News: WB CEO speaks out on the Crimes of Grindelwald 

  Harry Potter Wizards Unite will be released this summer!

  JKR returns to Twitter… sort of…

  MuggleMail: One listener surprises her daughter in a very cool way on her 9 3/4 birthday

  Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Chapter 18 of Half-Blood Prince, Birthday Surprises

  7-Word Summary: Ron doesn't really love Romilda Vane wholeheartedly 

  Harry must juggle telling Ron and Hermione about Dumbledore's task

  Why aren't more questions about Horcruxes being asked?

  Harry once again masters Potions Class: is it foretelling of what's to come later in the chapter?

  JKR drops another subtle hint that Snape is the Half-Blood Prince

  Do we feel bad that Hermione is working her butt off while Harry is essentially cheating his way through Potions?

  Harry and his mother: A deep discussion about Lily, Snape, Potions and Slughorn

  Would the Internet have helped Hermione's Horcrux search?

  The hosts debate which mode of transport is better: flying or Apparition

  Maraudering Malfoy: Is Harry borderline stalking Draco at this point?

  How do all of these tainted/poisoned items continue to get into Hogwarts?

  Patreon Question of the Week: Should anyone in Lavender’s situation forgive Ron due to the love potion? Is it an excuse? Or does it destroy a relationship?

  Connecting The Threads, MVP of the Week and Rename The Chapter

  Quizzitch: Who is the “big Hufflepuff” player that gets the Quaffle from Ginny during Quizzitch?

  In Bonus MuggleCast, the gang work together to play BuzzFeed's viral "How many Harry Potter characters can you name?" quiz. We won't spoil how well we did, but we were pretty pleased with our results.

  This week's episode is brought to you by CHEGG (visit Chegg.com/MuggleCast and use promo code MuggleCast for $5 off) and OpenFit (Text MuggleCast to 30-30-30 for a free 30-day trial)!


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#407: G.O.A.T. (HBP 18, Birthday Surprises)

MuggleCast is your weekly ride into the Wizarding World. Our Harry Potter podcast, hosted by four life-long friends, brings its listeners entertaining and thought-provoking discussions about the universe. With each new episode we discuss everything Harry Potter: the latest news, the Potter books, Fantastic Beasts, the theme parks, the video games, the fandom, and more! The show is currently hosting a Chapter by Chapter re-read of the original seven Harry Potter books!

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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!


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Rita and Micah's Hagrid Hot Take (GOF Chapter 24, Rita Skeeter's Scoop)

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!


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Hogwarts is an Insecurity Nightmare (GOF Chapter 23, The Yule Ball)

On this week's episode, we interrupt your regularly scheduled schoolwork to announce (quite last minute) that there will be a Yule Ball this year! Grab your dress robes and find a dance partner before all the "good ones" are taken!

This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast!

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!

Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 22: The Unexpected Task

7-Word Summary: Cho regrets not saying ‘yes’ to Greatness

Main Discussion #1: McGonagall's announcement

Is Professor McGonagall not being sensitive to Harry's youth?

How long have the teachers known about the Yule Ball this year, and why would they announce it a week before Christmas?

Laura asks what our high school dances were like and the hosts try to remember.

Fred Weasley has the Cha(rizz)ma to win The Unexpected Task of Asking Girls Out

Would it be so wrong if Harry, a champion, went stag to the ball?

Harry turns on Cedric Diggory after learning he's Cho's date

Cho lets Harry down easy, and we compare her character here vs Book 5

Ginny wins at playing the long game; Ron and Harry both mess up at romance

This chapter represents the last time Harry will forget about bezoars

Next week: Goblet of Fire, Chapter 23: The Yule Ball

Quizzitch question: What gift does Harry get Ron for Christmas in 1994?

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!


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Witchcraft and Rizzardry (GOF Chapter 22, The Unexpected Task)

On this week's episode, the band is back together! So grab your golden eggs and bring ‘em to the Gryffindor Common Room, because it’s a PAR-TAY and even the House-Elves are invited!

Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 21: The House-Elf Liberation Front

7-Word Summary: Shrieks and panic erupt from Gryffindor base

Main Discussion #1: Blast-Ended Rita

Ron or Hermione? Who has the better perspective after The First Task?

Anxiety or Relief? How do feel about the The Second Task being three months away?

We analyze the different student reactions to Harry opening his egg

Sneaky Skeeter: Why is Rita so interested in speaking with Hagrid? What do we make of her tactics?

Main Discussion #2: Tea Time With Dobby

Who wore it better? Dobby or Mr. Weasley?

What is it in Dobby’s character that makes him enjoy being free?

What do we make of Winky’s current situation? Her perception of Dobby?

Why did it take Dobby two years to come back to Hogwarts?

Dobby is gettin' paid and time off! Does this offer stand for all House-Elves working at Hogwarts?

Keep The Secrets: Are we to believe Dobby is doing additional work for Dumbledore that makes him “in the know"?

We deep dive into the conditioning of House-Elves, their generational trauma, physical treatment and more

Next week: Goblet of Fire, Chapter 22: The Unexpected Task

Quizzitch question: How many girls ask Harry Potter to the Yule Ball?

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!


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Dobby Lobby (GOF Chapter 21, The House-Elf Liberation Front)

This week Chapter by Chapter returns as Harry faces off against the CLEARLY most-dangerous dragon. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah and special Slug Club guest Catherine as they tackle Chapter 20 of Goblet of Fire, “The First Task.”

Welcome to the show, Slug Club guest Catherine, who is a college professor of psychology!

In the news: Helena Bonham Carter was asked about Miriam Margolyes’ recent, controversial remarks about adult Harry Potter fans! We discuss Helena's response.

Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 20: The First Task

7-Word Summary: Dragons are afoot inside Hogwarts’ grounds AHHHHHHH

Harry “does the right thing” with Cedric. What does this tell us about his character?

Mad-Eye Fakey’s dark detectors are going off, but not for the reason he says!

Professor McGonagall is a mother figure to Harry, and we get an inkling of it in this chapter.

Should the Triwizard Tournament feature four of the same dragon?

Why does Ludo Bagman keep asking Harry to cheat?

Harry and Ron are friends again, and we discuss what was missing in Harry’s life while he was gone.

Who do we think had the best solution for the First Task?

Karkaroff gives Harry a FOUR. Isn’t there a rubric or a better way to prevent against this absurd favoritism?!

Odds and Ends touch on Poor Poppy Pomfrey, pointed caps, Trelawney nonsense, and a cool connection between books 1, 4 and 7.

Quizzitch question: What is the pattern of Dobby's tie when Harry first encounters him in the Hogwarts kitchens?

Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

Coming up in Bonus MuggleCast, we play a quiz where we try to name all the Harry Potter characters mentioned more times than Seamus Finnigan. For twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, as well as other great benefits, visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast!


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#407: G.O.A.T. (HBP 18, Birthday Surprises)

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