MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

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600: 'Hogwarts Legacy' Review: Flying, Combat, Monies, Oh My! Feb 28, 2023

Show notes

On this week's episode, we immerse ourselves into the Wizarding World in a completely different way! Our 600th installment welcomes back an old favorite as we review the highly-anticipated Hogwarts Legacy video game! The game has blown us away in a lot of ways, but it's not without issues.
Please note: We acknowledge the conflict many in the fandom feel about supporting this game and address this at the top of show. For past episodes discussing the author's position on trans issues please see Episode 469 and this episode from January 2020. Fans can join us in supporting and volunteering with organizations such as Trans Lifeline, Lambda Legal, The Trevor Project, Transgender Law Center, and the Marsha P Johnson Institute.

Welcome back, original MuggleCast co-host, Kevin!
Main Discussion: Our Hogwarts Legacy Review
How far have each of us made it in the game? Are we playing as ourselves? Or did we create an original character?
Does the game live up to all of the expectations? What are we most enjoying? What are some of the little things that make us smile?
What don't we like? What's really grinding our gear slots? And how is Laura making all that coin?
Does the plot work for us? Have there been any story moments that we didn’t see coming?!
Would we recommend the game to people who don’t usually play video games but want to experience the Wizarding World?
Next week: We’ll catch up on MuggleMail we’ve received over the last couple months, and we’ll wrap up our re-read of Chamber of Secrets!
And don't forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast! On this week's edition we make good on our Valentine's Day promise with dirty Harry Potter pick-up lines and a spicy fan-fiction reading! (Please note: this specific bonus segment is not kid-appropriate).
As always, we appreciate your support of the show!

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599: Dumby's Back, Tell a Friend (Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 18) Feb 21, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode, Harry and Ron rack up substantial points for Gryffindor, and Dobby is freed! It's the final Chapter-by-Chapter segment of our read-through of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with Andrew, Eric, Laura and our social media manager Chloé! Eric tries desperately to up Dumbledore's Lie Count, but Andrew isn't having it. Finally, Quizzitch looks ahead to the third book, which we will be starting in a few weeks' time!

We revisit last week's topic of inter-Horcrux communication, with quotes from the later books.
Main Discussion: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 18: Dobby's Reward
7-Word Summary: Harry accepts Dumbledore’s comforting advice on Voldemort
Dumbledore is back! But unlike last year, he did not save Harry beneath the school.
How much does the headmaster really know about the events of the past year? Who are his sources regarding Voldemort's current location?
Is what happened in the Chamber a perfect recruiting opportunity for DD of Molly and Arthur?
Dumbledore pays Voldemort a compliment. The hosts cringe.
Examining Harry's ability to speak Parseltongue
Dumbledore pays Voldemort a compliment. The hosts cringe.
Lucius finds himself out of his depth when confronting Albus directly.
Connecting the Threads: In books 2 and 6, a Malfoy is Voldemort's prime connection to events at Hogwarts.
Quizzitch: What witch performed a Flame Freezing Charm, allowing herself to be burned at the stake at least 47 separate times?
Next week: It's Episode #600! We will be reviewing Hogwarts Legacy..
This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, Indeed, and ZocDoc! Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now! Go to ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast to download the Zocdoc app for FREE; then find and book a top-rated doctor today.
Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year!

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598: Old Immortal Lover (Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17) Feb 14, 2023

Show notes

In this week's episode, Harry finally enters the Chamber of Secrets! But does he leave with more questions than he had coming in? And, knowing what the diary truly represents, the hosts dive deep into the world of Horcruxes! Join us as we discuss the penultimate chapter of Chamber of Secrets!

Welcome, Voldemort enthusiast and friend of the show, Tylor Starr! Be sure to follow him on social media and check out his Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook!
Main Discussion: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17: The Heir of Slytherin
7-Word Summary: Memories reveal answers about Tom’s legacy fulfillment
Are Horcruxes self-aware? Do they have a hivemind? Does the diary-version of Tom Riddle know he’s a Horcrux?
How does a Horcrux work when another form still exists? If Tom Riddle weren’t killed here, would there have been a current Voldemort and a Tom Riddle, or would they have merged together?
What if… Ginny had found fulfillment and happiness instead of being teased by her brothers, feeling like she didn’t fit in, and harboring unrequited feelings for Harry? Would Riddle have been able to manipulate her otherwise?
Should Harry have told Tom Riddle what he knew about Voldemort's downfall? Did it inform Voldemort's future actions?
We explore Signs that Tom Riddle is Voldemort: did we suspect this when we first read the book?
If he didn’t have the brains or the power, why was Hagrid a good person to frame?
Connecting The Threads to Half-Blood Prince: Fawkes, teenage Tom Riddle, the charming manipulation of others and the similarities between Harry and Tom
Connecting The Threads to Deathly Hallows: The Sword of Gryffindor and Basilisk Fangs
Ever wondered what other anagrams come from Tom Marvolo Riddle? Check out this great list from Katie Rose! And we have few international versions that will make you laugh out loud!
Quizzitch: What does Fred drop on George’s head after he learns Percy has a girlfriend?
Next week: We wrap up our chapter-by-chapter discussion of Chamber of Secrets with Chapter 18.
This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass (get unlimited access to EVERY class, and as a MuggleCast listener, you get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) and Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to starting hiring now)!
Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year!

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597: Built Ford Tough (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 15 and 16) Feb 07, 2023

Show notes

What exactly did the Forbidden Forest do to the Flying Ford Anglia? What did the teachers do all day when Ginny Weasley was discovered missing? And, should Hogwarts lock its front door? These questions and more are asked as your MuggleCast hosts delve into Chapters 15 and 16 of Chamber of Secrets on this week's jam-packed Chapter-by-Chapter episode of MuggleCast! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura, Micah, and Slug Club guest Kimberly (who came prepared with some fun HP-themed Valentines greetings) as we near the final chapters of Book 2.

Welcome to the show Slug Club guest Kimberly!
Is it really Valentine's Day without some Harry-Potter-themed greetings? The hosts are delighted to hear something new.
Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 15: Aragog
7-Word Summary: Andrew and Micah devise, "Spiders spiders spiders spiders vroom vroom vroom"
Parallels abound between life at Hogwarts without Dumbledore in Book 2, and a similar time for students in Year 7.
Should Hogwarts lock its front door at night to prevent students leaving so easily as Harry and Ron do?
Harry and Ron are up to their eyes in spiders, and is Dumbledore responsible for their Anglia-driven rescue?
Aragog's origins and his tale are explored in depth.
In Odds and Ends for Chapter 15, Draco jokes prophetically, the Hufflepuffs come around, Fang gets some relief, and Percy is caught fooling around.
Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 16: The Chamber of Secrets
7-Word Summary: Laura and Eric come up with, "Gilderoy is revealed to have no integrity."
Is it fair that Hogwarts doesn't (yet) cancel exams for the 1992 school year?
Hermione provides Ron and Harry the key to solving the whole puzzle, while unconscious. Her most impressive feat yet!
Ginny tries to tell Ron and Harry something, but is interrupted...
...and Lockhart reveals himself to be every bit as incompetent as everybody feared.
For once, Ron and Harry brought a teacher into their circle, but it came at a cost.
What are the teachers all doing the entire day while Ginny is gone?
Would the person who put Hogwarts' plumbing in have discovered the Chamber of Secrets, and (literally) covered it up? Wouldn't it have been better if the tap on the sink had actually functioned?
Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17, The Heir of Slytherin!
Quizzitch: Who really opened the Chamber of Secrets 50 years ago?
Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year!
This week's episode is brought to you by HelloFresh. Use code muggle65 for 65% off plus free shipping at HelloFresh.com/Muggle65. Also, by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast

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596: Horcrux Meet Cute (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 13 and 14) Jan 31, 2023

Show notes

Another episode, another attack at Hogwarts! Join us as we enter the pages of a secret diary, get treated to a special Valentine's Day by Professor Lockhart and witness an epic showdown in Hagrid's Hut between Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy and Cornelius Fudge! All as the threads between Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince continue to grow stronger!

Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 13: The Very Secret Diary
7-Word Summary: Memories are misleading within Riddle’s secret diary
Don't touch that book! Ron provides some important wizarding world advice to his best friend.
Harry, Ron and Hermione begin to connect the dots between The Chamber of Secrets opening 50 years ago and Tom Riddle being at Hogwarts 50 years ago... they just draw the wrong conclusion!
Harry notes it was "almost as though Riddle was a friend he’d had when he was very small, and had half-forgotten.” Is this our first introduction to the Horcrux connection?
Could Tom Riddle have killed Harry by trapping him inside the diary?
Connecting The Threads: memory alteration and manipulation are integral plot points in Half-Blood Prince!
Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 14: Cornelis Fudge
7-Word Summary: Hagrid receives terrible news about leaving Hogwarts
Harry, Ron and Hermione are surprised to learn it was Hagrid who opened the Chamber of Secrets, but they’re not really surprised, are they?
As Hermione begins to piece things together, why doesn't she seek out a professor?
Hermione is petrified and Tom Riddle's Diary is stolen! But whose the culprit?
Checkout “A Very Secret Diary” by Arabella, which details Ginny Weasley’s interactions with the diary for her entire first year! Note: this is intended for a mature audience.
Would the Invisibility Cloak prevented Harry & Ron from being killed by the basilisk?
So many questions surround Hagrid's arrest, first and foremost... WHERE'S THE ACTUAL EVIDENCE? Do any alternatives exist for Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge?
Much like Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore leaves the school (in absolute chaos), with Harry shouldering the burden of solving the mystery!
Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 15 & 16!
Quizzitch: Who escorts the Gryffindors to their Herbology lesson?
Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year!

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595: The Great Potions Heist (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 11 and 12) Jan 24, 2023

Show notes

This week Snape demonstrates the famous Disarm Charm to a clearly impressionable Harry. Harry, meanwhile, throws a well-placed firework into Goyle's cauldron. And it's pandemonium when Harry is revealed to be a Parselmouth, leading the entire school to suspect him of being Slytherin's heir (except Dumbledore, who weirdly lets Harry leave without interrogation.) Tons to talk about as the hosts cover chapters 11 and 12 of Chamber of Secrets during Chapter-by-Chapter!

News: Eddie Redmayne says he's not aware of a 4th Fantastic Beasts movie. Is this the end?
Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 11: The Dueling Club
7-Word Summary: Students get ready for their dueling club
We rank the trio's plans to break into Snape's personal potions storage and their successful execution!
Would Harry have been less suspected by Snape if he sabotaged a fellow Gryffindor?
After being discovered as a Parselmouth, the whole school suspects Harry is opening Slytherin's chamber. We examine ALL the evidence against Harry and see if we are convinced.
When people are petrified, are they conscious or unconscious until they get cured?
Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 12: The Polyjuice Potion
7-Word Summary: Draco confirms that he isn’t Slytherin’s baddie
Dumbledore lets Harry leave his office without any explanation or follow-up questions. Why?
Could Dumbledore have probed Harry's mind deeper than we realize and gotten all the answers? If so, what did he do with that information?
Despite Hermione's amazing planning, Ron and Harry stumble through their Polyjuice adventure. They don't even know where the other common room is!
Does Harry ever visit Hedwig?
We rank Harry's Christmas presents!!
Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 13 & 14!
Quizzitch: What Spell does Hermione use on T.M. Riddle's diary?
This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast

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594: Basilisk Photobomb (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 9 and 10) Jan 17, 2023

Show notes

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) Jan 10, 2023

Show notes

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 Dec 29, 2022

Show notes

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 Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

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
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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