MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

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591: I Always Wanted to Use That Howler (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 5 and 6) Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

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) Dec 06, 2022

Show notes

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... Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

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) Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

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) Nov 15, 2022

Show notes

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!
This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now), 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)!

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586: The Forest of Destiny (Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 15 - 16) Nov 07, 2022

Show notes

Americans! Don't forget to vote in the 2022 Midterms by Tuesday, November 8! Visit IWillVote.com to find your local polling place.
This week the hosts are joined by Slug Club guest Michele, and Chapter by Chapter continues with chapters 15 and 16 of Sorcerer's Stone. Listen as we discuss how the Centaurs may have been right all along, while Harry serves detention in "The Forbidden Forest." After that, follow along as the trio go "Through the Trapdoor"! And we analyze each of the obstacles designed to protect the Sorcerer's Stone. All this and more, including:

Welcome Slug Club guest Michele! If you would like the chance to guest-host on our show, visit our Patreon
News: New Warner CEO David Zaslav wants "More Harry Potter movies!" What does that mean?!
Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 15: The Forbidden Forest
7-Word Summary: Mars might tell of future conflicts forthcoming
Harry experiences exclusion like never before, after Gryffindor is down so many points. Have we ever disappointed our classmates in this way?
What If? Harry told McGonagall the truth about Hagrid and the dragon. Would things have turned out the same?
This detention in the Forbidden Forest is WAY too dangerous! And Hagrid even wants to split up!
What are the Centaurs seeing in the sky, and why are they so hesitant to interfere?
Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 16: Through the Trapdoor
7-Word Summary: Voldemort is hiding behind Quirrell’s incompetence – keys
Would it have made more sense for Ron to impersonate the Bloody Baron? Still, props to Harry for pulling it off!
Hermione has a tendency to freeze up under pressure. When else has this occurred?
Why wasn't Snape's logic puzzle included in the movie?
We close out the chapter with our MVPs of the Week
Next Week: we finish our Chapter by Chapter re-read of Book One!
Quizzitch: What does Voldemort tell Harry that he will do once he has the Elixir of Life?
This week's episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast), MasterClass (Get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/mugglecast), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)

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585: Does the Sorting Hat Divide Students Equally Across Hogwarts Houses? And More MuggleMail Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

On this week's episode we dig deep into our MuggleMail bag as listeners weigh in on our latest chapter-by-chapter discussions. One voicemail leads the hosts to take sides in a Harry Potter date debate! Plus, we have fun paging through the beautifully illustrated Order of the Phoenix by Jim Kay.

We review the Order of the Phoenix Illustrated Illustrated Edition. There's SO much to love in this one!
Speaking of books, don't forget to check out The Magic of MinaLima, which is an exhaustive look at MinaLima's work for the Harry Potter movies.
Voicemails cover magic's origin, a Harry Potter first date, a Draco-focused Harry Potter TV show and more
Several listeners write in about Christmas gifts and Quidditch rules
Why doesn’t Hermione use her own wand to stop the troll?
Why did Hagrid really go to get Harry from the Dursleys?
Should Ron be allowed to have a rat at Hogwarts?
Is it the job of the Sorting Hat to equally divide the first year students?
One listener presents a strong defense of Petunia Dursley
Is the Hogwarts Express super inconvenient for students who already live close to Hogwarts?
Troll in the Dungeon: is Dumbledore sending the Slytherins to their doom?
Quizzitch: When McGonagall gives detentions to the trio and Neville in Book 1, she says she's "never heard of such a thing before." What is the "thing" to which she is referring?
Next week: Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Chapters 15 (The Forbidden Forest) & 16 (Through The Trapdoor) of Sorcerer's Stone
This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass ( get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast).

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584: Harry Potter and the Hotly Debated Book Title (Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 13 - 14) Oct 25, 2022

Show notes

This week the hosts are joined by Andy of Harry Potter Fan Zone, and Chapter by Chapter continues with chapters 13 and 14 of Sorcerer's Stone. Listen as we discuss the real-life origins of Nicolas Flamel, debate whether 'Sorcerer's Stone' or 'Philosopher's Stone' is a better title, and revisit a fan theory about what Dumbledore did with alchemy. Then, the trio visit Hagrid's Hut and Harry uses his powers of persuasion that he may or may not have inherited from Voldemort?! All this and more, including:

Welcome back, Andy! Check out Harry Potter Fan Zone, the top Australian HP fan site.
News: Many new books are now available including Tom Felton's autobiography, Alan Rickman's posthumous diary, and Order of the Phoenix illustrated by Jim Kay. The hosts discuss which ones they'll be checking out.
Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 13: Nicolas Flamel
7-Word Summary: Secrets are revealed when chocolate is eaten.
We never did find out what work Dumbledore and Nicolas did on alchemy. Did Fantastic Beasts reveal more?
We review an old fan theory that we love about Credence's origins.
In talking about the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, Andrew explains who was responsible for the title change.
Which is better, saying "Sorcerer's Stone" (snappy, alliterative) or "Philosopher's Stone" (boring)? Andy and the American hosts all debate.
The hosts review some early Mary GrandPré artwork including an alternate cover that Andy shares with the title "Harry Potter and the School of Magic".
In fact, Harry Potter Fan Zone has the most impressive gallery of official artwork, exhaustingly sourced and categorized by Andy. Worth your time to check out!
Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 14: Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback
7-Word Summary: Hagrid reveals illegal practices inside his hut
This rare chapter is, in many ways, completely self-contained. The conflict presented is resolved at the end.
Life lessons from HP #???: Flattery will get you ev-erywhere!
Andrew's new proposal of an HBO Max television show features Hagrid and his pet dragon. We're in love.
Hagrid clearly has a soft spot for clearly dangerous creatures. Is this intentional foreshadowing to his plotline in Chamber of Secrets?
Is it reckless for Ron not to be honest with Madame Pomfrey about his bite? What if it's magically infected?
The scene with Charlie's friends is unspoilt by adaptation. What do we see when we see it in our heads?
We close out the chapter with our MVPs of the Week
Next Week: It's a MuggleMail episode! Send us your thoughts on our recent chapters or tell us what's on your mind!
Quizzitch: Which real-life Wizard Rock artist wrote a classic spurned love ballad titled "1991 - Charlie Weasley"
This week's episode is brought to by Stamps.com (Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/mugglecast. Thanks to
Stamps.com for sponsoring the show!), BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast), and Shudder (Get your first 30 days free by using code 'mugglecast')!

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583: High Flying Hijinks (Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 11 - 12) Oct 18, 2022

Show notes

On this week's episode, we pay tribute to Robbie Coltrane, whose iconic role as Rubeus Hagrid made him beloved to costars and fans alike. Chapter-by-Chapter continues as we take flight with Harry in his first Quidditch match and explore the halls of Hogwarts beneath the Invisibility Cloak.

We remember Robbie Coltrane, the beloved actor who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter series
Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 11: Quidditch
7-Word Summary: Gryffindor surprises Hogwarts with winning very tastily
Why does Snape choose to confide in Filch after being attacked by Fluffy? Why does he not go to Madam Pomfrey? Or heal himself?
What is going through Snape's mind when Harry sees him in this vulnerable situation?
Does Professor Quirrell’s attack on Harry during the Quidditch match do Quirrell more harm (for him) than good?
Security Nightmare: Why are there not more protections in place during Quidditch matches?
Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 12: The Mirror of Erised
7-Word Summary: Dumbledore gives Harry some advice about life
The hosts rank Harry's Christmas gifts from best to worst, using math
How does this new information on The Mirror of Erised influence our thoughts on the magical device?
We discuss Harry’s (reckless) tendency of using gifts from anonymous sources
Laura connects the threads between several Mirror of Erised and Resurrection Stone passages
Why is Nicolas Flamel not more well-known?
Who did the hosts select as their Most Valuable Character/Chapter of the Week?
Next week: Chapter-By-Chapter continues for Sorcerer’s Stone with Chapters 13 and 14!
Quizzitch: In Sorcerer's Stone, how old is Nicolas Flamel at the time of Harry’s first year at Hogwarts?
This week's episode is brought to you by: the Audible Original The Sandman: Act III, MeUndies (Go to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast for 20% off your first order and free shipping) and Indeed

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582: Have a Broomstick, Potter (Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 9 - 10) Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

There are certain things you can't do without becoming best friends, and podcasting about Harry Potter together is one of them! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with analysis of Sorcerer's Stone's "The Midnight Duel" and "Halloween"! Our trio of heroes get goaded by Malfoy into a trap, and then accidentally lock a troll in a bathroom. Harry also finds the one thing that he is naturally good at.

News: Jim Kay has announced he will be stepping down from making the illustrated edition Potter books. We thank him for his work.
Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 9: The Midnight Duel
7-Word Summary: Draco challenges Harry to a Midnight Fakeout
After Neville's injury, the students leap to his defense. Have the hosts had similar moments at school, or were we all too scared to speak up?
In what is clearly another security nightmare, Madame Hooch abandons her class of 11-year-olds who 5 minutes ago were handed a very fast and dangerous broomstick for each of them. No wonder something bad happens next!
Laura asks what (specifically) makes Harry a natural at flying? Maybe abuse from Dudley made his reflexes better?
How blatant is what McGonagall does 'favoritism' toward Gryffindor House, and why does the First Years rule exist to begin with?
After narrowly avoiding trouble during the day, Harry and Ron immediately go wandering the castle at night. Shouldn't they be more careful?
Should Harry have known that Malfoy was planning a trap? How does Malfoy have an inside line to Filch?
Did NOBODY walk Neville home from the hospital wing to make sure he could get in the Common Room?
Fluffy's origins and comments on the movie adaptation are covered in 'Odds and Ends'
Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer's Stone, Chapter 10: Halloween
7-Word Summary: Dinner is interrupted by a massive disturbance
Major things almost always happen to Harry on Halloween. Micah recounts some of the big ones.
Are Ron's choice of words against Hermione a bit too much?
It is Hermione's pronunciation advice which helps Ron successfully tackle the troll!
Have any of the hosts befriended people they were not expecting to like?
Examining Hermione's motivations to lie, the act which solidifies her friendship with Harry and Ron.
HOW is it that Quirrell is not caught or at least hugely suspected for letting in the troll? Should Voldemort have used someone else instead?
The students of Hogwarts do not seem to dress up for Halloween, but if they DID, Andrew has ideas as to what they would be.
Harry and the Golden Snitch meet for the first time. Our hearts are all aflutter
If McGonagall had not discovered Harry's talent during the first flying lesson, when would there be another chance?
Next Week: Chapter-By-Chapter for Sorcerer's Stone, Chapters 11 and 12!
Quizzitch: In Chapter 9 of Book 1, Which secret passage out of Hogwarts do the Weasley Twins suspect Lee Jordan has found?
This week's episode is brought to by the Audible Original The Sandman: Act III, Masterclass (go to Masterclass.com/mugglecast for 15% off an annual subscription), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)

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