This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Reluctance in Chapter Eighteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the "Potter Stinks!" badges, Rita Skeeter's journalistic practices, and the home court advantage of Mr. Ollivander examining the wands. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what can we learn from paying attention to moments where we feel reluctance? Thank you to Lynn for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Nineteen, The Hungarian Horn...
Feb 02, 2023•45 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Embarrassment in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the growing teen angst in these chapters, Karkarov and Maxime's reaction to unexpected tournament changes, and Ron's intertwining feelings of anger and embarrassment. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does our embarrassment indicate about our values? Thank you to Alicia for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Eighteen, The...
Jan 26, 2023•51 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Maturity in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the Goblet of Fire's age restriction, lurking romances at Hogwarts, and poor Poliakoff. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we measure maturity, and how is it limited by ability? Thank you to Krissy for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Seventeen, The Four Champions, through the theme of embarrassment. -- It’s two sickles to jo...
Jan 19, 2023•48 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt is joined by Stephanie Paulsell to discuss Wizarding supremacy in the Harry Potter series and a recent report on the legacy of slavery at Harvard . The two consider how we might use the Harry Potter series to think through injustices that are deeply ingrained into our buildings and gathering places, and what responsibility we have to name and atone for our shared history of violence and oppression. Thanks to Callie, Jaime, Erica, and our anonymous caller for their beau...
Jan 12, 2023•34 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Creativity in Chapter Fifteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry and Ron's creative predictions in Trelawney's class, Snape's threatening approach to a potions lesson, and Neville's involuntary gymnastics. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we harness our creativity in order to problem solve? Thank you to Courtney for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Sixteen, The Goblet of Fire, t...
Jan 05, 2023•40 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast Every Christmas, we like to share a favorite poem. This year it's 'Christmas Dog' by Shel Silverstein. We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 5th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dec 25, 2022•2 min•Transcript available on Metacast Beloved co-host of the pod, Matt Potts, released his book Forgiveness: An Alternative Account a few weeks ago and it is so! good!! We're very excited to bring you an exclusive excerpt from the book - read by Matt himself. You can find the book wherever books are sold, or snag a signed copy from our website ! -- 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 t...
Dec 22, 2022•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Intellectual Humility in Chapter Fourteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, with some help from Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren ! They discuss Snape's cruelty towards Neville, the logic behind Barty Crouch Jr. / Moody's approach to teaching the unforgivable curses, and the early days of S.P.E.W. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we use the concept of Intellectual Humility to be more "right-sized" in our everyday lives? We...
Dec 15, 2022•53 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Rage in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Bobotuber pus, Hagrid's care of magical creatures, and the classic Barty Crouch Jr. / Mad-Eye Moody conundrum. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when does anger spill over into rage? Thank you to Emily for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Fourteen, The Unforgivable Curses, through the theme of Intellectual Humility. -- It’s two sickle...
Dec 08, 2022•53 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast Last week, our very own Matt Potts published his book Forgiveness: An Alternative Account , in which he explores the complex moral terrain of forgiveness. In honor of the book being out, we're bringing you this special episode of HPST - looking at the theme of Forgiveness in the Harry Potter series! Throughout the episode we use Matt's theory on forgiveness to help us better understand the text, and one another. Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 13, Mad Eye Moody, through the theme of...
Dec 01, 2022•36 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Compassion in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Hermione's introduction to house elves at Hogwarts, the Giant Squid's excellent demonstration of compassion in action, and the lack of support for rain drenched children at Hogwarts. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when do allow ourselves self-compassion? Thank you to Aurora for their voicemail. Next week we're doing a special episode on the th...
Nov 24, 2022•50 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest Jolie Doggett as they explore the theme of Peace in Chapter Eleven of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the lack of peace in Moody's life, a classic Draco Malfoy train encounter, and Ron's superhuman strength. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we find little pockets of peace when life becomes overwhelming? Thank you to Bitty for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 12, The Triw...
Nov 17, 2022•56 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast Vanessa is joined by Dana Schwartz to chat about their upcoming Rebecca pilgrimage and the theme of haunting. Find out more here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 14, 2022•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Quitting in Chapter Ten of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Arthur's obligations as both a parent and government employee, Harry's confession to his pals, and the usefulness (or lack thereof) of portkeys. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when does quitting allow us to choose something better? Thank you to Sarah for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 11, Aboard the Hogwarts Express with sp...
Nov 10, 2022•56 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Humility in Chapter Nine of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the return of the Death Eaters, Harry's Quidditch dreams, and Winky's predicament. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be appropriately humble? Thank you to Callahan for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 10, Mayhem at the Ministry, through the theme of Quitting. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only t...
Nov 03, 2022•51 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and very special guest Jackson Bird explore the theme of Nostalgia in Chapter Eight of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss sports(!!!!!), Dobby stirring the pot for house elves, and the Malfoy vs Weasley dichotomy. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we reconcile our conflicting feelings about the past? Thank you to Sydney for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 9, The Dark Mark, through the theme of Humility. -- It’s...
Oct 27, 2022•54 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Service in Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss muggle obliviation, Harry & Hermione's limited camping knowledge, and Percy/Weatherby's dedication to Barty Crouch Sr. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do pay homage to that which is important to us, through our service? Thank you to Grace for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 8, The Quidditch World Cup, with special guest ...
Oct 20, 2022•51 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Insight in Chapter Six of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry's muggle expertise, Amos Diggory's glowing pride in his son, and Fred & George's unappreciated talents. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can our insights help us to better understand each-other? Thank you to Paige Erin for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 7, Bagman and Crouch, through the theme of Service. -- It’s two s...
Oct 13, 2022•44 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast This week Vanessa is joined by fellow podcaster , writer, and All Star Human Hannah McGregor for this special Owl Post edition of the podcast! They respond to some listener voicemails and discuss Hannah's recent book release - A Sentimental Education , which explores what podcasting has taught her about feminist scholarship. Thanks to Kath, Sam, and Beth for their beautiful voicemail contributions! Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 6, The Portkey, through the theme of Insight. -- It’s only ...
Oct 06, 2022•56 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest Casper ter Kuile (!!) as they explore the theme of Healing in Chapter Five of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Arthur's work in Wizard/Muggle relations, Fred and George's burgeoning business venture, and poor, poor Bertha Jorkins. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we properly assess and cherish relationships that were broken in some way but have since been healed? Thank you to our anonymous listener fo...
Sep 29, 2022•50 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Fun in Chapter Four of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the fun had at Dudley's expense, Harry's return to the Burrow, and a cramped moment in the Dursley fireplace. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we learn to find and cherish the fun in unplanned situations? Thank you to Michael for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 5, Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, through the theme of Healing with speci...
Sep 22, 2022•50 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Relief in Chapter Three of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry's stash of birthday cakes, Vernon's opposition to difference, and the relief of Harry's upcoming reunion with the Weasleys. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we create a sense of relief for ourselves? Thank you to our anonymous voicemail contributor! Next week we're reading Book 4 Chapter 4, Back to the Burrow, through the theme of Fun. -- It’...
Sep 15, 2022•57 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Earnestness in Chapter Two of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the peek into Voldemort's perspective, the many earnest desires revealed through Harry's thoughts in this chapter, and the abundance of pen pals. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when and how can we be earnest while also being considerate of how people receive our honest thoughts? Thank you to Ruth for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Book...
Sep 08, 2022•56 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back for Season 4! This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Tradition in Chapter One of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss life in Little Haggleton, Voldemort's return, and Frank's unfortunate existence as the town's scapegoat. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we change traditions over time, and how do they in turn change us? Thank you to Clare for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 2, The Scar, through the theme of Earnes...
Sep 01, 2022•56 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Vanessa and Matt wrap up their their discussion of The Prisoner of Azkaban with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Voldemort's absence, the fleshing out of Harry's parents' personalities, and the growing distrust we as readers have for the Ministry of Magic. We're taking a quick break, but will be back in two weeks to discuss Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for extra bloopers every week! Ple...
Aug 11, 2022•47 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Twenty-Two of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Madam Pomfrey's attentive care, Harry's choice to save Peter Pettigrew's life, and Hagrid's faith in Buckbeak. Throughout the episode we consider the distinction between love as a responsibility vs. love as a feeling. Thank you to Eileen for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're doing a wrap-up of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! -- It’s two sickles to jo...
Aug 04, 2022•52 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast We're excited to share this special preview of Revisionist History with you today! In this episode Malcolm Gladwell tells the story of how his parents and their friends sponsored three Vietnamese refugees, in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. And wonders: do we underestimate the value of ordinary acts of kindness? You can hear the full episode , and more from Revisionist History , wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Aug 01, 2022•34 min•Transcript available on Metacast Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Anticipation in Chapter Twenty-One of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Sirius waiting to face the dementors, Dumbledore's vague hint of a plan, and, of course, Hermione's big secret! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we form a healthy relationship with anticipation? Thank you to Ann for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 22, Owl Post Again, through the theme of Love. -- It’s two sickl...
Jul 28, 2022•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Confidence in Chapter Twenty of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Sirius offering Harry a new home, Harry's emergency Patronus, and Peter's escape. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is confidence appropriate, and what are the limits of it? Thank you to Nicoletta for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 21, Hermione's Secret, through the theme of Anticipation. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P...
Jul 21, 2022•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Virtue in Chapter Nineteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! This week they discuss Snape delivering wolfsbane to his nemesis, Peter's consistent alliance with power, and Harry summoning some of his father's virtue. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we live virtuously in morally complicated situations? Thank you to Jessica for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 20, The Dementor’s Kiss, through the theme of...
Jul 14, 2022•49 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
