Mugglecast: The Harry Potter Podcast

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

This week, we're closing the book on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Melissa as they avoid Snape's wrath, have real talk with Lupin and Dumbledore and finally get permission to go to Hogsmeade. Oh, and be sure to check with your cat that your new pet isn't secretly a mass murderer! Welcome Slug Club member, Melissa! LAST CHANCE! Time is running out to subscribe to this year's MuggleCast Collectors Club over on Patreon. Be sure to opt-in to this special benefit by September 22nd! 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. Chapter-by-Chapter for Prisoner of Azkaban concludes with Chapter 22: Owl Post Again 7-Word Summary: Justice is served by Hermione and Harry Snape claims he knows how Sirius escaped! Does he really KNOW it was Harry & Hermione? How secret is Hermione's Ti

Three turns ought to do it, MuggleCast! This week we plumb the depths of time with Harry and Hermione as Chapter-by-Chapter covers Chapter 21 of Prisoner of Azkaban, Hermione's Secret! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they ask the tough questions such as, how is Snape  Time is running out to subscribe to this year's MuggleCast Collectors Club over on Patreon. Be sure to opt-in to this special benefit by September 22nd. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 21: Hermione's Secret 7-Word Summary: Hermione saves Buckbeak with a time turner Somebody Call the WAMBULANCE for Snape! We unleash our new "Severus Lie Count" right in the nick of time! Is Snape pointing out the uneven leniency given to Harry helpful or harmful to his cause? He sure knows how to play Fudge. Could Snape actually secretly believe Harry and Hermione's side of events? Once Hermione busts out the Time-Turner to save the day we must ask: is traveling in time morally correct? What alternatives must there

MuggleCast celebrates the month of August with this LIVE recording from LeakyCon 2023 at McCormick Place in Chicago IL! Recorded on Saturday, August 5 our audience-participatory mega show includes fan-favorite game segments such as Dueling Club, Make the Connection, and a new segment titled, "Is MuggleCast Older Than...?" Join Eric, Micah, Chloé with a special guest appearance by LeakyCon's founder, Melissa Anelli, as they play games and reflect on the fandom space across 18 years of Harry Potter podcasting! Welcome to LeakyCon 2023! We're old but we brought a cake... for Micah. How did we each get started with MuggleCast? The hosts reflect. Game: Is MuggleCast Older Than...? Rounds include "Taylor Swift's debut album" and "The iPhone." What have been some of our favorite moments in MuggleCast history? Game: The Dueling Club. Nonhumans edition, DADA professors, and Weasley family members! What moments in fandom were the most surprising and unbelievable when they happened in the moment? Game: Make th

KISSY KISSY! This week, be sure to put on your chapstick because the Dementors are ready to pucker up! Join our hosts as they exit the Whomping Willow and attempt to tackle what awaits them on the Hogwarts grounds. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 20: The Dementor's Kiss 7-Word Summary: Chaos ensues on Hogwarts grounds under moonlight WHAT IF... Peter hadn’t escaped and Sirius’ innocence had been proven? Would Dumbledore have been forced to explain Harry’s blood protection sooner? Would the Ministry have allowed Harry to live with Sirius? Do we think Sirius is mature enough or in the right state of mind to care for Harry? Does it cross Lupin's mind at all that if the moon comes out, they’re screwed?  Why is Pettigrew not completely immobilized?  We rate Lupin's transformation: did the book vs. the movie do it better? Lupin can be controlled by his Animagus friends, but Sirius doesn’t have much luck - is he out of practice?  Soooo, Harry and Hermione are totally cool l

The rat is revealed! We finally understand the events of this school year at Hogwarts as well as how Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban prison. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they discuss Chapter 19 of Book 3, including asking whether Crookshanks should be punished for stealing the password sheet and whether Sirius was selfish for not being the Potter's Secret-Keeper. The MuggleCast Collectors Club stickers for 2023 have now been revealed! Pledge on Patreon at the $5 or $10 level by September 22 to receive this year’s stickers and the Club Card! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 19: The Servant of Lord Voldemort 7-Word Summary: Pettigrew begs Harry for forgiveness for murder Snape enters in full Prosecute Mode! Why can he not be swayed to consider alternate views? Do the Marauders know more than they indicate about Snape's feelings toward Lily? Would Snape have used an Unforgivable Curse in this moment? Would it have worked? What If? the Trio did not knock out Snape? How would eve

Orca, Pigeon, Racoon & Lemur! Well, it's not exactly Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs, but it sounds way cooler, right?!?! On this week's episode, the truth about the Shrieking Shack and the Marauders is revealed, and we catch everyone's favorite headmaster telling some pretty big fibs! The Dumbledore Lie Count is BACK, BABY! Welcome Slug Club Member, Jason! Eric and Micah attended LeakyCon this past weekend in Chicago and they recap their favorite moments! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 18: Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs 7-Word Summary: Lupin reveals backstory to many children, tada! Sirius seemingly has no intentions to clear his own name. He’s waited all year to catch Peter and now he’s just going to kill him?  Why does he have so little regard for himself on this matter? Scabbers is a serious flight risk! Why didn't the adults or even Hermione come up with a way to neutralize Pettigrew?  Main Discussion #1: Lupin’s Tragic Backstory and The Shrieking Shack Or

MuggleCast was born on Sunday, August 7, 2005, and this week we're releasing a special episode of Bonus MuggleCast from our Patreon to celebrate our 18th birthday! Your Harry Potter friends look back at what was going on in the Muggle world in 2005, reflect on 18 years of podcasting, and attempt to say who our favorite host on the show is. We also share our favorite episodes and look at how the podcast has helped us in our daily lives. Later, we play voicemails from our listeners, who shared really touching thoughts on the show's impact on their lives. Here's to the next 18 years! Thank you everyone for sticking with us - the reason we continue to do this show is YOU! For two exclusive Bonus MuggleCast episodes every month, join our Patreon! You'll receive a slew of other sweet benefits too. Free trials and annual pledges are available as well. This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month), Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast t

It's time to re-open the MuggleMail bag as we prepare to read the closing chapters of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they answer questions relating to class schedules, GCSE's, sports equality, prejudice toward 'soft' subjects and more! Happy birthday, Neville and Harry! While we may not be covering those characters today, Episode 523 and Episode 481 both have excellent discussion of Neville and Harry and the prophecy. Speaking of birthdays, MuggleCast is about to turn 18! We will be releasing a special birthday episode on August 7th in conjunction with our Patreon where we release Bonus MuggleCasts twice monthly to patrons. The MuggleCast Live at LeakyCon schedule is now available on our web site! In addition to our Live MuggleCast show, all panels and events with us participating will be listed there in one place for attendees to reference. We hope to see you there! Main Discussion: MuggleMail returns! How does dropping a Hogwarts class work? Wouldn't