Magic Beyond the Books

“Not a dog. Harry, it’s a trap. He’s the dog. He’s an animagus!” Jessie guest-hosts the pod as we discuss the scene where Sirius Black is revealed in the Shrieking Shack (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Chapter 17: Cat, Rat, and Dog, Chapter 18: Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, and Chapter 19: The Servant of Lord Voldemort). We discuss the many plot twists in this scene, our favorite quotes, and fan theories.

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We predict you will listen to this episode! Professor Sybill Patricia Trelawney, best known for her exploits as the divination teacher at Hogwarts, takes center stage today as we discuss her many predictions, the symbolism behind her name, and her short-lived marriage. Jess shares her theories about how prophecies end up in the Ministry of Magic and Rene shares Emma Thompson fun facts.

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Happy Christmas from Hogwarts! I cover the Christmas scene from book 1, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s/Sorcerer’s Stone (chapter 12, The Mirror of Erised). Learn about the Potter family history, muggle and wizard Christmas crackers, the 50 pence piece, and Christmas pickles in this episode. And afterward, maybe try to make a flaming Christmas pudding? 

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In our first ever crossover episode, Jess and Rene compare A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) with Harry Potter. We sort ACOTAR characters into Hogwarts houses, put Harry Potter characters into courts of Prythian, and discuss what mating bonds would look like if they existed in Harry Potter. Warning: there are ACOTAR spoilers in this episode (from the first five books).

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The hottest yet most forgotten Weasley brother, Charlie, is the star of today’s episode! I discuss Charlie’s favorite dragon, give a breakdown of the Weasley children, discuss fan theories, and share my fan cast for the role. Ride your dragon and catch a snitch because today is all about Charlie Weasley!

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Harry sneaks into Hogsmeade Village and has his first butterbeer in this scene (book 3, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, chapter 10, The Marauder’s Map). Lynn guest-hosts as we play Harry Potter 20 questions, learn what nougat is, and discuss the Hogwarts professors’ drinks of choice. Grab your convicted murderer godparent and Honeydukes sweets and join us for this week’s episode!

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In today’s episode, we talk all about our favorite Hufflepuff, Cedric Diggory. Jess guest-hosts as we discuss the meanings behind Cedric’s name, compare and contrast Edward Cullen and Cedric Diggory, and give our fan casts for Cedric. Rene tells us about Cedric’s wand and Jess shares Robert Pattinson fun facts. So jump out of a tree, grab your portkey, and join us for this episode!

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It’s Christmas and Hogwarts is hosting the Yule Ball. Jessie guest-hosts as we discuss the outfits, decorations, and many secret conversations happening at the dance. We talk about Harry’s socks, Snape’s mission to stop rosebush hookups, and, of course, Romione. So, put on your lacy dress robes, keep a magical eye out for beetles, and join us for this episode!

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Take a portal with us to Universal’s newest theme park - Epic Universe! Jess guest-hosts as we discuss the five worlds included in the park - Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Dark Universe, Super Nintendo World, Isle of Berk (How to Train Your Dragon), and Celestial Park. We discuss our favorite attractions, rank the worlds, and reminisce about delectable macaroni and cheese cones. Grab your express pass, power-up band, and MACAROONS, and join us for this wild roller coaster ride of an episode!

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Angelina Johnson - star chaser and Gryffindor quidditch captain - captured our hearts (and the Weasley twins’s hearts) in the Harry Potter books. Now it’s time to talk about her illustrious time at Hogwarts. She had two quidditch cup wins, NEWTs, a secret society membership, and multiple suitors - what else could a young witch need? Listen to this episode to hear all about Angelina!

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“TROLL IN THE DUNGEONS! Thought you ought to know.” Today Lynn guest-hosts the pod as we discuss the Halloween scene from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (chapter 10 Hallowe’en). There are thousands of bats at the Halloween feast, a troll has invaded Hogwarts, the trio officially begins their friendship, and Hermione is maybe wearing a wig! Needless to say, a lot happens in this scene. We discuss everything from jacket potatoes to Lavender Brown’s fate to the origins of Halloween. Hit play to listen now.

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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone - the movie! Rewatching this film, I share my reactions, compare with the book, and note things “director Rene” would do differently. Strap in for some controversial topics as I answer the following: Is this a Christmas or Halloween movie? Did this movie deserve an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes? What movies do I think are worse that received a better rating? And, of course, tangents abound as I deep dive into the animal actors and Hogwarts Express train. Warning - this episode may inspire a Harry Potter movie marathon!

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It’s spooky season and what better time to discuss two of the most classic movie monsters? In this special episode, I talk all about vampires and werewolves in Harry Potter. I share the history of the lore, Harry Potter actors who make appearances as vampires or werewolves in other TV shows and films, and fan theories. Was there a vampire teacher at Hogwarts? Is Draco Malfoy a werewolf? Where did vampire Sanguini get his name? All these questions and more are answered in this episode!

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Bellatrix Maybe-Crazy-Lady Lestrange made her mark on the Harry Potter universe and today Jess is back on the podcast to discuss all things Bellatrix. We cover everything from Delphi’s role in the Cursed Child, the hottest Harry Potter movie men, and all theories about Bellatrix from her love life to her questionable sanity. Join us for this wild ride which includes movie behind-the-scenes facts, our fan casts, and even some wand lore. So break out of Azkaban, grab your death eater friends, and listen to this episode!

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It’s September 1, 1991, and Harry Potter sails with the other first-years to Hogwarts castle (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone/Philosopher’s Stone, Chapter 6, The Journey From Platform Nine and Three-Quarters). I talk about what was happening in the real world in September 1991 and share JK Rowling’s map of the Hogwarts grounds. Put on your grunge outfits and grab a boat, it’s time to go to Hogwarts in this episode!

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Mr. Ollivander revolutionized the wand-making industry and sold wands to many great wizards (including Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort). Today I breakdown his story throughout the Harry Potter books and beyond. I share a breakdown of the three magical beasts from which he sources his wand cores - dragons, phoenices, and unicorns - and ponder the dark theories surrounding his business practices. Grab your wand and avoid being captured by the death eaters, it’s time to learn more about Garrick Ollivander!

In this special episode, I discuss the two wizarding world gangs - Dumbledore’s Order of the Phoenix and Voldemort’s Death Eaters. I share the known members, leaders, companion groups, headquarters, communication methods, battle strategies, and even the other group names JK Rowling considered. Touch your tattoos and send patronuses to your friends because it’s time to talk about some secret societies!

It’s the Second Triwizard Task of the Triwizard Tournament and Harry Potter is unprepared. Hufflepuff Lynn guest-hosts as we discuss Mad-Eye Moody’s eye capabilities, wizarding world foods, and Viktor Krum’s appearance in the books vs the movies. Rene shares details on gillyweed, grindylows, and merpeople. Come seek us where our voices sound and listen to this episode!

Michael Corner lives a parallel storyline to Harry, dating the same women and fighting against Voldemort in Dumbledore’s Army. In this episode, I discuss Michael’s storyline throughout the Harry Potter books and get into some wild fan theories about the character (maybe Michael Corner is secretly a muggle?). Grab your bffs Terry Boot and Anthony Goldstein and listen to this episode all about Michael Corner!

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It’s Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff in a Hogwarts quidditch match and none other than Luna Lovegood is commentating (book 6, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, chapter 18, Elf Tails). Jessie returns as we discuss our wands, Harry’s competency as a quidditch captain, and Cormac McLaggen’s questionable coaching. Fly in for this fun episode!

Calling all Harry Potter fans! In each Magic Beyond the Books episode, I break down a scene, character, or special topic from the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Warning: there are spoilers in every episode. Grab your wands and send owl post to all your friends. Let's go on a magical journey through JK Rowling’s hit series. This is a Harry Potter podcast you don’t want to miss.

Stanley “Stan” Shunpike, conductor on The Knight Bus and secret death eater? I discuss Stan’s character arc through Harry Potter books 3-7, dive into the etymology behind his name, give my take on fan theories, and share my fan casting for the role. It’s time to play some jazz music and hop on The Knight Bus for this episode all about Stan Shunpike - “Take ‘er away, Ern!”

The trio, accompanied by the Granger parents and Weasley family, takes a trip to Flourish and Blotts during Gilderoy Lockhart’s book signing but are dismayed to run into the Malfoys (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, chapter 4, At Flourish and Blotts). I talk about Lucius Malfoy’s motivations to plant the diary on Ginny, Arthur Weasley’s surprising violence, and the theory that Draco rips out a book page to slip to Hermione. Overall, it’s an eventful day at the bookshop. Take a trip to Flourish and Blotts with me in this episode!

It’s the upbeat Harry Potter fan girl and Order of the Phoenix member, Dedalus Diggle! Despite sharing a name with the ingenuitive character of Greek mythology, Daedalus, Dedalus Diggle doesn’t seem like the brightest (though he does a great job protecting the Dursleys in book 7). I talk about Diggle’s cut scene from the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone movie, answer fan questions, and give my fan casting for the role. I hope you can drive while listening to this episode because “I would be utterly bamboozled by all those buttons and knobs.”

Voldemort is back, evil as ever, catching up with Harry and the Death Eaters (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, chapter 33, The Death Eaters, and chapter 34, Priori Incantatem). Jess guest-hosts as we discuss wands, portkeys, horcruxes, and rat lore. Get in, loser, we’re going to bring back the Dark Lord!

We take a portkey to the graveyard for Voldemort’s return (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, chapter 32, Flesh, Blood, and Bone). Jess guest-hosts as we discuss Harry as a protagonist, cauldron weights, how Peter Pettigrew became a Death Eater, and matching tattoos. Tune in to learn about yew trees and find out who in this scene Jess finds sexy (hint: it’s not who you think).

This week we talk all about Dobby, including his undying loyalty to Harry Potter, potentially romantic relationship with Winky, and terrible negotiation skills. John guest-hosts as we get into everything from Dobby’s fashion sense to crazy fan theories. Is Dobby a secret evil genius? Did Dobby make an unbreakable vow with Harry? Is Dobby actually a Death Eater? All these questions and more are answered in this episode.

The newest Harry Potter theme park is open at Epic Universe in Orlando, Florida! In this special episode, I talk all about my trip to Epic Universe and give details of the Battle at the Ministry ride and Le Cirque Arcanus show. I answer your questions, share fantastic beast fun facts, and give tips for the best ways to enjoy the theme park. Grab your interactive wand and take a walk with me down the streets of 1920s Paris.

Expelliarmus! Professors Lockhart and Snape teach the Hogwarts students how to duel in this scene from book 2, Harry Potter and Chamber of Secrets (chapter 11). Jessie guest-hosts and we learn her patronus from the HarryPotter.com quiz. We discuss everything from Harry’s signature spell success rate to snake symbolism. Grab your wand, take a bow, and listen to this episode in 3…2…1… LEGO Set Link - https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Harry-Potter-Hogwarts-Castle/dp/B0DJ18LDHN

This one's for the Romione and Hinny shippers. Jess guest-hosts as we discuss the relationships of Ron and Hermione and Harry and Ginny as well as potential other matches for each of them. We compare the books vs movies and talk about romance tropes. Love is in the air this week on Magic Beyond the Books - grab your amortentia potion and do some snogging!

Tabloid Journalist Rita Skeeter - Hero or Harpy?

Jessie guest-hosts as we discuss Rita Skeeter, the writer and unregistered animagus beetle. We discuss the meanings behind Rita’s name, her fashion sense, and, most notably, her written works. Is JK Rowling actually a disguised Rita Skeeter? Were Rita and Bellatrix friends at Hogwarts? How are Veela created? All these questions and more are answered in this episode.

In this scene Harry joins five other students in Professor Horace Slughorn’s compartment on the Hogwarts Express for his first “Slug Club” meeting in book 6, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. We discuss Harry Potter emojis, the Slug Club members, and the meeting menu (who wants cold pheasant?). Calen tells us about the sword of Damocles and Rene shares nogtail facts. You are officially invited to join us for a bite of lunch and chit chat about the Slug Club!

It’s everyone’s favorite guy - Professor Filius Flitwick, the charms professor and head of Ravenclaw house. We discuss Flitwick’s early life and his stark appearance change in the third Harry Potter movie. In this episode we delve into more mysteries of the wizarding world including wizard and goblin lifespans, the categorization of spells, and drinking at wizarding school dances. Cast your charms and bring your stack of books to stand on, it’s time to learn all about Professor Flitwick!

“Well if you’re sure - better be GRYFFINDOR!” In this scene, Harry Potter and the other new students meet the ghosts and are sorted into the four Hogwarts houses (book 1 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, chapter 7, The Sorting Hat). We break down the houses, new students, ghosts, and dormitories. You’ll learn which alternatives JK Rowling considered for the sorting system and all about the mysteries of the sorting hat. This episode covers many theories including what’s the deal with Mrs. Norris, the conspiracy behind the sorting stool legs, and the question of students’ choice in sorting. Wh...

Gallop on over to this week’s episode; we discuss one of the Forbidden Forest’s many creatures - Firenze the Centaur! We cover the many mysteries of centaurs, share Firenze’s name origins, and give our fan casts for the character. Everyone loves the rebel centaur…except Trelawney. Warning - there are BIG spoilers in this episode.

Wedding bells chime as Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour get married at the Burrow (book 7 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, chapter 8 “The Wedding”). We discuss everything about this big wedding from the decorations to the guest list (i.e. Auntie Muriel). We ponder if Bill and Fleur are still together and give our ideas for different Harry Potter book titles. Rene shares 1990s wedding trends and Calen gives the origins of common wedding traditions. Put some birds in your hat or precious gems on your tie, and slip into your best dress robes, because the ministry has fall...

It’s Gryffindor’s quidditch captain and keeper, Oliver Wood! We discuss Oliver’s coaching abilities and many quidditch-based enemies. Calen shares a new logo design for Puddlemere United and Rene shares her fan theory about Oliver’s love interest. We ponder why Harry Potter fans adore Oliver but hate his coaching. Keep listening for a funny movie catch; let’s just say Sean Biggerstaff is astounded Harry received a Nimbus 2000.

This is part 2 of our special travel episode where we break down all the places Harry Potter fans can travel to in the real (muggle) world. Today we cover all the travel spots outside of England (in the rest of the UK and world). Where did JK Rowling write Harry Potter? Where can you buy a golden snitch wand? Where can you walk through the Hall of Prophecy? All these questions and more are answered in this episode!

In our first two-part special episode, we break down all the places Harry Potter fans can travel to in the real (muggle) world. Today we cover all the travel spots in England! From behind the scenes movie facts to our Hogwarts houses, we cover it all. Where can you buy a horcrux? Why did J.K. Rowling choose Kings Cross for the Hogwarts Express platform? Where can you take broom flying lessons? All these questions and more are answered in this episode.

This is Harry Potter and Cho Chang’s first and only date from book 5 - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (chapter 25, The Beetle at Bay). We discuss professional quidditch teams and the dating life of Roger Davies. Cho is not happy with Harry talking about Hermione and we are not happy about Cho’s behavior. Coffee vs tea, Cho vs Ginny, and what’s up with cherubs? This episode has it all.

Woof! This is all about Sirius Black alias Padfoot alias Snuffles alias Stubby Boardman. We cover Sirius’ best moments, many animal friendships, and crazy pureblood family tree. Tangents abound as we discuss Regulus Black’s motivations for betraying Voldemort, Peter Pettigrew’s unlikely friendships, Kingsley Shacklebolt’s work assignments, and alternatives for the Potters’ secret keeper. Grab your leather jacket, hop onto your flying motorbike, and join us for this wild ride through the bad boy life of Sirius Black.

It’s time to talk about the time Hermione and Harry use the time-turner to time travel in book 3, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (chapter 21, “Hermione’s Secret”). We break down the rules of time travel in the Harry Potter universe, share our patronuses, and discuss the recent casting of John Lithgow as Dumbledore in the Max show. Foodies, tune in to the end for a special baking update with time-turner-inspired desserts.

It’s the bestselling author and memory charm aficionado, Gilderoy Lockhart. We learn all about Gilderoy’s exploits as a Hogwarts student and Rene gives her prediction for his future after St Mungo’s. Calen teaches us about hatstalls and Rene shares pixie facts. Join us as we discuss this famously fraudulent wizard.

This is the time Arthur, Ron, Fred, and George visit 4 Privet Drive in book 4, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (chapter 4, “Back to the Burrow”). Rene gives a Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes breakdown and Calen shares Reddit theories. We ponder what Petunia knows about Sirius Black and how Santa visits houses with no chimney. This episode, like the Weasleys, is chaotic.

In our first special episode, we dive deep into the magical world of animagi, covering the differences between animagi and werewolves, patronuses, metamorphmagi, and transfiguration. Calen breaks down the process to become an animagus and Rene proposes the animals we’d turn into. We learn Rene is ready for combat and Calen wants to blend in. Tune in to this bestial episode!

This episode is all about everyone’s favorite gambler. He’s a retired Wimbourne Wasps player and the head of the department of magical games and sports - Ludo Bagman! Rene hits us with facts on quidditch beaters and Calen shares what happens to Ludo after he goes on the run. We give our fan casts and discuss who we think should have won the Triwizard Tournament. Buzz buzz!

This is Nearly Headless Nick’s Deathday Party from chapter 8 of book 2 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. We learn about musical saws and pick out our ghost outfits. Rene shares guillotine facts and Calen answers the question we’ve all been dying to know - what IS Peeves the Poltergeist? You don’t have to be headless to enjoy this episode.

We discuss Professor Quirinus Quirrell’s motivations to explore the dark arts, rate him on an evilness scale, and give our dream fan casts for the character. Calen tells us about Quirrell’s life before he became the defense against the dark arts teacher and Rene shares troll facts. To us, Quirrell is just a useful idiot and a human garlic knot who can’t fly.

This is the first scene of the Harry Potter series - the first half of chapter 1 in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Calen gives drill prices and Rene does a deep dive on bonfire night. We discuss everything from Vernon’s mustache to Hagrid’s motorbike maintenance. In the end, we learn senior wizards can party too. What a happy, happy day!