MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

In this episode, the podcast discusses the chaos caused by Death Eaters at the Quidditch World Cup celebration and the significance of the Dark Mark as a symbol of discrimination and danger. They explore the lasting effects of trauma and the current climate of hate, as well as contrasting views on house elves between Hermione and Ron.

The Quidditch World Cup is a security nightmare! (Are you really surprised?) This week, the MuggleCasters dive in (from no less a height than the Top Box) to discussion about rogue mascots and classism as we discuss Chapter 8 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, "The Quidditch World Cup." Thanks to all who listen to our podcast on Spotify! You made our Wrapped something special. Reminder to check out The MuggleCast Overstock Store for any last-minute holiday gifts you may be seeking! Give the gift of MuggleCast merch to you and yours! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 8: The Quidditch World Cup 7-Word Summary: Athletes compete vigorously against their formidable opponents Main Discussion #1: House-Elves return! Harry thinks he sees Dobby. But how exactly does Winky know Dobby? Are Dobby's ideas of being paid for his work too radical, or is Winky too conservative or downtrodden? And why is it a bad thing that Dobby remains free? We also get a reunion of sorts between Lucius and Arthur. What is this chapter trying to tell us about class differences in the Wizarding World? Main Discussion #2: The Veela are DANGEROUS! Right after first seeing them, Harry almost jumps out of the Top Box! How are they allowed? The Veela are of Slavic origin and may have roots in Greek myths; we explore. Are the Veela more like modern cheerleaders in their purpose, or are they emblematic of something else? Both team's mascots should be banned in the future, we consider. Quizzitch: From which book does Hermione learn about Beauxbatons Academy of Magic? Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast, we review the biggest events in fandom of 2023 and look ahead to 2024! This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) and MeUndies (get 25% off your first order, plus free standard shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your plainest clothing, because we’re journeying to the Quidditch World Cup under cover and meeting Ludo the Gamblin' Man and Grouchy Crouchy! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and our friends Lexi and Nicole from Fantasy Fangirls for a camping trip you won't soon forget! Welcome, the hosts of Fantasy Fangirls, Nicole and Lexi! Fantasy Fangirls is currently covering Fourth Wing / Iron Flame, which has been one of the most popular book series this year! Follow them for hours of entertainment on Instagram and TikTok! Lexi leaves everyone in awe as she rattles off every Goblet of Fire chapter from memory! And yes, she can do the entire series from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows - a fantastic holiday party trick! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 7: Bagman and Crouch 7-Word Summary: Arriving at the campsite makes much happen  Main Discussion #1: Hiding the Quidditch World Cup from Muggles How does Arthur Weasley not know how Muggle money works? What is the lasting impact of wiping Mr. Roberts' memory 10 times per day? Prohibiting witches and wizards from doing magic at the Quidditch World Cup is ABSURD! Why hasn't a better plan been devised after all these years? Just Hhw many witches and wizards are there in the world? Why should Harry and Hermione have to put the tent together? Could it be foreshadowing to Deathly Hallows? Brother and sister? Former lovers? Could there be a secret connection between Perkins and Mrs. Figg? Main Discussion #2: Bagman and Crouch (our initial impressions) We examine the ethics of Ludo Bagman placing and collecting bets on the Quidditch World Cup What sticky situation did Arthur get Ludo out of that awarded him 10 VIP tickets? What does it say about Barty Crouch Sr. that he completely botches Percy's name? Odds & Ends cover Ron fangirling over Krum, other wizarding schools, Bode The Unspeakable, magic carpets, water taps, Seamus Finnegan's mom and more! Quizzitch: What broomstick does Harry see advertised as being, "for All the Family" at the Quidditch World Cup? The MuggleCast Overstock Store is STILL OPEN! Ever wanted one of our cool physical gifts that we send to Patrons, but didn’t want to subscribe to our Patreon? WELL, for the first time ever, we are selling leftover physical gifts from years past! Only while supplies last! This week’s episode is brought to you by Uncommon Goods (get 15% off your first order at UncommonGoods.com/MUGGLECAST) & Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday we are not releasing a new episode this week. Instead, we're opening up the Patreon vault and sharing one of our favorite Bonus MuggleCast installments: Favorite Headcannons! In this installment Laura shares some crazy headcannons from fandom over the years, and we decide if we agree or disagree with them. A second installment of Favorite Headcannons is available on our Patreon. Pledge today to receive access to two new Bonus MuggleCast installments every month! These will also be available to paid Apple Podcasts subscribers beginning in 2024. Chapter by Chapter of Goblet of Fire will resume next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah in a lively discussion about the pitfalls of magical transportation in the Wizarding World. They explore the differences between Portkeys and Apparition, discuss the governments involved in protecting the Statute of Secrecy, and defend Percy for Apparating downstairs. They also debate alternative Thanksgiving dishes in the Wizarding World and question wizard attire and the respect for certain characters' jobs within the ministry.

In this podcast, the hosts delve into the Weasley family dynamics, discuss the surprising personalities of Bill and Charlie, analyze Fred and George's pranks, challenge Molly's assessment of them, and examine Percy's behavior and revelations. They also share exciting announcements and updates about the show.

An all-women panel discusses the representation of women in Harry Potter, highlighting stereotyping, demonization of femininity, and thoughtful portrayals. They explore female friendships, societal beauty standards, and inclusivity in feminism. The episode offers insights into character dynamics, self-empowerment, and the complexities of gender norms in literature. Lively discussions on magical beings, Wizarding World cosmetics, and Patreon support round out the engaging conversation.

Get ready for the latest installment of Quizzitch Live! There are some TRICKs in this edition, but we find it all to be quite a TREAT. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as we visit some O.W.L. subjects such as Potions, Charms, Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts. On either end of the show we also have two Halloween-themed rounds: Candy of the Wizarding World, and a James and Lily Potter tribute round. Our at-home edition of Quizzitch Live will rely on the honor system! Write down the answer you think is correct, in the time it takes us to prepare the answer, and count up the total "correct" answers to measure yourself against the winners at the end! Most of all, have an un-BOO-lievable amount of fun! If you loved this Quizzitch Live and still want more, visit our YouTube Playlist of previous editions! This week's episode is sponsored by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) and Uncommon Goods (get 15% off your first order at UncommonGoods.com/MUGGLECAST). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to unblock your fireplace and let our hosts into your living room! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as things heat up inside No. 4 Privet Drive! And make sure to mind the flying ornaments and Ton-Tongue Toffee! Quizzitch Live is returning! October 28th at 11 AM ET will see the latest Halloween edition of our trivia game where listeners can participate live and win prizes! Study up on your O.W.L. level Charms, Potions, Transfiguration, Defense Against The Dark Arts and more! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 4: Back to the Burrow 7-Word Summary: Arthur attempts to help with Dudley’s tongue  We all know that the Weasleys cause some good old-fashioned havoc on Privet Drive, but was it all quite necessary? Offenses include: Sending multiple delegates - did Ron, Fred and George need to be there? Why didn't Molly accompany Arthur? Being insensitive to Dudley’s trauma - who, if anybody is aware of the pig tail situation? And baiting Dudley - we debate the actions of Fred and George toward Harry's cousin. Were they intentionally feeding his addiction to sweets? With all the magic going on at Privet Drive, why doesn't the Ministry show up? Despite all of the chaos, Arthur still calls the Dursleys manners into question! What Muggle items do we think Arthur would have enjoyed most at the Dursely home? WHAT IF... only Arthur and Molly came to pick up Harry? Would it have improved relations between Harry’s surrogate parents and his guardians? Odds & Ends cover the relentless fat shaming of both Dudley and Vernon Quizzitch: How many times did Harry physically visit The Burrow during the 7-book series? Transcripts are now available for our most recent episodes of MuggleCast, with more coming each week! This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass (get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast today to get 10% off your first month)! And don’t forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including Bonus MuggleCast! We have two brand-new ones headed your way this October, including a Halloween costume special and another edition of Favorite Headcannons! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this podcast, the hosts delve into Chapters 2 and 3 of Goblet of Fire, discussing Harry's dream, his scar pain, and the potential influence of Nagini. They explore the significance of chosen family and analyze the fat-shaming elements in the book. The hosts also speculate on Ron's new owl and Percy's new job at the ministry.