Discovering Harry Potter As An Adult w/ Kierra Lewis

Summary

Fantasy Fangirls Podcast Summary: "Discovering Harry Potter As An Adult w/ Kierra Lewis"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Fantasy Fangirls
• Host/Author: Fantasy Fangirls | QCODE
• Description: Two sisters, Nicole and Lexi, dive deep into your favorite fantasy books – discussing lore, characters, insights, and theories of beloved stories.
• Current Coverage: Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros (SPOILERS for the entire Empyrean series)
• Episode: Discovering Harry Potter As An Adult w/ Kierra Lewis
• Release Date: April 3, 2025

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Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:50 - 03:56)

After skipping the initial advertisements and introductory segments, Nicole and Lexi warmly welcome listeners to a special bonus episode featuring Kierra Lewis, a prominent figure in the Harry Potter fan community.

Nicole: “Welcome welcome welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved Fantasy lore, character, theme, series and more.” (00:50)

Lexi: “I'm Lexi, older sister and Fantasy Lore nerd.” (01:00)

Kierra Lewis: “I'm with the Fantasy Girls.” (03:56)

---

Rapid Fire: Getting to Know Kierra (04:08 - 10:05)

Nicole and Lexi engage Kierra in a rapid-fire session to uncover her preferences and personality.

• Favorite Book Series:

  • Kierra: A Court of Thorns and Roses (Acotar) and Harry Potter (05:50)

• Favorite TV Series/Movie:

  • Kierra: Sex and the City (06:35)

• Preferred Reading Format:

  • Kierra: Prefers physical books but uses ebooks for convenience (06:47)

• Hogwarts House:

  • Kierra: Gryffindor (09:20)

• Fantasy Gaieth Quadrant:

  • Kierra: Writer (09:57)

• Favorite Book Boyfriend:

  • Kierra: Ani Storm from Onyx Storm (10:59)

Notable Quote: Lexi: “I'm married to a Gryffindor. How about that? I'm a Hufflepuff, but she's a Hufflepuff.” (09:35)

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Deep Dive into Onyx Storm Ending (10:05 - 12:20)

The conversation shifts to Kierra's thoughts on the ending of Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros.

Kierra: “She had us gagged. And I'm not even gonna lie... I kept flipping the last page.” (11:33)

Nicole: Shares a personal memory of reading the final chapters in a hotel room, emphasizing the emotional impact and the birth of the Fantasy Fangirls identity (12:20).

Notable Quote: Lexi: “Headlining moments that transformed us into fantasy fangirls.” (12:20)

---

Kierra’s Journey with Harry Potter (12:54 - 40:23)

Starting the Harry Potter Journey (12:54 - 19:36)

Kierra discusses why she embarked on reading Harry Potter as an adult, driven by curiosity and the bustling BookTok community.

Kierra: “It was out of curiosity... Let me just see what the hype is about.” (13:02)

She elaborates on her emotional connection to the series, the growth of her following, and the deep community bonds formed through shared experiences.

Lexi: “Harry Potter audiobooks is literally my white noise every single night.” (15:06)

Nicole: “...it took me a year and a half to do Harry Potter...” (15:22)

Notable Quotes:

• Kierra: “...a sense of community and a sense of home that I haven't had since I was a kid.” (20:39)
• Lexi: “Books that girls like to read. I need other books.” (47:55)

Emotional Processing and Personal Reflections (19:36 - 28:46)

Kierra opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of finishing the Harry Potter series and how it parallels her personal growth and challenges.

Kierra: “...the emotions tried to come up last night and I still shoot them away...” (16:26)

She reflects on the differences between reading the series as a child and as an adult, highlighting increased emotional intelligence and empathy.

Nicole: “...you have to try to be more understanding and forgiveness.” (38:22)

Notable Quotes:

• Lexi: “I gravitated to the books again because then it was a representation of death and like, really helped me process death...” (39:57)
• Kierra: “Anyone can do it. It doesn't happen overnight.” (50:10)

Favorite Moments and Character Analyses (28:46 - 39:57)

The trio delves into favorite books within the series, character deaths, and impactful plot twists.

Favorite Books:

• Kierra: Goblet of Fire and Half-Blood Prince (27:00)
• Nicole and Lexi: Also favor Half-Blood Prince and Goblet of Fire (27:00)

Favorite Character Deaths:

• Kierra: Graves several characters, ultimately ranking Dumbledore and Snape as toughest (32:06)
• Nicole: Fred Weasley and Voldemort (32:20)
• Lexi: Fred Weasley (32:06)

Notable Quotes:

• Kierra: “...I would defend Daddy Snape because a lot of people say he was mean to Cousin Harry...” (36:44)
• Lexi: “...Fred was like, come on. Everybody else felt like there was some kind of character development to their death. And not him...” (32:11)

Shipping and Character Connections (34:00 - 35:56)

Discussion of favorite ship relationships within the series.

Favorite Ships:

• Kierra: Harry and Ginny (34:08)

Notable Quotes:

• Kierra: “...Harry and Ginny... she was just a 14, 15 year old girl standing on business.” (34:03)
• Nicole: “I love the moment where Ron and Hermione finally kiss.” (35:34)

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Community, Social Media, and Recognition (40:23 - 43:18)

Building a Community (40:23 - 43:18)

Kierra talks about the overwhelming yet heartwarming support from the Harry Potter community on BookTok and beyond.

Kierra: “...having millions of people with me on this journey...” (19:36)

She shares experiences of meeting fellow Potterheads, attending events like Universal's Harry Potter World, and the joy of community recognition.

Notable Quotes:

• Kierra: “...it gave me a sense of community and a sense of home that I haven't had since I was a kid.” (20:39)
• Lexi: “I'm the Scabbers girl.” (23:21)

---

Personal Journey and BookTok Success (43:18 - 53:37)

Struggles and Breakthroughs (43:18 - 50:10)

Kierra recounts her rise on BookTok, transitioning from financial struggles to becoming a full-time content creator.

Kierra: “...I was in between five books. Literally, like some days I would wake up, read a dog on dark romance...” (45:20)

She highlights pivotal moments that led to her success, including viral videos and collaborations with publishers.

Notable Quotes:

• Kierra: “...my goal is this fall. We need to do this bookish podcast.” (52:32)
• Nicole: “You're such an inspiration...” (54:19)

Future Plans and Support (50:10 - 53:37)

Kierra shares her excitement about launching a new bookish podcast and expanding her content with the support of hosts Nicole and Lexi.

Kierra: “I'm excited to drop this doggone bookish podcast later this year.” (52:32)

Lexi: “...we are here for you.” (53:15)

Notable Quotes:

• Nicole: “...we are here for you. Seriously, anything.” (53:15)
• Kierra: “...anyone can do it. It can happen and it's possible.” (50:10)

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Conclusion and Wrap-Up (53:37 - End)

Nicole and Lexi express their admiration for Kierra's journey, encourage listeners to support the podcast, and tease upcoming episodes covering Onyx Storm and the Kindred's Curse Saga.

Nicole: “...if you have been reliving every single ounce of Cousin Harry's journey through Kira, then please send this episode to them.” (55:42)

Lexi: “Thanks so much.” (56:10)

Notable Quotes:

• Nicole: “Your hair is fucking fabulous. I need to just...” (54:19)
• Kierra: “I can talk about anything for 45 minutes.” (53:37)

---

Key Insights and Takeaways

1. Emotional Depth in Literature: Kierra emphasizes the profound emotional connections and personal growth that reading Harry Potter as an adult can foster, highlighting the series' layered storytelling and character development.

2. Community Building: The podcast underscores the importance of community in the fantasy and bookish realms, showcasing how platforms like BookTok can create supportive and expansive networks for enthusiasts.

3. Personal Resilience and Growth: Kierra's journey from financial struggles to becoming a successful content creator serves as an inspiring testament to perseverance and passion.

4. Character Complexity: Discussions reveal an appreciation for the nuanced portrayals of characters like Snape and Voldemort, appreciating their backstories and multifaceted nature beyond their antagonistic roles.

5. Future Endeavors: Both Fantasy Fangirls and Kierra are poised for exciting developments, with upcoming podcast launches and in-depth explorations of new book series promising fresh content for listeners.

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Final Thoughts:

This episode of Fantasy Fangirls provides an intimate look into Kierra Lewis's profound engagement with the Harry Potter series, her growth within the BookTok community, and the vibrant connections formed through shared literary passions. The sisters and their guest offer listeners both nostalgic reflections and inspiring narratives, making it a must-listen for fantasy aficionados and aspiring content creators alike.

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For More Information:

• Follow Fantasy Fangirls: Instagram | TikTok
• Support the Podcast: Join the Fantasy Fan Club for exclusive content and perks.
• Listen to Next Episode: Covering chapters 50-55 of Onyx Storm, dropping next Monday.

Transcript

[Kira Lewis]

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[Nicole]

Mac or 10 piece McNuggets with spicy nether Flame Sauce.

[Kira Lewis]

Now available with a Minecraft Movie meal at participating McDonald's for a limited time. A Minecraft movie only in theaters.

[Nicole]

Welcome welcome welcome to the Fantasy Fangirls podcast where two sisters dive deep into beloved Fantasy lore, character, theme, series and more.

[Lexi]

I'm Lexi, older sister and Fantasy Lore nerd.

[Nicole]

And I'm Nicole, younger sister and romantic at heart.

[Lexi]

And today is a very special bonus episode with the one and only Kira Lewis who has taken the Potterhead community by storm with her viral Harry Potter reading journey over the past year and a half. But before we dive into our incredible conversation with Kira, let's do a quick spoiler warning. Obviously we are talking spoilers for the entire Harry Potter series. We have been waiting to talk to Kira about this until she finished the books and you can bet we are going to be talking about the end of the books in our chat. We also briefly reference the second book of the Acotar series and Vibes, but no plot spoilers for the end of Onyx Storm.

[Nicole]

So with all of that said, if you don't know why Kira calls him Daddy Snape then please go finish the series. We will be here when you're done.

[Lexi]

Next, we a Fantasy Fangirls are adults who say adult things about. Well, not really an adult book today, but we are three enthusiastic adults who I can guarantee will drop some language. So heads up. This podcast is rated R. You'd be shocked.

[Nicole]

In addition to language, I also somehow managed to weave a sex scene into the conversation.

[Lexi]

Of course you do.

[Nicole]

Please be mindful of those little listening ears.

[Lexi]

Last thing before we get this interview started. If you love Fantasy Fangirls and want more events, more content, more community and just so much more all around, please check out Fantasy Fan Club.

[Nicole]

We have three tiers that you can join, get access to our super active discord, tons of live virtual events, book clubs, discount codes, ad free episodes, behind the scenes content, welcome gift, your name shouted out on the podcast and so much more as part of the Fantasy Fan Club.

[Lexi]

Join the [e-mail] fanclub the link is also in the show notes. And really and truly, thank you so much for supporting us as we've turned this podcast into our livelihood. It's all because of you.

[Nicole]

And now it is time to relive the magic of the boy who lived.

[Lexi]

But first, a quick shout out to O Positive, a women's health company that offers a range of symptom targeting supplements that support women at every stage of life from their first period to well beyond their last.

[Nicole]

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[Lexi]

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[Nicole]

Take proactive care of your health and head to oh positive.com FFG or enter FFG at checkout for 25 off your first purchase. That's O P O S I-T-I v.com FFG for 25 off. Welcome, welcome, welcome. Kira. Oh my God. You're in the flesh. You're here in the building.

[Kira Lewis]

I'm with the Fantasy Girls.

[Lexi]

Thank you so much for joining us today. We have been so excited. Like when we invited you onto the show and you said yes, it was like, oh my gosh, yes, I know.

[Kira Lewis]

When y'all messaged me, I said, what they know about little old me? Because I've been obsessed with y'all videos, Daddy Axe and Iron Flame. I said, yeah, they know what's up.

[Lexi]

Oh my. Well, you finished Onyx Storm too, right?

[Kira Lewis]

Or oh Baby. As soon as it came out, I was engulfed in it.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Nicole]

Oh my gosh.

[Lexi]

Oh my gosh. Well, so now you have finished the Harry Potter series and it has been just so wonderful for all of us Potterheads to watch you on this journey, feeling all of the things that we felt. I know for me, as the books came out, I was reading them, went to all the midnight release parties. I finished the seventh Harry Potter book in one sitting in 10 hours. And so like to see how you have like just been soaking it up for all that it's worth. It's just been so fantastic.

[Nicole]

As someone who sat across the couch While she finished the seventh Harry Potter book in one sitting. And I couldn't keep my eyes open. And also, I was just reading it because my sister. My older sister was reading it, and I wanted to be cool like her. And like the emotional journey I watched Lexi go through, watching you go through it. Oh, my God, it was so fucking amazing. And it took all of us back to that moment. I think that's what's so special about it.

[Kira Lewis]

You telling me that you finished it in 10 hours is crazy. Even me as an adult, the amount of breaks I had to take, I said, dang, another one just died. Another one just died. I said, jk, she literally. She put y'all kids through war with the characters. Like, y'all was going through the journey, which is insane. Yeah.

[Lexi]

Oh, yeah. Yeah. Well, before we dive into this journey that you've been on and all these I'll call them behind the scenes questions that we have for you, let's do a quick, rapid fire, get to know you, because we always like to do that with our guests. So let's start with your favorite book or book series.

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, well, mine would be. I know it sounds so basic. Mine would be Acotar and Harry Potter. Because I do need to say. I need to preface with this. I haven't completed. As y'all seen, it took me a year and a half to do Harry Potter, so I haven't completed too many series, but I've read a lot of, like, one or two books from each series, so those are the few that I have completed and I loved.

[Nicole]

Oh, my gosh. When did you read A Court of thorns and Roses?

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, I read that at the beginning of my BookTok journey, like 2022. That was the first ever fantasy that I've ever read. So even that took me some time to get into. But, I mean, once I met daddy Rashawn, it was. It was over. That's what I call Reese. I'm like, that's Daddy Rashawn Rashaan.

[Nicole]

I love it.

[Kira Lewis]

Yes.

[Lexi]

Oh, my God.

[Nicole]

All right. Favorite TV series or movie?

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, girl, I'm in New York City. Sex and the City. All day, all day, every day. I'm obsessed with that show. It's always on my tv.

[Lexi]

Your favorite way to read, whether that's a physical book, ebook, or audiobook.

[Kira Lewis]

If you asked me a year ago, I would say it was an ebook, but it's something about. I'm getting back to the classics. As you can see. I like to collect them. So I'm getting back to just reading the physical book. It's something about it. I love it. Ebooks for vacation. Because bring as many.

[Lexi]

Well, and you really write. I'll say write up your books. Take lots of notes in there and all of that too. So do you ever go back and look at what you wrote, or is it kind of just like getting your thoughts out as you go?

[Kira Lewis]

Right now it's getting my thoughts out as I go. But I have told myself, like, whether it be years later, first of all, for the Harry Potter, a lot of people want me to give that away, but I'm like, I'm saving it for my potential kids. So when they read it, they can see the annotations of what mommy was going through. So it's just one of those things where time down the road, I'll love to, like, just reflect on my emotions and how I was feeling while I was reading the series.

[Nicole]

I respect people who write in their physical books so hard because I write large, large and in charge, and I can't write little teeny tiny like that. So that's why I have to have my ebooks where I can highlight and then write paragraphs if I need.

[Kira Lewis]

Okay, well, I understand that one. I know when it comes to annotation in a book, you gotta keep it to, like, three or four words. You can't.

[Nicole]

Yeah, that's a talent. Oh, my God. You're the same way, aren't you, Lex? Even for deep dives.

[Lexi]

When we started doing our deep dive acotar, I initially did, like, handwritten, and it was literally I ran out of, like, my annotation sticky notes in the first chapter. And it was like just multiple everything. Because for our deep dives, it's like, so ingrained. And then I discovered ebooks, and it's like, oh, this is probably better because it's on the computer. I could copy and paste.

[Kira Lewis]

And do y'all do paper white or isn't there, like a larger one for mine?

[Nicole]

I actually have a. My iPad is what I use for. For. And I just use the Kindle app on there. But then for deep dive books, I always use Apple books on my computer. But no, I'm reading. No one does.

[Lexi]

I do all of mine on my phone. Cause I just have the Kindle app and I just read on my phone.

[Kira Lewis]

So that's what I was thinking. Okay, I like the Apple books. Somebody gotta check that one out.

[Nicole]

The only issue is our next book series. Recovering Spark of the Everflame is not available on Apple books, at least as of right now. So I'm Like, I have to switch to Kindle online. And I'm like, oh, man. I have to learn a whole new system. God damn it.

[Kira Lewis]

You gotta come over to the dark spot. Come over to the.

[Nicole]

Yeah, we'll get there. Oh, my gosh. Okay. Favorite genre of book?

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, I'm a Romancy girl through and through. Yes, through and through. I love the mix of both worlds. Okay, Hannah Montana, but I'm here for that.

[Nicole]

Amazing.

[Lexi]

All right. What is your Hogwarts house?

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, Gryffindor. Oh, my gosh.

[Nicole]

My girl.

[Kira Lewis]

Another friend. I'm here.

[Lexi]

I'm married to a Gryffindor. How about that? I'm a Hufflepuff, but she's a Hufflepuff.

[Kira Lewis]

I'm saying. Let me guess what house, but okay.

[Lexi]

Oh, y.

[Nicole]

It's so funny. She's married to a Gryffindor. I'm married to a Hufflepuff. So we're just inverted.

[Kira Lewis]

It's the track. That's how it should be.

[Nicole]

Yeah, exactly.

[Kira Lewis]

Hey, as long as you're not a Slytherin, it's okay because you have read.

[Nicole]

The Empyrean series as well, and you just finished Onyx Storm not too long ago. What quadrant in bed's gaieth would you be in?

[Kira Lewis]

I'm not gonna lie. I think I would be a writer.

[Nicole]

Ah, yes.

[Lexi]

Gryffindor writer. It makes sense. Yeah.

[Nicole]

If you're a Gryffindor and your answer isn't writer. I'm like. Feels so one to.

[Kira Lewis]

Hey, so, Lexi, then what are you? Or what do you think you would be?

[Lexi]

I would. Well, so I. My heart would probably be a scribe, but I am too animated to be that. So I would probably maybe be a healer, because I know that I would want to get with a writer, and I don't know, it seems like they say.

[Kira Lewis]

Okay, I think I'm too hyped for scribe. And I'm also not organized. You gotta be.

[Nicole]

Oh, shoot.

[Lexi]

I guess I'm not either.

[Kira Lewis]

I definitely feel that.

[Nicole]

I just know if I have the option to get magic, there is no way I could sleep at night if I don't go after that option, even if I die in the process.

[Kira Lewis]

Yep.

[Nicole]

Such a mood.

[Lexi]

Okay, so along these same lines, what color dragon would you bond?

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, girl, look, I love me some Adorno. I'm just gonna have to go with the gold.

[Nicole]

And last but not least, favorite book boyfriend.

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, girl, come. Don't disrespect me. You got the books up there. You actually got my man up there. Through and through, he was already number one. But Ani Storm sealed the deal. I always say, I think that's Rebecca's best work yet. Cause the way I was literally just twisting my hand, giggling every time he said something, I said, yeah, my middle name is definitely gonna be violin now.

[Lexi]

Okay, so the way that he says love is just like, hi, everything.

[Kira Lewis]

I was just like, yes, Daddy X. Whatever you say.

[Nicole]

So how did you feel about the ending of Onyx Storm then?

[Kira Lewis]

Hey, she had us gagged. And I'm not even gonna lie. Also, I don't know about y'all, but it took me a second to comprehend. I was reading it on live and I was like, wait, what did she tell her? What's going on? And I. I even kept flipping the last page. I'm like, yeah, but it's there. I'm like, they must have misprinted my book. But then when I took a second, I was like, oh, this is how she gonna leave us? Is she gonna leave us like this for two years?

[Lexi]

When we were talking to her, we were kind of giving her a hard time about how the book was like that. And. And Rebecca actually said. She's like, I did not mean for that. That was just part of the printing. And I did not know that until everybody started talking about it. And it's like, oh, oops, insane.

[Kira Lewis]

I'm like, you can one extra paragraph after that to end it on the next page. Nothing. No, she said, go and close the book. Go on and cry. Get over.

[Nicole]

I'll never forget Lexi and I, because we rented a hotel room to read the whole book in together. Cause we did the midnight release party, right? And then we went to our hotel room so that we were free of husbands and children and all that kind of stuff. And we were just like able to zero in and read nonstop. And it was like 11 o'clock the following night that we finished the book. And I remember just closing it and I'm like, I have no idea what just happened for the last 100 pages. And I was like, oh, like we can have fantasy fangirls figure that out. And then I was like, fuck, we are the fantasy fan girls now.

[Kira Lewis]

Y'all gotta get to thinking now.

[Nicole]

The last year and a half journey first and fore. Actually, I don't even have this on the list. What made you pick up Harry Potter and start this journey so?

[Kira Lewis]

Honestly, it was out of curiosity. I think at the time I was already doing Booktok for a year, but I was always just doing romance and spicy books. And it was getting close to Christmas time, which we all know that's Harry Potter season, basically. So I remember like November came and I was like, I'm just curious, mind you. I didn't know like, you know, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Hunger Games, these are big series. But until I started reacting to it, I didn't realize how huge or how massive the following was. So I just remember making a post and I was like, you know, it's Christmas time. Let me just see what the hype is about. Because this series came out, what, over two decades ago and y'all still yap, yap, yapping about it. That's. That's gonna be me too. Fast forward two decades later, but I was like, y'all still just yap, yap, yapping about it. What's the hype? And mind you, my dad and my brothers, they love the series. My parents rarely read, but that was one of the few series that my dad read and like forced my brothers to read. So I just remember telling my brothers and they were like, oh my gosh, you're not ready. You're not ready. I'm like, baby, it's a kid's book. How ready do I need to be? I don't think it's gonna be that crazy. I picked up the first book. I'm like, woo hoo, this is fun. And honestly, right after the first book, that's when I started to see my following grow and see people just get anticipated with me, like reading the series, like, oh, I can't wait till she gets the third, the fifth book. And I mean, as we know it, I thought it was just going to be some light hearted, fun Disney Channel type of series. And we've seen me cry and sob so many times online. So it ended up honestly being something that I needed in that moment, but something that now I understand why people are still connected to it, why people still yap, yap, yap about it. Why some people are like, girl, I don't care what's going on in the world, Cousin Harry will be my cousin through and through for the rest of my life. So I'm glad I went down that journey of discovering Harry Potter.

[Lexi]

And yeah, I mean, it's still both of our comfort audiobooks. So like Harry Potter audiobooks is literally my white noise every single night. I think for the last decade.

[Nicole]

I listened to the, the Ministry infiltration last night, literally to fall asleep. That was my fall asleep.

[Kira Lewis]

That's what I want to do next. Because the first time I just wanted to read it, but I know There's a big debate on like, Jim Dill, Stephen Fry. I'm like, I don't even know which one to listen to.

[Nicole]

I've only ever really listened to the full series with Jim Dale. I've listened to snippets with Stephen Fry, but because it's so comforting to me, I just gravitate towards Jim Dale. So that's my. I'm gonna call it preference, but it's really just because it's what I started with.

[Kira Lewis]

Yeah, no, I've noticed. I noticed the Americans we attract to the Jim Dale, and I did hear snippets of Stephen Fry and I was like, okay, I can understand why non Americans love that one. But they're both great.

[Lexi]

Yeah, Yeah. I hear a lot of people who say, well, you have to listen to the Stephen Fry because it is more of like that English feeling to it. Yeah. So I. You really can't go wrong though. Really can't go wrong. But yeah, no, like, it's my comfort because it is so ingrained in, in my life. Like it just has always been. Yeah. Well, I know that you mentioned a few weeks ago or whenever you kind of a few days after you finished the series, that you were still processing. And it does take a little bit of time to process after finishing all of it. And how are you doing? A quick check in on you, a wellness check in.

[Nicole]

How are you doing mentally, spiritually, physically?

[Kira Lewis]

I'm not even gonna lie. The emotions tried to come up last night and I still shoot them away because I feel like once I finally cope with the emotions, then in my head, even though I know it's not done, then it's finally done. So I'm doing the opposite of what my therapist tell me. I'm running from the emotions right now because it's just been such a great journey and I have, like gone through emotions as I read each book. But I'm like, It's just. I'm trying not to comprehend this is it. I'm like, come on, it gotta be. It gotta be a couple chapters, another book laying around somewhere. But yeah, hopefully. Hopefully next month or a couple weeks, we'll finally process everything.

[Nicole]

So you're in New York. Are you gonna get a chance to go see Cursed Child?

[Kira Lewis]

Yes, yes, I do wanna go next month. They've already invited me, but I'm like, okay, let me. I don't know if I should finish because I haven't watched Half Blood Prince or the last two Deathly Hollows. I don't know if I should watch that. Then see Cursed Child. Even though I know it's. Yeah, like separate or just go see Cursed Child. But I definitely want to see the play.

[Lexi]

So I've only read the. I call it the play script of it. And I was personally not impressed by it. Just. But I hear that everyone's like, no, you don't. You don't read the script. You have to go see the play. The play with all the visuals and how it comes to life, that is where you don't have to worry about the plot as much. And I'm like, okay, I can't wait to see the play whenever.

[Kira Lewis]

Exactly. That's what they. As soon as I had like at least 10 DMs of people telling me not to read the play, I said, you ain't gotta tell. You ain't gotta tell. D twight.

[Nicole]

Don't read the manuscript.

[Kira Lewis]

I said, I already got too many books on my tbr, so let's not even. Let's move on to the next one.

[Nicole]

Yeah, well, okay, you mentioned books on your tbr. What's highest on your tbr?

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, well, I'm currently. I said I was gonna start Hunger Games, but aside from that series, girl, I really wanna get into my Brandon Sanderson era. I haven't read him. I'm looking at Mistborn. I'm like, I need to. I think he's gonna be next after Hunger Games. Because I've been. He's another one where I'm like, what the hype is about. But I know he's great. Like, there's never been anything bad said about his writing.

[Lexi]

So we both read only Mistborn Hayden, our producer. He is absolutely obsessed with the Sanderson world. And yeah. So, oh my gosh. I. Mistborn is really good. It's a very. I'll call it like, dense fantasy, but there isn't like, the same, like, as in depth, you know, romantic sort of stuff to it. So I think that would actually be a really good thing for after Hunger Games.

[Nicole]

Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Hunger Games is so good. I just finished Sunrise on the Reaping and I'm still heartbroken. Oh, I sobbed. Like, I. I finished it and I was like, what? Like I knew how it was gonna end. Because you find out in specifically Hunger Games too. And yet I was still like, are you motherfucking kidding me? Right? Meow. Like, this is how it ends. Oh my. I was so mad and yet so sad and so heartbroken. It was phenomenal.

[Lexi]

So yay, have fun reading those.

[Kira Lewis]

So yay, have fun. That's why I'm going on this quick little vacation, I said, and then I gotta return back to a little solemn reading. Honestly, I thoroughly, I enjoy getting emotional, reacting, screaming, crying. It's fun.

[Lexi]

Well, so kind of along those same lines, what has it been like having so many people, specifically on this Harry Potter journey with you? Like literally millions of people, I don't think that's an exaggeration, have been with you on this journey. And I know how our DMs look and can only imagine what yours look like.

[Kira Lewis]

It's definitely, I mean, it's been crazy for one, because I wasn't intending on it for it to reach as large as it did. But overall I feel like it's been. Aside from once you get used to the overwhelming DMs, the comments, you start to really feel like it's a community, like a family of its own. And it's like, even though I'm not constantly like talking to them, that's why I try to make my videos as FaceTime me as possible. Like, I know that I can reach someone in South Africa, just like their comment can reach me. So honestly, it gave me a sense of community and a sense of home that I haven't had and probably since I was a kid.

[Lexi]

That's how we really feel about the fantasy community in general. Like that we had no idea when we started the podcast that it would turn into a community of people where it really is like that and seeing what you've been doing with your Harry Potter journey and just like how so many people, it's just such a positive light. Even when you are crying and things like that, it is just, it's, it's so nice. It's so nice.

[Kira Lewis]

Especially I feel like us as readers, since it's our job most of the time too, we're always at home. But even readers that work their 9 to 5 we reading is something that doesn't call for you to like, go outside your home. So a lot of times readers, especially when it's cold, we're secluded in our homes. So that's why I'm so grateful for the book community booktok Bookstagram because even when I might be at home by myself, all I need to do is make a video or a comment under somebody else and I can instantly feel that connection with another reader, which is cool.

[Nicole]

I feel like, especially with the reboom of reading recently. I mean, we only have to look at Barnes and Noble and what happened.

[Lexi]

With their resurgence recently.

[Nicole]

I feel like there's become such a. I'm a reader. You're a reader. Instant best friends.

[Kira Lewis]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

And there's this converting other friends to become readers.

[Nicole]

Converting other friends like I did with Lexi. And like, all of these different things where it's just like that instant, instant connection that I feel like we haven't had as a society in a while. And it's just so nice. It's just so nice to, like, go to Barnes and Noble or go to a bookstore and immediately look around and be like, I can be friends with any of these people if. If we wanted to talk to each other, which I normally don't because I get scared.

[Kira Lewis]

You the opposite of me. I'll be at a store. I see somebody pick up a book I read, I instantly walk up to them. You gonna love it. Go on and get it. Nobody can pay for it for you.

[Lexi]

Real quickly, how often do you get recognized out in the wild?

[Kira Lewis]

Honestly, quite often. Especially at the. When I was at Universal for Harry Potter World last week. I wouldn't say it was crazy. It wasn't like a whole fan group, but, like, whenever I would walk into a store or walk somewhere, there'll be a few people that be like, cousin Harry, or sometimes they don't even. One girl, I was just walking by and she looked at me. And sometimes I forget I do social media. So I'm from Texas. I'm like, what you looking at? But I didn't do. I didn't do that because I'm teaching myself. I'm like, calm down, girl. You never know. And she just kept walking. She looks at me, she say, scavengers. And then I turn around and I said. She was like, oh, it's you. And I was like, yeah. So I've had a few people. I had a few people just yell scabbers to me. And I'm like, it's the fact that it's not my name, but I instantly know what they do. I love.

[Nicole]

That's the rallying cry.

[Lexi]

That's amazing.

[Kira Lewis]

She's like, I wasn't sure it was you. So I just wanted to say that. And I was like, yeah, I'm the Scabbers girl.

[Lexi]

I'm the Scabbers girl.

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, my God.

[Nicole]

Okay, wait. So while we're on community and specifically around, like, social media and comments right now, how on earth did you avoid spoilers, girl? Did you get spoiled for anything?

[Kira Lewis]

I will say this was kind of bizarre, but shout out to my friend Andrea. Cause she really held it out in the beginning. I don't know. It was probably up until the Fourth book, I gave her my password for Instagram to literally go. And she would spend time while she was, like, working, go through my comments, deleting any spoilers, which she is a good friend, girl. Real, real. Don't worry. I took her out and bought her some books. So, yes, I was like, I really appreciate you doing this for me. So in the beginning, she was doing that. And then, honestly, it just got to a point where the last. I would say the last book or two, I would post a video and read probably the first 30 seconds to 3 minutes of comments, and then I'm off. So I was able to train myself to especially DMS. I was able to train myself not to view DMs, not to really engage with comments, which sucks. I know a lot of people were like, well, just turn them off. And I'm like, but when I'm done with the series, I want to go back and read what y'all were saying, which I've been doing daily. Now I'm like, oh. So they caught me. And they thought, now I'm able to interact more and understand the different drops. But there has been a few, like, minors. Actually, somebody. I will. I can't say this now because at the time I was like, oh, my God, I hope this is not true. There were a couple people that was trying to throw me off. Like, somebody commented Harry died. Someone comment Haggard died. And for those instances, I would. Y'all are the first people I'm telling about that. But I would literally have to text my brother and be like, or somebody tried to throw me off with half black friends. I don't know who they said, but I would literally text my younger brother. And I'm like, because he doesn't remember the story. I'm like, look on Google, tell me this is not true. And I only asked him that for Half Life Prince. But for Hagrid, I was just like, girl, if he died, I'm just gonna have to. I don't know, I'm just gonna have to cope with it. But thankfully, with Hagrid and Harry, for sure it wasn't true. But also, thankfully, when they commented that it was at the beginning of the series. And so mind you, I read the series for a year and a half. I'm forgetting different things left and right. But now, being done with the series, I'm like, oh, y'all tried to trip me up with these two, but thankfully, they was lies.

[Nicole]

Yeah, I can only imagine reading Harry Dies and then getting to the forest again, chapter where Harry does die. And being like, are you fucking kidding me?

[Lexi]

Your video. When you're like, I swear to God, have I been reading these books?

[Kira Lewis]

No. I remember psyching myself out. Cause that's when I remembered. I was like, wait. I feel like I did see it coming. Someone said, harry died. And I said, if I've been reading this series for a year and a half and the main character died, I said, I'm done. I'm done. I'm not trusting the Internet with no other series. And I remember I even texted my friend that has read Harry Potter. And I was like, did Harry die? I was like, tell me yes or no. But also, I'm not done, so don't spoil it for me. Literally, I have those text messages. I was like, but I'm not done, so you can't spoil it for me. So he's like, I don't know what to tell you.

[Lexi]

That's one of those keep reading stickers.

[Kira Lewis]

He didn't even respond. I thought he going to say, keep reading. He was like, you'll be okay. I said, okay. Wasn't hearing die, I will not be okay. And mind you, I just read the next chapter. And I said, oh, okay. I said, maybe my parents was right. Maybe I am a little bit dramatic. But at the time, it felt like my world was ending.

[Lexi]

Man, it does feel like that. When you read that, it's like, what? So what was your favorite? Now that you've read all of them, what was your favorite Harry Potter book and why?

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, at least at the time. I'm between Goblet of Fire and Half Blood Prince. Yes.

[Lexi]

My tail.

[Kira Lewis]

Thank you, Goblet of Fire. We got to see them be kids. I'll never forget seeing my cousin. Like, I think I really enjoyed them being kids when they were nervous. Finding dates for the dance. Hermione. And my boy. What was his name?

[Lexi]

Crumb.

[Kira Lewis]

Crumb.

[Nicole]

Victor Crumb.

[Lexi]

Crumb.

[Kira Lewis]

Delicious Crumb. Delish, by the way.

[Lexi]

Oh, my gosh. We met him at Leakycon this past year. The guy who played Crumb and I made a joke and it totally landed so flat with him. And I was so embarrassed.

[Nicole]

He was so, so kind and so nice. And we were so awkward and I.

[Lexi]

Wasn'T like, really like. And he's like, way more serious, grounded.

[Kira Lewis]

Come on, Crumb. Delicious.

[Nicole]

Why Half Blood Prince?

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, okay. So reading about Voldemort, because in the beginning, of course, we all hate Voldemort, but reading about his back history, the way she wrote it especially. I'll never forget the first chapter I think that's probably my favorite chapter out of the series. The way she wrote it, I was just like, who comes up with these things?

[Lexi]

But the Other Minister chapter.

[Kira Lewis]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

Oh, my gosh. Right? And then how the other Minister is. Actually, I just left it. And like all the stuff about like from. I'm like, literally getting chills right now, like with. With Sirius Black and just like, like seeing how it all progressed and it's like, this is so cool, girl.

[Kira Lewis]

All the puzzles pieced together so that as well as. I don't know why. I just remember being so going crazy when I found out Snape was a Half Blood Prince. Goblet of Fire and Half Blood Prince to me are just my favorites. Yeah. And it's hard to compare. What are yalls?

[Nicole]

What would you say mine is? Half Blood Prince. Very closely followed by Goblet of Fire. But I love the villain backstory is so, so juicy. Especially when it's like, I'm not rooting for the villain, but I'm not rooting for Voldemort by any means. I want to make that very clear. But like, I understand their not reasonable, but like, you can see why they are the way that they are.

[Kira Lewis]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

I love that when it's not just their evil. Full stop.

[Lexi]

It was like he was evil, but it was like seeing him being so manipulative and. And just like being.

[Nicole]

Seeing how he's such a mastermind and not just this chaotic villain, you know, Like, I loved it. Oh my God.

[Lexi]

Goblet of Fire is actually my all time favorite book. Like, full stop. Half Blood Prince is also up there for the exact same reasons that you all are saying. And then I would also put the third Harry Potter book because it was just so cool how like you got like his parents or his dad's backstory.

[Kira Lewis]

Right.

[Lexi]

And I loved Lupin. While it's definitely not my favorite, just as far as the nostalgia goes, the first book has such a near and dear. Like, it's like the classic journey, right? It's like just like introduced to the world and like meeting Hagrid for the first time. Like, those are some of my favorites.

[Nicole]

Well. And then I'll even say in chapter one of book one, like when you go back to reread it, there is Horcrux stuff in chapter one of. And you're like, oh my God. Like it really showed. The plotting was plotting. The plotting was plotting.

[Lexi]

Yeah. So which character from Harry Potter would you say that you're most like?

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, basic. I feel like there's a Time where maybe it's because I'm reading it as an adult. So there's a time where while reading the entire series, I was able to connect with each one. But to answer the question, I mean, he got his name for a reason. Cousin Harry. Whether it be the whole found family, him not having his family as he grew up, him just going. Literally just getting beat down with obstacle after obstacle and still perseverant, still being resilient through it all. Yeah, that's my cousin. I get emotional talking about him. Oh, yeah.

[Lexi]

Amazing. I love that too.

[Nicole]

So one of my favorite books, not like, not of the Harry Potter series, but just like. Like, I appreciate it the most. Maybe that's the best way to put it, is actually Book five and the. And the Order of the Phoenix. Because Harry, a lot of people are like, Harry's so unlikable in that book. And I'm like, he's a fucking teenage boy who just wants to play sports and date girls. Like.

[Lexi]

And he's been through a lot of shit, okay?

[Nicole]

And it's so. He's so realistic in all the books, really. But that one specifically, I just. I love his. His attitude. I love that he's not afraid to be unlikable in that book.

[Kira Lewis]

Yeah. The sassy. And I also wonder if that's because I think if I was a teenager reading about another teenager, I'd probably be like, oh, my God, you are annoying. But reading it again as an adult where I'm like, well, I remember being a kid, I was sassy. And imagine me going through what I went through as a kid. Plus on top of that, he got a. Like you said, he got a fight. Voldemort doing this. And he just literally, he just wanted to kiss Cho. That's all he wanted, just to kiss Joe. He couldn't even do it. Or it came out with. So I'm like, my boy was struggling, so I understand. And I loved it. I'm like, I love a little sassy character pop off.

[Lexi]

So I'm gonna ask a dark question here. Which character's death was the hardest for you?

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, but she's gonna say who I want to fight. If I say Bellatrix.

[Lexi]

Oh, my gosh, that's. She had the most satisfying ending.

[Nicole]

I'd say it was her death. And then Voldemort. It's like, in that order.

[Kira Lewis]

Someone even comment on my video, they were like, I'm surprised you didn't react crazier to Voldemort. Because in my video, I was just like, finally. Because literally Finally. I'm not cheering. I don't care. I'm just like, it's about time, playa. We on the last 20 pages of the book. Let's get this over with. But I'm the hardest. Oh, I feel like I would have to rank them.

[Lexi]

While you're thinking, I'll go ahead and say mine. Mine was Fred. Because that felt like. With George and Fred. And it's like, come on. Everybody else felt like there was somewhat of a reason. Like there was some kind of character development to their death. And not him, not my Fred. That was like, that's my hardest character death of any series.

[Kira Lewis]

And I will say I do connect with Fred. I think if I would just do, like, the top few. Mine to be, which I'm surprised by. But I think it's just that finally seeing Cousin Harry have some type of father figure in his life that really stabbed me. So it would be Uncle Sirius. Fred.

[Nicole]

Dobby, Sirius is mine because I loved Sirius. But I also loved that he. He never got to be in his 20s. And he kind of lived vicariously through Harry and was a little, I'm gonna say, immature. But, like, they bonded so much. And like, you're saying he finally got a father figure and then it's like, psych. And it's like, are you fucking kidding me? And his death also just. It was so avoidable. I'm not gonna say it's Harry's fault by any means, but from that butterfly effect of Harry deciding to go be a hero, it's like, it was so avoidable. And it's just that one. That one ripped my heart out. But Dobby's obviously so high up there.

[Kira Lewis]

Because can we give also Ms. Hermione her credit? How many times was she right in this doggone book?

[Lexi]

I know the boys listen to Hermione.

[Nicole]

I'll try to find it and send it to you. Unless someone already has. But it's all of the Harry Potter books renamed from Hermione's perspective. And it's so funny. And I'm pretty sure Order of the Phoenix is like Harry Potter. And you should have just listened to Hermione.

[Kira Lewis]

Like, it's like every time. And sometimes I'm a man, I always would be a team Cousin Harry. I'm like, no, no, no, Hermione, just relax. Let Cousin Harry go do what he gotta do. And every time she just be like, I told you. I told you so. Honestly, that's what she should have said. But I know Cousin Harry would have been fed up. But, oh, my God, he never meant love. I didn't tell you and Ron. How many times y'all still not listening.

[Nicole]

Okay, okay, so who is your favorite ship? So like I'm gonna say Bill Fleur, Ron and Hermione. Harry and Ginny. Harry and Cho.

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, I mean, it's kind of easy. But I will say, of course, the obvious, mine would be Harry and Jenny. I love me some Jenny. In the book, I know they say the movies are different, I ain't got there yet. But in the book she is sassy. That's why I always match with her. And she doesn't take any BS from her brothers, any boys. And I love a girl especially. She wasn't even a woman at that time. She was a 14, 15 year old girl standing on business. So I love that. But I will say I was excited to see about Downtime. Something happened with Ron and Hermione and it didn't surprise me that it had to be Hermione to make the first move because I was like, boy, Ron, y'all would be 50 years old still just arguing, not even together.

[Nicole]

I love that moment where they finally kiss. And Harry's like, oi, is this really the right time?

[Lexi]

Like, come on. It's like, well, we might die.

[Kira Lewis]

We are in war. I said, I do feel that, cousin, but get him a little second.

[Nicole]

Oh, my God. I love the moment where Ron and Hermione, it's like they wake up, I think they're in Grimwald place, and their hands like, look like they were holding hands in their sleep. And. And Harry's like, oh, I feel. I feel like a third wheel right now.

[Kira Lewis]

And it's like, oh, my God, poor cousin Harry couldn't date till after everything ended.

[Lexi]

I know. And even Ron cockblocking him when he does try to get a little something.

[Nicole]

Ron.

[Kira Lewis]

That's another reason why I love Jenny. When she was like, I was just thinking about when you're gone, I just wanted to give you something to remember me by. Because no telling what other girl's gonna be out there. Hero's like, do you think I got time for that? She said, I say period. Let them know where home is. Let them know where the wifey is at. Jenny.

[Lexi]

Yes.

[Kira Lewis]

Let them know I love them.

[Nicole]

Oh, my God. Okay, pivoting ever so slightly, what was the moment that surprised you the most in your read? And all seven books are on the table.

[Kira Lewis]

I think I gotta. It's either gonna be Dumbledore or Daddy Snape.

[Nicole]

Girl, Daddy Snape is everything to me.

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, my God. I Feel like we were enemies to lovers this entire book series. I hated him. I loved him. I hated him. I loved him, Lord. But honestly, I would say the whole daddy snake. Cause I had suspicions. I'm like, yes, you are beefing with my cousin. But I did have suspicion of maybe there's something deeper to it. But I didn't know he was just. I know Dumbledore always trusted him but I didn't realize just how extreme it was of like him playing this Death Eater, which I do like to defend Daddy Snape because a lot of people say he was mean to Cousin Harry. He had to be a Death Eater. Do you think he could be a Slytherin teacher and just nice to all the Gryffindors? He was playing his role when shit hit the fan. He also helped Cousin Harry out by giving him. Sending him that dough and giving him the damn Gryffindor sword. Yeah, time and time again he was pro Harry. Now, he might not have showed it. He might have been a little sassy, all that but I'd rather have you sassy saving my life than you just, I don't know, not doing that. So I'm pro. But yeah, I would say that situation. Also the Dumbledore girl, that seventh book, I really thought. I don't know, I really thought he, he had ill intentions with Cousin Harry. But finishing the book again as an adult, I know as a kid I probably would have not like Dumbledore as so many other people. But as an adult, I'm like, all right, we making mistakes. We have. As long as our intentions are good, we try to change from that. I really can't judge you.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Nicole]

Okay. So that actually leads me to another question and that is what do you think the difference was reading this as an adult versus reading it as a kid? Because I also read it for the first time as an adult fully.

[Kira Lewis]

Okay.

[Nicole]

And I felt like it was a totally different experience. But given what you've just gone through, I'd love to hear your perspective on this.

[Kira Lewis]

I would say, well, by being an adult, you have more life experience. You also typically are more emotionally intelligent so you can try to put yourself or yeah, you're more sympathetic so you can try to put yourself in other people's shoes. Whereas 14, 15 year old, at least me, a lot of things was black and white. If my friend did this, oh, so you don't like me. So we're not friends anymore. Whereas as an adult I can try to put myself in her shoes. But what was her intentions? Why do you think she did that? Did she really not like me or was. I don't know. Things just happen and life just turned out the way it did. So I think I'm just. At least me, I'm able to put myself in other people's shoes and just try to be more understanding and forgiveness. Now if somebody is just really just being mean and ill and their intentions aren't good and they repeatedly. That's my biggest thing too, as a human being. If you repeatedly, if I tell you, hey, this hurt my feelings, I don't like the way you did or said this, and we move on and you still do that again, then that's when there's an issue. But if I tell you that and you start to take initiative to change, then what? Am I still going to hold a grudge? Ain't nobody perfect. I even say that I'm like, I know people like my videos, but I'm not a perfect person. I'm not a perfect friend. But I am always trying to learn and grow and be better. And I think that's what makes a great child, a great wife, a daughter, friend, whatever it is. It's about the process. Are you trying to grow? Are you trying to learn? Are you trying to be better?

[Lexi]

I read the books for, like, when I was a teenager and I think I was 17 actually when the books came out. I was right around Harry's age and it was like, they were so important to me back then and. But then as I got older, not to get super dark here, but my best friend passed away. And then I really gravitated to the books again because then it was a representation of death and like, really helped me process death because of how Harry does deal with grief and how Dumbledore guides him with how, you know, they are always still with him and things like that. And ever since that, like, the books have been cemented where, you know, people have made fun of me for liking kids books before. Like, I once had a co worker and I was like, these are not children's books. Like I. I know like the first few are, but like, it gets dark and it's like really like this learning experience about the layers of people and imperfections and, and dealing with grief and just how complex the world really is. Yeah, pivot again here. I. First of all, I loved your theory boards. I have a gigantic whiteboard that I do my theories on. I have not recorded them yet for people, but I know I need to at some point. What was some of your favorite crazy theories that did not happen and then your ones that you were most proud of, that did happen.

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, good question. Good question. I feel like I can only remember my last whiteboard, but I just remember I had a theory. I don't know what was going on. I don't know if I had too many margaritas, but I just remember I was reading Deathly Hallows and then I pulled out my whiteboard and I was like, I got a theory that James Potter, Snape and Voldemort, they're like all related. They're all brothers. It was just something to the extreme of that where when people heard me talking about it, they was like, that's. They were born in like different years. So they were like, that's not. I'm trying to think, who did I have for a half Blood Prince? I know with Scabbers, I was extremely. I don't know who I thought it would be, but when I found out it was Scabbard's Girl, I was just so upset. I'm like a doggone rat. What's that?

[Nicole]

I think my favorite video is you. You're reading Prisoner of Azkaban. You have like 100ish pages left and you're like, I don't understand any plot twists that could happen here. And then it smash cuts to you screaming about Scabbers. And it is the most satisfying smash cut I've ever seen in my entire life. Cause Scabbers can rot in hell. I swear to God.

[Kira Lewis]

I think I had so many just. I don't even consider Scavage a damn real person, but I just had so many other people where I'm like a rat. Play a Hermione. They had you in a doggone or not Hermione. Ron had you in his pocket for all these damn years. And little did he know and he's.

[Lexi]

Like, I mess up on your bed.

[Nicole]

He said, it's the same. Here's my favorite part. Imagine a 13 year old boy and what hobbies 13 year old boys tend to do in bed.

[Lexi]

And Scabbers was in my life right there.

[Nicole]

I saw that and I was like, oh my God.

[Kira Lewis]

I remember some of the things you.

[Lexi]

Read about when you're reading it as an adult versus a kid. Because that is never transforming.

[Kira Lewis]

I thought you was doing just. Yeah, just watching. Yeah, Okay, a little sketch.

[Nicole]

All right. Rounding this out and that is, you have had the most incredible year and a half. What has been your, like, looking back, what has been your favorite part? And like, not just related to reading the series and all that kind of stuff, but but going beyond all the experiences you've had, the community you've built, what's been the standout, the one that's.

[Kira Lewis]

At the top of my mind, would be because I was also able to meet Potterheads and people that have watched me from the journey. So I would say being able to host the Harry Potter Back to Hogwarts with my cousin in law, Jenny, which is crazy because at the time I didn't get to the part where they were married and I was calling her oh. Cause I knew they were dating in the book and I was calling her my cousin in law. And I remember posting the video or filming the video and she was like, I don't mind being your cousin law. And I forgot the comments. But people were just. Or they were just like leaving eggs in the sense of like, oh, she doesn't even. She doesn't even know what she did. She actually did manifest them getting married. So I think that was. That was just a great moment because that was like a moment of like, oh, this isn't just a year just reading at home and thousands or thousands of thousands of people are watching a video. Like, this is something where I finally felt like I was a part of the community of doing something, hosting it with her and then just meeting other Potterheads. And they were telling me their favorite scenes while still not spoiling it, which I appreciate it. So I think that's the one that comes. Comes to the top of my mind.

[Nicole]

That's so cool.

[Lexi]

I remember when seeing the video of you two doing that together, because a few months ago when Nicole and I were at Leakycon, Bonnie was actually there. And so we had the chance to meet her when we met. Yeah. She was so, so sweet, so kind. And Percy. Chris. So we met Chris.

[Nicole]

Chris Rankin.

[Lexi]

Yes. I don't know if you've met him, but he is like, we're friends in the DMs and stuff like that.

[Nicole]

And he's the best. And then I know you met Trey. I am Black Harry.

[Kira Lewis]

Yes.

[Nicole]

Love him. Oh, my God.

[Kira Lewis]

I met him a couple times. He is so cool. He's actually reading Throne of Glass, so we've been doing that. Yeah.

[Nicole]

Have you read Throne of Glass Girl?

[Kira Lewis]

No. I started to. Look, that's another series. I started the first book. So I want to get. There's so many series I want to get back into. Or. Yeah, continue reading. But that's one of them that maybe after Hunger Games I want to do.

[Lexi]

Yeah.

[Kira Lewis]

But you know who I want to meet? I want to meet my boy Fred, Because I know I'm a cry. I want to meet the twins so bad.

[Nicole]

You need to, like, hug him and be like, you're real, you're real, you're real, you're alive.

[Kira Lewis]

It's okay. Because it can't. He comes to save you and then don't worry about it.

[Nicole]

Wait, so how many books are you reading at one time? I feel like you are in the middle of so many.

[Kira Lewis]

Yeah, I had to slow it down because in January I was in between five books. Literally, like some days I would wake up, read a dog on dark romance. Then the next day I was like, oh, you know what? I want something else. But now I tell myself we gotta slow down, we gotta do well. It's not one book at a time. I think I'm in three, but to me that's normal.

[Lexi]

I just wanna say too, like, I know that you've moved to New York over the past year and such, partly for. If you don't mind elaborating on that a little bit more like, congratulations, and I'm so proud of you in this journey that you've been on and would love to hear a little bit more like behind the scenes about how, I'll say not to be drastic, but like how Booktok has changed your life.

[Kira Lewis]

Oh, girl, Booktok has changed it in the craziest way. So before this, I'm from Texas, so before this I was doing basically I was doing like these comedic country related videos. So I decided and it was kind of taken off. Not on the Harry Potter level, but it was taken off a little bit. And so I moved to Nashville. And a lot of people don't know it, but I had dropped out of college, my parents did not support me and so I was doing DoorDash, UberEats, server, all these things. So while I was like making these videos, a lot of people even comment, they were like, why are your videos always in the car? I said, baby, because I'm trying to pay rent right now. I'm about to drop off your food in a second. Let me finish this video.

[Lexi]

So that's why my food is always cold. For now.

[Kira Lewis]

It might have been a couple of times. My bad, my bad. Look, I'm trying to do it all. So that was like 2022. And I did that for a year. And I just remember I would be crying in my car because I'm like the most at that time I would have in my account was 700, $900 and like barely stretching by to like pay rent and stuff. And I just remember I was just, like, praying, like, God, like, when will it be my time? Because I knew I love to entertain. And so it was summer of 2023, and I've never read. So you know those times you go to the store and you like, oh, this seemed like a cute book. Let me pick it up. I had that book for, like, four, five years. I picked up a romance book. I just remember reading it. Mind you, at the time, I just thought it was so spicy. So I went to my Instagram store and I was like, girl, I don't even think this is legal, what they do with, like. I'm like, I don't even know if you could be talking about spicy.

[Nicole]

Wait, wait, what's the book you have?

[Kira Lewis]

It wasn't even that craz. It was the Girl with Stars in Her Eyes. It was like a rock star romance. But now, as we read other spicy books, I would rate it like a 2.5 on the spice as a new reader. Girl, I said, I just remember freaking out on my Instagram story. People laughed, they liked it. And I was like, well, I have a TikTok account. But I was just like, well, let me just pick up another book and then. And then just see where it goes. So I picked up Ugly Love, and I remember making my first video, and I was like, colleen Hoover. Da da da, da da. Just going, literally going crazy. And that kind of like, took off. It had like half a million views. And so I was like, well, maybe we got something. And I didn't know what booktok was, so that's when I finally searched it. I was like, books that girls like to read. I didn't even know about the hashtag. I was like, books that girls like to read. Like, I need other books. And I had found Verity that took off. Coho had, like, reposted and reshared it. And then that's when I got my first publisher to reach out. And they were like, hey, would love to work with you. What's your rates? I said, rates? I said, baby, I'm doing doordash. I didn't even know this thing exists. And after that, I got a few deals. Like, slowly but surely, by the start of 2024, I was able to go full time. So I always attest to people. I'm like, girl, y'all don't know. I was struggling. Like, I post. Post these videos because there was a time where I couldn't. There was no other option. Like, I couldn't afford to pay rent to eat. I was literally eating Peanut butter sandwiches. So I'm like, key, don't play about this. So by the time 2024 hit, I was able to go full time and I just remember being in Nashville and I'm like, I kind of feel like I've done all I could here. I mean, I'm doing bookish related content, but there's no book events. So that's when I had the idea to move to New York. I'm like, not only is it a big city, which I'm used to being from Houston, Texas, but I'm near publisher, so I'll have more opportunities to like, whether it be work with them. Honestly, when I first moved out here, my first opportunity was being on the Kelly Clarkson show.

[Lexi]

Oh, yes, exactly.

[Kira Lewis]

Yeah. That's what I knew. I was so exciting. I'm meant to be out here. Yes.

[Lexi]

Like, I'm tearing up right now because that is. I'm just again, so excited for you and seeing how much you've blossomed with your life and living it to the best and just excited.

[Nicole]

So seriously.

[Kira Lewis]

Thank you. And I'm excited for you ladies too. I feel like if that's one thing, of course you'll get laughs out of this podcast, but I hope that's one thing people get of like, no matter what your dream is, no matter how far you feel like you are from it, keep going. There's so many people that want to be, that want to have our jobs. It just like you read, you make videos, make the podcast. I always say what I'm doing, you could do. You might not want to do it to the extreme, throwing books and stuff, but it's. Anyone can do it. It doesn't happen overnight. It's going to take years. It's going to take a lot of grind of late night sessions, but it can happen and it's possible.

[Nicole]

I'll never forget I was at a podcasting conference like two, three weeks, weeks before Lexi and I started Fantasy Fan Girls. And because I had another show and I was calling Lexi because after the first day, I only attended like kind of the big, the big dogs sessions. And it was all these asshole white guys just on stage being like, if you want to get a, you know, if you want to get a deal, you have to have X amount of downloads. And like if you're not successful in the first, but like it was so toxic. And so I'm calling Lexi, I'm in the car sobbing my eyes out, just being like, I'm never gonna make it. Like, I'm never gonna get the Podcasting thing. I'm never gonna understand how this works. And Lexi's like, you're here for a reason. Just keep going. You're. And then two, three weeks later, I was.

[Lexi]

I think I was reading Acotar at the time.

[Kira Lewis]

You were.

[Nicole]

I remember, because I forced you. So. But yeah.

[Kira Lewis]

Were you doing the podcast solo?

[Nicole]

I was doing pre previously. I had a. I had a different show with my other business that I had, um, which, like, I was getting. Like, I was getting, like, Sunday scaries prior to it. Like, I was just so burnt out on it, and I just. Something like nothing was feeling passion and fulfilled in it. And then I read these books and, like, my whole life, suddenly it was Acotar that got me back into reading. And it was like my whole life suddenly felt like. This sounds so cheesy, but it's so real. It's like I felt excited to wake up in the morning.

[Lexi]

Well, because we were both so immersed in, like, the. The personal development. And it was like, if I throw myself into what I'm supposed to be doing, I can improve. And it was like there was just something missing. Missing.

[Kira Lewis]

Yeah.

[Lexi]

And apparently it was Bat Boys with, you know.

[Nicole]

Damn straight it was.

[Lexi]

My Cassian was missing.

[Nicole]

Daddy.

[Kira Lewis]

Reese, my man.

[Nicole]

Oh, my God. Last question for you, and that is looking ahead now, what are you most looking forward to coming up?

[Kira Lewis]

Honestly, I'm excited to drop this doggone bookish podcast later this year. I want to say we're in the beginning stages, but it's still. We're. We're cooking it up right now. But I keep telling everybody, I'm like, my goal is this fall. We need. We need to do this bookish podcast. So that's what I'm excited for. Yeah.

[Nicole]

Talk more. What? Oh, my God, you're doing this.

[Kira Lewis]

It's so exciting. I can say that, but I can't say too much. I am signed with Unwell. So that's. That's the goal of us right now. I'm going to be doing short form, content with them. The goal is to. If that goes well, then to make it something more and make it a podcast. But I'm like, girl, regardless whether it's with Unwell, whether. If I gotta ask y'all for advice and we gotta kick this thing off.

[Lexi]

I was just gonna say, talk to us. Yeah.

[Nicole]

I was gonna say, if you need anything, girl, we are here for you. Seriously, anything. We're so here. I'm so excited for you. Oh, my God.

[Kira Lewis]

Honestly, even talking to y'all, and I'm looking At the hour I'm like, I can yap for a good amount of time. Because I was worried about that too. I'm like, I'm used to the one minute. You know, the fun TikTok. Talk about a book for 45 minutes. Girl, I can talk about anything for 45 minutes.

[Lexi]

I guess so can we. Even though I feel like we all know where to find you on social media and all of that kind of stuff. Plug your things. How can people reach you? How can people support you?

[Kira Lewis]

You can find me. As you can tell, I made these names before I even started making content. So you got Kiara Lewis 75 on tick tock. I don't know what the 75 mean, but they just asked for a username. That's what I'm saying. These were before I even wanted to do content. So Kiera Lewis 75 on TikTok. Kiara Lewis one for Instagram, then you can find me on YouTube. Girl, I'll be trying. But yeah, you can find me on YouTube under my name. Kiera Lewis.

[Nicole]

Kiera, this was so fun. You are such an inspiration. You are such an a light on this app and just how optimistic and wonderful you are even when you're breaking down crying about anything. I hope you know how much we adore you and how excited we are for everything that's to come. Plus, your hair is fucking fabulous. I need to just.

[Lexi]

Your hair.

[Nicole]

I've been staring at it this entire recording. I'm like, she looks so beautiful. Oh my God.

[Kira Lewis]

I had to get it French. But a Bachelorette is true.

[Nicole]

It looks so good. Oh my God.

[Kira Lewis]

Thank you, thank you.

[Lexi]

You have an amazing trip and good luck packing.

[Kira Lewis]

Yes, girl. Don't remind me of that man.

[Lexi]

Oh my gosh, that was so much fun. Thank you so much. Joining us for this special bonus episode. I just. I can't stop smiling. My cheeks hurt. I've been smiling so much. We'll be back on Monday with episode 10 of our Onyx Storm deep dive and we're going to be covering chapters 50 through 55.

[Nicole]

In case you missed it, starting in May we will be covering the Kindred's curse saga. Oh my God, we're so excited. We will be starting with book one, spark of the Everflame link to get the book is in the show notes. Thank you so much. Always, always to our executive producer, AKA our sanity manager Hayden. We freaking love ya.

[Lexi]

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram and slash our TikTok at fantasy fangirlspod. If you're watching this on YouTube, it would be amazing if you hit that subscribe button too.

[Nicole]

And while you're hitting buttons, go ahead and hit that five star rate button and write a little love note in the review section. If you have not done this not only for this show, but for any podcast that you listen to, it is one of the most easy, quick ways you can support any show you love. And last but not least, do not forget to share this with your fellow Harry Potter friends. If you have been reliving every every single ounce of Cousin Harry's journey through Kira, then please send this episode to them.

[Lexi]

Thanks so much.

[Nicole]

Bye.