MuggleCast is your weekly ride into the world of Harry Potter, including the books and upcoming TV show! Our Harry Potter podcast, hosted by four life-long friends, brings its listeners entertaining and thought-provoking discussions about the Wizarding World. With each new episode we discuss everything Harry Potter: the latest news, the Potter books, the upcoming HBO TV Show, the theme parks, the video games, the fandom, and more! We're currently hosting a Chapter by Chapter re-read of the original seven Harry Potter books while keeping listeners up to date on the Harry Potter TV show.
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Eric, Micah, and Chloé record a special, 19 years later-themed episode of MuggleCast live from LeakyCon in Portland, Oregon! We reflect on the show's journey so far, revisit the epilogue in Deathly Hallows, and play two of our show's games (Make the Connection and What If...) with listeners!
This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Explore your curiosity with a therapist, today! Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month.
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594: Basilisk Photobomb (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 9 and 10)
Episode 594
Tuesday, January 17, 2023 • Duration 01:35:17
The Chamber of Secrets is officially opened! But as Dumbledore says, the question is not who, but how? Join us as we learn more about the Chamber's legend, check books out from the Restricted Section, evade Rogue bludgers and handle (un)helpful House-Elves. Plus, we continue to connect some major threads to events of Half-Blood Prince!
Welcome Slug Club member, Alyssa!
Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 9: The Writing on The Wall
7-Word Summary: Filch scares Harry because he’s acting accusatory
Was the attack on Mrs. Norris a trial run? Was Filch the intended target? Or is Mrs. Norris too meddlesome for her own good?
What do we make of Ron's reaction to Filch being a Squib? How is it possible that no other students were aware?
Why is Snape seemingly trying to implicate Harry? At this early stage, might Snape suspect Harry’s susceptibility to having his mind infiltrated by Voldemort?
Do we think students actually checked out all copies of Hogwarts: A History, or was it a strategic choice by Madam Pince to remove them from the library?
Harry struggles internally with almost having been sorted into Slytherin. Could he in fact be the heir?
Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger
7-Word Summary: Broken bones consume Lockhart’s reputation at Quidditch
Lockhart continues to draw suspicion with his questionable actions
Do Muggle schools have restricted sections?
Rule-breaking Hermione: let's brew some Polyjuice Potion!
Why didn’t Madam Hooch notice the tampered bludger? And... where are the adults? The decision to continue play is not Harry's to make!
Why is there no medical personnel present at Quidditch matches?
Did Lockhart ever get in trouble for removing Harry's bones?
Welcome back, Dobby! But... why are you trying to kill Harry?
Colin Creevey becomes the first human casualty of the basilisk!
Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 11 & 12!
Quizzitch: During the Dueling Club, who does Snape pair Hermione with?
This episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 20% off your first order and free US shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast) and ZocDoc (go to ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast to download the Zocdoc app for FREE; then find and book a top-rated doctor today).
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593: Nepo Baby Draco (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 7 and 8)
Episode 593
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 • Duration 01:23:20
Happy New Year! As we begin 2023, and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Chamber of Secrets, we examine the some of the book's and series' biggest themes! Join us as we hit the Quidditch pitch, visit Hagrid's hut, spend detention with Lockhart and celebrate Halloween with Nearly-Headless Nick on our latest episode of MuggleCast!
Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 7: Murmurs & Mudbloods
7-Word Summary: Nepotism reigns supreme when Draco receives brooms
We begin to see the influence of the Malfoy family’s wealth and the impact it has at Hogwarts and in the larger wizarding community!
Is it fair to assume Draco made the Slytherin Quidditch team on money alone?
Unconscious bias: Why were we okay with McGonagall giving Harry a Nimbus 2000 in Sorcerer's Stone but against Lucius giving the Slytherins Nimbus 2001s in Chamber of Secrets?
Why isn't there greater punishment for Malfoy using the term mudblood?
Why do the male characters seem to be onto Lockhart, but most of the female characters come across as hoodwinked by his charm and good looks?
Laying the Groundwork: Blood purity, Hagrid's expulsion, Ginny's strange behavior, Riddle's trophy, the cursed DADA position and more!
Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 8: The Deathday Party
7-Word Summary: Nick helps Harry out with Peeves’ assistance
What does it say about Filch that he’s working while he has the flu? Is he trying to prove himself given he is a Squib?
Peeves drops an important piece of furniture with strong ties to Half-Blood Prince!
Would the Deathday Party have been a good film adaptation?
The hosts make some interesting observations about Moaning Myrtle and The Bloody Baron.
The Chamber of Secrets is opened! What does it say about Harry that he runs toward an issue rather than away from it? Or better yet, that he doesn’t go and get a teacher to help investigate?
Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 9 & 10!
Quizzitch: What curse does Lockhart say was probably performed on Mrs Norris?
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MasterClass (get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast).
On Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss Pottermore's sales dropping 40% in 2022! Bonus MuggleCast, which we now release twice per month, is just one of many great benefits of becoming a patron of the show!
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Alan Rickman's Shocking Diary Entries About Working on Harry Potter
Thursday, December 29, 2022 • Duration 46:14
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!
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592: What's To Come For Harry Potter Fans in 2023
Episode 592
Tuesday, December 20, 2022 • Duration 01:16:47
Happy Holidays! Join us for our final episode of the year! What were some of our top moments? Our favorite episodes of the show? Then we open up our MuggleMail bag one last time and look ahead to what to expect in 2023 for Harry Potter fans!
Our top 5 Social Media Moments
Why do you wish you were a teenager in the early 2000s? MuggleCast #tbt!
Black Harry Potter content creators you should follow this Black History Month!
Dan Fogler’s Cameo to celebrate Micah’s Birthday!
MuggleCast Through the Years Timeline
Last-minute MuggleCast Halloween Costumes!
Each host shares their favorite episodes of the year:
Andrew: Episode #566: WB is Planning HBO Max Harry Potter Shows — We Pitch Lots of New Ideas! and Episode #555: ’98-’99 Hogwarts School Year Deep Dive
Eric: Episode #567: ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ Illustrator Thomas Taylor Reveals the Secrets Behind the Cover and #573: ‘MuggleCast, A History’ Trivia Game!
Laura: Episode #576: How Are Spells Created? Discussing the Physics of Harry Potter and Episode #551: The Importance of Black Representation in Harry Potter
Micah: Episode #580: Sorting Too Soon (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 7 – 8) and Episode #548: Will There Ever Be Another Harry Potter-Level Book Series?
Muggle Mail covers HBO Max's Hogwarts Holidays: Fireplace feature, Lucius Malfoy's Ministry job status, crackpot theories, thread connecting and more!
What can Harry Potter fans expect in 2023?
Hogwarts Legacy hits store shelves in February!
Does the Discovery/Warner Brothers merger mean good things ahead? A Harry Potter television show, perhaps?
We'll celebrate the 25th anniversary of Chamber of Secrets!
Quizzitch: What does Oliver Wood say the Nimbus 2001 brooms do in comparison to the Cleansweep series?
This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 20% off your first order, free shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast), BetterHelp (save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MasterClass (give the perfect gift of an annual MasterClass membership and get one free at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast).
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Our next episode is headed your way January 10, 2023! In the meantime, be sure to visit our Wall of Fame and keep your eyes out for a Bonus MuggleCast available to all in the coming weeks!
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591: I Always Wanted to Use That Howler (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 5 and 6)
Episode 591
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 • Duration 01:20:49
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)
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590: Battle of Flourish and Blotts (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 3 and 4)
Episode 590
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 • Duration 01:20:39
On this week's episode, we make our first visit to The Burrow and meet several characters for the first time in Diagon Alley! Plus, hold onto your Sorting Hat as we connect a handful of threads between Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince!
Micah visits Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in New York!
Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 3: The Burrow
7-Word Summary: Weasley’s House Features New Magic And... Gnomes
Fred & George are truly their father's sons (be sure to check out our Weasley Twins episode from April 2021)
Right family, wrong motive - Dobby DOES belong to the Malfoys!
What if... Molly and Arthur had gone to pickup Harry at Privet Drive?
Comparing and contrasting Harry and Ron's view of The Burrow
Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 4: At Flourish & Blotts
7-Word Summary: Lucius takes Ginny’s father in a fight
Should the Weasleys have given Harry a bit more assistance with Floo Powder?
Inside Borgin and Burkes: vanishing cabinets, necklaces and hands of glory, oh my!
What is Lucius Malfoy's true motive in getting Tom Riddle's diary to Hogwarts?
Several characters are exhibiting odd behavior, Percy and Hagrid included!
What are our first impressions of Gilderoy Lockhart?
7 BOOKS?!?! Why is Hogwarts bankrolling Gilderoy's bad habits?
Bookstore Throwdown: Lucius and Arthur get into it!
Next Week: Chapters 5 & 6 of Chamber of Secrets
This week's episode is brought to you by Stamps.com (visit Stamps.com, click on the microphone, and enter code MUGGLECAST for a special offer that includes a 4-week trial, plus free postage, and a free digital scale), BetterHelp (save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MeUndies (get 20% off your first order, free shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)!
On Bonus MuggleCast, we uncover and discuss some exciting new info about what Harry Potter attraction is coming to Epic Universe! Bonus MuggleCast is just one of many great benefits of becoming a patron of the show!
And special thank you to those who have shared that MuggleCast appeared in their Spotify Wrapped’s this year! The show was the top podcast for 1,500 listeners, in the Top 5 for 4,600 listeners, and in the Top 10 for 6,700 listeners
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589: 2022 Holiday Gift Guide: If You Like Harry Potter...
Episode 589
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 • Duration 52:36
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!
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588: The Chamber of Drills (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 1 and 2)
Episode 588
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 • Duration 01:23:14
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)!
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587: Another Dangerous Year Gone (Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 17)
Episode 587
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 • Duration 01:25:13
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!
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