MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Our next Quizzitch Live is Tuesday, July 21 - The topic is Deathly Hallows! Harry Potter at Home has wrapped up their chapter readings for Book One. In Muggle Mail, the hosts are asked how Harry Potter led them to branch out into being a fan of other things. We debut a brand new listener-inspired segment, Wizard Court! Bellatrix is on trial for killing Sirius. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 37: The Lost (?) Prophecy 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore tells Harry some of the truth  A portrait tells Harry that Dumbledore thinks highly of him. What do we think? Dumbledore says, "I know how you're feeling, Harry." But does he? At multiple times, Dumbledore refers to his own age while seeking forgiveness from Harry. Is this fair? Do we blame Kreacher, or do we blame wizards, including Sirius, for Kreacher's betrayal? Snape has shows his heroic side, but Dumbledore is keeping his secret from Harry still. Why? The hosts discuss the blood magic that keeps Harry save on Privet Drive, and if Dumbledore had to withhold this information for so long. We dig into the Prophecy, the part that was overheard, and Laura makes a Bible connection. The significance of Dumbledore counting Harry's escapes from Voldemort. MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter Quizzitch: What is the last word of Book 5? This week's episode is brought to you by Quip. Get your first refill FREE by visiting GetQuip.com/muggle. Support MuggleCast by supporting our sponsors! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our next Quizzitch Live will be Tuesday, July 21 - An installment themed around the Deathly Hallows book! Muggle Mail covers Kreacher, the Department of Mysteries, The Veil, Lupin and more! Which came first, the Ministry or The Veil? Listeners weigh in with their thoughts! We debut a new game... Guess. That. Book! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 36: The Only One He Ever Feared 7-Word Summary: Voldemort is trying to kill Harry Potter Neville consoles Harry following Sirius' death The Cruciatus Curse: can Harry actually perform it? What factors into one's ability to cast an Unforgivable Curse? Intent? Age? Character? Bella, Bella, Bella! Dumbledore vs. Voldemort... and the entrances fans have always wanted! What does Dumbledore mean by "we both know there are other ways of destroying a man?" Is it a hint towards Horcruxes or his own personal life struggles? The Symbolism of the Fountain of Magical Brethren How does Dumbledore’s magic work both in the Death Chamber and in the Atrium? Fudge's downfall The hosts make some fun comparisons between the book and the movie! MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter Quizzitch: What does Phineas Nigellus Black call Sirius when Dumbledore tells him he's dead? This week's episode is brought to you by BeachBody On Demand (text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 for a free trial!), HelloFresh (get $80 off your first box by using code 'muggle80') and ThirdLove (get 15% off your first order by using the link!). Support MuggleCast by supporting our sponsors! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week we discuss whether or not Fantastic Beasts is the world's most problematic film franchise! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News covers the latest chapter of Sorcerer's Stone with Matthew Lewis and Imelda Staunton. Plus, an update on the Harry Potter RPG! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 35: Beyond The Veil 7-Word Summary: Sirius falls through the unknown to death  Our initial impressions of Bellatrix Lestrange Dreams vs. Reality: Where’s Sirius, and how can you tell what's a dream and what's not? What do we make of Harry’s leadership in his first real battle?  Why didn't Voldemort just infiltrate the Ministry himself? Was Dumbledore’s plan to keep Harry out of the loop a good one? "Accio, Prophecy!" - are we being for real now? We reminisce about The Broken Prophecy and the theories that followed The Evolution of Neville Longbottom: Why is this the chapter where he really comes into his own. How talented are the Order? Are they fighting fire with fire against the Death Eaters? DUBBLEDORE! Did we prefer his book or movie entrance? Goodbye, Sirius! We play a couple songs to pay tribute to this beloved character. We give our MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: What planet does not survive the battle in the Department of Mysteries? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week we'll discuss if the Death Eaters do or don't care that Voldemort is a half-blood. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

News covers The Blair Partnership controversy and suspended Chapter Readings This week: It's a double dose of Chapter-by-Chapter! First up, Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 33: Fight or Flight 7-Word Summary #1: Centaurs react aggressively to Hermione’s faulty argument Did Umbridge fail to search Hagrid's Hut after she gave him the boot? Leading Umbridge into the Forbidden Forest: was it Hermione's top Gryffindor moment? Listeners weigh in with their thoughts. Umbridge vs. The Centaurs: What happened to Umbridge when she was attacked by the Centaurs? For additional information on Centaurs and what may have happened to Umbridge, check out: GreekMythology.com, Kialo.com, and Pandova University Press Is there any symbolism to the Centaurs breaking Umbridge's wand in half? Did Hermione really think through what would happen to Umbridge? Should she have let Harry do the talking with the Centaurs? Why does Harry look down upon Ginny, Neville and Luna? Next up, Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 34: The Department of Mysteries 7-Word Summary #2: Prophecies are exposed when doors are opened For a breakdown of the actual departments, give a listen to Episode 374 The Ministry of Magic is A SECURITY NIGHTMARE! Why is Harry so entranced by The Veil? Did The Veil exist before the Ministry of Magic? What exactly was Harry's plan if he discovered Voldemort in the Hall of Prophecy? Umbridge Suck Count, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter return! Quizzitch: What planet does not survive the battle in the Department of Mysteries? This week’s episode is sponsored by MeUndies (Underwear that’s so good, Dobby would never take it off his head! Get 15% off your first order and free shipping by going to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

International football star David Beckham joins actor David Tennant to read the Quidditch chapter of Book One. And now viewing this requires a login? The MuggleCast 15th Anniversary T-Shirt is here! Just one week left to become a Patron at the Dumbledore’s Army level or higher to get yours! MuggleMail topics include exams in other countries, the secrecy surrounding the prophecy, and whether Hagrid had a battle assist from Dumbledore (sorry McGonagall!) Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 32: Out of the Fire 7-Word Summary: Umbridge catches heroes using losers for hire Hermione's point about Sirius and Voldemort is a good one - why doesn't Harry listen? Why doesn't the trio think of Snape before they're caught? The pitfall of Hermione bringing up Harry's "Saving People Thing" Here *lies* Kreacher, Mwahahahahaha Harry speaks in code as a last resort. Does Snape understand? DEBATE: as Umbridge prepares use an Unforgivable on Harry, the hosts ask. Who is a worse villain? Voldemort or Umbridge? How realistic is Hermione's plan? What makes Umbridge buy it? And why does she decide to go alone? (Spoilers!) Our Umbridge Suck Count passes 100! (Were you really surprised?) Quizzitch: What spell does Neville use to escape his captors? This week’s episode is sponsored by MeUndies (Underwear that's so good, Dobby would never take it off his head! Get 15% off your first order and free shipping by going to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast), Truth Vs Hollywood podcast, and Quip dental care (Visit GetQuip.com/muggle to get your first refill free!) Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Sarah Steelman, a marriage and family therapist specializing in LGBTQ+ issues, joins to dissect J.K. Rowling's controversial remarks on trans rights. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusive language and the impact of public figures' statements on the transgender community. Dr. Steelman emphasizes the need for empathy, understanding, and informed dialogue around gender identity. They address the shared struggles of cis and trans women, advocating for solidarity and allyship while navigating the complexities of fandom in light of harmful public discourse.

MuggleCast opens with a listener email addressing current events in America. Also, please note we recorded this episode before JKR's latest hurtful tweets. Some suggested recommendations and resources that can help us all learn: Understand racism doesn't "go away" - it mutates. Learn from organizations like The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, The Vera Institute of Justice, The National Civil Rights Museum, The Innocence Project, and The MBK Alliance. Everyone has biases , many of them unconscious - find ways to confront your implicit biases Amplify the voices of people of color, but recognize when to be quiet and listen VOTE for candidates and legislation that will hold authorities accountable Visit Ethel's Club, which provides free grieving and healing sessions to African Americans around the world, led by licensed black therapists. Support black businesses in your area: Official Black Wall Street, EatOkra (iOS and Android). Alison Sudol, Dan Fogler and Whoopi Goldberg read the latest chapters from Sorcerer's Stone! Harry Potter face coverings are now available from WizardingWorld.com MuggleMail covers yet another definition of the word punting! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 31: O.W.L.S 7-Word Summary: Exams can cause severe headaches and visions  Ron has a little bit of James in him! Malfoy Career Advice: "It's not what you know, it's who you know." Comparing the O.W.L.S to standardized testing here in the United States Anxiety, all-nighters, drugs, cheating and more! Griselda Marchbanks: Dumbledore can "do things with a wand she's never seen before!" Oh, reallllly? Patronus Extra Credit The Removal of Rubeus Hagrid Why does Umbridge choose to sack Hagrid in this manner? Is this even about his job? We discuss the connection to current events. A History of Magic exam gone Siriusly bad! Why wasn't Harry provided more information about what Voldemort was after? The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 94! Quizzitch: Who is the head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority? Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! This week's episode is sponsored by BeachBody On Demand: Work out from the comfort of home and still get super effective workouts, making you feel better! Text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 to get a free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is a new children's story from JKR, and she's releasing fresh chapters every week day! All eight Harry Potter movies have been made available for streaming on HBO MAX. In Bonus MuggleCast, available now on Patreon, the hosts and listeners share their go-to HP films, and Micah tears apart Deathly Hallows, Part 2. The MuggleCast 15th Anniversary T-Shirt is here! Become a Patron by June 30 at the Dumbledore’s Army level or higher to get yours! MuggleMail topics include Sirius' relationship with Harry, bullying at Hogwarts, and Snape's maturation process. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix - Chapter 30: Grawp 7-Word Summary: Hagrid reveals another giant secret mistake, Grawp Hogwarts professors and students are in open rebellion. Who put the Niffler in Umbridge's office? Harry comes clean about the Triwizard Winnings Can Harry be expected to pick up Occlumency after what happened? The hosts share their meditation tips for Harry. Is Hagrid's strategy for grabbing Hermione and Harry a good one? Laura reveals the Greek origin of centaurs and the hosts compare book events that line up What was Hagrid THINKING bringing Grawp into an inhabited forest? Ron's Mirror of Erised moment happens! Quizzitch: Who is the head of the Wizarding Examinations Authority? This week’s episode is sponsored by MeUndies, underwear that's so good, Dobby would never take it off his head! Get 15% off your first order and free shipping by going to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Ryan! WizardingWorld.com's reread continues with Eddie Redmayne and Stephen Fry The MuggleCast 15th Anniversary T-Shirt is here! Become a Patron by June 30 at the Dumbledore's Army level or higher to get yours!  Muggle Mail covers lots of feedback on Snape's Worst Memory Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 29: Career Advice 7-Word Summary: Harry speaks to McGonagall about career opportunities Harry struggles with what he saw in Snape's Worst Memory Why doesn't Harry consult Hagrid or Professor McGonagall about his concerns? Harry wonders how James and Lily Potter could have fallen in love We discuss the importance of Ginny and the chocolate Easter Egg Harry isn't half bad at Potions when Snape isn't breathing down his neck! The Great Potter Debate: McGonagall vs. Umbridge! The hosts reenact the infamous Career Advice scene! BAD IDEA OF THE WEEK: Let's break into Umbridge's office! How flawed is Harry's plan to contact Sirius? Why can't Harry recall Sirius gave him something for this very situation? Was contacting Sirius worth the risk? Sirius and Remus provide some serious Marauder nostalgia The Great Weasley Escape The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 84! The hosts give their MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Chicken Soup For The MuggleCast Soul returns! Quizzitch: Who is the first person to score a goal against Ron in Chapter 30? This week's episode is sponsored by Quip, makers of an excellent electric toothbrush. Visit GetQuip.com/muggle to get your first refill FREE! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WizardingWorld.com is hosting a video reread of Sorcerer's Stone and Daniel Radcliffe kicks things off! Don't miss Quizzitch Live: The Goblet of Popcorn next Sunday, May 17 (11 am ET)! The MuggleCast 15th Anniversary T-Shirt is here! Become a Patron by June 30 at the Dumbledore's Army level or higher to get yours!  Muggle Mail covers Ministry toilet access, Hermione's advice to Harry and memory perspective! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix – Chapter 28: Snape's Worst Memory 7-Word Summary: Discoveries are difficult to watch in Pensieve  Why didn't Professor McGonagall take over as Headmistress? We reveal something in Hogwarts that ISN'T a security nightmare! The Inquisitorial Squad The Weasley Twins, their loyalty to Dumbledore and their ability to perform exceptional magic Connecting The Threads between Montague and the Vanishing Cabinet Is it fair that Filch is Caretaker of Hogwarts when he can't perform magic? Drink up! Could Umbridge's attempts be any more obvious? As far as apologies go, where does Cho's rank? Inside Snape’s Worst Memory: should Harry have taken this magical leap? How does time work inside people's memories? Why doesn't Harry recognize his mother's initials? Why does Harry see this memory from the third person? Why does he have such freedom of movement? We analyze the younger versions of James, Sirius, Lupin, Peter, Lily and Snape How are the Marauders any different than Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle? Is it Snape's Worst Memory because he calls Lily a mudblood? We discuss the future implications this scene has for both James and Harry The Umbridge Suck Count climbs to 80! The hosts give their MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter! Quizzitch: What punishment does Umbridge instruct Filch to apply to the Weasley Twins for their Swamp? Workout at home and see great results with BeachBody On Demand! Text 'mugglecast' to 30-30-30 to receive a free trial! Join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices