MuggleCast: the Harry Potter podcast

In this week's episode of What the Hype?!, we're looking at music biopics! From Elton John to Whitney Houston to Queen to a forthcoming biopic about Britney Spears, these films give us inside-looks at lives of artists who we adore. But how much truth bending can we tolerate, and how do artists and viewers benefit from these stories? Plus, Eric, Andrew, and Pam look at forthcoming biopics and our favorites that we've seen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, our Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix re-read begins! We examine the protections surrounding Harry now that Voldemort is back, and ask whether Dudley Dursley is a good boy now. News: There is an open casting call for children to become the next Potter trio for the HBO series. We’ll be talking more about it in Bonus MuggleCast, available on Apple Podcasts and our Patreon. Chapter-by-Chapter begins again with Book 5, and our brand new MuggleCast Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions. This week, Episode 433 and Episode 228. Harry’s mood has soured significantly! Were we repelled by the book’s immediately sadder protagonist? How much of Harry’s rage is justified? How much is due to his horcrux connection?  Could Harry have been removed from Privet Drive after just 24 hours? If so, why wasn’t he? Is Dumbledore to blame for all of harry’s problems? Feeling disconnected, Harry hears a loud noise but it makes him feel more desperate. The noise was the sound of our breaking hearts. Dudley’s attempts to de-escalate the situation with Harry are applaudable, but unsuccessful. Has Dudley already grown most of the way to a mature person? Are we laughing at Harry’s jokes? Lynx Line question: how could Dumbledore improve Harry’s protection? New segments: Where’s Dumbledore?! And Make the Personal Connection This week’s MVP award category is: Most Fake Character Quizzitch: In honor of the drought that’s happening in the beginning of Book 5, what is the hottest temperature ever recorded in the United Kingdom? Guesses within 3 degrees Fahrenheit will be accepted. You may answer in Fahrenheit or Celsius. Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grab your torches and dip them into the fire because on this week’s episode of What They Hype?! we’re talking all about Survivor! Join Micah, Andrew and friend of the show Christine Riccio as we dive into what's made Survivor arguably the most successful reality television show of all-time. What drew us in, what's kept us watching and why should you throw on a buff and join us? How do we feel about the evolution of the game? Are we cool with the New Era and all of its changes? Who are some of our all-time favorites? And which seasons captivated us the most? Plus, we offer some predictions for Season 47. Find Christine's Survivor-inspired novel Attached at the Hip wherever you get books! Also check out her podcast Those Forking Fangirls, and find her on Instagram: @XtineMay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before we start our Chapter by Chapter re-read of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, this week we're watching the fifth Harry Potter movie together! Bring your own copy of the Order of the Phoenix movie and watch the film with us. We offer commentary, behind-the-scenes info, wonder why there are so many montages, and fun facts about the production. To sync up with us, pause the movie right after the camera fully sweeps through the 'WB' logo, about 20 seconds into the movie. In the commentary track, we then tell you when to hit Play. (This is also explained on the episode) To listen to more of our Harry Potter movie commentaries, check out our Must Listens page. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's showtime! Spooky szn is here and we're excited to kick it off with 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,' but first we need to explain the hype behind the 1988 original. We surprise even ourselves when we realize what a cultural touchstone from our childhoods this movie is. Is that the secret ingredient that made audiences still turn out for Beetlejuice 36 years later? Join us as we embark to the Netherworld alongside the Ghost with the Most and Edgar Allan Poe's Daughter to get everyone HYPE for 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' which is in theaters now! GO SEE IT OR WE'LL SAY HIS NAME 3 TIMES! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's time to put Goblet of Fire in the rear-view mirror as we conduct our ceremonial book wrap episode, featuring our 7-Word Chapter Summary redo, 7 Word Book Summary, and more MuggleMail than you can shake a non-plot-holed Portkey at! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for this fun-filled episode catching up with all that our listeners have had to say recently. Next week we will be hosting an Order of the Phoenix movie watch commentary and on the following show we'll begin Book 5 chapter-by-chapter with new segments! Micah is back from a visit to Scotland! He tells us what he did over there. Andrew and Micah interview actor Joel Meyers, who currently plays Albus Severus Potter in Broadway's Cursed Child! Revisiting our Goblet of Fire 7 Word Chapter Summaries. Book Four 7-Word Summary: Resurrection for Voldemort awakens old echoes past. Two listeners point out that the return Portkey mystery is not a plot-hole, but was part of Voldemort's plan to stay hidden while alive. Is the Dark Mark on the arms of Death Eaters the best kept secret on the part of the dark side from the Ministry? A listener compares Voldemort's return ritual with Barty Crouch Jr.'s specific method for his father's end, and underscores BCJr's daddy issues. Do the Death Eaters keep their D.E. robes nearby in case Voldemort returns? Do they ever wash them? A listener asks, which characters will be the hardest to replace on the HBO Max show, given their film adaptation counterparts? Shakespeare references, snakelike features, and low-security portraits are the topics of more Muggle Mail! Quizzitch: in the United States, Harry Potter and the order of the phoenix movie was the 5th highest grossing film of 2007 domestically. name at least 2 films that year which earned more money. Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us! Coming up on Bonus MuggleCast, we react to the release of Harry Potter: Quidditch World Champions after playing it this week! 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

Baby, let the games begin! This week on What The Hype, Pam (our resident Swiftie) is joined by Andrew, Eric, and special guest, Meg, to talk about Taylor Swift’s ‘Reputation!’ In an effort to better understand Swift’s sixth studio album, Pam takes us through a brief history of the events that lead to the birth of ‘Reputation.’ Armed with a crash course in Swiftie history, our panel wraps things up by discussing the album on the whole, in addition to detailing some of their favorite and least favorite moments on the record. Plus, Pam predicts when Reputation (Taylor's Version) will be released! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the four MuggleCasters are all under one roof for the first time since 2010! While attending Podcast Movement in Washington, D.C., we held a listener meet-up and later gathered around a single hotel room desk to answer questions about the show and each other. The entire experience was relaxing and fun, which you can hear for yourself now! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah IN PERSON while we celebrate 19 years of MuggleCast. Questions answered include: How does recording in person differ from recording on-line? Are the hosts as tall and as short as they each remember / expected? What city would we all live in if we could live together? What piece of HP merchandise would we never get rid of? How do each of the hosts take their coffee? If we went to karaoke, what would be the songs we would sing? Have any of us read books in foreign languages? Which HP character’s life would we want to swap ours with? Which HP book would we re-write if given the chance? What plot lines do we wish would have paid off more in the series? …and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The supernatural comedy from 1984 starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis has stood the test of time. While some things (the proton pack) aged more well than others (Dr. Pete Venkman), this episode is devoted to exploring the movie as a whole. Have we learned everything we need to know about New York from the movie? What does each ghostbuster bring to the group? Is Dana Barrett such a cool character because she reminds us of Margaret Dumont? In this episode of What the Hype?! Micah and Eric are joined again by Ivan Guerrero, Ghostbusters (and LEGO) super fan! We discuss our favorite ghosts, themes of the movie and why its anti-establishment characters are further grounded in heart once Winston joins the team. Check out Ivan’s vintage movie trailer for ‘The Ghost Busters’ (1954)! https://youtu.be/kAboGO9MDsQ?si=yZhXSe5pxqz3Gm-2 Ivan can be found on YouTube at @WhoIsEyevan (https://www.youtube.com/@whoiseyevan) and on Instagram at @bulldoozerbricks (https://www.instagram.com/bulldoozerbricks/) Don't forget to follow us in your favorite podcast app, leave us a review, and tell a friend about the show! We're also releasing full video episodes on YouTube! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Eric, Micah, and Chloé record a special, 19 years later-themed episode of MuggleCast live from LeakyCon in Portland, Oregon! We reflect on the show's journey so far, revisit the epilogue in Deathly Hallows, and play two of our show's games (Make the Connection and What If...) with listeners! This week's episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Explore your curiosity with a therapist, today! Visit BetterHelp.com/mugglecast for 10% off your first month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dragons, Magic, Romance, oh Gods! Andrew and Pam introduce the Fourth Wing series to fandom newbies Laura and Eric, and the panel discuss why the first two books in the Empyrean series have gone viral online. We catch those who haven't read up to speed, look at what makes the books unique, and take on readers who've claimed that the story is unoriginal. If you haven't checked out Fourth Wing yet, let us show you what the hype is all about! This episode is a spoiler-free look, except for mild spoilers about the first dozen chapters. Stay tuned for another episode in which we take a deeper dive into Fourth Wing and the Empyrean series from Rebecca Yarros! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we wrap up our fourth year at Hogwarts, say goodbye to some new friends and prepare for what's to come! Join Andrew, Micah and Laura as we raise a glass to Cedric, Harry and our journey through Goblet of Fire! 7-Word Summary: Relationships blossom when the trio parts ways Chapter-by-Chapter concludes with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 37: The Beginning Could there be a less creative title for this chapter? What?! There was still a bit of term left after the Third Task? Harry & The Diggorys: examining another example of a mother's love Why is the real Mad-Eye Moody still hanging around Hogwarts? Tea Time with Hagrid is what we all need right now Dumbledore tells the student body Voldemort has returned. Smart or reckless move on his part? Should Dumbledore's have toasted Harry? Did any Slytherins stand for him? Do we think the Triwizard Tournament was successful in breeding international magical cooperation?  Hermione & Rita: how long has she been in that jar?! Showdown on the Hogwarts Express Quizzitch: What does Harry ask Viktor Krum, when they shake hands before going to the Hogwarts Express? What's Coming Up on MuggleCast: Next week, we’ll be recording a special, laid back episode all together in Washington D.C. (releasing August 27); the following week, MuggleCast Live at LeakyCon (releasing September 3); MuggleMail (releasing September 10); Order of the Phoenix Movie Commentary (releasing September 17); Order of the Phoenix Chapter-by-Chapter Begins (releasing September 24). 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pam and Andrew welcome special guest and fellow podcaster Kaylan (host of Long Live Taylor Podcast) to talk about the annual pop cultural event that is the Song of the Summer. Together, they run through the history of the concept, break down the key components a contending single must have to qualify for the coveted title, and reminisce over past hits that ruled the airwaves between the months of May and August. Plus, Kaylan chats with us about working at a major record label in Nashville, and offers up some insight with regards to how TikTok is changing the game when it comes to solidifying hit singles. Finally, we predict which hit single will be crowned Song of the Summer 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the battlelines are officially drawn between Dumbledore and Fudge! Join us as we try our very best to convince the Minister for Magic that Voldemort has indeed returned! News: MinaLima will not be releasing further editions of their illustrated books (we'll discuss this story in more detail in Bonus MuggleCast) 7-Word Summary: Fudge makes disastrous decisions about Lord Voldemort Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 36: The Parting of the Ways Sympathetic Grandfatherly Figure or Master Manipulator: Is what Dumbledore says to Harry truly heartfelt and genuine? Does Fawkes know what went down in the graveyard? Should Harry tell his story without other Ministry officials present? The Gleam of Triumph and its connection to Deathly Hallows Why, specifically, did Voldemort and Harry’s wand cores come from Dumbledore’s pet phoenix? Ollivander has Dumbledore on speed dial! Comparing parental figures: Sirus and Molly's love for Harry is on full display, foreshadowing things to come in Order of the Phoenix Why did Fudge feel the need to bring a Dementor to Hogwarts to face Barty Crouch Jr.? Where are all the Aurors? COMPLETE DENIAL: Can Fudge find anyone in the Hospital Wing he believes? Why does nobody force Fudge to see the truth? Why doesn’t Dumbledore go get the Pensieve or Veritaserum? Snape takes a major risk in showing Fudge his Dark Mark tattoo! Dementors & Giants: Does Dumbledore overstep his bounds? Does he go too far? Or is Fudge already lost? With Fudge a lost cause, Dumbledore begins moving his chess pieces against Voldemort Quizzitch: What does Harry ask Viktor Krum, when they shake hands before going to the Hogwarts Express? 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Micah, Eric and Laura return to Westeros to discuss the hype around Season 2 of House of the Dragon. We connect the threads between the first two seasons of Game of Thrones and the first two seasons of House of the Dragon, share our favorite Season 2 storylines and characters and discuss whether or not the finale lived up to expectations. From rolls in the mud to dragonrider issues to weirwood edibles, join us as we break down the finale of HBO's hit series! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, hard truths are revealed… by force! The culprit is finally revealed in our Chapter by Chapter discussion for Goblet of Fire Chapter 35, ‘Veritaserum.’ And, there’s been news about the new Universal theme park! A reveal trailer for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Ministry of Magic theme park has been released! We discuss it in a new edition of Bonus MuggleCast, and now non-Patrons can listen for a one-time purchase of just $3! Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 35: Veritaserum Secrets are revealed by truth telling serum With Harry back at Hogwarts but his world turned upside down, how does Dumbledore let him out of his sight? Should we have predicted that ANOTHER Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher was a baddie? We review Barty Crouch, Jr.’s history of acts throughout the book so far. …but what Barty really wants, is a father figure! We discuss his possibly unique relationship with Voldemort. Dumbledore has “a look.” What does it look like? Should the Foe Glass have told us definitively where Snape’s loyalties lay? How exactly did Mrs. Crouch continue to evade the Dementors and fellow prisoners while in Azkaban? Given Crouch Jr.’s confession, was Winky culpable for any of his actions? She’s pretty rude about Bertha. How do we feel about Barty Crouch, Sr. using the Imperius Curse on his son? Should Wormtail receive more credit for helping to subdue the real Mad-Eye? How much danger was Arthur Weasley in unbeknownst to him? Quizzitch: What six Death Eater names does Harry give directly to Fudge? 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!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turn on your favorite lamp and keep an eye on your favorite toys, because this week we're discussing the wonderful world of Pixar! 'Toy Story' was the very first feature-length computed animated film, and it changed Hollywood forever. Nearly 30 years later, Pixar is still blowing our minds. We trace the origins of Pixar and discuss what makes these films unique, plus we dive into the studio's incredible storytelling power through movies like 'Inside Out' and the new sequel. Elsewhere, we discuss the studio's countless easter eggs and each of our favorite Pixar films! Don't forget to follow What the Hype?! in your favorite podcast app, and engage with us on YouTube! We love seeing your feedback. Let us know what YOUR favorite Pixar movie is! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week's episode, we're causing chaos in Little Hangleton, striking fear into the heart of the Dark Lord himself. Join us as we face the echoes of Voldemort's past trangressions! Someone should have studied Priori Incantatem at Hogwarts, Voldy! Welcome Slug Club member, Elizabeth! Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 34: Priori Incantatem 7-Word Summary: Echoes confront the dark past and spells Upon seeing Harry's ability to resist the Imperius Curse, do the Death Eaters now view him as a true and worthy adversary? Did the Horcrux aid Harry in his resistance to Voldemort's Imperius Curse? From Name Origin to effectiveness, we analyze Priori Incantatem To what extent do Harry's instincts allow him to "win" the Priori Incantatem battle? Is it a mark of a true Gryffindor? Was Fawkes at all impacted by this encounter between brother wands? Oh no, not again!!! What was going through Voldemort's mind? How do the echoes know that the Cup will take Harry back to Hogwarts? WHAT IF… Voldemort had been successful in making Harry’s wand spit out echoes of recent magic he had performed? Oopsie Doodle: In early versions of Goblet of Fire, James came out of Voldemort's wand before Lily! Did we enjoy how Priori Incantatem came to life in the films? Why did they use its effect for every other spell battle in the series? Should the Death Eaters have intervened even though Voldemort told them not to? What would have happened if they did? Fun Segment: Echoes Said WHAT?! (To Voldemort) While it's clear what each of the echoes say to Harry, we're told they also say some not-so-nice things to Voldemort. But we can't hear them... until now! Quizzitch: Which 3 individuals appear in Mad-Eye Fakey’s Foe Glass when he takes Harry up there to kill him? 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Now that season 4 of ‘The Boys’ has wrapped, Laura, Eric, and Andrew come together to recap, review, analyze, and make season 5 predictions! Is Butcher still in there, or has he gone full Kessler? Will Ambrosius see her revenge? How will the team finally defeat Homelander once and for all? Get ready for ‘Generation V’ season 2 before the 5th and final season of ‘The Boys’ - we think Gen V is set up to have an even greater impact on the 5th season! We also plug some fun easter eggs to look into if you want to get more out of ‘The Boys’ universe. Whether Ashley becomes a Hulk-esque supe next season or not, she will henceforth be known as Smashley. Don’t forget to follow us in your favorite podcasting app and leave us a review! Let us know in the comments below what you thought of season 4 of ‘The Boys,’ and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s MuggleCast, we’re setting book 4 down and picking up on real world controversy that was happening RIGHT as Goblet of Fire was first published, in July of 2000. At issue was whether the series, quickly gaining national publicity in the US, was instructing young readers to take up witchcraft, join the devil and abandon God. It’s HP vs Christianity on MuggleCast 666! New episodes of MuggleCast will now be released in full video on our YouTube channel, right when they are released on our podcast feed! For today’s Main Discussion, Eric has compiled a PDF of sources from the late 90’s to 2007 news media. The polished PDF is available via this link. By July of 2000, Harry Potter had gained massive popularity in the US, and raise alarm bells with some concerned parents. Were any of the hosts told not to read the HP books on religious grounds? The controversy may be categorized as a moral panic, not unlike the Satanic Panic phenomenon of the 80’s/90’s, which unfortunately had large ramifications. Why was HP targeted? And why were evangelicals in particular caught up in it? We discuss four main arguments against the Potter books: that they will make children want to do witchcraft or join the occult; that they make children susceptible to evil by downplaying the danger of magic; that the books themselves are intentionally demonic; that the books are just plain immoral! (We find it hard to disagree with the last point). Is there any evidence that kids joined the occult after reading the books? Years later in 2005, what did Georgia parent Laura Mallory add to the discussion surrounding the books? We review our own attempts on MuggleCast to get a hold of Mrs. Mallory. As late as 2019, the argument was still being used to ban books. What lessons can we learn from these events? Be sure to subscribe to MuggleCast Gold via Apple Podcasts, or join our Patreon for access to Bonus MuggleCast segments. Visit mugglecast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, favorite episodes and more! A very special thank you to Connie Neal, Judy Bloom, Rainbow Rowell and others for extolling the virtues of the Harry Potter series when we were all children and too young to do so in print media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices