Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

This week, Vanessa and special guest Micaela Blei explore the theme of Storytelling in Chapter 8 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Dumbledore’s legacy, Krum’s wedding experience, and Bill and Fleur’s wedding! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do the stories we tell shape the way we view the world? Thank you to Stacie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 9, A Place to Hide, with special guest Courtney Brown through the theme of Uncertainty. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on InstagramLearn more about What Matters --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2025

As we wrap up our final season of HPST, we're taking a look back at some of our favorite moments! This week we're revisiting our 2021 episode with John Green, talking about hope in the penultimate chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 May 2025

This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by special guest Hana Thomas Uose as they explore the theme of Progress in Chapter 7 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Harry’s 17th birthday, Hagrid’s unicorns, and Scrimgeour’s visit! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are all the different ways we can measure progress? Thank you to Emily for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 8, The Wedding, with special guest Micaela Blei through the theme of Storytelling. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2025

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Commitment in Chapter 6 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss the trio’s commitments to each other, Molly’s parenting, and Voldemort’s tunnel vision! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we make sure our commitments are serving us? Thank you to Sarah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 7, The Will of Albus Dumbledore, through the theme of Progress. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2025

This week, Vanessa and special guest Mauricio Bruce explore the theme of Memory in Chapter 5 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Hedwig and Moody’s deaths, and how the body keeps the score in this chapter! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does memory push us forward, and when can it hold us back? Learn more about What Matters here. Thank you to Natalie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 6, The Ghoul in Pyjamas, through the theme of Commitment. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2025

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Outrage in Chapter 4 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss the 6 extra Potters, Hedwig’s death, and Mundungus’s forced service! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can a series of experiences lead us to a place of outrage? Thank you to Melody for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 5, Fallen Warrior, with special guest Mauricio Bruce through the theme of Memory. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

This week, we want to share with you an episode of another Not Sorry podcast, The Real Question.  The Real Question is a show that holds space for life’s tough questions. Each episode, a guest brings a personal question they’re grappling with, and Chaplain Mauricio Bruce helps them find an answer. This season, our focus is on future-oriented questions – those that start with ‘Should I…’  In our first episode of the new season, Vanessa asks the question "should I take an art class in 2025?" We’re currently looking for more guests, so if you have a question from your own life, please submit to be on the show!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Vulnerability in Chapter 3 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Dudley, Vernon, and Petunia’s respective vulnerabilities in this chapter! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can showing vulnerability invite others to be more vulnerable themselves? Today's episode is dedicated to Judith Giller Leinwahl, who helped shape this show and community. Thank you to Emily for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 4, The Seven Potters, through the theme of outrage. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2025

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Boundaries in Chapter 2 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Dumbledore’s many secrets, Dudley’s misunderstood act of kindness, and Hedwig’s cage! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do our boundaries change over time? Thank you to Chelsea for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 3, The Dursleys Departing, through the theme of Vulnerability. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2025

This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by special guest Elizabeth Rowe as they explore the theme of Success in Chapter 1 of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! They discuss Snape’s evolving role as double agent, Voldemort’s measures of success, and the Deatheaters’ meeting! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does the way we measure success change over the course of our life? Thank you to Sara for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 2, In Memoriam, through the theme of Boundaries. Learn more about Elizabeth's class here!Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2025

We're still off between seasons, but we though it would be fun to take a look back at our first read through of Book 7, Chapter 1 ahead of our 14th and final season starting back up next week! Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2025

We just dropped one of our favorite episodes so far of Let's Ask Taylor Swift with Vanessa and recent HPST guest host Daniel Schroeder, and since we're off between seasons of HPST we wanted to share that in the feed with you here! Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2025

Vanessa and Casper wrap up their discussion of The Half-Blood Prince with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Dumbledore's strengths and weaknesses as a leader, Harry's final year at Hogwarts, and Hermione's unique role in this book. We're off for a few weeks between seasons, but we can't wait to get into Book 7 with you all! Stick around after the episode for a special conversation with Julia Argy about her upcoming writing retreat! Learn more and register on our website. Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is a Not Sorry ProductionFind us at our website | Follow us on Instagram--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 February 2025

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Separation in Chapter 29 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the relationship dynamics on display in this chapter, Hagrid’s advice, and the end of Harry’s time at Hogwarts! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what causes us to feel separate from others? Thank you to Bethany for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 30, The White Tomb, through the theme of Love with Matt Potts.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 13 February 2025

In today's bonus, Vanessa is joined by Casper ter Kuile and Courtney Brown for a special conversation on the role of friendship in our adult lives, and what the characters in Anne of Green Gables can teach us about it! Learn more about joining Casper and Courtney in Prince Edward Island this June as they dive deeper into this theme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

This week, Vanessa and special guest Hannah McGregor explore the theme of Apocalypse in Chapter 28 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Snape’s subtle display of care, Hagrid’s hut, and chaos as a liminal space! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we continue after an apocalyptic event? Thank you to Heather for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 29, The Phoenix Lament, through the theme of Separation with Casper ter Kuile.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

This week, Vanessa and special guest Daniel Schroeder explore the theme of Helplessness in Chapter 27 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s immobilization, Dumbledore’s master plan, and Draco’s task! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when can a feeling of helplessness actually help force us to act? Thank you to Jerrica for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 28, Flight of the Prince, through the theme of Apocalypse with special guest Hannah McGregor. --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2025

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Fear in Chapter 26 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry and Dumbledore’s opposite experiences of the cave, fear of the unknown, and Voldemort’s obstacle course! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we decide which fears are valid? Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 27, The Lightning-Struck Tower, through the theme of helplessness with special guest Daniel Schroeder.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

This week, Vanessa and special guest Jolie Doggett explore the theme of Jealousy in Chapter 25 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Romilda Vane, the Prince’s gender, and Trelawney’s many admirers! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can jealousy be useful information? Thank you to Chris for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 26, The Cave, through the theme of Fear with Casper ter Kuile. --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 January 2025

This week, Vanessa and special guest Courtney Brown explore the theme of Impulsivity in Chapter 24 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Draco and Harry’s fight, Hermione’s “I told you so” moment, and the big kiss! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is impulsivity fun and when is it harmful? Thank you to Julia for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 25, The Seer Overheard, through the theme of Jealousy with Jolie Doggett. --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 9th, but in the meantime we thought it would be fun to revisit Matt's first episode as a regular host. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 January 2025

Every Christmas, we like to share a favorite poem. This year it's 'Snowy Night' by Mary Oliver. We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 9th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2024

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Ambivalence in Chapter 23 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s lesson, the splitting of souls, and Harry’s destiny! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does our ambivalence still lead us to a choice? Thank you to Marissa for this week’s voicemail! We're off for the holidays but we'll be back in 2025 reading Chapter 24, Sectumsempra, through the theme of Impulsivity with Courtney Brown.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 December 2024

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, Vanessa and special guest Jackson Bird are talking about the Marauders and some of their favorite moments from the friends throughout the series! --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for conversations 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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2024

Not Sorry has launched its first new podcast since 2020! Let's Ask Taylor Swift is co-hosted by Vanessa and podcaster, writer and cultural critic: Daniel Schroeder. In each episode Daniel and Vanessa will focus on one song from Taylor's discography, asking themselves, each other, and you— the audience— what it is about Taylor's music that resonates so much with fans. In our first season, every episode will look at the lead single from one of Taylor’s albums. We're sharing with you our first episode on Tim McGraw, but we've also just released our second episode on Love Story in the Let's Ask Taylor Swift feed. If you enjoyed this episode, go subscribe! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Failure in Chapter 22 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s lucky day, Ron’s apparition test, and Ernie’s potion! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when are success and failure out of our control? Thank you to Christine for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 23, Horcruxes, through the theme of Ambivalence with Matt Potts.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2024

Patience: The Unknowable Room (Book 6, Chapter 21) This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Patience in Chapter 21 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s stakeout, Hermione’s new approach to Ron and Lavender, and the upcoming promise of Apparition! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does patience reward us? Thank you to Elizabeth for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 22, After The Burial, through the theme of Failure with Casper ter Kuile. --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2024

This week, Vanessa and special guest Mauricio Bruce explore the theme of Possibility in Chapter 20 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Dumbledore’s memory of Voldemort, Harry’s quest, and Hermione and Ron’s reconciliation! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we hold space for a multitude of possibilities? Thank you to Serena for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 21, The Unknowable Room, through the theme of Patience with Matt Potts.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2024

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Rebellion in Chapter 19 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Snape and Dumbledore’s agreement, Dobby and Kreacher’s quarrel, and McLaggen’s big game! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we rebel in both big and small ways? Thank you to Travis for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 20, Lord Voldemort’s Request, through the theme of Possibility with special guest Mauricio Bruce.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 November 2024

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Discovery in Chapter 18 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s poisoned mead, Harry’s life saving bezoar, and Romilda Vane’s love potion! Throughout the episode we consider the question: are we always on some journey of discovery? Thank you to Auryn for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 19, Elf Tails, through the theme of Rebellion with Matt Potts.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2024

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Knowledge in Chapter 17 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Harry’s lesson with Dumbledore, early Slug Clubs, and Slughorn’s titular memory! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do raw facts turn into knowledge? Thank you to Simone for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 18, Birthday Surprises, through the theme of Discovery with Casper ter Kuile.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 31 October 2024

This week, Vanessa and special guest Julia Argy explore the theme of Worthiness in Chapter 16 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the value of peeling sprouts by hand, Percy’s Christmas, and Ron’s new necklace! Throughout the episode we consider the question: what are we weighing when we decide the worthiness of something? Thank you to Mo for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 17, A Sluggish Memory, through the theme of Knowledge with Matt Potts.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2024

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Symbiosis in Chapter 15 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s exclusive holiday party, the ripple effect of Hermione and Ron’s tiff, and Draco’s plan! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we create symbiotic relationships that aren't just transactional? Thank you to Laura for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 16, A Very Frosty Christmas, through the theme of worthiness with Julia Argy.--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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 October 2024

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, Vanessa and special guest Margaret H. Willison are talking about the idea of Drama and some of their favorite dramatic moments throughout the series! --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for conversations 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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 October 2024

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Innocence in Chapter 14 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, featuring a charming opening story from friend of the pod Rosy Hosking! They discuss Ron’s first kiss, Hermione’s army of little birds, and the big Quidditch match! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is innocence a gift, and when does it feel a little bit embarrassing? Thank you to Hannah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 15, The Unbreakable Vow, through the theme of Symbiosis with Matt 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 Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 October 2024

This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Procrastination in Chapter 13 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Tom’s solo trip to Diagon Alley, Dumbledore’s choices, and Mrs. Cole’s orphanage! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when are we procrastinating and when are we prioritizing other values? Thank you to Ariel for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 14, Felix Felicis, through the theme of Innocence with Casper and special friend of the pod Rosy! --It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for conversations 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.

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

We hope you enjoy this sneak peak into our Patreon content, where each month patrons receive a curated selection of bloopers from the last 4 episodes! If you enjoy our work, please consider signing up on our Patreon so we can continue to make this show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2024

This week, Matt and Jackson Bird explore the theme of Access in Chapter 12 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Slughorn’s exclusive club, Katie Bell’s curse, and Mundungus’s thievery! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we fight for access when we’ve been excluded? Thank you to Angela for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 13, The Secret Riddle, through the theme of Procrastination with Casper ter Kuile.--It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only five dollars to join our Patreon for extra content 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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2024

We hope you enjoy this sneak peak into our Patreon content, where each week patrons receive a bonus discussion inspired by the chapter! In this mini ep from Chapter 10, Matt and Vanessa discuss whose memory they'd like to take a peek into. If you enjoy our work, please consider signing up on our Patreon so we can continue to make this show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2024

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Normalcy in Chapter 11 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss Hagrid’s grief, Ron’s tryout, and Slughorn’s continued pursuit of Harry! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does despair manifest? Thank you to Alison for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 12, Silver and Opals, through the theme of Access with Jackson Bird.--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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2024

This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Ambition in Chapter 10 of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! They discuss the Half Blood Prince’s gender, Snape’s ambition, and Merope’s blossoming romance! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do our ambitions shift over time? Thank you to Natalie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 11, Hermione’s Helping Hand, through the theme of Despair with Matt 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 Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 September 2024

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.--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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 August 2024

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 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.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 15 August 2024

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 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.

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2024

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 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.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2024

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 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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2024

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 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 Gringotts vault so we can continue to make this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 July 2024

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 July 2024

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 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.

Transcribed - Published: 11 July 2024