Mugglecast: The Harry Potter Podcast

This week, it’s a competence competition between several Hogwarts professors. As Harry attends his first day of his fourth year, we follow along and rank each class and its teacher. Finally, Draco bites off more than he can chew, and we remember that we love Barty Crouch, Jr. when he cosplays an ex-Auror. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as Chapter-by-Chapter covers Chapter 13 from Goblet of Fire, “Mad-Eye Moody.” In this week’s news, Deadline reports that the Harry Potter TV series is looking for its head writers. The hosts briefly speculate - Stay tuned for a Bonus MuggleCast in which we take a closer look at the writers under consideration. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 13: Mad-Eye Moody 7-Word Summary: Karma comes full ferret for Draco Malfoy Back in school, it’s time to rank the first lessons of the year and assess teachers’ competence! Micah asks: given the usefulness of Bubotuber pus, does Professor Sprout have a side hustle? What makes Sprout’s gross lesson soar, and

On this week's episode, the security nightmare meter is off the charts! Grab your galoshes and some treacle tart, and treat yourself to the rainy Sorting Ceremony of the 1994 school year at Hogwarts! Welcome back, Micah! We hear about his recent European travels to Paris and London, including a tease of an upcoming Bonus MuggleCast on the Harry Potter Studio Tour! Our official Etsy store now contains some special discount and bundled items, such as the Comfy Cozy Combo Pack! Fancy yourself some socks and a warm beanie? Check out the full assortment of items available now! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 12: The Triwizard Tournament 7-Word Summary: Thunderstorms announce the arrival of Mad-Eye Fakey Main Discussion #1: The Teachers’ Precautions For The 1994 School Year Debating the First Years' arrival: safety vs. rite of passage Do we think the weather is foreshadowing the year ahead? If it weren’t for the intervention of The Giant Squid, would Dennis Creevey have drowned befo

Choo Choo! It's time to return to Hogwarts as our Chapter-by-Chapter series continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 11, "Aboard the Hogwarts Express." Join Andrew, Laura, Eric and Slug Club member Ning Xi as they dive deep into the topics that stand out on our latest reread. Our official Etsy store now contains some special discount and bundled items, such as the Comfy Cozy Combo Pack! Fancy yourself some socks and a warm beanie? Check out the full assortment of items available now! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire Chapter 11: Aboard the Hogwarts Express 7-Word Summary: Traveling by train proves informative for Harry Amos Diggory appears at the Burrow! In... the fireplace? Why!? What makes (and doesn't make) the Floo Network a fitting medium for the equivalent of telephone communications? The hosts all examine. The toast Molly offers is Eric's "I love magic" moment. Mad-Eyes and misdirection abound. Does the fact that Arthur and Dumbledore like Alastor Moody make us more likely, or less,

Happy New Year! It's our first episode of 2024 and we’ll be watching our words carefully, lest Rita Skeeter twists any of our statements to create some hot goss for The Daily Prophet! Welcome officially to MuggleCast: 19 years later! The MuggleCast Overstock Store is open again! This is where you can buy MuggleCast merch and help support the show! And we have an update: It’s cold in the Northern Hemisphere, so MuggleCast is helping you out this winter with the MuggleCast Beanie and Socks Comfy Cozy Combo Pack: Purchase this new combo set for $25 – it’s cheaper than buying the socks and beanie separate, and you’ll be warm on both ends of your muggle body for winter! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 10: Mayhem At The Ministry 7-Word Summary: Arthur laments over a problematic news cycle Main Discussion #1: The Aftermath Security Nightmare! Why did any witch or wizard hang around after the Death Eater attack? Evacuation plans should’ve been in place and activated! We examine the ex

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

We'll be back to normal episodes next week! In the mean time, enjoy this Bonus MuggleCast installment from our Patreon! In this installment, we discuss all that happened in 2023 (it's more than we remembered!) and what we have to look forward to in 2024 and beyond for Harry Potter fans! We are thrilled always to make it through another year with our listeners and look forward to what exciting developments are in store for the future. Thank you for an EXCELLENT 2023! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

On this week's episode of MuggleCast, we're wrapping up 2023 at the Quidditch World Cup! Grab your best pair of running shoes and dont forget your wand (*cough* Harry *cough*), as we try to avoid Death Eaters, Veela and annoying Ministry officials! *Please note that we discuss some heavy topics in this episode and while we certainly pride ourselves on being a family-friendly podcast, the content may not be suitable for all ages.* Happy Holidays and New Year to all of our listeners! It’s our final episode of 2023, but don't fret because we'll be releasing a couple of bonus segments over the break! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 9: The Dark Mark 7-Word Summary: Winky struggles to explain herself to Crouch Main Discussion #1: Death Eaters & The Dark Mark Death Eaters & Terrorism: Voldemort's followers use the Quidditch World Cup celebration to cause mass hysteria The Death Eaters are dressed in hooded cloaks with masks, and are marching in a clan-like formation. We discuss si

The Quidditch World Cup is a security nightmare! (Are you really surprised?) This week, the MuggleCasters dive in (from no less a height than the Top Box) to discussion about rogue mascots and classism as we discuss Chapter 8 of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, "The Quidditch World Cup." Thanks to all who listen to our podcast on Spotify! You made our Wrapped something special. Reminder to check out The MuggleCast Overstock Store for any last-minute holiday gifts you may be seeking! Give the gift of MuggleCast merch to you and yours! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 8: The Quidditch World Cup 7-Word Summary: Athletes compete vigorously against their formidable opponents Main Discussion #1: House-Elves return! Harry thinks he sees Dobby. But how exactly does Winky know Dobby? Are Dobby's ideas of being paid for his work too radical, or is Winky too conservative or downtrodden? And why is it a bad thing that Dobby remains free? We also get a reunion of sorts between Luciu

Grab your plainest clothing, because we’re journeying to the Quidditch World Cup under cover and meeting Ludo the Gamblin' Man and Grouchy Crouchy! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and our friends Lexi and Nicole from Fantasy Fangirls for a camping trip you won't soon forget! Welcome, the hosts of Fantasy Fangirls, Nicole and Lexi! Fantasy Fangirls is currently covering Fourth Wing / Iron Flame, which has been one of the most popular book series this year! Follow them for hours of entertainment on Instagram and TikTok! Lexi leaves everyone in awe as she rattles off every Goblet of Fire chapter from memory! And yes, she can do the entire series from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows - a fantastic holiday party trick! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 7: Bagman and Crouch 7-Word Summary: Arriving at the campsite makes much happen  Main Discussion #1: Hiding the Quidditch World Cup from Muggles How does Arthur Weasley not know how Muggle money works? What is the lasting impact

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday we are not releasing a new episode this week. Instead, we're opening up the Patreon vault and sharing one of our favorite Bonus MuggleCast installments: Favorite Headcannons! In this installment Laura shares some crazy headcannons from fandom over the years, and we decide if we agree or disagree with them. A second installment of Favorite Headcannons is available on our Patreon. Pledge today to receive access to two new Bonus MuggleCast installments every month! These will also be available to paid Apple Podcasts subscribers beginning in 2024. Chapter by Chapter of Goblet of Fire will resume next week! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wake up! It's time to go stand on a hill until our boot is ready! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for the latest episode of MuggleCast in which we have a fun Chapter-by-Chapter discussion discussing the pitfalls of magical means of transportation in the Wizarding World. Would we rather use Portkeys or learn to Apparate? Find out during our discussion on Episode 636 of MuggleCast. We would like to wish a happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating this week. We are honored to be part of your Harry Potter family. The MuggleCast Overstock Store is NOW OPEN! Ever wanted one of our cool physical gifts that we send to Patrons, but didn’t want to subscribe to our Patreon? WELL, for the first time ever, we are selling leftover physical gifts from years past! Only while supplies last! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 6: The Portkey 7-Word Summary: The Quidditch World is excited regarding Voldemort  Main Discussion 1: Magical modes of transport for Wizards Does it make sense for fol

Welcome to The Burrow, but stay out of Molly’s kitchen because the sauce ain’t the only thing boiling over, tonight! Join Eric, Micah, Laura and Katie as we breakdown the Weasley family, explore wizarding careers, criticize Percy's dinner conversation and get ready for the Quidditch World Cup! Welcome Slug Club member, Katie! The MuggleCast Overstock Store is NOW OPEN! Ever wanted one of our cool physical gifts that we send to Patrons, but didn’t want to subscribe to our Patreon? WELL, for the first time ever, we are selling leftover physical gifts from years past! Only while supplies last! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 5: Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes 7-Word Summary: Harry visits the burrow and EATS satisfactorily Main Discussion 1: Wizarding World Family Dynamics & Life After Hogwarts What can we expect from the members of the Weasley as the series moves forward? This chapter lays the groundwork! Bill & Charlie: Have we ever been in Harry’s situation when we meet someone for t

This week's episode is a very special one, and long overdue: For the first time in our podcast's history, we have a women-only panel assembled, and they're discussing the representation of women in Harry Potter! Laura helms this episode with our social media manager Chloé, and they're joined by #Millennial's Pamela Gocobachi and MuggleCast's latest team member (and Eric's other half) Meg Scott. They discuss the demonization of femininity in Harry Potter and the "I'm not like other girls" pandemic, how many of JKR's most unlikable characters are strongly associated with overtly feminine characteristics, the demonization of feminine interests, and JKR's issues with the color pink. Later, the girls talk about how women treat other women in the series (both the positive and negative relationships), and then talk about what chapter they'd like to see from a woman's perspective, which witch they think they're most like, who they'd want at a sleepover, and which Wizarding World cosmetic they wish was real. Suppo

Get ready for the latest installment of Quizzitch Live! There are some TRICKs in this edition, but we find it all to be quite a TREAT. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as we visit some O.W.L. subjects such as Potions, Charms, Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts. On either end of the show we also have two Halloween-themed rounds: Candy of the Wizarding World, and a James and Lily Potter tribute round. Our at-home edition of Quizzitch Live will rely on the honor system! Write down the answer you think is correct, in the time it takes us to prepare the answer, and count up the total "correct" answers to measure yourself against the winners at the end! Most of all, have an un-BOO-lievable amount of fun! If you loved this Quizzitch Live and still want more, visit our YouTube Playlist of previous editions! This week's episode is sponsored by Indeed (claim your $75 credit at Indeed.com/MuggleCast) and Uncommon Goods (get 15% off your first order at UncommonGoods.com/MUGGLECAST). Learn more abou

It's time to unblock your fireplace and let our hosts into your living room! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as things heat up inside No. 4 Privet Drive! And make sure to mind the flying ornaments and Ton-Tongue Toffee! Quizzitch Live is returning! October 28th at 11 AM ET will see the latest Halloween edition of our trivia game where listeners can participate live and win prizes! Study up on your O.W.L. level Charms, Potions, Transfiguration, Defense Against The Dark Arts and more! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 4: Back to the Burrow 7-Word Summary: Arthur attempts to help with Dudley’s tongue  We all know that the Weasleys cause some good old-fashioned havoc on Privet Drive, but was it all quite necessary? Offenses include: Sending multiple delegates - did Ron, Fred and George need to be there? Why didn't Molly accompany Arthur? Being insensitive to Dudley’s trauma - who, if anybody is aware of the pig tail situation? And baiting Dudley - we debate the actions of Fred

The recaps are back! We thought we had escaped getting summaries for Harry's friends, his lifestyle, his family, and his situation but we were vastly mistaken. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they delve into Chapters 2 and 3 of Goblet of Fire, covering chapters "The Scar" and "The Invitation"! We discuss the Dursleys motives and if everything would have been better had Harry contacted Dumbledore about his 'dream.' A MuggleCast Girls' Takeover is coming! Patrons have two chances to catch Laura, Chloe, and friends of the show Pam and Meg hanging out and talking all things girly. Celebrations begin October 19! For more info, check our social channels. Transcripts are now available for our most recent episodes of MuggleCast, with more coming each week! Quizzitch Live is returning! October 28th will see our latest Halloween edition of the live trivia game where listeners can participate live! Main Discussion 1: Chapter 2 of Goblet of Fire, "The Scar." 7-Word Summary for Chapter 2: Dumbledore someti

It's been 13 years, but the hosts are finally ready to revisit Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts! Join us as we sneak into The Riddle House to see prophecies fulfilled and Dark Lords taking (snake) milk shots. Plus, we share our favorite Dumbledore moments in honor of the late, great Michael Gambon! Welcome Slug Club member, Summer! We pay tribute to Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films For the first time since 2010, we're diving into Chapter-by-Chapter for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire with Chapter 1: The Riddle House! We reflect on the fourth book's midnight release and the last time we actually read it! 7-Word Summary: Voldemort decides to plan an amazing murder The history of the Riddle House... is it cursed? Is Voldemort secretly bankrolling his family's home? Comparisons are drawn between The Riddles and The Dursleys Why is Tom Riddle Sr. depicted as worse than his parents? Is Merope to blame? The Significance of The Hanged Man The Scapegoating of Frank

As we prepare to launch our Goblet of Fire Chapter-by-Chapter series, we're excited to finally do a movie commentary track for the fourth Harry Potter movie! Join the MuggleCasters as they watch and discuss Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. You will need to bring your own copy of the movie's standard edition in order to get the full experience. Before the movie begins, we help you sync up with us so we're all watching together (The sync point is as soon as you get through the 'WB' logo and see a skull). And have a celebratory drink prepared - like an orange juice if you're under 21 or a screwdriver if you're above 21 - for an iconic moment. Note: This episode was recorded before the passing of legendary actor Michael Gambon, who played Albus Dumbledore in this and many more Harry Potter movies. We will look back at his legacy on the next episode of MuggleCast. The MuggleCast 2023 Listener Survey is HERE and is open to all listeners through October 6th! We want to know what you love about the show, what

It's time to reflect on our recent re-read of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Laura as they open the MuggleMail bag once more to tackle an array of voicemails, e-mails and chicken soup submissions following our recent excursion into Book 3's Chapter-By-Chapter. The MuggleCast 2023 Listener Survey is HERE and is open to all listeners through October 6th! We want to know what you love about the show, what you think could improve it, and what other content you’d be interested in us making. Check out Parts 1 and 2 of Belated Binge Podcast's "Harry Potter: A History" and "Harry Potter: A Fandom" series with Eric! We begin our Book 3 wrap-up by revisiting our 7 Word Summaries and voting on which one should get a re-do! 7-Word Summary of Book 3: Sirius prevails over Ministry officials and Snape Voicemails include: Is there a connection between the Deathly Hallows and the gifts Harry receives from the Dursleys? Does the prophecy's existence explain why Snape picks on N