MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Latest Episodes:

637: Crouchy Ouchy (GOF Chapter 7, Bagman and Crouch) feat. Fantasy Fangirls Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Grab your plainest clothing, because we’re journeying to the Quidditch World Cup under cover and meeting Ludo the Gamblin' Man and Grouchy Crouchy! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and our friends Lexi and Nicole from Fantasy Fangirls for a camping trip you won't soon forget!

Welcome, the hosts of Fantasy Fangirls, Nicole and Lexi! Fantasy Fangirls is currently covering Fourth Wing / Iron Flame, which has been one of the most popular book series this year! Follow them for hours of entertainment on Instagram and TikTok!
Lexi leaves everyone in awe as she rattles off every Goblet of Fire chapter from memory! And yes, she can do the entire series from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows - a fantastic holiday party trick!
Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 7: Bagman and Crouch
7-Word Summary: Arriving at the campsite makes much happen
Main Discussion #1: Hiding the Quidditch World Cup from Muggles
How does Arthur Weasley not know how Muggle money works?
What is the lasting impact of wiping Mr. Roberts' memory 10 times per day?
Prohibiting witches and wizards from doing magic at the Quidditch World Cup is ABSURD! Why hasn't a better plan been devised after all these years?
Just Hhw many witches and wizards are there in the world?
Why should Harry and Hermione have to put the tent together? Could it be foreshadowing to Deathly Hallows?
Brother and sister? Former lovers? Could there be a secret connection between Perkins and Mrs. Figg?
Main Discussion #2: Bagman and Crouch (our initial impressions)
We examine the ethics of Ludo Bagman placing and collecting bets on the Quidditch World Cup
What sticky situation did Arthur get Ludo out of that awarded him 10 VIP tickets?
What does it say about Barty Crouch Sr. that he completely botches Percy's name?
Odds & Ends cover Ron fangirling over Krum, other wizarding schools, Bode The Unspeakable, magic carpets, water taps, Seamus Finnegan's mom and more!
Quizzitch: What broomstick does Harry see advertised as being, "for All the Family" at the Quidditch World Cup?
The MuggleCast Overstock Store is STILL OPEN! Ever wanted one of our cool physical gifts that we send to Patrons, but didn’t want to subscribe to our Patreon? WELL, for the first time ever, we are selling leftover physical gifts from years past! Only while supplies last!
This week’s episode is brought to you by Uncommon Goods (get 15% off your first order at UncommonGoods.com/MUGGLECAST) & Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast)!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Favorite Harry Potter Headcannons Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday we are not releasing a new episode this week. Instead, we're opening up the Patreon vault and sharing one of our favorite Bonus MuggleCast installments: Favorite Headcannons! In this installment Laura shares some crazy headcannons from fandom over the years, and we decide if we agree or disagree with them.
A second installment of Favorite Headcannons is available on our Patreon. Pledge today to receive access to two new Bonus MuggleCast installments every month! These will also be available to paid Apple Podcasts subscribers beginning in 2024.
Chapter by Chapter of Goblet of Fire will resume next week!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

636: You Are Boot-iful (GOF Chapter 6, The Portkey) Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

Wake up! It's time to go stand on a hill until our boot is ready! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for the latest episode of MuggleCast in which we have a fun Chapter-by-Chapter discussion discussing the pitfalls of magical means of transportation in the Wizarding World. Would we rather use Portkeys or learn to Apparate? Find out during our discussion on Episode 636 of MuggleCast.

We would like to wish a happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating this week. We are honored to be part of your Harry Potter family.
The MuggleCast Overstock Store is NOW OPEN! Ever wanted one of our cool physical gifts that we send to Patrons, but didn’t want to subscribe to our Patreon? WELL, for the first time ever, we are selling leftover physical gifts from years past! Only while supplies last!
Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 6: The Portkey
7-Word Summary: The Quidditch World is excited regarding Voldemort
Main Discussion 1: Magical modes of transport for Wizards
Does it make sense for folks with cheaper tickets to have to arrive sooner? Isn't it more likely that the rich could afford staying on site for longer?
Which governments are involved here protecting the Statute of Secrecy and are they all working in tandem for the game?
Is a Portkey really the best / safest form of transportation? Why not Apparate?
Percy is made fun of by the Weasley Twins for Apparating downstairs, but each MuggleCaster comes to his defense separately.
We ask: would you rather Apparate or use a Portkey? The hosts make their decisions.
Would taking Muggle transport really be so bad in 2023?
Main Discussion 2: Amos "Cringe Dad" Diggory
We reflect on Amos' love for his boy and how sad it is reading this chapter knowing how the book ends, but also how awkward this conversation with Amos must be for Harry in the moment.
Could Arthur have not gotten better tickets through his Ministry connections?
Quizzitch: According to Percy, about how many languages does Mr Crouch speak?
Transcripts are now available for our most recent episodes of MuggleCast, with more coming each week!
This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass. Give one annual membership and get one FREE at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast)
Coming up on Bonus MuggleCast on Patreon.com/MuggleCast, we discuss the alternate titles for Goblet of Fire and reflect on how the series and story may have been different with a different title! Subscribe now and receive all of our magical benefits.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

635: Percy The Parrot (GOF Chapter 5, Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes) Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Welcome to The Burrow, but stay out of Molly’s kitchen because the sauce ain’t the only thing boiling over, tonight! Join Eric, Micah, Laura and Katie as we breakdown the Weasley family, explore wizarding careers, criticize Percy's dinner conversation and get ready for the Quidditch World Cup!

Welcome Slug Club member, Katie!
The MuggleCast Overstock Store is NOW OPEN! Ever wanted one of our cool physical gifts that we send to Patrons, but didn’t want to subscribe to our Patreon? WELL, for the first time ever, we are selling leftover physical gifts from years past! Only while supplies last!
Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 5: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes
7-Word Summary: Harry visits the burrow and EATS satisfactorily
Main Discussion 1: Wizarding World Family Dynamics & Life After Hogwarts
What can we expect from the members of the Weasley as the series moves forward? This chapter lays the groundwork!
Bill & Charlie: Have we ever been in Harry’s situation when we meet someone for the first time and they totally defy our expectations? Whether because of their physical appearance or because of their personality?
Given everything that happened to Arthur in Harry’s second year, shouldn’t Fred & George have been more aware of pranking Dudley?
How fair is Molly's assessment of Fred & George at this point in their lives? She claims that the Twins have “no ambition” and they are “wasting their brains”. We beg to differ!
The hosts analyze how Percy's behavior is very reflective of Western corporate culture
Does Percy not want to come home because he loves his job or because he dislikes his family?
Given what we witnessed in the first chapter, should we as readers expect that Voldemort has something planned for the Quidditch World Cup?
Percy goes hard on Bertha! Could this be a larger commentary on how women are perceived in certain work environments?
Odds & Ends cover Ginny, Pigwidgeon, Viktor Krum, the Quidditch World Cup and Harry neglecting tell Ron & Hermione about his scar
Quizzitch: According to Amos Diggory, what family couldn't get tickets to Quidditch World Cup?
Transcripts are now available for our most recent episodes of MuggleCast, with more coming each week!
This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) and MeUndies (get 25% off your first order, plus free standard shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast).
And don’t forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! We have two brand-new ones headed your way this November, including our discussion of what good characters did in the Harry Potter series that really rubbed us the wrong way!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

634: Analyzing the Representation of Women in Harry Potter Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

This week's episode is a very special one, and long overdue: For the first time in our podcast's history, we have a women-only panel assembled, and they're discussing the representation of women in Harry Potter!
Laura helms this episode with our social media manager Chloé, and they're joined by #Millennial's Pamela Gocobachi and MuggleCast's latest team member (and Eric's other half) Meg Scott.
They discuss the demonization of femininity in Harry Potter and the "I'm not like other girls" pandemic, how many of JKR's most unlikable characters are strongly associated with overtly feminine characteristics, the demonization of feminine interests, and JKR's issues with the color pink.
Later, the girls talk about how women treat other women in the series (both the positive and negative relationships), and then talk about what chapter they'd like to see from a woman's perspective, which witch they think they're most like, who they'd want at a sleepover, and which Wizarding World cosmetic they wish was real.
Support the show on Patreon to help keep us running, and to receive more great content like this, including two new Bonus MuggleCast installments every month!
This week's episode is sponsored by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) and Uncommon Goods (get 15% off your first order at UncommonGoods.com/MUGGLECAST).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

633: Quizzitch Live: H.O.W.L. Edition! (Halloween and O.W.L Trivia) Oct 31, 2023

Show notes

Get ready for the latest installment of Quizzitch Live! There are some TRICKs in this edition, but we find it all to be quite a TREAT. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as we visit some O.W.L. subjects such as Potions, Charms, Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts.
On either end of the show we also have two Halloween-themed rounds: Candy of the Wizarding World, and a James and Lily Potter tribute round. Our at-home edition of Quizzitch Live will rely on the honor system! Write down the answer you think is correct, in the time it takes us to prepare the answer, and count up the total "correct" answers to measure yourself against the winners at the end! Most of all, have an un-BOO-lievable amount of fun!
If you loved this Quizzitch Live and still want more, visit our YouTube Playlist of previous editions!
This week's episode is sponsored by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) and Uncommon Goods (get 15% off your first order at UncommonGoods.com/MUGGLECAST).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

632: The Benefits of Electric Fireplaces (GOF Chapter 4, Back to the Burrow) Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

It's time to unblock your fireplace and let our hosts into your living room! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as things heat up inside No. 4 Privet Drive! And make sure to mind the flying ornaments and Ton-Tongue Toffee!

Quizzitch Live is returning! October 28th at 11 AM ET will see the latest Halloween edition of our trivia game where listeners can participate live and win prizes! Study up on your O.W.L. level Charms, Potions, Transfiguration, Defense Against The Dark Arts and more!
Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 4: Back to the Burrow
7-Word Summary: Arthur attempts to help with Dudley’s tongue
We all know that the Weasleys cause some good old-fashioned havoc on Privet Drive, but was it all quite necessary?
Offenses include: Sending multiple delegates - did Ron, Fred and George need to be there? Why didn't Molly accompany Arthur? Being insensitive to Dudley’s trauma - who, if anybody is aware of the pig tail situation? And baiting Dudley - we debate the actions of Fred and George toward Harry's cousin. Were they intentionally feeding his addiction to sweets?
With all the magic going on at Privet Drive, why doesn't the Ministry show up?
Despite all of the chaos, Arthur still calls the Dursleys manners into question!
What Muggle items do we think Arthur would have enjoyed most at the Dursely home?
WHAT IF... only Arthur and Molly came to pick up Harry? Would it have improved relations between Harry’s surrogate parents and his guardians?
Odds & Ends cover the relentless fat shaming of both Dudley and Vernon
Quizzitch: How many times did Harry physically visit The Burrow during the 7-book series?
Transcripts are now available for our most recent episodes of MuggleCast, with more coming each week!
This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass (get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month)!
And don’t forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! We have two brand-new ones headed your way this October, including a Halloween costume special and another edition of Favorite Headcannons!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

631: Mmmm, Grapefruit and Floor Cake (GOF Chapters 2 & 3, The Scar and The Invitation) Oct 17, 2023

Show notes

The recaps are back! We thought we had escaped getting summaries for Harry's friends, his lifestyle, his family, and his situation but we were vastly mistaken. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they delve into Chapters 2 and 3 of Goblet of Fire, covering chapters "The Scar" and "The Invitation"! We discuss the Dursleys motives and if everything would have been better had Harry contacted Dumbledore about his 'dream.'

A MuggleCast Girls' Takeover is coming! Patrons have two chances to catch Laura, Chloe, and friends of the show Pam and Meg hanging out and talking all things girly. Celebrations begin October 19! For more info, check our social channels.
Transcripts are now available for our most recent episodes of MuggleCast, with more coming each week!
Quizzitch Live is returning! October 28th will see our latest Halloween edition of the live trivia game where listeners can participate live!
Main Discussion 1: Chapter 2 of Goblet of Fire, "The Scar."
7-Word Summary for Chapter 2: Dumbledore sometimes is on the beach relaxing
We review the stresses that went in to crafting such a large book in less time for its author.
Whose POV was Harry's dream actually from, and how does it work? Did the rules surrounding H*rcr*xes change?
How would things be different if Harry had chosen to write Dumbledore? Would he care?
We review Dudley's choice in video games.
Main Discussion 2: Chapter 3 of Goblet of Fire, "The Invitation."
7-Word Summary for Chapter 3: Molly tries to save Harry’s summer funnily
Is Vernon's behavior and his intolerance for magic similar to that of folks who are anti-LGBT?
We review how Harry always miraculously escapes Privet Drive with a bang.
Finally, we ask the most important question: how is Harry preserving all that birthday cake under his floorboards?
Quizzitch: what does Arthur Weasley ask Dudley Dursley?
This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast), and Better Help (Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month) and MeUndies (get 25% off your first order, plus free standard shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast).

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

630: Nagini the Narc (GOF Chapter 1, The Riddle House) Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

It's been 13 years, but the hosts are finally ready to revisit Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts! Join us as we sneak into The Riddle House to see prophecies fulfilled and Dark Lords taking (snake) milk shots. Plus, we share our favorite Dumbledore moments in honor of the late, great Michael Gambon!

Welcome Slug Club member, Summer!
We pay tribute to Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films
For the first time since 2010, we're diving into Chapter-by-Chapter for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with Chapter 1: The Riddle House!
We reflect on the fourth book's midnight release and the last time we actually read it!
7-Word Summary: Voldemort decides to plan an amazing murder
The history of the Riddle House... is it cursed? Is Voldemort secretly bankrolling his family's home?
Comparisons are drawn between The Riddles and The Dursleys
Why is Tom Riddle Sr. depicted as worse than his parents? Is Merope to blame?
The Significance of The Hanged Man
The Scapegoating of Frank Bryce: do the townsfolk in Little Hangleton effectively "cancel" him? Can we draw comparisons to Harry later on in this book and in Order of the Phoenix?
Wormtail The Snake Milker - yes, it's a real profession!
Peter shows a resistance to using Harry in Voldemort's plan. Is it based solely on the effort required? Or does he have feelings of guilt?
Right hands and faithful servants: Voldemort hints about the ritual to come at the end of the book!
Pure Evil: How is Voldemort strong enough to use a wand and cast Avada Kedavra if he’s in need of a body and constant nurturing from Nagini?
Horcuxes! Horcruxes! Horcruxes!
Quizzitch: In opposition of his new diet, what did Dudley throw out the window?
Next week: Chapter 2 of Goblet of Fire: The Scar
Plus, Quizzitch Live returns in time for Halloween on October 28 - mark your calendars now!
This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast), and Better Help (Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month)!
Transcripts are BACK! Thank you, Meg!
And don't forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Following our Goblet of Fire movie commentary, we discussed many of the things from the book we would have liked to see adapted in the fourth film!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

629: 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' Movie Commentary Track! Oct 03, 2023

Show notes

As we prepare to launch our Goblet of Fire Chapter-by-Chapter series, we're excited to finally do a movie commentary track for the fourth Harry Potter movie!
Join the MuggleCasters as they watch and discuss Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. You will need to bring your own copy of the movie's standard edition in order to get the full experience. Before the movie begins, we help you sync up with us so we're all watching together (The sync point is as soon as you get through the 'WB' logo and see a skull).
And have a celebratory drink prepared - like an orange juice if you're under 21 or a screwdriver if you're above 21 - for an iconic moment.
Note: This episode was recorded before the passing of legendary actor Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in this and many more Harry Potter movies. We will look back at his legacy on the next episode of MuggleCast.
The MuggleCast 2023 Listener Survey is HERE and is open to all listeners through October 6th! We want to know what you love about the show, what you think could improve it, and what other content you’d be interested in us making.
This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed. Claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected