Mugglecast: The Harry Potter Podcast

Slug Club member Amy joins the show! The Crimes of Grindelwald screenplay cover is revealed... And we analyze every beast, symbol and little detail Did Alan Rickman feel Snape was an underutilized character in the films? JKR reveals her next project will be a children's book! We start June off with our first Order of the Phoenix discussion What were the biggest theories prior to Order of the Phoenix being released?  Like: What exactly is the Order of the Phoenix? Will Snape ever teach DADA? Is he a spy? Is Lupin really James Potter in disguise? What is the gleam of triumph and what does it mean? What's up with Ms. Figg? Which character(s) won't make it through Book 5? Quizzitch: A witch or wizard who is gifted at reading minds is called a what? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer is here - we reflect on some favorite Potter memories J.K. Rowling reveals the toughest chapter for her to write in the Potter series Main Discussion: Whose origin story would we like to see brought to life on the big screen? Aren't Potter fans already getting that with Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts? Quirrell, McGonagall, Slughorn, Hagrid… who has the best backstory and who would end up on Lifetime? Patrons give their top choices: Helena & Rowena Ravenclaw, Molly Weasley, Tom Riddle, Remus Lupin and Kingsley Shacklebolt Voicemails cover Cursed Child, Percy being sorted into Gryffindor and the hosts roles at MuggleNet and in the fan community overall We'll be celebrating the 15th anniversary of Order of the Phoenix in June with some Book 5-themed discussions And don't forget we'll see you in Dallas this summer for LeakyCon 2018! Quizzitch: What is the form of Kingsley Shacklebolt’s Patronus? Bonus MuggleCast, available on Patreon: The Elder Wand's Allegiance in F

With Micah out for the week, MuggleCast welcomes our friend Nasim and one of our Patreon supporters Andy to the show! The MuggleCast community lost a listener and friend this week. Hug your loved ones. The Beedle the Bard Illustrated Edition covers are out now, and they're gorgeous! We forgot to discuss Tonks on last week's Mother's Day episode, so this week we share some thoughts about her decision to head to the Battle of Hogwarts as newborn Teddy stayed at home. Annnd that leads perfectly into our main discussion this week: The Battle of Hogwarts turns 20 (fictional) years old! We share our feelings reading the iconic scenes again 11 years after it was originally published. Do our feelings on it change now that we're adults? Was it responsible to allow students who were 'of age' to fight? What role would we have taken in defending the school? What GOOD came out of the battle (besides Voldemort's downfall)? Eric quizzes us on the Battle of Hogwarts. And of course, Quizzitch wraps

Slug Club member and mom Cherise returns for a Mother's Day discussion How would raising a young witch/wizard differ from raising a child in the Muggle world? What would be the most difficult part of parenting? No schooling until Hogwarts? What do working parents do? What happens when your child begins exhibiting signs of magic? Would you be comfortable sending your child off to boarding school? We discuss notable mothers and mother-like figures in the Potter series From Lily and Molly to Narcissa and Petunia Patrons vote on who they think is the best mother in the wizarding world Listeners tweet their thoughts on the biggest parenting challenges Quizzitch: Which mother in the Harry Potter series is named after a Roman Catholic saint, whose Feast Day is famously preceded by a gathering of Witches? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cursed Child wrap up: Andrew sees it again, Hogwarts merch and Tony nominations JKR confirms Jessica Williams will play Ilvermorny professor Eulalie Hicks What's up with Dumbledore teaching DADA in a recent Crimes of Grindelwald clip? On the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts, JKR apologies for killing Dobby Main Discussion: Hogwarts Mystery The hosts give their initial reactions to the new Potter mobile game How far have we each advanced? Are we sold on the story? Do stories differ depending on which House your were sorted into? Is Merula the antagonist even if you were sorted into Slytherin? Time and energy issues! Patrons shared their mixed reactions to the game. Voicemails cover Hogwarts memorials, Teddy Lupin in Cursed Child, Puffs The Movie and more Quizzitch: In the trio's third year, what is the Care of Magical Creatures exam? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moments after seeing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, Andrew, Micah, and Eric are back in their hotel room to share their thoughts on the show. Have Micah and Eric changed their stances on Cursed Child? Did Andrew notice anything different? Did Micah buy an owl? This and more is discussed in this week's episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Molly joins the show! The votes are in for the most evil character in the Potter series (besides Voldemort)! Main Discussion: Predicting Cursed Child JKR checks out the newly refurbished Lyric Theatre What character are the hosts most looking forward to seeing? What scene? Will Part 1 or Part 2 be better? How much will be spent on merchandise? Will we keep an open mind about seeing the show despite our thoughts on the plot? Check out Episodes 295, 298 and 299 for prior Cursed Child discussions If there were to be an eighth Potter story, what would we want it to be about? Quizzitch: Where in Britain is the Railview Hotel? Don't forget Hogwarts Mystery hits your mobile phones this week! We'll be live on Patreon from NYC this Wednesday with our initial thoughts on Cursed Child! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slug Club member Stephen joins the show The Quidditch World Cup is underway in Round Rock, Texas The hosts share their Quidditch World Cup experiences  We get our first look at the Tales of Beedle the Bard Illustrated Edition The Goblet of Fire Illustrated Edition won't hit bookstores until 2019. Can we expect it to be published in two parts? The Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Edition covers get mixed reactions from the hosts Cursed Child sets a Broadway sales record Main Discussion: Who, besides Voldemort, is the most evil character in the series? Each host makes and defends their pick: Rita Skeeter, Bellatrix, Umbridge or Fudge? Patrons weigh in with their thoughts from the Dursleys to Peter Pettigrew to Salazar Slytherin MuggleMail covers wand allegiance and Voldemort and Bellatrix's relationship Quizzitch: What is Professor Quirrell's first name? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Slug Club member Laura! Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Warwick Davis lend voices to Hogwarts Mystery Main Discussion: Did Dumbledore & Grindelwald make an unbreakable vow? Since Voldemort is incapable of love, how was he able to father a child? Does Moody know what a boggart looks like because of his magical eye? How do wizards watch Quidditch matches? Do all the professors have permanent residences at Hogwarts? What about their families? Did the Shrieking Shack exists prior to Remus Lupin coming to school? How come Hermione's parents are cool with her never being home for the holidays? How did Voldemort acquire a rudimentary body? What happened to the chambers connected to Fluffy's bedroom? Did Credence ever get an Ilvermorny acceptance letter? Plus, plenty more emails, voicemails and text messages PO BOX Update! Quizzitch: For Harry's 17th birthday, what color did Hermione turn the leaves of the Weasley's crabapple tree

With Micah and Eric both out for the weekend, Andrew welcomes Hypable writer Nasim to the show! Andrew's April Fools Day article hits a little too close to home for some readers. Andrew visited The Cursed Child NYC giftshop and spent a little too much money. We discuss Nasim's recent article "The Problem With Pottermore" What would we like to see Pottermore become? Micah and Eric interview the team behind the Harry Potter Film Concert Series Voicemails address the Pottermore news, the Fantastic Beasts trailer, and the new Wizarding World logo. Quizzitch: What does Imposter Moody make Lavender Brown do under the Imperius Curse, in the classroom scene from Goblet of Fire? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pottermore makes some staffing changes- Scholastic confirms release of Crimes of Grindelwald screenplay The mystery behind Hogwarts Mystery is revealed! Main Discussion: Crimes of Grindewald trailer roundup We breakdown the Lestrange family tree in more detail What does it mean that Leta and Credence are half-siblings? Will this test allegiances? Who is Yusuf Kama? Could it have been him staring at the family tree? Listeners fact check us on the Minister for Magic, DADA professor and headmaster during the late 1920s Did Dumbledore's comment about Newt not following directions mean Newt really isn't supposed to be in Paris? Could Grindelwald been standing before a group of peers presenting his crimes? Could the dance Leta attended be her own wedding or engagement party? What role does Leta have in all of this? Is she a casual observer to the unfolding events or does she pick a side? J.K. Rowling Sez covers Lethal White, Newt & Kennilworthy Whisp

Trailer recap: is Credence able to separate himself from the Obscurus now? Why is the circus scene outdoors? Are the French more lackadaisical with secrecy? Andrew hates on Hedwig's Theme (really) Voicemails touch on ground pounds, Apparition at Hogwarts, Jacob's memory, Corvus Lestrange, and why nobody's dressed like a wizard! The hosts pick a favorite trailer moment Main Discussion: JK Rowling's Wizarding World gets a dedicated logo for the first time! Whose wands are represented in this 'book' design? Is JK Rowling being removed from the equation? We play Quizzitch and thank our Patrons for helping us reach the 777 Challenge! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first Crimes of Grindelwald trailer is here! The hosts give their initial thoughts and break things down scene-by-scene It's good to see you again, Hogwarts You can apparate on the grounds of Hogwarts? Our first look at Jude Law as Dumbledore. Is he never not having run-ins with the Ministry? Why was Dumbledore being confronted in the DADA classroom? DumbleDAYUMMMMM Why did he send Newt to Paris? Grindelwald and Rosier: who are they speaking to? Credence and the Maledictus: how did he learn to channel his inner obscurus? Inside the French Ministry of Magic: what's with all the beasts on the ceiling? Ride that Kelpie, Newt! Just who is checking out cryptic messages on walls in underground rooms? Credence and Leta... long lost siblings? The circus is finally in town! Is this how Credence made his way from New York to Paris? Grindelwald's escape - did LEGO spoil a major plot point? Why can't Dumbledore move again

Slug Club member Alex joins the show Cursed Child surprises fans with preview tickets - can we expect more of this in the future? Andrew shares a letter from his 11-year-old self The 777 Challenge is officially underway through March 31! Main Discussion: Were Harry, Snape & Voldemort modern-day versions of The Three Brothers?  Did Dumbledore represent Death? JKR likes this theory! We break down Voldemort as Antioch (the one who died for power), Snape as Cadmus (the one who died for love) and Harry as Ignotus (the one who greeted Death as an old friend) Does Dumbledore actually fit better as the second brother? Or could he be representative of all three brothers at different stages of his life? We discuss. Did we ever consider these possibilities after reading Deathly Hallows? Patrons share their thoughts Owl Post covers potion regulations, boggarts and video games Quizzitch: What is the name of the goblin (besides Griphook) that Harry encounter

Slug Club member Greg joins the show all the way from Singapore A new Hogwarts Mystery trailer has been released Cursed Child announces their Friday Forty program We reveal our plans for the 777 Challenge! Learn more and see the mug design at MuggleCast.com Main Discussion: Potions in the Wizarding World We react to JKR stating that muggles can't properly brew potions From Ageing Potions to the Elixir of Life to Mandrake Draught we run down the list of different types of potions  Would the hosts be good at making them? Are we patient enough? Careful with instructions? Which potion does each host wish they could have in real life? Is there a time we wish we could have used Veritaserum? Felix Felicis? Over/under: How many times will Polyjuice Potion be used in Fantastic Beasts? The hosts create their own potions (assuming we're wizards of course) Patreon Question of the Week: If you could take Polyjuice Potion for an hour, who would you turn into and why

We will be at LeakyCon 2018 this summer in Dallas, TX! The Studio Tour is adding a Goblet of Fire special beginning March 30 Cursed Child producer believes fans would want a Part 3... what?!? We interview The Potter Collector who enlightens us on his more than 1,000 books! How did he first get into the Potter series? Does he have a favorite translated edition? What's his most prized possession? Is there anything he still needs to get his hands on? Does he collect Fantastic Beasts? Cursed Child? Or anything movie related? What kind of precautions does he take to protect his collection? Is he aware of other Potter collectors? How does his collection stack up? Fans should be on the lookout for #HarryPotterCollector Day on March 5 Voicemails ask about post-Potter film roles, a little Scabbers foreshadowing, and bad Harry Potter TV show ideas. Chicken Soup from Mexico City Quizzitch: What is the core of Fleur Delacour’s wand, and the sto

Eric is back! News covers John Williams, Cursed Child, Digital Illustrated Editions and Allison Sudol A new segment called The Pensieve debuts, as we look back at parts of the Potter series now that we're older! Our first discussion centers around Cornelius Fudge and his denial of Voldemort's return Fudge refuses to believe credible sources such as Dumbledore and Harry Comparisons are made to present-day politics  For more discussion on Potter Politics, be sure to check out Episode 162 Main Discussion: How many editions of the Potter series is too many? The hosts share how many versions of each book they currently own Patrons weigh in with their thoughts, including one listener who has more than 200 copies! Owl Post covers Ebbingdales, Jacob in Paris and a new Quidditch film series We have a big Patreon announcement and share plans for 2018 Quizzitch: What famous Quidditch player died after encountering a Chimera, and has a wing in St. Mu

Eric...? Eric...? Slug Club member Ken joins the show Guessing Game: How many books has the Harry Potter series sold to date? How many do we think are duplicate copies? Eric...? Eric...? We respond to David Yates' recent comments about how Dumbledore's sexuality will play into Fantastic Beasts 2 Saying that "all fans are aware of that" has not sat well with...well...the fans JKR and the Wizarding World preach inclusion and acceptance but have shied away from embracing LGBTQ characters That said, Dumbledore still needs to be introduced in the Fantastic Beasts series and fans need to learn about his history with Grindelwald's We haven't seen Jude Law's portrayal of Dumbledore and we know he spent time learning about the character from Rowling Rowling is the screenwriter, she's the one who knows the backstory and she has four films to tell it Eric...? Eric...? In honor of Groundhog's Day we each create a weather-predicting fantastic beast So

Micah and Andrew attend A Celebration of Harry Potter in Orlando We try Butterbeer tequila at Antojitos in Universal CityWalk Cast Q&A with Natalia Tena (Tonks), Stanislav Ianevski (Krum), James & Oliver Phelps (Weasley twins) and Bonnie Wright (Ginny) Pottermore announces a new Quidditch Through The Ages audiobook Harry Potter: The Exhibition is headed to Milan in May Guests were treated to a great performance from the first four films by the Orlando Philharmonic The Nighttime Lights at Hogwarts Castle debut at the Wizarding World Micah tries hot Butterbeer… and Dragon Scale ale… and Hog's Head Brew On Saturday we hit the expo floor to check out all of the vendors The original Goblet of Fire and the Hogwarts letter spitter were among the special effects on display from the Studio Tour in London We caught up with MinaLima, the graphic designers of the Harry Potter films, demoed the new Hogwarts Mystery mobile game and got a virtual reality tour of Newt's suitcase Scholastic ga

Slug Club member Alex joins the show Scholastic announces 20th anniversary editions for all seven Potter books, but they're kinda disappointing. Eddie Redmayne talks Crimes of Grindelwald bringing us closer to the Potter series Our thoughts on the new Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery video game trailer Main Discussion: Book Covers We compare the U.S. and UK book covers from Sorcerer's Stone to Deathly Hallows. Which of each is better? The hosts name their top 3 original Potter book covers and give one honorable mention Check out our interview with U.S. illustrator Mary Grandpre back on Episode 172 Patreon Question of the Week: Which Potter title would you change and why? Owl Post covers This Week in MuggleCast History, an interesting Fantastic Beasts quote from JKR and last week's discussion on Merope Gaunt Quizzitch: Which character was chosen by all four Ilvermorny houses? Andrew and Micah are headed to Orlando for A Celebration of Harry Potter (keep an eye out fo