In this week’s MuggleCast, we’re setting book 4 down and picking up on real world controversy that was happening RIGHT as Goblet of Fire was first published, in July of 2000. At issue was whether the series, quickly gaining national publicity in the US, was instructing young readers to take up witchcraft, join the devil and abandon God. It’s HP vs Christianity on MuggleCast 666!

• New episodes of MuggleCast will now be released in full video on our YouTube channel, right when they are released on our podcast feed!
• For today’s Main Discussion, Eric has compiled a PDF of sources from the late 90’s to 2007 news media. The polished PDF is available via this link.
• By July of 2000, Harry Potter had gained massive popularity in the US, and raise alarm bells with some concerned parents.
• Were any of the hosts told not to read the HP books on religious grounds?
• The controversy may be categorized as a moral panic, not unlike the Satanic Panic phenomenon of the 80’s/90’s, which unfortunately had large ramifications.
• Why was HP targeted? And why were evangelicals in particular caught up in it?
• We discuss four main arguments against the Potter books: that they will make children want to do witchcraft or join the occult; that they make children susceptible to evil by downplaying the danger of magic; that the books themselves are intentionally demonic; that the books are just plain immoral! (We find it hard to disagree with the last point).
• Is there any evidence that kids joined the occult after reading the books?
• Years later in 2005, what did Georgia parent Laura Mallory add to the discussion surrounding the books?
• We review our own attempts on MuggleCast to get a hold of Mrs. Mallory.
• As late as 2019, the argument was still being used to ban books. What lessons can we learn from these events?
• Be sure to subscribe to MuggleCast Gold via Apple Podcasts, or join our Patreon for access to Bonus MuggleCast segments.
• Visit mugglecast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, favorite episodes and more!
• A very special thank you to Connie Neal, Judy Bloom, Rainbow Rowell and others for extolling the virtues of the Harry Potter series when we were all children and too young to do so in print media.

Download now  OR, now read the Episode 666 Transcript!

This week, witness the return of Lord Voldemort himself after 13 years without a proper body! To celebrate this ‘rebirthing party’, we’ll be discussing two chapters of Goblet of Fire!

LAST CHANCE to grab this year’s physical gift…  The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you’ll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today!

• Thanks to everyone who came out to see us at LeakyCon Portland!
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 31: Flesh, Blood and Bone and Chapter 32: The Death Eaters
• 7-Word Summary #1: Cedric falls to his untimely, sad demise
• Main Discussion #1: The Death of Cedric Diggory
• In such a frantic state, how can Wormtail muster the ability to cast the Killing Curse? Would Cedric have a had chance at survival if not for helping Harry?
• Does Harry have any time to process what’s just happened to Cedric?
• Kill The Spare: Voldemort shows his complete disregard for human life
• Main Discussion #2: The Dark Lord’s Return
• We walk through the steps one must take in order to recreate a Dark Lord and analyze the symbolism of Voldemort in baby form
• Bone of the Father, Unknowingly Given. Why is it necessary for Voldemort to use his father’s bone given the magic comes from his mother’s side of the family?
• Flesh of the Servant, Willingly Given. How can one hand regenerate an entire body?
• By severing his right hand, has Wormtail eliminated any hope of Sirius’ innocence?
• Blood of the Enemy, Forcibly Taken. Why did Voldemort have to wait for Harry?
• 7-Word Summary #2: Loyalists arrive and worship Voldemort’s triumphant revival
• Main Discussion #3: Voldemort Is Feeling “Chatty”
• How much does Voldemort know about his mother and father’s relationship?
• Should Voldemort really be giving lessons on Chosen Family? Are any of his Death Eaters truly loyal to him?
• If Voldemort knew of Wormtail’s debt to Harry, would he have killed him right there?
• Roll Call: We analyze the Death Eaters who are and are not present in the graveyard
• Main Discussion #4: How Did Voldemort Do It?
• Horcrux Tease! How much do the Death Eaters know about the lengths Voldemort went to in order to avoid death?
• Did Nagini’s venom help Voldemort resume a more human form because Nagini herself used to be human?
• Quizzitch: What does the shadow of James Potter tell Harry he must do?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

Download now OR, now read the Episode 665 Transcript!

Get ready for an A-MAZE-ING episode as we take on the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they discuss Chapter 31 of Goblet of Fire, “The Third Task.”

Reminder: This year’s physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here…  The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you’ll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today!

• News: the Harry Potter TV show has found its showrunner and director
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 30: The Pensieve
• 7-Word Summary: Riddles guard the misleading way to victory
• Main Discussion #1: Family Matters
• Hermione, Ron and Harry are all becoming quite adept at useful spells. They’re such good friends!
• Rita Skeeter’s awful latest article is setting up the exact tone that the Ministry uses next year to discredit Harry Potter.
• Could Fudge have ushered along the publication of Rita’s hit piece on Harry, in retaliation for embarrassing him in the previous chapter?
• How can Molly Weasley tell Amos Diggory he’s overreacting, only to then go and treat Hermione poorly for Rita’s earlier article?
• What If?: The Dursleys actually did show up at Hogwarts for Harry’s Third Task?
• Main Discussion #2: The Maze
• Are there a sufficient amount of obstacles in The Maze for the champions to face? Is Mad-Eye Fakey removing some of them to make Harry’s job easier?
• Harry’s performance during the Third Task underscores how much he cares about other people.
• We examine each of the creatures and puzzles Harry faces in the maze.
• Micah, as a throwback to his own former section on MuggleNet, gets really into the origins of the sphinx.
• Could the sphinx’s riddle actually be pertaining to Snape?
• is Harry’s latest casting of Expelliarmus his most egregious yet?
• Would Fakey have allowed Cedric to take the cup on his own?
• Odds and Ends cover a future romance for Bill Weasley, as well as one in his past…?!
• Quizzitch: What are Voldemort’s first words after he climbs out of the cauldron, fully grown?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!
• Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount! For a list of MuggleCast appearances at the con, visit MuggleCast dot com/live.

Download now OR, now read the Episode 664 Transcript!

This week, we’re diving headfirst into Dumbledore’s memories that he definitely didn’t leave accessible on purpose. So get ready to stand trial with Andrew, Micah, Laura and Morgan as we try to piece it all together before The Third Task begins!

Reminder: This year’s physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here…  The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you’ll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today!

• Welcome, Slug Club guest Morgan of That Nerd Thing podcast!
• News: Dan Radcliffe wins his first Tony Award
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 30: The Pensieve
• 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore craftily leaves exposed memories inside basin
• Main Discussion #1: The Trials & The Pensieve
• Dumbledore intentionally left the Pensieve cabinet door open for Harry, right?
• Why are there constant references to Dumbledore looking old?
• YUCK! It’s our first taste of the wizarding world justice system!
• Karkaroff the Canary: the hosts react to Snape’s Death Eater reveal!
• Ludo’s celebrity status bends the rules of justice! Can we make any real world compairsons? Should there have been any consequences for his actions?
• Hi, Bellatrix! 😉
• How was it determined that Barty Crouch Jr. actually took part in the torture of the Longbottoms? Could it be guilt by association?
• Looking at the memories all together, where is Dumbledore’s mind right now?
• Main Discussion #2: Dream Recap
• While still baffled by what’s happening at Hogwarts, Dumbledore is starting to put the pieces of Horcruxgate together!
• What does Dumbledore make of both Frank Bryce and Bertha Jorkins disappearing?
•  Why is Barty Crouch Sr. vanishing at Hogwarts not a huge red flag?
• The truth about Neville’s parents is revealed!
• Quizzitch: Which Weasley family members are not present for the Third Task? (you must list them all)
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!
• Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount!

Download now OR, now read the Episode 663 Transcript!

This week, get ready to be undoubtedly stimulated by the extraordinary clairvoyant vibrations of Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as your hosts deal with being grounded by not one, but two adults, processing wild dreams and battling Voldemort-inducing headaches!

This year’s physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here…  The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you’ll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MugglecCast today!

• Welcome, Slug Club guest Feryal!
• News: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown fancies himself a Harry Potter fan
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 29: The Dream
• 7-Word Summary: Sirius grounds Harry because he is naughty
• Main Discussion #1: Grounded for His Own Good
• Why wasn’t the Ministry called to investigate immediately?
• Did Harry, Ron and Hermione’s experiences with Mad-Eye Moody (Fakey) and Barty Crouch Sr. feed the Ministry distrust we see develop in Order of the Phoenix?
• How many more “perfect cover” situations does Mad-Eye Moody (Fakey) have left in his arsenal? Are there signs he is starting to crack under the weight of it all?
• Does Harry’s lack of a true parental figure inform his reaction to Sirius’ letter?
• Main Discussion #2: The Dream and its Aftermath
• Why does Harry get regularly triggered inside of Trelawney’s classroom?
• Why is Harry’s perspective during the dream so erratic?
• While not mentioned by name, should Harry have picked up on the letter (he helped deliver) being about Barty Crouch Sr.?
• Could this be THE moment when Voldemort realizes the connection between himself and Harry?
• Why is Dumbledore’s office password-protected? Shouldn’t he at least have a doorbell? Or an assistant?
• Fudge begins to reveal his true colors! How delicious of a moment is the Dumbledore’s office scene for Barty Crouch Jr.?
• Odds & Ends cover Fred and George’s private business matters, Mars, humming insects, Snape the Bat and Cockroach Clusters!
• What If?! Barty Crouch Sr. had not fired Winky? Could she have saved him (and Cedric) from a horrible fate?
• Quizzitch: After Ludo Bagman’s trial, what Quidditch match does a jury member congratulate him on?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!
• Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount!

Download now OR, now read the Episode 662 Transcript!

What’s that in the bushes? It’s another introduction into the horrors of true crime as we follow Harry and Viktor Krum into the woods of the Forbidden Forest! Joining us for this episode are Nicole and Lexi of Fantasy Fangirls podcast! With plenty of laughs and deep coverage of another massive chapter of Book 4, listen now as we discuss “The Madness of Mr. Crouch!”

• Welcome back Nicole and Lexi of the Fantasy Fangirls podcast!
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 28: The Madness of Mr. Crouch
• 7-Word Summary: Harry finds Crouch disturbed inside the forest
• Main Discussion #1: Drinky has a winking problem
• Down in the kitchens, Harry and Hermione uncover more clues at the expense of making every situation worse.
• Laura has calculated Winky’s BAC, and it’s not good.
• Is Crouch Sr. careless to not have taken Winky back, and does he rely on House-Elf magic to feel confident that she’ll keep his secrets, which she does?
• Main Discussion #2: a wild Mr. Crouch appears!
• Down on the pitch, we learn that the points so far haven’t mattered… much.
• Nicole explains why she would quit the Triwizard Tournament at this point.
• Krum pulls Harry aside… to talk about girls!
• Has Crouch Sr. traveled all this way on FOOT? Or by magic?
• Should Harry have asked Crocuh Sr. more direct follow-up questions before leaving Krum alone with him?
• Does Dumbledore fear Krum, or fear for Krum in this moment?
• Does Igor Karkaroff kind of have a point about fairness?
• Is Hagrid about to be revealed to be Uncle Vernon in disguise?
• Odds & Ends include the principality of Andorra! Cornelius Fudge’s wife! Christmas Nifflers, Barty Crouch Jr.’s test scores, and more.
• Quizzitch: Who is the second person Mad-Eye Fakey tells should become an Auror as a career?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!
• For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast!
• Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount!

Download now OR, now read the Episode 661 Transcript!

This week, TAKE NOTE! No, we mean it, TAKE NOTES! Because everything you need to know about the plot of Goblet of Fire is revealed as Padfoot Returns!

• Eric has an announcement to kick off this Pride Month!
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 27: Padfoot Returns
• 7-Word Summary: Crouch is not innocent of any crimes
• Main Discussion #1: Second Task Hangover
• Does Snape behave any differently from a teacher catching students talking or passing a note in class?
• Snape calls Harry a “nasty little boy”… do we think he’s projecting here?
• Boomslang Skin & Gillyweed: Snape’s stores have been broken into, but what evidence does Snape have that it was Harry?
• Did Harry effectively use Occlumency without even realizing it?
• Should Harry have challenged Snape to give him Veritaserum?
• What’s up with Karkaroff’s arm?
• Main Discussion #2: Cave Crouching
• Why is Sirius the only real parental figure that shows up for Harry?
• Oh, Peter! Sirius is eating rats? Do we think that’s a coincidence?
• Sirius paints a harrowing picture of the First War and Azkaban Prison
• Good People & Death Eaters: After Sirius reveals the true Barty Crouch Sr., we analyze Harry’s inclination to label him a Death Eater
• If Barty had spent some more time with his son, what would have happened?
• How is it possible during his time in Azkaban, Sirius never got confirmation Barty Crouch Jr. was a Death Eater, learned Snape was a Death Eater, heard of the Dark Mark tattoo?
• Ron jokingly solves everything at the end of the chapter!
• Odds & Ends cover Ludo Bagman, Bertha Jorkins and Second Task safety protocols!
• Quizzitch: What food does Harry send to Sirius in his cave, that Pigwidgeon isn’t suitable for?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!
• For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast!
• Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount!

Download now OR, now read the Episode 660 Transcript!

Grab your House-themed pennants and something to do for an hour, because today we’re heading down to the Black Lake and celebrating a Triwizard Task that nobody above ground can see or appreciate! Join Eric, Laura, Micah and special guest Chloé as they discuss Chapter 26 of Goblet of Fire, “The Second Task.”

• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 26: The Second Task
• 7-Word Summary: The merpeople mock Harry incessantly under water
• Main Discussion #1: Leading up to the task
• Hagrid’s back teaching. Do we miss Professor Grubbly-Plank?
• Could Harry be reaching out to Lupin or other folks for help?
• Have we ever overslept on the day of an exam and had to wing it?
• Main Discussion #2: The Task and Immediate Aftermath
• Why are the other headmasters so visibly annoyed at Harry? Could they tone it down a bit?
• What does the Second Task look like, for the audience and spectators? Even Dumbledore has to ask the merpeople what happened at the end of it.
• Micah’s Hot Take: Hermione is not meaningful enough to Krum for her to be his hostage.
• The hosts debate: were the ‘hostages’ ever really in danger? We also polled our Patrons… twice.
• Are we disappointed by the writing’s handling of Fleur’s performance?
• Do we agree with the final results of the Second Task?
• Odds and Ends touches on a Skeeter sighting, and another mention of their school hats!
• Quizzitch: Who authorized Aurors to use the Unforgivable Curses during the first Wizarding war?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!
• For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast!
• Reminder: Micah and Eric and Chloé will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount!

Download now OR, now read the Episode 659 Transcript!

Crank up the hot water and pour the bubbles, because this week we’re soaking in the Prefects bathroom with, eh, Moaning Myrtle! Then grab your Invisibility Cloak and head downstairs because Moody and Snape are must-see TV! 

• Welcome Slug Club member, Geoff!
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 25: The Egg & The Eye
• 7-Word Summary: Mermaids sing to a bathroom of children
• Main Discussion #1: Harry’s First Bath in 14 Years
• Is the Prefects Bathroom everything we’ve ever wanted?
• Moaning Myrtle is back!
• Why is Myrtle confined to the Hogwarts plumbing? Who is monitoring her?
• How do feel about Myrtle’s bathroom behavior?
• Soooo… Hogwarts is dumping all of its waste into the Black Lake?
• Geoff gives us a beautiful rendition of The Second Task Clue
• Main Discussion #2: Curiosity Killed the Cat
• Could the Horcrux be behind Harry’s pursuit of Barty Crouch Jr.?
• Security Nightmare: Why has Hogwarts not fixed that trick step?
• We dare you to name another wizard who could tell Snape to go to bed (and live)!
• Should Moody’s eye be able to see through a Deathly Hallow?
• What if… Harry’s foot didn’t get trapped?
• Do we think Moody’s recommendation that Harry become an Auror is sincere?
• Quizzitch: According to Hagrid, at what age do unicorns become pure white?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!
• For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast!
• Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount!

Download now OR, now read the Episode 658 Transcript!

This week, we revisit the ever-exciting MuggleMail bag and listen to your voicemails on all things Goblet of Fire. The debate about Cedric’s clue to Harry rages on, and listeners have opinions on everything from House-Elf rights to defending Ron Weasley’s youth.

• Voicemails cover House-Elf evolution, Cedric’s clue, judges at professional sporting events, and Barty Crouch, Sr.
• The Hungarian Horntail may NOT have been the last addition to the First Task, multiple listeners posit.
• Quidditch could easily have fit in between the 3 year-long tasks, couldn’t it?
• One listener defends Ron Weasley’s recent actions on the basis of his youth. Do we let him off the hook?
• Do Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students have classes with Hogwarts professors?
• Working backwards from the Portkey, does the plot of Book 4 even work?
• Do Aurors have the same damage to their souls as Death Eaters if they both kill to survive?
• Feminism in Harry Potter has some pitfalls from the onset, one listener opines.
• What did Sirius Black’s family members think upon receiving word of his incarceration?
• The hosts take turns choosing one wizarding profession that they would have in the Wizarding world.
• Quizzitch: Where specifically does Moaning Myrtle mention haunting Olive Hornby?
• This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!
• Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount!!

Download now OR, now read the Episode 657 Transcript!