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Religion & Spirituality
Not Sorry Productions
It’s the English class you didn't know you missed and the meaningful conversations you didn't know you craved. Join Vanessa Zoltan and Matt Potts as they bring thought, reflection and laughter to Harry Potter; not just as novels, but as instructive and inspirational texts that will teach us about our own lives. Relive the magic of Harry Potter chapter by chapter as Matt and Vanessa explore themes such as commitment, revenge and forgiveness. This podcast creates time in your week to think about life’s big questions. Because reading fiction doesn’t just help us escape the world, it helps us live in it.Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is produced by Not Sorry Productions, a feminist organization that produces podcasts, educational content, live shows, and immersive experiences with the explicit goal of addressing the spiritual needs of its participants. Through community, rigor, and ritual, we treat traditionally secular things as if they were sacred. To learn more about what we do, visit https://notsorryworks.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Special Edition: What We’re Excited for in Half Blood Prince
Welcome to Season 6! This week, Vanessa and Casper get together to talk what they're looking forward to in Half Blood Prince. They discuss the complications of Slytherin identity, Vanessa’s feelings about Ron, and Harry’s evolution from the last book.Next week, we’re reading Chapter 1, The Other Minister, through the theme of Helplessness.’ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
27:5025/07/2019
Introducing: Hot & Bothered
Our new podcast, Hot & Bothered, officially launched today. We’re so proud to share our first episode with you: Justice for Dragons. This is the only episode of Hot & Bothered we’ll drop in this feed, so please go subscribe wherever you find your podcasts!—Vanessa Zoltan thinks that happy endings are the best part of romance novels. Bryce Gilfillian is writing his first romance novel and refuses to write a happy ending.On our very first episode of Hot & Bothered, we explore the trope of “Updated Fairytale.” Bryce sets out to write the gay fairytale he never had growing up. Meanwhile, Vanessa wrestles with her own princes, witches, and dragons.Along the way we get a little help from Professor of Folklore and Mythology at Harvard University, Maria Tatar, and receive our first writing assignment from our own fairy godmother, #1 New York Times best-selling author, Julia Quinn.You can follow along on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
48:2516/07/2019
Owl Post Edition: Reclaiming Tradition with Professor Matt Potts
What does the 4th of July mean and what should it mean? It’s Independence Day in the United States and so Casper sits down again with Professor Matt Potts to talk about tradition. They touch on marriage equality, Lectio Divina, and Matt’s favorite Christian Theologian - Julian of Norwich.This episode we also hear owl post from Rachel, Emily Ross, Ariel Weeks, Rachel Quint, and Mike Murphy.We’re taking two weeks off before we start Season 6: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. But do check back July 16th to listen to our first episode of Hot & Bothered! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42:5104/07/2019
Wrap-Up: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
In the final episode of season five, Vanessa and Casper pull out a few key insights from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They give Luna Lovegood her due praise, analyze Harry’s relationship to gifts, and Vanessa comes around more to the importance of Quidditch. Throughout the episode they unpack the growing presence of death in Harry’s life and this series.Next week, we're rounding out the season with a final Owl Post and a conversation with our mentor, Matthew Potts. Don't forget to hop over to the Women of Harry Potter feed on July 1st, to hear our episode on Lily Potter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:3427/06/2019
Love: The Second War Begins (Book 5, Chapter 38) – Live from Indianapolis with John Green
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of "love" in the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we come to you live from our London show, where we were very lucky to be joined by John Green. We discuss Luna’s lost objects, John’s history with bullying, and Vanessa’s perspective on the afterlife. Throughout the show we consider the question: How can we best meet people in their grief?Next week we're doing a wrap-up of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Thanks to everyone who came out to the Indianapolis show. We have more events coming up in the fall; you can check them out at: http://www.harrypottersacredtext.com/live-events/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
01:02:1720/06/2019
Patience: The Lost Prophecy (Book 5, Chapter 37)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Patience in chapter thirty-seven of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss occlumency lessons, waiting rooms, and how we feel about Dumbledore locking Harry in his office. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Can you force someone to be patient?Thanks to Kailina Mills for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be coming to you live from our Indianapolis show with John Green for the last chapter of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Second War Begins, through the theme of love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
43:4713/06/2019
Jealousy: The Only One He Ever Feared (Book 5, Chapter 36)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Jealousy in chapter thirty-six of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss our love for Dumbledore and his relationships with Voldemort, Fudge, and Harry. Throughout the episode we consider the question: What other emotion is Jealousy hiding?Thanks to Ann-Mary Cloutier for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirty-seven, The Lost Prophecy, through the theme of Patience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:4606/06/2019
Blessing Minerva McGonagall
We have two special guest on this week’s episode of Women of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text - our friends from Reading Glasses Podcast, Brea Grant and Mallory O’Meara. They have chosen to bless McGonagall for being a great Boss Lady and maternal without having her own children. Vanessa invents a game about badass Scottish women.You can hear Vanessa on Reading Glasses Podcast here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22:2203/06/2019
Home: Beyond the Veil (Book 5, Chapter 35)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Home in chapter thirty-five of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss the individuality of the Death Eaters, Harry’s relationship to Sirius, and the realities of war. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we appreciate a piece of text we hate?Thanks to Sarah-Jane for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirty-six, The Only One He Ever Feared, through the theme of Jealousy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37:1930/05/2019
Concealment: The Department of Mysteries (Book 5, Chapter 34)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Concealment in chapter thirty-four of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss Ron’s comment about the prophecy, whether Harry is fooling himself about Sirius, and the physical landscape of The Department of Mysteries. Throughout the episode we consider the question: If you could know when you die, would you want to?Thanks to Lorraine Haymen for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirty-five, Beyond the Veil, through the theme of Home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42:1523/05/2019
Inheritance: Fight and Flight (Book 5, Chapter 33)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Inheritance in chapter thirty-three of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week discuss Centaurs as isolationists, Neville’s wand, and Luna’s redemption in Vanessa’s eyes. Throughout the episode we consider the question: What’s the relationship between inheritance and loss?Thanks to Kimia for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirty-four, The Department of Mysteries, through the theme of Concealment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:4816/05/2019
Redemption: Out of the Fire (Book 5, Chapter 32)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Redemption in chapter thirty-two of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we look at a few characters and their possible arcs of redemption: Dolores Umbridge, Severus Snape, Kreacher, and Ron Weasley. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Do we feel comfortable saying that certain people are irredeemable?Thanks to Leah Holleran for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirty-three, Fight and Flight, through the theme of Inheritance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40:0509/05/2019
Blessing Molly Weasley with Dr. Chloe Angyal
We have a special guest on this week’s episode of Women of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text - our dear friend Dr. Chloe Angyal. Chloe has chosen to bless Molly for invisible labor during this war. Vanessa invents a game about great animal moms. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19:0606/05/2019
Celebration: O.W.L.s (Book 5, Chapter 31)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Celebration in chapter thirty-one of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss Ron’s victory in the quidditch match, Harry’s opportunity to show off his Patronus skills, and joy as a tool of resistance. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we make celebration about collection triumph rather than individual superiority?Thanks to Erik for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirty-two, Out of the Fire, through the theme of redemption. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40:5802/05/2019
Owl Post from the Apocalypse with Professor Matt Potts
Vanessa sits down with Professor Matt Potts to discuss the theology of Apocalypses. They discover that many fruitful questions come out of contemplating an Apocalypse: What makes for a good life? What am I trying to preserve? Who is my responsibility to protect? What do I want to survive?This episode we also hear owl post from Peach Perera, Stephanie Greenley, Brit Barkholtz, Kari Gottfried, and Connie Kucani.Next week, we'll be reading Chapter 31 of Order of the Phoenix, O.W.L.s, through the theme of Celebration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42:4225/04/2019
Familiarity: Grawp (Book 5, Chapter 30)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Familiarity in chapter thirty of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we really pick apart Hagrid’s decision to ask the kids to take care of Grawp. Throughout the episode we consider the question: When does familiarity keep us from seeing the dangers around us?Thanks to Tess Schleitwiler for this week's voicemail! Next week Vanessa will be joined by Professor Matt Potts to talk about the apocalypse and answer some Owl Post. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40:5618/04/2019
Revenge: Career Advice (Book 5, Chapter 29)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Revenge in chapter twenty-nine of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss the tension between Umbridge and Mcgonagall, the brilliance of Fred and George, and Harry’s dream to be an Auror. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do we dissipate our need for revenge?Thanks to Kat Zdan for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirty, Grawp, through the theme of familiarity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:3811/04/2019
Blessing Ginny Weasley
It’s Vanessa’s turn to bless a female character of Harry Potter, and she’s chosen to bless Ginny for her trauma at the hands of Lord Voldemort. Ariana invents a game about youngest members of famous groups. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
21:2308/04/2019
Entitlement: Snape's Worst Memory (Book 5, Chapter 28) — Live from San Francisco, CA
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of “entitlement" in chapter 28 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we come to you live from our San Francisco show. We discuss Umbridge’s relationship to her own authority, Snape’s shame over insulting Lily, and the healing power of tea. We were so very lucky to have Tara-Nicholle Nelson of SoulTour join us, with a story about her tonsils and our own worthiness.Next week we're reading Chapter 29, Career Advice, through the theme of revenge. Thanks to everyone who came out to the California shows! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
56:4604/04/2019
Hate: The Centaur and the Sneak (Book 5, Chapter 27)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Hate in chapter twenty-seven of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss Umbridge’s hate of non-human creatures, Harry’s relationship to Draco, and Dobby’s attempts at self-harm. Throughout the episode they consider the question: what do the things we hate mean about ourselves?Thanks to Shannon Budelman for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter twenty-eight, Snape’s Worst Memory, through the theme of Entitlement live from San Francisco.NB: During this week’s episode, Casper tells a story about self-harm and Vanessa tells a story about assault. If you’d like to skip those topics, our spiritual practice starts around minute 26. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:0128/03/2019
Blessing Luna Lovegood
It’s Ariana’s turn to bless a female character of Harry Potter, and she’s chosen to bless Luna Lovegood for changing her mind about Ron. Vanessa invents a game about aptronyms (which means names that are well-suited to their bearers). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
21:1925/03/2019
Obligation: Seen and Unforseen (Book 5, Chapter 26)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Obligation in chapter twenty-six of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week, Vanessa starts to feel bad for Harry in his Occlumency lessons, Casper talks about the best and worst moments in his marriage, and they both gush over Seamus Finnigan. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When is a little obligation actually liberating?Thanks to Iris Gonzalez for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter twenty-seven, The Centaur and the Sneak, through the theme of Hate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
40:1021/03/2019
Defiance: The Beetle at Bay (Book 5, Chapter 25)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Defiance in chapter twenty-five of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss Hermione’s manipulation of Rita, Neville’s embrace of the DA, and Cho’s disappointment in Harry. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Is defiance always personal?Thanks to Andy Phillips for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter twenty-six, Seen and Unforeseen, through the theme of obligation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
41:4914/03/2019
Blessing Madam Pomfrey
It’s Vanessa’s turn to bless a female character of Harry Potter, and she’s chosen to bless Madam Pomfrey for her invisible labor. Ariana invents a game about woman doctors in America.NB: Ariana’s ‘fact’ about disneyland is, of course, an urban legend. It’s quoted as being true in a few disney related biographies, but pretty easily proved otherwise through some googling… which we did after recording this episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
21:3911/03/2019
Curiosity: Occlumency (Book 5, Chapter 24)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Curiosity in chapter twenty-four of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They really zoom in on the Harry/Snape dynamic in this chapter: discussing the first Occlumency lesson, examining Snape’s motivations, and as always, finding a way to blame Dumbledore. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How much curiosity do we owe people?Thanks to Trey Lyon for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter twenty-five, The Beetle at Bay, through the theme of defiance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:3007/03/2019
Control: Christmas on the Closed Ward (Book 5, Chapter 23)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Control in chapter twenty-three of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss Molly’s anxiety over Arthur, Neville’s relationship with his grandmother, and poor sad Professor Lockhart. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do we recognize when we’re telling distorted stories about ourselves?Thanks to Kelsi Moore for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter twenty-four, Occlumency, through the theme of curiosity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
48:4828/02/2019
Blessing Professor Trelawney
It’s Ariana’s turn to bless a female character of Harry Potter, and she’s chosen to bless Professor Trelawney for her mentorship. Vanessa invents a game about Nostradamus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
19:3125/02/2019
Distance: St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries (Book 5, Chapter 22)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Distance in chapter twenty-two of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss the fabulous headmaster portraits in Dumbledore’s office, Dumbledore’s love for Harry, and how Harry cleverly changes his story throughout this chapter. Throughout the episode they consider the question: What technologies are actually helpful in closing the distance between people?Thanks to Holly Glover for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter twenty-three, Christmas on the Closed Ward, through the theme of control. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39:2521/02/2019
Honesty: The Eye of the Snake (Book 5, Chapter 21)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Honesty in chapter twenty-one of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Nora McInerny, the host of one of our favorite podcasts: Terrible, Thanks for Asking. We discuss Ron’s bro-iness, Harry’s kiss with Cho, and the Thestrals as witnesses of grief. Our question this week is: When is honesty actually the best policy?This week’s voicemail is thanks to Ricker Bailey. Next week we're reading chapter twenty-two, St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, through the theme of Distance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
47:5114/02/2019
Blessing Fleur
We’re trying something new! Every other week, Vanessa and Ariana are going to sit down to bless a female character of Harry Potter. We’re calling the segment “Women of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text.” This week, Vanessa blesses Fleur Delacour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
21:0911/02/2019
Owl Post and Other Journeys with Professor Stephanie Paulsell
Inspired by last week's chapter, Vanessa sits down with our mentor, Professor Stephanie Paulsell, to learn more about the theology of pilgrimages. They discuss the Japanese poet Bashō, their own Virginia Woolf pilgrimage, and Hagrid’s journey to the giants. Throughout the conversation they consider the question: Must you leave your house to make a pilgrimage?This episode we also hear owl post from Danielle Daniels, Marcie Walker, Leah Bauman, Darlyn Summers, and Molly.CW: This episode contains voicemails about some intense topics, including grief and miscarriage.Next week, we'll be reading Chapter 21 of Order of the Phoenix, The Eye of the Snake, through the theme of Honesty.You can read more about our pilgrimages at: https://www.readingandwalkingwith.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39:5507/02/2019
Peace: Hagrid's Tale (Book 5, Chapter 20)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Peace in chapter twenty of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss wizard/giant relations, analyze Umbridge’s intimidation strategy, and compare The Second Wizarding War to World War I. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do you respond to violence with restorative peace?Thanks to Felix Moore for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be doing an Owl Post with Professor Stephanie Paulsell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:4231/01/2019
Distraction: The Lion and the Serpent (Book 5, Chapter 19)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Distraction in chapter nineteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss Hermione’s brilliant DA galleon, Run’s crush on Hermione (who could blame him?), and Vanessa’s continued distain for the house system. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When is distraction more worthy than the end goal?Thanks to Kat Severin for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading Chapter 20, Hagrid’s Tale, through the theme of Peace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:4324/01/2019
Failure: Dumbledore's Army (Book 5, Chapter 18) — Live from Cambridge, MA
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of “failure" in chapter 18 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we come to you live from our Cambridge show. We discuss whether Angela Johnson fails as a quidditch caption, what Hermione learns from S.P.E.W, and the brilliant women of the DA. We were so very lucky to have our dear friend and mentor, Dr. Matthew Potts, with us to tell a story from her experience.Next week we're reading Chapter 19, The Lion and the Serpent, through the theme of distraction. Thanks to everyone who came out to the Cambridge show. You can see David’s incredible painting at harrypottersacredtext.com/daphatplay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
01:01:2817/01/2019
Supremacy: Educational Decree Number Twenty-Four (Book 5, Chapter 17)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Supremacy in chapter seventeen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss Angelina Johnson’s prophetic position, how The Patriarchy shapes the actual building of Hogwarts, and the enduring grace of Helga Hufflepuff. Throughout the episode they consider the question: how do we celebrate ourselves without wanting to be better than others?Thanks to Hannah Ricks for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re coming to you live from our Cambridge show with chapter eighteen, Dumbledore's Army, through the theme of failure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31:0010/01/2019
Respite: In the Hog's Head (Book 5, Chapter 16)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Respite in chapter sixteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss Aberforth living in Dumbledore's shadow, Ron wanting to step out of his prefect roll, and Harry needing a break from his trauma. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Can respite be healing?Thanks to Maloy Moore for this week's voicemail. We're taking two weeks off for the holidays, but we'll be back on January 10th with Chapter 17, Educational Decree Number Twenty-four, through the theme of supremacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:5520/12/2018
Healing: The Hogwarts High Inquisitor (Book 5, Chapter 15)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Healing in chapter fifteen of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Artie Wu, the founder of Preside Meditation and a dear friend of Casper's. We discuss Umbridge's use of silence, Harry's perception of his own survival, and the importance of a diagnosis. Our question this week is: what is the relationship between individual and collective healing?Thanks this week to Charlyn for our voicemail. Next week we're reading chapter sixteen, In the Hog's Head, through the theme of respite. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
38:2513/12/2018
Boundaries: Percy and Padfoot (Book 5, Chapter 14)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Boundaries in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss the chemistry between Harry and Cho Chang, Sirius's wise thoughts on Umbridge, and Pansy Parkinson's racist comment. Throughout the episode they consider the question: What boundaries bring us closer to loving one another?Next week we're reading chapter fifteen, The Hogwarts High Inquisitor, through the theme of Healing. Thanks this week to Bayana Davis for joining us for our sacred practice. You can find her podcast, #WizardTeam, here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
39:5806/12/2018
Obsession: Detention with Dolores (Book 5, Chapter 13)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Obsession in chapter thirteen of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we discuss Hermione's House Elf activism, Umbridge's thirst for power, and Harry's love of Quidditch. Our question this week is: What are we willing to sacrifice for our work?Next week we're reading Chapter 14, Percy and Padfoot, through the theme of Boundaries. Don't forget to buy tickets for our upcoming live shows in Cambridge, and Orlando: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37:0029/11/2018
Pride: Professor Umbridge (Book 5, Chapter 12)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Pride in chapter twelve of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we discuss the different political strategies of Umbridge, Hermione, Parvati, and Harry in this chapter. Our question this week is: When is pride healthy, and when does it lead to our downfall? Next week we're reading Chapter 13, Detention with Dolores, through the theme of Obsession. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
33:5822/11/2018
Special Edition: Q&A with Producer Ariana + New Hot and Bothered Trailer
Hi everyone! Bad news: The file for this week's episode got corrupted (probably by Voldemort). Unfortunately, Vanessa had minor surgery this week (she’s recovering well!) and Casper’s off in a monastery, so that only left one person to record something last minute for this week’s episode — me, your loyal producer, Ariana. It’s super low-tech – we’re just hanging out in my apartment, but you get to hear me do a truly terrible British accent and gush about Vanessa and Casper. I’ve also included the newest trailer for our upcoming show, Hot & Bothered. You can go subscribe now!I was assisted in this episode by the very talented Jeff Emtman, who interviewed and recorded me. You can find his podcast, Here Be Monsters, at hbmpodcast.com. Next week, we’ll get back in the studio and re-record the promised episode, Pride: Professor Umbridge (Book 5, Chapter 12). Thank you for bearing with us this week, and extra thank you to everyone who sent in questions over Twitter and Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31:3215/11/2018
Dread: The Sorting Hat's New Song (Book 5, Chapter 11)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Dread in chapter eleven of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we discuss Hermione's insight into Umbridge, Harry and Seamus' big fight, and the content of The Sorting Hat's New Song (surprise!). Our question this week is: Is dread about the certainly of what's coming? Or the uncertainly of what could come? Next week we're reading Chapter 12, Professor Umbridge, through the theme of Pride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:4608/11/2018
Halloween Edition: On Witches and Brett Kavanaugh
Casper is out sick, so Vanessa is taking over our owl post episode this week. We talk Brett Kavanaugh and answer voicemails about his hearing, Voldemort's name, Advent and marginalia.Vanessa also has the opportunity to chat with Dr. Lynne Gerber, a friend of the podcast from Harvard Divinity School. They discuss Lynne's experience with neo-paganism and how to create feminist spaces for religious practice. Next week, we'll be reading Chapter 11 of Order of the Phoenix, The Sorting Hat's New Song, through the theme of dread.You can hear the rest of Stephanie Paulsell's sermon here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
42:0101/11/2018
Humility: Luna Lovegood (Book 5, Chapter 10)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Humility in chapter ten of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we talk about Luna's truth-telling, Neville's nerdiness and Ron and Hermione's different approaches to being prefects. Our question this week is: why don't we live more radical lives?Next week we're doing an Owl Post episode with special guest Lynne Gerber talking to us about paganism. Don't forget to buy tickets for our upcoming live shows in Austin, Cambridge, and Orlando: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:3025/10/2018
Will Power: The Woes of Mrs Weasley (Book 5, Chapter 9)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Will Power in chapter nine of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we continue to obsess about Percy Weasley, congratulate Ron on his grace around being Head Boy, and very much want to punch Lucius Malfoy. Our question this week is: does will power have to happen in the moment, or is something you can plan for?Next week we're reading chapter ten, Luna Lovegood, through the theme of Humility. Don't forget to buy tickets for our upcoming live shows in Chicago, Austin, Cambridge, and Florida: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
36:4018/10/2018
Partnership: The Hearing (Book 5, Chapter 8)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Partnership in chapter eight of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Lauren Taylor, co-author of The American Healthcare Paradox and fellow Harvard Divinity School alum. We discuss Fudge and Dumbledore's polarizing effect, Percy's place in the ministry, and give our first impressions of Dolores Umbridge. Our question this week is: how close can we actually get to the kind of 'divine' partnership described by philosophers?Next week we're reading chapter nine, The Woes of Mrs. Weasley, through the theme of Will Power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
44:2611/10/2018
Progress: The Ministry of Magic (Book 5, Chapter 7)
Vanessa and Casper examine the theme of "Progress" in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss whether owls are an obsolete technology, The Fountain of Magical Brethren, and the power of Mamma Mia. Our question this week is: is progress inevitable?Next week we're reading chapter eight, The Hearing, through the theme of Partnership. Thanks this week to Aya Ahmed for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
35:1304/10/2018
Memory: The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black (Book 5, Chapter 6)
Vanessa and Casper examine the theme of "memory" in chapter six of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." This week we discuss Kreacher's institutional memory, Sirius's family tapestry, and whether or not you should cut an ex out of a photo. Our question this week is: what’s the difference between a memory and a record?Next week we're reading chapter seven, The Ministry of Magic, through the theme of Progress. Thanks this week to Rae Muhlstock for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
34:5427/09/2018
Gratitude: The Order of the Phoenix (Book 5, Chapter 5)
Vanessa and Casper examine the theme of "gratitude" in chapter five of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." This week we discuss Mundugus Fletcher's apology, Molly Weasley's protectiveness, and the memory of James Potter. Our question this week is: what should the timeline of gratitude look like?Next week we're reading chapter six, The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, through the theme of Memory. Thanks this week to Miriam Wilks for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
32:2120/09/2018
Anger: Number Twelve Grimmauld Place (Book 5, Chapter 4)
Vanessa and Casper examine the theme of "Anger" in chapter four of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." This week we discuss Percy's betrayal, Ginny's coolness, and how badly Harry is treating his friends. Our question this week is: Is anger ever a productive emotion?Next week we're reading chapter five, The Order of the Phoenix, through the theme of Gratitude. Thanks this week to Beth Strickland for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
37:4313/09/2018