MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

You asked, we answered: Our latest movie commentary is for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince! This audio file features our commentary on the sixth Potter movie as we all watch it. The beginning of the file offers instructions on how to sync up with us so that you can watch along! (The movie's audio is not included in this commentary track.) Patrons were able to join us as we recorded the commentary, and we incorporate their feedback throughout the episode. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Special guest Kamilah joins the show! A plug for Alanna Bennett's excellent piece on what a Black Hermione represents Evanna Lynch is Dancing With The Stars! Eric has all of the info. Lethal White hits store shelves next week! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Draco's Detour Our seven word summary makes a little more sense this week: Diagon Alley looks really sad and desolate End of the Innocence: they kidnapped the ice cream guy and the wandmaker! JKR provides some insight on Fortescue‘s intended role Quidditch Captain = preferred bathroom access Why has Molly's perspective on security changed in one chapter? How is Hagrid a viable security guard? Harry and Narcissa face off in Madam Malkin's Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes provides some much needed levity in an otherwise dark chapter We’re all impressed by the twins’ level of magic Inside Borgin and Burkes: Vanishing cabinets, necklaces, dark marks and more Why does Hermione take such a uncalculated risk? The hosts given their MVPs of the Week and Rename The Chapter Quizzitch: Who is in the first train compartment that the trio run into on the Hogwarts Express? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News: Back to Hogwarts featurette, JKR's old website returns and just when was SS released in the US? Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 5 of Half-Blood Prince We rename the chapter to... the best of our ability: Fleur was entering Harry’s room and existed Harry and Dumbledore arrived to The Burrow sooner than expected. What else did the Headmaster have up his sleeve to pursue Slughorn? What business does Dumbledore have with the Minister? Why is Tonks so visibly upset? Slughorn taught Molly and Arthur. Could there be a Fantastic Beasts cameo in the works? We discuss the themes of security, comedy and xenophobia Harry lets Ron and Hermione in on the fact that he will be having lessons with Dumbledore and the truth about the prophecy OWL mayhem Quizzitch returns! What classic childrens' game gets a magical upgrade in Chapter 6, Draco's Detour? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's episode is sponsored by Puffs the Play! Receive a special discount on ticketsto see Puffs at New York City's New World Stages. Slug Club member Matt joins the show! Back to Hogwarts: Eddie Redmayne and Jude Law surprise fans at King's Cross Potter movies return to theaters this September Get your velvet Slytherin bath robe! Pottery Barn releases an amazing new line up of Potter stuff! It's the 20th anniversary of Sorcerer's Stone - the hosts and patrons share their memories of picking up the first book! Main Discussion: Crimes of Grindelwald Set Report (spoiler alert) We explore Paris' version of Diagon Alley... and their sewer system! Credence has drawn everyone to Paris and is himself in search of someone important Grindelwald escapes! Who will he be able to rally to his cause? Will we see Nurmengard? Magic lungs, ministerial hearing parchments and sorcerer's stones What interesting information could be found inside the French Ministry's Ancestral Archives? New Beasts are revealed as we are introduced to the Matagot, Zouwu, Firedrake and Leucrotta The latest on Yusuf Kama and the Maledictus, plus several of Grindelwald’s supporters have familiar names Voicemails cover owls, wizarding jobs and trivia night in Chicago Introducing our new Chapter by Chapter archive! Quizzitch and Chapter-by-Chapter return next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pat joins the show and shares his Wizarding World experience and why he still plays Hogwarts Mystery The hosts review two recent interviews with Eddie Redmayne and David Heyman Newt's apartment, his relationship with Theseus, Dumbledore's manipulation and more Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 4 of Half-Blood Prince The hosts recap the chapter in 7 words with a new Group Summary game! Harry is allowed to use magic outside of school, but is it his first time truly Apparating? We learn that Voldemort is now on the defensive (against Harry's mind) Dumbledore continues to put his final plan in motion by recruiting Slughorn References two and three - what's up with Dumbledore's blackened hand? Why does Harry never check that Dumbledore... is in fact Dumbledore? How does Dumbledore know where Slughorn is living - has he been tracking him? Does Slughorn recognize what's truly happened to Dumbledore's hand? Is Horace correct that he would be better off/safer not at Hogwarts? The Master Collector: why does Dumbledore want Harry to become a member of the Slug Club? Harry will receive private lessons this year - about time! The hosts give their MVPs of the Week and Rename the Chapter We receive an email on the recent Crimes of Grindelwald trailer specific to Leta Lestrange's Hogwarts house Quizzitch: The night Harry arrives at the Burrow, which characters does he spot who aren't in the film adaptation, and which characters does he NOT interact with that he does in the movie? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hypable.com writer Kendra joins the show! Eric recaps a great LeakyCon weekend in Dallas! We meet a brand-new Fantastic Beast - the chupacabra - and get our first glimpse at baby nifflers Newt is headed to Paris to "track" Credence, but how does he even know he's alive? Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 3 of Half-Blood Prince Are the media headlines meant to make readers and the wizarding community feel safe despite Voldemort's known return to power? Why has Dumbledore been reinstated as Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot? Our first (passing) mention of Inferi Is Harry's lack of trust in Dumbledore showing up at Privet Drive a result of their relationship from Order of the Phoenix? Why didn't Harry tell the Dursleys that Dumbledore would be visiting? How would they have reacted if he did? We discuss Dumbledore and Petunia's prior correspondence. Was Dumbledore ready to play that hand if necessary? Privet Drive Payoff: Dumbledore puts the Dursleys in their rightful place! Are we seeing a Grindelwald-era Dumbledore based on the way he intimidates the Dursleys or is he just setting affairs in order? Dumbledore's hand, mead, Grimmauld Place, Kreacher and more! We learn that Harry must return to Privet Drive one more time The hosts give their MVPs of the Week and Rename the Chapter; plus a great Crackpot Theory on Felix Felicis Quizzitch: Who gave Ambrosius Flume his first job, thanks to Slughorn? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

… Did that work? Is he listening to this episode? With Micah gone this week, we're joined by two of our listeners, Alex and Stefanie, who do their best impressions of the NY News Anchor. Patrons in the U.S. have received their mugs, but we need to know if they arrived okay! And if yours arrived broken (rare but possible), let us know. This week's episode is sponsored by Puffs the Play! Receive a special discount on tickets to see Puffs at New York City's New World Stages. Chapter by Chapter continues with Chapter 2 of Half-Blood Prince: Spinner's End. The brilliance of this chapter is how Snape is playing Bellatrix and Naricissa simultaneously but in different ways. How much does Voldemort know about Dumbledore's injury? He can't know about the Horcrux… right? Does one line from Bellatrix help make Delphi's existence canon? Why would Bellatrix have such a hard time trusting Snape's word when Voldemort is content with his reasoning? And what should she do if she had ever learned the truth? Who is the MVP of the chapter? Those poor elves… We rename the chapter to reflect what really happens. Crackpot Theory: Has Bellatrix made an unbreakable vow before? Have questions or comments about HBP Chapter 3? E-mail [email protected], or use the voicemail line or feedback form on our website! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Birthday Harry & Jo! We rank Harry's birthdays from worst to best MuggleCast turns 13 years old on August 7! We break down the details of two new Crimes of Grindelwald posters ZouWu? JKR reveals the mysterious beast in the recent Crimes of Grindelwald trailer! Ezra Miller talks about Credence's character development The biggest Harry Potter LEGO set ever hits store shelves August 15 Patrons share their thoughts and questions on the latest trailer Does Dumbledore see Grindelwald in the Mirror of Erised because he desires him to be captured? What role exactly will Nicolas Flamel play in The Crimes of Grindelwald? How will Jacob find himself with Newt? Will Credence be reunited with his true family? Will he ever get the chance to go to wizarding school? Was Abernathy working for Grindelwald the whole time? Did he help him capture Graves? We compare Grindewald's populist movement and Dumbledore's timid response to that of the U.S. in the 1930s Voicemails cover the Deathly Hallows, splitting the films into five parts, Johnny Depp and more Chicken Soup For The MuggleCast Soul returns Don't forget: Cormoran Strike is back in Lethal White on September 18 Quizzitch: What floor is Vernon Dursley's office on at Grunnings? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew and Eric reminisce on their latest trivia night battle, which leaves Andrew and friends with a huge prize. The new Crimes of Grindelwald trailer is here and we go scene-by-scene! There is some mixed reaction to Dumbledore's DADA lesson with Newt What interests Credence so much about Circus Arcanus? Who is Grindelwald addressing when he says hiding in the shadows serves us no longer? A flying black curtain - is this a new obscurial effect or perhaps a Lethifold? Dumbledore's deepest desire is not socks - he sees Grindelwald in the Mirror of Erised! Newt, Tina and Leta team up to escape the French Ministry of Magic! The Niffler is back! What's up with those cats? And is Newt trying to rescue the Oni Oni? Is Leta referring to herself when she tells Newt he never met a monster he couldn't love? Could Grindelwald be referring to his own failed relationship with Dumbledore when he asks Newt if Dumbledore will mourn for him? Could it be a reference to Ariana? Does Abernathy help Grindelwald escape from prison? What are Newt and Jacob up to in Nicolas Flamel's home? The hosts react to Johnny Depp's in-character appearance at Comic-Con Patrons weigh in with their thoughts on the new trailer Quizzitch: On what historic date was the actor who plays Grimmson born? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Chris joins the show David Heyman says Grindelwald is scarier than Voldemort! Why is Dumbledore teaching a young Newt Defense Against the Dark Arts? "After all this time," Chapter-by-Chapter returns! And just in time for HBP's birthday! We analyze the chapter that had been brewing in JKR's mind for more than 13 years Would The Other Minister have worked earlier in the series? Where's Harry? Our first Potter book that doesn't begin with the boy wizard! Voldemort is on the rise and its clear the tone of the series has shifted Fireplace entrances, shady portraits, secret staff - do wizards have a superiority complex? Should the Ministry have considered lifting the International Statute of Secrecy? Does Fudge ever consider enlisting the help of the Muggle Prime Minister? Do other heads of state have similar relationships with their Muggle counterparts? Rufus Scrimgeour: our thoughts on the new Minister and do we have cause to trust him? Kingsley Shacklebolt "Undercover Secretary" Whatever came of the Ministry's inquiry into the death of Sirius Black? How much control do magical governments have over their Muggle counterparts? Two new segments debut with Character MVP and Rename The Chapter! Patrons weigh in with their thoughts on the first chapter of Half-Blood Prince! Quizzitch: What is the name of the bridge that gets destroyed by Death Eaters? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cursed Child is coming to two new cities... San Francisco (2019) and Hamburg, Germany (2020). Could a Midwest location be next? Chamber of Secrets turns 20 years old! We begin our Half-Blood Prince discussion looking back at some popular fan theories Patrons share their midnight release party memories! We discuss how parts of Half-Blood Prince were originally written for Chamber of Secrets and that it was Book 2’s working title The hosts revisit some of MuggleCast’s theories following the release of the sixth book Who is the Half-Blood Prince? Harry? Voldemort? Felix Felicis? We dive deep into The Underground Lake, one of MuggleNet’s notorious series of editorials What did Dumbledore mean by Remember My Last, Petunia? Who will take over the DADA vacancy? Why does Dumbledore trust Snape? Voicemails cover a Deathly Hallows symbol in Goblet of Fire, deluminators, Cho Chang and more! Quizzitch: What two Order members does Harry bump into (in order) in the HBP chapter, "Silver and Opals"? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Sarah joins the show! Warner Brothers cracks down on unofficial fan events Main Discussion: The Department of Mysteries & The Prophecy Who are The Unspeakables? The Brain Room: just what are they studying in there? What does each of us think is beyond The Veil? Does the Veil have magical properties to draw one in? Was the Ministry built around the amphitheater that houses the Veil? How is security so lax around such a dangerous room? The Love Room: why is it locked? The Planet Room: what can you do in here that makes it worthy of the Department of Mysteries? Are there alien wizards? The Time Room: do we believe this is where Time Turners were invented? The Hall of Prophecies: why are they kept locked away? Should who the Prophecy concerns be able to hold onto the prophecy? Do we forgive Dumbledore for withholding this information until now? Patreon Question of the Week: What other rooms could be within the Department of Mysteries? Quizzitch: What is the spell that Hermione uses to mark the doors in the revolving room? Coming this July... chapter-by-chapter for Half-Blood Prince! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Karen joins the show Listeners share their Order of the Phoenix release party memories Cursed Child cleans up at the Tony Awards Universal Orlando adds Harry Potter to their nighttime water show Main Discussion: Major Events of the Phoenix Grimmauld Place: Was this truly the safest place for the Order to be headquartered? Do Sirius and the Order underestimate the threats within the Black Family home? Ministry Interference at Hogwarts: What are Umbridge's credentials for becoming DADA professor? Was it always Fudge's intention for Umbridge to become Headmistress? Do the Educational Decrees expose weaknesses in Dumbledore's leadership? The Formation of Dumbledore's Army: we discuss the Hog's Head, the Room of Requirement and the importance of unifying (almost) all of the Houses Welcome to St. Mungo's: why was it cut from the film? Augusta Longbottom, Neville's parents, Lockhart and Harry's connection to Nagini We reminisce on those gum wrapper theories! Patrons share their top 5 moments from Order of the Phoenix Don't worry, we'll spend Episode 374 inside the Department of Mysteries and discussing The Prophecy Quizzitch: Who was the last member of the Dumbledore's Army to sign up in the Hog's Head? Bonus MuggleCast (available on Patreon) includes memorable lines from the fifth book and Crimes of Grindelwald trailer speculation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Paris, London, New York: Pottermore offers fans the chance to attend the Fantastic Beasts 2 premieres for charity Cursed Child is up for 10 Tony Awards Main Discussion: Fresh Faces of the Phoenix What would have happened to Harry without the support of Luna and her father? We discuss Bellatrix exposing Harry's ignorance and her unwavering loyalty to Voldemort Does Tonks make the Order of the Phoenix cool? Dolores Umbridge has one redeeming quality - she's the reason for Dumbledore's Army! Do we overlook the importance of Ms. Figg? Was she best equipped to keep Harry safe? What's up with the relationship between Squibs and cats? Mundungus Fletcher... enough said! What if these characters were introduced earlier in the series? What if they never were? This episode's lone voicemail asks about a Hermione-based movie with Emma Watson Quizzitch: Who did JKR say would win in a fight: Crookshanks or Mrs. Norris? MuggleCast Vault: Luna Lovegood and Dolores Umbridge character discussions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Amy joins the show! The Crimes of Grindelwald screenplay cover is revealed... And we analyze every beast, symbol and little detail Did Alan Rickman feel Snape was an underutilized character in the films? JKR reveals her next project will be a children's book! We start June off with our first Order of the Phoenix discussion What were the biggest theories prior to Order of the Phoenix being released? Like: What exactly is the Order of the Phoenix? Will Snape ever teach DADA? Is he a spy? Is Lupin really James Potter in disguise? What is the gleam of triumph and what does it mean? What's up with Ms. Figg? Which character(s) won't make it through Book 5? Quizzitch: A witch or wizard who is gifted at reading minds is called a what? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is here - we reflect on some favorite Potter memories J.K. Rowling reveals the toughest chapter for her to write in the Potter series Main Discussion: Whose origin story would we like to see brought to life on the big screen? Aren't Potter fans already getting that with Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts? Quirrell, McGonagall, Slughorn, Hagrid… who has the best backstory and who would end up on Lifetime? Patrons give their top choices: Helena & Rowena Ravenclaw, Molly Weasley, Tom Riddle, Remus Lupin and Kingsley Shacklebolt Voicemails cover Cursed Child, Percy being sorted into Gryffindor and the hosts roles at MuggleNet and in the fan community overall We'll be celebrating the 15th anniversary of Order of the Phoenix in June with some Book 5-themed discussions And don't forget we'll see you in Dallas this summer for LeakyCon 2018! Quizzitch: What is the form of Kingsley Shacklebolt’s Patronus? Bonus MuggleCast, available on Patreon: The Elder Wand's Allegiance in Fantastic Beasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Micah out for the week, MuggleCast welcomes our friend Nasim and one of our Patreon supporters Andy to the show! The MuggleCast community lost a listener and friend this week. Hug your loved ones. The Beedle the Bard Illustrated Edition covers are out now, and they're gorgeous! We forgot to discuss Tonks on last week's Mother's Day episode, so this week we share some thoughts about her decision to head to the Battle of Hogwarts as newborn Teddy stayed at home. Annnd that leads perfectly into our main discussion this week: The Battle of Hogwarts turns 20 (fictional) years old! We share our feelings reading the iconic scenes again 11 years after it was originally published. Do our feelings on it change now that we're adults? Was it responsible to allow students who were 'of age' to fight? What role would we have taken in defending the school? What GOOD came out of the battle (besides Voldemort's downfall)? Eric quizzes us on the Battle of Hogwarts. And of course, Quizzitch wraps up the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member and mom Cherise returns for a Mother's Day discussion How would raising a young witch/wizard differ from raising a child in the Muggle world? What would be the most difficult part of parenting? No schooling until Hogwarts? What do working parents do? What happens when your child begins exhibiting signs of magic? Would you be comfortable sending your child off to boarding school? We discuss notable mothers and mother-like figures in the Potter series From Lily and Molly to Narcissa and Petunia Patrons vote on who they think is the best mother in the wizarding world Listeners tweet their thoughts on the biggest parenting challenges Quizzitch: Which mother in the Harry Potter series is named after a Roman Catholic saint, whose Feast Day is famously preceded by a gathering of Witches? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cursed Child wrap up: Andrew sees it again, Hogwarts merch and Tony nominations JKR confirms Jessica Williams will play Ilvermorny professor Eulalie Hicks What's up with Dumbledore teaching DADA in a recent Crimes of Grindelwald clip? On the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, JKR apologies for killing Dobby Main Discussion: Hogwarts Mystery The hosts give their initial reactions to the new Potter mobile game How far have we each advanced? Are we sold on the story? Do stories differ depending on which House your were sorted into? Is Merula the antagonist even if you were sorted into Slytherin? Time and energy issues! Patrons shared their mixed reactions to the game. Voicemails cover Hogwarts memorials, Teddy Lupin in Cursed Child, Puffs The Movie and more Quizzitch: In the trio's third year, what is the Care of Magical Creatures exam? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moments after seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, Andrew, Micah, and Eric are back in their hotel room to share their thoughts on the show. Have Micah and Eric changed their stances on Cursed Child? Did Andrew notice anything different? Did Micah buy an owl? This and more is discussed in this week's episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Molly joins the show! The votes are in for the most evil character in the Potter series (besides Voldemort)! Main Discussion: Predicting Cursed Child JKR checks out the newly refurbished Lyric Theatre What character are the hosts most looking forward to seeing? What scene? Will Part 1 or Part 2 be better? How much will be spent on merchandise? Will we keep an open mind about seeing the show despite our thoughts on the plot? Check out Episodes 295, 298 and 299 for prior Cursed Child discussions If there were to be an eighth Potter story, what would we want it to be about? Quizzitch: Where in Britain is the Railview Hotel? Don't forget Hogwarts Mystery hits your mobile phones this week! We'll be live on Patreon from NYC this Wednesday with our initial thoughts on Cursed Child! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Stephen joins the show The Quidditch World Cup is underway in Round Rock, Texas The hosts share their Quidditch World Cup experiences We get our first look at the Tales of Beedle the Bard Illustrated Edition The Goblet of Fire Illustrated Edition won't hit bookstores until 2019. Can we expect it to be published in two parts? The Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Edition covers get mixed reactions from the hosts Cursed Child sets a Broadway sales record Main Discussion: Who, besides Voldemort, is the most evil character in the series? Each host makes and defends their pick: Rita Skeeter, Bellatrix, Umbridge or Fudge? Patrons weigh in with their thoughts from the Dursleys to Peter Pettigrew to Salazar Slytherin MuggleMail covers wand allegiance and Voldemort and Bellatrix's relationship Quizzitch: What is Professor Quirrell's first name? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Laura! Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Warwick Davis lend voices to Hogwarts Mystery Main Discussion: Did Dumbledore & Grindelwald make an unbreakable vow? Since Voldemort is incapable of love, how was he able to father a child? Does Moody know what a boggart looks like because of his magical eye? How do wizards watch Quidditch matches? Do all the professors have permanent residences at Hogwarts? What about their families? Did the Shrieking Shack exists prior to Remus Lupin coming to school? How come Hermione's parents are cool with her never being home for the holidays? How did Voldemort acquire a rudimentary body? What happened to the chambers connected to Fluffy's bedroom? Did Credence ever get an Ilvermorny acceptance letter? Plus, plenty more emails, voicemails and text messages PO BOX Update! Quizzitch: For Harry's 17th birthday, what color did Hermione turn the leaves of the Weasley's crabapple tree? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Micah and Eric both out for the weekend, Andrew welcomes Hypable writer Nasim to the show! Andrew's April Fools Day article hits a little too close to home for some readers. Andrew visited The Cursed Child NYC giftshop and spent a little too much money. We discuss Nasim's recent article "The Problem With Pottermore" What would we like to see Pottermore become? Micah and Eric interview the team behind the Harry Potter Film Concert Series Voicemails address the Pottermore news, the Fantastic Beasts trailer, and the new Wizarding World logo. Quizzitch: What does Imposter Moody make Lavender Brown do under the Imperius Curse, in the classroom scene from Goblet of Fire? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pottermore makes some staffing changes- Scholastic confirms release of Crimes of Grindelwald screenplay The mystery behind Hogwarts Mystery is revealed! Main Discussion: Crimes of Grindewald trailer roundup We breakdown the Lestrange family tree in more detail What does it mean that Leta and Credence are half-siblings? Will this test allegiances? Who is Yusuf Kama? Could it have been him staring at the family tree? Listeners fact check us on the Minister for Magic, DADA professor and headmaster during the late 1920s Did Dumbledore's comment about Newt not following directions mean Newt really isn't supposed to be in Paris? Could Grindelwald been standing before a group of peers presenting his crimes? Could the dance Leta attended be her own wedding or engagement party? What role does Leta have in all of this? Is she a casual observer to the unfolding events or does she pick a side? J.K. Rowling Sez covers Lethal White, Newt & Kennilworthy Whisp's friendship and 85-year-old grandmothers We respond to tweets on Grindelwald's cell, Dumbledore's put-outer, the DADA classroom and the history of transport to Hogwarts Quizzitch: In Chamber of Secrets, what three nonsense spells does Harry aim at the bush before Dudley calls for his mother? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trailer recap: is Credence able to separate himself from the Obscurus now? Why is the circus scene outdoors? Are the French more lackadaisical with secrecy? Andrew hates on Hedwig's Theme (really) Voicemails touch on ground pounds, Apparition at Hogwarts, Jacob's memory, Corvus Lestrange, and why nobody's dressed like a wizard! The hosts pick a favorite trailer moment Main Discussion: JK Rowling's Wizarding World gets a dedicated logo for the first time! Whose wands are represented in this 'book' design? Is JK Rowling being removed from the equation? We play Quizzitch and thank our Patrons for helping us reach the 777 Challenge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first Crimes of Grindelwald trailer is here! The hosts give their initial thoughts and break things down scene-by-scene It's good to see you again, Hogwarts You can apparate on the grounds of Hogwarts? Our first look at Jude Law as Dumbledore. Is he never not having run-ins with the Ministry? Why was Dumbledore being confronted in the DADA classroom? DumbleDAYUMMMMM Why did he send Newt to Paris? Grindelwald and Rosier: who are they speaking to? Credence and the Maledictus: how did he learn to channel his inner obscurus? Inside the French Ministry of Magic: what's with all the beasts on the ceiling? Ride that Kelpie, Newt! Just who is checking out cryptic messages on walls in underground rooms? Credence and Leta... long lost siblings? The circus is finally in town! Is this how Credence made his way from New York to Paris? Grindelwald's escape - did LEGO spoil a major plot point? Why can't Dumbledore move again Grindelwald? Why does it have to be Newt? The brothers Scamander battle in a graveyard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Alex joins the show Cursed Child surprises fans with preview tickets - can we expect more of this in the future? Andrew shares a letter from his 11-year-old self The 777 Challenge is officially underway through March 31! Main Discussion: Were Harry, Snape & Voldemort modern-day versions of The Three Brothers? Did Dumbledore represent Death? JKR likes this theory! We break down Voldemort as Antioch (the one who died for power), Snape as Cadmus (the one who died for love) and Harry as Ignotus (the one who greeted Death as an old friend) Does Dumbledore actually fit better as the second brother? Or could he be representative of all three brothers at different stages of his life? We discuss. Did we ever consider these possibilities after reading Deathly Hallows? Patrons share their thoughts Owl Post covers potion regulations, boggarts and video games Quizzitch: What is the name of the goblin (besides Griphook) that Harry encounters with the Potterwatch crew? Bonus MuggleCast: Crookshanks and The Potters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Greg joins the show all the way from Singapore A new Hogwarts Mystery trailer has been released Cursed Child announces their Friday Forty program We reveal our plans for the 777 Challenge! Learn more and see the mug design at MuggleCast.com Main Discussion: Potions in the Wizarding World We react to JKR stating that muggles can't properly brew potions From Ageing Potions to the Elixir of Life to Mandrake Draught we run down the list of different types of potions Would the hosts be good at making them? Are we patient enough? Careful with instructions? Which potion does each host wish they could have in real life? Is there a time we wish we could have used Veritaserum? Felix Felicis? Over/under: How many times will Polyjuice Potion be used in Fantastic Beasts? The hosts create their own potions (assuming we're wizards of course) Patreon Question of the Week: If you could take Polyjuice Potion for an hour, who would you turn into and why? Voicemails cover Cedric Diggory, Mrs. Black, and feedback on our Fudge episode Quizzitch: Name the members of The Advance Guard that come to Privet Drive to pick up Harry in Order of the Phoenix Bonus MuggleCast: We explore the theory that the Dursleys' feelings towards Harry were magnified by the presence of a horcrux! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We will be at LeakyCon 2018 this summer in Dallas, TX! The Studio Tour is adding a Goblet of Fire special beginning March 30 Cursed Child producer believes fans would want a Part 3... what?!? We interview The Potter Collector who enlightens us on his more than 1,000 books! How did he first get into the Potter series? Does he have a favorite translated edition? What's his most prized possession? Is there anything he still needs to get his hands on? Does he collect Fantastic Beasts? Cursed Child? Or anything movie related? What kind of precautions does he take to protect his collection? Is he aware of other Potter collectors? How does his collection stack up? Fans should be on the lookout for #HarryPotterCollector Day on March 5 Voicemails ask about post-Potter film roles, a little Scabbers foreshadowing, and bad Harry Potter TV show ideas. Chicken Soup from Mexico City Quizzitch: What is the core of Fleur Delacour’s wand, and the story surrounding it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric is back! News covers John Williams, Cursed Child, Digital Illustrated Editions and Allison Sudol A new segment called The Pensieve debuts, as we look back at parts of the Potter series now that we're older! Our first discussion centers around Cornelius Fudge and his denial of Voldemort's return Fudge refuses to believe credible sources such as Dumbledore and Harry Comparisons are made to present-day politics For more discussion on Potter Politics, be sure to check out Episode 162 Main Discussion: How many editions of the Potter series is too many? The hosts share how many versions of each book they currently own Patrons weigh in with their thoughts, including one listener who has more than 200 copies! Owl Post covers Ebbingdales, Jacob in Paris and a new Quidditch film series We have a big Patreon announcement and share plans for 2018 Quizzitch: What famous Quidditch player died after encountering a Chimera, and has a wing in St. Mungo's Hospital named after him? Bonus: What's the specialty of the wing? We'll see you in two weeks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric...? Eric...? Slug Club member Ken joins the show Guessing Game: How many books has the Harry Potter series sold to date? How many do we think are duplicate copies? Eric...? Eric...? We respond to David Yates' recent comments about how Dumbledore's sexuality will play into Fantastic Beasts 2 Saying that "all fans are aware of that" has not sat well with...well...the fans JKR and the Wizarding World preach inclusion and acceptance but have shied away from embracing LGBTQ characters That said, Dumbledore still needs to be introduced in the Fantastic Beasts series and fans need to learn about his history with Grindelwald's We haven't seen Jude Law's portrayal of Dumbledore and we know he spent time learning about the character from Rowling Rowling is the screenwriter, she's the one who knows the backstory and she has four films to tell it Eric...? Eric...? In honor of Groundhog's Day we each create a weather-predicting fantastic beast Southern Hagrid makes an appearance Owl Post covers last weekend's Celebration of Harry Potter Voicemails return! Quizzitch: In Chapter 10 of Half-Blood Prince, "The House of Gaunt," Hermione is seen working on an essay entitled what? Eric...? Eric...? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Micah and Andrew attend A Celebration of Harry Potter in Orlando We try Butterbeer tequila at Antojitos in Universal CityWalk Cast Q&A with Natalia Tena (Tonks), Stanislav Ianevski (Krum), James & Oliver Phelps (Weasley twins) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny) Pottermore announces a new Quidditch Through The Ages audiobook Harry Potter: The Exhibition is headed to Milan in May Guests were treated to a great performance from the first four films by the Orlando Philharmonic The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle debut at the Wizarding World Micah tries hot Butterbeer… and Dragon Scale ale… and Hog's Head Brew On Saturday we hit the expo floor to check out all of the vendors The original Goblet of Fire and the Hogwarts letter spitter were among the special effects on display from the Studio Tour in London We caught up with MinaLima, the graphic designers of the Harry Potter films, demoed the new Hogwarts Mystery mobile game and got a virtual reality tour of Newt's suitcase Scholastic gave us a glimpse at some concept art for the 20th anniversary editions as well as let us step inside a life-size version of Sorcerer's Stone Just what in the world is Globus Mundi? Andrew hopes to be a trendsetter this November! We touch on how we think the celebration can be improved in future years, including more Fantastic Beasts integration Be sure to check out our newest sponsor BrightCellars.com/MuggleCast for an amazing offer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Alex joins the show Scholastic announces 20th anniversary editions for all seven Potter books, but they're kinda disappointing. Eddie Redmayne talks Crimes of Grindelwald bringing us closer to the Potter series Our thoughts on the new Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery video game trailer Main Discussion: Book Covers We compare the U.S. and UK book covers from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows. Which of each is better? The hosts name their top 3 original Potter book covers and give one honorable mention Check out our interview with U.S. illustrator Mary Grandpre back on Episode 172 Patreon Question of the Week: Which Potter title would you change and why? Owl Post covers This Week in MuggleCast History, an interesting Fantastic Beasts quote from JKR and last week's discussion on Merope Gaunt Quizzitch: Which character was chosen by all four Ilvermorny houses? Andrew and Micah are headed to Orlando for A Celebration of Harry Potter (keep an eye out for meetup info) In Bonus MuggleCast, available on Patreon, we discuss which cover should have completely gone back to the drawing board, and which cover best depicts Harry at his current age? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Ashley joins the show Jude Law sits down with JKR to learn about Dumbledore's character Chamber of Secrets gets the House Edition treatment (and so will the rest of the series) Nighttime shows are coming to Wizarding World Orlando while Cursed Child rehearsals begin on Broadway Dan Radcliffe weighs in on the Johnny Depp/Grindelwald debate Ashley has her own discussion ready for the show and wants to know how Jacob will get his memory back? She breaks down what we know about memory charms to date and characters who've experienced them How exactly can a memory charm be broken? How much does Jacob remember by the end of Fantastic Beasts? Since the Swooping Evil venom is supposed to erase bad memories, is there a chance Jacob's memory wasn't fully erased? Will Jacob regain his memory in full? Will it be over time through a series of flashbacks through Fantastic Beasts 2? Did the murtlap bite somehow prevent him from losing his full memory? Could JKR offer further education on memory charms via Pottermore to prepare us? Main Discussion: The Gaunt Family Given Voldemort's recent birthday, we take a look at his family: Merope, Morfin and Marvolo Is there anything we actually like about these characters? Andrew gets incestuous asking if the other hosts would ever marry their cousins Could we ever love somebody after we found out they had us under a spell? Should Tom Riddle Sr. have sought out his son and tried to raise him? We discuss the distinction between Tom Riddle Jr. and Voldemort being able to love Do we see the Gaunt family playing a role in future Fantastic Beasts films? Email and text messages cover the Wizarding World's third expansion and the Potter films moving to HBO This Week in MuggleCast history looks at Episodes 72, 128, 168 and 189 Quizzitch: To whom, in the Harry Potter universe, is Mark Evans related? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We recap our New Years in Chicago Photos, Cards Against Humanity, bowling and more A special guest joins us for our landmark 350th episode Dumbledore gives his Top 14 New Years Resolutions To Make Hogwarts Safer A few Fantastic Beasts stills were released during the holidays Where's Dumbledore sitting? Who sent Newt that postcard? What's Grindelwald staring at? Harry Potter Weekends on Freeform are no more as the series moves to HBO! Now that they are all on demand, patrons share which movie they would watch first JKR releases a statement on why she blocked a fan and the hosts have mixed reactions Harry Potter: A History of Magic in NYC dates are announced One listener shares a very interesting theory on the Chinese beast alluded to in Crimes of Grindelwald Quizzitch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Hayden! JKR found inspiration for the Hogwarts Houses in the most unlikely of places Another new Harry Potter video game is coming that's been in development for two years! It's set in the 1980s with an open world concept Plus, you can be a Hogwarts student and go through all seven years We discuss David Heyman's comments about the role of beasts in The Crimes of Grindelwald Eddie Redmayne confirms the Niffler and Pickett are back! We theorize on the formidable Chinese beast: Chinese Fireball, Phoenix, Re'em or other? Many actors have officially wrapped filming The Crimes of Grindelwald Christmas and New Year's in the Wizarding World - where would we spend the holidays? Does Santa exist? Andrew thinks Hagrid would have made the perfect Father Christmas! What do Potter fans have to look forward to in 2018? A new ride in Orlando, Cursed Child on Broadway, The Crimes of Grindelwald and more! The last Quizzitch question of 2017 targets Goblet of Fire! Thank you for a great year in Potter! We'll see you all in 2018! Bonus MuggleCast: We read from the latest Potter novel - Harry Potter and What Looked Like a Large Pile of Ash Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Resistance Radio host and Hypable writer Donya joins the show! We react to J.K. Rowling’s statement on Johnny Depp What finally prompted her to comment? Many fans plan to boycott. How will this impact future Fantastic Beasts films? Will this even be a topic of discuss a year from now when the movie premieres? We call Laura to get her thoughts and she shares an interesting idea Two new Crimes of Grindelwald stills are released by Entertainment Weekly Text messages focus on Christmas and religion in the Wizarding World Eric goes international for our next Quizzitch question Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew and Eric's trivia night adventures continue! There's an odd mistake in the Bloomsbury House Editions pulled from a fake JKR tweet! We react to David Yates' defense of casting Johnny Depp Could Colin Farrell have been recast as Grindelwald? Is Johnny Depp influencing our perspective of Grindelwald? Souring our expectations of his story? One listener thinks it's simple... TRUST IN JO! Eric and Andrew chat with Michael Aiello, Sr. Director of Creative Development at Universal Orlando Resort about Christmas at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Emails tackle Queenie's potential allegiance with Grindelwald Text messages: metaphorical beasts, the Elder Wand's allegiance and Jacob's brute force Quizzitch returns! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald... we give our initial reactions! Will most of the film focus on Grindelwald's past crimes and rise to power? Or can we expect new crimes committed during this movie? How does this impact screen time for Newt? The beasts? Lots of references to the Deathly Hallows (and alchemy?) in the title screen The new cast photo gives us several first looks, including Jude Law as Dumbledore What's up with Jacob and Queenie staring directly at Grindelwald? Credence is cozied up with a new character! What exactly is a Maledictus? Leta is engaged to Newt's brother! What does that mean for the brothers Scamander? We've got a pretty good theory about when the first trailer is coming! Andrew reports live from Orlando for Holidays at Hogwarts Listener tweets, emails, voicemails and quizzitch! We'll see you after the Thanksgiving holiday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Nicki PO Box Update: some Halloween and British surprises! A Pokemon GO style Harry Potter game is in the works from Niantic! Our initial thoughts on Harry Potter: Wizards Unite and Portkey Games What does the title suggest? Will it focus on Fantastic Beasts at all or only Harry Potter? What other Potter video games would we like to see? - Which old classics do we want remade? Our Main Discussion focuses on the brand-new Fantastic Beasts Illustrated Edition The foreword answers that question we had about Obscurus Books We get educated on the history of what defines a beast and how they're concealed from Muggles Is it coincidence that Newt includes the story of a jarvey in the introduction? Which beasts caught our attention? Which ones would we like to see in Fantastic Beasts 2? We run through some interesting notes Micah took while reading the book Getting high on billywigs, erumpent mating habits, killer bowtruckles and more We asked our patrons what dream features they'd like from this new Harry Potter app? Emails, voicemails and text messages Quizzitch Question of the Week has a Half-Blood twist! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pottermore continues to troll Andrew about Lavender Brown An adoption agency in Orlando is sorting dogs into Hogwarts Houses Evanna Lynch has launched her brand-new podcast - check it out! Main Discussion: Newt's Book Release Party in Fantastic Beasts 2 Flourish and Blotts and Diagon Alley will feature in the next film What will 1920s Diagon Alley look like? The perfect excuse to bring the fearsome foursome back together Will Theseus make an appearance? Dumbledore? Credence? Is it just coincidence that we had another notable book release in the second Potter film? What's the deal with Obscurus Books? Is Newt a self-publisher? With the book release taking place in March 1927, the Dark Lord has now been born Emails, voicemails and text messages! Quizzitch returns Order of the Phoenix style! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Kate joins the show! Andrew and Eric share their Halloween costumes Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is headed to Australia! What country will be next? Coming soon: the title for next Fantastic Beasts film! Does that mean a trailer is not far behind? Listeners share their Fantastic Beasts 2 movie title suggestions Main Discussion: Halloween & Harry Potter We talk about the key events that have happened on October 31 in the Potter series That night in Godric's Hollow, Troll in the Dungeon, the Triwizard Tournament selection and more Did JKR always intend for Halloween to play a pivotal role in each book? Why did she choose it? Is there a reason it stopped being so important after Goblet of Fire? No Halloween discussion is complete without ghosts! The hosts profile the Hogwarts House ghosts, Professor Binns, Moaning Myrtle and Peeves We ask listeners which House they would join if they had to choose based on the House ghost! Quizzitch! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Irvin! Cursed Child tickets go on sale and we're left in the dust! Until Katy (and her husband) come to the rescue! We discuss ticket prices - why were no special offers made for people buying both Parts 1 & 2? Listeners share their Cursed Child ticket buying experiences We review Harry Potter: A Journey Through A History of Magic The book details the exhibition currently at the British Library It feels like touring a museum (in a good way) We explore the original synopsis JKR sent to Bloomsbury The Harry Potter world owes a lot to then 8-year-old Alice Newton Ghost panels, statues, a selection committee of professors - the Sorting Hat that almost wasn't! Fudge and Vernon Dursely were originally going to be coworkers? WHAT?! We look at JKR's early list of Hogwarts professors: Enid Pettigrew, Oakden Hernshaw, Mopsus? Harry and Ron almost met the merpeople in Chamber of Sercrets! Steve Kloves shares his story and how judging a book by its cover almost cost him the films Quizzitch: In Prisoner of Azkaban, what does Snape task students with in their year-end lesson? Voicemails on Grindelwald and Wizarding World theme park Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Bethany joins the show Eric gives us a Trivia Night update Cursed Child Broadway tickets on sale this week! Who will make the cut? The Cormoran Strike series is headed to Cinemax Chris Riddell set to illustrate The Tales of Beedle the Bard for Bloomsbury Listener Rebuttals focus on the latest Fantastic Beasts casting news Will we find out what Nicolas Flamel and Dumbledore discovered? We receive some Death Eater clarification Will Dumbledore take away Grindelwald's powers out of love? Taking a look at the entire cast, where do we think Fantastic Beasts 2 is headed? Can beasts even fit into a story with this many characters? Is there a chance FB 2 focuses on one beast that’s integral to the plot? How much time do we think we will spend looking back as opposed to present-day? We review casting to date, including one we have overlooked (who is Krall)? Patrons share their overwhelming support for more Seraphina Pcquery screen time Quizzitch and text messages return! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric and Andrew gear up for another trivia night Cursed Child's Broadway registration is now closed! We review the Prisoner of Azkaban Illustrated Edition Our main discussion centers around the new Fantastic Beasts casting news We question if there is any relation between Eric and Spielman? Andrew explains the relationship between Jessica Williams and JKR Travers and Rosier: we discuss the two known Death Eaters Nicolas Flamel will appear in Fantastic Beasts 2! In present-day form or in a flashback? Could Grindelwald be in search of the Sorcerer's Stone? Is that story too familiar? Will Flamel assist Newt in his latest journey? Carmen Ejogo is back as Seraphina Picquery. Will her appearance be short-lived? Andrew attempts the sequel to HP Encyclopedia: The Musical Emails and voicemails return, with a text message thrown in the middle In Bonus MuggleCast -- available on Patreon -- We discuss the prank Sirius and James played on Snape. What was going through Sirius' mind? Does it affect our view of him? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cursed Child is open for registration! Eric and Micah share their Ticketmaster experiences while Andrew registers on air JKR won't pander to the fandom: is it the Encyclopedia or Marauder's story that's in jeopardy? Could Cursed Child have run for a week? Would fans have gone to see all five parts? Our thoughts on JKR's comments on the collaborative nature of Cursed Child JKR has given fans a lot since the release of Deathly Hallows - should we want more? The difference between giving fans too much and giving them what they want We tackle last week's Quizzitch question E-mail-bag: Maybe a Game of Thrones style Marauders story isn't all that bad after all The Prisoner of Azkaban Illustrated Edition hits store shelves this week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member and Hogwarts Professor Kyle joins the show Eric and Andrew recap their Potter trivia night in Chicago Kyle talks about his Potter classroom and how it went viral How have his students reacted? Have more of them started to read Potter? What's been the response from the school? Teachers around the world? We learn about how Kyle incorporates Potter into his daily curriculum And he has a few tough questions for us: Does the Harry Potter series have a narrator? Should Squibs be allowed to take courses at Hogwarts? Episode 337 Rewind: Patrons share the courses they would teach at Hogwarts Healing, Magical Artifacts, Journalism, Music and more! The hosts tell which courses they would most like to teach... and play hooky from! Emails cover Newt's wand, The Cursed Child & a Horcrux-Obscurus theory! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Robert joins the show New Potter merchandise hits the market Jude Law shows off his Dumbledore scruff Episode 336 Rewind: Listeners share their favorite modes of magical transportation We break down the Hogwarts Courses in our latest main discussion Where do Defense Against the Dark Arts, Charms and Herbology rank on our list? Do Divination, Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures and History of Magic even matter? How important is Flying? Bonus MuggleCast tackles Muggle Studies, Potions and Transfiguration If we were to make our own Hogwarts class schedule, what subjects would make our Top 5? Pop Quiz of the Week debuts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We look back on September 1 Cursed Child gets some real estate in Times Square Warwick Davis greets fans at King's Cross Listeners share how they spent #19YearsLater Eric reveals he forgot to share one very important piece of PO Box mail The author of the notorious fan fiction My Immortal is revealed We share listener rebuttals on our Wizarding World residence discussion Our main discussion this week... Magical Transportation We analyze everything from the Hogwarts Express to Broomsticks to Flying Cars Do we prefer Floo Powder, Portkeys, Apparition or Flying Beasts? The hosts share their top picks for how they'd get around the wizarding world Voicemails return! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices