The hosts discuss an incredibly accurate description of severe anxiety in the chapter, as well as Moody’s and Bagman’s machinations, and Harry and Ron’s reconciliation.
Episode 78: Harry Podcast and The Hungarian Horntail
David and Madeline discuss how Hagrid is manipulated into cheating on Harry’s behalf, and Moody’s behind-the-scenes role.
Episode 77: Harry Podcast and The Weighing of the Wands
In which Ollivander returns for the first time in years, and David goes way too deep on wandlore.
Episode 76: Harry Podcast and The Four Champions
We’re back! Sorry to have been gone for so long. In this episode, your hosts discuss the different ways each character reacts to Harry’s name coming out of the Goblet of Fire, and what their reactions say about them.
Episode 75: Harry Podcast and The Goblet of Fire
Your hosts discuss various character moments surrounding the Goblet and what goes through Dumbledore's head when he reads Harry's name out.
Episode 74: Harry Podcast and Beauxbatons and Durmstrang
David and Madeline discuss the two new wizarding schools, and the further broadening of both the world of the books, as well as the character base for this story in particular.
Episode 73: Harry Podcast and The Unforgivable Curses
David and Madeline discuss Crouch Jr.’s possibly noble motivations in teaching the students about the horrors of Dark Magic that they will be facing over the rest of the series.
Episode 72: Harry Podast and Mad-Eye Moody
In which your hosts return from a hiatus to discuss the pivotal character of this book and his first few scenes. What is really him, and what is an actor playing a role?
Episode 71: Harry Podcast and The Triwizard Tournament
In which your hosts discuss how Barty Crouch Jr.’s portrayal of Mad-Eye Moody is very overdramatic, and why it might be politically advantageous for Dumbledore to host the Tournament at this time.
Episode 70: Harry Podcast Aboard the Hogwarts Express
In this episode, we examine how Moody is initially portrayed, and how Draco is so easily able to bait Ron’s anger.
Episode 69: Harry Podcast and Mayhem at the Ministry
Your hosts discuss the first mentions of Rita Skeeter and how she is characterized by the Weasleys’ descriptions of her. Harry doesn’t seem to be able to talk to Ron about the latter’s frustrations around being poor. Why is that?
Episode 68: Harry Podcast and The Dark Mark
Your hosts discuss this pivotal moment in the Harry Potter series, when the specter of Wizard terrorism rears its ugly head. How does this chapter hit differently in 2021 than it did when it was first published?
Episode 67: Harry Podcast and The Quidditch World Cup
In this episode, David and Madeline discuss the use of humor and sexuality in the chapter, and Madeline has a very hot take about Veela.
Episode 66: Harry Podcast and Bagman and Crouch
Your hosts discuss international wizarding culture as seen through Harry’s eyes, especially as personified in the two title characters.
Episode 65: Harry Podcast and The Portkey
Your hosts discuss the different types of magical teleportation and how the author intentionally repeats descriptive language to great effect.
Episode 64: Harry Podcast and Weasley's Wizard Wheezes
Your hosts discuss the wonderful Weasley family, and how each member is characterized in this chapter, with a particular focus on Molly and Percy.
Episode 63: Harry Podcast and Back to the Burrow
Madeline and David discuss the cruel prank that Fred and George play on Dudley, as well as how class plays a leading role in the culture clash between Weasleys and Dursleys.
Episode 62: Harry Podcast and The Invitation
Your hosts discuss Harry’s coping strategies for living with the Dursleys this year, and how the power dynamics between him and Uncle Vernon have shifted.
Episode 61: Harry Podcast and The Scar
David and Madeline discuss how this chapter serves as a bridge between narratives and the series as a whole, as well as the symbolism of Harry’s scar and why it’s important in this moment.
Episode 60: Harry Podcast and The Riddle House
Welcome to Season Four! In this episode, your hosts explore the wonderfully creepy setting of this chapter and how it acts as a primer for the events of this book in a very clever way, as well as serving as commentary on Voldemort’s relationship with Wormtail, and society’s relationship with veterans and PTSD.