Mugglecast: The Harry Potter Podcast

Fresh back from London, Andrew and Jamie recount their adventure and give us their Equus review. Is 784 pages too short? (No!) One gracious listener makes a request that makes everyone squirm except “Toots”. It’s an all-voicemail show this week! Did Harry love Cho? Would Harry kill Ginny if she were a Horcrux? Would Harry sacrifice himself to save a friend, even if it meant Voldemort could never be defeated? Was Dumbledore just being himself before he died, or is there something more to his very careful wording? Impromptu British Joke. For some reason Bono continues to invade the show. We’re all grown up and going away to college… even Micah. Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul. The Team Rocket Song! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s our first LIVE MuggleCast! Because of a recording mistake, the show kicks off halfway through our theory contest. Small talk about our day at Electronic Arts where we saw the upcoming OOTP video game. Our first live listener debate: SHOULD Harry die? Micah Tannenbaum Impressions! Main Discussion: Should Harry and Ginny be back together? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WARNING: This episode contains spoilers for the 5th film! …Toots? We refuse to intro. Reminder: Live show in the UK! MuggleNet Book tour dates. Andrew goes “back to the future”. We chat about the OOTP advanced screening reviews. Which actors don’t get enough screen time? Fun things we wish were left in. Condensing the plot: Good changes and detrimental ones. Everyone loves Evanna Lynch! Men don’t understand the importance of hair color. PokeCast! Who is the son of my father’s mother’s cousin… what…? We refuse to outro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alex Carpenter of The Remus Lupins co-hosts the show! The latest OOTP picture discussion. We discuss what Jo has been up to lately. Andrew and Jamie announce their MuggleCast meet-up! Listener Rebuttals touch upon Wormtail, Phoenix feathers, and the next leader of the Order. Ben jumps on the “Harry must die”” bandwagon. Alex defends his good pal Remus Lupin. Eric needs a moment. Main Discussion: Literary Device of Book Parallels. What if… Harry had shown Snape the HBP Potions book instead of Ron’s? Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie is back! Everyone’s favorite Brit clears up his sausage bet. We discuss some new OOTP photos. Check out the picture of the Gandalf LEGO Jamie talkes about right here. Why is LEGO only releasing one OOTP set? Andrew and Jamie’s meet up in England! Character Discussion: Fawkes. Is it important Harry first saw Fawkes on a Burning Day? When Fawkes attacks: the bird shows up at many crucial times in the series. Where was he the night Dumbledore died? The importance of loyalty…we quote dear old Albus. Was Fawkes’ song at the end of Half-Blood Prince a message, a warning or even a rally cry? Is Fawkes Harry’s next pet? Phoenixes choose their owners…let the Pokemon tangent ensue. Why would a wand with Fawkes’ feather choose Voldemort? Will we finally learn what it means that the biggest connection between Harry and Voldemort is Fawkes? Why is Dumbledore so closely tied to a bird symbolic of rebirth? Will Fawkes choose Harry and help save him in the final battle? An interview with Joe Fulton of

The latest weather forecasts from around the world. We talk about the latest OOTP pics. What would Mrs. Norris do? More talk on the deathly cries discussed last week. Could Harry use his and Voldemort’s wands at the same time? Look out, Voldemort – Fawkes wants his feather back. Andrew has a big revelation: Harry HAS to die. Eric makes a Bruce Willis reference. Two of our hobbit wannabes talk about Lord of the Rings. Mikey tells us a fact about shampoo that blows our minds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After opening the show with a concrete statement, we have a cozy little news discussion. The Ben is back… again. MuggleNet’s book reviewed in the New York Times! Andrew shares his theory on why Jo wrote on the bust of Hermes. OH-EM-GEE – we explore various examples of fun facts and how they can be taken too far. Is there more of a meaning behind the statue of Hermes at the Balmoral? Despite quotes to the contrary, is it possible there’s anything more to Petunia or Dudley? This week our main discussion is replaced by our favorite Deathly Hallows theory submissions! Would Umbridge try to interfere with the Tonks/Lupin pairing? Is Jo just trying to make us feel better? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Laura offers her thoughts on the release date. We examine some things Jo said in her Diary we should have paid more attention to. Did Jason Isaacs know the truth all along? Just why was Jo writing at a hotel? The debate continues on who decides the release date. We’re all expecting to hear from Jo in the near future. Reactions from fans to the release date. What will the cover of the book look like? Equus pictures discussion: Eric labels Dan “Harry Chest” Did we all miss an important line in Goblet of Fire? Chris from Georgia clears up the debate over Voldemort’s soul. Hufflepuff’s Cup…in Arthur’s shed? What will be Jo’s involvement with the fandom after Book 7? Could Dudley be the character to exhibit magic late in life? Why couldn’t Harry just shoot Voldemort? Would any of the Death Eaters step forward to lead after Voldemort falls? We apologize for the Australia-New Zealand mix-up. Top 10-15 DH Contest theories to be played on next week’s show. A very special Chicken Soup from Iraq. L

Live from New Zealand…Eric Scull. We clear up the Albania-Romania-Bulgaria mix-up. Is Ravenclaw’s wand a Horcrux? And was it in Ollivander’s shop? One listener makes us debate the Horcruxes and we ask for your help. Main Discussion: Does Voldemort deserve to die? Should Harry give Voldemort what he fears most? Could Harry even cast the Killing Curse? Would the Death Eaters rally after Voldemort’s downfall? Would killing Voldemort make Harry a martyr? More JKR Quotes: Umbridge, Snape, Lily and graveyards. We analyze Jo’s dream…again. Does Harry’s blood make Voldemort continuously weaker? Is Voldemort in debt to Harry? Will Voldemort die himself if he kills Harry? Crackpot Theory: Filch The Spy. PO Box Update. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we’re joined by guest Mikey B. After a bit of grumbling about Laura Mallory’s recent sure-to-fail appeal, we bring you a few show announcements, as well as some Prophecy 2007 information. DEB. Some bright listeners point out a couple more “hallow/gallow” references in the books. Could Deathly Hallows come out on “Harry Potter Day”? We revisit the connection between the title and Arthurian legend for a closer look. Jo can’t imagine Harry growing up, or it will “ruin the plot”; is this ominous, or just Jo trying to lead us off the scent again? Our very special interview features the biggest host to ever grace a Harry Potter podcast! What spell did Dumbledore use against Voldemort in the Ministry? Is the Ravenclaw Horcrux at Grimmauld Place? Win a piece of Jamie’s suitcase! (No, we’re not kidding.) Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week’s show starts off with some very good news about live shows! We announce a very BIG interview. Apparently some of us didn’t see the connection between the hangman game on Jo’s site and the “Deathly Hallows”. Speaking of Deathly Hallows, we have yet more ideas what it might mean! We give everyone at home a short cultural lesson about death and its place in the world. If the title is a reference to Halloween, does this mean spirits will return to earth? Could “Hallows” be the spirits of those Voldemort murdered to create his Horcruxes? Would they be able to help Harry kill Voldemort? Why are Fred and George allowed to use their wands, and Hagrid can’t? Is Scrimgeour evil? British Joke. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben cries over The OC. We discuss the hanged man and his significance to Deathly Hallows. “Hallow” is an archaic word for “gallow”. Perhaps there is a greater meaning to James hanging Snape upside down in OOTP than most of us realized. Will Hermione’s ability to read Runes be useful? Debate: Jo should release book 7 in July of 2007. Jamie and Andrew (negating) vs. Eric and Laura (sort of) (affirming). Can someone transform into a younger version of themselves using Polyjuice potion? How is Hogwarts fighting childhood obesity without Phys Ed? We wrap this week’s show up with a heart warming Chicken Soup for the MuggleCast Soul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In order to entertain you this New Year, we discuss all of the highlights of 2006! We regale one another with all the laughter, touching moments, and practical jokes we’ve shared. Remember, ladies and gentlemen, hotels don’t give out iPod fans for free in the lobby! Did any of us actually fulfill our New Year’s Resolutions? For the billionth time, we ponder a 2007 release for Deathly Hallows. The moment you’ve all been waiting for: the premiere of Andrew’s Wizard Rock single! As promised, we feature your variety remixes: “What’s Coming” “12 Days of MuggleCast” “Love Room” All this and more on this special New Year’s edition of MuggleCast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HOLY CRAP! Forget about Christmas, there’s a Book 7 title! We discuss what the “Deathly Hallows” could be. Are they the remaining Horcruxes? Does this title encompass the theme of the series as a whole? Is there a connection with the murder of Lily and James on Halloween? Will we see Book 7 in 2007 after all? Micah predicts October 31st. You hear that, Jo? Andrew tries to interpret Jo’s HP dream. Somehow this turns into analyzing life as she writes the final book. We dream of each other. Jamie presents a plethora of puns and jokes. We each discuss what we’ll be doing in the coming week to celebrate the holidays. Have a happy and safe Holiday! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The one and only Dylan Spartz (now 100% legal) joins the show. We listen and comment on a Fox 5 report concerning Laura Mallory and her appeal to have the Potter books banned from Gwinnett County schools. Andrew gives us an update on his wizard rock band. We delve into the world of the Hogwarts founders. Did all turmoil in the wizarding world arise from poking a sleeping dragon? Why would Gryffindor be friends with Slytherin? What happened between them? Does Hogwarts have a mind of its own? How was Slytherin able to create the Chamber of Secrets without the other founders knowing? Just how closely related are pureblooded wizarding families? “Favorites” makes a comeback, during which Laura provides insight on her secret fondness for violence. Dylan gives an inspirational quote. (Or does he…?) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Birthday, Jamie! (You’re OLD!) Use extreme caution when playing in bouncy castles. We put faith in our listeners, meaning we don’t double-check their facts. Dementors breeding? Ewwwwww. How much of Draco will we see in OOTP? Jamie chokes, Andrew crashes, and we can’t think of an adequate tale for Ben. A discussion on traitors and innocent characters leads us into some other areas of interest: Is McGonagall a spy? Will Ginny be used as a traitor in book 7? What happens when a Horcrux is destroyed, but a fraction of it resides inside of a host? Could Draco build up enough hatred to AK anyone? Will Micah survive the terrible accident Kevin predicts will befall him? Bill Clinton plays the saxophone? We announce the winner of Andrew’s listener challenge for the month of November! Bloopers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re angry! Rawr! WB uses a clip from Goblet of Fire in the OOTP teaser trailer. Our conclusion: WB is cheap! Could Ginny have seen Myrtle die through Riddle’s diary? Was the stone basin Dumbledore drank out of a Pensieve? When will we hear from Viktor Krum again? Is the goblin tiara the Horcrux from Ravenclaw? What are Dementors classified as? Were Luna’s parents in the Order? Will Harry change his Patronus? How could a werewolf be killed? Would AK not work? Where would a wizard find a silver bullet? How long will Harry spend at the Dursleys in Book Seven? Is Luna a seer? How stable is Vernon and Petunia’s relationship? Dudley’s greatest fear: Petunia in an Unbreakable Vow? An update on Robin’s Challenge. Crackpot Theory of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew makes a big career-changing announcement. We talk about the latest OOTP developments. Eric and Micah give their thoughts on the trailer. Why was Dobby left out? An explanation for why they changed the writing on Harry’s hand. Azkaban prison’s location: good or bad? HBO: First glimpses of Bellatrix and Evanna Lynch in action. Andrew and Kevin interview two creators of the OOTP video game. Rebuttals concerning Voldemort being evil. Did Snape not want to reveal his own boggart in the staffroom? Why did Dumbledore have different people deliver notes to Harry in Half-Blood Prince? Older listeners: reveal yourselves! Dumbledore/Norris Facts. Two British Jokes. An update on the McDonald’s challenge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The co-hosts express their dismay at this very slow news week. Actually, it was just MuggleNet being broken for two days. Everyone discusses the trailer highlights. Dumbledore being cool. Snape + Harry = some awesome Occlumency scenes. …Or very bad Occlumency scenes, says Kevin. Harry and Cho kiss! Teehee giggle giggle! The OOTP promotional poster. Main Discussion: Evil and how it relates to Voldemort in HP. Do we think Voldemort is evil only because we sympathize with Harry? He was born evil, so did he really have a choice to be good? The hosts present real-life scenarios of bad choices people make. British Joke. Ben gives us a small P.O. Box Update. Next week: Your OOTP game questions answered! Coming soon: the return of voicemails! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jo ranks #5 in top UK fan bases. We don’t endorse the leaking of the trailer online… But feel free to purchase tickets to another movie and sit on the “Happy Feet” previews! Main Discussion: The Forbidden Forest. Is Hagrid the only one who goes in there? Why is it “forbidden”? Did it become this way because of Aragog? Could Voldemort be hiding a Horcrux there? Is Sirius’s bike keeping the Ford Anglia company? What are Aragog’s kids up to? The Dueling Club makes a comeback with Snape vs. Hermione! First Podcast Alley, now… national elections? Listener Challenge: MuggleCast-ify your local McDonald’s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices