Harry Potter And The Sacred Text

Welcome back! In our first episode of Season 2, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Bravery in Chapter One of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. This week we discuss the difference between bravery and bravado, Vernon's drill salesmanship, and Harry's faith in his friendships. Throughout the episode we consider the question: does bravery require confidence, or is it even braver to act when you are unsure?Thank you to Hanna for this week’s voicemail. Next week we’ll be joined by special guest John Green, as we read Chapter 2, Dobby's Warning, through the theme of Health.--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.

This week, Vanessa is joined by fellow podcaster and author of IRL: Finding Realness, Meaning, and Belonging in Our Digital Lives, Chris Stedman, to discuss grief, fandom, and how online communities can help us process significant events in our lives.Thanks to Sam, Courtney, Brianna, Mallory, and Cathy for their beautiful voicemail contributions. On Thursday we’ll be starting Book 2, Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets, and reading Chapter 1, The Worst Birthday, through the theme of bravery.Listen to Chris's podcast, Unread, and check out his new book here! --It’s only two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollar 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.

Vanessa and Matt wrap up their first season together with a look back on all of Book 1! They discuss Harry's arc, Neville's role as a perpetual outsider, and the way that fantasy as a genre works withthe progressively more vivid violence in the books.We're taking a quick break, but will be back in two weeks to discuss Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss the relationship between love and power, whether or not Quirrell can be classified as a victim, and the Power of Ritual (hi Casper) in creating and maintaining loving relationships. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we most lovingly take care of ourselves and others?Thank you to Kimmie for this week’s voicemail. Join us next week for our Book 1 Wrap-Up episode!--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Freedom in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss the obstacle course approach to security at Hogwarts, the children's successful journey to the stone, and McGonagall's inability to see the danger at hand. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to be free when we are in relationship with others, and how can we become free to be our best selves?Thanks to Claire for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 17, The Man With Two Faces, through the theme of Love.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Punishment in Chapter Fifteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Filch, McGonagall, and Hagrid's vastly different approaches to punishment, Harry's scary jaunt in the woods, and the centaurs' obsession with Mars. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what makes something a punishment, and what purpose does punishment serve?Thanks to Katie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 16, Through The Trapdoor, through the theme of Freedom.--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.

Vanessa and Matt are joined by special guest Jackson Bird as they explore the theme of Obligation in Chapter Fourteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss the children's sense of obligation towards Hagrid, Charlie's lawbreaking buddies, and how hard it is for us as muggles to gauge danger in the wizarding world. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we juggle our conflicting needs and obligations, and which should we prioritize?Thanks to Jessica for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 15, The Forbidden Forest, through the theme of Punishment.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Anger in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Ron's fight with Crabbe and Goyle, Neville's justified rage, and Snape's unconventional refereeing tactics. Throughout the episode we consider the question: is anger the affective space between hurt and an outward act, and if so, how do we harness it most effectively?Thanks to Aidan for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 14, Norbert the Norwegian Ridgeback, through the theme of Obligation.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Wisdom in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Fred and George’s intuition about Quirrell, what a happy person might see in the Mirror of Erised, and the Restricted Section of the library. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what’s the difference between wisdom and knowledge?Thanks to Elena for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 13, Nicolas Flamel, through the theme of Anger.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of likability in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss how easy it would be to hate Harry at Hogwarts, how we feel about Hermione looking over the boy's homework, and Oliver Wood's pre-game pep talk. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we mitigate our initial attraction to (and repulsion from) other people?Thanks to Lauren for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 12, The Mirror of Erised, through the theme of Wisdom.--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.

Big news, for those who haven't heard! Over on Hot and Bothered, we've launching a new series where we're reading through Jane Eyre! Each week, Vanessa and Lauren Sandler will deep dive into a chapter (or two or three) of Jane Eyre through the themes of power and desire. As we work through the book, we'll be asking ourselves whether Jane Eyre should stay in the canon of books passed down to the next generations of girls who love to read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of protection in chapter ten Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss why Hermione lies about the troll, why we like dangerous sports, and how the ‘damsel in distress’ trope plays out in this chapter. Throughout the episode we consider the question: When is it okay for the maker of rules to break them?Thanks to Carol for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 11, Quidditch, through the theme of Likability.--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.

Today is the day Vanessa's book is finally out in the world! Matt talks to her about her writing process, inspiration, and more and we share an exclusive sneak peek of the audio book. If you haven't already, you can order the book here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we're joined by THE Casper ter Kuile as we explore the theme of meanness in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss whether Harry acts too aggressively with Malfoy, whether McGonagall is treating Harry like a piece of meat, and whether Draco ever meant to go to the midnight duel. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do you be anti-violence and still intervene in wrong-doing?Thanks to Brittany for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 10, Hallowe'en, through the theme of Protection.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of belonging in chapter eight Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we examine Hagrid’s hut as a welcoming space, discuss how Snape’s cruelty confirms Harry as special, and have our first conversation about pedagogy at Hogwarts. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we belong to another person without trying to possess them?Thanks to Katta for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 9, The Midnight Duel, through the theme of meanness.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of revenge in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Dumbledore's whimsy as a tool of hospitality, whether Peeves should be punished, and the context of Nearly Headless Nick’s beheading.Throughout the episode we consider the question: is living well the best revenge?Thanks to Ashley for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 8, The Potions Master, through the theme of belonging.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of fear in chapter six Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss how the Dursleys change (and don't change) towards Harry, Ron's role in his family, and how truly wonderful Molly is to Harry and her kids. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what makes someone a bully?Thanks to Amethyst for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 7, The Sorting Hat through the theme of revenge.--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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of awe in chapter five Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Harry’s fame, Draco’s relationship with his wand, and the joys and overwhelm of travel. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Can you be in awe of things that aren't 'good'?Thanks to Rachell for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 6, The Journey to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters through the theme of fear.--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.

This week, Vanessa and Matt are joined by Naomi Westwater to discuss how we see Wizard Supremacy operating in the text and how it helps us understand supremacy in our lives.Thanks to for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we’ll be reading Book 1, Chapter 5, Diagon Alley, through the theme of awe.If you're interested in joining Naomi's class, you can sign up here! --It’s only two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollar 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.

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of celebration in chapter four Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This week we discuss Harry’s birthday feast, the relentlessness of the Hogwarts letters, and the way that Hagrid intimidates the Dursleys. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Does celebration need to be joyful? Or is the ritual of it the important thing?Thanks to Didi for this week’s voicemail! Next week we’re doing an Owl Post episode with Naomi Westwater on Wizard Supremacy.--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.