Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of grace in chapter sixteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the power of gratitude, the difference between the desolation of Moaning Myrtle and Ginny Weasley, and Vanessa's admiration of Johnny Cash. Throughout the episode they consider the question: why does the idea of grace make some of us uncomfortable? This week's voicemail is thanks to Rebecca Dehovitz. Next week we'll be reading chapter seventeen, The Heir of Slytherin, through...
Feb 07, 2017•33 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of sanctuary in chapter fifteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the power of silence, how Hagrid is a priest-like figure, and why spiders are so afraid of the Basilisk. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Are the most ordinary among us best suited to face life's greatest horrors? This week's voicemail is thanks to Heather McDonald. Next week we’ll be reading chapter sixteen, The Chamber of Secrets, through the theme of ...
Feb 01, 2017•28 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of loyalty in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Hagrid and Dumbledore's mutual admiration, how to navigate multiple responsibilities, and why Cornelius Fudge is a poor politician. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When does loyalty become cultish and when is it the highest form of respect? This week's voicemail is thanks to Jane. Next week we’ll be reading chapter fifteen, Aragog, through the them...
Jan 24, 2017•29 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of cowardice in chapter thirteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss hate crimes, the psychology of murderers, and secret admirers. Throughout the episode they consider the question: What is the primary emotion associated with cowardice? Is it fear, shame, confusion, or something else? This week's voicemail is thanks to Teague Peterson. Next week we’ll be reading chapter fourteen, Cornelius Fudge, through the theme of loyalty. Hoste...
Jan 17, 2017•33 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of belonging in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss magical portraits, the metaphor of the phoenix, and Vanessa’s distrust of optometry. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Is a shared history necessary for feeling belonging? This week's voicemail is thanks to Evin Shinn. Next week we’ll be reading chapter thirteen, The Very Secret Diary, through the theme of cowardice. Hosted on Acast. See acast....
Jan 10, 2017•32 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of excellence in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Harry's proficiency with Parseltongue, Ernie McMillan's authority within the Hufflepuffs, and Vanessa's esteem of Lebron James. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do we make sure that we pursue excellence in way that's in line with our values? Our story this week was told by the incredible Mark Oppenheimer of the Unorthodox podcast and this week's voic...
Jan 03, 2017•31 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of complaining in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Madam Hooch's negligence during the quidditch match, Lockhart's toxic masculinity, and Colin Creevey's surprising thoughtfulness. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When do we have the right to complain? This week's voicemail is thanks to Meghan Cooper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Dec 27, 2016•28 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Innocence in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Harry’s continued fear of his own Slytherin-ness, the way Professor Binns thinks about history, and the powerful narrative of original sin. Throughout the episode they consider the question: why do we lie when we’re nervous, even if we have nothing to hide? Thanks to Ian for this week's voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter ten, The Rogue Bludger, through the theme of c...
Dec 20, 2016•29 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of rumors in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the difference between rumors and propaganda, whether Nearly Headless Nick should be allowed in the headless hunt, and how they would feel if their friends started hearing voices. Throughout the episode they consider the question: At what point do rumors become dangerous? This week's voicemail is thanks to Antonia Aguilera. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...
Dec 13, 2016•34 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of confusion in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Hagrid's magical umbrella, the usefulness of mantras, and what the 'mudblood' incident can help us understand about systemic racism. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When faced with pernicious confusion, what's our best course of action? This week's voicemail is thanks to Andrew McIntyre. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat...
Dec 06, 2016•33 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of attraction in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss their schoolyard crushes, Ron's malfunctioning wand, and a metaphorical interpretation of the mandrake plant. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Where do we draw the distinction between healthy and unhealthy attraction? This week's voicemail is thanks to Cindy Phippen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 29, 2016•34 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of responsibility in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Dobby's constant meddling, Snape's connection with the Whomping Willow, and whether it's okay to bless the Dursleys. Throughout the episode they consider the question: is discipline best executed from a position of objectivity or compassion? This week's voicemail is thanks to Maxine Kobinski. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 22, 2016•39 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of shame in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Harry's generosity, the difference between teasing and criticism, and whether there's anything to admire about Gilderoy Lockhart. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Do we inherit the shame of our fathers? This week's voicemail is thanks to Cari Kramer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 15, 2016•36 min
Hi friends, we hope you're taking care of yourselves. We offer you this reading from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 14, 2016•47 sec
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of curiosity in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Arthur Weasley's enthusiasm for muggles, the moral implications of de-gnoming, and the alluring appeal of RuPaul's Drag Race. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Is love an important component of curiosity? This week's voicemail is thanks to Michelle Sisco. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 08, 2016•36 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of control in the second chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the bureaucratic power of the Ministry of Magic, the benefit of Harry's deep curiosity, and the endless frustrations of IKEA furniture. Throughout the episode they consider the question: when is control a noble intention and when is it oppressive? This week's voicemail is thanks to Mijal Tenenbaum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Nov 01, 2016•36 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of disappointment in the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss homesickness and why returning home sometimes brings out the worst in us, acknowledge Petunia's domestic labor, and return to the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina . Throughout the episode they consider the question: how do we maintain optimistic and integrity when confronted with disappointment? This week's voicemail is thanks to Grace Halverson. Hosted on...
Oct 25, 2016•33 min
In our last episode of season one, we hear from a few more listeners and have a meta-conversation about the podcast itself. Vanessa and Casper also have the opportunity to chat with Professor Stephanie Paulsell, with whom they developed this project at Harvard Divinity School. We’re back with season two in a few weeks! Note: This is our last week of particularly bad audio quality. Hurray! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Oct 01, 2016•26 min
In the final episode of season one, Vanessa and Casper pull out a few key insights from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They finally get around to talking about Harry himself, revisit the kindness of the Weasley twins, and think about the thematic relevance of food in the book. Throughout the episode they come back to ideas about vulnerability, friendship, and love. Note: Unfortunately, we're still having trouble with microphones. This time, just to keep you on your toes, it's Vaness...
Sep 24, 2016•23 min
**Note: We had some technical difficulties in the studio this week (mainly with Casper’s microphone) so unfortunately the sound of this episode is not up to our usual standard and occasionally distracting. Still, the conversation was fruitful enough that we wanted to share it with you. Thanks for your patience and, if you have the option, maybe leave your good headphones at home for this one! Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of love in the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer'...
Sep 17, 2016•25 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of destiny in chapter sixteen, the penultimate chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss why Neville is excluded from the trio's adventure, where Hermione's strengths and weaknesses come from, and the possible symbolism of chess pieces. Throughout the episode they look at the question: are our choices part of our destiny? This week's voicemail is thanks to Micah Herstand. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 10, 2016•25 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of regret in chapter fifteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss the eccentric behavior of centaurs, celebrate Neville's burgeoning bravery, and try to justify Filch's ongoing sadism in this chapter. Throughout the episode they return to the question: why do we regret things that are out of our control? This week's voicemail is thanks to Kevin Bianchi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Sep 03, 2016•25 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of rebellion in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Casper's high school antics, Hagrid's lack of self-care, and whether the ends justify the means when Hermione manipulates Hagrid to gain information about the Sorcerer's Stone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 28, 2016•24 min
Vanessa recounts how she came to read literature as sacred and, in Casper’s absence, uses voicemails from the audience as her conversation partners this week. Together, they touch on a new theology of horcruxes, the difficulty of transitions, and why Hermione wasn't sorted into Ravenclaw. We’re back to your regularly scheduled programming next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 20, 2016•26 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of hope in chapter thirteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Neville's brawl with the Slytherins, the sacred space of quidditch, and whether a rhetoric of hope can be exploitative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 13, 2016•25 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of white privilege in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Molly Weasley's continued generosity, explore the topic of invisibility both literally and metaphorically, and begin a new spiritual exercise: the Jewish practice of Havruta. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 06, 2016•25 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of goals in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Voldemort's questionable judgment in this chapter, whether our intentions are as important as our actions, and Vanessa's lasting admiration for Whoopi Goldberg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 30, 2016•25 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of friendship in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Hermione's confrontation with mortality, give an allegorical reading of Quidditch, and offer a possible redemption for McGonagall after last week's criticism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 23, 2016•31 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of betrayal in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss bullying, Brexit, and why Professor mcGonagall might be a worse teacher than you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 16, 2016•28 min
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of promises in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss tropes in bad 80s tv shows, Harry's reaction to his own fame, and Hermione's destiny to smash the patriarchy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 09, 2016•28 min
