This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Empowerment in Chapter 9 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss McGonnagall’s excellent leadership, Harry’s snappy come-backs, and how to be a good quidditch captain! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do you redistribute power in broken systems? Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 10, The House of Gaunt, through the theme of Ambition with Matt Potts. -...
Aug 29, 2024•46 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and special guest Micaela Blei explore the theme of Ambition in Chapter 8 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the role of jokes during wartime, Tonks’ protection, and Snape’s escort! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do chance and effort interact in our lives? Thank you to Ned for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 9, The Half-Blood Prince, through the theme of Empowerment with Casper ter Kuile. -- It’s two sickles to ...
Aug 22, 2024•42 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Every once in a while we like to take a step back from our current chapter, and appreciate some overarching themes and important characters from the series. This week, Matt and special guest Jolie Doggett are celebrating everyone's favorite bff, Ron Weasley! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Aug 15, 2024•30 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Adversity in Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Luna’s friendships, Ginny’s bat-bogey hex, and the titular Slug Club! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does adversity shape our perspective? Thank you to Kate for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 8, Snape Victorious, through the theme of Chance with Micaela Blei. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join...
Aug 08, 2024•42 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Gratitude in Chapter 6 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the twins’ joke shop, Harry’s wealth, and the changes in Diagon Alley! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we maintain gratitude? Thank you to Sarah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 7, The Slug Club, through the theme of Adversity with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patre...
Aug 01, 2024•43 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Concern in Chapter 5 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Molly’s many concerns, the relativity of concern, and Fleur as future sister-in-law! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is concern helpful? Thank you to Nancy for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 6, Draco’s Detour, through the theme of Gratitude with Casper ter Kuile. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to jo...
Jul 25, 2024•49 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and special guest Beth Silvers from Pantsuit Politics explore the theme of Identity in Chapter 4 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s obsession with fame, Molly as a source of comfort, and Dumbledore’s guidance! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do our identities shift, evolve and overlap? Thank you to Hope for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 5, An Excess of Phlegm, through the theme of concern with Matt P...
Jul 18, 2024•47 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast Our sister podcast, Hot & Bothered, has recently launched a brand new season with a brand new co-host! Joining Vanessa is media professor and podcaster Hannah McGregor. This season of Hot & Bothered is all about exploring the ideology of romance movies and we started the season off with the 1993 classic, Sleepless in Seattle. Episode release weekly on Tuesdays. Go subscribe ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Corruption in Chapter 3 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Dumbledore’s errand, Kreacher’s fate, and new leadership at the Ministry! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can power corrupt? Thank you to Travis for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 4, Horace Slughorn, through the theme of Identity with Beth Silvers from Pantsuit Politics. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dol...
Jul 11, 2024•43 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Honesty in Chapter 2 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Snape’s honesty, lack thereof, and Draco’s impossible task! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what constitutes a genuinely honest answer? Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 3, Will and Won’t, through the theme of Corruption with Matt Potts. -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars...
Jul 04, 2024•46 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast Welcome back as we take a look at Book 6 of Harry Potter!! This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Honor in Chapter 1 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Scrimgeour as the new Minister of Magic, Fudge’s many mistakes, and the relationship between honor and shame! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to act with honor? Thank you to Marni for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 2, Spinner’s End, through the theme of Ho...
Jun 27, 2024•47 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast Today we're bringing you a never before heard live show Vanessa and Casper did in 2019! They explore the theme of truth in Book 3 Chapter 12, in front of a live audience in San Francisco. Next week we're back with current day Vanessa and Casper who will be reading Book 6 Chapter 1, The Other Minister, through the theme of Honor! -- 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...
Jun 20, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep 45•Transcript available on Metacast Vanessa is joined for a small bonus conversation by Margaret H. Willison, faculty on our upcoming Taylor Swift Pilgrimage on Cape Cod . They explore why Taylor's music is such a rich text for sacred reflection and share the things they're most looking forward to on this trip! If you're interested in joining us in November, you can sign up on our website ! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 14, 2024•14 min•Transcript available on Metacast We're still off for the next two weeks as we prepare for Book 6 (!!), so today we're bringing you an assortment of bloopers from Book 5. You can find the full versions of our bloopers for each episode over on our patreon . Hope you enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....
Jun 13, 2024•16 min•Ep 44•Transcript available on Metacast We're off for a few weeks as we prepare for Book 6 (!!), so we're bringing you this throwback episode of HPST from the first time Vanessa and Casper read through Book 6, Chapter 1 through the theme of Helplessness. Hope you enjoy! -- 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....
Jun 06, 2024•47 min•Ep 43•Transcript available on Metacast Vanessa and Matt wrap up their discussion of The Order of the Phoenix with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Dumbledore's choices in this book, Harry's journey out of isolation, and some of the budding romances at Hogwarts. We're off for a few weeks between seasons, but look out for some fun things dropping in the feed in the interim! -- 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 Gringo...
May 30, 2024•39 min•Ep 42•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and special guest Nathalie Folkerts explore the theme of Love in Chapter 38 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Hagrid’s caretaking, systemic failures, and loving moments with the kids! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we create more loving systems? Thank you to Helena for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're wrapping up Book 5 with Matt Potts! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars to join our Patreon for ex...
May 23, 2024•47 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and special guest Micaela Blei explore the theme of Control in Chapter 37 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Dumbledore’s disclosures, Harry’s anger, and Trelawney’s gift! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what is actually within our control? Thank you to Marie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 38, The Second War Begins, through the theme of Love with Nathalie Folkerts! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and on...
May 16, 2024•50 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Mercy in Chapter 36 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Dumbledore’s grand return, Lupin’s gentle explanation, and Bellatrix’s punishment! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what distinguishes mercy from things like compassion or care? Thank you to Eva for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 37, The Lost Prophecy, through the theme of Control with special guest Micaela Blei! -- It’s two sic...
May 09, 2024•38 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Desire in Chapter 35 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the Deatheaters’ true desires, the prophecy, and the Ministry’s denial. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what underlies our surface desires? Thank you to Yvette for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 36, The Only One He Ever Feared, through the theme of Mercy with Casper ter Kuile! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only...
May 02, 2024•42 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Jolie explore the theme of Success in Chapter 34 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Harry’s plan, the Deatheaters’ success, and Ron as an engine. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are the many possible ways in which we can measure success? Thank you to Emily for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 35, Beyond the Veil, through the theme of Desire with Matt Potts! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and on...
Apr 25, 2024•42 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest Neil J. Young as they explore the theme of Anger in Chapter 33 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Grawp’s big feelings, Harry’s outburst, and the Centaurs’ generational anger! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does our anger guide us? Thank you to Brittany for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 34, The Department of Mysteries, through the theme of Success with Jolie Doggett! Che...
Apr 18, 2024•52 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Isolation in Chapter 32 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Umbridge’s leadership, Hermione’s master plan, and Snape’s code! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we get creative to combat isolation? Thank you to Annalisa for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 33, Fight and Flight, through the theme of Anger with Matt Potts! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars t...
Apr 11, 2024•40 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Naivete in Chapter 31 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Hagrid’s arrest, Harry’s big plan, and the end of Occlumency lessons! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does naivete leave us more vulnerable? Thank you to Alex for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 32, Out of the Fire, through the theme of Isolation with Casper ter Kuile! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dolla...
Apr 04, 2024•36 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and special guest Jackson Bird explore the theme of Determination in Chapter 30 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the titular Grawp, Peeves’ newfound determination, and times the word actually comes up in the text! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how are sacrifice and determination intertwined? Thank you to Grace for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 31, O.W.L.s, through the theme of Naivete with Matt Potts! -- It’...
Mar 28, 2024•46 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by Delphene Mooney of On The Rise as they explore the theme of Community in Chapter 29 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Fred & George’s departure, Draco’s (lack of) community, and the various sub-communities of Hogwarts. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be a good community? Thank you to Janie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 30, Grawp, through the theme of determination...
Mar 21, 2024•49 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast We're still in the middle of our March fundraiser for On The Rise , but thanks to you all, we've already reached our initial 10k goal! As a special thanks to our listeners for helping us reach this point, Matt and Vanessa have recorded this bonus conversation discussing their favorite spring recipes. We've extended our goal to 15k, visit https://notsorryworks.com/ to learn more about the fundraiser and donate to help us raise even more to support On The Rise's work. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...
Mar 18, 2024•6 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Kindness in Chapter 28 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss James and Snape and Lily, oh my! Throughout the episode we consider the question: where can we attempt to employ more kindness? Thank you to Shruti for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 29, Careers Advice, through the theme of Community with Matt Potts and Delphene Mooney from On the Rise. Visit www.notsorryworks.com to learn about our an...
Mar 14, 2024•41 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast We're currently in the middle of our March fundraiser for On The Rise , a great organization that supports people experiencing homelessness. As a special thanks to our listeners for helping us get halfway to our fundraising goal of 10k this month, Matt and Vanessa have recorded this special bonus conversation discussing which baby animals they would assign as patronuses to Hogwarts professors. Visit https://notsorryworks.com/ to learn more about the fundraiser and donate to help us meet our goal...
Mar 11, 2024•8 min•Transcript available on Metacast This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Discernment in Chapter 27 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Firenze’s newfound employment at Hogwarts, Hagrid’s autonomy, and the chaotic scene in Dumbledore’s office. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we practice discernment in moments of crisis? Thank you to Sophie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 28, Snape’s Worst Memory, through the theme of Kindness with Casper ter Kuile...
Mar 07, 2024•47 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast 
