Crack open a pack of your favorite biscuits and pull up a comfy chair because this week we’re discussing Chapter 12 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Professor Umb*tch. And put your hand down, Hermione, because we're not answering any of your questions (that's next week's episode)!

• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 12: Professor Umbridge. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning an old recording from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 448 for our prior Chapter 12 analysis!
• Main Discussion #1 The Worst Monday Ron Has Ever Seen
• Hermione remarks that she wishes there could be better House unity. But what does Hogwarts actually do to promote this?
• As prefect, Ron struggles to reprimand his brothers. Should Harry have said something to Fred and George in private about their "extracurricular activities"?
• Have Ron and Harry become too reliant on Hermione for academic support? Or has she enabled them too much over the years?
• Why does Ron behave so rudley towards Cho? Could he be jealous of her?
• Why are there seemingly no decent teachers at Hogwarts? Binns, Snape and Umbridge have Harry's fifth year off to a rough start!
• We rank the previous Defense Against The Dark Arts Professors
• Main Discussion #2: Hermione the Rebel
• Did Hermione's raised hand in Umbridge's class land Harry in detention?
• Does Umbridge have a point in criticizing the very fragmented nature of the students DADA education?
• Did the Ministry ever release a detailed account of what happened to Cedric?
• We analyze McGonagall and Harry's conversation about Umbridge
• MVP: What's the greatest zinger that Gryffindor students use against Umbridge in this chapter?
• Lynx Line: What is a wild dream that you have had which either came true shortly after, or was just very weird?
• Quizzitch: Which US fast-food chain was the first to add savory biscuits to their menu, in the 1970s?
• Bonus MuggleCast: It's Part 2 of Would you date a wizard? Who specifically would we invite out on a date? What appeals to us? What would appeal to them? And what's our bedroom life look like?
• Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more!
• The MuggleCast Merch Store is open year-round for all your gifting needs! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don’t forget, you can now also gift a Patreon subscription!
• Visit MuggleCast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

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New year of Hogwarts, new song from the Sorting Hat! That’s the way it goes this week as our first Chapter by Chapter of 2025 delves into Chapter 11 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Join Eric, Laura and Micah on a fun adventure past thestrals, toady new teachers, and unexpected conflicts with dorm mates.

• But first, a reminder! Still rolling from the holidays? The MuggleCast Merch Store is open year-round for all your gifting needs! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don’t forget, you can now also gift a Patreon subscription!
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 11: The Sorting Hat’s New Song. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning an old recording from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 446 for our prior Chapter 11 analysis!
• Harry sometimes sees things others don’t, but how often is death involved in the process? Laura connects some threads for us.
• How fair or unfair is Luna’s assertion that Hagrid is not well-loved by the Ravenclaws?
• According to the Sorting Hat, Godric and Salazar were BEST FRIENDS!
• The Hat could use some career advice right about now, it’s second guessing its own mission.
• Someone interrupts Nick talking about previous times the Hat has given a warning. So, we guess at when that might have occurred.
• Enter Umbridge, an Orwellian villain who talks way too much to bury her sinister intent.
• Fortunately, HermioneGPT can explain the speech to Ron, Harry, and anyone who accidentally fell asleep.
• Harry’s own House mates are on their way toward believing the lies of the Daily Prophet. But Neville is coming into his own, and defends Harry. You love to see it.
• Our What If? segment covers: What If Seamus moved out?
• Lynx Line: Which Hogwarts teachers and lessons could use the most reform, and how would you reform them?
• Quizzitch:In light of Umbridge’s long and boring speech, what is the length of the longest speech ever given in the UK, presented by Henry Peter Brougham in 1828?
• Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more!
• Visit mugglecast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

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MuggleCast returns January 14 with new episodes in which we continue to explore Order of the Phoenix! Until then, we present this episode of our other podcast What the Hype?! in which we look at what we're most looking forward to in pop culture in 2025!

And before looking ahead, we look back at the fandoms we adored in 2024, with the goal being to share the ones we haven't spoken about on the show. We were addicted to games like Balatro and WWE 2k24, and were grooving to music from Maggie Rogers. We also loved the Sonic film franchise and TV shows like Arcane and English Teacher.

2025 topics include the next Hunger Games spinoff Sunrise on the Reaping, Grand Theft Auto 6, Yellowjackets Season 3 , the Stranger Things finale, and so much more!

Thank you to everyone for joining What the Hype?! this year! Make sure to follow us in your favorite podcast app and on YouTube. We'd also deeply appreciate a review!

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We're off this week because of the holidays, so enjoy this release from our Patreon! Listener discretion advised. This Bonus MuggleCast asks the hard question: would you date a witch or wizard if you were a Muggle, and how would you feel about the challenges ahead? Andrew comes up with a few ground rules and Eric, Laura and Micah engage them on this very fun, mature-rated bonus. Patrons weigh in on some pros and cons, and we consider whether our partner having magic would be overall a good thing, or make things more complicated.

We've only been able to podcast for 20 years thanks to support from listeners like you. Visit Patreon.com/mugglecast to help us out, and enjoy dozens more Bonus MuggleCast installments immediately!

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In our final episode of 2024, MuggleCast hosts a live Harry Potter trivia game! We're joined by special guest Rohan Gotobed as we quiz fans on the Hogwarts Houses, the origins of Hogwarts, and the Holidays in Harry Potter.

Even though this was recorded earlier in December, you get to play along as we read each of the questions and possible answers. Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year - The show is one of the great joys of our life, and we absolutely love being your Harry Potter besties.

For more Quizzitch Live episodes, visit our YouTube page!

Listener support is the only reason we can conjure this show and Quizzitch Live events. Please consider supporting us on Patreon today, and in return you'll receive many magical benefits! For example, you'll receive two new Bonus MuggleCast episodes each month. In our latest, we discuss what a trivia night would look like within the Wizarding World.

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After a tumultuous summer, it’s time to go back to Hogwarts! Harry is still navigating his feelings of Ron and Hermione being made prefects, and he’s about to meet an entirely new character who might refresh his perspective, all in the latest Chapter-by-Chapter segment from the MuggleCasters, covering Chapter 10 of Order of the Phoenix, Luna Lovegood.

• It’s the holiday season and the MuggleCast Merch Store is open for all your gifting needs! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don’t forget, you can now also gift a Patreon subscription!
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 10: Luna Lovegood. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 241 and Episode 445 for prior Chapter 10 analysis!
• Harry is dreaming again. What can we make of this latest barrage of symbolism and metaphor?
• Why does Harry’s security entourage keep changing? Is it a mark of safety, or dwindling numbers in the Order?
• Sirius makes an unfortunate move. Bad dog, Snuffles!
• Should we be concerned for Sturgis Podmore?
• Hogwarts’ practice of prefects in place of real security might fall short. But at least their carriage is probably nice!
• Will the upcoming HP tv series have the most trouble re-casting Luna?
• Can Ginny be considered Luna’s friend? Can Neville?
• Hermione’s foot enters her mouth regarding the Quibbler. Should she know better than to pick a fight about something a stranger is reading in front of her?
• Unfortunately Harry’s arrival at Hogwarts reveals that not a lot has stayed the same how he wanted it. Sad.
• Lynx Line: the Best made up Quibbler headlines
• Quizzitch: Which UK tabloid, known for its sensationalist journalism, was founded in the year 1896 by a man who would later become 1st Viscount Northcliffe?
• Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/Mugglecast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more!
• Visit mugglecast.com for transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

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Harry has been cleared of all charges! Ron and Hermione have been made Prefects! We're throwing a banger of a party at Grimmauld Place! Come join us as we discuss The Woes of Mrs. Weasley, just leave the boggart at home, please!

• Welcome, Slug Club Member Rex!
•  It's the holiday season and the MuggleCast Merch Store is open for all your gifting needs! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more! And don't forget, you can now gift a Patreon subscription!
• Mark your calendars! A special holiday edition of Quizzitch Live is headed your way Sunday, December 15 at 12 PM ET. Stay tuned for more details!
• We discuss some exciting Harry Potter TV Show news: Paapa Essiedu is rumoured as the favorite for Snape, while we get confirmation that filming is set for Summer 2025.
• David Holmes, the stuntman for Daniel Radcliffe, who was injured on the set of Deathly Hallows: Part 1 has released a new book called The Boy Who Lived.
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 9: The Woes of Mrs. Weasley. Our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 443 and Episode 241 for prior Chapter 9 analysis!
• Why was Dumbledore in such a rush to exit the trial chamber? And why didn't he bother to give Arthur the good news about Harry?
• What was Lucius Malfoy doing down on Level 9? How does he know enough about Harry's situation to call him "Patronus Potter"? We analyze his level of (financial) influence over Ministry officials.
• What does it say about Fudge that despite being surrounded by Death Eaters, Dumbledore believes he's acting of his own free will?
• Arthur explains Muggle Baiting to Harry. Do Fred and George’s actions from last summer with ton-tongue toffee fall into this category?
• Why doesn't Sirius seem to be happy for Harry? When is he going to grow up?
• Are we surprised that everyone was surprised that Ron was made Prefect? Who would have made a better choice? Neville? Dean? Seamus?
• What are the pros and cons if Dumbledore had made Harry a Prefect?
• Molly's Greatest Fear and the many lessons it teaches us as readers
• What would each of our boggarts be (within the context of Grimmauld Place)?
• Lynx Line: Should Dumbledore have made Harry a Prefect instead of Ron? Why or why not?
• Quizzitch: What fountain gets the most money thrown into it per year, in the real world?
• Don’t forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more!
• On this week's Bonus MuggleCast, we debate whether or not the Harry Potter Movies are Christmas movies?
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

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Happy holidays, everyone! We don’t have a regular episode for you this week because of the Thanksgiving holiday, but we DO have a special release for you today!

In this Bonus MuggleCast, we discuss the topic of being a muggle and dating a wizard. What would that be like? What pro’s and con’s are there? Our Patrons told us this was a favorite Bonus MuggleCast of theirs!

That said, we do discuss mature topics in this episode, so listener discretion is advised. We occasionally record more adult-themed Bonus MuggleCast episodes since we’re behind a paywall on Patreon, and — we’re adults who want to discuss adult topics. We know listeners love it too.

Patrons and paid Apple Podcast subscribers get TWO new Bonus MuggleCast installments every month, plus a cornucopia of other benefits, like ad-free episodes, early releases, a new physical gift every year, and so much more! Check it out, go to Patreon.com/mugglecast

And you can now GIFT a Patreon membership! Ask your loved one to go to Patreon.com/mugglecast/gift and they can get you anywhere from 1 to 12 months of Patreon access! It’s the perfect gift idea if you’ve been wanting to support us and get hooked up with many magical MuggleCast perks.

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It’s the day of Harry’s hearing in our Chapter-by-Chapter re-read of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, and we wouldn’t blame you if you lost sleep over it. While the odds are stacked firmly against Harry in several ways, Dumbledore decides to save Harry and us all by standing up against the increasingly-fascist Ministry of Magic. Join Andrew, Eric, Laura and our Slug Club guest Monet as they tackle Chapter 8, “The Hearing.”

• Welcome to the show, Slug Club guest Monet!
• Just like Monet, YOU can guest-host the show if you pledge to our Patreon at the Slug Club level. In addition, you can now gift a Patreon subscription to a friend!
• Additionally, we’re hosting a Black Friday sale (use code: SIRIUS, get it?!) on our MuggleCastMerch.com online store! Get 15% off your order now through Cyber Monday (December 1st).
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 8: The Hearing. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 441 and Episode 240 for prior Chapter 8 analysis!
• How does this chapter hit differently for us now, versus in 2003? Laura says the trial seems a lot more believable.
• Eric lists the ways that the trial impugns on Harry’s rights and is designed to be cruel and throw him off of his game.
• Monet points out a direct parallel between this trial, and the one we see for Mary Cattermole in Deathly Hallows.
• Andrew admires Dumbledore’s show of force, his preparedness too, and for once we all agree with him!
• Had Dumbledore not arrived, would Harry have been convicted? Would his wand have been smashed before anyone could do anything about it?
• Dumbledore’s calm and even tone, and his humility - allowing the Minister and co. to save face - is critical to his success, Laura says.
• The connection between a know-it-all headmaster, the ignorant Minister, and the country’s slow descent into Voldemort’s rule is analyzed.
• Does Dumbledore’s interference here cause the Ministry to retaliate later in the year?
• Lynx Line: What crime would listeners have to face a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry over? And, who would we want as our defense?
• Quizzitch: The UK judicial system established a Supreme Court in 2009. Prior to that, what was the highest court in the UK??
• Don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more!
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

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Aren’t government buildings exciting? This week, the MuggleCasters jog their memories of how to do public transit because it’s time to go to the Ministry for Harry’s disciplinary hearing! Join Andrew, Eric, Micah and Laura as they discuss Chapter 7 of Order of the Phoenix, “The Ministry of Magic.”

• Show announcements including what’s going on over at #Millennial and What the Hype?! as well as a unique gift idea for the upcoming Holidays.
• HP TV Show news! Actor Mark Rylance is reportedly a top pick for Dumbledore by the creators of the show. We can see it.
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 7: The Ministry of Magic. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 440 and Episode 240 for prior Chapter 7 analysis!
• For their journey to the Ministry, why does Arthur go it alone? Does it put Harry at undue risk?
• How come Arthur didn’t know where he was going, and why wouldn’t he plan it in advance?
• Micah comes for Arthur including his job title versus his lack of demonstrated competence with Muggle things. We are shook.
• How would a wizard react to public transit apps?
• Do we think the Muggle entrance to the M.O.M. has been updated since the 1990s?
• The hosts compare the Ministry fountains between books 5 and 7, with keen insight.
• Somebody get everyone some coffee! It’s just another day at work for most people.
• Seeing Arthur’s office in person, we cannot help but feel like Percy may have had a point.
• We adore the many layers of Arthur and Kingsley’s work conversation.
• Odds and Ends include the first mention of Scrimgeour, the Quibbler, and more!
• Lynx Line: What floor of the Ministry of Magic would our Patrons most like to party on?
• Quizzitch: What is Amelia Bones’ middle name?
• Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more!
• And don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more!
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

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This week, grab your doxy spray and settle in because we're deep cleaning the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Join Eric, Micah and Laura as they dodge possessed music boxes, coughing wastebaskets, and mysterious lockets all while fighting with a deranged House-Elf and learning about pureblood wizarding families!

• News Alert: Hogwarts Legacy 2 to crossover with the new Harry Potter TV Show! Plus, get in the holiday spirit as Hogwarts: Wizards of Baking premieres on Food Network and MAX on Nov. 14!
• Chapter-by-Chapter continues with Order of the Phoenix, Chapter 6: The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. And our Time Turner segment has us spinning some old recordings from past discussions! Be sure to check out Episode 439 and Episode 230 for prior Chapter 6 analysis!
• Have we ever been in a situation where an adult forbade us from talking to our friends after hearing something they deemed inappropriate?
• Does Molly not understand how kids work? Forbidding them from staying up to talk is the best way to ensure they absolutely do that! 
• Your putting those doxies WHERE?! What happens to these immobilized creatures? Are they permanently paralyzed?
• STOP RINGING THAT DAMN DOORBELL!!!
• Has Mundungus ever proven his value to the Order?
• Foreshadow alert: The locket no one could open
• What do we make of Sirius's behavior in this chapter? Harry is clearly trying to relate to him, but is Sirius brooding so much on his own misfortune?
• The Black Family Tapestry, Regulus Black and the meaning of Toujours Pur
• Did Kreacher predict the ending of Order of the Phoenix?
• Comparing Kreacher and Gollum from Lord of the Rings
• Did Lupin and Tonks have secret sleepovers?
• Lynx Line: Our patrons pick one item from the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black to display in their home.
• Which Skiving Snackbox candy would each of the hosts be willing to try to get out of something we didn't want to do?
• Quizzitch: In the Sorcerer’s Stone PC game, what spell do you primarily use to deal with doxies?’
• Reminder! The MuggleCast Merch Store is now open! Grab brand-new, original MuggleCast designs. We have t-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, hats, and more!
• And don't forget you can support the show over at Patreon.com/MuggleCast! You’ll get great benefits such as Bonus MuggleCast, live streams, yearly stickers, Lynx Line participation, a physical gift, a video message from one of the four of us made just for you, our private Facebook and Discord groups where you can hang out with fellow Potter fans, and so much more!
• Visit MuggleCast.com for episode transcripts, social media links, our full episode archive, our favorite episodes, and to contact us!

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