Category: Episodes

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

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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Episode #588: The Chamber of Drills (Chamber of Secrets, Chapters 1 and 2)

/ Micah

Join us as we begin Chapter-by-Chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! Harry’s abuse rises to new levels, the Dursleys obtain Death Eater status, and Dobby complicates Harry’s life despite his good intentions. From horcruxes to house-elves, from animal cruelty to servitude, there’s lots to unpack from on this weeks’ episode!

  • We reflect on reading Chamber of Secrets for the first time and what we’re expecting to get out of our re-read
  • Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 1: The Worst Birthday
  • 7-Word Summary: The Day Harry Was Beaten By Family
  • We deeply analyze the Dursley’s mistreatment of Harry and add animal cruelty to the list of offenses
  • Wouldn’t Petunia know that Harry can’t do magic outside of school? Perhaps she does not want to reveal her knowledge of the wizarding world to Vernon?
  • How could Harry overcome the Dursleys’ restrictions except for the rescue from the Weasleys?
  • How does Dumbledore allow for this level of abuse to go on for so long?
  • Don’t use THAT word (MAGIC)… are the Dursleys the Death Eater equivalent in the Muggle world?
  • Can we glean anything positive from Dudley remembering Harry’s birthday?
  • Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 2: Dobby’s Warning
  • 7-Word Summary: Surprises await Harry in his bedroom tonight
  • We analyze the Mystery of Dobby’s Ownership
  • When would Lucius Malfoy have begun planning to unleash the Diary Horcrux?
  • Connecting the Threads: we compare the behavior of Dobby in this book to Kreacher in Order of the Phoenix
  • What is our general consensus on Dobby? Helpful or super, super annoying?
  • Harry and Dobby: both are servants in their respective households, both are bound by magical contracts and both are treated horribly!
  • Next week: we’re off for Thanksgiving… (or are we)?
  • Quizzitch: In Chapter 3 of Chamber of Secrets, what is the last of Harry’s possessions to leave Privet Drive?
  • This week’s episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast)!

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Episode #587: Another Dangerous Year Gone (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 17)

/ Micah

On this week’s episode of MuggleCast, we dive deep into the final chapter of Sorcerer’s Stone, connect some serious threads to Deathly Hallows and get after everyone’s favorite headmaster. Dumbledore apologists beware!

  • News: Leslie Phillips, voice of the Sorting Hat passes away at 98
  • The 6th Annual MuggleCast Patreon Holiday Gift Exchange is now live!
  • Chapter-by-Chapter for Sorcerer’s Stone concludes with Chapter 17: The Man With Two Faces
  • 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore comes at the situation with lies
  • Main Discussion 1: Dumbledore’s Task – we draw some strong parallels between Sorcerer’s Stone and Deathly Hallows
  • Does Voldemort read Harry’s mind, is it the Horcrux connection or just a lucky guess?
  • What made Dumbledore initially move the stone from Gringotts? What tipped him off? Do we know how Quirrell found out about its location?
  • Could Dumbledore not trust himself enough to keep the Stone in his own possession?
  • We analyze Snape’s “protection” of Harry throughout his first year
  • Main Discussion #2: YOU LIAR!
  • We dissect the conversation Harry and Dumbledore have in the hospital wing
  • “Humans do have a knack of choosing precisely those things that are worst for them.” How much is Dumbledore referring to himself in this moment?
  • Does Dumbledore’s refuse to tell Harry the truth for his own protection or to serve Dumbledore’s own selfish purposes?
  • How much is Dumbledore himself a Security Nightmare?
  • Odds & Ends cover iconic quotes, Quirrell’s twitching, Hagrid’s drinking and more
  • The Dumbledore Liar count finishes Sorcerer’s Stone at 8 while we revisit all of our 7-Word Summaries
  • Next Week: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets begins!
  • Quizzitch: What color are Dobby the House-Elf’s eyes?
  • Bonus MuggleCast covers a new Hogwarts Legacy video, Dobby’s gravesite in Wales and Harry Potter book sales being up 35% in 2022! Become a patron today and receive great benefits just like Bonus MuggleCast!
  • This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now), 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)!

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Episode #586: The Forest of Destiny (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 15 – 16)

/ Eric

Americans! Don’t forget to vote in the 2022 Midterms by Tuesday, November 8! Visit IWillVote.com to find your local polling place.

This week the hosts are joined by Slug Club guest Michele, and Chapter by Chapter continues with chapters 15 and 16 of Sorcerer’s Stone. Listen as we discuss how the Centaurs may have been right all along, while Harry serves detention in “The Forbidden Forest.” After that, follow along as the trio go “Through the Trapdoor”! And we analyze each of the obstacles designed to protect the Sorcerer’s Stone. All this and more, including:

  • Welcome Slug Club guest Michele! If you would like the chance to guest-host on our show, visit our Patreon
  • News: New Warner CEO David Zaslav wants “More Harry Potter movies!” What does that mean?!
  • Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 15: The Forbidden Forest
  • 7-Word Summary: Mars might tell of future conflicts forthcoming
  • Harry experiences exclusion like never before, after Gryffindor is down so many points. Have we ever disappointed our classmates in this way?
  • What If? Harry told McGonagall the truth about Hagrid and the dragon. Would things have turned out the same?
  • This detention in the Forbidden Forest is WAY too dangerous! And Hagrid even wants to split up!
  • What are the Centaurs seeing in the sky, and why are they so hesitant to interfere?
  • Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 16: Through the Trapdoor
  • 7-Word Summary: Voldemort is hiding behind Quirrell’s incompetence – keys
  • Would it have made more sense for Ron to impersonate the Bloody Baron? Still, props to Harry for pulling it off!
  • Hermione has a tendency to freeze up under pressure. When else has this occurred?
  • Why wasn’t Snape’s logic puzzle included in the movie?
  • We close out the chapter with our MVPs of the Week
  • Next Week: we finish our Chapter by Chapter re-read of Book One!
  • Quizzitch: What does Voldemort tell Harry that he will do once he has the Elixir of Life?
  • This week’s episode is brought to you by MeUndies (Get 20% off your first order and free shipping at MeUndies.com/mugglecast), MasterClass (Get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/mugglecast), and BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast)

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Episode #585: Does the Sorting Hat Divide Students Equally Across Hogwarts Houses? And More MuggleMail

/ Micah

On this week’s episode we dig deep into our MuggleMail bag as listeners weigh in on our latest chapter-by-chapter discussions. One voicemail leads the hosts to take sides in a Harry Potter date debate! Plus, we have fun paging through the beautifully illustrated Order of the Phoenix by Jim Kay.

  • We review the Order of the Phoenix Illustrated Edition. There’s SO much to love in this one!
  • Speaking of books, don’t forget to check out The Magic of MinaLima, which is an exhaustive look at MinaLima’s work for the Harry Potter movies.
  • Voicemails cover magic’s origin, a Harry Potter first date, a Draco-focused Harry Potter TV show and more
  • Several listeners write in about Christmas gifts and Quidditch rules
  • Why doesn’t Hermione use her own wand to stop the troll?
  • Why did Hagrid really go to get Harry from the Dursleys?
  • Should Ron be allowed to have a rat at Hogwarts?
  • Is it the job of the Sorting Hat to equally divide the first year students?
  • One listener presents a strong defense of Petunia Dursley
  • Is the Hogwarts Express super inconvenient for students who already live close to Hogwarts?
  • Troll in the Dungeon:  is Dumbledore sending the Slytherins to their doom?
  • Quizzitch: When McGonagall gives detentions to the trio and Neville in Book 1, she says she’s “never heard of such a thing before.” What is the “thing” to which she is referring?
  • Next week: Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Chapters 15 (The Forbidden Forest) & 16 (Through The Trapdoor) of Sorcerer’s Stone
  • This week’s episode is brought to you by MasterClass ( get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast).

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Episode #584: Harry Potter and the Hotly Debated Book Title (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 13 – 14)

/ Eric

This week the hosts are joined by Andy of Harry Potter Fan Zone, and Chapter by Chapter continues with chapters 13 and 14 of Sorcerer’s Stone. Listen as we discuss the real-life origins of Nicolas Flamel, debate whether ‘Sorcerer’s Stone’ or ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ is a better title, and revisit a fan theory about what Dumbledore did with alchemy. Then, the trio visit Hagrid’s Hut and Harry uses his powers of persuasion that he may or may not have inherited from Voldemort?! All this and more, including:

  • Welcome back, Andy! Check out Harry Potter Fan Zone, the top Australian HP fan site.
  • News: Many new books are now available including Tom Felton’s autobiography, Alan Rickman’s posthumous diary, and Order of the Phoenix illustrated by Jim Kay. The hosts discuss which ones they’ll be checking out.
  • Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 13: Nicolas Flamel
  • 7-Word Summary: Secrets are revealed when chocolate is eaten.
  • We never did find out what work Dumbledore and Nicolas did on alchemy. Did Fantastic Beasts reveal more?
  • We review an old fan theory that we love about Credence’s origins.
  • In talking about the Sorcerer’s/Philosopher’s Stone, Andrew explains who was responsible for the title change.
  • Which is better, saying “Sorcerer’s Stone” (snappy, alliterative) or “Philosopher’s Stone” (boring)? Andy and the American hosts all debate.
  • The hosts review some early Mary GrandPré artwork including an alternate cover that Andy shares with the title “Harry Potter and the School of Magic”.
  • In fact, Harry Potter Fan Zone has the most impressive gallery of official artwork, exhaustingly sourced and categorized by Andy. Worth your time to check out!
  • Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 14: Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback
  • 7-Word Summary: Hagrid reveals illegal practices inside his hut
  • This rare chapter is, in many ways, completely self-contained. The conflict presented is resolved at the end.
  • Life lessons from HP #???: Flattery will get you ev-erywhere!
  • Andrew’s new proposal of an HBO Max television show features Hagrid and his pet dragon. We’re in love.
  • Hagrid clearly has a soft spot for clearly dangerous creatures. Is this intentional foreshadowing to his plotline in Chamber of Secrets?
  • Is it reckless for Ron not to be honest with Madame Pomfrey about his bite? What if it’s magically infected?
  • The scene with Charlie’s friends is unspoilt by adaptation. What do we see when we see it in our heads?
  • We close out the chapter with our MVPs of the Week
  • Next Week: It’s a MuggleMail episode! Send us your thoughts on our recent chapters or tell us what’s on your mind!
  • Quizzitch: Which real-life Wizard Rock artist wrote a classic spurned love ballad titled “1991 – Charlie Weasley”
  • This week’s episode is brought to by Stamps.com (Get a 4-week trial, free postage, and a digital scale at https://www.stamps.com/mugglecast. Thanks toStamps.com for sponsoring the show!), BetterHelp (Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast), and Shudder (Get your first 30 days free by using code ‘mugglecast’)!

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Episode #583: High Flying Hijinks (Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapters 11 – 12)

/ Micah

On this week’s episode, we pay tribute to Robbie Coltrane, whose iconic role as Rubeus Hagrid made him beloved to costars and fans alike. Chapter-by-Chapter continues as we take flight with Harry in his first Quidditch match and explore the halls of Hogwarts beneath the Invisibility Cloak.

  • We remember Robbie Coltrane, the beloved actor who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter series
  • Main Discussion #1: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 11: Quidditch
  • 7-Word Summary: Gryffindor surprises Hogwarts with winning very tastily
  • Why does Snape choose to confide in Filch after being attacked by Fluffy? Why does he not go to Madam Pomfrey? Or heal himself?
  • What is going through Snape’s mind when Harry sees him in this vulnerable situation?
  • Does Professor Quirrell’s attack on Harry during the Quidditch match do Quirrell more harm (for him) than good?
  • Security Nightmare: Why are there not more protections in place during Quidditch matches?
  • Main Discussion #2: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chapter 12: The Mirror of Erised
  • 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore gives Harry some advice about life
  • The hosts rank Harry’s Christmas gifts from best to worst, using math
  • How does this new information on The Mirror of Erised influence our thoughts on the magical device?
  • We discuss Harry’s (reckless) tendency of using gifts from anonymous sources
  • Laura connects the threads between several Mirror of Erised and Resurrection Stone passages
  • Why is Nicolas Flamel not more well-known?
  • Who did the hosts select as their Most Valuable Character/Chapter of the Week?
  • Next week: Chapter-By-Chapter continues for Sorcerer’s Stone with Chapters 13 and 14!
  • Quizzitch: In Sorcerer’s Stone, how old is Nicolas Flamel at the time of Harry’s first year at Hogwarts?
  • This week’s episode is brought to you by: the Audible Original The Sandman: Act III, MeUndies (Go to MeUndies.com/MuggleCast for 20% off your first order and free shipping) and Indeed

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