Harry Potter And The Sacred Text

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Innocence in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Harry’s continued fear of his own Slytherin-ness, the way Professor Binns thinks about history, and the powerful narrative of original sin. Throughout the episode they consider the question: why do we lie when we’re nervous, even if we have nothing to hide?Thanks to Ian for this week's voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter ten, The Rogue Bludger, through the theme of complaining. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of rumors in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the difference between rumors and propaganda, whether Nearly Headless Nick should be allowed in the headless hunt, and how they would feel if their friends started hearing voices. Throughout the episode they consider the question: At what point do rumors become dangerous? This week's voicemail is thanks to Antonia Aguilera.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of confusion in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Hagrid's magical umbrella, the usefulness of mantras, and what the 'mudblood' incident can help us understand about systemic racism. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When faced with pernicious confusion, what's our best course of action? This week's voicemail is thanks to Andrew McIntyre.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of attraction in chapter six of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss their schoolyard crushes, Ron's malfunctioning wand, and a metaphorical interpretation of the mandrake plant. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Where do we draw the distinction between healthy and unhealthy attraction? This week's voicemail is thanks to Cindy Phippen. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of responsibility in chapter five of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Dobby's constant meddling, Snape's connection with the Whomping Willow, and whether it's okay to bless the Dursleys. Throughout the episode they consider the question: is discipline best executed from a position of objectivity or compassion?This week's voicemail is thanks to Maxine Kobinski. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of shame in chapter four of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Harry's generosity, the difference between teasing and criticism, and whether there's anything to admire about Gilderoy Lockhart. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Do we inherit the shame of our fathers?This week's voicemail is thanks to Cari Kramer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi friends, we hope you're taking care of yourselves. We offer you this reading from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of curiosity in chapter three of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss Arthur Weasley's enthusiasm for muggles, the moral implications of de-gnoming, and the alluring appeal of RuPaul's Drag Race. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Is love an important component of curiosity?This week's voicemail is thanks to Michelle Sisco. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of control in the second chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss the bureaucratic power of the Ministry of Magic, the benefit of Harry's deep curiosity, and the endless frustrations of IKEA furniture. Throughout the episode they consider the question: when is control a noble intention and when is it oppressive? This week's voicemail is thanks to Mijal Tenenbaum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of disappointment in the first chapter of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. They discuss homesickness and why returning home sometimes brings out the worst in us, acknowledge Petunia's domestic labor, and return to the spiritual practice of Lectio Divina. Throughout the episode they consider the question: how do we maintain optimistic and integrity when confronted with disappointment? This week's voicemail is thanks to Grace Halverson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our last episode of season one, we hear from a few more listeners and have a meta-conversation about the podcast itself. Vanessa and Casper also have the opportunity to chat with Professor Stephanie Paulsell, with whom they developed this project at Harvard Divinity School. We’re back with season two in a few weeks! Note: This is our last week of particularly bad audio quality. Hurray! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of season one, Vanessa and Casper pull out a few key insights from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They finally get around to talking about Harry himself, revisit the kindness of the Weasley twins, and think about the thematic relevance of food in the book. Throughout the episode they come back to ideas about vulnerability, friendship, and love. Note: Unfortunately, we're still having trouble with microphones. This time, just to keep you on your toes, it's Vanessa that sounds a little wonky. All will be fixed (hopefully!) in season two. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

**Note: We had some technical difficulties in the studio this week (mainly with Casper’s microphone) so unfortunately the sound of this episode is not up to our usual standard and occasionally distracting. Still, the conversation was fruitful enough that we wanted to share it with you. Thanks for your patience and, if you have the option, maybe leave your good headphones at home for this one! Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of love in the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They debate whether Quirrell loves Voldemort, celebrate the Weasley twins, and take a closer look at the title of the chapter. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Is sacrifice necessary for love? This week's voicemail is thanks to Lindsay Surtees.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of destiny in chapter sixteen, the penultimate chapter of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss why Neville is excluded from the trio's adventure, where Hermione's strengths and weaknesses come from, and the possible symbolism of chess pieces. Throughout the episode they look at the question: are our choices part of our destiny? This week's voicemail is thanks to Micah Herstand.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of regret in chapter fifteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss the eccentric behavior of centaurs, celebrate Neville's burgeoning bravery, and try to justify Filch's ongoing sadism in this chapter. Throughout the episode they return to the question: why do we regret things that are out of our control? This week's voicemail is thanks to Kevin Bianchi.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of rebellion in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Casper's high school antics, Hagrid's lack of self-care, and whether the ends justify the means when Hermione manipulates Hagrid to gain information about the Sorcerer's Stone.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa recounts how she came to read literature as sacred and, in Casper’s absence, uses voicemails from the audience as her conversation partners this week. Together, they touch on a new theology of horcruxes, the difficulty of transitions, and why Hermione wasn't sorted into Ravenclaw. We’re back to your regularly scheduled programming next week! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of hope in chapter thirteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Neville's brawl with the Slytherins, the sacred space of quidditch, and whether a rhetoric of hope can be exploitative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of white privilege in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Molly Weasley's continued generosity, explore the topic of invisibility both literally and metaphorically, and begin a new spiritual exercise: the Jewish practice of Havruta.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of goals in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. They discuss Voldemort's questionable judgment in this chapter, whether our intentions are as important as our actions, and Vanessa's lasting admiration for Whoopi Goldberg.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.