Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Welcome back for Season 3! This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Inclusion in Chapter One of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! They discuss Harry’s special birthday celebration, Ron's fearless use of muggle technology, and the Weasleys' cute family vacation. Throughout the episode we consider the question: does inclusion necessitate exclusion, and how can we expand the community...

Vanessa and Matt wrap up their their discussion of The Chamber of Secrets with a look back on the entire book! They discuss Harry's sense of belonging at Hogwarts, Dumbledore's flaws, and Hagrid's growing family of pets/friends. We're taking a quick break, but will be back in two weeks to discuss Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban! -- It’s two sickles to join S.P.E.W., and only two dollars t...

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Love in Chapter Eighteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss the Weasley family's reunion, the pattern of Dumbledore's poor hiring decisions, and Dobby as free elf. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what must we add to our love (intention, reflection, justice?) in order to truly act lovingly? Thank you to Leah for...

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Compassion in Chapter Seventeen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss Harry’s introduction to the real Tom Riddle, Fawkes’s heroic entry, and the perils of journaling. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does understanding the root of our compassion lead us to act in more kind and loving ways towards others? T...

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Yearning in Chapter Sixteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss Moaning Myrtle's big reveal, Lockhart's (lack of) responsibility in crisis, and Hermione's scrunched up clue. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what does it mean to yearn, and how is this different from other forms of desire? Thank you to Kayla for thi...

Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Charm in Chapter Fifteen of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets! This week they discuss Matt's charming children, Ernie Macmillan's earnest apology, and the children's total inability to charm Aragog. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how is charm like a spell, and what conditions allow that spell to be successful? Thank you to BA for this w...

Vanessa 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...

Every 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.

We'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...

Vanessa 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 taki...

Vanessa 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 we...

We'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....

Vanessa 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 Prabhanja...

We 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...

Vanessa 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...

We'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...

Vanessa 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!...

Vanessa 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 bet...

We'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. Se...

Vanessa 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 we...

Vanessa 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...

In 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....

Vanessa 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 Lock...

Vanessa 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 Whompi...

Vanessa 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 yo...