From the streets of Hogsmeade to the desks of Snape's office, we're back exploring the themes and threads we've found in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix so far – all while rapidly moving backward through the series.

In this episode, we discus chapter 25 ("The Beetle at Bay") and chapter 24 ("Snape's Worst Memory"), and discover why it really is the worst – and most heartbreaking – memory in The Prince's Tale.

Step back with us in the Glittering Bell Jar as we read Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix – backwards, chapter by chapter!

In this episode, hosts Brie & Valerie discuss chapters 30 ("Grawp") and 29 ("Career Advice"), highlighting topics and themes they've never noticed before. This includes racism, politics, bullying, and, ya know, other light conversation topics – consider that your content warning!

We also discuss Ginny's best quote (one to rival Dumbledore's wisdom, in Valerie's opinion): "Anything's possible if you've got enough nerve." We're using that as our motto to keep going with this podcast!

To celebrate Valerie's birthday this week, we're re-releasing Episode 1 of Season 1 (Deathly Hallows). If you're brand new to the podcast, hopefully this will hook you to go back and start at the beginning!

Welcome to the first episode of the Glittering Bell Jar! In this episode, we dive into the world of Harry Potter starting all the way at the last few chapters of the Deathly Hallows. We begin with “19 Years Later” dive into “The Flaw in the Plan” and “Kings Cross”. Join us as we look at Harry Potter through a new lens!

Welcome back to Hogwarts! Unfortunately, Umbridge is here, and we're just getting started with her...

In this episode, we dive into three chapters of Order of the Phoenix: 33 (Fight & Flight), 32 (Out of the Fire), and 31 (O.W.L.s), examining some themes we've already identified in the book (like Dumbledore's magical and Hermione's mental prowesses), and grabbing at new threads we intend to pull as the season goes on.

How many times can Valerie mispronounce "The Department of Mysteries?" Only eagle-eared listeners can tell!

In this episode, we cover chapters 36, 35, and 34 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. We work backwards through the Ministry, picking up on themes and threads we've never noticed before – like Neville's wand, Luna's thestral-riding habits, and the mistakes all parent – and parental figures – make.

Welcome back! We are back to start season 3, reading Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix backward, chapter by chapter.

In this first episode of season, we work through chapters 38 and 37, discussing themes, hints, and other fascinating observations from the book and the wider wizarding world. Our main takeaway? It's all Dumbledore's Fault!

Wow we have made it to chapter 1 of the Half-Blood Prince! The book begins (or ends in our case) stunningly, as we are plopped right into the muggle world where we see the viewpoint from the Prime minister.

Valerie does some digging and we discover some cool facts about our favorite characters and we wrap up the second season of the Glittering Bell Jar!