Black Lives Matter
A short note from Vanessa and Casper for our white listeners to step-up in this week of action in defense of Black lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 03, 2020•8 min
Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
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.
Episodes
Hesitation: The Ghoul in Pyjamas (Book 7, Chapter 6)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Hesitation in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the role of The Burrow in Harry’s life, why more people can’t hunt horcruxes, and the book’s conception of what souls are. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we introduce little moments of hesitation into our normal lives? Thanks to Kylie for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter seven, The Will of Albus Dumbledore, through the them...
May 28, 2020•37 min
Women of Harry Potter: Blessing Aunt Muriel
Hi everyone! Yesterday we released the latest Women of Harry Potter episode on Patreon . We make a new episode once a month and it’s our favorite Patreon perk. We've now released 30 episodes of our little spin-off show! As a special treat today, we're releasing our March episode where Vanessa and Ariana blessed Aunt Muriel. If you haven't already, you can support us at https://www.patreon.com/harrypottersacredtext and hear all of our previous episodes, including this month's episode where ...
May 26, 2020•19 min
Health: Fallen Warrior (Book 7, Chapter 5)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Health in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we take some time to discuss the incredible grace of three characters: George Weasley, Ted Tonks, and Molly Weasley. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we disrupt the binary of ‘healthy’ and ‘unhealthy’ bodies? Thanks to Cory for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter six, The Ghoul in Pyjamas, through the theme of Hesitation. -- It’s two sickles...
May 21, 2020•40 min
Devotion: The Seven Potters (Book 7, Chapter 4)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Devotion in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Hedwig’s death and her role in Harry’s life, Petunia’s obsession with cleanliness, and Hagrid’s relationship with 4 Privet Drive. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is the relationship between duty and devotion? Thanks to Dani for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter five, Fallen Warrior, through the theme of Health. -- It’s two...
May 14, 2020•39 min
Growth: The Dursleys Departing (Book 7, Chapter 3)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Growth in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we say goodbye to the Dursley’s and spend a little time talking about each of them. We look at how far Vernon has come in his grudging acceptance of Muggle/Wizard relations, celebrate Dudley’s steps away from his parents, and pity Petunia’s lack of strength. Throughout the episode we consider the question: where is growth happening that we cannot see? Thanks to Catie for this week's...
May 07, 2020•35 min
Boldness: In Memoriam (Book 7, Chapter 2)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Boldness in chapter two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss and what Dumbledore really saw the Mirror of Erised, Dudley's attempt at an olive branch, and the politics of Dumbledore's obituary. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is boldness always a mistake? Thanks to Jess for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter three, The Dursleys Departing, through the theme of Growth. -- It’s two sickles to join ...
Apr 30, 2020•39 min
Suspicion: The Dark Lord Ascending (Book 7, Chapter 1)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Suspicion in the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Snape’s bravery, the team culture amongst death eaters, and how Voldemort builds the groundwork for Narcissa’s betrayal. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How are suspicion and humiliation tied together? Thanks to Miriam for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter two, In Memoriam, through the theme of Boldness. -- It’s two sickle...
Apr 23, 2020•39 min
Special Edition: What We’re Excited for in Deathly Hallows
Welcome to Season 7! This week, Vanessa and Casper get together to talk what they're looking forward to in Deathly Hallows. They discuss all the heroism to come: Ron’s great return, Narcissa’s daring betrayal, and Dobby’s selfless sacrifice. Vanessa and Casper also reveal what’s in store for the future of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text now that we’ve reached the last book of the series. Next week, we’re reading Chapter 1, The Dark Lord Ascending, through the theme of Suspicion. -- It’s t...
Apr 16, 2020•34 min
Introducing: Twilight in Quarantine
Happy Friday everyone! We have a new project to keep you company while sheltering in place: Twilight in Quarantine . Is Twilight by Stephenie Meyer the best book of all time? No it’s not. Is it the kind of cotton candy escapism joy we need during these uncertain times? Hell yes it is. We'll be publishing Monday, Wednesday and Friday in the Hot and Bothered feed. Go subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 03, 2020•20 min
Owl Post Edition: How to Pray with Stephanie Paulsell
Are ‘thoughts and prayers’ worth anything? This week, Casper is joined by our mentor Stephanie Paulsell to talk about the practice of prayer. Stephanie introduces us to ideas of prayer from theologians such as Evagrius Ponticus, Augustine of Hippo, Simone Weil, and Howard Thurman. And together, Stephanie and Casper talk about what prayer could look like during the Coronavirus. We’ve had a flood of voicemails in the wake of the Coronavirus! This week, we’ve decided to feature voicemails about how...
Apr 02, 2020•40 min
Wrap-Up: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Vanessa and Casper look back at all of Season 6, and pull out a few key insights from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. They explore the deep similarities between this book and Book 2 of the series: comparing Slughorn to Lockhart, Snape's potions book to Tom Riddle's diary, and Tom Riddle to Draco Malfoy. Throughout the episode they explore the question: How much do we hold people accountable for their flaws, while knowing that we are all flawed? Next week, we're rounding out the season wi...
Mar 26, 2020•41 min
Love: The White Tomb (Book 6, Chapter 30)
Vanessa Casper explore the theme of Love in the last chapter of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we praise Hagrid for his patient accompaniment throughout the series, defend Ginny and Harry's break-up, and examine the way that funerals fail us. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we bring discipline into our love? We also announce some pretty big news this week! Casper has written a beautiful book, The Power of Ritual . In July we’ll be doing a twenty-on...
Mar 19, 2020•38 min
Coronavirus: Stay In and Reach Out
Friends, these are scary times and things have been feeling rather uncertain for us at Not Sorry Productions! So much of our revenue is based on travel for pilgrimages and live shows, and we’ve already had to postpone one pilgrimage and cancel two live events. If you want to support us, and have the means, we would be so grateful if you consider becoming a member of our Patreon . We’re doing a lot of number crunching right now, and any amount of support goes a long way towards protecting our sta...
Mar 16, 2020•4 min
Power: The Phoenix Lament (Book 6, Chapter 29)
Vanessa Casper explore the theme of Power in chapter twenty-nine (the penultimate chapter!) of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss Ginny’s strength, McGonagall’s leadership style and Fawkes’ song. Throughout the episode we consider the question: What kind of leaders do we want to be? Thanks to Hanna for this week's voicemail! Next week and we’re reading the final chapter of Half-Blood Prince, The White Tomb, through the theme of Love. It’s two sickles to join S.P.E....
Mar 12, 2020•39 min
Perfection: Flight of the Prince (Book 6, Chapter 28)
Vanessa and friend of the podcast Matt Potts explore the theme of Perfection in chapter twenty-eight of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss how Harry gently shepherds Hagrid into grief, why Hagrid still has to use an umbrella as a wand, and how Snape manages to take care of Harry despite his own deep brokenness. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we use imperfect tools to do good work? Thanks to Steve for this week's voicemail! Casper is back ne...
Mar 05, 2020•35 min
Earnestness: The Lightning-Struck Tower (Book 6, Chapter 27)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Earnestness in the much-dreaded chapter twenty-seven of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we celebrate Dumbledore's humanity, sympathize with Draco's impossible situation, and discuss why Vanessa doesn't like death bed confessions. Throughout the episode we consider the question: When is earnestness actually naiveté? Thanks to Diana for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-eight, Flight of the Prince, through t...
Feb 27, 2020•35 min
Persistence: The Cave (Book 6, Chapter 26)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Persistence in chapter twenty-six of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we discuss Voldemort's fatal flaws, Harry's great strengths, and the imminent loss of Dumbledore will all its implications. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when do you know that you should persist on someone else's behalf? Thanks to Katherine for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-seven, The Lightning-Struck Tower, through...
Feb 20, 2020•40 min
Indignation: The Seer Overheard (Book 6, Chapter 25)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Indignation in chapter twenty-five of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Trelawney's defensiveness, Dumbledore's injured hand, and the sometimes cyclical nature of progress. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Can indignation be useful? Thanks to Christie for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-six, The Cave, through the theme of Persistence. It’s two sickles to join S.P....
Feb 13, 2020•33 min
Regret: Sectumsempra (Book 6, Chapter 24)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Regret in chapter twenty-four of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we are joined by writer, pastor, and theologian Nadia Bolz-Weber, who shares an opening story about the way that accidents weigh on us. Casper and Vanessa discuss how much they blame Harry for hurting Draco, Snape’s punishment, and Harry and Ginny’s first kiss. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to live with no regrets? Thanks to Rachel Friede...
Feb 06, 2020•42 min
Memory: Horcruxes (Book 6, Chapter 23)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Memory in chapter twenty-three of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Harry’s resemblance to Tom Riddle, Dumbledore’s impending doom, and their different theories of the soul. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what’s our theory of the difference between a memory and a story we tell ourselves? Thanks to Clover for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-four, Sectumsempra, through...
Jan 30, 2020•38 min
Bitterness: After the Burial (Book 6, Chapter 22)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Bitterness in chapter twenty-two of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss why Hermione doesn’t want to go to Aragog’s funeral, whether Slughorn does a good eulogy, and Miriam from the story of Exodus. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Does bitterness have something to do with sorrow? Thanks to Eve for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty-three, Horcruxes, through the theme of Me...
Jan 23, 2020•41 min
Affirmation: The Unknowable Room (Book 6, Chapter 21)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Affirmation in chapter twenty-one of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Harry and Hermione’s different relationships with house-elves, Ron’s sense of sufficiency, and some icky sexist moments that stuck out in this chapter. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Can you affirm yourself? Thanks to Sam Blanckensee for this week's voicemail! If you want to read our response to J.K. Rowling’s tweet, you can f...
Jan 16, 2020•37 min
Owl Post Edition: How to Be in Community with Burns Stanfield
How and why should we be in community? This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Reverend Burns Stanfield from 4th Presbyterian Church in Boston. Together they discuss how community gets us better at loving one another and ourselves. This episode we also hear owl post from Karen, Natalie, Cara, Christoffel, and Rachel. Next week we’re reading Chapter 21, The Unknowable Room, through the theme of Affirmation. It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only a dollar to join our Patreon for extra blo...
Jan 09, 2020•49 min
A Christmas Poem: Sick by Shel Silverstein
Here's a little treat from Casper. You can find the poem in “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 25, 2019•2 min
Good Will: Lord Voldemort's Request (Book 6, Chapter 20)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Good Will in chapter twenty of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Dumbledore’s disappointment with Harry, Luna’s burgeoning friendship with Ron, and the backstory of Hepzibah Smith. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when does Good Will become naiveté? Thanks to Jordan for this week's voicemail! We’re taking two weeks off for the holiday but we’ll be back on January 9th with an Owl Post episode. Pleas...
Dec 19, 2019•39 min
Harmony: Elf Tails (Book 6, Chapter 19)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Harmony in chapter nineteen of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss the downfall of Cormac McLaggen, Luna’s sports commentary, and Harry’s sense of home. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is it important to blend in vs. stand out? Thanks to Becca for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter twenty, Lord Voldemort’s Request, through the theme of Good Will. Please consider supporting o...
Dec 12, 2019•36 min
Recklessness: Birthday Surprises (Book 6, Chapter 18)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Recklessness in chapter eighteen of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week Casper and Vanessa discuss Casper’s experience in graduate school, Harry’s privilege in Potion’s class, and the three ‘D’s of apparition. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Is recklessness in the eye of the beholder? Thanks to Brady Call for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading chapter nineteen, Elf Tails, through the theme of Harmony. Please consi...
Dec 05, 2019•35 min
Attention: A Sluggish Memory (Book 6, Chapter 17) - Live from Washington, D.C.
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of attention in chapter 17 of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we come to you live from our show in Washington, D.C. We discuss how the Ministry treats Morfin, how Hermione ignores Ron, and the similarities between Voldemort and Dumbledore. We were so very lucky to have our dear friend, Ursa Ghazi, with us to tell a story from her experience. Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Birthday Surprises, through the theme of Recklessness. Thanks to ...
Nov 28, 2019•1 hr 1 min
Erosion: A Very Frosty Christmas (Book 6, Chapter 16)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Erosion in chapter sixteen of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. This week we are joined by writer and mentor Terry Tempest Williams, who shares an opening story about the landscape of Utah. Casper and Vanessa discuss Molly’s tireless work for her family, the way Harry stands up to Scrimgeour, and how Vanessa came to love musicals. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we stay open to change without degrading sense of self? Thanks to...
Nov 21, 2019•54 min