

Harry Potter and the Sacred Text
Not Sorry Productions
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 Matt Potts 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 of Harry Potter chapter by chapter as Matt and Vanessa 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.Harry Potter and the Sacred Text is produced by Not Sorry Productions, a feminist organization that produces podcasts, educational content, live shows, and immersive experiences with the explicit goal of addressing the spiritual needs of its participants. Through community, rigor, and ritual, we treat traditionally secular things as if they were sacred. To learn more about what we do, visit https://notsorryworks.com/. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 2, 2023 • 41min
Pressure: Detention With Dolores (Book 5, Chapter 13)
This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Pressure in Chapter Thirteen of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Fred & George's pressure points, the titular detention, and upcoming O.W.L.s. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how do different forms of pressure help/hinder us?Thank you to Emily for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 14, Percy and Padfoot, through the theme of Resentment with the lovely Margaret H. Willison.--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.

Oct 26, 2023 • 46min
Context: Professor Umbridge (Book 5, Chapter 12)
This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Context in Chapter Twelve of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the showdown in Umbridge's classroom, McGonagall's biscuit offering, and whether the Divination classroom can be a safe space for anyone. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how does context affect us even when we're not actively considering it?Thank you to Maria for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 13, Detention with Dolores, through the theme of Pressure.--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.

Oct 19, 2023 • 39min
Blame: The Sorting Hat's New Song (Book 5, Chapter 11)
This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Blame in Chapter Eleven of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the titular song, the wisdom of Neville's Gram, and Hagrid's flawlessness. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how can we appropriately and responsibly shoulder blame?Thank you to Ava for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 12, Professor Umbridge, through the theme of Context with our dear pal Casper.--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.

Oct 12, 2023 • 47min
Beauty: Luna Lovegood (Book 5, Chapter 10)
This week, Vanessa and special guest Jolie Doggett explore the theme of Beauty in Chapter Ten of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They, of course, discuss our new friend Luna(!), our introduction to Thestrals, and Draco's new position as prefect. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how are we redefining what beauty looks like in our own lives?Thank you to Nicki for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 11, The Sorting Hat's New Song, through the theme of Blame.--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.

Oct 5, 2023 • 42min
Intimacy: The Woes of Mrs. Weasley (Book 5, Chapter 9)
Topics discussed include meal sharing as a catalyst for closeness, Harry's unwanted intimacy with Lucius Malfoy, and the entitlement of close friends. The hosts explore the tradeoffs, strengths, and limitations of intimate relationships.

Sep 28, 2023 • 40min
Tension: The Hearing (Book 5, Chapter 8)
This week, Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of Tension in Chapter Eight of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Harry's hearing, Percy's dedication to his new role, and Dumbledore's chintz chair! Throughout the episode we consider the question: when is tension a useful tool?Thank you to Madison for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 9, The Woes of Mrs. Weasley, through the theme of Intimacy.--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.

Sep 21, 2023 • 42min
Visibility: The Ministry of Magic (Book 5, Chapter 7)
This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Visibility in Chapter Seven of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the Ministry's location, Molly's caretaking, and what statues say about a society's values! Throughout the episode we consider the question: how should we approach our own visibility in different situations?Thank you to Grace for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 8, The Hearing, through the theme of Tension.--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.

Sep 14, 2023 • 51min
Risk: The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black (Book 5, Chapter 6)
This week, Vanessa and Jackson Bird explore the theme of Risk in Chapter Six of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss Sirius's increasing restlessness, the risk associated with a volatile magical home, and Fred and George's private experimentation. Throughout the episode we consider the question: how should we decide which risks are worth it?Thank you to Jane for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 7, The Ministry of Magic, through the theme of Visibility.--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.

Sep 7, 2023 • 27min
Special Edition: Celebrating Hagrid!
This podcast celebrates the character of Hagrid from the Harry Potter series, discussing his growth, resistance against oppression, and love for Harry. They also explore Hagrid's support for Hermione when she faces prejudice, and express their excitement for this special episode.

Aug 31, 2023 • 45min
Comparison: The Order of the Phoenix (Book 5, Chapter 5)
This week, Vanessa and Matt explore the theme of Comparison in Chapter Five of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! They discuss the Molly's role as a caretaker for Harry, the Weasley twins' burgeoning business adventures, and Sirius's interesting approach to mentoring. Throughout the episode we consider the question: when can comparisons be useful, and when are they harmful?Thank you to Katie for this week’s voicemail! Next week we're reading Chapter 6, The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, with Jackson Bird(!) through the theme of Risk.HPST is made possible in part by ads and sponsorships! We're currently running a survey to help us better understand our audience, if you're looking for a free way to help us continue making this podcast please consider filling out the quick survey here.--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.


