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
Jul 20, 2017 • 35min
Innocence: Cat, Rat and Dog (Book 3, Chapter 17)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of innocence in chapter seventeen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. They bemoan how the criminal justice system has betrayed Sirius Black, discuss Ron's prejudice again werewolves, and try and come up with a good metaphor for the chaos of this chapter. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Who do we normally suspect of guilt?This week's story was told by Kathy Tu, the brilliant host of the Nancy Podcast from WNYC Studios. Next week we're reading chapter eighteen, Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs, through the theme of isolation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 11, 2017 • 35min
Wonder: Professor Trelawney's Prediction (Book 3, Chapter 16)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of wonder in chapter sixteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This week, they discuss flobberworms, how Divination class is like divinity school, and why Professor Trelawney doesn't believe in her own prediction. Throughout the episode they consider the question: Should we try to answer unanswerable questions?Next week we're reading chapter seventeen, Cat, Rat and Dog, through the theme of innocence. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Laurie Benson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jul 4, 2017 • 32min
Pain: The Quidditch Final (Book 3, Chapter 15)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of pain in chapter fifteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This week, they discuss Casper's beautiful teeth, Vanessa's dislike of Hogwarts houses, and why Professor Trelawney is a better teacher than we once thought. Throughout the episode they consider the question: When is it okay to knowingly cause someone else’s pain?Next week we're reading chapter sixteen, Professor Trelawney's Prediction, through the theme of wonder. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Lauren Lo Bue. Don't forget to buy tickets for the live tour: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 27, 2017 • 34min
Imagination: Snape's Grudge (Book 3, Chapter 14)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of imagination in chapter fourteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This week, in some major reversals, Vanessa expresses concern for Snape and Casper blesses Hermione. They also discuss babies, puppies, and our criminal justice system. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How can we use imagination to do the most good in the world? Next week we're reading chapter fifteen, The Quidditch Final, through the theme of pain. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Tyler Reeves. Don't forget to buy tickets for our live tour: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 20, 2017 • 30min
Rivalry: Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw — With Hank Green (Book 3, Chapter 13)
Vanessa and Casper and special guest, Hank Green, explore the theme of Rivalry in chapter thirteen of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. They discuss the difference between bullies and rivals, the delight of new babies, and why Cho Chang is a great model for competition. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How does power work within rivalry?If you want to see and hear more of Hank, you can watch him on his many youtube channels, listen to him on his podcast Dear Hank and John, and catch him at PodCon, which is on December 9th and 10th in Seattle.Next week we're reading chapter fourteen, Snape's Grudge, through the theme of imagination. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Kathy Kavanaugh. Don't forget to buy tickets for the live tour: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 13, 2017 • 34min
Optimism: The Patronus (Book 3, Chapter 12)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of optimism in chapter twelve of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This week, Casper tells a story about climate activism, Vanessa tries to puzzle out how boggarts work, and together they take a close look at what exactly happens during a Dementor's Kiss. Throughout the episode they consider the question: why do we need permission to be optimistic? Next week we're reading chapter thirteen, Gryffindor Versus Ravenclaw, through the theme of rivalry. Tune in for a special guest story by Hank Green! Our voicemail this week is thanks to Dave Lawson. Don't forget to buy tickets for the live tour: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 6, 2017 • 47min
Duty: The Firebolt — With Father Jim Martin (Book 3, Chapter 11)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of duty in chapter eleven of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This week, they discuss Hermione's selflessness, Hagrid's traumatic experience in Azkaban, and McGonagall's harsh take-down of Trelawney at christmas dinner. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do we differentiate between obedience and duty?We are delighted to be joined this week by Father Jim Martin to discuss Jesuit spirituality and sacred imagination. He's the editor-at-large of America Magazine and author of such books as Jesus: A Pilgrimage, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything and Seven Last Words?Next week we're reading chapter twelve, The Patronus, through the theme of optimism. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Sophia Charan. Don't forget to buy tickets for the live tour: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 30, 2017 • 41min
Escape: The Marauder's Map (Book 3, Chapter 10)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of escape in chapter ten of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This week, they discuss whether we can have sympathy for dementors, Casper's college crush, and the toxic ideas that haunt us. Throughout the episode they consider the question: After we escape something awful, what allows us to go back and help others do so as well?Next week we're reading chapter eleven, The Firebolt, through the theme of duty. Our voicemail this week is thanks to Katie Stickles-Wynen. Don't forget to buy tickets for the live tour: harrypottersacredtext.com/live-show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 23, 2017 • 34min
Frustration: Grim Defeat (Book 3, Chapter 9)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of frustration in chapter nine of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. This week, they discuss latin etymology, quote Macbeth, and critique Snape's class design. They also talk about fun things like Sir Cadogan (who is rapidly becoming our favorite portrait). Throughout the episode they consider the question: When does frustration indicate injustice?Next week we're reading chapter ten, The Marauder's Map, through the theme of escape. Our donor of the week is Crookshanks and our voicemail this week is thanks to Camryn Kessler. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 16, 2017 • 37min
Desperation: Flight of the Fat Lady (Book 3, Chapter 8)
Vanessa and Casper explore the theme of desperation in chapter eight of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. They discuss the credibility of divination, the intensity of Oliver Wood's quidditch passion, and whether Harry's need to go to Hogsmeade is silly or understandable. Throughout the episode they consider the question: How do you prevent desperation from going hand and hand with isolation?Next week we're reading chapter nine, Grim Defeat, through the theme of frustration. Our donor of the week is Mikhela Ungerleider and our voicemail this week is thanks to Sara Cochennet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
