Eric, Micah, and Chloé record a special, 19 years later-themed episode of MuggleCast live from LeakyCon in Portland, Oregon! We reflect on the show's journey so far, revisit the epilogue in Deathly Hallows, and play two of our show's games (Make the Connection and What If...) with listeners! This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Explore your curiosity with a therapist, today! Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Chamber of Secrets is officially opened! But as Dumbledore says, the question is not who, but how? Join us as we learn more about the Chamber's legend, check books out from the Restricted Section, evade Rogue bludgers and handle (un)helpful House-Elves. Plus, we continue to connect some major threads to events of Half-Blood Prince! Welcome Slug Club member, Alyssa! Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 9: The Writing on The Wall 7-Word Summary: Filch scares Harry because he’s acting accusatory Was the attack on Mrs. Norris a trial run? Was Filch the intended target? Or is Mrs. Norris too meddlesome for her own good? What do we make of Ron's reaction to Filch being a Squib? How is it possible that no other students were aware? Why is Snape seemingly trying to implicate Harry? At this early stage, might Snape suspect Harry’s susceptibility to having his mind infiltrated by Voldemort?  Do we think students actually checked out all copies of Hogwarts: A History, or was it a strategic choice by Madam Pince to remove them from the library? Harry struggles internally with almost having been sorted into Slytherin. Could he in fact be the heir? Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger 7-Word Summary: Broken bones consume Lockhart’s reputation at Quidditch Lockhart continues to draw suspicion with his questionable actions Do Muggle schools have restricted sections? Rule-breaking Hermione: let's brew some Polyjuice Potion! Why didn’t Madam Hooch notice the tampered bludger? And... where are the adults? The decision to continue play is not Harry's to make! Why is there no medical personnel present at Quidditch matches? Did Lockhart ever get in trouble for removing Harry's bones? Welcome back, Dobby! But... why are you trying to kill Harry? Colin Creevey becomes the first human casualty of the basilisk! Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 11 & 12! Quizzitch: During the Dueling Club, who does Snape pair Hermione with? This episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 20% off your first order and free US shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast) and ZocDoc (go to ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast to download the Zocdoc app for FREE; then find and book a top-rated doctor today). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year! As we begin 2023, and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Chamber of Secrets, we examine the some of the book's and series' biggest themes! Join us as we hit the Quidditch pitch, visit Hagrid's hut, spend detention with Lockhart and celebrate Halloween with Nearly-Headless Nick on our latest episode of MuggleCast! Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 7: Murmurs & Mudbloods 7-Word Summary: Nepotism reigns supreme when Draco receives brooms We begin to see the influence of the Malfoy family’s wealth and the impact it has at Hogwarts and in the larger wizarding community! Is it fair to assume Draco made the Slytherin Quidditch team on money alone? Unconscious bias: Why were we okay with McGonagall giving Harry a Nimbus 2000 in Sorcerer's Stone but against Lucius giving the Slytherins Nimbus 2001s in Chamber of Secrets? Why isn't there greater punishment for Malfoy using the term mudblood? Why do the male characters seem to be onto Lockhart, but most of the female characters come across as hoodwinked by his charm and good looks? Laying the Groundwork: Blood purity, Hagrid's expulsion, Ginny's strange behavior, Riddle's trophy, the cursed DADA position and more! Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 8: The Deathday Party 7-Word Summary: Nick helps Harry out with Peeves’ assistance  What does it say about Filch that he’s working while he has the flu? Is he trying to prove himself given he is a Squib? Peeves drops an important piece of furniture with strong ties to Half-Blood Prince! Would the Deathday Party have been a good film adaptation? The hosts make some interesting observations about Moaning Myrtle and The Bloody Baron. The Chamber of Secrets is opened! What does it say about Harry that he runs toward an  issue rather than away from it? Or better yet, that he doesn’t go and get a teacher to help investigate? Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 9 & 10! Quizzitch: What curse does Lockhart say was probably performed on Mrs Norris? This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MasterClass (get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast). On Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss Pottermore's sales dropping 40% in 2022! Bonus MuggleCast, which we now release twice per month, is just one of many great benefits of becoming a patron of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast returns January 10th with new episodes, but until then we're releasing one of our favorite episodes of Bonus MuggleCast that we initially recorded for Patrons earlier in the year! In this installment, we discuss the late actor Alan Rickman's diary entries about playing Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. As you might expect from a diary, he is very candid about his work and the cast members around him. Prepare to be surprised by how he felt while filming each Harry Potter movie! For more installments of Bonus MuggleCast, pledge to our Patreon today at Patreon.com/mugglecast. In 2023, we'll be releasing two Bonus MuggleCast episodes every month! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Holidays! Join us for our final episode of the year! What were some of our top moments? Our favorite episodes of the show? Then we open up our MuggleMail bag one last time and look ahead to what to expect in 2023 for Harry Potter fans! Our top 5 Social Media Moments Why do you wish you were a teenager in the early 2000s? MuggleCast #tbt!  Black Harry Potter content creators you should follow this Black History Month!  Dan Fogler’s Cameo to celebrate Micah’s Birthday! MuggleCast Through the Years Timeline  Last-minute MuggleCast Halloween Costumes! Each host shares their favorite episodes of the year: Andrew: Episode #566: WB is Planning HBO Max Harry Potter Shows — We Pitch Lots of New Ideas! and Episode #555: ’98-’99 Hogwarts School Year Deep Dive Eric: Episode #567: ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ Illustrator Thomas Taylor Reveals the Secrets Behind the Cover and #573: ‘MuggleCast, A History’ Trivia Game! Laura: Episode #576: How Are Spells Created? Discussing the Physics of Harry Potter and Episode #551: The Importance of Black Representation in Harry Potter Micah: Episode #580: Sorting Too Soon (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 7 – 8) and Episode #548: Will There Ever Be Another Harry Potter-Level Book Series? Muggle Mail covers HBO Max's Hogwarts Holidays: Fireplace feature, Lucius Malfoy's Ministry job status, crackpot theories, thread connecting and more! What can Harry Potter fans expect in 2023? Hogwarts Legacy hits store shelves in February! Does the Discovery/Warner Brothers merger mean good things ahead? A Harry Potter television show, perhaps? We'll celebrate the 25th anniversary of Chamber of Secrets! Quizzitch: What does Oliver Wood say the Nimbus 2001 brooms do in comparison to the Cleansweep series? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 20% off your first order, free shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast), BetterHelp (save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MasterClass (give the perfect gift of an annual MasterClass membership and get one free at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast). Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Our next episode is headed your way January 10, 2023! In the meantime, be sure to visit our Wall of Fame and keep your eyes out for a Bonus MuggleCast available to all in the coming weeks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Harry and Ron invent a new way to get to Hogwarts, but break a few international statutes! Settling in to classes would be easier for Harry if Draco Malfoy and Gilderoy Lockhart weren't following him around! Still, it is so good to be back within the castle walls. Join us for Chapter by Chapter segments of chapters 5 and 6 of "Chamber of Secrets." Welcome Slug Club guest Miranda! Announcement! Slug Club members of our Patreon will be able to participate in our holiday year-end MuggleCast AMA this coming Saturday, December 17 at 1pm ET. The event will be viewable by ALL when it goes live, and Slug Club members can submit their Q's! Stay tuned to our social for reminders. Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 5: The Whomping Willow 7-Word Summary: The tree captures the Ford toughly, rawr! Are there further investigations into why the Kings Cross barrier didn't let Harry through, after his and Ron's story come out? What makes Ron leap right to taking the car, instead of waiting for one of the many parents on the platform to come find them? Which other ways of transport can someone take to get to Hogwarts? Portkeys? Floo powder? The hosts discuss the prevalence of herbology-related mentions in this book as foreshadowing. Does the Anglia's arrival at Hogwarts prove that Hogwarts is a Security Nightmare? Do Ron and Harry get off a little easy for their world-exposing stunt? Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 6: Gilderoy Lockhart 7-Word Summary: Chaos ensues when Lockhart takes over class Mrs. Weasley's Howler to Ron may have consequences that she doesn't intend. Could she have been more discreet with her reprimand, and even shown up in person? For all things Professor Sprout, whose introduction occurs in this chapter, check out MuggleCast #513 which covers her presence throughout all 7 books! Has the Whomping Willow injured Sprout, or has she deftly applied the bandages? Words in the book are hard. Micah makes a piercing connection between the Mandrakes and the Basilisk. The hosts review Gilderoy Lockhart's early life, full of interesting tidbits from his extended canon backstory. Was Dumbledore really trying to expose Lockhart during the events of Harry's Year Two? The subtle way in which Colin and Justin are introduced to Harry as Muggle-born is sending us. Write this down! The students at Hogwarts have washed themselves! We award our standard MVP of the week to chapters and characters. Next week, MuggleCast does our annual Year in Review / MuggleMail extravaganza, after which we break for the holidays. Quizzitch question: Which potion makes Madam Z. Nettles of Topsham, patron of Kwikspell, the center of attention at parties? This episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast) and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we make our first visit to The Burrow and meet several characters for the first time in Diagon Alley! Plus, hold onto your Sorting Hat as we connect a handful of threads between Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince! Micah visits Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in New York! Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 3: The Burrow 7-Word Summary: Weasley’s House Features New Magic And... Gnomes Fred & George are truly their father's sons (be sure to check out our Weasley Twins episode from April 2021) Right family, wrong motive - Dobby DOES belong to the Malfoys! What if... Molly and Arthur had gone to pickup Harry at Privet Drive? Comparing and contrasting Harry and Ron's view of The Burrow Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 4: At Flourish & Blotts 7-Word Summary: Lucius takes Ginny’s father in a fight Should the Weasleys have given Harry a bit more assistance with Floo Powder? Inside Borgin and Burkes: vanishing cabinets, necklaces and hands of glory, oh my! What is Lucius Malfoy's true motive in getting Tom Riddle's diary to Hogwarts? Several characters are exhibiting odd behavior, Percy and Hagrid included! What are our first impressions of Gilderoy Lockhart? 7 BOOKS?!?! Why is Hogwarts bankrolling Gilderoy's bad habits? Bookstore Throwdown: Lucius and Arthur get into it! Next Week: Chapters 5 & 6 of Chamber of Secrets This week's episode is brought to you by Stamps.com (visit Stamps.com, click on the microphone, and enter code MUGGLECAST for a special offer that includes a 4-week trial, plus free postage, and a free digital scale), BetterHelp (save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MeUndies (get 20% off your first order, free shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)! On Bonus MuggleCast, we uncover and discuss some exciting new info about what Harry Potter attraction is coming to Epic Universe! Bonus MuggleCast is just one of many great benefits of becoming a patron of the show! And special thank you to those who have shared that MuggleCast appeared in their Spotify Wrapped’s this year! The show was the top podcast for 1,500 listeners, in the Top 5 for 4,600 listeners, and in the Top 10 for 6,700 listeners Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's our fourth Harry Potter holiday gift guide episode! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they share their latest favorites Harry Potter-adjacent merchandise. Autobiographical works from several of the films' biggest stars are now published, and certain handcrafted and fan-made items are too good to resist. Looking for the gift that your HP-obsessed friend doesn't already have? Start here, with us, on this week's MuggleCast! This year's holiday gift guide episode features largely Harry Potter-adjacent items for the HP-obsessed friend who has everything, or so they think! We'd like to draw attention to BookShop.org, where with their special Store Locator page you can support your local bookstore through the purchase of books mentioned on this episode, and all books in general. Check it out! This year's fiction recommendations include 'The Magicians' by Lev Grossman, the 'Percy Jackson' series by Rick Riordan, the 'Simon Snow' trilogy of books by Rainbow Rowell, Michael Scott's 'Immortal Nicholas Flamel' series, and the 'Eerie-on-Sea' mystery books by the delightful Thomas Taylor. MuggleCast Patrons chime in with their favorite fiction recommendations, including a series by a familiar name for some of us. In our "From the Stars" category, Evanna Lynch's Kinder Beauty Box subscription service, her deeply personal autobiography, Bonnie Wright's how-to book 'Go Gently', the posthumously released diaries of Alan Rickman, and Tom Felton's hilarious memoir. Friend of the show Tylor Starr has recently released The Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook, with over 75 mouth-watering recipes we can't wait to try. Our fanmade recommendations include Heartwood Wands on Etsy, customized HP Bobbleheads for you or your friends, Expedition Roasters' 'Accio Coffee', Frostbeard Studio's magical assorted candle line, and even these flameless floating candles for your home decoration. Finally, we go truly wild with celebrity prayer candles, celebrity Cameo videos, toilet decals, vintage HP merch from eBay, and more favorites from The New York Puzzle Co.! If you want even more gift ideas, check out our previous gift guides on Episode 444, Episode 493, and Episode 540. If you want to support us, consider asking someone to gift you a subscription to our Patreon! Next week: We return with Chapters 3 and 4 of Chamber of Secrets Chapter-by-Chapter! This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies! Visit MeUndies.com MuggleCast for 20% off your first order, and free shipping, with a 100% moneyback guarantee! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we begin Chapter-by-Chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! Harry's abuse rises to new levels, the Dursleys obtain Death Eater status, and Dobby complicates Harry's life despite his good intentions. From horcruxes to house-elves, from animal cruelty to servitude, there's lots to unpack from on this weeks' episode! We reflect on reading Chamber of Secrets for the first time and what we're expecting to get out of our re-read Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 1: The Worst Birthday 7-Word Summary: The Day Harry Was Beaten By Family We deeply analyze the Dursley's mistreatment of Harry and add animal cruelty to the list of offenses Wouldn’t Petunia know that Harry can’t do magic outside of school? Perhaps she does not want to reveal her knowledge of the wizarding world to Vernon? How could Harry overcome the Dursleys’ restrictions except for the rescue from the Weasleys? How does Dumbledore allow for this level of abuse to go on for so long? Don't use THAT word (MAGIC)... are the Dursleys the Death Eater equivalent in the Muggle world? Can we glean anything positive from Dudley remembering Harry's birthday? Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 2: Dobby's Warning 7-Word Summary: Surprises await Harry in his bedroom tonight  We analyze the Mystery of Dobby's Ownership When would Lucius Malfoy have begun planning to unleash the Diary Horcrux? Connecting the Threads: we compare the behavior of Dobby in this book to Kreacher in Order of the Phoenix What is our general consensus on Dobby? Helpful or super, super annoying? Harry and Dobby: both are servants in their respective households, both are bound by magical contracts and both are treated horribly! Next week: we're off for Thanksgiving... (or are we)? Quizzitch: In Chapter 3 of Chamber of Secrets, what is the last of Harry's possessions to leave Privet Drive? This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, we dive deep into the final chapter of Sorcerer's Stone, connect some serious threads to Deathly Hallows and get after everyone's favorite headmaster. Dumbledore apologists beware! News: Leslie Phillips, voice of the Sorting Hat passes away at 98  The 6th Annual MuggleCast Patreon Holiday Gift Exchange is now live! Chapter-by-Chapter for Sorcerer's Stone concludes with Chapter 17: The Man With Two Faces 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore comes at the situation with lies Main Discussion 1: Dumbledore’s Task - we draw some strong parallels between Sorcerer's Stone and Deathly Hallows Does Voldemort read Harry’s mind, is it the Horcrux connection or just a lucky guess?  What made Dumbledore initially move the stone from Gringotts? What tipped him off? Do we know how Quirrell found out about its location? Could Dumbledore not trust himself enough to keep the Stone in his own possession? We analyze Snape's "protection" of Harry throughout his first year Main Discussion #2: YOU LIAR! We dissect the conversation Harry and Dumbledore have in the hospital wing “Humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them.” How much is Dumbledore referring to himself in this moment? Does Dumbledore's refuse to tell Harry the truth for his own protection or to serve Dumbledore's own selfish purposes? How much is Dumbledore himself a Security Nightmare? Odds & Ends cover iconic quotes, Quirrell's twitching, Hagrid's drinking and more The Dumbledore Liar count finishes Sorcerer's Stone at 8 while we revisit all of our 7-Word Summaries Next Week: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets begins! Quizzitch: What color are Dobby the House-Elf’s eyes? Bonus MuggleCast covers a new Hogwarts Legacy video, Dobby's gravesite in Wales and Harry Potter book sales being up 35% in 2022! Become a patron today and receive great benefits just like Bonus MuggleCast! This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now), BetterHelp (save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MeUndies (get 20% off your first order, free shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Americans! Don't forget to vote in the 2022 Midterms by Tuesday, November 8! Visit IWillVote.com to find your local polling place. This week the hosts are joined by Slug Club guest Michele, and Chapter by Chapter continues with chapters 15 and 16 of Sorcerer's Stone. Listen as we discuss how the Centaurs may have been right all along, while Harry serves detention in "The Forbidden Forest." After that, follow along as the trio go "Through the Trapdoor"! And we analyze each of the obstacles designed to protect the Sorcerer's Stone. All this and more, including: Welcome Slug Club guest Michele! If you would like the chance to guest-host on our show, visit our Patreon News: New Warner CEO David Zaslav wants "More Harry Potter movies!" What does that mean?! Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 15: The Forbidden Forest 7-Word Summary: Mars might tell of future conflicts forthcoming  Harry experiences exclusion like never before, after Gryffindor is down so many points. Have we ever disappointed our classmates in this way? What If? Harry told McGonagall the truth about Hagrid and the dragon. Would things have turned out the same? This detention in the Forbidden Forest is WAY too dangerous! And Hagrid even wants to split up! What are the Centaurs seeing in the sky, and why are they so hesitant to interfere? Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 16: Through the Trapdoor 7-Word Summary: Voldemort is hiding behind Quirrell’s incompetence – keys  Would it have made more sense for Ron to impersonate the Bloody Baron? Still, props to Harry for pulling it off! Hermione has a tendency to freeze up under pressure. When else has this occurred? Why wasn't Snape's logic puzzle included in the movie? We close out the chapter with our MVPs of the Week Next Week: we finish our Chapter by Chapter re-read of Book One! Quizzitch: What does Voldemort tell Harry that he will do once he has the Elixir of Life? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast), MasterClass (Get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/mugglecast), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s MuggleCast, we’re setting book 4 down and picking up on real world controversy that was happening RIGHT as Goblet of Fire was first published, in July of 2000. At issue was whether the series, quickly gaining national publicity in the US, was instructing young readers to take up witchcraft, join the devil and abandon God. It’s HP vs Christianity on MuggleCast 666! New episodes of MuggleCast will now be released in full video on our YouTube channel, right when they are released on our podcast feed! For today’s Main Discussion, Eric has compiled a PDF of sources from the late 90’s to 2007 news media. The polished PDF is available via this link. By July of 2000, Harry Potter had gained massive popularity in the US, and raise alarm bells with some concerned parents. Were any of the hosts told not to read the HP books on religious grounds? The controversy may be categorized as a moral panic, not unlike the Satanic Panic phenomenon of the 80’s/90’s, which unfortunately had large ramifications. Why was HP targeted? And why were evangelicals in particular caught up in it? We discuss four main arguments against the Potter books: that they will make children want to do witchcraft or join the occult; that they make children susceptible to evil by downplaying the danger of magic; that the books themselves are intentionally demonic; that the books are just plain immoral! (We find it hard to disagree with the last point). Is there any evidence that kids joined the occult after reading the books? Years later in 2005, what did Georgia parent Laura Mallory add to the discussion surrounding the books? We review our own attempts on MuggleCast to get a hold of Mrs. Mallory. As late as 2019, the argument was still being used to ban books. What lessons can we learn from these events? Be sure to subscribe to MuggleCast Gold via Apple Podcasts, or join our Patreon for access to Bonus MuggleCast segments. Visit mugglecast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, favorite episodes and more! A very special thank you to Connie Neal, Judy Bloom, Rainbow Rowell and others for extolling the virtues of the Harry Potter series when we were all children and too young to do so in print media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode we dig deep into our MuggleMail bag as listeners weigh in on our latest chapter-by-chapter discussions. One voicemail leads the hosts to take sides in a Harry Potter date debate! Plus, we have fun paging through the beautifully illustrated Order of the Phoenix by Jim Kay. We review the Order of the Phoenix Illustrated Illustrated Edition. There's SO much to love in this one! Speaking of books, don't forget to check out The Magic of MinaLima, which is an exhaustive look at MinaLima's work for the Harry Potter movies. Voicemails cover magic's origin, a Harry Potter first date, a Draco-focused Harry Potter TV show and more Several listeners write in about Christmas gifts and Quidditch rules Why doesn’t Hermione use her own wand to stop the troll?  Why did Hagrid really go to get Harry from the Dursleys? Should Ron be allowed to have a rat at Hogwarts? Is it the job of the Sorting Hat to equally divide the first year students? One listener presents a strong defense of Petunia Dursley Is the Hogwarts Express super inconvenient for students who already live close to Hogwarts? Troll in the Dungeon:  is Dumbledore sending the Slytherins to their doom? Quizzitch: When McGonagall gives detentions to the trio and Neville in Book 1, she says she's "never heard of such a thing before." What is the "thing" to which she is referring? Next week: Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Chapters 15 (The Forbidden Forest) & 16 (Through The Trapdoor) of Sorcerer's Stone This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass ( get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week the hosts are joined by Andy of Harry Potter Fan Zone, and Chapter by Chapter continues with chapters 13 and 14 of Sorcerer's Stone. Listen as we discuss the real-life origins of Nicolas Flamel, debate whether 'Sorcerer's Stone' or 'Philosopher's Stone' is a better title, and revisit a fan theory about what Dumbledore did with alchemy. Then, the trio visit Hagrid's Hut and Harry uses his powers of persuasion that he may or may not have inherited from Voldemort?! All this and more, including: Welcome back, Andy! Check out Harry Potter Fan Zone, the top Australian HP fan site. News: Many new books are now available including Tom Felton's autobiography, Alan Rickman's posthumous diary, and Order of the Phoenix illustrated by Jim Kay. The hosts discuss which ones they'll be checking out. Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 13: Nicolas Flamel 7-Word Summary: Secrets are revealed when chocolate is eaten. We never did find out what work Dumbledore and Nicolas did on alchemy. Did Fantastic Beasts reveal more? We review an old fan theory that we love about Credence's origins. In talking about the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, Andrew explains who was responsible for the title change. Which is better, saying "Sorcerer's Stone" (snappy, alliterative) or "Philosopher's Stone" (boring)? Andy and the American hosts all debate. The hosts review some early Mary GrandPré artwork including an alternate cover that Andy shares with the title "Harry Potter and the School of Magic". In fact, Harry Potter Fan Zone has the most impressive gallery of official artwork, exhaustingly sourced and categorized by Andy. Worth your time to check out! Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 14: Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback 7-Word Summary: Hagrid reveals illegal practices inside his hut This rare chapter is, in many ways, completely self-contained. The conflict presented is resolved at the end. Life lessons from HP #???: Flattery will get you ev-erywhere! Andrew's new proposal of an HBO Max television show features Hagrid and his pet dragon. We're in love. Hagrid clearly has a soft spot for clearly dangerous creatures. Is this intentional foreshadowing to his plotline in Chamber of Secrets? Is it reckless for Ron not to be honest with Madame Pomfrey about his bite? What if it's magically infected? The scene with Charlie's friends is unspoilt by adaptation. What do we see when we see it in our heads? We close out the chapter with our MVPs of the Week Next Week: It's a MuggleMail episode! Send us your thoughts on our recent chapters or tell us what's on your mind! Quizzitch: Which real-life Wizard Rock artist wrote a classic spurned love ballad titled "1991 - Charlie Weasley" This week's episode is brought to by Stamps.com (Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/mugglecast. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!), BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast), and Shudder (Get your first 30 days free by using code 'mugglecast')! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we pay tribute to Robbie Coltrane, whose iconic role as Rubeus Hagrid made him beloved to costars and fans alike. Chapter-by-Chapter continues as we take flight with Harry in his first Quidditch match and explore the halls of Hogwarts beneath the Invisibility Cloak. We remember Robbie Coltrane, the beloved actor who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter series Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 11: Quidditch 7-Word Summary: Gryffindor surprises Hogwarts with winning very tastily  Why does Snape choose to confide in Filch after being attacked by Fluffy? Why does he not go to Madam Pomfrey? Or heal himself? What is going through Snape's mind when Harry sees him in this vulnerable situation? Does Professor Quirrell’s attack on Harry during the Quidditch match do Quirrell more harm (for him) than good? Security Nightmare: Why are there not more protections in place during Quidditch matches? Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 12: The Mirror of Erised 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore gives Harry some advice about life The hosts rank Harry's Christmas gifts from best to worst, using math How does this new information on The Mirror of Erised influence our thoughts on the magical device? We discuss Harry’s (reckless) tendency of using gifts from anonymous sources Laura connects the threads between several Mirror of Erised and Resurrection Stone passages Why is Nicolas Flamel not more well-known? Who did the hosts select as their Most Valuable Character/Chapter of the Week? Next week: Chapter-By-Chapter continues for Sorcerer’s Stone with Chapters 13 and 14! Quizzitch: In Sorcerer's Stone, how old is Nicolas Flamel at the time of Harry’s first year at Hogwarts? This week's episode is brought to you by: the Audible Original The Sandman: Act III, MeUndies (Go to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast for 20% off your first order and free shipping) and Indeed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are certain things you can't do without becoming best friends, and podcasting about Harry Potter together is one of them! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with analysis of Sorcerer's Stone's "The Midnight Duel" and "Halloween"! Our trio of heroes get goaded by Malfoy into a trap, and then accidentally lock a troll in a bathroom. Harry also finds the one thing that he is naturally good at.  News: Jim Kay has announced he will be stepping down from making the illustrated edition Potter books. We thank him for his work. Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 9: The Midnight Duel 7-Word Summary: Draco challenges Harry to a Midnight Fakeout After Neville's injury, the students leap to his defense. Have the hosts had similar moments at school, or were we all too scared to speak up? In what is clearly another security nightmare, Madame Hooch abandons her class of 11-year-olds who 5 minutes ago were handed a very fast and dangerous broomstick for each of them. No wonder something bad happens next! Laura asks what (specifically) makes Harry a natural at flying? Maybe abuse from Dudley made his reflexes better? How blatant is what McGonagall does 'favoritism' toward Gryffindor House, and why does the First Years rule exist to begin with? After narrowly avoiding trouble during the day, Harry and Ron immediately go wandering the castle at night. Shouldn't they be more careful? Should Harry have known that Malfoy was planning a trap? How does Malfoy have an inside line to Filch? Did NOBODY walk Neville home from the hospital wing to make sure he could get in the Common Room? Fluffy's origins and comments on the movie adaptation are covered in 'Odds and Ends' Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 10: Halloween 7-Word Summary: Dinner is interrupted by a massive disturbance  Major things almost always happen to Harry on Halloween. Micah recounts some of the big ones. Are Ron's choice of words against Hermione a bit too much? It is Hermione's pronunciation advice which helps Ron successfully tackle the troll! Have any of the hosts befriended people they were not expecting to like? Examining Hermione's motivations to lie, the act which solidifies her friendship with Harry and Ron. HOW is it that Quirrell is not caught or at least hugely suspected for letting in the troll? Should Voldemort have used someone else instead? The students of Hogwarts do not seem to dress up for Halloween, but if they DID, Andrew has ideas as to what they would be. Harry and the Golden Snitch meet for the first time. Our hearts are all aflutter If McGonagall had not discovered Harry's talent during the first flying lesson, when would there be another chance? Next Week: Chapter-By-Chapter for Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 11 and 12! Quizzitch: In Chapter 9 of Book 1, Which secret passage out of Hogwarts do the Weasley Twins suspect Lee Jordan has found? This week's episode is brought to by the Audible Original The Sandman: Act III, Masterclass (go to Masterclass.com/mugglecast for 15% off an annual subscription), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we're busting open our MuggleMail bag as listeners send in owls about the first several chapters of Sorcerer's Stone! We entertain a few What Ifs about Petunia and Dudley and get some enlightening perspectives on Narcissa and Lupin! Hey, Apple Podcast users! You can now subscribe to the show right within the Apple Podcasts app. For $2.99/month, you'll receive early episode releases and ad-free MuggleCast! Thanks in advance for your support. We're opening up our Chapter-by-Chapter MuggleMail bag! Why was Hagrid sent for Harry? How big is the student body at Hogwarts? What happened to both sets of Harry's grandparents? How did Dudley's pigtail finally get removed? Did Harry's Horcrux impact the Dursley's treatment of him? What if... Petunia had magical ability and had been accepted at Hogwarts? What if... Dudley was a wizard? Would Vernon have disowned him? Could House-Elves be responsible for sending the Hogwarts letters? Other MuggleMail covers Leta Lestrange, The Elder Wand, Narcissa Malfoy and Remus Lupin Should Dumbledore have been sorted into Slytherin? Why wasn't Dobby asked to be in The Order? Quizzitch: In one of their very first History of Magic classes, which two famous wizards do the students in Harry's class get mixed up? On next week's episode: Chapters 9 & 10 of Sorcerer’s Stone: The Midnight Duel and Halloween In this week’s Bonus MuggleCast available exclusively to Patrons, we discuss excerpts from Alan Rickman's recently released diary, Truly Madly! This week's episode is brought to you by The Happiness Lab Podcast, BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and HelloFresh (use code muggle65 for 65% off plus free shipping at HelloFresh.com/Muggle65)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we are joined by Potter film actor and director Rohan Gotobed! He joins Andrew, Eric, Laura, and Micah as they continue their Chapter-by-Chapter readthrough of Sorcerer's Stone, covering Chapters 7 and 8! Harry is sorted into Gryffindor House, and learns that Snape really hates him! Welcome to the show, film and theater actor Rohan Gotobed, who you might recognize from playing Young Sirius Black in DH2! Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 7: The Sorting Hat 7-Word Summary: Students arrive into the Great Hall nervously Is the Sorting Ceremony too much pressure for First Years? Should there be something easier or a private ceremony? Why is the hat kept a secret from all students and possibly not even mentioned in Hogwarts, a History? We know Hermione checked... Americans struggle with British terms example 4,723, as McGonagall tells the students to 'smarten themselves up.' New Segment Alert: The hosts play "MAX That!" bringing an element from the chapter to life as a new Harry Potter streaming series Harry has a dream that the hosts find to be VERY illuminating. Was it right for Seamus' mom to keep her magical secret from his dad? Rohan pays tribute to all of Harry's peers who made it to the Sorting Ceremony but were never seen again... Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 8: The Potions Master 7-Word Summary: Eagerly Harry begins classes with angry teacher  What were our first impressions of McGonagall, Sprout, Flitwick and Snape? New Segment: Mini Origin, where we dive into the name Quirinus and Quirrell in an effort to understand him better. Snape speaks of potions very romantically, but is he overcompensating for the lost romance of Harry's mom? The ability to spot exactly where a potion went wrong is impressive, but Snape should not be teaching students. Harry seeks refuge at Hagrid's hut, and the hosts describe their in-school hideout locations. The hosts reveal their coveted 'Most Valuable Character/Chapter of the Week' award nominees. Next Week: it's our first Muggle Mailbag episode since starting our Chapter-By-Chapter! Quizzitch: According to Book 1, if you’re in the Great Hall facing the staff table, from LEFT to RIGHT what is the order in which the houses are seated? This week's episode is brought to by The Happiness Lab Project, Stamps.com ( Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/MUGGLECAST. Thanks to Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapters 4 - 6 of Sorcerer's Stone! Join us as Harry learns he's a wizard, ventures to Diagon Alley and boards the Hogwarts Express for the very first time! Plus, we meet Hagrid, Ron, Hermione, Draco and more! It's been a big week in the UK. Andrew and Laura covered the good and bad that comes with The Queen and the new Prime Minister in their latest episode of #Millennial! Follow the show for free in your favorite podcast app for more fun like we have on MuggleCast! Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 4: Keeper of the Keys 7-Word Summary: Suddenly, Hagrid bursts through the door... BAM! You're a wizard, Harry!  Does Petunia’s angry response hint at her own desire to have become a wizard? Do we find Hagrid to be convincing in his claims about Harry and his parents? Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 5: Diagon Alley 7-Word Summary: Magic is being shown in the shops  Harry enters the Wizarding World for the first time! Irresponsible Hagrid: is he the right person for this job? What is with all of the Hufflepuff hatred? Inside Ollivander's: Does Harry's wand foreshadow his Hogwarts House? This scene also explains Harry's scarf colors on the U.K. cover! What do we make of Harry's Impostor Syndrome towards the end of the chapter? Main Discussion #3: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 6: The Journey From Platform 9 3/4 7-Word Summary: Aboard the train Harry meets the Weasleys  Worst to First: From The Dursleys to The Weasleys Ron & Harry: Bros forever at first sight What are Harry's first impressions of Hermione? The hosts give their Most Valuable Chapter or Wizard of the Week Next Week: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 7-9 Quizzitch: From which vault number does Hagrid retrieve the philosopher's/sorcerer's stone? This week's episode is brought to you by Backbone (visit PlayBackbone.com/MuggleCast to order your Backbone, for a limited time, and get FREE access to over 350 console games and perks), Masterclass (get 15% off an annual membership at Masterclass.com/MuggleCast) and Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on MuggleCast we bring back the most heavily listener-requested segment, Chapter by Chapter! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they begin Sorcerer's / Philosopher's Stone with Chapters 1, 2 and 3! Our read-through of the Potter series contains segments both old AND new (complete with sound effects) and the hosts are all much older now than when they first started more than 16 years ago! On this week's episode: Chapter by Chapter is rebooted! We first started the segment March 19, 2006 on Episode 31 (transcript here). What to expect from CbyC includes: 7 Word Summaries, the same (but older) hosts, and brand new segments and games. Main Discussion Part 1: Sorcerer's Stone Chapter One, "The Boy Who Lived." 7 Word Summary: Vernon thinks that people are behaving oddly Eric asks, "What are the wizards and witches thinking?! The Statute of Secrecy is at stake here!" Laura makes an excellent point about what humans do after being cooped up and being afraid for long. Was it safe for Dumbledore to leave Harry unattended on a doorstep overnight? Despite the magical protection, we ask, WERE the Dursleys the best option for Dumbledore to choose? Why didn't Albus raise Harry himself? Main Discussion Part 2: Chapter Two, "The Vanishing Glass." 7 Word Summary: Dudley can’t understand why he sucks badly Having read the whole series, how do we account for the magic that Harry did when he was young? Where exactly did the "Vanished" glass go? In the book, it is not put back. Would the zoo be able to stay in business after such an incident? The hosts get depressed about the Dursleys' abuse of Harry, which hits differently now! Main Discussion Part 3: Chapter Three, "The Letters From No One." 7 Word Summary: Chaos awaits the Dursleys everywhere and above How is it exactly that the letters change addresses for Harry? Is Vernon right, and are the Dursleys being watched? Why don't Petunia and Vernon just tell Harry who/what he is? Why are they SO resistant? The hosts play What If? regarding Harry opening his Hogwarts letter while in the foyer. Most Valuable Chapter/Character of the Week returns Next week's Quizzitch question: Who are the four known members of Dudley’s Gang, from Chapter 3 of Book 1? On next week's episode: Chapters 4-6 of Harry Potter Book One This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (Go to Indeed.com/mugglecast to start hiring now), BetterHelp (Go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast and get 10% off your first month), and MeUndies (Go to MeUndies.com/mugglecast for 20% off your first order) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To celebrate going Back to Hogwarts, each MuggleCaster brings their own Hogwarts Lesson to the table, and you better pay attention because House Points are up for grabs.  Class is now in session! Welcome Slug Club member, Robbie! Check out his wand collection on Instagram! Main Discussion: Build Your Own Hogwarts Lesson as a new year at the school kicks off. Professor Andrew teaches about the Hogwarts Express in History of Magic. Spend Muggle Studies with Professor Eric Professor Laura introduces us to Proper Spell Enunciation Explore International Wizarding Cultures with Professor Micah Professor Robbie drops some serious Wandlore knowledge on us all! Beware of pop quizzes, homework and security nightmares! Quizzitch:  From what neighborhood does Harry first (accidentally) hail the Knight Bus? On next week's episode: Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Chapters 1-3 of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone! This week's episode is brought to you by Upside (download the FREE Upside App and use promo code mugglecast to get $5 or more cash back on your first purchase of $10 or more) and BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, the subject of many a late night with Laura and her boyfriend is made into a main discussion for MuggleCast as the hosts and Marc talk through the physics of Harry Potter! Surely magical objects don't come from 'nowhere,' and there must be a magical cost for doing magic somehow? Those big questions and more are our target as Andrew, Eric, Laura, Micah and Marc put on their thinking caps and dive in! Welcome to this week's special guest, Laura's boyfriend Marc! Marc is a game designer with a passion for physics. A new trailer for Hogwarts Legacy has debuted, and we now know what all versions of the game will cost us. You might need to break into Gringotts to be able to afford the Collectors Edition!? Main Discussion: The physics of Harry Potter Just what is 'physics' and what answers does the study of physics seek to find? In the Wizarding World, is there a cost for doing magic? What kind of magic seems limitless, and what kind does not? Where does magical ability come from and how does it work? Are new magical spells created, or discovered? Next the MuggleCasters ask: where does the food come from, and where does your sh** go? What do our known laws (such as conservation of mass) have in common with Gamp's known laws of Elemental Transfiguration? We go point by point. Does the Vanishing Charm break down an object's atoms, or teleport it to a different dimension? In this week's Bonus MuggleCast available exclusively to Patrons, the hosts examine the physics of some magical objects including Invisibility Cloaks, Time Turners and Dumbledore's Deluminator. Quizzitch: In Year 4, What does Ron smush in anger after Draco taunts him about having inside-Ministry information regarding the TriWizard Tournament? Next week's episode: The hosts are building their own Hogwarts lesson! Come prepared for lectures and a pop quiz! This week's episode is brought to you by Backbone! Go to PlayBackbone.com/mugglecast NOW to order your Backbone. For a limited  time, and get FREE access to over 350 console games and perks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we’ll be continuing our conversation that began in Episode 568, where we argued in defense of some of the most controversial, least favorite, most complicated characters in Harry Potter. There were plenty of characters we didn’t get to last time, so it’s time for Round 2! Welcome back, Pat! Happy Birthday, Micah! We share the very special video he received from Dan Fogler and react to it. Hogwarts Legacy has been pushed to February 2023! What do we make of the announcement and this very cool A Hot Summer Day ASMR Video? Main Discussion: Indefensible Characters in Harry Potter, Round 2 What did Lucius Malfoy, Mundungus Fletcher, Horace Slughorn and Merope Gaunt do to put themselves in our cross-hairs? What characters do we love to hate? Professor Binns, Vernon Dursley and Cornelius Fudge make the cut! Can the hosts actually defend the indefensible? We try our best with Narcissa Malfoy and Barty Crouch Jr. New game alert: One Gotta Go Quizzitch: What did the Muggle, Mr. Roberts, say to the Weasley family as they left the Quidditch World Cup? Next week's episode: The Physics of the Wizarding World This week's episode is brought to you by: Audible's Genesis, BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and Indeed (start hiring now with a $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inspired by a popular Reddit thread, this week's episode asks the question: what was something that a 'good' character from the Harry Potter series did which rubbed us the wrong way? Are characters like Molly Weasley or Remus Lupin above reproach? You may find yourself nodding along with Andrew, Eric, Micah and special guest Chloé as they detail just what these supposed 'heroes' of the series did to get on our nerves! As we announced last week, Chapter By Chapter will be returning soon with Book One! Now that we are all grown-up. Look for it in September! Our hosts have recently appeared on each other's other podcasts, including Eric appearing on #Millennial, and Micah appearing on Thank You for Spieling! This week's main discussion was inspired by this great Reddit thread. Shout-out to Pamela G.'s brother for suggesting! Each host picks a supposedly 'good' Harry Potter character and lists their most heinous offenses. Molly Wealsey may be the motherly type, but her love is not evenly spread. What did Hermione or Fleur ever do to receive her ire? Albus Dumbledore may be the series' biggest 'good guy' after Harry, but his reckless endangerment of students via his choices for DADA staffers are preposterous. Remus Lupin was our very favorite teacher, but when it comes to being a dad or a romantic partner, his skills are somewhat lacking. Hermione's activism might win her some points, but she's much colder to anything that is somebody else's idea. Especially if she hasn't read about it in a book! Consulting the Reddit thread, the MuggleCast hosts pick a few more of their favorite examples. Why did EVERY adult let Ron use his broken and unsafe wand? Did Dobby go too far when stopping Harry's mail? Did the Weasley Twins go too far trying their products on students? August's Bonus MuggleCast will cover personal secrets from the hosts' early days podcasting and working on the Web. The latest Trelawney Tea Edition will be available exclusively via our Patreon. Quizzitch: in book canon, what color hair does Firenze have? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/mugglecast), Shudder (Stream 30 days free by using code mugglecast), and Masterclass (Get 15% off an annual subscription at Masterclass.com/mugglecast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Birthday, MuggleCast! To celebrate our 17th year of podcasting, we host a very special edition of Quizzitch Live! Do you think you know everything about our hosts? What about our special guests? How good are you with episode titles and past segments? It's time to put your MuggleCast knowledge to the test! Plus, we have a very big announcement about the future of the show! Watch the full episode of Quizzitch Live: MuggleCast, A History! It's official! Chapter-by-Chapter returns this September! This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast), MintMobile (get your new wireless plan for just 15 bucks per month, and have the plan shipped to your door for FREE at MintMobile.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)! On next week's episode we're talking about things that "good" characters did that rubbed us the wrong way in the Harry Potter series! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Armed with the brand new Secrets of Dumbledore: The Complete Screenplay book, the MuggleCasters go to work finding answers for mysteries that were not made clear by the 3rd Fantastic Beasts movie, but may have been clearer during production!  What revelations do we have from the new Fantastic Beasts 3 screenplay? The MuggleCasters are hosting an Instagram Live event this Wednesday, August 3rd at 8:30 PM ET to celebrate our birthday! More birthday fun:  MuggleCast is hosting a LIVE Quizzitch game about ourselves this Saturday at 11 AM ET! Stay tuned to our social media for links. Don't miss our 2022 Patreon Gifts - The MuggleCast Collectors Club and the MuggleCast Wand! Pledge to our Patreon by August 7, 2022 and fill out the form(s) to receive your gifts! We are so proud of this year's items and hope you check them out! The Secrets of Dumbledore screenplay offers some very tiny moments that did not make it to the movie, but no deleted scenes. Dumbledore and Grindelwald's tea time was likely a flashback, the Qilin comes from China, and Jacob's bakery has some vermin trouble! Concept art provided with the screenplay includes Lally's Charms book, and Whiskey the Goat! Was Yusuf Kama passing secret messages to Queenie? Mirror World confirmed! Albus and Credence's battle takes place within the Deluminator. The visual effects department points out a fun fact. SUPREME MUGWUMP CONFIRMED! Posters for the candidates reveal the use of word that was omitted from all the dialogue in the movie. Eric cries with joy. The 'little lobster creatures' and the giant manticore at the bottom of the pit are the same creature, the screenplay confirms. Dumbledore's fist fight is detailed on his family tree, with a mysterious page number we'll be speculating about for years to come. MuggleMail includes Sorting Madame Pomfrey, James and Lily's love, whether Squibs can talk to cats, Jedi in Harry Potter, Percy's motives, and a new Marvel version of Voldemort! Quizzitch: Who succeeded Albus Dumbledore as Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards? This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (Claim your $75 credit now at Indeed.com/mugglecast), BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast), and MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we wrap up our month-long Deathly Hallows 15th anniversary celebration by discussing a number of "What If" scenarios from the final installment of the Harry Potter series! What if things had gone drastically different at several key moments of the seventh book? Would Harry, Ron and Hermione have found another way, or would it have just been GAME OVER? Welcome back Sequoia, from Fanatical Fics and Where to Find Them podcast! Don't miss our 2022 Patreon Gifts - The MuggleCast Collectors Club and the MuggleCast Wand! Pledge to our Patreon by August 7, 2022 and fill out the form(s) to receive your gifts! We are so proud of this year's items and hope you check them out! News: Quidditch is changing its name to Quadball We continue our Deathly Hallows 15th Anniversary Celebration! Main Discussion: What if... Deathly Hallows Edition What if... Harry had been sorted into Slytherin? What if... Harry had not inadvertently destroyed the Diary Horcrux in Chamber of Secrets? What if... Lily and James had kept Sirius as their Secret Keeper? What if... Cedric Diggory didn't die in Goblet of Fire? What if... Draco had changed allegiances and served as double agent for Dumbledore's Army? What if... he was a double agent all along? What if... Rita Skeeter never published The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore? What if... Dumbledore got it all wrong and Harry died? How would the Epilogue be different? What if... Snape never shared his memories with Harry? What if... Harry didn't disarm Draco at Malfoy Manor? What if... Draco had given up the Trio to Voldemort? What if... Ron or Hermione had died? Listener What Ifs cover Hermione leaving instead of Ron, Narcissa's confirmation of Harry's death, Dobby and more! Next Week: We will be reviewing the Secrets of Dumbledore script book and see if we can gleam any new details from it! Quizzitch: What resident of Little Hangleton is quoted as saying that Frank Bryce definitely killed the Riddles no matter what the police think? This week's episode is brought to you by Upside (Download the free Upside app and use promo code 'mugglecast' to get $5 or more cash back on your first purchase of $10 or more), Shudder (stream your first 30 days of Shudder for FREE at Shudder.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month of therapy at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the hosts grab their Time Turners and summon all the nostalgia that will fit in their beaded bag as they revisit the day after receiving Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Andrew, Eric and Laura were in London for a live podcasting event at Waterstones, and Micah was stateside. We reflect on our initial impression of the book, what things we feel differently about 15 years later, and how magical it felt to witness the "end" of an era together. Also on this episode: dramatic line readings of some Book 7 reactions and e-mails from the day after that we finally respond to! We've just announced our 2022 Patreon Gifts - The MuggleCast Collectors Club and the MuggleCast Wand! Pledge to our Patreon by August 7, 2022 and fill out the form(s) to receive your gifts! We are so proud of this year's items and hope you check them out! Main Discussion: Revisiting MuggleCast #101, our first Deathly Hallows reactions episode Why did we start off Episode 101 talking about Lord of the Rings? Eric reminds us of how things have changed since 2007. Laura and the hosts lament the lack of return to the Department of Mysteries, across two time periods! Podcasting had made all the hosts cold, hard people. Did the deaths in Book 7 really even affect them? Did any of the deaths feel 'unnecessary' to us then, and do they now? 15 years later... does the epilogue feel satisfying? And what about those names for the kids? The hosts listen to themselves predicting what the Deathly Hallows movie will entail. We read some of the most dramatic reactions to the book, found in the MuggleNet Comments Section on July 21, 2007. Listener e-mails include: Who was the late-blooming Hogwarts student? What was it about Lily's eyes? And, what happened to Kreacher? Quizzitch: Who witnessed Dumbledore using the Sword of Gryffindor to destroy the Gaunt Ring? This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month of therapy at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and HelloFresh (Get up to 16 free meals and three free gifts by going to HelloFresh.com/muggle16 and using code muggle16 at checkout!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, we begin our celebration of the 15th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by looking at the burning questions the seventh  book didn't answer. In the weeks ahead, stay tuned for more Deathly Hallows book discussions in honor of the anniversary! We're excited to announce our 2022 Patreon Gifts - The MuggleCast Collectors Club and the MuggleCast Wand! Pledge to our Patreon by August 7, 2022 and fill out the form(s) to receive your gifts! We are so proud of this year's items and hope you check them out! Main Discussion: Burning Questions Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Didn’t Answer Did Deathly Hallows provide the conclusion we all wanted? Which character(s) got the most disappointing Deathly Hallows resolution? Lavender Brown: dead or alive? What retributions (if any) were there for Death Eaters and Voldemort sympathizers after the second war? Did Kreacher live through the Battle of Hogwarts, and did he ever find out that the locket was destroyed? Gringotts, The Room of Requirement & Grimmauld Place: what happened to some of our favorite wizarding world locations? Listeners share their questions on everything from The Veil to Snape's Boggart to Fawkes and more! How did Harry figure out so much during his time at Shell Cottage? Did the snake Harry set free in Sorcerer's Stone ever make it to Brazil? Nagini & Bathilda Bagshot... HOW?!? What was the relationship like between Harry and Ginny? Luckily, Eric's filling in the gaps in his fan-fiction! Was the taboo on Voldemort's name a copout? Was Azkaban absolutely PACKED after the Battle of Hogwarts? On next week's episode, we'll revisit our reactions to Deathly Hallows after reading the book for the first time, and read old e-mails from the days just after the book was released!  Quizzitch: In Deathly Hallows, during the camping scenes, after complaining about their meal to Harry and Hermione and saying his mom can conjure food from thin air, what does Ron Summon for dinner? This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass (get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's MuggleCast, the hosts take on the most indefensible characters, and figure out what about them gets under our skin. How can we defend the actions of someone like Gilderoy Lockhart or Rita Skeeter? Do we really believe that James Potter matured out of being a bully? And finally, is Umbridge a case of nature or nurture? Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura for a deep look at characters who bug us in Harry Potter. For Pride month, MuggleCast is participating in The Hogwarts Hunt, a fundraiser and scavenger hunt to benefit LGBT charities. We're team Hufflepuff! Visit our social media for more info. Who are the most indefensible characters in Harry Potter? Why do we say that they can't they be redeemed? The hosts unexpectedly discuss a few Ravenclaws and Micah and Laura get nervous. Micah says the Death Eaters would actually approve of the Dursleys' treatment of Harry if they knew. Among the irredeemable characters, which ones do we LOVE to hate and why? Characters like Snape or Umbridge have scenes that are greatly written as to illustrate their motives clearly, and we are shook. Could anything or anyone humanize Bellatrix Lestrange? What allow us to defend some characters, but not others? Their upbringing? Their intelligence and skill? Where do we draw the line? Is Argus Filch a character we understand? Would a Squib living at a magic school always have his attitude? Is James Potter a defensible character, since we see so little of him and when we do he is still that teenage bully of Snape? Do we believe that James would have made a good father and raised Harry without prejudice, had he lived? Debate: Umbridge, Nature vs Nurture? Quizzitch: Which of Umbridge's Educational Decrees (what number) barred teachers from giving the students any information that was not related to the subjects they were hired to teach? Andrew was on Swish & Flick podcast discussing the history of Dumbledore's sexuality! Check it out here or wherever you listen to podcasts! This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and Warby Parker (Try 5 pairs of glasses at home for free at WarbyParker.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, we're joined by a very special guest, Mr. Thomas Taylor, who originally illustrated Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone in 1996!  He talks about what it was like to land the job and all that ensued! Join us as we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the book that began a phenomenon! Welcome Thomas Taylor, illustrator of the very first Harry Potter book in the UK! Thomas shares what it was like to get the job at just 23-years-old! How did he decide to illustrate the iconic Hogwarts Express scene? Did he ever speak with J.K. Rowling? What was it like to be one of the first people to ever read Harry Potter? Was he ever asked to work on the remainder of the series? Who is the mysterious gentleman on the original back cover, and what's in his pocket? Did you know there is a connection between Dumbledore and The Hobbit? Thomas shares his thoughts on the first Harry Potter movie, his favorite characters and his Hogwarts House! What was it like for him to transition from illustrator to author? Be sure to check out Taylor's other works, including The Legends of Eerie-on-Sea and follow him on Twitter and Instagram!  Quizzitch: Dumbledore’s nose appeared as though it had been broken how many times, according to the first chapter of Philosopher’s Stone? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 15% off your first order, 25% off your first Membership item, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast) and Shudder (stream your first 30 days of Shudder for FREE by going to Shudder.com and entering code MuggleCast)! Bonus MuggleCast, available later this week: In celebration of Pride Month, we had fun whipping up some gay Harry Potter pick-ups lines (parental advisory warning: these pick-up lines are of an adult nature and not suitable for children). Become a supporter of the show today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A merger of Warner Bros and Discovery, Inc. has led Andrew to speculate as to what the future of the Wizarding World may look like on film and TV. And he's prepared a presentation about it! Hosts Eric, Micah, Laura and special Slug Club guest Neil join in and speculate as to the future of Fantastic Beasts, and what - if any - television series set within the Wizarding World we might see from Discovery Time Warner. It's a jam-packed episode with lots of laughs and really cool ideas! Welcome Slug Club guest Neil, who's joining us from South Korea in the middle of the night. What CEO David Zaslav might do with Fantastic Beasts, Harry Potter, and his upcoming meeting with JKR. While Secrets of Dumbledore is the lowest performing Wizarding World film of all time, it still technically has broken even, reaching $400M globally. Is the future secure for its remaining announced sequels? Hypothetically, what scripted Harry Potter TV shows could we see coming if not a direct reboot of the original Potter books? The hosts all provide an idea for a television series that fills in canon and explores plot holes from the series. Laura wants an episode dedicated to "The Missing 24 Hours", while Micah wants a series focused on Tom Riddle's ascent to power. Is a Marauders series anybody's second choice for new TV content? How about one that shows the events of Deathly Hallows from the students' perspective in Hogwarts? And finally, Andrew's idea for an Auror Dept. police procedural is intriguing! Next, the hosts "Star Wars-ify" a Wizarding World story, pairing an adult and child character together in the style of Disney+'s The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Would Salazar Slytherin look good boasting a gray area? Are outcasts Hagrid and Luna the perfect pair for an exploration of Wizarding World secrets? Would Tonks and Mad-Eye see eye to eye if placed together for long? How about Snape and Draco? And would a time-traveling Neville Longbottom learn a few things from Professor Sprout? Finally, falling in line with Discovery Channel's past offerings, the hosts predict which educational and/or questionable reality programming we might get from the content creators. Ideas include space-faring wizards, Charms disasters, a travel show, and "Trelawney Truckers"! Quizzitch: Who illustrated the first book cover for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, published in 1997 by Bloomsbury in UK? This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (visit MeUndies.com/MuggleCast for 15% off your first order and 25% off your first membership item), Framebridge (Use promo code 'muggle' for 15% off your first order), and BetterHelp (Go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, witness the return of Lord Voldemort himself after 13 years without a proper body! To celebrate this ‘rebirthing party’, we’ll be discussing two chapters of Goblet of Fire! LAST CHANCE to grab this year’s physical gift... The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you’ll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today! Thanks to everyone who came out to see us at LeakyCon Portland! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 31: Flesh, Blood and Bone and Chapter 32: The Death Eaters 7-Word Summary #1: Cedric falls to his untimely, sad demise Main Discussion #1: The Death of Cedric Diggory In such a frantic state, how can Wormtail muster the ability to cast the Killing Curse? Would Cedric have a had chance at survival if not for helping Harry? Does Harry have any time to process what's just happened to Cedric? Kill The Spare: Voldemort shows his complete disregard for human life Main Discussion #2: The Dark Lord’s Return We walk through the steps one must take in order to recreate a Dark Lord and analyze the symbolism of Voldemort in baby form Bone of the Father, Unknowingly Given. Why is it necessary for Voldemort to use his father’s bone given the magic comes from his mother’s side of the family? Flesh of the Servant, Willingly Given. How can one hand regenerate an entire body? By severing his right hand, has Wormtail eliminated any hope of Sirius' innocence? Blood of the Enemy, Forcibly Taken. Why did Voldemort have to wait for Harry? 7-Word Summary #2: Loyalists arrive and worship Voldemort’s triumphant revival Main Discussion #3: Voldemort Is Feeling “Chatty” How much does Voldemort know about his mother and father's relationship? Should Voldemort really be giving lessons on Chosen Family? Are any of his Death Eaters truly loyal to him? If Voldemort knew of Wormtail's debt to Harry, would he have killed him right there? Roll Call: We analyze the Death Eaters who are and are not present in the graveyard Main Discussion #4: How Did Voldemort Do It? Horcrux Tease! How much do the Death Eaters know about the lengths Voldemort went to in order to avoid death? Did Nagini's venom help Voldemort resume a more human form because Nagini herself used to be human? Quizzitch: What does the shadow of James Potter tell Harry he must do? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore with the MuggleCasters in our movie commentary track! We had a ton of fun watching the movie together and making sense of everything that's going on. What are each character's motives? What are we noticing now that we're watching in the comfort of our own homes? Even the credits had a surprise that a couple of us weren't aware of! We discuss every moment of the movie as we watch it together! The Secrets of Dumbledore was just released on HBO Max, and now you can watch the movie in real time with your Harry Potter friends (Us). You will need to bring your own copy of the movie to get the full experience. Currently it's available on HBO Max and will be released on DVD/Blu-Ray/Digital at the end of June. At the beginning of the episode we help you sync up with us. Our sync point is just after the WB logo flies past the camera. For us, this was 53 seconds into the movie, but your timecode may differ if you don't have a HBO ad at the beginning. This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and Masterclass (Get 15% off an annual subscription by visiting Masterclass.com/mugglecast). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, Micah and Eric talk about what Fantastic Beasts 4 needs to do in order to keep fans interested in the franchise. Then open our Muggle Mailbag to take feedback on Secrets of Dumbledore. Plus... Alakazam! Can wizards and witches really use spoons to do magic? Main Mini-Discussion: What does Fantastic Beasts 4 need to do in order to be a satisfying story for fans? With where Secrets of Dumbledore left us, what more story is there to tell?  Can the franchise continue to hang its hooks on Potter nostalgia, but then fail to deliver? Do we feel there is enough meat for five Fantastic Beasts films? Could a flashback movie work? It's time to bust open the Muggle Mailbag! What did Grindelwald know about Dumbledore's future when he said: "Who's going to love you now?" Will Jude Law's Dumbledore ever reenact the Half-Blood Prince potion scene? Is Secrets of Dumbledore too gay? Did Dumbledore plan for Jacob to be an "assassin" all along? Why did Leta choose Theseus? Is Newt to blame? Which characters are the best examples from each Hogwarts House? Can you use spoons to do magic? Quizzitch: In Half-Blood Prince, during the cave scene, what does Dumbledore toast before drinking the potion? On next week's episode: we're off for the Memorial Day Holiday, but back the following week with our Secrets of Dumbledore movie commentary! This week's episode is brought to you by Mint Mobile (to get your new wireless plan for just $15 bucks/month and get the plan shipped to your door for FREE, visit MintMobile.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In their first dedicated character discussion since the premiere of Secrets of Dumbledore, the hosts of MuggleCast turn the pages of their study guides to Professor Eulalie Hicks of Ilvermorny! "Lally" was a huge highlight of the third Beasts film, and we're here to say why that was. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they analyze the character through her words, attitude and relationships. It's a fun episode for sure. Main Discussion: Professor Eulalie "Lally" Hicks in Secrets of Dumbledore Going back to the first section he ever headed on MuggleNet, Micah starts us off with Lally's Name Origin Jessica Williams, who portrays Lally, was herself a big Harry Potter fan, and even shares his birthday! The announcement of Jessica's casting likely took place at the next table over from Andrew, Eric and Micah when they saw Cursed Child on Broadway. What makes Eulalie a member of Thunderbird house? It's been a while since the hosts had a chance to talk about Ilvermorny canon. As a Charms professor, Eulalie's surely competent in some of our favorite Charms, which we recap. Lally, like Newt, wrote a book which is widely circulated. She also has a unique-looking wand. Professor Hicks and Professor Hagrid both share a job title in common! But... what does it mean? We received some insightful e-mails regarding Lally's "Transatlantic" accent, a relic of Old Hollywood in the 1930's and 40's. Lally's friendhsip with Jacob is a reason to see the film, even if it got off to a rocky (problematic?) start. The hosts discuss. What do we see happening between Theseus and Lally romantically, if anything, and why? Andrew's idea for a Eulalie Hicks spinoff TV show will have you ready and waiting for the first season. Quizzitch: What did students have to do in their end of year exam for Charms class in Harry’s year one? This week's episode is brought to you by Framebridge (Use promo code MUGGLE for 15% off your first order), Warby Parker (Go to WarbyParker.com/mugglecast and try five pairs for free right at home), and AMC Shudder (Use code MUGGLECAST for 30 days of Shudder for free) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, the fearless MuggleCasters take it upon themselves to answer Secrets of Dumbledore's biggest unanswered questions, using their extensive knowledge of the Wizarding World to provide plausible answers and put to bed the movie's most dangling plot threads. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah on this fun journey through the plot points and listen as they finally discuss whether their own prophecy about the movie came true! Main Discussion: Can our knowledge of book canon help us explain the events of Fantastic Beasts 3? In what YEAR is the third movie set? Some title cards would have been helpful! Are there clues in the props? What became of Nagini? Andrew, Laura and Micah provide a tragic outcome while Eric imagines a spa day. Where is Tina Goldstein, really? The "she's busy" explanation does not hold any giggle water for us! Was Newt ever allowed back to Hogwarts after his expulsion, and did he complete his schooling there? What makes Dumbledore "more than a teacher" to Newt, in his own words? How and under what circumstances did Dumbledore and Eulalie Hicks first meet? What is the little drop of "water" that Albus blew onto Credence? And is it connected with the Deluminator or an alternate dimension? The Predictions of Tycho Dodonus... did they come true, and might they still? How about our predictions of Nostradamus? Exactly when did Aberforth find out about Credence and when did they establish their mirror chats? Regarding romances, where do Jacob and Queenie honeymoon, and is anything happening with Lally and Theseus? The hosts wrap up discussing the most pressing questions that the next movie MUST answer. Who Got it Right?! Laura and Micah sweep The Bunties (tm) with Price is Right rules applying, on our various FB3 guesses. Next week, a character discussion on Eulalie Hicks! Submit your questions and thoughts on the character! Quizzitch: Who was the headmaster of Hogwarts school immediately before Dumbledore? This week's episode is brought to you by NordVPN (Go to NordVPN.com/muggle and receive a huge discount) and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we bust open our Muggle Mailbag to answer your burning questions and take your feedback on Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore! Twitter Polls Galore! Which host would the Qilin bow to? What was the best Secrets of Dumbledore ship? And overall, what did listeners think of the movie? What did Yusuf Kama have to help fight Grindelwald? The hosts celebrate Eulalie Hicks after leaving her hanging in our initial review! Why did Grindelwald's followers not kill Theseus when they captured him? Why did Theseus not question Queenie after her return to the good side? Did Dumbledore and Grindelwald's fight scene fail to deliver? Why did the Qilin bow to Dumbledore? Why not Newt? Or Jacob? Did the producers tie up loose ends enough so that this could be the last film? Where are Graves and Nagini? How did Jacob and Queenie get permission to marry? Prediction Time: Which host was closest to the box office number and what does this number mean for the future of the franchise? On next week's episode: What questions should’ve Secrets of Dumbledore answered, and what questions must Fantastic Beasts 4 answer? Quizzitch: What book hits Lucius Malloy in the eye during his tussle with Arthur Weasley in Flourish and Blotts? Later this week on Bonus MuggleCast: Why has J.K. Rowling been completely silent about Fantastic Beasts 3? You can get Bonus MuggleCast and other great benefits by becoming a patron at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! This week's episode is brought to you by Framebridge (visit Framebridge.com and use promo code MUGGLE to save an additional 15% off your first order) and BetterHelp (MuggleCast listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we continue our review of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, this time focusing on the various odds and ends of the film! Plus, we hand out our "Bunty Awards," which are accolades for several aspects of the movie! Stay tuned for many, many more thoughts on the weeks and months ahead! The "Bunty" award for our Favorite New Character, Favorite New Beast, etc What was the one stand-out scene of the film? Was the movie poster for the film misleading? (YES) Eric took a stopwatch into his Secrets of Dumbledore screening... for a very specific experiment. We, like Jacob, were confused by the plot to confuse Grindelwald. What about Grindelwald's visions in the puddles and mirrors, what do they mean? Was Credence made to sound more like Aberforth at the start of the film? And was anyone else thinking he would have a romance with Queenie from their early interaction? The re-use of classic Harry Potter lines is scrutinized by Micah. Was the Anton Vogel actor too similar in appearance to Mads as Grindelwald, and did that lead to confusion about the plot and characters? Could Credence be conceivably written out of the franchise at this point? And why can't the phoenix intervene to save him from his condition? It's... right there. How do we feel about all the Aberforth and goat stuff now after seeing this movie? Why doesn't anyone in the film call the head of the International Confederation of Wizards by its book-given title? Revisiting some 'Crackpot Theories,' could Leta still live? Quizzitch: According to The Secrets of Dumbledore, What is Bunty’s given surname? Submit your answer! This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and Masterclass (get 15% off an annual membership at Masterclass.com/mugglecast!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, it's all about reviewing Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore! It's finally here, so just how many secrets were there, and did they live up to expectations? We touch on some of the film's biggest moments and discuss whether or not this could be the last installment in the Fantastic Beasts franchise. Welcome Slug Club member, Jemima! Main Discussion: Our review of Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore The hosts given their spoiler-free initial reactions to the third Fantastic Beasts film before jumping into all the details and spoilers Did this movie course-correct like we hoped it would? The Top 7 Moments from The Secrets of Dumbledore... Say what, kid?!? Aurelius is Aberforth's lovechild?!? Ariana WAS an obscurus! Were we satisfied with the reveal? Tea time with Albus and Gellert Is Mads the Grindelwald we've been waiting for? The Brothers Scamander take on the Manticore Could any of us make sense of The Election? The Blood Pact: Explained & Destroyed Queenie & Jacob: Going to the bakery andddd gonna get marrrried! Next week: More on The Secrets of Dumbledore, including our favorite characters, scenes, and beasts Be sure to check out Micah on Everyone's A Reel Critic (where they discuss movies with at least a 20% differential between the critic and audience rating) to talk about Crimes of Grindelwald! This week's episode is brought to you by AMC Shudder (stream your first 30 days of Shudder for FREE by going to Shudder.com and using code mugglecast) & MeUndies (get 25% off your first Membership item or 15% off your first order and a 100% satisfaction guarantee by visiting MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With just a few days before the release of Secrets of Dumbledore, we host our 7th installment of Quizzitch Live to test your knowledge to-date on the Fantastic Beasts series. Are you up on your fantastic casting? Can you guess who said these memorable quotes? Is your knowledge of beasts at the Magizoologist level? Just how well do you know Gellert Grindelwald ? Join us for Quizzitch Live: Fantastics Beasts and the Suitcase of Fun! Prizes benefit Lambda Legal, The Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline and GLSEN! Next week will be part 1 of our big Secrets of Dumbledore review! After you see the movie, be sure to send in your feedback and theories, and we may include it on air! This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (Go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast and get 10% off your first month) and HelloFresh (Go to HelloFresh.com/muggle16 and use code muggle16 for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With this being our final episode before The Secrets of Dumbledore hits theaters (in the U.K., at least), we set our predictions and theories for the third Fantastic Beasts movie in stone. Plus, one of us has already seen the movie and offers a positive spoiler-free review! Are you new to MuggleCast? Be sure to subscribe to us on your favorite podcast app, and check out our Patreon for additional benefits! Our next Quizzitch Live is Saturday, April 9th, at 11 AM ET! Winners will receive $40 to a charity of their choice and tickets to see the next Beasts film. Main Discussion: The hosts make their final predictions and theories about The Secrets of Dumbledore ...but Eric has just come back from an early screening! He gives a quick, spoiler-free review of the movie. What will the film's Tomatometer score end up being? How much money will it gross on opening weekend in the U.S.? Andrew, Micah and Laura guess  how gay the Dumbledore and Grindelwald relationship will be? On the subject of relationships, will Queenie and Jacob get back together in this movie? Will Newt and Tina finally start dating by its end? Will we hear about other characters from Potter history? Will the Order of the Phoenix get a shout-out? How many times will Harry Potter soundtrack music play during the movie? About Ariana, will we get a full flashback to the day she died? And does she share an Obscurus with Credence? Will this be the last movie for "the Scamander Six"? How about for Credence? Who will be the MVP of the movie, and what's the deal with Jacob's wand? Finally, the hosts share their thoughts on the blood pact, Credence's origins and any additional crackpot theories. Patrons weigh in with their predictions, as we close the box of guesses with a lock and key. Quizzitch: James Newton Howard, composer of the Fantastic Beasts series, also composed the music for the film adaptations of THIS, young-adult post-apocalyptic fiction book series, once marketed as "The Next Harry Potter."  Submit your answer! This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast) and Framebridge (Get 15% off your first order by going to Framebridge.com and using promo code MUGGLE) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With just a few weeks to go until the release of The Secrets of Dumbledore, the hosts review some recently released clips and featurettes. Why did Dumbledore create the blood pact and what happens if he tries to destroy it? Will Dumbledore's love for Grindelwald continue to cloud his judgment? And, are the Fantastic Beasts producers relying too much on Harry Potter nostalgia? Plus next week, don't miss our Secrets of Dumbledore predictions episode! News roundup covers Hogwarts Legacy for Nintendo Switch, early Fantastic Beasts fan screenings and The Secrets of Dumbledore screenplay Main Discussion: The Latest Secrets of Dumbledore Clips & Featurettes Dumbledore attempts to destroy the blood pact! Why does this scene feel oddly familiar? Dumbledore confesses his love for Grindelwald! How will Newt and team bring down Grindelwald... it's all about CONFUSION?!?! Does David Heyman's Dean Thomas reference seem out of place? Are the Fantastic Beasts producers relying too heavily on Harry Potter nostalgia? Magic upgrade: How will Secrets of Dumbledore improve upon battle magic? Aberforth and His Mirror: who is he trying to communicate with? All aboard, The Great Wizarding Express! SAY WHAT, Dumbledore? “The fact that that everything didn’t go precisely to plan was precisely the plan!”  Quizzitch: Why doesn't Bellatrix intervene in Dumbledore's fight against Voldemort in the Ministry?  Submit your answer! This week's episode is sponsored by Nord VPN. Exclusive! Grab the NordVPN deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/muggle. Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee! This week's episode is sponsored by AMC Shudder. Stream your first 30 days of Shudder for FREE! Visit Shudder.com and enter CODE mugglecast! Next week's episode: We'll lock in our Secrets of Dumbledore predictions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's MuggleCast, we return to an e-mail that we received that asks us what the 1998-1999 Hogwarts school year would have been like, when Hermione returned to complete her Hogwarts education and when Ginny and Luna were her classmates. The hosts think critically and speculate which accommodations might be made in wake of the destruction of the school and considering the mental health and well-being of students and staff! Plus, a recent Hogwarts Legacy trailer gives us the first real look inside the much-anticipated Wizarding World game. All this and more can be found inside the episode! Playstation's 'State of Play' event gives Potter fans an in-depth look at Hogwarts Legacy. The hosts discuss what interests them about it as gamers. Main Discussion: Annette asks us, what do we think the 1998/1999 school year would have looked like at Hogwarts? September 1 is only 4 months after the Battle of Hogwarts! Is that enough time to repair the school and memorialize the fallen? What would the Sorting Hat's song be like? More calls for unity, amid Slytherin's recent walkout? If McGonagall was now headmistress, who would take her spot as head of Gryffindor House and professor of Transfiguration? Is Oliver Wood too young / too obvious? What would Hogwarts' graduation ceremony look like, and why did we never see one? Would Ron and Harry pop by on the weekends to visit their girlfriends Hermione and Ginny? Will Hogwarts FINALLY, finally, get some grief counselors? And did Dumbledore put an unnecessary target on Hogwarts when he was headmaster? The hosts discuss tributes that occurred to students who died during their own educational history. Listeners provide their questions, such as: will rebuilding Hogwarts add elevators and unisex bathrooms? What happens to the statues of the knights that defended the school? Quizzitch: This Week's CURRENT Quizzitch Question: Finish this line: "Minister, the evidence of the Dark Lord's return is _______." A) Incomparable B) Inconvenient C) Inconceivable! D) Incontrovertible  Submit your answer! This week's episode is sponsored by MasterClass (go to Masterclass.com/mugglecast for 15% off an annual membership) and BetterHelp  (go to BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, our Fantastic Beasts character discussions return to focus on the one-and-only Newt Scamander. With about a month to go before the release of Secrets of Dumbledore, we analyze all of Newt's relationships from the last film and debate what the future holds for our favorite magizoologist. Plus, its Newt's birthday, so just will the hosts gift him? A niffler fanny pack may be in his future! Welcome to our social media manager, Chloe! The cover of the Order of the Phoenix Illustrated Edition has been revealed! Fantastic Beasts Character Discussion: Newt Scamander We last talked about Newt back on Episode 326 with Evanna Lynch! Horoscope Check: Newt is the perfect Pisces! The hosts break down Newt's relationships in Crimes of Grindelwald What exactly is the dynamic between the brothers Scamander? Does Newt still love Leta? Why does Dumbledore trust Newt so much? Are there more comparisons between Newt and Snape than meet the eye? The Newt and Jacob BROMANCE continues! Did the writers do the Newt & Tina relationship an injustice? What does the future hold for Newt in Secrets of Dumbledore? Given we recorded on Newt's birthday, the hosts share what presents they would get him. Quizzitch: What is Yusuf Kama’s mother’s name?  Submit your answer! On Bonus MuggleCast (available on our Patreon), we discuss the recently revealed Alternative Titles for Crimes of Grindelwald. Yes, Fantastic Beasts: The Statute of Secrecy was an option... This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and Indeed (Go to Indeed.com/mugglecast to claim your $75 job credit before March 31st!) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, we break down new scenes from the recently released Japanese Secrets of Dumbledore trailer, take listener feedback and talk about the 18 new character posters. Plus, we're joined by a very special guest to review Cursed Child in San Francisco! #Millennial co-host Pam joins the show to review the new-and-improved one-part Cursed Child in San Francisco! Check out new episodes of Andrew, Laura, and Pam's #Millennial every Wednesday. Subscribe via Apple, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or wherever you listen! The hosts analyze the new Japanese Secrets of Dumbledore trailer, which includes even more exciting footage! Oh brother! Did Theseus and Newt successfully defeat the Manticore? Professor McGonagall namedrop! Dumbledore comes face-to-face with the portrait of Ariana Newt: “To save our world, each of us has a role to play." What exactly are the roles that Theseus, Eulalie, Jacob, Yusuf and Bunty will play in the third Fantastic Beasts film? Tina is inside Newt's suitcase (kind of)! Dumbledore: “I drew my wand, which was even more foolish.” Will this be how we’re going to get Ariana's backstory? Not via flashback, but from Dumbledore himself? Listener feedback covers Tina as Bunty, Dumbledore and Grindelwald's duel, Tina possibly being pregnant and more! We analyze The Secrets of Dumbledore character posters (Dumbledore's First Army, Grindelwald's Followers, and Global Wizards). The Secrets of Dumbledore screenplay will be published July 19. We debate whether or not this big gap between the film and the screenplay is to push fans to go to theaters? This week's episode is brought to you by HelloFresh (visit HelloFresh.com/Muggle16 and use code "muggle16" for up to 16 free meals AND 3 free gifts) and BetterHelp (MuggleCast listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)! On next week's episode, we bring back our Fantastic Beasts character discussions featuring the one-and-only Newt Scamander! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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