MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Latest Episodes:

610: Severass Snape (POA Chapter 7, The Boggart in The Wardrobe) May 09, 2023

Show notes

Waddiwasi! On this week’s episode, grab your wand and get ready for the best magical classroom session to date …following the WORST magical classroom session to date! We compare and contrast Snape and Lupin's teaching styles and the impact it has on the students of Hogwarts!

Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 7: The Boggart in The Wardrobe
7-Word Summary: Neville fears rebuke when Snape “poisons” Trevor
We compare and contrast Harry's worst class to date (Potions) with his best class to date (Defense Against The Dark Arts)
What do we make of Snape's treatment of any student that is not in Slytherin?
We analyze the effects of bullying vs. collaboration in a classroom setting
What types of emotions does Snape elicit from Harry? Neville? Hermione?
Snape The Enabler creates an unsafe learning environment for his students
Micah plays devil's advocate and rationalizes Snape's actions toward both Neville (paying attention to detail) and Hermione (listening to the teacher)
What is the world is up with the Shrinking Solution?
Do Lupin and Peeves the Poltergeist share a history?
We contrast Snape's treatment of Neville with Lupin's desire to instill confidence in him (very reminiscent of how Harry works with Neville in Order of the Phoenix)
Does Lupin's past with Snape inform his instruction to Neville about his Boggart?
Should Lupin have explained to Harry why he didn't let him have a turn at the Boggart?
Connecting The Threads includes taking a look at the non-practical nature of Harry's first class in Order of the Phoenix and a very important Boggart scene with Mrs. Weasley
Odds & Ends cover the origin of Boggarts, Draco's knowledge of Sirius Black, Hermione's secret, rat references and more!
Quzzitch: What is the name of the Fat Lady's close friend?
Next week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 8: Flight of The Fat Lady
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 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!

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609: Listeners React To The Harry Potter TV Show, and More MuggleMail May 02, 2023

Show notes

This week the hosts dive deep into the MuggleMail bag to bring listeners' latest thoughts on recent Chapter-By-Chapter segments, as well as the new Harry Potter television series announcement! Voicemails include a 10 year old asking if Harry abuses Hedwig by making her travel so far, and someone has a theory about a Dementor that we all adopt on the spot as canon. Check out this laid back correspondence episode and be blown away by the opinions of our listeners.

Main Discussion: It's a MuggleMail bag episode!
Voicemails ask if the WWOHP theme park will adjust itself to accommodate the new TV series, a potential Cursed Child adaptation featuring the original trio, and an HP cartoon.
More ideas for the HP TV series abound, with one listener asking how far the creators will stray from the look and feel of Hogwarts and surrounding areas.
Will members of the HP movies be brought into new roles as a nod to their original performances? Who do we think would be most likely?
One listener fan-casts the HP TV series for an actor from the Sandman series.
Could the TV show flesh out the moments when Hermione and Ron learned that they would be attending Hogwarts?
An eagle-eyed listener points out the use of the term 'Azkaban guards' disappears once we are introduced to Dementors.
We hear a tragic story of school bullying where the school covered it up, and comparisons are made to Hogwarts
The hosts reveal that double decker buses are not as prominent in the US as in the UK, in response to an email. And, the Sneakoscope was always right when Peter was around.
Our latest "Legacy" E-mail from 2006 asks us if we think Draco and Harry will work together to defeat Voldemort. We offer our theories 17 years too late.
Quizzitch: What animal causes the death of Lavender Brown's rabbit?
Next Week: We return to Prisoner of Azkaban Chapter By Chapter with Chapter 7, "The Boggart in the Wardrobe"!!
This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month), and also Indeed. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now.
And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! Most recently, we discussed more breaking news... a brand-new Quidditch video game! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show!

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608: Is Trelawney Truthful or Trippin'? (POA Chapter 6, Talons and Tea Leaves) Apr 25, 2023

Show notes

On this week's episode, get ready to broaden your minds and see past the mundane as we take our first Divination class! And remember to bow and blink while listening to this episode or your may be attacked by a hippogriff!

News covers a new Quidditch video game is coming soon… for consoles! We’ll discuss it in this week's Bonus MuggleCast, which is available exclusively on our Patreon!
Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 6: Talons and Tea Leaves
7-Word Summary: McGonagall shades Trelawney during Transfiguration class, ooooooo!
We meet Professor Trelawney, who we later learn made the prophecy about Voldemort and Harry/Neville.
From Neville's grandmother to Parvati's stalker to an Easter departure, we keep track of Trelawney’s predictions and see if they come true!
Have any of the hosts ever seen a fortune teller or tarot card reader? What did we make of the experience?
Do we think Hermione is too quick to judge Trelawney? Does McGonagall influence her opinion?
Professor Hagrid... Micah argues Dumbledore set him up for failure from the start!
Name Origins: The Grim & Hippogriff
Does Harry offer to approach Buckbeak to test the validity of his death omen?
Odds & Ends cover paying attention in Transfiguration class (cough, animagi), Hermione's busy class schedule, Sir Cadogan and more!
Quizzitch: What form does Parvati Patil's Boggart take?
Next Week: It's a MuggleMail bag covering Prisoner of Azkaban and the new Harry Potter TV show announcement
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 discuss more breaking news... a brand-new Quidditch video game! 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

607: Third Time's The Charm (POA Chapter 5, The Dementor) Apr 18, 2023

Show notes

CHOO CHOO! On this week's episode, we’re on the Hogwarts Express for what is sure to be another lovely… enchanting… peaceful… safe….. ride to Hogwarts. As they say, the third time’s the charm, and this year everything’s gonna be A-OK!

News covers the recently confirmed Harry Potter television series! Be sure to check out Episode 606, where we dive deep into the initial news leak and this week's Bonus MuggleCast, where we discuss all the new details!
And... check out MuggleCast Episode 483, where we fan-casted a Harry Potter television show, and Episode 566, where the hosts developed ideas for an all-new Harry Potter television series!
Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 5: The Dementor
7-Word Summary: Fear about the murderer abounds on trains
We contrast Harry's trips to King's Cross in Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix
How much information do we think Arthur would have offered to Harry about Sirius Black if Harry didn't tell him he was already "in the know"?
Welcome, Remus Lupin! Check out the full Pottermore article on him and his family!
How did Dumbledore convince Lupin to take the post of Defense Against The Dark Arts?
Laura offers some interesting insight on the Wolfsbane Potion, lyncathropy and the AIDS epidemic of the 1990s
Why is Snape so angry with Lupin being named to the Defense Against The Dark Arts post?
We analyze the effect the Dementor had on Harry, Ginny and Neville
Could a Dementor have removed the Horcrux from Harry? What if it took Harry’s soul and left Voldemort’s?
Could anything have been done to prevent the Dementors from boarding the train? Did Dumbledore intentionally place Lupin on the train for this very reason?
With McGonagall tending to Harry and Hermione, just who the hell hosted the Sorting Ceremony?
Odds & Ends cover Sneakoscopes, Hogsmeade, the Shrieking Shack, secret passages, thestrals, forgetting passwords and more!
Quizzitch: Who guides the trio to their first Divination class?
Next Week: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 6: Talons and Tea Leaves
This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and MeUndies (get 25% off your first order, plus free standard shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast).
And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we discuss breaking news... a brand-new Harry Potter TV show is coming to HBO!
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

606: A Harry Potter TV Reboot is Coming!? We React and Pitch Opportunities Apr 08, 2023

Show notes

This week saw news of a Harry Potter television series cascading across the interwebs as it seems like Warner Bros and HBO are in final talks to develop a straight adaptation of the original 7-book series, this time for TV! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they discuss the news, read a ton of listener feedback, and provide their must-haves for any live action Potter TV adaptation.

According to Bloomberg, a new Harry Potter television series which follows the storyline of the 7 books is nearing final talks over at Warner Bros. Discovery.
Given that the TV show would adapt the 7 books, whose final film adaptation was released in 2011, Micah asks "is it too soon?"
What steps would the television show take to distance itself from the HP films?
Would they ever adapt The Missing 24 hours?
Could we ever see new actors actually taking the place in our hearts of the actors who originated the role?
What role will the book series' author have in the development of the show?
Laura senses a real opportunity for bringing fresh voices and more diversity into the Potter universe.
Check out MuggleCast Episode 483 in which we fan-cast an HP television show, and also Episode 566 where the hosts develop ideas for all new HP television series.
Eric gives his must-haves for the would-be TV adaptation. Number one: the color yellow?
Twitter feedback on this news includes: would we ever see an animated version?; problematic politics and the struggle to find joy with the series in 2023; is a Peeves backstory on the table?; what can the show learn from HBO's House of the Dragon?
Facebook feedback includes: the stories we'd rather see told in the Wizarding World; embracing new cast members so soon after the films; and a cry for justice for Ron Weasley
IG feedback includes places we still want to see, and differing perspectives of characters.
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)!
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

605: The Immortal Rat (POA Chapter 4, The Leaky Cauldron) Apr 04, 2023

Show notes

On this week's episode, we kick back, relax and enjoy some ice cream every half hour from our pal Florean Fortescue! Join us for some delicious sundaes as we bum around Diagon Alley, meet up with our best friends and get some surprising news about a recently escaped convict!

In celebration of April Fool's Day, check out Episode #508: How To Tell Fred and George Weasley Apart, and More Twin Talk
News covers Daniel Radcliffe expecting his first child and his Moderating A Trans and Nonbinary Youth Roundtable for The Trevor Project, which you can watch in full right here!
Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 4: The Leaky Cauldron
7-Word Summary: Discoveries are everywhere around this Leaky Cauldron
Harry is free to roam all of Diagon Alley by himself! How old were we when our parents started letting us venture out on our own?
Do we think that this is foolish of Molly and Arthur, to just let Ron roam around Diagon Alley given he is Harry’s best friend?
Ron gets a his own wand! We analyze what the core and wand wood mean for his character!
Something is definitely up with Scabbers! We start putting the pieces of the puzzle together!
Molly and Arthur get into a heated argument about Harry. Which parent do the hosts ultimately side with?
Connecting the Threads to Order of the Phoenix: Molly's protection of Harry, the safety of the larger wizarding community and Harry's escort to King's Cross
Odds & Ends cover the Grim, the Firebolt, Dementors, the No. 12, Percy and more!
Quizzitch: What is Professor R.J. Lupin’s middle name?
This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and Zocdoc (go to Zocdoc.com/MuggleCast and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor)!
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

604: Call Me Neville (POA Chapter 3, The Knight Bus) Mar 28, 2023

Show notes

On this week's episode, Harry is saved by a (violently purple) knight in shining car wax as the Knight Bus whisks him away to London, where Uncle Cornelius pats him on the back and tells him everything is fine. Join Andrew, Laura, Eric and Micah as they dive into Chapter 3 of Prisoner of Azkaban, The Knight Bus!

This week the hosts provide alternative identities to help them escape detection...
Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 3: The Knight Bus
7-Word Summary: Help arrives for Harry after an encounter
Harry's frustration and short-sightedness mirrors our own in times of stress. Do we relate to Harry following his incident with Aunt Marge?
Andrew has a full tally of all the times Harry thinks he is about to be expelled. It's higher than our Dumbledore Lie Count :'(
We ask again, just why was Sirius Black not given a full trial? Is Dumbledore, or the government, to blame?
Laura reminisces about an old campaign asking readers if they spotted The Grim.
We ask, What If? Sirius had introduced himself to Harry? Would Harry believe him then and there?
Why can't the Knight Bus go underwater, if it can do all the other things that it does?
Not one but TWO Name Origins segments help us appreciate the details on display.
Why did Harry choose a pureblood wizard that Stan might have known as his alias?
Why didn't Harry know about the Knight Bus sooner?
Fudge being described like an 'uncle with a favorite nephew' raises our interest.
Why can Fudge trust Harry to follow his orders?
Quizzitch: In Chapter 4 of POA, a hag orders what from the Leaky Cauldron?
Next week: We continue with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 4: The Leaky Cauldron
And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! Last week, we discussed the recent Harry Potter Almanac news and reflect back on the history of all the times we were promised a Harry Potter Encyclopedia!
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

603: Hi Marge, Bye Marge (POA Chapter 2, Aunt Marge's Big Mistake) Mar 21, 2023

Show notes

On this week's episode, we get a visit from one of Harry's favorite relatives, Aunt Marge! They share wine, brandy and have so much fun that she even let's Harry perform magic on her at the end of the chapter! Oh wait...

Welcome Slug Club member, Sherry! Sherry, who is blind, shares her story of finding the Harry Potter series! Be sure to check out her fan fiction: Sirius Black and Becoming a Father and her book: Haven!
Andrew and Laura will be discussing the potential ban of TikTok in the U.S. on their podcast, #Millennial. Follow the show for free in your favorite podcast app!
Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 2: Aunt Marge's Big Mistake
7-Word Summary: Aunt Marge enjoys abusing Harry every minute
What do we make of Vernon's assessment of Sirius Black?
What do muggle relations offices look like at the Ministry?
Hogsmeade Permission Slip: Harry learns how to play on Vernon's prejudices
Aunt Marge was based on J.K. Rowling's grandmother, who preferred her dogs to human relatives
While Marge is generally nasty to Harry, the gloves really come off when she starts to drink; is this an indictment on abuse levels rising (both verbal and physical) when family members have a drinking problem?
Did Harry have to sit with Marge on multiple occasions during her visit? Is it actually to protect Vernon?
Why doesn’t Petunia stand up more for her sister?
Is Colonel Fubster, Marge’s boo?
Quizzitch: What name does Harry give to Stan Shunpike when he boards The Knight Bus?
Next week: We continue with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 3: The Knight Bus
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)!
And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we discuss the recent Harry Potter Almanac news and reflect back on the history of all the times we were promised a Harry Potter Encyclopedia!
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

602: New Wand, New Ron (POA Chapter 1, Owl Post) Mar 14, 2023

Show notes

On this week's episode, we begin our third year at Hogwarts as we open up the pages of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! Harry celebrates his birthday, Ron can't figure out how to use the telephone, Hermione is enjoying France and Hagrid is still, well... Hagrid!

Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 1: Owl Post
The hosts reflect on when they read Prisoner of Azkaban for the first time!
7-Word Summary: Owls deliver presents to Harry’s bedroom window
Is this the last time we get the big “previously on Harry Potter” info dump?
Should Ron have known how to use a telephone given his father's job?
What are some other examples of common muggle technology that would vex unknowing wizards?
Vacation Time: the Weasleys head to Egypt, Hermione is off to France! Why did nobody ask Harry to tag along?
What do we think Ginny’s summer has been like post-Chamber of Secrets?
Harry receives gifts from Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid that all pertain to events that will occur later in this book!
If the Sneakoscope works to detect untrustworthy people, is there a case to be made that it should have gone off constantly around Harrym, since he’s a Horcrux?
Harry, why didn't you just forge your Hogsmeade permission slip?
The hosts agree to disagree about Percy's Head Boy braggadocio!
Quizzitch; How much does Dudley get paid to hug Aunt Marge?
Next week: We continue with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 2: Aunt Marge's Big Mistake
This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and Zocdoc (go to Zocdoc.com/MuggleCast and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor)!
And don't forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, March Madness takes over as the hosts compare their brackets pitting wizarding world items against each other! What item will emerge supreme? Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show!

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601: Is 'Hogwarts Legacy' Easy For Non-Gamers Who Want To Explore? And More MuggleMail Mar 07, 2023

Show notes

On this week's episode, we delve into our MuggleMailbag for the first time in 2023! Coming off our recent review episode of Hogwarts Legacy, listeners share their thoughts and discoveries about the game. And we properly wrap up our Chamber of Secrets Chapter By Chapter series by choosing ONE 7-Word Summary to redo, based on patron feedback. Join Andrew, Eric and Micah as they get caught up on their inbox this week!

First, our vintage segment "What's Buggin' Micah?" makes its triumphant return to the show.
MuggleMail starts with Hogwarts Legacy feedback. On PC, there's a mod to mute the Floo Lady. Eric learns the composer of his first ever PlayStation game also scored Hogwarts Legacy. Is there an Easy Mode in Hogwarts Legacy? And which common room would the hosts party in?
Chamber of Secrets comes to a close with MuggleMail feedback.
Did the Weasleys go to Egypt TWICE in one year?
More name origins for Gilderoy Lockhart
One listener's thoughts on criminal justice in the Wizarding world.
There's more to Hermione's 2nd Year class signup sheet than we realize.
Did Tom Riddle spend more time making the diary so it could be more than just a Horcrux?
Was Dumbledore REALLY absent from COS? Did Hagrid ever find out who really opened the Chamber?
We choose a 7 Word Summary to redo, vroom vroom.
Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul features an OG listener who now listens with her 8-year-old son.
Quizzitch: How long did Harry go without hearing from his friends until his thirteenth birthday? Submit your answer on the MuggleCast web site.
Next week: We begin our Chapter By Chapter reread of Prisoner of Azkaban!
This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, Indeed, and MeUndies! Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now! For 20% off your first MeUndies order and free US shipping, visit MeUndies.com/MuggleCast
And don't forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments. Become a patron of ours today at Patreon dot com slash mugglecast.
As always, we appreciate your support of the show!

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

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