Best Phoenix the Reader Podcasts (2024)

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Ch 34-37 1:16:28

26d ago1:16:28

1:16:28

Chapter 34 - The Department of Mysteries This is mad,ʹ Ron murmured, moving his free hand gingerly up and down his horseʹs neck. ʹMad… if I could just see it ‐ʹ ʹYouʹd better hope it stays invisible,ʹ said Harry darkly. ʹWe all ready, then?ʹ Q1 - Is Harry being a dick here? Q2 - Thoughts on riding on an invisible horse? Q3 - What animal would you w…

1
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: Ch 13-16 1:09:33

1h ago1:09:33

1:09:33

Chapter 13 - The Secret Riddle ‘Ah,’ said Dumbledore, ‘perhaps she could. But it is my belief – I am guessing again, but I am sure I am right – that when her husband abandoned her, Merope stopped using magic. I do not think that she wanted to be a witch any longer. Of course, it is also possible that her unrequited love and the attendant despair sa…

1
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: Ch 9-12 1:20:16

1d ago1:20:16

1:20:16

Chapter 9 - The Half-Blood Prince Hermione’s remonstration was drowned by a loud giggle; Lavender Brown had apparently found Ron’s remark highly amusing. She continued to laugh as she passed them, glancing back at Ron over her shoulder. Ron looked rather pleased with himself. Q1 - Does Lavender like Ron? ‘Humph,’ snorted Professor McGonagall. ‘It’s…

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Ep 460: Frank Anthony Polito's Cozy Haunted House Mystery 53:27

10d ago53:27

53:27

Cozy Mystery Month begins with author Frank Anthony Polito as he talks about "Haunted to Death," the third book in the "Domestic Partners in Crime" series. Frank discusses mixing a cozy mystery with a haunted house story, the fun of writing PJ and JP, and how the story draws inspiration from where he lives. We also get some details on what he's got…

1
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: Ch 5-8 48:43

8d ago48:43

48:43

Chapter 5 - An Excess of Phlegm Q1 - Tonks seems really sad and out of it at the beginning of this chapter…why? ‘What do you like me to call you when we’re alone together?’ Even by the dim light of the lantern Harry could tell that Mrs Weasley had turned bright red; he himself felt suddenly warm around the ears and neck, and hastily gulped soup, cl…

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Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: Ch 1-4 54:57

21d ago54:57

54:57

Chapter 1 - The Other Minister It was nearing midnight and the Prime Minister was sitting alone in his office, reading a long memo that was slipping through his brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind. Q1 - What do you think of the book opening like this? He turned over the second page of the memo, saw how much longer it went on…

1
Ep 459: Nora Phoenix and E.M. Lindsey Debut "Honorably Discharged" 51:04

15d ago51:04

51:04

Authors Nora Phoenix and E.M. Lindsey discuss their first-time collaboration on the series "Honorably Discharged," which kicked off with the grumpy/sunshine, hurt/comfort romance "Creek." Nora and E.M. talk about deciding to write together, coming up with the series premise, and offer some details on the next installment. Plus, we also find out wha…

1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2: Movie 1:04:52

26d ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Join Jon, Jen, Kaylie, and Danny as they discuss the good and the bad of Deathly Hallows Part 2. A lot of bad, a little bit of good, and a little bit of controversy.By Kristen, Danny, Jenn, Jon

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Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Ch 30-33 43:58

27d ago43:58

43:58

Chapter 30 - Grawp Eventually the area was roped off and Filch, gnashing his teeth furiously, was given the task of punting students across it to their classrooms. Harry was certain that teachers like McGonagall or Flitwick could have removed the swamp in an instant but, just as in the case of Fred and Georges Wildfire Whiz‐bangs, they seemed to pr…

1
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Ch 25-29 1:15:01

22d ago1:15:01

1:15:01

Chapter 25 - The Beetle at Bay Q1 - What do you think of this mass breakout at Azkaban? Q2 - Why was Bode assassinated? And who killed him? This latest Decree had been the subject of a great number of jokes among the students. Lee Jordan had pointed out to Umbridge that by the terms of the new rule she was not allowed to tell Fred and George off fo…

1
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Ch 21-24 52:52

1M ago52:52

52:52

Chapter 21 - The Eye of the Snake ʹOi!ʹ bellowed Ron, finally losing patience and sticking his head out of the window, ʹI am a prefect and if one more snowball hits this window—OUCH!ʹ He withdrew his head sharply, his face covered in snow. ʹItʹs Fred and George,ʹ he said bitterly, slamming the window behind him. ʹGits…ʹ ʹDonʹ worry, it wonʹ hurt ye…

1
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Ch 17-20 50:22

1M ago50:22

50:22

Chapter 17 - Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four Q1 - What is the nicest thing anyone has ever told you? ʹNo, they canʹt have done, because I put a jinx on that piece of parchment we all signed,ʹ said Hermione grimly. ʹBelieve me, if anyoneʹs run off and told Umbridge, weʹll know exactly who they are and they will really regret it.ʹ Q2 - Was Herm…

1
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Ch 13-16 51:46

1M ago51:46

51:46

Chapter 13 - Detention with Dolores Q1 - Why do you think Dumbledore hired Dolores Jane Umbridge? Q2 - They are writing an essay on moonstones…do you think this will play into the future somehow? ʹBowtruckles,ʹ said Hermione. Theyʹre tree guardians, usually live in wand-trees. ʹFive points for Gryffindor,ʹ said Professor Grubbly-Plank. ʹ Q3 - How r…

1
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Ch 9-12 1:07:10

1M ago1:07:10

1:07:10

Chapter 9 - The Woes of Mrs Weasley ʹWell, well, well… Patronus Potter,ʹ said Lucius Malfoy coolly. Q1 - What's the best nickname you ever got? Harry turned his moneybag upsidedown and emptied not just ten Galleons, but the whole contents into the pool. Q2 - How do you think Mr Weasley feels at this moment. Q3 - Do you think Sirius has a right to b…

1
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Ch 5-8 49:09

1M ago49:09

49:09

Chapter 5 - The Order of the Phoenix In the flash of light caused by Mrs Weasleyʹs charm Harry caught a glimpse of what looked like the plan of a Building. Mrs Weasley had seen him looking. She snatched the plan off the table and stuffed it into Billʹs already overladen arms. Q1 - What are they looking at? Q2 - What is the most annoying thing that …

1
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Ch 1-4 59:19

28d ago59:19

59:19

Chapter 1 - Dudley Demented The hottest day of the summer so far was drawing to a close and a drowsy silence lay over the large, square houses of Privet Drive . . . The only person left outside was a teenage boy who was lying flat on his back in a flowerbed outside number four. Q1 - What do you think of Mrs Figg? Every day this summer had been the …

1
Ep 458: "Somewhere Beyond the Sea" with TJ Klune 1:05:39

1M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

New York Times bestselling author TJ Klune talks with Jeff at an event that was recorded live at the Sacramento Public Library. TJ discusses the forthcoming book "Somewhere Beyond the Sea," which is the sequel to "The House in the Cerulean Sea." In addition, TJ has some wonderful stories about "Cerulean Sea," talks about what one of his life missio…

1
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 32-37 1:18:18

1M ago1:18:18

1:18:18

Chapter 32 - Flesh, Blood, and Bone Squinting tensely through the darkness, they watched the figure drawing nearer, walking steadily toward them between the graves. Harry couldn't make out a face, but from the way it was walking and holding its arms, he could tell that it was carrying something. Whoever it was, he was short, and wearing a hooded cl…

1
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 28-31 1:10:16

1M ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Chapter 28 - The Madness of Mr Crouch "Master is - hic - trusting Winky with - hic - the most important - hic - the most secret..." Q1 - What is this secret? Q2 - What do you think of Nifflers? "Oh..." he said, the memory coming back to him at last. "I dunno...I never noticed it had gone. I was more worried about my wand, wasn't I?" They climbed th…

1
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 23-27 1:06:11

1M ago1:06:11

1:06:11

Chapter 23 - The Yule Ball Harry and Ron both whipped around, but Hermione said loudly, waving to somebody over Malfoy’s shoulder, “Hello, Professor Moody!” Malfoy went pale and jumped backwards, looking wildly around for Moody, but he was still up at the staff table finishing his stew. “Twitchy little ferret, aren’t you, Malfoy?” Hermione said sca…

1
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 16-22 1:02:53

1M ago1:02:53

1:02:53

Chapter 16 - The Goblet of Fire “Oh I haven’t got a single quill on me—” “Do you think he’d sign y hat in lipstick?” “Really,” Hermione said loftily, as they passed the girls, not squabbling over the lipstick. “I’m getting his autograph if I can,” said Ron, “you haven’t got a quill, have you, Harry?” Q1 - Who is the most famous person you have ever…

1
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 11-15 59:05

1M ago59:05

59:05

Chapter 11 - Aboard the Hogwarts Express Q1 - How do you like the name Mad-Eye? Mrs Weasley took a piece of buttered toast from a stack on the kitchen table, put it into the fire tongs and transferred it into Mr Diggory’s mouth. Q2 - have you guys ever had a mountain pie? “Your father thinks very highly of Mad-Eye Moody,” said Mrs Weasley sternly. …

1
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 6-10 1:11:40

1M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Chapter 6 - The Portkey INTRO - Character impressions in your mind. Harry felt as though he had barely lain down to sleep in Ron’s room when he was being shaken awake by Mrs Weasley. Q1 - Is this the worst feeling ever? Non-snow days? What is the worst feeling as a kid? Q2 - You need a license to Apparate? Do you think anything else should require …

1
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Ch 1-5 51:33

1M ago51:33

51:33

Chapter 1 - The Riddle House The villagers of Little Hangleton still called it “the Riddle House,” even though it had been many years since the Riddle family had lived there. Fifty years before, at daybreak on a fine summer’s morning, when the Riddle House had still been well kept and impressive, and a maid had entered the drawing room to find all …

1
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Ch 19-22 44:19

1M ago44:19

44:19

Chapter 19 - The Servant of Lord Voldemort “YOU'RE PATHETIC!” Harry yelled. “JUST BECAUSE THEY MADE A FOOL OF YOU AT SCHOOL YOU WON'T EVEN LISTEN _” “SILENCE! I WILL NOT BE SPOKEN TO LIKE THAT!' Snape shrieked, looking madder than ever. "Like father, like son, Potter! I have just saved your neck, you should be thanking me on bended knee! You would …

1
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Ch 14-18 47:16

1M ago47:16

47:16

Chapter 14 - Snape’s Grudge Q1 - What should the procedure be after Sirius Black has been caught sneaking into Hogwarts again? Q2 - Why hadn’t Sirius killed Ron and then gone to Harry? “But I gotta tell yeh, I thought you two’d value yer friend more’n broomsticks or rats. Tha’s all.” Ron had to hold onto the fence to keep himself standing, he was l…

1
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Ch 9-13 1:24:01

1M ago1:24:01

1:24:01

Chapter 9 - Grim Defeat Q1 - Should the students be sent home after Sirius Black got in the castle? “Have you any theories as to how he got in, Professor?” asked Snape. Harry raised his head very slightly off his arm to free his other ear. “Many, Severus, each of them as unlikely as the next.” Q2 - How do you think Sirius got in the castle? Harry k…

1
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Ch 5-8 57:25

2M ago57:25

57:25

Chapter 5 - The Dementor They headed down to breakfast, where Mr Weasley was reading the front page of the Daily Prophet with a furrowed brow and Mrs Weasley was telling Hermione and Ginny about a Love Potion she made as a young girl. All three of them were rather giggly. Q1- Do you think Mrs Weasley gave the love potion to Mr Weasley? “Harry, I kn…

1
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Ch 1-4 50:20

2M ago50:20

50:20

Chapter 1 - Owl Post Harry Potter was a highly unusual boy in many ways. For one thing, he hated the summer holidays more than any other time of year. For another, he really wanted to do his homework, but was forced to do it in secret, in the dead of night. And he also happened to be a wizard. Q1 - Wendelin the Weird is so named because she liked t…

1
Ep 457: Rockstar Romance with Xio Axelrod 57:29

1M ago57:29

57:29

Kicking off the episode, Jeff highlights a new Kickstarter from Lee Wind, and recommends "Cats: The Jellicle Ball" on stage at PAC NYC, and baseball romance "The Prospects" by KT Hoffman. Then, Xio Axelrod is in conversation with Jeff at an event that was recorded live at Wild Sisters Book Company in Sacramento. Xio talks about her latest book, "Gi…

1
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Ch 15-18 46:29

2M ago46:29

46:29

Chapter Fifteen - Aragog Q1 - Who do you think would be the best person thus far to replace Dumbledore as headmaster? “Let me at him,” Ron growled, as Harry and Dean hung onto his arms. “I don’t care, I don’t need my wand, I’m going to kill him with my bare hands—” Q2 - Is it irresponsible for Harry to leave the cloak at Hagrids because he doesn’t …

1
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Ch 11-14 33:05

2M ago33:05

33:05

Chapter Eleven - The Dueling Club “So Dobby stopped us getting on the train and broke your arm…” He shook his head. “You know what, Harry? If he doesn’t stop trying to save your life he’s going to kill you.” Q1 - At this stage of their schooling, which Wizard or Witch would you want to duel and which would you not want to duel? “Scared?” muttered M…

1
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Ch 6-10 46:42

2M ago46:42

46:42

Chapter Six - Gilderoy Lockhart “You’d better open it, Ron,“ said Neville, in a timid whisper. “It’ll be worse if you don’t. My gran sent me one once, and I ignored it and —” he gulped, “it was horrible.” Q1 - What do you think Gran’s howler was about? And do you like the idea of howlers? At least the Howler had done one thing: Hermione seemed to t…

1
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Ch 1-5 56:46

2M ago56:46

56:46

Chapter 1 - The Worst Birthday “I want more bacon” “There’s more in the frying pan, sweetums,” said Aunt Petunia, turning misty eyes on her massive son. Q1 - Has your opinion of the Dursley’s changed at all? Harry stared from his purple-faced uncle to his pale aunt, who was trying to heave Dudley to his feet. Q2 - Why do you think Vernon is purple …

1
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ch 14-17 44:09

2M ago44:09

44:09

Chapter 14 - Norbert The Norwegian Ridgeback “But there aren’t wild dragons in Britain?” said Harry. “Of course there are,” said Ron. “Common Welsh Green and Hebridean Blacks. THe Ministry of Magic has a job hushing them up, I can tell you. Our lot have to keep putting spells on Muggles who’ve spotted them, to make them forget.” Q1 - Now that you’d…

1
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ch 10-13 34:26

2M ago34:26

34:26

Chapter 10 - Hallowe’en Q1 - Is it shady that McG has bought a Nimbus Two Thousand — the current best broomstick in the world — for Harry? “Potter’s been sent a broomstick, Professor,” said Malfoy quickly. “Yes, yes, that’s right,” said Professor Flitwick, beaming at Harry. “Professor McGonagall told me all about the special circumstances, Potter. …

1
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ch 6-9 49:08

2M ago49:08

49:08

Chapter 6 - The Journey From Platform Nine and Three-Quarters FF: Not who Hedwig is named after, but Saint Hedwig of Andechs (1174–1243), Duchess of Silesia, is the patron saint of orphans. Q1 - Is Hagrid an idiot for not showing Harry how to get on the platform? He passed a round-faced boy who was saying, “Gran, I’ve lost my toad again.” “Blimey,”…

1
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ch 1-5 38:05

2M ago38:05

38:05

Chapter 1 - The Boy Who Lived He hurried to his car and set off home, hoping he was imagining things, which he had never hoped before, because he didn’t approve of imagination. “You can’t blame them,” said Dumbledore gently, “We’ve had precious little to celebrate for eleven years.” Q1 - What are your general impressions of McGonagall, Dumbledore, …

1
Harry Potter and the First Time Readers - Introduction 28:20

2M ago28:20

28:20

Lizzy and Jon are diving into Harry Potter! It's Lizzys second time reading, although she's forgotten so much that it might as well be her first time reading, and it very brilliant with how she sees Harry Potter. Coming from someone who reads it every year, Jon has had his mind changed more about certain things in the short time Lizzy has taken to …

1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: Movie 1:09:40

2M ago1:09:40

1:09:40

Join Jon, Jenn, Danny, and Kristen as they talk over the movie of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. They talk over some theories about what will happen, their impressions of the characters, and what they thought of the sixth movie.By Kaylee, Jon, Jenn, Danny

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Ep 456: Tropey Workplace Romance with Frederick Smith 1:03:15

2M ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Jeff opens the show recommending three books, the seventh "Love is All" anthology, "The Bump" by Sidney Karger, and "One and Done" by Frederick Smith. Frederick then talks about "One and Done" and the inspirations behind Taylor and Dustin, and this workplace, enemies-to-lovers romance. He also shares how the romance reading, and attending virtual a…

1
Sneak Peak of Season 2 - A Discussion on Dementors 24:27

2M ago24:27

24:27

Join Jon and Lizzy as they talk about the ethics of Dementors—whether they are good, evil, or if theyre justified in sucking out the souls of witches and wizards. This is a sneak peak of Season 2—which is coming out soon!By Lizzy, Jon

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Ep 455: "A Different Kind of Brave" with Lee Wind 54:58

2M ago54:58

54:58

Happy Pride Month! Jeff kicks off the show with news about two in-person events he's taking part in during June. He also recommends two books perfect for Pride reading. Lee Wind discusses his latest YA thriller/romance "A Different Kind of Brave," which mixes action, a love of James Bond films, gadgets, and a love story into a page-turner of a stor…

1
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince: Movie 1:07:39

3M ago1:07:39

1:07:39

Did you do it then?...So join Jon, Jenn, Danny, and Kristen as they talk over the movie of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. They talk over some theories about what will happen, their impressions of the characters, and what they thought of the sixth movie.By Jon, Danny, Jenn

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Ep 454: Rainbow Readers Cruise: A New Event for Readers 49:31

3M ago49:31

49:31

On August 19, 2024, the Rainbow Readers Cruise sets sail for the first time. The cruise is organized by narrator Joel Leslie, Joel's husband and travel coordinator Rich Najuch, and reviewer/blogger Joyfully Jay, and share all the details on this one-of-a-kind reader event. We hear from them about why they created the cruise and the activities that …

1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Ch 36 & Epilogue 1:25:48

4M ago1:25:48

1:25:48

Chapter 36 - The Flaw in the Plan Hands, softer than he had been expecting, touched Harry’s face, pulled back an eyelid, crept beneath his shirt, down to his chest, and felt his heart. He could hear the woman’s fast breathing, her long hair tickled his face. He knew that she could feel the steady pounding of life against his ribs. “Is Draco alive? …

1
Ep 453: Baseball, 1960 New York, and Bad Dogs with Cat Sebastian 50:51

3M ago50:51

50:51

Author Cat Sebastian discusses her latest book, "You Should Be So Lucky," which features the romance between baseball player Eddie and newspaper reporter Mark and is set in 1960 New York. Cat talks about why she decided to write a historical baseball romance and the author whose books inspired her to do it. She also shares details on her favorite s…

1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Ch 35 1:05:43

4M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Chapter 35 - Kings Cross He recoiled. He had spotted the thing that was making the noises. It had the form of a small, naked child, curled on the ground, its skin raw and rough, flayed-looking, and it lay shuddering under a seat where it had been left, unwanted, stuffed out of sight, struggling for breath. He was afraid of it. Small and fragile and…

1
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Ch 34 57:54

4M ago57:54

57:54

Chapter 34 - The Forest Again Harry understood at last that he was not supposed to survive. His job was to walk calmly into Death’s welcoming arms. Along the way, he was to dispose of Voldemort’s remaining links to life, so that when at last he flung himself across Voldemort’s path, and did not raise a wand to defend himself, the end would be clean…

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Ep 452: Adib Khorram and "The Breakup Lists" 48:18

4M ago48:18

48:18

Adib Khorram talks with Jeff about his new YA novel, "The Breakup Lists." He discusses what inspired the story of stage manager Jackson and swimmer-turned-actor Liam, including some elements that come from Adib's real life. We also find out about how Adib approached the deaf representation in the book, why he chose the plays he did to be staged wit…

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