Podcast

MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Arts, Books, TV & Film

MuggleCast is your weekly ride into the world of Harry Potter, including the books and upcoming TV show! Our Harry Potter podcast, hosted by four life-long friends, brings its listeners entertaining and thought-provoking discussions about the Wizarding World. With each new episode we discuss everything Harry Potter: the latest news, the Potter books, the upcoming HBO TV Show, the theme parks, the video games, the fandom, and more! We're currently hosting a Chapter by Chapter re-read of the original seven Harry Potter books while keeping listeners up to date on the Harry Potter TV show.

Books chart
#72
Episodes
795
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
58 min
On air since
2005
Latest episode
6 days ago

Episodes

795 episodes, newest first

  1. Ministry of Oops ('Deathly Hallows' Chapter 13, The Muggle-Born Registration Commission)

    Episode 774

    Show notes

    We're right in the thick of things this week on MuggleCast, as Chapter by Chapter continues where we left off, with the trio having infiltrated the Ministry of Magic. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura for the fun as they run for the exits and hope to get away toward safety without getting caught by Death Eaters.

    • Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 13 of Deathly Hallows, "The Muggle-Born Registration Commission"
    • Quizzitch: What is the title of Rita Skeeter's biography of Armando Dippet?
    • 7-Word Summary: Dementors patrol the Ministry sham outside courtroom.
    • Moments in to the mission, Harry is alone and sees firsthand how taken-over the Ministry has become.
    • What plan would the trio have made that involved the three of them not being separated? Wouldn't it have drawn more attention to them if their marks didn't know each other previously?
    • The Ministry's propaganda arm is in-house. We draw real life historical comparisons to WWII and beyond.
    • Staffers folding booklets don't agree with what the booklets contain. Why don't they revolt?
    • Lessons that Hagrid has taught us show how wayward the Ministry's present course of action is.
    • Is Dolores Umbridge emotionally stinted?
    • We discuss the broader implications of Ministry workers having rain in their offices. Is the building itself reacting to the political climate?
    • The "trial" of Mary Cattermole is a masterclass in cruelty, we discuss why.
    • Umbridge's hypocrisy goads Harry into action, and we compare to real life.
    • Lynx Line question: "Umbridge has kitten plates. What cute decor item immediately tells you someone is evil?" Our patrons weigh in.
    • Next week Chapter-by-Chapter continues as we learn about “The Thief”!

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    1 hr 8 min
  2. Polyjuice and Panic (Deathly Hallows Chapter 12, 'Magic is Might')

    Episode 773

    Show notes

    This week, best learn how to apparate properly back on the top step of Grimmauld Place because we're taking turns scouting the Ministry of Magic! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they undertake the most absurd plan in wizarding world history with the help of a little, Polyjuice, Polyjuice, Polyjuice!

    • MUGGLECAST NEWS REMINDER: Beginning Wednesday, December 2, MuggleCast is floo-ing to full coverage of the Philosopher's Stone TV show with two new episodes per week through March 2027!
    • This Year’s Physical Gift for Patrons is here! The MuggleCast Pensieve: a journal for the Harry Potter TV show and beyond! With the TV show approaching, we want to help you get your thoughts sorted!
    • Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 12 of Deathly Hallows, Magic is Might
    • Quizzitch: Two of the four contents of Weasley Twins’ Skiving Snackboxes are used by the trio to subdue their Ministry targets . Which two Skiving Snackbox products are NOT used at this time?
    • 7-Word Summary: The plan coalesces when the trio commit
    • Harry, Ron and Hermione’s Ministry stakeout is a dangerous game of chance. How long can they keep sneaking around before someone catches on?
    • Snape takes over as Hogwarts Headmaster, while the Carrows bring a sinister twist to the classroom. Is there any silver lining to Voldemort’s new regime?
    • Harry’s scar continues to connect him to Voldemort’s hunt for Gregorovitch. Is Hermione right to be upset or has this connection become a valuable asset?
    • Polyjuice Potion, terrible impersonations, limited intel and zero backup plan: just how reckless is the trio’s plan to infiltrate the Ministry?
    • Which begs the question: why go to such lengths to sneak into the Ministry? Why not just break into Umbridge’s house or send Kreacher after her?
    • Would Harry have been better off tackling this mission alone?
    • The Ministry’s new Magic Is Might statue replaces the Fountain of Magical Brethren with a chilling symbol of pure-blood supremacy. Has the Ministry changed, or has its true nature been exposed?
    • Lynx Line: Which Ministry official would you most like to impersonate and why?

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    58 min
  3. Get The Groit (DH Chapter 11, 'The Bribe')

    Episode 772

    Show notes

    This week, Dr. Potter's office is closed for therapy, so please leave your problems at the door! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they endure a very uncomfortable visit to Grimmauld Place from Remus Lupin.

    •

    MUGGLECAST NEWS: Beginning Wednesday, December 2, MuggleCast is floo-ing to full coverage of the Philosopher's Stone TV show! Chapter by Chapter will be parked as we go all-in on discussing and analyzing the HBO Max TV show. Full coverage continues through March 2027. After, we'll resume Deathly Hallows Chapter by Chapter.

    •

    For now, Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 11 of Deathly Hallows, The Bribe

    •

    Quizzitch: Who successfully disarms Mundungus Fletcher at Grimmauld Place?

    •

    7-Word Summary: Remus wants Harry to allow him along

    •

    Death Eaters stake out 12 Grimmauld Place, raising questions about whether the Order’s safe house is truly secure.

    •

    Lupin delivers a grim update on Voldemort’s takeover of the Ministry. With the government and Death Eaters working toward the same goals, where can witches and wizards turn for help?

    •

    The Ministry launches the Muggle-born Registration Commission, using propaganda to justify persecution. Why do people accept obvious lies, and what happens when society becomes desensitized to injustice?

    •

    Harry refuses to share Dumbledore’s mission with Lupin. Is Harry right to keep the Horcrux hunt limited to the Trio, or should he trust other members of the Order to help?

    •

    Lupin offers to join the Trio before revealing his fears about his marriage to Tonks and his unborn child. Where did this side of Lupin come from, and does his character arc feel earned?

    •

    Harry and Lupin clash over courage, fatherhood, and responsibility. Is Harry justified in calling Lupin a coward, or does he go too far?

    •

    An excerpt from Rita Skeeter’s book reveals more about Dumbledore’s family history. How much did Harry really know about his mentor, and can he reconcile the man he admired with these troubling revelations?

    •

    Lynx Line: What could Lupin have said that WOULD HAVE convinced Harry to let him go with them?

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    1 hr 6 min
  4. Grimmauld Goss (DH Chapter 10, ‘Kreacher’s Tale’)

    Episode 771

    Show notes

    Because the past sure can hurt a lot, MuggleCast this week celebrates a direct connection between Harry Potter and his mother Lily. Hopefully her letter isn't the only secret hidden away in the dusty corners of Grimmauld Place. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura, and special Slug Club guest host Hanna for another Chapter-by-Chapter focused episode from Deathly Hallows!

    • Having issues with MuggleCast Gold on Apple Podcasts? Move to Patreon and get 1 month free!
    • Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 10 of Deathly Hallows, Kreacher's Tale
    • Welcome Slug Club member Hanna to the show!
    • Quizzitch: What item of Mrs. Black’s is Mundungus said to have run off with (and presumably sold?)
    • 7-Word Summary: Kreacher makes Harry listen to his tale.
    • Is Lily's letter the first time Harry is hearing directly from the *real* Lily Potter? Will it be the last?
    • The hosts are all impressed that Harry, at only one year old, can ride a broom so well. He was probably just born with it.
    • The Potter's cat may have more to it than meets the eye... according to an old fan theory.
    • Would Dumbledore have taken James' cloak specifically to prevent him from visiting Sirius while in hiding from Voldemort?
    • What if the Order had thrown the locket out? Wouldn't a landfill be the most unexpected (and therefore secure) place to hide one's soul?
    • Kreacher tells his tale... but doesn't tell us what specifically he saw after drinking the potion. We speculate.
    • How long has Kreacher been in the Black family? Did he raise family members before Sirius and Regulus?
    • Micah makes an apt comparison between Regulus Black and Draco Malfoy.
    • Harry's kind gesture to Kreacher has lasting consequences... the good kind.
    • Lynx Line question: "How does Sirius and Regulus’ teenage bedrooms compare to your own?" Our patrons weigh in.
    • Next week Chapter-by-Chapter continues as we learn about "The Bribe"!

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    1 hr 5 min
  5. A Lethal Individual (DH Chapter 9, 'A Place To Hide')

    Episode 770

    Show notes

    This week, WHAT'S THAT?! Keep one eye over your shoulder because Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura are podcasting live from The Luchino Cafe off Tottenham Court Road. Best watch out for Death Eaters disguised us ugly workmen!

    • Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 9 of Deathly Hallows, A Place to Hide
    • Quizzitch: What does Hermione order for herself and Ron in the cafe off Tottenham Court Road
    • 7-Word Summary: Uncertainty looms heavy over the muggle world
    • Did Harry, Ron and Hermione make the best choice in disapparating to the Muggle World? What would have been a better option?
    • We have a few questions about Hermione's small, beaded handbag! How exactly does the Undetectable Extension Charm work?
    • Even with the taboo in place, how did Dolohov and Rowle arrive at the cafe so quickly? And dressed for the occassion?
    • Even in a remote London cafe, shouldn't the trio have been more discreet?
    • Micah is not satisfied with Dolohov's performance
    • What in the world are these security protocols at Grimmauld Place? Dusty Dumby is scaring who exactly?
    • Harry's mind connection to Voldemort is back with a vengeance!

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    1 hr 6 min
  6. Two Weddings and a Podcast (DH Chapter 8, 'The Wedding')

    Episode 769

    Show notes

    There's something in the air! Wedding season has come to our chapter-by-chapter readthrough of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as we discuss Bill and Fleur's wedding in Chapter 8, "The Wedding," but this episode also features newlyweds Eric and Meg, fresh off of their own wedding! We ask 'who did it better?' and so much more.

    • Welcome back to the show, Meg! We talk about Eric and Meg's wedding, and Andrew and Micah's repeated visits to the bar.
    • Quizzitch: What is the name that the Lovegoods use for the gnomes?
    • News covers recent casting updates for the upcoming HBO TV adaptation of Chamber of Secrets, including Arthur Weasley, Colin Creevey and Moaning Myrtle.
    • Chapter by Chapter continues with Chapter 8 of Deathly Hallows, "The Wedding."
    • Is Bill and Fleur's wedding the last time when these characters will get to let loose and have fun?
    • Does holding the wedding this summer constitute an act of defiance?
    • Is Harry at risk because he's merely present? Are the Weasleys at fault for organizing this event at a time like this?
    • Would it be more impactful if Percy returned now, or later in the book, to make up with his family?
    • Wedding battle! We compare Bill and Fleur's wedding to Eric and Meg's (recent) wedding, and Micah and Andrew vote on several categories.
    • Viktor Krum is back! And he wants to fight Luna's dad. We discuss the disconnect around the Deathly Hallows symbol and historical tie-ins.
    • Should Harry be more alarmed that Voldemort is seeking a foreign wandmaker, now that he knows who Gregorovitch is?
    • Are Elphias Doge and Ron's aunt Muriel two sides of the same coin? Both present conflicting ways of remembering Dumbledore.
    • Who is more correct? Doge or Muriel?
    • Post Fantastic Beasts, what can we read into regarding Ariana's backstory here?
    • Lynx Line: We ask our Patrons to share stories of their weddings OR of their dream weddings, and how they compare to Bill and Fleur's.
    • Next week, we discuss Chapter 9 of Deathly Hallows, "A Place to Hide."

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    1 hr 14 min
  7. 'Chamber of Secrets' TV Casting News and Your 'Philosopher's Stone' Thoughts

    Episode 768

    Show notes

    Don’t put the remote down just yet, because Andrew, Micah and Laura are diving into all of your feedback on the latest Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone TV Show trailer and discussing some major Chamber of Secrets casting news!

    • Welcome back friend of the show Barry, host of The Retold Podcast
    • Yes, we already have Harry Potter Season 2 news! Dobby, Tom Riddle and New Ginny Weasley cast for Chamber of Secrets
    • We're discussing your feedback on the new Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone trailer!
    • Could James & Oliver Phelps cameo as Gideon and Fabian Prewett?
    • What is Seamus so excited about: first Quidditch match or first day of classes?
    • Did Hermione ask McGonagall for summer reading recommendations?
    • Is Lavender Brown preparing the Patils to be separated for the first time ever?
    • Would the series dare to open with Snape overhearing the prophecy?
    • We analyze Dumbledore's "We can only prepare them" line and how it's a precusor to the rest of the series!
    • Lynx Line: Our patrons weigh in with their first takes!

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    52 min
  8. Snitches Get Stitches (DH Chapter 7, 'The Will of Albus Dumbledore')

    Episode 767

    Show notes

    Knock knock, who's there? Just the Minister for Magic, and he has questions about these 'random' things that Dumbledore has left behind for the Trio. Even after death, Albus knows how to mess with the Ministry, and we're here for it! Join us as we discuss Chapter 7 of Deathly Hallows, "The Will of Albus Dumbledore".

    • Welcome Slug Club member, Sara! She gets extra points for remembering her Ilvermorny House even though we didn't ask for it.
    • Ron has a birthday gift for Harry, but what is his intention behind it? Is he trying to genuinely be helpful, or is he just giving his bro a gag gift?
    • Ron also admits to having barged in on Harry and Ginny. Is this appropriate behavior? Who ultimately should Ron try to be loyal to?
    • Knock knock! The Minister is pulling into the Burrow with Arthur, and he has questions for Harry.
    • Predictably, Scrimgeour handles this meeting with the Trio poorly. Could he have actually gotten some answers out of the Trio had he been different?
    • Foreshadow alert! Hermione says she does NOT want to work in Magical Law after Hogwarts.
    • We learn about the Snitch's 'flesh memory' as well as Scrimgeour's theory about the Sword of Gryffindor, and he's not too far off.
    • Harry figures out the trick much sooner than expected.
    • Turns out Norbert is a girl. How did Hagrid NOT know this sooner?
    • Lynx Line: Which of Dumbledore's belongings would you have wanted?
    • Quizzitch: What's the original name for the Deluminator?

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    57 min
  9. Analyzing the NEW 'Philosopher's Stone' TV Show Trailer!

    Episode 766

    Show notes

    Choo Choo! We’re truly headed Back to Hogwarts, as a new trailer for HBO Max's Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone TV Show is here! We break it down scene-by-scene, spot familiar faces, point out the book-to-TV loyalty, and question what's going on in some exciting-looking scenes. We're going to be spoiled with a LOT of great scenes when the series premieres this Christmas!

    Plus, we look at what did (or rather, didn't) happen on Back To Hogwarts day itself. Maybe Harry Potter Inc. needs to take a page out of Apple and Disney's books, and learn how to create genuinely exciting events.

    What was your favorite part(s) of the trailer? Reach out to us via our website, social media, or comment sections!

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    58 min
  10. Albus The Book Banner? (DH Chapter 6, 'The Ghoul in Pajamas')

    Episode 765

    Show notes

    This week, make sure you know the difference between spattergroit and spaghetti, because we're squeezing the family ghoul into a pair of Ron's old pajamas. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they dodge wedding chores from Mrs. Weasley and get a crash-course in destroying Horcruxes from Professor Granger!

    • Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Deathly Hallows, Chapter 6: The Ghoul in Pajamas
    • 7-Word Summary: Upstairs resides a creepy groaning nasty Weasley
    • With Mad-Eye gone, who should step and up and lead the Order?
    • What exactly was Dumbledore's plan for the adult Order members once the Trio departed? Sit patiently until the Battle of Hogwarts?
    • Mrs. Weasley is doing her best to keep Harry, Ron and Hermione apart: is she actively doing more harm than good?
    • Despite Harry's best efforts, Ron and Hermione are making plans to join him on his Horcrux Hunt!
    • Hermione makes the ultimate sacrifice: modifying her parents memories!
    • Ron, Arthur, Fred and George transform the family ghoul to have spattergroit (a condition Ron was mistaken to have at St. Mungo's in Order of the Phoenix)
    • Having the ghoul pretend to be Ron sounds like a good plan, but hold on a minute! Why has it been allowed to just hang out in the Weasley’s attic all these years?
    • Ruh Roh! Dumbledore was an active member of the Banned Booked Club!
    • Hermione has become quite the Horcrux expert (after pilfering Dumbledore's office)
    • We get a double-dose of Sword of Gryffindor foreshadowing!
    • Lynx Line: If you were Mrs. Weasley, what is the most outrageous task you would give Harry to keep him away from Ron and Hermione?

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    52 min
  11. Ear Today, Gone Tomorrow (DH Chapter 5, 'Fallen Warrior')

    Episode 764

    Show notes

    This week, avoid using your most obvious spells and be careful who you let through the door! A stressful battle with Death Eaters has left Harry and co. on edge during our Chapter-by-chapter reread. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura for this holey harrowing readthrough.

    • Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Deathly Hallows, Chapter 5: Fallen Warrior
    • 7-Word Summary: Paranoia ensues as survivors return from danger
    • The chapter title has us on edge. Do we remember suspecting the worst for a different character following the battle?
    • Why did Mad-Eye Moody insist on bringing Mundungus, who clearly didn't want to be there?
    • Could Mundungus have been decent if he wants to fight? Does he know more magic than Harry, Ron and Hermione since he is older?
    • We are glad that George is A-OK and that Molly can now tell her twin sons apart.
    • Whose side are we on between Harry and Lupin's arguments surrounding the Stan Shunpike encounter?
    • Is Lupin unfair to bring up James Potter's betrayal?
    • We discuss the effectiveness of the 7 Potters escape plan, after the fact.
    • How comes the Order members don't always follow through on the personal question / security check? Are they being reckless?
    • Could Bill or someone else have recreated the magic surrounding "Thief's Downfall" at Gringotts, or only goblins?
    • Ron's death count has risen by 1! Blink and you will have missed it. But what does that say about his overall character? How will this death impact him?
    • Lynx Line: Pick a character who wasn’t forced to identify themselves, and choose an identifying fact that would have proved their identity?

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    57 min
  12. Zero Potters, Maximum Chaos (DH Chapter 4, 'The Seven Potters')

    Episode 763

    Show notes

    This week, we hope you like the taste of Polyjuice Potion because we're all transforming into Harry to (narrowly) escape Privet Drive! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Grace as they climb aboard Hagrid's motorbike for a fun ride to the home of Ted and Andromeda Tonks!

    • Welcome to the show, Grace Candido-Beecher, author of Voldemort: An Unofficial Exploration!
    • Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Deathly Hallows, Chapter 4: The Seven Potters
    • 7-Word Summary: Moody helps Harry escape safely from Voldemort
    • Let’s discuss this plan: is it brilliant or unnecessarily risky? Do any other options come to mind that may have been overlooked?
    • Which of the seven Potters surprises us the most (putting Mundungus aside)?
    • We analyze the characters willing to transform into Harry and why they'd be so willing!
    • Grace compares the 7 Harrys to the 7 Divine Virtues
    • Does Hedwig's death symbolize the end of Harry's childhood more than any other moment in the series? Did the movie do it better?
    • MAX THAT: Everybody out here is playing Grand Theft Auto, and Hagrid is playing Mario Kart (and winning, by the way)!
    • Expelliarmus: If they thought this had become Harry's signature move, why did they not direct him to cast any spell but this one?
    • Why didn’t Voldemort’s (Lucius') wand work against Harry?
    • Lynx Line: Which Order member would you trust most if you were flying alongside them?

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    1 hr 14 min
  13. Revisiting the 'Deathly Hallows' Release 19 Years Later Bonus

    Show notes

    We're taking a break from releasing new episodes this week, so please enjoy this Bonus MuggleCast episode that was released on our Patreon! Become a member TODAY to receive instant access to lots of magical benefits!

    It's now '19 years later' following the release of the final Harry Potter book! In light of this anniversary, and our Chapter by Chapter re-read of Deathly Hallows approaching, we look back at the July 2007 midnight release!

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    33 min
  14. Wiz-ness Protection (DH Chapter 3, 'The Dursleys Departing')

    Episode 762

    Show notes

    This week, it's a series of awkward goodbyes at Privet Drive! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they say so-long to Dudley, Petunia and Vernon in Deathly Hallows, Chapter 3: The Dursleys Departing!

    • 7-Word Summary: Goodbyes are flying through awkwardly among family
    • Why is Vernon Dursley so impressed by Kingsley Shacklebolt?
    • Are Daedalus Diggle and Hestia Jones really the best the Order have to offer?
    • Would any of the Dursleys actually sell out Harry to Voldemort?
    • What If... the Dursleys were kidnapped? Would Harry come to their rescue?
    • Why can't Vernon bring himself to shake Harry's hand?
    • Dudley does a complete 180! What made him warm up to Harry?
    • What was Petunia going to say to Harry? The movie got it right, but why was the scene deleted?
    • Lynx Line: In this chapter, the Dursleys are off with Dedalus Diggle and Hestia Jones into the unknown. What adventures will they go on over the next year?

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    54 min
  15. Hero-Zoned (DH Chapter 2, 'In Memoriam')

    Episode 761

    Show notes

    This week, don't believe everything you read in the paper, because we’re reading criticism of the great Albus Dumbledore, penned by the untrustworthy Rita Skeeter. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they continue the read-through of Deathly Hallows!

    • Quizzitch Question: What is the term used for when students take a year for travel between secondary and tertiary education?
    • Chapter-by-Chapter of Deathly Hallows continues with Chapter 2, "In Memoriam"
    • Our DH2 Seven-Word Summary: Rita maliciously attacks Dumbledore’s back in media
    • Could the reader infer maybe there was more going on between Elphias Doge and Albus Dumbledore, from the tone and content of his memorial essay in print?
    • How was Dumbledore making money for his family right after he left school? Was he borrowing some from Nicolas Flamel?
    • We connect Elphias' mention of the Grindelwald and Dumbledore battle back to Book One and Dumbledore's Chocolate Frog Card writeup.
    • Briefly, the hosts talk about how that moment was never brought to life in Fantastic Beasts (R.I.Parked)
    • Who would bring Grindelwald and Dumbledore to life in a TV Adaptation? Would it be someone who's played the role before?
    • While Harry feels left out of knowing Dumbledore better, would Dumbledore ever have really confided in him?
    • Rita Skeeter is selling something! It stinks. How accurate can it be, if it is kind of a rush job, we ask? And, there is real life precedent to hastily published biographic works.
    • The Mirror makes its appearance, and we imagine James and Sirius using them as boys.
    • On our Lynx Line, we asked our patrons what the Dursley's did with all of Harry's left-behind possessions.

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    51 min
  16. Burbage Burgers (DH Chapter 1, 'The Dark Lord Ascending')

    Episode 760

    Show notes

    This week, we hope you brought your appetite, because we’re joining Nagini for dinner. Pull up a chair alongside Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura at the dining room table inside Malfoy Manor for some delicious Death Eater tea!

    • We're going chapter-by-chapter through Deathly Hallows for the first time since 2007!
    • Deathly Hallows: A History: we reflect back on the ultimate midnight release party and the fastest selling book ever in a 24-hour period!
    • Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Deathly Hallows, Chapter 1 - The Dark Lord Ascending
    • 7-Word Summary: Voldemort hosts his people menacingly around updates
    • Can Voldemort trust the portraits inside Malfoy Manor?
    • Snape and Yaxley jostle for Voldemort's affection: who has the better intel on Harry Potter?
    • The Ministry has been infiltrated!
    • The Castration of Lucius Malfoy: we discuss the symbolism of Voldemort taking his wand and utter humiliation the Malfoy family receives inside their own home
    • The irony of Voldemort discussing blood status
    • So long, Charity Burbage!
    • We asked our patrons via our Lynx Line: Lucius has peacocks strutting around his property - what creature would you want to live on yours?

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    1 hr 2 min
  17. 'Deathly Hallows, Part 1' Movie Commentary Track

    Episode 759

    Show notes

    Ahead of our Chapter-by-Chapter re-read of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1, which first premiered in 2010.

    The film is a favorite of several of the hosts for its time spent on characterization and the acting quality of the leads, so this is a real treat to experience. As usual, you will need to bring your own copy of the movie and be sure to follow instructions in order to sync up the film with your own TV!

    Thanks also to our Patrons who were watching and listening live as well as commenting on our Patron-only Discord server. Their comments added greatly to the discussion!

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    2 hr 25 min
  18. Peeves Cast For The Harry Potter TV Show, Trailer Rumors, Charlie Weasley?

    Episode 758

    Show notes

    We're less than six months away until the premiere of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on HBO Max (!), and this week we're sharing some exciting casting news, looking at the possibility of characters being introduced earlier than they were in the Harry Potter books, and more!

    • Welcome back, friend of the show Ivana! Check out her Tumblr and her Charlie Weasley fan fiction!
    • Peeves has been cast! Why did the news come so late? We break down the poltergeist's history in the Potter films!
    • Ginny has been recast for Season 2 due to "unforeseen circumstances". What does this mean for the character's screen time in Season 1?
    • A "new" clip of Ollivander?! We debate his somewhat sinister tone, and why fans love a relatively minor character!
    • Should we anticipate a new Harry Potter TV show trailer on September 1? If not, when?
    • MAX That: Philosopher's Stone: Charlie Weasley. There's LOTS that could be brought to screen!
    • What other Weasleys should be getting more screen time? Or a better performance?
    • Prediction Lynx Line: What character do you believe will be introduced EARLY (that we aren’t already aware of being involved), and why?

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    50 min
  19. A Horcruxy Road Ahead (HBP Chapter 30, 'The White Tomb')

    Episode 757

    Show notes

    This week, we hope you can sing in Mermish or fire an arrow cleanly, because we’re paying tribute to the great Albus Dumbledore. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they wrap the sixth book in the Harry Potter series!

    • Welcome Slug Club Member Sam!
    • Chapter-by-Chapter of Half-Blood Prince concludes with Chapter 30, "The White Tomb"
    • Harry has developed a mantra of all of the remaining Horcruxes. Did we ever establish similar practices when we were younger?
    • Could the rope ladder turning to snakes in Harry's dream actually be the Horcrux within him preventing him from obtaining the others?
    • Harry makes some astute observations about Snape and Voldemort. Do we think it's a fair comparison?
    • Pity for Draco: What does this say about Harry’s character development?
    • Is Dumbledore’s funeral is as much about paying tribute to him as it is about a transfer of responsibility?
    • Should Harry have accepted the offer to have Auror protection/assistance?
    • Dumbledore is clearly beloved by the wizarding community. Is his funeral a reflection of the unity he was so desperately working toward?
    • We celebrate and question the presence of certain characters who attend Dumbledore's funeral
    • The Symbolism of The White Tomb
    • On our Lynx Line, we asked our patrons how they would pay tribute to Dumbledore?
    • Quizzitch: With an in-person attendance of only 2,000 people, what funeral took place in the UK during the 90’s whose television audience is estimated to be 2.5 billion?

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    1 hr 10 min
  20. Dumbledoubt (HBP Chapter 29, 'The Phoenix Lament')

    Episode 756

    Show notes

    Has everyone got their tissues handy? Our chapter-by-chapter segment at last reaches the penultimate chapter of Half-Blood Prince, wherein the recent actions of a certain “Prince” are discovered by Harry and friends. Also, there’s a new headmistress in town and she intends to rule by committee?! Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura discuss all of that and more on episode 756 of MuggleCast.

    • Chapter by Chapter: Half-Blood Prince Chapter 29, “The Phoenix Lament”
    • Harry retraces Snape’s final steps. And they involve knocking out Flitwick! Is this protective or adversarial behavior from Snape?
    • Could Snape have helped the Order when they were pinned in the corridor? Did he, and we just don’t know it?
    • Harry refuses to tell McGonagall about his and Dumbledore’s mission. He thinks he’s being faithful, but is this smart?
    • Is Harry’s decision partly to protect Minerva?
    • Andrew has a HUGE foreshadow alert
    • Micah blows Eric’s mind with a comparison between Hogwarts founders and the current heads of house
    • Harry forces a funeral to happen for Dumbledore before the students leave. Is this safe?
    • Odds and Ends: what does Horace mean that he thought he knew Severus Snape?
    • You, like Bill Weasley, are bitten by a magically cursed beast, but not during the beast’s “time of the month.” What’s the beast you wanna be bit by and why?
    • In this chapter, Harry feels the healing power of Fawkes’s song. In a 1984 study done by Roger Ulrich, he examined the healing properties of bird song in real life. Ulrich’s research, done between 1972 and 1981, took place in a hospital in which US State?

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    56 min

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