Sinopse
Its the English class you didn't know you missed and the meaningful conversations you didn't know you craved. Join Vanessa Zoltan and Casper ter Kuile as they bring thought, reflection and laughter to Harry Potter; not just as novels, but as instructive and inspirational texts that will teach us about our own lives. Relive the magic chapter by chapter as they explore themes such as commitment, revenge and forgiveness. This podcast creates time in your week to think about lifes big questions. Because reading fiction doesnt just help us escape the world, it helps us live in it.
Episódios
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Humility: Cornelius Fudge (Book 2, Chapter 14)
06/01/2022 Duração: 52minVanessa and special guest Jackson Bird (!!) explore the theme of Humility in Chapter Fourteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the line between humility and humiliation, Hermione's petrification, and Hagrid's arrest. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can humility help us to build stronger relationships and adapt to a changing world?Thank you to our anonymous listener for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 15, Aragog, through the theme of Charm.--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.
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A Christmas Poem from Casper: Good Bones by Maggie Smith (Warning! Features a swear word!)
25/12/2021 Duração: 01minEvery Christmas, Casper likes to read us a poem. This year it's 'Good Bones' by Maggie Smith.We'll be back with our regularly scheduled episodes on January 6th. Happy Holidays! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Bonus Episode - Blessing Minerva McGonagall
21/12/2021 Duração: 28minWe're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Minerva McGonagall (with special guest Margaret H. Willison!) with an intro from 2021 Vanessa!--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.
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Community: The Very Secret Diary (Book 2, Chapter 13)
16/12/2021 Duração: 49minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Community in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the wonderful HPST community, Lockhart's vision for Valentines Day, and Harry's introduction to Tom Riddle. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can community help us through difficult times?Thank you to Raj for this week’s voicemail! We'll be taking a break for the holidays, but we'll see you in the new year for Chapter 14, Cornelius Fudge, which we will be reading with very special guest Jackson Bird, through the theme of Humility.--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.
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Guilt: The Polyjuice Potion (Book 2, Chapter 12)
09/12/2021 Duração: 47minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Guilt in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the intentions of the Sorting Hat, how having a sense of purpose can relieve us of feeling guilty, and Draco's passion for the news. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how are guilt (the feeling) and guilt (the fact) related?Thank you to Justus for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 13, The Very Secret Diary, through the theme of Community.--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.
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Bonus Episode - Blessing Hannah Abbott
08/12/2021 Duração: 21minWe're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Hannah Abbott with an intro from 2021 Vanessa!--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.
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Shame: The Dueling Club (Book 2, Chapter 11)
02/12/2021 Duração: 44minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Shame in Chapter Eleven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, with special guest Casper ter Kuile! This week they discuss the highs and lows of sleep-away camp, Crabbe's potion-making skills, and Harry's newly discovered fluency in Parseltongue. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what lies on the other side of shame?Thank you to Prabhanjan for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 12, The Polyjuice Potion, through the theme of Guilt.--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.
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Patreon Bonus - Matt & Vanessa's Every Flavored Bean!
01/12/2021 Duração: 12minWe hope you enjoy this sneak peak into our Patreon content! Each week patrons receive bloopers, a bonus discussion, and more. In this episode, Matt and Vanessa discuss ideas for their own Lockhart style memoirs.--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.
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Dignity: The Rogue Bludger (Book 2, Chapter 10)
25/11/2021 Duração: 47minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Dignity in Chapter Ten of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss Lockhart's dignity, or lack thereof, athletes practicing ballet, and Dobby's big reveal. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is there an inherent human dignity that cannot be stripped away by others?Thank you to MJ for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 11, The Dueling Club, with very special guest Casper Ter Kuile, through the theme of Shame.--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.
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Bonus Episode - Blessing Cho Chang
23/11/2021 Duração: 19minWe're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Cho Chang with an intro from 2021 Vanessa!--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.
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Hate: The Writing On The Wall (Book 2, Chapter 9)
18/11/2021 Duração: 42minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Hate in Chapter Nine of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the discovery of Mrs. Norris's petrified body, Justin Finch-Fletchley's new fear of Harry, and the trio's Polyjuice Plan. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how is hatred a distinct and particular form of animosity?Thank you to Kate for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 10, The Rogue Bludger, through the theme of Dignity.--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.
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Frustration: The Deathday Party (Book 2, Chapter 8)
11/11/2021 Duração: 45minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Frustration in Chapter Eight of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the difference in how Nearly Headless Nick and Argus Filch handle their respective frustrations, the Headless Hunt's rules and regulations, and Moaning Myrtle's exile. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is frustration the inability to close the gap between what you believe you should be able to do, and what you are actually able to do?Thank you to Emma for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 9, The Writing On The Wall, through the theme of Hate.--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.
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Bonus Episode - Blessing Lily Potter
09/11/2021 Duração: 30minWe're bringing back some of our Women of Harry Potter blessings as bonus episodes sprinkled into your feed. Enjoy this 2019 blessing of Lily Potter with an intro from 2021 Vanessa!--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.
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Forgiveness: Mudbloods and Murmurs (Book 2, Chapter 7)
04/11/2021 Duração: 44minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Forgiveness in Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss Ron's broken wand, the book's possible critiques of retaliation, and Hagrid's exile. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we understand forgiveness without putting an unfair burden on victims?Thank you to Sarah for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 8, The Deathday Party, through the theme of Frustration.--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.
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Narcissism: Gilderoy Lockhart (Book 2, Chapter 6)
28/10/2021 Duração: 43minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Narcissism in Chapter Six of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the efficacy of Molly's Howler in teaching Ron his lesson, Justin Finch-Fletchley's introduction to the trio, and Lockhart's teaching style. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we better see and respond to the needs of those around us?Thank you to Maggie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 7, Mudbloods and Murmurs, through the theme of Forgiveness.--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.
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Bonus Q&A Episode!
26/10/2021 Duração: 32minIn this special bonus episode, Vanessa and Matt answer some questions sent in by listeners. Thank you so much to everyone who wrote in! We hope you enjoy this look into the show & our dear hosts. --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.
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Anxiety: The Whomping Willow (Book 2, Chapter 5)
21/10/2021 Duração: 43minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Anxiety in Chapter Five of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss the enchanted Ford Anglia, McGonagall's lax punishment, and our introduction to the Whomping Willow. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how is anxiety relational?Thank you to Emily for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 6, Gilderoy Lockhart, through the theme of Narcissism.--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.
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Patience: At Flourish & Blotts (Book 2, Chapter 4)
14/10/2021 Duração: 40minVanessa and Matt explore the theme of Patience in Chapter Four of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss bliss at The Burrow, our introduction to Gilderoy Lockhart, and Lucius's parenting. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does patience balance competing desires?Thank you to Oliver for this week’s voicemail. Next week we’re reading Chapter 5, The Whomping Willow, through the theme of Anxiety.--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.
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Friendship: The Burrow (Book 2, Chapter 3)
07/10/2021 Duração: 45minVanessa is joined by dear friend and special guest Jolie Doggett as they explore the theme of Friendship in Chapter Three of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week they discuss Mr. Weasley's obsession with muggles, the ethics of de-gnoming, and Ron's confidence in his friendship with Harry. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be a good friend?Thank you to Amanda for this week’s voicemail. Next week we’re reading Chapter 4, At Flourish & Blotts, through the theme of Patience.--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.
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Health: Dobby's Warning (Book 2, Chapter 2)
30/09/2021 Duração: 48minVanessa and Matt are joined by special guest John Green as they explore the theme of Health in Chapter Two of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week we discuss the connection between individual and social health, the efficacy of Dobby's messaging, and Mrs. Mason's traumatic dinner party experience. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we support each other in building healthier communities?Thank you to Donovan for this week’s voicemail. Next week we’ll be joined by our wonderful friend Jolie Doggett, as we read Chapter 3, The Burrow, through the theme of Friendship.--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.