MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

CONSTANT VIGILANCE! On this week's episode of MuggleCast, you must be prepared for what awaits outside the walls of Hogwarts! Join us as we level up by learning the Unforgiveable Curses from a Death Eater-in-disguise, try our hand at Divination homework, and debate the rights of House-Elves! News covers: Details about the third Wizarding World land coming to Epic Universe and and some updates to Hogwarts Legacy! Bonus MuggleCast Alert: In May 2023, we spoke about what major ride we can expect in the Epic Universe land. And last month, we shared what we want to see Hogwarts Legacy add to the game. So, be sure to check them out at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 14: The Unforgiveable Curses 7-Word Summary: Neville reacts in a panic .... Main Discussion #1: Mad-Eye Fakey's First Lesson  Do the hosts recall ever being so excited for a class because the professor’s reputation preceded them? We compare and constrast Mad-Eye and Umbridge's first lessons Does REAL Mad-Eye Moody know or suspect the Defense Against The Darks Arts post is cursed? What about Barty Crouch Jr.? Why is Barty Crouch Jr. so invested in teaching students how to recognize and combat dark curses?  Do we think that the real Moody would have been able to cast these curses so seamlessly? Imperio: Was this practical demonstration the best way to drive home the severity of mind control? Crucio: Neville's bravery, his parents and Moody's second attempt to build currency with Harry Only at Hogwarts, would something as dark as the Killing Curse be taught to a class of fourth-years in their first lesson! Main Discussion #2: The Aftermath Do we think Mad-Eye is grooming Neville? What can we learn from Harry and Ron's Divination homework? The hosts take a crack at predictions for each other! Did the author set Hermione up for success with a name like S.P.E.W.? What does Ron's reaction to S.P.E.W. say about his upbringing, his character and the wizarding world as a whole? Quizzitch: What are the first two words of Sirius’ second letter back to Harry this year? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hogwarts professors' competence is ranked. Draco gets his karma as Moody turns him into a ferret. Speculation about head writers for a Harry Potter TV series. Debatable usefulness of magical creatures in lessons. Is Hagrid fit to be a teacher? Trelawney messes up Harry's birthday. Rita Skeeter's article shades Mr. Weasley. Analysis of Goblet of Fire Chapter 13: Mad-Eye Moody.

Guest Micah shares insights from his recent travels to Paris and London. The hosts discuss the safety precautions taken at Hogwarts for the 1994 school year, debating the harsh weather foreshadowing. They explore Peeves' role at Hogwarts, the Sorting Hat's annual song, and house-elf rights activism. The announcement of the Triwizard Tournament and Dumbledore's wit during the selection process are also highlighted.

Choo Choo! It's time to return to Hogwarts as our Chapter-by-Chapter series continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 11, "Aboard the Hogwarts Express." Join Andrew, Laura, Eric and Slug Club member Ning Xi as they dive deep into the topics that stand out on our latest reread. Our official Etsy store now contains some special discount and bundled items, such as the Comfy Cozy Combo Pack! Fancy yourself some socks and a warm beanie? Check out the full assortment of items available now! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 11: Aboard the Hogwarts Express 7-Word Summary: Traveling by train proves informative for Harry Amos Diggory appears at the Burrow! In... the fireplace? Why!? What makes (and doesn't make) the Floo Network a fitting medium for the equivalent of telephone communications? The hosts all examine. The toast Molly offers is Eric's "I love magic" moment. Mad-Eyes and misdirection abound. Does the fact that Arthur and Dumbledore like Alastor Moody make us more likely, or less, to believe that he is overly paranoid? What would the function of real Muggle "Please-men" actually be? We speculate. On the train to Hogwarts, Draco boasts that Durmstrang School does not let Muggleborns in. But, is that REALLY possible given the Statute of Secrecy? How would a school that teaches Dark Arts, not just Defense Against the Dark Arts, actually operate? Are the locations of the Wizarding schools hidden from the parents of the students who attend? Or just not known to Hermione in particular? Should Arthur have told Ron, Harry et al about the Triwizard Tournament, which would have prevented Draco from bullying them for not knowing? Shout-out to Barty Crouch Jr. who is actually pretty darn good at what he does. We'll... be keeping track of that. In Bonus MuggleCast this week over on MuggleCast's Patreon, we review the recently announced sales figures for Hogwarts Legacy and discusswhat the future for Wizarding world video games may be given the game's success. Next week's Quizzitch question: Name 2 of the 3 items that Filch has added to the list of forbidden objects (at the start of Harry's year 4) Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy New Year! It's our first episode of 2024 and we’ll be watching our words carefully, lest Rita Skeeter twists any of our statements to create some hot goss for The Daily Prophet! Welcome officially to MuggleCast: 19 years later! The MuggleCast Overstock Store is open again! This is where you can buy MuggleCast merch and help support the show! And we have an update: It’s cold in the Northern Hemisphere, so MuggleCast is helping you out this winter with the MuggleCast Beanie and Socks Comfy Cozy Combo Pack: Purchase this new combo set for $25 – it’s cheaper than buying the socks and beanie separate, and you’ll be warm on both ends of your muggle body for winter! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 10: Mayhem At The Ministry 7-Word Summary: Arthur laments over a problematic news cycle Main Discussion #1: The Aftermath Security Nightmare! Why did any witch or wizard hang around after the Death Eater attack? Evacuation plans should’ve been in place and activated! We examine the exploitation of Mr. Roberts by both the Death Eaters and The Ministry. Why was he not taken to St. Mungo's? Could they have used a Pensieve to remove the memory of the attack? Freaking Out Molly: Had the author not conceptualized Patronus messaging yet? And not ONE Weasley could have gone home early? Main Discussion #2: Rita Skeeter, Unethical Journalism & Ministry Blunders We discuss Rita’s ability to acquire information being aided significantly by her being an unregistered animagus Just WHAT do beetles represent? Does Rita’s journalism, unethical at times though it is, do an actual public service in the case of both of the Quidditch World Cup and the disappearance of Bertha Jorkins? Molly clearly recognizes that Rita is a hack, but later on in Goblet of Fire she laps up every lie printed about Hermione. Why? Obviously, we’re familiar with the real-world consequences of this brand of journalism. Have any of the hosts ever been caught up in following salacious, gossip-based reporting? Have we ever caught ourselves pulling a Mrs. Weasley: either dismissing or assigning merit to a piece of reporting based on whether it reinforced our personal beliefs? Odds & Ends cover Mundungus Fletcher, Ron's dress robes, Trelawney's prophecy and more! Quizzitch: What spell does Hermione start learning on the Hogwarts Express (in Harry's fourth year)? And don’t forget you can join our community at Patreon.com/MuggleCast and receive magical benefits, including early access to the show, Bonus MuggleCast, physical gifts and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

MuggleCast is your weekly ride into the Harry Potter fandom! Join us every Tuesday as we discuss each book in the series. We are currently hosting a fascinating Chapter-by-Chapter re-read in which we dive deep into the characters, plot, themes, and foreshadowing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discussion kicks off with festive greetings and big news about a Harry Potter TV reboot! They dive into what this means for uncovering untold stories and the challenges of previous films. Excitement brews for the North American tour of 'Cursed Child'. The hosts reflect on staging Harry Potter in schools and the charm of illustrated editions. They also analyze the latest in the gaming world, especially upcoming titles like 'Quidditch Champions' and potential expansions. Fans have plenty to look forward to in the ever-evolving Wizarding World!

What would an upgraded, Wizard version of Santa Claus look like? Would he have any need for reindeer, or could he Apparate? This and other holiday-related questions are the focus of our last bonus MuggleCast segment for 2023! We also discuss non-Christmas holiday representation, and how many times "Santa" appeared in canon.  For two brand new Bonus MuggleCast installments every month, become a Patron or sign up for our paid Apple Podcasts subscription! We couldn't do this show without your support, so thank you in advance! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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