Episode 195: A Great Big Magical World

Published: Jan. 21, 2024, 3 p.m.

  • Time isn't a real thing and we made it up.
  • Thanks to this week's Patreon supporter, Allee!
  • Phoenix Register: Hogwarts Legacy is the best-selling game in the UK and the US for 2023. It was also the most-searched game on Google.
  • A giant elder wand has gone up at Epic Universe! Pictures here. It's acting as a beacon to mark the entrance of the Wizarding World land.
  • Sad news: with episode 200, we're\xa0 bringing SpeakBeasty to a close. It's not goodbye, it's see you later!
  • The last episode is actually dropping 3/31, not right before the eclipse.
  • \u201cMy dog's really cute, and so is my husband, and I'm kinda funny\u2026\u201d
  • Main Discussion: Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts experiences in Edinburgh!
  • We talk about The Elephant House Cafe, Greyfriars Kirkyard, various inspirations for Hogwarts (including Donaldson Hall), Victoria Street, Museum Context, Loch Ness, the Kelpies, Scottish wildcats, and Edinburgh\u2019s history with witches.
  • Marjolaine mentions a special experience in the Elephant House's bathroom.\xa0
  • How many bottles of whisky did Chris bring home??
  • Sometimes the lizard brain kicks in.
  • Find out the daring way Ann distracted the TSA from noticing all of Chris\u2019 whisky.\xa0
  • No-Maj Movie Magic: location scouting!
  • Find out what a location scout has to look for, and how it applied to the Fantastic Beasts series.
  • We've linked it before, but the interview with Christian Manz can be read here.

Podcast Question: Why do you think the Elder Wand was chosen as the Wizarding World beacon at Epic Universe? What would you have chosen?