Magic Beyond the Books

We take a portkey to the graveyard for Voldemort’s return (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, chapter 32, Flesh, Blood, and Bone). Jess guest-hosts as we discuss Harry as a protagonist, cauldron weights, how Peter Pettigrew became a Death Eater, and matching tattoos. Tune in to learn about yew trees and find out who in this scene Jess finds sexy (hint: it’s not who you think).

This week we talk all about Dobby, including his undying loyalty to Harry Potter, potentially romantic relationship with Winky, and terrible negotiation skills. John guest-hosts as we get into everything from Dobby’s fashion sense to crazy fan theories. Is Dobby a secret evil genius? Did Dobby make an unbreakable vow with Harry? Is Dobby actually a Death Eater? All these questions and more are answered in this episode.

The newest Harry Potter theme park is open at Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida! In this special episode, I talk all about my trip to Epic Universe and give details of the Battle at the Ministry ride and Le Cirque Arcanus show. I answer your questions, share fantastic beast fun facts, and give tips for the best ways to enjoy the theme park. Grab your interactive wand and take a walk with me down the streets of 1920s Paris.

Expelliarmus! Professors Lockhart and Snape teach the Hogwarts students how to duel in this scene from book 2, Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets (chapter 11). Jessie guest-hosts and we learn her patronus from the HarryPotter.com quiz. We discuss everything from Harry’s signature spell success rate to snake symbolism. Grab your wand, take a bow, and listen to this episode in 3…2…1… LEGO Set Link - https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Harry-Potter-Hogwarts-Castle/dp/B0DJ18LDHN

This one's for the Romione and Hinny shippers. Jess guest-hosts as we discuss the relationships of Ron and Hermione and Harry and Ginny as well as potential other matches for each of them. We compare the books vs movies and talk about romance tropes. Love is in the air this week on Magic Beyond the Books - grab your amortentia potion and do some snogging!

Tabloid Journalist Rita Skeeter - Hero or Harpy?

Jessie guest-hosts as we discuss Rita Skeeter, the writer and unregistered animagus beetle. We discuss the meanings behind Rita’s name, her fashion sense, and, most notably, her written works. Is JK Rowling actually a disguised Rita Skeeter? Were Rita and Bellatrix friends at Hogwarts? How are Veela created? All these questions and more are answered in this episode.

In this scene Harry joins five other students in Professor Horace Slughorn’s compartment on the Hogwarts Express for his first “Slug Club” meeting in book 6, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. We discuss Harry Potter emojis, the Slug Club members, and the meeting menu (who wants cold pheasant?). Calen tells us about the sword of Damocles and Rene shares nogtail facts. You are officially invited to join us for a bite of lunch and chit chat about the Slug Club!

It’s everyone’s favorite guy - Professor Filius Flitwick, the charms professor and head of Ravenclaw house. We discuss Flitwick’s early life and his stark appearance change in the third Harry Potter movie. In this episode we delve into more mysteries of the wizarding world including wizard and goblin lifespans, the categorization of spells, and drinking at wizarding school dances. Cast your charms and bring your stack of books to stand on, it’s time to learn all about Professor Flitwick!

“Well if you’re sure - better be GRYFFINDOR!” In this scene, Harry Potter and the other new students meet the ghosts and are sorted into the four Hogwarts houses (book 1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, chapter 7, The Sorting Hat). We break down the houses, new students, ghosts, and dormitories. You’ll learn which alternatives JK Rowling considered for the sorting system and all about the mysteries of the sorting hat. This episode covers many theories including what’s the deal with Mrs. Norris, the conspiracy behind the sorting stool legs, and the question of students’ choice in sorting. Whether you are a Hufflepuff, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Gryffindor, we know you will love this episode!

Gallop on over to this week’s episode; we discuss one of the Forbidden Forest’s many creatures - Firenze the Centaur! We cover the many mysteries of centaurs, share Firenze’s name origins, and give our fan casts for the character. Everyone loves the rebel centaur…except Trelawney. Warning - there are BIG spoilers in this episode.