Harry Potter and the Sacred Text

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Legacy in chapter twenty-three of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the ambivalence of Draco Malfoy, the divinity of Luna Lovegood, and the sexiness of Ron Weasley. Throughout the episode we consider the question: where can we look to find the legacies in our lives?   Thanks to Abigail for this week's voicemail! Next week w...

This week, Casper and Vanessa are joined by cultural critic Jolie Doggett to discuss representation, appearance, and body positivity in Book 7. Together, they explore how we conceptualize “good” and “bad” bodies, and how those stereotypes show up in the text. Thanks to Destiny, Sophie, Skyler, and Marcella for their beautiful voicemail contributions. Next week we’ll be reading Chapter 23, Mal...

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Knowledge in chapter twenty-two of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Ron's new-found maturity, Harry's newest obsession, and why Hermione doesn't believe in the Hallows. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we move from knowledge to belief?   Thanks to Vickela for this week's voicemail! Next week we'll be...

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Dreams in chapter twenty-one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Luna’s beautiful mural of friends, Hermione’s small preparations for emergency situations, and whether we forgive Xenophilius for betraying the trio. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we continue to dream of a better world during seemingly ho...

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Reality in chapter twenty of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss a lot of things about Ron! We discuss Ron's separation from the trio, the reasons he didn't go back to the Burrow, and his attempts to get Hermione back. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we make room for subjectivity without degrading the impor...

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Courage in chapter nineteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Hermione’s grief after Ron leaves, Ron’s courage in coming back, and the importance of mentorship. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do you hold space for the vulnerability and uncomfortableness of courage?   Thanks to Odelya for this week's...

Casper and Vanessa explore the theme of Youth in chapter eighteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Dumbledore’s relationship with Grindelwald, Rita Skeeter’s offensive nicknames for people, and the parallels to the Holocaust in this chapter. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How do we allow people to change and also hold them accountable for their previo...

Casper and Matt Potts explore the theme of Faith in chapter seventeen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss singing as a sacred practice, the locket as a metaphor for trauma, and the sign in front of Potter Cottage. Throughout the episode we consider the question: How can we build faith in each other rather than in facts?    Thanks to Bronwyn for this week's voice...

CW: Because of the plot of this chapter, Vanessa and Casper spend a lot of time talking about grief, death, and trauma. The chapter includes some suicidal ideation and Casper and Vanessa very briefly touch on that as well.  Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Peace in chapter sixteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Harry’s visit to Lily and James’ graves, why...

In honor of Hogwarts day, September 1st, we present to you the first day of class you’ve always dreamed of from your two favorite lady scholars: Witch, Please | Ep. 1, The Chosen One.  We at Not Sorry Productions are so proud to be working with Hannah and Marcelle of Witch, Please. We were huge fans of the first run of their podcast, and can't wait to listen to the newest season! Their first...

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Ownership in chapter fifteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Muggle/Goblin relations, the Sword of Gryffindor, and of course, the big fight between Harry and Ron. Throughout the episode we consider the question: What are things we can never own?   Thanks to Cindy for this week's voicemail! Next week we’re reading Chapter 16...

Vanessa offers an update on plans for Harry Potter and the Sacred Text and Not Sorry Productions in general. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Casper and Vanessa are joined by journalist Lauren Sandler to discuss her book This is All I Got: A New Mother’s Search for Home , and what it teaches us about homelessness in America. Together, they explore how Harry, Ron, and Hermione are feeling the pressures of housing insecurity in the seventh book, and how to think about Ron leaving.  Thanks to Jessica, Laura, Thomas, Rebecca...

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Belonging in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the shifting dynamics of the trio as they find themselves far from home, find compassion for Ron as he navigates feelings of isolation when voicing beliefs that differ from those of his friends, and recognize Hermione's strength as someone who can create the condition...

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Arrogance in chapter thirteen of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss how Umbridge has changed since we last saw her, Harry’s rash decision to try and free some Muggle-Borns, and why Hermione has trouble casting a Patronus. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Does it count as arrogance if you’re actually right? Thanks to Ch...

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Truth in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the new ministry statue, the fate of poor Mafalda Hopkirk, and whether or not Ron is useless. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we hold multiple truths at the same time? Thanks to Danielle for this week's voicemail! Next week we’ll be running our firs...

Today’s owl post episode is in response to J.K. Rowling’s recent and vehement transphobia. We’re joined by our friend Jackson Bird to talk about why it’s important to condemn Rowling, and what we’re thinking about in terms of the future of this podcast.  We are so grateful to the dozens of trans and non-binary people who sent in voicemails for this episode. Thanks to Alicia, Ariel, Cody,...

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Normalcy in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the role of pain in Harry’s life, the changes being made at the Ministry, and why Lupin can’t come hunt horcruxes. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we notice what’s become normal, but needs to be changed? Thanks to Ava for this week's voicemail! Ne...

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Neglect in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Sirius' childhood bedroom, the lack of stories that Harry has about his parents, and Harry's kindness towards Kreacher. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we take time for ourselves without neglecting the things that are important to us? Thanks to Culver...

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Relief in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss Ron’s moving concern for his family, Harry’s persistant need to self-isolate, and how Hermione’s marginalized identity leads to her great foresight. Throughout the episode we consider the question: Is relief even possible in such a broken and complicated world? Thanks to Sha...

Hi all, Casper here. There are moments in life when you look around and wonder at the marvel of it all. Today my book is published - and it would never have happened without YOU, our dear listeners. Thank you for traveling with us through the books, for exploring new spiritual practices together, and for opening my heart and mind with your wisdom and encouragement. In many ways, I wrote this book...

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Independence in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week Vanessa shares a cautionary tale of Crystal Light and we discuss the magic of wizard wedding, Luna’s relationship with her father, and Elphias Doge’s love for Dumbledore. Throughout the episode we consider the question: what do we risk by giving up our independence? Thanks to Se...

Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Identity in chapter seven of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. This week we discuss the many gifts in this chapter: Harry’s birthday gifts, what Dumbledore leaves the trio in his will, and the gift of a new haircut. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do we escape who we used to be? Thanks to the anonymous listener who sent in this week'...

We’ve decided not to release an episode of Harry Potter and the Sacred Text today. Instead we have an episode of #WizardTeam from the brilliant women over at Black Girls Create.  #WizardTeam is a Harry Potter podcast housed under Black Girls Create, a hub for Black creators and critical fandom. The hosts Robyn Jordan and Bayana Davis close read and discuss the original Harry Potter series and...

A short note from Vanessa and Casper for our white listeners to step-up in this week of action in defense of Black lives.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.