Podtrificus Totalus

3.15 The Quidditch Final

Mon, 31 May 2021 10:00:24 +0000

It's Monday and I hate this chapter because it's about Quidditch! Other things happen too, which you can hear about on this week's episode of Podtrificus Totalus, the universe's favorite Harry Potter podcast done book by book, chapter by chapter.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Avatar: The Last Airbender S01E14 "The Fortuneteller"
The Final Fantasy series
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003)

Our Spell of the Week this week is Cheering Charms, which Harry and Ron learn in — you won't believe this — Charms class.

3.14 Snape's Grudge

Mon, 17 May 2021 10:00:52 +0000

It's Monday, and Podtrificus Totalus is hitting you with yet another episode of the Wizarding World's favorite Harry Potter podcast!

This chapter sees Harry and Ron continue their grudge match with Hermione despite Hagrid's urgings to make up. Harry chooses to go to Hogsmeade yet again, but when the Invisibility Cloak slips off, Malfoy spots him and runs off to tell Professor Snape. Once apprehended by the Potions master, Harry learns more about his father's history with Snape and why Professor Snape dislikes him so...

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
Lady Bird (2017)
Birds of Prey (2020), Suicide Squad (2016), and the Snyder Cut
The X-Files S01E03 "Squeeze"

Our Spell of the Week this week is fire chatting or fire talking — basically, the use of Floo Powder as a communication tool across distances.

You can hear more from our guest, Joseluis Solorzano, on his movie review website, Solo Breakdown, and on Twitter (@joseluissolo)https://twitter.com/joseluissolo. You can also find the Macbeth adaptation he directed for Blank Conversations on YouTube.

3.13 Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw

Mon, 10 May 2021 10:00:48 +0000

It's Monday, and that means it's time to talk about yet another instance of J.K. Rowling doing the worst job she possibly can at representing diverse peoples!

In this chapter of Prisoner of Azkaban, Gryffindor plays Ravenclaw in Quidditch, and Harry finally gets to put the Firebolt to work. Harry and Ron consider forgiving Hermione, but a bloody mess on Ron's sheets only serves to distance them further. Harry manages to conjure a Patronus successfully, and Ron faces yet another threat while within the common room...

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Cho Chang on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Cho Chang on the Harry Potter Wiki
J.K. Rowling: Harry Potter fans tear into author following "anti-trans" tweets (Jacob Stolworthy; 7 June 2020)
Episode 14 of the Chinese Chippy Girl: Katie Leung aka Cho Chang from Harry Potter joins me!!
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)

Our Spell of the Week this week is the Golden Snidget, the early version of what would become the Golden Snitch.

3.12 The Patronus

Mon, 03 May 2021 10:00:44 +0000

It's Monday, and we're back after a week off with an extra-long episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done book by book, chapter by chapter.

On this week's episode, we cover chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, "The Patronus!" In this chapter, Harry begins his anti-Dementor lessons with Professor Lupin, but he hesitates when he realizes that blocking out the Dementors might block him out from ever hearing his parents' voices again. Harry and Ron's feud with Hermione over the Firebolt continues, and just when they're about to make up, Ron finds a crime scene in his bedsheets with no sign of Scabbers.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Misery, The Eyes of the Dragon, Carrie, It, and The Stand by Stephen King
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
The Road by Cormac McCarthy and the 2009 film adaptation
The "Misery Business" episode of Punch Up the Jam
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami
Teen Titans
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Second Act (2018)
Patronus on the Harry Potter Lexicon
The Patronus Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki
Blue Peter Interview with J.K. Rowling (20 July 2007)
"Expecto Patronum" by Totally Knuts
AOL Live Interview with J.K. Rowling (19 October 2000)
Bloodborne (2015)
The Hurling Hex on the Harry Potter Lexicon
The Math Lady meme
Odd's bodkins on The Free Dictionary

Our Spell of the Week this week is — you guessed it — Expecto Patronum, Harry's second favorite spell!

You can hear more from our guest, TK Lawrence, by following them on Twitter and Instagram. Be sure to also check out their incredible wizard rock over on Bandcamp and support them on Patreon!

3.11 Firebolt

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 10:00:40 +0000

It's Monday, and we're flying in on a speedy (but possibly jinxed?) broomstick with the latest episode of Podtrificus Totalus, the international standard in Harry Potter podcasts done chapter by chapter, book by book!

Harry, upset and enraged by the news of Sirius Black's betrayal, is determined to seek revenge for his parents' deaths and take the adults in his life to task for withholding the truth from him. Despite Ron and Hermione's attempts to talk him down, Harry continues to seethe until he is distracted by Buckbeak's impending doom. On Christmas day, Harry receives a mysterious and expensive gift with no note or card, prompting a disagreement with Hermione.

The only outside source we reference for this episode is the Harry Potter Wiki's page on Chair-conjuring, which constitutes our Spell of the Week for this episode.

We would like to remind our listeners that Podchaser is donating to Meals on Wheels for every review left on their site. Head over to our page on the site and leave us some kind words to contribute to a great cause!

3.10 The Marauder's Map

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 10:00:36 +0000

It's Monday and it's time to relive childhood trauma with Podtrificus Totalus, the only Harry Potter read along podcast that spends several minutes talking about Pooh Bear hats!

This chapter of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is one big exposition dump! Harry chats with Lupin about the effect the Dementors have on him, and Lupin agrees to teach Harry how to defend himself against them. Fred and George gift Harry the Marauder's Map which (among other things) shows him the secret passages between Hogwarts and Hogsmeade. Finally, Harry overhears a conversation in the Three Broomsticks which finally reveals the connection between him and Sirius Black.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
The Marauder's Map on the Harry Potter Lexicon
The Marauder's Map on Wizarding World
Gilmore Girls (2000-2007)
Peter Pettigrew on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Peter Pettigrew on the Harry Potter Wiki
Mobiliarbus on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week this week is Mobiliarbus, which is a very specialized charm that Hermione uses to move the Christmas trees in the Three Broomsticks and conceal their eavesdropping.

3.9 Grim Defeat

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 10:00:30 +0000

It's Monday, which means a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, Cedric Diggory's favorite Harry Potter re-read podcast!

Picking up after Sirius Black attempted to break into the Gryffindor common room, the students are moved into the Great Hall for the night, where Harry overhears an interesting conversation. The next day, Lupin is out sick and Snape subs in for him, abusing students along the way. Gryffindor and Hufflepuff face off in a Quidditch match with disastrous results, and a beloved companion leaves us forever.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

J.K. Rowling's World Book Day Chat (4 March 2004)
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Argyllshire on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Cedric Diggory on the Harry Potter Lexicon
The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
The Impervius Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week this week is the Impervius Charm, which Hermione uses to help Harry see through his wet glasses during the Quidditch match.

3.8 Flight of the Fat Lady

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:00:26 +0000

It's Monday and we're back at it again at Podtrificus Totalus, the only Harry Potter podcast that spends roughly half the runtime debating the pedagogical methods at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!

This chapter takes Prisoner of Azkaban into Hogwarts and keeps Harry out of the Halloween trip to Hogsmeade. As he mopes about the castle, he ends up in Professor Lupin's office for tea and a conversation about fear. While Lupin believes Harry wise for fearing the Dementors most of all, the end of the chapter should perhaps heighten Harry's fear about Sirius Black, who attacks the portrait of the Fat Lady that guards Gryffindor Common Room...

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Mulan (1998)
Red Caps on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Kappas on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Binky Barnes from the children's television show Arthur
Ambrosius Flume on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Ranking of sweets in the Wizarding World on Wizarding World
Grindylow on the Harry Potter Lexicon

Our Spell of the Week (or Creature of the Week) is the Grindylow, one of which sits with Lupin's office, ready for some finger-breakin' practical learning in the next Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson.

3.7 The Boggart in the Wardrobe

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 10:30:22 +0000

Another Monday, another episode of Podtrificus Totalus, the best Harry Potter podcast in the known galaxy!

This week, we cover chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, which puzzles us with Shrinking Solutions and Boggarts. We face each of our worst fears to give you plenty of background knowledge, analysis, and discussion of the chapter.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Shrinking Solution on the Harry Potter Lexicon
GadgetGirlKylie's Wonderbook: Book of Potions Let's Play on YouTube
Tiny Hermione on Hark! A Vagrant
Love Actually (2003)
Waddiwasi on the Harry Potter Wiki
Waddiwasi on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Boggart on the Harry Potter Lexicon
S01E03 of The X-Files, "Squeeze"
Scholastic Interview with J.K. Rowling (16 October 2000)
The Boggart-Banishing Spell on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is Riddikulus, which the third-year students use to banish the titular Boggart in the wardrobe.

3.6 Talons and Tea Leaves

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 09:30:18 +0000

of Azkaban, "Talons and Tea Leaves," in which Harry, Ron, and Hermione start their third year at Hogwarts. They begin new courses (some more than others), and Hermione must decide where she draws the line between magic and card tricks.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Pansy Parkinson on the Harry Potter Lexicon
ugly: in defense of pansy parkinson by dirgewithoutmusic on AO3
"Dirge Without Music" by Edna St. Vincent Millay
That Girl is a Goddamn Problem: Girl Hate and Beyond in Harry Potter
Sir Cadogan on the Harry Potter Lexicon
"Meeting Sir Cadogan," a deleted scene from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Cadogan on the Harry Potter Wiki
Sir Cadogan on Wizarding World
Sybill Trelawney on Wizarding World
Sibyls on Mythology Encyclopedia
Sense and Sensibility (1995)
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994)
Thor (2011)
Sybil Leek, notorious psychic
Hippogriff on the Harry Potter Lexicon
"Hippogriffs Deserve to Die" by Draco and the Malfoys
Divination on Wikipedia

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is Divination, which is the new course the trio begins together this year, taught by Professor Trelawney.

3.5 The Dementor

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 09:00:14 +0000

It's Monday -- you know us, you love us, it's time for Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done book by book, chapter by chapter.

This week we cover chapter five of Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban, in which Harry encounters a clumsy metaphor for depression -- I mean, a new and foreboding creature in the magical world! -- meets his new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and eats some chocolate.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Friends at the Table and The Adventure Zone
Brooklyn 99 (TV Series)
The Lord of the Rings series
The scary Beowulf movie from 2007
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
Finding Nemo (2003)
Lupin's personality type is ENFJ, per J.K. Rowling's Twitter (transphobia warning if you visit her account)
JKR's "Idle Jottings," preserved by the Harry Potter Lexicon, which reference that the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in Prisoner of Azkaban may have been a woman at some point in the writing process
Q&A with J.K. Rowling at the Edinburgh Book Festival (15 August 2004) on Accio Quote
Ann Treneman interview with J.K. Rowling for The Times (30 June 2000) on Accio Quote
Dementor on the Harry Potter Wiki
Dementors and Chocolate on Wizarding World

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is chocolate, which seems to have some magical properties in the Harry Potter universe.

You can hear more from our guests, Kevin Rizza and Lauren Kelley, on the Why Can't We Be Wizards podcast. Check out the show on Twitter (@WhyNotWizards) and Instagram (@WhyNotWizards). You can also find Kevin on Twitter as @RizzaKevin.

3.4 The Leaky Cauldron

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 09:00:09 +0000

It's Monday, and that's the day that the Wizarding World's favorite Harry Potter podcast releases. It's time for a brand new episode of Podtrificus Totalus!

This week, we cover the fourth chapter in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, "The Leaky Cauldron!" This finds Harry with new freedoms as he temporarily lives in and explores Diagon Alley. He eventually meets up with the Weasleys and Hermione, and he learns a dark secret about Sirius Black...

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are linked below:

Professor McGonagall on Wizarding World
Gobstones on Wizarding World (spoilers for Half-Blood Prince)
Firebolt on Wizarding World
Firebolt on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Florean Fortescue on the Harry Potter Wiki
Cassandra Vblatsky on the Harry Potter Wiki
Some fanart of Hermione by tumblr user beastlyworlds
Wandlore on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Wand Woods on Wizarding World
Crookshanks on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Crookshanks on the Harry Potter Wiki
The Great Gatsby, an overrated book by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Jim Halpert and Dwight Shrute, two characters on The Office (US)
Rat tonic on the Harry Potter Wiki

3.3 The Knight Bus

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 10:00:53 +0000

It's Monday, and you know what that means... a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast made for your listening pleasure!

This week's episode covers chapter three of Prisoner of Azkaban, "The Knight Bus," which finds Harry on the run after blowing up his Aunt Marge. Harry prepares to live his life as an outlaw as he rides the Knight Bus to London, where he encounters an unexpected face...

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

30 Minutes or Less (2011)
The Knight Bus on Wizarding World
Downton Abbey (TV Series 2010-2015)
PA3: The Knight Bus on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Stanley Shunpike on the Harry Potter Wiki
Knight Bus on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Ernest Prang on the Harry Potter Wiki
Spaceballs (1987)
Map of Little Whinging on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Sirius Black on the Harry Potter Lexicon
The Imperturbable Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki

3.2 Aunt Marge's Big Mistake

Mon, 08 Feb 2021 10:00:47 +0000

It's Monday, and that means it's time for another episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

In this chapter, Harry continues to spend a painful summer with the Dursleys, with the notable inclusion of Vernon's sister Marge. Harry struggles to maintain his cool as Marge berates him, with explosive results.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl and the sequel, Goth Girl Rising, by Barry Lyga
Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu by Junji Ito
"Death penalty in the UK suspended 50 years ago" from The Guardian
Marge Dursley on Wizarding World
"Harry Potter and the source of inspiration" from The Daily Telegraph (Danielle Demetriou; July 2000)
Matilda by Roald Dahl and the 1996 film adaptation
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
The Inflatus Jinx on the Harry Potter Wiki

You can hear more from our guest, Angel, on the Mysteries and Urban Legends Podcast. Follow the podcast on Twitter (@MaulPodcast) and Instagram (@maulpodcast), and check out Angel on Instagram as acute.angel.jpeg.

3.1 Owl Post

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 10:00:50 +0000

It's Monday, and Podtrificus Totalus is back! This chapter begins our coverage of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the third book in the series. We begin by covering the release of Prisoner of Azkaban and the writing process behind it, then launch into the full chapter discussion.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Prisoner of Azkaban was delayed from The Remembrall, archived by the Wayback Machine
New 'Potter' movie sneaks in spoilers for upcoming books (Claudia Puig for USA Today; 27 May 2004)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (movie)
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Bathilda Bagshot on the Harry Potter Wiki
The Lord of the Rings (series) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Wendelin the Weird on the Harry Potter Wiki
Property Brothers, a home improvement show on HGTV
The Wizarding World Currency Exchange on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Fleetwood Mac, Cassie's mom's favorite band
Mistakes in the Harry Potter books on the Harry Potter Wiki
The Flame-Freezing Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki

We also answer a listener email from Marlin, who clarifies some details on poltergeists in the Harry Potter universe.

2.18 Dobby's Reward

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 11:30:42 +0000

It's Monday, which is the perfect day for Podtrificus Totalus to finish off Chamber of Secrets! This episode is a family affair, too; we are joined by Cassie's sister Becca as a guest and we answer an email from their other sibling, Den.

In this chapter, Harry, Ron, Ginny, Gilderoy, and Fawkes leave the Chamber and head to Dumbledore's office. There, Harry reveals all the weird goings-ons at Hogwarts this year and how he was able to defeat Tom Riddle. Dumbledore and Harry discuss how our choices define us and why Harry is a true Gryffindor. Harry frees Dobby from Lucius Malfoy with his slimy sock and all the Petrified students are given the Mandrake draught.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Albania on the Harry Potter Wiki
The Mandrake Draught on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Penelope Clearwater on the Harry Potter Lexicon
The Sorting Hat on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this chapter is actually a Hat of the Week. Joe tells us about the origins of the Sorting Hat and all its unique powers.

Lastly, we answer an email from Den about the queer-coding of Lockhart and how Rowling repeatedly others the Defense Against the Dark Arts professors.

2.17 The Heir of Slytherin

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 11:30:38 +0000

It’s Monday and Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book, is here to tell you the good news about baby genius Ginny Weasley.

This week sees Harry attempt to rescue Ginny from her fate in the Chamber. There, he encounters the memory ghost of Tom Riddle, who has been controlling Ginny and forcing her to open the Chamber this whole time. Harry must fight the Basilisk and escape with his friends (plus Professor Lockhart).

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

A discussion on long fingers on CoSForums
"Wild About Harry" interview with Candis Magazine (Jennie Renton; November 2001)
Chamber of Secrets DVD Interview with Steve Kloves and J.K. Rowling (Lizo Mzimba; February 2003)
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
im14andthisisdeep, a subreddit
"Finsta," slang for Fake Instagram
Lord Voldemort's middle name on Adventures on the Bookshelf
Translations of the "I am Lord Voldemort" anagram on the Harry Potter Wiki
Godric's sword was practical too on AccioBrain
The Age of the Weasleys, an essay by Troels Forchhammeron the Harry Potter Lexicon

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is not a spell but a creature: Phoenixes! Joe tells us about all the magical abilities of this special bird.

2.16 The Chamber of Secrets

Mon, 15 Jun 2020 11:30:32 +0000

It’s Monday and the universe's favorite chapter by chapter Harry Potter podcast, Podtrificus Totalus, is talking giant snakes!

In this week's chapter, things get bad at Hogwarts. Harry and Ron can't find an opportunity to sneak into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom and uncover the Chamber of Secrets. They discover that the monster that has been petrifying their classmates is a basilisk and that Ginny, Ron's younger sister, has been taken to the Chamber. With the threat of Hogwarts closing for good and a reluctant Lockhart dragged along with them, they take the plunge into the Chamber, hoping they can rescue Ginny before it's too late.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

The Basilisk on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Basilisk on Wikipedia
Several wizard rock songs, including "And Then I Died" by The Moaning Myrtles, "Never Going to the Bathroom Again" by Harry and the Potters, and "Save Ginny Weasley" by Harry and the Potters
Gilderoy Lockhart on the Harry Potter Wiki
The Memory Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is Obliviate, which Lockhart attempts to use on Harry and Ron after he tells them his secret... using Ron's broken wand.

2.15 Aragog

Mon, 08 Jun 2020 11:30:15 +0000

It’s Monday and Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, is back to talk about some current events and some giant spiders.

In this week's chapter, Harry and Ron follow Hagrid's advice to follow the spiders. This brings them into the Forbidden Forest, where they encounter an old friend and a new threat, uncovering some information about when the Chamber was opened last.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Max & Ruby, a children's book and television series
Aragog on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Gog and Magog on Wikipedia
Gog and Magog on the Encyclopedia Britannica
Gogmagog on Wikipedia
The Wand-Lighting Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki
Our Spell of the Week is Lumos, the Wand-Lighting Charm, which Harry uses to help them see in the dark forest.

In lieu of our usual links to our social media accounts and places where we subscribe, we would like our listeners to seek out Black and queer creators and voices instead. Some excellent people that we enjoy and would like to promote include Black Girls Create, House of Black Podcast, Kimya Dawson, The Gayly Prophet Podcast, Austin Walker and the Friends at the Table podcast, Ludo Bagman and the Trash, Wizards in Space, and the Wrock Snob among many, many others. We also encourage our listeners who have the financial means to spare even a few dollars to donate to Black Lives Matter and other, related funds. Act Blue has set up a page where you can spread your donation out among (at the time of writing) over 70 bail funds, mutual aid funds, and activist organizations.

2.14 Cornelius Fudge

Mon, 25 May 2020 11:30:00 +0000

It's Monday and Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, is remaining true to their word to release episodes regularly! What a dream! What a treat for you!

This week's chapter sees the trio falling complacent, reluctant to ask Hagrid any questions about his expulsion. But when Harry's room is ransacked, Tom Riddle's diary stolen, and Hermione is petrified, Harry and Ron set out to find answers but are interrupted by the appearance of Cornelius Fudge and Lucius Malfoy.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup
Fudge is based off of Neville Chamberlain according to an interview with J.K. Rowling in XLSemanal, a Spanish magazine
Cornelius Fudge on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Fudge in the Oxford English Dictinary
Dumbledore used homenum revelio when at Hagrid's hut according to Rowling (Live chat with Bloomsbury; 30 July 2007)
The Severing Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week is Diffindo, the Severing Charm, which may have been used to rip apart Harry's cloak and bedclothes when his dormitory was ransacked.

2.13 The Very Secret Diary

Mon, 18 May 2020 11:30:26 +0000

It's Monday and that means a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, the universe's favorite Harry Potter podcast!

In this week's chapter, Harry finds a mystery diary that belonged to a T.M. Riddle fifty years ago -- the same amount of time that has passed since the Chamber of Secrets was last opened. A Valentine's Day disaster ends up revealing the diary's secrets, and Harry learns who opened the Chamber last time.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Buster's Breathless, an episode of Arthur
Philoctetes, a character in Disney's Hercules (1997)
Gimli, a character in The Lord of the Rings
Armando Dippet on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Thomas (name) on Wikipedia
"Twelfth Night" by William Shakespeare
The Revealing Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week is Aparecium, which Hermione uses on the diary in attempt to reveal its secrets.

2.12 The Polyjuice Potion

Mon, 11 May 2020 11:15:00 +0000

It's Monday! There's a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus! We are a Harry Potter podcast that reads the books chapter by chapter!

This chapter sees Hermione finally finish brewing the Polyjuice Potion, with relatively positive results. Harry and Ron, disguised as Goyle and Crabbe, infiltrate the Slytherin Common Room, but Malfoy denies any involvement in the attacks, leaving them back at square one of unraveling the mystery of the Chamber of Secrets.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

The Chronicles of Narnia book series by C.S. Lewis
The Wildwood Chronicles by Colin Meloy
The Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante
Silent Dancing: A Partial Remembrance of a Puerto Rican Childhood by Judith Ortiz Cofer
"Social Psychology," an episode of Community
V for Vendetta (2005)
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (the book) by J.K. Rowling, under the pseudonym Newt Scamander
The Iliad by Homer
J.K. Rowling's World Book Day Chat (4 March 2004)
Gilmore Girls, Cassie's favorite TV show
Exploding Snap on the Harry Potter Lexicon
"Harry Potter and the Tower of Babel" by Nancy K. Jentsch in The Ivory Tower and Harry Potter: Perspectives on a Literary Phenomenon (Ed. Lana A. Whited; Published by University of Missouri Press in 2002)
Leekspin, an ancient meme
You're the Man Now Dog
Wizarding World Currency Exchanger on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Azkaban on Wizarding World

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is actually a Potion of the Week, and — big surprise — it's the Polyjuice Potion!

You can hear more from our guest, Adrienne Maclain, on her podcast, That's Aloud! You can also follow That's Aloud on Twitter and Instagram to make sure you always hear about the newest episodes.

2.11 The Dueling Club

Mon, 04 May 2020 11:30:55 +0000

It's Monday and that means yet another episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book. We continue our coverage of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with mounting rumors about Harry's connections to the attacks on students. Snape and Lockheart host a disastrous Dueling Club that does little to improve Harry's reputation or the students' preparedness, and two more denizens of Hogwarts are petrified by the end of the chapter.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

The Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger
The Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot
Filius Flitwick on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino
Miss S. Fawcett on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Rictusempra, the Tickling Charm, on the Harry Potter Lexicon
J.K. Rowling interview at the Royal Albert Hall (Stephen Fry; 26 June 2003)
Parsel in the Oxford English Dictionary
"Wizard Chess," a song by Harry and the Potters
Hannah Abbott on the Harry Potter Lexicon

Our Spell of the Week is Expelliarmus, which the students learn at the Dueling Club and which will probably return many more times throughout this podcast.

You can hear more from our guest, Bri Castellini, on the Burn, Noticed podcast, which covers the TV show Burn Notice on an episode-by-episode basis. You can also find Bri on her personal website as well as on Twitter and Instagram as @brisownworld.

2.10 The Rogue Bludger

Mon, 27 Apr 2020 11:30:00 +0000

This week on Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book, Cassie and Joe stay on topic for their Shakira podcast by discussing Quidditch, broken arms, and the Wagga Wagga Werewolf.

Picking up from the previous chapter, Hermione cons Lockheart into signing a note that allows her to get a book out of the Restricted Section of the library. While the trio makes plans to brew the Polyjuice Potion, Harry is harassed by a bludger in his Quidditch match against Slytherin and lands in the Hospital Wing regrowing bones. There, he has an interesting visitor.

We make a number of references to outside sources, which are listed below:

Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) by Shakira
The Polyjuice Potion on Wizarding World
The Man Who Laughs by Victor Hugo
"A Midsummer Night's Dream" by William Shakespeare, specifically these three lines
Poppy Pomfrey on the Harry Potter Lexicon
House-elves on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Brownies and Bogles by Louise Imogen Guiney
Brackium Emendo on the Harry Potter Wiki
Skele-Gro on the Harry Potter Lexicon

Our Spell of the Week this week is an unnamed Brackium Emendo, which Lockheart uses in the Chamber of Secrets movie to fix Harry's arm, if by fix you mean remove all the bones within.

2.9 The Writing on the Wall

Mon, 20 Apr 2020 11:30:55 +0000

This week on Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book, Cassie and Joe debate whether Squibs should be allowed to attend Hogwarts for chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, "The Writing on the Wall."

Having just been discovered at the scene of Mrs. Norris's petrification, Harry, Ron, and Hermione are interrogated by their professors about their involvement. They're released, but they have questions about the Chamber of Secrets that need answering--and a mystery they have to solve before all the Muggle-born students in the school are targeted.

We make a number of references to outside sources, which are listed below:

Transmogrify in the Oxford English Dictionary
Everything you need to know about Squibs on Wizarding World
Squib in the Oxford English Dictionary
Professor Binns on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Rowling's planning document for Prisoner of Azkaban, which includes a first name for Professor Binns on the Harry Potter Lexicon (spoiler warning for Prisoner of Azkaban)
Rowling on the inspiration for Professor Binns (1998)
Hogwarts Ghosts on Wizarding World
Godric Gryffindor on the Harry Potter Wiki
July 2007 Wizard of the Month on J.K. Rowling's Official Site, archived by the Wayback Machine
The Giant Squid is Godric Gryffindor in disguise on J.K. Rowling's Official Site, archived by the Wayback Machine
Helga Hufflepuff on the Harry Potter Wiki
May 2007 Wizard of the Month on J.K. Rowling's Official Site, archived by the Wayback Machine
Salazar Slytherin's namesake on J.K. Rowling's Twitter
The stories of the Hogwarts founders on Wizarding World
Salazar Slytherin reconciled with the other founders toward the end of his life on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Rowena Ravenclaw on the Harry Potter Wiki
Rowena Name Meaning on Nameberry
Rowena Ravenclaw on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Information on the Harry Potter Token Zone on Beyond Hogwarts
August 2007 Wizard of the Month on J.K. Rowling's Official Site, archived by the Wayback Machine
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)

Our Spell of the Week this week is an unnamed Transfiguration spell that Fred uses to transform Ron's teddy bear into a spider after Ron breaks his toy broomstick.

2.8 The Deathday Party

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 11:30:43 +0000

This week's episode of Podtrificus Totalus covers the second Halloween that Harry spends at Hogwarts, and it's even spookier than the last! Nearly Headless Nick asks Harry and his friends to attend his Deathday Party, a celebration of the anniversary of his death. There, the kids get a glimpse into the world of ghosts, but as they leave, Harry once again hears the mysterious voice, and they stumble upon poor petrified Mrs. Norris under a message about the Chamber of Secrets being opened.

We make a number of references to outside sources, which are listed below:

Ghost World (2001)
Steve Buscemi, of fellow kids fame
"The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" by Washington Irving
Sleepy Hollow (1999)
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Squibs on J.K. Rowling's Official Site
The Vanishing Cabinet on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Dennis's campaign speech in It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia
The Skeleton Dance, a Disney short
The Deathday Party on the Harry Potter Lexicon, which includes Nick's cut ballad
Lewis Carroll, author of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There (1871)
"Jabberwocky" by Lewis Carroll
Hogwarts Ghosts on Pottermore
Wanda from The Fairly Odd Parents
Moaning Myrtle's full name on J.K. Rowling's Twitter
Moaning Myrtle on the Harry Potter Wiki
Mew the Pokemon
Moaning Myrtle on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Bridget Jones's Diary (2001)
Babu Frik from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Okja (2017)
The Pepperup Potion on the Harry Potter Wiki
The Potter Family on Pottermore (spoiler warning for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)
Glover Hipworth on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is the Pepperup Potion, which Madam Pomfrey administers to students suffering from colds and which leaves the drinker's ears smoking. We also answer a listener email from Becca about Harry's family's fortune.

2.7 Mudbloods and Murmurs

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 11:30:57 +0000

This week on Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book, Cassie and Joe talk about racial allegory and The Voice for chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, "Mudbloods and Murmurs."

Oliver Wood wakes Harry up early for Quidditch practice, but they find that the Slytherins also have a claim on the Quidditch pitch. The team gets into a scrap that ends with Malfoy calling Hermione a Mudblood and Ron burping up slugs. Later, Harry serves his detention with Gilderoy and hears a mysterious voice.

We make a number of references to outside sources, which are listed below:

Chaucer's Losers, Nintendo's Children, and Other Forays in Queer Ludonarratology by Tison Pugh (Published by University of Nebraska Press in 2019)
Leering to a Man by Fanfiction.net user ShadowChik
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Edinburgh "cub reporter" press conference, ITV, (16 July 2005)
Channel 4 interview with J.K. Rowling (Richard Madeley & Judy Finnigan; 26 June 2006)
Gladys Gudgeon on the Harry Potter Lexicon
The Slug-vomiting Charm on the Harry Potter Compendium

Our Spell of the Week is the Slug-vomiting Charm, which Ron attempts to use on Malfoy, but it backfires.

2.6 Gilderoy Lockhart

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 20:21:31 +0000

We're coming at you a few hours later than usual with a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

In chapter six of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Ron gets a Howler from Mrs. Weasley and must deal with his broken wand, Harry unwillingly gets a few lessons in fame from Gilderoy Lockhart, and Hermione cleans up the mess of their incompetent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

We make a number of references to outside sources, which are listed below:

Fantastically Wrong: The Murderous Plant That Grows From the Blood of Hanged Men on Wired
Mandrake on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Falstaff's reference to mandrakes in "Henry IV," Act I, Scene 2 and "Henry IV," Part II, Act III, Scene 2
The Earl of Suffolk's reference to mandrakes in "Henry VI," Part II, Act III, Scene 2
Juliet's reference to mandrakes in "Romeo and Juliet," Act IV, Scene 3
Justin Finch-Fletchley on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Colin on Behind the Name
Order of Merlin on Wizarding World
The Freezing Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week is the Freezing Charm, which Hermione uses to stop the pixies that Lockhart releases in class

2.5 The Whomping Willow

Mon, 23 Mar 2020 11:30:53 +0000

It's Monday, and this week we have a super exciting new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book. In this episode, we are joined by our first guest: Zoë from the Tea & Strumpets podcast. We had an amazing chat with Zoë about her history with the Harry Potter series, but if you want to jump straight to the chapter discussion, fast forward in your podcast app to the 24 minute mark.

This chapter sees Harry and Ron stranded at King's Cross station. The barrier to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters has mysteriously closed, and the two friends must find their own way to Hogwarts -- which ends in disaster and adventure.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Hamilton, a musical by Lin Manuel Miranda
Dr. Filibuster’s Fabulous Wet-Start, No-Heat Fireworks on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Filibuster in the Oxford English Dictionary
George of the Jungle (1997)
Apparition on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week is Apparition, which adult wizards use to get around instead of flying cars.

You can hear more from Zoë on the Tea & Strumpets podcast, which covers Regency romance novels from a modern perspective. Follow them on Instagram @tnstrumpets or on Twitter @tnstrumpets, and subscribe to them anywhere you find podcasts!

2.4 At Flourish and Blotts

Mon, 16 Mar 2020 11:30:11 +0000

It's Monday, which always brings a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book, by two people who know a medium amount about Harry Potter.

In this chapter, Harry makes an unintended detour on his way to Diagon Alley, and he spots Draco and Lucius Malfoy visiting some unsavory shops to unload some unsavory goods. Harry is rescued by Hagrid, who reunites him with the Weasleys. All visit Flourish and Blotts and meet the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Gilderoy Lockhart.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Gildory Lockhart's published works on the Harry Potter Wiki (spoiler warning for Chamber of Secrets)
The Wizarding World Currency Exchange on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Floo Powder on Wizarding World
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
William Burke, an Irish serial killer
Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" and "Titus Andronicus," both of which feature a character named Lucius
The Hand of Glory on the Harry Potter Wiki
Flourish on the Oxford English Dictionary
Roi, the French word for king

Our Spell of the Week (or, in this case, Magical Object of the Week) is Floo Powder, which Harry and the Weasleys to reach Diagon Alley.

2.3 The Burrow

Mon, 09 Mar 2020 11:30:04 +0000

It's Monday, and that means a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

We've finally reached the big one: with the help of Ron and his brothers, Harry visits the Burrow for the first time and spends time with (objectively) the best character in the Harry Potter universe, Molly Weasley. There are also gnomes.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Barnes & Noble interview with J.K. Rowling (1999)
The original UK cover illustration for Chamber of Secrets
Cliff Wright interview with Harry Latino (2007), archived by the Wayback Machine
The license plate on the flying car in the films, on Pottermore, and from Hogwarts Mystery
Fred and George's namesakes on the Harry Potter wiki (spoiler warning up to and including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows)
Fred and George's names on J.K. Rowling's Official Site, archived by the Wayback Machine
Fred and George's birthday on Pottermore
J.K. Rowling's favorite characters on J.K. Rowling's Official Site, archived by the Wayback Machine
Leaky Cauldron Interview with J.K. Rowling (16 July 2005)
Errol on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Errol on the Harry Potter Wiki
Where is the Burrow? on Stack Exchange
Why Ottery St. Mary, an episode of the Harry Potter Lexicon Minute
Location: Ottery St Catchpole
Burrow Hill Farm on the Harry Potter Lexicon
CS4: Privet Drive vs. The Burrow, an episode of the Harry Potter Lexicon Minute by Eileen Jones
Molly Weasley on the Harry Potter Wiki
J.K. Rowling on the Rosie O'Donnell Show (18 October 2000)
Pride & Prejudice, a novel by Jane Austen
Clueless (1996)
Emma, a novel by Jane Austen
J.K. Rowling on Jane Austen (21 May 2000)
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)
Celestina Warbeck on Pottermore
The Scouring Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is the Scouring Charm, which can make objects clean, wash childrens' mouths out, or clear the green goo off of treasure chests at Hogwarts.

2.2 Dobby's Warning

Mon, 02 Mar 2020 05:19:59 +0000

It's Monday, and that means a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

This episode continues our coverage of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. In the second chapter, we meet Dobby the House Elf, who reveals a dangerous plot at Hogwarts that he'll do anything to keep Harry away from -- including spelling out trouble with the Dursleys.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Dobby's birthday is June 28th, according to this Tweet
Hobgoblin and dobby in Oxford English Dictionary
Dobby on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Mafalda Hopkirk on the Harry Potter Wiki
The Hover Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is the Hover Charm, which Dobby uses to levitate Petunia's pudding and land Harry in a heap of trouble with the Dursleys.

2.1 The Worst Birthday

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 10:30:26 +0000

It's time to begin Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets this week on Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

On this episode, we cover the rather sparse first chapter of the second book in the series, in which Harry spends his birthday scrubbing floors and tending to gardens in preparation for the Dursley's dinner party.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Séan P.F. Harris, childhood friend of J.K. Rowling, described on Wales Online and the Harry Potter Lexicon (see dedication section)
Accio Quote, a phenomenal resource that compiles interviews and archives of statements Rowling has made on the series and who we are constantly indebted to
J.K. Rowling on writer's block in a live interview with Scholastic.com (16 October 2000) (spoiler warning up to & including Goblet of Fire)
The plotline of Half-Blood Prince almost appeared in Chamber of Secrets, quoted from various interviews listed on Accio Quote (spoiler warning for Chamber of Secrets)
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Wouldn't Aunt Petunia know that Harry couldn't use magic outside school? on Stack Exchange (spoiler warning through Deathly Hallows in some replies)
Lacarnum Inflamari on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is Lacarnum Inflamari, which Harry might have used to set a bush on fire in the Dursley's garden. We also answer an email from Becca on Quidditch classism, an email from Joseluis on money in the UK and the Hero's Journey, and an email from Robin on Madam Pince.

1.17 The Man with Two Faces

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 11:00:04 +0000

We're a little late on this one, but we're finishing off* Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone* on Podtrificus Totalus this week, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

On this episode, we talk about the Power of Love, which Harry uses to save the school (and the wizarding world) from Lord Voldemort. Dumbledore lets slip a few truths, the House Cup is doled out, and our trio returns home for the summer break.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Janus, the Roman god of duality
Professor Quirrell on Pottermore
Iago in Shakespeare's "Othello," particularly this line
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Into the Pensieve: The Philosophy and Mythology of Harry Potter by Patrick McCauley (Published by Schiffer Publishing in 2015)
The Incarcerous Spell on the Harry Potter Wiki
The Rope Bind Trading Card via the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is Incarcerous, which Professor Quirrell uses to bind Harry during their final confrontation.

1.16 Through the Trapdoor

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 11:00:57 +0000

It's Monday, and that means it's time for a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione take their final exams, but Harry is bothered by his scar burning and warning him of approaching danger. They learn that Dumbledore has been summoned away from Hogwarts and realize it is up to them to protect the Philosopher's Stone from Snape and Voldemort.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

The 1637 Werewolf Code of Conduct, explained on Pottermore
Ælfric of Eynsham, an English abbot and writer
The Giant Squid on the Harry Potter Lexicon
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Cerberus, guardian of the underworld in Greek mythology
Horace's Odes, which describe Cerberus yielding to music
The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell (1949) and the Hero's Journey
The Twelfth Tablet of The Epic of Gilgamesh
The Odyssey by Homer
Heracles's Twelfth Labor
Theseus's descent into the underworld
The Harrowing of Hell in Christian theology
Your Journey to Hell and Back by Linda Lappin
The Pottermore illustration of the Potions trial
The Full Body-Bind Curse on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is Petrificus Totalus, which Hermione uses to paralyze Neville when he stands up to them.

1.15 The Forbidden Forest

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 11:00:46 +0000

It's time to serve detention and explore the menacing Forbidden Forest on Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter read along podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

After foolishly forgetting the Invisibility Cloak, Harry and Hermione are caught in their dragon disappearing act by Filch. McGonagall deducts a kiloton of points from Gryffindor House for their transgressions, and Harry, Hermione, Neville, and Draco serve out their punishments in the Forbidden Forest, where a mysterious evil lurks.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

The "I Am the Danger" scene in Breaking Bad
Unicorns, the national animal of Scotland
Ronan, a name meaning "little seal"
Seel, the Pokémon
Mars, the Roman god of war
Isildur's Bane from The Lord of the Rings
Chiron, a centaur from Greek mythology
Red Sparks on the HP Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is the charm for red sparks, Vermillius, which Hagrid taught the children before placing them in mortal danger.

1.14 Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 11:00:19 +0000

Cloaks and schemes and dragons, oh my! It's time for another episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

Quirrell seems to be resisting Snape's efforts to steal the stone, at least long enough for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to be distracted by a sub-plot: Hagrid has obtained an illegal dragon egg, and Malfoy finds out about it.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Origanum dictamnus, or the actual dittany plant
The Aeneid by Virgil
The Disillusionment Charm on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our Spell of the Week for this episode is the Disillusionment Charm, which Harry and Hermione could have used to avoid being caught wandering the castle at night.

1.13 Nicolas Flamel

Mon, 27 May 2019 11:00:00 +0000

Mysteries are solved and soundboards are abused this week on Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book, when Harry, Ron, and Hermione at last discover who Nicolas Flamel is and Cassie relives childhood fears.

After giving a bullied Neville a Chocolate Frog card, Harry remembers where he first heard Nicolas Flamel's name. Hermione pulls out a giant book and the trio finally uncovers what Fluffy is guarding. Snape referees Gryffindor's Quidditch match, and Harry overhears a foreboding conversation.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel on Wikipedia
The Book of Hieroglyphic Figures, attributed to Nicolas Flamel (1612)
Sir Isaac Newton
The Hunchback of Notre Dame by Victor Hugo (1831)
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown (2003)
As Above, So Below (2014)
Fullmetal Alchemist (2001-2010)
The Secrets of the Immortal Nicolas Flamel by Michael Scott
The Leg-Locker Curse on the Harry Potter Wiki
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets on the PlayStation 2
A bolas, a thrown weapon used to capture animals by their legs
A deleted scene from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (2001), in which Neville hops into the Great Hall after being jinxed

Our spell of the week for this episode is Locomotor Mortis, or the Leg-Locker Curse, which Draco uses on Neville and which lives eternally embedded in Cassie's memory.

1.12 The Mirror of Erised

Mon, 20 May 2019 11:00:00 +0000

This week on Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book, Cassie and Joe get sad during chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "The Mirror of Erised."

With the Christmas holidays upon Hogwarts, Harry and the Weasleys are left mostly alone to enjoy snowball fights and lavish Christmas dinners, but a mysterious gift enables Harry to explore the castle unseen at night. He discovers the Mirror of Erised, a magical device that shows the viewer their deepest desire. Harry is entranced by the mirror, but at what cost?

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

Professor Kettleburn, the Care of Magical Creatures Professor
Rowling had a "childhood fear of scary librarians" via Twitter (25 June 2015)
Rowling's comments on Madam Pince and librarians in "An Evening with Harry, Carrie and Garp" (2 August 2006)
Back at it Again at Krispy Kreme, a popular Vine
The Mirror of Erised is one of Rowling's favorite chapters, per a Channel 4 interview (Richard Madeley & Judy Finnigan; 26 June 2006)
Rowling on losing her mother in "Harry Potter and Me," a BBC Christmas Special (28 December 2001)
The Mirror of Erised on Pottermore
The Ebublio Jinx on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our spell of the week for this episode is Ebublio, a spell which traps the victim in an impenetrable bubble.

1.11 Quidditch

Mon, 13 May 2019 11:00:23 +0000

This week on Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book, Cassie and Joe get physical for chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Philsopher's Stone, "Quidditch."

A November chill has hit Hogwarts in this chapter, requiring Hagrid to, for some reason, defrost the school broomsticks while Harry frets over his first Quidditch match as the Gryffindor Seeker. Harry learns the cause of Snape's apparent limp, then a curse mysteriously befalls his broomstick during the game.

We make a number of references to outside sources and popular culture, which are listed below:

The Hogwarts Broomshed on the HP Lexicon
Dean Thomas's Background from J.K. Rowling's Official Site
Dean Thomas's Original Name from J.K. Rowling's Twitter
Midnight Duel Sketch by J.K. Rowling (via the HP Lexicon)
The Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup video games
CHAPPiE (2015)
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Jim Kay illustration of Hermione and her Bluebell Flames from Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: Illustrated Edition
Bluebell Flames on the HP Wiki
AccioBrain, a Harry Potter Fansite
Ligers from Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Thanks for listening, and we'll see you again for 1.12, "The Mirror of Erised." Have a magical day!

1.10 Halloween

Mon, 06 May 2019 11:00:00 +0000

This week on Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book, Joe and Cassie get spooky for chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "Halloween."

Harry and company continue their magical educations in this chapter when they learn the levitation charm Wingardium Leviosa (which also serves as our Spell of the Week). Harry and Ron's rocky relationship with Hermione comes to a head on Halloween, and Hermione is left crying in the bathroom and in mortal danger when a troll gets loose in the dungeon.

We make a number of references to outside sources and pop culture, which are listed below:

WBUR Radio Interview with J.K. Rowling (Christopher Lyndon; 12 October 1999)
Chasing the dragon, a slang phrase for drug use
The Damsel in Distress trope
Wingardium Leviosa on the Harry Potter Wiki

Thanks for listening, and we'll see you again for 1.11, "Quidditch." Have a magical day!

1.09 The Midnight Duel

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 11:00:00 +0000

That's right — Podtrificus Totalus is back! After a long interlude, Cassie and Joe pick up once again to do a Harry Potter podcast, chapter by chapter, book by book.

This week's episode covers chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "The Midnight Duel." Harry's conflict with Draco Malfoy reaches new heights during flying lessons when Draco snatches Neville's Remembrall. Draco challenges Harry to a duel at night, and Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville are left to discover the mystery of the forbidden third floor corridor.

We make a number of references to outside sources and pop culture in this episode, which are listed below:

WAMU Radio Interview with J.K. Rowling (Diane Rehm; 20 October 1999)
"The Truth About Harry" Interview with J.K. Rowling (Roxanne Feldman; September 1999)
J.K. Rowling's annotations on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on The Guardian (18 May 2013)
MuggleNet and Leaky Cauldron Interview with J.K. Rowling (16 July 2005) (spoiler warning up to & including Half-Blood Prince)
Drarry, a popular Harry Potter ship (spoiler warning up to & including Deathly Hallows; note that many of the links on this page contain mature or nsfw content)
Madam Hooch's LEGO figure
Rolanda Hooch on the Harry Potter Wiki
Parvati Patil on the Harry Potter Wiki
Padma Parvati Lakshmi
Glitter (2001)
Pottercast Interview with J.K. Rowling (Mellissa Anelli, John Noe, and Sue Upton; 24 December 2007)
J.K. Rowling's thoughts on Dolores Umbridge on Pottermore (spoiler warning up to & including Deathly Hallows)
Gregory the Smarmy on the Harry Potter Wiki
Alohomora on the Harry Potter Wiki

Our spell of the week for this episode is Alohomora, as performed by Hermione to open the door to the third floor corridor.

Thanks for listening and we’ll see you again for 1.10, “Halloween!” Have a magical day!

1.08 The Potions Master

Tue, 22 Aug 2017 04:46:48 +0000

It's time for a slightly late (but no worse for the wear) episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

This week's episode covers chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "The Potions Master." Harry and Ron begin their classes at Hogwarts, where Harry butts heads with Professor Snape, who seems to have a mysterious grudge against him. The mystery of the little package from chapter five also develops in this chapter, with the revelation of a break in at Gringotts.

We make a number of references to outside sources and pop culture in this episode, which are listed below:

Argus Filch on the Harry Potter Wiki
Mrs. Norris on the Harry Potter Wiki
Professor Binns on the Harry Potter Wiki
Septimius Severus, emperor of Ancient Rome
The Year of Three Popes
(Major Spoiler Warning for Book 7!) Asphodel, Wormwood, Bezoars, and Aconite, an analysis of Snape's questions to Harry

Our spell of the week for this episode is Scourify, which Snape likely uses to clean up Neville's disastrous first attempt at Potion making. We also respond to tweets from Jose and Justine (of the Cutaways Podcast).

Thanks for listening and we’ll see you again for 1.09, “The Midnight Duel!” Have a magical day!

1.07 The Sorting Hat

Mon, 14 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0000

We're back after a short break for a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book!

This week's episode covers chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "The Sorting Hat." Harry and his fellow first-years at last arrive at Hogwarts and face the titular Sorting Hat, who places them into the four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin.

We make a number of references to outside sources and pop culture in this episode, which are listed below:

Neville Chamberlain, former Prime Minister
Longbotom Leaf from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy
The Fat Friar on the Harry Potter Wiki
Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington on the Harry Potter Wiki
Lewis Carroll's "Jabberwocky"
Garlic Bread
/u/principled_principal's thread about Michael Gambon on /r/harrypotter
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)

Our spell of the week for this episode is Spongify, which Neville may have used when dangled out of a window by his uncle. We also answer a listener email correcting us on information from 1.05 Diagon Alley.

1.06 The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters

Mon, 31 Jul 2017 13:44:18 +0000

It's Monday and that means we have a new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

This week's episode covers chapter six of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "The Journey from Platform Nine and Three-Quarters." Harry travels to King's Cross station where he meets the Weasleys and befriends their youngest son, Ron, aboard the Hogwarts Express. On the train ride, we're introduced to a heap of new characters, including Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy, among others.

We make a number of references to outside sources and pop culture in this episode, which are listed below:

Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Some Random Facts About The Weasley Family from J.K. Rowling's Official Site
Hermione Granger on J.K. Rowling's Official Site (spoiler warning up to & including Goblet of Fire)
NPR Radio interview with J.K. Rowling (Sean Bullard; 20 October 1999)
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
My New School by Harry and the Potters

Our spell of the week for this episode is Colovaria, which Ron tries (and fails) to use aboard the Hogwarts Express.

Thanks for listening and we’ll see you again for 1.07, “The Sorting Hat!” Have a magical day!

1.05 Diagon Alley

Tue, 25 Jul 2017 14:43:08 +0000

Podtrificus Totalus is here with a brand new, fashionably late episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

This week we cover chapter five of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "Diagon Alley." In this chapter we at last enter the magical Wizarding World as we follow Harry and Hagrid into Gringotts, the wizard bank, and shops for textbooks, golden cauldrons, robes, an owl, and a wand. Rowling continues to build on the close relationship between Harry and Hagrid in an ultimately eventful and heartwarming chapter.

We make a number of references to outside sources and pop culture in this episode, which are listed below:

Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Daily Record interview with Robbie Coltrane (Rick Fulton; 19 July 2006)
Igor, Dr. Frankenstein's hunchback assistant in film adaptations
The Economics of the Wizarding World Don't Make Sense by Harry and the Potters
Sleekeazy's Hair Potion on Pottermore
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
Barnes & Noble interview with J.K. Rowling (in which JKR confirms Hagrid was in Gryffindor)
tumblr user randomthingsthatilike on why Hagrid should have been a Slytherin

Our spell of the week for this episode is Engorgio Skullus, as featured in LEGO Harry Potter. We also answer a question from Hannah from the Film Roast podcast about the first years in Philosopher's Stone with which we identify.

Thanks for listening and we’ll see you again for 1.06, “The Journey From Platform Nine and Three Quarters!” Have a magical day!

1.04 The Keeper of the Keys

Tue, 18 Jul 2017 06:18:03 +0000

Today we're Apparating in with the fourth episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

This week we tackle chapter four of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "The Keeper of the Keys." Hagrid arrives to rescue Harry from the evil Dursleys and tells him the truth about his past, his parents, and Lord Voldemort in one of the most forward-moving yet mysterious chapters thus far. As we move through the chapters, we grow ever closer to Harry's arrival at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and deeper in J.K. Rowling's magical world. We also introduce a new segment on this episode, Spell of the Week, and answer more listener emails.

We make a number of references to outside sources and pop culture in this episode, which are listed below:

Hagrid's "beetle-black eyes" on Stack Exchange
Napoleon Dynamite (briefly)
Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Muggles on the Harry Potter Wiki
Scooby Stacks
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Hagar the Horrible by Chris and Dik Browne
Rubeus Hagrid on the Harry Potter Wiki
Incendium on the Harry Potter Wiki

Thanks for listening and we'll see you again for 1.05, "Diagon Alley!" Have a magical day!

1.03 The Letters From No One

Mon, 10 Jul 2017 23:28:05 +0000

It's time for a brand new episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter podcast done chapter by chapter, book by book.

This week we tackle chapter three of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "The Letters From No One." Harry receives a mysterious letter in the mail which his aunt and uncle seem determined to prevent him from reading. Not too much else happens in this chapter, besides Uncle Vernon losing his marbles, which always proves entertaining, and Dudley's consistently horrifying behavior. With a cliffhanger ending of a loud knock on the door, we grow closer and closer to the magical world of Hogwarts! We also answer our first listener email from our friend PK from India and discuss the possibility of featuring guests in the future.

Thanks for listening, and we'll see you again for 1.04, "The Keeper of the Keys!" Have a magical day!

1.02 The Vanishing Glass

Mon, 03 Jul 2017 11:13:00 +0000

We're back with another episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter read along podcast!

With introductions out of the way, we break right into the second chapter of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, "The Vanishing Glass." The chapter turns out to be a real bummer, but at least Harry got a lemon ice pop along the way. The only outside source we reference this time around is (very briefly) Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.

Thanks for listening, and we'll see you again for 1.03, "The Letters From No One!"

1.01 The Boy Who Lived

Mon, 26 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the first episode of Podtrificus Totalus, a Harry Potter read along podcast!

We begin the episode by introducing our hosts, Cassie and Joe, and discussing our intentions for the podcast — to read the Harry Potter series book by book, chapter by chapter, and share our love for the series with each other and our audience. We hope that our listeners will (at best) read along with us or at least share in the experience of this awesome series, regardless of whether you’re a new or old reader.

We then enter into our discussion of the first chapter in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, “The Boy Who Lived.” Sources consulted outside of the chapter are listed below.

Vernon & Petunia Dursley on Pottermore
Number Four, Privet Drive on Pottermore
Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter by Galadriel Waters (Ed. Astre Mithrandir; Published by Wizarding World Press in 2003)
Conversations with J.K. Rowling by Lindsey Fraser
“It’s dropped” comic by floccinaucinihilipilificationa on Tumblr