Harry Potter And The Sacred Text

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Survival in the first half of chapter thirty-one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Yes, that's right, we've split a chapter in half for the first time in our whole show history!This week we are joined by Dr. Allie Bayne from HERstory on the Rocks, who shares an opening story about sexual abuse and how she sees herself in Helena Ravenclaw. Casper and Vanessa discuss the existential experience of ghosts, the behavior of Pansy Parkinson, and whether Albus Dumbledore would have taken hostages. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what actions are justifiable in order to survive?Thanks to Isabella for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Part 2 of Chapter 31, The Battle of Hogwarts, continuing through the theme of survival.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.c

Casper, Matt and Vanessa don't have any brilliant insights about what happened last week. So in this conversation they turn to Harry Potter and each other to try to sit in the fear and discomfort of what is happening right now as a result of Trump's facism in the US. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Vanessa and Matt discuss their own New Year's traditions and the language we use around this time of year.Thanks to Charity, Luna, TeaKay, Matías, and Zack for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we’ll be reading part one of Chapter 31, The Battle of Hogwarts, through the theme of Survival. --It’s only two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollar to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Every Christmas, Casper likes to read us a poem. This year it's 'Ring Out, Wild Bells' by Alfred, Lord Tennyson. We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 7th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Chaos in chapter thirty of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (we're getting so close to the end!). This week we discuss Harry and McGonagall's use of unforgivable curses, generational differences in the fight for good, and Percy's return. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Is chaos clarifying?Thanks to Amanda for this week’s voicemail! We're taking two weeks off for the holidays, but you'll hear from us again on January 7th with an Owl Post episode.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Justice in chapter twenty-nine of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we are joined by Vanessa's dear friend Amanda, who shares an opening story about a rediscovered document from her childhood. Casper and Vanessa discuss Neville's glow up, Ginny's jealousy, and the transformation of Hogwarts under the Carrow regime. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Is punishment a necessary part of justice?Thanks to Destinee for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 30, The Sacking of Severus Snape, through the theme of Chaos.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Fate in chapter twenty-eight of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the similarities and differences between Albus and Aberforth Dumbledore and how nice it must be for the trio to have and adult to keep them safe. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Are we fated to be who we are? Thanks to Laura for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be reading Chapter 29, The Lost Diadem, through the theme of Justice.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Loneliness in chapter twenty-seven of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Voldemort's relationship with Nagini, the freedom of the Gringott's dragon, and how to make friends in an isolating age. Throughout the episode we consider the question: What's the difference between loneliness and solitude? Thanks to Rebecca for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be reading Chapter 28, The Missing Mirror, through the theme of Fate.--If you can, please join us in donating to the Okra Project for Casper's birthday! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Time in chapter twenty-six of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss how hard it must be for Hermione to look like Bellatrix, the dragon in the belly of Gringotts, and the many parallels in this chapter with the Triwizard Tournament. Throughout the episode we consider the question: What does it mean to ‘heal’ from trauma and is it possible? Thanks to Jaxn for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be reading Chapter 27, The Final Hiding Place, through the theme of Loneliness.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Doubt in chapter twenty-five of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we appreciate Ron's role in the trio, debate the effectiveness of eye contact, and continue to grapple with what this book is trying to say about Goblins. Throughout the episode we consider the question: When do we know that our doubts are legitimate vs. just holding us back? Thanks to Maryse for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be reading Chapter 26, Gringotts through the theme of Time.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of mystery in chapter twenty-four of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we are joined by the brilliant Dr. Hannah McGregor, co-host of the podcast Witch, Please, who shares an opening story about her relationship with books. Casper and Vanessa discuss Dobby’s funeral, the secrets of wand lore, and the man who Harry has become over the course of these books. Throughout the episode we consider the question: What are eulogies for?Thanks to Vanessa for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 25, Shell Cottage, through the theme of Doubt.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Legacy in chapter twenty-three of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the ambivalence of Draco Malfoy, the divinity of Luna Lovegood, and the sexiness of Ron Weasley. Throughout the episode we consider the question: where can we look to find the legacies in our lives? Thanks to Abigail for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be reading Chapter 24, The Wandmaker, through the theme of Mystery.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Casper and Vanessa are joined by cultural critic Jolie Doggett to discuss representation, appearance, and body positivity in Book 7. Together, they explore how we conceptualize “good” and “bad” bodies, and how those stereotypes show up in the text.Thanks to Destiny, Sophie, Skyler, and Marcella for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we’ll be reading Chapter 23, Malfoy Manor, through the theme of Legacy. --It’s only two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollar to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Knowledge in chapter twenty-two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Ron's new-found maturity, Harry's newest obsession, and why Hermione doesn't believe in the Hallows. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we move from knowledge to belief? Thanks to Vickela for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be doing an Owl Post episode with Jolie Doggett where we discuss beauty and representation in Book 7.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Dreams in chapter twenty-one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Luna’s beautiful mural of friends, Hermione’s small preparations for emergency situations, and whether we forgive Xenophilius for betraying the trio. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we continue to dream of a better world during seemingly hopeless times? Thanks to Weston for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re be reading Chapter 22, The Deathly Hallows, through the theme of Knowledge.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Reality in chapter twenty of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss a lot of things about Ron! We discuss Ron's separation from the trio, the reasons he didn't go back to the Burrow, and his attempts to get Hermione back. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we make room for subjectivity without degrading the importance of facts? Thanks to Angela for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re be reading Chapter 21, The Tale of the Three Brothers, through the theme of Dreams.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Courage in chapter nineteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Hermione’s grief after Ron leaves, Ron’s courage in coming back, and the importance of mentorship. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do you hold space for the vulnerability and uncomfortableness of courage?  Thanks to Odelya for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re be reading Chapter 20, Xenophilius Lovegood, through the theme of Reality.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Youth in chapter eighteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Dumbledore’s relationship with Grindelwald, Rita Skeeter’s offensive nicknames for people, and the parallels to the Holocaust in this chapter. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we allow people to change and also hold them accountable for their previous actions?  Thanks to Anisa for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re be reading Chapter 19, The Silver Doe, through the theme of Courage.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper and Matt Potts explore the theme of Faith in chapter seventeen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss singing as a sacred practice, the locket as a metaphor for trauma, and the sign in front of Potter Cottage. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How can we build faith in each other rather than in facts?  Thanks to Bronwyn for this week's voicemail! Next week Vanessa’s back and we’ll be reading Chapter 18, The Life and Lies of Albus Dumbledore, through the theme of Youth. --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CW: Because of the plot of this chapter, Vanessa and Casper spend a lot of time talking about grief, death, and trauma. The chapter includes some suicidal ideation and Casper and Vanessa very briefly touch on that as well. Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Peace in chapter sixteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Harry’s visit to Lily and James’ graves, why Dumbledore is so frustrating, and the joy (and disappointment) of Christmas. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How can we define ‘peace’ outside of the context of war? Thanks to Tristan for this week's voicemail! Next week Matt and Casper are reading Chapter 17, Bathilda’s Secret, through the theme of Faith. --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Please consider helping us fill our Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.