Podcast: Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

It’s 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 life’s big questions. Because reading fiction doesn’t just help us escape the world, it helps us live in it.

Innocence: Felix Felicis (Book 6, Chapter 14)

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:…

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Procrastination: The Secret Riddle (Book 6, Chapter 13)

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…

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Special Patreon Bonus – Monthly Bloopers !

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.

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Access: Silver and Opals (Book 6, Chapter 12)

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…

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Special Patreon Bonus – Matt & Vanessa’s Every Flavored Bean!

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…

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Despair: Hermione’s Helping Hand (Book 6, Chapter 11)

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…

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Ambition: The House of Gaunt (Book 6, Chapter 10)

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…

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Empowerment: The Half Blood Prince (Book 6, Chapter 9)

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…

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Chance: Snape Victorious (Book 6, Chapter 8)

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…

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Special Edition: Celebrating Ron!

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.

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