One of the things I miss most about college is finding like minded people to debate and wrestle unanswered and thought provoking issues with. Muggle Academia are two friends who satisfy your nerdy, fantasy, academic needs. It’s definitely the podcast I never knew I needed, but now I can’t live without it.

I actually purchased Snape: A Definitive Read because of this podcast. I was excited to find out that there was a book out there that dig deeper into my favorite character Severus Snape. With adhd I don’t have the attention span to read books written that way but because it covers a subject that I’ve always wanted more info on my brain was actually able to read it and process it at the same time which is a lot for me to do. Even though I have to read it aloud be I’m an auditory learner it’s not difficult to understand and the big vocabulary words are not difficult. I recommend it to all true fans of Potter.

A great Podcast no matter if you are a young fanboy or a diehard one. A great, great podcast.

I love it!

I only recently discovered this podcast, AMAZING!!!!! I am sad you haven’t put out any new episodes in such a long time. What happened? Come back!!!!

...and frequently thought-provoking!

Are you guys coming back to the podcast?

I'm in love with this podcast. I love learning so much more about Harry Potter (aka my life) in depth. Totally ship Keith and Jo Rowling. John Granger, sir, her eyes are blue BTW. Lol. Keep up the great work.

I love the concept of this show and I have found most of the guests (with a couple of notable exceptions) to offer great insight on a variety of interesting topics. Unfortunately, the hosts, especially John Granger, hurt the discussion more than help it. Granger, who has inexplicably appointed himself "The Hogwarts Professor," reminds me a little too much of Gilderoy Lockhart. At times, his comments give the impression that he considers himself to be much smarter than he is, and smarter than his co-host, podcast guests--many of whom are actual professors, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, Veronica Roth, Suzanne Collins, and sometimes even Rowling herself. Every time I listen to this podcast, I have a debate with myself over whether I should unsubscribe. So far, the insights of the guests keep me listening, but I wish I could find a podcast that offers the same concept with a host who wants to be more of a moderator than the primary speaker.

I've listened to this podcast since episode 1 was released because it's the only forum where such academic discussion on Harry Potter takes place in a digestible format; however I can't help but feel a sense of disappointment after every episode at how much better it could be. First, the type of guests that are invited seem to fit a specific category, i.e. people that John Granger has met and likes. This has become even more evident with the recent spree of returning guests (many of whom, Dolores Gordon Smith especially, are quite good) which indicates the failure to recruit new voices to the show. Second, these guests are simply not given enough time to really lay out their theses. This is due in part to the unnecessary and repetitive "where would you be without Harry Potter" question that it always feels like Keith and John are rushing to get to, and the obnoxious interjections and "clarifications" offered by John. Rather than directing your guests with leading questions, I'd much prefer to hear them deliver a monologue regarding their research. Finally, bless Keith for always trying to include the student guests, but I'd really prefer if they just weren't invited on the show. Only a very few have offered anything interesting to say, and it really throws off the flow of the show. In short, I respect the work John has done in the past regarding Potter, but it's becoming increasingly evident that he has little new insight to offer (save for the bits on the Strike series which have been quite good). Add to that the problem that he's not a very welcoming host, and I'm struggling to see why Keith doesn't just run the podcast himself.

I listen to a lot of podcasts related to my favorite fandoms and Mugglenet Academia is my all-time favorite. I was so pleased when they began to release regular podcasts again last year after a hiatus of close to a year. Mugglenet Academia offers such fascinating looks at the deeper meanings to be found in the Hogwart's saga and how this relates to many other literary gems and giants, from classics of history to modern day favorites. Plus they show how many, many professions find that Harry Potter can be applied to their own practise in some manner. I look forward to their coverage and discussion of J.K. Rowling's continued works as well as further explorations of Harry's story.

If you're looking for insights into what's happening now in Harry Potter studies, this is the podcast for you. Each episode (or "lesson") of MuggleNet Academia focuses on different scholars engaged in academic work about Harry Potter, and the variety of subjects and fields represented is impressive. I appreciate the "heads up" about new academic publications exploring the Potter saga and the opportunity to hear from the authors who produced them. It's also wonderful to sample the syllabi of different Potter-themed classes from different universities. The podcast keeps getting better, too; I'm convinced that the latest lesson (episode 41 on the intersection of Harry Potter and Star Wars) is the best yet. What an insightful conversation! Keep up the great work.

You'd think somebody called "the Hogwarts Professor" would know a bit more about the series. John Granger doesn't know the plot of any of the books, adds a sexual layer (that doesn't actually exist) to every subject, makes up definitions of character names and acts as though they are fact, and is generally an unpleasant host on account of how he interrupts every guest and needs to be speaking at every moment. He is annoying, has a voice not fit for a podcast, and thinks that everything that comes out of his own mouth is fact because he calls himself a professor. I love the idea of this show, I love most of the guests. Heck, I even love the other host. But John Granger took what could be a great, intellectually stimulating podcast that could make listeners think about their favorite series in a new light and turned it into something I had to force myself to sit through. Stick to Alohomora, folks.

After deciding to reread the series (in the space about 2 weeks) and reading a friend's nonfiction HP critical novel (Skill of a Seeker), I really wanted to dig into some of the literary themes of Harry Potter. I enjoy the format of the expert guest discussions on various topics (however, I think it might be helpful to include the student panelists a little more). My favorite podcasts so far are the Whodunit, Chiasmus, Books within Books, and Medieval Symbolism episodes. Overall very stimulating discussions. I was a little disappointed with the gap--I thought the show ended--but looking forward special show Keith hinted to on Harry's birthday. Thanks to John and Keith and all the guests for their work.

As someone in my mid twenties who has grown up with the Potter series since a very young age it's been very hard to see this fandom devolve into various celebrity crushes. What I love about this podcast is it brings back to light (a very bright and scrutinizing light) the literature side of the fandom. Finally getting to hear the intellectual debates and talks I've always wanted to have but have been looked down on for attempting, because it was about magic and young adult literature, has brought back new a spark and love for this series that I didn't even realize was waning.

As another reviewer has said, I really wanted to love this podcast. Unfortunately, I cannot. Fortunately, I believe that there is real hope for it--and I keep listening hoping that one day that hope will come through--alas, it has not. And episode 28 on May 28 2014 drives this home more than anything else. The biggest problem with the show is also one of its biggest assets--John Granger. He has written a few excellent books on analysis of the themes and symbolism of the HP series. They are insightful and very helpful for understanding why these books work at such a deep level. BUT, Mr. Granger has some bad habits that seriously detract from this podcast. I say this out of respect for his previous work, for him personally, and with hope that the excesses can be reined in, and the show can meet its potential. 1) Mr. Granger is an orthodox, traditional Christian, which, of course he is entitled to be. Indeed, I, too, am a Christian. However, it both colors his analysis of the books, wrongly turning them into a quasi-allegory in the line of C.S. Lewis, rather than the 'applicability', of which J.R.R. Tolkien (also a Christian) was famous for promoting regarding the themes and symbolism of the Lord of the Rings and his other works. As Prof. Tolkien said, the difference with allegory is that the symbolism's meaning lies with the AUTHOR, and with applicability, its meaning rests within the mind of each READER. Though there is undoubtedly Christian symbolism in the books--as there is in most Western literature--there is other symbolism, including non-Christian symbolism, which even Mr. Granger has pointed to. But his guests (many whom are also orthodox, traditional Christians from very religious colleges) and his all-too-frequent-interrupting and bloviating push an AGENDA, that is not Rowling's or anyone else's. Years ago, I think this was properly done to push-back against (some) fundamentalists, who impugned the series as inherently evil or encouraging of witchcraft. But we are well past that stage now. Perhaps Mr. Granger and others should see the Christian symbolism as part of the 'perennial philosophy,' which finds the underlying truth of all the world's religions to be valid, but with respecting that different paths can lead to the same truth--in that sense, Christian themes of love, death, self-sacrifice, suffering, courage, loyalty, and compassion--all of which are inherent in the HP series--can be shared by all, without the divisiveness and exclusivity of traditional, orthodox Christian theology. 2) Episode 28 also illustrates how Mr. Granger drives home his own agenda. In a misguided attempt to discuss politics in the series--a BRITISH series, mind--Mr. Granger's considerable literary analytical skills go utterly awry in the realm of politics. It is clear he has swallowed every right-wing canard and red-herring, from 'lies about Benghazi' to Obama's 'targeting enemies with the IRS'--and even criticizing 'Obamacare'--how opposing health insurance for all Americans (and the other side has never proposed ANY policy achieving the same goal) could ever be considered a Christian idea is beyond me--and I am a Christian. The discussion simply took for granted that Ms. Rowling supported the very progressive Labour Party in Britain without properly discussing WHY she supports them. She has talked personally about how government assistance while she was a single mother (and while writing a little thing called Harry Potter!) was crucial to her--hardly a libertarian stance. The libertarian guest mentions that the books indicate that only small groups of individuals and private associations--and not the state--can mean well and execute well in society. I guess he forgot about that little group of individuals called the Death Eaters. Or how Draco Malfoy openly praises Durmstrang for its "far more sensible line than Hogwarts about the Dark Arts." And recall Lucius' conversation with Mr. Borgin in Borgin and Burke's in Book Two, where he complains about the Ministry raiding homes of dark wizards and enforcing laws against the Dark Arts--if there is any libertarian streak in the novels and in the wizarding world it is about those who want more 'freedom' to practice the Dark Arts without interference from the Ministry. And one of the lead heroine's causes, S.P.E.W. was barely (if ever) mentioned--if there was a cause for progressive intervention in the wizarding world it was S.P.E.W and the rights of House Elves, and other non-humans. The discussion also suffered from a failure of logic that they only barely discussed: NO one, whether liberal or libertarian, is supportive of incompetent, diabolical, or tyrannical government. Indeed, though Ms. Rowling supports a robust role for government in the economy and society, and generally supports public measures aimed at promoting greater equality and opportunity (i.e., her HUGE support for the British Labour Party), she certainly opposed the Conservative/Tory governments of Margaret Thatcher and John Major--the closest things to libertarian economic theory Britain has ever had. Rowling's objection to the Tory governments of the 80's and 90's is not a statement against government in general, but rather against what a particular government prioritizes. This point was largely missed in the discussion and made the conversation silly and mostly pointless (despite the hosts self-congratulatory thoughts). Again, there is much hope for this show if Mr. Granger reins in his personal views and agendas (religious and political), guests with different perspectives (and from the UK and other countries) are invited, and the topics chosen for discussion are more in line with the books themselves, rather than pushing any agenda. My hope in this criticism is that the team at Mugglenet will make the necessary changes and the show will meet its potential.

This is the most interesting Harry Potter podcast out there, and I did enjoy the discussion about politics in the series. However, I disagree with Professor Jack Gierzynski's presumption that members of the Tea Party are intolerant because they do not support gay marriage and abortion. Just because someone is pro-traditional marriage does not mean that they are anti-gay. It just means that they believe traditional marriage between a man and a woman and support of traditional family units is the best way to have a successful society. If you don’t agree with that view point, calling people who do believe it intolerant, is a form of censorship and intimidation. Also, I don’t see what is intolerant about placing value on the life of an unborn child. I think the professor should apologize for his judgmental and intimidating remarks. If he can’t, it only shows that he is the one who is intolerant of other view points.

Greetings from New Zealand! Just wanted to leave a review to let you know how much I appreciate this podcast. I originally read the first 4 Harry Potter books as they came out. Unfortunately, the long period between releases made it hard to keep up and I went to a high school that looked down its nose at fantasy fiction. Thus, I never read the final three instalments in the series. However, after seeing the films and stumbling upon this gem of a podcast I will definitely be re-reading the series (as a whole and without interruption this time). John and Keith are great hosts. I’m seeing a little bit of criticism for John in the comments here, but I really appreciate the boundless enthusiasm and endless insights The Hogwarts Professor brings to the show (not to mention all the incredible guests he happens to snag). The discussions are always fascinating and have me reading with a new heightened awareness of and appreciation for the literature. Thank you for reawakening my love of Potter, you guys! :)

Mugglenet Academia is an amazing podcast that goes deeper into the meaning of the Harry Potter series. It is a must for not only HP lovers but for book lovers. I learn something new every episode about literary elements used in many popular books. My only complaint however is that the episodes aren't more frequent :)

MuggleNet Academia is the kind of podcast that can be listened to over and over without becoming a bore at all. The subjects that are brought up and the discussions that are created through them are so interesting to listen to and the hosts are very knowledgable about the Potter universe. The guest speakers always contribute so much to the conversations! I find myself looking forward to new episodes and relistening to old ones all the time.

Mugglenet academia is my new addiction. Keith Hawk and John Granger bring on interesting guests each episode to help bring insight into the world of Harry Potter. They (along with Alohamora) keep my workday moving and stimulate my brain at the same time! Thanks guys!

I've tried to listen to this podcast when it first came out but just couldn't get into it. However, I've listened to Keith's opinion on Hogwarts Radio a few times and I must say I am now downloading every episode of Mugglenet Academia because I love the insight that is brought to the discussion. I would recommend this to anyone who is fascinated with Harry Potter. Keep up the great work!

I used to love this podcast. I waited for each new episode and re-listened to many of them in anticipation of the newest one. The topics of canon, editing, folktale structure, mystery writing, law and translations are especially good. But lately, after episode 15, John Granger's really gotten on a religious [Christian] kick and to me, it's ruining talking about different aspects of the Harry Potter series. It's easy to link Harry with Christian symbols, but what else? The most recent episodes are filled with religious scholars just repeating themselves. I find myself barely able to get thru 30 minutes of the show now. Mr. Granger does an excellent job of out talking and over talking all their guests and the co-host. He's most definitely pushing his agenda. When I initially started to listen to the show I fancied buying a book or two of his, but he's done such a good job of driving home is thesis that we needn't buy them. In summary: Listen to the first 15 or so episodes then stop.

I love the intellectual and academic conversation surrounding the books. But, are we going to get more?

Mugglenet Academia is perfect for anyone who loves Harry Potter and literature. The podcast takes a look at why these books are so popular and the hosts dive deep into the literary elements that make it a modern day classic. Hosts Keith and John are awesome and the guests are always bringing something new to the table to think about! Great job guys! Keep up the good work. If I have any complaints about the show though, it would be that John needs to stop talking about Twilight. I agree the series may use Ring Composition but comparing it to Harry Potter is a huge stretch, haha. Still love you John

There is still so much to dicuss with these books. I feel that it's wonderful that they bring in so many different ideas and perspectives. They're mostly American, yes, but that doesn't mean that the discussion isn't worthy. Every person who reads something takes something out of what they read. Listening to how very learned persons digested it and interpreted it, based on their professions, is really something different, at least in terms of what has been done with the series so far. I generally have no problem when John Granger steps in and makes a point. He will often do so even when if it goes against what he originally thought, rethinking his point. Anyone who has a serious interest in Harry Potter should be taking note of this podcast and pay attention to what is going on here. Kudos and thank you so much for making my life so much better with this wonderful show.

I've been reading HP since I was in 6th grade. I listened to Mugglecast for forever!!! Back in the Andrew, Jamie, Micah, Laura and Eric days. Then I got older. Went to university, and became hungry for more depth into HP. I knew it was there, I could feel it, but had no idea how to explain it! Then I found Travis Prinzi's pub cast but sadly not all the episodes are available. I was heartbroken. And frankly depressed about it. Then, by magic or something I can across this podcast and its like my prayers are answered! Finally! I can sink my teeth again into the wonderful world Ms. Rowling created! I love how this podcast approaches and analyzes from all different angles and subjects! So far I've listened to 7 episodes but I'm hooked! Thank you Keith for creating this, bring John on board and I love all your guests and that you include other students as well. Keep up the amazing job!!

I have recently discovered this podcast, and have avidly been listening to the first few. I am a huge Harry Potter fan, and find the idea of delving into the various aspects of the books. I would also like to make a suggestion for the next podcast: medicine in Harry Potter. I have always found the potions and medicine in the Wizarding world fascinating, and have often wondered how Rowling determined what ingredients would be in a potion. I have also wondered about possible correlations between natural, herbal medicines used in the past and potions. I would love to hear a podcast on this subject!!! Steven Fields

I really enjoy this podcast! I've been an avid listener of podcasts for a while but I think this one is my favorite, and I never thought anyone could top mugglecast :) This show has made me say "wow" pretty much every episode and made me consider Harry Potter in different ways then I ever have before. I really appreciate Keith and John and their various guests for the wonderful topics they cover and the insightful and often amazing analysis of the intricate aspects of the Harry Potter universe.

I've been listening to this podcast for a while now, and I've never any episode to be less than intellectually delicious… great food for thought. I just requested John Granger's book on ring composition for my college's library… and I'm the first to check it out! I'll be sure to send in a review when I'm done, and leave a sticky note in the book to lead the next reader to this podcast.

I am not ashamed to say that this show is the main thing that made me realize that I want to be a Literature major. The show's content is consistently informative, and quite frankly, mind blowing most of the time. I am always eager to hear what hosts Keith Hawk and John Granger have to say as they dive into the heavier side of HP analysis. It made me go and buy one of MuggleNet's books on my kindle, and John's book is next. This has been a great companion to have for college, it compliments my studies nicely and acts as comfort food type of audio in times of stress like other mugglenet shows. Keep up the good work! -Tim, California

I just listened to Lesson 14 and it was incredible. I just bought Travis Prinzi's book (on my Nook) and it is beyond fascinating and so well written. All of the essays are engaging and though provoking. The book challenges me to see a series that I know backwards and forwards from very different perspectives. I listen to this podcast while I run and it helps me meet my mile requirements while training for my next marathon, so thank you for that! Keep up the great work guys!

Hosted by actual professors, authors and scholars, this is THE place to be for academic discussion of the wonderous world J.K. Rowling has created. Perfect for students of literature and adults looking for topics to sink their teeth into. I've been wanting this for years. So glad I found you guys! One critisism: Shortetn the overlong introduction. As time has gone on the intro has gotten longer and longer. Episode 16 took over twenty minutes to start. You need a 1-3 minute intro and no more.

This podcast is awesome, the topics are great and it is very interesting to look at the HP series from an academic standpoint! I'm learning a lot and having fun while doing it - thanks guys!

A great combo and something that I hadn't realized I'd been missing! As a huge fan of Harry Potter and a graduating senior in college, it combines two very vital aspects of 'me' and I am just soaking it in with glee. So much better than I thought it would be - if you are like me, absolutely in love with Harry Potter and want to explore it further in depth, then please check this out. You won't regret it.

This podcast is great. Who knew that so many people with awesome jobs and very diverse backgrounds would want to come together to discuss a topic as it relates to Harry Potter? It's amazing. My favorite episodes so far have been the ones about Folktales and Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Law and the one about the different translations. The hosts of this show do a great job finding special guests that really bring a whole new layer to the discussions about Harry Potter. I love listening to this podcast along with Alohamora, as it adds more depth to my reread of Harry Potter. Thanks for a great podcast and keep it up!

This is exactly what I have been waiting for. Thank you so much.

The podcast is absolutely wonderful! I haven’t hoped for that much: professors, writers and all kinds of real professionals talking about “Harry Potter” series. I’ve listened through all the episodes in two days and I’m eager for more. In 5-th lesson you talked a lot about “The Goblet…” and it reminded me about a mystery I still can’t solve. No one seems to be able to give me a satisfactory answer. Why couldn’t impostor Moody turn any random object into Portkey and make Harry grab it and be delivered to that graveyard? He had numerous opportunities. Why did it have to be the Triwizard Cup? Why go to such trouble and guide Harry through the Tournament? Thanks for the great work!

I really appreciate the different intellectually stimulating perspectives of the Harry Potter story. This has given me a new appreciation for the writing and has encouraged a deeper analysis of the the text as I reread. I've also put more effort into putting deeper meaning into my own writing, which, as a side note, is not related to Harry Potter. Thanks to all of you on the podcast!

This has the potential to be a 5-star show; however, John Granger dominates the conversation and constantly interrupts the guests. If he would just allow the others to say something in the first place, and then let them finish their thoughts, this would be a superior podcast. Note: Hogwarts is in Scotland, not England. Also, JK Rowling lives in Scotland, but she is English.

I found this podcast through a facebook post advertising the uploading of the second episode and have been hooked ever since! It's a very well put together production with intelligent, thought-provoking discussion looking in depth at various elements of the Harry Potter world. They have, on several occassions, taken the thoughts I've had for years right out of my head and talked about them which was a delight to experience! I immediately began thinking of other subject matters they could take on in future episodes and things I would like to hear more about and am sad that my own field of expertise isn't widely discussed enough in the books to warrant dedicating an episode to. I look forward to what comes next!

Having been a Harry Potter fanatic for almost 15 years and now attending university, I can say that this show is one of the smartest, insightful, and entertaining shows not only about the world of Harry Potter, but also about literary and cultural themes all throughout history. Can't wait for more!

I really enjoyed the Mugglenet Academia podcast. The discussions were lively and thought provoking. I hope there are many more podcasts in the future.

But I can't. I love Mugglecast. I love Alohomora. I can't love Mugglenet Academia. As other reviewers have mentioned, one particular host is really irritating. He takes over the whole show, he cuts off other hosts, he overanalyzes, and he just has an annoying voice. I could go on but I won't be too mean because he might actually read this. I did however enjoy much of the discussion relating my very favorite book series to more real life and mainstream subjects. Some of the things on the show, however, seem to be reaching a bit far for connections. Also, the opening skit/music is painfully awkward. "Just... Uh... Come with me!" Overall, I have listened to the first five episodes, but I don't think I'll be listening to any more.

I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I love what this podcast series is doing; I love all the new insight on the series and the use of notable guest speakers and students to interpret the text. I'm only giving this 4 stars because John Granger really annoys me. From citing the wrong book, to mispronouncing words such as animagi and slytherin, to talking a lot with his obnoxious stutter (it may not be controllable, but it gets really annoying after hours of listening), he is just very hard to listen to. I am able to get through it nonetheless, but I cringe whenever he cites inaccurate information.

Words can't describe how much I enjoy the intellectual discussions on this podcast! I actually ended up writing a paper about sexuality in "The White Heron" and got an A! I can honestly say that I took a lot of tips of what sort of things to look for from episode number two! I only wish there were more episodes a month-although I understand that it must be difficult to find professors, professionals, students, ect., and then organize all of that material into a coherent program. Overall, this podcast has awakened a brand new love of literature within myself, and had allowed me to analyze my favorite book series even more in depth! Thanks so much for the great podcast!!!

I've enjoyed all three podcasts currently available, but Lesson 3 about translations has been my favorite so far. The participants talked about the challenges of translating the multilayered meanings of the Potter series, particularly the names, and the choices translators have to make. The two guest panelists were engaging and knowledgable - a professional translator from Quebec and a Brazlian student of translation - and added an international perspective. I do agree with one other poster who suggested the podcast would benefit from British input. Any UK Potter Pundits out there or is it a strictly American phenomenon?

I didn't realize that I've been waiting for something just like this until I started listening. It is excellent, I love diving back into the books and seeing them in a new light. The fact that there are actual college professors and students doing the majority of discussions is an added bonus. Not only do I get to travel back into my favorite fictional setting, I get to learn new things and see the books in a whole new light! High five to Keith and the rest!

Love this podcast. My mind is blown every time I hear a new theory or different theme present in the books. The prospective from other Harry Potter fans who have specialties that relate to the discussion is a great touch. Looking forward to hearing more soon.

Good one