Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Community in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the wonderful HPST community, Lockhart's vision for Valentines Day, and Harry's introduction to Tom Riddle. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can community help us through difficult times? Thank you to Raj for this week’s voicemail! We'll be taking a break for the holidays, but we'll see you in the new year for Chapter 14, Cornelius Fudge, whic...
Dec 16, 2021•50 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Guilt in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the intentions of the Sorting Hat, how having a sense of purpose can relieve us of feeling guilty, and Draco's passion for the news. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how are guilt (the feeling) and guilt (the fact) related? Thank you to Justus for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 13, The Very Secret Diary, through the theme of Comm...
Dec 09, 2021•47 min
We're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Hannah Abbott with an intro from 2021 Vanessa! -- 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....
Dec 08, 2021•22 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Shame in Chapter Eleven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with special guest Casper ter Kuile ! This week they discuss the highs and lows of sleep-away camp, Crabbe's potion-making skills, and Harry's newly discovered fluency in Parseltongue. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what lies on the other side of shame? Thank you to Prabhanjan for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 12, The Polyjuice Potion, through the t...
Dec 02, 2021•45 min
We hope you enjoy this sneak peak into our Patreon content! Each week patrons receive bloopers, a bonus discussion, and more. In this episode, Matt and Vanessa discuss ideas for their own Lockhart style memoirs. -- 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....
Dec 01, 2021•12 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Dignity in Chapter Ten of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss Lockhart's dignity, or lack thereof, athletes practicing ballet, and Dobby's big reveal. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is there an inherent human dignity that cannot be stripped away by others? Thank you to MJ for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 11, The Dueling Club, with very special guest Casper Ter Kuile, through the theme of...
Nov 25, 2021•47 min
We're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Cho Chang with an intro from 2021 Vanessa! -- 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....
Nov 23, 2021•19 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Hate in Chapter Nine of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the discovery of Mrs. Norris's petrified body, Justin Finch-Fletchley's new fear of Harry, and the trio's Polyjuice Plan. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how is hatred a distinct and particular form of animosity? Thank you to Kate for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 10, The Rogue Bludger, through the theme of Dignity. -- It’s two si...
Nov 18, 2021•42 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Frustration in Chapter Eight of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the difference in how Nearly Headless Nick and Argus Filch handle their respective frustrations, the Headless Hunt's rules and regulations, and Moaning Myrtle's exile. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is frustration the inability to close the gap between what you believe you should be able to do, and what you are actually able to do? Thank you to E...
Nov 11, 2021•45 min
We're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Lily Potter with an intro from 2021 Vanessa! -- 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....
Nov 09, 2021•30 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Forgiveness in Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss Ron's broken wand, the book's possible critiques of retaliation, and Hagrid's exile. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we understand forgiveness without putting an unfair burden on victims? Thank you to Sarah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 8, The Deathday Party, through the theme of Frustration. -- It’s two sickle...
Nov 04, 2021•44 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Narcissism in Chapter Six of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the efficacy of Molly's Howler in teaching Ron his lesson, Justin Finch-Fletchley's introduction to the trio, and Lockhart's teaching style. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we better see and respond to the needs of those around us? Thank you to Maggie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 7, Mudbloods and Murmurs, through...
Oct 28, 2021•44 min
In this special bonus episode, Vanessa and Matt answer some questions sent in by listeners. Thank you so much to everyone who wrote in! We hope you enjoy this look into the show & our dear hosts. -- 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....
Oct 26, 2021•32 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Anxiety in Chapter Five of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the enchanted Ford Anglia, McGonagall's lax punishment, and our introduction to the Whomping Willow. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how is anxiety relational? Thank you to Emily for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 6, Gilderoy Lockhart, through the theme of Narcissism. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to...
Oct 21, 2021•43 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Patience in Chapter Four of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss bliss at The Burrow, our introduction to Gilderoy Lockhart, and Lucius's parenting. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does patience balance competing desires? Thank you to Oliver for this week’s voicemail. Next week we’re reading Chapter 5, The Whomping Willow, through the theme of Anxiety. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars ...
Oct 14, 2021•41 min
Vanessa is joined by dear friend and special guest Jolie Doggett as they explore the theme of Friendship in Chapter Three of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss Mr. Weasley's obsession with muggles, the ethics of de-gnoming, and Ron's confidence in his friendship with Harry. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be a good friend? Thank you to Amanda for this week’s voicemail. Next week we’re reading Chapter 4, At Flourish & Blotts, thro...
Oct 07, 2021•46 min
Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest John Green as they explore the theme of Health in Chapter Two of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week we discuss the connection between individual and social health, the efficacy of Dobby's messaging, and Mrs. Mason's traumatic dinner party experience. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we support each other in building healthier communities? Thank you to Donovan for this week’s voicemail. Next week we’ll be joined ...
Sep 30, 2021•49 min
Welcome back! In our first episode of Season 2, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Bravery in Chapter One of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week we discuss the difference between bravery and bravado, Vernon's drill salesmanship, and Harry's faith in his friendships. Throughout the episode we consider the question: does bravery require confidence, or is it even braver to act when you are unsure? Thank you to Hanna for this week’s voicemail. Next week we’ll be joined by special g...
Sep 23, 2021•41 min
This week, Vanessa is joined by fellow podcaster and author of IRL: Finding Realness, Meaning, and Belonging in Our Digital Lives, Chris Stedman, to discuss grief, fandom, and how online communities can help us process significant events in our lives. Thanks to Sam, Courtney, Brianna, Mallory, and Cathy for their beautiful voicemail contributions. On Thursday we’ll be starting Book 2, Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets, and reading Chapter 1, The Worst Birthday, through the theme of brav...
Sep 21, 2021•37 min
Vanessa and Matt wrap up their first season together with a look back on all of Book 1! They discuss Harry's arc, Neville's role as a perpetual outsider, and the way that fantasy as a genre works with the progressively more vivid violence in the books. We're taking a quick break, but will be back in two weeks to discuss Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! -- 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 ...
Sep 02, 2021•41 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss the relationship between love and power, whether or not Quirrell can be classified as a victim, and the Power of Ritual (hi Casper) in creating and maintaining loving relationships. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we most lovingly take care of ourselves and others? Thank you to Kimmie for this week’s voicemail. Join us next week for our Book 1 Wr...
Aug 26, 2021•40 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Freedom in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss the obstacle course approach to security at Hogwarts, the children's successful journey to the stone, and McGonagall's inability to see the danger at hand. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be free when we are in relationship with others, and how can we become free to be our best selves? Thanks to Claire for this week’s voicemail! Nex...
Aug 19, 2021•46 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Punishment in Chapter Fifteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Filch, McGonagall, and Hagrid's vastly different approaches to punishment, Harry's scary jaunt in the woods, and the centaurs' obsession with Mars. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what makes something a punishment, and what purpose does punishment serve? Thanks to Katie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 16, Through The Trapdo...
Aug 12, 2021•46 min
Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest Jackson Bird as they explore the theme of Obligation in Chapter Fourteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss the children's sense of obligation towards Hagrid, Charlie's lawbreaking buddies, and how hard it is for us as muggles to gauge danger in the wizarding world. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we juggle our conflicting needs and obligations, and which should we prioritize? Thanks to Jessica for t...
Aug 05, 2021•47 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Anger in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Ron's fight with Crabbe and Goyle, Neville's justified rage, and Snape's unconventional refereeing tactics. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is anger the affective space between hurt and an outward act, and if so, how do we harness it most effectively? Thanks to Aidan for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 14, Norbert the Norwegian Rid...
Jul 29, 2021•42 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Wisdom in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Fred and George’s intuition about Quirrell, what a happy person might see in the Mirror of Erised, and the Restricted Section of the library. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what’s the difference between wisdom and knowledge? Thanks to Elena for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 13, Nicolas Flamel, through the theme of Anger. -- It’s ...
Jul 22, 2021•42 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of likability in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss how easy it would be to hate Harry at Hogwarts, how we feel about Hermione looking over the boy's homework, and Oliver Wood's pre-game pep talk. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we mitigate our initial attraction to (and repulsion from) other people? Thanks to Lauren for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 12, The Mirror of Er...
Jul 15, 2021•40 min
Big news, for those who haven't heard! Over on Hot and Bothered , we've launching a new series where we're reading through Jane Eyre! Each week, Vanessa and Lauren Sandler will deep dive into a chapter (or two or three) of Jane Eyre through the themes of power and desire. As we work through the book, we'll be asking ourselves whether Jane Eyre should stay in the canon of books passed down to the next generations of girls who love to read. Hosted on Acast. See a...
Jul 13, 2021•22 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of protection in chapter ten Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss why Hermione lies about the troll, why we like dangerous sports, and how the ‘damsel in distress’ trope plays out in this chapter. Throughout the episode we consider the question: When is it okay for the maker of rules to break them? Thanks to Carol for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 11, Quidditch, through the theme of Likability. -- It’s two sickles...
Jul 08, 2021•42 min
Today is the day Vanessa's book is finally out in the world! Matt talks to her about her writing process, inspiration, and more and we share an exclusive sneak peek of the audio book. If you haven't already, you can order the book here ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 06, 2021•39 min
