenze the Centaur. But that's only the start, as there's some drama within the DA, which leads to an epic escape from Hogwarts from its illustrious Headmaster. When will Cornelius Fudge ever score a win? Spoiler alert: Not in this chapter.
David and Kyle are back to review the latest Order of the Phoenix chapter. Does Hermione's Rita Skeeter plan work out? Harry continues to have "dreams" involving Voldemort and our hosts wonder: is he EVEN trying with the Occlumency? And Trelawney gets the long-awaited book, but why is it so important that she stays in Hogwarts?
Voldemort's happy because all of his little friends from Azkaban have come out to play, and the culprit - in the eyes of the Ministry, at least - is none other than Sirius Black. Hosts David and Kyle discuss this, along with Harry's awkward first date with Cho, Hermione's missteps, and Rita Skeeter's return. Check it out!
The Christmas break is over and Harry is back at Hogwarts and taking err...remedial Potions? Just kidding, he and Snape are practising Occlumency in this chapter. Sirius Black, who has been fairly chipper over the past couple of chapters is also making some decisions that our hosts David and Kyle think will come back to bite him.
It's a Christmas miracle! Hosts Kyle and David totally forget about the return of this character in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It makes for a fun bit of reading in what's otherwise kind of a dark chapter where Harry finds himself in a spiral and we learn some more about Neville's family life. Get all the deets now!
Harry has just had a terrible vision and he's heading straight off to the office of the aloof Albus Dumbledore. Hosts David and Kyle agree that Dumbledore handles the situation quite well and are impressed with a cool new reveal about how portraits can travel between various photos of themselves to new locations for intel. All that, plus our first look at St. Mungo's Hospital and the return of Sirius who actually acts like an adult for once?
Hosts David and Kyle are back to discuss the recent events at Hogwarts following the return of Hagrid. Our cast of main characters have their first Care for Magical Creatures class with Hagrid and we learn a couple of things: 1) Harry hasn't gone insane, and 2) Professor Umbridge is racist....like really really racist. There are some awkward romantic feelings Harry has to work through, and we end the chapter with an interesting attack on a beloved character from an interesting point of view.
He's baaaaaaack! Hagrid has returned to Hogwarts, and the crew meets up with him to see what the lovable oaf has been up to while away from the school. Hosts David and Kyle talk about Hagrid's journey through the mountains to recruit Giants and also have to give Professor Umbridge her flowers in this chapter. While she is not liked in this podcast, she's on top of things.
Guess what? It's a Quidditch chapter! Hosts David and Kyle work their way through the Gryffindor vs Slytherin quidditch match and the "muggle duelling" that occurs afterwards and leads to serious consequences for Harry. Oddly enough, one of our hosts actually agrees with the severity of Umbridge's punishment.
Dumbledore's Army is officially here. Hosts David and Kyle review Harry's first Expelliarmus lesson and why it is a practical first choice of lesson. Is naming the group after Dumbledore a smart idea, though? This episode also features a discussion on how the Room of Requirement is one of the best plot devices in the series and also the return of Dobby the House Elf.
Our hosts discuss the controversial Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four, which was introduced at Hogwarts and how it provides Umbridge with even more control at the school. Kyle and David discuss a small part of this chapter that's used within the Hogwarts Legacy video game and question the many loopholes and inadequacies of the Decree itself.
NOTE: Some technical difficulties were experienced while recording, please excuse some of the audio.
This week, Kyle and David take on In The Hog's Head in the latest Order of the Phoenix review. Both hosts agree it is nice to read about something beyond classes for once. We meet a ton of new characters, as well as learn some new revelations about secondary characters we've come to know throughout the series.
Delores Umbridge has made her mark in Hogwarts. In this chapter, her new role as Hogwarts High Inquisitor is announced and hosts David and Kyle break down her first order of actions: assessing all of the teachers. Harry also has trouble keeping his tongue under wraps and continues to pile on detentions higher than a wingardium leviosa'd feather.
David and Kyle are back with their recap of the latest Order of the Phoenix chapter, Percy and Padfoot where we learn more about the titular characters, Percy Weasley and Sirius Black. Percy is becoming further estranged from his family, which the hosts remember during their re-read, but they spend some time discussing the key differences between the movie Sirius and the book Sirius, with the latter being not as likeable. Also, a minor character continues to be mentioned in the fifth book and the hosts clue in on what kind of impact they'll have in the plot later on.
In this week's episode, David and Kyle discuss Harry's infamous detentions with Delores Umbridge and question how something like this can happen within the confines of a school. Ron is also named keeper of the Gryffindor quidditch team and the hosts have very different opinions on his appointment.
David and Kyle are back to discuss the first day of classes during Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts: History of Magic (how does one make Giant Wars boring?), Potions (Snape is still terrible to Harry), Divination (Can confirm that Hermione still doesn't take it) and Defence Against the Dark Arts. It's in this last class where things get interesting. Why are the students not practising defensive spells? Was Harry's outburst warranted? Plus we get to see a new side of a professor who steals the show this chapter.
David and Kyle discuss these three key topics from the 11th chapter of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: 1. The Sorting Hat's new song (why aren't people more concerned?; how brave can an 11-year-old really be?), 2. Professor Umbridge's introduction speech (i.e. how to out your evil plan to everyone without really outing your evil to everyone.) and 3. Harry vs. Seamus (who was in the wrong? and a debate on whether Ron handled the situation properly as prefect).
All aboard the Hogwarts Express! Harry and his friends board the train to school in this chapter but hosts David and Kyle spend a lot of time talking about a decision Sirius Black makes en route to the station. Once on the train, Harry is separated from Ron and Hermione and we meet a new key character in the series: Luna Lovegood. Plus, the appreciation for Ginny Weasley continues this week.
Harry is a free boy! Hosts Davis and Kyle talk about the aftermath of Harry's trial, the two new Gryffindor prefects and Mrs. Weasley's deepest and greatest fears as Voldemort rises to power. This chapter really shows the reader how dangerous the upcoming war will be and foreshadows some of the trauma the Weasleys will experience down the line.
Today's reread episode is all about the wizarding justice system. Should it come as any surprise that hosts David and Kyle can't make sense of it? Where are the wizard lawyers? Do they really just vote on people's innocence with a casual showing of hands? Is Minister Fudge still a terrible character? All of this is answered and more!
A short episode for a chapter where not much goes on. Here's the summary: Harry arrives at the Ministry of Magic for his trials early. He learns it's been moved to a different location and earlier time. He rushes to get there. Hosts David and Kyle break down who might be responsible for this last-minute change and why, along with some other small details from the latest chapter of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
A secret weapon you say? The Order of the Phoenix mentions one and says that Voldemort is after it. Kyle and David discuss what it is, and if it's actually a weapon or not. Plus we learn more about the family of Sirius Black and how the pure-bloods of the world are kind of...err...incestuous.
Hosts David and Kyle ring the bell on the battle between Sirius Black and Molly Weasley over Harry's right to know what's been going on within the Order of the Pheonix. Which character has the moral high ground? Spoiler alert: neither; both are pretty nasty to each other. In this chapter, we discuss the argument as well as how Harry and Sirius can bond over feelings of inadequacy and uselessness.
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How much is your original edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone worth? Hosts David and Kyle discuss this after watching a video about the book's worth before diving into the latest Order of the Phoenix Chapter. In this episode, Harry's temper tantrum is evaluated. Is it understandable why he's losing it on his friends? Or is he worthy of another Least Valuable Player selection this week? Also: The Ministry is going to great lengths to smear Harry's name. Why?
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Harry has way too many wizards visiting his aunt and uncle's home. Most of them are on the verge of irrelevance, but there's a few key returning characters and a new one who will likely become a fan favourite. On this week's podcast hosts David and Kyle discuss the Advance Guard's plan to move Harry out of the Dursley home, and why Harry continues to be a little bit of a brat.
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Is 'A Peck of Owls' a candidate for the best HP chapter title ever? Hosts David and Kyle think so! In this episode, the hosts review the next chapter of Order of the Phoenix where Mrs. Figgs, Harry, Dudley and Mr. and Mrs. Dursley deal with the aftermath of the Dementors attack. Also, a surprising character steps up to reveal they know more about the wizarding world than they're letting on. And of course, there's a peck of owl deliveries to discuss as well.
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The guys are back! David and Kyle return for a re-read of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Will it remain the most boring book of the series? Or will our hosts find some redeeming qualities that were missed on past reads? It certainly starts hot with arguably the greatest opening chapter of the series so far. Also: a Hogwarts Legacy discussion and an orchestra performance of the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets score.
David and Kyle are joined by special guests Lindsay and Katrina to discuss the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire movie. Join us for some lively discussion as a the crew gets down to business talking some new characters, some book movie differences, and of course ranking stuff.
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The guys have done it! Hosts David and Kyle have finished Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. What were their favourite parts? Their least favourite parts? And how does this book's ending set up what is essentially the second act of the over-arching plot of the Harry Potter series? All this and more in our final book recap for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
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Hosts David and Kyle re-witness a very cool piece of magic that occurs when brother wands meet in combat and it is something that manages to save Harry from a deadly experience. The hosts discuss Harry's final intense moments in the graveyard with Voldemort and which dead character returns to nearly ruin the moment. From there, we're back at Hogwarts with another major reveal: Mad-Eye Moody is not who we thought he was. All that and in more as we get closer to the end of the fourth Harry Potter book.
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The entire series is about to take a dark turn. Hosts David and Kyle discuss a major death from Harry Potter and Goblet of Fire, the rise of Voldemort and the return of his Death Eaters. Our hosts break down some of Voldemort's characteristics and cockiness while also discussing the surprisingly small amount of Death Eaters in the wizarding world despite the group's control over the wizarding world 13 years earlier.
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David and Kyle are all about the Third Task on this week's episode. Is it a good spectator event? How could Harry and Cedric have handled the whole portkey thing differently? Why was Harry's path to the cup so easy? And was Sirius Black the LEAST valuable character? Tune in now.
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Voldemort is inching closer to his return to the world of Harry Potter, and it is becoming more clear after hosts David Janssen and Kyle Jahns tackle two recap chapters in today's episode: The Dream and The Pensieve. The hosts discuss Harry's "dream", followed by the aftermath in the second chapter which introduces a really cool magical instrument that will be featured in every book from here on out - the Pensieve. Check out the latest episode today.
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You know a book is getting pretty good when an old man in a fugue state starts galloping around the woods. Hosts David Janssen and Kyle Jahns are talking The Madness of Mr. Crouch in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. In addition to a mad Mr. Crouch, the hosts discuss Hermione's maturity when coming under public fire from a Rita Skeeter article and share their shame and disappointment in a well-respected character who shows their disdain for Hermione.
He's back! A fan-favourite character returns in this chapter of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Sirius Black is back, and he reveals a lot of crucial information about a key character in the book. Hosts David and Kyle break down the return of Sirius Black and how it sets up the rest of the book. They also discuss the latest Witches' Weekly gossip column written by Rita Skeeter and how it's pretty sad for a grown woman to be attacking a teenage girl. Hermione, to her credit, responds perfectly, and it sets her forward in her ultimate goal of taking Rita Skeeter down once and for all.
On to the Second Task! Hosts David Janssen and Kyle Jahns take a deep dive into Chapter 26 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: The Second Task. We learn more about Harry's inner psyche in this chapter (does he really ALWAYS need to be the hero?), how Dobby is the true MVP of the chapter and a bit on the task itself and the methods each champion used to find (or in one case not find) success. Listen now!
The Egg and the Egg...we mean the Egg and the Eye. In this episode, hosts David and Kyle break down Harry FINALLY figuring out what kind of clue the golden egg contains, as well as a tense discussion Harry overhears between Professors Snape and Mad-Eyed Moody. A character narrowly avoids having their mastermind plan ruined in this episode, but some quick thinking on getting the Marauders Map out of Harry's hands closes a pretty big plot hole in the book.
Rita Skeeter releases her embellished and scathing article on Hagrid that sends the latter into hiding for a while at Hogwarts. Hosts David Janssen and Kyle Jahns discuss the article and its fallout, Harry's continued avoidance of the Golden Egg and touch on a lot of foreshadowing on display in chapter 24 of Harry Potter and Goblet of Fire.
Hosts David and Kyle take a break from reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to read something produced by the WB Network for a couple of chapters. Just kidding, it's the 'hormone' chapters from the fourth book in the series as Harry and Ron try and find dates to the upcoming Yule Ball. This episode breaks down all of the drama, awkwardness and developing relationships that will set the tone for much of the series to come.
On this week's episode, David and Kyle get a look at the Hogwarts kitchen and are re-introduced to a legendary character in the Harry Potter series, while also discussing some of the topics relating to Hermione's house elf movement. Rita Skeeter also makes another appearance in the book, which only spells bad news for Hagrid later on.
"The Chinese Fireball! Ooooooooooooh!"
Our four champions are taking on The First Task in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Hosts David and Kyle break down the dragon-fuelled first task and how each champion takes on the event, the book title "Men Who Love Dragons Too Much", and how "Accio golden egg" probably could have made everyone's lives a little easier.
We're inching closer to the First Task in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but first hosts David and Kyle discuss the aftermath after the initial shock of learning dragons will be involved. Are dragons a good fit for a first task? (Spoiler alert: No) But before we learn about the dragon, the feud between Harry and Ron continues, and our hosts are surprised to learn that Harry is acting pettier between the two. All of that, plus a visit from Sirius Black in this week's episode.
Our hosts are back and reacting to...well...Harry reacting to being entered in the Triwizard Tournament and the divide it is causing not only between Harry and his classmates but also his best friend. David and Kyle learn more about the champions competing in this prestigious event, but also have some questions about the secretive 'Weighing of the Wands' ceremony.
Is it really a Harry Potter Reread podcast unless hosts David and Kyle question some of the logic of the wizarding world? That's certainly the case as they explore the structure associated with naming the champions of the Triwizard Tournament and how an inanimate object might not have been the way to determine the three - we mean four! - students who will compete in the Triwzard Tournament.
Tune in as David and Kyle discuss the two new schools that will play a major part in Harry Potter and Goblet of Fire: Beauxbatons and Durmstrang. The two schools don't have much in common and certainly stand out from what we as readers have grown to assume is the norm at Hogwarts. From a literal giant to dark arts and alleged Death Eater ties, this episode takes a closer look at the school and how they juxtapose Hogwarts.
Turning your student into a ferret. A good idea of a bad idea? David and Kyle are back with recaps of the next two Goblet of Fire chapters. This week we're back in the classroom at Hogwarts and talking a little bit about Mad-Eyed Moody. The new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor makes a big impression by turning a student into a ferret and also gives the students a front-row seat to the 'Unforgiveable Curses', which impacts a few students more than others. Check out the latest episode!
The guys discuss the Triwizard Tournament in the latest Reread episode. David and Kyle take on topics such as how this chapter title probably would have been a better title for the book, Harry's first time seeing the Sorting Hat ceremony since his first year, Dumbledore's ulterior motives to wanting to hold the Triwizard Tournament for the first time in over 100 years, an official introduction to Mad-Eyed Moody, and more!
Music by: Kenez Nonwar/YouTube
Let's be honest, there isn't too much to occur in Chapters 9 & 10 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, but hosts David and Kyle break them down and sift out some subtle - yet important - foreshadowing when it comes to characters we are yet to meet in the book. Listen on as they discuss more about a Rita Skeeter plot point in Mayhem at the Ministry and a Mad-Eyed Moody hint in Aboard the Hogwarts Express.
We're back this week, and it's all about the Dark Mark on the Harry Potter Re-read Podcast. David and Kyle break down the chaos following the Quidditch World Cup final and discuss some of the decisions and accusations the characters lay upon each other. There's a lot going on in this chapter, and a re-read provides some clarity on why Barty Crouch reacts the way he does when the Dark Mark emerges in the middle of the night.
David and Kyle are back for an episode almost entirely on the logistics of the Quidditch World Cup and its entirely flawed system. Listen in as the guys talk about everything from the chaos occurring inside the muggle-run campground to the Quidditch World Cup final where there was just as much to watch on the pitch as there was in the air. We also meet two new Ministry of Magic characters who both carry plenty of baggage that we'll learn more about later in this book.
Music by: Kenez Nonwar/YouTube
The trek to the Quidditch World Cup begins! Hosts David and Kyle discuss meeting some new members of the Weasley family, the logistics of travelling to the world cup through portkey and meeting another pair of new characters en route to the campground in this week's episode.
Three for the price of one! David and Kyle take on three Goblet of Fire chapters this week on the podcast. The hosts discuss tropical messenger birds, a fan-fiction-like meeting between muggles and wizards and more.
Music by: Kenez Nonwar/YouTube
David and Kyle crack open Harry Potter and Goblet of Fire for the first time in a long time. The book begins in a different way than the previous three. The hosts break down the narrative and how it sets up what will surely be an enjoyable 636-page read.
Music by: Kenez Nonwar/YouTube
David and Kyle are joined by special guests Michelle and Katrina to discuss the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban movie, and the varying opinions of the film were surely going to cause a rift greater than the one seen between Ron and Hermione in the book. But surprisingly, the crew come to an understanding and had some great discussions about how both the book and movie have cemented themselves as one of the most influential editions in the Harry Potter series. Check out the debate and discussion in the latest Harry Potter Reread Podcast episode.
Bonus Time! We're back with a mini episode because last time we forgot to talk about the MVPs of the book during our wrap up.
This week we finish the book! Hermione and Harry go back in time to save Sirius and Buckbeak, we relive a lot of what just happened, and then Harry casts a patronus to save everyone. Sirius escapes on Buckbeak and Snape loses his mind. Lupin resigns so he thinks its cool to give the map and cloak back to Harry. Harry and Dumbledore have their traditional end of book chit chat and Ron gets a new pet.
We also recap the highs and lows of the book and try to figure out how time travel works
This week Snape jumps to all the wrong conclusions and then gets knocked out by three thirds years. Scabbers is revealed to be Peter Pettigrew and we learn that Sirius Black was falsely convicted. Harry says murder is wrong. Then, Sirius invites Harry to live with him after only knowing each other for 15 miuntes (weird.) and Lupin transforms to a werewolf and all hell breaks loose. Sirius gets the dementor's kiss and someone's patronus rescues Harry and Hermionie
In today's episode Chapter 17: Cat, Rat & Dog and Chapter 18: Moony, Wormtail, Pradfoot & Prongs. We're in the final stretch of the Prisoner of Azkaban with Harry, Ron and Hermione finding their way inside of the Whomping Willow and meet Sirius Black for the first time. He's clearly lost his mind and wants to kill a.....rat? Lupin saves the day - or does he - as the professor the kids once trusted with their lives reveals some unsettling facts about himself and his friendships directly related to Harry.
In today's episode Chapter 15: The Quidditch Final and Chapter 16: Professor Trelawney's Prediction. We see Ron and Hermione finally make up, Hermione slap Malfoy, and Gryffindor finally win the quidditch cup. Then, it's exam season at Hogwarts and Professor Trelawney finally makes a real prediction, Scabbers is found to be alive, and sadly Buckbeak is no longer alive. Also, throughout both these chapters we see Hermione start to lose it a bit.
In these chapters Ron and Hermionie are still fighting (sigh). There is another quidditch match and some Slytherins dress up as dementors to try and psych out Harry. Then Sirius Black breaks into the boys dormitory. Next, Hagrid informs Ron and Harry they are being bad friends to Hermione so Harry immediately decides to be a bad friend to Neville so he can sneak into Hogsmeade to hang out with Ron. They prank Malfoy but Malfoy sees Harry and runs to Snape. Luckily, Professor Lupin is there to get Harry out of trouble but not before giving him a very guilt worthy speech.
Harry is in a murderous rage, but Hagrid being sad about Buckbeak snaps him out of it. Professor Trelawney is still really weird. Harry got a sweet broom but then Hermione got it confiscated. Harry and Ron are AHoles about it but then they get the firebolt back so they decide to be nice. Harry tries to learn a patronus but doesn't really have any happy memories. Finally, Scabbers go missing and Ron loses his mind.
It's time for some more quidditch which means more ways the rules don't make sense. This time Malfoy doesn't have to play because he has a sore elbow. The dementors show up and Harry loses a quidditch (again rules?). Then Lupin is back and he agrees to teach Harry how to fight dementors. Fred and George bestow the Marauder's Map to Harry so he can stupidly sneak into Hogsmeade. Once there he learns that Sirius Black was his dad's best friend and also his godfather.
This week, the kids take some classes and in a new and improved defense against the dark arts class they all get to face off against a boggart. Well, not Harry or Hermione but they can't be that important. Hagrid has lost his nerve teaching and it's time to start up quidditch practice again. Harry is still not allowed to go Hogsmeade so he hangs out with Lupin instead and Sirius Black has no appreciation for art.
The team travel back to Hogwarts but even a simple train ride isn't without risk when Dementors are about. Good thing the new defence against the dark arts teacher knows what's up. It's time to start learning magic and it's up for debate whether divination counts. Professor Trelawney tells Harry he's going to die and Malfoy gets attacked by a hippogriff for not paying attention in class. Join us as we talk all this and more!
Harry takes a ride on the Knight Bus all the way to Diagon Alley. He learns that fortunately he will not be getting expelled but unfortunately Cornelius Fudge cannot sign his Hogsmeade permission slip (obviously). Then Harry lives out a dream two weeks in Diagon Alley getting more ice cream than any child should reasonably be given. Ron and Hermione join the party and Harry learns more about Sirius Black. Also, Hermione buys a cat!
Join us to discuss all that and more!
It's time for book #3 Prisoner of Azkaban! We talk bit about the book as a whole and then break down the first two chapters. We get a coles notes summary of everything we need to know to this point. Then one of the worst characters in the series, Aunt Marge, arrives to terrorize Harry. He makes a good bargain with Uncle Vernon but can't follow through after he blows her up.
It's been a hot sec but we are finally back! And with friends! Joined by a panel of esteemed guests the guys are back to discuss Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Movie. We talk some new characters, favourite scenes, rank some stuff, and more!
Listeners note: this was recorded in the fall and then just sat in the edit bay but we have a good backlog of episodes ready to go so get ready for some weekly releases!
Lord Voldemort is many things, but he is not vain. At least that's what David and Kyle have determined after finishing Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Listen in on their final thoughts about the second book in the Harry Potter series as they recap the final two chapters and tally up the scores for the most and least valuable characters of the book. Hint: The name of the least valuable character sounds like Glittery.
Bask-il-isks? Basil-isks - like the herb? After getting tripped up on some slight pronunciations, we get the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Chapter 16 recap underway, conveniently called the Chamber of Secrets. David and Kyle discuss one of Lockhart's actual talents and how their adult sense of humours have ruined some of the innocence of the book this chapter.
Talking spiders. Doggy dental care. Adolescent partying Mandrakes. All this and more as David and Kyle take on Chapters 14 and 15 of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Cornelius Fudge and Aragog. Trust our friend Hagrid to get the young duo of Ron and Harry webbed up into a tricky situation.
Crabbe and Goyle really needed to watch the old Canadian 'Don't You Put It In Your Mouth' PSA's. David and Kyle talk about how Malfoy's gluttonous sidekicks fail at protecting themselves from the gang's polyjuice potion plan. They also talk about the benefits of learning more from Malfoy through the plan, and give their impressions about the infamous T.M. Riddle. Listen now for their 'The Polyjuice Potion' and 'The Very Secret Diary' chapters.
We challenge you to a duel! David and Kyle are back with a one-chapter episode today - The Dueling Club. In this chapter, they talk about the practicality of such a club, about how Snape is actually shown in a positive light and some of the adversity Harry is facing due to some rumours flying around the school about him being a pretty bad dude. Don't miss it, tune in today.
In this week's recap of the Chamber of Secrets, Kyle and David review The Writing on the Wall and The Rogue Bludger. The pair discuss the (quite young) history of the Chamber of Secrets, the practicality of Polyjuice potions, Dobby's lack of planning and more. Join them now as we get further into the book and the plot starts to thicken.
NOTE: Experienced some audio issues in the LVP section of the Rogue Bludger, removing a portion of David's rationale. Segment has been edited for clarity.
Chapter 7 Mudbloods and Murmurs! Chapter 8 The Death Day Party! Are these the worst chapters we've read yet? Maybe! We're back to break down the next two chapters in the Chamber of Secrets, David thinks these are terrible Kyle provides a much better opinion. The guys also get into a lengthy discussion on broom regulation for a game that doesn't exist and much more!
David and Kyle are back for Chapters 5 and 6 of the Chamber of Secrets: The Whomping Willow and Glittery.....Gliddery.....Gilderoy Lockhart? Tune in for their take on the infamous car ride to Hogwarts and some epic mispronunciation of the name of the newest Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts.
Book #2 is underway and we're back to get right into it. Chapter 3: The Burrow and Chapter 4: At Flourish and Blotts let us get a better sense of the the wizarding world. We take a look at some of the characters we are (re)introduced too and discuss if you can just randomly show up in any wizards house plus much more!
David and Kyle are back for season two of Harry Potter and the Re-read Podcast. The guys sit down to discuss the first two chapters of the book, how they set up a reader who isn't familiar with the series and provide their first impressions of one of the most memorable characters in the Harry Potter series.
No reading required for this episode! The guys are back to talk the very first Harry Potter movie. Joined by special guests Lindsay Hughes and Michelle Stevens the gang talk all about the first movie breaking down their favourite parts, some things that differed from the book, and of course some of the things that just didn't quite make sense.
It is done! The guys have finished the first Harry Potter book. Hear their summary of the final chapter 'The Man with Two Faces' and their thoughts on the ending of the first book of the series. They also recap their favourite parts of the book, best quotes and unveil the overall most and least valuable characters of the book.
Everything is happening! As we approach the end of the book we really start to get into the action. Is there any defense for sending kids into the Forbidden Forest as detention? Are any of the protections of the Philosopher's stone actually good? Join us as we recap chapter 15 The Forbidden Forest and chapter 16 Through The Trapdoor
Things are really starting to heat up as we get towards the end of the school year. We are back to talk Chapter 13 - Nicholas Flamel and Chapter 14 - Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback. What is Snape doing refereeing a quidditch match? Would you want to live forever? Has Hagrid lost his mind? Is chapter 14 the most difficult LVP and MVP choices yet? This week we break down these two chapters, these questions, and a bunch of other topics
The guys are back and this time we are looking back on Chapter 12 The Mirror of Erised. Why is this mirror in the school where anyone could find it? Why was it created in the first place? What might you see if you looked? Do wizards not have encyclopedias? These questions and more! Plus Kyle goes very bold in the Most/Least valuable discussion
Recap (02:07)
Discussion (07:33)
Most/Least Valuable (37:52)
It's time to talk some Quidditch! Harry is in for his first match and we are back to get into how ridiculous a sport this is again. What does the quidditch season look like? Why does Snape not know about the infirmary? Why can't Hagrid keep his secrets? The answers to these questions and so much more.
We are back to tackle Chapter 9 The Midnight Duel and Chapter 10 Hallowe'en. Is a Rememberall useful? What time do the students go to bed? What is Quidditch? Is there a better way to make friends then knocking a troll unconscious? We tackle these questions and so many more!
Chapter 9 Recap (04:17)
Chapter 9 Discussion (09:27)
Chapter 10 Recap (36:16)
Chapter 10 Discussion (43:06)
Better late than never! After some technical difficulties we are back to deliver you another episode of the guys breaking down Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. This week it's all about chapter 8 The Potions Master. Join us as we get into everything Snape and all the other classes the gang is taking (or not taking).
Chapter Recap (01:00)
Chapter Discussion (05:50)
MVPs (37:39)
We've made it to Hogwarts and it's time to sort our favourite characters into their houses! Join us as we break down everything to do with chapter 7 The Sorting Hat.
Chapter 7 Recap (01:46)
Chapter 7 Discussion (06:04)
Chapter 7 MVPs (28:41)
*Unfortunately due to some technical difficulties only one chapter this week
Harry's starting to experience the wizarding world and we're back to break it all down. We join him as he experiences Diagon Alley for the first time and then heads over to Platform Nine and Three Quarters. As usual we dig into what's going on, what doesn't makes sense, who are most and least valuable characters are and more!
Chapter 5 Recap (01:38)
Chapter 5 Discussion (07:25)
Chapter 5 MVP/LVP (27:12)
Chapter 6 Recap (31:02)
Chapter 6 Discussion (35:29)
Chapter 6 MVP LVP (54:22)
*We had some audio issues while recording this episode. Everything should be sorted out but stick with us if there are some oddities in the beginning
We are back to breakdown the next two chapters in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: Chapter 3 - The Letters from No One and Chapter 4 - The Keeper of Guys. We look at what happened, what doesn't make sense, most and least valuable characters and so much more!
Chapter 3 - Recap & Discussion (01:49)
Chapter 3 - MVP/LVP (22:36)
Chapter 4 - Recap & Discussion (25:57)
Chapter 4 - MVP/LVP (43:19)
Join the guys as this week as they dig into chapter 1: The Boy Who Lived and chapter 2: The Vanishing Glass.
Chapter 1 Recap & Discussion (01:55)
Chapter 1 MVPs & LVPs (24:03)
Chapter 2 Recap & Discussion (30:34)
Chapter 2 MVPs & LVPs (58:24)
In this episode, hosts Kyle and David discuss their excitement in re-reading the Harry Potter series. The pair review how the podcast will work, their first experiences with the acclaimed franchise and what they’re most looking forward to as they begin to re-read the first book, Harry Potter and the Philospher’s Stone.