PLAY PODCASTS
MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

771 episodes — Page 7 of 16

#468: Rubeus Hagrid’s Punch Out! (OOTP 31, O.W.L.S.)

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

Jun 9, 20201h 25m

#467: Stranger Danger (OOTP 30, Grawp)

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

Jun 2, 20201h 31m

#466: Weasleys Victorious (OOTP 29, Career Advice)

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

May 19, 20201h 31m

#465: How I Met Your Mother (OOTP 28, Snape's Worst Memory)

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

May 12, 20201h 44m

#464: Dumbledore Gone Wild (OOTP 27, The Centaur and The Sneak)

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

May 5, 20201h 36m

#463: Umbridge's Quibbles (OOTP 26, Seen and Unforeseen)

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

Apr 28, 20201h 17m

#462: Kreacher and the Keys (OOTP 25, The Beetle at Bay)

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

Apr 21, 20201h 39m

#461: Snape's Secrets (OOTP 24, Occlumency)

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

Apr 14, 20201h 28m

#460: Loony Lockhart (OOTP 23, Christmas on the Closed Ward)

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

Apr 7, 20201h 37m

#459: Magicare For All (OOTP 22, St. Mungo's, Part 2)

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

Mar 31, 20201h 19m

#458: Portrait Party (OOTP 22, St. Mungo's, Part 1)

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

Mar 24, 20201h 17m

#457: The Grim Granger (OOTP 21, The Eye of the Snake)

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

Mar 17, 20201h 13m

#456: A Giant Waste Of Time (OOTP 20, Hagrid's Tale)

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

Mar 10, 20201h 15m

#455: How To Hogwarts (OOTP 19, The Lion & The Serpent)

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

Mar 3, 20201h 36m

#454: Drinky Winky (OOTP 18, Dumbledore's Army)

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

Feb 25, 20201h 14m

#453: 2 Fast, 2 Illustrated (OOTP 17, Educational Decree Number 24)

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

Feb 11, 20201h 35m

#452: Essence of Goat (OOTP 16, In The Hog’s Head)

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

Feb 4, 20201h 27m

#451: Murtlap Milkin' (OOTP 15, The Hogwarts High Inquisitor)

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

Jan 28, 20201h 25m

#450: Weekend at Hogwarts (OOTP 14, 'Percy and Padfoot')

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

Jan 21, 20201h 30m

#449: Torturous Toad (OOTP 13, Detention With Dolores)

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

Jan 14, 20201h 13m

#448: Have a Biscuit (OOTP 12, Professor Umbridge)

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

Jan 7, 20201h 29m

Why J.K. Rowling's Tweet Was Transphobic and Hurtful

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

Jan 5, 202042 min

#447: Harry Potter Decade in Review

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

Dec 23, 20191h 28m

#446: Going Rogue (OOTP 11, The Sorting Hat's New Song)

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

Dec 16, 20191h 19m

#445: Less Than Prefect (OOTP Chapter 10, Luna Lovegood)

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

Dec 9, 20191h 33m

#444: Harry Potter Gift Guide Extravaganza 2019

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

Nov 25, 20191h 22m

#443: Never A Bride (OOTP Chapter 9, Woes of Mrs. Weasley)

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

Nov 18, 20191h 21m

#442: Harry Potter Screenwriter Returns, Cursed Child Inside Look

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

Nov 11, 20191h 27m

#441: Brian? (OOTP Chapter 8, The Hearing)

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

Nov 4, 20191h 22m

#440: Return To Sender (WW Gold Review, OOTP Chapter 7, 'The Ministry of Magic')

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

Oct 28, 20191h 20m

#439: Dumbledip (GOF Illustrated Review, OOTP Chapter 6, 'House of Black')

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

Oct 21, 20191h 34m

#438: Live From LeakyCon 2019

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

Oct 14, 20191h 5m

#437: The Voldeport (OOTP Chapter 5, The Order of the Phoenix)

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

Oct 7, 20191h 25m

#436: ALL CAPS (OOTP Chapter 4, 12 Grimmauld Place)

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

Sep 30, 20191h 14m

#435: Into The Dark (OOTP Chapter 3, The Advance Guard)

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

Sep 23, 20191h 36m

#434: His Last (OOTP Chapter 2, A Peck of Owls)

No word back from the Nashville school that banned Harry Potter Eddie Redmayne provides us a smidge of an update on Fantastic Beasts 3 Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 2: A Peck of Owls 7-Word Summary: Many owls arrive at Harry's home tonight Mr. Tibbles was on the case! Good to know that Harry is being watched by... cats! We question Mrs. Figg's qualifications for keeping an eye on Harry all of these years If Dumbledore was so afraid of Harry using magic this summer why did he not institute a better plan for protecting him? We learn Mrs. Figg had to make coming to her house miserable... so the Dursleys allowed it to continue. Given his track record, is Mundungus the best person to be keeping tabs on Harry? What does it say about Vernon that he thinks Dudley's condition is due to a bad bit of "foreign" tea? Why wouldn't Harry be innocent until proven guilty following the Dementor attack? How quickly did Mundungus get word to Dumbledore about what happened? Petunia knows about Dementors... from Snape! Vernon asks if Harry's lot has the death penalty! What?!? Everyone in the room wonders why the Dementors are in Little Whinging… did Voldemort send them? What happens when worlds collide? We share some of our personal experiences. Could the Dementors have actually attacked Harry inside the Dursley's house? Did a bond form between Petunia and Harry when she proves she understands what Voldemort's return means? Are we at all sympathetic to Vernon’s desire to kick Harry out of the house after all that has happened? Our patrons weigh in. REMEMBER MY LAST! Connecting the Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter return! Quizzitch: What is the make and model of Nymphadora Tonks’ broom? Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon 2019 from October 11-13 in Boston - register today using code MUGGLE for $10 off! Become a member of our community today on Patreon and receive awesome, magical benefits! This week in Bonus MuggleCast, available exclusively on Patreon, we discuss what Dudley saw when he was attacked by the Dementor! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 16, 20191h 34m

#433: Gettin' Figgy (OOTP Chapter 1, Dudley Demented)

Sequoia from Fanatical Fics and Where To Find Them joins the show! We discuss the recent banning of Harry Potter at St. Edward Catholic School... and give them a call! Cursed Child gets a new marketing campaign, with the logo now matching the one from the books/films Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 1: Dudley Demented 7-Word Summary: Harry Potter fights with Dudley and Dementors The introduction of Harry is very much one of a neglected child What does it say about the Dursleys that they take pride in the fact that Dudley doesn’t watch the news and has no clue who the Prime Minister is? What do we make of Ms. Figg asking Harry over for tea frequently throughout the summer? Are Vernon and Petunia overreacting to the “crack” that pretty much the entire neighborhood hears? Or is it fair they suspect Harry? Harry's isolation: let the conversation about Dumbledore’s approach to Harry begin! We analyze Harry's dreams: Cedric's death, long corridors, locked doors and more! Harry is itching for a fight and tries to provoke Dudley with name-calling. What do we make of this version of Harry? Who is Mark Evans? J.K. Rowling once addressed rampant speculation. When the Dementors attack and Harry hears the voice inside his head - is it Voldemort or the Horcrux speaking to him? Have we ever seen Harry control a Patronus through spoken word before? Surprise! There's more to Ms. Figg than meets the eye! We debut a new chapter-by-chapter segment... Umbridge Sucks! Connecting the Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter return! We answer an email on frame narratives and take a very cute voicemail on midnight book release parties Quizzitch: J.K. Rowling once said on her old website that Ms. Figg deals in the roaring trade of cross-bred cats and what? Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon 2019 from October 11-13 in Boston 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 brought to you by ThirdLove: Visit ThirdLove.com/MuggleCast for 15% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 9, 20191h 22m

#432: Connecting Prisoner of Azkaban to Order of the Phoenix

Happy Back to Hogwarts y'all! Enough already! Pottermore announces a new "reimagined" Sorting Hat is coming. Are we about to receive new House assignments? We've shipped MuggleCast tote bags to our first 150 patrons, with more going out in the weeks ahead! Andrew recaps Harry Potter Trivia Night at Wizards Unite Indianapolis, but he can't remember anything! Beautiful park, great community event, dragons, cool merchandise and more! Andrew shares his experience from Wizards Unite Fan Fest! Before beginning our chapter-by-chapter analysis of Order of the Phoenix, we connect the threads to Prisoner of Azkaban, since the Harry Potter series is a frame narrative (We recently did this with Sorcerer's Stone and Deathly Hallows on Episode 427). The grim, dementors and what happens when Harry runs from the Dursleys Aunt Marge, Dudley and the first chapter magical impact on the Dursley family Character appearances and reappearances: Lupin, Sirius, Luna and more! Is it a coincidence Harry meets Lupin and Luna the same way? The contrasting teaching styles of Remus Lupin and Dolores Umbridge Hermione takes on Trelawney in Prisoner of Azkaban and Umbridge in Order of the Phoenix for their ineffective teaching methods Ministry Interference: comparing Fudge's actions towards Harry in Prisoner vs. Order Lucius Malfoy and his meddlesome nature: first Buckbeak then Harry's trial We take a look at a similarity between Hermione and Umbridge (Say what?!?) How Dementors and time turners play a critical role in both books Sirius Black is a prisoner in both books Dumbledore undermines the Ministry at the end of both books: the escape of Sirius and the return of Voldemort Quizzitch: What type of flower bed does Harry find himself laying in as Order of the Phoenix opens? Don't forget: We'll be at LeakyCon 2019 in Boston! Register using code MUGGLE to get $10 off! In addition to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram... We're now on LinkedIn! Become a member of our community today on Patreon and receive awesome, magical benefits! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 2, 20191h 41m

#431: The Questions Fans Had After 'Goblet of Fire'

Welcome Slug Club member Stephanie! She recently became a mother, so we challenge her to sort little Eleanor into a Hogwarts House. Don't forget we'll be in Indy this weekend for Wizards Unite and at LeakyCon Boston this October! Use code MUGGLE when registering for $10 off! If you've waited in line at Universal Orlando for Hagrid's and missed the pre-show video, watch it here! In anticipation of our Order of the Phoenix chapter-by-chapter analysis we take a time turner back to the early 2000s to discuss the years before the fifth Harry Potter book. The wait between Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix was three years (the longest gap!), and it was a critical period for the fandom. How did the Harry Potter fan community soar during this time? When did we all start discovering Harry Potter fansites? What were the biggest questions heading into Order of the Phoenix? Who was going to die in the fifth book? What did Priori Incantatem truly mean? What was next for Harry, Ron and Hermione? To help us out a bit, we revisited MuggleNet's Facts About Book Five! What were the hosts initial thoughts of the Order of the Phoenix cover art? Release party reminiscing: where were we all for the release of the fifth book? Quizzitch: where did Harry get the name Hedwig? In addition to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram... We're now on LinkedIn! Become a member of our community today on Patreon and receive awesome, magical benefits! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 26, 20191h 20m

#430: Did Dumbledore Attempt To Recreate Ariana?

Pottermore announces a new app - what can we expect? Micah and Andrew recap their time at Podcast Movement Andrew will be at Wizards Unite Fan Festival in Indianapolis on August 31. If you see him, say hi! Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon 2019 from October 11-13 in Boston - register today using code MUGGLE for $10 off! It's a mailbag episode full of exciting voicemails and listener emails! When the Weasley twins tossed snowballs at the back of Quirrell's head, was this foreshadowing on the part of J.K. Rowling? A Crackpot Theory blows us away: Did Dumbledore attempt to recreate Ariana and accidentally create Credence? Was hiding the Sorcerer's Stone an attempt by Dumbledore to see Harry's true heart? Given how fast the phoenix evolves at the end of Crimes of Grindelwald, could it be an illusion? One listener tells us that she originally had no idea that Harry Potter was a British book series! Emails cover Lily's protection, James' sacrifice, theme park expansion and more! And... Could the Deathly Hallows have been made from a thestral? Laura tells us about her time at a Harry Potter-themed AirBNB, and the panel comes up with ideas for their own rental property. Become a member of our community today on Patreon and receive awesome, magical benefits! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 19, 20191h 13m

#429: Sidecar Joy

We're live from Orlando at Podcast Movement 2019! We're staying at the wrong hotel, but it's cool because there are a ton of inns and Unfoundables! Eric and Micah ride and review Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure The twists, the turns, the creatures and more! Why you should ride Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure even if you're not a roller coaster person We debate the motorbike vs. the sidecar -- Andrew has evolved on the debate How does this ride compare to Forbidden Journey and Escape from Gringotts? We rank the four Potter rides at Wizarding World Orlando! There's some new merch at the Wizarding World that Eric and Andrew want to get their hands on, like shirts that read "Hogwarts Alumni"! Universal announces a fourth theme park, Epic Worlds, and rumors surface about a Fantastic Beasts land. What would we like to see? Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon 2019 from October 11-13 in Boston - 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 brought to you by AWAY, the most excellent suitcase. Visit AwayTravel.com/MuggleCast2019 for $20 off your suitcase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 14, 20191h 4m

#428: Finishing Sorcerer's Stone, 13 Years Later

Join Andrew in Indy for a special Wizards Unite gathering over Labor Day Weekend! On a related note, we discuss our latest thoughts on the game. MuggleCasTBT takes us back to a dark Cursed Child prediction Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 17: The Man With Two Faces The last time we analyzed a chapter from Sorcerer's Stone was 2006! A lot has changed since then 7-Word Summary: Quirrell surprises Harry with Voldemort’s head attacheSurprise! It wasn't Snape! We analyze Professor Quirrell as a character pre-Voldemort, with help from Pottermore What does it mean to have a "special gift" with trolls? Snape the Savior: should the debate about his loyalties have ended here? How Harry's reliance on his intuition allowed him to defeat Quirrell Was there a confrontation between Dumbledore and Voldemort in the chamber? Should Dumbledore have confided the prophecy in a 11-year-old? Connecting the Threads with Deathly Hallows: Harry awakens to Dumbledore, death as a choice, James and Snape, and endings at King's Cross Notable Quotables, MVP of the Week and Rename the Chapter Quizzitch: What film actor, who appeared in Movie 1, has the same birthday as the character he portrays? Andrew, Micah and Eric will be hosting a meetup in Orlando on Thursday, August 15th! Can you make it? Let us know! This week's episode is brought to you by ThirdLove: Visit ThirdLove.com/MuggleCast for 15% off your first order! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 5, 20191h 30m

#427: Connecting Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows

We're going to be in Orlando this August - if you're in the neighborhood, come say hi! Visit our site to fill out our brief survey. There's never been a better time to support the show! Become a Patron by July 31 and get this year's TWO physical gifts - signed album art and a MuggleCast tote bag! Our main discussion is The Secrets of Sorcerer's Stone: We expose the little things in the first book that ended up playing a larger role later in the series -- especially within Deathly Hallows. Does Dumbledore govern Harry's existence from the very beginning of the series? What protected Harry overnight on the Privet Drive stoop? #SecurityNightmare Did Rowling know the role Sirius would play in later books? Why are wizards so willing to risk exposing themselves following Voldemort's downfall? Why does Dumbledore think Harry's scar will come in handy? Does Dumbledore suspect a Horcrux connection exists this early on? We connect the MANY threads between Sorcerer's Stone and Deathly Hallows The importance of Gringotts and Griphook King's Cross and the Doorway Between Worlds Dumbledore's Chocolate Frog Card and what it means for Fantastic Beasts We discuss Centaurs, Harry's Magical Protection and Snape's Loyalties The Sorcerer's Stone, the Deathly Hallows and the Quest for Immortality The Golden Snitch and Neville's bravery Patrons question the "Lost 24 Hours" between Voldemort killing Harry's parents and Harry's arrival at Privet Drive, Dudley's tail, and school attendance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 29, 20191h 29m

#426: Discovering Sorcerer's Stone

Do the people behind Wizards Unite listen to MuggleCast? Some new game features would suggest so! Eric announces the MuggleNet Caption Contest is back! #MuggleCasTBT takes us back to a bold prediction made about Nicolas Flamel and his "safe house" in Crimes of Grindelwald We take listener feedback on last week's Dark Mark tattoo debate Our Main Discussion focuses on The Beginning of Harry Potter Did Sorcerer's Stone launch a generation of readers? Harry Potter's biggest ally may have been the Internet! How did all of the hosts get started on the Potter series? We discuss J.K. Rowling's struggles behind getting published, including being a woman Did you know Rowling didn't even have a middle name until Sorcerer's Stone was published? We revisit our Episode 200 interview with Harry Potter producer David Heyman, who talks about how he found Harry Was it really necessary to change Book 1's name to Sorcerer's Stone in the United States? We read interesting comments from Scholastic's Editor at the time, Arthur Levine. The hosts share what moments in Sorcerer's Stone really resonated with them and name their favorite chapter Quizzitch: What time does the Hogwarts Express depart from platform 9¾? There's never been a better time to support the show! Become a Patron by July 31 and get this year's physical gifts - signed album art and a MuggleCast tote bag! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 22, 20191h 18m

#425: Half-Blood Prince in Review

Fire at Leavesden Studios! Did it impact the Studio Tour at all? Almost all of the hosts have been leveling up in Wizards Unite! We'll be in Orlando this August for Podcast Movement and want to meet up with YOU at CityWalk! MuggleCasTBT takes us all the way back to 2006 for a final battle prediction! We tie up loose ends with our Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince book-in-review episode! 14-Word Summary: Harry Potter and Dumbledore discover the secret about Lord Voldemort’s Horcruxes from the memories The hosts Rename the Book with some interesting titles and hand out their MVP of the Book awards Was Half-Blood Prince anyone's favorite book? Least favorite book? Patrons weigh in with their thoughts! From The Cave to the fake horcrux discovery, the hosts give their favorite and least favorite moments of Half-Blood Prince Horace Slughorn and Rufus Scrimgeour headline our most notable new characters What were the Top 7 Moments of Half-Blood Prince? We discuss several book-to-movie comparisons as well as Jim Broadbent's portrayal of Slughorn What lies ahead now that Half-Blood Prince is a wrap? Emails cover Elphias Doge, Ginny and Grindelwald's reaction to Dumbledore's death Voicemails include Dumbledore's movie tribute, Snape being labeled a coward and Death Eater tattoos Quizzitch: Which Harry Potter books do not have a chapter with the same name as their title? Send us your odds and ends thoughts from Sorcerer's Stone! Use the contact form, our voicemail line, or e-mail [email protected] directly This episode is brought to you by Thirdlove: Go to Thirdlove.com/MuggleCast to find your perfect bra and get 15% off your first purchase! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 15, 20191h 30m

Ep 1414: MuggleMiniCast #1

On this special November 02nd, 2005 edition of MuggleCast… Ben and Andrew sit down with Matt Vines from Veritaserum.com and gather some wonderful insight to Goblet of Fire. Matt was able to see the movie at screenings twice when he was in London the weekend of the junket. Beware, spoilers are abound! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 15, 201937 min

#424: Sad Woodstock (HBP 30, The White Tomb)

Fakes News! There is no Potter television series is in the works...for now... Puffs is coming to Chicago! MuggleCasTBT takes us back to the ultimate Cursed Child prediction! Chapter-by-Chapter concludes with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 30 - The White Tomb Our final Half-Blood Prince 7-Word Summary: Harry feels really bad about breaking Dumbledore The Wizarding World pays tribute to Dumbledore Despite everything that has happened, why can't Ginny make amends with Fleur? Told ya so, Harry! Hermione's found out the truth about Eileen Prince! Harry likens Snape to Voldemort. Is this a fair comparison? How bad is Harry's guilt in having trusted the Half-Blood Prince all year long? Harry pities Malfoy - will this play into future Deathly Hallows scenes? Who is the man giving Dumbledore's eulogy? Why don't we get more context to Dumbledore's earlier years? Was this being saved for Deathly Hallows? Fantastic Beasts? WHY is Umbridge there? Are there others in attendance who are not mentioned we may have known? Is Dumbledore's body bursting into flames typical for wizard funerals or just Dumbledore? The honeymoon is over...Harry and Ginny break up! Despite Scrimgeour's insensitive timing, should Harry have tried to work with the Ministry? What would have happened if Harry came across Snape in his quest for the Horcruxes? Deathly Hallows teasers: Privet Drive, Bill & Fleur's Wedding and Godric's Hollow The hosts give their MVPs of the Week and Rename the Chapter Introducing our 2019 Patron Gift: The MuggleCast tote bag! Perfect for carrying Harry Potter books or jars of pickles around town. Pledge at the Dumbledore's Army level or above by July 31st to receive your own! Quizzitch: Which book ends with "And together they walked back through the gateway to the Muggle world"? We share some exciting news on what's ahead for MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 8, 20191h 33m

#423: 'Harry Potter: Wizards Unite' review

Introducing MuggleCasTBT! Each week on the show and on social media, we'll be sharing a clip from an old episode in which we make a prediction about Harry Potter or Fantastic Beasts. In our first clip, Micah correctly predicts that Dumbledore will be a crucial part of the Fantastic Beasts film series when we still had no idea that he would even be in it. The MuggleCasters review Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, the highly-anticipated game from the creators of Pokemon GO! What are our overall impressions of the game? Is it living up to expectations? What are we liking and hating most about Wizards Unite? Elements like graphics, mechanics, spell points, and desolate areas are discussed. Does Laura enjoy playing it in the bathroom, or is she just going to the bathroom while recording? Has it inspired us to get up and move around more? Why is it not as popular as Pokemon GO? The first official Wizards Unite event is happening in Indianapolis, and Andrew's thinking about going. In Bonus MuggleCast, available exclusively on Patreon, we talk about what Harry Potter video games we would kill to see next. Quizzitch: What material do Fred and George wear to DD’s funeral? Reminder: Next week is our analysis of the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 1, 20191h 8m

#422: Fawkes Unites (HBP 29, The Phoenix Lament)

Welcome Slug Club member Chloe! Wizards Unite is out and we discuss what we like about the game so far! Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure is dealing with some launch pains Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 29 The Phoenix Lament 7-Word Summary: After Dumbledore's death, Harry regroups with friends Harry breaks the news of Dumbledore's death and reveals the truth about Snape and Draco Lupin's loses control when learning of Dumbledore's death in a way Harry has never seen. Is this because of everything Dumbledore has done for Lupin? We discuss the healing impact of Fawkes' phoenix song on the Order Why did Lupin or Sirius never tell Harry about Snape and Lily? Given Harry had been right about Draco all year, if you were Ron and Hermione, how would you feel? The Vanishing Cabinet and Hand of Glory have strong threads connecting them back to Chamber of Secrets When Flitwick comes to get Snape and is mysteriously unconscious, why aren't Hermione and Luna quicker on the uptake? Shouldn't the fact that Snape didn't kill Flitwick tell us that more is happening than meets the eye? Does Snape actually save Luna and Hermione's lives? With Death Eaters in Hogwarts, do we think Snape is trying to act as quickly as possible to prevent them from harming the students/? Why didn't the Order stop Snape and Malfoy? Why didn't they alert the Ministry? Much like in Goblet of Fire, why didn't the Dark Mark trigger an immediate Ministry response? We react to Fleur's response to Bill's condition and Tonks' big reveal about Lupin Is Harry not trusting in McGonagall about the Horcruxes a mistake? Should Hogwarts remain open? The hosts give their MVPs of the Week and Rename The Chapter Quizzitch: In the final chapter of Half-Blood Prince, who is sitting in Snape's seat in the Great Hall? This week's episode is sponsored by the Eaglemoss' Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts figurine collections! Get figurines of Harry and Hermione, plus free shipping, for just $9.95 by going to HeroCollector.com/Wizards! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 24, 20191h 30m

#421: Sidecar Blues (Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure Ride Review)

Universal Orlando's Wizarding World of Harry Potter has just opened its latest coaster, Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure, and we review it! We're joined by The Insider's Kirsten Acuna, who rode the Motorbike Adventure with Andrew. Check out Kirsten's review of the ride and her report on the queue's easter eggs! And here's Andrew's review on Hypable. The ride's queue is intriguing: It's the ruins of Hogwarts, with inscriptions and art from students over the decades. It's here where Hagrid also birthed a Blast-Ended Skrewt. Soooo about this Blast-Ended Skrewt: What large hole is spraying us while we're on the Motorbike Adventure??? Andrew and Kirsten review the ride, which is a thrilling technological marvel. And riding it at night is a whole different experience! The fandom has a new debate on their hands: Is the Motorbike or Sidecar the better vehicle to ride in? We take questions from Patreon supporters: How does this ride compare to the others? How intense is it? In this week's Bonus MuggleCast, available exclusively on Patreon, we analyze the connection between Fawkes and Dumbledore, and what makes it so special. This week's episode is sponsored by HelloFresh (For $80 off your first month, go to HelloFresh.com/MuggleCast80 and use promo code MuggleCast80) and the Harry Potter Figurine Collection (Visit HeroCollector.com/Wizards to get two figurines for $9.95, and free shipping). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 17, 20191h 23m