Category: Episodes

Listen to every episode of MuggleCast since 2005. Click here for our Chapter by Chapter Archive.

Episode #598: Old Immortal Lover (Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17)

/ Micah

In this week’s episode, Harry finally enters the Chamber of Secrets! But does he leave with more questions than he had coming in? And, knowing what the diary truly represents, the hosts dive deep into the world of Horcruxes! Join us as we discuss the penultimate chapter of Chamber of Secrets!

  • Welcome, Voldemort enthusiast and friend of the show, Tylor Starr! Be sure to follow him on social media and check out his Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook!
  • Main Discussion: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17: The Heir of Slytherin
  • 7-Word Summary: Memories reveal answers about Tom’s legacy fulfillment
  • Are Horcruxes self-aware? Do they have a hivemind? Does the diary-version of Tom Riddle know he’s a Horcrux?
  • How does a Horcrux work when another form still exists? If Tom Riddle weren’t killed here, would there have been a current Voldemort and a Tom Riddle, or would they have merged together?
  • What if… Ginny had found fulfillment and happiness instead of being teased by her brothers, feeling like she didn’t fit in, and harboring unrequited feelings for Harry? Would Riddle have been able to manipulate her otherwise?
  • Should Harry have told Tom Riddle what he knew about Voldemort’s downfall? Did it inform Voldemort’s future actions?
  • We explore Signs that Tom Riddle is Voldemort: did we suspect this when we first read the book?
  • If he didn’t have the brains or the power, why was Hagrid a good person to frame?
  • Connecting The Threads to Half-Blood Prince: Fawkes, teenage Tom Riddle, the charming manipulation of others and the similarities between Harry and Tom
  • Connecting The Threads to Deathly Hallows: The Sword of Gryffindor and Basilisk Fangs
  • Ever wondered what other anagrams come from Tom Marvolo Riddle? Check out this great list from Katie Rose! And we have few international versions that will make you laugh out loud!
  • Quizzitch: What does Fred drop on George’s head after he learns Percy has a girlfriend?
  • Next week: We wrap up our chapter-by-chapter discussion of Chamber of Secrets with Chapter 18.
  • This week’s episode is brought to you by MasterClass (get unlimited access to EVERY class, and as a MuggleCast listener, you get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) and Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to starting hiring now)!
  • Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year!

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Episode #597: Built Ford Tough (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 15 and 16)

/ Eric

What exactly did the Forbidden Forest do to the Flying Ford Anglia? What did the teachers do all day when Ginny Weasley was discovered missing? And, should Hogwarts lock its front door? These questions and more are asked as your MuggleCast hosts delve into Chapters 15 and 16 of Chamber of Secrets on this week’s jam-packed Chapter-by-Chapter episode of MuggleCast! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura, Micah, and Slug Club guest Kimberly (who came prepared with some fun HP-themed Valentines greetings) as we near the final chapters of Book 2.

  • Welcome to the show Slug Club guest Kimberly!
  • Is it really Valentine’s Day without some Harry-Potter-themed greetings? The hosts are delighted to hear something new.
  • Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 15: Aragog
  • 7-Word Summary: Andrew and Micah devise, “Spiders spiders spiders spiders vroom vroom vroom“
  • Parallels abound between life at Hogwarts without Dumbledore in Book 2, and a similar time for students in Year 7.
  • Should Hogwarts lock its front door at night to prevent students leaving so easily as Harry and Ron do?
  • Harry and Ron are up to their eyes in spiders, and is Dumbledore responsible for their Anglia-driven rescue?
  • Aragog’s origins and his tale are explored in depth.
  • In Odds and Ends for Chapter 15, Draco jokes prophetically, the Hufflepuffs come around, Fang gets some relief, and Percy is caught fooling around.
  • Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 16: The Chamber of Secrets
  • 7-Word Summary: Laura and Eric come up with, “Gilderoy is revealed to have no integrity.”
  • Is it fair that Hogwarts doesn’t (yet) cancel exams for the 1992 school year?
  • Hermione provides Ron and Harry the key to solving the whole puzzle, while unconscious. Her most impressive feat yet!
  • Ginny tries to tell Ron and Harry something, but is interrupted…
  • …and Lockhart reveals himself to be every bit as incompetent as everybody feared.
  • For once, Ron and Harry brought a teacher into their circle, but it came at a cost.
  • What are the teachers all doing the entire day while Ginny is gone?
  • Would the person who put Hogwarts’ plumbing in have discovered the Chamber of Secrets, and (literally) covered it up? Wouldn’t it have been better if the tap on the sink had actually functioned?
  • Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17, The Heir of Slytherin!
  • Quizzitch: Who really opened the Chamber of Secrets 50 years ago?
  • Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year!
  • This week’s episode is brought to you by HelloFresh. Use code muggle65 for 65% off plus free shipping at HelloFresh.com/Muggle65. Also, by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast

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Episode #596: Horcrux Meet Cute (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 13 and 14)

/ Micah

Another episode, another attack at Hogwarts! Join us as we enter the pages of a secret diary, get treated to a special Valentine’s Day by Professor Lockhart and witness an epic showdown in Hagrid’s Hut between Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy and Cornelius Fudge! All as the threads between Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince continue to grow stronger!

  • Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 13: The Very Secret Diary
  • 7-Word Summary: Memories are misleading within Riddle’s secret diary
  • Don’t touch that book! Ron provides some important wizarding world advice to his best friend.
  • Harry, Ron and Hermione begin to connect the dots between The Chamber of Secrets opening 50 years ago and Tom Riddle being at Hogwarts 50 years ago… they just draw the wrong conclusion!
  • Harry notes it was “almost as though Riddle was a friend he’d had when he was very small, and had half-forgotten.” Is this our first introduction to the Horcrux connection?
  • Could Tom Riddle have killed Harry by trapping him inside the diary?
  • Connecting The Threads: memory alteration and manipulation are integral plot points in Half-Blood Prince!
  • Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 14: Cornelis Fudge
  • 7-Word Summary: Hagrid receives terrible news about leaving Hogwarts
  • Harry, Ron and Hermione are surprised to learn it was Hagrid who opened the Chamber of Secrets, but they’re not really surprised, are they?
  • As Hermione begins to piece things together, why doesn’t she seek out a professor?
  • Hermione is petrified and Tom Riddle’s Diary is stolen! But whose the culprit?
  • Checkout “A Very Secret Diary” by Arabella, which details Ginny Weasley’s interactions with the diary for her entire first year! Note: this is intended for a mature audience.
  • Would the Invisibility Cloak prevented Harry & Ron from being killed by the basilisk?
  • So many questions surround Hagrid’s arrest, first and foremost… WHERE’S THE ACTUAL EVIDENCE? Do any alternatives exist for Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge?
  • Much like Half-Blood Prince, Dumbledore leaves the school (in absolute chaos), with Harry shouldering the burden of solving the mystery!
  • Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 15 & 16!
  • Quizzitch: Who escorts the Gryffindors to their Herbology lesson?
  • Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year!

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Episode #595: The Great Potions Heist (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 11 and 12)

/ Eric

This week Snape demonstrates the famous Disarm Charm to a clearly impressionable Harry. Harry, meanwhile, throws a well-placed firework into Goyle’s cauldron. And it’s pandemonium when Harry is revealed to be a Parselmouth, leading the entire school to suspect him of being Slytherin’s heir (except Dumbledore, who weirdly lets Harry leave without interrogation.) Tons to talk about as the hosts cover chapters 11 and 12 of Chamber of Secrets during Chapter-by-Chapter!

  • News: Eddie Redmayne says he’s not aware of a 4th Fantastic Beasts movie. Is this the end?
  • Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 11: The Dueling Club
  • 7-Word Summary: Students get ready for their dueling club
  • We rank the trio’s plans to break into Snape’s personal potions storage and their successful execution!
  • Would Harry have been less suspected by Snape if he sabotaged a fellow Gryffindor?
  • After being discovered as a Parselmouth, the whole school suspects Harry is opening Slytherin’s chamber. We examine ALL the evidence against Harry and see if we are convinced.
  • When people are petrified, are they conscious or unconscious until they get cured?
  • Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 12: The Polyjuice Potion
  • 7-Word Summary: Draco confirms that he isn’t Slytherin’s baddie
  • Dumbledore lets Harry leave his office without any explanation or follow-up questions. Why?
  • Could Dumbledore have probed Harry’s mind deeper than we realize and gotten all the answers? If so, what did he do with that information?
  • Despite Hermione’s amazing planning, Ron and Harry stumble through their Polyjuice adventure. They don’t even know where the other common room is!
  • Does Harry ever visit Hedwig?
  • We rank Harry’s Christmas presents!!
  • Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 13 & 14!
  • Quizzitch: What Spell does Hermione use on T.M. Riddle’s diary?
  • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast

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Episode #594: Basilisk Photobomb (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 9 and 10)

/ Micah

The Chamber of Secrets is officially opened! But as Dumbledore says, the question is not who, but how? Join us as we learn more about the Chamber’s legend, check books out from the Restricted Section, evade Rogue bludgers and handle (un)helpful House-Elves. Plus, we continue to connect some major threads to events of Half-Blood Prince!

  • Welcome Slug Club member, Alyssa!
  • Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 9: The Writing on The Wall
  • 7-Word Summary: Filch scares Harry because he’s acting accusatory
  • Was the attack on Mrs. Norris a trial run? Was Filch the intended target? Or is Mrs. Norris too meddlesome for her own good?
  • What do we make of Ron’s reaction to Filch being a Squib? How is it possible that no other students were aware?
  • Why is Snape seemingly trying to implicate Harry? At this early stage, might Snape suspect Harry’s susceptibility to having his mind infiltrated by Voldemort?
  • Do we think students actually checked out all copies of Hogwarts: A History, or was it a strategic choice by Madam Pince to remove them from the library?
  • Harry struggles internally with almost having been sorted into Slytherin. Could he in fact be the heir?
  • Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger
  • 7-Word Summary: Broken bones consume Lockhart’s reputation at Quidditch
  • Lockhart continues to draw suspicion with his questionable actions
  • Do Muggle schools have restricted sections?
  • Rule-breaking Hermione: let’s brew some Polyjuice Potion!
  • Why didn’t Madam Hooch notice the tampered bludger? And… where are the adults? The decision to continue play is not Harry’s to make!
  • Why is there no medical personnel present at Quidditch matches?
  • Did Lockhart ever get in trouble for removing Harry’s bones?
  • Welcome back, Dobby! But… why are you trying to kill Harry?
  • Colin Creevey becomes the first human casualty of the basilisk!
  • Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 11 & 12!
  • Quizzitch: During the Dueling Club, who does Snape pair Hermione with?
  • This episode is brought to you by MeUndies (get 20% off your first order and free US shipping at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast) and ZocDoc (go to ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast to download the Zocdoc app for FREE; then find and book a top-rated doctor today).

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Episode #593: Nepo Baby Draco (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 7 and 8)

/ Micah

Happy New Year! As we begin 2023, and celebrate the 25th anniversary of Chamber of Secrets, we examine the some of the book’s and series’ biggest themes! Join us as we hit the Quidditch pitch, visit Hagrid’s hut, spend detention with Lockhart and celebrate Halloween with Nearly-Headless Nick on our latest episode of MuggleCast!

  • Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 7: Murmurs & Mudbloods
  • 7-Word Summary: Nepotism reigns supreme when Draco receives brooms
  • We begin to see the influence of the Malfoy family’s wealth and the impact it has at Hogwarts and in the larger wizarding community!
  • Is it fair to assume Draco made the Slytherin Quidditch team on money alone?
  • Unconscious bias: Why were we okay with McGonagall giving Harry a Nimbus 2000 in Sorcerer’s Stone but against Lucius giving the Slytherins Nimbus 2001s in Chamber of Secrets?
  • Why isn’t there greater punishment for Malfoy using the term mudblood?
  • Why do the male characters seem to be onto Lockhart, but most of the female characters come across as hoodwinked by his charm and good looks?
  • Laying the Groundwork: Blood purity, Hagrid’s expulsion, Ginny’s strange behavior, Riddle’s trophy, the cursed DADA position and more!
  • Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 8: The Deathday Party
  • 7-Word Summary: Nick helps Harry out with Peeves’ assistance
  • What does it say about Filch that he’s working while he has the flu? Is he trying to prove himself given he is a Squib?
  • Peeves drops an important piece of furniture with strong ties to Half-Blood Prince!
  • Would the Deathday Party have been a good film adaptation?
  • The hosts make some interesting observations about Moaning Myrtle and The Bloody Baron.
  • The Chamber of Secrets is opened! What does it say about Harry that he runs toward an  issue rather than away from it? Or better yet, that he doesn’t go and get a teacher to help investigate?
  • Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 9 & 10!
  • Quizzitch: What curse does Lockhart say was probably performed on Mrs Norris?
  • This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MasterClass (get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast).
  • On Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss Pottermore’s sales dropping 40% in 2022! Bonus MuggleCast, which we now release twice per month, is just one of many great benefits of becoming a patron of the show!

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Episode #592: What’s To Come For Harry Potter Fans in 2023

/ Micah

Happy Holidays! Join us for our final episode of the year! What were some of our top moments? Our favorite episodes of the show? Then we open up our MuggleMail bag one last time and look ahead to what to expect in 2023 for Harry Potter fans!

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Episode #591: I Always Wanted to Use That Howler (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 5 and 6)

/ Eric

On this week’s episode, Harry and Ron invent a new way to get to Hogwarts, but break a few international statutes! Settling in to classes would be easier for Harry if Draco Malfoy and Gilderoy Lockhart weren’t following him around! Still, it is so good to be back within the castle walls. Join us for Chapter by Chapter segments of chapters 5 and 6 of “Chamber of Secrets.”

  • Welcome Slug Club guest Miranda!
  • Announcement! Slug Club members of our Patreon will be able to participate in our holiday year-end MuggleCast AMA this coming Saturday, December 17 at 1pm ET. The event will be viewable by ALL when it goes live, and Slug Club members can submit their Q’s! Stay tuned to our social for reminders.
  • Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 5: The Whomping Willow
  • 7-Word Summary: The tree captures the Ford toughly, rawr!
  • Are there further investigations into why the Kings Cross barrier didn’t let Harry through, after his and Ron’s story come out?
  • What makes Ron leap right to taking the car, instead of waiting for one of the many parents on the platform to come find them?
  • Which other ways of transport can someone take to get to Hogwarts? Portkeys? Floo powder?
  • The hosts discuss the prevalence of herbology-related mentions in this book as foreshadowing.
  • Does the Anglia’s arrival at Hogwarts prove that Hogwarts is a Security Nightmare?
  • Do Ron and Harry get off a little easy for their world-exposing stunt?
  • Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 6: Gilderoy Lockhart
  • 7-Word Summary: Chaos ensues when Lockhart takes over class
  • Mrs. Weasley’s Howler to Ron may have consequences that she doesn’t intend. Could she have been more discreet with her reprimand, and even shown up in person?
  • For all things Professor Sprout, whose introduction occurs in this chapter, check out MuggleCast #513 which covers her presence throughout all 7 books!
  • Has the Whomping Willow injured Sprout, or has she deftly applied the bandages? Words in the book are hard.
  • Micah makes a piercing connection between the Mandrakes and the Basilisk.
  • The hosts review Gilderoy Lockhart’s early life, full of interesting tidbits from his extended canon backstory.
  • Was Dumbledore really trying to expose Lockhart during the events of Harry’s Year Two?
  • The subtle way in which Colin and Justin are introduced to Harry as Muggle-born is sending us.
  • Write this down! The students at Hogwarts have washed themselves!
  • We award our standard MVP of the week to chapters and characters.
  • Next week, MuggleCast does our annual Year in Review / MuggleMail extravaganza, after which we break for the holidays.
  • Quizzitch question: Which potion makes Madam Z. Nettles of Topsham, patron of Kwikspell, the center of attention at parties?
  • This episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast) and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)

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Episode #590: Battle of Flourish and Blotts (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 3 and 4)

/ Micah

On this week’s episode, we make our first visit to The Burrow and meet several characters for the first time in Diagon Alley! Plus, hold onto your Sorting Hat as we connect a handful of threads between Chamber of Secrets and Half-Blood Prince!

  • Micah visits Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in New York!
  • Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 3: The Burrow
  • 7-Word Summary: Weasley’s House Features New Magic And… Gnomes
  • Fred & George are truly their father’s sons (be sure to check out our Weasley Twins episode from April 2021)
  • Right family, wrong motive – Dobby DOES belong to the Malfoys!
  • What if… Molly and Arthur had gone to pickup Harry at Privet Drive?
  • Comparing and contrasting Harry and Ron’s view of The Burrow
  • Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 4: At Flourish & Blotts
  • 7-Word Summary: Lucius takes Ginny’s father in a fight
  • Should the Weasleys have given Harry a bit more assistance with Floo Powder?
  • Inside Borgin and Burkes: vanishing cabinets, necklaces and hands of glory, oh my!
  • What is Lucius Malfoy’s true motive in getting Tom Riddle’s diary to Hogwarts?
  • Several characters are exhibiting odd behavior, Percy and Hagrid included!
  • What are our first impressions of Gilderoy Lockhart?
  • 7 BOOKS?!?! Why is Hogwarts bankrolling Gilderoy’s bad habits?
  • Bookstore Throwdown: Lucius and Arthur get into it!
  • Next Week: Chapters 5 & 6 of Chamber of Secrets
  • This week’s episode is brought to you by Stamps.com (visit Stamps.com, click on the microphone, and enter code MUGGLECAST for a special offer that includes a 4-week trial, plus free postage, and a free digital scale), BetterHelp (save 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast) and MeUndies (get 20% off your first order, free shipping, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee at MeUndies.com/MuggleCast)!
  • On Bonus MuggleCast, we uncover and discuss some exciting new info about what Harry Potter attraction is coming to Epic Universe! Bonus MuggleCast is just one of many great benefits of becoming a patron of the show!
  • And special thank you to those who have shared that MuggleCast appeared in their Spotify Wrapped’s this year! The show was the top podcast for 1,500 listeners, in the Top 5 for 4,600 listeners, and in the Top 10 for 6,700 listeners

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Episode #589: 2022 Holiday Gift Guide: If You Like Harry Potter…

/ Eric

It’s our fourth Harry Potter holiday gift guide episode! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they share their latest favorites Harry Potter-adjacent merchandise. Autobiographical works from several of the films’ biggest stars are now published, and certain handcrafted and fan-made items are too good to resist. Looking for the gift that your HP-obsessed friend doesn’t already have? Start here, with us, on this week’s MuggleCast!

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