Magic Beyond the Books

Jess and Rene talk all about the first-born Weasley child, curse-breaker, and husband to Fleur Delacour, William “Bill” Arthur Weasley. This packed episode includes everything from the origins of the “Weasley” family name, details of the cursebreaker career, discussion of Bill and Fleur’s love story, and speculation about Bill’s werewolf traits. Press play to listen now! Fan Casts for Bill Weasley...

Happy Halloween! Jess and Rene discuss the scene where Sirius Black slashes the Fat Lady (book 3, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, chapter 8: Flight of the Fat Lady - chapter 9: Grim Defeat). We talk about our favorite Halloween traditions, Hogwarts safety protocols, Argus Filch’s many job responsibilities, and Argyllshire, Scotland. Plus, we ponder what does Dumbledore actually know at t...

In today’s episode, I talk all about Harry Potter’s number one fan girl, Romilda Vane. Tune in for some wild theories about Romilda Vane, a plot review of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, and even a ranking of the types of butterbeer at Universal Orlando. Grab your love-potion-spiked chocolate cauldrons and listen to this episode! Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok

Jess and Rene discuss the scene where Harry Potter gets career advice from Professors McGonagall and Umbridge (book 5, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, chapter 29: Career Advice). We cover everything from Arthur Weasley’s knowledge of muggles to minister of magic terms to dirndl dresses. Stay tuned for our thoughts on Harry’s career choice and the jobs we would do in the wizarding world....

Jess and Rene discuss everything about Professor Horace Eugene Flaccus Slughorn, from his wand to his teaching style to the many meanings behind his elaborate name. We fan-cast the role and compare Slughorn’s book description to the movie casting. And, of course, we get off topic, discussing The Borrowers movie and Frasier sitcom. Listen now! Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok

Werewolf and Boy Wonder at Odds! Jess and Rene discuss the scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (book 7) where Harry Potter and Remus Lupin get into an argument in the basement of Grimmauld Place (Chapter 11: The Bribe). We cover everything from hairstyles in the movies to Harry sass in the books. Click play to listen now! Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok

Inspired by Dame Shirley Bassey and also known as “The Singing Sorceress,” Celestina Warbeck is a popular singer in the wizarding world and today I talk all about her - from her music, to her wand, etymology of her name, and so much more. Stay tuned for the end where I give my fan casts for the role. Grab your cauldron full of hot, strong love and listen to this episode! Fan Casts for Celestina Wa...

Our first funeral episode! Today Jess and Rene discuss the scene where Harry Potter takes the felix felicis potion, also known as liquid luck, and attends a funeral for a spider (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, chapter 22: After the Burial - chapter 23: Horcruxes). We also discuss what items we would choose for our seven horcruxes, wizard bar crawls, and Harry Potter drink recipes. Listen...

Libra Jess and Capricorn Rene discuss the sun signs of over 40 characters from the Harry Potter universe, including beloved characters such as Harry Potter himself, Sirius Black, Severus Snape, and Rubeus Hagrid. Air, water, fire, and earth signs can all enjoy this episode. What is your sun sign? Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok

Griphook the Gringotts goblin appears in books 1 and 7 (Harry Potter and the Philosopher's/Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) playing a big role in Harry’s bank visits. In this episode, I breakdown goblins in folklore vs. Harry Potter and talk all about the great sword dispute. Finally, don’t miss this week’s listener question of the week where I sort the penguins of Madaga...

“So, all in all not one of Ron’s better birthdays.” It’s Ron’s eventful 17th birthday (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, book 6, Chapter 18: Birthday Surprises - Chapter 19: Elf Tails). Jess guest-hosts as we discuss real-life bezoars, what amortentia would smell like for us, and the Lavender-Ron-Hermione love triangle. Happy birthday, Ronald! Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - the movie! New guest-host, Tori, joins the podcast as we rewatch movie #3. We discuss everything from our favorite aspects, background catches, behind-the-scenes facts, and even our patronuses. Break out of Azkaban and pull out your time-turner, and listen to this week’s episode! Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok

Press play and watch Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Amazon Prime Video Version) with me while I add my comments, share differences from the book, and give behind-the-scenes fun facts. This is a special watch-along episode for the movie fans! Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok

“It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others, the other elements and the other nations will help you become whole.” - Uncle Iroh Lynn guest-hosts as we compare Avatar: The Last Airbender (ATLA) and Harry Potter. We sort ATLA characters into Hogwarts houses, place Harry Potter characters into the Ava...

“You have your mother’s eyes.” Today’s episode is all about Harry Potter’s green-eyed mother, Lily Evans Potter! I talk about her willow wand, review her tragically short timeline, and share my fan casts for the role. Plus, there are some crazy fan theories circling around about this red-head (maybe Crookshanks is Lily’s long lost cat??). I dig up all the dirt on our favorite flower in this episod...

Lee Jordan’s radio show “Potterwatch” hits the airwaves and I talk about everything from the codenames to current events in the muggle world (book 7 - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Chapter 22: The Deathly Hallows). I celebrate 50 episodes of this podcast by sharing behind-the-scenes facts about Magic Beyond the Books. No password is needed to tune in to this week’s episode! Follow us on In...

Lynn guest-hosts as we review the tragic tale of Winky the house-elf, servant to the Crouch family. We talk about Winky coddling Barty Crouch Junior, discuss theories around how house-elf ownership works, and ponder how Dobby and Winky met. To top it off, this week’s listener question of the week has us wondering if Harry Potter is actually left-handed. Grab your tea towel and your stolen wand, an...

“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 favorit...

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. Follow us o...

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?  Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTo...

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). Follow us on Instagram Fo...

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! Follow us on Instagram Follow us on TikTok

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! Follow...

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! Follow us on In...

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! Follow us on Instagram Follow us on T...