We're taking this week off between seasons, so we're re-releasing one of our favorite Women of Harry Potter episodes. This episode feature the wonderful Kathy Tu as she blesses one of our favorite characters from Book 5, Cho Chang! We'll be back next week with Book 5 Chapter 1, Dudley Demented, through the theme of Dreaming. -- 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 c...
Jul 27, 2023•21 min•Ep 47•Transcript available on Metacast This week we're continuing our collaboration with The Greater Good Science Center, examining the theme of Intellectual Humility as Vanessa and Matt look back at key moments from The Goblet of Fire! They discuss Dumbledore's weak points, new cultures at Hogwarts, and the help each champion received during the tournament tasks. We're taking a quick break, but will be back in two weeks to discuss Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars t...
Jul 13, 2023•34 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast Today, Vanessa is joined for a special bonus conversation by Micaela Blei ! Micaela is a talented storyteller, story editor and educator, and also one of our faculty members for our upcoming What Matters class. Together, they discuss the art of storytelling, the sacred relationship between storyteller and audience, and some favorite moments from our last What Matters class. You can learn more about What Matters, and sign up, on our website! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informa...
Jul 11, 2023•27 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast Vanessa and Matt wrap up their their discussion of The Goblet of Fire with a look back on the entire book! They discuss the failures of the administration at Hogwarts, Harry's relationship with the adults around him, and Weasley family dynamics. Next week we're bringing you a special episode diving deeper into the theme of Intellectual Humility in 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! Please c...
Jul 06, 2023•44 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Thirty-Seven of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry's meeting with the Diggorys, his investment into the Weasley twins, and Dumbledore's instrumentalisation of Cedric's memory. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we respectfully pay tribute to the people we love? Thank you to Sophie for their voicemail! Next week we're doing our Book 4 Wrap-Up episode. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E....
Jun 29, 2023•47 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Teamwork in Chapter Thirty-Six of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Snape as a collaborator, Fudge's use of the Dementors, and the distinction between teamwork and allyship. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are the components of a cohesive team? Thank you to Batul for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 37, The Beginning, through the theme of Love. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and on...
Jun 22, 2023•48 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa is joined by the lovely Colette Potts (!!), to explore the theme of Wandering in Chapter Thirty-Five of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Voldemort's journey back to embodiment, Dumbledore's big reveal to Harry, and Barty Crouch Jr.'s meandering series of tasks. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can wandering be valuable even when our end goal is undefined? Thank you to Megan for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 36, The ...
Jun 15, 2023•43 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast The Not Sorry Team is at our summer camp this week, so we're re-leasing a few of our favorite Women of Harry Potter episodes. These episodes feature the wonderful co-founders of Black Nerd Create , Bayana Davis and Robyn Jordan. We'll be back next week with Chapter 35, Veritaserum, through the theme of Wandering, with special guest Colette Potts. -- 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 Gring...
Jun 08, 2023•47 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Conspiracy in Chapter Thirty-Four of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the circle of Death Eaters, Harry's refusal to obey Voldemort, and Harry's allies back at Hogwarts. Throughout the episode we consider the question: can there be a conspiracy without active conspiring? Thank you to Rebekah for their voicemail! Next time we're reading Chapter 35, Veritaserum, through the theme of Wandering, with special guest Colette Potts!...
Jun 01, 2023•43 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Invisibility in Chapter Thirty-Three of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the newly visible Dark Marks, Voldemort's still unnamed "faithful servant" at Hogwarts, and the masked Death Eaters. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what do we make visible with our care and attention? Thank you to Karen for their voicemail! Next time we're reading Chapter Thirty-Four, Priori Incantatem, through the theme of Conspiracy. ...
May 25, 2023•41 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Intention in Chapter Thirty-Two of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Voldemort's Rube Goldberg machine, Cedric's big brother attitude, and Wormtail's new hand. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how strictly should we commit to our original intentions? Thank you to Teddy for their voicemail! Next time we're reading Chapter Thirty-Three, The Death Eaters, through the theme of Invisibility. -- It’s two sickles to join S...
May 18, 2023•36 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Spite in Chapter Thirty-One of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Rita Skeeter's motivation, Harry's growing awareness of the full scope of Voldemort's harm, and Harry/Cedric's spiteful politeness. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when does our spite end up harming us, and when does it alert us to surrounding dangers? Thank you to JM for their voicemail! Next time we're reading Chapter Thirty-Two, Flesh, Blood, and B...
May 11, 2023•42 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast Today, Vanessa is joined for a small bonus conversation by Hannah McGregor and Marcelle Kosman! Marcelle and Hannah are the cohosts of the podcast Witch, Please and will be leading several workshops for our upcoming summer camp: Calling All Magnificent People. Together, they apply a critical lens to traditional camp structures, and explore how we hope to create a more inclusive and welcoming space at our own camp. If you haven't yet signed up for camp, you can do so on our website ! Hosted on Ac...
May 09, 2023•16 min•Transcript available on Metacast For years, we've been grappling with how to appropriately talk about house-elves in the Harry Potter series. As the books progress and we spend more and more time with Dobby, Winky, and the members of S.P.E.W., we've decided to use this week to hand the mic over to our dear friends at Witch, Please for this special deep dive. We hope you enjoy their interview with Jessica Marie Johnson (she/her), who is an Associate Professor in the Department of History at Johns Hopkins University and a Fellow ...
May 04, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Comfort in Chapter Thirty of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry's journey into the depths of Dumbledore's memories, Barty Crouch Sr.'s role in sentencing his own son, and the pensieve as a form of journaling. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is comfort helpful, and when does it limit our ability to take appropriate action? Thank you to Dani for her voicemail! Next time we're reading Chapter Thirty-One, The...
Apr 27, 2023•44 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa continue exploring the theme of Silence in Chapter Twenty-Nine of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Ron's aversion to any mention of Voldemort, Fred & George's business venture, and Dumbledore's office decor. Throughout the episode we consider the question: are we really experiencing silence, or simply choosing what we pay attention to? Thank you to Kirby for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Thirty, The Pensieve, through the theme of Co...
Apr 20, 2023•42 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast Julia Argy, our incredible pilgrimage director has her first book out today! It's called The One , and it's about a woman who joins a reality television show to find love. Publishers Weekly says it best: “[A] smart debut…Argy takes on voyeurism, feminism, and gender norms, as Emily wonders if she really ought to put all her energy into finding love, which is what she was conditioned to do all her life…. [A] winning portrait of a young woman trying to come into her own.” In this bonus episode, Va...
Apr 18, 2023•20 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Silence in Chapter Twenty-Eight of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the trio's uncomfortable trip to the Hogwarts kitchens, Krum's explosive encounter with Barty Crouch Sr., and Hermione's hate mail. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can silence be both oppressive and empowering? Thank you to Sully for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Nine, The Dream, through the theme of Intention. ...
Apr 13, 2023•41 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa are joined by special guest Casper ter Kuile as they explore the theme of Legacy in Chapter Twenty-Seven of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Mr. Crouch's parenting, Sirius's relationship to house elves, and Rita Skeeter's hard hitting journalism. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how is a legacy passed on, and how much of that is out of our control? Thank you to our anonymous listener for their voicemail! Next week we're reading C...
Apr 06, 2023•46 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast Vanessa is joined for a small bonus conversation by Nathalie Folkerts, the director of our upcoming summer camp: Calling All Magnificent People. They explore how Nathalie's background in political organizing found a home in building our camp and discuss some of behind-the-scenes dreaming and decision making that's been happening. If you haven't yet signed up for camp, you can do so on our website ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Apr 04, 2023•13 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Purpose in Chapter Twenty-Six of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss the tournament's use of children as bait, love as motivation and purpose, and Snape's begrudging approach to his own designated purpose as Harry's protector. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is there such a thing as one "true" purpose? Thank you to Kimberly for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Seven, Padfoot Returns, with...
Mar 30, 2023•38 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Contemplation in Chapter Twenty-Five of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Snape vs. Moody, the Prefect baths, and the pros and cons of a nice nighttime stroll. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is the appropriate time to be contemplative? Thank you to Sarah for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Six, The Second Task, through the theme of Purpose! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., a...
Mar 23, 2023•46 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and Vanessa explore the theme of Rejection in Chapter Twenty-Four of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Cedric’s role as an ally to Harry, Bagman’s ulterior motives, and the neglected Beauxbaton horses. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we use rejection as a way of protecting ourselves, and how effective is it really? Thank you to Elin for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Five, The Egg and the Eye, through the them...
Mar 16, 2023•46 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and special guest Jolie Doggett explore the theme of Change in Chapter Twenty-Three of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Hermione and Ron’s respective changes, Maxime and Hagrid’s relationship, and this chapter as a turning point in the series. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we embrace the change in our relationships? Thank you to Shalmar for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Four, Rita Skeeter’s Scoop, through...
Mar 09, 2023•52 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast Dropping in a special bonus today - Vanessa and Dr. Stephanie Paulsell talking about the sacredness of Emily Dickinson and what she can teach us about solitude! Join them on pilgrimage from July 14 – 17th in Amherst, MA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Mar 07, 2023•11 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and special guests Hannah McGregor and Marcelle Kosman from the wonderful podcast Witch, Please explore the theme of Ceremony in Chapter Twenty-Two of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss dress robes, Fred & Angelina, and the joy and horror of school dances. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is ceremony just a formality, and when does it signal a genuine transformation? Thank you to Emily for her voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Tw...
Mar 02, 2023•55 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and special guest Jackson Bird (!!) explore the theme of Vulnerability in Chapter Twenty-One of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Rita Skeeter's interest in Hagrid, Neville's trauma, and the hidden power of the house-elves. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we take care of ourselves after we've chosen to be vulnerable? Thank you to Kait for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-Two, The Unexpected Task, through the th...
Feb 23, 2023•53 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast Hello everyone! Today we're very excited to bring you this special episode of HPST, in conversation with Delphene Mooney, Executive Director at On The Rise . Over the month of February, we're hoping to raise $10k to support their incredible organization. If you haven't already, please check out our fundraiser . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Feb 21, 2023•25 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Matt and special guest Margaret H. Willison (!!) explore the theme of Intelligence in Chapter Twenty of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Hermione's approach to studying, Harry's natural ability on the broom, and Ron's apology, or lack thereof. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what distinguishes intelligence from other forms of talent? Thank you to Rebecca for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty-one, The House-elf Liberati...
Feb 16, 2023•47 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Annoyance in Chapter Nineteen of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire! They discuss Harry’s misdirected annoyance at Cho, Hermione’s growing frustration in the role of mediator, and Charlie’s touching concern for Harry. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what distinguishes annoyance from genuine fear or anger, and how can we handle it appropriately? Thank you to Ingrid for their voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter Twenty,...
Feb 09, 2023•47 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast 
