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On this week’s episode, we discuss the events of Chapter 32 of Order of the Phoenix, "Out of the Fire." Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Pam as they cover the second attempted break-in to Professor Umbridge's office, and the fallout.

• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 32: Out of the Fire Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 470 of MuggleCast, titled “Silky Smooth Snape.”
• Should Harry have known that his vision was a ruse? The hosts go all-in on listing several signs, and whether they alone reveal the truth.
• Micah connects the threads between Sirius and Harry in books 3 and 5.
• What is Hermione getting at by mentioning Harry's 'saving people thing'?
• Often times, Harry has legitimately been left to fix the Hogwarts problem and save people. Can we blame him?
• We discuss the power lust present in both Umbridge and Draco, and how they need each other at this time.
• Umbridge's treatment of Snape is interesting, since she does trust he's as horrible as she is.
• What Hermione does works perfectly on Umbridge. Why?
• Why aren't the two other heads of House, Flitwick and Sprout, also members of the Order? Is Dumbledore skeptical of their loyalty, or is he just giving them a break??
• The hosts have differing ideas about what being a 'bad mofo' means, when rating who the baddest was in this chapter.
• Our Lynx Line patrons answer the question, when was a time that you successfully thought on your feet the way Hermione does with Umbridge?
• Quizzitch: In this chapter Umbridge placed Stealth Sensor Spells around her office door. Founded by Edward Calahan over 150 years ago, the company which currently holds at least 15% of the market share for home security systems, is called ADT. What does ADT stand for? Join in on the fun!

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We're off from a regular episode this week due to the 4th of July holiday at Ilvermorny and around America. But as we approach the end of our Order of the Phoenix re-release, we have a Bonus MuggleCast to share with you from our Patreon!

In it, Laura leads a discussion on the Order of the Phoenix scenes in the book that didn't make the movie, but absolutely SHOULD be in the TV Show! #MAXThat

Laura has us break down our adaptation ideas with the "MAGIC Method" that she developed for this episode. We're joined by Slug Club member Nicole, who was a co-host in Episode 703.

What scenes do YOU want to see adapted from Order of the Phoenix in the Harry Potter TV Show? Let us know!

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On this week’s episode, break out the scantrons and No. 2 pencils because Harry, Ron and Hermione are finally sitting their O.W.L.s. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, Laura and Slug Club member Stacy for the stress-inducing conclusion to Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts. And if exams weren't enough, Hagrid's been sacked and Voldemort has Sirius!

• Welcome Slug Club member, Stacy!
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 31: O.W.L.s. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 468 of MuggleCast, titled “Rubeus Hagrid's Punch Out.”
•  Ron cannot stop talking about his big Quidditch win! Did we ever have a friend who just wouldn't shut it about a big accomplishment?
• Magical Moment: Ron reminds Harry of his father James
• After learning about Grawp, Ron raises a fantastic point: “Have we ever come off better for mixing with one of Hagrid’s monster mates?”
• How do the O.W.L. exams reflect real-world academic pressures?
• Draco drops some real world knowledge: "It’s not what you know, but who you know!"
• Why do the students have to wait until July for their scores? Shouldn't magic allow for instant results?
• Wingardium Leviosa, Polyjuice Potion & Patronuses! During Harry's O.W.L.s, we get several throwbacks to the first three books!
• Speaking of Patronuses, is Professor Tofty playing favorites? Does he offer the other students bonus points?
• What does the nighttime ambush of Hagrid suggest about the Ministry’s tactics?
• Sirius Problem: Voldemort has Harry's godfather in the Department of Mysteries!
• What would Harry’s post-exam life look like if he didn’t have a Dark Lord inside of his head?
• The hosts share which O.W.L. they would most like to sit!
• Harry overhears Professor Marchbanks tell Professor Umbridge that Dumbledore “Did things with a wand I’d never seen before!” In our Lynx Line segment for the week, we ask our Patrons what kind of things do you imagine Dumbledore doing to impress the examiners?
• Quizzitch: Harry struggles to name all of the moons of Jupiter for his Astronomy O.W.L. WHICH of the FOLLOWING is NOT one of Jupiter’s moons? Io, Metis, Europa, Ganymede, Calypso, Themisto, Pandia, and S/2003 J 2. Join in on the fun!
• Tilda Swinton? Peter O'Toole? James McAvoy? Michael Cera!? On this week's Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss the actors who turned down Harry Potter roles!

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This week we find Hogwarts in a state of open rebellion with many students (and professors) practicing the subtle art of malicious compliance, a thing which Laura knows something about, as we will learn! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they discuss Hagrid's awful plan for the trio to put themselves at even greater risk for next to no obvious reward, because it's time to cover Chapter 30 of Order of the Phoenix, Grawp!

• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 30: Grawp. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 467 of MuggleCast, titled “Stranger Danger.”
• How Fred and George's departure sparked an uprising. Was it the 'permission' everyone needed to misbehave?
• Does Filch have buyers' remorse for backing Umbridge? Weren't things better for him (and his cat) under Dumbledore?
• Forgetting who really put the Niffler in Umrbidge's office, the hosts choose their favorite culprits (and then get the correct answer from Micah.)
• A connection between Bubble Head Charms that would make them useful to this day.
• Laura explains how to expertly hobble the willpower of a malicious HOA.
• McGonagall forms an unexpected alliance, and the hosts chat about Montague's situation.
• Why doesn't Harry care about pursuing Occlumency when everybody has told him how important it is?
• Is desperation the leading cause of Hagrid's unbelievable request?
• Could Hagrid simply retire somehwere with Grawp, instead of leaving him behind with the kids?I/li>
• Micah's name origins return!
• The hosts decide on their favorite resistance strategies for Umbridge.
• In our Lynx Line segment for the week, we ask our Patrons whether Hagrid is really in the right to bring Grawp back with him to the UK?
• Quizzitch: What wrestler, who stood at a giant height of 7 feet 4 inches, was also an actor, starring in a film that featured not a Forbidden Forest, but a Fire Swamp?

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This week’s episode dives into some serious daddy drama as Harry throws caution to the wind and breaks into Umbridge’s office to have a heart-to-heart with Sirius about his father. Join Andrew, Eric, Micah, and Laura for career advice, a few cough drops, and plenty of laughs. Plus, things get slightly unhinged as we're upping the sexy factor for every character in the new Harry Potter TV show!

• News: Hogwarts? More like HOTwarts! The new Harry Potter TV Show announces nine new actors, including Draco, Molly, and the Dursleys! And the internet has feelings about the Vernon and Petunia actors.
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 29: Career Advice. Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 466 of MuggleCast, titled “Weasleys Victorious.”
• Harry feels betrayed and disillusioned after witnessing James's behavior. Is it fair to let this one memory define James as a character?
• Should Harry have shared the contents of the memory with Ron and Hermione? Could McGonagall or Hagrid have helped to ground him a bit?
• Snape's Worst Memory explains quite a bit, but it doesn't validate his treatment of Harry! Should Harry feel bad for Snape?
• Despite the author's commentary, some of us are still befuddled as to how memories viewed in the Pensieve are unbiased.
• Mirror, Mirror: why didn't Harry remember Sirius' gift? And why didn't Sirius point this out to Harry during their Floo conversation?
• Super Petty Snape: the symbolism of him smashing Harry’s Invigoration Draught
• MAX THAT entire Career Advice scene between McGonagall and Umbridge!
• It’s nice to see McGonagall balance encouragement with realism when giving Harry advice. But is too much emphasis being put on O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s?
• Make the Real Life Connection: Did the hosts ever have career conversations like Harry  when we were in school?
• Should Umbridge even be present for Harry’s career consultation?
• We discuss the "sirius" risk(s) Harry took by breaking into Umbridge's office!
• Does the conversation with Sirius & Lupin actually do anything to reassure Harry?
• The Great Weasley Escape and... Hot Peeves?!
• The hosts share the best advice Harry actually receives in this chapter!
• In our Lynx Line segment for the week, we ask our Patrons what’s really going through McGonagall’s head as she is constantly interrupted by Umbridge?
• Quizzitch: Filch seeks approval for whipping from Umbridge. The sound of a bullwhip cracking is caused by what specific thing occurring with the whip?

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This week Chapter-by-Chapter returns, and so does our guest! Professor Julian Wamble, who we first had on our show back in 2023 on MuggleCast #619, once more graces us with his presence as we discuss Chapter 28 of Order of the Phoenix, "Snape's Worst Memory." Julian teaches Political Science at George Washington University, and his podcast Critical Magic Theory as well as Instagram and TikTok content are worth checking out!

• Welcome back to the show, Professor Julian Wamble!
• News: Tom Felton to reprise his role as Draco Malfoy, in New York's production of Cursed Child!
• Chapter-by-Chapter returns with Chapter 28 of Order of the Phoenix, "Snape's Worst Memory."
• Our Time Turner segment takes us back to Episode 465 of MuggleCast, titled "How I Met Your Mother." How are we going to top that title on *this* re-read? (Speaking of reading, here is that episode's transcript.)
• Umbridge's ascent to headmistress of Hogwarts has some classic authoritarian playbook strategies. The hosts dissect.
• Is the appointment of the Inquisitorial Squad merely a natural response to the thought that Dumbledore was raising an army? Andrew explains.
• We look at what Umbridge promised Filch, and consider whether she intends to keep those promises.
• Harry would've been poisoned, if it weren't for a singularly interesting cat... that reminds us of a scene from Deathly Hallows...
• Would Snape have actually given truth serum to Umbridge, and why not? The hosts discuss his loyalties.
• Fred and George have a perfect tonic for Umbridge's control, and it perfectly exploits her vulnerabilities.
• It's a good thing Harry's Occlumency lesson is interrupted... because he didn't do the homework!
• What makes Harry enter the pensieve despite how dangerous the threat of being caught is?
• What Marauders' personality traits did the hosts most enjoy on this readthrough?
• How will the Harry Potter TV show handle Snape's Worst Memory? Professor Wamble has thoughts.
• Are there more traits between Harry and his dad, or Harry and his mom, and what are they?
• The hosts pick a favorite moment of mayhem from this chapter.
• In our Lynx Line segment for the week, we ask our Patrons to build their own Inquisitorial Squad to serve a purpose at Hogwarts that is currently underserved, and ask what the team would do.
• Quizzitch: What band had a song at the top of the UK music charts for every week of May, 1976? A] ABBA, B] Billy Joel, C] Aerosmith, D] David Bowie

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On this week's episode, we’re starting Pride Month 2025 off by revisiting the topic of Potter series author J.K. Rowling, whose recent actions along with the continued assault on the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide, warrant further discussion. We are joined by a guest who is an ethicist, philosopher and college instructor, and all of our hosts dive head-first into sharing their feelings on what is happening. And to lead off our discussion, we cover the topic of the casting of the new trio for HBO’s upcoming TV series.

• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Receive 10% off your first month of therapy at BetterHelp.com/mugglecast
• News: Harry, Ron and Hermione have now been cast in HBO’s Harry Potter TV series! The hosts react.
• Welcome to the podcast, Sunny Williams! Sunny’s roots in fandom and wizard rock, and her impressive academic career, make her a perfect fit for our episode today.
• We revisit the topic of J.K. Rowling, whose new ’Women’s Fund’ will help advance anti-trans legal cases.
• Our previous episodes that addressed the author were Episode 447b and Episode 469, both worth a re-listen.
• The hosts share their thoughts on the last 5 years of disappointment, from infinite double-downs to behavior that is antithetical to the works which we celebrate.
• Eric takes us through the most recent year in anti-trans legislation, featuring two huge pseudoscientific reports, not peer reviewed and forcefully discredited by major medical organizations, which are nevertheless being used to strip transgender people from accessing healthcare through legislation.
• The actual science is so in-favor of trans people receiving healthcare, that its opponents have suggested other ways of measuring its efficiency, like whether receivers currently have a job.
• Rowling’s astonishing cruelty is on display daily on X, and her initiatives and gender-policing have been shown to affect ALL women, as the rise on assaults of women in rest areas has grown around hostility towards anyone seen as gender non-conforming by strangers empowered to act.
• The hosts use scenarios from the Potter books to illustrate what’s presently happening.
• Sunny guides us through the ethics of financially supporting problematic creators, with thoughts from Socrates, Hannah Arendt, Henry David Thoreau, and others!
• To wrap, we discuss our continued strategy for keeping the fandom progressive and inclusive.
• Next week, a return to Chapter-by-Chapter will see us introduced to another bully, as it’s time to experience Chapter 28, “Snape’s Worst Memory.”

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With the Harry Potter TV show beginning to film this summer, Andrew conjures an episode-by-episode (Marauder's) map of Harry Potter: Season 1! What will each episode of Season 1 depict from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and what can they do to please longtime fans of the series? HBO has to prove that there's a reason to reboot Harry Potter, and we have some ideas for how they can do just that!

This is a Bonus MuggleCast episode that was released in March for those who support us at Patreon.com/mugglecast. As an independent podcast, we could really use your support while we continue re-reading the books and covering the upcoming TV show! Pledge TODAY to receive access to over 100 more bonus episodes, ad-free episodes of our Chapter by Chapter discussions, and so much more!

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On this week's episode, we’re aspiring to become friends with Firenze! His cozy indoor forest classroom is really the bee’s knees, and the rest we obtain there helps us stay sharp when having to suddenly exit the Room of Requirement! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah for the next Book 5 chapter discussion.

• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 27: The Centaur and the Sneak. MuggleCast last discussed this chapter on Episode 464!
• What is the main force behind Hermione’s comments to Lavender and Parvati?
• Is Firenze gearing the children up to prepare for war?
• What are the benefits of a non-human-centric approach to Divination?
• Firenze also ups Harry’s cool factor considerably.
• Two members of the DA can now produce full Patronuses! We examine their meaning, including bringing back a revelation from Micah that’s nearly 20 years old (our minds are still blown.)
• What’s the deal with Dobby’s loyalties? Why can Umbridge command him not to speak?
• We examine Draco’s choice to apprehend Harry versus later choices he makes in the books.
• What is the timeline of events surrounding Umbrage, and “the sneak”’s confession? How does Fudge get to Hogwarts so quickly?!
• What makes Marietta cave? And why is it a million times better than in the movie?
• The Dumbledore Lie Count (tm) returns!!!
• Odds & Ends cover one of Harry’s forgotten schoolbooks.
• MVP: Dumbledore’s most Slytherin moments from the chapter
• Lynx Line: Our patrons re-name Dumbledore’s Army!
• Quizzitch: The fourth planet in our Solar System is Mars, named for the Roman god of war. What did the Ancient Greeks call their god of war?

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On this week's episode, get your copy of The Quibbler (and quickly transfigure it) before Umbridge bans it! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they enjoy a brief compliment from Snape and finally get through *that* door at the Department of Mysteries!

• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 26: Seen and Unforseen. MuggleCast last discussed this chapter on Episode 463!
• Could Hermione have been a little softer on Harry concerning Cho? Does she share any blame for double-booking him in Hogsmeade?
• Hermione criticizes her friends reactions to the outcome of the Quidditch match. Does she have any fun outlets?
• Harry is having FOMO watching Ravenclaw vs. Gryffindor. But let's face it, it's not easy watching from the sidelines!
• Shockingly, Snape comes the closest he ever has to actually caring about teaching Harry Occlumency, but... of course... has to have the last laugh!
• We draw comparisons between Lupin teaching Harry the Patronus Charm and Snape teaching Harry Occlumency. Should Harry be farther along given he's been at this for two months?
• How did Harry get through the Department of Mysteries door during his Occlumency lesson when he's never been there in his dreams?
• The hosts agree that Dumbledore had Firenze in his back pocket to take over for Trelawney. Who did Dumbledore have on tap as a replacement for Hagrid?
• Voldemort finally learns only he or Harry can retrieve the prophecy. How is this not more common knowledge in the Wizarding World? How would’ve things been different if Voldemort never wasted time with this plan?
• Harry has direct line of sight into Voldemort's plan with Lucius Malfoy, Sturgis Podmore, Broderick Bode and Avery. Why not leak this info to The Quibbler?
• Odds & Ends cover The Streisand Effect and The Astronomy Tower
• MVP: Best All-Time Trelawney Moments (before she was fired)
• Lynx Line: Our patrons write Harry a short piece of fan-mail OR hate-mail to be delivered via Owl Post to the Great Hall at breakfast!
• Quizzitch: In banning The Quibbler, Umbridge only raises more interest in it. The concept of banning something only making it more popular is colloquially known as The Streisand Effect, after actress Barbara Streisand sued a photographer for publishing a photo in 2003. What was the photo of?

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On this week's episode, listen during Chapter-by-Chapter as the MuggleCasters discuss Harry juggling TWO dates in Hogsmeade. One which may have been doomed from the start (with Cho), and another which likely changes the course of Wizarding history (with Rita). Andrew, Eric, Laura, Micah, and Slug Club guest Katie dig in, because it's time for Chapter 25 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

• Welcome Slug Club member, Katie!
• The hosts wish to reassert their disavowal of J.K. Rowling for her role in making women less safe in the U.K. Please visit GLAAD's amazing page for links including FAQs, resources, and tips for allies.
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 25: The Beetle at Bay. MuggleCast last discussed this chapter on Episode 462!
• Harry's feelings toward his fellow students in light of the Azkaban breakout headlines have us once more feeling like we are living in the books today.
• The Ministry's control of information and issuance of propaganda, the extent which is confirmed in this chapter, is massive but not perfect. Some who look deeper are beginning to see the cracks in the facade.
• Umbridge's power grabs are becoming unenforceable. The hosts discuss how her main goal appears to be to frighten and dissuade dissenters, even among the staff.
• Harry and students are impressed by Neville's recent hard work in the D.A. This reminds us about when we made the "Neville Gets Swole" Spotify playlist, perfect for your summertime runs and workouts!
• Is Hermione single-handedly changing the course of the Wizarding world? We think so.
• Is there anything the students can/should be doing about Hagrid and his probation? Or is his behavior just too weird, and the students too buried in coursework?
• Ron has a fair idea, but Hermione shuts him down cold. We hold a memorial service for Ron's strategical aptitude subplot from Book 1.
• In what ways was "Madame Puddifoot's" NOT the perfect Valentine's spot, and whose fault is it that Harry and Cho's date is a disaster? Was it doomed from the start?
• Is Rita Skeeter looking for redemption, or just some hot goss?
• Odds & Ends asks why Ron, Fred or George do not seem to know about Antonin Dolohov's connection with their uncles, nor do they mention it.
• Most #RealTalk moment of the week? Hosts weigh in.
• Lynx Line: we asked our Patrons to submit a one-sentence headline sure to grab all of the attention.
• Quizzitch: What prison was the site of the largest jailbreak in British history - when 38 inmates, members of the Irish Republican Army, overpowered guards in 1983?

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