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/.
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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.
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 th...
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...
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...
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 acas...
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.
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 reveng...
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 ...
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.
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-seve...
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/priv...
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....
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 Beet...
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 cu...
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.
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 chapt...
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...
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.
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...
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...
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 Pea...
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...
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 ...
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...
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 w...
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 u...
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.co...
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 informat...
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 th...
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 f...
