MuggleCast: The Harry Potter Re-Read Podcast

Hero-Zoned (DH Chapter 2, 'In Memoriam') 22.07.2026 50min

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Burbage Burgers (DH Chapter 1, 'The Dark Lord Ascending') 15.07.2026 1h 2min

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Deathly Hallows, Part 1' Movie Commentary Track 08.07.2026 2h 24min

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peeves Cast For The Harry Potter TV Show, Trailer Rumors, Charlie Weasley? 01.07.2026 49min

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A Horcruxy Road Ahead (HBP Chapter 30, 'The White Tomb') 24.06.2026 1h 10min

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dumbledoubt (HBP Chapter 29, 'The Phoenix Lament') 17.06.2026 56min

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? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dumbledead (HBP Chapter 28, 'Flight of the Prince') 10.06.2026 52min

This week, saddle up your Hippogriff and prepare for the hunt - there's a fleeing Potions Master on the loose. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Laura as they pursue Snape across the Hogwarts grounds, determined to avenge their fallen Headmaster. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 28 of Half-Blood Prince, “Flight of The Prince” With Dumbledore Dumbledead, Harry has no choice but to step up. Has Dumbledore adequately prepared him for the road ahead? MAX THAT BATTLE! Keep your mouth shut and your mind closed! Despite the circumstances, is Snape actually teaching Harry? Given the need to maintain Harry's hatred and preserve his cover, could Snape have acted differently during his escape, or was his approach the only one that could have worked? What is it about being called a coward that rocks Snape to his core? Buckbeak to The Rescue: Connecting The Threads to Chamber of Secrets and Prisoner of Azkaban Locket Loss: Who is RAB? Lynx Line: You’re Harry Potter, enraged at Severus Snape for killing your boy Albus Dumbledore. You’re ready to call him a name to accuse him of being the weak mean you think he is. But the word COWARD doesn’t come to mind. What’s the word you’re throwing at him to shake Snape to his core? Reminder: Year 5 of the MuggleCast Collectors Club is here! You can receive SIX exclusive stickers by joining us on Patreon. These stickers can go on the custom Collectors Club Card we released a few years ago, or you can put them wherever else you like! Sign up by June 10! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Severus, Please... Order Fries (HBP Chapter 27, 'The Lightning Struck Tower') 03.06.2026 55min

This week on MuggleCast: “SNAPE KILLS DUMBLEDORE!” It’s time to discuss one of the biggest shocks in the entire Harry Potter series. Join us as we begin to wrap up our chapter-by-chapter re-read of Half-Blood Prince! Chapter by Chapter continues with Chapter 27 of Half-Blood Prince, “The Lightning Struck Tower” (cue Andrew pitching Universal his attraction idea once again) Draco thinks he has the upper hand here, but Dumbledore shows grace and humility. Is Draco trying to blame Albus for the trouble they’re both in? Did Dumbledore know about the Vanishing Cabinet? This chapter offers us a couple of clues. Micah offers several fascinating bits of symbolism concerning the Lightning-Struck Tower itself. We look at how the idea to use coins to communicate has come around full circle, from Death Eaters, to Hermione, and back to Death Eaters. Did Dumbledore think such a large audience would witness his death? For a big planner like Albus, he may not’ve seen that twist coming. The Astronomy Tower has made several appearances across the Harry Potter series to date. We review the times that it’s popped up. Lynx Line: You’re Dumbledore in the afterlife. When Snape gets there next year, what’s the first thing you’re saying to him? Reminder: Year 5 of the MuggleCast Collectors Club is here! You can receive SIX exclusive stickers by joining us on Patreon. These stickers can go on the custom Collectors Club Card we released a few years ago, or you can put them wherever else you like! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Visiting The 'Harry Potter' TV Show Set Turned a Skeptic Into a Believer 27.05.2026 1h 2min

On this week's episode... are Molly and Vernon are having an affair?! Join Andrew, Micah, Laura and special guest Amanda as we catch up on the latest Harry Potter TV show news and have fun discussing the newly released Full-Cast Audiobooks! Welcome to The Leaky Cauldron's Amanda Kirk, who visited the Harry Potter TV Show Set! Read her TV show set report. What was it like being on the set of the show, and how does one feel after getting to experience it? Amanda shares how she's feeling about the show after getting a first-hand experience! It's a Harry Potter TV Show-themed episode and Chamber of Secrets has been renewed for Season 2! What do we think this means for its release date? Basilisk Blasphemy! According to The Hollywood Reporter, Chamber of Secrets is the most disliked book! Do we agree? Why are Molly and Vernon so chummy in this paparazzi photo?! We discuss what we're most looking forward to in Philosopher's Stone and reveal what we think Will Be Impossible to Do Better Than The Movies! All seven Harry Potter Full-Cast Audiobooks are now available through Audible! What were some of our favorite chapters? Which voice actors stood out? Reminder: Year 5 of the MuggleCast Collectors Club is here! You can receive SIX exclusive stickers by joining us on Patreon. These stickers can go on the custom Collectors Club Card we released a few years ago, or you can put them wherever else you like! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Masterful Magic (HBP Chapter 26, ’The Cave’) 20.05.2026 58min

On this week's episode, we're following Dumbledore and Harry into an unholy place... and finding deep comparisons between the chosen location for Voldemort's most protected Horcrux, and the legacy of the item it is contained within. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Laura as they discuss a particular cave filled with water you wouldn't want to drink, and an important bonding moment between Harry and his headmaster. This week we're discussing Half-Blood Prince Chapter 26, “The Cave” The hosts analyze a new metaphor for the Cave by comparing it to a mother's womb. Harry and Dumbledore hope to retrieve a life form from the center, but it will cost them. What is the significance between Voldemort choosing his mother's locket, and this natural formation as its hiding spot? Real Talk, Part One: Could Harry have ever "beaten" the cave without Dumbledore's help? Real Talk, Part Two: Does the punishing difficulty of the Cave set an unreasonably high standard for readers regarding future Horcrux retrievals? Are Dumbledore's secrets being revealed while he takes the potion? Just what can we make of what he is experiencing, based on what he says? Micah's new theory about Dumbledore's visions stuns Eric. Do our Ariana Dumbledore theories re: the cave and Albus's protestations still hold water? Lynx Line: You are drinking from the basin and going through all the feelings. What are you screaming to the person who is forcing the liquid down your throat? Quizzitch: With a span of over 426 mapped miles, made of limestone, WHERE is the world’s longest known cave system located? In Bonus MuggleCast, we watch and react to 5 classic episodes by the Potter Puppet Pals! Only half of the hosts have ever seen these classic fan entries into canon, despite their popularity! What things new and old will we find in the content? Watch along with us and discover, only on our Patreon, located at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dumbledore's Biggest Secret Ever (HBP Chapter 25, 'The Seer Overheard') 13.05.2026 53min

On this week's episode, don't talk to your Divination professor when she’s had a few too many because she might just SET YOU OFF! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they confront Dumbledore about that night at the Hog's Head. Year 5 of the MuggleCast Collectors Club is here! You can receive SIX exclusive stickers by joining us on Patreon. These stickers can go on the custom Collectors Club Card we released a few years ago, or you can put them wherever else you like! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Chapter 25 of Half-Blood Prince, The Seer Overheard Harry is contemplating retrieving the Prince’s book from the Room of Requirement. Hasn't Harry learned anything from trusting mysterious books? Hermione discovers an old newspaper clipping featuring Eileen Prince, Captain of the Hogwarts Gobstones Team. But the Prince can't be a woman, right?! Connecting the Threads: much like Hermione discovers the monster in the Chamber of Secrets is a basilisk, she begins to unravel the identity of the Half-Blood Prince. Trelawney seems pretty miffed at Dumbledore these days. Now that's she served her purpose, is Sybill old news? Or is Albus just too busy for anyone not named Horcrux? Could Snape overhearing the prophecy be the biggest secret that Dumbledore has kept from Harry? Does Dumbledore downplay the impact of this revelation? Was he ever planning to tell Harry? The Lightening-Struck Tower: we recall the first time we read this chapter... and not feeling good about Dumbledore’s chances. Hunting Horcruxes: does Dumbledore sacrifice the safety of the school to go on an adventure with Harry? Lynx Line: You’re Harry and you run into Snape on your way to Dumbledore’s office after just learning he overheard the prophecy… What happens? Quizzitch: What is the more common name of the ailment known as pertussis? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Horcrux Marks the Spot (HBP Chapter 24, ’Sectumsempra’) 06.05.2026 58min

On this week's episode, don’t get on Harry’s bad side! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Laura as they discuss the bathroom duel between Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter. This week we're discussing Half-Blood Prince Chapter 24, “Sectumsempra” What did Harry hope to achieve in barging in on Draco? Would it have been smarter for him to have waited and developed a plan? Given the escalation in severity of the spells cast, was Harry right to use Sectumsempra on Draco? What made Harry’s casting of the spell so successful the very first time he tried? Was it his being in imminent danger? Was Snape tailing Draco and therefore able to get to the bathroom so quickly? Why else might he have been nearby? Snape calls Harry a liar. Does he KNOW from which source Harry learned that particular spell? We notice that the Prince’s diary is hidden right next to a Horcrux, and feel it fits. Is the Room of Requirement more, or less, secure becoming the same room for everyone that wants to hide or dispose of their valuables? Is Harry’s punishment of weekly detentions fitting for the circumstance, or too much? Ginny and Dean split up! She’s single. Harry is free! Andrew asks: would the hosts ever date the sibling of a friend? Lynx Line: What would you hide in the Room of Requirement and why? Quizzitch: In this chapter Gryffindor has to succeed over Ravenclaw by at least 300 points, which they do. In US College Football, a record-holding October 1916 match ended in Georgia Tech scoring 222-0 over their opponent. Who was that match against? In Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss the state of MuggleNet.com, which has removed all of its volunteer-generated content and is the subject of new litigation from its former staff members. Topics such as these arend others relevant to Harry Potter fans can always be found on our Patreon, located at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dark Magic Who Shall Not Be Named (HBP Chapter 23, 'Horcruxes') 29.04.2026 54min

On this week's episode, get ready for the worst scavenger hunt ever! Join Eric, Micah, Laura and special guest Rachel as they take a trip down Horcrux memory lane and learn what near-impossible task lies ahead for Harry and company! Welcome Slug Club member and host of The Menuscript, Rachel! This week we're discussing Half-Blood Prince Chapter 23, "Horcruxes" The Slughorn Files: UNREDACTED What do we make of Slughorn's interest in Tom becoming Minister of Magic? Did Tom learn some of his less-than-wholesome skills from observing Slughorn? What was the inciting event that made Dumbledore so “fierce” about a no-Horcrux curriculum? And should Horcruxes be a banned topic at Hogwarts? Why was Voldemort willing to risk part of his soul to reopen the Chamber of Secrets? Hallows Happy Dumbledore: with both the Elder Wand and Resurrection Stone in his possession, why didn't Albus ask Harry for his Invisibility Cloak and just dip? When Dumbledore suggests the possibility of a living Horcrux in Nagini, should this not have been MAJOR confirmation that Harry was a Horcrux as well? Why does Harry’s capacity for love give him power the Dark Lord knows not? Lynx Line: If Horcruxes were a subscription service, what would their tagline be? Quizzitch: On July 7th, 2007, the “New 7 Wonders of the Modern World” were unveiled by the New 7 Wonders Committee in Switzerland, with input from around the world. Of the NEW 7 Wonders of the Modern world, which one is the MOST modern? In Bonus MuggleCast, we're keeping with the Horcrux theme… and giving the Harry Potter TV show license to change one major character death. Find out what the hosts came up with at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Psychology of Slughorn (HBP Chapter 22, ‘After the Burial’) 22.04.2026 57min

On this week's episode, it's time for Slughorn Unfiltered. We're going into the true memory that Dumbledore and Harry have been after, opening a significant path forward in the quest to defeat Voldemort! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 22: After the Burial Is Hagrid being a bad friend by asking the trio to break curfew? This isn't the first time Hagrid has put Harry in danger re: Aragog; we recall moments in Chamber of Secrets which connect. Hermione and Ron's reactions to Harry taking liquid luck still make us giggle. How did Hagrid actually fend off all of Aragog's family to get him to his hut? Is Harry being a bad friend to Hagrid by inviting Slughorn to the funeral, knowing Slughorn wants to turn a profit? Could Harry have gotten Horace's memory without using Felix Felicis? We go through why Harry is successful and what steps are taken which ensure his victory with the memory. Does Horace Slughorn appear again in this book? Does he avoid Harry after this? Odds and Ends discuss the first Potions lesson of the year, which was an important one for both Harry and Draco. Lynx Line: When did you successfully persuade someone to do something they didn’t want to do, and how did you do it? Quizzitch: 1 On which Earth continent would you find the world’s biggest spider, Theraposa blondi aka “The Goliath Birdeater”? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moaning With Dr. Myrtle (HBP Chapter 21, 'The Unknowable Room') 15.04.2026 51min

On this week's episode, we hope you know the difference between a ghost and an Inferius, lest you want to incur the sass of Severus Snape. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as we suffer through Defense Against The Dark Arts while trying very hard to break into the Room of Requirement. Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 21: The Unknowable Room Main Discussion #1: Distracted by Draco Fudge Flashback: We reflect on the Minister's comments in the very first chapter of this book: "The other side can do magic too." As Hermione consistently reminds Harry throughout the chapter, he is taking his eyes off the prize. Why is Harry not more focused given how testy Dumbledore was with him during their last lesson? We debate whether or not Dumbledore should have offered Harry more guidance Snitch Report: Given how Dobby behaves after tailing Draco, should Harry have been more mindful of what he was asking the former Malfoy house-elf to do? Why did it take Harry (and Hermione) 452 pages to realize Draco was using the Room of Requirement? Main Discussion #2: EMO Slytherins Snape is in rare form. Do we attribute his more-than-sassy nature to Draco? Dumbledore? Or did he just not have his coffee? Draco is in over his head. Do we have any sympathy for him? Lynx Line: What would you say to make the Room of Requirement open for you to reveal what Draco is up to? [Wrong answers only] Quizzitch: In Chapter 21, Harry is searching for a phrase that’ll get him into the Room of Requirement… kind of like a password. WHO was the host of the United States television game show called “Password,” from 1961 to 1975? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New 'Philosopher's Stone' TV Show Documentary Blows Us Away 06.04.2026 42min

As if last week's Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone TV Show trailer wasn't enough, HBO Max has released a new documentary giving us a behind the scenes look at the making of the upcoming book to TV adaptation! We react to this new documentary called Finding Harry and how it leaves us feeling about the new Harry Potter TV show. The thought and detail that is going into this series is nothing short of incredible, and we explain why we're feeling reassured about rebooting this story. From the numerous animatronics to an earthy Hogwarts to making illogical magic logical, we go moment by moment through this documentary. Your Harry Potter friends at MuggleCast are continuing to cover the TV show now through the December 2026 premiere and beyond. Be sure to follow us in your favorite podcast app and tell a fellow Muggle about our TV show analysis! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' TV TRAILER IS OUT! 27.03.2026 1h 3min

EMERGENCY EARLY POD RELEASE! Our first BIG look at the Harry Potter TV show is here, and it's way earlier AND bigger than expected! The first season of the upcoming TV show is now titled Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and Holy Dumbledore do we have thoughts. Heads up! For one week only: Celebrate the TV show coming out THIS YEAR by using code '2026' from now through April 1 to receive 26% off your first month of our Patreon! Visit Patreon.com/mugglecast and pledge now! Your support helps us cover the TV show. Before we can even analyze the trailer, we have to talk about that title (RIP "Sorcerer"), and the equally surprising release date: Christmas 2026! How many episodes will they release at the launch, and do we expect more episodes on New Years? I guess we won't be taking a break over the holidays... After discussing those developments, we go scene-by-scene through the trailer. One of our big takeaways is that this TV adaptation is being more loyal than the movies ever were! From Petunia cutting Harry's hair to Hagrid knocking three times on the entry doors to Hogwarts, no detail seems to be overlooked. We also discuss the slew of character reveals (Laura thirsts over the new Snape, Eric celebrates the confirmation of Peeves), discuss the familiar-yet-different changes to the look and feel of the Wizarding World, and point out the little things you may have missed. For example, WTH are Ron and Harry doing running on tables!? Heads up! For one week only: Celebrate the TV show coming out THIS YEAR by using code '2026' from now through April 1 to receive 26% off your first month of our Patreon! Visit Patreon.com/mugglecast and pledge now! Your support helps us cover the TV show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hokey Pokey (HBP Chapter 20, 'Lord Voldemort's Request') 24.03.2026 1h 2min

On this week's episode, we take another trip down memory lane. Be sure to hide your valuable family heirlooms because there is a thieving Dark Lord lurking. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they do the Hokey Pokey and they turn themselves around... because that's what it's all about! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 20: Lord Voldemort's Request Memory #1: Hepzibah, Hokey & Helga Hufflepuff We debate whether or not Tom Riddle should have been given a post at Hogwarts vs. allowing him to dabble in dark artifacts at Borgin and Burkes Hokey The Scapegoat: we compare how Tom Riddle used her much like he used Morfin and Hagrid! Hepzibah Smith displays some of Hufflepuff's less-than-flattering character traits. Do we agree she is Slughorn "lite" in her behavior? What do we make of the “young, attractive man charming the older, wealthy woman” trope? Memory #2: Awkward Job Interview Given how his appearance has begun to change, does Dumbledore already suspect Horcruxes during Voldemort's trip to Hogwarts? Do we agree with Dumbledore that Voldemort didn’t actually come to Hogwarts to get the Defense Against The Dark Arts (DADA) post? Doesn’t the Ministry, school governors, and other faculty notice the turnover rate for the DADA position? Why isn’t anything done to break the curse? Lynx Line: In an alternate universe where Dumbledore decided to give Tom a second chance, what Hogwarts position should he have offered Tom instead of DADA Professor [wrong answers only]? Quizzitch: In Chapter 20, we learn why Hogwarts cannot have a DADA teacher for more than year. In United States history, which two American Presidents served less than one year in office? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peeves' Fight Club (Half-Blood Prince Chapter 19, 'Elf Tails') 17.03.2026 1h 3min

This week, the hosts discuss the ethics of commanding your House-Elf to tail your enemy. Why isn't Kreacher punishing himself for being so rude to Harry, when Dobby couldn't do the same about his masters? And, have any of us ever worried about being replaced like Ron does after missing out on the Quidditch match due to being poisoned? All these discussion points and more on the latest episode of our Chapter-by-Chapter analysis for Half-Blood Prince. Welcome to the show Slug Club member Stef! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 19: Elf Tails How is it that Kreacher can speak ill of his master, Harry? When Dobby struggled hard to do so? Has Kreacher been bending the rules due to technicality? Does Peeves operate an underground House-Elf fight club? How is he so tuned in to Dobby and Kreacher's fight?... And how does he follow them? Ethically, is Harry asking the elves to follow Draco sound? Should there be limits to what you can ask your House-Elf to do? What alternatives might Harry have used to track Draco - how about a magical AirTag? Is Draco's plan too convoluted to work? Where do we stand on the Dumbledore vs Snape argument that Hagrid overhears? This week's Lynx Line: Have we ever felt in danger of becoming replaced? How did we handle it? MVP of the week has us creating new Quidditch nicknames for Harry, inspired by Draco's. Our weekly Quizzitch segment returns (now with 800% more 14-year-olds.) Which 1950's BBC Radio programme first coined the term, meaning a nonfatal, unspecified illness such as a cold or flu, and called it "The Dreaded Lurgi"? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prince It 'Til You Ace It (HBP Chapter 18, Birthday Surprises) 10.03.2026 1h 2min

On this week's episode, unless you have a bezoar (and a bit of cheek) handy, we highly recommend you brush up on on all of Golpalott’s laws! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura for a show full of alchemy, apparition and plenty of teenage angst! News: Warner Bros. Discovery has a new home in Paramount; plus several dozen young actors have been cast as various Hogwarts students Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Half-Blood Prince, Chapter 18: Birthday Surprises We analyze Golpalott’s Third Law: could this Potions class teach Harry something about how to ultimately destroy Voldemort? Does the creation of a Horcrux have an alchemical element to it? How does alchemy present in other book series, such as The Secrets of the Immortal Nicolas Flamel? Can we expect to learn more about Dumbledore and Flamel's partnership in the new Harry Potter TV Show? Apparition: Just put your mind to it! Does this class pass our sniff test? Bezoar! Hermione is upset (again) with Harry’s success in Potions. Does Harry's cheek make him a bit to overconfident when trying to acquire Slughorn’s unredacted memory? When Harry can't locate Malfoy on the Marauder's Map, why does overlook the Room of Requirement? MVP: Destination. Determination. Deliberation. Which is the of the Three D’s? Lynx Line: Name a time in school where you found yourself totally out of your depth subject-wise. Did you overcome your knowledge gap? If so, was it due to hard work and determination? A good teacher or tutor? Or did you merely squeak by in class and never take up the subject again? Quizzitch: In this chapter, a bezoar from the stomach of a goat is used as a cure for poison. In reality, bezoars can appear in humans as ailments. What popular soft drink brand is used to treat bezoars in humans? Answer next week's question via the Quizzitch Form! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices