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!

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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.

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Things are heating up on What The Hype as we dive into the world of smut in romance and romantasy! This week, Laura and Pam are joined by special guest and romance author, Jennifer Hennessy (‘Degrees of Engagement’), to discuss spicy scenes in romance and romantasy reads. There’s no denying that there’s been an uptick in interest in spicy reads thanks to BookTok, but what makes for a good steamy moment while reading? And more importantly, what gives us the ick and automatically takes us out of the moment? Plus, Jen offers up some insider insight into the world of publishing, the use of euphemisms, and why she thinks smut can be hit or miss for readers.Keep up with Jennifer Hennessy online via Twitter (X) and Instagram, and check out her books right here on her website!

https://x.com/jennifercarolyn

https://www.instagram.com/jennifercarolyn/

https://www.jennifer-hennessy.com

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This week, witness the return of Lord Voldemort himself after 13 years without a proper body! To celebrate this ‘rebirthing party’, we’ll be discussing two chapters of Goblet of Fire!

LAST CHANCE to grab this year’s physical gift... The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you’ll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today!

• Thanks to everyone who came out to see us at LeakyCon Portland!
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 31: Flesh, Blood and Bone and Chapter 32: The Death Eaters
• 7-Word Summary #1: Cedric falls to his untimely, sad demise
• Main Discussion #1: The Death of Cedric Diggory
• In such a frantic state, how can Wormtail muster the ability to cast the Killing Curse? Would Cedric have a had chance at survival if not for helping Harry?
• Does Harry have any time to process what's just happened to Cedric?
• Kill The Spare: Voldemort shows his complete disregard for human life
• Main Discussion #2: The Dark Lord’s Return
• We walk through the steps one must take in order to recreate a Dark Lord and analyze the symbolism of Voldemort in baby form
• Bone of the Father, Unknowingly Given. Why is it necessary for Voldemort to use his father’s bone given the magic comes from his mother’s side of the family?
• Flesh of the Servant, Willingly Given. How can one hand regenerate an entire body?
• By severing his right hand, has Wormtail eliminated any hope of Sirius' innocence?
• Blood of the Enemy, Forcibly Taken. Why did Voldemort have to wait for Harry?
• 7-Word Summary #2: Loyalists arrive and worship Voldemort’s triumphant revival
• Main Discussion #3: Voldemort Is Feeling “Chatty”
• How much does Voldemort know about his mother and father's relationship?
• Should Voldemort really be giving lessons on Chosen Family? Are any of his Death Eaters truly loyal to him?
• If Voldemort knew of Wormtail's debt to Harry, would he have killed him right there?
• Roll Call: We analyze the Death Eaters who are and are not present in the graveyard
• Main Discussion #4: How Did Voldemort Do It?
• Horcrux Tease! How much do the Death Eaters know about the lengths Voldemort went to in order to avoid death?
• Did Nagini's venom help Voldemort resume a more human form because Nagini herself used to be human?
• Quizzitch: What does the shadow of James Potter tell Harry he must do?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

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On this week’s episode, Micah, Eric and Laura soar into Westeros to discuss the hype around HBO’s hit series House of the Dragon. Taking place 100 years after the unification of the Seven Kingdoms but nearly 200 years before Game of Thrones, does House of the Dragon have what it takes to live up to its predecessor? Are dragons alone enough of a sell? On this primer episode, the hosts discuss their relationship to the original series, what drew them back in and share the storylines and characters they believe will make House of the Dragon a roaring success.

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Hey, has anyone seen a ghost?! Just over 40 years since its theatrical debut, the firmly adult comedy ‘Ghostbusters’ (1984) that spawned 2 animated television series and 4 film sequels has stood the test of time. Just what is it about this working-class underdog story set in grubby New York City (back when the city still had, Micah says, “some big problems”), why was it the second-highest grossing film of 1984 (launching on the same day as ‘Gremlins’), and is it even relevant today?

In this episode of What the Hype?! Micah and Eric are joined by Ivan Guerrero, Ghostbusters (and LEGO) super fan! This is the first part of a multi-part series which will explore the cultural legacy of Ghostbusters and unpack all that it has to offer. So join us for this so-called Slimer primer and get ready to bust some ghosts! (Because, of course, bustin’ makes us feel good!)

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!

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Get ready for an A-MAZE-ING episode as we take on the Third Task of the Triwizard Tournament! Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and Micah as they discuss Chapter 31 of Goblet of Fire, "The Third Task."

Reminder: This year's physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here...  The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you'll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today!

• News: the Harry Potter TV show has found its showrunner and director
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 30: The Pensieve
• 7-Word Summary: Riddles guard the misleading way to victory
• Main Discussion #1: Family Matters
• Hermione, Ron and Harry are all becoming quite adept at useful spells. They're such good friends!
• Rita Skeeter's awful latest article is setting up the exact tone that the Ministry uses next year to discredit Harry Potter.
• Could Fudge have ushered along the publication of Rita's hit piece on Harry, in retaliation for embarrassing him in the previous chapter?
• How can Molly Weasley tell Amos Diggory he's overreacting, only to then go and treat Hermione poorly for Rita's earlier article?
• What If?: The Dursleys actually did show up at Hogwarts for Harry's Third Task?
• Main Discussion #2: The Maze
• Are there a sufficient amount of obstacles in The Maze for the champions to face? Is Mad-Eye Fakey removing some of them to make Harry's job easier?
• Harry's performance during the Third Task underscores how much he cares about other people.
• We examine each of the creatures and puzzles Harry faces in the maze.
• Micah, as a throwback to his own former section on MuggleNet, gets really into the origins of the sphinx.
• Could the sphinx's riddle actually be pertaining to Snape?
• is Harry's latest casting of Expelliarmus his most egregious yet?
• Would Fakey have allowed Cedric to take the cup on his own?
• Odds and Ends cover a future romance for Bill Weasley, as well as one in his past...?!
• Quizzitch: What are Voldemort’s first words after he climbs out of the cauldron, fully grown?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!
• Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount! For a list of MuggleCast appearances at the con, visit MuggleCast dot com/live.

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‘Heartstopper’ is a queer, British coming-of-age romantic dramedy series based on Alice Oseman’s webcomic and graphic novel of the same name. The story was loyally adapted by Netflix and became an instant hit thanks to its feel-good and unique LGBTQ storytelling. In this episode of What the Hype?!, Pam, Andrew, and Eric are joined by Andrew's boyfriend and Heartstopper superfan Pat to celebrate Pride Month and share why the novels and show are worth watching!

What makes it unique compared to other queer shows and movies, and what are its contributions to the LGBTQ+ community? Plus, we discuss some ridiculous drama in the fandom and share what we hope to see for future novels and seasons.

Make sure you're following us in your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode! Visit WhatTheHypePodcast.com for more, and check out full video episodes on YouTube!

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This week, we're diving headfirst into Dumbledore’s memories that he definitely didn’t leave accessible on purpose. So get ready to stand trial with Andrew, Micah, Laura and Morgan as we try to piece it all together before The Third Task begins!

Reminder: This year's physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here... The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you'll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MuggleCast today!

• Welcome, Slug Club guest Morgan of That Nerd Thing podcast!
• News: Dan Radcliffe wins his first Tony Award
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 30: The Pensieve
• 7-Word Summary: Dumbledore craftily leaves exposed memories inside basin
• Main Discussion #1: The Trials & The Pensieve
• Dumbledore intentionally left the Pensieve cabinet door open for Harry, right?
• Why are there constant references to Dumbledore looking old?
• YUCK! It's our first taste of the wizarding world justice system!
• Karkaroff the Canary: the hosts react to Snape's Death Eater reveal!
• Ludo's celebrity status bends the rules of justice! Can we make any real world compairsons? Should there have been any consequences for his actions?
• Hi, Bellatrix! ;)
• How was it determined that Barty Crouch Jr. actually took part in the torture of the Longbottoms? Could it be guilt by association?
• Looking at the memories all together, where is Dumbledore’s mind right now?
• Main Discussion #2: Dream Recap
• While still baffled by what's happening at Hogwarts, Dumbledore is starting to put the pieces of Horcruxgate together!
• What does Dumbledore make of both Frank Bryce and Bertha Jorkins disappearing?
•  Why is Barty Crouch Sr. vanishing at Hogwarts not a huge red flag?
• The truth about Neville's parents is revealed!
• Quizzitch: Which Weasley family members are not present for the Third Task? (you must list them all)
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount!

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Part two of our ‘Bridgerton’ series finds Pam, Laura, Micah, and special guest, Morgan (That Nerd Thing Podcast) taking a deep dive into ‘Bridgerton’ season 3. This time around, we aren’t holding back— spoilers for all season of ‘Bridgerton’ are fair game and run rampant! So consider this your official warning, dearest gentle listeners!

• We kick things off by checking in with Laura and Micah to see if they feel compelled to update their fan status from the last time we recorded.
• ‘Bridgerton’ season 3 marks the first time in the series’ history that Netflix has felt compelled to split the season into two parts. Did this work well for them? Did it play well for us?
• How about all those subplots? Were we intrigued or fatigued by how much they packed into this season? And more importantly, did it come at the expense of Polin?
• Speaking of Colin and Penelope, do we feel satisfied with the way their story played out or were we left wanting more?
• The topic of redemption as an overarching theme comes up in relation to Cressida, Lady Featherington, and even Penelope.
• We dive into the Lady Whistledown reveals, beginning with the shocking moment when Colin finds out it’s been his beloved Pen all along. Was Colin justified in his feelings, and did the show give him enough breathing room to explore the complexity of his emotions?
• Were we expecting Penelope to come clean to the entire Ton? The group makes some predictions with regards to what that means for the future of her gossip column
• Listener submitted questions find us ruminating over the Polin sex scenes and whether this season was spicy enough, Eloise’s ultimatum, and the shocking twist the show chose to make with regards to gender bending a beloved character from the books.

Still thirsty for more ‘Bridgerton’ season 3 content? Be sure to head on over to our YouTube channel where Laura and Pam recorded their initial reactions to this season right after they finished binge watching!

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This week, get ready to be undoubtedly stimulated by the extraordinary clairvoyant vibrations of Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as your hosts deal with being grounded by not one, but two adults, processing wild dreams and battling Voldemort-inducing headaches!

This year's physical gift for Slug Club patrons is here... The MuggleCast 19 Years Later t-shirt (Shirt Model 1, Shirt Model 2)! If you aren’t a Patron, now’s a great time to join! Pledge today at the Slug Club level and fill out the form by July 19 to be eligible. Note: you will only receive your shirt after you’ve been a Patron at this level for a minimum of three months. In addition, you'll get other great benefits such as twice-monthly Bonus MuggleCast, the chance to co-host the show, a video message from one of the four of us and much more! Visit Patreon.com/MugglecCast today!

• Welcome, Slug Club guest Feryal!
• News: Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown fancies himself a Harry Potter fan
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Goblet of Fire, Chapter 29: The Dream
• 7-Word Summary: Sirius grounds Harry because he is naughty
• Main Discussion #1: Grounded for His Own Good
• Why wasn't the Ministry called to investigate immediately?
• Did Harry, Ron and Hermione's experiences with Mad-Eye Moody (Fakey) and Barty Crouch Sr. feed the Ministry distrust we see develop in Order of the Phoenix?
• How many more "perfect cover" situations does Mad-Eye Moody (Fakey) have left in his arsenal? Are there signs he is starting to crack under the weight of it all?
• Does Harry's lack of a true parental figure inform his reaction to Sirius' letter?
• Main Discussion #2: The Dream and its Aftermath
• Why does Harry get regularly triggered inside of Trelawney's classroom?
• Why is Harry's perspective during the dream so erratic?
• While not mentioned by name, should Harry have picked up on the letter (he helped deliver) being about Barty Crouch Sr.?
• Could this be THE moment when Voldemort realizes the connection between himself and Harry?
• Why is Dumbledore's office password-protected? Shouldn't he at least have a doorbell? Or an assistant?
• Fudge begins to reveal his true colors! How delicious of a moment is the Dumbledore's office scene for Barty Crouch Jr.?
• Odds & Ends cover Fred and George's private business matters, Mars, humming insects, Snape the Bat and Cockroach Clusters!
• What If?! Barty Crouch Sr. had not fired Winky? Could she have saved him (and Cedric) from a horrible fate?
• Quizzitch: After Ludo Bagman’s trial, what Quidditch match does a jury member congratulate him on?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!
• Reminder: Micah and Eric will be at LeakyCon! Visit LeakyCon.com to check out the latest guests, the full con schedule and use code ‘MUGGLE’ while registering for a discount!

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