MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Latest Episodes:

619: Unfogging the Fraud (POA Chapter 16, Professor Trelawney's Prediction) Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

It's exam time again! On this week's episode we are joined by Professor Julian Wamble, PhD. (@ProfW on TikTok), who teaches a college course on Harry Potter and who shares his awesome thoughts on TikTok! The hosts dive in to chapter 16 of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, "Professor Trelawney's Prediction." We examine Trelawney's brand of divination and question whether she has ever been right to her knowledge. Is Dumbledore to blame for what kind of teacher she has become? And what is the source of Harry feeling out of it after leaving Hagrid's hut? All of that and more on episode 619!

Our 2023 Patreon Physical Gift is here! We're so excited to debut our MuggleCast Beanie, perfect for those outdoor winter and indoor air conditioned months! Let's face it, it'll look great on you anytime of the year! This knitted, high quality beanie features colors inspired by our current album art (which, conveniently, are also the four hosts' Hogwarts Houses) and a MuggleCast patch on the front with the MicBolt built in! Learn more about how you can get yours by clicking here!
There will be a live MuggleCast meet up in downtown Chicago next month! Please RSVP to let us know if you can make it! The event is during LeakyCon but open to the public regardless of your ticket status.
Welcome to the show Professor Julian Wample, PhD.!
Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 16: Professor Trelawney's Prediction
7-Word Summary: Exams consume clairvoyance and shocking revelations, executions
Hermione's exam schedule is the biggest example yet of her secretive methods, why do Ron and Harry not say something?
Buckbeak's appeal looms, but the executioner is coming. Should Ron have spoken his mind to Fudge?
Some hosts believe that Hagrid gives Dumbledore WAY too much credit. Should Dumbledore have put a stop to the whole Buckbeak incident?
What did Parvati Patil do to impress Trelawney so much? Why does Ron fail but Harry skate by on his?
Andrew catches something amazing about the circumstances surrounding both Trelawney predictions.
Harry feels "unreal." Would this have something to do with there being *two* of him, we wonder?
Odds and Ends features a particular pair of footsteps...
Quizzitch: What spell does Sirius Black use on Harry and Hermione?
Next Week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 16: Professor Trelawney's Prediction
This week's MuggleCast is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now), ZocDoc (visit ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast, download the app, and schedule your next health appointment today!) and Factor (visit FactorMeals.com/MuggleCast50 and use code mugglecast50 to get 50% off your first box.)

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

618: The Eruption of Mt. Hermione (POA Chapter 15, The Quidditch Final) Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

Our crystal ball told us that we can expect a lot of emotions this week as Chapter by Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 15, "The Quidditch Final"! Plus, there's a new Gryffindor-themed playlist to listen to, new social media apps where you can find MuggleCast, and more technical fouls than you can shake a stick at! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for this guaranteed good time episode.

Our 2023 Patreon Physical Gift is here! We're so excited to debut our MuggleCast Beanie, perfect for those outdoor winter and indoor air conditioned months! Let's face it, it'll look great on you anytime of the year! This knitted, high quality beanie features colors inspired by our current album art (which, conveniently, are also the four hosts' Hogwarts Houses) and a MuggleCast patch on the front with the MicBolt built in! Learn more about how you can get yours by clicking here!
TikTok star Chanel Williams has graced us with her talents by the record machine. Her new collab with MuggleCast is the Gryffindor Glory playlist! Sure to meet all of your Gryffindor representation needs.
There will be a live MuggleCast meet up in downtown Chicago next month! Please RSVP to let us know if you can make it! The event is during LeakyCon but open to the public regardless of your ticket status.
Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 15: The Quidditch Final
7-Word Summary: Fatigue sets in for Hermione intensely whoa
From sleeping in the Common Room, slapping Malfoy and quitting Divination, just what is going on with Hermione?!
The hosts examine the consequences of Hermione's overpacked class schedule.
Is Professor Trelawney a bully?
A listener e-mail responds to common criticisms of Divination and defends the real-world practices, and we discuss our favorite types to use in real life.
We contrast the Quidditch play style of Cho Chang versus this game's Slytherin players.
The age-old house rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin heats up once again. Entire groups must walk with Harry to keep their Seeker safe. Is this overkiil?
Lee Jordan is at his peak best, while the whole school apart from Slytherins is cheering for the red team.
We contrast the Quidditch play style of Cho Chang versus this game's Slytherin players.
Odds and Ends include Harry's dreams, Crookshank's friend and Draco's name origin.
Quizzitch: What is the first line of Professor Trelawney's PETTIGREW prophecy?
Next Week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 16: Professor Trelawney's Prediction
This week's MuggleCast is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now), BetterHelp (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

617: Wizarding World BBQs and Daddy Issues (POA Chapter 14, Snape's Grudge) Jul 04, 2023

Show notes

This week, we're hosting a Wizarding Wold BBQ! See who is invited and what they would bring to the party! Then, your Harry Potter friends attempt to be better friends to each other than Harry is to Hagrid, Lupin and Hermione as we discuss the latest chapter in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban!

Our 2023 Patreon Physical Gift is here! We're so excited to debut our MuggleCast Beanie, perfect for those outdoor winter and indoor air conditioned months! Let's face it, it'll look great on you anytime of the year! This knitted, high quality beanie features colors inspired by our current album art (which, conveniently, are also the four hosts' Hogwarts Houses) and a MuggleCast patch on the front with the MicBolt built in! Learn more about how you can get yours by clicking here!
Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 14: Snape's Grudge
4-Word Summary: Mud finds its recipient
Security is ramping up at Hogwarts! Why weren’t these measures taken after the Fat Lady was attacked? And, as we’ve asked many times before in this book, WHERE is the Ministry?
Neville takes the fall for Hogwarts being a security nightmare! Is his punishment fair or just downright humiliating?
DAD-GRID: Hagrid gives his best lesson of the year, but it’s not in Care of Magical Creatures, it’s in FRIENDSHIP! Does he get through to both Harry and Ron?
Do we agree with Hermione's threat to turn in the Marauder's Map?
Snape has DADDY -- and bullying -- issues!
Is it a crime for Harry and Neville to be walking around the castle while the other students are in Hogsmeade?
Why doesn’t Harry wait in the passageway until the area is free of Snape?
Does Snape use Legilimency on Harry or does he just sense a student being up to no good?
Connecting The Threads: Snape’s Worst Memory (Order of the Phoenix) is an extension of Snape’s Grudge (Prisoner of Azkaban)
We reveal never-before-heard audio from the 30-year-old conversation between Snape and Harry!
Should a teacher really talk to a student the way Snape talks to Harry?
How much does Snape truly know about the Marauders Map and its manufacturers?
Much like in the beginning of the chapter, Harry feels as if he’s let someone else he cares about down! In this case, it's Lupin!
Odds & Ends cover Sirius Black's knife, Ron's popularity, Snape's ego, the Shrieking Shack and more!
Quizzitch: Which class with the Gryffindors does Hermione forget to attend?
Next Week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 15: The Quidditch Final

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

616: Scabbergrew (POA Chapter 13, Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw) Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

The friendship between Ron and Hermione receives its greatest test to date, while the friendship of your MuggleCast hosts remains solid as ever. We tackle Chapter 13 of Prisoner of Azkaban, "Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw" and ask Micah all of the sports questions as it pertains to Harry's new broom and Cho Chang's sports tactics. There is also an appearance from Sirius Black, and four Slytherin students are busted but ultimately given a light slap on the wrist for their attempted sabotage. All of that and more on this week's MuggleCast!

The MuggleCast Patreon is now offering free trials for 7 days as a way of promoting our amazing bonus content, as well as the upcoming physical gift. Join our Patreon today!
Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 13: Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw
Seven Word Summary: Cho distracts Harry with her amazing looooooooooooks
Is Ron being overdramatic about Scabbers' disappearance? Do we side with Ron or Hermione now that the worst has presumably happened?
Expert thread-connector Laura details moments when the trio argues with each other in the future.
Did we ever argue with our friends when we were 13 and are we still mad about it today?
On the Quidditch field, Cho has a strategy that gets Harry's attention. We examine whether it's fair to play in this way and whether Hogwarts should give everybody the same broom.
Harry succeeds in casting his first full Patronus, but is it really an accomplishment given the circumstances?
Does McGonagall go easy on Draco, Crabbe, Goyle and Flint?
The hosts examine Harry's latest dream and connect it to future books.
Did nobody show Sir Cadogan a picture of Sirius Black? How secure is Hogwarts anyway?
Quizzitch: What does Flitwick do to the front doors of Hogwarts?
Next Week: Chapter 14 of Prisoner of Azkaban, "Snape's Grudge"
This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now.
In Bonus MuggleCast, Laura takes us through stories that seem to be full-on Harry Potter rip-offs, worldwide. Join our Patreon at Patreon.com/MuggleCast today to listen!

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

615: Dementor Duck (POA Chapter 12, The Patronus) Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

Expecto Patronum! On this week's episode of MuggleCast, Andrew, Micah, Laura and Chloé join Harry as he faces down his biggest fears under the tutelage of his greatest teacher! Plus, just what's up with Oliver Wood? Was he really going to bench The Chosen One?

Happy 20th anniversary to Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! On this week's bonus MuggleCast on Patreon, we celebrate 20 years of the fifth book!
Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 12: The Patronus
Seven Word Summary: Lupin teaches Harry how to fight Dementors
How does the faculty feel about Lupin searching their personal spaces for a boggart?
Why is it that a boggart Dementor has the same effect on Harry as a real Dementor?
Harry struggles to find a powerful enough memory to conjure a Patronus. If we were in Harry’s position, what would we choose?
Harry's internal struggle: for as much as he wants to fight the Dementor, he also wants to hear his parents
How much is the Horcrux influencing Harry at certain moments throughout this chapter?
Lupin is the first adult figure to really believe in Harry!
We examine Lupin's reactions to the mentions of both James and Sirius
What if the dementor’s kiss was your FIRST (and only) kiss? ::vomit::
Lupin challenges Harry on Sirius receiving the Dementor's Kiss. Is this as a friend, a compassionate human being or a bit of both?
Anywayyyyyyy, back to the Firebolt Fiasco!
Wouldn’t a teacher have found out eventually that Harry had a super cool new broom, and wonder where it came from? Which begs the question... shouldn't there be standardized equipment for school-based Quidditch?
Did Oliver Wood plan to bench Harry? Is there nothing he wouldn't do to win?
Odds & Ends cover Lupin's condition, Neville's password problem, Hermione's favorite subject, and more!
Quizzitch: What does Percy win from his girlfriend Penelope when Gryffindor beats Ravenclaw?
Next Week: Chapter 13 of Prisoner of Azkaban, Gryffindor vs. Ravenclaw
This week's episode is brought to you by Factor (visit FactorMeals.com/MuggleCast50 and use code mugglecast50 to get 50% off your first box)and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month).
Our Patreon is now offering 7-day free trials: Get full access to Bonus MuggleCasts and behind-the-scenes extras for a limited time!

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

614: The Real Housewives of Hogwarts (POA Chapter 11, The Firebolt) Jun 13, 2023

Show notes

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, it's Christmas break at Hogwarts and the castle is full of emotions... and mostly the not-so-good kind. Since Hogwarts doesn’t have a guidance counselor, we’ll be the trio’s guiding light today! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Jason as they enjoy a special meal inside The Great Hall with all the stress and awkwardness of a normal holiday family get-together!

Welcome Slug Club member, Jason!
Our Patreon is now offering 7-day free trials! Get full access to Bonus MuggleCasts and behind-the-scenes extras for a limited time!
Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 11: The Firebolt
Seven Word Summary: Somebody sends a Firebolt mysteriously to Harry
“A hatred such as he had never known before was coursing through Harry like poison." Harry quickly grows obsessive over hating Sirius Black. How much could his Horcrux be fueling these emotions?
Why didn't anyone ever tell Harry that the reason James and Lily Potter died was because their best friend Sirius had betrayed them?
We discuss how in both Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix, Harry not being given information negatively impacts his mental health and leads to reckless decision-making!
We analyze Harry's treatment of Ron and Hermione in this chapter
Comparing Gryffindors: Peter Pettigrew and Neville Longbottom
Comforting Hagrid: Lucius Malfoy’s influence rear its ugly head again! Did they not learn from the previous year when he threatened the Board of Governors?
Hagrid goes into grim detail about his time in Azkaban. Should Azkaban just be for maximum security prisoners?
Fan Fic Alert: “The Other Prisoner of Azkaban” by Jack Ichijouji
The Firebolt: Does Hogwarts not have a security measure in place for packages delivered to the school? Why, just now, are they “evaluating” the broom?
When 13 dine, the first to rise is the first to die: did Trelawney get it right after all?
What crawled up McGonagall's @$$?
Hermione's Most Gryffindor Moment
Odds & Ends cover Manticores, Lupin's condition, Pettigrew's finger and more!
Quizzitch: In which location does Harry’s first Patronus lesson take place?
Next Week: Chapter 12 of Prisoner of Azkaban, The Patronus
This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and ZocDoc (visit ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast, download the app, and schedule your next health appointment today)!

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

613: More Mead, More Secrets (POA Chapter 10, The Marauder's Map) Jun 06, 2023

Show notes

From pranksters to marauders, this week’s chapter by chapter episode of MuggleCast is PACKED with all of our favorite characters and overflowing with plot. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for a trip to Hogsmeade where we learn all about Sirius Black and his secret connection to Harry. Also, Professor Lupin reminds us why he’s our favorite teacher.

Our Patreon is now offering 7 day free trials! Get full access to Bonus MuggleCasts and behind the scenes extras for a limited time!
This week, we read through Prisoner of Azkaban Chapter 10, “The Marauder’s Map”!
Seven Word Summary: Secrets are divulged via Professors drinking Butterbeer
The hosts reflect on Harry’s attachment to his broken Nimbus 2000 and their own attachment to inanimate objects from their youth.
Harry’s isolation is hard to watch as with Book Five, but why doesn’t he reach out to Hermione and Ron? And, is Dumbledore to blame for all of it?
When Lupin reaches for Harry, should we have intuited more about his relationship to the boy? What about when he drops his briefcase?
Just how hard is it to learn the Patronus Charm and why isn’t it more widely taught?
Is the Marauder’s Map a dangerous magical item? Are Fred and George reckless for giving it to Harry?
How did Fred and George learn to use the map? Did the map itself help?
What impressive magic is involved in the function of the map?
Secrets are revealed and we wonder how the teachers could have kept this from Harry.
Quizzitch: What date is set for the Ministry hearing of Hagrid and Buckbeak?
This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month).

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

MuggleMiniCast: Reviewing The Harry Potter Exhibition May 29, 2023

Show notes

This week, we're taking a break from your regularly scheduled programming! BUT, Micah recently got a chance to preview Harry Potter: The Exhibition in New York City! Enjoy this MuggleMiniCast, which includes an interview with Tom Zaller, the President & CEO of Imagine Exhibitions.

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is now open in NYC’s Herald Square!
Micah speaks with Tom Zaller, the President & CEO of Imagine Exhibitions
Eric and Micah discuss how this exhibition differs from previous ones, what to expect as you make your way through, favorite moments, exclusive merchandise and more!
Next week: Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 10: The Marauder's Map
And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! Most recently we discussed if HBO Max should gear the new Harry Potter TV show towards adults and the next Wizarding World park coming to Universal Orlando! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show!

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

612: Bad Moon Rising (POA Chapter 9, Grim Defeat) May 23, 2023

Show notes

On this week's episode, join us as we elude mass murderers with a sleepover in The Great Hall, attend a brutal Defense Against The Dark Arts class and play Quidditch in the worst possible conditions! What could possibly go wrong?

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is now open in NYC’s Herald Square! Micah got a chance to preview the experience, so keep an eye out for a Muggle MiniCast set to be released Memorial Day Weekend, which includes an interview with Tom Zaller, the President & CEO of Imagine Exhibitions.
Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 9: Grim Defeat
7-Word Summary: Suspicions rock the Hogwarts student body tonight
With Sirius Black running around Hogwarts, shouldn’t at least one professor have stayed WITH the students in The Great Hall?
How did Sirius Black break into Hogwarts? Could Crookshanks have been involved? Has Sirius formed a connection with him at this point?
Why isn’t the Ministry alerted? This is now TWICE that Sirius has gotten past the Dementors!
What was the conversation like between Sirius Black and the Fat Lady?
We analyze Snape's conduct in teaching Defense Against The Dark Arts, his great joy in criticizing the students’ lack of knowledge on the subject, and his attempt to sow seeds of doubt amongst about Lupin’s effectiveness as a teacher!
Snape is trying to OUT Lupin! Is Snape more vicious in Prisoner of Azkaban than he is at any other point in the series?
Do we think Sirius knows Lupin is at Hogwarts? Did he use Lupin’s "time of the month" to his advantage as well?
Could Lupin be “sick” because of the guilt of knowing that Sirius broke into the castle?
Quidditch Controversy: What's up with the Slytherin favoritism?
Did the dementors come onto the Quidditch pitch because of Sirius?
Odds & Ends cover Cedric Diggory, Harry's worst memory, Hermione's bloodshot eyes and more!
Quizzitch: In what school year of theirs did the Weasley Twins obtain the Marauder's map?
Next Week: Reminder, we’re off BUT you will get a very cool MuggleMiniCast all about the new Harry Potter: The Exhibition!
This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month)!
And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we’ll have a new look at the next Wizarding World park coming to Universal Orlando! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show!

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

611: Flight of the Friends (POA Chapter 8, Flight of the Fat Lady) May 16, 2023

Show notes

A Hogsmeade weekend approaches! Will Harry get his permission slip signed by a stand-in guardian in time? This week we are joined by Slug Club guest Ashley as we discuss Chapter 8 of Prisoner of Azkaban, Flight of the Fat Lady! We discuss Snape's continued bad attitude, Lupin's secret, and whether Harry could've gotten more out of him during their unplanned tea time. Enjoy!

Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 8: Flight of the Fat Lady
Welcome Slug Club guest Ashley! Host the show just like Ashley by joining us at Patreon.com/MuggleCast
7-Word Summary, Justice for Micah Edition: Teachers forbid Harry from going to Hogsmeade
Snape picks on Neville worse than ever because he's Snape. But does Trelawney pick on Harry due to her prophecy?
Did we ever have a teacher we were close with in the way that Parvati and Lavender are with Trelawney?
Is Oliver Wood justified in feeling desperate about this year's Quidditch Cup?
Is McGonagall mean for not signing Harry's permission slip? She knows about the Dursleys after all.
Hosts connect some great threads between Book 3 and Book 5.
Harry's Hogsmeade FOMO hits us in the feels.
What makes Remus Lupin able and willing to say Voldemort's name?
What If: Harry told Lupin about seeing the black dog off Privet Drive?
Is Hermione wrong to point out the evidence against Trelawney's prediction about Binky? Could her doing so point to neurodivergent behavior?
Rename the Chapter returns! And hosts assign MVP of the Week.
Quzzitch: What does Hannah Abbott tell the students that Sirius Black can transform into?
Next week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 9: Grim Defeat
This week's show is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and HelloFresh (use code "muggle16" for 16 free meals at HelloFresh.com/Muggle16), and by ZocDoc. Visit Zocdoc dot com slash mugglecast, download the app, and schedule your next health appointment today.
And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we discuss how the Harry Potter TV show could appeal more to adults! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show!

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