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

What's that in the bushes? It's another introduction into the horrors of true crime as we follow Harry and Viktor Krum into the woods of the Forbidden Forest! Joining us for this episode are Nicole and Lexi of Fantasy Fangirls podcast! With plenty of laughs and deep coverage of another massive chapter of Book 4, listen now as we discuss "The Madness of Mr. Crouch!" Welcome back Nicole and Lexi of the Fantasy Fangirls podcast! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 28: The Madness of Mr. Crouch 7-Word Summary: Harry finds Crouch disturbed inside the forest Main Discussion #1: Drinky has a winking problem Down in the kitchens, Harry and Hermione uncover more clues at the expense of making every situation worse. Laura has calculated Winky's BAC, and it's not good. Is Crouch Sr. careless to not have taken Winky back, and does he rely on House-Elf magic to feel confident that she'll keep his secrets, which she does? Main Discussion #2: a wild Mr. Crouch appears! Down on the pitch, we learn that the points so far haven't mattered... much. Nicole explains why she would quit the Triwizard Tournament at this point. Krum pulls Harry aside... to talk about girls! Has Crouch Sr. traveled all this way on FOOT? Or by magic? Should Harry have asked Crocuh Sr. more direct follow-up questions before leaving Krum alone with him? Does Dumbledore fear Krum, or fear for Krum in this moment? Does Igor Karkaroff kind of have a point about fairness? Is Hagrid about to be revealed to be Uncle Vernon in disguise? Odds & Ends include the principality of Andorra! Cornelius Fudge's wife! Christmas Nifflers, Barty Crouch Jr.'s test scores, and more. Quizzitch: Who is the second person Mad-Eye Fakey tells should become an Auror as a career? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11 Juni 20241h 34min

This week, TAKE NOTE! No, we mean it, TAKE NOTES! Because everything you need to know about the plot of Goblet of Fire is revealed as Padfoot Returns! Eric has an announcement to kick off this Pride Month! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 27: Padfoot Returns 7-Word Summary: Crouch is not innocent of any crimes Main Discussion #1: Second Task Hangover Does Snape behave any differently from a teacher catching students talking or passing a note in class? Snape calls Harry a “nasty little boy”... do we think he’s projecting here? Boomslang Skin & Gillyweed: Snape’s stores have been broken into, but what evidence does Snape have that it was Harry? Did Harry effectively use Occlumency without even realizing it? Should Harry have challenged Snape to give him Veritaserum? What's up with Karkaroff's arm? Main Discussion #2: Cave Crouching Why is Sirius the only real parental figure that shows up for Harry? Oh, Peter! Sirius is eating rats? Do we think that’s a coincidence? Sirius paints a harrowing picture of the First War and Azkaban Prison Good People & Death Eaters: After Sirius reveals the true Barty Crouch Sr., we analyze Harry’s inclination to label him a Death Eater If Barty had spent some more time with his son, what would have happened? How is it possible during his time in Azkaban, Sirius never got confirmation Barty Crouch Jr. was a Death Eater, learned Snape was a Death Eater, heard of the Dark Mark tattoo? Ron jokingly solves everything at the end of the chapter! Odds & Ends cover Ludo Bagman, Bertha Jorkins and Second Task safety protocols! Quizzitch: What food does Harry send to Sirius in his cave, that Pigwidgeon isn’t suitable for? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 Juni 20241h 30min

We are off this week due to the Memorial Day holiday in the United States, but we are releasing a recent Bonus MuggleCast installment to give you a taste of the great benefits available at Patreon.com/mugglecast! Please join us there to receive two Bonus MC episodes every month and so much more! We couldn't do this show without support from Muggles like you, so thank you! A new article from the Wall Street Journal has been published which offers a rare insight into the relationship between Warner Bros Pictures and Potter author, J.K. Rowling, describing how WB's current C.E.O. David Zaslav has worked to secure a profitable future for the HP property under unusually restrictive guidelines set up long ago. Your MuggleCast hosts read from excerpts of the article and offer their thoughts on some of the many revelations, including what may be changes made to upcoming video game titles. Thanks, as always, to our Patrons and those subscribed to us on Apple for their support. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

28 Maj 202448min

Grab your House-themed pennants and something to do for an hour, because today we’re heading down to the Black Lake and celebrating a Triwizard Task that nobody above ground can see or appreciate! Join Eric, Laura, Micah and special guest Chloé as they discuss Chapter 26 of Goblet of Fire, “The Second Task.” Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 26: The Second Task 7-Word Summary: The merpeople mock Harry incessantly under water Main Discussion #1: Leading up to the task Hagrid’s back teaching. Do we miss Professor Grubbly-Plank? Could Harry be reaching out to Lupin or other folks for help? Have we ever overslept on the day of an exam and had to wing it? Main Discussion #2: The Task and Immediate Aftermath Why are the other headmasters so visibly annoyed at Harry? Could they tone it down a bit? What does the Second Task look like, for the audience and spectators? Even Dumbledore has to ask the merpeople what happened at the end of it. Micah’s Hot Take: Hermione is not meaningful enough to Krum for her to be his hostage. The hosts debate: were the ‘hostages’ ever really in danger? We also polled our Patrons... twice. Are we disappointed by the writing’s handling of Fleur’s performance? Do we agree with the final results of the Second Task? Odds and Ends touches on a Skeeter sighting, and another mention of their school hats! Quizzitch: Who authorized Aurors to use the Unforgivable Curses during the first Wizarding war? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Reminder: Micah and Eric and Chloé will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code 'MUGGLE' while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

21 Maj 20241h 30min

Crank up the hot water and pour the bubbles, because this week we’re soaking in the Prefects bathroom with, eh, Moaning Myrtle! Then grab your Invisibility Cloak and head downstairs because Moody and Snape are must-see TV!  Welcome Slug Club member, Geoff! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 25: The Egg & The Eye 7-Word Summary: Mermaids sing to a bathroom of children Main Discussion #1: Harry’s First Bath in 14 Years Is the Prefects Bathroom everything we’ve ever wanted? Moaning Myrtle is back! Why is Myrtle confined to the Hogwarts plumbing? Who is monitoring her? How do feel about Myrtle's bathroom behavior? Soooo... Hogwarts is dumping all of its waste into the Black Lake? Geoff gives us a beautiful rendition of The Second Task Clue Main Discussion #2: Curiosity Killed the Cat Could the Horcrux be behind Harry's pursuit of Barty Crouch Jr.? Security Nightmare: Why has Hogwarts not fixed that trick step? We dare you to name another wizard who could tell Snape to go to bed (and live)! Should Moody's eye be able to see through a Deathly Hallow? What if... Harry's foot didn't get trapped? Do we think Moody's recommendation that Harry become an Auror is sincere? Quizzitch: According to Hagrid, at what age do unicorns become pure white? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code 'MUGGLE' while registering for a discount! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

14 Maj 20241h 23min

This week, we revisit the ever-exciting MuggleMail bag and listen to your voicemails on all things Goblet of Fire. The debate about Cedric's clue to Harry rages on, and listeners have opinions on everything from House-Elf rights to defending Ron Weasley's youth. Voicemails cover House-Elf evolution, Cedric's clue, judges at professional sporting events, and Barty Crouch, Sr. The Hungarian Horntail may NOT have been the last addition to the First Task, multiple listeners posit. Quidditch could easily have fit in between the 3 year-long tasks, couldn't it? One listener defends Ron Weasley's recent actions on the basis of his youth. Do we let him off the hook? Do Durmstrang and Beauxbatons students have classes with Hogwarts professors? Working backwards from the Portkey, does the plot of Book 4 even work? Do Aurors have the same damage to their souls as Death Eaters if they both kill to survive? Feminism in Harry Potter has some pitfalls from the onset, one listener opines. What did Sirius Black's family members think upon receiving word of his incarceration? The hosts take turns choosing one wizarding profession that they would have in the Wizarding world. Quizzitch: Where specifically does Moaning Myrtle mention haunting Olive Hornby? This week's episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, and use code 'MUGGLE' while registering for a discount!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

7 Maj 20241h 24min

This week, open up your copy of The Daily Prophet and settle in for some hot goss as the hosts break down Rita Skeeter's Scoop on Rebeus Hagrid and his qualifications as a Hogwarts professor! Plus, between Ludo and some goblins and Rita and Hermione, were we moments away from a good ole fashioned pub brawl at The Three Broomsticks? Join us and find out! Welcome Patreon member, Liza! Check out her book club by following her on Twitter and Instagram We discuss the recent news that all seven Harry Potter audiobooks will be transformed into new full-cast ensemble productions! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24: Rita Skeeter's Scoop 7-Word Summary: Rita ignites rumors in The Three Broomsticks Do we think Cedric gave Harry a good clue about the egg? Main Discussion #1: Dumbledore's Giant Mistake Draco Malfoy... the 1950’s cartoon villain?! Why does Hermione fail to grasp certain larger wizarding world dynamics? Micah's Hot Take: While definitely scathing, Rita's article about Hagrid is... TRUE! Should Dumbledore sack Hagrid as Care of Magical Creatures professor? Why didn't Hagrid start as an assistant and receive proper training? How do we feel about the students getting a proper Care of Magical Creatures lesson?  Lupin and Hagrid have drastically different reactions to being outed! Why did Dumbledore accept Lupin’s resignation but not Hagrid’s? Main Discussion #2: A Bagman In The Pub. Why is Ludo really meeting with the goblins? Is he trying to plant a story about his boss with Rita? How concerned should we be about Barty Crouch Sr.'s absence? Should Hermione have been more careful calling out Rita in a crowded pub? Main Discussion #3: Justice for Hagrid. Dumbledore shows up for Hagrid on a whole new level! Do the letters of support Hagrid receives actually support his role as professor? Does Dumbledore's trust in people and belief in second chances stem from his own family situation and relationship with Grindelwald? Odds and Ends cover Krum practicing for The Second Task, Sleakeazy’s Hair Potion, goblin rebellions and Aberforth's lust for goats! Next week: We're busting open the Muggle Mail bag, so send us your feedback! Quizzitch question: The tub in the Prefects’ Bathroom features roughly how many golden taps? Submit your answer at MuggleCast.com/Quizzitch! Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Check out the MuggleCast Overstock Store to grab MuggleCast t-shirts, signed album art, and so much more! Supplies are limited, so act fast and help us support the show! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

30 Apr 20241h 25min

Can YOU dance like a Hippogriff? Nananananananana! It's Yule Ball season and this week, we’re fraternizing with the enemy, proving our emotional span is greater than a teaspoon and dodging Moody's creepy eye, all while trying our best to keep our dates happy and turn it up on the dance floor! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 23: The Yule Ball 7-Word Summary: Hormones fly amok at Hogwarts’ Big Holiday Main Discussion #1: Hermione’s Chapter Would anyone that Hermione took to the ball have been free of Ron’s criticism? The Courting of Hermione Granger What do we think of Viktor Krum's approach... and sheer vulnerability? We react to Hermione's decision to have Madam Pomfrey shrink her teeth Main Discussion #2: Hurricane Ron Animal Magnetism, baby! What makes Ron suddenly so full of himself? Sour face, sour mood: Ron casts a massive black cloud over the entire Yule Ball Could Ron be jealous his two besties are a part of the Elite Champions date club? Low Blow, Ron! Does Hermione truly not have Harry's best interests at heart? We debate if Harry did enough to defuse the tension between Ron and Hermione Odds and Ends cover Sirius' knife, Dobby's Christmas gift, Barty Crouch Jr.'s mysterious absence, Snape and Karkaroff's odd relationship, Beetle Rita and more! Next week: Goblet of Fire, Chapter 24: Rita Skeeter's Scoop Quizzitch question: According to Rita Skeeter, what department at the Ministry would be particularly interested in Hagrid’s Blast-Ended Skrewts? Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Check out the MuggleCast Overstock Store to grab MuggleCast t-shirts, signed album art, and so much more! Supplies are limited, so act fast and help us support the show! For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, including the chance to co-host the show, a new physical gift every year, and a video message from one of the four of us visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

23 Apr 20241h 18min