MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Andrew's prophecy comes true... almost! Hogwarts Legacy is coming to a video game console near you in 2021! What are our initial reactions to the trailer for this open-world video game? We offer some suggestions on what fans can do who are hesitant about purchasing this game. Muggle Mail covers The Pizza Wizard, The Lost Day, Neville, Sirius, a Harry Potter television station and more! Main Discussion: Fantasy Casting The Harry Potter Television Series Peeves, Professor Binns, Ludo Bagman, Augusta Longbottom and The Gaunts: we cast the characters from the books that never made it on screen! Who would play the Founders? Would James Cosmo or Paul Giamatti make a better Gryffindor? Would you cast Viola Davis or Indira Varma for Ravenclaw? John Malkovich as Slytherin? Rebel Wilson as Hufflepuff? In recasting the trio of Harry, Ron and Hermione, can the Potter series catch lightning in a bottle twice? Who did the hosts recast in the roles of Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall and Voldemort? How would Patton Oswalt fair as Rubeus Hagrid? Tom Ellis as Sirius Black? For Quizzitch: Which famous British actor put in two weeks notice and quit a role they had been cast in for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets? You can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast!! This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Muggle Mail answers some of our questions regarding Neville's sorting, and asks why Harry isn't more grateful to Lupin. This week the hosts ask, What are key, never-before-seen moments from the Harry Potter books that we want to see adapted in the TV series? This is our chance to FINALLY see some critical scenes that never made it into the books or films! Andrew kicks things off with light and grim moments: The creation of the Marauders Map, and the entire night of James and Lily's deaths. Will we finally get to see Azkaban in person, and answer how grown wizards interact with Dementors? What about Moody being overtaken by Pettigrew and Crouch, and other Death Eater things? Fresh off our Order of the Phoenix re-read, Laura asks that we see where Dumbledore ran off to. Will the show track Snape becoming the HBP? What about Dumbledore searching for Horcruxes? What scenes might we see in a future Fantastic Beasts film? What pizza toppings exist in the Wizarding World? Hippogriff? Niffler? Bowtruckle? Micah recounts the Top 7 scenes that were never adapted for the film: Winky, Nearly Headless Nick, and more! For Quizzitch: In GOF, what does "Mad-Eye" say ambushed him? Andrew has a show-stopping revelation about how to make the TV series happen. You can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast!! This week's episode is brought to you by Quip (Visit GetQuip.com/Muggle and get your first refill free) and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month by visiting BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We take a deep dive into Harry and Neville’s parallel journeys throughout the Harry Potter series Muggle Mail covers how you correct someone who is wrong about Harry Potter, Snape fan fiction and more The Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings and King Arthur: the hosts share some of their favorite stories influenced by cultural artifacts Let's get religious (not really)! We compare Harry to Jesus and Neville to John The Baptist Linked from the start via prophecy, did anyone suspect pre-Order of the Phoenix that Neville would prove to play such a significant role? The hosts share their Favorite Neville Moments from the Harry Potter Series A book-by-book analysis of Harry and Neville's journeys Were Harry and Neville's upbringing really all that dissimilar? We discuss Harry and Neville both being orphaned and having their parents taken from them by Voldemort and the Death Eaters Harry and Neville both kill a giant snake... with the Sword of Gryffindor... pulled from The Sorting Hat! Snape has quite the penchant for picking on Harry... and Neville! Does he partially blame Neville for what befell his beloved Lily Potter? Dumbledore's Army, The Department of Mysteries and the Evolution of Neville Longbottom Neville, much like John The Baptist, is the leader of the resistance within Hogwarts in Deathly Hallows Neville's confrontation with Voldemort Quizzitch: When exactly does Neville say he will join Voldemort? You can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week, we discuss an update on Fantastic Beasts 3 filming! This week's episode is brought to you by ThirdLove (find your perfect fitting bra by going to Thirdlove.com/mugglecast, and get 15% off your first order), HelloFresh (Visit HelloFresh.com/mugglecast80 and get your first 8 meals free) and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast and get 10% off). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, to celebrate a new term on September 1, we're rating every professor of Hogwarts School! How do the DADA professors measure up with one another on quality and on difficulty? We offer individual grades to help us compare them all. How about Potions? Is Slughorn a higher quality instructor than Snape? We all have high marks for McGonagall, but what about Dumbledore, who we saw teach in Fantastic Beasts? We set a Seer against a Centaur and wrap up with Charms, Herbology, and History of Magic. Finally, a shout-out to the non-professor teachers of Harry, like Arthur Weasley. We confirm our suspicions with MuggleCast's listener poll results Quizzitch: How many Podcast Awards has MuggleCast received? You can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week, because two clearly wasn't enough, each hosts covers their third favorite chapter in the Potter series! This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast and get 10% off), and by BeachBody (text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 for a free trial!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

20 Years Ago: Dan, Emma and Rupert were announced to play Harry, Ron and Hermione Sorcerer's Stone surpasses $1 billion at the box office as theaters reopen in China Fantastic Beasts 3 set to resume filming in September -- will the movie's release date be delayed? Main Discussion: The Best Chapters of the ENTIRE Harry Potter series, and why these are our favorites! What makes a good Harry Potter chapter? Pivotal moments? Action? Suspense? World expanding moments? Hindsight? The ability to connect the threads? We discuss. Which book(s) didn't have any chapters make our final cut? It's not you, it's us! Each of the hosts share their two top picks from the Potter series Listeners weigh in with overwhelming support for... Goblet of Fire! Quizzitch: Who wrote the Standard Book of Spells: Grades 1-7? Don't forget! You can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week, because two clearly wasn't enough, each hosts covers their third favorite chapter in the Potter series! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the show Marissa, co-author of MuggleNet's new Character Compendium, available now in bookstores everywhere! MuggleMail has Umbridge fever! An e-mail from Matt suggests actress Olivia Coleman for the future role of Umbridge in a Harry Potter TV series! Here is a highlight reel for your consideration. Should MuggleCast make Umbridge pillows that you can punch? And, finally, a mention of Umbridge from Half-Blood Prince is brought to our attention. In our Main Discussion, we ask Marissa about the creation of The Unofficial Harry Potter Character Compendium: MuggleNet's Ultimate Guide to Who's Who in the Wizarding World. How did this book come about, how did they gather information on over 700 characters, and which characters stood out to her in her research?! Special sections in the Barnes & Noble edition discuss MuggleNet's favorite non-canon characters, and who is the REAL hero of the Harry Potter series? What is the role of a fan site in 2020? We discuss the early days of MuggleNet and where it stands today The hosts play GUESS. THAT. CHARACTER! Quizzitch: What is Daisy Pennifold known for? This week's episode is sponsored by Quip! Visit GetQuip.com/muggle and get your first refill FREE. Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News: The Harry Potter film series is moving to Peacock and leaving HBO Max. Muggle Mail covers Potter People The Podcast and an interesting fan fiction about Voldemort's return! It's our Order of the Phoenix Rewind episode! Acceptable. Troll. Exceeds Expectations. Just how good were our 7-Word Summaries during Chapter-by-Chapter? The grades are in! Dumbledore vs. Voldemort. The Lost Prophecy. Harry's trial. What were the Top 7 Most Critical Moments of Order of the Phoenix? We take a Time Turner back to 2003! What were fans theorizing most about between the Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince book releases? From Peter Pettigrew to Dumbledore's mysterious absence, what burning questions did Order of the Phoenix and the final two books leave unanswered? Luna Lovegood. Dolores Umbridge. Bellatrix Lestrange. We discuss Order of the Phoenix's Most Notable New Characters and how they translated on screen! The hosts give their Favorite Moments and Rename The Book Quizzitch: What do Jamie Parker, Jim Dale and Evanna Lynch all have in common (besides Harry Potter)? This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast to get 10% off your first month of therapy)! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SPOILER WARNING: Do not listen if you haven't finished Book 6 yet, but today we're celebrating 15 YEARS OF MUGGLECAST! Welcome back everyone's favorite Brit, Jamie! He has some huge life updates for everyone. Why in the world did we ever decide to start a podcast? Who is this mystery "Sarah" person? We dig deep into the archive to roll clips from Episode 1! Were our predictions any good? Or totally wrong? From Steve Jobs to David Heyman to Pickle Pack and more, Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Jamie share their favorite MuggleCast Moments! The hosts give their best fandom moments and top Potter news items over the last 15 years What will be the state of the Harry Potter fandom 15 years from now? We think the current state of the Star Wars and Marvel fandoms should clue us in. Make The Music Connection returns, with music from 2005! Why we still love doing MuggleCast after all this time...and... British Joke of the Day! After the outro, listeners share their favorite moments from over the years This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast to get 10% off your first month of therapy) and BeachBody On Demand (text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 for your free trial membership! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's our final Chapter-by-Chapter episode! The reading archive is now complete! Congratulations to our recent Quizzitch Live winners Morg97, Molly, Melissa, Kate, and Kiran. Eric has a new podcast, Thank You For Spieling! Find it on your favorite podcast app. MuggleMail includes Occlumency lessons, the Marauders watching Snape and Lily, and whether you can grow out of reading Harry Potter books. Chapter-by-Chapter CONCLUDES with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 38: Second War Begins 7-Word Summary: Hogwarts is not the most safe space Fudge's behavior following Voldemort's return leaves the hosts all bothered. What really happened to Umbridge, and how did Dumbledore leave the Forest unscathed? Malfoy means business, but is his anger misplaced? Snape and McGonagall square off. Why can't Hagrid make Harry feel better? Can anyone? To add insult to injury, Harry discovers Sirius' mirror... ...and Nearly-Headless Nick is roped into a counselor role for his fellow Gryffindor. Luna offers hope. Why doesn't Harry talk to Lupin? And the book ends! Our final Umbridge Suck Count segment is Brutal! Listen for the final tally. MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter To wrap up this book, we each share our favorite character and a lesson we each learned from Order of the Phoenix. Quizzitch: Multiple Choice! How many times does the word “grim” appear in Book 5, including in ‘Grimmauld Place’? A) 50-79 times B) 80-119 times C)120-149 times D)150+ times This week's episode is brought to you by Thirdlove. Find your perfect fitting bra by going to Thirdlove.com/mugglecast, and get 15% off your first order! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our next Quizzitch Live is Tuesday, July 21 - The topic is Deathly Hallows! Harry Potter at Home has wrapped up their chapter readings for Book One. In Muggle Mail, the hosts are asked how Harry Potter led them to branch out into being a fan of other things. We debut a brand new listener-inspired segment, Wizard Court! Bellatrix is on trial for killing Sirius. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 37: The Lost (?) Prophecy 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore tells Harry some of the truth A portrait tells Harry that Dumbledore thinks highly of him. What do we think? Dumbledore says, "I know how you're feeling, Harry." But does he? At multiple times, Dumbledore refers to his own age while seeking forgiveness from Harry. Is this fair? Do we blame Kreacher, or do we blame wizards, including Sirius, for Kreacher's betrayal? Snape has shows his heroic side, but Dumbledore is keeping his secret from Harry still. Why? The hosts discuss the blood magic that keeps Harry save on Privet Drive, and if Dumbledore had to withhold this information for so long. We dig into the Prophecy, the part that was overheard, and Laura makes a Bible connection. The significance of Dumbledore counting Harry's escapes from Voldemort. MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter Quizzitch: What is the last word of Book 5? This week's episode is brought to you by Quip. Get your first refill FREE by visiting GetQuip.com/muggle. Support MuggleCast by supporting our sponsors! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our next Quizzitch Live will be Tuesday, July 21 - An installment themed around the Deathly Hallows book! Muggle Mail covers Kreacher, the Department of Mysteries, The Veil, Lupin and more! Which came first, the Ministry or The Veil? Listeners weigh in with their thoughts! We debut a new game... Guess. That. Book! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 36: The Only One He Ever Feared 7-Word Summary: Voldemort is trying to kill Harry Potter Neville consoles Harry following Sirius' death The Cruciatus Curse: can Harry actually perform it? What factors into one's ability to cast an Unforgivable Curse? Intent? Age? Character? Bella, Bella, Bella! Dumbledore vs. Voldemort... and the entrances fans have always wanted! What does Dumbledore mean by "we both know there are other ways of destroying a man?" Is it a hint towards Horcruxes or his own personal life struggles? The Symbolism of the Fountain of Magical Brethren How does Dumbledore’s magic work both in the Death Chamber and in the Atrium? Fudge's downfall The hosts make some fun comparisons between the book and the movie! MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter Quizzitch: What does Phineas Nigellus Black call Sirius when Dumbledore tells him he's dead? This week's episode is brought to you by BeachBody On Demand (text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 for a free trial!), HelloFresh (get $80 off your first box by using code 'muggle80') and ThirdLove (get 15% off your first order by using the link!). Support MuggleCast by supporting our sponsors! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week we discuss whether or not Fantastic Beasts is the world's most problematic film franchise! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News covers the latest chapter of Sorcerer's Stone with Matthew Lewis and Imelda Staunton. Plus, an update on the Harry Potter RPG! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 35: Beyond The Veil 7-Word Summary: Sirius falls through the unknown to death Our initial impressions of Bellatrix Lestrange Dreams vs. Reality: Where’s Sirius, and how can you tell what's a dream and what's not? What do we make of Harry’s leadership in his first real battle? Why didn't Voldemort just infiltrate the Ministry himself? Was Dumbledore’s plan to keep Harry out of the loop a good one? "Accio, Prophecy!" - are we being for real now? We reminisce about The Broken Prophecy and the theories that followed The Evolution of Neville Longbottom: Why is this the chapter where he really comes into his own. How talented are the Order? Are they fighting fire with fire against the Death Eaters? DUBBLEDORE! Did we prefer his book or movie entrance? Goodbye, Sirius! We play a couple songs to pay tribute to this beloved character. We give our MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: What planet does not survive the battle in the Department of Mysteries? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week we'll discuss if the Death Eaters do or don't care that Voldemort is a half-blood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News covers The Blair Partnership controversy and suspended Chapter Readings This week: It's a double dose of Chapter-by-Chapter! First up, Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 33: Fight or Flight 7-Word Summary #1: Centaurs react aggressively to Hermione’s faulty argument Did Umbridge fail to search Hagrid's Hut after she gave him the boot? Leading Umbridge into the Forbidden Forest: was it Hermione's top Gryffindor moment? Listeners weigh in with their thoughts. Umbridge vs. The Centaurs: What happened to Umbridge when she was attacked by the Centaurs? For additional information on Centaurs and what may have happened to Umbridge, check out: GreekMythology.com, Kialo.com, and Pandova University Press Is there any symbolism to the Centaurs breaking Umbridge's wand in half? Did Hermione really think through what would happen to Umbridge? Should she have let Harry do the talking with the Centaurs? Why does Harry look down upon Ginny, Neville and Luna? Next up, Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 34: The Department of Mysteries 7-Word Summary #2: Prophecies are exposed when doors are opened For a breakdown of the actual departments, give a listen to Episode 374 The Ministry of Magic is A SECURITY NIGHTMARE! Why is Harry so entranced by The Veil? Did The Veil exist before the Ministry of Magic? What exactly was Harry's plan if he discovered Voldemort in the Hall of Prophecy? Umbridge Suck Count, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter return! Quizzitch: What planet does not survive the battle in the Department of Mysteries? This week’s episode is sponsored by MeUndies (Underwear that’s so good, Dobby would never take it off his head! Get 15% off your first order and free shipping by going to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

International football star David Beckham joins actor David Tennant to read the Quidditch chapter of Book One. And now viewing this requires a login? The MuggleCast 15th Anniversary T-Shirt is here! Just one week left to become a Patron at the Dumbledore’s Army level or higher to get yours! MuggleMail topics include exams in other countries, the secrecy surrounding the prophecy, and whether Hagrid had a battle assist from Dumbledore (sorry McGonagall!) Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 32: Out of the Fire 7-Word Summary: Umbridge catches heroes using losers for hire Hermione's point about Sirius and Voldemort is a good one - why doesn't Harry listen? Why doesn't the trio think of Snape before they're caught? The pitfall of Hermione bringing up Harry's "Saving People Thing" Here *lies* Kreacher, Mwahahahahaha Harry speaks in code as a last resort. Does Snape understand? DEBATE: as Umbridge prepares use an Unforgivable on Harry, the hosts ask. Who is a worse villain? Voldemort or Umbridge? How realistic is Hermione's plan? What makes Umbridge buy it? And why does she decide to go alone? (Spoilers!) Our Umbridge Suck Count passes 100! (Were you really surprised?) Quizzitch: What spell does Neville use to escape his captors? This week’s episode is sponsored by MeUndies (Underwear that's so good, Dobby would never take it off his head! Get 15% off your first order and free shipping by going to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast), Truth Vs Hollywood podcast, and Quip dental care (Visit GetQuip.com/muggle to get your first refill free!) Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this special edition of MuggleCast, the hosts are joined by Dr. Sarah Steelman (Marriage & Family Therapist, Ph.D., LMFT) to discuss J.K. Rowling's recent tweets and open letter regarding trans people. We review her statements and why so many of them are wrong, share responses from around the Harry Potter community, and analyze our own feelings. Given the sensitive nature of this conversation, please be aware that this episode carries a trigger warning. Below is a list of resources referenced in our show, for both those individuals looking to better educate themselves as allies and for those who are personally affected by recent events. If you're a LGBTQ person who needs to speak to someone: The Trevor Project: 866-488-7386 Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 Other resources: Follow Dr. Sarah Steelman on Twitter, and read her Medium blog post Andrew James Carter's point-by-point breakdown of the various issues with J.K. Rowling's blog post. For Scottish listeners who want to support the Gender Recognition Act, you can head to lgbtyouth.org.uk to find an email template and a list of your Members of Scottish Parliament to contact in support of the Act. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast opens with a listener email addressing current events in America. Also, please note we recorded this episode before JKR's latest hurtful tweets. Some suggested recommendations and resources that can help us all learn: Understand racism doesn't "go away" - it mutates. Learn from organizations like The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, The Vera Institute of Justice, The National Civil Rights Museum, The Innocence Project, and The MBK Alliance. Everyone has biases , many of them unconscious - find ways to confront your implicit biases Amplify the voices of people of color, but recognize when to be quiet and listen VOTE for candidates and legislation that will hold authorities accountable Visit Ethel's Club, which provides free grieving and healing sessions to African Americans around the world, led by licensed black therapists. Support black businesses in your area: Official Black Wall Street, EatOkra (iOS and Android). Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler and Whoopi Goldberg read the latest chapters from Sorcerer's Stone! Harry Potter face coverings are now available from WizardingWorld.com MuggleMail covers yet another definition of the word punting! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 31: O.W.L.S 7-Word Summary: Exams can cause severe headaches and visions Ron has a little bit of James in him! Malfoy Career Advice: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Comparing the O.W.L.S to standardized testing here in the United States Anxiety, all-nighters, drugs, cheating and more! Griselda Marchbanks: Dumbledore can "do things with a wand she's never seen before!" Oh, reallllly? Patronus Extra Credit The Removal of Rubeus Hagrid Why does Umbridge choose to sack Hagrid in this manner? Is this even about his job? We discuss the connection to current events. A History of Magic exam gone Siriusly bad! Why wasn't Harry provided more information about what Voldemort was after? The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 94! Quizzitch: Who is the head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week's episode is sponsored by BeachBody On Demand: Work out from the comfort of home and still get super effective workouts, making you feel better! Text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 to get a free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a new children's story from JKR, and she's releasing fresh chapters every week day! All eight Harry Potter movies have been made available for streaming on HBO MAX. In Bonus MuggleCast, available now on Patreon, the hosts and listeners share their go-to HP films, and Micah tears apart Deathly Hallows, Part 2. The MuggleCast 15th Anniversary T-Shirt is here! Become a Patron by June 30 at the Dumbledore’s Army level or higher to get yours! MuggleMail topics include Sirius' relationship with Harry, bullying at Hogwarts, and Snape's maturation process. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 30: Grawp 7-Word Summary: Hagrid reveals another giant secret mistake, Grawp Hogwarts professors and students are in open rebellion. Who put the Niffler in Umbridge's office? Harry comes clean about the Triwizard Winnings Can Harry be expected to pick up Occlumency after what happened? The hosts share their meditation tips for Harry. Is Hagrid's strategy for grabbing Hermione and Harry a good one? Laura reveals the Greek origin of centaurs and the hosts compare book events that line up What was Hagrid THINKING bringing Grawp into an inhabited forest? Ron's Mirror of Erised moment happens! Quizzitch: Who is the head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority? This week’s episode is sponsored by MeUndies, underwear that's so good, Dobby would never take it off his head! Get 15% off your first order and free shipping by going to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Ryan! WizardingWorld.com's reread continues with Eddie Redmayne and Stephen Fry The MuggleCast 15th Anniversary T-Shirt is here! Become a Patron by June 30 at the Dumbledore's Army level or higher to get yours! Muggle Mail covers lots of feedback on Snape's Worst Memory Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 29: Career Advice 7-Word Summary: Harry speaks to McGonagall about career opportunities Harry struggles with what he saw in Snape's Worst Memory Why doesn't Harry consult Hagrid or Professor McGonagall about his concerns? Harry wonders how James and Lily Potter could have fallen in love We discuss the importance of Ginny and the chocolate Easter Egg Harry isn't half bad at Potions when Snape isn't breathing down his neck! The Great Potter Debate: McGonagall vs. Umbridge! The hosts reenact the infamous Career Advice scene! BAD IDEA OF THE WEEK: Let's break into Umbridge's office! How flawed is Harry's plan to contact Sirius? Why can't Harry recall Sirius gave him something for this very situation? Was contacting Sirius worth the risk? Sirius and Remus provide some serious Marauder nostalgia The Great Weasley Escape The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 84! The hosts give their MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Chicken Soup For The MuggleCast Soul returns! Quizzitch: Who is the first person to score a goal against Ron in Chapter 30? This week's episode is sponsored by Quip, makers of an excellent electric toothbrush. Visit GetQuip.com/muggle to get your first refill FREE! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WizardingWorld.com is hosting a video reread of Sorcerer's Stone and Daniel Radcliffe kicks things off! Don't miss Quizzitch Live: The Goblet of Popcorn next Sunday, May 17 (11 am ET)! The MuggleCast 15th Anniversary T-Shirt is here! Become a Patron by June 30 at the Dumbledore's Army level or higher to get yours! Muggle Mail covers Ministry toilet access, Hermione's advice to Harry and memory perspective! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 28: Snape's Worst Memory 7-Word Summary: Discoveries are difficult to watch in Pensieve Why didn't Professor McGonagall take over as Headmistress? We reveal something in Hogwarts that ISN'T a security nightmare! The Inquisitorial Squad The Weasley Twins, their loyalty to Dumbledore and their ability to perform exceptional magic Connecting The Threads between Montague and the Vanishing Cabinet Is it fair that Filch is Caretaker of Hogwarts when he can't perform magic? Drink up! Could Umbridge's attempts be any more obvious? As far as apologies go, where does Cho's rank? Inside Snape’s Worst Memory: should Harry have taken this magical leap? How does time work inside people's memories? Why doesn't Harry recognize his mother's initials? Why does Harry see this memory from the third person? Why does he have such freedom of movement? We analyze the younger versions of James, Sirius, Lupin, Peter, Lily and Snape How are the Marauders any different than Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle? Is it Snape's Worst Memory because he calls Lily a mudblood? We discuss the future implications this scene has for both James and Harry The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 80! The hosts give their MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: What punishment does Umbridge instruct Filch to apply to the Weasley Twins for their Swamp? Workout at home and see great results with BeachBody On Demand! Text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 to receive a free trial! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JKR commemorates the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts (and responds to MuggleCast on Twitter!) The MuggleCast 15th Anniversary T-Shirt is here! Become a Patron by June 30 at the Dumbledore's Army level or higher to get yours! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 27: The Centaur and The Sneak 7-Word Summary: Hogwarts changes direction due to Dumbledore’s departure WHOA, HORSEY! What's up with Hermione's attitude toward Firenze? Divination with Firenze - the magical class setting we've been waiting for! We analyze Firenze's teaching style and his perspective on humans teaching divination Why does Dobby still punish himself? Inside Dumbledore's Office Fudge's attitude toward Harry in Prisoner of Azkaban vs. Order of the Phoenix Marietta's face! Did Hermione go too far? Debate: Modifying Marietta's Memory Why doesn't Fudge or Umbridge recognize what's been done to Marietta? Is Dumbledore's story truly believable? Does Fudge ever really regret his decision? The Great Escape... with style! The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 69! The hosts give their MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: What are the three spells James casts on Severus besides Levicorpus? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week, we discuss the process behind our brand-spanking-new MuggleCast 15th Anniversary t-shirts and whether or not J.K. Rowling should apologize for killing characters! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Birthday, Eric! Quizzitch Live: The Prisoner of Knowledge was a huge success! We hope you joined us and had fun! Muggle Mail covers COVID-19 at Hogwarts and more Hagrid/Harry comparisons! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 26: Seen and Unforeseen 7-Word Summary: Dreams enter the mind through Snape’s lessons How much legitimacy does Rita Skeeter provide to Harry's story? Umbridge's latest Educational Decree: does it violate freedom of speech and freedom of the press? Should Hermione have given Harry advice about Cho BEFORE their date? Does Quidditch create bad blood amongst the Hogwarts Houses? Inside Harry's Dreams: Neville, McGonagall, Voldemort, Rookwood and more! How is Voldemort not aware of proper prophecy protocol? The truth about Broderick Bode and Sturgis Podmore is revealed! Bad Hermione! Should Harry have told someone what he saw in his dream? Does Snape share what he is seeing inside Harry's mind with Dumbledore? The door to the Department of Mysteries finally opens! Snape's childhood was a rough one! Trelawney and Firenze The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 62! The hosts give their MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: Who retrieves the list of Dumbledore’s Army members for Umbridge? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies! Get 15% off your first order and free shipping by going to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News covers JKR's childhood home and her recent thoughts on Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix. One of these was her easiest Potter book to write. Muggle Mail includes Voldemort's possession of Ginny and The Knight Bus in Goblet of Fire Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 25: The Beetle at Bay 7-Word Summary: Valentine’s Day happens amidst many bad choices Mass Breakout from Azkaban! Why doesn't Ron react at all to hearing Antonin Dolohov's name? Is Fudge wrong to think Sirius Black could be behind the breakout? Neville's shift in mentality: the hosts each submit his "glow up" track! Add yours to this Spotify list! Bye bye, Broderick Bode! We hardly knew ye! Hagrid and Trelawney: were their classes destined for scrutiny and failure since Prisoner of Azkaban? How is Umbridge able to attend every Care of Magical Creatures and Divination class? Doesn't she have classes to teach herself? Educational Decree No. 26 - joke's on you Dolores! Harry and Cho's first date: Quidditch, dementors, Madam Pudifoot's, Roger Davies, Cedric, Hermione and more! Is The Daily Prophet getting pressured by the Ministry? Hermione’s clever plan to have Rita Skeeter tell Harry’s story in The Quibbler The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 56! The hosts give their MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: What topic does Xenophilius Lovegood tell Luna that Harry’s story is outselling? This week's episode is brought to you by Literati (get 25% off your first two orders by visiting Literati.com/MuggleCast) and Quip (get your first refill kit free by visiting GetQuip.com/Muggle) Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quizzitch Live: The Fandom of Secrets was a huge success! Keep an eye for our next hangout! Rupert Grint is going to be a DAD! Muggle Mail covers a random Lockhart encounter and when J.K. Rowling actually revealed Dumbledore's sexuality (see J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life) Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 24: Occlumency 7-Word Summary: Harry’s journey back into his mind fails Snape vs. Sirius A grim goodbye! Should we have known then? What's the deal with The Knight Bus? Can't they "magic" a smoother ride? Cho and Harry: he picks up on what's she putting down relatively quickly for a teenage boy! See you on Valentine's Day! Nagini and The Department of Mysteries: Snape gives Harry the information Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix have refused to! What in the world is Dumbledore thinking letting Snape penetrate Harry's mind? Why doesn't Harry get the opportunity to remove memories he doesn't want Snape to see? Would Harry fair better if he actually listened to Snape's instructions? Could Occlumency be considered a form of rape? Snape reveals a big truth about himself when describing Legilimency, but it goes over Harry's head! What does Voldemort know about Harry at this point in the story? Does he know he's a Horcrux? If so, why the strong desire to kill him? Does Dumbledore not consider the vulnerable position mentally and physically these lessons put Harry in? Why does Snape not like the use of Voldemort's name? The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 52! The hosts give their MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: What does Hagrid instruct Harry to put on the salamanders? This week's episode is brought to you by Wondery's Imagined Life, and OpenFit (Start working out at home! Just text MuggleCast to 50-50-50 to get started)! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week, we discuss the difference between Snape and Queenie and their ability to "read people's minds"! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quizzitch Live: The Fandom of Secrets returns this Thursday, April 9 at 7:15 p.m. ET! Keep an eye on our social media channels for the link to participate! J.K. Rowling offers up a Character Personality quiz on Twitter! The hosts share which Harry Potter character they are most like... and the answers may surprise you! News covers Harry Potter at Home, The Tales of Beedle The Bard audiobook release and the LEGO Harry Potter video game for only $6! Muggle Mail covers Harry's relationship with Mad-Eye Moody, Nagini and Dumbledore's past, a maternity ward at St. Mungo's and Harriet Potter Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 23: Christmas on The Closed Ward 7-Word Summary: Harry heads to see Arthur in recovery We Connect the Threads to... Chamber of Secrets?!?! Possession by Voldemort, the importance of house elves and Professor Lockhart Horcrux Takeover on the London Underground! Harry's having a nervous breakdown! Can someone HELP HIM? Odd that Dumbledore has a direct line to Harry’s bedroom at Grimmauld Place? Why doesn't Harry think of consulting Ginny earlier about being possessed by Voldemort? Did they two bond over this shared experience in later years? Opening presents in your bedroom? What's up with Christmas at Grimmauld Place? Harry makes an important observation about Kreacher. Should Sirius be more concerned he's "missing"? Welcome back Gildeory Lockhart! Do we think the former DADA professor ever recovers from his condition? Goodnight Broderick! Is there no screening presents at St. Mungo's? How is a venomous tentacula safe to put next to a patient's bedside? Hey, Augusta! We compare grandma Longbottom's evaluation of the trio to that of Lucius Malfoy's from Chamber of Secrets! Bubblegum wrapper theory galore! The big Bellatrix reveal! Somebody better really check on Kreacher now... The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 50! The hosts give their MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Chicken Soup For The MuggleCast Soul returns! Quizzitch: Who teases Harry about taking remedial potions? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had a blast with our first-ever Quizzitch Live! J.K. Rowling returns to Twitter to comfort Voldemort, reveal her favorite Mario Kart character and more! Muggle Mail covers why Harry didn't see thestrals at the end of Goblet of Fire! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 22: St. Mungo's for Magical Maladies and Injuries (Part Two) 7-Word Summary: Harry ventures to the hospital with family Why does Harry feel as if he is an intruder upon the Weasley family's guilt? Is he not a member of their family? Why doesn't Sirius take Harry seriously when he explains what really happened? What if... J.K. Rowling had killed Arthur Weasley (as he had originally intended)? Welcome to St. Mungo's for Magical Maladies and Injuries! Why couldn't the hospital have been built underground like the Ministry? How is the hospital funded? Do wizards have health insurance? How does a wizard become a Healer? There are no classes at Hogwarts! Broderick Bode has a visitor! St. Mungo's is a SECURITY NIGHTMARE! Despite all that's happened, Arthur couldn't be in better spirits! Why does Arthur not tell his kids what really happened? Was it irresponsible of him to not have a personal talk with Harry? Why won't Arthur's wounds close? What's so special about Nagini's bite? Did the movies miss a big opportunity in not including St. Mungo’s? The Umbridge Suck Count stays put at 49! Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: What does Harry get Ron for Christmas in his fifth year? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had a blast at our Forget About The World live show earlier in the week! Tune in for a show and tell and a few rounds of Harry Potter Heads Up! The hosts receive candles from our listener Devin, including a goat-scented one for Micah! Check out Devin's website - Worndoll.com J.K. Rowling loosens guidelines on recording Harry Potter books for schools To liven things up we play a fun Sporcle game - Harry Potter Name Chain Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 22: St. Mungo's for Magical Maladies and Injuries (Part One) 7-Word Summary: Arthur survives by receiving care from portraits What's up with Dumbledore's passwords? They seem kind of... weak! Portrait Party! Is this is a nightly occurrence? How annoying for Dumbledore! Why does Dumbledore not acknowledge Harry... or Ron? Portrait Superstars: Everard and Dilys Why does the Order not have better security alert measures in place? Phineas Nigellus Black says Sirius always had odd houseguests. Really? Like who? In Essence Divided - Dumbledore's Horcrux epiphany! We discuss Dumbledore's bond with Fawkes - how is the phoenix able to track Umbridge? Who tipped off the old toad? Mrs. Norris? Harry's Rage toward Dumbledore: part Harry and part Horcrux! Sirius shows maturity in his handling of the Weasleys at Grimmauld Place OUT! How a single word to Kreacher seals Sirius' fate! The Waiting Game The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 49! Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: What color robes do Healers of St Mungo’s wear? This week's episode is sponsored by Thirdlove. Find your perfect fitting bra and receive 15% off your first order by visiting Thirdlove.com/MuggleCast! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week, we discuss that silvery instrument inside Dumbledore's office and J.K. Rowling's post-Deathly Hallows comments about it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Abbey, who has her own podcast for Grey's Anatomy fans: The On Call Room! Coronavirus shuts down Cursed Child and the Wizarding World theme parks The leaked Harry Potter RPG will finally be announced this year! Fantastic Beasts 3 filming is now underway! Or at least, that was the plan. Since recording this episode, we've now learned that the movie has halted production. We get a sneak peek at the Quidditch Through the Ages Illustrated Edition! What's with the U.S. cover being so boring? Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 21: The Eye of the Snake 7-Word Summary: Harry heads towards Arthur in peril snakily The first part of the chapter takes us back to our Prisoner of Azkaban days Thestrals: was it wise for Hagrid to put students who have seen death in this situation? Dumbledore rides thestrals?!? What?!? Did no professor prepare Hagrid for what to expect from Umbridge's evaluation? Umbridge treats Hagrid like he is mentally challenged and manipulates student reactions and sentiments! Should Harry, Ron and Hermione have gone to McGonagall about Hagrid's treatment? Hermione wishes she could see thestrals! What?!? Andrew then proceeds to turn her into a serial killer! Harry feels resentment towards Hogwarts for the first time ever as the holidays approach Dumbledore's Army: Decorator Dobby, Ginny The Seeker and Mistletoe Magic We discuss Ron and Hermione's opposite reactions to Harry's first kiss Inside Nagini: Do we think any of the snake’s initial hesitation in attacking Arthur Weasley had to do with her humanity? Do we think Harry could have controlled the outcome if he wanted to? Or is it just like watching TV? Looking through the eyes of another Horcrux? The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 47! Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: What is the name on the department store front which hides Saint Mungos to the Muggles? This week's episode of MuggleCast is sponsored by Quip (Get your first toothbrush refill free at GetQuip.com/Muggle and OpenFit (get a free extended 14-day trial by texting 'mugglecast' to 50-50-50) Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week, we discuss J.K. Rowling's decision to give Arthur Weasley a reprieve in Order of the Phoenix! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Muggle Mail covers angry librarians and Harry-Draco shippers We're at the midway point of Order of the Phoenix! How has this recent read changed our feelings about the book? What are our biggest takeaways? Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 20: Hagrid's Tale 7-Word Summary: Hagrid returns and fails to reveal lies The Trio take a massive risk in going to see Hagrid given recent punishments! Can Harry, Ron and Hermione really fit under the Invisibility Cloak? Why doesn't the snow wipe away their footprints? What is Hagrid's true level of trust in Harry, Ron and Hermione? What do we know about Vampires in the Wizarding World? We discuss real world parallels to the Giants being an ostracized community What’s the value of aligning with the Giants? Is Hagrid the best envoy? The best negotiator? Could the Ministry be inadvertently tipping off the Death Eaters? Does Hagrid blow his load on the first gift to the Gurg? Name Origins: Karkus, Golgomath and Grawp What could the Death Eaters have told Golgomath to convince them to join their side? Who is that at the door? It's Dolores! Why didn't Umbridge use Homenum Revelio to find Harry, Ron and Hermione? Why does she give up so easily? The Top 7 Reasons Hagrid Was Really Missing In Action The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 43! Connecting The Threads include Macnair, Buckbeak and Hermione The hosts give their MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: Whose death allows Neville to see thestrals? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Some of your favorite Potter actors are back to voice The Tales of Beedle The Bard audiobook MuggleCasTBT recalls a time when we discussed J.K. Rowling potentially writing under a pseudonym. Muggle Mail covers becoming inspired to teach, the Hog's Head and the Room of Requirement. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 19: The Lion & The Serpent. 7-Word Summary: The Quidditch match features Draco falling out. Dumbledore's Army is going swimmingly. Harry really IS a teacher! Is Luna the best representation of inter-house cooperation at Hogwarts? We discuss whether "Weasley Is Our King" is bullying or just typical sportsmanship. It's insane how the staff reacted to Harry and George’s attack versus the taunting on the field, which no one tried to stop. WHERE is Dumbledore? And where was Hermione to set another fire in the stands? Isn’t there a charm for earplugs? Ron doesn’t need to hear to be a good Keeper. Honestly, is Draco any good at Quidditch? McGonagall vs. Umbridge McGonagall: the star Quidditch player - it runs in her family! On Fred: Can you lifetime ban someone for something you thought they were “about to” do? And why is this described as a lifetime ban? Is this an opportunity where Harry, if he had known Umbridge’s backstory, could have used it to his advantage. Everything is terrible this chapter, but Hagrid is back! The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 40! The Debate returns as Andrew & Micah and Laura & Eric team up to debate Umbridge's punishments! Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: Where did Hagrid have a disagreement with a vampire? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News covers Cormoran Strike Book 5 "Troubled Blood," Cursed Child Japan and Fantastic Beasts 3 Muggle Mail: Harry's post-Hogwarts career, a sibling rivalry, and Dumbledore's boggart Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 18: Dumbledore's Army 7-Word Summary: Hogwarts is holding a group defense meeting Harry can Accio a bullfrog? J.K. Rowling has said you can't accio inanimate objects Are the Hogwarts professors secretly teaching DADA in their own classes? How exactly did that conversation go between Dumbledore and Umbridge about the Gryffindor Quidditch Team? Is Hermione right to reconsider forming Dumbledore's Army? Is Sirius truly “reckless” and “living through” the trio? Harry's connection with Voldemort strengthens! Why doesn't Harry consult an adult ? Dobby, Winky, Hedwig and the Room of Requirement We compare the Room of Requirement's use in Order of the Phoenix to it's use in Half-Blood Prince We rate the the proposed names for Dumbledore's Army Professor Potter The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 35! Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter return! Quizzitch: What does Hermione use to bewitch the golden coins for DA members? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! MuggleCast has launched a listener survey so we can hear what you think of the show. Please take a couple minutes to fill it out! This week's episode is sponsored by Openfit (texted 'MuggleCast' to 505050 for a free trial), Quip (visit GetQuip.com/muggle to get your first refill free) and ThirdLove (Visit ThirdLove.com/MuggleCast for 15% off your perfect fitting bra). This Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We offer our thoughts on the recent Johnny Depp / Amber Heard case Another Illustrated Edition: MinaLima joins the party! Muggle Mail covers Harry's battle with Dementors and his post-Hogwarts career Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 17: Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four 7-Word Summary: Sirius is in trouble with Umbridge’s reach Harry's finally HAPPY! It lasts for two pages... We discuss the symbolism of the educational decree covering everything else on the Common Room notice board! Hogwarts is becoming a police state! Umbridge is monitoring all non-class student activity as well as the lines of communication Is it possible Umbridge was planning this decree prior to the formation of Dumbledore’s Army? Shouldn’t students be able to complain to their heads of House about this? To their parents? Hedwig, Thestrals, McGonagall and Grubbly-Plank Neville and Draco: always be mindful of thinking before you speak Snape and Umbridge Trelawney is on probation - are we surprised? Do we feel bad for her? Sirius has some advice for Hermione, reveals Dung has been trailing Harry and shares news from Molly Hogwarts is a Security Nightmare! Is Umbridge right to be watching the Floo Network? The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 32! Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter return! Quizzitch: What spell does Gryffindor use to help them practice quidditch? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! MuggleCast has launched a listener survey so we can hear what you think of the show. Please take a couple minutes to fill it out! Bonus MuggleCast, coming later this week to Patreon: We take a look at the life of Dolores Jane Umbridge! Was she always this sadistic? What was her childhood like? Did she ever marry? Where did J.K. Rowling get the inspiration for this character? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast has launched a listener survey so we can hear what you think of the show. Please take a couple minutes to fill it out This week's episode is sponsored by ThirdLove, makers of the perfect fitting bra. Visit ThirdLove.com/MuggleCast for 15% off! J.K. Rowling announces the next Cormoran Strike novel is finished! Kobe Bryant: how Harry Potter inspired his Wizenard Series Muggle Mail covers some clever questions from a 10-year-old listener! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 16: In The Hog's Head 7-Word Summary: Shady happenings occur within Aberforth's dingy bar What in the world is up with the chapter art? Harry's internal struggle: to teach or not to teach Defense Against Dark Arts? A mummy, two Yorkshire dementors and a shifty-looking witch walk into a bar... Undercover thief! Is it pure coincidence or on Dumbledore's orders that Mundungus is in the Hog's Head? Aberforth looks familiar to Harry. Oh, really? Is the Hog's Head really that dirty and grimy or is a bit of magic at play? The bar smells of goats... what?!? What do goats even smell like? How does the Hog's Head stay in business? We break down Aberforth's relationship with his goat Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff... The Formation of Dumbledore's Army! Would any of members of Slytherin House worked well? Does Hermione not fully consider the consequences of putting Harry in an awkward position? From Quirrellmort to the Riddle Graveyard, the hosts rate Harry's accomplishments with O.W.L. grades! Zacharias Smith, Luna Lovegood, Ernie MacMillan and more! Fudge and Heliopaths? No way! But Luna's observations about Hermione are spot on! Would we have signed our names to the Dumbledore's Army parchment? Quizzitch: Who visits Harry during History of Magic? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ember Sirius or Flaming Sirius - our listeners settle the debate! Muggle Mail covers Gary Oldman, Hermione, Fred & George's true intentions and more! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 15: The Hogwarts High Inquisitor 7-Word Summary: Umbridge oversees the Hogwarts professors teaching classes The Daily Prophet announces Umbridge as Hogwarts High Inquisitor! Fair and balanced reporting? YEAH, RIGHT! What level of credibility does Percy have to be quoted in The Daily Prophet? Are there really THAT MANY concerned parents? What were the first 21 Educational Decrees? We offer some our thoughts! Umbridge visits each teacher's classroom: Is there not already a system in place to evaluate teachers? Is Umbridge qualified to evaluate these subjects? Poor Trelawney! Umbridge vs. McGonagall - has Dolores met her match? Should Hermione have considered the consequences of her actions in Umbridge's class? Harry, Hermione and the birth of Dumbledore’s Army The power of self-doubt We discuss the importance of Hermione saying Voldemort's name for the first time The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 27! Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter return! Quizzitch: What does Luna say Fudge’s Army is made of? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! January's Bonus MuggleCast: The hosts sound off on Trelawney's prediction for Professor Umbridge and what would have happened if Harry told McGonagall the truth about his detentions! This week's episode is sponsored by Quip, our favorite toothbrush! Get your first refill free by visiting GetQuip.com/MUGGLE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Micah's back and FINALLY received a Wizarding World Gold pin! Muggle Mail covers Founder wands, House points, SPEW and Harry Potter tattoos Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 14: Percy and Padfoot 7-Word Summary: Saturday begins with letter sending from Harry Harry does a really good job of hiding the truth when writing to Sirius. Do we think this a quality that Harry possesses or just JKR’s clever writing? The hosts take a shot at cryptically describing each other Thestrals Alert! If we were Harry, would we be concerned we’re seeing ominous creatures randomly around Hogwarts? We compare it to the grim in Book 3 and the basilisk in Book 2! The hosts discuss what it means for Cho to believe in Harry The Daily Prophet: Padfoot and Podmore Why was Slytherin allowed to watch Gryffindor’s Quidditch practice? Shouldn’t it be closed, especially to opposing teams? Percy's letter: what does it reveal about the Ministry? About his true character? We read several of Percy's passages in our best Dr. Evil voices! Does Percy truly believe Dolores Umbridge is a nice person? Do we think he is really concerned about Ron? Or is this an attempt by Fudge and Umbridge to sow discord between Ron and Harry? Which Fireplace Sirius was better: Goblet of Fire or Order of the Phoenix? The world isn't split into good people and Death Eaters The Ministry believes Dumbledore is forming an Army! Reckless and bitter Sirius: do his comments about James hurt Harry? Umbridge Suck Count, Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter Quizzitch: Professor McGonagall has been teaching at Hogwarts for how many years (at the time of Order of the Phoenix)? This week's episode is sponsored by OpenFit, a fantastic way to workout at home at great prices! Text 'mugglecast' to 505050 to get a free two-week trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Reminder: MuggleCast is moving to Tuesdays! Each week we'll have a new episode available bright and early. A 'flagship' Harry Potter store has been announced, where we'll be able to grab coffee, Butterbeer, and... 'House Wands'?! Chapter by Chapter: Order of the Phoenix Chapter 13, Detention with Dolores This chapter is very unlucky for Harry. Are all Chapter 13's in the Harry Potter series the same way? Theory: Every chapter ever is unlucky for Harry. Fred and George are getting away with their testing -- until Hermione steps in. Why this moment was truly 'below the belt' for the twins. What's going on with Hermione and her crusade to free the elves? We don't see her doing any work that the elves do. We learn that Bowtruckles can actually be quite evil. How could Newt keep one so close to his eye balls? It's Security Nightmare: Pickett Edition! Then again, they have leafy hands. How peaceful! What an enigma. Malfoy drops some information that's of interest to Harry, while Luna sticks up for The Chosen One in a big way. Detention with Dolores: It's in this scene where Umbridge goes from being an annoying teacher to a truly evil one. Did Dumbledore or McGonagall know that this type of thing was going on? Should Harry have ratted Umbridge out? And did this ever happen again? Quizzitch: What does Cho refer to Ron as? Answer on Twitter by tweeting @MuggleCast! This week's episode is sponsored by Care/Of! Get 50% off your first order of personalized vitamins by visiting TakeCareOf.com and using promo code 'mugglecast50' at checkout. Support MuggleCast by supporting our sponsors! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy from Harry Potter Fan Zone joins the show and shares the history of his website and how he received the prestigious J.K. Rowling Fan Site Award The hosts share the Harry Potter gifts they received during the holidays Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 12: Professor Umbridge Seven Word Summary: Classes begin for the term despite attitudes Harry’s troubles continue: Seamus bolts early in the morning, Dean is at a loss for words and Lavender isn’t buying Harry’s story either. Hermione once again raises the importance of House unity. But is Hogwarts set up well for such a thing? Does Dumbledore, in fact, not want to draw attention to Hagrid's absence? Fred & George are in search of test subjects! Why couldn’t the Gryffindor Head Boy or Head Girl handle them? Why doesn't Harry own up to giving the Weasley twins their money for the joke shop? Kissy Kissy! Cho is back. Enter Ron - Master Wandblocker! Is J.K. Rowling trying to tell the reader something about jumping on bandwagons? Harry has his worst day of classes: History of Magic, Potions, Divination, DADA What classes when we were kids could we just not get through? With Hagrid gone and Umbridge teaching DADA, Harry really has no classes he enjoys! Does Snape ride Harry hard because he sees potential in him or because he's an ass? Umbridge raises the point that Defense Against The Dark Arts at Hogwarts has been rather disrupted and fragmented. She's not wrong, is she? So, we’re going back to basics? We could see doing this for one or two lessons, but the entire year? What does Umbridge having a short wand mean? Do we believe this new DADA class was really carefully devised by experts at the Ministry? Is Umbridge wrong about Lupin? Parvati raises a great point about the practical nature of their O.W.L.s. So, the students should just show up and perform a spell? Isn’t Umbridge setting the students up for failure? Wouldn’t it be a poor reflection on her if all of her students fail their O.W.L.s? Have a biscuit, Potter! Umbridge Suck Count, Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week, Rename The Chapter return Quizzitch: What has Hermione been making over the summer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special installment, Rori Porter, a transfemme member of the Harry Potter fandom, joins the MuggleCasters to discuss why J.K. Rowling's December 19th tweet was transphobic and hurtful. Rori explains the court battle the tweet is in reference to, what Rowling's doing by saying this, and how it affects trans people. We also discuss the role inclusion and acceptance has played in the Harry Potter fandom, and where we go from here. Check out TransStudent.org to learn more about the trans community, and click here to read Rori's piece published to Medium. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Please note: This episode was recorded prior to J.K. Rowling's controversial tweet, which was harmful to the transgender community and allies. As we stated on Twitter, trans rights are human rights. We see you, we love you. You are valid. We will always welcome you! We'll share additional thoughts on the situation in Episode 448. In our final episode of 2019, we take a look back at another Decade of Harry Potter by reliving the biggest moments and surprises of the past 10 years. What were we feeling then, how do we feel now, and what does it all mean for the decade ahead? Events discussed include: June 18, 2010: The Wizarding World of Harry Potter officially opens in Orlando (and basically saves Universal theme parks)! November 19, 2010: Deathly Hallows: Part 1 hits theaters. It sets a trend for a single book to be split into two films, but this trend may've died this decade too. July 15, 2011: The final Harry Potter film, Deathly Hallows: Part 2, is released worldwide! The hosts share their feelings after the final movie, taking into consideration the number of years spent in the fandom. April 12, 2012: J.K. Rowling announces her first post-Potter novel, The Casual Vacancy. Only one person on the panel has finished it. April 14, 2012: Pottermore launches at a time when people truly craved more from J.K. Rowling. April 2013: In one of the most shocking moments of the decade, J.K. Rowling secretly publishes The Cuckoo’s Calling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. We discuss how word leaked. August 27, 2013: MuggleCast ends... and then... two weeks later... Warner Bros. announces the Fantastic Beasts film series. December 19, 2013: We hear rumblings that a Harry Potter play is in development, and it looks nothing like what it became. January 14, 2016: Wands raised! Alan Rickman, the actor who brilliantly portrayed Professor Severus Snape passes away at 69. November 18, 2016: Magic returns to the silver screen as Fantastic Beasts hits theaters November 19, 2018: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald opens in theaters Spring 2019: J.K. Rowling leaves Twitter. Will she ever get back to her usual daily tweeting? October 2, 2019: Pottermore officially shuts down. What do we expect in the decade ahead for Potter? Quizzitch: What characters from the original Harry Potter series have also been in both Cursed Child and the Fantastic Beasts series? Bonus MuggleCast: We discuss the things we think will definitely NOT happen in the next decade in Potter! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first ‘new’ Chapter-by-Chapter for Order of the Phoenix since October 2011! Remember when we started this book then stopped for some reason? Good times. Micah shares his convo with an inspiring 8-year-old Harry Potter fan! Potter booze cruise... Yes, please! Eric's Book Corner: Law Made Fun Through Harry Potter & Pod Life: Podcaster Stories Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 11: The Sorting Hat's New Song 7-Word Summary: Umbridge takes Dumbledore’s spotlight down during dinner Loyalty vs. judgment: We debate whether or not Hagrid is a "joke" of a teacher Welcome to Hogwarts, Professor Umbridge (not really)! What other times in history has the Sorting Hat given advice? We compare Slytherin and Gryffindor's falling out to that of Grindelwald and Dumbledore How the importance of unity at Hogwarts is a microcosm for that of the larger Wizarding World House unifiers: Narcissa Malfoy and Horace Slughorn Does Umbridge interrupt Dumbledore as payback for the Ministry hearing? Happy little faces = #FakeNews Is the Ministry infiltrating Hogwarts or just filling a high turnover position? Is Hogwarts self-sustaining or does it receive government funding? Discord amongst Gryffindors! What's up with Seamus? Would Harry telling Seamus what happened in the Graveyard have changed anything? True friendship: Ron and Neville's defense of Harry Harry finally realizes Dumbledore and him are in this together! The Umbridge Sucks Count climbs all the way to 11! On next week's episode we look back on the past decade in Potter! We Connect The Threads, give our MVPs of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanessa from Harry Potter and The Sacred Text joins us! MuggleMail covers feedback from our recent holiday gift suggestion episode! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 10: Luna Lovegood 7-Word Summary: Chaos reigns during the journey to Hogwarts James and Lily, Molly and Kreacher, Ron and Hermione: what's up with Harry's dreams? On your own head be it - did Sirius' trip to King's Cross cost him his life? Shouldn't Mad-Eye Moody have been more concerned about Sturgis Podmore's recent absences? Harry's isolation continues aboard the Hogwarts Express Welcome to the Potter series, Luna Lovegood! Why do so many fans identify with Luna? Luna's clearly an outcast, just like Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville, so why do they treat her differently? We tell the story of how Evanna Lynch found out about the role of Luna Lovegood Harry gets caught in a compromising situation by Cho. We've all been there with our crush, right? What do we make of the new prefects from Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff? Is there any truth to the stories in The Quibbler? We discuss how J.K. Rowling laid the foundation for Dumbledore's Army in this chapter! "Dogging your steps!" Does Draco really know the truth about Sirius? Continued Isolation: Why is Harry the only one who can see Thestrals? Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter return! Quizzitch: Who is the first Gryffindor selected at this year's Sorting Ceremony? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! In the latest bonus episode we discuss theories surrounding Draco's promotion to Prefect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Potter Collector joins us for MuggleCast’s Harry Potter Gift Guide! Harry Potter: The Exhibition is now open in Lisbon, Portugal! Harry Potter Holiday Gift Guide: What were some of the biggest items to debut in 2019? The Potter Collector talks Nimbus 2000, Mystery Wands from Walmart and OutofPrint.com Andrew: Hallmark has official Harry Potter ornaments (Hogwarts Castle Tree Topper) as well as a Golden Snitch Coffee Mug and Gringotts Vault Piggy Bank Eric: LEGO is always a safe bet for any Potter fan (Hogwarts Full Set, Hogwarts Express and Grindewald’s Escape) and so are PUZZLES from the New York Puzzle Company! Micah: The Noble Collection has some great adult Potter items (Fawkes, Basilisk Book End and Fluffy) Laura: Alex and Ani’s Harry Potter inspired jewelry, Bioworld’s 9 & 3/4 purse and the Harry Potter Christmas in the Wizarding World Advent Calendar The Potter Collector’s favorites include: the 20th Anniversary Brian Selznick Editions, the 20th Anniversary UK editions, Nimbus 2000 by Cinereplicas, Subscription Boxes (GeekGear, Wizarding Trunk, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boxes) and OutofPrint.com Shirts Andrew recommends checking out BoxLunch.com for the adult Harry Potter fan in your life! Pottery Barn has you covered around the house! Check out the Mirror of Erised and this really cool floating candle! Codenames, Potter-themed playing cards, Harry Potter Munchkin and Cards Against Muggles guarantee a fun night with friends! Patrons weigh in with their gift ideas, including advent calendars (FUNKO, LEGO and sock), J.K. Rowling Boss The Bestseller List Like, Harry Potter Spirit Jerseys, Commissioned Art From Sydney Dean and a Christmas in The Great Hall Candle We cover some of the classic Potter gifts: books, movies video games and more! Our Top 10 Holiday Potter Gifts! Quizzitch: What does Neville get for his 15th birthday? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including early access to the show via our live streams! This week, we have a very special edition of the Dueling Club where Potter holiday gift items square off against each other! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew checks in from the Wizarding World... completely decked out for the holidays! Laura reveals an early Christmas present that would excite any Potter fan! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 9: The Woes of Mrs. Weasley 7-Word Summary: Harry feels envious because friends are winning What's up with Umbridge "appraising" Harry? Uh oh, Lucius has Fudge's ear! Is it worse that the Order thinks the Minister is NOT under the Imperius Curse? Why does Harry's scar burn when thinking about Dumbledore? Is it the Voldemort connection, the Horcrux or just pure emotion? Do we agree with Hermione that Sirius is acting selfishly after learning Harry has been found not guilty? We do a deep dive on the Defense Against The Dark Arts position Ron is named Prefect... and EVERYONE is stunned! Can't the kid just have his moment? Why DID Dumbledore select Ron and Hermione as Prefects? Moody tries to cheer up Harry by showing him an original Order of the Phoenix photo We discuss Gideon and Fabian Prewett (Were Fred and George's names tributes to them?), Aberforth, Edgar Bones and more The Boggart shows the very real fear Mrs. Weasley has of losing her family Why did Molly choose to take care of the boggart herself? Perspective, Harry! The Umbridge (Toad) Suck Count rises! Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter return! Quizzitch: What is Luna's mother's first name? This week's episode of MuggleCast is sponsored by TodayTix! For your chance to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child in San Francisco, visit TodayTix.com/MuggleCast Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including early access to the show via our live streams! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finally... some Fantastic Beasts 3 news! What bigger role will Eulalie Hicks play in the upcoming film? Steve Kloves returns to his screenwriting role. What does it mean for Potter fans? We're going to Rio! Will we see Castelobruxo? Why did Crimes of Grindelwald fall flat at the box office? Let's not forget the controversies that preceded it! Fantastic Beasts 3 is taking the series back to its Hogwarts roots! Is this a good thing? Is there such a thing as too much Hogwarts? We spent seven films there, isn't it time to explore the larger wizarding world? Was J.K. Rowling unfairly blamed for the writing in Crimes of Grindelwald? Yummy! Fantastic Beasts 3 will provide more breadcrumbs for Potter fans! Patrons share how they would like to see Hogwarts and Dumbledore be further incorporated (without it feeling like it was done just to please the fans) We give our early predictions for the title of Fantastic Beasts 3! We review Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: The Journey: Behind the Scenes of the Award-Winning Stage Production. It makes a great holiday gift! It was predestined! The story behind J.K. Rowling and John Tiffany! Why did parenting play such a big role in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Why was Goblet of Fire such a big focus? The story behind Dobby, Sirius Black, McGonagall, Luna and Astoria Malfoy! Box office woes: why are Cursed Child tickets slumping in Year 2? We take voicemails on Dumbledore's middle names and running Dementors Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including early access to the show via our live streams! This week's episode of MuggleCast is brought to you by AWAY Travel, a favorite company of Micah and Andrew's. Get $20 off one of their amazing suitcases by visiting AWAYTravel.com/muggle and using code 'muggle' at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike from Potterless Podcast joins the show! He shares why he got into the series so late and some of the moments that shocked him the most. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 8 - The Hearing 7-Word Summary: Harry is attacked by Fudge but Dumbledore prevails Have any of us ever been before a judge? Given Harry is being charged with UNDERAGE magic, isn’t it ridiculous an adult can’t accompany him to trial? Where exactly was Harry’s owl sent? Was it even sent at all? We’re introduced to Fudge’s “right-hand“ woman... Dolores Jane Umbridge! Why do we think Dumbledore arrived at the Ministry three hours early? Given the number of people required for this trial, there is no way the time and location wasn’t changed at least the night prior! By changing the time, is the Ministry hoping Harry would need to use magic, getting him into further trouble? Is Ms. Figg a credible witness? We debate if she really saw the Dementors! Dumbledore makes Fudge SUPER uncomfortable! Who really sent the Dementors? Voldemort? The Ministry? Do we think Fudge made the decision to implement Umbridge at Hogwarts before or after the trial? Would Harry have prevailed without Dumbledore present? What’s up with Harry’s heart swelling to unnatural size? This could have all been solved with a little bit of Veritaserum! The Umbridge sucks count grows by 2! We Connect The Threads, Rename The Chapter and give our MVPs of the Week Quizzitch: What nickname does Malfoy give Harry while at the Ministry? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including early access to the show via our live streams! Thanks to this week's sponsor: Wondery's new podcast Bad Batch, an investigative series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News covers Cursed Child in San Francisco and Germany Andrew and Micah are drawn to the dark side... they're Wizarding World Gold baby! We discuss the benefits and pricing of Wizarding World Gold. What would we like to see them offer in the future? Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Ministry of Magic Seven World Summary: Today will be the day Perkins alerts Harry's restless night: can we sympathize? Name drop! Rufus Scrimgeour is suspicious of Kingsley and Tonks! Mr. Weasley can't contain his excitement in the Muggle world! What technology would fascinate Arthur in 2019? The secret behind the Ministry's Muggle visitor entrance Micah calls BS on the Fountain of Magical Brethren! Eric works at the Ministry! What other host names have appeared in the Potter series? Which Ministry department which would like to know more about? What's up with these underground windows? Ha! Kingsley is in charge of the hunt for Sirius Black! Regurgitating toilets, The Quibbler, Broderick Bode and more The Umbridge suck count grows! The Ministry has changed the time and location of Harry's hearing! Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week, Rename the Chapter Quizzitch: What is Cornelius Fudge's middle name? Become a member of our community today on Patreon and receive awesome, magical benefits! This week's episode is sponsored by ThirdLove (Get 15% off your first perfect bra today!), Bombas (Save 20% on your first pair) and Hello Fresh (Get your first 8 meals free)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Emily! Micah recaps a great weekend in Boston for LeakyCon! The Goblet of Fire Illustrated Edition is here! And it's Laura first! We discuss some notable illustrations and give our favorites! Muggle Mail covers Sirius as a parent, ALL CAPS Harry and Percy Weasley Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Chapter 6, The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black Seven Word Summary: Kreacher has the foresight to take heirlooms Molly the Spy: were our parents like this when we were growing up? Laura makes an interesting comparison between Molly and Umbridge Spring Cleaning at Grimmauld Place: it appears the house is fighting back! Why doesn't magic work on doxies? Is Buckbeak getting the shaft? Comparing Kreacher to Dobby and Winky Can Mad-Eye see a Boggart in its natural state or does he see what he fears most? Just what are the Order of the Phoenix taking turns guarding? Fred and George are quite the savvy businessmen! Kreacher isn't in his "right mind" - Hermione couldn't be any closer to the truth! Why doesn't Sirius instruct Kreacher not to insult his house guests? Everyone's related! We analyze the Black Family tapestry! How unfortunate is it that Sirius doesn't realize the important role his brother Regulus played in the downfall on Lord Voldemort? If Grimmauld Place has every protection known to Wizard-kind, why does Harry need to return to Privet Drive? The blink and you'll miss it locket Horcrux mention Dumbledip We Connect The Threads, give our MVPs of the Week and Rename the Chapter Quizzitch: At what time does Harry wake up for his Ministry hearing? Become a member of our community today on Patreon and receive awesome, magical benefits! This week's episode is brought to you by Your Super! Get 15% off your order when you use code MUGGLECAST at checkout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're live from LeakyCon in Boston and joined by special guest Chris Rankin! We travel around the Wizarding World to famous Potter locations, talk about the Massachusetts-based school Ilvermorny and play a few of our favorite games with the audience. Chris takes Micah to task in the Dueling Club while listeners try their hand at Make The Connection. Join us for this very special edition of MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pottermore is NO MORE! We reflect on all the hype that surrounded its launch and re-sort ourselves with the new virtual Sorting Hat! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Chapter 5, The Order of the Phoenix Seven Word Summary: Harry asks Sirius about Voldemort’s return loudly No. 12 Grimmauld place belongs to Sirius. We debate using his home as Order headquarters! Harry and Sirius compare summers and both blame Dumbledore for their current situation. Does Molly overreact to Fred and George’s coming of age? What was Molly like back in the day when she was first legally able to use magic? Slip of the knife... Death Omen #2 for Sirius! Molly doesn’t approve of Mundungus Fletcher and honestly, do we? Does Dumbledore pick Order members like he does Hogwarts professors? Sirius, Molly and The Battle of What's Best for Harry Sirius encourages Harry to ask about Voldemort. What do we make of his behavior? At this point in the story, which characters best reflect parental figures for Harry? The Voldemort Report offers a great lay of the land. The Order is not well positioned to spread the word of Voldemort’s return! What is the weapon? Was this misleading at all to us as readers? Is the prophecy truly a weapon? We Connect The Threads, give our MVPs of the Week and Rename the Chapter Quizzitch: The Black family tapestry reads “The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black,” but what is written directly beneath that line? Don't forget to come see us next week at LeakyCon Boston! Friday, October 11: Podcasting with Potter; Saturday, October 12: Name That Character / LeakyMug Challenge; Sunday, October 13: MuggleCast Live with Chris Rankin We're also hosting a MuggleCast Meetup on Saturday, October 12 at Hopsters Brewing Company from 5-7 pm! Become a member of our community today on Patreon and receive awesome, magical benefits! This week's episode is brought to you by Quip, an amazing electric tooth brush at an affordable price! Go to GetQuip.com/Muggle to get your first refill FREE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of our listeners received the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Illustrated Edition two weeks early! How does it compare to the rest of the series? This week we dive into Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Chapter 4, 12 Grimmauld Place Seven Word Summary: Harry shouts loudly at everyone in CAPSLOCK As soon as Harry steps into the Black Family home, J.K. Rowling offers an ominous line. It's the first of many hints about Sirius' fate. Rowling has enjoyed using the number 12 throughout the Harry Potter series. We review its many major uses and a couple of our other favorite commonalities. Molly, who's usually a calming figure, isn't much help to Harry when he enters the Order's hideout. Should Harry have just barged into the Order meeting? Harry enters ALL CAPS mode for the first time in the series. While it was justified, we don't believe he should've taken it out on Ron and Hermione. What led Harry to this moment of epic fury? And what would it sound like? Speaking of rage, Percy isn't happy with the rest of his family after his recent promotion was downplayed by Arthur. Did Dad step out of line? Were we surprised to learn that Snape was in the Order? Good thing he leaves before dinner. The Umbridge Suck Count ticks up by 1 point, while Rita Skeeter gets an honorable mention. Quizzitch: What is the name of Bill Weasley’s unwitting informant into the Goblin POV? This week's episode is brought to you by ThirdLove! Find your perfect fitting bra at ThirdLove.com/MuggleCast and save 15%! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Christina! Fandom Happenings: a new Wizarding World app, Mina Lima wallpapers, Lethal White begins filming and Darks Arts shows begin in Orlando! We take listener feedback on British "tea" and defending Mundungus Fletcher Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 3: The Advance Guard 7-Word Summary: Tonight the Guard rides into Grimmauld Place We discuss Harry's treatment of Hedwig... his only friend at Privet Drive Who should Harry be guessing is behind the Howler? Does he even consider Dumbledore? Is it odd there is no further communication between Petunia and Harry? What about news on Dudley's condition? The child abuse continues: eating through a cat flap and not being able to "steal" food from the fridge Was Mad-Eye Moody really the best person for Harry to first encounter? We discuss the members of the Advance Guard and where else they popped up in the Potter series: Remus Lupin, Mad-Eye Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, Hestia Jones, Sturgis Podmore, Dedalus Diggle, Emmeline Vance, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Elphias Doge Moody washes his eye - what are the chances one of the Dursleys drinks that upon their return to Privet Drive? We're introduced to Tonks for the first time in the series! Did the movies do her character justice? Laura wants to know.. why does Lupin look so ragged all the time?!? How ignorant are the Dursleys to think they won a best-kept lawn competition in the middle of a draught? And what's the prize for winning? Metamorphmagi: What would we do with this new magical ability? Does the Ministry detect magic being done by the Advance Guard while at Privet Drive? How do Muggles not see the Advance Guard depart Privet Drive and arrive in Grimmauld Place? What kind of magic is being used, if any? We Connect the Threads, give our MVPs of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: To what does Fred Weasley equate the concept of time? Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon 2019 from October 11-13 in Boston! Join us for Podcasting with Potter on October 11, Name That Character on October 12 and MuggleCast Live on October 13! Register today using code MUGGLE for $10 off! Become a member of our community today on Patreon and receive awesome, magical benefits! This week's episode is sponsored by YourSuper. Improve your health with super plants! Get 15% off your order when using code MUGGLECAST at checkout. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices