Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Friendship in Chapter Eighteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Peter as a failed friend, Sirius & Lupin's renewed friendship, and some perspective from Aristotle. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be a good friend? Thank you to Bianca for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 19, The Servant of Lord Voldemort, through the theme of Virtue. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P....
Jul 07, 2022•52 min
This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by fellow podcaster and award-winning journalist Imara Jones to discuss her work founding Translash Media , a cross-platform journalism, personal storytelling and narrative effort, which produces content to shift the current culture of hostility towards transgender people in the US. Thanks to Barbara, Adeetee, Dasha, and our anonymous listener for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and...
Jun 30, 2022•51 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Partnership in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the difference between partnership and friendship, the trio's unwavering dedication to one another, and Crookshanks' role as intermediary. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is required for a strong partnership? Thank you to James for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs, throu...
Jun 23, 2022•47 min
This year in commemoration of Juneteenth, we’re spotlighting The Final 5 Campaign , a coalition working to close the final five youth prisons in Illinois. We’re joined in conversation by one of their leaders, Alicia Brown, who tells us about what it means to be a prison abolitionist and her work with the campaign. Please join us by making a donation , learning more about the failures of youth prisons, contacting your legislators about prisons in your state, and listening to their new podca...
Jun 19, 2022•20 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Rest in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss end of year exams, Trelawney's mid-nap prediction, and the inefficient use of time-turners. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we embrace and account for rest as a necessity? Thank you to Tatiana for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 17, Cat, Rat, and Dog, through the theme of Partnership. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P...
Jun 16, 2022•44 min
We're taking a quick break from our usual programming to introduce the newest season of Hot and Bothered , where we're currently reading through Pride & Prejudice! Each week, Vanessa and Lauren Sandler will deep dive into a chapter (or two or three) of the novel. We are talking to Jane Austen scholars, fans, and skeptics and we are going to constantly be asking ourselves: Why is this the bible of the Romance genre? What does this book believe about love, marriage, and money? And are those t...
Jun 09, 2022•55 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Triumph in Chapter Fifteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Gryffindor's big win, Hermione's out of character behavior, and Trelawney's dedication to feuding with children. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we think of triumph in a way that doesn't put down others? Thank you to Amber for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 16, Professor Trelawney’s Prediction, through the theme of R...
Jun 02, 2022•51 min
Every week during our episode, we dedicate some time to remembering members of our community who have been loved and lost. This week we are also remembering the 19 children and 2 teachers killed in Uvalde, Texas last week. May their memories be a blessing to us all. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
May 31, 2022•4 min
Vanessa and Matt are joined by very special guest Casper ter Kuile to explore the theme of Wisdom in Chapter Fourteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss increased security measures at Hogwarts, a timely piece of sage advice from Hagrid, and the teeny tiny delivery owls. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we combine our lived experiences and personal knowledge wisely? Thank you to Madi for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapte...
May 26, 2022•48 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Independence in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss sports(!!!), Neville's exile, and the pros and cons of Hermione's current lack of dependence on the boys. Throughout the episode we consider the question: to what extent does independence truly exist in our interconnected lives and relationships? Thank you to Stephanie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 14, Snape's Grudge, through the ...
May 19, 2022•48 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Inspiration in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the trio's ongoing friendship troubles, the proper inspiration behind a successful patronus, and the healing properties of Lupin's steady supply of chocolate. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is inspiration and how can we persevere through the ebbs and flows of its presence? Thank you to Youval for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're read...
May 12, 2022•50 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Pride in Chapter Eleven of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Harry's pride in his broom, the etymology of pride vs. how it is understood in the modern day, and the intersection of pride and recklessness inherent in Harry's pursuit of Sirius Black. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is pride a display of excess self regard, and when is it a display of appropriate and necessary self regard? Thank you to Christi...
May 05, 2022•47 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Confusion in Chapter Ten of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the trio's stay at Hogwarts over the holidays, Harry's attachment to the shards of his broomstick, and the disruption that the dementors create on school grounds. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can confusion contribute to isolation, and how do we overcome this barrier? Thank you to Erin for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter ...
Apr 28, 2022•45 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Rehabilitation in Chapter Nine of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Harry's fall from his broomstick, the rehabilitation of Snape's image, and Cedric Diggory's good sportsmanship. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can rehabilitation help us move forward, when we are not able to return to the way things were? Thank you to Isabelle for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 10, The Marauder’s Ma...
Apr 21, 2022•48 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Respect in Chapter Eight of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Lupin's robes, the inkling of respect Peeves shows to Dumbledore, and Hermione's disdain for Trelawney. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we recognize and appreciate the different ways people may show respect? Thank you to Anjoli for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 9, Grim Defeat, through the theme of Rehabilitation. -- I...
Apr 14, 2022•47 min
Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest Jackson Bird this week, as they explore the theme of Burnout in Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the etymology of burnout, Snape's villain origin story, and the Boggart as an exercise in teamwork. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what resources can we draw upon to mitigate burnout? Thank you to Amy for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 8, Flight of the Fat Lady, thro...
Apr 07, 2022•51 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Joy in Chapter Six of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Slytherin laughter, the joy of teaching, and McGonagall's take on Trelawney. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we find joy even during long periods of stress and unhappiness? Thank you to Sam for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 7, The Boggart, through the theme of Burnout, with special guest Jackson Bird!! -- It’s two sickles t...
Mar 31, 2022•47 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Redemption in Chapter Five of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Scabbers vs. Crookshanks, Percy's love life, and Lupin's redemption arc. Throughout the episode we consider the question: who has the power to redeem us? Thank you to Hannah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 6, Talons and Tea Leaves, through the theme of Anxiety. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon...
Mar 24, 2022•44 min
Matt and special guest Jolie Doggett (!!!) explore the theme of Home in Chapter Four of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Harry's newfound freedoms, the abundance of good meals in the chapter, and Crookshanks' new home. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what contributes to our sense of home? Thank you to Rhi for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 5, The Dementor, through the theme of Redemption. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W...
Mar 17, 2022•51 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Effort in Chapter Three of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss the myth of effort as an unlimited resource, the Ministry's search for Sirius Black, and Stan's introduction to "Neville Longbottom". Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we apply effort efficiently? Thank you to Anna for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 4, The Leaky Cauldron, through the theme of Home, with special guest Joli...
Mar 10, 2022•45 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Ignorance in Chapter Two of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss news coverage of Sirius Black, the ignorance of muggles, and, of course, Aunt Marge's Big Mistake. Throughout the episode we consider the question: at what point does ignorance become willful? Thank you to Millie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 3, The Knight Bus, through the theme of Effort. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only tw...
Mar 03, 2022•44 min
Welcome back for Season 3! This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Inclusion in Chapter One of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! They discuss Harry’s special birthday celebration, Ron's fearless use of muggle technology, and the Weasleys' cute family vacation. Throughout the episode we consider the question: does inclusion necessitate exclusion, and how can we expand the community that we include? Thank you to Lois for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 2, Au...
Feb 24, 2022•48 min
Vanessa and Matt wrap up their their discussion of The Chamber of Secrets with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Harry's sense of belonging at Hogwarts, Dumbledore's flaws, and Hagrid's growing family of pets/friends. We're taking a quick break, but will be back in two weeks to discuss Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! -- 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 vaul...
Feb 10, 2022•45 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Eighteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the Weasley family's reunion, the pattern of Dumbledore's poor hiring decisions, and Dobby as free elf. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what must we add to our love (intention, reflection, justice?) in order to truly act lovingly? Thank you to Leah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're doing a wrap-up of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! -...
Feb 03, 2022•51 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Compassion in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss Harry’s introduction to the real Tom Riddle, Fawkes’s heroic entry, and the perils of journaling. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does understanding the root of our compassion lead us to act in more kind and loving ways towards others? Thank you to Laura for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Dobby’s Reward, thr...
Jan 27, 2022•45 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Yearning in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss Moaning Myrtle's big reveal, Lockhart's (lack of) responsibility in crisis, and Hermione's scrunched up clue. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to yearn, and how is this different from other forms of desire? Thank you to Kayla for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 17, The Heir of Slytherin, through the theme of ...
Jan 20, 2022•43 min
Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Charm in Chapter Fifteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss Matt's charming children, Ernie Macmillan's earnest apology, and the children's total inability to charm Aragog. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how is charm like a spell, and what conditions allow that spell to be successful? Thank you to BA for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 16, The Chamber of Secrets, through the theme of Ye...
Jan 13, 2022•39 min
Vanessa and special guest Jackson Bird (!!) explore the theme of Humility in Chapter Fourteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the line between humility and humiliation, Hermione's petrification, and Hagrid's arrest. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can humility help us to build stronger relationships and adapt to a changing world? Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 15, Aragog, throu...
Jan 06, 2022•52 min
Every Christmas, Casper likes to read us a poem. This year it's 'Good Bones' by Maggie Smith. We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 6th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 25, 2021•2 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 Minerva McGonagall (with special guest Margaret H. Willison !) 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 21, 2021•29 min
