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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!

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The post Episode #682: A Tapestry of Secrets (OOTP Chapter 6, The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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. And don’t miss our Overstock Store for our Cozy Comfy Combo Pack!
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

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The post Episode #681: Should We Feel Sorry for Petunia Dursley? And more MuggleMail appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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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, Micah, and Pam as they discuss Sirius’ godfatherliness and Molly’s intentions.

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!

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The post Episode #679: Disorder of the Phoenix (OOTP Chapter 5, The Order of the Phoenix) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #678: Sugar Daddy Harry (OOTP Chapter 4, Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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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?
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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!

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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 in this commentary track. 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.

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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!

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The post Episode #673: Listeners Share ‘Goblet of Fire’ Theories, ‘Cursed Child’ Star Joel Meyers Speaks With Us! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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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.

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The post Episode #671: MuggleCast Live at LeakyCon 2024! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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

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The post Episode #670: Hermione the Vigilante (GOF Chapter 37, The Beginning) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #669: The Wizarding World is Fudged (GOF Chapter 36, The Parting of the Ways) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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 32: Flesh, Blood and Bone and Chapter 33: 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!

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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.

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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!

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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.)!

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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 Segment: 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 Segment: 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 Segment: 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!

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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!...

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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...

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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...

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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! ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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).

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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!

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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!

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The post Episode #612: Bad Moon Rising (POA Chapter 9, Grim Defeat) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #611: Flight of the Friends (POA Chapter 8, Flight of the Fat Lady) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #610: Severass Snape (POA Chapter 7, The Boggart in The Wardrobe) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #609: Listeners React To The Harry Potter TV Show, and More MuggleMail appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #608: Is Trelawney Truthful or Trippin’? (POA Chapter 6, Talons and Tea Leaves) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #607: Third Time’s The Charm (POA Chapter 5, The Dementor) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #606: A Harry Potter TV Reboot is Coming!? We React and Pitch Opportunities appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #605: The Immortal Rat (POA Chapter 4, The Leaky Cauldron) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #604: Call Me Neville (POA Chapter 3, The Knight Bus) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #603: Hi Marge, Bye Marge (POA Chapter 2, Aunt Marge’s Big Mistake) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #602: New Wand, New Ron (Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 1) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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. Can you get far in the game if you can’t do combat? 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!

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The post Episode #601: Is ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ Easy For Non-Gamers Who Want To Explore? And More MuggleMail appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #600: ‘Hogwarts Legacy’ Review: Flying, Combat, Monies, Oh My! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #599: Dumby’s Back, Tell a Friend (Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 18) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #598: Old Immortal Lover (Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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

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The post Episode #597: Built Ford Tough (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 15 and 16) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #596: Horcrux Meet Cute (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 13 and 14) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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

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The post Episode #595: The Great Potions Heist (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 11 and 12) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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).

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The post Episode #594: Basilisk Photobomb (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 9 and 10) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #593: Nepo Baby Draco (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 7 and 8) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!

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The post Episode #592: What’s To Come For Harry Potter Fans in 2023 appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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 #1: 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)

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The post Episode #591: I Always Wanted to Use That Howler (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 5 and 6) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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

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The post Episode #590: Battle of Flourish and Blotts (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 3 and 4) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #589: 2022 Holiday Gift Guide: If You Like Harry Potter… appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #588: The Chamber of Drills (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 1 and 2) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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!...

The post Episode #587: Another Dangerous Year Gone (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 17) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #586: The Forest of Destiny (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 15 – 16) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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 post Episode #585: Does the Sorting Hat Divide Students Equally Across Hogwarts Houses? And More MuggleMail appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #584: Harry Potter and the Hotly Debated Book Title (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 13 – 14) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #583: High Flying Hijinks (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 11 – 12) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #582: Have a Broomstick, Potter (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 9 – 10) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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 post Episode #581: What if Petunia had been accepted to Hogwarts? And more MuggleMail appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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 read-through 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...

The post Episode #580: Sorting Too Soon (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 7 – 8) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #579: Stop the Huffle-Hate! (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 4 – 6) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #578: Chapter by Chapter Begins! Harry Deserves a Zoo Day (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 1-3) appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #577: Back to Hogwarts! We’re Teaching Our Own Magical Lessons! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #576: How Are Spells Created? Discussing the Physics of Harry Potter appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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,...

The post Episode #575: Why is Professor Binns Still Teaching? And More Characters Who Drive Us Mad appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #574: What Did ‘Good’ Harry Potter Characters Do That Got On Our Nerves? appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #573: ‘MuggleCast, A History’ Trivia Game! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

The post Episode #569: What Happened to the Room of Requirement? And More Questions ‘Deathly Hallows’ Didn’t Answer appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

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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...

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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...

The post Episode #566: WB is Planning HBO Max Harry Potter Shows — We Pitch Lots of New Ideas! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #565: Secrets of Dumbledore Movie Commentary Track! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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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...

The post Episode #564: Who’s the Threat in ‘Fantastic Beasts 4’ if Grindelwald’s Been Qilinized? appeared first on MuggleCast.

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In their first dedicated character discussion since the premiere of Secrets of Dumbledore, the hosts of MuggleCast turn the pages of their study guides to Professor Eulalie Hicks of Ilvermorny! “Lally” was a huge highlight of the third Beasts film, and we’re here to say why that was. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as...

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On this week’s episode, the fearless MuggleCasters take it upon themselves to answer Secrets of Dumbledore’s biggest unanswered questions, using their extensive knowledge of the Wizarding World to provide plausible answers and put to bed the movie’s most dangling plot threads. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah on this fun journey through the plot points...

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On this week’s episode, we bust open our Muggle Mailbag to answer your burning questions and take your feedback on Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore! Twitter Polls Galore! Which host would the Qilin bow to? What was the best Secrets of Dumbledore ship? And overall, what did listeners think of the movie? What did...

The post Episode #561: Why Did the Qilin Bow to Dumbledore? Listeners React to ‘Fantastic Beasts 3’ appeared first on MuggleCast.

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This week, we continue our review of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, this time focusing on the various odds and ends of the film! Plus, we hand out our “Bunty Awards,” which are accolades for several aspects of the movie! Stay tuned for many, many more thoughts on the weeks and months ahead! The...

The post Episode #560: The Best Characters, Scenes, and Beasts of ‘Secrets of Dumbledore’ appeared first on MuggleCast.

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On this week’s episode, it’s all about reviewing Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore! It’s finally here, so just how many secrets were there, and did they live up to expectations? We touch on some of the film’s biggest moments and discuss whether or not this could be the last installment in the Fantastic Beasts...

The post Episode #559: ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ Review! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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With just a few days before the release of Secrets of Dumbledore, we host our 7th installment of Quizzitch Live to test your knowledge to-date on the Fantastic Beasts series. Are you up on your fantastic casting? Can you guess who said these memorable quotes? Is your knowledge of beasts at the Magizoologist level? Just...

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With this being our final episode before The Secrets of Dumbledore hits theaters (in the U.K., at least), we set our predictions and theories for the third Fantastic Beasts movie in stone. Plus, one of us has already seen the movie and offers a positive spoiler-free review! Are you new to MuggleCast? Be sure to...

The post Episode #557: Let’s Lock-In Our Final ‘Secrets of Dumbledore’ Theories! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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With just a few weeks to go until the release of The Secrets of Dumbledore, the hosts review some recently released clips and featurettes. Why did Dumbledore create the blood pact and what happens if he tries to destroy it? Will Dumbledore’s love for Grindelwald continue to cloud his judgment? And, are the Fantastic Beasts...

The post Episode #556: Dumbledore Confesses Love for Grindelwald in New ‘Fantastic Beasts 3’ Previews appeared first on MuggleCast.

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On this week’s MuggleCast, we return to an e-mail that we received that asks us what the 1998-1999 Hogwarts school year would have been like, when Hermione returned to complete her Hogwarts education and when Ginny and Luna were her classmates. The hosts think critically and speculate which accommodations might be made in wake of...

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On this week’s episode, our Fantastic Beasts character discussions return to focus on the one-and-only Newt Scamander. With about a month to go before the release of Secrets of Dumbledore, we analyze all of Newt’s relationships from the last film and debate what the future holds for our favorite magizoologist. Plus, its Newt’s birthday, so...

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On this week’s episode of MuggleCast, we break down new scenes from the recently released Japanese Secrets of Dumbledore trailer, take listener feedback and talk about the 18 new character posters. Plus, we’re joined by a special guest to review Cursed Child in San Francisco, which is joined by one part instead of two!...

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The latest (and final?) trailer for Fantastic Beasts: the Secrets of Dumbledore is here! Overall the trailer is very Dumbledore-and Grindelwald-focused and we are here to pick it apart, scene by scene! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they discuss that interesting Michael Gambon cameo, long-haired Credence, Jacob’s wand, Dark Queenie, new locations, mysterious writings, and more. Plus, is Theseus in trouble? Do we know some of the “new” beasts? And did Bunty get a promotion? Listen now!

First, we stand with the people of Ukraine and encourage everyone to keep an eye on the news coming out of the country.
It’s time to talk about the new Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore trailer! This time the hosts will all be on the same page… YouTube page, that is! We use this video when referencing all timestamps during our discussion.
Laura is optimistic that the Michael Gambon Pensieve appearance foreshadows memory being a crucial part of the plot for this film…
…and Eric thinks it’s another desperate attempt to market the film to old-school Potter fans. Fan-service, if you will!
The Blood Pact is shown prominently and the hosts discuss similarities with the Unbreakable Vow in visual style.
Is that McGonagall visiting Dumbledore at the Hog’s Head?!
Grindelwald declares war, Credence has longer hair, and Eulally Hicks apparates around Jacob’s shop — and we love it.
An important title card which has been missing from some marketing materials is back in the trailer, and the hosts discuss.
What is with this mysterious message on the back of Aberforth’s bar? We use our Wordle experience to try and figure it out.
Are Albus and Gellert meeting in person? Is this an Applebees? Or merely a memory?
Micah thinks he can identify several of the beasts shown throughout the trailer, and Theseus does some interesting magic.
Is Theseus doomed? Some sleuthing reveals it may be his tie and wand that are shown with Teddy and Pickett.
Is Tina Polyjuiced into someone else, like Bunty? Does that explain why Katherine Waterston is missing from all promotional material in this film?
The Deluminator is back! And who’s that group resting on the stairs at the theorized end of the movie?
Next week, we’ll be reading YOUR submissions on theories and trailer thoughts. Be sure to send us an e-mail or voicemail using our regular channels for inclusion on the show!
This week’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp online therapy. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast

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The post Episode #552: ‘Secrets of Dumbledore’ Trailer 2 Deep Dive! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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This week we’re talking about black characters as well as people of color in the core Harry Potter books, the movie adaptations of those books, and the media that has come out since! Joining us as our honored guest is the amazing Adriana Redding, who led Hufflepuff Team to victory on Harry Potter: Tournament of Houses! Together she, Andrew, Eric and Laura discuss the reasons why black characters are so few and far between, and what their diversity hopes are for future releases set in the Wizarding World. * Our guest Adriana Redding talks about her time on Harry Potter: Tournament of Houses as well as black representation in the Harry Potter series! * Adriana recounts how she got into Harry Potter a bit later than others, and how this affected her take on diversity in the series. * The panel discuss the importance of seeing somebody like yourself in the stories you consume. * Was the statistical diversity of England and Wales in the 1990’s a factor in the lack of black and POC characters in Harry Potter? We explain why this excuse doesn’t hold water. * Dean Thomas’ backstory was omitted by the author in favor of Neville’s, but old writing exists describing what it would have been. We analyze it. * Did you know two black actresses played Lavender Brown in COS and POA? The third actress to play her was white… and she’s the one who had lines and got to date Ron in Movie 6. * We discuss the gradual increase in diversity since the films wrapped up, including a black MACUSA President, Hermione in The Cursed Child, and more. * Adriana details a recent trip to the Wizarding World theme park, and asks the hosts what their ideal hope is for future installments of Potter. * Eric can’t resist the urge to quiz Adriana on last week’s Quizzitch Question, on the spot, and she does pretty well! * Quizzitch: How many Quidditch matches does Lee Jordan commentate that Harry participates in, in the books? Submit your answer! * This week’s episode is sponsored by AMC Shudder (Go to Shudder.com and use code ‘mugglecast’ for 30 days free!) and Indeed (Go to Indeed.com/mugglecast to claim your $75 credit before March 31st).

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Our mailbag is overflowing with feedback from our recent Snape and Lily episode, and people want to talk about Jacob in the upcoming Fantastic Beasts film. We hear from another one of our youngest fans, and even dig up a classic e-mail from 2006. All on this latest milestone episode of MuggleCast! Important Note: Next week, we’re celebrating Black History Month by talking about how the books handle representation. If you’re a listener of color and have feedback on this topic, please send us your owls!

Previously unseen photos of Ariana Dumbledore have leaked online, and Andrew and Micah did an IG Live about it. View that now on our Instagram.
Last week, Eric attended Albion School, a live action roleplay, and had a blast.
The results of our listener house survey are in! Find out what Hogwarts house the majority of our listeners are in! (It’s very close, but not as close as O.G. Pottermore said they were.)
Voicemails kick off from an Aquarius listener who brings even more insight into Lily’s character from her horoscope.
More voicemails cover bagel flavorings of the 1930’s, Narcissa’s love for Draco (What if Harry had told Narcissa that Draco was dead?), and something misunderstood about Harry Potter.
Two listeners e-mail us with theories on how Jacob remembered Queenie, and whether his account of it to Newt can be trusted.
Is Draco’s future wife linked to Nagini? And could Jacob’s wand help get him in to wizarding spaces?
Is Cursed Child and other Potter missteps giving outside spectators a very bad impression of the Harry Potter franchise on a whole?
What memory does Snape use to summon a Patronus? And why exactly did Lily choose James?
In an email from 2006, one listener guesses at what Dumbledore is really seeing when he takes Riddle’s potion.
Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast soul returns and this time it’s from a teenager who found us last year.
Quizzitch: What two solutions does Hermione offer Ron to help it stop raining in Yaxley’s office? Submit your answer!
This week’s episode is sponsored by MasterClass (go to Masterclass.com/mugglecast for 15% off an annual membership) and BetterHelp (go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month)

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The post Episode #550: What if Harry told Narcissa that Draco was dead? And more MuggleMail appeared first on MuggleCast.

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It’s our annual Valentine’s Day episode and this year we’re switching things up to talk about the female friendships in the Harry Potter series! So… Happy GALENTINE’s Day! Hermione & Ginny, Ginny & Luna, and Lavender & Parvati are just a few of the pairings we dive deep into! Also, don’t miss our Top 7 Moments Male Characters Were Emotionally Vulnerable! Next week, we’re opening up our Muggle Mail bag, so don’t forget to send us your owls! * Don’t forget to follow us on our new TikTok! * It’s Galentine’s Day and we talk about the importance of female friendships in the Harry Potter series! * Hermione and Ginny: are they best friends? * Why are the two so mean towards Fleur? * Sisterhood in Friendship: Ginny and Luna * Why did these two characters bond so closely with each other? * Support and Compassion: Lavender and Parvati & Tonks and Molly * The Top 7 Moments Male Characters Were Emotionally Vulnerable in Harry Potter * Harry, Ron, Draco, Hagrid, Dumbledore, Sirius and Dudley all make the list! * Quizzitch: In Deathly Hallows, where are the trio camping while Ron leaves? Submit your answer! * Eric and Micah appeared on the most recent episode of SpeakBeasty, talking about the character pairings in the latest Secrets of Dumbledore trailer – check it out! * This week’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (Go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month) and MeUndies (get 25% off Matching Pairs for Valentine’s Day, 15% off your first order, and free shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast ).

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After the Potter series proved to be successful, there was the Twilight Series. Next came The Hunger Games. And then came Divergent! Each series was marketed as “the NEXT Harry Potter.” But, they weren’t really as successful as Harry Potter at all! On this special episode of MuggleCast, the hosts dive deep into what makes the tale of a boy wizard so enduring, and how the other series just didn’t measure up in terms of financial success OR staying-power. We also compare HP to Star Wars and discuss what the two series have in common. It’s another great episode this week, be sure to listen at your leisure! * MuggleCast is now on TikTok with the username @MuggleCast! Be sure to follow us there and enjoy all the fun content we’ve got coming. * This week’s Main Discussion: Why the so-called “Next Harry Potter” hasn’t happened yet. * Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah discuss what made Harry Potter so special. From the story beats to the complexity of the mystery, we dive deep into what we love and what inevitably translated to the publishers’ bottom line. * Strong themes in the HP series? We think we spot a few that hit home! And being rewarded for catching references and foreshadowing really felt like a present to us as readers. * HP fans were feverish for new Harry! That’s just something that cannot be said about some other series. * The hosts talk Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. Andrew and Laura even had a Twilight podcast back in the day! * Were The Hunger Games and the Divergent series simply too dystopian for readers to love? * Another example of a franchise that may live forever is Star Wars. What do that and HP have in common from a storytelling perspective? * Did Star Wars’ opening up its canon to multiple creators allow it to flourish, and what lessons can Warner Bros. learn there regarding HP? * The hosts compare the success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and wonder aloud if “the next Harry Potter” will even be a book at all. * Finally, are older Millennials going to be the ones to spot the next HP, or will the younger generation determine what the next candidate is? * Quizzitch: In Divergent, the hero Tris is eligible to join 3 factions. Which faction does she join, and for bonus points, what are the 3 she has to choose from? Submit your answer! * This week’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (Go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month) and HelloFresh (Get up to 16 free meals by going to HelloFresh.com/muggle16 and using code muggle16)

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In light of Snape and Lily both being born in January, this week we’re analyzing the rise and fall of the relationship between the two characters! What did Lily initially see in Snape? Should she have given him another chance? And just how creepy is Snape’s life-long commitment to Lily? Then, we unveil the Top 7 pickup lines Snape used on Lily… no wonder things didn’t work out! * Welcome back to our guest host and HP super-fan, Irvin! * Irvin’s book on Dumbledore titled Dumbledore: The Life and Lies is available now wherever books are sold! * MuggleCast is now on TikTok, aka Laura’s favorite app. Subscribe to us at @mugglecastpod * Our 2022 Patreon perks have been announced! The new MuggleCast Collector’s Club and Fandom Lookback features are sure to thrill all who subscribe to our Patreon. * Our main discussion this week is on Lily Potter and Severus Snape, and their relationship throughout the series. * Both Lily and Severus are born in January! But, they have different star signs. What in their zodiac aligns with their lives as they lived them? * At what point in their lives did Lily and Snape’s relationship go south? * When does Snape’s tragic home life cease to be a valid excuse for his Dark Arts tendencies? * Did Lily even TRY to sway Snape towards the light? And what would that have looked like? * How much of Snape is nature vs. nurture? * What does Snape having Lily’s Patronus say about him? And, similarly, why is his love for Lily unhealthy or one-sided? * The MuggleCast hosts read aloud the Top 7 Pickup Lines that Snape Definitely Used on Lily. * Quizzitch: For a chance at winning one of 5 copies of Irvin’s book, what are the names of Snape’s parents? Submit your answer! * This week’s episode is sponsored by MeUndies (Get 25% off Matching Pairs, 15% off your first order, free shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/mugglecast) and Warby Parker (Try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at WarbyParker.com/mugglecast)

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With just three months to go until the release of Secrets of Dumbledore, we continue our Fantastic Beasts character discussions with Jacob Kowalski! The heart of the Fantastic Beasts series is a true, loyal friend and partner. But what does the future hold for him? Slipping on a strudel? Getting lost in Newt’s suitcase? Don’t miss our Top 10 Ways in Which Jacob Kowalski WILL DIE! And next week we explore the loving/semi-toxic relationship between Lily Potter and Severus Snape, so send us your feedback! * Welcome Slug Club member, Roshni! * Coming this October… the Illustrated Edition of Order of the Phoenix by Jim Kay! * Did you buy your Harry Potter eBooks from Pottermore back in the day? Make sure you have your digital copies downloaded! Here’s why * Fantastic Beasts Character Discussion: Jacob Kowalski * If you missed our first deep dive on Jacob, check out Episode 319! * How does Jacob humanize his fellow wizards? * Why introduce a Muggle as one of the core four? * Is Jacob the stereotypical fat, funny guy who is the comic relief of the series? * What happened to Jacob between the first two films? * Did Jacob’s memory return too quickly? * If Queenie and Jacob had gotten legitimately married in England and then moved back to America, would she have been put in jail? * How does Newt’s character and attitude change when Jacob is around? * EVERYTHING is WRONG with Nicolas Flamel * What do the hosts make of Jacob’s reaction to Grindelwald’s rally, especially his “another war” line? * What does the future look like for Jacob? Will he be a sacrificial lamb? What does he bring to the table that the rest of the team will need in Secrets of Dumbledore? * Top 10 Ways in Which Jacob Kowalski WILL DIE * Quizzitch: What was the name of Jacob Kowalski’s former fiancee? Submit your answer! * This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (get a $75 credit) and BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month)!

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We open up our Muggle Mail bag for the first time in 2022, as we take listener feedback on the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts reunion special! You wont want to miss our Top 10 Outtakes That We Don’t Know For Sure Happened During the Reunion But They Totally Did! Plus, did Andrew predict Jacob getting a wand five years ago?!? And speaking of Jacob, next week we return to our Fantastic Beasts character discussions, so send us your feedback! * What did we miss during our Reunion Special episode? Where was Steve Kloves? Why did Emma Roberts make a cameo? Can Warner Bros. tell the Phelps twins apart? * MuggleCast’s Top 10 Outtakes That We Don’t Know For Sure Happened During the Reunion But They Totally Did * Muggle Mail, Muggle Mail, Muggle Mail! Listeners sound off on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on everything from Tom Felton and Emma Watson to Dan Radcliffe and Helena Bonham Carter! * Voicemails cover Michael Gambon, Robbie Coltrane and the In Memoriam * Andrew predicted Jacob having a wand on Episode 311… and we have the proof! * One listener convinces us we ARE headed to Rio in Secrets of Dumbledore * Could Jacob be in possession of the Elder Wand? * 2006 Throwback Email: Did Nicolas Flamel and Dumbledore swap places? * Quizzitch: This Phelps twin, who plays Fred, in real life has a scar on his left eyebrow. Name the Phelps twin. Submit your answer! * This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month) and MasterClass (get 15% off an annual membership)!

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MuggleCast excitedly kicks off the year 2022 with their review of the brand new Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts reunion special! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they go “chapter-by-chapter” on the 100 minute show and discuss the highs and lows, cast members who were noticeably absent, and how the reunion special did or didn’t meet their expectations. We also have a mail-bag show next week, so be sure to send us YOUR thoughts on the special!

2022 started off with a brand new Reunion Special, looking back on the making of all 8 films and featuring the cast including Dan, Rupert and Emma
Harry Potter Reunion Special First Impressions: did it satisfy our craving? Did it make us cry? (Spoiler alert: yes, it did.)
Andrew found the beginning to be a little clunky, and the fact that Rupert, Dan and Emma were not physically all in the same space was ultimately a missed opportunity.
Laura thinks the special would have benefitted from having a dedicated host to guide us through the many different interviews and set a more static tone for the special.
Micah wanted to see more groups together and would have expected a higher focus on the first film, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary and not the others.
Eric wanted more Ian Hart! They brought him in for a whole day and he only appears in the last 5 minutes of the show? Release the Snyder Cut of Back to Hogwarts, you cowards!
We all appreciate getting to hear from all 4 directors who helmed the Potter films.
Dan Radcliffe’s chat with Chris Columbus and some archival footage of the young trio warmed all of our hearts, multiple times.
Hearing Alfonso Cuarón discuss Prisoner of Azkaban changed Micah’s mind on the film! Eric is not so cheaply bought… but admits that Cuarón clearly really cares and that his take on Harry’s adolescence is valid.
Dan Radcliffe and Gary Oldman’s chat shows that they truly mean a lot to one another and is great to see.
After seeing Mike Newell wrestle with the Phelps Twins and break some of his own ribs while doing so, everything we’ve ever wondered about why the Goblet of Fire movie is the way it is makes perfect sense.
The trio talking teenage hormones reignites the spark of all of our ships, including Emma and Tom who CLEARLY HAVE SOMETHING GOING ON…
…but perhaps not as much as Dan and Helena Bonham Carter! That steamy handwritten note, wowza…
The hosts lament the exclusion of a Sirius/Bellatrix duel that was evidently filmed, and recount other surprising times during this special where an actor says something shocking which paints director choices in a questionable light.
Evanna Lynch appears with an inspirational message for the outsiders in all of us.
The cast discussing their on-screen kisses is very popcorn worthy, even if the kisses themselves weren’t all so.
The In Memoriam segment touches us all as we reflect on cast members who are no longer with us, and the nice things said about them in this special.
RIP also to Millie the hamster. We never knew ye before!
The special ends back at the beginning, with footage of the 11-year-old trio, and lots of emotional admissions from the actors about each other and the films’ legacy.
The hosts discuss JK Rowling’s appearance in archived footage and what mystery still remains about her involvement in this special.
Quizzitch: What is the name of Rupert Grint’s child? Submit your answer!
Finally, Eric and Micah played Fandom Feud last week, with fellow members of HP Fandom to benefit trans-supportive charities. Check out the whole video of both games they played over on YouTube !

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On this week’s episode, we preview the forthcoming Harry Potter Reunion Special, dive deeper into The Secrets of Dumbledore trailer, take listener feedback on just what in the world Jacob is doing with a wand and look ahead to 2022! Plus, a bonus MuggleCast you won’t want to miss – just what goes down at a Hogwarts Holiday staff party! * Another year, gone (in your best Dumbledore voice)! * We discuss the upcoming Harry Potter Reunion Special. The trailer was supposed to be released last week prior to our recording, but never appeared. It was eventually released Monday, December 20th. * Rumors abound about a member of the trio not being present for the reunion! * Don’t forget, we’ll be recording our first MuggleCast of 2022 following the airing of the reunion on HBO MAX! * We return to analyzing The Secrets of Dumbledore Trailer now that we’ve had more time with it * Look close… can you see Ariana? * Dumbledore is in New York City! What brings him there? * Could the portkey in the Room of Requirement be a Tibetan Prayer Wheel? * Rise Great Avenger! Laura calls out some very watery phoenix imagery behind the title card! * Listener feedback covers all things Jacob! * Did Dumbledore enchant Jacob’s want to work only in times of need? * Was Jacob expelled from Ilvermorny? Could he be a late bloomer? * Does Jacob get a wand because, well, it would just be too dangerous for him NOT to have one? * Could Credence hold the secret to destroying the blood pact? * What do we have to look forward to in the wizarding world in 2022? * Quizzitch: What is the street address for Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes in the books? Submit your answer! * This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)! * Coming up on Bonus MuggleCast (available on Patreon), the hosts discuss just what goes down at a Hogwarts Holiday Staff Party (Warning: This might not be suitable for younger audiences)!

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The first trailer for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore has finally arrived, and we’re here to discuss everything in it! What’s up with Jacob and his wand? Hey there, Aberforth Dumbledore! New Year, New Doo for Credence! And thank goodness that there are still magical beasts in this thing!

We recorded this Secrets of Dumbledore trailer analysis just minutes after it was released Monday morning, so we go character by character and scene by scene to figure out what we can expect in the Fantastic Beasts threequel. (Just THREE points awarded to Hufflepuff? THREE?) Send us your feedback about the Secrets of Dumbledore trailer, and we may include it in the next episode, which we’re recording later this week! We want your theories and feelings.

This week’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and MeUndies (get 15% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast)

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The post Episode #542: ‘Secrets of Dumbledore’ Trailer Analysis: Wizard Jacob, Aberforth, Dark Queenie, Oh My! appeared first on MuggleCast.

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On this week’s episode, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses makes it television premiere! And speaking of trivia, join us for Quizzitch Live: Holiday House Battle on Sunday, December 12 at 10 a.m. ET! In other news, our Fantastic Beasts character discussions continue with Queenie Goldstein. How has her character changed from Fantastics Beasts to Crimes of Grindelwald? * Welcome Slug Club member, Sam! * We review our magical stats from this year’s Spotify Wrapped! Welcome to our new listeners in Cameroon, Mongolia, Brunei, Russia and Kenya! * Eric and Micah will be doing an Instagram Live on Tuesday, December 7 at 7 p.m. ET! * Harry Potter: Hogwarts Tournament of Houses debuts! We offer our initial thoughts! * Our Fantastic Beasts Character Discussions return with Queenie Goldstein * What happened to Queenie between the first and second films? Have we seen a complete devolution of her character? Or is it just bad writing? * Do Jacob and Queenie have a healthy relationship? * What do we make of Queenie using a Love Potion on Jacob? Does it give us Merope Gaunt vibes? * Is Queenie’s power of Legilimency a blessing or a curse? * Why does it always rain during Queenie’s major scenes? * Should we be suspicious of the tea in Grindelwald’s flat? * What does the future look like for Queenie? What will make her leave Grindelwald’s side? Could Queenie already be a double agent and will she become one? * Who is Quentin Kowalski? * Quizzitch: What day of the year does Professor McGonagall say she wouldn’t be surprised if it were known as “Harry Potter Day” in the future? Submit your answer! * This week’s episode is brought to you by Quip (visit Quip.com/Muggle for your first refill free and up to 40% off bundles for the holiday ) and Thirdlove (get 20% off at Thirdlove.com/mugglecast)!

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The post Episode #541: What Happened To Queenie in ‘Crimes of Grindelwald’? appeared first on MuggleCast.

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On this week’s episode, major news hits the fandom! We discuss the upcoming reunion of cast and crew from Harry Potter to celebrate the first film’s 20th anniversary. In addition, the new, shorter version of Cursed Child is reportedly a lot more heavy on an Albus/Scorpius relationship! And finally we bring you our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they reveal what awesome fan-crafted finds they’ve discovered this year. * Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint will all take part in a 20th Anniversary Special for Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone‘s release * Even actors from later films, such as Gary Oldman and Mark Williams, will be joining in as well as SS/COS director Chris Columbus * There have been no reports of J.K. Rowling in attendance. The hosts weigh in on what involvement she’ll have, if any. * A Cursed Child fan has passionately revealed that the new, shorter version of Cursed Child on Broadway has a lot more direct references to Albus and Scorpius being interested in one another, and fewer references to girls like Rose and Polly Chapman! * The hosts guess at why the play would make changes now, and for only half of its current productions. * Main Discussion: Our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide episode is here! Each host has two recommendations of fan-made items to check out. * From Andrew’s list: A custom Hogwarts acceptance letter and a really awesome personalized lenticular Chocolate Frog card! * Eric just loves the super-crafty, miniature Book Nooks that can be found on Etsy, as well as Etsy seller Clever Badger designs, who make many hand-crafted gifts for book lovers. * Additionally, MuggleNet’s 2022 fandom calendar is donating part of its proceeds to Fandom Forward (formerly the HP Alliance) * Micah has found Wine Goblets from Ravenclaw house and themed soy candles from Frostbeart Studio! * And Laura has found a way to get The Grim in your teacup every day, as well as these neat custom Apple Watch bands * In addition to their fan-made recommendations, the hosts discuss where to go for vintage Harry Potter merchandise (eBay!) * We also ask: if money weren’t an object, which piece of official Harry Potter merchandise would we buy? * Lastly, what newly-released official merchandise are we eyeing at the end of this year? * Quizzitch: What 14th Century witch enjoyed being burnt at the stake so many times that she did so at least 47 times under different guises? * This week’s episode is brought to you by Beam (Visit BeamOrganics.com/mugglecast for 40% off the first 3 months of any Beam sunscription, plus a free mug and frother — OR 20% off any one time purchase) and BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)

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The post Episode #540: The Trio’s Reuniting, Albus/Scorpius Becomes Canon?, and our 2021 Holiday Gift Guide appeared first on MuggleCast.

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