Someone Call A Broombulance (OOTP Chapter 22, 'St. Mungo’s Hospital...')

On this week's episode, Harry is saved by a (violently purple) knight in shining car wax as the Knight Bus whisks him away to London, where Uncle Cornelius pats him on the back and tells him everything is fine. Join Andrew, Laura, Eric and Micah as they dive into Chapter 3 of Prisoner of Azkaban, The Knight Bus! This week the hosts provide alternative identities to help them escape detection... Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 3: The Knight Bus 7-Word Summary: Help arrives for Harry after an encounter Harry's frustration and short-sightedness mirrors our own in times of stress. Do we relate to Harry following his incident with Aunt Marge? Andrew has a full tally of all the times Harry thinks he is about to be expelled. It's higher than our Dumbledore Lie Count :'( We ask again, just why was Sirius Black not given a full trial? Is Dumbledore, or the government, to blame? Laura reminisces about an old campaign asking readers if they spotted The Grim. We ask, What If? Sirius had introduced himself to Harry? Would Harry believe him then and there? Why can't the Knight Bus go underwater, if it can do all the other things that it does? Not one but TWO Name Origins segments help us appreciate the details on display. Why did Harry choose a pureblood wizard that Stan might have known as his alias? Why didn't Harry know about the Knight Bus sooner? Fudge being described like an 'uncle with a favorite nephew' raises our interest. Why can Fudge trust Harry to follow his orders? Quizzitch: In Chapter 4 of POA, a hag orders what from the Leaky Cauldron? Next week: We continue with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 4: The Leaky Cauldron And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! Last week, we discussed the recent Harry Potter Almanac news and reflect back on the history of all the times we were promised a Harry Potter Encyclopedia! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Mars 20231h 2min

On this week's episode, we get a visit from one of Harry's favorite relatives, Aunt Marge! They share wine, brandy and have so much fun that she even let's Harry perform magic on her at the end of the chapter! Oh wait... Welcome Slug Club member, Sherry! Sherry, who is blind, shares her story of finding the Harry Potter series! Be sure to check out her fan fiction: Sirius Black and Becoming a Father and her book: Haven! Andrew and Laura will be discussing the potential ban of TikTok in the U.S. on their podcast, #Millennial. Follow the show for free in your favorite podcast app! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 2: Aunt Marge's Big Mistake 7-Word Summary: Aunt Marge enjoys abusing Harry every minute What do we make of Vernon's assessment of Sirius Black? What do muggle relations offices look like at the Ministry? Hogsmeade Permission Slip: Harry learns how to play on Vernon's prejudices Aunt Marge was based on J.K. Rowling's grandmother, who preferred her dogs to human relatives While Marge is generally nasty to Harry, the gloves really come off when she starts to drink; is this an indictment on abuse levels rising (both verbal and physical) when family members have a drinking problem? Did Harry have to sit with Marge on multiple occasions during her visit? Is it actually to protect Vernon? Why doesn’t Petunia stand up more for her sister? Is Colonel Fubster, Marge’s boo? Quizzitch: What name does Harry give to Stan Shunpike when he boards The Knight Bus? Next week: We continue with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 3: The Knight Bus This week’s episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and BetterHelp (visit BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast today to get 10% off your first month)! And don’t forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, we discuss the recent Harry Potter Almanac news and reflect back on the history of all the times we were promised a Harry Potter Encyclopedia! Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 Mars 202356min

On this week's episode, we begin our third year at Hogwarts as we open up the pages of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! Harry celebrates his birthday, Ron can't figure out how to use the telephone, Hermione is enjoying France and Hagrid is still, well... Hagrid! Main Discussion: Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 1: Owl Post The hosts reflect on when they read Prisoner of Azkaban for the first time! 7-Word Summary: Owls deliver presents to Harry’s bedroom window  Is this the last time we get the big “previously on Harry Potter” info dump? Should Ron have known how to use a telephone given his father's job? What are some other examples of common muggle technology that would vex unknowing wizards? Vacation Time: the Weasleys head to Egypt, Hermione is off to France! Why did nobody ask Harry to tag along? What do we think Ginny’s summer has been like post-Chamber of Secrets?  Harry receives gifts from Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid that all pertain to events that will occur later in this book! If the Sneakoscope works to detect untrustworthy people, is there a case to be made that it should have gone off constantly around Harrym, since he’s a Horcrux? Harry, why didn't you just forge your Hogsmeade permission slip? The hosts agree to disagree about Percy's Head Boy braggadocio! Quizzitch; How much does Dudley get paid to hug Aunt Marge? Next week: We continue with Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 2: Aunt Marge's Big Mistake This week's episode is brought to you by Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now) and Zocdoc (go to Zocdoc.com/MuggleCast and download the Zocdoc app for FREE. Then find and book a top-rated doctor)! And don't forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments! This week, March Madness takes over as the hosts compare their brackets pitting wizarding world items against each other! What item will emerge supreme? Become a patron of ours today at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Mars 20231h 16min

On this week's episode, we delve into our MuggleMailbag for the first time in 2023! Coming off our recent review episode of Hogwarts Legacy, listeners share their thoughts and discoveries about the game. And we properly wrap up our Chamber of Secrets Chapter By Chapter series by choosing ONE 7-Word Summary to redo, based on patron feedback. Join Andrew, Eric and Micah as they get caught up on their inbox this week! First, our vintage segment "What's Buggin' Micah?" makes its triumphant return to the show. MuggleMail starts with Hogwarts Legacy feedback. On PC, there's a mod to mute the Floo Lady. Eric learns the composer of his first ever PlayStation game also scored Hogwarts Legacy. Is there an Easy Mode in Hogwarts Legacy? And which common room would the hosts party in? Chamber of Secrets comes to a close with MuggleMail feedback. Did the Weasleys go to Egypt TWICE in one year? More name origins for Gilderoy Lockhart One listener's thoughts on criminal justice in the Wizarding world. There's more to Hermione's 2nd Year class signup sheet than we realize. Did Tom Riddle spend more time making the diary so it could be more than just a Horcrux? Was Dumbledore REALLY absent from COS? Did Hagrid ever find out who really opened the Chamber? We choose a 7 Word Summary to redo, vroom vroom. Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul features an OG listener who now listens with her 8-year-old son. Quizzitch: How long did Harry go without hearing from his friends until his thirteenth birthday? Submit your answer on the MuggleCast web site. Next week:  We begin our Chapter By Chapter reread of Prisoner of Azkaban! This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, Indeed, and MeUndies! Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now! For 20% off your first MeUndies order and free US shipping, visit MeUndies.com/MuggleCast And don't forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast segments. Become a patron of ours today at Patreon dot com slash mugglecast. As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Mars 20231h 13min

On this week's episode, we immerse ourselves into the Wizarding World in a completely different way! Our 600th installment welcomes back an old favorite as we review the highly-anticipated Hogwarts Legacy video game! The game has blown us away in a lot of ways, but it's not without issues. Please note: We acknowledge the conflict many in the fandom feel about supporting this game and address this at the top of show. For past episodes discussing the author's position on trans issues please see  Episode 469 and this episode from January 2020. Fans can join us in supporting and volunteering with organizations such as Trans Lifeline, Lambda Legal, The Trevor Project, Transgender Law Center, and the Marsha P Johnson Institute.  Welcome back, original MuggleCast co-host, Kevin! Main Discussion: Our Hogwarts Legacy Review How far have each of us made it in the game? Are we playing as ourselves? Or did we create an original character? Does the game live up to all of the expectations? What are we most enjoying? What are some of the little things that make us smile? What don't we like? What's really grinding our gear slots? And how is Laura making all that coin? Does the plot work for us? Have there been any story moments that we didn’t see coming?! Would we recommend the game to people who don’t usually play video games but want to experience the Wizarding World? Next week:  We’ll catch up on MuggleMail we’ve received over the last couple months, and we’ll wrap up our re-read of Chamber of Secrets! And don't forget! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon, including Bonus MuggleCast! On this week's edition we make good on our Valentine's Day promise with dirty Harry Potter pick-up lines and a spicy fan-fiction reading! (Please note: this specific bonus segment is not kid-appropriate). As always, we appreciate your support of the show! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Feb 20231h 17min

In this week's episode, Harry and Ron rack up substantial points for Gryffindor, and Dobby is freed! It's the final Chapter-by-Chapter segment of our read-through of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with Andrew, Eric, Laura and our social media manager Chloé! Eric tries desperately to up Dumbledore's Lie Count, but Andrew isn't having it. Finally, Quizzitch looks ahead to the third book, which we will be starting in a few weeks' time! We revisit last week's topic of inter-Horcrux communication, with quotes from the later books. Main Discussion: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 18: Dobby's Reward 7-Word Summary: Harry accepts Dumbledore’s comforting advice on Voldemort Dumbledore is back! But unlike last year, he did not save Harry beneath the school. How much does the headmaster really know about the events of the past year? Who are his sources regarding Voldemort's current location? Is what happened in the Chamber a perfect recruiting opportunity for DD of Molly and Arthur? Dumbledore pays Voldemort a compliment. The hosts cringe. Examining Harry's ability to speak Parseltongue Dumbledore pays Voldemort a compliment. The hosts cringe. Lucius finds himself out of his depth when confronting Albus directly. Connecting the Threads: In books 2 and 6, a Malfoy is Voldemort's prime connection to events at Hogwarts. Quizzitch: What witch performed a Flame Freezing Charm, allowing herself to be burned at the stake at least 47 separate times? Next week: It's Episode #600! We will be reviewing Hogwarts Legacy.. This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp, Indeed, and ZocDoc! Get 10% off your first month of BetterHelp at BetterHelp.com/MuggleCast. Visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to start hiring now! Go to ZocDoc.com/MuggleCast to download the Zocdoc app for FREE; then find and book a top-rated doctor today. Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 Feb 20231h 19min

In this week's episode, Harry finally enters the Chamber of Secrets! But does he leave with more questions than he had coming in? And, knowing what the diary truly represents, the hosts dive deep into the world of Horcruxes! Join us as we discuss the penultimate chapter of Chamber of Secrets! Welcome, Voldemort enthusiast and friend of the show, Tylor Starr! Be sure to follow him on social media and check out his Unofficial Harry Potter Vegan Cookbook! Main Discussion: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17: The Heir of Slytherin 7-Word Summary: Memories reveal answers about Tom’s legacy fulfillment  Are Horcruxes self-aware? Do they have a hivemind? Does the diary-version of Tom Riddle know he’s a Horcrux?  How does a Horcrux work when another form still exists? If Tom Riddle weren’t killed here, would there have been a current Voldemort and a Tom Riddle, or would they have merged together? What if… Ginny had found fulfillment and happiness instead of being teased by her brothers, feeling like she didn’t fit in, and harboring unrequited feelings for Harry? Would Riddle have been able to manipulate her otherwise? Should Harry have told Tom Riddle what he knew about Voldemort's downfall? Did it inform Voldemort's future actions? We explore Signs that Tom Riddle is Voldemort: did we suspect this when we first read the book? If he didn’t have the brains or the power, why was Hagrid a good person to frame? Connecting The Threads to Half-Blood Prince: Fawkes, teenage Tom Riddle, the charming manipulation of others and the similarities between Harry and Tom Connecting The Threads to Deathly Hallows: The Sword of Gryffindor and Basilisk Fangs Ever wondered what other anagrams come from Tom Marvolo Riddle? Check out this great list from Katie Rose! And we have few international versions that will make you laugh out loud! Quizzitch: What does Fred drop on George’s head after he learns Percy has a girlfriend? Next week: We wrap up our chapter-by-chapter discussion of Chamber of Secrets with Chapter 18. This week's episode is brought to you by MasterClass (get unlimited access to EVERY class, and as a MuggleCast listener, you get 15% off an annual membership at MasterClass.com/MuggleCast) and Indeed (visit Indeed.com/MuggleCast to starting hiring now)! Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Feb 20231h 14min

What exactly did the Forbidden Forest do to the Flying Ford Anglia? What did the teachers do all day when Ginny Weasley was discovered missing? And, should Hogwarts lock its front door? These questions and more are asked as your MuggleCast hosts delve into Chapters 15 and 16 of Chamber of Secrets on this week's jam-packed Chapter-by-Chapter episode of MuggleCast! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura, Micah, and Slug Club guest Kimberly (who came prepared with some fun HP-themed Valentines greetings) as we near the final chapters of Book 2. Welcome to the show Slug Club guest Kimberly! Is it really Valentine's Day without some Harry-Potter-themed greetings? The hosts are delighted to hear something new. Main Discussion #1: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 15: Aragog 7-Word Summary: Andrew and Micah devise, "Spiders spiders spiders spiders vroom vroom vroom" Parallels abound between life at Hogwarts without Dumbledore in Book 2, and a similar time for students in Year 7. Should Hogwarts lock its front door at night to prevent students leaving so easily as Harry and Ron do? Harry and Ron are up to their eyes in spiders, and is Dumbledore responsible for their Anglia-driven rescue? Aragog's origins and his tale are explored in depth. In Odds and Ends for Chapter 15, Draco jokes prophetically, the Hufflepuffs come around, Fang gets some relief, and Percy is caught fooling around. Main Discussion #2: Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 16: The Chamber of Secrets 7-Word Summary: Laura and Eric come up with, "Gilderoy is revealed to have no integrity." Is it fair that Hogwarts doesn't (yet) cancel exams for the 1992 school year? Hermione provides Ron and Harry the key to solving the whole puzzle, while unconscious. Her most impressive feat yet! Ginny tries to tell Ron and Harry something, but is interrupted... ...and Lockhart reveals himself to be every bit as incompetent as everybody feared. For once, Ron and Harry brought a teacher into their circle, but it came at a cost. What are the teachers all doing the entire day while Ginny is gone? Would the person who put Hogwarts' plumbing in have discovered the Chamber of Secrets, and (literally) covered it up? Wouldn't it have been better if the tap on the sink had actually functioned? Next week: We dive into Chamber of Secrets, Chapter 17, The Heir of Slytherin! Quizzitch: Who really opened the Chamber of Secrets 50 years ago? Support the show! There’s much more MuggleCast waiting for you on Patreon! Benefits include Bonus MuggleCast, early access to each episode of the show, ad-free episodes, access to our recording studio, an exclusive Discord and Facebook group, you’ll become a member of the MuggleCast Collectors Club, and at the Slug Club level you’ll receive a physical gift every year! This week's episode is brought to you by HelloFresh. Use code muggle65 for 65% off plus free shipping at HelloFresh.com/Muggle65. Also, by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Feb 20231h 16min