Alohomora! Remembers Host Caleb Graves

Friends, we are very sad to share the news of host Caleb’s untimely and tragic passing. Caleb wasn’t just a voice behind the mic—he was a mentor, a leader, and a friend to so many in the community. His energy, humor, and kindness made everyone feel like they belonged, whether in person, a comment on the website, or over the airwaves via an episode. Caleb helped form this incredible community, creating a space where ideas flowed and friendships flourished. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his impact on our corner of the web will live on in every conversation, stream, and memory he helped shape. As we gather to remember and honor Caleb, who means so much to each of us, we invite you to share your memories in the comments below. He will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.

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When Kat and I pitched the MuggleNet staff an idea for a new podcast rereading and discussing the series, Caleb was one of the first to answer the call. While we rarely agreed (hilariously) he’d hear out every one of my crackpot theories (about the shape of quidditch goals, the symbolism behind breaking wands, etc., etc.) patiently. And we’d always end up wrapping any semi-heated conversation with a joke. I won’t forget sharing the excitement with him and the other OG hosts of eagerly watching the downloads come in for the early episodes. We hadn’t spoken in years, but I’d recently seen him popping up in my TikTok feed and imagined we’d reconnect at some point. Should not have let that sit. I’ll miss him. – Noah

 

Our love for Harry Potter brought us together. I’m beyond thankful we had so many magical adventures together! You were always there to discuss every bit of nerdy news. We laughed and sassed (and laughed some more) at countless things over this past decade. You were taken too soon from us. You spread light & joy everywhere you went. You made everyone feel special because that’s just the person you were. I will cherish these memories forever. We love you, Caleb  ❤️ – Kristen

 

Caleb was a great guy, a kind and caring soul who was always friendly, upbeat, and willing to talk to you. To say his death is both unexpected and painful is an understatement. I am deeply saddened and hope his family and those closest to him are able to celebrate the man he was and take comfort that there are many people whose lives he touched through the Internet who are also remembering him fondly. – Eric

 

One always hopes to find a new friend or two when they join a community, but never expect to find a family. Fandom in the 2010s was truly special and beyond magical, and when Alohomora! started in 2012 it quickly became a magical family for many. Caleb was and will always be a cherished part of mine. Together we explored Great Britain on a 10-day road trip (during which he, I, and Rosie bawled over Lupin’s backstory which had been released that day. I will never forget recording in that little space together, with Laura and Michael back in the States, tears running down our cheeks), opened Diagon Alley, and hosted convention panels around the world. I am forever grateful I knew and loved him during the time we had together. – Kat

 

Caleb was the first Alohomora! host I met in person. On my first big solo trip to the States, he agreed to meet me at Chicago O’Hare airport as his flight was arriving around the same time. We completely forgot to arrange an actual place in the airport to meet, but Caleb was his own guiding light, and he was easy to find in the crowd, not only because of his height but his big beaming smile and aura of comfort. It didn’t matter that we’d never met in person, we were meeting as old friends and that level of comfort and warmth is what I will always remember about Caleb. His enthusiasm, creativity, and kindness welcomed us all in and made us all his friends. I am honored to have known him and have seen the light he brought to the world. – Rosie

 

 

Author. Poet. Actor. Podcaster. Authentic. Funny. McGonagall Homeboy. Those are just a few of the many ways you could describe Caleb. But most of all, he was a selfless person and a loyal friend. I remember fondly meeting at MuggleNet and all the Potter antics that followed. From NY and DC happy hours to chats on travel, politics, and sports (the Longhorns, the Lakers, the Mavs, the Cowboys), there was never a shortage of laughs, sarcasm, and of course, “intellectual” discussion. He left a lasting imprint on anyone who had the pleasure to cross his path, whether that be in person or through the microphone, the screen, or the written word. Rest easy, my friend. May your memory be a blessing. – Micah

 

 

I only got to meet Caleb a few times in person, but at our first convention together, he made a point of helping me network with VO influencers at a time when I was focused on that as a potential career. It’s awful that someone so young and with so much talent had their life cut far too short, but one of the most important lessons I still hold onto from the Harry Potter series is that death is not the end; our memories keep the ones we love close. And much like a portrait in the wizarding world, how fortunate we are to have a piece of Caleb preserved from our time podcasting with him. – Michael

 

I didn’t have the chance to know Caleb very well personally, but as a fellow host, he was always a delight. Insightful, funny, and thoughtful, he brought passion into his every question and observation. He showed that passion all throughout his life, whether it was Texas Football, Disney, or creative arts. Our community is feeling this loss with an echoing ache and will be for a long time. – Alison

 

I’m sure I am one of many heartbroken and who absolutely loved listening to Caleb’s unique (and often science-based) takes on Harry Potter. I knew he was one of my favorite hosts as soon as he voiced his love for McGonagall, who is also one of my favorite characters. He always brought wit and laughter to the podcast, and I’m so grateful that I was able to get to know him from afar. Rest easy to a well-loved host and friend. – Bianca

I wasn’t fortunate enough to host any episodes with Caleb, but he was one of the hosts who made me fall in love with Alohomora!. His dry wit, attention to detail, and obvious chemistry with the other hosts made him a pleasure to listen to. I’m grateful to him for sharing his gifts with the world. He will be missed. – Katy

 

One of my favorite memories of Caleb is a simple one, yet one that I have continuously revisited. In 2014 after a day of panels and presentations at a Potter convention, we all gravitated to one of our hotel rooms — half twelve as we came to know it — to unwind and just be around each other. This is where we took our infamous Oscars selfie. The look of pure joy and love on our faces couldn’t be fabricated. The evening continued, and I remember a few of us and Caleb singing Ocean Avenue and Dark Blue. You had to be in the moment to understand the connection that was felt. Even though I have many more memories over the years with Caleb, that one resonates with me the most and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I will miss his voice, laugh, and passion for living life to its fullest. – Terrance

 

Like many people around the world, I got to know Caleb by listening to Alohomora! – his analysis and insights into the magical world always brought joy and light to my days. In particular, his reading and discussion of “The Forest Again” has always stuck with me. Caleb’s excellent and captivating reading brought Harry’s journey towards his end to life, and I remember having goosebumps the whole way through. Just like Caleb used to say about McGonagall, I always felt a kinship to my fellow Gryffindor and homeboy – and I will always treasure the memories of learning, cheering, and laughing along to Caleb’s journey through the Harry Potter books. I never got to meet Caleb, but I’m saddened that the universe lost a truly kind, adventurous, and beautiful soul. – Aurelia

 

 

Sadly, I never met Caleb in person, but he’s a big part of how I got into the fandom, as the show was my gateway to MuggleNet. He was one of my favorite hosts on Alohomora!, and I still have a “Minerva is My Homegirl” shirt. I joined MuggleNet as a transcriber for Alohomora! in July 2012. I always looked forward to transcribing episodes where he was on because I agreed with most of what he would say and enjoyed his funny banter with the other hosts. He talked so much about Game of Thrones that I had to check it out and was hooked. Caleb was also on my very first episode as a guest. He was so kind and gracious to a very nervous and shy me the entire time; he even emailed me after to tell me I did a good job. I had hoped he’d come back as the show was winding down. It’s unfair that his time here was so short. May his memory be a blessing. – Tracy

 

 

A haiku, courtesy of Editor Jon:

He was a kind soul
Minerva was his home girl
Rest in peace, Caleb