The Harry Podcast

Episode 79: Harry Podcast and The First Task Mar 02, 2022

The hosts discuss an incredibly accurate description of severe anxiety in the chapter, as well as Moody’s and Bagman’s machinations, and Harry and Ron’s reconciliation.

Episode 78: Harry Podcast and The Hungarian Horntail Feb 09, 2022

David and Madeline discuss how Hagrid is manipulated into cheating on Harry’s behalf, and Moody’s behind-the-scenes role.

Episode 77: Harry Podcast and The Weighing of the Wands Jan 19, 2022

In which Ollivander returns for the first time in years, and David goes way too deep on wandlore.

Episode 76: Harry Podcast and The Four Champions Jan 05, 2022

We’re back! Sorry to have been gone for so long. In this episode, your hosts discuss the different ways each character reacts to Harry’s name coming out of the Goblet of Fire, and what their reactions say about them.

Episode 75: Harry Podcast and The Goblet of Fire Oct 28, 2021

Your hosts discuss various character moments surrounding the Goblet and what goes through Dumbledore's head when he reads Harry's name out.

Episode 74: Harry Podcast and Beauxbatons and Durmstrang Oct 14, 2021

David and Madeline discuss the two new wizarding schools, and the further broadening of both the world of the books, as well as the character base for this story in particular.

Episode 73: Harry Podcast and The Unforgivable Curses Sep 21, 2021

David and Madeline discuss Crouch Jr.’s possibly noble motivations in teaching the students about the horrors of Dark Magic that they will be facing over the rest of the series.

Episode 72: Harry Podast and Mad-Eye Moody Sep 10, 2021

In which your hosts return from a hiatus to discuss the pivotal character of this book and his first few scenes. What is really him, and what is an actor playing a role?

Episode 71: Harry Podcast and The Triwizard Tournament Sep 09, 2021

In which your hosts discuss how Barty Crouch Jr.’s portrayal of Mad-Eye Moody is very overdramatic, and why it might be politically advantageous for Dumbledore to host the Tournament at this time.

Episode 70: Harry Podcast Aboard the Hogwarts Express Sep 09, 2021

In this episode, we examine how Moody is initially portrayed, and how Draco is so easily able to bait Ron’s anger.

Episode 69: Harry Podcast and Mayhem at the Ministry May 11, 2021

Your hosts discuss the first mentions of Rita Skeeter and how she is characterized by the Weasleys’ descriptions of her. Harry doesn’t seem to be able to talk to Ron about the latter’s frustrations around being poor. Why is that?

Episode 68: Harry Podcast and The Dark Mark Apr 27, 2021

Where once the idea of racists proudly marching around announcing their racism once seemed like it could only be a reference to the Nazis, it now feels like a commentary on modern politics.

Episode 67: Harry Podcast and The Quidditch World Cup Mar 31, 2021

In this episode, David and Madeline discuss the use of humor and sexuality in the chapter, and Madeline has a very hot take about Veela.

Episode 66: Harry Podcast and Bagman and Crouch Mar 16, 2021

Your hosts discuss international wizarding culture as seen through Harry’s eyes, especially as personified in the two title characters.

Episode 65: Harry Podcast and The Portkey Feb 23, 2021

Your hosts discuss the different types of magical teleportation and how the author intentionally repeats descriptive language to great effect.

Episode 64: Harry Podcast and Weasley's Wizard Wheezes Feb 09, 2021

Your hosts discuss the wonderful Weasley family, and how each member is characterized in this chapter, with a particular focus on Molly and Percy.

Episode 63: Harry Podcast and Back to the Burrow Jan 26, 2021

Madeline and David discuss the cruel prank that Fred and George play on Dudley, as well as how class plays a leading role in the culture clash between Weasleys and Dursleys.

Episode 62: Harry Podcast and The Invitation Jan 05, 2021

Your hosts discuss Harry’s coping strategies for living with the Dursleys this year, and how the power dynamics between him and Uncle Vernon have shifted.

Episode 61: Harry Podcast and The Scar Dec 22, 2020

David and Madeline discuss how this chapter serves as a bridge between narratives and the series as a whole, as well as the symbolism of Harry’s scar and why it’s important in this moment.

Episode 60: Harry Podcast and The Riddle House Dec 08, 2020

Welcome to Season Four! In this episode, your hosts explore the wonderfully creepy setting of this chapter and how it acts as a primer for the events of this book in a very clever way, as well as serving as commentary on Voldemort’s relationship with Wormtail, and society’s relationship with veterans and PTSD.

Episode 59: In Support of the Trans Community Nov 24, 2020

Madeline and David briefly discuss JK Rowling's recent online posts where she outed herself as a transphobe and a bigot. Having wrestled with this for some time, we have come to the conclusion that we can condemn her personally while still upholding the Harry Potter series as an example of everything she is speaking out against--inclusivity, opposition to bigotry and hatred, and solidarity with the downtrodden. We understand if you believe it is wrong to support a bigot by buying HP books, or films. We believe it is okay to continue discussing them on their literary merits, and we hope you'll stay awhile and listen. If not, best of luck to you. We're glad you stopped by.

Episode 58: Harry Podcast and Owl Post Again Sep 15, 2020

In this final episode of season three of the show, David and Madeline discuss Pettigrew’s legacy, the loss of Harry’s father figures, and where Prisoner of Azkaban fits into the Harry Potter series as a whole.

Episode 57: Harry Podcast and Hermione's Secret Aug 25, 2020

In this hour-long episode, the hosts, along with special returning guest Corey Thibodeau (https://www.ritualsweatsociety.com/ ) discuss one of their very favorite chapters in the series, covering everything from the complex nature of time-travel and paradoxes, to Dumbledore’s seeming omniscience, to how Harry found the inner strength to conjure a true Patronus.

Episode 56: Harry Podcast and The Dementor's Kiss Aug 04, 2020

Madeline & David discuss the way the author plays with emotions to give the conflict in this chapter even more weight, as well as the metaphorical significance of the dementors trying to kill Harry.

Episode 55: Harry Podcast and The Servant of Lord Voldemort Jul 21, 2020

In this episode, covering one of the best chapters in the series, your hosts discuss the theme of Revenge in the book overall and in this chapter specifically. What kind of revenge does each character want, and what is the author trying to say about revenge in general? Harry’s change of heart in particular is a pivotal moment in the series.

Episode 54: Harry Podcast and Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs Jul 07, 2020

In this episode, David and Madeline closely examine Lupin’s tale, how Harry, Ron, and Hermione each react to the revelation that Scabbers is not a rat but a man in animal form, and Snape’s pivotal, dramatic entrance at the end of the chapter.

Episode 53: Harry Podcast and Cat, Rat, and Dog Jun 09, 2020

Your hosts discuss the confrontation between Harry and Sirius Black, between Hermione and Lupin, and between “the Grim” and Harry throughout the book so far.

Episode 52: Harry Podcast and Professor Trelawney's Prediction May 27, 2020

In which we go on many long digressions about prophecy, Fudge, and how Ron and Hermione are changing.

Episode 51: Harry Podcast and The Quidditch Final May 05, 2020

In which we finally reunite with Hermione, whose character undergoes a dramatic shift. What does Rowling's portrayal of the Quidditch match say about Gryffindor and Slytherin as Houses?

Episode 50: Harry Podcast and Snape's Grudge Apr 22, 2020

We’re back in the midst of the Coronavirus pandemic to celebrate our 50th episode, and discuss Snape’s and Lupin’s respective roles in the larger narrative at play in this book as well as in the series overall. Who is Snape’s grudge against, really?

Episode 49: Harry Podcast and Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw Mar 10, 2020

Wherein we talk about how the Firebolt is like Quidditch steroids and what Crookshanks is up to.

Episode 48: Harry Podcast and The Patronus Feb 25, 2020

The exercise of practicing summoning a very happy memory is great therapy if you’re feeling depressed. Which I guess is like the whole point Rowling was making…maybe. Who knows.

Episode 47: Harry Podcast and The Firebolt Jan 14, 2020

In today’s episode, Madeline and David examine Harry’s emotional state, the laziness and corruption of the Ministry of Magic, and why Hermione feels she has to betray the trust of Harry and Ron.

Episode 46: Harry Podcast and The Marauder's Map Dec 24, 2019

In today’s episode, Madeline & David examine one of the most fun and powerful magic items in the series, as well as a very revelatory conversation Harry overhears at The Three Broomsticks.

Episode 45: Harry Podcast and Grim Defeat Dec 03, 2019

As we reach the low point of the book, the hosts discuss Snape’s motivations and actions surrounding Lupin and Sirius, as well as how everything goes wrong for Harry specifically and the people of Hogwarts in general.

Episode 44: Harry Podcast and Flight of the Fat Lady Nov 12, 2019

In today's episode, the hosts examine Harry's conversation with Lupin and the implications of Sirius Black's attack on our favorite portrait-guardian.

Episode 43: Harry Podcast and The Boggart in the Wardrobe Oct 29, 2019

In this episode, the hosts discuss the very thought-provoking concept of boggarts. What does it mean that a boggart needs a target in order to take form? How is fear combated? How would our own, less concrete fears manifest?

Episode 42: Harry Podcast and Talons and Tea Leaves Oct 15, 2019

On today’s episode, we talk mostly about the subject of Divination in the series—how it is portrayed by characters within the novels, how it relates to real-world figures and practices, and how it paradoxically is seen as ludicrous self-aggrandizement while simultaneously appearing to in fact be 100% accurate.

Episode 41: Harry Podcast and The Dementor Oct 01, 2019

Apologies for being a week late! In this episode, Madeline and David dive deep into how Dementors are first presented to us, what they may represent, and a couple ideas about social commentary that Rowling may have been thinking of when she created them.

Episode 40: Harry Podcast and The Leaky Cauldron Sep 10, 2019

Your hosts walk through the various instances of foreshadowing in this chapter, as well as debate Molly’s and Arthur’s positions on whether or not to tell Harry what’s going on with Sirius Black.

Episode 39: Harry Podcast and The Knight Bus Aug 29, 2019

Apologies for the delayed post! In today’s episode, your hosts discuss the magic of the titular purple wizard transporter and how the character of Stan Shunpike becomes important to an understanding of how exactly the Everyman suffers during Voldemort’s eventual regime.

Episode 38: Harry Podcast and Aunt Marge's Big Mistake Aug 13, 2019

This episode, your hosts discuss the concept of wandless magic and how it relates to the themes of positive and negative emotion in the series, as well as the shifting power dynamics in the Dursley household and Harry’s development into a more emotional pubescent character.

Episode 37: Harry Podcast and Owl Post Jul 31, 2019

Your hosts return with the first episode of Season Three of the show! We introduce Prisoner of Azkaban and talk a bit about its place within the overall Harry Potter canon, as well as continuing our ongoing discussion of Rowling’s book-by-book improvement in her first chapters and the way she writes exposition.

Episode 36: Harry Podcast and Dobby's Reward Jun 18, 2019

The hosts give a thorough breakdown of what Dumbledore realizes from Harry's encounter with the Diary, as well as contrasting the drastically different tone of this chapter from the last one, and wrapping up the second season of the show.

Episode 35: Harry Podcast and The Heir of Slytherin Jun 04, 2019

In this extra-long episode featuring special guest Conor Crockford of The Barn: a podcast about The Shield, the hosts discuss the monster-character of Memory-Riddle, horcruxes, agency, and with a special focus on how Rowling uses horror archetypes to capture the excitement of this climactic chapter.

Episode 34: Harry Podcast and The Chamber of Secrets May 21, 2019

Apologies for the several-week delay on this episode; we’ll be back to our normal schedule now. Your hosts break down the concept of memory removal as it is used in the Harry Potter series, and what effect that magic has on society in general and the character study of Gilderoy Lockhart in particular.

Episode 33: Harry Podcast and Aragog Apr 16, 2019

Your hosts discuss Harry and Ron’s journey into a spider pit and how the whole chapter is written like a bad dream.

Episode 32: Harry Podcast and Cornelius Fudge Apr 02, 2019

In this episode, your hosts look at the exit from the story of three major characters, and why this had to happen when it did.

Episode 31: Harry Podcast and The Very Secret Diary Mar 19, 2019

Your hosts break down the central object of importance in this mystery novel, and also attempt to discredit the memory that T.M.Riddle shows Harry.

Episode 30: Harry Podcast and The Polyjuice Potion Mar 05, 2019

In which Dumbledore and Harry say nothing to each other, and Harry and Ron become body-snatchers.

Episode 29: Harry Podcast and The Dueling Club Feb 19, 2019

Your hosts break down the fiasco of Lockhart hosting a dueling club meeting, as well as the next attack on a student and how the book is starting to take on the feeling of a horror novel, written for a young audience.

Episode 28: Harry Podcast and The Rogue Bludger Feb 05, 2019

In this episode, our hosts discuss Lockhart’s continuing ineptitude, Dobby’s cleverness, and Dumbledore’s habit of withholding crucial information from everyone.

Episode 27: Harry Podcast and The Writing on the Wall Jan 22, 2019

We return to our discussion of the next chapter, focusing on the new concept of Squibs as well as analyzing the “legend” of the Chamber of Secrets and offering a theoretical explanation for Slytherin’s position.

Episode 26: Harry Podcast and The Crimes of Grindelwald Dec 05, 2018

In this special episode, your hosts and esteemed guest Noah Masur of Wolf 359 (www.wolf359.fm) and Time Bombs (timebombs.show) discuss the new film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2: The Crimes of Grindelwald. What exactly was the original fantasy of Harry Potter, and what are these new movies attempting to do? We’ll discuss that and like a thousand other things…it’s an hour long.

Spoilers abound, but if you’d like to hear our recommendations, you may skip to 52:23 at any time. Enjoy!

Episode 25: Harry Podcast and The Deathday Party Nov 06, 2018

In this special Halloween episode, your hosts discuss power dynamics, ghost politics, and the many instances of foreshadowing in the chapter.

Episode 24: Harry Podcast and Mudbloods and Murmurs Oct 23, 2018

The dark spectre of Wizarding Racism rears its head. Can your hosts successfully discuss it without people making it political?

Episode 23: Harry Podcast and Gilderoy Lockhart Oct 09, 2018

As life returns to normal at Hogwarts, your hosts delve into the bizarre character of Professor Lockhart and Gilderoy’s mask begins to slip. Why does he think he can make it as a professor, anyway?

Episode 22: Harry Podcast and The Whomping Willow Sep 18, 2018

We discuss the truly awful decision-making of nearly everyone involved in the chapter’s events, as well as some interesting foreshadowing elements.

Episode 21: Harry Podcast At Flourish and Blotts Aug 28, 2018

Your hosts go in-depth on Floo travel, dark magical artifacts, the new Defense professor, and Lucius Malfoy's pivotal slight-of-hand.

Episode 20: Harry Podcast and The Burrow Aug 14, 2018

David and Madeline discuss the characterization of the Weasley family, the subject of class in the wizarding world, and an early clue foreshadowing Gilderoy Lockhart's ineptitude.

Episode 19: Harry Podcast and Dobby's Warning Jul 31, 2018

Your hosts, along with guest co-host Corey Thibodeau, discuss the many ins and outs of the more exciting half of Harry's 12th birthday in this special July 31st episode.

Episode 18: Harry Podcast and The Worst Birthday Jul 17, 2018

In the Season Two opener, your hosts talk about the power dynamics of the Dursleys' new living arrangements.

Episode 17: Harry Podcast and The Man with Two Faces Apr 09, 2018

In the Season 1 finale episode, we examine Harry's first encounter with Voldemort, Dumbledore's motivations, and the enormity of his influence on Harry's behavior. There is a happy ending for now, but what does it all mean?

Episode 16: Harry Podcast Through the Trapdoor Apr 09, 2018

We draw substantial comparisons between the events of this chapter and those of Greek myth, as well as the Romantic archetype in general. All three of our protagonists' skills and strengths are utilized to their fullest extent, and they begin to learn how to complement each other.

Episode 15: Harry Podcast and The Forbidden Forest Apr 09, 2018

Your hosts discuss the skilled foreshadowing present in the chapter through vague predictions presented as humorous. Also, what kind of school sends children into the woods to fight an unidentified unicorn-killing monster??

Episode 14: Harry Podcast and Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback Apr 09, 2018

David and Madeline discuss the entirely self-contained storyline of this chapter, and why it's important to the rest of the book.

Episode 13: Harry Podcast and Nicolas Flamel Apr 09, 2018

The hosts discuss a certain 14th century French manuscript scribe, his posthumous legendary status as an alchemist, and why we're not (that) pretentious for referring to the book as "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." Darn you, Scholastic!

Episode 12: Harry Podcast and The Mirror of Erised Apr 09, 2018

We discuss Harry's understandably damaged psyche, the power of a certain Mirror, and Dumbledore's strange influence on our protagonist's actions.

Episode 11: Harry Podcast and Quidditch Apr 09, 2018

Your hosts discuss the rather strange first Quidditch match of the series, Rowling's particular issue around writing sports games, and some key information that the heroes receive.

Episode 10: Harry Podcast and Halloween Apr 09, 2018

David and Madeline talk through Hermione's character shift from the previous chapter to this one, and the first demonstration of fairly good teamwork by our trio.

Episode 9: Harry Podcast and The Midnight Duel Apr 09, 2018

We discuss the character development of Neville, Harry, and Malfoy, and how the latter's rivalry begins to escalate. We also go into Hermione's first serious interaction with the story, and how she is first presented.

Episode 8: Harry Podcast and The Potions Master Apr 09, 2018

Madeline and David discuss the divisive character of Severus Snape, and how he is first presented to the reader.

Episode 7: Harry Podcast and The Sorting Hat Apr 09, 2018

We settle on a new and improved format for the show, and discuss the feasibility and shortcomings of a House-based system such as exists at Hogwarts. We recommend that new listeners begin with this episode.

Episode 6: Harry Podcast and The Journey from Platform Nine-and-Three-Quarters Apr 09, 2018

David and Madeline discuss Rowling's excellent characterization of the Weasley family and others we meet in this chapter.

Episode 5: Harry Podcast and Diagon Alley Apr 09, 2018

Your hosts investigate the reader's first entry point into the wizarding world, and how it is described through Harry's eyes.

Episode 4: Harry Podcast and The Keeper of the Keys Apr 09, 2018

We discuss the first real revelatory moment of the series, as well as all of the characters' reactions to it. How they respond may say a lot about them.

Episode 3: Harry Podcast and The Letters From No One Apr 06, 2018

Your hosts discuss the clever way the author writes a certain character unraveling emotionally, and how everyone else reacts to this.

Episode 2: Harry Podcast and The Vanishing Glass Apr 06, 2018

We delve into chapter two of the book, discussing the shift in perspective and the many new characters we're introduced to.

Episode 1: Harry Podcast and The Boy Who Lived Apr 06, 2018

The hosts take a look at the first chapter of Philosopher's Stone, examining plot elements, characters, and the way the author chooses to introduce the story and the world of Harry Potter.

Episode 0: Harry Podcast and the Introduction Apr 04, 2018

In this very short pilot episode, we discuss the scope of the podcast, and give a disclaimer about our earliest episodes. New listeners will definitely want to start here.

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