Harry Potter And The Sacred Text

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Distance in chapter twenty-two of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss the fabulous headmaster portraits in Dumbledore’s office, Dumbledore’s love for Harry, and how Harry cleverly changes his story throughout this chapter. Throughout the episode they consider the question: What technologies are actually helpful in closing the distance between people?Thanks to Holly Glover for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading chapter twenty-three, Christmas on the Closed Ward, through the theme of control. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Honesty in chapter twenty-one of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Nora McInerny, the host of one of our favorite podcasts: Terrible, Thanks for Asking. We discuss Ron’s bro-iness, Harry’s kiss with Cho, and the Thestrals as witnesses of grief. Our question this week is: When is honesty actually the best policy?This week’s voicemail is thanks to Ricker Bailey. Next week we're reading chapter twenty-two, St. Mungo’s Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, through the theme of Distance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re trying something new! Every other week, Vanessa and Ariana are going to sit down to bless a female character of Harry Potter. We’re calling the segment “Women of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text.” This week, Vanessa blesses Fleur Delacour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inspired by last week's chapter, Vanessa sits down with our mentor, Professor Stephanie Paulsell, to learn more about the theology of pilgrimages. They discuss the Japanese poet Bashō, their own Virginia Woolf pilgrimage, and Hagrid’s journey to the giants. Throughout the conversation they consider the question: Must you leave your house to make a pilgrimage?This episode we also hear owl post from Danielle Daniels, Marcie Walker, Leah Bauman, Darlyn Summers, and Molly.CW: This episode contains voicemails about some intense topics, including grief and miscarriage.Next week, we'll be reading Chapter 21 of Order of the Phoenix, The Eye of the Snake, through the theme of Honesty.You can read more about our pilgrimages at: https://www.readingandwalkingwith.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Peace in chapter twenty of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss wizard/giant relations, analyze Umbridge’s intimidation strategy, and compare The Second Wizarding War to World War I. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do you respond to violence with restorative peace?Thanks to Felix Moore for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be doing an Owl Post with Professor Stephanie Paulsell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Distraction in chapter nineteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss Hermione’s brilliant DA galleon, Run’s crush on Hermione (who could blame him?), and Vanessa’s continued distain for the house system. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When is distraction more worthy than the end goal?Thanks to Kat Severin for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be reading Chapter 20, Hagrid’s Tale, through the theme of Peace. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of “failure" in chapter 18 of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we come to you live from our Cambridge show. We discuss whether Angela Johnson fails as a quidditch caption, what Hermione learns from S.P.E.W, and the brilliant women of the DA. We were so very lucky to have our dear friend and mentor, Dr. Matthew Potts, with us to tell a story from her experience.Next week we're reading Chapter 19, The Lion and the Serpent, through the theme of distraction. Thanks to everyone who came out to the Cambridge show. You can see David’s incredible painting at harrypottersacredtext.com/daphatplay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Supremacy in chapter seventeen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss Angelina Johnson’s prophetic position, how The Patriarchy shapes the actual building of Hogwarts, and the enduring grace of Helga Hufflepuff. Throughout the episode they consider the question: how do we celebrate ourselves without wanting to be better than others?Thanks to Hannah Ricks for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re coming to you live from our Cambridge show with chapter eighteen, Dumbledore's Army, through the theme of failure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Respite in chapter sixteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss Aberforth living in Dumbledore's shadow, Ron wanting to step out of his prefect roll, and Harry needing a break from his trauma. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Can respite be healing?Thanks to Maloy Moore for this week's voicemail. We're taking two weeks off for the holidays, but we'll be back on January 10th with Chapter 17, Educational Decree Number Twenty-four, through the theme of supremacy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Healing in chapter fifteen of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Artie Wu, the founder of Preside Meditation and a dear friend of Casper's. We discuss Umbridge's use of silence, Harry's perception of his own survival, and the importance of a diagnosis. Our question this week is: what is the relationship between individual and collective healing?Thanks this week to Charlyn for our voicemail. Next week we're reading chapter sixteen, In the Hog's Head, through the theme of respite.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Boundaries in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. They discuss the chemistry between Harry and Cho Chang, Sirius's wise thoughts on Umbridge, and Pansy Parkinson's racist comment. Throughout the episode they consider the question: What boundaries bring us closer to loving one another?Next week we're reading chapter fifteen, The Hogwarts High Inquisitor, through the theme of Healing. Thanks this week to Bayana Davis for joining us for our sacred practice. You can find her podcast, #WizardTeam, here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Obsession in chapter thirteen of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we discuss Hermione's House Elf activism, Umbridge's thirst for power, and Harry's love of Quidditch. Our question this week is: What are we willing to sacrifice for our work?Next week we're reading Chapter 14, Percy and Padfoot, through the theme of Boundaries. Don't forget to buy tickets for our upcoming live shows in Cambridge, and Orlando: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Pride in chapter twelve of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we discuss the different political strategies of Umbridge, Hermione, Parvati, and Harry in this chapter. Our question this week is: When is pride healthy, and when does it lead to our downfall? Next week we're reading Chapter 13, Detention with Dolores, through the theme of Obsession. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi everyone! Bad news: The file for this week's episode got corrupted (probably by Voldemort). Unfortunately, Vanessa had minor surgery this week (she’s recovering well!) and Casper’s off in a monastery, so that only left one person to record something last minute for this week’s episode — me, your loyal producer, Ariana. It’s super low-tech – we’re just hanging out in my apartment, but you get to hear me do a truly terrible British accent and gush about Vanessa and Casper. I’ve also included the newest trailer for our upcoming show, Hot & Bothered. You can go subscribe now!I was assisted in this episode by the very talented Jeff Emtman, who interviewed and recorded me. You can find his podcast, Here Be Monsters, at hbmpodcast.com. Next week, we’ll get back in the studio and re-record the promised episode, Pride: Professor Umbridge (Book 5, Chapter 12). Thank you for bearing with us this week, and extra thank you to everyone who sent in questions over Twitter and Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Dread in chapter eleven of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we discuss Hermione's insight into Umbridge, Harry and Seamus' big fight, and the content of The Sorting Hat's New Song (surprise!). Our question this week is: Is dread about the certainly of what's coming? Or the uncertainly of what could come? Next week we're reading Chapter 12, Professor Umbridge, through the theme of Pride. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Casper is out sick, so Vanessa is taking over our owl post episode this week. We talk Brett Kavanaugh and answer voicemails about his hearing, Voldemort's name, Advent and marginalia.Vanessa also has the opportunity to chat with Dr. Lynne Gerber, a friend of the podcast from Harvard Divinity School. They discuss Lynne's experience with neo-paganism and how to create feminist spaces for religious practice. Next week, we'll be reading Chapter 11 of Order of the Phoenix, The Sorting Hat's New Song, through the theme of dread.You can hear the rest of Stephanie Paulsell's sermon here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Humility in chapter ten of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we talk about Luna's truth-telling, Neville's nerdiness and Ron and Hermione's different approaches to being prefects. Our question this week is: why don't we live more radical lives?Next week we're doing an Owl Post episode with special guest Lynne Gerber talking to us about paganism. Don't forget to buy tickets for our upcoming live shows in Austin, Cambridge, and Orlando: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Will Power in chapter nine of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, we continue to obsess about Percy Weasley, congratulate Ron on his grace around being Head Boy, and very much want to punch Lucius Malfoy. Our question this week is: does will power have to happen in the moment, or is something you can plan for?Next week we're reading chapter ten, Luna Lovegood, through the theme of Humility. Don't forget to buy tickets for our upcoming live shows in Chicago, Austin, Cambridge, and Florida: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-events Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Partnership in chapter eight of "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". This week, Vanessa and Casper are joined by Lauren Taylor, co-author of The American Healthcare Paradox and fellow Harvard Divinity School alum. We discuss Fudge and Dumbledore's polarizing effect, Percy's place in the ministry, and give our first impressions of Dolores Umbridge. Our question this week is: how close can we actually get to the kind of 'divine' partnership described by philosophers?Next week we're reading chapter nine, The Woes of Mrs. Weasley, through the theme of Will Power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Casper examine the theme of "Progress" in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. This week we discuss whether owls are an obsolete technology, The Fountain of Magical Brethren, and the power of Mamma Mia. Our question this week is: is progress inevitable?Next week we're reading chapter eight, The Hearing, through the theme of Partnership. Thanks this week to Aya Ahmed for our voicemail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.