Books and Butterbeer

Chapter 1 means one thing: it’s Harry’s birthday—again! To celebrate, this week’s game has us picking magical birthday gifts for each other. We also chat about the Weasleys’ trip to Egypt (700 gallons later!) and dive into a cozy discussion about vacation destinations we’d love to visit.

Happy New Year! Before we turn the page to Book 3, join us as we rewind to our first memories of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban —the moments, feelings, and expectations we’re carrying with us before the reread begins.

This week on Books and Butterbeer , we turn the mic around and sit down with our very own podcast editor and audio engineer! In this behind-the-scenes interview, we talk about the editing process that brings each episode to life, from audio cleanup to storytelling flow — plus a few fun Harry Potter questions along the way. A cozy, candid look at the work that happens after the recording stops.

This week on Books and Butterbeer , Katie steps into the epic world of Brandon Sanderson to share the fantasy series that reignited her love of reading: Mistborn (Era 1). From its brilliantly crafted hard-magic system to its raw, character-driven emotional stakes, Katie breaks down why this trilogy continues to resonate so deeply. Whether you're new to the Cosmere or already a Sanderson fan, j...

“Think you know Alice in Wonderland? Johnna’s about to change your mind.” Step into Wonderland—just not the version you grew up with. This week, Johnna explores the darker, war-torn side of the world in The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor. Discover how this reimagined twist on Alice’s story impacted her life and why it remains one of her all-time favorite books.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our U.S. listeners! 🦃✨This week we’re talking about what we’re thankful for — and yes, butterbeer is definitely on the list. We also want to know: is anyone brave enough to attempt a recipe from the Harry Potter cookbook this year? If you try it, please report back… especially if it didn’t turn out like a cursed cauldron cake.

This week on Books and Butterbeer , we may still be on a break (cue the Ross voice) from our usual Harry Potter journey — but we’re bringing you a magical mini-episode! Join us as Katie takes a nostalgic trip through Dame Maggie Smith’s unforgettable roles, from Hook to Downton Abbey to, of course, Professor McGonagall herself. She shares how Dame Maggie shaped her childhood and continues to inspi...

This week on Books and Butterbeer , we’re taking a break from our usual Harry Potter chapter discussions to share something a little more personal. Step into our world as we swap stories, memories, and fun tidbits that have shaped us. Johnna opens up about how one of her favorite actors, Jason Isaacs, has inspired her — from his unforgettable role as Lucius Malfoy to his impact both on and off the...

This week on Books and Butterbeer , we’re watching Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets — movie edition! We talk about what worked, what made us say “wait, that wasn’t in the book,” and the deleted scenes that deserved better. Plus, we check out cast interviews for behind-the-scenes magic and maybe a few awkward moments.

This week on Books and Butterbeer , we’re feeling all the feels — two books down! We talk Slytherin secrets, basilisk nightmares, and that time the Sorting Hat basically called Harry a maybe-Slytherin (awkward). Plus, we dig into the backstory of the Sword of Gryffindor — because apparently it just shows up when it feels like it. Classic Hogwarts logic. ⚔️🐍✨

This week on Books and Butterbeer , we tackle Chapters 16 and 17 — and honestly, Hogwarts might need an HR department after this. The Chamber of Secrets has officially hit chaos mode! Our heroes go full detective, there’s a suspicious diary, way too many spiders, and maybe a basilisk or two casually roaming the halls. We talk theories, wild guesses, and the part where everything finally makes sens...

This week on Books and Butterbeer , we dive into Chapter 15: Aragog — and things get creepy-crawly . Dumbledore’s been sent packing, Hagrid’s dragged off, and we’re left with two mysterious clues: “Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it,” and “Follow the spiders.” (Because that’s always a great idea, right?) Next thing you know, we’re learning all about Acromantulas — giant...

This week on Books and Butterbeer , things get a little… monstrous. We kick things off with a ridiculous game where we pretend to be creatures from the wizarding world — Katie sticks to real-life beasts, while Johnna decides, “Why not just invent my own?” Chaos ensues, obviously. Then we talk about the new classes third-years can take, and Gryffindor’s big showdown with Hufflepuff — except, plot t...

This week, the quiz returns along with another fun game! Hermione keeps getting cards from Lockhart, and Katie shares a possibly “unpopular” opinion. Meanwhile, Moaning Myrtle is having a dramatic fit in her bathroom — but why? Katie also dives into the world of limericks, and the boys stumble upon a mysterious diary in the prefects’ bathroom.

This week on Books and Butterbeer , we brew up some Polyjuice Potion and kick off a brand-new game! We also take a mini deep dive into phoenixes, thanks to Dumbledore’s loyal bird, Fawkes — who looks worse for wear before showing us the magic of rebirth. Meanwhile, the trio’s plan to uncover the truth about what’s happening at Hogwarts — and to find the Chamber of Secrets — begins to take shape.

Join us this week as we dive into Chapter 11 of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets : The Duelling Club ! Lockhart, in all his usual flair, tries (and fails) to teach Hogwarts students the fine art of wizard dueling. What begins as a staged demonstration quickly spirals into chaos when Harry unexpectedly speaks Parseltongue in front of everyone — raising questions, suspicions, and fear among h...

This week on Books and Butterbeer , we’re diving into Chapter 10: The Rogue Bludger . Our game is “Remedy or Rubbish,” where we try to decide which medications are real and which ones are totally fake. In this chapter, we see just how far Lockhart’s vanity goes — from handing out signed detention slips to happily giving Hermione his autograph (and calling her the “most brilliant witch of her age”)...

This week on Books and Butterbeer , we dive into Chapter 9 of The Chamber of Secrets : The Writing on the Wall . Our game asks: how would YOU end up petrified by the basilisk? Harry, Ron, and Hermione get caught at the scene of Mrs. Norris’s petrification — the classic case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. We also notice something unusual about Ginny Weasley and explore why the rest...

This week we’re diving into TWO chapters of Chamber of Secrets — Chapter 7: Mudbloods and Murmurs and Chapter 8: The Deathday Party . Gryffindor’s Quidditch practice gets interrupted by Slytherin’s “special meeting,” and Harry and Ron land themselves in detention with none other than Gilderoy Lockhart (yes, even writing his fan mail). We’ll talk about Hagrid’s treacle fudge, imagine what our own “...

This week, we meet the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart . Chapter 6’s game is Lockhart’s Spells , where the magic goes wrong — just like in class! We dive into Lockhart’s larger-than-life personality, Ron’s unforgettable Howler from Mrs. Weasley, and our first encounter with Mandrakes in Herbology. Plus, a new character enters the scene: first-year Colin Creevey , eager...

Join us this week as we dive into Chapter 5 of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: “The Whomping Willow.” This week’s game is Detention Ideas — perfect timing, because Ron and Harry might need some after this chapter! After the Weasley twins once stole the family’s flying car to rescue Harry from the Dursleys, this time Ron and Harry take it for themselves to get to Hogwarts. But their grand...

Join us this week as we dive into chapter 4; At Flourish and Blotts. We explore Harry's first trip via Floo Powder, and what went wrong. We, once again, have a different game. We are introduced to the new "Defense Against the Dark Arts" teacher and famous author, Gilderoy Lockhart. We hope you enjoy this exciting week into Harry Potter: and the Chamber of Secrets.

Join us this week as we discuss Chapter 3 of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets ! We kick off with a fun new quiz—how would Mr. Weasley enchant everyday Muggle objects? Then we dive into the chaos of de-gnoming the garden and unpack the Weasleys’ priceless reactions to the twins flying the Ford Anglia to rescue Harry. Would you have cheered them on or grounded them for life?

Join us this week as we start to dive into Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets . We will discuss chapter 1 and 2, The Worst Birthday and Dobby's Warning. We take a deep dive into the the world of house elves. Will Harry accept Dobby's warning? or risk his life for another year with his friends at Hogwarts?

Welcome to Books and ButterBeer ! As we take one more week away from reading Harry Potter , we’re exploring the life and work of one of today’s most influential authors: Suzanne Collins . Join Johnna as she dives into what inspired Collins to write The Hunger Games series, the depth behind the characters she created, and how her storytelling left a lasting impact on Johnna's personally and lea...