This episode, ostensibly a discussion of chapter 3 of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 'The Burrow',  features a lot of talk about my millenial dreams of owning my own country cottage, with some musings on class, wealth and property prices.

Have a Biscuit, Potter!

The Weasley's Off-Grid Homestead

After another unintended break, I am back with a discussion of chapter 2 of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with the title 'Dobby's Warning', although most of this podcast episode is devoted to a discussion of Petunia's cream dessert. Do not listen on an empty stomach.

Get the Emergency Ice-Cream, Petunia!

In this episode, we dive into the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 'The Worst Birthday'. Nothing much happens, Harry is feeling lonely and the Dursleys continue to be horrible people.

The Magical Properties of Please and Thank You

The last chapter discussion for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, in which I talk about chapter 17, 'The Man With Two Faces'. The villains are chatty in this, and Dumbledore gives us his best quotes and Wilde style aphorisms. 

Harry Potter and the Villain Monologues

This episode features the discussion of chapter 16 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone with the title 'Through the Trapdoor'. I try to answer questions such as "Which mythological hero made it past Fluffy first?", "Did Snape write embarrassing poetry as a teenager?" and "Why does no one ever listen to Neville?".

Harry in the Underworld

This week, we talk about chapter 15 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone with the title 'The Forbidden Forest', in which four children are sent on a unicorn hunt as a totally age-appropriate punishment for being out of bed at night.

We're Going on a Unicorn Hunt

This week, I discuss chapter 14 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: 'Norbert, the Norwegian Ridgeback'. This is one of the most frustrating side plots in Harry Potter and everyone is making bad decisions. On top of that, the only "food" mentioned is chicken blood and dead rats! Ew. 

Dragon Babies: They're Not Just for Christmas

This episode is about chapter 13 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, in which Harry Potter finds out about the Philosopher's Stone and its creator, Nicolas Flamel. Part book disussion, part history lesson.

Nicolas Flamel, the Famous... Sorcerer.

This episode features a discussion of chapter 12 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 'The Mirror of Erised'. In this chapter, Harry gets an invisibility cloak, sneaks around the castle at night, and eats a gigantic British Christmas dinner. 

Your Heart's Desire is Christmas Pudding

In this episode, I discuss chapter 11 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, with the title 'Quidditch'. Harry plays (and, spoiler: wins) his first competitive quidditch game against Slytherin, all while struggling with his cursed broom. Snape and Hagrid are being dodgy, and the trio get closer to uncovering the secret of the three-headed dog.This week's Hogwarts Kitchen is about traditional British breakfasts.

Potter for President

This week's episode features a discussion of chapter 10 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 'Hallowe'en'. This one is about sporting privilege, Hermione's insecurities, the history of the broomstick as a symbol of witchcraft and the political context of trolls. This week's Hogwarts Kitchen is about... jacket potatoes. Yes, really.

Thought You Ought To Know

This episode features a discussion of chapter 9 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone with the title 'The Midnight Duel', asking the real questions such as: Is Harry a good friend? (no) Is Malfoy an effective bully? (no) Is steak and kidney pie a reasonable dinner choice for schoolchildren? (you decide for yourself) How many heads is too many for a dog?

Steaks, Kidneys, and Remembralls

This is the discussion for chapter 8 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, 'The Potions Master'. This chapter is very short and really just sets up the main mystery while giving us an insight into daily life at Hogwarts. I speculate on the tragic backstory of Professor Binns and explain why cats and dogs do not speak the same language.The Hogwarts Kitchen segment is on rock cakes, and you can find the BBC's recipe for them here: https://www.bbc.com/food/recipes/rock_cakes_03094

Cats, Classes and Rock Cakes

The first and possibly only installment of a new type of bonus episode with the title "Ask a Bill" in which I question my husband Bill about British traditions in Harry Potter. This time, it's all about school traditions: prefects, uniforms, school houses and NEWTs.

Ask A Bill... About School (Bonus Episode)

In this episode, we discuss chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, with the title 'The Sorting Hat'. I talk about the topic of early-book quirkyness, the Hogwarts School Song and Sunday roasts.  

Hogwarts, Twee Ukulele Edition

The Harry Potter podcast that's unashamedly in love with Professor McGonagall.